Just Another Day

Well, it's been awhile since I've had the time to blog for a bit, so let me catch you up...

I came back from Dallas in June and set about packing up my entire life to move. I didn't know where just yet, but had to be out by the end of July. I still had one more weekend workshop to attend in Atlanta, so things were just a bit chaotic. Oh, and I was in summer semester for school. Yes, that does get to be a bit much.

We broke our record for rescued dogs. We're at 107 now, with a few more on the way by the end of the weekend. Our trapping volunteers have kicked butt on our feral cat program, trapping and neutering over 180 cats since January. That's definitely something to be proud of.

So, back to the move... I did find a place and moved on July 27. Anyone who knows me knows I bought this place not for the small home, but the land for the animals. I did finally get air conditioning installed two weeks ago, and the new interior paint colors have changed this from the dungeon to the castle. I've been so fortunate to have great friends and CPR volunteers come over to help as well. With new lighting, some rugs, and professional carpet cleaning, it really is becoming a nice place to call home. My parents have been a huge help; I couldn't have even bought this without them. Dad has been by to cut the acre lawn twice now, and follows up to see how the painter is coming along. Mom calls about every other day to check on me, since I now live over an hour from them. I think she's excited as much as me about having a new place. I just love that I have a place that is mine.

We got two dog runs built in the back yard, thanks to a generous donor who saw our ad on Craigslist. We have new dog houses coming today that will help as well. While the runs aren't as ideal as foster homes, it has provided housing for us to bring home four dogs from animal control, saving them from euthanasia. The dogs seem really happy, including Ceasar, a Doberman I brought home on Tuesday. He's one of those that just sucked me in when I first met him. I couldn't stop thinking about him, trying to figure out where we could put him, if we could adopt him. His time was up, and I just couldn't say no. Of course, I have many tails of those... Ashleigh, a little six week old Shepherd mix that stole my heart with a simple kiss and bark... Lily and Ivy who climbed their cage to get my attention... and countless more.

Our annual Cruise for Critters is coming up this Sunday. I'm hard at work trying to procure soft drinks, waters and more food for our 80 guests. It's going to be a great event, and as always, one in which I can actually sit back and just enjoy.

This is also a big week for two of our sponsors. The New South Cafe had a ribbon cutting today for their grand opening of their express lunch room. I have no problem admitting that I pigged out on several of the dishes passed around. Tomorrow, I get to do it again as I attend the grand opening of the second location for The Wound Care Clinic in Pooler since TNSC is also catering their event. And it just so happens, we'll have their food on the cruise on Sunday as well!

Next week is shaping up to be pretty crazy as well. In addition to our spay day with SNAC on Monday, I have to attend a black tie affair on the 13th. Seems I was named to a Top Ten list for Working Women in Savannah. I'm in very good company, sharing the honor with my eWomenNetwork executive managing director Lisa Cree. My parents are accompanying me to the event, and I had to even go buy a special dress just for the occasion. So, I get to be a real Barbie for a night.

Oh, I forgot to mention I finally got my certification as a pet first aid and CPR instructor for the American Red Cross. I'll be teaching my second class on September 15th here in Savannah. I'm still a bit nervous as I get used to it, but I'm hopeful that I'll be a valuable asset to their organization.

School starts back for me on the 15th. I only have three classes this semester, and am set to graduate in January. I'm very excited and am considering starting on my masters next September. Anyone want to sponsor my student loans? :)

On the volunteer front, we're in need of folks for Pirate Fest on Tybee October 6th as well as our upcoming Home 4 the Holidays in November and December. We're also planning a microchip clinic in Port Wentworth for September 22nd, and a 5th anniversary gala for either February or April. We can always use more hands. Just tells us what you want to do, and we'll put you to work!