Meet the "babies"

So, who are the "babies?" Why do I call them "babies?" And more importantly, why do I have FOUR? Well, let's do a little introduction......

Baby 1. Bailey, Yorkshire Terrier, female, 6 years old, Pisces. Bailey was adopted in July of 2005 (she was born that April). I was a single mom in the city. I had just graduated college and moved to the Dallas area for work. To put it mildly, Bailey was a difficult puppy. At about a year and a half old, she grew up (finally!). She no longer destructed everything in sight; she no longer needed to go on a 5 mile walk in order for me to watch a 30min show in peace. I was also dating someone (her future father). She has loved Matt from day 1. When she was 2, Matt and I were married and moved into a house with a yard! Bailey is bossy and snores loud, but an awesome cuddle-er. Bailey also smiles (pictures to come). She wins everyone over with her smile.

Baby 2. Gracie, Golden Retriever, female, 6 years old, Gemini. Gracie was adopted in 2007, when she was 2 years old. We adopted Gracie from Cause for Paws, a rescue group about an hour outside of Dallas. Matt (my husband) was dying for a large dog that he could run, wrestle, play fetch with. On our way to pick up Gracie, we bought all kinds of "big dog" toys. It didn't take long for us to realize that Gracie doesn't like to do anything that involves much effort, and for good reason. Gracie has severe hip dysplasia. At the age of 2, Gracie had a procedure known as "denervation." It is a relatively new (and highly debatable) procedure. We immediately saw positive results. For now, Gracie takes chondroitin supplements for her joints and does well. Despite her progress, Gracie prefers to lay on the couch and watch TV. She is a great companion. She and I watch all kinds of TV together. You can throw a ball, toy or whatever but Gracie doesn't get up for anything but food.

Baby 3. Suzie, Corgi-Collie mix, female, 6 years old, Gemini. Suzie was adopted in 2009, when she was 4 years old. We adopted Suzie from the SPCA. Matt and I were making a stop into PetSmart to get some supplements for Gracie, and they were having "adoption day." I knew better than to walk over there, so I avoided that section. Matt had to use the restroom, which required him to walk by where the adoption dogs were. He cam back from the restroom telling me about "the funniest looking dog back there that is so cute." I immediately told him to stop talking, I didn't want to hear about it because it made me sad. Then, here comes Suzie, she is strolling by us to go on a potty break. We go to pet her, and she rolls over for a tummy rub. That's all it took. We took her home. Suzie is the reason we have a doggie door. Suzie would live outside if we would let her. She loves to "patrol" the backyard. Her body acts as a megaphone, she has the loudest bark! Suzie is active, loves to swim, run, play, etc. She keeps us active as well.

Baby 4. Boomer, Chihuahua-Dachshund mix, 1 year old, Scorpio. Boomie was adopted in 2010, when he had just turned a year old. He belong to a co-worker of mine who could no longer keep him. I had planned to take Boomer in until I found him the perfect home. That perfect home turned out to be ours. After 3 days of him in our home, he wasn't going anywhere. He immediately took to us. He became Matt's shadow. He is definitely the most ridiculous of the bunch. He makes sure that he is on someone getting petted at all times. Boomer is very much still a puppy. He loves to play with toys, play chase, etc. He thinks he should be the center of attention at all times.

I call them "babies" because "dogs" if often used in a derogatory way. Before we had Boomer, I called them "the girls" but with Boomer, "babies" seemed the most fitting. "Children" seemed too formal...I can't imagine saying, "how are the children?" So babies it is!!