Rest

I hope each of you are doing well. Our furry lives have been quite busy lately. Mom and Dad are in the midst of wedding plans for our human sister. Mom has also been sick. She tries to keep going despite her inability to breath.

My furry brothers and sister have decided today is her day to rest. We will allow her to use her laptop, but she can not run all over creation chasing down forgotten wedding stuff. Dad has agreed and he and my human brother will work on Mom's list, today. Our job is to make sure Mom rests. Today, we are Mom's therapy.

We are quite happy. This means we will stay curled up in and around the bed with Mom. When we are alone with Mom, our house is quiet and peaceful. Mom loves the quiet and we know this will be good for her spirit as well as her body.

We send furry hugs and pray each of you have a peaceful Monday.

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

Blessings and No's

Mom and Dad have been very busy lately. My human sister is getting married in September and my parents are running around trying to accomplish all the tasks involved to fulfill Lauren's dream of "the perfect wedding." Humans can be weird, sometimes. They spend too much time concerned about things that are not important.

My parents are trying desperately to keep my human sister focused on what is important. Recently, she asks for hair extensions and told Dad they would cost $2000. My Dad is very even tempered and calm, but his human feathers were ruffled upon this request. He said, NO. I will not pay for hair extensions.

I was proud of Dad for standing firm. He loves his "little human girl" with all his heart and wants to bless her with beautiful gifts. However, Dad wants Lauren to learn the value of money.

Our Heavenly Father longs to bless us with wonderful gifts, but sometimes HE says, "NO." Our feelings may be hurt at first, but later we realize HIS answer is based upon what is best for us.

Please keep Dad and Mom in your prayers as they balance the overflowing doggie bowl full of life's adventures and challenges. Thank you for faithfully following me.

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

The Perdue Zoo

After Mom and Dad returned from vacation, they jumped back into reality. Reality in "The Perdue Zoo" can be quite an adventure. This morning, Mom was up until 1:00 A.M. writing wedding invitations for our human sister, while my furry brothers, sister, and I lay at her feet. Oh, how I wish we could help her. I know she is tired.

Today, I thank each of you for following my blog. When Mom and Dad allowed me the furry privilege of blogging, I never knew it would be so much fun and I certainly never knew I would be blessed with so many human and furry friends. I love each of you and thank you for your continued support, love, and prayers.

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

New Animal Friends

Mom recently visited Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens, Richmond, Virginia. She came home and told me about her new animal friends. I must admit I was initially a bit jealous. She kept talking about the beauty God had displayed on each of them. She went on and on.

After Mom shared pictures of her new animal friends, I realized they could never take my place. They may be beautiful, but how could she snuggle with them or take them to therapy in the hospitals?

Mom reminded me that GOD has a special plan for each of us. We are all uniquely created for a different purpose. I was created to be a big furry dog who loves and encourages others. Each of the butterflies were created for a different kind of encouragement. Certainly, Mom's spirits were lifted after her visit.

I am thankful for each part of GOD's beautiful creation!

Woofs and Wags,

Andrea

Nanuq Visits

Once again, I sent Nanuq to visit our friends at Central State Psychiatric Hospital. Upon arriving and settling into our special room, Dad unleashed Nanuq and let him visit with each patient. He strolled from one to another. There were many patients who decided to visit with Nanuq, but there is always one who is special.

At the beginning of the evening, Dad noticed a young man who was especially excited that Nanuq was there. They spent time together and then Nanuq visited with others. At the end of the evening this young man came back to Nanuq needing more furry love. Dad said, "It was as if he did not want Nanuq to leave."

Each visit is special. We do not always know or see the difference in the lives of the patients. We seek to bring happiness and a little bit of normalcy into otherwise sad lives.

I would not want to spend my furry life locked in a hospital without my animal friends. Mom and Dad keep us (my brothers, sister, and I) on a schedule, but we are still allowed the normal freedoms life in America affords us.

I am thankful we are allowed to visit our friends who are sick. They have illnesses that prevent them from living a normal life. Some are able to be rehabilitated and join us in society, but some live permanently in the Psychiatric Hospital. As I continue to share our experiences with patients, I ask you to pray for those who are not as fortunate as you and I.

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

Nanuq's New Game

Nanuq with one of the staff members. We are not allowed to use pictures with the patients because of privacy.



Nanuq with "all" the balls!
















A couple of weeks ago, I sent Nanuq to Central State Psychiatric hospital. During his visit the patients were taken to an area outside. This area is fenced in and set up for putt-putt. Dad took my leash off and allowed Nanuq to visit freely with the patients.

Quickly, Nanuq changed to rules to the game of putt-put. They now include retrieve. Each time the patients hit the little plastic ball, Nanuq would run and get it. Thankfully, the staff and patients thought this was an interesting game and happily joined Nanuq.

Sometimes, all it takes to brighten someone's day is being silly or changing things from the norm. Nanuq is gentle and loving. He approaches life's circumstances with ease. I am thankful Nanuq has been able to step into the gap in my absence. He loves visiting the patients and I know he brightens their week.

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

Welcome Home

This picture was taken on the dune deck at the cottage Mom and Dad stayed in. Silly Mom is wearing her pj's.



I am a happy camper! My Mom and Dad are home. They had a wonderful vacation. My furry brothers, sister, and I met them at the back door. We were wagging our tails, howling, and nuzzling against them. We were beginning to think they weren't coming home.

We are thankful for our parents. We love them and want them to have wonderful vacation experiences, but we prefer to go with them and most of the time we do. This time the cottage was "not" dog friendly. Thankfully, our human brother was able to stay with us. We prefer the comforts of our own home if we can not go.

Thank you to everyone who prayed for our parents safe return.

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka