The Year of The Blog

Today is the one year anniversary of my Blog.

Since I didn't bake anything this weekend, I thought it would be appropriate to mark the occasion by posting on the same subject matter that I began with one year ago. I hope this doesn't bore you. If it does, go get a piece of chocolate to eat while you're reading it. What have I always taught you? That's right.......chocolate always helps.

You've been introduced to Emily several times over the past year. She's good girl and thankfully, she's still with me. But like everyone else (including me) she's another year older. Her bones hurt a little more, and some days, she only has one speed. S-L-O-W.

But she's still here.

And she's still fiesty. Did you know that when Boxers are mad or upset, they will sit and turn their back on you. See this?? This is what she does when I'm on the phone.

I wouldn't say that she completely rules the roost though, would you?

(Please note the print hanging over the bed..would you call this life imitating art or art imitating life? )

Although she'll be twelve years old in May, she's still pretty sharp.

Except on those days when she misplaces her glasses.

Boxers are "people" dogs. They like nothing more than to follow you around and gaze at you with THESE pathetic little eyes.

Her favorite thing to do (besides eat) is lay on the carpet in the sun.

Doesn't matter where that patch of sun is, so long as she can stretch out and bask in it.

And sometimes that sun feels so good, she flips herself over, gyrates back and forth and scratches her back for about 5 minutes.

"Oh I'm such a happy dog!"

In 1988 I brought my first Boxer home. Her name was Bridget. I remember people commenting on my particular choice of breed because in 1988, there weren't too many Boxers around.

I've learned that they can be extremely needy, they love people, they love children, they love to stomp on bugs then eat them, they love the sun, they love popsicles in the summertime, they are unbelievably stubborn, fiercely protective and once you get past the farting, they are undeniably sweet.

Although the breed has short hair..............they shed. Seriously, they do. They shed a lot. And when their "winter coat" begins to shed, look out. Don't let anyone tell you differently on this subject. I can't begin to tell you how many people have commented to me how Boxers "don't shed". To those people I say this.........

Trust me,

They do.

My Girl Emily

Hi and welcome to my Baking Blog, SimplySweeter.

Today was going to be my very first baking post however, my dog has been very ill and I have been very worried. So instead of showing you how I frost cupcakes, my very first post is all about her. Hope you don't mind.....

I love my dog.

My spirits are always lifted at the end of a long day by the exuberant greeting of my 10-year old Boxer, Emily. For those unfamiliar with the breed, Boxers are known to wiggle violently when they are happy.....and Emily wiggles 98% of the time. She is 70 pounds of muscle, loves to play with her toys, loves to go for walks and go for a ride anywhere in the car. She is very energetic, always happy, loves people (especially children) and can be fiercely protective.

I am writing about her today because I am worried. Very worried, in fact. Emily was diagnosed with Lyme Disease about two months ago. She just finished her medication and we are off to the Vet for a follow-up this coming Monday. I am hoping that her recent lethargy and digestive issues are only an indication that she needs another round of antibiotics. Since my last Boxer succumbed to cancer at age 8, I am always on the lookout for any telltale signs.....specifically, any digestive trouble but I'm going to try to remain cautiously optimistic, although I can already feel my heart getting heavy. Most Boxers only have a lifespan of 8-9 years. Emily will be 11 years old in May. She has survived a vicious pit bull attack in 2002 and required over 100 stitches in her neck and throat, major surgery to remove a huge mast tumor in her chest in 2004, and in 2006, a case of Bloat (twisted stomach) which required emergency surgery at 3 in the morning... she's a tough girl so I think it's safe to say that she has beaten the odds.

I know it seems trivial. Who cares, right? The economy is the worst it's been since the Great Depression. Thousands of people will lose their jobs this year, many have already lost their homes. Human beings are sick and living with cancer everyday. So I am aware that my concern about the well-being of my 10-year old dog is a mere blip in the world. Except in my world, where I know for a time I will be lost without her. She has been a trusted companion and a rapt listener to my joys and sorrows for the last decade. I know that dogs don't live forever, but at the same time I am ashamed to admit that I am just not ready to let her go yet.

So keep your fingers crossed for us, okay? For just a while longer.