Snoozer

Angel fell asleep on my side of the bed so I put the elf between her paws. 

She didn't even notice! :) 

Happy 3rd Birthday Angelbabies!

Happy 3rd birthday to Angel's "babies"- Marley, Samba, and 2 others, who I hope are still alive and well, being loved and spoiled. 

Angel was just barely a baby herself when she became a mom. She's pretty happy being our baby now! 

Hope all those former "pups" are healthy, happy, and loved for a long long time! 

Cuddle-Ready

Angel with me...

Angel with her daddy...

Angel cuddles up to daddy and I every night....if we ever get a chance to relax, that is! She is so warm and comforting and always ready for a cuddle. 

Therapy Dog

I belong to a Coton de Tulear Facebook Group. There are several, but I just chose one at random, and for the most part it has been helpful in learning a lot about Angel's breed. 

Of course there are lots of perfect show dogs on there, but then there are lots of dogs like Angel too- rescued and loved-far from perfect, as far as AKC goes! 

Some people are critical about certain foods they use and that's okay. Angel is easy to please, having had to probably compete for her food at an early age. She's not picky. 

She's not well-trained like some of the other dogs, for sure! She still has no idea how to tell us she needs to go outside. Well, she does, but it's not very practical! It's quite amusing and annoying, but effective. 

She barks like a crazy dog at strangers still, and has a ferocious growl that most trainers and some dog owners would simply just frown upon. I'm sure I would get a scolding and a failing grade as a dog owner in that department. 

But she's gentle and sweet and kind, and never aggressive, quite contrary to that fake display of hers. And she is super smart, but stubborn. 

One thing that I love about the group is the occasional post about therapy dogs. There is at least one coton who visits hospitals and nursing homes. The owner posts sweet photos of the dog sitting on laps of the elderly. I just love to see those. There is another dog who belongs to a little girl who is suffering some type of chronic illness and he he is always by her side, cuddled by her face, never too far away. It is so heartwarming to see. 

Angel is my own therapy dog. She may not qualify as a show dog. She's badly trained. She certainly has a bad haircut and bad habits to match! But I'm fairly certain she was the first to sense I was having seizures back in March, as she was closer to me than normal and climbing up into my face a lot more. And when my brother passed away recently, I believe she has sensed my terrible grief. She usually sleeps at my feet for a little while and then jumps off the bed at night. But lately she has been sleeping hugged up tight next to me, and then eventually she sleeps ON me for a duration of the night. In the morning she gets in Steve's spot and waits for me to put my hand on her and we both go back to sleep awhile. 

During the day she follows me more than normal, and sits on my lap a little longer than she usually does. She's very perceptive. I may not be crying at these times, but she seems to know I'm in some type of distress. 

In that way, to me, she is a perfect dog! She's had a little cabin fever lately, so she's been kind of like a bored toddler at times, but for the most part, she's a wonderful companion who keeps my heart from breaking completely until the humans come back home. 

She's really gonna love me today...she needs a bath. Guess I better find a new companion for the day! ;) 

Puppy Face

This is Angel's puppy face. She was cuddling with daddy, and we realized how different she can look sometimes! 

She has been a little stressed out with all the emotional stuff in the house since my brother unexpectedly passed away this month. And now the stress of the holidays are here...crazy.

So, she has needed a little more attention. I've tried to slow down and take time to play with her and cuddle a bit more with her each day.

She is sleeping not just with me but ON me almost every night, and stalks me during the day, never letting me get too far out of sight. 

Perhaps she is trying to ease MY stress too? 

It does help some...

Comforter

Angel just knew I was having a particularly rough day today...

She never left my side. 

My little comforter...<3

Daddy's Girl

Daddy's home!

Woot woot! 

Time for smooches! 

After a long, crazy demanding day of work, this is just what he needed! 

Angel works her magic on all of us!

Love you, sweet girl!! 

Cuddle Bum

Angel likes the cold weather....it means snuggling in our bed every night! 

Natalie got me the mini coton that Angel is snuggling. They looked so cute together. 

She was so stretched out that her feet were hanging off the end of the bed! So funny! 

She doesn't like to sleep with us, believe it or not! She likes her own space, but she does like to cuddle in our bed before we get in! 

Devotion

My little Angel...

She stuck very close to me today, as I was sick all day. 

I can't tell you enough how much comfort she brings me. I have been dealing with a lot of illness for quite a few months off and on, and she has been there for me through it all. On our good days, we have a lot of fun. On the bad days, she's content to snuggle and play quietly beside me and keep watch over me. 

What a loyal companion she is and has always been! And all she wants from me is devotion. That's so easy! :) 

Buggy Beggarkins

Nope, she "ain't too proud to beg!"

What a crazy girl! Begging position....on the couch! Ha ha! 

Happy 4th Birthday Angel

Happy 4th birthday sweet Angel! We don't know anything about the day she was born or her first year or so of life, but the rest of her life will be beautiful! 

Here she is snuggled in her bed this morning as we watch TV together. She is cozy, comfy, happy, and safe. When I walk by or talk to her, she stretches a bit and looks at me with those sweet soulful eyes. 

What a treasure we have found in this little dog. We all love her so much. She sometimes has to escape our cuddles just to get some time to herself! What a problem for a former unwanted dog to have, right?

 In the last 2-1/2 years she has grown to accept strangers much better and even recognizes our extended family better. She's so much more adjusted and happy now!!

This sweet girl is going to get her birthday presents over the weekend-another bed, a new lambchop (her absolute favorite toy), and some treats. 

She's not much for wearing birthday hats and eating cakes from fancy dog bakeries. A long hike in the woods and a good bone will suit her just fine! 

Bath Protester

This was Angel, all tucked in her bath towel, feelings hurt after her bath. 

She still doesn't like her bath at all! She takes it very hard when it's bath time and no matter how gentle we are, she tries to escape! Poor thing... 

We tried to warn her about rolling in poo and wet leaves, but she didn't listen! When she's dry, she seems to shake off the bad mood and she's ready to re-join the family again. 

She has so many funny personality traits, one of them is stubbornness. It's kind of cute sometimes, but at bath time, not so much! 

Oh well, we now have a fluffy? Sweet-smelling sweet dog again. At least for awhile....;) 

Angel of the Leaves

I had a little help raking today! 

Silly girl ran outside with her squeaky chipmunk and kept losing it in the leaves I was raking into big piles. 

She gave up looking and just made herself comfortable as I worked. She's a great companion but a lousy helper! ;) 

Sweet Apple

Don't sit under the apple tree with anyone else but me! 

Don't look too close. She's getting a bath tonight. Yesterday she rolled in wet leaves and turned herself a lovely shade of harvest gold...sigh...;) 

Couch Tater

Angel tried to resist Natalie's incessant begging, but she finally gave in and jumped up on the couch to cuddle with her awhile...

See, Angel, cuddling is a good thing! Sometimes Angel can be a little stubborn about these things! ;) 

Best Buddies

Sunday afternoon. Angel and I are resting after harvesting the sunflowers...

It's a beautiful Sunday, and so nice to have Angel off leash! She no longer has the desire to run off, rather she sticks close, always wanting to know where I am. 

Heart Melter

Angel loves Fall as much as we do! 

Oh my, this girl just melts our hearts so much!!! 

Ghostie Girl

Serena thought it would be funny to put this ghost mask on Angel! It was pretty cute the way Angel walked around as if nothing was on her face! Funny dog! 

The girls love to dress her up. Poor girl. Who is going to break it to her that Halloween is coming soon? Hide Angel, hide!! :)

Angel of Autumn

Angel wants to be part of our scarecrow family! 

She's the cutest pumpkin in the bunch! 

Family Love

Angel is such a cuddle bug anyway, but with these chilly evenings, she's back to crawling into our laps again! I love it! 

She makes her rounds with each one of us. Everyone complains that I am the favorite, but she can be coaxed off my lap onto theirs, so I think everyone is her favorite, just at her choosing! 

Natalie relaxes with Angel every day after school. I think it helps a busy high school student let the stresses of the day melt away! 

Serena is always snatching my phone and taking pictures of her kissing Angel! Them she puts them on Angel's Instagram. Yes, Angel has her own Instagram! I don't know anything about Instagram, sorry! If you want to follow her, comment, and I'll ask Serena for the info. 

I don't have a picture for this, but last night Steve and Angel were eating popcorn simultaneously, and Steve was trying to chew exactly like her! Hence, the reason for no photo! A video would have been hilarious! It cracked me up! Those two are quite a match. Angel loves to snuggle up next to him and watch football. Might have something to do with the snacks involved, but it could be the belly rubs and kisses too! 

Angel is well-loved by all in our home! 

Sleeping in my bed...rough life! 

Pay Attention to Me!

Angel can get into some of the weirdest positions when trying to get her sister's attention! 

Serena was on her iPod and Angel was wanting some love. She jumped up on the couch and sat up, put both paws up and Serena gave her a double "high five"! She then kind of tipped back and rolled over, then looked back at me, like, "aren't I just the cutest thing?" 

Yes, you are! And you crack us up every day! 

Goodnight Angel

This was Angel sleeping between us one night. She was actually snoring! We were both giggling so hard I can't believe she didn't wake up! Snoozeville! 

She also falls asleep in her own bed with her feet sticking out! 

And some nights she falls asleep like this...

What a tough life she leads, that little Angel!  

Sweet Baby

Angel is all tucked in for the night...

Oh my goodness, how I love this girl! Such a sweet baby! 

Relaxing with Angel

Angel and I spending our Friday night curled up on the couch. Who needs a busy weekend? Not us. Bring on the movie and the relaxation! It's been a long week! 

On second thought, who cares about the movie... :) 

Angel at the Beach

Angel went to the beach with us, but still won't go near the water unless she is carried! 

That's okay...some dogs love the water and swimming and some don't. Angel doesn't like any body of water, including the bathtub. 

She says the water messes up her hair! :) 

Sweet kisses

Miss Angel loves to sneak kisses at the campfire! Natalie is always ready to give them. 

Furry Joy!

This was Angel's 3rd time at the family cottage up north and she loved it! As soon as she got out of the van she did zoomies all around the yard like crazy! It was so fun to see her wild and free and happy. She was off leash the whole time and stayed right in the yard, which is surrounded by a hay field, woods, and a big meadow and trails. Such a good girl! 

Angel is the furry definition of the word, JOY! 

Chipmunk Digger

Miss Angel loves her dirt..

This was her "mug shot" after attempting to dig up a chipmunk in my landscaping last week. Stinker! 

She does NOT like her feet washed, so when I got the dish pan out, she wasn't so proud of her chipmunk digging party. 

No chipmunk and a bath. Not a good day for Angel! But she's cute! Always cute! 

Besties

Angel was enjoying a post-lunch snuggle with Natalie the other day and had the sweetest smile on her face. I had to take a picture so Natalie could see how cute they both looked together. 

They really bring out the best in each other. ❤️❤️❤️

Summer Lovin' Angel

Miss Angel was enjoying a little time by the pool recently. Just don't get her too close to the water or she'll panic! She's not much if a dog paddler. 

She spent a great deal of time poking around the grill after a chipmunk started teasing her! He often hides inside then chirps at her while tucked away safely. One of these days Angel..,

Angie decided watermelon was okay, but not her favorite! 

Car rides, however, are her absolute favorite summer activity! 

We love Angel in all seasons, but she is definitely a summer-lovin' dog!