A New Year, the Same Me

I figured I should write an end of year post.  2010… I don’t even know where to start.  Honestly, I feel like it was a pretty uneventful year for me.  Spring and fall semesters have kicked my ass.  My bestie moved to South Korea this summer.  I met a pretty cool chick, my unicorn, who could probably be a lifelong friend. I got a new pet, a 15 lb orange tabby cat named Purrrcival- Purrrcy for short.  Auburn had an undefeated football season, and we are going to play in the BCS championship game January 10, 2011!

The year wasn’t all great.  I found out in November that my asthma has returned, and my breathing is so bad it’s affecting my blood pressure.  I was put on an inhaler and blood pressure medicine.  For the most part my blood pressure has been normal since but I’ve had a couple of days when it was high.  I found out about that the week before thanksgiving, and also got a call that my cholesterol was high as well.  Not good news, because the combination puts me at high risk for a stroke/heart attack.  But I already joined a gym- as a matter of fact trouble breathing during exercise was why I went to the doctor- and it’s good that it was caught before anything happened.  In good health news, my uncle received a much needed kidney transplant, due to my cousin (his nephew) donating his.  It was probably the best Christmas gift I received this year. 

There were things going on at school toward the end of the semester, which combined with my health issues really had me feeling down, but you know what??? I won’t complain.  The year was far from great, lots of car issues, health issues, and my washing machine broke down, but the year also wasn’t bad.  Even though I am sitting here on my grandmother’s couch, because she isn’t doing well, I have a lot to be thankful and I am blessed beyond measure.  She turned 95 years old in November.  She's lived a long blessed life.  Out-lived her husband, son, and all but one of her siblings, as well as many nieces and nephews.  She's got lots of people who love her and who have been blessed by her presence on this earth.  She will be at peace eventually, no longer tired, weak or in pain, and she'll be with my granddad again. 

So what is in store for the New Year?   Who knows?  Hopefully love, great grades, and lots of fun and learning, lots of couch naps with my Purrrcy P, health for my family and friends, quality time with my god kids and lots of laughter.  Resolutions? Nope.  I will be losing weight, because my life pretty much depends on it, I will be managing my money better, and I will curse more and be meaner like my Sorors Anna and Aishia.  Yes, you read that last part correctly!  I’m tired of holding shit in and being nice. Blah.

My best friend is already celebrating the New Year in South Korea and for the rest of you I hope 2011 finds you all in good spirits and is your best year yet.

Sitting here guess I didn't make bail....

Last night, after live tweeting the "16 and Knocked up" Reunion special and special episode on Mar-Kay and her second pregnancy and decision to have an abortion, I ended up in twitter jail.  Some of you, who don't tweet, or don't tweet often are probably looking at me sideways right about now.  Yes I said twitter jail.  I don't know how you end up there.  It is either a total daily limit or too many tweets in a short time frame.  Whatever the offense may be, the punishment is being in twitter jail.  You can't tweet.  Some have said you can work around this by tweeting via a different platform.  So if you are tweeting from your phone, go to web, or tweet deck.  I tried, and it doesn't work.  My only question today is, WHY is there a twitter jail? I mean seriously, twitter isn't working half the time and you want to keep me from saying things I want to say?  It seems like it took forever to be able to tweet again, as some friends and I were discussing some issues and I wanted to give my input but couldn't. Dear twitter, get rid of twitter jail!

Go Girl It's Ya Birfday...

Yeah, as of midnight 12/21/2010, it is my 27th birthday.  (Officially 27th but I'm telling folks I'm turning 25.  Several have believed me so far.)  i have no big plans.  The highlight of the day will be a free breakfast at IHOP. I have errands to run: groceries, eyebrows, dog food.  After that? Nothing.  I'll probably sleep most of the day.  Don't get me wrong, I am grateful to make it to another year of life, but birthdays are just so BLAH to me right now.

I've always had it in my head that a person's birthday should always be special.  Being born so close to Christmas, things aren't always special.  I have a couple of friends who usually make me feel wonderful on my day but they are far away right now (S. Korea and NY).  My mom's busy taking care of my grandma, my dad may not even remember, and my brother is working.  We won't even get into the situation with "the boo."  I feel like it's selfish of me to desire for tomorrow to be special, but at the same time I feel like birthdays SHOULD be special.  A person should feel like a king/queen on his/her birthday, and it's rare that I've achieved that feeling.  It would be nice to be pampered and cuddled for a change on my day, instead of just feeling like it's any other day of the year and pretending to just enjoy the day.

Don't take that as a complaint though.  I've been very blessed these 27 years, I'm glad to be here, and I do love life.  I will be sure however, that even if I'm alone, 30 will be fabulous.  And I know when I have kids, especially if they are born in December, I'll try to make their birthdays special until I'm too old to move, and the same for my husband.

Until then, y'all enjoy the eclipse and shit.  I'm going to bed, AFTER I hit my birfday dougie... in my snuggie.

Welcome!

I'm switching things over from my former blog.  I'm planning to import all of my old posts, follow most of the same blogs I was following, etc.  I just... well I just needed to do this. 

.....You ARE the Father

**Insert dramatic, "in yo face sucka, I told you that was yo baby" dance here**

Anyone who knows me knows that I have some very strong opinions on things regarding relationships, pregnancy, trust, et cetera.  The other night on twitter a guy posted a question, that has left me "debating" people ever since.  "If you are a woman, would you be offended if you got pregnant and the man asked for a pregnancy test?"   My answer was simple, it depends.  If you are just  having casual sex with some guy, no strings attached, no relationship then it shouldn't bother you.  But in my opinion, if we are in a committed relationship, it should.  Inside of a relationship, asking for a paternity test basically says "I think there is a chance this baby could not be mine, and therefore you must be screwing around."

So I posted the question on my Facebook status, just wondering what type of responses I would get.  I had a lot of women say just what I expected, but to my surprise several saw no problem with a guy asking this of them.  Also added it to a discussion group I'm in just to see.  Of course guys say the same thing... "you KNOW it's your baby but a guy can't be sure." And you are right, you can't be.  But to me, that request of a paternity test (assuming that you haven't been given a reason to NOT trust me) is a slap in the face and it will leave you single. Guys apparently don't get why or how a woman might be hurt or offended by this.  That's fine, because maybe the women you are with won't be like me, but as for me I will not deal with that shit.  You will get your paternity test and your pink slip.. you can get gone out of my life and we can set up a visitation schedule for the baby, or better yet, just give me half on the cost of an abortion.

A Friendly Reminder...

I've got a lot going on in my life.  Not sure that I'll talk about it here... but I do know that no matter how hard it gets, it could be worse.

Lost my Cell Phone AGAIN today...

So for the second time in a week, I lost my phone.  It wasn't REALLY lost, but it was misplaced.  Apparently I'm turning into an old senile lady because I keep putting my phone down somewhere in the house, going into another room, and within 5 minutes I've forgotten where it was.  Both times the phone was on silent.  I thought to myself "there should be an app for that."  So I got home today and finally found my phone.  I had actually given up on looking, but thanks to my handy dandy peripheral vision, I was able to see the reflection of my LED blinking.  I was excited, I had found my baby!  But this seems to be happening a lot to me lately, and I figure it probably happens to other people, so I decided to go to Google and see what was available.

I should have known there would be an app for that.  I found Where's My Phone.  There is a free and paid edition.  I downloaded it from App World and set it up immediately.  You have to set up a code word, and whenever you lose your phone you can have someone text/email you (or do it yourself).  The email has to have your codeword, a space, and START.  When the phone receives the email, an alarm sounds, even if the phone is on silent or vibrate.  There are free and paid options.  I think the paid version would be useful, but I am planning to probably switch to an Android phone in the next few months so I probably won't be getting anymore paid apps.  With the paid version you get many more customization options, including changing the alert, the number of tries require to turn off the alert (5 is default, and you have to enter the code word you chose at set up to stop the alarm), and more.  Another paid option that might come in handy if you actually lose your phone (instead of just forgetting what table you put it on like I do) is auto-deletion of all emails.

And if you have an iPhone orAndroid , there are similar apps for you.  With all of the clutter of apps out there that are useless, it's nice to have one that is practical and most likely worth the money for the paid version.

To Move or Not to Move... That is the Question.

Last year, AFTER I'd resigned a one year lease with my apartment complex, people started advertising all of these cute little affordable houses, close to vet school, with fenced yards. I was kind of upset because I would have preferred renting a house to being in an apartment anyway. Honestly part of it is because I want to have an easier life as a pet owner. Let the boys out into the yard while I'm getting ready and they'll come in when they are ready. Plus, even though you can still have loud neighbors, they aren't right on top of you- and I mean that literally. The kid above me is always making so much noise, stomping around up there like an elephant on a trampoline. I don't have to worry about whether or not vacuuming at 3am will affect anyone else, or deal with people not picking up their damn dog poop!

But then the fact remains that moving is hard and expensive. You have to get trucks, and have friends willing to help and it is really just a pain in the ass. I'd have to pay new deposits, and redecorate. And my parents will be against it. I mentioned moving before and possibly doing the roommate thing(I really wasn't serious about that, roommates are NOT for me), and they were against it. They like this apartment complex, and the manager and maintainence guys. They feel like it's a safe place, and it is, but I just feel like I want to leave. I want to be in a better place.

so I think i'm going to mention it to them again when I go home. I always consider their input but I am grown and the final decision is mine. Hopefully they will be able to convince them that it was a good idea and find a place, no more than 10 minutes from the vet school, preferably with a fenced yard, and enough space because I have lots of stuff. Hopefully I can find something with a laundry room so the boys don't have to be in their crates during the day, or I guess if it has more than one bedroom they can have the second room although I'd prefer to use that as an office.

Now I just have to decide what to do.

I'm Breaking Things and I'm Losing Things...

This song has been on my mind ALL day.  When I got home from school studying last night I put my Blackberry down somewhere and couldn't find it.  I was just about to tell my bestie in S. Korea via Facebook to call me, when I found it on the couch.  Then this morning, I woke up, checked some emails, and put my phone down.  When I went to check the time later, it was gone.  I looked and looked and never found it, and just ended up going to school.  Because it's on silent, calling didn't do much good, so most of my lunch break was spent looking.  It would have been easier to find but my bed is covered in laundry.  I'm not a neat person.    I'm not filthy but not neat.  After doing laundry the clothes generally sit in the dryer until I need it again, then get dumped on the bed until I have time to fold them.  I haven't had much time lately.  The last 2 or 3 weeks have been hectic for me.  Maybe this weekend I can start getting my life back together.  Can't wait until Thanksgiving so that I can SLOW DOWN.

The Minutes Feel Like Hours... the Hours Feel Like Days

Corinne Bailey Rae - Trouble Sleeping

This song says a LOT.

I Always Feel Like Somebody's Watching Me...

It's been a while, but it has happened again.  Yes, ladies and gentlemen, IT.  What is it you ask? I have a new Facebook stalker! *Insert dorky smile and spirit fingers*  You're nobody until you have had a Facebook stalker (not really), and now I am on number two- and who knows, there maybe be more.  Facebook stalker number one knows who she is, and may or may not regret her stalking.  It always gives me a funny story to tell.

Now there's number two.  I have no idea who this person is, other than the fact that they are a school mate.  That being said, this person could be spending their time studying, making note cards, catching up on rest, participating in the wonderful clubs and organizations we have here, or so much more.  But instead, they are watching me.  Well maybe not, but they are paying more attention to me than anyone.

Here's the story.  Large animal anatomy.  Cover alls.  Boots.  I felt like I wanted a picture so I had a friend snap one on my Blackberry.  That was January.  Here it is almost January again and I hear something about a picture on my Facebook page angering some folks.  Turns out, there were some things in the background that weren't supposed to be posted.  (We have rules about pictures.  No pictures of client-owned animals, pictures of dissections, etc.)  Well guess what?  In almost a year, no one who has seen that picture, including myself ( I had it as a background on my laptop off and on a few times) even noticed this forbidden thing.  But then one day someone did.  Probably hit that trusty right-click button, saved it, and emailed or printed it.  Who knows.  Now this isn't some lewd photograph, no one is in any type of compromising positions.  So I edited my picture and reposted it, because I like it.  It tells part of the story of my first year in veterinary school and I want to show it.

I do kind of wonder, however, if maybe we should be looking for a boyfriend/girlfriend/both for this person who had so much time on their hands that they noticed something in the corner of a picture that no one else noticed.  I'm quite tempted to delete everyone but a few select folks from school from my Facebook friends list after this... but then I guess Mr. or Ms. or Mrs. Stalker would be bored.  And I DO believe in community service- give the haters (and the stalkers) something to do with their time!

With that being said, I do think that I am pretty fucking awesome.  And quite frankly, if I was someone else, I'd stalk me too.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Only a few months left in October, but I had to remember to write about domestic violence awareness.  This is something I have never had to deal with personally.  I have heard reports of women I know who have been affected by this issue and my heart goes out to them.  I've looked back on a couple of my own relationships, and seen that some things the guys did were borderline controlling.  What if they had escalated? Would I be strong enough to leave? Would I call the police?  Or would I accept his apology and believe that he wouldn't do it again?  I hope I'd have the strength to leave.

One day a couple of weeks ago we walked out of class and saw some strange figures in our lobby.  As we got closer you could tell they were cut-outs.  I had no idea what they were going to be.  Maybe an advertisement for the food drive we are having in which we compete against the university of Alabama? Nope.  It was for Domestid Violence Awareness month.  I actually had no idea that October was so aware.  Breast cancer and domestic violence.  I was kind of excited because this is definitely an important issue, and I'm glad that it is being brought to people's attention. Each of these has the story of a woman who lost her life to domestic violence. 

If you or someone you know needs help check out The Domestic Violence Awareness Project.

