Uncle Teddy's Livin Life Large

12/03/2024

This just totally made me smile. It really is this way!

09/03/2024

Please...

07/03/2024

I must share this. When I read it, it hit home on so many levels, and made me think in a different way. These, are my broken heart dogs. Love the no less, just in a different way. Not the first, and won't be the last❤

The Broken Heart Dog
Most of us know what a heart dog is: that special dog that we connect with on a deeper level. The dog that we know and that knows us forwards and backwards. Our four legged other half and in some ways, one of the great loves of our lives. These dogs are talked about often, placed on a pedestal against which future dogs are judged and revered by their owners for the lifetime of the human lucky enough to have spent their time with them. Some people are lucky to find that one heart dog. Some are blessed enough to have two or even several in a lifetime. Some people will describe them differently. Referring to a heart dog, a soul dog, a spirit dog, etc. All are just as important as the first and all can change the life of the person fortunate enough to have found them. Praise and honor is given to these dogs on a daily basis and today will be no different for many, but today I want to take a few minutes to talk about a different type of heart dog. The broken heart dog.
These are the dogs that follow our heart dogs. Maybe they survive them in this life or maybe they find us after we have suffered that profound loss of that “once in a lifetime” dog. It doesn’t matter how they arrive in our lives or why, it just matters that they do. They are there. They are there at our worst and they stay at our sides until we find that new version of ourselves. They help us discover our new normal and they never ask to take over the place of the dog before them. When we are broken, they are the guardians of the pieces. When we are whole again they are elated to be there and experience that with us too. As we move on in the world and we no longer need them to plug the leaks and fill the cracks, they are honored to still be by our sides as we grow and face new challenges. These dogs are irreplaceable in their own right and equally deserving of recognition and celebration.
I’m sure you can think of who this dog (or dogs) are in your life. Some of them may have grown to become heart dogs in their own right. Others may have quietly done their job of support and regrowth, quietly and with dedication that allowed us to change and grow without seeming to realize it. It’s hard not to be reminded of your past, of your history and what you lost with the passing of time. Our history is what formed us and shaped us into who we are now, heart dogs and broken heart dogs included. Our history will repeat itself because such is the nature of the beast. I think what we need to remember, with these broken heart dogs, is that sometimes the most important history, is the history that we are making today. Because of these dogs we find ourselves ready to take those steps and make that history. Their accomplishment in that moment and in that victory is not to be overlooked. They remind us who we are and why we love the things that we did with those heart dogs.
So here’s to the dogs that clean up the messes that this life makes of us. The dogs that may not be the best looking, the most talented or the ones that catch everyone's eye. These dogs are the therapists, the mechanics and the keepers of the soul. Their value known only to the one person fortunate enough to have found them through chance or sheer desperation. Maybe they are great dogs, known to the masses and legends in their own right. Maybe they are a little tall, a little too shaggy, a little too leggy or they have a crooked ear. It doesn't matter. This is the perfect work that can be done by dogs both imperfect and otherwise. The mending of a broken heart that requires the love of a heart so pure that it can repair, rebuild and cleanse the scraps that it finds itself responsible for. I see you and the work you do. We all do. This is your day to shine for the beautiful work you do, even if you do your job in the shadows. Today is your day for the pedestal.
Written by Jen Rainey, CPhT

05/03/2024

Its been a jam-packed couple of weeks. This "Trifecta of Trouble" took me down like a house of cards. Their rowdiness and love for horseplay, got me behind the knees, and down she went. Not to worry, in a couple of days, the tendon was better, and we are back on track. Yesterday, the reunited, and again, insisted on playing around my ankles, almost causing the house of cards to fall again. You would think I would have learned to look down, not forward, but then again, they make me laugh so hard, and I can't get mad. With names like Georgie, Whiskey, and Peabody, it's almost like a band of outlaws making a country music video🤣❤

28/02/2024

28/02/2024

Sorry for this so early in the morning. Get the tissues. Try not to get emotional...but I think...We have all been there, if not there.

16/02/2024

Part of my job includes finishing my day with park walks for clients. There is a woman who writes about them, that truly sums up the essence of the moment...
In the midst of a world filled with sorrow and anguish, the solace found in nature becomes a sanctuary for my spirit. Amidst the chaos of distressing world news where war and death dominate, the simple act of immersing myself in the great outdoors, accompanied by the companionship of my dogs, offers a refuge like no other.
The crisp air, dancing leaves, and the soothing rustle of trees create a symphony that drowns out the cacophony of negativity. In the company of my four-legged friends, the weight of the world seems to lift, replaced by the joyous rhythm of paws on the earth. Their boundless enthusiasm mirrors the simplicity and purity that nature embodies.
As I traverse trails and meadows, the natural beauty becomes a balm for my weary soul. The vibrant hues of the landscape and the gentle whispers of the wind weave a tapestry of serenity. It's in these moments that I find clarity, a respite from the overwhelming turbulence of current events.
With each step, a profound connection to the earth is forged, grounding me in the present and providing a much-needed escape. The unspoken language shared with my canine companions transcends the limitations of human expression, fostering a sense of understanding and unity that transcends words.
Nature, in its steadfast existence, becomes a silent healer, offering solace that words cannot articulate. The unconditional love of my dogs and the timeless beauty of the outdoors intertwine, creating a haven where sorrow dissipates, replaced by a renewed sense of hope and resilience.
In the simplicity of these moments, I find strength to face the challenges that permeate the headlines. Nature, with its healing touch, becomes a reminder that even in the darkest times, there exists a glimmer of light and peace waiting to be discovered.

14/02/2024

Too funny not to share. I know it's Valentine's Day....but you may want to skip trying to get them to be your Valentine 🤣😂

13/02/2024

It's so strange, that the last time I posted was about the grieving process of both a dog, and its owner. Fast forward two days, and we are witnessing it. Yesterday, we received the gut wrenching news that this golden boy, has cancer, and its progressing quickly. The choice was made to bring him home, and let him be with the ones he loves.
This is my son, who bought this boy when he started his journey of becoming a doctor, and technically, the first dog he called his own. And now, he knows, through his years of learning, and working...there is nothing more he can do, for the boy who meant everything to him in his pursuit of being someone who dedicates his life to heeling others.
It is so very difficult. I told him, this was my life, when I knew I was losing Teddy. You are where you need to be. He is where he needs to be. Here, you are together, forever, and beyond. As the saying goes, a dog will give you your best day, and your worst. ❤❤

10/02/2024

Pets, it turns out, also have last wishes before they die, but only known by veterinarians who put old and sick animals to sleep.
Twitter user Jesse Dietrich asked a vet what was the most difficult part of his job.
The specialist answered without hesitation that it was the hardest for him to see how old or sick animals look for their owners with the eyes of their owners before going to sleep.
The fact is that 90% of owners don't want to be in a room with a dying animal.
People leave so that they don't see their pet leave. But they don't realize that it's in these last moments of life that their pet needs them most.
Veterinarians ask the owners to be close to the animals until the very end.
"It's inevitable that they die before you. Don't forget that you were the center of their life.
Maybe they were just a part of you. But they are also your family. No matter how hard it is, don't leave them."
Dont let them die in a room with a stranger in a place they dont like.
It is very painful for veterinarians to see how pets cannot find their owner during the last minutes of their life.
They dont understand why the owner left them. After all, they needed their owner's consolation.
Veterinarians do everything possible to ensure that animals are not so scared, but they are completely strangers to them. Don't be a coward because it's too painful for you.
Think about the pet. Endure this pain for the sake of their sake.
Be with them until the end.🐾🐾🐾

09/02/2024

“Love and work are to people what water and sunshine are to plants.”

Pretty much sums up my place in the world right now thanks to my supporting cast.❤

08/02/2024

The one on the left is "Big Mac", the one on the right is "Whiskey". Where else can you work, that they allow you to have a big Mac and a shot of Whiskey for lunch???🤣😂

07/02/2024

Just another day on the job. These two, have been kicked out of daycare. No real fault of their own except that they just don't like others in their face lol. So, they do daysits. Both on the same schedule. When they come in, both bark at other dogs except when they walk past each other. Then the googly eyes start, and the cat calling begins. I felt it only appropriate...that they begin the valentine process😅❤

06/02/2024

I'm always an advocate to look up, instead of down at your phone. But in this case, looking down just may leave you chuckling...this is awesome.

04/02/2024

Be that person that turns someone's day around. Make them happy to look forward to something, instead of letting what happened be their life.

03/02/2024

A look inside my day. For the most part, dogs come, and dogs go. Those who seem to have a standing reservation and come in quite frequently think of us far more than family. This little lady....has been in every weekend for the last three weeks. The standing joke is on Friday morning...."Has anyone broke the news to Gloria she is coming back to the Plaza🤣for the weekend?"
When she comes in, and sees me, she is nothing short of a wrecking ball. Though she is barely a year old, she is huge and puts everything behind is shuffle. However, she absolutely loves me, and when I have her, I always make sure I have "bent knees" when she comes running. Oh, she is a piece of work...and her sister Ophelia, just the sweetest old lady you will ever meet. Its these kind of things that makes the heart whole...every single day.
And her name is G. (G) L. (L) O. (O) R, (R) I. (I) A
G.L.O.R.I.A. (Gloria)
G.L.O.R.I.A. (Gloria)
G.L.O.R.I.A. (Gloria)
G.L.O.R.I.A. (Gloria)
I'm wanna shout it every night (Gloria)

01/02/2024

Something about these commercials..and now they put the yellow lab in it???...come on...not fair!

Watch the Budweiser "Old School Delivery" Super Bowl 2024 commercial. Get ready for an exclusive sneak peek at the most anticipated Super Bowl LVIII commercials! Join us on the official Fan Reviews Dailymotion channel as we bring you the latest and greatest ads before the big game. We've got your fr...

