Marble Christmas Treats

Blogging Friends.... Well, Santa "Claws" finished ordering around his elves {I am one of them!!} to bake Rose her treats today!! For Christmas is nearly here!! Treats needed baked!! Now. Santa "Claws" understands that I lack impulse control during Christmastime, and struggle with keeping holiday secrets. He also knows all about my dear Blogging Friends. How they love, love, love dog treat recipes. So!! Santa "Claws" has given me permission to reveal one of his elves' recipes!! Thanks, Big Dude!!

First things first. I have lost count of how many times I've heard Bruce Springsteen's rockin' version of "Santa Claus {Insert his attractive New Jersey accent!!} is Coming to Town" this Christmas!! Quite happily!! When Christmas is over, I'm afraid that I will suffer from some serious Boss withdrawals!! And chocolate....

You know how, as a rebel, I always break at least one rule while baking dog treat recipes? Well.... With this recipe? I broke every freakin' rule!! Oh well!! They turned out, anyway....?

 Rose would rate this recipe: Four 'paws' way, way up!! {Yes, she got a sample!! Two, actually!!}

Red {Pink, really!!} and Green Christmas Cookies

These biscuits are slightly more complicated {I kept quoting The Mandarin's line from "Iron Man 3". "It's complicated. It's complicated. Hey. It's complicated.". Because I am an oddball!!} to make than most other recipes in this book, but they're very pretty and make a great gift at holiday time! Hint: To save time, buy pre-washed spinach.

3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup tomato juice {I gave Rose a taste. And she snubbed it!!}

2 tablespoons safflower oil {I used what we had. Which was vegetable oil!!}

1 1/2 cup loosely packed spinach leaves {I already know from previous experience that Rose will snub that vegetable!! Nothing pleases me more than to hide ingredients which she refuses in treats!!}

1/4 cup water

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Blend the flour and cheese in a large bowl. {I just stirred it!!} Put 2 1/2 cups of the flour-cheese mixture into {a} food processor. Add tomato juice and 1 tablespoon of the oil. Mix together until a ball of red {Pink!!} dough forms. {It was quite crumbly, so I added several small spoonfuls of tomato juice!!} Remove the dough from the food processor and set aside. {Okay. We have a cheap, crappy food processor, so I just stirred everything in!! Note to self. Buy a good food processor!!} Rinse out the food processor bowl. Return it to the base and add spinach. Process to chop the spinach. {Uh.... Sans a well-working food processor, I chopped it by hand!!} Add water while the blade is going and continue to process until the spinach is finely chopped. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil and remaining 2 cups of the flour mixture. Process to form green dough. {I just stirred and mashed it together!!} On a lightly floured surface, roll red {Pink!!} and green dough out, separately, into 1/4-inch-thick ovals. Try to make the ovals the same size and shape. {Okay. I did not fret over such a petty detail of rolling out ovals. I just tried my very best at making twain doughs with differing consistencies equal sizes!! Warning. It was much easier said than done!!} Stack the green oval atop the red oval and roll again. {I ran into a little issue regarding leftover dough. Ready? Once I was finished pressing my cookie cutters into the dough, its colors were completely inseparable. Completely inseparable. How on earth was I supposed to use the rest of my dough for treats? Answer? Mix the colors together like some small child with Play-Doh!! My result? Pink and green marble Christmas treats!! Cool!! Use cookie cutters to roll into Christmas shapes. {I have a stocking. One gingerbread man. A candy cane. One gingerbread woman. A Christmas tree. One snowman. A bell. And one holly leaf.} Place on a baking sheet covered with greased or non-stick foil. {Whoops, I forgot that little rule!! Oh well!!} Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until just starting to brown on top. {Ovens vary. But I did 30. However. If you are actually following the recipe's rules {Unlike me!!} I recommend the treats be flipped mid-baking for equal browning!!} Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

I baked 20 treats!!          

 

 

 

             

 

 

 

             

Craniosynostosis

I was sitting on this very flat screened desktop computer the other night when I thought about my Blogging Friend, Serene. When I wondered how her sweet, Beautifully Unique "Cranio" baby, Jackson is doing. When I visited Serene's Blog in an effort to check up on them. When--as Elvis Presley was crooning "Here Comes Santa Claus" within my crazy head--I lost complete track of time. Because come on. Who hasn't stayed up past eleven attempting to encourage a Friend? I mean, really. And I felt this humble pang that I may be the only one among Serene's Blogging Friends who truly "gets" this family's craniosynostosis journey. Because my parents lived it. I put them through hell. I may blame having been born with craniosynostosis on my unwanted premature short-term memory loss and learning disabilities. But you know what? "It's a... terrible privilege.". In more ways than one. The very fact that my then-unsaved parents accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior due to my craniosynostosis. I am one out of 2,000. And, nearly thirty years later, I was staying up, as midnight silently lurked about, reading/commenting on a dear "Cranio" Mama's Blog. Tony Stark/Iron Man was right. One-hundred percent. "It's a... terrible privilege.".

 

{Taken from my Life Story!! As per usual, I made some changes for Beautifully Unique!! I hereby behold. Thoughts, feelings, and emotions on craniosynostosis from an adult "survivor"!!}

 

My scull did appear abnormally shaped, to say the least. (I might have described it as being "freakishly disfigured". But that is just me.) Because, eventually, the back of my skull--where parietal and occipital bones are located--protruded. It was a severe case. Our skilled neurosurgeon, Dr. J., had never ever witnessed such an unusually deformed skull in any baby at my age who was born with craniosynostosis. Based on research. The cause of this neurological birth defect is unknown. Sporadic. See, it is by "chance" that infants are ever born with craniosynostosis. Like the rolling of dice. Or some gambling game. In fact, this neurological birth defect affects one out of every 2,000 live births. Yes, one out of every 2,000 live births. I--among every other individual born with craniosynostosis--am like Heaven's poker game with chips, cards, chance, and money bet.

 

I must have been "chosen". For reasons beyond anybody's--beyond my own--comprehension. But not God's.

 

Alright!! Enough about me!! What am I, somebody who tends to make everything on this planet all about her?! Uh.... I work against that very character defect!! Moving on. This is an update {Of the sorts!!} on my Kindred Spirit "Cranio" Buddy, Jackson!! I wrote in Serene's comment that I'd "repost" her Blog post. Well.... It was very, very, very late!! Remember? I am not sure what I was thinking by writing that!! Anyway. Rather than reposting her entire Blog post, I will "cut to the chase" as that phrase goes!! Wait. As brevity is "not my style", I can't "cut to the chase"!! So. I will keep this post educational, as Serene's most certainly was!! Apparently, there are twain different surgical approaches for reconstructing sagittal craniosynostosis. "Total vault". And "endoscopic". I never knew that!! And of the twain forms of surgery used to reconstruct sagittal crainiosynostsis, Serene's first "Cranio" baby, Alayna had the more serious, invasive one--total vault--as she was older. The endoscopic form can only be done before four months old. Apparently, at Jackson's current age, the skull is only about 2 to 3 millimeters thick in certain places, allowing them to simply cut away the bone. However. By four months old, it is much thicker which is why the endoscopic form has to be done before then. I never knew that!! One day prior to Jackson's operation, he will get his blood drawn so that everything is set up in case that strong, resilient little dude needs a transfusion. I did. But my poor Mom cannot remember if my blood transfusions were because of the craniosynostosis.... Or congenital diaphragmatic hernia. And, if memory serves me correctly, it wasn't my own blood. Thank God for generous donors!! Apparently, there is only a 15% to 20% chance that Jackson will need any blood transfusions. His operation should take about an hour and a half from first cut to sewn up. There is a 90% chance that Jackson will not have to spend even one night in the P.I.C.U. . If all goes well with no problems or complications, they will get to leave on the second post-op day. Jackson is going to need a helmet for about six months after surgery. Alayna did not wear one. Call me crazy, which I am, but I think babies who wear helmets look adorable!! Seriously!! If they practiced the skull-reshaping helmets nearly thirty years ago, chances are, I would not have a small hill--Mt. Cranio--on top of my head!! Instead. Dr. J. simply used to apply tape measures around my skull!! I remember that!! Oddball alert!! I remember measuring my dolls' plastic heads!! I also vaguely recall what Dr. J. looked like!! He was an older gentleman, with glasses on his face. Ironically, Dr. J. had a balding scalp. I think!! Why is the helmet so vital? Based on Serene's Blog. The reason why the helmet is vital, is because it will hold the front and back of Jackson's head in place, allowing the brain, as it continues to grow, to push the side plates back out, rounding out Jackson's head naturally. Wow. I could have really benefitted from that helmet!! Perhaps then, I would not live with premature short-term memory loss? But then again. Would I possess a freakishly hard skull? I kind of rather like that!! Surgery is scheduled for January 3rd. Jackson will be exactly 7 weeks and 2 days old.

 

Dear Blogging Friends. Less invasive or not, craniosynostosis reconstruction surgery is a serious operation. Can you continue to keep Serene, Jackson, and this family in your prayers?

 

  

     

 

 

 

Dear Rose Elizabeth

Blogging Friends.... Thank-you for your sweet and encouraging comments on Wednesday's post!! As a writer, I spend lots of time describing people, places, things, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera. I have one word for your Friendship. "Wow". I treasure dearly every single word!! I wrote this in my private journal/diary. Some changes were made, as per usual!! I may not easily make friends. Perhaps my sister is seemingly more popular than I. Maybe people come and go, eventually "outgrowing" me. Perhaps S is my most loyal, longest-lasting friend. To which I am grateful!! Maybe I do not possess a "net" like Kelle Hampton does. But my Blogging Friends? They love me. My Blogging Friends have accepted my crazy, weird, oddball self. They encourage me when I need it most.... With words. My Blogging Friends. I love, love, love them!! They are "Family" to me!!

 

It is Friday the 13th!! This year's last one. I love, love, love Friday the 13th!! I am so oddly fascinated by superstitious subjects!! I haven't a clue why. I do not believe in any of it....

 

 Dear Rose Elizabeth....

 

Another Christmastime spent together has nearly come and gone. Can you believe it?! This is our fourth Christmas together, and I hope for many, many, many more!! I cannot wait to see your excitable anticipation on December 25th when I unveil the gifts which Santa "Claws" hid within that red/white velvet-like stocking which, right now, hangs vacant on our yellow bedroom wall. Now. I am in close proximity to that short, big-bellied, white-bearded, ruddy-faced jolly old elf. How so? See, I may be turning thirty next month, but I never stopped believing in Santa "Claws". He appreciates that!! Adult believers. And Santa "Claws" shared with me everything which you will receive!! For he knows that I am great at keeping secrets!! But. This time of year, I lack impulse control really badly!! I just become very, very, very excited about Christmas gifts from Santa "Claws"!! I really have to watch my mouth, or else I'll spill some clues!! Well. Santa "Claws" also knows this about me!! So. Santa "Claws" granted me permission to give away twain clues. One. You will receive three well-loved plush squeak dog toys. And two. Santa "Claws" has little elves who are prolific dog treat bakers!! Dearest Rose. I understand that you have a Mama who writes. I know I spend way too much time sitting on this flat-screened desktop computer. I write Blog posts for Beautifully Unique. I create fictional children's stories, and "publish" them on "Minuscule is good!". I wrote my Life Story. I leave comments on everyone's Blogs. I understand that you become quite jealous of this here computer, and are not bashful in letting me know!! I feel your wet tongue nudges. I hear every pig-like snorting sounds. I see your big round eyes glance toward me, then away, looking as though you have just been neglected. My Drama Queen!! I guess it takes one to know one? While I am sorry about all of the time I spend sitting at this computer, I still give out lots of lovin'!! And you know it!! Because. I love, love, love my different-like-me Beautifully Unique little girl!!

 

Merry Christmas, and happy 2014, Rose!!

 

--Mama             

 

Bookstores

Blogging Friends.... Warning. This is yet another self-serving "therapy session". {Don't worry. I am not suffering from any minor mood swing-infused pity parties!! Yet. Oddly enough, I nearly always suffer from mood swings after writing these "therapy sessions". But, rest assured. I find it nearly impossible to fall into minor mood swing-infused pity parties during Christmastime!! So!! This could be interesting!!} So, come. Sit. Have a cup of tea, coffee, soda, wine, or just plain water. Read on as God gradually works through my life....

 

"Minuscule is good!

Trust me, it’s much better than thinking everything you do is important and meaningful. That is not good.” --Robert Downey Jr.

This was written on Monday and Tuesday. But I finished it last night. Sorry for the one day late posting!!

 

Bookstores. Among this mostly digital society which we currently find ourselves living in, they are seemingly a dying business. Sadly. Most of my family--Dad, Mom, oldest brother, plus sister--love, love, love bookstores. Whether it be Barnes & Noble. Our city's largest bookstore. Or some quaint little private shop at the beach. We stroll through bookstores, take our own sweet time, and watch as wallets swiftly lose weight. Because nearly everyone scores them some books!! Me? I enjoy American Girl, autobiographies, mysteries, and, of course, dog reference books. Now. I am going to reveal something strange, and probably shocking about myself. Ready? As a writer, who was always creating "stories" within my crazy, never-shuts-down head even during childhood, I rarely ever read. What....?! Well, thanks to my premature short-term memory loss, I lack reading comprehension skills. I always have. I always will. My Mom who graciously and patiently homeschooled me, tried. She did her best. But, truth be told? You cannot "fix" what is "broken". See, most children overcome reading comprehension issues. Me? I do not remember what was read just moments ago. Ask any of my test-giving teachers. Because. Premature short-term memory loss is one of my learning disabilities. Another reason why I rarely ever read? I would much rather be writing!! So. Bookstores have never really been my favorite choice of shopping locations. I do not excitedly jump up and down like Tigger from "Winnie the Pooh" whenever we have made a joint family decision to drive downtown toward our city's largest bookstore. That would be my sister!! Although. I do often score me some books during these trips!! American Girl. Autobiographies. Mysteries. At least four of my rapidly growing library of dog reference books. And altogether, I possess twenty-one!! Thus far!! We only drive to our city's largest bookstore once or twice annually, for it is located several miles away from here. But as for Barnes & Noble? There is one located within our nearest mall, so we walk through that bookstore nearly monthly. I look at their dog reference books. I scored one at a different Barnes & Noble store!! But, other than that, I seldom ever purchase anything there!! I have, however scored myself some American Girl books at Barnes & Noble!! But lately? Walking through Barnes & Noble {With its shelf-to-shelf stock of literature that authors published} makes every negative thought, feeling, plus emotion return and haunt me. Like some unwanted demon or ghost. No, I do not stumble into a minor mood swing-infused pity party. I never even shed any tears. No, I do not feel depressed. Just listless. Their children's book "room" is the hardest on me right now. Because. I am currently creating fictional children's stories. It feels like some haunted "room" where bony skeletons, gory zombies, or wart-faced witches reside. Whoa, Brain Juices. Whoa. Is it Halloween? Or Christmastime? I think they are confused!! I look around Barnes & Noble's children's book "room", and everywhere my brown eyes turn? It is inevitable. My brown eyes see books, books, books. They are displayed on tables. Plus wall-to-wall bookshelves. Published children's stories come in diverse variations. Some are, based on my opinion, written better than others. And I can't help but think this.

I should be a published author. My books should be sold here.

 

The last time we walked through Barnes & Noble, I halfheartedly stepped into their children's book "room". Repeatedly. I even touched a few books. But I never cracked any open. Because deep, deep, deep down inside, I was hurting emotionally for an unobtainable, broken, shattered dream. Just outside Barnes & Noble's children's book "room" are twain escalators. One made annoying squeaking sounds as it moved either up or down. I stood next to them, held onto a metal balcony and breathed everything in. It was Black Friday, so there were crowds of post-Thanksgiving Christmas shoppers. Adults. Teenagers. Toddlers. And I stood there {a writer} feeling as though I did not belong. In a freakin' bookstore. An outsider. As a learning disabled oddball, I oft feel that way. Like an outsider. I always have. I most likely always will. But in a bookstore? Never. I did wander Barnes & Noble's upstairs floor. I tried to battle my thoughts, feelings and emotions. I truly did. I cracked open a paperback book about this young man who was born with no limbs. It looked inspirational. But.

 

I should be a published author. My books should be sold here.

 

Those thoughts, feelings and emotions were stronger than I. I'm afraid they won the battle. Not a single tear trickled down my check, yet once again, I stood, defeated. You know what? I just remembered something. Like, today. Sometime last year, when I was working on my Life Story, me, the dreamer, was reading a cute children's book in Target. Then, I thought this. After publishing my "memoir", I could write children's stories. I've written a children's story before. I can do it again!! That's right. Children's stories!! Well, guess what? I have written four children's stories thus far since then!! Four. I am doing it. Published or not. Because I am a "children's writer"!! Not author. They are published. I am creating a new phrase!! I tend to do that!! Just one slight problem. This wandering aimlessly through Barnes & Noble because of my broken, shattered dream has been an ongoing issue. It is not disappearing anytime soon. I have considered sitting down and reading some published children's stories in an effort to glean ideas sans copying other's. But, I am a bit hard on books, I'm afraid. Barnes & Noble is no library, plus I do not need inspiration right now!! I can create some story unlike anybody else's.... Because I am an oddball, remember? I'm weird. I am different. I possess quirky interests!! But I must discover a method to solve this "bookstore situation". Because, I can't help but wonder. Will I always experience such negative thoughts, feelings and emotions while walking through bookstores? Huh? Our city's largest bookstore is no different than Barnes & Noble. If anything, it seems worse. Make these thoughts, feelings and emotions stop. Please. Make them go away. So, I came up with the only logical solution to this "bookstore situation". Ready? I am going to write!! I carry a journal with me everywhere, plus several clear Bic brand red pens. I will find myself somewhere to sit, and write something!! On a profoundly positive note. Save several minor mood swing-infused pity parties {Which I cannot control!!} I'm enjoying life on a level that I have not in a long, long, long time. Well over one decade. Because I am living life again. And for the first time in a long, long, long time, I'm attempting my very best to move forward rather than remain stuck. And I write.   

 

 

 

 

The Beagle Ornament

Blogging Friends.... We are offically flying our "Holiday Freak Flags", around here as Kelle Hampton from Enjoying the Small Things would write!! Christmas music is being played nearly nonstop. We rocked out {Quite literally!!} to Bruce Springsteen's version of "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" last week in the van. Our Christmas tree looks beautiful. My bedroom is decorated with Nativity-themed figurines. And last, but never least, we are once again celebrating Christ's Birth!!

 

This is a repost from, like, two years ago. I "publish" it annually at Christmastime. Of course I made some changes!! A writer is never satisfied with her work, after all!! Or so I have heard....   

 

