Sleep.

We all enjoy sleep.

Some folks enjoy it more than others though. It is fair to say that most people require more sleep than I do. Sleep is okay, I guess. I mean, I need my rest. I lay my head on a pillow (or six) every night. Having said that, I will say that some of y'all sleep WAY too much.

Just this week, I have been turned down for pre-work coffee at a coffee shop by two co-workers because they wanted to sleep in. I have been ditched for a late-night-out because the people I was with were "too tired." I feel like every time I turn around, I hear "NO". And when I question it, the answer is always, "Because I'm too tired."

What is so tiring? Why is everyone around me exhausted?

I want to scream, "There is LIFE out here! Come on out, join me!"

There are an elite few people, an estimated 1-3% of the population, that are known as "short sleepers." I have to find these folks and hang out with them.

From http://www.simplehealthguide.com/short-sleepers-saga/:

Famous personalities cited to be short sleeping are T. Jefferson, Da Vinci, B. Franklin. Presently, several of those short sleeping are usually gravitating towards being bloggers, videogames designers, software developers & into social media wherein their sleep behaviours are ideally suited.

Isn't that interesting?

I understand from several articles that I am more than likely classifying myself as a short sleeper when I am not one indeed. However, it is much more fun to think that I have a hDEC2 gene variation, which makes me require less sleep than my peers.

((((Yawn...))) Well, it is time for me to go to sleep. It is 10:27 p.m., so it is way past my bedtime. I'll finish this blog post, including how my ramblings about sleep relate to fostering dogs, on the next go-round...

Make Me a Margarita

I Make It Look So Easy

I received the best compliment today. I was at a PTA event, a fundraiser for my kids' school at McDonald's. My friend Teresa and I were talking about my dog fostering adventures, and she said that I "make it look so easy."

I almost choked on my McDonald's Sweet Tea. I definitely laughed out loud.

I am a MESS! A disorganized, frantic, out-of-control weirdo. Seriously. I figured out when Teresa said that I "make it look so easy" that I may be misrepresenting myself on Facebook, to my friends, and on my blog. I thought it may be appropriate to admit to y'all that I am STRUGGLIN'.

I should give you a few examples.

I have laundry in my basement floor. It is piled. Piled high.

My daughter had an intervention with me recently about her bookbag. She said that her bookbag is starting to look like a paper volcano erupted in it.

We are excited in the morning if the children actually make it to the bus stop on time. Bus-stop-days are good days. Non-bus-stop-days result in an angry pajama-clad Mommy dropping kids off at school.

On that note, it is embarrassing to drop the kids off at school because at drop-off, all of the trash in my car falls out the car door when the teacher opens it to get the kids out. There is nothing more humbling than a teacher picking up an old sweaty sock and a shin guard to throw back into the floorboard of your car.

And work...it is okay to have ONE cup of coffee on your desk. But with me, ONE cup turns into three or four, and the remains of the cream-topped coffee may be growing my daughter's next Science Fair project.

Speaking of my desk, it is pretty bad when you go on vacation and come back to a cleaned desk. They weren't firing me; they were feeling sorry for me because I have to work in a self-created hazardous desk environment.

Back at home, you should see our "shoe closet." DON'T OPEN THE SHOE CLOSET. It is so full of shoes (that we don't even wear), we literally have to take a running start when we are closing the closet door.

I have a printer that my parents gave me for Christmas. Printers are good for creating letters, copying and printing useful information, etc. Our unopened printer box currently serves as a stand to hold our cable box next to our TV. I could open it. Seems like an easy enough task. But nah, I think it looks good sitting right there under the cable box. I will continue to go to my parents' house whenever we need to print something. (You might be a redneck if...)

I have a beautiful antique piano in our living room. It has a layer or six of dust on it. When I do get around to dusting it, it is a quick "around the picture frames" job to make it look moderately presentable.

Sometimes my mom pities me and does our dishes.

Bottom line is...I might make it "look" easy, but life isn't easy. I am a normal human being, with normal problems. Sometimes my problems may be more excessive than other people's problems, but I pick my priorities. Fostering dogs may look easy when I do it because it is one of the most rewarding aspects of my life.

If you have ever considered turning in a few of your duties (dusting, doing the dishes, cleaning out the shoe closet) in exchange for a fun volunteer job, contact one of the following organizations for dog fostering opportunities:

Franklin County Humane Society www.plannedpethoodrockymount.com

Roanoke Valley SPCA www.rvspca.org

Meet the O'Doggies

Meet my newest foster puppies, the O'Doggies. I'm calling them the O'Doggies because I do not yet know their names, though they are in the litter of "O"-named dogs. My kids and I have played around with "O" names, thinking that we may be informed that the girl is Oprah, Olga, Olivia, Olive, or Oma. The little boy pup may be Orville, Oliver, or Ollie.

