I HIT THE LOTTERY TWICE on the days that I adopted my two dogs,
Norman and Penelope.
Penelope, a Shih Tzu, was rescued from a puppy mill nearly 13 years ago
and, when I saw her precious, tiny little face on the news, I knew she had to be
mine. Norman’s story developed much more recently, as two Novembers ago I
was considering getting another dog to cure Penelope’s grieving heart over the
loss of her favorite companion and my first dog, Grady. A friend saw a picture of
Norman (then Hamilton) on the Homeless Pets Foundation Facebook page and,
one visit and many licks later, the handsome little mutt was in my car and headed
to his new home.
They couldn’t be more different in personality. Penelope is easy, gentle and
quiet – so quiet I sometimes I have to double-check the back seat of my car to
make sure she really is with us on our way to our next adventure. She spends
most of her days napping, loves to be held, cares nothing for toys and has the
sweetest little soul. She truly is like a living, snoring, cuddly stuffed animal.
Norman is funny and curious and bold and so, so happy. I like to joke that
Norman’s life motto is “every day is an adventure!” He is kind to other dogs and
other people, although he still has a great deal of puppy playfulness. My quirky
little doggy teddy bear brings joy to everyone who meets him. He is never far
from my side, loves all of the toys
and our hikes and keeps me laughing
and on my toes. And, I’m partial, but
he’s pretty much the cutest dog there
ever was.
This year brought many changes,
one of those being more time at home
and more time with our pets. Hours
that once likely passed slowly for our
furbabies in anticipation of us
returning home from work or events
are now filled with constant attention,
snuggles and companionship. That
time has allowed me to develop a love
for Norman and Penelope that I
thought couldn’t be surpassed, even in
some of the smallest things. I love to
hear her little snores of contentment
during a daily nap, and to smile over
the wonder in Norman’s eyes as he sits
on my front porch and watches the
world go by.
I hope you enjoy the stories of
our readers’ pets in this issue and
consider adopting a pet of your own.
There are so many Normans and
Penelopes who just need the right
kind of home to spread a little
happiness. I couldn’t imagine my
home without them.
letter from the EDITOR
Left to Right: Norman and Penelope
8 COBB LIFE | NOVEMBER 2020