Say what you want about dog being man’s best friend. Much to Bonaparte’s chagrin, our little rescue rascal, Chippy is my best friend too!
Isn’t he just too cute???
And anyone who enters through our hallowed threshold will be well-aware of that within moments of meeting him!
We adopted this little mass of wavy hair two years ago. You just know that I am going to tell you this story so you just may as well grab a fresh cup pot of cawfee, or a kettle of tea—or a bottle of wine.
We are STILL trying to figure out how he ended up at a rescue because he’s just a great little pal!
When Bonaparte and I became a union, he had a Corgi. Bugsy (Bugsy and I did not get along but there was a mutual respect between us)
Bonaparte’s Bugsy. It bothered me to no end that this Corgi was not properly trained. I couldn’t even give him a treat without his trying to bite me. Instead, we just had a mutual respect.
I had a Basset Hound, Dorothy. Dorothy had been adopted from the Tri-State Basset Rescue. She was found, tied and bound to a tree in a park in Jersey City. They did not know how long she had been there but she was a mess when I adopted her. It took—and I’m not kidding—a good year to re-condition her.
Dorothy was one of the most pathetically funny sad sacks on earth. We would howl together and her favorite pastime was taking pillows from the sofa and humping them!
Check out the love between these two sisters! It was hard to believe that Dorothy was close to death when we adopted her. They loved running around at Rosedale Park in Pennington, NJ when we lived there! I miss you girls!
Ruby—she was our baby. We got her when she was 8 weeks old and became a large part of the family…you can click on the link below—it was one of the first posts I wrote. I get sad when I think of her.
OK..So back to the present—sort of!
After Ruby passed away, Bonaparte’s Corgi, Bugsy, passed on less than a year later. We truly were empty nesters.
A couple of months after Bugsy’s passing we went on our yearly visit to France.
When we returned, I approached Bonaparte about the possibility of adopting another dog. He wasn’t ready, but he thought it may be a good idea to start visiting the SPCA’s in the surrounding area.
It was painful to see so many dogs in those cages—I wanted to take them all home, but we just weren’t ready.
A few weeks later, Oona called. She instructed me to go to the site of “Main Line Animal Rescue”.
She instructed me to go to the “Adopt” page. She directed me to the cutest and scruffiest little dog. My eyes grew larger. OMG. He was adorable!!! His name was “Chippy”!
I needed to meet him. But the challenge was trying to convince Bonaparte to just “meet” this adorable little rascal!
I begged and pleaded. FINALLY, and I swear it was just to shut me up, Bonaparte agreed to “look” at Chippy!
I called MLAR and left a message to see if we could stop by and “meet” Chippy. I also mentioned this news to a neighbor who was extremely active within MLAR.
We got the call to go to MLAR and meet “Chippy”.
As we were driving to meet him, Bonaparte firmly stated to me about sixteen times:
Bonaparte: “Cassee. Get ziz srew ou ‘ed. We ahr NIT coming home wiz zis deg. Do ou unnersan”?
(Translation: “Cathe, Get this through your head. We are NOT coming home with this dog. Do you understand?”)
Me: “Yeah.” (eyeroll) “I unnersan”
Upon arriving at Main Line Animal Rescue we were bewitched and mesmerized by the sight. MLAR is the country club—the absolute retreat for animals. And boy, do these rescues deserve to live in a sprawling magnificent field of greenery. It’s beautiful. All I could think of was what animal would want to leave???
Main Line Animal’s Entrance. Isn’t this AMAZING?????
We drove along a little winding road to the “office”.
Another one of MLAR’s buildings. I’ll tell you these animals DESERVE to live here!
When we opened the door and entered, we were greeted by dogs. Large. Medium. And Small. I spotted a lab that reminded me of Ruby and almost started crying! The dogs were just so happy! They all greeted us as though we were old friends!
Bonaparte was standing guard at the door—seemingly ready to make a quick getaway at any time.
Then Chippy came out!
He came up to me and started to jump around while I just laughed at him.
Then—as if he had a sixth sense, he marched over to Bonaparte who was still standing guard at the door. Chippy looked up at Bonaparte.
Bonaparte looked over at the volunteers at the desk and asked:
“An whut eez zuh pwosideure to tek ‘im ‘om?”
(Translation: “And what is the procedure to take him home?”)
At that moment, my neighbor, Nathan, walked through the door—he had a very strong suspicion that we would be taking little Chippy home with us!
We were gifted with a crate and a group of young, female volunteers surrounded Chippy with lots of goodbye and good luck wishes and kisses!
It took a few days for Chippy to settle down. Just as it took a few weeks for all three of us to learn to live together.
No being too keen on the name “Chippy”, I suggested to Bonaparte that we change his name to “Rugby”. It was a kind-of hybrid name between “Ruby” and “Bugsy”. Plus—it was a cute name.