As soon as we find out the names, we will let you know. Until then, here are the photos of the O'Doggies with their happy foster mom.

Joanna with male "O" pup

Joanna with female "O" pup

"Hello, my name is Joanna. I am a foster failure."

fail·ure
n.
1. The condition or fact of not achieving the desired end or ends
2. One that fails
3. The condition or fact of being insufficient or falling short
4. A cessation of proper functioning or performance
5. Nonperformance of what is requested or expected; omission
6. The act or fact of failing to pass a course, test, or assignment
7. A decline in strength or effectiveness
8. The act or fact of becoming bankrupt or insolvent

It is official. I have adopted a foster dog. The dog I adopted is number 36...Isabelle. That's right...my 36th foster dog. I knew it was going to happen when I refused to send photos to my Foster Coordinator, Michelle, at Franklin County Humane Society. I didn't want anyone else to look at her photos and fall in love. It was confirmed in my mind when my husband called her "Belly," and said that he loved her.

"Belly" is a mini-doxie that fits right in with our family. She is approximately two years old, black and tan, and was recently mommy to a litter of pups. I didn't get to meet her puppies, and it is a damn good thing. I would probably have to apply for a kennel license and adopt them all.

Adopting a dog is always an exciting thing, but the job of the Foster Coordinator is to make sure you keep on fostering, so of course Michelle said "Does this mean I'm going to lose you as a foster?" when I broke the news to her that I want to keep Belly.

I am a foster "failure," as defined above, but keep in mind that while I didn't finish this fostering experience the way I had originally planned, I did make a mini-doxie a very happy member of a doxie family. Sam (my dachshund) and Grace (my first mini-dachshund) love her.

The question remains to those who are reading this...

Am I going to continue to foster dogs?

Why, of course I am. I'm addicted to the "feel-good" that comes from it.

Left to right, Isabelle "Belly"...then Gracie...then Sam Sam

There are local shelters that need your help. Can you open your home to a dog or cat for two weeks?

Franklin County Humane Society: www.plannedpethoodrockymount.com

Roanoke Valley SPCA: www.rvspca.org

Heart-Earned Cash

Aspen needs some of your "heart-earned" cash in order to survive.

My foster dog, Aspen, aka Lillian, aka Layla, needs help to be able to continue to live, as she has a heart condition that requires surgery. She has a loving adoptive family now, but her surgery will be... less than affordable. Can you help out?

Help us save her life...

Lindsay's Writing Assignment

My daughter, Lindsay, is 10 years old. She will be turning 11 in just a few days. Lindsay never ceases to amaze me with the beautiful way she looks at life. Today I was reading the papers that came home in her folder from school, and I happened across a lovely piece of writing about Lindsay's take on dog fostering. I thought it would be nice to share this with you.

Her writing assignment consisted of composing a letter to her teachers detailing her favorite part of the holiday weekend. Keep in mind that on the weekend referenced in the letter, Lindsay enjoyed playtime with friends and a splendid New Year's Eve Party (and she was allowed to stay up to see the ball drop). Yet, she chose to write about her experience with fostering puppies in our home.

It makes me so happy to participate in a volunteer activity that my daughter enjoys so much.

If you are interested in fostering a pet in your home, click here to contact a local shelter:
* Franklin County Humane Society
* Roanoke Valley SPCA

Check out the right side of my blog...look at how many puppies I have had the opportunity to help in just a short time. It is truly a rewarding experience.

"What Fostering is Not" from www.fosterdogs.com

Check out "What Fostering is Not" on www.fosterdogs.com if you have ever considered fostering a pet. There are plenty of dogs and cats that need temporary homes for the holidays! What a way to give back during the Christmas season!

Click here: www.fosterdogs.com "What Fostering is Not"

Go to RVSPCA or Franklin County Humane Society for fostering opportunities in the 540 area.

Billy Currington - Like My Dog

I Am One Seventh of the Foster Parent

All week, I've thought about how lucky I am to have a supportive family that I can count on to help with my puppy fostering adventures. I gave a virtual shout-out to Kevin, my husband, on Facebook:

I'm sure he appreciated my shout-out, but let's face it. Fostering dogs takes work. Work from the dog fosterer, work from any roommates/spouses/kids/other family members, etc.

