More Bruiser in Costume

“This is embarrassing.”

Bruiser’s Back in his Pumpkin Costume

“I’d do anything for a treat.”

Bruiser in Halloween Costume

“She told me I’m wearing a  Super Dog costume. I know she lied.”

Hellhounds Abound

A hellhound is a supernatural dog. The most famous hellhound was Cerberus who in Greek mythology guarded the gates of the Underworld (see pic of Roman statue of Cerberus). Cerberus is depicted with three heads. The legends of the hellhound are found in many countries of the world. They were first mentioned in Britain in the twelfth century. In western Europe, hellhounds are often associated with The Wild Hunt in which deceased heroes on horses accompanied by hellhounds pursue criminals and  lost souls across the land. They are often described as having black fur, glowing red or yellow eyes and super strength. They may also be associated with death, graveyards, and fire.

Our own personal hellhound is pictured also. Four years ago Bruiser, a Boxer mix,  was a rescue with three previous owners. He had to be treated for severe heartworms and last year had two knee surgeries. He’s part of the family now, an outstanding guard dog and companion for our daughter. He, however, believes he is a 70 pound lapdog. The animal rescue people told us he would do anything for a treat. Guess they were right. Didn’t say he liked it, but the treat was worth it.

Tomorrow, Graeme Brown’s Tale of the Paranormal

Back on Track Again – I Think

Life has been getting in the way again, but I think my train is back on track. Two moves and fifteen gallons of paint later, everyone who needed moving and/or something painted is now moved and/or residing in newly-painted splendor.  My stack of business work that accumulated when I was doing my family’s bidding is gone. A double garage that was once full of “stuff” from two moves – neither of them mine – can now accommodate my car.  Other than puppy-sitting Bruiser –  my daughter’s pound puppy – for the next week while she plays on an island paradise in the Caribbean, I’m almost caught up at home. (Check out an old pic of our boy!) So progress has been made.

My first contemporary military story was released this month – Search & Rescue from Secret Cravings Publishing – and Finding Eve – the second of the Lyons’ Den shapeshifter stories from Champagne Books – has passed its final proof.

Next Monday, I’ll finally post  The Next Big Thing Blog Hop at my group blog Southern Sizzle Romance after being tagged by Celia Breslin two weeks ago. I’m telling far more about myself and my latest story, Search & Rescue, than I planned. I’ll tag Champagne author Graeme Brown in The Hop. Also on the 29th, I’m posting at Love Romances Café which brings me to today’s effort – finishing the post for Dawn by tomorrow. So it’s back to work for me. Maybe I should post my progress as I struggle through the next week preparing for my August writing marathon.

POOR BRUISER

The whole family is gnawing-on-our-nails worried about Bruiser. My daughter’s adorable 70+ pound Boxer mix rescue is scheduled for surgery on Wednesday. Both of Bruiser’s back legs, the equivalent of human knees, have torn ACLs. The left one which will be operated on this week also has a torn meniscus and the beginnings of arthritis. It is gut-wrenching to hear his leg click when he tries to run and play.

When Laura adopted Bruiser three years ago, we discovered on his first trip to the vet that he had a serious case of heartworms that needed immediate treatment. Everyone kicked in cash to treat him, which gave us all an interest in the boy.  He’s almost five years old now and has become a beloved member of our family – a guard and companion for Laura, a gentle pet for my mother, and a feisty challenge for the rest of us.

Thought I’d document his treatment and recovery in pics over the next few months because I’ll be caring for him most of the time. Since Laura’s home has stairs and she works long hours, Bruiser will live at my house. Mama and I are moving into the basement, so that he can access our yard as needed. Unfortunately, he will be crated part of the time because he will be unable to walk for a while. More on that another day.

Check out the picture of Bruiser from last weekend. This was his last long walk with Laura in Inman Park (downtown Atlanta) before his surgery tomorrow. True happiness for him is plopping down on the ground and rolling in the grass.

More later.  Rita Bay