After two days his name went back to “Chippy”. Bonaparte couldn’t pronounce “Rugby”.
He would call out to either “Rugsy”, “Rubsy”..or “‘Bouggee”. “Chippy” was easier!
He is now the King of the Castle.
The royal rascal “King Chippy” on one of his many thrones!
Bonaparte gets upset because he does most of the “work”, like take Chippy out to poop. (Chippy refuses to do that for me). He also takes Chippy to the vet and takes him out late at night. Bonaparte has a hard time understanding why Chippy comes to me first.
Chippy especially loves when the kids come home to visit because he becomes even MORE spoiled than he is now. Oona refers to Chippy as “The Favorite Child”!
I give Chippy treats. Lots of treats.
He loves his Peanut Butter Milk Bone Sandwiches! I fill a Kong with his treats too! Oh shit! He just threw up a bit. I may have given him TOO many treats today! Oops!
In addition, I take him with me in the car and I turn the music up to “11”. And we both sing along!
We sing “Who Let The Dogs Out” really loud in the car!
He makes me feel good when I’m feeling worthless.
Chippy will let me know everything’s gonna be alright just by the way he looks at me–even on my worst days!
Chippy lets me know when he’s hungry.
I know I look appetizing to you, but I’ll get your food now! No need to lick your chops!
He takes my sports socks when I’m trying to get dressed. Then we laugh about it!
“Chippy. I’m wearing my Tory Burch boots today. Did you see my sock?” “Oh you little rascal!” “HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!”
He waits patiently for me while I’m getting ready!
“OK Chippy. I’ll just be a minute–I have to put mascara on!”
He lets me to silly things to him without getting pissed at me.
“That’s it Chippy! You look so cute in that Babushka” “It’s by Coach!”
He defys me—but in such a subtle way!
I tried to explain to Chippy that he isn’t allowed on the living room sofas. I wouldn’t have white sofas in the house when the kids were younger–and I don’t want YOU getting your doggie hair all over the place. It’s bad enough I have MY hair shedding! See! He doesn’t listen. Another one of His Highness’s thrones!
He loves me unconditionally.
I love you too, you little rescue rascal, you!
He is a reason for my smile!
One of my favorite pics of all time. Chippy photobombed me! This was taken in January–just before I started my blog! He does make me smile!
Oh..sometimes Chippy can be a real pain-in-the-ass. Especially when he barks at people—but he’s just being my protector. I may give him a couple of eyerolls and tongue clicks when he jumps on me at 6AM to wake me up, but then he cuddles with me so I’m happy! Bonaparte is extra happy when Chippy climbs in between the two of us!
First he’ll jump on me early in the morning–then he’ll give me a look like this. Who can resist??
Bonaparte loves when Chippy cuddles like this in between us!
You got a dog? Go give her or him a big hug. Just because!
Oh..and there are times when I just KNOW Chippy is more of a deep thinker than I am!
They are NOT just man’s best friend! Dogs are EVERYONE’s Best Friend!!!!!!!!
Hug that doggie of yours today!
Today! ATOMIC DOG!! By George Clinton! Our Dogs Be Bangin’!!!!! ALL Dogs are Atomic! XOXOXOXOXO!
My little Chocolate Kiss ( actually he’s a chocolate Lab ) is named Hamish. I’m thinking of changing his name to ” Dior ” as in ” No! Not My Dior Makeup! ” Hahaha, Oh well. All he does when he gets it is throw it over the fence into the neighbors yard with all the other things he has no use for.
No harm no foul.
And it is pretty funny.
I loved this post and I’ll probably read it a few more times.
It’s awesome.
Hi Anita! I’m so glad you enjoyed the post! Isn’t it amazing the “naughty” things our little dogs do? Chippy “snacked” on a good pair of my Rondini sandals. Luckily, I was able to get them fixed earlier this summer! He’s waiting patiently right now for me to go to the kitchen and start to prepare dinner–only in hopes of stray crumbs. I should have named him “Dyson” after the vacuum! XOXOXOXO!!!
How cute is Chippy! Love the picture of you two snuggling in your profile pic. I really enjoyed reading your story of rescuing your best friend. How weird is it that I have a blog post saved in my drafts to be posted next week called A Girl’s Best Friend, about my experience with adopting our rescue pup?! I think we have something in common 😉 haha
So glad I found your blog. Looking forward to reading more of your writings and more of your furry friend!
Hi Hil! OMG. I’m so glad that we have something in common! How old is your rescue baby???? My little one is at my feet right now! He was so naughty before. Bonaparte fed him. Then ten minutes later Chippy came running up to me and jumped all over as though he hadn’t had a bite. He’s soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo cunning! XOXOXO. Can’t wait to read your post next week about Girl’s Best Friend. Make sure you have pics! XOXOXOXO!!!