Kevin wakes up earlier than I do, and with that, he lets the dogs out to potty first thing in the morning. I suppose I could wake up at 4:00 a.m. (before Kevin wakes up for his factory job), but I don't. Kevin starts the day as the puppy foster parent. He talks to the pups as he makes coffee, because often I am not nice enough to have it ready for us to brew the night before (although wouldn't that be organized of me?) He has been known to set a pup on the counter with him while he prepares his morning cup of joe.

During the day, I have others in my life who help me.

As the kids are getting ready for school, it is not entirely uncommon to hear me yell through the house, "Will someone open the door for the pups?" or "Lindsay, check on the puppies!" The kids are a huge part of the equation, walking the pups in the park and playing with them tirelessly. You should hear my daughter's sales pitch when people ask about fostering dogs for Roanoke Valley SPCA or the Franklin County Humane Society.

While I'm at work, my mom often stops by and checks on my foster babies. She lets them out and cuddles them and often feeds them again. Puppies eat a lot. She lays out blankets for them. When my kids get off the bus, my mother is there to greet them. The kids play with the puppies and throw tennis balls and squeaky toys from the patio to the yard.

The permanent dogs in our home, Sammy and Gracie, take part in the foster process. They set the stage for behavior modification. I bet you think I'm crazy. You're right; I am crazy...but in this case, I have a valid point. Sammy and Gracie let the foster pups know what is "allowed." The pups follow their lead. The teeny pups learn quickly to potty outside, not inside. They eat together, but from their own bowls. They cuddle together and sleep close to each other. My dogs "train" the foster dogs. It is truly amazing to witness.

When I come home from work in the evening, I feed them again (generally a feeding frenzy of piranha-like crazy pups) and let them out into the yard for some exercise. I get a lot of credit for fostering dogs, as my name is on the foster contract, and as I manage the online presence of our fostering family. Really though, I am only about one seventh of the "foster parent." My husband, my two kids, my mom, my two dogs, and I are all part of the "foster parent" to these pups.

It is the week after Thanksgiving, but I can be thankful now for the support system I have at home when it comes to fostering these puppies.

Fostering pups is so dear to me, and it is a huge blessing in my life.

If you and your family would like to foster pups, I know of a few great organizations who could use your help. Fostering dogs is a free volunteer opportunity, and it only takes a couple weeks.

Click on either link below for more information about Roanoke and surrounding area fostering opportunities:

Roanoke Valley SPCA

Franklin County Humane Society

You won't regret it.

Our newest foster pup, Dumpster Dudley

Our newest foster pup came home with us today. We will only have him for a week, since a wonderful rescue group is stepping up for him. Fostering Dudley opens a den at Planned Pethood Franklin County Humane Society for another dog, which of course, saves at least one dog life.

Dudley is the black pup on the left.


Dudley was found near dumpsters in Franklin County, Virginia. Makes me wonder who "dumped" him there. Instead, perhaps someone let him roam with no food, making him look for trash to eat.

I'm blessed to have this baby in my house this week. Dudley is about four months old, and black with pretty white paws and patterned toenails.

He's good with kids and dogs; I've observed him with both today.

Click here to find info about how to adopt or foster pets from Planned Pethood Franklin County Humane Society:

http://www.plannedpethoodrockymount.com/

AWESOME blog posting "Shelter Dog Smiles"

You gotta check out this blog posting on Ashley Owen Hill's "Lucky Dog Rescue Blog." She is one of my inspirations. What an amazing woman!

Lucky Dog Rescue Blog: Shelter Dog Smiles

"Muffin" the foster pup & Muffins for Dogs

If you've followed my blog or Liked the FosterDogz Facebook page for any length of time, you know that our family members rotate the coveted responsibility ofr naming our foster dogs.

My 5 year old, Alexander, named our new little sweetie "Muffin." He didn't offer up an explanation, and we didn't ask. She's sweet, and she has chocolate chip spots all over. She looks remarkably like our last foster dog, "Oreo," but I don't think they are related.

Muffin

Muffin has a cast on her foot. I wonder sometimes what happened to her little foot. Since she is temporarily in need of "Get Well" wishes and treats, I have decided to pamper her with some homemade goodies. Tomorrow I will be making the Banana and Oat "Mutt-fins" (see link below) for my little Muffin.

I found lots of links to share for pampering your pups with muffin goodies.

Find great doggie muffin recipes here:
Thepoop.com
Dog Treat Kitchen
All-Natural-Dog-Treat.com
Pumpkin muffins
Banana and Oats "Mutt-fins"

Our "Oreo" has blossomed into a "Lilly"

I am so happy today to report that I found out that our little hound mix, "Oreo," has been adopted by a sweet lady named Michelle and her family. "Oreo" has been named "Lilly," which is ironically a name we considered for her in the first place.

