animal rescue

The New Neighbors – A Charlie Guest Post

/ Jodi / 63 Comments

The New Neighbors – A Charlie Guest Post.

Some new neighbors moved in a few doors down.
So Mom and I decided to visit on one of our recent walks.

I tried to introduce myself,
but this guy was just a bit “cold.”

His eyes kinda said,
“Leaf” me alone.

I really tried
to make him smile.

I just couldn’t help but sense
a nose as cool as a cucumber.

But his arm was outstretched
displaying a sign of peace.

So I bid him a welcome,
and thanked him for the Christmas cookies.

I sure hope
he will warm up a bit!

Woofs & Wags,
Charlie

Charlie is an adopted dog with brown eyes and a white-tipped tail who brings joy and laughter to his family and friends.  Charlie is a gifted writer, raving food critic, cat, chipmunk, and donut lover, and exceptionally photogenic model.  Some of his best friends are Mike the UPS Man, Cliff the Mailman, and ANYONE who delivers pizza to the house.   If you would like to read more guest posts by Charlie, simply type “Charlie” into the Search box at the top right hand corner of this link: thecreativelifeinbetween.com.   If you would enjoy a companion like Charlie, please consider pet adoption.

Watching and Waiting: A Charlie Guest Post

/ Jodi / 57 Comments

Watching and Waiting:  A Charlie Guest Post.

Early in the morning
after a long night’s slumber,
I peek out from under the covers
to see if a new day has begun.

I stretch, and I shake
and gobble up some breakfast.

I then head outside
while the fog is often thick,
and the sun is beginning to shine…
to watch and wait…

I watch and wait
for the UPS or FedEx delivery truck,
or Cliff, the mailman.

I watch and wait
for my friend, Jager to wander up to play,
or his grandma, Tracy, to go for a walk.

I watch and wait
for a deer to wander by,
or to chase a squirrel sneaking food from the bird feeders.

I watch and wait
for the neighbor kids to play in their yard,
or the other neighbor dogs to bark from their yard.

I watch and wait
for my mom to come out and throw a ball,
or my sweet, baby niece to visit (if it’s Friday!).

I watch and wait
for a stick that needs chewed on,
or any other thing that smells good in the yard to eat.

I watch and wait
for my brothers to come visit,
or my Dad to come home for dinner.

My days are very busy…
watching and waiting.

It’s a dog’s life…
and this is my domain.

Woofs & Wags,
Charlie

Charlie is an adopted dog with brown eyes and a white-tipped tail who brings joy and laughter to his family and friends.  Charlie is a gifted writer, raving food critic, cat, chipmunk, and donut lover, and exceptionally photogenic model.  Some of his best friends are Mike the UPS Man, Cliff the Mailman, Jager the neighbor dog, and ANYONE who delivers pizza to the house.   If you would like to read more guest posts by Charlie, simply type “Charlie” into the Search box at the top right hand corner of this link: thecreativelifeinbetween.com.   If you would enjoy a companion like Charlie, please consider pet adoption.

Sticks and Stones: A Charlie Guest Post

/ Jodi / 50 Comments

Sticks and Stones:  A Charlie Guest Post.

I know you humans have a rhyme that says:
“Sticks and Stones may break my bones….”

And I get it….
It’s a good lesson about name calling…

But I LOVE sticks and stones!
They are nature’s toothbrush and toy all in one!

Even ask my baby niece!
She knows who to watch and learn from.

When Mom brings her outside,
she brings a blanket and toys for her to sit on and play with.

But she watches how her Uncle Charlie has fun!
I romp through the leaves and play with the sticks and stones.

And then she does the same.

I’m such a good uncle!
Don’t you think?

Woofs and Wags,
Charlie

Charlie is an adopted dog with brown eyes and a white-tipped tail who brings joy and laughter to his family and friends.  Charlie is a gifted writer, raving food critic, cat, chipmunk, and donut lover, and exceptionally photogenic model.  Some of his best friends are Mike the UPS Man, Cliff the Mailman, Jaeger the neighbor dog, and ANYONE who delivers pizza to the house.   If you would like to read more guest posts by Charlie, simply type “Charlie” into the Search box at the top right hand corner of this link: thecreativelifeinbetween.com.   If you would enjoy a companion like Charlie, please consider pet adoption.

 

Charlie’s Night Before Christmas

/ Jodi / 35 Comments

charlie-christmas-2016

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
not a creature was stirring, except a brown dog.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care
and Charlie couldn’t reach them – he didn’t even dare.

Mom and Dad were nestled all snug in their bed,
while visions of head cold relief danced in their heads.
But Charlie was anxious, he just couldn’t sleep.
He wondered if Santa would bring him a treat.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
Charlie ran to his door to see what was the matter.
He flew out onto the porch and skidded across
Woofing and sniffing even every piece of  moss.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
made it a bit easier for Charlie to see all below.
When what to his wondering eyes should appear,
but a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer.

“It was SANTA – Oh Santa!  You’re coming to my house.
I knew you would remember – I’ve been a good boy!”
Charlie ran back inside and jumped into bed,
he climbed under the blankets to cover his head.

He quietly waited and listened intently,
but he waited so long, he fell back asleep.
The next thing he knew, Dad was getting out of bed.
Mom gave him a pat, and said “Okay – Go Ahead!”

His stocking was full!  Santa really was here!
A new donut, a new donkey, and a tasty new bone.
Another Christmas miracle
for an adopted brown dog.

Merry Christmas Eve!

Woofs & Wags,
Charlie

Charlie is an adopted dog with brown eyes and a white-tipped tail who brings joy and laughter to his family and friends.  Charlie is a gifted writer, raving food critic, cat, chipmunk, and donut lover, and exceptionally photogenic model.  Some of his best friends are Mike the UPS Man, Cliff the Mailman, and ANYONE who delivers pizza to the house.   If you would like to read more guest posts by Charlie, simply type “Charlie” into the Search box at the top right hand corner of this link: thecreativelifeinbetween.com.   If you would enjoy a companion like Charlie, please consider pet adoption.

 

 

 

 

Charlie’s Walkabout: A Charlie Guestpost

/ Jodi / 62 Comments

charlies walkabout

We have the most amazing wilderness behind our home.

It is an area I am not allowed to go to by myself.

You may recall those horrifying orange flags my Mom and Dad put up about a year ago when I moved in….  Well… I DO NOT go past that area where they used to be on my own – EVER!  The flags are gone, but I have not forgotten where they were, and I remember they represent “Charlie’s Yard!”

The only way I go outside of “Charlie’s Yard” is when Mom puts a leash on me, and we go for a walk.

Now, I am getting better and better at coming when Mom calls – even when I am outside “Charlie’s Yard” and not on the leash, so sometimes I am allowed to walk on my own outside “Charlie’s Yard” – but ONLY after we go through the “boundary line” with the leash on.  That is the only way it is safe.

So yesterday, being that it was a holiday and all, I got to go on TWO wonderful walks outside “Charlie’s Yard.”  After our long walk with my buddy, Jager and his Mom Tracy in the morning, Mom took me on a hike in the wild and wonderful woods behind our home.

And guess what?  She let me loose to run and sniff and explore at my own pace.  Oh was it F U N!  We were having so much fun that when Mom was ready to go back to “Charlie’s Yard,” I decided I wasn’t ready.

Mom, trusting “sucker” that she is, walked ahead believing I wouldn’t be far behind.  But guess what?  When she wasn’t looking, I decided to turn around and explore some more.  Mom went back in “Charlie’s Yard” (remember I told you she is a bit of a “sucker”) believing I wouldn’t be far behind.  She kept saying, “CHARLIE!”  “Come On!”

Then she would throw this guilt trip in:  “Good Boys Come!”

HA!

I am loose.

I am free.

I am in the wild and wonderful wilderness where the deer and the squirrels and the turkey play.  And oh they smell so good!

So I decided it was time to go on a little “walkabout.”

All…

by…

Myself!