She’ll be a year in October so she’s just a little one still, but full size physically now. She definitely does the same thing with us too, if I feed her before Corey gets home she’ll wait by her bowl to see if she can get him to feed her too. Sneaky little buggers they are haha I’ll have pics for sure! Have great weekend 🙂
so cute! loved your story but can’t even get mine to go up the road to look at the dogs – hm, does that say anything? was wondering about the white couch as well, – re a convo had today with someone about theirs) thought maybe it was a slipcover – and glad you could get your shoes fixed – my son’s gf’s dog snacked on 2 pairs of good leather shoes of mine – the ones I wore to my dad’s visitation afterwards – so no time for repair – had to get out the next morning before his funeral and hunt up another pair – then it ate those two – oh, well, at least it was all over then – but just trying to decide do I want to go through all that? but I’d love to have another one!
OK–the white sofas. Yup! They ARE slipcovered. Here’s the lowdown: One sofa is from Ethan Allen. Had it about ten years. The slipcovers are washable (which I have to wash). I do NOT put the slipcovers in the dryer. I airdry–it takes a couple of days for them to dry, but they don’t shrink. One sofa is a Cindy Crawford sofa–again, slipcovered. Same thing with washing the slipcovers. Now–for the remainders. We have a loveseat, a sofa and a club chair..all three are from the slipcovered Ektorp collection from Ikea. These slipcovers are not only washable, but Ikea sells additional slipcovers for an outrageously low price. I do place a coverlet over the sofas when I’m sitting on them because Bonaparte is afraid that the product, Toppik, that I use to “cough” “disguise” my BALD SPOTS, could rub off on the sofa’s fabric. (It doesn’t. I keep Bonaparte amused). So yeah, slipcovered furniture is definitely the way to go!!
OHHH..as far as the dogs eating shoes–I have found out that a spray of “Bitter Apple” will keep our little babies away from snacking on leather–and wood cabinets as well! I’m glad you enjoyed the story! XOXOXOXOXOXO!!!
Catherine. reading your posts makes me happy. I love your pictures of Chippy — the black and white one in particular. I’m fifty — lost my husband a bit over two years ago to cancer. Finished my own cancer fight a few months ago. I’m busy and into many things. Mother of a sixteen year old. And what I’d say, when I read your blog. Well, you inspire me.
Francesca–HUGS!!! It’s good that you are keeping busy. My sympathies on your husband’s passing. Oh boy–sixteen-year olds will definitely keep you busy—that’s for sure! Trust me, I’m not an inspiring person. YOU are the one who’s inspiring, my dear! But you know what? I’m glad that my posts make you happy. I think we all need to spread a little happiness on that sandwich of life! XOXOXOXOXOXO!!!!!
Aww, Chippy, what a cutie pie! I love my dog, he is considered The Most Favorite Child by my kids!
Hi gk. I’m so glad that you think Chippy is a cutie pie. He really is! Isn’t it funny how our kids can actually be a tad jealous of our dogs? OXOXOXOXO!!!
Your posts always make me smile and usually make me laugh out loud too! I love when you include Chippy in you posts. He is just so adorable – how can anyone not love that face! I’m a mom to two furbabies – Bradley, a chocolate lab and Jackson, a yellow lab and they are truly my best friends. They make my heart melt everytime I look at them. xoxo
Thank you for saying that. I’m happiest knowing that I’ve made people laugh! I’m also happy to hear that it’s a pleasure when I include Chippy! OHHHH..you have TWO labs! Honestly, I think labs are the most family-friendly dogs on the face of the earth. In homes with children (trust me, our yellow lab Ruby took so much rambunctious behavior from my and the neighborhood kids), labs will take any friendly abuse and rough behavior from kids. They will let kids ride on their backs, they will let kids kiss them and hug them tightly…the list goes on…How can people not love dogs????? XOXOXOXOXO!!!
oh, Catherine, that may be true about labs but our only experience with one of those is when my sister-in-law decided that’s what we needed, right at the time that our neighbor had decided to put in one of those koi ponds and that is the one thing labs need, right? is water – now they’d almost always had, or tried to have, a big pond as well but think right at that time it wouldn’t hold water, so….yes, guess you can imagine, and of course, as you know, the koi ones often have a pump, etc., so, yes…so, in the interest of keeping a good neighbor relationship we did find a vet who would take her – our shortest ever ownership of a dog – but she was sweet and friendly, if circumstances had been a little different; do hope she found a good home, but I was afraid to find out
That is one super-appealing dog you have there! I like heartwarming stories, although this one would have been even happier if instead of taking Chippy back with you, the three of you had just decided to start living at Main Line Animal Rescue instead. What a great looking place!
Hi Bun! LOL–right???? I have told Bonaparte that if there is a true reincarnation, I’m coming back as one of the lucky dogs who get to live at MLAR! The grounds and the people there are amazing!!! Plus–the dogs don’t have to pay a rental fee!!!
Yep, I’m definitely the wrong species!