Grief is an interesting concept. Depending on the individual walking that path, it's unique as a Zebra's stripe pattern. Or the human fingerprint. Or a Giraffe's markings. Some people are seemingly emotional to the extreme. And that is okay. Others are seemingly mentally strong, with few tears streaming down their faces. And that is okay, too. In my experience, once you think grief has passed, {No pun intended!!} every feeling resurfaces itself like some fish bobbing his head in water. Once you consider grief "dealt with", and progress is made, your complicated emotions take command. Then. It seemingly feels like zero progress was ever even made, and as though you have "relapsed". Yes, I know this experience all too well. I always think about and miss Shadow Sunshine, my Beautifully Unique "blond"-furred German Shepherd/Golden Retriever cross at Christmastime. She was euthanized on June 15th, 2010. I have an entire decade's worth of Christmas memories spent with Shadow. Of filling her soft velvet-like red and white stocking. Of purchasing treats, plus dog toys. Of celebrating December 25th with my mutt. I recall as though it was yesterday our final Christmas together. Shadow had been showing inevitable signs of aging. Deafness, stiff joints, senile behavior. I knew deep, deep, deep down within my heart that this would be our last Christmas together. Somehow. I could feel it. Call this a Mama's intuition. So I made our final Christmas together count. Every single moment of it. And boy, did I create an amazing last Christmas memory!! For it is one that will remain with my psych forever. Forever. Shadow no longer played.... Thus spending money on tennis balls seemed irrelevant this year. Instead, I filled her Christmas stocking with treats, treats, treats and more treats. Nothing else. Because, although Shadow was never a food-lovin' girl like Rose, throughout her final years, she loved treats. If memory serves me, I purchased pizza-flavored Canine Carry Outs, Snawsomes twists, and salmon Yummy Chummies. Nothing healthful, I'm afraid!! Well, it turned out that my "maternal" intuition was absolutely correct. Because less than six months later, Shadow died. And we would never enjoy another December 25th together again. Fast forward. During Christmas of 2010, three months after adopting Rose, I was still struggling with grief. It came upon me suddenly, like some explosive ambush. 2010 was a Christmas of firsts. Cosmic firsts. My oldest brother no longer lived with us. For he had married his lovely bride in May. It was my first Christmas with Rose. And it was my first Christmas sans Shadow. I bought Rose a matching soft velvet-like red and white Christmas stocking. I purchased her gifts. Yet somehow, the memory of Shadow's last Christmas haunted me that year. Like some ghost or demon. I missed Shadow so much!! Complicated, twisted feelings seared through me. It felt selfish and wrong somehow to be experiencing such a palpable longing for Shadow.... When I have Rose!! But, nonetheless, there were tears, sorrow, and heartache. All expressed privately, as I am known for keeping thoughts and feelings from those who I'm in close proximity to. Which, I will admit, is a fault of mine. One Saturday we drove downtown to do some Christmas shopping. I was feeling really emotional. I wept in an antique shop while halfheartedly looking at merchandise. Yes, wept. And, although I tried to hold those tears within me, they flowed anyway like some mighty waterfall. For lunch, we ate fast-food at some Jack-In-The-Box. I ordered my usual favorite. The Ultimate Cheeseburger.... Minus ketchup and mustard. Which, they have since ruined, in my opinion, by adding spices. Yuck!! Why couldn't Jack-In-The-Box leave well enough alone?! While awaiting our meal, I was forced toward their ladies room to compose myself. I then stared in their mirror and attempted bravery. I'll be okay. I'll be okay. I'll be okay. I chanted. Then later, we discovered this quaint little store. It was decorated for Christmas!! Everything looked so lovely!! On display, there was this small artificial tree. It looked so festive!! Hanging on its branches were various glass dog breed ornaments. Naturally, I felt drawn to the Golden Retriever, which is "half" of Shadow. No. I coached myself. Move on. Time to move on.... Be in the "now". Walk away from that tree!! Walk away I did. Then suddenly, I felt God softly whisper something to my heart and soul. He said this. Go back. Go back. Look for the Beagle. So, I walked over to that artificial Christmas tree once more. And.... There it was!! A glass, glittery brown, black and white Beagle!! Oh, it was absolutely flawless!! And the ornament may as well have been custom-made!! Black on its back, a white chest, this adorable brown-colored furrowed forehead.... Just like Rose!! So, I purchased the ornament. Because how could I possibly resist? Its tag read this. Beagle: Dogs selflessly give humans their unconditional love and loyalty. Beagles are one of the most popular scent hounds because of their energy, willingness to work and sweet dispositions. They make great family pets and truly enjoy their status as "man's best friend." Wow. Minus the "energy {and} willingness to work" part, that describes Rose spot-on!! Loyal. A sweet disposition. Loving. I will treasure forever that sparkly glass Beagle ornament. Because one glance at it reminds me of so much. That first Christmas sans Shadow. My emotional meltdown. Healing. Not to mention. Everything that Rose blesses me with!! She is an incredible one-of-a-kind, friend!! My four-legged "kindred spirit". Because, as a mutt, Rose was born different, like me. She's amiable, submissive, and easy to train. Rose is sneaky, strong-willed, plus sometimes naughty. And I love it all!! Rose truly is a Beautifully Unique creature!!

 

 

National Mutt Day

Blogging Friends.... Busy, busy, busy. That describes our lives these days!! Thursday. Thanksgiving!! I hope everyone enjoyed their day!! We are still loving our leftover food!! Friday. It is annual. My Mom, sister and I went Black Friday shopping!! Insane, I know. Saturday. Our dear friends visited us from Idaho!! They came over for lunch and fellowship!! Sunday. Uh, church? At that point, I just wanted to "play heathen", stay home, and take a mental health day!! But I attended church services, anyway!! Then, we purchased our Christmas tree!! In stormy, windy, pouring down rain!! Why? Because it rains a lot over here!! Yet to be decorated, our Christmas tree is sitting proudly in its stand!! Completely naked!! I love, love, love the evergreen scent!! And today. We watched my niece, Little Munchkin, plus her baby sister this afternoon!! Tonight. We plan on decorating our finally dried out Christmas tree!! I cannot wait!! So, dear Blogging Friends. I have felt like a slacker of late regarding commenting on everybody's Websites!! I miss you all!! But I shall return!! I promise!!

 

As resulted to our seemingly busy life of late, I will not post my Christmas-themed story on "Minuscule is good!" today!! No time!! So look for it tomorrow, instead!!

 

National Mutt Day. It comes but once a year. Well, actually. It comes around twice a year now, according to their website!! December 2nd!! And July 31st!! This is practically a holiday for me!! And yes, I do write it on my calendars!! Last year, I had plans for National Mutt Day. Huge plans. With permission, I had snapped some pictures of certain mixed breed canines who I know to post on Beautifully Unique!! However. This plan crashed when the pictures were still trapped within my camera!! Whoops. This year? I had no plans, ironically enough!! Last night, I literally found myself watching a Hallmark Christmas film, while searching for ideas!! Not that I hadn't been thinking about National Mutt Day all year long....

 

Based on their Website {http://www.nationalmuttday.com/index2.htm} it says this. {They also have a super fun Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/NationalMuttDay !!}

 

National Mutt Day was created in 2005 by Celebrity Pet Expert and Animal Welfare Advocate, Colleen Paige, and is celebrated on both July 31st and December 2nd. National Mutt Day is all about embracing, saving and celebrating mixed breed dogs. The biggest percentage of dogs euthanized in due to the constant over-breeding and public desire of designer dogs and pure bred puppies that are sold to pet stores supplied by puppy mills that often produce ill and horribly neglected animals.

National Mutt Day was created to be celebrated on two dates per year to raise awareness of the plight of mixed breed dogs in shelters around the nation and to educate the public about the sea of mixed breed dogs that desperately await new homes. Mixed breed dogs tend to be healthier, better behaved, they live longer and are just as able to perform the duties of pure bred dogs - such as bomb and drug sniffing, search and rescue and guiding the blind.

There are millions of loving and healthy mixed breed dogs sitting in shelters, who are desperately searching for a new home. One of the county's most famous movie dogs is Benji, is a mixed breed Terrier.

So please visit your local shelter and find a new friend today! {Sorry. But I would not recommend adoption this close to Christmas or New Year's!! Why? Because. It is not fair to adopt a Beautifully Unique mutt, then run around with Christmas-themed activities, thus leaving him/her home, feeling neglected!! But July 31st!! That would be an excellent day to find a new friend!! Hmmm. I should try that someday!!} If you can't adopt a mixed breed friend on July 31st and December 2nd, please donate at least $5 to your local animal shelter, as they all need financial assistance and every dollar counts!

You can also volunteer to walk a dog, donate food and other supplies needed to your local animal shelter or make a donation in the memory of a loved dog who has crossed the Rainbow Bridge.

Our goal is to save 10,000 Mutts this July 31st and December 2nd from coast to coast!

ADOPT A MUTT

PLEASE SPAY & NEUTER
YOUR PETS

I cannot express this enough. 75% of canines who enter shelters nationwide are mutts. 75%!! National Mutt Day. For those who have the privilege of loving mixed breed canines, our celebration is not merely limited to twain days only. But 365. Because we celebrate Shadow. {My German Shepherd/Golden Retriever mix!!} We celebrate Rose. {"Mystery Dog"!!} We celebrate Tejas. {Coyote mix!!} We celebrate Andy. {Cockapoo!!} We celebrate Ginger. {"Mystery Dog"!!} We celebrate Bear-Bear. {Malti-poo!!} We celebrate Jake. {Rottweiler mix!!} We celebrate Zeke. {St. Bernard/Border Collie mix!!} We celebrate Callie. {Pit Bull/Labrador Retriever mix!!} We celebrate Buddy. {"Mystery Dog"!!} We celebrate Dodge. {Golden/Lab mix!!} We celebrate Lucy. {Basset Hound/Golden Retriever mix!!} We celebrate Sabrina. {Golden/Lab mix!!} We celebrate Loki. {Labradoodle!!} My goodness!! I've been blessed to have known a lot of mutts throughout my life!! Wow!! And for my dear Blogging Friends who own Beautifully Unique mutts. We celebrate Jock. {Border Collie/Kelpie mix!!} We celebrate Desmond. {Greyhound/Pit Bull mix!!} We celebrate Roxy. {"Mystery Dog"?} We celebrate Dante. {Labradoodle!!} We celebrate Daisy-Boo. {Labradoodle/Labrador mix!!} We celebrate Lightning. {"Mystery Dog"?} We celebrate Zoe. {Black Labrador Retriever mix!!} We celebrate Kolchak. {Puggle!!} We celebrate Felix. {"Mystery Dog"?} Whether passed away or still living. We celebrate mutts!!

 

Dear Blogging Friends. If I have left any of your Beautifully Unique mutts out, my apologies!! You know that they're celebrated!! And for those who are considering adopting a canine? I highly recommend mutt!!