The story of Drexel: She was more than just a dog...

Everyone means well when they say they know where I am, they had to put their dog down. But, I think I need to explain my relationship with you. Drexel was more than just a dog to me.

I adopted Drex from the Humane Society on June 1, 2000 as a four month old puppy. In the beginning, she annoyed the piss out of me. I've never been one to enjoy puppies, kittens, or even babies. Oh, I know that sounds bad. It's not that I don't like them, I just prefer to enjoy them and give them back to their moms. Drex chewed up everything; my shoes, my clothes, my furniture, everything. She couldn't seem to get housebroken, nor trained.

One day, while she was in heat, she got out and I found her mating with a male dog from the neighborhood. The next day I called the Humane Society and asked what would happen if they received a pregnant dog. At this point, she was about six months old. They told me they would put her to sleep if she was indeed pregnant. I hung up and bawled.

I called my mom and told her "she doesn't even know how to sit," to my surprise she sat. Within the next few days she was suddenly housebroken and listened to commands. From that day on she went everywhere with me. If I wasn't going to be in a store more than twenty minutes, she came along. If she was allowed in the store, she came in. She went on camping trips, canoe trips, and family trips with me. I was unable to conceive a baby, so she was my child. I embroidered her stocking with her name, bought and wrapped Christmas gifts, and stuffed her stocking. She had a bandana for every holiday, every special event.

I even kept the first puppy tooth she lost. (Yes, I still have it packed away somewhere)

I was in an abusive marriage; she was my protector. I was always alone; she was my friend and companion. Even after becoming a mother to my three awesome kids, she was still considered my first born. She was always in our holiday portraits, and I talked about her as if she was one of my kids.

Drexel was in my life for almost twelve years, and I will never stop loving her. I will never forget her. I will always hurt for the loss of my baby girl.

I love you, Drexel. Forever and ever!!!!

Helping our neighbors...regardless of where they're located.

Today, I've watched as the news broadcast reports of people donating food, clothing, even toys to the victims of the tornado in Joplin, MO. This isn't the first tornado in Missouri this year, but it is the deadliest and most destructive yet.

At last count the death toll had risen to 117 dead, and hundreds wounded. Homes have been destroyed, possessions gone, even simple things like food and water are hard to come by. A local company, Twiddlebits, has organized an online auction with several other vendors. All the money will go to buy supplies such as clean drinking water, non-perishable food, toiletries, even undergarments (who wants to wear used ones?lol).

Personally, I'm a couponer and have used my recent stockpile to donate the much needed toiletries, such as toothpaste, body wash, soap, and deodorant. I was originally planning on hosting a garage sale for all the clothing we no longer wear, as well as backpacks, toys, even some baby supplies from my babysitting days. Instead, all of these things will be headed to Joplin, MO this week.

If you have any items you no longer use, or would like to give to the victims please head to Fox2Now for the nearest donation drop-offs. Everything is needed; clothing, sheets, blankets, non-perishable food, bottled water, toiletries (deodorant, soap, shampoo, toothbrushes and toothpaste, hairbrushes and combs, toilet paper, towels, wash cloths, etc), undergarments and socks, shoes, etc.