A Very Special Moment - Issue #10: Omelette

This is the cutest and sweetest short film I've seen in a very long time.  And I guess it's even more special because Ryan and I are pet owners.  

For the past 3 years my little Duchess has layed on my chest at night and then snuggled underneath the covers as I fall asleep.  Before that, it was Princess.  And both protected me with their lives; Duchess, even more so.

But this film isn't really about a pet, it's about cooking for someone you love.  You'll have to watch the video to understand.

What Happened After the "Ever-Afters" of Ariel, Jasmine, Belle and Pocahontas?

My Facebook is overrun by this viral video that was posted merely two days ago.  So in order to satisfy those who haven't seen it.  I've posted it on my blog.

So who needs YouTube when you got PAINT, right?  At least that's what the protagonist, Jon Cozart calls himself on YouTube.

If you want to know what happened to Ariel, Jasmine, Belle and Pocahontas after their "ever-afters", Jon will sing it to you in this cute parody of Disney animations.  Enjoy.

What a Hot Mess: Turn Your Dead Pet Into a Petcopter

I don't even know where to begin with this.  It's been almost 2 years since my loveable Princess died.  She died in July of 2010.  And yes, I contemplated having her stuffed by a taxidermist, but decided on cremating her instead.  Ryan would tell me that the thought of Princess staring at us or me taking her to sleep at night would freak the hell out of him. LOL.  Which is true, I just didn't know how to handle her death.

But this right here...

...IS ONE HOT F**KING MESS!  

No, Really it is!  I'm sorry, but when Dutch artist Bart Jansen's cat was killed by a car, he did what anybody would do, had it taxidermied and attached propellers to it.  NOT!

I'm not kidding.  You can view more images here, read the article here, and I'll even provide you with video here...

I don't know about you, but I need a drink! 

God Bless you, my little Princess. Thank God I cremated you.

It's Purely Animal - Issue No. 49 - Inside Every Good Dog Is A Great Dog [video]

Princess

This is my most treasured issue of "It's Purely Animal" yet.  

If you've never been a pet owner please don't ignore this post, hopefully it will make you understand why pet owners treasure their pets so much.

When I got my first precious and lovable chihuahua I never understood what love for a pet was until two years into my relationship with my previous partner.  My dog comforted me when things were going so very wrong in 2003, and then again in 2005 - I never thought I could recover.  Princess was there by my side and understood my pain when I didn't think dogs could even feel.

Dogs do feel - they understand you and they are there for you when you need them most.  It reminds me of a quote I read once, "Dogs have a way of finding the people who need them - filling an emptiness we don't even know we have."  And it's true.  When I felt so empty and had nothing else to live for, she made me smile, made my day every time I came home, and fulfilled my life in more ways than she could ever imagine.  After 9 years with me, she died in 2009 and to this day I still cry when I write or think about her.

Duchess

Ryan and I still have 4 chihuahuas in our household, Princess' niece, Duchess, her two great nieces Lady and Puffs, and her great nephew, Nacho.  While I thought nothing could ever replace the void left behind by Princess, Duchess has taken her spot in her own way.  Lady, Puffs and Nacho hang out with Ryan the most, and rightly so, those are his little "miracle" monsters. But that's a whole 'nother story.  

Last night, Ryan and I were watching Glee - it was a tearful episode.  And as usual, every time I start to sniffle or shed a tear, Duchess will instinctively come up and lick the tears off my face - she doesn't like to see me cry.  She will also defend me against Ryan when he pretends to lift a finger and scold me. It's the most amazing feeling ever, and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

From left to right: Nacho, Puffs, and Lady

Watch this awesome, awesome commercial from Purina, because I truly believe it, "Inside every good dog is a great dog".

Just This Side of Heaven is a Special Place Called The Rainbow Bridge...

Today marked the one year anniversary of my chihuahua Princess' death.  

While the day was spent with the person who matters more to me than anything, or anyone in the world (my partner Ryan), I had Princess on my heart all day.  

Princess was everything to me.  For 9 long years, she was there to comfort me in times of sorrow, there to greet me when I came home from work, there for me when I was excited about something, and she'd get excited too!  But most importantly, she made me happy. 

