#the fluffy and funny is what makes them lally

[overnightheartbeats]

"I'm glad to hear, we'll make sure to put it on the calendar." She was smiling as they talked about their future, thinking of their baby girl having the family that they, for one reason or another, didn't always have. "True, first-time experience. Not sure I'm ready, but I'll do my best to not break you in half," she teased with a wink. Although, she knew that this was going to be one of the most difficult things she'd do. It was terrifying, but she felt a smidge better knowing he'd be by her side through it all. Staring at him like it was her full-time job, that had not changed in all these years. Each time, she looked at him like he was the moon and the stars. His smug smile only confirmed that subtly still wasn't one of her traits. Watching him lick his lips was the epitome of unfair, just for a second, biting on her lower lip. "Would we? Could use my pregnancy excuse, or see if the badge gets us out of it." Unlikely, and it also wasn't something she carried around these days. But, as she joked, Laurel dropped her finger and just leaned in for a quick peck. "Kidding babe, I can behave."

She felt a warmth in her chest when he kissed her hand, taking his hand and gently squeezing. "And I love you," pressing a kiss to the back of his hand. Laurel could make no promises that she could stop, no on and off switch there, but she sure as hell would try. Tormenting Eli with this was not what she wanted. She had apologized, he had forgiven her. Like all the other times, they would get through this - something she had to count on. “True, we did find our way with all of that. And, you guys will too. Look at you, fatherhood is already making you wiser,” she commented with a small smile. Baby names were all they had been thinking about lately. They cycled through family names, varying websites, and the books she’d been exchanging with Juju. Yet, nothing really struck them. “Our little Rosebud," the mention of the flower relation to her name brought one of their early memories to the forefront. That afternoon at the diner, talking about her name, and now here they were, talking about their child's. Her face lit up with his suggestions, how had it not occurred to them earlier. "Rosie sounds cute," but it felt like something was missing from it. "I like the road you're going on, Rosie...Rosalie, hm no." Her brows were furrowed in deep thought, all the names they've looked at beginning to blur together. After a minute or two, she finally perked up. "What do you think about Rosaline?" Laurel 's face softened as her laughter filled the space. "Right? I thought Juju was pranking me when she told me, but yup. They found her name, I do know. I wasn't supposed to, but you know Juju and I have no secrets. It slipped by her, I'll tell you but don't tell anyone else." Completely teasing, knowing he wouldn't, but it amused her to say. "They picked Aurora." Like the princess, she just thought.

Laurel leaned into him while she began eating her delicious churro. "Always so generous, just know we love you for it. And, we thank you for your sweets stash." We, the word kept floating in her mind. How their we was evolving and expanding to include their girl. "I hope she never loses that energy. We've known each other that long, a whole lifetime. I can't believe she's all grown up now." Laurel's dimpled smile made an appearance, feeling a warmth rise in her chest. "Almost like she manifested that for me. Took some time, but we got there, and we haven't even told them that piece yet." That was a piece they had chosen to keep as a surprise until his siblings arrived, but with everything that had happened, those news just didn't seem appropriate to share anymore. "She's a gem, I love her. Like my own little sister." Just another thing that she was grateful for, bringing in more family to her life. "It was reminding me of that cabin trip, Less drama that time around, but I guess that's family. Moving to Chicago, that's a long way from here." Moving seemed like such a foreign concept. They both had been in Texas quite some time, but she was curious if his thoughts on moving back home had changed. "But I understand them wanting to be closer, it would be great to have more family here. Do you think they're open to moving out here? Isa might benefit from having them closer, we could help them settle in here if they decide to move. I agree, we owe them a fun time after coming all the way out here. The Italian spot? Their outdoor seating is the cutest, with those standing heaters too. Comfy bench is a bonus too. Oh my god, and they have that tiramisu," okay, she was back on her sweets kick (one she rarely left these days). "I'll call them when we get home to make a reservation.”

