Piper

Last week, we put Piper to sleep.  It was so sad. Indescribably sad, in fact.  Piper had been my dog for nearly 11 years, ten of which I lived with Dalan, and Quinn had only known life with Piper.  She also spent a lot of time with our family, and they were all very sad at the news as well. There were lots of tears leading up to the day, and even though we are still hurting and missing her terribly, it was the right choice. Piper wasn't in good shape and was just getting worse.  I actually have a feeling of peace and comfort knowing she isn't suffering anymore, but oh man, do I miss that little dog.  We all do.  

Piper was some dog, and she always kept us on our toes.  She ate things she wasn't supposed to, like underwear, burritos, birds, etc. She licked coins to no end. She loved McDonalds' fries. She had seizures, and crazy allergies. She would spite poop on the floor.  She loved to cuddle and get her white hair all over the place. She hated all other animals. She could speak, but pretty much, failed at other tricks.  She went from super skinny to round.  She loved us and we loved her. 

It's weird to not have her around anymore.  Quinn really is having a hard time coming home to an empty house, and admittedly, it's strange.  I miss her wagging tail and licks with her Gene Simmons tongue. 

Love you forever Piper Jean Louise Carsellers. 

These pictures were taken after Dalan and I decided that it was time, but before we had talked to Quinn about it.  I caught a sweet moment between them. 

This is after we talked to Quinn.  

Quinn saying good-bye one last time.  (Tears)

And some oldies. 

42/52

So much to write- but for now, going to miss this old girl.  

Puddle Jumping

We have had some rainy days during the late summer/early fall. Quinn loves to go out and play in the rain. She especially loves jumping in puddles. 

Piper prefers to stay dry. 

Tabitha

We have adopted a little virtual cat. This adoption was made possible by the Cat a Paint app. 

Stolen Identity

I swear someone out there is using Piper's pictures and her likeness for profit and chuckles.

Example 1: Weeks before Quinn was born Dalan and I went to a play. My ankles were the size of cantaloupes (seriously) and I could barely squeeze into a pair of flip flops. Anyway, the playhouse had some art displayed and I happened to notice that the title of one painting was "Piper", only to notice Piper was actually painted into the piece. It was for sale for something like $6,000. If I had been in my right mind, I would have noted the artist, but I wasn't, so I didn't.

Example 2: About a year ago, a picture started to circulate the internets that featured Piper's doppelgänger (or Piper) with eyebrows. We have seen this dog everywhere, including Pinterest. Most recently, a sportscaster that Dalan follows tweated it out comparing it to another sportscaster.

Example 3: Just the other day, Dalan came across of a silly photo of a fake eagle "snatching" a real dog. That dog is Piper, I swear. It is skinny Piper, but the dog is wearing the same collar that Piper used to wear (in her skinnier days.) It looks so much like her, plus she is a mix breed, so it is not like pure bred dogs that all have a similar look.

Seriously, I should be profiting from all these pictures of my dog being used for other's enjoyment and amusement.

And now for the proof....

(Canine) Cousins

Ali, Patti, and I attempted to get pictures of the cousins (Quinn, Piper, and Scout) in their Halloween shirts last night. It was kind of a disaster. Piper was the best behaved, and was even nice to Scout. The two toddlers tied for worst behaved. I will never be a child/pet photographer, that is for damn sure.

Long Overdue

Here are some pics of the Pipes. Just her.  No baby, just the dog.  She is so mellow these days, except for the spite.  That is still there. 

Poor Piper

Piper had to take a little trip to the vet today due to a clogged anal gland, or as I like to call it, an ass bubble. It is really clogged apparently and she has a drain in her behind until Friday. And a cone of shame. I am painting a lovely picture here, aren't I?

Quinn is being really gentle and kind to Piper since she knows she is sick. And Piper is feeling really spry.... Considering.

Of course, this is not Piper's first ass bubble. She got one when I was like six or seven weeks pregnant with Quinn. I was really exhausted and rather than saving the seven meatballs left over from dinner, I fed them to Piper. The next day, she was having some problems down there. Dalan insisted there was a correlation between the meatballs and the clogging, but I was never convinced.

This time, no meatballs were involved.

However, the vet bill for an ass bubble is not pretty. So, for several reasons, let's hope this is the last time this problem pops up.

Happy Birthday!

Dear Piper,

Today is the seventh anniversary of the day I adopted you, or as we call it your birthday. That makes you around nine or ten years old.

Seven years ago, your grandma Patti and I drove out to Tooele to go see the small female dogs they had out there. You were a sweet and cute dog, but shedding everywhere. The shelter worker assured us that it was just nerves. FALSE! You are the worse shedder in the history of dogs! I don't remember what it is like to not have dog hair all over me and the floor.

You have been a challenging dog in some ways. You are stubborn and spiteful. You have epilepsy, and require daily medication. You like to kill things and eat things you aren't suppose to eat.

However, you are a sweet dog. You love nothing more than to be rubbed and loved. You love to cuddle and lick. You are patient with Quinn, and let her give you knucks, and big bear hugs. You love to share food with Quinn, and yes, unfortunately it goes both ways. You eat Quinn's food and Quinn eats your food. You love to go on walks, and chase birds. You love toys with squeakers. You are protective, smart, and loving.

Happy Birthday Dear Piper! Thanks for getting me ready to be a mom to a human baby!

Loves!!!!