Cassie Bustamante

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Adopt, Don’t Shop: Give Back Blog Hop

December 19, 2016 by Cassie 29 Comments

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Today I am joining 9 other bloggers in sharing charities and causes that are near and dear to our hearts. Thanks to Brynne for gathering us all together to share a bit of what matters to us.  If you’re visiting from Monica’s blog, you know that she is an animal lover like me.  And if you’ve been around here a while, you know that we are dog lovers at casa Bustamante, and currently have three unique dogs.  There’s Jake, our mild mannered 13 year old basset-beagle mix; Catcher, our high energy but full of love 2 year old Weimaraner- Aussie mix; and Snowball, our 1 year old miniature Schnoodle who happens to also be deaf.  These three dogs couldn’t be more different in looks and dispositions, but what they do have in common is that each of them is a rescue, and each of them has brought more and more love to our home.  Although all three are rescues, their stories are all just as different as they are; so rather than share one shelter, I am talking about my belief in “adopt, don’t shop.”

I thought I would take this chance to share with you the story of how each dog came into our lives.  Let’s start with my old man, Jake.  He is the dog who holds my heart… I love them all, but this boy’s eyes just speak to my soul.

13 years ago, almost exactly, Chris and I were newlyweds living our suburban starter life with our one pure-bred beautiful beagle. (Because to be honest, I’d never thought about a rescue dog… it just wasn’t on my radar!) A friend of mine had been picking her dogs up from her boarder who also ran a “shelter” of sorts out of her home.  (I say shelter of sorts, because this woman was SOOOO nice and loving and loved her animals, but I gotta be honest…. not sure it was a legit shelter!) My friend informed me that a basset with a clubbed foot had delivered puppies at the shelter, and the puppies (basset-beagle mixes) needed homes.  A second dog had not been on my radar, but I couldn’t get the sweet puppies out of my mind.  I called Chris at work, and asked him what he thought.  His reply was silence, and then “You’ve already seen them, haven’t you?”  I informed him that I had not seen the puppies yet because if I had the phone call wouldn’t be “Could we,” but “Guess what we did!?” After another unnerving moment of silence, Chris said, “Ok.”  My beagle, Charlie, and I headed off to the shelter to see the puppies.

There we met Jake, who was being called “Peanut” because of the peanut shaped mark on his forehead.  He was immediately sweet and I was immediately smitten.

Jake’s been such a family dog to us, allowing the kids to smother him with love.  He was the dog that handled toddler fingers to the eyeball with patience and gentleness.He’s been a constant companion to me, and has walked and run miles by my side.He has filled our home and hearts with so much love and sweetness.  I know that we rescued him, but he has been my rescue time and again.  Whenever I am down, cuddles with this guy always raise my spirits.If ever there was the perfect dog for me, this guy has been it. I could write an entire novel about him, but I’ll save that for another day.

With Jake and Charlie we were happily a two dog family, and after Charlie passed a few years ago, we thought we’d just be a one dog family for a while.  (Yes, you can laugh at me here.) However, 8 months had gone by and it was clear to me that Sawyer was feeling a void.  After all, when he was born, Charlie and Jake were already part of our family… having two dogs was all he’d ever known.  One day, Sawyer got off the bus, and walked to the back yard to Charlie’s grave, and I just watched him from the kitchen window and my heart hurt.  I told Chris it was time.  Sawyer’s 9th birthday was approaching and we thought, “What better time!?”  This time around, I used Petfinder.com which is a fantastic website where many shelters share their animals, cats and dogs alike, that need homes.

I was searching for a retriever mix, a dog that would play catch with Sawyer, when this dog showed up, listed as “Revere” and a retriever mix.  We had decided to let Sawyer in on what we were doing for him, and let him have a say.  He loved this puppy’s picture and it was his number one choice.  We made an appointment after contacting the shelter through petfinder, and visited the foster family an hour and a half away.  We don’t know his entire background but we do know that his mother was rescued from a puppy mill in Alabama.When we arrived, it was clear to us he was no retriever as his siblings strongly displayed Australian Shepherd or Weimaraner looks… he was the one that was sort of a blend of both with the longer shepherd fur, but the Weimaraner coloring.  Sawyer fell in love, and he came home with us that day. (You can read more of his story here).Even though he is certainly no retriever, Sawyer gave him the name Catcher.  He’s absolutely insane and has the most energy and anxiety of any dog I’ve ever met, but he is also SO full of love, it’s ridiculous.He has never met a human being or another dog that he doesn’t just want to love so hard. He will follow people around the house;  he just wants to be with you so badly.  He needs a lot of exercise, but mostly he just needs love… he truly just wants us to spend our time with him and it doesn’t matter what we’re doing.  Having multiple dogs is a little nuts at times, but with the others here, it helps him stay a little calmer.  Jake can no longer make it on the walks we used to take, so these days, Catcher comes with me, and I am thinking of taking him on longer runs… his energy knows no bounds!

Finally, we get to the latest addition to our family, Snowball, who joined us last Christmas, thanks to Santa.  As we approached last Christmas, I had the crazy idea to get Emmy a puppy.Sawyer and Emmy were 10 & 8 at the time and I was certain it could be our last Christmas with both being believers. (As I write this a year later, both still are, thank goodness!) I convinced Chris that we could make their last Christmas believing the most magical if Santa brought Emmy a puppy.  My landlord at Sweet Clover had a sister who ran a shelter, so I knew if I went through her I’d be able to work out the details of an early morning Christmas pick up.  Our only qualifications were that we wanted a small breed this time, something Emmy could snuggle with and hold easily, and something that would not take up too much real estate in our already slightly crowded home.  As it turned out, that shelter had a deaf miniature schnoodle puppy that they were picking up soon.  You can read more of her story here, but obviously, the rest is history and she became our newest addition.She’s deaf as I mentioned, so our communication with her is different (I joke that she knows my angry face well when she has an accident!), but she has been nothing but a god-send for our little family.  She brings Emmy so much joy and has taught her responsibility; Emmy walks her, feeds her, helps bathe her, and loves to snuggle with her.

She’s the sweetest girl who loves to cuddle and play with us as well as the other dogs.  She even joins me on 4-5 mile walks and puts those little legs to work.  We may have done something good by adopting a special needs dog, but it doesn’t compare to what she’s done for us.So I am sure you are wondering, what’s life like with three rescues?  The first thing I will surely tell you is that it’s absolute nuts at times…. When the UPS man comes and all three start barking excitedly, it can be overwhelming.  (Fortunately, he loves them and brings them treats, so their bark is a joyous, “He’s here!  He’s here!!!”

And as much as I clean, I can’t keep up with the amount of fur and dirt they bring in our home.  I’m thinking of purchasing miniature lint rollers o give our guests as parting gifts when they visit.

But mostly… our little Cape Cod is so full of love because of them.  I took this shot with my phone one day as I was sitting working on the sofa.  I captured it because this moment is a pretty typical moment around here with all three at my feet as I work.Dogs at my feetIf anyone has ever taught me about togetherness, it’s these guys.  Jake’s aging, and for the most part Snowball & Catcher let him be, but when he’s really not feeling well, guess who’s right there for him? This photo was taken on a day when Jake was in pain and wouldn’t move… they stayed by his side.

And I am so happy to know that when the time comes, Snowball and Catcher, who’ve become the best of friends, will have each other.  Here’s a little dose of their relationship for you…

I often find them just laying near each other, touching in some way.  They’ve held hands several times, and it’s just the sweetest.They also love to be back to back, just connected in some way.  Because she is deaf, she takes a lot of her cues from Catcher.If you think that your home or your life doesn’t have room, reconsider a rescue.  Our home may be small, but these three fill it with so much joy and love, and we can’t imagine life without them.  All they need is love, and if you allow them into your heart, you’ll find your own capacity for love will grow exponentially.  All rescue dogs need is a safe and happy home and love… for giving them so little, you get back so much in return.  If you are considering adding a dog to your home, think about all of those animals in shelters and rescues who need a good home… adopt, don’t shop!  Maybe you can give a dog in need a home for the holidays.

Now head on over to Jest Cafe where Mila is talking about the Global Fund for Women!

And you can find the entire list with links below this graphic.

Give Back Blog Hop

Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County – The Gathered Home // The Humane Society – Monica Wants It // Dog Rescues – Cassie Bustamante // Global Fund for Women – Jest Cafe // Peaceable Kingdom – Cuckoo4Design // Buyamba Uganda – House Homemade // Compassion International – The Home I Create // Canadian Premature Babies Foundation – The Learner Observer // The Heart Gallery – Pinterest Addict // Three Angels Children’s Relief – Bright Green Door

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Comments

  1. [email protected] says

    December 19, 2016 at 8:20 am

    You know I couldn’t agree with you more about everything. They are just the sweetest and I love ho much joy they bring to your family. Doesn’t Chris need his own dog yet too? 😉 I wish everyone would open their heart to a rescue the way you guys do.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      December 20, 2016 at 6:17 pm

      haha! yes, i will get chris one this year. 😉

      Reply
  2. Eliesa @ Pinterest Addict says

    December 19, 2016 at 8:31 am

    That picture of the three of them at your feet is too sweet… but the one of them laying with Jake brought me to tears. As a fellow member of a multiple dog house, I know how attached they become to each other. Our house is full of cats too, one of which believes he too is a dog… <3 this post.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      December 20, 2016 at 6:17 pm

      oh i know- it’s so sweet how they treat each other.

      Reply
  3. Monica Benavidez says

    December 19, 2016 at 9:00 am

    Cassie, your dogs are simply adorable! I’ve always wanted to give Pee Wee a companion because I know dogs are pack animals, and your post clearly shows that. It’s nice to see another blogger who loves animals as much as I do. <3 #adoptdontshop

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      December 20, 2016 at 6:16 pm

      thank you so much, monica! you should- peewee would be so happy! 😉

      Reply
  4. Emy says

    December 19, 2016 at 9:46 am

    They are the cutest! I love the pictures of them snuggled up. So sweet. My buddy is sleeping at my feet as I type. <3

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      December 20, 2016 at 6:15 pm

      thank you! they really are the best- even though they’re a bit crazy as you saw.

      Reply
  5. Brynne | The Gathered Home says

    December 19, 2016 at 9:46 am

    Awwwww! Cassie! What a beautiful, heart-felt post! I absolutely loved it! You guys are such a special family and your sweet pups are blessed to have you!

    P.S. I think maybe I could continue to believe in the magic of Santa this Christmas if he brought home another kitty? Time to work on Bryan!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      December 20, 2016 at 6:14 pm

      oooh yeah- do it!!! 😉

      Reply
  6. Suzie says

    December 19, 2016 at 10:22 am

    Cassie I love this so much! If I can add one thing I would say to people, Please please consider older dogs. There are so many in shelters being passed over for adoption. Yes you may have them for a shorter time but they are wonderful grateful loving companions. Fill their remaining years with love if you can, it means so much.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      December 20, 2016 at 6:14 pm

      YES! definitely i should have mentioned that! when my kids are grown that’s what i would like to do…. right now i think it would be too hard on them.

      Reply
  7. Frannie says

    December 19, 2016 at 11:09 am

    We also had three dogs until last week. My little rescue terrier- my heart and my fur soulmate- passed away on Thursday. She was only 10 and I thought we had many more years together. She had been acting “off” for a few days and after four vet visits in a row we discovered she had cancer in her small intestines. It was advanced, and she was so sick and in pain, and we let her go. Two dogs feels SO quiet. Never thought I’d say that! My lab is 11, and we have a 6 month old puppy. They are missing her, as are we. Glad you’ve provided such a great home for them. They are wonderful!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      December 20, 2016 at 6:13 pm

      aaaw, i am so so sorry for your loss. that is just the worst. 🙁 their lives are just too short. thinking of you.

      Reply
  8. Jessica says

    December 19, 2016 at 12:37 pm

    They’re so sweet! It’s crazy how much joy and love they can bring into our worlds.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      December 20, 2016 at 6:12 pm

      it really is- i never knew!!! they are the best!

      Reply
  9. Sarah Glenn says

    December 19, 2016 at 3:32 pm

    I love your house full of dogs! Wrapped up dish towels (slobber towels) and travel size lint rollers and handed them out to everyone in our family beach house when we took our two dogs with us. Target has mini ones in the travel section for cheap!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      December 20, 2016 at 6:11 pm

      haha! i love that, sarah! that’s totally what i need at my house!

      Reply
  10. Tania says

    December 19, 2016 at 9:24 pm

    Great post Cassie, I think rescuing is the way to go too. I just had to put my oldest dog down about a month ago, she was 16. It was so hard. I’m thinking about getting another rescue to keep my other dog company while I’m at work.!

    Your dogs looks so sweet!

    Tania

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      December 20, 2016 at 6:11 pm

      oh tania, i am so sorry!!!! yes, do it!

      Reply
  11. [email protected] says

    December 20, 2016 at 10:32 am

    this post contains two of my favorite kinds of photos: kids and dogs together and dogs and dogs together! I love how well your dogs get along with each other…I’ve had dogs who didn’t get along (not now, thank goodness), and it’s no fun at all. And of course you know how I feel about rescue dogs!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      December 20, 2016 at 6:10 pm

      haha! thank you! that is hard when they don’t get along- i have had friends where that’s happened. 🙁

      Reply
  12. Kimberly Telfer says

    December 20, 2016 at 5:55 pm

    I love this post and your heart for adopti don’t shop! We have an Aussie and an Aussie mix. The energy! Ours our 10 years and they’re just now calmer. Haha!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      December 20, 2016 at 6:04 pm

      haha! oh man, so i have 6 1/2 more years of crazy? 😉

      Reply
      • Kimberly Telfer says

        January 5, 2017 at 12:37 pm

        LOL, hopefully not! Fingers crossed!! 😉

        Reply
  13. Loi Thai Tone on Tone says

    December 22, 2016 at 11:55 am

    I love this post, Cassie!! What a big heart you have. You are an inspiration, my beautiful friend. xoxo

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      December 30, 2016 at 12:21 pm

      aaaw, thank you- i just love dogs! all of the SPCA christmas commercials were killing me this year!

      Reply
  14. Kathy says

    December 30, 2016 at 12:43 pm

    Just saw this post since I’ve been busy during the holidays and haven’t kept up with my blogs. We are a cat and dog household and have always adopted or found our cats but like you we didn’t originally consider adopting a dog when we first married, always looked for a pure breed. That all changed when we found a dog for my mother via Pom rescue and we haven’t looked back. Our latest is our little Chihuau mix Martini that my daughter found when she was doing volunteer work her freshman year of college. He was the smallest dog at a kill shelter and he had been there a month. We were not looking for another dog but our daughter called and said he would be the perfect addition to our family and the shelter was going to put him down if someone didn’t take him soon. Turned out he was only 7 months old. He is the sweetest dog ever and there is a waiting list among our friends for who gets him if we ever decide we cant have him anymore (not a chance!) Thank you for bringing this issue to your reader’s attention. And you are so right, on my worst day I know when I come home my dogs will be excited and happy to see me.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 2, 2017 at 10:15 am

      thank you so much for sharing! we would have cats, too, but my husband is allergic. my daughter and i pretty much love ALL the animals! 🙂

      Reply

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Hi, I’m Cassie!

I believe that you don't have to spend a lot of money to live a beautiful life and be your best self.  Here you will find budget friendly ideas to live happily, healthily, sustainably, and most importantly authentically.  We all get one chance at this life, and this ordinary girl plans to make hers extraordinary. How about you? Read more...
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Hi! I'm Cassie.

Mother, wife, shop owner, blogger, writer, incurable diy-er, furniture painter, coffee and wine drinker, friend. Seeking happiness and passing it on. Read More…

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