I hope everyone is looking forward to another great week!
Last week was busy, but productive. I love it when I'm busy at work, especially when it's about good news things and not bad news.
It was also a good week on the "fur kids" front too. Sparky is learning how to walk on a leash and go outside to do her thing. Stevie is actually warming up to her and letting her walk with him, or run behind him, really.
Her little legs are so short compared to Stevie's, she has to take four or five steps for every one of his. That's 20 extra steps for the little thing!
She is so cute though. Kevin and I are both so glad to have her in our family. Those first few days, we were wondering if we were nuts, because she was a handful. But now, she's settling in.
Sparky even made a trip to the grandparents' house in Wilson this week. She is a great traveler. On the way, she crawled up me and sat on the back of my neck/top of my shoulders all the way. But on the way home, she curled up on my coat and went to sleep!
She was a big hit for the parents. I think she would have been kidnapped by them if they didn't already have two dogs and the cutest, smartest kid in the world at their house.
Kauri was a bit jealous of Sparky, I think. She kept crawling up into my lap wanting my attention so Sparky couldn't have it!
Speaking of fur kids, my awesome editor, Andy, had a call the other day from someone who was complaining that there wasn't "anything" for teenagers and tweens to do in this area.
After he told me about it, he and I came up with about 15 things off the tops of our heads. And all of them cost little or no money!
One thing that is always good for teens and tweens is to volunteer at the Blytheville Humane Society. With only one full-time paid employee, there are never enough folks around to give all the "babies" the time and attention they deserve.
So if you are a teen or a tween, or if you are the parent or grandparent of one who wants something to do, go out to the shelter on a Saturday. You can take an awesome dog for a walk or a game of Frisbee or fetch, you can cuddle with a myriad of cats and kittens, or you can simply help someone clean out cages, feed and water animals or help with stocking food and supplies.
While you're at it, grab a roll of paper towels or an old bath towel or two and take them to the shelter with you. I know the animals will appreciate it, and all the humans involved will too.
You may even get lots of kisses, from the animals, that is!
Before Kevin moved up here with my girls, I would get so lonesome for them. So I would go out to the shelter and spend some time with the dogs, cats, puppies and kitties there. While I was sad that I couldn't bring them all home with me, knowing that I was wanted and appreciated by those precious balls of fur always made me feel better.
There's a reason why dogs and some other animals are trained to be companions for people with special needs: They can be trained to do almost any task, and they have an endless supply of love.
So the next time you hear someone complain that there's nothing to do, send them to the shelter. They might just bring home a fur kid of their own!
dhilton@blythevillecourier.com