Congratulations to Michelle for scoring such a beautiful new "Lilly" for her life.

Kitties are in Good Hands with Allstate agent Crystal Dillon

I am touched by the way people reach out to help animals in need. Roanoke's Allstate agent Crystal Dillon took in some kittens recently at her office at 5983 Cloverdale Rd. She has found homes for all kittens but one...little Ivy is still available for adoption.

Looks like I will be switching my car, home, and life insurance over to someone who truly cares. I know that I'll be "in good hands" with Allstate Crystal Dillon.

View the Allstate website

Crystal Dillon's contact information

Oreo is crate-trained! So proud of our girl

When I foster, I usually only have about two weeks with the pup.

When the pup goes back to the SPCA to be available for adoption, I want her to be as "adoptable" as possible. I am pleased to report that Oreo is now crate-trained. I open the door for her, and she runs into the crate. Crate-training a puppy is easy, especially if the pup is treat-motivated.

The most important things about crate-training are:

* The crate must always be a "happy" place for the dog
* The crate can never be used as punishment
* The crate is viewed by the pup as her "den." The crate also should be viewed by the human as the pup's "den."
* The crate is great for when you are out of the house (as long as that time is limited), or when you are sleeping. Never crate for extended periods of time.

Oreo is happy in her crate. She runs in there, gets a treat, wags her tail, and lays down for a quick nap. She is so precious!

Click this link for more information about crate training, from The Humane Society of the United States:
Crate Training a Puppy

My precious girl, "Oreo," on the patio

Sweet Oreo

Oreo's are Milk's Favorite Cookie. They are arguably the best cookie in the entire world.

Kevin and I have spent hours on the couch devouring boxes of Oreo cookies with big huge glasses of milk. If we don't pay attention to what we are doing, we can each eat a row of Oreo cookies in one sitting. They are scrumptious!

This blog is not about cookies, though.

This blog is about Foster Dog(z). Kevin and I picked up the sweetest little cookie...er, I mean, puppy...the other day. She is a beautiful black and white hound mix. She has funny little freckles on her legs and belly. She is absolutely precious!

It is Kev's turn to name the pup, and he thought long and hard about it. The rest of us chimed in with names..."How about Daisy? How about Ruby? How about Macy? HOW ABOUT PENELOPE?"

My husband was not swayed by our continuous name request chatter. Consistent with his steadfast personality, he was thorough and detailed in his thought process in this important decision.

The next day (after our poor little cookie remained nameless overnight), he announced the name mid-morning. He must have been hungry for a delicious snack. "Oreo," he said. And so she is "Oreo." Our sweet little Oreo.

Here is our foster baby:

Like Oreo Cookies on Facebook

Oreo Cookies website

Some info used was pulled straight from http://www.nabiscoworld.com/oreo/

TOMORROW: Applebee's Dining to Donate

Stop in for lunch or dinner at any of the 4 ROANOKE/SALEM Applebee's restaurants and 10% of your food/beverage order will be donated to the Roanoke Valley SPCA to help with the care of the animals. You must present your registered swipe card or the attached flyer when paying for the RVSPCA to receive the donation.

Noon-9pm
Salem, Tanglewood, Valley View, or Bonsack Applebee's

APPLEBEE'S DINING TO DONATE FLYER

Look at those eyes! Foster needed in Roanoke area

Repost from Roanoke Valley SPCA:

This little guy is about 3-4 months old, pit mix and under 20 lbs. He was seized... as part of a neglect case and to top it off the little guy had parvo. He was treated and as you can see, recovering nicely. He is shedding parvo and a home without other dogs or a home that has had parvo is ideal. He is shy, well mannered and needs some TLC. He is currently at animal control and needs a 2 week foster. If you can help, please call (540)339-9505 or email asweeney@rvspca.org. The foster coordinator doesn't always get on FB to check responses but does check vm and email.

Please call my beautiful friend, the angel Ann Marie Sweeney at Roanoke Valley SPCA, if you would like to learn more about fostering opportunities. (540) 339-9505

FosterDogz featured in The Roanoke Times SwoCo this morning

FosterDogz Blog was featured today in the SwoCo section of The Roanoke Times!

Anyone who knows me knows that I eat, sleep, drink, and breathe marketing. I am so happy that this article came out today! My wish is that at least one person in this area will read the article and be inspired to make the decision to become a pet foster parent for Roanoke Valley SPCA or his/her local shelter.