Mom waited a bit, called everyone once in a while, and then headed back into the wilderness, where I believe I heard her grumbling under her breath something about somebody being in trouble if she had to come after them or something like that.

I continued to explore.

After all, it was a holiday.

And she and my Dad were gone away for almost a week in which she did NOT take me for walks…

After a while, she couldn’t find me, so she gave up.  I was there all along, but I just wasn’t ready yet so I kinda hid from her.

Mom gave up and headed back home.

She looked a little bit sad,

and I have to admit I felt a bit bad.

So when she was almost back in “Charlie’s Yard,” I decided to come back.

“Here I am Mom!”

She turned around, and – voila! – there I was!

She looked so glad to see me.  I think she wanted to be a little mad, but she was just glad.

We walked into the house, and I flopped down on the floor and took a rest right there in the hallway.  It was so cool and peaceful.

Walkabouts are great, but there’s no place like home.

Don’t you agree?

Woofs & Wags,
Charlie

Charlie is an adopted dog with brown eyes and a white-tipped tail who brings joy and laughter to his family and friends.  Charlie is a gifted writer, raving food critic, cat, chipmunk, and donut lover, and exceptionally photogenic model.  Some of his best friends are Mike theUPS Man, Cliff the Mailman, and ANYONE who delivers pizza to the house.   If you would like to read more guest posts by Charlie, simply type “Charlie” into the Search box at the top right hand corner of this link: thecreativelifeinbetween.com.   If you would enjoy a companion like Charlie, please consider pet adoption.

Slinky

/ Jodi / 77 Comments
Slinky Watercolor 10x12

Slinky – Watercolor – 10×12 on Fabriano Artistico 140lb Cold Press

A dear friend and co-worker recently lost her beloved dog of 12 years.

My heart broke for her knowing how difficult it is to lose such a faithful, loving family member.

I sent her a little card to express my sympathy.  I thought my Charlie Dog card was fitting in this situation.

When my friend received it, she asked me if I would paint her sweet “Slinky” (named after the toy dog in “Toy Story“) so she could give it to her son to hang in his room.

I was honored that she would ask me and believe that I could do it.  I was also a nervous wreck!  I am not a professional artist.  I have never been “commissioned” to replicate such an important family member.  I am not good at “realistic” watercolor art.

But I do love my friend.  And I do love a challenge.  And I wanted to be able to do it.  So after trying once with the same abstract technique I used to create Charlie Dog and failing to achieve the love and life that drew me to Slinky in the photo my friend sent, I attempted to paint Slinky more realistically – not realizing black dogs are likely the most challenging to paint!  Painting #2 was another fail.  I really didn’t have much time invested, so I decided to give it one more go.  Third time is usually the charm – right?

I asked a few questions of a sweet, talented, artistic blogging friend from the UK who creates AMAZING paintings of animals, Rebecca at ReCreate.  She gave me a few pointers (and generously provided a few photos of her beautiful Cassie – a similar looking black adopted dog), which was just enough to give me the confidence to try again.

So here is the painting of dear sweet Slinky.  A smart girl who loved her family more than anything.  A sweet girl who drew you in with her loving eyes.  A faithful companion to two young boys who loved her as much as they love each other.

Rest in peace sweet Slinky.  Know that you are missed, that you are still loved dearly, that you can never be replaced, that you taught your family so much about love and happiness and what is most important.  Your memory will live on forever, and this is my tribute to your life.

Sweet dreams, cheers and hugs,
Jodi

Slinky was an adopted dog    If you would enjoy a companion like Slinky or our sweet Charlie, please consider pet adoption.

Here is the real, beautiful Slinky in the photo I used to create her painting from:

013

A Charlie Guest Post: Malaphors

/ Jodi / 58 Comments
charlie daisies

Charlie Stopping to Smell the Daisies

On a little walk the other day,
Mom made me pose for a
“Stop and Smell the Daisies” photo.

Now, I know I am only a dog,
but isn’t the saying supposed to be
“Stop and Smell the Roses?”

Daisies don’t even really smell that good.
I guess they are kinda pretty if you’re into flowers
and that kind of stuff….

