High Maintenance Doggie

Earlier today, Johnny went back to Palmer's original adoption post and told me that after his initial shock at the pictures (is that really Palmer?!)... it hurt to read that Palmer caught the rescue group's eye because of his gentle demeanor in the middle of a chaotic and noisy dog shelter. The thought of our precious little pup in a cold, harsh shelter just kills! Not knowing his past is the hardest part because I'm sure if he could just talk for 1 minute to tell us where he's been and what he's been through, we'd know in an instance why he behaves the way he does.

One things for sure, Palmer is one high maintenance dog. I can't blame him if he's had the horrible experience our colorful imagination thinks he's had and is now in a loving home that he fears abandonment every day that I walk out the front door... or that when we're sitting on the couch, he begs to cuddle up next to us.... or that when Johnny's sitting on the carpet to watch TV or put on his shoes, he rests his head into his leg or climbs right into his lap. Why wouldn't you soak up all the lovin' that we have to offer? We have a lot of it to give! I wonder, are all rescue dogs like this? Do all rescue dogs come jaded and skeptical?

Probably not... but we love this lazy dog anyway!!

Training Slump

Ok, ok .. I've been terrible at updating you all on Palmer and his progress. To date, we've had him for a few days over a year and I have to admit that we've gotten a little lazy with his training. It's hard .. without a scheduled class or private lesson to prepare for, we have no structure in the house to maintain his doggie manners or skills. When he was taking classes at the Pasadena Humane Society, every afternoon was a mini-training session since we had to complete our homework and report back the following week. Now, nothing is pushing me to train Palmer except for the occassional naughty behavior or whiny bout. I will get back on the training wagon and before you know it, he'll be performing a choreographed song and dance for you. I'll be sure to post it on YouTube, too. Stay tuned!

(I was kidding about the song and dance.. but maybe some really good stays or a nice calm walk on the leash will do.)

HILARIOUS!

I hate to do 2 non-Palmer related posts in a row but OMG this is hilarious.

Not Palmer-related, sorry!

Totally unrelated but as you may know, Johnny and I are getting married next June. I'm blessed to have 2 wonderfully creative cousins in the invitation business but I'm also a huge fan of letterpressed invites. I stumbled across the Dingbat's Agenda contest via Budget Savvy's wedding blog. For other brides-to-be that are reading this... check it out!

Nap Time

Last night was a lazy night for both me and Palmer. It must've been a delayed food coma from his birthday celebration the night before. I usually let him nap on the carpet or at the other end of the couch but he gave me the cutest look (his fresh haircut didn't help, either) as I was curling up to nap. So, I decided to snuggle up with him on the couch instead. When he was snoring I looked down and saw that he fell asleep in the most adorable position. Check it out:

The Party Pics

It was a grand party celebrating Palmer's 4th birthday (and 1st with us). We had birthday decor, presents, yummy food and, of course, dessert (for both human and doggie alike)! ....And ok, I'll admit it, I did feel a little silly throwing a birthday party for a dog but it was fun and no doggie deserves it more than the Palmerpie!

Let's start out with a pic of the birthday doggie with his birthday hat. Sorry the pics a tad blurry. He's so good at holding poses for pictures but what you don't see is that he tried to take it off the moment he came out of his sit-stay.

Here's a picture of Palmer posing with his presents. Talk about spoiled!

It was a small, intimate party with no other dogs allowed... Johnny, Cher, Thomas, and Dereck all came to wish him a Happy Birthday!
And here is Palmer with his cake.
This is a funny picture because it looks like he's closing his eyes to make a wish! Hahah!!

Cher made matching cupcakes for the guests!

Here are some pics of the chicken that Johnny has been waiting ALL year to give him and Palmer scarfing down his birthday cake. Talk about gluttony!

And lastly, Palmer enjoying his gifts. He got treats from Johnny, me, and my mom, treats and a bone from my sister, a toy ball/teeth cleaner from Dereck and a little puffer jacket from my brother (for those cold winter walks). What a lucky dog!!

Happy Birthday, Palmer!!

It has been one year since Palmer joined our family and on Monday night we will celebrate! In honor of our one year mark and Palmer's newly established birthday (according to the vet, he's about 4 years old), we will be having doggie cake and opening some doggie presents! I was prepping for his party Sunday night and couldn't help but let the birthday celebrant lick the spatula! Johnny and I also brought him in for a grooming on Saturday for the 'Puppy Cut'. He's lookin' mighty handsome for his birthday. Happy Birthday, Palmer!! We love you!
I promise to post pictures of the party! Stay tuned.