Apartment Etiquette for Dummies

 So when I lived in my first apartment, I didn't have any issues with the neighbors.  (Unless you count the old man in the wheelchair who used to flirt with me.  Imagine that old dirty man voice saying "you shole look good" as you are walking to your car in a skirt on the way to church. Eww.)  Been at this complex a little over a year and I want to leave.  These people don't understand the small things that one must take into consideration when living in an apartment.  Apparently no one realizes that most of what they do affects their neighbors because of the close quarters.  So here is a list of things that people should and shouldn't do when living in an apartment setting.

1) Is there an apartment below you? Stop stomping around like an elephant in an aerobics class.
The guy above me is HOT.  Very hot. He's a younger guy, and I assume an undergraduate at Auburn.  But he is SO noisy.  For a while there every weekend he played the same song over... and over... and over.  Then he would watch the same loud action movie with explosion scenes. Well when he wasn't making that kind of noise, he was stomping around.  He hasn't been making noise by playing his music, but he walks so heavily. It's 3 am and I hear "boom boom boom" above me as he walks around his bed room.  You would swear this guy weighed 500lbs.  I know part of it is probably that the apartments need better insulation, but it doesn't stop the loud walking from keeping me up at night.  Someone should teach this kid how to tip toe.



2) Don't let your visitors take the "premium" parking spots.
It doesn't happen often, but occasionally I have to park much further away then I'd like.  If I'm just coming and going it isn't as big of a deal, but if I'm carrying groceries, or my 8lb pathology textbook, I'd like to be closer to my door.  Maybe your guest doesn't want to lug their suitcase from a further spot either, but they don't pay rent here.  They should be courteous and not take the premium spaces.

3) Don't let your dog sit on your patio/balcony and bark at passersby. 
I finally got this situation resolved by going to the office.  But a lady who lives above the apartment next to me lets her dog out on the balcony often.  Well this little eskimo dog barks at everything.  Dogs? He barks at them.  People? He barks at them.  Cats? He barks at them.  The wind? He barks at it.  Get my point? Well on weekends she'd let him go out on the balcony as early as 6:30 am and 5:30 weekdays.  Being a vet student I need every bit of sleep I can get.  That means that I get up in just enough time to get myself showered and dressed and the animals walked and fed.  I'll just tell you now that at 5:30 am on weekdays I'm just rolling over, and on weekends? I'm probably not awake enough to roll over.  Who wants to hear a dog barking at 6:30 on a Saturday? No one.  Plus he's got one of those yippy yappy little barks that echoes all too well.

4) Scoop your poop!
This is probably my NUMBER ONE pet peeve.  I have definitely gone to the office and told on a specific person who I've seen not picking up her dog's poop.  It's the lady with the eskimo dog from #3.  She's not the only one though.  Besides the health hazards involved in not picking up your animals waste (Check this out.), it is a rule.  And it's not some frivolous rule.  Who wants to step in dog shit while trying to walk their pets, heading to their car or even just strolling around the complex grounds? And what about all of the kids who play outside?  I'd hope that all the animals here are up-to-date on their deworming schedules, but considering that many of the parasites our pets can be infected with can be transmitted to humans, this is important.

5) Walk, don't run!
Not only could you fall and hurt yourself, but running up and down the stairs is VERY disturbing to your neighbors.  Especially when the fat chicks upstairs do it.  It sounds like a hippo stampede, it scares my cat, makes my dogs try to figure out what exactly was happening and it makes me think it's thundering outside.  I bet if I coated the steps with some baby oil you'd walk.

6) Spank your kids. 
Okay, maybe not.  But maybe.  There is a cute little boy here who is so sweet, but he's also kind of bad.  He doesn't listen, talks back, screams.  When I'm taking my very important Friday afternoon nap, or studying, I don't wanna hear that shit.  At the very least teach him to only yell at you indoors and that when he's on his scooter, bike, or skateboard it is rude to run into the doors of your neighbors.

7) Argue INSIDE. 
I don't get a lot of this here but I can count at least three separate occasions where an upstairs neighbor was arguing with a boyfriend.  One is a younger girl, whose ex-boyfriend came banging on her door.  I can understand not wanting to let him in, but y'all could go argue somewhere else please.  Or you could have just not answered the door and called the police.  Or why not argue through text messages like everyone else.  Then, just a week or so ago, another lady upstairs was arguing.  This one was pretty bad.  (I recorded it on my phone if I can get it uploaded I'll add it to my post).  But with my door closed I could hear every word clearly.  They were cursing and fussing like there was no tomorrow.  Just the fact that you can hear them pretty well on a recording made from my blackberry behind a closed front door speaks volumes about their volume.  It's ridiculous.

8) Leave me alone.
This one probably speaks to my anti-social tendencies.  But a couple of my neighbors always want to talk to me.  I don't ever want to talk to them.  I am fine with being cordial and saying "hi, how are you?" but that's about it.  I told "Crazy Mary" my name on several occasions, only to have her call me Kelly repeatedly.  Kelly and Alexis do not sound similar at all.  Another neighbor also tries to stop me to talk.  I don't want to talk to you people! I want to get my groceries in, walk my dog, or get my books out of the car and get into the house for my pre-study nap time.  I am not living here to make friends.  Let's speak and keep it moving.

In the grand scheme of things, people should realize that just like they pay rent here, so do those of us around them, and we deserve some peace and respect some times.

Willow Smith- Whip my Hair

All I can say is that the Smith family is definitely doing it big!  Fine husband, sexy wife, kids that are adorable.  And talent runs through their blood streams.  The song is awesome.  The video is awesome.  It's all upbeat, positive and age-appropriate.  She is going to be big.

Hispanic Heritage Month

I can't believe I almost missed Hispanic Heritage Month.  It's a weird month because it's not just September or October.  It's September 15th to October 15th.  I was thinking it was October-November but I'm glad I checked!

I decided to do a quick blog.  I wish I had remembered (and had time) to do a few different posts, so I'll just talk about two great Hispanic Americans here.

In 1990 Ellen Ochoa became the first Hispanic American astronaut.  She has logged nearly 1000 hours in space as a flight specialist and engineer.  She has developed software, hardware and robotics and is involved with testing and training.  She has been awarded numerous times by NASA.  In addition to being an astronaut, wife, and mother, she is also a classical flutist.






Born in South Bronx in 1954, Sonia Sotomayor was inspired to become a judge while watching television's Perry Mason.  After graduating from Princeton summa cum laude in 1976 she went on to Yale Law school.  She was nominated by President George H.W. Bush as the U.S. District Court Judge for the Southern District of New York City in 1992, with unanimous US Senate confirmation.  Under President Clinton's administration she became a U.S. Second circuit Court of Appeals judge.  In 2009, President Barack Obama nominated Sonia Sotomayor for Supreme Court Justice.  Her nomination was confirmed in August of 2009, making Sotomayr the first Latina Supreme Court Justice in US history.

Shit That's Offensive 101: Bama

Bama.  I bet some people don't even know that the "word" is used as an insult by people from the north, east, or just other states.  (I won't start on how people from Mississippi have no room to talk about any state, and that Georgia is at the bottom of a lot of lists also.)  The problem is that as a person from Alabama, I don't like that shit.  It offends me.  Are there people here who are ignorant, country, and just overall weird? Yep.  Bet your state has them too.  Call them rednecks, ratchet, foolish, whatever... just don't call them bamas.  Usually when I see BAMA it makes me cringe for different reasons.  Many people call the University of Alabama "Bama" for short, and you all know I hate that school with a passion (that could be a post of its own).  Find another insult to use, and don't use my state as an insult to others.

Shit That's Offensive 101: The Rebel Flag

Diversity is being mentioned a lot in my life these days.  Starting with last semester's Diversity Matters Symposium at the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine, to our Diversity Seminars here at the AUCVM, to the Diversity in Veterinary Medicine club of which I am the vice president.  It's important in my life.

So I realized that I've come across quite a few people who didn't know that to a Black person, a confederate flag could be offensive.  I guess they missed that whole slavery thing.  We all know (or should know) about the civil war, the confederacy, the confederate flag, slavery.  Bottom line, the confederacy decided they wanted to keep us Negroes as their slaves, so they seceded from the nation.  They went through a few flags, but the flag that became synonymous with the confederacy is this one:

I know a lot of white people feel that we Black people need to let go of the whole slavery issue.  Maybe we could do that but racism remains alive and kicking and so it is something that will always be discussed, something we will never forget.  To me, seeing a confederate flag is just as upsetting as I would imagine a swastika would be to a Jewish person.  I see all the videos and pictures of Black people being attacked with hoses and guard dogs, I see the assassination of Dr. King.  I hear the stories told to me by my grandparents of the "White Only" water fountains and benches, how my grandmother would take water and food with her when shopping downtown to avoid having to drink from one of these fountains.  These flags can be seen flown at Ku Kux Klan rallies, and many skin heads use this flag as well as the swastika as symbols of their love for hate.  Is every White person who owns a confederate flag a racist? Certainly not.  But I personally find the symbol offensive and I know several other Blacks who do.

Now some people do claim that they fly this flag as a sign of Southern Heritage.  I know one chick who had a key chain that said she was something by choice but Southern by the grace of God-- complete with the confederate flag.  I love the non-racist aspects of the south as much as the next Southern girl, but how can one hid behind this when they are from a state that can not be mistaken for a Southern state.  and if we want to be proud of the south, there are so many great things here other than that flag! Georgia's peaches, Alabama and Florida's beaches, New Orleans Cuisine, grits- yes I said grits.

So the next time you are walking around in your confederate flag t-shirt just remember that someone might be offended by your apparel, and maybe you'll think twice.  Or maybe you won't. But you can't say you didn't know.

Press Pause...

I just wanted to take a quick moment to talk about PauseApp for Blackberry.  Someone retweeted the article from Pocket Berry talking about this the other day.  I made the tweet a favorite so I could read it later.  As I read it, I felt like this app might be worth the try so I downloaded it to my precious TootsBerry.  It’s a simple app, with a simple concept.  Most of us are addicted to our Blackberry (or other smart phones).  Turning it off Is hard for me.   I can’t really recall when I turned it off last.  I’ve had it on silent for about 4 or 5 weeks straight, but with Berry Buzz installed, the various colored blinking LED that notifies me of texts (lime green), emails (turquoise), and other incoming messages or calls draws my attention.  I rarely forget to look down to see if I’m blinking.  I figured with an addiction such as mine this new app wouldn’t help.

I was wrong.  I tried it out for a while last night while I studied.  The app does just what it says it does-puts your phone on pause.  You don’t have to hit ignore to send your mom to voicemail, or try hard to ignore that blinking light that says “hey, text message here, looooook at me!” Pause sends your calls to voicemail and “hides” your messages.  No notifications, no ringing, vibrating, or blinking lights.  Now it only takes a simple click to put your phone back into “play” mode, but for me, the lack of blinking made me forget about it.  If you find yourself spending way too much time tweeting, texting, etc, then try this app.  It may work for you.  Head over to Pocket Berry for the OTA link.  

Breast Cancer Awareness on Your Blackberry

These are screenshots from my Blackberry bold 9700.  This awesome theme for breast cancer awareness is by Cool Blackberry Themes.  The application screens have a "Save the hooters" backgroud, the outgoing calls have a "check your boo bees" background and the incoming calls have an "I walk for the cure" background.   Check out the site for more screenshots and to download this them.  Here's the link.  It's a great way to show support.  So if you have survived, have family members who have been affected, or just like boobs and want to save them, check it out.

Remember to do to monthly exams at home.  Know what "normal" feels like so you can recognize abnormal.  Peace.

Did You Go to Church Today???

There's a question that I HATE to hear... first it's none of your business, and second, does it REALLY matter? Nope.



The Eddie Long drama currently unfolding in the media has sparked lots of talk. Facebook, twitter, everyone is talking about this. Many people have found this as just another reason not to go to church.  I've seen it said over and over that you shouldn't put your faith in man, but in God. I fully agree. But that isn't the issue.  The issue, at least for me, is that a pastor is a leader.  He is a man who has supposedly been called by God to teach his word and lead his flock.  No man is perfect, and we all sin, but you just kind of expect that your pastor is at least making an attempt at being Christ-like.  Maybe the allegations aren't true, but we know things like this go on.  Pastors, priests, bishops, whoever, are out there molesting kids, sleeping w/ the secretary, fathering kids with members of the congregation while they are married, or stealing money from the church.

I've had this conversation with friends and followers, but I feel like today we put too much emphasis on traditions and the actual act of going to church.  Yes, the fellowship can be great but people often get so caught up in the tradition of "religion." Add to the fact that the people are sometimes such hypocrites! I've sat next to my own auntie only to have her talking about people while we are in church.  Or you are all about love, but you are ready to fight Sis. Jones because she sat in your seat or parked where you always parked.  Seriously people? Let's do better.

I can admit, I haven't been to church here in Auburn since I moved here august 2009.  When I go home, I do occasionally visit the church that I am a member of, because quite frankly my pastor is awesome.  But I always in the back of my head wonder when the "honeymoon" will be over.  Surely no pastor starts out horrible or their memberships wouldn't grow so large or they wouldn't be welcomed into new churches.  We have a 4 day weekend (Fall Break) coming up, so I'll probably go to church that Sunday, just to see if it's worth going more often.  And by more often I mean maybe 3 or so times a semester.  Let's face it.  I'm a vet student.  Weekends are often spent studying, cleaning, and sleeping, but I'll try to make it more than never.

America: Home of Religious Freedom... as long as you aren't Muslim

Hey America, your hypocrisy is showing!  People always talk about how America is a place for freedom.  Freedom of speech, freedom of press, freedom of religion.  Seems to me, however, that a lot of Americans think that it's the home of religious freedom if you are Christian.  

First let's talk about separation of church and state.  Kids don't pray at school anymore (where they probably REALLY need to be praying) but no one felt like "In God We Trust" should be removed from the money.  Yet religion becomes political when it's convenient!  One big religion topic that is political is President Obama's religious affiliation.  Polls say half of the country thinks he's Muslim.  *Insert "what the fuck" face here.*  First of all, does it matter? Secondly, that's a personal issue.  Maybe he's Muslim, maybe he's Christian.  Let him be what he is.  

The next issue is the mosque that is proposed near ground zero.  Yes, 9/11 was horrible.  No, we shouldn't forget.  But we also should not blame an entire religion for what some radicals did.  If we did that, then think about slavery and the holocaust... in that case Christians would all take the blame for what a few of their own did.  Not right.  One bad apple may spoil the bunch, but we aren't apples! We are human beings.  My problem is that a lot of people don't even realize that this mosque is already near ground zero.  It's been there for almost 30 years.  They are in a different building now but in the same general area.  Did anyone protest their continued existence in their location?  Probably not.  I bet if you polled every racist, homophobic, anti-Semitic, Latino hating, Muslim hating jackass in the country, they are mostly Christian.  Probably a few atheists but I doubt it.  So you are supposed to be "Christ-like" and show people his love so that they can give their life to you, but if you are an example of Christianity, a lot of people would probably just rather go to hell!  

And last but not least, the icing on the cake that made the shit hit the fan.  "Reverend" Terry Jones of Gainesville, FL planned to burn 20 copies of the Qur'an in honor of 9/11, and I guess to protest the mosque being near ground zero.  Are you kidding me?  Is this a bad movie? (And to tie in to the hypocrisy theme, you know there'd be trouble if Muslims in another country were burning the Holy Bible!) Lots of countries already hate us.  There are terrorists just itching for a reason to blow us up.  Are the right for wanting to do so? Not really.  But they are radicals, you cannot reason with them.  So while we still have troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, while we are about to remember the 9th anniversary of our worst terrorist attack, you want to bring negative attention to us?  I read somewhere that this is the one guy who was able to unite President Obama, President Clinton, Sarah Palin, and a couple of other people.  They all think this is a BAD idea, and that this guy is basically pointing a giant neon sign at our country that says "blow this up."  Earlier today I saw an article that he'd decided not to do it.  Best news I'd heard all day.  But all good things must come to an end.  Now he's claiming that he only said he wouldn't do it because he assumed that there was a deal between him and those wanting to build the mosque in NY.  He doesn't burn the Qurans, they build their mosque elsewhere.  *insert another "what the fuck" face here*  So now that he realized that there was no deal, he's rethinking his decision to "cease fire."  (Click here to read the article on CNN.com)  At this point, I am about ready to head to Walmart to get some duct tape, rope, and twillight movies on DVD, then drive to FL, tape this guy up, and force him to watch that shit until Sunday evening.  Maybe then we can avoid any more terrorist attacks that were planned as a retaliation to his foolishness.  If he does go on with this foolish idea of is, all I have to say is Jesus be a bomb shelter, because we will need one.  

Diversity Seminar Wrap Up: They Just Don't Get It

On the last day of our diversity seminar, things got a little more real.  I'm going to name names here.  Folks in my class like Emily, Anna and Stephanie W. said things to make me know that they "get it."  Especially Anna.  She always speaks eloquently and says things in a way that are funny but true.  These three plus a few others in my class make me feel REALLY comfortable.  A lot of times at various events, I am the only black girl there.  Eb may be working or just not in attendance for whatever reason.  When I'm with this select few, being the only black girl doesn't even matter because I feel comfortable and I don't feel like when they are away from me they use derogatory terms about me or people of color- I can't say that for all of my school mates.  But I digress.

We talked a lot about veterinarians being fair.  no matter the color of someone's skin, what they are wearing, or how they may seem to you, you offer them your best!  If 3 puppies come in with parvo, why do they get different estimates?  If the disease is generally treated by taking steps x, y, z, offer that to each person.  If someone can't afford it, let them make the choice to do less, but always give the options.  I saw this first hand this summer.  One vet didn't want to see you if you were black, had lots of tattoos, or just didn't "look" like you had money!  Meanwhile, a client of ours who had enough money that he could get a new jag after a "fender bender" wouldn't do shit for his animals on a routine basis.  I saw the guy a few times over the summer and he always bitched and complained.  I also watched this doctor try to "tell on people" for being racist when she was the one giving treatment plans based on how folks looked.  She even mentioned a tattoo-to-tooth ratio and how people with lots of tattoos were less likely to want to spend money.  I thought she was an idiot (and an incompetent veterinarian but that's another story).

We talked a lot about people of different socioeconomic status and how they care for their pets or really how some can't care for them.  One guy (one of the minorities in the room actually) asked why these people even have pets-and kids.  I felt like I talked a lot more that second day.  I had to remind him that a few years ago things were different.  Our economy has taken a dive these last few years.  Someone who may have been making $100,000 a few years ago may be barely making it today.  Do they give up their pets and kids because they fell on hard times?  I went through the very same thing myself.

There were various comments off and on that made me want to slap someone.  One guy seemed to have a bag of ignorance from which he pulled his comments.  All in all? I feel the Symposium was great although I know my classmates don't think so.  They just do not get it!  I heard SEVERAL people complaining about how you "won't change people in 2 days."  That is the proof that they don't get it!  The seminar wasn't developed to change them.  Several of my classmates are probably racist, and no amount of time will change that.  The point of this seminar was to bring awareness.  To know that there is a lack of diversity in veterinary medicine and to get everyone thinking about why it is important and what they can do to change it.  There are still older vets who won't hire women even though we are the majority in the profession now, there are people who won't offer people who look a certain way all of the treatment options, and there are still people who are just bigoted idiots.  We can make a difference but only if we see that there is a need.

Diversity Seminar Day 1 Recap

Today in our seminar we talked about why diversity is important.  On thing became painfully clear:  Some people just don’t get it!  Or maybe they don’t care.  I was surprised at some of the people who actually participated, but there were lots of people who didn’t say a single thing and who you know were just upset that they even had to be there.  One guy even made a comment about people claiming they’ve been discriminated against when they really haven’t been.  I’d love for this straight white man from what seems to be an upper class family to tell me when was the last time someone followed him around a store, locked their doors as he walked by their car, clutched their purse as he get’s into the elevator, or been waved down by an old White woman who just assumes that you work in the store.  Because as the very intimidating, not-quite-five-foot-two, black woman that I seem to be, I have these things happen to me all the time.  

There were statistics shown about our profession, and the number of under represented groups.  Right now our profession is about 77% female.  So for once, and probably one of the only places you can find this, men are the minority.  Racial/ethnic minorities don’t even represent 2% of this profession.  A lot of my classmates seem to not even get that this is an issue!  One girl brought up an interesting idea from a study she participated in, where people seem to feel more comfortable around people who are like them.  that being said, maybe some people would feel more comfortable with vet who is male vs female, black vs white, etc.  Maybe some little brown girl will see that there are Black vets out there and not feel like it’s an impossibility for her.  

We did some interactive activities, including one where we talked about 5 things that make us who we are, a time when those things brought us pride and pain, etc.  We also had so feel in a blank with a stereotype that doesn’t fit us.  For instance, I am a Black woman, but I am not from a broken or troubled home, consider my family to be middle class, prefer my chicken grilled to fried, etc.  the second activity was… interesting.  We played “Who am I??”  We identities on our backs and had to ask yes or no questions to figure out what we were.  I think the one thing that happened at that point that really upset me is that someone told the “veiled woman” that she was related to the “terrorist.”  Seriously? 

I can say however that all in all I enjoyed it.  I think that diversity in veterinary medicine is important, but also just diversity in general.  I hope that someone is able to change their view on the subject, open their minds, and be a better person.  But honestly, I don’t think much will change… I think that the main people who don’t think their is a problem are the one’s who are prejudiced and will stay that way.  Especially the confederate flaggers. 

Diversity Matters

Today at school we are having a Diversity Symposium that will continue tomorrow morning.  I am very excited about it, and hopeful that my class mates will open their minds and see why diversity in veterinary medicine is so important.  And not just in veterinary medicine but just in life.  They need to know not to judge colleages or clients based on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or religion.  They need to know that with our probably 10 or 12 non-white students (out of about 400), AUCVM is NOT really diverse.  they need to realize that things they do or say may be offensive to others (like all those damn confederate flags- one girl even has a confederate cell phone case).  So I pray that everyone goes into this with an open mind. 

Extreme Makeover: Blackberry Edition

A couple of weeks ago a piece fell off of my blackberry bold.  It's a little metal piece in between each row of keys, and mine had started randomly cracking as I typed.  When I went to the T-Mobile store, the guy there was amazed, and sure it was a manufacturer's defect.  Unfortunately when he called customer service, they still wanted to charge me $100 for a "warranty" exchange.  I'd get a new phone, but for $100.  That's better than the $130 insurance deductible to possibly get a refurbished phone, but still, $100 for cosmetic damage is a bit... excessive.

So I came home and decided to look up how to change the housing.  I see where people over at Crackberry.com do it all the time.  I've also seen it on some of the blogs that I follow.  (Check those out if you ever want awesome BB themes and wallpapers, mostly for free.)  So I went to YouTube, CrackBerry, and those blogs that I followed and did some research on how to do it, where to get the supplies, etc.  I settled on a white housing from SW Box.  They are in China so I wasn't expecting that the housing would be here for another week, but surprisingly, it came today.  i got mine with the keyboard, but if you want to keep the stock keyboard, you can order the housing without it.  Another important thing that I learned is that you want to buy a housing that has the sides and the top pice that says "blackberry" already pieced together.  If you don't you'll be sorry.  This is mine: 

 

So this is what TootsBerry looked like before: 

See the finished product after the jump:

And this is her after, front and back: 

 

And one of her in her OtterBox case:

It's Our Anniversary

Forty years ago today, my parents became one.  Yes, you read that correctly.  My parents are STILL married and it's been forty years!  i am very proud of this. Growing up many of  my classmates had divorced parents, parents that were never married, and some didn't know who their fathers were.  I know that the world is a lot different than what it was forty years ago, but with my parents as role models, I hope to one day celebrate my fortieth anniversary with the man I love.  My parents are a great blessing to me and to each other, and I congratulate them on this day!

Pre-Study Quickie

Not the fun type of quickie, just a blog post.

I was just thinking, about people who don't know what they want to do with their lives.  It takes some of us a while to figure it out.  When it comes to something like professional school though, I think you should know what you want! We are talking about people who come out of school $50,000-150,000.  Whether it's veterinary, nursing, law, medical, pharmacy, dental or physical therapy school, it's a big decision.  If you start and quit after a year or a semester, that's a lot of money wasted, but let's be money I don't care about your money.  There's some kid sitting out there who is wait-listed.  Someone who could have had your spot.  Someone cried when they got their rejection letter because this is what they really want to do and it is their passion.  Someone who would appreciate every second of the opportunity they were given and make the most of it.  Yet you sit in class, wasting a seat, only to flunk out or just quit because it's not "really what you want to do."

What the Hell is She Wearing???

I find myself asking this type of question more and more these days.  As I sit under the dryer, preparing to start my second year of veterinary school, I wonder if dressing appropriately is a thing of the past?  When I was growing up, you had clothes you wore to school, clothes you wore to church, and clothes to play in.  My mother always wanted me to look my best.  I never understood it as a child, but I completely understand her reasons as an adult.  As a member of Culturama (a group for teens sponsored by the Delta Theta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Inc.) we went through several workshops, including a "What Not to Wear" type of program.  As an undergraduate I went to the Minority Medical Education Program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.  There I took a class on how to interview successfully and there was yet again a "What Not to Wear" workshop.  It made me think about the cliche about how the clothes don't make the person, when clearly, that is not the case.  




After graduating, I found myself interviewing for hundreds of jobs.  I planned to go to graduate school at some point, so I wasn't looking for a career, but a job to pay for my personal expenses.  Whether it was a veterinary clinic, hospital, pharmacy, or just a retail store, I always dressed my best.  Suits, slacks and button down shirts, blazers and skirts.  But I noticed something strange.  Not everyone did the same.  I've seen people going for interviews in jeans and t-shirts, low-cut blouses and mini-skirts, you name it.  People wear the same outfits they would wear to the club to class or church.  Students roll out of bed and head to lecture halls without changing out of their pajamas. Is dressing appropriately becoming extinct? 

Apparently Morehouse College thought so.  This article explains that Morehouse enacted changes to the dress code last year.  I can remember seeing links to articles about this all over the place, including a community that I frequent on LiveJournal.  People were livid about the the dress code! I found it strange.  I was about to enter vet school, where I'd have to dress a certain way.  Unless we are in labs, we are to be in professional dress at all times.  Nothing less professional than business casual is accepted. I think that a lot of people who had a problem with the dress code were upset about the statement on not wearing items made for women-- but that's a completely different blog.  When I was growing up, even in South Alabama, you heard about Morehouse.  Men who went there went on to do great things.  There was a legacy there.  What I don't understand is if you go to a school with such a great legacy, why would you not want to dress the part.  Maybe requiring ties and dress shirts at an undergraduate institution is a stretch, but I don't see anything wrong with requiring students to have some pride in themselves.  You can wear jeans and a shirt without looking like a hoodlum.  There is nothing wrong with pants that fit properly and wear clothing that is meant for sleeping only in areas meant for sleeping.  


Even at my school I sometimes make comments about our dress code.  Wearing slacks, blouses, heels, blazers, and other professional attire can get a little tiring when you are sitting in a classroom about eight hours a day.  But what can I say... we look GOOD.  Here at my school, and a few other vet schools that have dress codes, visitors see us as professionals.  They see us as students who are serious about their careers.  Potential employers, students, and donors are impressed.  


Maybe clothes don't really make the person, but they can pave the way to success or hinder one from reaching their goals, and I wish more people took the time to dress like the person they want to be. 

She Stole My Man!

No she didn't.  Let's be truthful here folks, a man/woman/husband/wife/boyfriend/girlfriend is not a piece of property that can be stolen.  I think that No Limit Records  artist Mia X said it best in her remake of Salt N Pepa's "I'll Take Your Man."  The words have stuck with me since I first heard the song: "I can't take yo n!**a unless he's ret ta go." Translation: no one can "steal" someone's significant other... that person always goes willingly.

