I’ve had dogs in my life ever since I was born. 26 years and there has always been a pup around dolling out kisses and begging for belly rubs. I honestly really couldn’t picture my life without a furry little friend by my side.

When my Princess was dying (the dog I’ve had since almost as far back as I can remember), I got Edie. Not because I was trying to replace Princess, because that’s just not possible, but because I wanted her to show the new pup the ropes and so she could meet who would be taking care of me after she was gone.

Since then Edie has been my guardian and best friend. She’s always on the lookout, is terribly sad when I leave, ecstatic to see me when I return, a complete and total brat, but always knows when I need some puppy love. She’s my little shadow and I’m pretty much always tripping over her. Pretty much the exact same way that Princess use to be. She did good showing the new pup how to be.

So when Allie Larkin (bloggy friend!) asked if I wanted to check out her book STAY, I couldn’t say no. Like me, Allie loves her pups to death and in her book, one of the main characters is a big, huge Slovakian dog named Joe. Savannah met Joe after he was accidentally ordered online after an alcohol fueled Rin Tin Tin marathon.

(hi, I could totally see myself doing that. Thank goodness, one bossy pup is all I can handle solo)

And well, Joe turned out to be just what Van needed.

I don’t want to give it all away because I really would love if you all picked up STAY for yourselves. I promise, it won’t disappoint. I laughed. I cried. I really read the whole thing one afternoon while laying out getting a tan. It’s a witty, fabulous novel with characters – both human and canine – that you will fall in love with. The relationship between a girl and her dog is a special one and STAY kind of hits it on the head.

Friday evening I’ll be hanging out with Allie at her reading and signing in Oak Brook. If you’re in Chicago, come by and say hi.

Friday July 16
7:00 PM
Borders
1500 16th Street, Suite D
Oak Brook, IL

Today I’ve spent a lot of time outside with Edie. We’re both pretty thrilled spring is officially here.

It’s just been too nice out to be stuck inside. We were getting cabin fever. Or at least I was. I can’t take anymore cold weather and hibernation.

We played soccer. No, really. She plays soccer. I need to get it on video.

Sometimes it’s nice not working in an office. I doubt I could walk around barefoot, lay in the grass and play with my puppy if I did.

But I mean, if there is a better paying job out there with a little more stability where I could do that? Sign me up!

In my lack of posting due to the crazy busyness and sickness last week, I forgot to mention a very important event.

Edie’s 2nd birthday!

My puppy, the star and real reason you all read my blog, turned  two years old on December 17th. All together now… awww!

Remember the day I got her?

So two years later Edie is still, in fact, the cutest puppy in the history of puppies. She scoffs at the toys I buy her in favor of an empty toilet paper roll and a knotted sock. She has a million nicknames including: Pup, Puff, Dog, Edie Beadie, Bea, Angel Dog and Mamas. She snores in her sleep and gives great hugs. She is the only dog I know who had a comic strip created just for her.

I just couldn’t imagine my life with out her.

Happy birthday Edie!

And now for your entertainment, puppy playing around the little crunchy snow we have on the ground today. (And lots of my annoying puppy mama voice.)

Edie in the snow from Jamie Lovely on Vimeo.

This is what I go through to try to get at least one semi good picture of me and my dog together.

(Don’t mind the just air dried, messy hair and @wienermobile pajama shirt)

I haven’t been sleeping too well lately.

I kind of wish I could be doing this this week instead of running all over the place.

So fuck all this feelings nonsense.

And besides, how can I feel sad when I have the most adorable, smiley pup around to keep me busy?

We were probably watching Desperate Housewives or something equally amazing on Lifetime.

And no, I’m not being sarcastic. I freaking love Lifetime and am not ashamed.

We do laundry every now and then too.

I mean, it’s either that or just throw everything out and buy new stuff. And that’s pretty tempting but I have no money so for now, I’ll just do laundry.

But mostly we take long walks so Edie’s adoring fans can fawn all over her. And believe me, she has many.

Puppies > feelings.

True story.

I couldn’t help snapping a photo on my iPhone of my morning.

Edie pup laying on my pillows with her head resting on my laptop. She’s supervising my tweeting right here. Always in the middle of all the action.

A few month back, Jeanne had a raffle to benefit her roommate’s dog, Rusty. He had to get eye surgery and being the softy for dogs I am, obviously I shelled out some cash for this pup!

Well, it turned out I won a a custom comic strip from MySky.net. Lauren (or Elle!) Skinner is incredibly talented and just kind of took the idea of an Edie comic and ran with it. She chose her favorite Edie post, which was a recent one from last week and the below is what she created.

Thank you SO much, Lauren. Edie is thrilled to be immortalized as a comic and I’m in love with it!

This is how I’ve been spending my summer days.

A pile of library books and running around with Edie outside. She digs in her pool and tries to eat the water.  Then she proceeds to roll in the only small patch of dirt in our yard because she loves me THAT much.

She’s lucky she is cute.

such a sad, pathetic looking pup?

(She doesn’t have laser eyes that burn through you in real life. Pinkie promise.)

My poor Edie had a rough day. She couldn’t walk straight from the wearing anesthesia. Was terrified I’d leave her again. Wouldn’t walk with the e-collar on. As soon as she came out from the examination room, the whole packed waiting room let out a collective “awww” and giggle and said how sad she looked.

Right now, she is sleeping at the foot of my bed wearing an old tshirt of mine that I have knotted in the back. She can’t lick her stitches with it on and now she will actually move from one spot instead of standing frozen like a deer in headlights.

I’ve been told to keep her calm for 10 days. Calm means no running, jumping, playing, etc. Do they not know that is all little Corgis are made of? It should be an interesting few weeks to say the least!

Thanks for the well wishes. This nervous mama appreciated it.

Hopefully she heals up soon and puppyness is back in full effect soon. We have playdates to schedule!