Category Archives: Uncategorized

Valentine’s Day, Big Life Changes, Birthdays, and Life Rearranges

I can hardly believe it’s already the middle of February. Wasn’t it just last weekend that we celebrated the new year? I guess it just feels that way, and while so much has happened in just the few short weeks since the beginning of the year, I still can’t help but look back and wonder where all the time has gone.

Yet, here we are, Valentine’s Day, and in our household this day is extra special. Today also happens to be Simon’s birthday. As of today Simon is 7 years old (at least it human years), and that officially makes him an old man. Don’t get me wrong, he still has way too much energy, but he seems to love to indulge in his morning naps just as much these days. Seriously, some days he will not get off the couch until at 12:00 in the afternoon! By the late afternoon, however, he is always ready for his daily walk. I’m not sure he’ll ever really slow down, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing since Simon’s antics always seem to keep everyone on their toes—if you know what I mean. Still, it’s weird to even think how much has changed in the past 7 years since bringing Simon into our lives. We were newbies to dog ownership (serious cat-only zone here), totally unprepared (although can you ever really be completely prepared?), and had no idea what kind of adventures we were in for. Now though, looking back, I can say it was definitely all worth it.

Simon 7th Birthday 2019
Happy 7th Birthday Simon!

Yet, life is set to change again with job changes, commutes and overall daily schedule changes. The dogs as well as the cats, I’m sure, will adapt to the new changes and daily schedule just fine. Really, it’s mostly me who is going to miss having the ability and flexibility to spend so much time with Simon and Rosee during the day (why must adulting be so hard sometimes?).

Nevertheless, with our pet family growing—seriously, we gained 4 cats in 1 year!—both pups getting older, and our own personal lives changing, I’m excited to see what the future may hold and the adventures that are in store.

So, whether you celebrate Valentine’s Day, Galentine’s Day, or Pawlentine’s Day…we hope it was a good one!

12th Day of Christmas 2018

On the 12th day of Christmas my true dog gave to me…

12th Day of Christmas 2018
Happy Howlidays!

twelve pits-a-smiling,

eleven frosted cookies,

ten socks-a-hanging,

nine nights-a-waiting,

eight paws-a-prancing,

seven tags-a-jingling,

six cats-a-meowing,

five tasty treats!,

four reindeer antlers,

three christmas trees,

two striped gray cats,

and an amazing new cat tree!

From our family here at Play Hard, Bark Often to yours:

Happy Howlidays, Happy Pawlidays, Purry Christmas, and a very Merry Pitmas!

11th Day of Christmas 2018

On the 11th day of Christmas my true dog gave to me…

11th Day of Christmas

eleven frosted cookies,

ten socks-a-hanging,

nine nights-a-waiting,

eight paws-a-prancing,

seven tags-a-jingling,

six cats-a-meowing,

five tasty treats!,

four reindeer antlers,

three christmas trees,

two striped gray cats,

and an amazing new cat tree!

Merry Christmas Eve!

10th Day of Christmas 2018

On the 10th day of Christmas my true dog gave to me…

10th Day of Christmas 2018
For our pets present and past.

ten socks-a-hanging,

nine nights-a-waiting,

eight paws-a-prancing,

seven tags-a-jingling,

six cats-a-meowing,

five tasty treats!,

four reindeer antlers,

three christmas trees,

two striped gray cats,

and an amazing new cat tree!

9th Day of Christmas 2018

On the 9th day of Christmas my true dog gave to me…

9th Day of Christmas 2018
9th Day of Christmas 2018

nine days-a-waiting,

eight paws-a-prancing,

seven tags-a-jingling,

six cats-a-meowing,

five tasty treats!,

four reindeer antlers,

three christmas trees,

two striped gray cats,

and an amazing new cat tree!

8th Day of Christmas 2018

On the 8th day of Christmas my true dog gave to me…

8th Day of Christmas 2018

eight paws-a-prancing (through leaf piles),

seven tags-a-jingling,

six cats-a-meowing,

five tasty treats!,

four reindeer antlers,

three christmas trees,

two striped gray cats,

and an amazing new cat tree!

7th Day of Christmas 2018

On the 7th day of Christmas my true dog gave to me…

7th Day of Christmas

seven tags-a-jingling,

six cats-a-meowing,

five tasty treats!,

four reindeer antlers,

three christmas trees,

two striped gray cats,

and an amazing new cat tree!

6th Day of Christmas 2018

On the 6th day of Christmas my true dog gave to me…

6th Day of Christmas 2018
The cats are taking over!

six cats-a-meowing,

five tasty treats!,

four reindeer antlers,

three christmas trees,

two striped gray cats,

 and an amazing new cat tree!

5th Day of Christmas 2018

On the 5th day of Christmas my true dog gave to me…

5th Day of Christmas 2018
Cookies aren’t just for Santa.

five tasty treats,

four reindeer antlers,

three christmas trees,

two striped gray cats,

and an amazing new cat tree!

4th Day of Christmas 2018

On the 4th day of Christmas my true dog gave to me…

4th Day of Christmas 2018
Someone’s gotta help Santa deliver the presents.

four reindeer antlers,

three christmas trees,

two striped gray cats,

and an amazing new cat tree!