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Fun
Photo from Christmas Time 2016
From the Omaha Police Mounted Patrol, "Santa was out with Blaze and Eastwood accompanied by Officers Waller and Vansickle."
Thank you to the Omaha First Responders (and of course Santa) for all you do! We appreciate you!
Merry Christmas from Hannah and Charlie!
This is my friend Hannah's cat Charlie. Once a year, Charlie dresses in her Christmas best for a picture. You are such a good sport, Charlie!
Dog and cat vision!
New comic every Friday!
Our prize goldfish and her friend have another friend added a year in - The Plecostaomus. He is pretty shy and difficult to photograph.
Here are Sapphire and Ruby in September 2016, the day we got them.
They were tiny!
Here are Sapphire and Ruby in September 2017.
I have just started a few projects with a fun group, Rover.com.
Rover is the nation's largest network of 5-star pet sitters and dog walkers.
How Rover Works
by Nat Smith, Rover.com community member
Rover.com is a dynamic, supportive community of dog lovers. The site connects owners with dedicated, experienced caregivers who provide a range of services like pet sitting and dog walking.
But it goes deeper than that. At its heart, Rover gives you a way to expand the borders of your family. Whether you’re a busy owner who needs a trusted source of support or an experienced pet-sitter with a lot of love to give, Rover makes it possible to find exactly what you need.
How The Site Works
When you sign up, you can set up a profile as a dog owner, dog sitter, or both. For sitters, Rover will run a background check to ensure the safety of the site’s users. Rover specialists determine whether a sitter’s level of experience qualifies them to provide care through the site, and once they approve an application, the sitter can complete their profile.
Owners use the search tools to find local care providers. They might need dog boarding, house sitting, dog walking, doggy day care, or drop-in visits. Owners then browse profiles, contact a sitter, and set up a meet and greet prior to the initial stay.
Rover itself provides access to 24/7 support, including vet assistance; handles automatic, secure payments; covers premium insurance for both parties; and walks owners and sitters through every step of the process.
Hiring a Sitter
Owners should think through the following questions: What helps their pets thrive? They should think back to past experiences with strangers, or times they’ve been away. Is their pet happiest in their own home? Nervous with new people? Do they get along with other animals? What unique care requirements does their pet have?
Owners can narrow Rover search results with the specific dates they will need care. Rover’s system of owner reviews can give guidance on which sitter profiles to focus on. Once they have contacted a sitter, the owner can schedule an initial meeting prior to any stay or walk. This gives them get a sense of who the sitter is, and they can watch the interactions with their pet. Does the sitter’s personality match up with their pet’s needs? Owners should ask any questions that will help them make the final decision. Everyone can also go for a walk together or enjoy playtime during the meet and greet. Owners should look for a connection that helps put their pet at ease, and a confident sitter with great communication skills.
Becoming a Sitter
After signing up, sitters will create a profile, set their rates and availability, respond to requests, and enjoy their first stays. Over time, they can raise their rates and increase their income. Sitters can choose which services they’ll offer, and customize their profiles with plenty of personal information to help owners make informed decisions. Successful sitters keep their availability up to date at all times, respond promptly to requests, and employ excellent communication skills. They demonstrate their reliability and devotion to pets with each interaction.
Whether people join Rover as a sitter or owner, they may soon find themselves on both sides of the equation. Lots of sitters are biding their time until they can adopt a dog of their own—at which point, they’ll turn to Rover for sitter support. Meanwhile, many owners find that pet sitting is a great way to socialize their pets and earn income on the side. They’ll forge lifelong connections, and give their pets one wonderful experience after another.
Randy the Greyhound grew up in the forests of Florida. He lived his life on a chain with a half barrel for shelter and scraps and water once a day. He was a sad puppy, but not for the reasons you might think. He was a sad puppy because he never had anyone to hug.
Most dogs do not like hugs. Randy, being a rather different sort of puppy, was always searching for someone to hug.
Mom and Dad were chained to other half barrels too far away to snuggle. The Man Who Brought Food never wanted hugs. When Randy was brought to the track to run, everyone just told him to run faster and to focus more. He kept his eye out for someone who might need a hug as badly as he did, but all of the dogs and all of the people were focused on the track and the stuffed bunny. Sometimes he did chase the stuffed bunny, only to ask if he wanted a hug. He never got close enough to ask.
"This one has no focus," he heard a man grumble. "Never should have been bred. The dam and sire have no focus either." Randy knew they were talking about him because they kept looking at him sideways. "Maybe they needed hugs!" Randy thought, running up to them. "No use keeping them around," another man said. They did not need hugs. Randy walked back to the track with his ears and tail low.
The next day, a tiny, fierce looking woman arrived in the forest with one of the men who had been talking about Randy. They were arguing. Just as quickly, they were shaking hands and exchanging money and signing papers.
Randy and his parents and three of the other greyhounds found themselves in the back of a dark van with the woman. Her fierceness softened, and she said, "You are safe. I am taking you home." Randy did not know what she had said, but he relaxed and curled up and slept.
When the woman opened the door several hours later, she brought Randy into a home filled with kind people. Everyone petted him gently. He had never been pet. He imagined that was what a hug felt like. Carpet! He had never seen anything like it! He asked the cat watching him from around the corner if he wanted a hug. He did not, but he said he didn't mind having Randy there. He was used to having dogs come and go. They ended up being good friends.
A few weeks later, Randy was brought to another home with a wonderful, kind woman. He somehow knew she was his person. She petted him gently and talked to him softly. Randy did not think he could be happier.
Their first outing, Randy was brought to the veterinary hospital. The vet looked him over and declared him The Finest Greyhound She Had Ever Seen. She opened her arms. He gently set his head on her shoulder and she wrapped her arm around him for a long time. He leaned in and snuggled. This! This is the only thing that could make him even happier than he was! His first real hug!
The vet looked at Randy's new human. "Dogs do not usually like hugs," she said. "Your dog is going to need all the hugs! I am quite sure he had never been treated gently before he was rescued."
So Randy's new human hugged him every day. Every time Randy came to see his veterinarian friend, she knelt in front of him and gave him a gentle hug too.
Randy had everything he had ever wanted and more.
The rescue group who had saved Randy and the others went on to save the rest of the dogs in the forest too. Other rescue groups joined them, and together they rescued all of the Greyhounds in the land, finding each one a wonderful home and helping shut down dog racing completely.
When in doubt, refer it out!
One sunny June afternoon, Mrs. Claus and the elves were in the kitchen making suet treats for the reindeer, when she looked up and said wistfully, "I think I would like to see the pets at the Nebraska Humane Society."
"Nebraska?" asked Santa from behind his Saturday Evening Post. "Well, let's go then!" They finished the treats together and prepared the sleigh. The reindeer were excited for an off-season trip.
A few moments later, the sleigh gently touched down in a field near the Nebraska Humane Society.
Santa and Mrs. Claus went inside. Even dressed in summer clothes, all of the children recognized them.
Together with the crowd of children, they went around to greet all of the pets. The most wonderful of all was a beautiful cream colored Doodle who cocked his head and smiled warmly at them all. " I would call you Cecil," Mrs. Claus said softly.
As evening approached, the children were called one by one to leave with their families. Santa went out to prepare the sleigh and the reindeer for their trip home.
Mrs. Claus paused again in front of Cecil. He put his paw up on the gate and she put her hand on his paw. She turned to walk toward the exit. She came back to Cecil.
Santa was waiting with the sleigh and the reindeer, but Mrs. Claus knew he wouldn't mind if she took a few minutes to clear her head.
Summer was busy enough. Imagine having a dog to care for at Christmas time! Mrs. Claus was not sure the timing was right for a new dog. But if not now, when?
"Are you coming, Dear?" Santa texted.
"I really love this dog, Dear. What should we do?" Mrs. Claus texted back.
Santa knew just what to do. He kneeled next to the sleigh and began to pray. The reindeer took a knee and prayed too.
Inside, Mrs. Claus also prayed. "God, I just need a sign!" she said.
Mrs. Claus walked into Animal Outfitters, the pet supply shop of the Nebraska Humane Society, still praying. She came to the leashes. "We don't need a leash. We don't have a dog," she thought sadly.
Then, there it was. The most beautiful leash Mrs. Claus had ever seen. Among all the summery designs that June evening was a wonderous Christmas leash. It was Christmas tree green with running dogs wearing Santa hats. It was the only Christmas leash. It was the only one of its kind. A sign! The sign! Mrs. Claus laughed and texted Santa, "please come back!"
They applied to adopt Cecil. They were, of course, approved. They bought the leash. They left together even happier than they had been before.
