Harlie & Me

lover of many things, shoes being one of them

It’s been a minute since I posted an official blog post about Harlie. A lot has happened over the last 10 months and Harlie is thriving and living her best life. Since the Covid-19 pandemic hit in March and we’ve all been mostly confined to our homes Harlie has loved the extra time we’ve gotten to spend together. From the extra snuggles, to more walks and playtime, to helping me “work” she is by my side all day, every day. I didn’t think I could love her any more than I already do but she is my everything.

she’ll do anything for attention

soaking up that sunshine

living her best life

From her temper tantrums and dramatic lay downs when she wants attention or doesn’t want to do something, she is still the best dog (for me) and I’m so happy to have this extra time to spend with her.

lazy days

For all you dog owners and animal lovers out there, I hope you are equally enjoying this extra time you get to spend with your fur babies. And for all the people who have adopted pets during the pandemic I hope it’s bringing you much joy during what can be a difficult time. I adopted Harlie through Diamonds in the Ruff located in Niagara County. They are one of the many great rescue organizations in WNY if anyone is looking to adopt or foster animals.

-B

Harlie & Me ...& Her Family Tree

It’s been a hot minute since I posted about Harlie. As I’m writing this post she’s currently curled up in a ball next to me sleeping (oh Harlie girl <3). Harlie turned three years old a few weeks ago and we celebrated with some of her best pals coming over (my niece and nephew). Harlie continues to do what she loves - chasing rabbits, eating snow and digging for socks out of the hamper and having me chase her around the house with them in her mouth.

For Christmas, my brother, Matt, got me an Ancestry DNA kit which I was super stoked for, but also got me a Wisdom Panel DNA kit for Harlie (which made me more excited). I didn’t even know they had DNA kits for your pets. The whole process overall, from collecting the DNA to sending it in was pretty simple. I received Harlie’s results a little over a week ago. Check it out…

So to recap about Harlie, I adopted her from Diamonds in the Ruff (located in Niagara County) when she was about 10 weeks old. All I knew about her was her approximate age, that she came from Kentucky and that she was a boxer/spaniel mix.

When I read through the results I was surprised by some areas and not surprised in others. For instance, Harlie is part boxer (already new that), but she also has part Saint Bernard in her (how cool!). The results also showed me she is not only energetic and smart, but loyal. See below for more details.

The DNA kit not only broke down the different dog breeds and explanations, but also broke down her family tree all the way to her great grandparents. Overall I’m happy with the results and knowing more about Harlie’s background.

Until next time,

-B & Harlie

Providing Inspiration Over Coffee and Conversation

In one week I will be a part of an evening where people will be sharing stories of hope, love and inspiration. Things I think this world needs a lot more of nowadays. When I was asked to partake in this event, I was honored. Honored in the sense that one of the most important things to me, is inspiring people {whether I know them or not} to never give up and to know there is always someone there for them.

One of the best things I've gotten out of starting my own blog was getting to meet people within the local community who continue to inspire me each and every day. Next Thursday at 6:30 pm I'll be alongside my very good friend Kate from Hope Rises  who invited me to speak about Just a Blonde in Buffalo at the upcoming Daily Chatter event at Daily Planet Coffee Co. Inc. 

Not only will Kate and myself be sharing our stories, but you will get to meet a handful of amazing speakers who will be sharing their stories about hope and love. 

Come enjoy a delicious cup of coffee followed by some good conversation  on the 12th. 

-B

Harlie and Me - 1 year

{the first day I got Harlie}

It was 1 year ago that Harlie came into my life. I won't forget the day I went to pick her up from the foster family with my brother, I was excited and nervous. It had been forever since I had a puppy and I didn't want to do anything wrong or make any mistakes. I constantly thought am I doing the right thing. The first few weeks I remember hating to leave her because I didn't want her to think I wasn't coming back. I would come home from work during the day just to check on her and make sure she knew that I would always be here.

As this past year unfolded, I learned a lot about Harlie and I think its safe to say she has learned a lot about me. As I'm writing this post she's laying next to me napping while soaking up the sun.

She reminds me of both my family dogs - she has Sabre's goofiness and she has Wallace's "cuddleness". She knows how to test me, has at least one temper tantrum a day, but also gives me the security I need.

You see buying my home and moving out was one of the most accomplishing things I can say I have done with my life, but it was also a struggle for me to go from being surrounded by people at home to coming home to an empty house. Add that on to my anxiety of being alone at night, having a dog was the solution to my worries. Growing up with dogs in my house since I was little is a part of me. It was choosing the dog that was right for me and Harlie was it, she is like my best friend. Even on my worst days she is always there to cheer me up.

Some people who may read this won't understand, but I really don't care. As Harlie and I celebrate are 1 year anniversary together as a family, we will celebrate with maybe an extra dog treat for her and a glass of wine for me. A special thank you goes out to my friend Kate who helped me with finding Harlie and another thank you goes out to Diamonds in the Ruff for the amazing work you do each and every day.

Until next time.

-B & H

Harlie's "unofficial" First Birthday

{the pictures on the left are from Harlie and me on Christmas and last night, the photo on the right is her a couple days after I brought her home at 10 weeks old}

Last night my family and I celebrated Harlie's 1st birthday. I don't know her exact birth date, all I know is she was 10 weeks old when I picked her up and it wasn't stated on her paperwork the DOB.  I am guess it was between last week and this week. Because she has a sensitive stomach I didn't get her a dog cake because I didn't want her to get sick, so I gave her a couple extra treats instead.

I think she was really happy running around the house with my niece and nephew and spending time with the people that love her most. I posted this picture {see above} on my Instagram account last night, unless you are an animal lover, you really don't know how much a dog is a part of your family. They may not be able to talk to you, but there are other ways that they communicate with you. Harlie has helped me in such a short period of time and I can't imagine my life without her.

Until next time...

-B 

Harlie's Adventures -November

{Harlie at Como park in Lancaster last week}

Its been a little while since I posted about Harlie. While she is still her rambunctious self, she is more alert and aware of her surroundings. She listens to her commands and she loves the visitors that come over. She has graduated to adult dog food too!

Making the decision to get a dog, was the best thing for me. She helps with my anxiety of living on my own and also makes me feel safe. If you or someone you know is looking to adopt or foster an animal during this time of year Diamonds in the Ruff is truly an amazing animal rescue group and I'm so happy I went with them.

{Harlie went for her first run with me at Delaware Park at the beginning of November, she did so well!}

As for what's next with Harlie, I'm looking  forward to celebrating her first birthday next month and to see how she behaves with the Christmas decorations up, I have a feeling she is going to jump on the tree for the ornaments and pull down the stockings, boy I hope I'm wrong.

Until next time.

-B