V IS FOR VIOLET

Shane and I are very, very blessed to have the most precious little Lhasa Poo, Violet Minnie Brewer. She really is like a child to us, and we do indeed give God many thanks for bringing her into our lives. We tell her daily that she is going to make a wonderful big sister to Paxton, and I think she just might be starting to understand! For instance, one day last week she noticed a baby on the television, and she ran up to it, jumping and whining at our t.v. stand, trying to get to the baby! She has always done this with animals, especially doggies, but she now notices babies for some reason! Oh, and just last night as Shane and I were going through some of Paxton's adorable little outfits, Violet just had to help herself check them out. Shane would dangle them in front of her, and she'd wag her pretty little tail, give a gentle little sniff all over and then try, ever so gently, to sneak them out of her daddy's hands! We adore her to no end!

HOW VIOLET CAME INTO OUR LIVES:
It was late summer, early fall 2009. I had been really, really sick, trying to get over Mycoplasma pneumonia, and struggling with some hard-to-take blood results and possible diagnosis of some auto-immune disease. It was only the start to a long journey of several doctor visits, even more blood tests, and hesitant, after hesitant, not-quite-there diagnosis. Anyhow, my very gracious mother, being the VERY BEST caregiver anyone could ever wish for, was right by my side, EVERY step of the way. She definitely saw me at my worst, and she only wanted me to get better. With the pneumonia almost out of the way, she knew the best thing that would take it completely away: a puppy. I had ALWAYS wanted a puppy from the day Shane and I got married, but Shane always had good reason why it just wasn't quite the time. He would assure me, though, that the right time would come. I thought it never would ... then came the early part of October, I had been through the worst sickness I'd ever endured, and my Birthday was practically right around the corner. My mom had been searching locally for a cute little pup, but nothing was quite available ... Until she just so happened to call a pet store in Dayton. "You guys wouldn't happen to have a little Lhasa by chance would you?" My mom had summoned. "Well, we just so happen to have a Lhasa Poo ... She's a discount puppy right now," The pet store clerk answered. My mom questioned the "discount" deal because she hoped the pup wasn't too sick or injured. Turns out, Violet was one of the oldest pups there, nearly 4 months old, and no one, that's right NO ONE had wanted her!! My mom called me with the wonderful news, I got dressed immediately (I was still in my pajamas well into the evening, that's how sick I'd been), and off we went. Jessi and Thomas (my twin sister and brother-in-law) met us there to share in the adoption! From the moment Shane and I saw her ... oh what a wonderful moment ... we knew she was THE little girl just for us!! She was adorable! She needed a good grooming, but she was a MIRACLE! I truly believe God brought her into our lives!! I mean, how else do you explain why no one had adopted such a delightful little pup!! God knew my mom, oh my wonderful mom, would find her and purchase her just for Shane and I. We can't thank my mother nearly enough for the best cuddly gift ever!!!! We love you, mom. Jessi offered that she looked like a "Violet," and I agreed. Her middle name is after our childhood dog, Minnie, who lived to be 19!! She was a Lhasa, and the most wonderful family pup for us, the Dickerson's. There are many, many times when I see so much of Minnie in our Violet. If Minnie were here today, I know she would love Violet.

So, we met, instantly fell in love, and brought our happy little puppy home into our lives (only possible because of my mom's big, big heart)!! Violet has been nothing short of a blessing ever since that first moment, and we are truly grateful to God and to my mom and pops!! Before long Violet will be a big sister, and we absolutely can't wait for her and Paxton to grow up together!!

I hope all of you who have a pet (or pets) also feel this true love for them. And if you don't have a pet, I hope this inspires you to consider welcoming one into your life. God bless!

Here's one of the earliest shots of me with my princess.

And here's one of her in her first little bed. Made just for her by Grammy & Granpops (my mom & dad).

And this one was taken just tonight, in Pax's room. Paxton's nursery is now her favorite room in the house! We keep it closed off at all times, to keep it as fresh as possible for him, but her and I do occasionally spend some time soaking up the nesting goodness. She provides good rocking practice!!