But when on walks,
I’m a sniffin’ for rabbits and chipmunks
and squirrels and deer.

I’d rather smell what another dog
left behind for me to find.
Now THAT is a smell worth stopping for!

Daisies are for “pushing up,”
and that is NOT
a place I want to go.

I think Mom better
“Wake up and smell the Bacon!”
(which I think smells much better than COFFEE!)

Hey – Did you ever imagine a handsome dog like me
was smart enough to understand malaphors too – eh?!
Heck – Mom just learned that word herself!

Woofs & Wags,
Charlie

Charlie is an adopted dog with brown eyes and a white-tipped tail who brings joy and laughter to his family and friends.  Charlie is a gifted writer, raving food critic, cat, chipmunk, and donut lover, and exceptionally photogenic model.  Some of his best friends are Mike the UPS Man, Cliff the Mailman, and ANYONE who delivers pizza to the house.   If you would like to read more guest posts by Charlie, simply type “Charlie” into the Search box at the top right hand corner of this link: https://lifeinbetween.me/.   If you would enjoy a companion like Charlie, please consider pet adoption.

Charlie and the Girls Next Door

/ Jodi / 47 Comments

charlie and the girls next door

A new girl moved in next door, and I’m in Loooooooveee!

My neighbor, Pippa, got a new sister named Twiggy!  She is a rescued dog, just like me, so she has a special place in my heart. ❤

She is beautiful and friendly, and I am one of the luckiest boys on the planet!

We had a little time to visit yesterday on my walk, because Pippa and Twiggy’s mom was taking them for a walk too!

Hope you are finding as much joy this weekend as I am!  And if you are not, you might want to go out to your local animal shelter and adopt a pet like our parents did!  We have so much love to give!

Woofs & Wags,
Charlie

Old-Fashioned Fresh Peach Pie

/ Jodi / 37 Comments

old fashioned fresh peach pie 2

It is fresh peach time in our little corner of the world, and some of the best come from Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, an area known for micro-climate, soil and slopes conducive to growing sweet, juicy, high-quality peaches.  Though Chambersburg is about three hours from Mars, we have a local feed store (that I frequent for bird food) whose owner has a connection and receives fresh peaches and several varieties of plums for just a few weeks every August from a farm in Chambersburg.

old fashioned fresh peach pie slice

Fresh warm peach pie a la mode is one of hubby’s all-time favorite desserts.  He is a fruit pie lover, and peach is at the top of his list.

Old Fashioned Fresh Peach Pie

I was happy to have an opportunity to bake a pie in my less-than-usual spare time this weekend.

blanched peaches

You see, we got a new family member Saturday morning…

Meet Charlie.  We rescued him from a shelter about an hour and a half away.  They believe him to be about a year old.  Day one, he was very shy, but warmed up quickly enough to actually help himself to jumping up and snuggling right in between hubby and me at bed time.  (not sure how long that is going to fly!)

Day two found him to be 45 pounds of galloping, fetching and retrieving exuberance.  His confidence is growing, and his puppy-ness kept me busy.

charlie 080215

He was right by my side in the kitchen while we made this yummy pie for “dad.”  We were both in our happy place!

Enjoy the old-fashioned taste of this classic recipe from our family to yours.

Old-Fashioned Fresh Peach Pie

Ingredients:old fashioned fresh peach pie 2

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.

Blanch, peel and slice peaches.  (To blanch, place peaches in boiling water for 3-4 minutes, then remove with slotted spoon and place immediately in large bowl of ice water.  The skin will slip right off. )

Mix peaches, sugars, juice of lemon, flour and cinnamon in bowl and let set aside while you prepare pie crust

Line pie pan with one crust.  Add filling.  Cut remaining crust into strips to form lattice top.  Brush with milk, sprinkle with a little white sugar.

Cover edges of pie with aluminum foil to prevent pie crust from burning or overbaking.

Bake at 450 degrees F for 10 minutes.  Reduce heat to 350 degrees F and back for another 30-35 minutes.  Remove aluminum foil during last 10 minutes.

Peach pie is good served warm or cold, and especially yummy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi