HEART ❤️ PROJECT

My Chiquitita
begged me to share this one {she's not even a real beagle, just thinks she is and kinda looks like one} and told me to dedicate this to Marty (fortunately neither one of them had a life so "ruff") [photo credit: Sharon]

BEAGLE FREEDOM PROJECT

 ❤️
{OK, so it's not my project, but I still care}

Just watch the
LOVE

Here's some of the articles I found here that you can read and find out more about these Beagles:

"Beagles Freed From Lab Cages Discover What It Means To Truly Be Alive"  "Beagles Freed After Years In Lab Cages Touch Grass For The First Time"  "Dogs Trapped In Labs Given Hope For A Loving Family"

The Animal Rescue Site

made me aware of this {I use to have the buttons on my blogs to click daily and give} My MISSIONS blog keeps me aware of doing this It's so easy just go to the site and click

To learn how to adopt a rescued beagle, or find out other ways to help, visit the Beagle Freedom Project's website

I, for one, can't resist the cute face of a

BEAGLE
 ❤️
{too bad, I already have 4 furry friends to care for}

Plus, I promised someone back in MN, I would not rescue any more
furry friends, wanting to bring them home with me

Even if it's not
my usual
FRIDAY FOCUS
it's worth
sharing
the  care of precious Beagles


Pass on
the Rescue Beagle info
please

IMPORTANT UPDATE

I am officially done making trips here

to legally abide 

with my vehicle 

HERE

for now

Explanation, if you're curious or interested (for once I have something I can share about my life here that doesn't involve anyone really but me):
This was the year, I could have changed my status to Permanent Resident in this country and still remain a USA citizen living abroad (although when I returned home by airplane and went through the airport procedure in presenting my MN driver license, passport, etc. they told me I was more from here than there, USA, because I now spend my time here. I explained that I was born in USA and still consider my home there as my residence). So it only was logical to considering applying for Residency (not citizenship, not even dual married to a Mexican whose parents came from Leon, Guanajuato) but the law does not allow me to remain here with a foreign vehicle. 
Well, although my van is in its last years, I still depend on it quite regularly, especially for going or moving back home (USA) with my dog family. Since that was part of the stipulation, I did not want to apply and have to take my van back to USA, but continue as I have since 2009-2010 with an FM3 {because what would I do with my dogs then or in the future?}. Before 2009, I use to make trips to the border or home, every 6 months with a tourist permit (FMM) and a temporary importation of my van. As you might imagine that was very costly and put alot of wear and tear on the van and me. As it has become less safe to travel that distance, I have not wanted to make the trip north via a land vehicle, especially alone with 3-4 or last time 6 dogs on board. Each year or every 6 months, a permit is required to be here for me and thus my van (we go together) even the dogs (need papers too). Except they were all born in Mexico.

{missing 1 in photo from current ones here}
Anyways, the situation was changed by me wanting to remain with my MN vehicle ... so I was informed that I would have to leave the country and go to a MX consulate in the USA to reapply. There was no way, I want to travel home in the winter, not even to the AZ border (16 hr. trip one way) and wait for the process of the FM3 permit, I would probably have gone tourist once again for 6 months ... but I just really was not up to a trip at all. So it was recommended, I allow my permit to expire, pay the fine for that and then solicit reapplying for my FM3. This is why the long process and why so many trips back and forth where I live rather than driving to the border. At least I did not have to leave the country and wait somewhere until I was able to get a permit to return.
At first, I went in December to inquire about the truth in me not being able to keep my van here (which was true so... )it's been a long process, but I am done! And thanks to my spouse, paid until 2018. By then, I hope to have moved my van and dogs back to MN safely, even if I continue here. I now have permission until then when I will be able to apply for Residency once again. Once I have that, I no longer have to pay each year but I cannot have a vehicle from USA here. So that means flying, which I would not put any of my dogs through, so they have to leave in a vehicle driven from here to MN ... we'll see what God wills for the next 4 years and after that ... it's ALL in His hands.
And it's almost time for CARNAVAL, which starts next Thurs., so big time for ministry and evangelism here, people from all over come ...

2013

{I'll have to go and take my own photos for this year now below because the ones I selected were not showing, so I added the 2013 one above} and now these from ...
2014

They're already getting ready!

Time to pray for souls to be open to Jesus!

*Oh, and if you think this legal process seems ridiculous, it's even worse and less available for those wanting to go to USA from here (legally or illegally) ... it is multiplied, much more difficult and with much more "red tape", danger and seemingly hopeless chance for a better future ... the American dream ... broken and at a great risk. 