The soft napkin on her skin tickled, but she knew. Churros were never a clean operation. HIs stern voice had her shaking her head in between laughter, but he was right. Something she appreciated, the way he looked out for her. Because right now, she could have churros for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. "Yes captain, I promise. Actual food first and treats later, you can keep the churros away from me until then. We should get some for them to enjoy too.” Taking a swig of the water, Laurel saw the Phillips siblings approach the front of the line. At least, the outing had not been a complete disaster. “Here, let’s switch. I get water and you get your churro.”

"Then consider it planned. We'll plan for another soon as she comes out and you're cleared to go." The thought of their baby girl not suffering a fate like them was appealing. Instead of finding a best friend out there she'd already have one. "You say that now but you don't know pain could be way worse than you originally thought and you want to break me in half." It was a joke, though he did think about how much pain she'd actually be in and felt a pang of pain over it. Laurel was about to do the hardest part of the job with no help from him even if he wanted to. A smug little small took over as he noticed her staring and he knew what was going on in her head. She hadn't lost her obvious touch in the years they've known each other and that made a warmth course him. Just to mess with her he licked his lips and made a whole show before he took a sip of the small water bottle. Feeling her finger on his chest made him chuckle and nearly spit out the water. "Careful babe, we may be charged with public indecency."

"Baby, stop. I love you okay?" Eli kissed her hand and smiled. "We came out stronger because of that. Dumb as it was, I feel like it was necessary. Otherwise we wouldn't know how to navigate literally everything that comes our way." He nodded knowing how much love he had. "I know. I love him too. That doesn't stop because we fuck up." The more they talked about baby names the less inspired he felt about finding the one. "She's babygirl but also because you're named after a flower, she's a Rosebud." It dawned on him then, Rose. "Rose. Rosie, Roro. What about R names?" His surprised face greeted her at the fact that the Contreras found a name. "Before us? World record. Do you know what it is or is it a surprise?"

"I'd share my sweet stash with my favorite girls." He sat down next to her and wrapped his free arm around her shoulders while she ate her churro. A part of him looked around and knew their lives would change when they welcomed their daughter into their world. They would no longer be a family of two but of three. That made a silly little smile spread across his features. The talk of Emma brought out a laugh from him as he looked over at the curly hair bouncing across from them. "I don't think she will ever shed that energy off and I love that about her. God, it feels like a lifetime ago that you first met her. She was right, you were going to be her sister in law. She loved you from that first moment. Though I think she liked you because I did so she attached." Letting out a sigh he nodded. "It's been good to have them both here. Feels like our old cabin trip back in college. Except Isa didn't come along but it feels nice to have family around. You know, they want us to move to Chicago so they won't be too far away when baby girl comes. I can see us moving but not to Chicago. I did suggest them move closer to us. I would love for them to be closer and I'm sure Isa would love to have his sisters closer. I think we should do a do over of dinner for them. The last time it got clouded by the argument so I want to give them a fun no drama night. Any thoughts? We could take that to that restaurant you love. They have outside sitting and that comfy bench."

He turned to look at her and chuckled when she had crumbs of cinnamon on her chin. Taking a napkin he wiped it and smiled thinking she was adorable. "I'll get the order to go once we are ready to leave so you can have some more at home. But you gotta promise me you will have actual food first before the treats. If not, no treats for you." He tried his stern voice and laughed. "I got water too."

[tlcrescuepa]

New Post has been published on To Love a Canine Rescue

New Post has been published on https://tlcrescuepa.com/week-end-update-home-stretch-into-the-holidays/

Week-End Update: Home Stretch Into The Holidays

Can you believe, Thanksgiving is only a few days away and some of the pups are super excited because they’ll be settled into their homes in time to celebrate how grateful they are to be a permanent member of their own furever family!

It feels like it was Shepherd week because Margie (now Maya), Rambo, Sophie & Tango all met great people ready to “put a tag on it” as it were. Ferguson (now Potter), Iggy, Juliette & Zoey all have homes in time for the holidays, as does Miss Shana (aka Ridley) who changed her name to Blossom.

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Ferguson now Potter

Iggy

Juliette

Rambo

Shana Ridley now Blossom

Sophie

Tango

Zoey

Margie now Maya

  Vivi & mom

We’d like to thank Vivi FKA Victoria & her mommy for all the support they’ve given us, and a special thanks for all the items they donated to us this week too!

        We have some pre-holiday updates to share with you:

Annalee FKA Anna Lee

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“Here’s our precious Anna Lee at Halloween. We’re having a great time with her. Thanks for bringing her into our life!”

  Logan

“Logan is great. love his energy and spirit. Were discovering more of his traits as we go along. He’s very smart…..super fast. I like the idea of agility training. Love his confidence. He went to the vet today. He checked out great….a couple of parasites which we are treating for. Stool is still loose.  Crating is going well. We will definitely get him some training. such a great pup. I hope Sue’s family is not missing him too much. Thanks for checking in.”

  Charlie FKA Champ

Charlie FKA Champ

“Great to hear from TLC!

Charlie is doing brilliantly and loves his fellow canine Pip Marie. Charlie is loving, affectionate, funny, obediate and some how I feel “grateful” for a home where he is loved. Charlie can still “shy ” and does have more difficulty with males. Charlie is quite the watch dog off AND on leash and we are working on training him to understand he is safe – and that I am too.

We are so grateful to have Charlie – my son is so devoted to him as well. Thank you for providing a safe refuge for dogs before adoption!!! Here is a silly picture of Charlie having a laugh!”

  Luna FKA Diana & Mady FKA Tamber

Luna and Mady

“Hi TLC Team! Luna developed a lump on her hind hip that we had checked out. Originally they told us it was a fatty mass, but told us if it got larger or harder, to bring her back. Well, wouldn’t you know it, it grew and got a bit firmer. They surgically removed it. She spent 10 days with that darn cone thing on her poor little head. It didn’t stop her from doing anything after 2 days. We were told to make sure she didn’t run around, yeah right, they know Luna!! Anyway, the biopsy came back as just a benign, fatty mass. We were all on pins and needles for about 2 weeks until we received the results. Luna is such a blessing to our family. She, along with Mady, bring our family so much joy and make us complete. I don’t know what we would do without them. Just took this photo of them, are they not the cutest puppies ever!!! Oh by the way, the vet told us that the fatty mass is very common for a boxer!!! So I guess Luna has some boxer in her! Happy Holidays!!”

  Ruger FKA Ruben

Ruger FKA Ruben

“Ruger is so happy and we love him more and more each day!

He is 40 lbs now and such a love bug! He gives hugs it’s adorable, he puts one paw on each shoulder and lays his head up to ours.”

      Jesse

“We adopted Jesse in September and she is amazing she let’s me rub her tummy and does a happy dance when we go out. She is so lovable and sweet. It’s so wonderful to see how much love can change a soul, thank you so much”

  Duke FKA Floyd

Duke FKA Floyd

“Overall, he’s been a “puppy”.

We get lots of compliments on the color of his coat. He’s really good with kids and loves attention. “

      Penny FKA Shayna

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“Thank you for reaching out, I hope you’re doing well! 

Penny is doing great 😀. She is such a sweet, loving dog- she has fit right into our life! Penny loves going for walks, playing in the dog park, and snuggling at night. She is mostly house trained at this point and passed level 1 of her dog obedience class! We’re hoping to get her in the next level class or agility class next year. 

We are so grateful to have found her- thank you so much for all of your help and support!! I attached a few photos of our little muffin too!

We’re signed up for the newsletter but please continue to keep in touch and let us know if we can support TLC in any way. “

  Odie

“All is well with Odie! He has adjusted well to his new home. He’s a good dog! Loves taking walks, digging in the backyard & chasing squirrels & birds!!! He is also very playful & loves belly rubs and attention!! Lol

we love having him as part of our family! :)”

  Chester FKA Chase

Chester FKA Chase

“Chase (now Chester) is a happy boy- and so is Roxy! Thanks for finding us such a lovely boy!”

        Norah FKA Harley

Norah FKA Harley

“Norah turned 2 at the beginning of the month we’ve almost had her 2 years in January … she’s so perfect we love her so much and so does her big sister ”

        Remmi FKA Genny

Remmi FKA Genny

“I got the DNA testing back! Remmi (genny) is chow (as u mentioned all dogs are) white swiss and german shepherd, bulldog and boxer!! 🤗 🐶 i love her to pieces! Thanks so much!”

      Lady’s pups celebrated their first birthday

Piper FKA Lally

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With our litter celebrating their first birthday this week, we wanted to send some updates on Piper (Lally).

  She is up to 35 pounds and still very short.

She loves most other dogs, especially golden retrievers, yellow labs, and French bulldogs.

She loves to chase squirrels in the park, walk along the Delaware River on Penn’s Landing, and take lots of naps!

We thankfully got her stomach issues figured out through a mix of specialized food from Royal Canin and a daily probiotic.

She has also gotten a lot less anxious thanks to her vet recommending a daily dose of Prozac.

  We would love to see photos and hear about the rest of the litter as well!”

  Copper FKA Laddie

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I love seeing and hearing about Cooper’s (Laddie) siblings!   

  Cooper is a big boy!  He weighs about 50 lbs.  I’m hoping he’s done growing soon. 

He’s VERY smart, playful and loves other dogs.  He’s not very affectionate but seems to be getting a little better.  He’s such a guard dog!   If he doesn’t know someone who comes over, all the hair on his back goes up. He’s friendly with everyone except some tall men. We can’t figure out why he picks and chooses.   He loves to play on his back while holding toys with his paws. Super funny!   He’s not a fan of the car since he gets sick.  Maybe he’ll outgrow it. 

He’s also great using his doggy door.  He’s a rough and tough dog.  He loves digging, playing ball, frisbee (not a good jumper), going to the dog park and being with family. As you can see, he looks so much like piper but with much longer legs.

Thanks for the update and happy birthday to a great litter! 🎉🎉🎉”

  Luna FKA Laurie

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“It’s so great to see the other pups! It seems that our Luna (Laurie) is the only one with long fluffy hair in the litter! A dog trainer today told me she looked exactly like a Finnish spitz! When I looked it up I couldn’t believe the resemblance!

Luna is a very energetic and bright girl and gets along with other dogs very well. She is very cautious of new people though and will keep her distance until she warms up to someone. She had 2 spells of tummy issues at about 6 months old but we seem to have it under control now. She is a huge cuddle bug and wants nothing but to make us happy! She is quite the chewer though and tends to destroy all of her doggy sisters squeaky toys so we tend to keep those for supervised play time. She is fully grown at only 39 pounds but she has the biggest personality! “

  Endor FKA Lawler

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“I love seeing how everyone grew up!! My 1.5 year old instantly recognized Cooper and Piper because she started calling them “Endy” when we showed her the pictures. 

Endor is also 50lbs. He’s losing his summer coat, so he looks pretty lanky right now. 🙂 He’s DEFINITELY a teenager! He loves playing ball and frisbee, and he enjoys chewing on bones and his antler. Does anyone else’s pup bury their treats??? I’ve NEVER had such a stereotypical dog in my life. If we give him a special bone or treat, he immediately starts looking for someplace to bury it (under the rug…in the yard…in the couch cushions… 🙄) 

He’s a happy boy with a lot of energy. He loves his kids, cats, and mom and dad. And he enjoys chasing the squirrels in the yard. And digging holes. So many holes. In my garden, in my planters, in the lawn… Lol

We took a bunch of training classes, but now that I’m back to work, we’re taking a small hiatus.

One thing’s for sure: he is a very handsome boy! 

Hope everyone else is well. Keep the updates coming, and happy birthday to the L Litter!”