Give a "Like"

If you love dogs, like Clevengers love dogs - then this post if for you! My Dad's company is doing a fundraiser for the Kosciusko County Animal Welfare League. For each "Like" Dad's company gets on Facebook - they will donate $1 toward the AWL's fundraiser to build a new shelter. AND - another donor has offered to match their donation - so each "Like" is really worth $2! Facebook users go HERE and give Clevenger Insurance a "Like." The fundraiser ends 2/21.

The AWL holds a special place in our hearts. In 2004, right after I moved home from college (and in with my parents) - we had to put our dalmatian, Freckles, down. It was a sad, sad day.  Being 22 and pretty carefree - I took it upon myself to go to the shelter and find my parents a new dog. Did I consult with them on this decision? No. My family was sad, but my family can't be without a dog in the house...and I knew what I needed to do. I needed to pick out a new dog. Except to my surprise - a dog picked ME! I took a black lab mix from his cage, walked him outside and sat in a chair to watch him.  He played, but came back to me for a pet, then he climbed into my lap. And that was that.

I called my mom, she agreed to go to the shelter and meet him - which for Shirlee means we'll be taking him home. My dad was now the only one who wasn't in on the plan. We pulled up, the dog jumped out, my dad shook his head, he hooked the dog up to a leash and took him on a walk. We named him Hogan and the rest is history.  I should add that he has been referred to as "the best dog ever" on more than one occasion.

Tyson and I adopted Cooper from a shelter in Cleveland. Joe & Gina adopted Ellie Mae (Hanky's sister) from the AWL. We love our shelter dogs! Thanks for taking a second to help this cause!

Temporary Home

I snapped a few pictures the other night to share with my mom, since she hasn't seen where we are living in Ann Arbor for the summer. Thought I share with everyone so you can see our temporary home for the summer - or as Jack calls it "our vacation home."

This is the house we are living in until mid-August. It's in the Oxbridge/Burns Park area (for anyone familiar with AA) - and it reminds me of Foster Park (for FW people). Basically a lot of older homes, large lots, and huge trees.

I love that every house is different! Some are old, some are brand new. Some are colonial while others are modern. It's so fun to walk/drive around and just look at houses! And I've been surprised at the number of front yard gardens. (pictured above) Am I missing something? Perhaps people tend to their garden better when they have to walk past it a few times a day?!?

My buddies - Coop & Tuck - take me on an evening stroll around the neighborhood every night. They LOVE all the smells and since there are so many streets, we can take a different path every night. They look forward to it. And, I won't lie, I do too.

Let's play "I Spy"

Can you spy the "photo bomber" in this picture?

If you said "Cooper" - you are correct. He's always lingering in the background of my pictures. Creeper. (But we love him) And I love this picture of Denny & Jos.

Can you spy Josie's favorite "accessory"?

Goldfish crackers.

PS: Jack is notably absent from most pictures these days because he is in the "don't take my picture, mom" stage. Hoping it passes soon.

Question:

Will this window ever be free of finger prints & nose prints?
Answer: NO!

Jack & his buddies "Ooper" and "Tuck" love spending time looking at the ducks and geese on the pond.