Comments after I am dead...

I've been thinkinglately about what I would want people to say about me after I die.  It's a version of "what is my legacy?".

• "He was a good husband, father, and friend."

• "He loved, and cared for, animals."

• "He was a good cook."

• "Robert who?  I am here for the baptism."

Before and After.....

BEFORE:
hungry, abandoned, lost, cold, SHOT-IN-LEG, scared

AFTER:
No Words Needed

Nuff Said....

Operation Pooper Trooper is a GO!!!!!!!!!

Sometimes we come across a sad story that makes us ashamed to be human.  Here is one of those stories:

http://www.examiner.com/dogs-in-national/dog-shot-and-starving-found-at-park

Maybe I am looking at that the wrong way, maybe its a story about how great humans can be when they try.  The foster home where Trooper is living now marked him as their 86th successful foster.  By the time this weekend is over, 86 dogs will have found loving forever homes as a result of their work.  The vets that treat these animals often do at little, or no, cost to anyone.  Volunteers help, and volunteers rescue.

I want to save them all.  I want them all to come live with us, in our forever home.  I want them to know our love, and sleep in bed with us.  I want to comfort them all when its thundering outside.  I want to scratch all their bellies until they drool with delight as they lay on their backs.

But, let's be realistic (DARN!) for a moment, I can't do all those things for all of them.  Even the Montana King bed wouldn't be big enough.  Don't know what a Montana King bed is?  Google it and find out.  Doesn't matter, it would still be too small.

Here is where God and Trooper come in.  I can't save them all, but I can save a few.  My DW and I are taking Titan and Kitty to meet Trooper this weekend.  If everyone gets along, Trooper will come home with us forever.  If he does, I will take a quiet moment with him, give him a hug and a kiss and tell him;  "I know that there have been people who have been mean to you, I know that there have been people who have rejected you, I know that you have known the pain and fear of not having somewhere to live.  That is over, and you will never know those things again.  You are with us now, you are part of the family."

I know he will understand, they always do.

Sad Eyes

There is a dog in Ohio with sad eyes.  He was shot in the leg for no reason, and hopped around on three legs for a few weeks before he was rescued.  The vet had to remove the leg entirely, but at least he isn't in pain anymore.  He will be ready for adoption soon, and we are seriously considering it.  It's the type of dog who needs a forever home with us.

I'm kinda concerned that our next dog after this may be missing an ear, or worse.....
He/She will find love with us all-the-same.

Oh, and his name is Trooper, I think that for once we will leave that alone.

The Happy Job

When I think about workplace satisfaction these days, it's different from what I thought about when I was younger (20's).  Back  then it was money, money, money - and steady money, money, money.  OK, maybe healthcare too (I had none from age 15 to 30).

The other day, I became fascinated by a company called Dogster (dogster.com).  I see very hardworking people at their desks, working on projects, making an impact, being socially responsible, communicating helpful information - all with their dogs by their sides.  There is a Catster (catster.com) too, and I am sure that it is just as pleasant.

As a child, I missed out on some pet stuff.  We had a cat and a small dog.  My parents did the best they could, as my brother had allergies and we lived in an apartment in New York City.  They were not the best "pet parents", as we call them today.  There was no abuse or neglect, but my DW and I care for our four cats, two dogs, and one large bird to a much higher degree.  Yes, I have made my own petfood and treats - but more as an experimental hobby than a a mark of honor.

I wish I grew up like this....

or  this...

...but I did not.

So now, I make up for lost time and try and save all the dogs and cats I can.

Yesterday, I sent my resume to Dogster/Catster - here's to being happy!!

The Big Gamble (Gambit?) - NOT!

January 19, 2007
ID LAT LON Location
[LAS] 36.08N 115.17W  Las Vegas,NV
14:00 (approximately)
Departure: Private Airfield
Transport: A-Star Helicopter #45

January 19, 2007
ID LAT LON Location
[GC] 36.15N  112.30W  Grand Canyon
15:00 (approximately)
Arrival: Grand Canyon National Park - 150' above the Colorado River
Transport: A-Star Helicopter #45

January 19, 2007
ID LAT LON Location
[GC] 36.15N 112.30W   Grand Canyon
15:30 (approximately)
Present:  Robert Cacace, Ann Meyer, Minister, Pilot, Photographer


January 19, 2007
ID LAT LON Location
[GC] 36.15N 112.30W Grand Canyon
15:45 (approximately)
Departure: Grand Canyon National Park - 150' above the Colorado River
Transport: A-Star Helicopter #45
Present:  Mr. and Mrs. Robert and Ann Cacace
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!


And so the story began................

The Four Questions

You know that your life is complicated and challenging when the first four questions always asked and answered when you talk to your spouse on the telephone are:

Q1. Is anybody (including pets) dead?

Q2. Is anybody (including pets) hurt?

Q3. Is anybody in jail?

Q4. Is anything on fire that should not be?


Any that God has given you some challenges when the answers aren't all always "NO".