***
As of 2/20/14, it seems that I am encountering another setback once again with "laptop problems" (black screen on start up). So, I'll be waiting this one out and praying once again for a God sent miracle (it's happened before). Meanwhile, I do have many upcoming posts in place (just not completed) due to me being a bit involved, I try to set these up ahead. I clearly had no idea, I'd be encountering computer tech problems when I set these up, so I am thankful for that ... I must be really hard on computers. Please pray with and for me, and do not stop visiting me or being in touch, because I will continue somehow, God willing. I have 40 days set up for Lent, that I hope you'll enjoy along with me, even if I can't respond as often as I'd like. 
Should I leave the comments open or close them for Lent?

well, COMMENTS
are closed here once again

but as always, your reaction checked below

let's me know someone was here

Thanks!

DOG FAMILY

DOG is GOD 
spelled backwards
"all in God's family"
 and mine

For me, my DOGS are my family
and they teach me alot about
GOD
and myself

CAMERA CRITTERS

<>

MY DOG FAMILY

BABY BRAVO 

APRIL 1998

same dog

BRAVO grown up

BRAVO 

[like applauding; "brave" not "vicious"]

"well done, my good & faithful friend" 

  APRIL 1998 - MAY 13, 2011 

<><>

CHIMINITO

"daddy o'dog ready to go"

always

TOBY

which means

"God is Good" 

she was mom to my 6 pups 

with Chimi (above)

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3 of the 6
pictured below
each of the 6 entirely different
as you can see
but from the same parents above
Toby (ma) and Chiminito (papa)

CHIQUITITA

"little one" my "baby" from Toby & Chimi

CHISPITA

"spark" from Toby & Chimi "sprinkled"

LUCKY FROM TOBY & CHIMI

with TANO her MN
companion

***********

SPECIAL GUEST FOR RACHEL & ROSS TRIBUTE

KATO-BEST GOLDEN RETRIEVER

KATO VERY SPECIAL FRIEND

***

MEMES

for

DOGS

like 

Camera Critters

above 

and

DOGS WITH BLOGS PAW-IT-FORWARD

I love Dog blogs!

So if you have one, please let me know in the comments, OK?
If you have a pet, especially a dog, let me know that too and their names, 
even if you don't "blog" about them

*this used to be a PAGE when I changed Blogger format, then I drafted it to make room for other pages so it got lost and I just wanted to make my DOG family available to everyone once again. I wrote on each one, somewhere along this blog history ... so as I find them, I'll either link the dog's name or add the links of those posts (as I have done with my first 2 male dogs above).

RAINBOW BRIDGE

This is in memory of my 

FAITHFUL FRIEND

 BRAVO

(who died one week ago today)

The song in this video is "Perhaps Love" being sung by John Denver and Placido Domingo
(you can go HERE for the lyrics)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JoBO6kJCBvw
The original one I encountered was HEREMovie by Terri Pike with music by Kerry Muzzey 
COMFORT FOR GRIEVING ANIMAL LOVERS
A Different Grief: Coping with Pet Loss 
... and I'd also like to dedicate this toanother blog friendozJaneandher sweet friendMOGGIE

"Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....  Author unknown... RAINBOW BRIDGE  I love this quote that the video shared: "Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." ~ Anatole France

DOT ~ LUCKY and CHISPITA

I have not joined Dogs On Thursday (DOT) since I first began and wrote on Bravo, Chiminito, Toby & Chiquitita, although I have mentioned all of them throughout my posts... I never wrote specifically on Lucky or Chispita. They were also from the litter of Chiminito (Chimi) and Toby. All of them are located on my right sidebar way down near the end if you'd like to see their individual photos... but they are ALL here with me that way and really help me with God's aMazing Grace and realizing constantly grace in  each day

The reason I have not shared on them is because they were not living with me. Chispita was given away to a family here but had been living on their rooftop, so she was brought back here because they say the neighbors did not like her coming to their homes or rooftops. Personally, I wanted her back when I found out that she was left on the roof. I really don't like that, especially with small dogs and moreso with mine. Look how precious she is and loved when I gave her a bed the Christmas she came back to live with her family and me. She looks so lonely here.

Recently, my sweet friend Amanda's Secret Garden chose to read the Camera Critter posts and this made me aware that I never finished writing on my family of dogs ... oops, excuse me, Chimi never finished telling his TALES of his tail ... snips and snails and puppy dog tails ... so he told me ... he was ready ... to bark it, tell about these two, because he misses them (yeah, right). 

When we went home this past spring/summer, I left both Chispita and Lucky there in Minnesota. Trust me traveling with 6 dogs almost 3,000 miles is not easy, returning with the 4 suited me fine. Lucky had lived in MN since her first summer of life so it was only right for her to stay.

You see Lucky often, she's in the photo with my profile photo. She is one of my favorites, and she's very special the way she sits up...

"I taught her that"... Chimi woofs to me.... "No, Chimi, you didn't, she does this all on her own." I let him know.

"You know why she was named 'Lucky' don't 'cha?" Chimi inquires. "because she was so lucky to be born from me and have the colors of my dad, opposite of mine."


"No Chimi," I reply, "that's not right at all, though it does have to do with her coloring in part. The black shape on her back looks like a shamrock of luck of the Irish. That's from my grandmother."


"And also because she was able to stay in Minnesota the first summer she was born. 3 of us went home that year, Chiqui, Lucky and me... usually I would stay, or Bravo would stay and we'd take turns. But this year, you decided one of my daughters would be left behind. Since Chiqui snipped at Blake and ran after the heels of Sam, biting them... you decided to make Lucky, the lucky one..."

"Yeah, now that's a little closer to the truth. It was also because she was so well liked and got along with everyone including Tano, the other dog that was living there already. Since Tano was male, it was best to leave him a friend that he could take care of... you had your paws full."

"Ohhh, yeah, I just don't get as much attention or treats as I use to get." Chimi complains. "You played ball and threw toys with me more before these 6 showed up here."

"She's so lucky, she even got winter Christmas stuff like the sweater and my winter jacket and this silly looking hat. It's a reindeer hat. Plus she has that nice fuzzy blanket and gets to sleep on the bed. She really is spoiled, ya' know. I remember how much she cried whenever you left home so you started bringing her with you." 

"Oh, Chimi, there was a time when you did also. And you have made sure that you get to be up on my chairs, my couch and even sneak up on my bed when I'm gone and you know better."

"Oh and by the way, the 6 extra little dogs showing up here was yours and Toby's fault. But you remember we took care of that for both of you...so there should be no more surprises from you two, so you can stop fooling around, besides you're getting kinda old."


 I let Chimi think that and that he's a BIG boy ... shhh, don't let him know that he's not. 

I just wanted to remind you of this from a previous post

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.

Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and 'wag' your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.


Which lesson do you need to learn?
(maybe you should consider rescuing a dog from a nearby shelter to teach you)

YOU CAN LEARN SO MUCH!

WISHING YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS & BLESSED NEW YEAR!

I LOVE GOD and my DOG(s)!

OK my DOG family of 6 dogs!!!

PLUS this sweet beautiful friend

My cousin Carrie's dog: KATO in MN

THIS MAY NOT BE VERY SPIRITUAL for SUNDAY but I just had to SHARE IT

...and DEDICATE it to LS & HAPPY @ Serendipity Park, all the DOGS at D.O.T. (I have not forgotten YOU) and All the DOGS in my life ~ currently: 1)Bravo 2)Chiminito (Chimi) 3)Toby (which means God is good) 4) Chiquitita (Chiqui) 5) Lucky and 6) Chispita (Chispa) and another special friend: KATO - above [photos are way down on my sidebar so I've added a few here below, saved under "Family" in my Files]

Thank You GOD for DOGs!

You Tube  by Wendy Francisco

Rocky Mountain Ministries

Don & Wendy Francisco

IN ABOVE ORDER, I present to you
MY FAMILY here in Mexico ~all from Mexico :)

(which one do you think is my favorite?...shhhh...don't tell...which is yours?)

same dog above & below ~ BRAVO

BRAVO

April 1998 - May 13, 2011

**********

CHIMINITO

March ? - August 29, 2018

"king" Chimi and 2 of his daughters

Bravo is in the background

with TOBY (below)

TOBY 

(abandoned mother of my 6 pups)

"Queen of this Castle"

CHIQUITITA

Jan. 6, 2006 - April 19, 2021

LUCKY

Jan. 6, 2006 - Nov. 21, 2020

CHISPITA

Jan. 6, 2006 - March 3, 2020

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I shared my THANKFULNESS for my DOGS on my GRATITUDE list!

for the 3rd Annual

GIVING THANKS CHALLENGE

and they were in my TOP TEN

(actually the first 10 that I've listed)

So many opportunities this year to give THANKS!

May God bless your family and family plans

during this special season

of GIVING THANKS to GOD!

I also am thankful for my dogs:

how they cheer me

and

train me!

How they care for me and show their faithful love!

How I wish I could untrain somethings in them,

but overall, they remind me of God's love and discipline.

Each day they give me a lesson

that God is showing me

through them!

God is good that way...unconditional love...Amen Karen!!!

SHELTER CHALLENGE

Sorry early commenters this was my intention 

and I forgot
until I went to click for today!