Lately, singer/song writer Alicia Keys has been at the center of this topic.  Now another celebrity has joined her.  Fantasia Barrino, winner of some season of American Idol (I could google her to see which season but let's face it, who really cares) has been dating a married man.  I remember reading articles about her and this man a year ago.  Now, Fanny is recovering from a suicide attempt after divorce papers from the guy's wife make all kinda of allegations for her.  In addition she's being sued, because in her state the wife can sue the mistress.  If you haven't been keeping up with all of this, I'm not going to waste my time updating you because Google works for everybody.

Here's my problem with the situation.  The wife is obviously just in it for money.  Yeah, I'm sure it hurts for your marriage to break up.  Hell it hurts to be cheated on and I know that FIRST hand.  But I think the problem these days is that people don't take that shit up with the person who cheated on them.  You want to fight or sue the other woman, but what about the person who stood before God and made vows to you?  In my mind two things are certain.  Fantasia WAS wrong for knowingly engaging in a relationship with a married man, and something was going on in that marriage that had nothing to do with Fantasia.  If everything was peachy, this wouldn't be a hot topic of conversation.  So now, as a woman scorned, Mrs. Cook wants to sue Fantasia, because she can, and because she has money.  If this had been Keisha down at the Walmart sleeping with her man, she might go snatch her lace front off of her head. But instead, her husband cheated with a famous person, and knowing that working at T-Mobile isn't bringing her husband a huge paycheck, so she's going after Fanny's cash.

All I can say is that Fantasia has really gotten herself in deep shit.  I hope she can learn to better cope with this situation.  You made this happen.  Deal with the consequences.  Aspirin and sleep aids are not the way to solve your problems.  Learn from your mistakes, hire a good lawyer, and move forward.  Besides, you have a new album coming out.  The sales will either be really hurt by the adultery or helped by the suicide attempt.  Either way, there will be concerts, and she needs to get herself together so she can abandon her voice and scream into the mic and kick her shoes off like she's Patti Labelle.

Battle of the Cases...

No one can deny that Otterbox makes tough cell phone cases.  But from the moment I heard about these cases my main thought was "God they are fugly."  I tend to drop stuff, so I want something to protect my phone, but I also want something that looks nice.  So I gave up on ever having an Otterbox.

Case-Mate Hybrid case for the 9700 in Pink/Dark Grey

Then Case-Mate came out with their Hybrid tough cases.  Originally I thought they were pretty boring, but they've come out with many skin and shell color combos that can be ordered separately to mix and match.  I've been considering one of these for a while.  They look like they are a bit bulkier than I'd want but the amount of protection seemed to make it worth it.  I wanted to order the military sand (looks kinda white)/purple combo (and probably a pink skin for those days I'm feeling more pink than purple) but alas, military sand was sold out.  My plan was just to stalk the Case-Mate website until my perfect combo was available.  But things change. 

I was browsing some Blackberry theme blogs, when I came across a post about the Otterbox 9700 Commuter Series Strength Case.  I was intrigued and followed the link.  Not only is this an Otterbox case (which means wonderful protection for my beloved Blackberry) but it is cute (moreso than the Case-mate one), pink, and doesn't seem as bulky as the hybrid case.  The icing on the cake is that 10% of the proceeds will be donated to Avon's breast cancer fund.  I signed myself up for the email to let me know when the product is available for purchase, and I will immediately buy and write a review when I receive it. I am super excited about this.  I guess that makes me a nerd but I do love my blackberry.

**EDIT**
Got my email about 10 minutes ago. First thing I did when I got home was make my order. Now I wait. 

My next purchase...

...will be a new mp3 player.  Mine is dying on me.  It was a slow death but I'm going to have to pull the plug on the life support soon.  My current player, is very full and has a 30gb capacity, so first requirement is more space.

What I really want is an ipod touch.  Of course the largest capacity I can get is 64mb.  I'd really prefer 80 but that's good for now.

Then comes the next dilemma.  there is talk of a new ipod touch on the horizon.  If I wait until the end of the month I could get some exciting new ipod.  Rumor has it that it will have a front-facing HD camera giving it the same Face Time capabilities of the new iphone4.  That's fine, but I'd have to have someone who had one and none of the people I'd actually want to see while I talk have iphones, so what's the point?  I can update the current one to the new OS and be fine.  Plus the prices on the ones currently for sale have been dropping, and surely a new 64gb ipod touch w/ all these new capabilities would be much more expensive, and the one I'm getting costs enough as it is.  I've already looked in itunes and found a couple of cool apps and games.  One is a flash card app that I can use for school so that's pretty awesome.  Best of all, a new toy to play with.

How Much is that Doggy in the Window?

I've seen a lot this summer and it has left me wondering if people are REALLY as clueless as they seem about the pets they claim to "love" so much!  You research what kind of flat screen tv you want, whether the Wii or Playstation 3 would be a better fit for you, and what kind of car you drive.  But it seems more and more apparent that people do NOT research before buying/adopting a pet.  So I decided to write a little "guide."  I'm not an expert, but I've seen a lot in the last 5 years that I've been working with animals.  Seen many people with the wrong kind of pet, or who didn't realize what a financial commitment buying a pet REALLY is.  So here are my tips:

Shop or Adopt??? 

This is a subject of debate.  You'll see a lot of folks who say "don't shop, adopt."  I am 100% for buying a dog IF you buy from a responsible breeder and do your research first!  Carlton is a PBGV (Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen- google it).  They have a couple of rescues but it's still a pretty rare breed and finding on isn't necessarily easy.  A good breeder has just as many questions for you as you do for them! They want to know about your experience with pets or their breed, that you have a vet that you will take the pup too, etc.  They perform necessary genetic testing- like certifying hips and eyes, or checking for other diseases that may be common to the breed.  They are willing to let you see where they keep their dogs, and don't breed several different breeds!  And a good breeder is willing to take the pet back from you if for some reason you cannot keep him/her.

NEVER EVER EVER buy from a flea market, or a pet store that SELLS dogs, or even some person who has several different breeds.  Chances are you are dealing with a puppy mill, or someone who gets their puppies from a puppy mill.  Puppy mill dogs are kept in cages their entire lives, having puppy after puppy.  The puppies often have parvo, pneumonia, genetic abnormalities, and are full of parasites such as hook worms, round worms, coccidia, giardia, and fleas, ticks, and mites.  You could very well end up buying a dog for $1,000 and then spend at least that much trying to save it's life. It's also best to avoid "backyard breeders."  That's someone who just kind of decided to get two dogs of the same breed and throw them together so they can make money off of puppies.  Responsible breeders breed for betterment of the breed, not for profit.  By the time they pay for prenatal care for mom, genetic testing and certification, and sometimes even artificial insemination and c-sections, they definitely don't make a substantial profit.  Stay away from puppy mills, flea markets, pet stores, and random people breeding dogs just to make a few bucks.  It's not worth the money or the heartache.

Adoption is definitely good.  Shelters and rescues are overrun with pets that need help.  You can even find purebred dogs sometimes, because of owner surrenders.  Again, you still need to be diligent about doing your research! There are people out there who claim to be rescues, who are hoarders or puppy mill operators who  may have started out with good intentions, rescuing one or two strays with intentions of re-homing them, but letting it all get out of hand.  Keep in mind, however, that a shelter dog is NOT free.  There will surely be an adoption fee.  Dogs in shelters need electricity to keep the climate controlled, water, food, and people to take care of them.  Most will also already be spayed or neutered, given vaccines, hw tested, given dewormers, as well as receiving monthly flea/tick and heartworm prevention.  Depending on adoptablility, some will even be treated for things like heartworm disease. Depending on age, puppies will most likely need more boosters until they are of age, but adult dogs are usually good to go! If they haven't already been spayed or neutered, many places offer vouchers, which many local vets accept, to get the procedures done at a discounted price.  You can always search Petfinder.com to look to see what pets are available, or go to a PetSmart on a Saturday.  They have adoptions there with your local rescue groups.

What type of dog should I get? 

Your first decision is purebred vs mixed breed.  If you choose to get a purebred that's when you decide whether to go with a breeder, breed rescue, or possibly a shelter.  If you choose a mixed breed, then a shelter/rescue is your safest bet! Don't spend $1500 on a "designer breed."  Why? Because a designer breed is still just a mutt, only one that someone made on purpose, and is charging a ridiculous amount of money for.  I guarantee you can find plenty of labradoodles, poodle mixes, etc in the shelters.

If you've decided you want a purebred, you have to decide what breed.  This is one of the most important decisions you can make when getting a dog. Each breed has different exercise and food requirements, temperments, and even different health issues that are prone to a certain breed.  Many of the toy breed dogs that people love, such as yorkshire terriers, chihuahuas, and miniature pinschers are NOT good with children. Dogs like labradors retrievers are much bigger but generally great with children!  Some dogs will need lots of exercise and others don't need as much.  Some dogs like basset hounds can be couch potatoes while others will always be full of energy and need extra exercise to tire them out for the night.  Some breeds like pit bulls, rottweilers, american bulldogs get a bad rap.  There are mean ones out there, but that's in ANY breed.  They are breeds that should only be owned by an experienced owner, but they can be great family pets.  then there are health issues.  Golden retrievers, basset hounds, labs, cocker spaniels and others tend to have ear infections.  Large dogs like labradors, German shepherds, etc tend to suffer from a painful condition called hip dysplasia as well as arthritis.  The list of health problems differs from breed to breed, and there is no guarantee that each dog will get the disease, but it's one of the things you should research.  Animal Planet has a breed selector on their website.  It's not perfect, but you answer 10 questions and they rate breeds based on your answers.  Check it out here..


What does dog ownership REALLY cost???


1) Medical Care
Puppies get vaccines every 3 weeks until a certain age, depending on when they started.  Generally they get 3 or 4 boosters for distemper/parvo, 1 rabies, and 1 bordetella vaccine.  You should definitely get your pet spayed or neutered.  In tact females can get pyometra- a nasty infection of the uterus which can kill them.  Males can have prostate issues, as well as aggression problems and behavioral issues such as "marking their territory" in your house.  Every dog should also be on a monthly flea/tick control and heart worm prevention (even "inside dogs" haven't you ever been bitten by a mosquito indoors? Mosquitoes transmit heart worms).

You should also think about unexpected expenses.  Illness, broken bones, etc can run up a healthy bill.  Many vets take care credit, but you want to be prepared for the possibility.  Most pets even have to have a dental at some point. This procedure is done under anesthesia and will prevent the spread of bacteria from the mouth to internal organs like the heart and kidneys.


2) Grooming
Every breed needs some type of grooming. Whether it's as simple as weekly brushing and occasional baths or  a dog who requires more frequent brushing and even trims.  Many people who own long haired breeds such as the Shih Tzu opt to keep them in a "puppy cut" to make them easier to maintain.  You may decide to invest in clippers and learn to groom your dog on your own, or just take him to the groomer on a regular basis.  Right now as a broke vet student, I don't have lots of money for grooming, so I trim my dogs up at home, and since I like Beaux shaved now, I bought a set of clippers so that I can remove the hair again when it grows back.  Don't think of grooming as purely cosmetic! It also keeps your pet healthy by preventing painful mats, and allows you to notice if there is any skin irritation that may need to be looked at by your vet.


3) Food
I am the first to admit that I am a FOOD SNOB when it comes to my pets.  My dogs (and future cat) eat Blue Buffalo.  it's an all natural brand that has no corn or wheat, no glutens, no soy, and no artificial preservatives.  I make personal sacrifices to feed this food to them because it is more expensive.  However, i do understand that every one can't afford to feed Blue, which is fine.  But please, for your pet's sake, stay away from Dog Chow, Alpo, Pedigree, Ol Roy (only sold at Walmart), Lil Ceasar's, Mighty Dog, and Beneful.  There's lots of better brands out there.  If you have to shop at Walmart or Target, go for the Iams or Purina One.  Those are the best they have.  At Petsmart there is Purina Proplan, Eukanuba, and a few other brands that are less expensive.  But honestly, go for something like Blue Buffalo some of the other more natural brands.  If you use higher quality foods you feed less of it, you get less poop (everyone loves less dog poop) and often your dog looks better- nicer coat and skin.  Whatever you feed, choose the formula that is right for your pet.  Many foods have large/small breed formulas, as well as diets for sensitive stomachs, skin, older dogs, or pets who need to lose weight.


4) Training

EVERY DOG NEEDS TRAINING.  Let me say that again.  EVERY DOG NEEDS TRAINING. They should be socialized as puppies, but this can still be done if you adopt an adult from a shelter.  Take them to PetSmart (I'd avoid going too many places until a puppy has at least 2 sets of distemper/parvo vaccines), the park, family members' houses.  Expose them to different sounds, delivery trucks, umbrellas, children, men, women, different races (yes they can tell the difference), people in wheel chairs, big dogs, small dogs.  A puppy class is a great way to start learning basic commands, get info on potty training, and start socializing your dog.  PetSmart and Petco both offer training classes but if you don't have one near you, try your local pet store or see if there is a private trainer in your area.  Believe me, a well behaved dog makes for a happier family!   Most of the dogs who are turned in to shelters are brought there because of behavior problems, all of which could be avoided.


5) Pet sitters/boarding
I love to take my dogs with me when I go home for weekends, holidays, and this summer we are here at home.  Sometimes you can't take them everywhere you go.  You may have a friend or family member who loves your dogs and would be willing to watch them for you.  But when that isn't an option there are pet sitters and boarding facilities.  To board your dog they usually have to be caught up on bordetella (kennel cough), distemper/parvo, and rabies (required EVERYWHERE BY LAW) vaccines.  If you ever plan to travel, you will have to make arrangements for your pets.  You can take them with you if they are small, but sometimes the price of the ticket plus the stress isn't worth it.

So these were just a few tips to help people who may want to get a dog.  Think people.  It's a recession.  If you are already struggling to pay your bills, do NOT get a dog.  They are living beings who have needs, and if you can't meet your own you shouldn't try to get another life that needs taking care of... just wait until you are able.