And they are all still living happily together today.
-The End-
ONE YEAR AGO
TWO YEARS AGO
New comic every Friday!
I am thankful for friends and family <3 And friends and family are thankful too...
From Linda McDermitt...
I am thankful for my children and the care they gave me in my time of need!
From Katrina Andrews...
I'm thankful for dogs who remain Velcro dogs into their 15th year.
From Karen Schumacher...
I’m thankful for advances in medicine that help keep me working and the love and support of family and friends 💜
From Karen Finch...
I'm thankful to be the Mother in Law of an amazing Vet who takes such great car of our dogs, Jacy and Lucy!!!
(Aw thanks!! I love you!)
From Donna Kay...
I am thankful that I get to come home from work every day to these three wagging tails. Well, two wagging tails and a wagging stump.
From Russ...
I am thankful I get to work for myself and with my nephew and friend.
From Amanda...
Dogs.
From Abby...
I am thankful for cute dogs and friends.
From Chloe...
Friends.
From Cindy Choi...
I am thankful for the friendship of Shawn Finch.
:)
I am thankful for all of YOU.
New comic every Friday!
Being a vet is tough and full of heartache. It is the most rewarding career I can imagine. Through their childhood, Abby and Amanda have declared their plans to be vets (and teachers, artists, writers and more).
We want to be vets so we can pet dogs like Noodle!
We want to be artists like Uncle Dave!
"Don't you guys want to be Millard North Mustangs?"
"No Mom, we want to be Central Eagles!"
As a young woman, Abby has come full circle and is determined to be a vet. I am proud of her, and excited to share this amazing career with her.
I am thankful Abby wants to be a veterinarian.
Abby and Luna
As a young woman, Amanda is determined to be a librarian.
Amanda and Squirtle at Worlds of Fun
I am thankful Amanda does not want to be a veterinarian.
I am proud of her, and relieved that she will be shielded, not from the pain of life, but from the pain of the veterinary field.
Abby and Amanda are huge helps. The baby Boxer would not stop...needing another bath, while Teddy waited patiently for his walk.
They both could change their minds, and we will support them 100%, but where they are now stirs up a mixture of pride, trepidation and relief.
Abby with Olive, Robert and Uncle Dave. Don't think I don't obsess about the futures of our nieces and nephews too, because I do!
Amanda with Arthur. He is undecided about his future plans and prefers to enjoy the present. You are so wise Arthur!
New comic every Friday!
I am thankful Mom and Dad let us stay in their home for eight months.
Ebony chewed all their doorknobs and escaped to the cornfield every chance she got.
Max the Cat bit Mom and Dad's cat Oliver on the butt. (Doubly rude - Max was in Oliver's house AND Oliver must have been running away at the time!) I took Oliver to see Dr. Teter since I did not yet have a veterinary job in town.
I am thankful our house in Omaha smelled like apples when we first walked through.
That is why I told the previous owner (against Karen and John, our real estate agent's frantic advice) that I would pay anything to own her house.
Because Mom and Dad let us live with them, and because our house-to-be smelled like apples, everything came together to provide our favorite living space to date.
Finch home - the earlier days!
Buying our house is one of the best decisions we have ever made. We love our neighbors, we love the schools and we still love our little home.
ONE YEAR AGO
OBSERVING A FOUR YEAR OLD PROCESS WITH A MATURITY FAR BEYOND HIS YEARS
TWO YEARS AGO
When I was between jobs in 2011, I started a comic strip called "When I Grow Up, I Want to be a Vet," that continued until I had all my frustrations from previous experiences out of my system. There were a few comics about my current job, but not rooted in frustration. I wasn't sure where it would go and how it would end. Part of me wishes I was still creating the comic. I processed what I needed to process, and thankfully, ran out of new material.
I am thankful for every situation that I was able to turn into a comic.
I will post a comic from "When I Grow Up, I Want to be a Vet" here every Friday until we have gotten through them all. If you would like to see the original website where all the comics are, it is here...
When I Grow Up, I Want to be a Vet
...
Post from one year ago today...
November 3, 2016
...
Post from two years ago today...
November 3, 2015
A sweet Dalmatian presents endless possibilities...
Oh Scamp! You are such a good sport!
It is difficult, but possible, to make a (friendly) hamster look scary.
I miss the Jones hamsters! They were good sports!
The possibilities are endless!