31/01/2024

“Happiness is a warm puppy.”― Charles M. Schulz

28/01/2024

To often than not, life over takes you, and time slips away. I am guilty of that times one thousand. All of us become a procrastinator of life at one point or another.
Racing around, trying to get things done, working, catching up, so many, many things. And then, little moments come, and go, and we just take it all for granted.
I have to say, I am glad that I am semi-obsessed with picture taking, and I get that from my aunt. Every family occasion, she was running around click, click, click of the camera, catching moments that, even some, I don't remember. Thank goodness for her and a camera. And I, try to do the same, because now, after all this time that has come and gone, and the moments I caught, I appreciate even more.
This is one such moment. A moment of silence, that leaves me wondering every time I look at it. If nothing else today, may I remind all of you...stop, look, and listen. It's three words my science teacher in elementary school used to say, to get our attention, and slow us down.
Stop for just that moment, or longer if able. Look up, down and all around. You may be quite surprised at the view, or better yet, grateful that you did, because something is unfolding around you that you didn't expect. And listen, though it may be just the silence of the moment, or something thing being said that makes you smile. It's all there for the taking.

26/01/2024

I was told....
That my house
It smells like a dog....
And I asked them...
Do you know what a dog smells like?
Gratitude...
Fidelity...
Nobility...
Sweet, pure and unconditional love...
and despite
of everything they have suffered
they do not smell of resentment
So...
I feel lucky
That my house smells like a dog.❤

24/01/2024

There isn't any more truth to this....literally, I turned around...and poof...she is right there. When it comes to Betty and I...personal space equals approximately 1/8th of an inch🤣😂❤

23/01/2024

The trials and tribulations of being a k9 uber driver..."How's my driving??? picture's worth a thousand words🤣

22/01/2024

Sometimes, we all just need a little pick me up

20/01/2024

"Got milk?" (for those who remember that ad😉😂)

18/01/2024

A little insight into the job I have. I am retired. Decided to switch up my work schedule to involve something else other than kids that I held for 25 years and enjoyed. When I went to work at a Kennel/Daycare/Groomer, I had always owned dogs, and thought I knew enough to take on the challenge.
Boy...was I wrong. And now, as I train new people to take on the same job, my first words are..."If you think you know alot about dogs, be prepared to start all over again".
I love my job beyond words. Everyday, is a new adventure, however, not for the faint or light hearted. It is mentally straining, physically straining, and emotionally draining. I work in a kennel that tends to serve the more affluent, yet, we still have so much in between.
When working in daycare, you are a playground monitor/security guard. Dogs who get along, can have just one bad day, depending on whether they feel ill, or things at home are not going well. You may be surprised to know, they are like small children. Just like when I worked at the school, if something was wrong at home, you could read it all over their faces, and know from their actions.
It can then, throw the whole chemistry of the room off, and you are now on constant patrol for fights, scuffles, etc. And in the room with small dogs, they are wirey and fast, and hard to catch. In large dogs, they are strong and powerful, and they don't realize the momentum behind their adrenaline.
In the kennel, their looks at you as you walk in first thing in the morning is anything from priceless to gut wrenching because you know...they are homesick. I try to greet each and everyone upbeat and happy, and after bringing them in from their first outs, give them a kiss of reassurance. Some, you just know, aren't going to get the kiss...just kind words.
There are also the days, when dogs who are rooming together, are just done with the housing arrangements, meaning that being in close quarters with each other is getting old. That is when you must try your best to give them their time apart. I walked into a kennel one morning after a fight between two scottish deer hounds. I have never cried before, but this did it. And the sad part is, mom knew it could possibly happen, but gave us no inclination. No fair mom. For the record, both survived. It was a young one and an old one, and the old one took the brunt of it. Wounds and scars, yes, but lessons learned. I cried, they cried, the dogs just went about their business. Lesson to all about forgiveness. After all that, they acted liked they missed each other from years of separation.
So, in a nutshell, it may look like the dream job from an outsider. And for the most part, it truly is, but just like anything else, it has its moments. I would never toy with the idea of doing anything else since finding this. I finish my day park walking dogs that are staying with us, and the parents request. It truly is the best therapy a person could ask for. It truly is my place to be. And that dog pictured, is a hot mess. A rescue from another country. Mom is a vet and took a chance. He is on more meds than you can count, and isn't fond of many. Somehow, I became his best friend. He trusted me, enjoyed my company sitting with him in his room, and did whatever I asked of him. Walking into the room with him for the first time was a bit unnerving, but proved to be successful, and something I needed. It's crazy how you can earn the trust of the magnificent beasts. Like I said, other people couldn't even walk in the room. I guess one would say, I've got what it takes.
At the end of the day, I come home to mine. And like with children, give them a kiss and a hug letting them know, "Thank you for being a good kid".❤

18/01/2024

“I have found that when you are deeply troubled, there are things you get from the silent devoted companionship of a dog that you can get from no other source.”―Doris Day

15/01/2024

Yup...sums up the mood right about now😂

14/01/2024

“Nobody can bring you peace but yourself.”

– Ralph Waldo Emerson

13/01/2024

When you first say "cookies"...then "weight watchers". Clearly...someone knows who needs it but refuses to admit it🤣😂