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<\/a><\/p>\nHercules was my first dog.\u00a0 He came in my life up as a puppy and I loved him for 12 full years.\u00a0 How I came about finding him well, if you know anything about me, you know I have always been fascinated with police dogs.\u00a0 I heard someone was selling some puppies.\u00a0 Their father was a K9 Officer and their mother was with Search and Rescue.\u00a0 I had to have one!\u00a0 Al and I went to see them.\u00a0 I already knew I wanted a boy.\u00a0 Herc was running around the house chasing another little dog.\u00a0 He was full spirited and I knew he was the one.\u00a0 I turned around to leave and Al was holding Teenie!\u00a0 I was like, “You’re getting one too?”\u00a0 So, yeah, they’ve spent their whole lives together.\u00a0 I knew very little about raising a puppy.\u00a0 Thank God for Al.\u00a0 I had no idea what a full spirited, high energy dog could do!\u00a0 He kept me on my toes most of time.\u00a0 A few times he knocked me to the ground! He loved taking long walks in the wee early morning hours. I never once felt scared.\u00a0 I knew he would protect me no matter what.\u00a0 And, trust me, there were a few times he had to show his teeth and snarl at some late night folks.\u00a0 They kept their distance.\u00a0 I swear he was the smartest dog.\u00a0 He had a vast vocabulary.\u00a0 You could tell him to “Go find the blue ball” and by gosh, he would push his nose through a mountain of toys and come up with that darn blue ball in his mouth every time.\u00a0 And, he would go crazy if he couldn’t find it.\u00a0 We would have to get up and look under furniture and go through other rooms of the house until that ball was found!\u00a0 He just impressed me over and over. His love for the frisbee and the ball were insane.\u00a0 We still have a muck bucket in the outbuilding full of tennis balls. \ud83d\ude41 The house is a bit quieter.\u00a0 No matter what room we are all in there is always that little empty spot where he would be laying or sitting or begging for cookies.\u00a0 I miss his slobber spots on the floor.\u00a0 His last year was truly an answered prayer.\u00a0 He was a trooper all through his chemo and living the life of a tripod.\u00a0 God gave us 12 incredible years with him and we feel blessed.<\/p>\n
Hercules Seidl (1\/5\/2010 – 1\/19\/2022)<\/strong><\/p>\n In other, happier, news…..<\/p>\n The cats are all doing well.\u00a0 Honey and Bun are doing wonderful.\u00a0 Their wounds have practically healed and they love the snow! I spent most of last week purging.\u00a0 I went through the bathroom closet, the master closet and some boxes in the basement.\u00a0 It felt good to rid myself of “stuff” and it kept my mind busy.<\/p>\n Evie and Caleb came to visit for a few days mid-January. We took them to Cumberland Gap and did some antiquing.\u00a0 We had the perfect day.\u00a0 They unfortunately had to leave a day early because snow was coming.\u00a0 They neither one could risk getting stuck here. \ud83d\ude41<\/p>\n And, snow it did!\u00a0 I was happy to still have the Christmas decorations still up.\u00a0 It all looked so beautiful with the snow in the background. I did finally take most of the decorations down.\u00a0 I left all the garland, small trees and deer up and purchase a few pillows here and there for my winter decor.\u00a0 I have never done a winter decor but, I’m liking it.\u00a0 I have decorated for Valentines Day in the past but, it’s a lot of trouble for just one day.\u00a0 So, I’ve decided to decorate for the four seasons mainly, with obviously, Thanksgiving and Christmas, going forward. Let me know what you think!!!\u00a0 Al and I came up with a few “goals” for this year.\u00a0 One being to take an adventure somewhere locally once a month.\u00a0 This month we went to Bristol TN\/VA. We are also working on several basement projects!\u00a0 I hope to let you see what we’ve been up to in another week or so.\u00a0 I’m so anxious to get the basement finish!\u00a0 I know I keep saying that but, I cannot wait to decorate it!<\/p>\n Until Later, Take care and Stay safe.<\/p>\n XO,<\/p>\n Elisa<\/p>\n \u201cDogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.\u201d \u2015\u00a0<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n<\/a> <\/a> <\/a>We broke down and bought a little heater for their room.\u00a0 It’s getting down to 12 degrees tonight.\u00a0 So I am so happy we purchased it.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a> <\/a><\/p>\n<\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a>\u00a0 Painted a few pinecones\u00a0 <\/a> <\/a> Just flipped the napkins over as they say “Merry”, “Joy” and such on them. <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> \u00a0<\/a> <\/a> <\/a>\u00a0 The loft.<\/p>\n<\/a> What a lovely little town.\u00a0 We did some antiquing of course.\u00a0 There’s so much more to do!!\u00a0 We will definitely go back when we are able to stay for the weekend.<\/p>\n