I miss you so terribly much my little Princess, but just you wait, I will be there soon enough, across that Rainbow bridge.

When my baby Princess died, the cremation service gave me this beautiful poem, and I have never forgotten it.

click to enlarge

Without Love, I'd Be Lost

Words cannot describe the way I felt yesterday when I arrived home to find my husband, Ryan with two cards, some flowers and a stuffed animal for the pet of my life, Princess.   First things first, let me clarify my last statement.  I sometimes call Ryan my husband, my partner, my love, my boyfriend, and my best friend. That is, because he is all of those things to me.  We may never have walked down the aisle (which one day we will,) and received a document telling us we are husbands, but in my soul, and in my heart - where it matters most - HE is my husband.  We have woken up at each other's sides for the past 6 years, bought a home together, bought cars together, and take care of each other as any husband and wife would.  He is the love of my life, and I would have it no other way.  He is my one and only best friend.  Remember this, when you have a relationship, because if you can never consider your partner your most trusted companion, the relationship will never last. This I can promise you.

Now on to the reason I was writing this post...

When I arrived at home yesterday, I was confronted with a beautiful surprise from Ryan.  It was two cards, a stuffed animal and some Lilies for my sweet Princess who passed away last July.  I was confounded with emotion beyond belief, because not only did I miss my sweet puppy of 9 years, but how did I ever deserve such a caring, and loving person as Ryan.  He has been there to comfort me through the good, the bad and the ugly, and he has loved me beyond the measure of a man.  He is the trick of fate that people never believe in, he is the embodiment of love that people have trouble achieving.  I love you, Ryan Lopez, Forever and Always.

To finish this post, I want to say one thing. If you have never had a pet, don't laugh at the people who have, don't tell them they're silly or crazy for loving one.  My little Princess's birthday was yesterday, but during the 9 years she was with me, she was a significant part of my life.  She was there to comfort me with unconditional love when I was sad, hurt, or happy.  She was my one constant companion for the years I had her, she made me laugh, made me smile, and most of all, cuddled with me in bed every night.  When I lost her I was stricken with grief and guilt, and it was devastatingly hard to get over.  If it wasn't for Ryan, or my other chihuahua Duchess it would have taken me a lot longer to heal.  Love, don't hate.  Don't judge people who grieve over their pet - it's heartbreaking.

Movies to Watch: Hachi - A Dog's Tale

WOW!!! Ryan was reading our Entertainment Weekly Magazine and suggested this movie, saying it was a sad movie about a dog...so of course I was hesitant being that I love dogs.

Truth be told though, this movie was so touching, heartwarming and moving; it made me realize all over again how powerful the love and devotion between ourselves and our pets can be. If you've ever had a dog, wanted a dog or just like dogs in general, this is a must watch. 

A feeling of sadness engulfed me after watching it. I am at a loss for words to describe this movie as no other movie has ever touched me so deeply. I was pretty much crying and sobbing the entire second half of the film and by the time it was over, it brought me down to my knees.

Without giving the story away...the premise behind the movie is about the loyalty that exists between a man and his dog even beyond life in the physical world. It's proof that love never dies and that animals...dogs in particular...have the uncanny ability to just feel and love without boundaries, logic or reason. They just do and once they're loyal to you, they'll love you forever.

Interestingly enough, this movie was based on a true story...which makes it even more amazing. Richard Gere was wonderful in his role and Jason Alexander played a great supporting role and the dog deserves an Oscar. Who knew dogs could act so convincingly? You can actually see the thoughts and emotions in the dog's expressions, and what a gorgeous dog it was. I had never given much thought to Akitas before, but I'm deeply impressed! It'll make you want to jump through the screen and give him a hug.

I had a chihuahua named Princess and the movie brought back memories of how sad and depressed I felt, even months after she passed away. I experienced such undying, unconditional love and loyalty from my Princess, and it made this movie extra special for me. If there was ever a movie that I will remember for the rest of my life, this has to be it. This is a must see for any person with a heart and soul. I know I am a better person today after watching this and I am confident it might also have the same effect on some of you. Thanks for reading and do take care whoever you are. Love your dogs and always remember that he/she will always be there for you even in your darkest, loneliest hours.

Check out the trailer here: