We knew our time with you would be limited but these goodbyes never get any easier. My biggest wish is that we gave you everything you needed before you had to leave this world. You came into my life when I needed you most and I cannot put into words how grateful I am to…
Author: barkingmadlab
I am a dog mom, zombie lover, Netflix addict, Bravo junkie, yoga enthusiast, dark chocolate aficionado, beer connoisseur, and master procrastinator. My days are filled with dog fur, tail wags, and fetchies. I love sharing the (mis)adventures and shenanigans of our crazy fur crew, from the laughs to the tears to the unconditional love a dog gives. Our house is full of funny bunnies, wiggle butts, and boo bears. It’s a dog’s life here.
Thunder, Fireworks, and Hail, Oh My!
Just 5 days after Piper found her forever home with us we learned she is terrified of thunder, fireworks, and most loud noises. Our usual New Year’s Eve festivities consist of some very laid back celebrations: a little wine (or a lot) or some beer, a movie, some champagne, maybe watching the ball drop. As…
Meet Piper the Surprise! Dog
This is Princess Piper Lou of the Chowlamutes. Piper came to us on Christmas day as a rescue. She is by all accounts a gift for my heart. As I had spent days and then weeks laying helplessly with my dying Tango, I promised him that when he was gone I would save a life…
The Remote is Gone
The remote is missing and it seems this whole household sucks at finding things. All of us. We’ve looked everywhere. We’ve turned the whole house upside down. Tango would’ve found it by now. He would’ve helped us as we dug under couch cushions, gotten on the floor with us as we reached under the never…
31 Dog Days Of Halloween
If I haven’t said it before (and I have), I love love love Halloween. More importantly Tango was the best Halloween-partner-in-crime I could’ve asked for. The absolute best, most loyal, do-anything-for-you type of dog. And by do-anything-for-you I mean that time he patiently posed for a photo shoot for me while I dressed him up…
Dear Tango
Dear Tango, You came barreling into my life with a chaotic crash that turned everything upside down. You were a force to be reckoned with for sure. I was more prepared to take that senior year English essay answer only test about that book I had never read than I was for you. You immediately…
What’s in a Bucket List?
FIRST, THIS SUCKS AND IT’S NOT FAIR On July 31st, 2018 Tango was diagnosed with cancer. He has a malignant tumor sitting on a rib bone that has metastasized to his lungs. We are told he does not have very much time left, maybe one to three months. I’m in complete disbelief with this diagnosis…
Allergies, Steroids, and Guilt; What went wrong and what saved us.
Tango’s Story for me is complex and difficult to put into words. But I’m willing to bet the people who know us personally, and those that helped him along the way, would say I’m making it way more complicated than it has to be. That’s probably because I’ve internalized, analyzed, and dissected every moment, every decision, and every mistake. I…
Seniors Rule!
Having a senior dog is hard. Really really hard. It’s the hardest stage of a pup’s life to have to deal with. It’s the absolute hardest part of being a fur parent. No, not because they’re too sick, or too grumpy, or too expensive, or not playful enough, or they sleep too much, or any…
Lazy Days and Dogs of Summer
FIRST, A RULE OF THUMB Out here in the desert heat we’re reaching highs of 110° and it’s not even June yet. There’s a good rule of thumb when thinking about what your dog can withstand, whether it’s in terms of hot or cold. If it’s too hot/cold for you, then it’s too hot/cold for…
Barking Mad Lab 