dogs are miracles with paws

Last week was a rough week for the Perkins family. We lost one of our beloved pets. Sherlock, our sheltie corgi mix, came to us 7 years ago via Northern Virginia Sheltie Rescue. It was estimated that he was about 6 years old due to the plaque they found on what little teeth he had left.

You see, Sherlock (our Sherbie) was beyond terrified of thunderstorms. He had previously jumped through glass windows, and at our house he chewed through steel-plated doors (ergo missing teeth) and jumped 5 ft fences just to try and escape the noise that the thunderstorms brought. It was really amazing, he could hear them when they were miles away. He got this look on his face and we knew it would be raining in just a few hours. He was always right. We had to give him "doggie valium" whenever he started to get antsy and we knew storms were in the forecast. We never left the house when we knew there was one coming, and we always went home when one popped up out of no where. It was a big change in our lives to accommodate Sherbie's needs, but it was something we wouldn't have ever given up the chance to do.

Aside from his terrible fear, he was the most loving dog you would ever meet. He loved my mom more then anyone, and when she wasn't home he would lay by the door and await her return. He wouldn't go outside without her, he slept next to her every night. Not only did he have love for us, but he adored all the other dogs in a way that no other animal did. The dogs and puppies were constantly lined up waiting for a "bath" from "momma Sherb". He was always licking, cleaning, their ears and eyes and bellies. Bear was his biggest fan. Sherlock could be asleep and Bear could just lay next to him (usually he'd wiggle his way under Sherb's chin) and Sherlock would clean away.

Even if you never met Sherlock you knew he was a lover, the heart-shaped face and big round eyes told you that. And his fur, it was so soft. And he loved to be brushed, probably more then he loved belly rubs. Better yet, brush his belly, he'd be your best friend forever.

He had a lot of best friends, and big fans, those of which stretch even to the west coast. He will truly be missed. Our family has found comfort in the fact that he is with our Nanny and Pop right now, and we know Pop is sneaking him scraps under the table, just like he always did. We will always love you Sherb, and we will always miss you sweet boy.

6 months and counting!

As per a request from Ms. Emily, I am posting an update! As of now most of the save the dates are addressed and should be in the mail today or tomorrow! HOORAY! Now that we're at the 6 month mark, we are kinda behind schedule, but oh well... We officially have a photographer now that we've gotten a deposit to Melissa, she's all ours July 31! Florist is next on the list...

Here in New Bern, I have gotten a job! I'm working at a gym right down the street from us. It's called Sound Fitness & Golf. It's a really nice little gym, and they've given Patrick and I free memberships! We started going this week and hope to make it a regular date-night thing :)

Oh, and my mom is thinking about heading down here today, hopefully the weather holds out so she can! There's a bridal expo here that Pat and I (and mom if she's here) are going to go to on Saturday. I'm very excited. I'm even more excited that it was Pat's idea!

Last weekend we also had all 8 of my former roommates (and their significant others) down for a little housewarming party. We did our Secret Santa gift exchange, and got to take in the wonderful sites of downtown New Bern. Some of our friends and neighbors from NC came too. All in all we had 15 people sleeping in our house! And that was on top of the chinchilla we were babysitting for our neighbors! It was very fun and exciting weekend.

here are all the girls after secret santa

and here's daisy!

less then 200 days!

I know I know, I've been a TERRIBLE blogger this year! (ps happy new year everyone!) I haven't posted in weeks and weeks... There's just nothing to report! Wedding planning is moving along... Just waiting on the guest list to be finalized so I can finally send out my adorable save the date cards! We've officially decided on a DJ (and by officially I mean we sent him money and we're locked in). We've officially decided on a lot of other things that we haven't paid for yet though. As you know, we have a wonderful photographer (I promise your check is next Melissa!) and we have our florist, and we're pretty set on caterer. And my amazingly talented Aunt Robin has agreed to make our cake! Really excited about that one! Oh, also... my dress has been undergoing major alterations and hopefully I'll be getting a call sometime soon so I can see what it will look like! Can't wait for that!

Another exciting note... my best friend, and bridesmaid Carly got engaged on Christmas! We are SO excited! Her fiance Justin is in our wedding too! Lots of big things going on... kinda contrary to what I said before... but anyways I promise more updates soon! In the meantime here's a picture of me and Carly showing off our 'bling' on New Years Eve:

congrats again! love you car!