"Reggie" *Good Read*

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To all the dog lovers I know: This is well worth taking the time to read.

Great Dog Story ! They told me the big black Lab's name was Reggie, as I looked at him lying in his pen.. The shelter was clean, no-kill, and the people really friendly. I'd only been in the area for six months, but everywhere I went in the small college town, people were welcoming and open. Everyone waves when you pass them on the street. But something was still missing as I attempted to settle in to my new life here, and I thought a dog couldn't hurt. Give me someone to talk to. And I had just seen Reggie's advertisement on the local news. The shelter said they had received numerous calls right after, but they said the people who had come down to see him just didn't look like "Lab people," whatever that meant. They must've thought I did. But at first, I thought the shelter had misjudged me in giving me Reggie and his things, which consisted of a dog pad, bag of toys almost all of which were brand new tennis balls, his dishes, and a sealed letter from his previous owner. See, Reggie and I didn't really hit it off when we got home. We struggled for two weeks (which is how long the shelter told me to give him to adjust to his new home). Maybe it was the fact that I was trying to adjust, too. Maybe we were too much alike. For some reason, his stuff (except for the tennis balls --- he wouldn't go anywhere without two stuffed in his mouth) got tossed in with all of my other unpacked boxes. I guess I didn't really think he'd need all his old stuff, that I'd get him new things once he settled in. But it became pretty clear pretty soon that he wasn't going to. I tried the normal commands the shelter told me he knew, ones like "sit" and "stay" and "come" and "heel," and he'd follow them - when he felt like it. He never really seemed to listen when I called his name --- sure, he'd look in my direction after the fourth or fifth time I said it, but then he'd just go back to doing whatever. When I'd ask again, you could almost see him sigh and then grudgingly obey. This just wasn't going to work. He chewed a couple shoes and some unpacked boxes. I was a little too stern with him and he resented it, I could tell. The friction got so bad that I couldn't wait for the two weeks to be up, and when it was, I was in full-on search mode for my cell phone amid all of my unpacked stuff. I remembered leaving it on the stack of boxes for the guest room, but I also mumbled, rather cynically, that the "damn dog probably hid it on me." Finally I found it, but before I could punch up the shelter's number, I also found his pad and other toys from the shelter...I tossed the pad in Reggie's direction and he snuffed it and wagged, some of the most enthusiasm I'd seen since bringing him home. But then I called, "Hey, Reggie, you like that? Come here and I'll give you a treat." Instead, he sort of glanced in my direction --- maybe "glared" is more accurate --- and then gave a discontented sigh and flopped down .... with his back to me. Well, that's not going to do it either, I thought. And I punched the shelter phone number. But I hung up when I saw the sealed envelope. I had completely forgotten about that, too. "Okay, Reggie," I said out loud, "let's see if your previous owner has any advice." ____________ _________ _________ _________ To Whoever Gets My Dog: Well, I can't say that I'm happy you're reading this, a letter I told the shelter could only be opened by Reggie's new owner. I'm not even happy writing it. If you're reading this, it means I just got back from my last car ride with my Lab after dropping him off at the shelter. He knew something was different. I have packed up his pad and toys before and set them by the back door before a trip, but this time... it's like he knew something was wrong. And something is wrong...which is why I have to go to try to make it right. So let me tell you about my Lab in the hopes that it will help you bond with him and he with you. First, he loves tennis balls. The more the merrier. Sometimes I think he's part squirrel, the way he hordes them. He usually always has two in his mouth, and he tries to get a third in there. Hasn't done it yet. Doesn't matter where you throw them, he'll bound after it, so be careful - really don't do it by any roads. I made that mistake once, and it almost cost him dearly. Next, commands. Maybe the shelter staff already told you, but I'll go over them again: Reggie knows the obvious ones --- "sit," "stay," "come," "heel." He knows hand signals: "back" to turn around and go back when you put your hand straight up; and "over" if you put your hand out right or left. "Shake" for shaking water off, and "paw" for a high-five. He does "down" when he feels like lying down --- I bet you could work on that with him some more. He knows "ball" and "food" and "bone" and "treat" like nobody's business. I trained Reggie with small food treats. Nothing opens his ears like little pieces of hot dog. Feeding schedule: twice a day, once about seven in the morning, and again at six in the evening. Regular store-bought stuff; the shelter has the brand. He's up on his shots. Call the clinic on 9th Street and update his info with yours; they'll make sure to send you reminders for when he's due. Be forewarned: Reggie hates the vet. Good luck getting him in the car. I don't know how he knows when it's time to go to the vet, but he knows. Finally, give him some time. I've never been married, so it's only been Reggie and me for his whole life He's gone everywhere with me, so please include him on your daily car rides if you can. He sits well in the backseat, and he doesn't bark or complain. He just loves to be around people, and me most especially. Which means that this transition is going to be hard, with him going to live with someone new. And that's why I need to share one more bit of info with you.... His name's not Reggie. I don't know what made me do it, but when I dropped him off at the shelter, I told them his name was Reggie. He's a smart dog, he'll get used to it and will respond to it, of that I have no doubt. But I just couldn't bear to give them his real name. For me to do that, it seemed so final, that handing him over to the shelter was as good as me admitting that I'd never see him again. And if I end up coming back, getting him, and tearing up this letter, it me and everything's fine. But if someone else is reading it, well ... well it means that his new owner should know his real name. It'll help you bond with him. Who knows, maybe you'll even notice a change in his demeanor if he's been giving you problems. His real name is "Tank". Because that is what I drive. Again, if you're reading this and you're from the area, maybe my name has been on the news. I told the shelter that they couldn't make "Reggie" available for adoption until they received word from my company commander. See, my parents are gone, I have no siblings, no one I could've left Tank with ... and it was my only real request of the Army upon my deployment to Iraq , that they make one phone call.. the shelter ... in the "event" ... to tell them that Tank could be put up for adoption. Luckily, my colonel is a dog guy, too, and he knew where my platoon was headed. He said he'd do it personally. And if you're reading this, then he made good on his word. Well, this letter is getting downright depressing, even though, frankly, I'm just writing it for my dog. I couldn't imagine if I was writing it for a wife and kids and family ... but still, Tank has been my family for the last six years, almost as long as the Army has been my family. And now I hope and pray that you make him part of your family and that he will adjust and come to love you the same way he loved me. That unconditional love from a dog is what I take with me to Iraq as an inspiration to do something selfless, to protect innocent people from those who would do terrible things ... and to keep those terrible people from coming over here. If I have to give up Tank in order to do it, I am glad to have done so. He is my example of service and of love. I hope I honored him by my service to my country and comrades. All right, that's enough. I deploy this evening and have to drop this letter off at the shelter. I don't think I'll say another good-bye to Tank, though. I cried too much the first time. Maybe I'll peek in on him and see if he finally got that third tennis ball in his mouth. Good luck with Tank. Give him a good home, and give him an extra kiss goodnight - every night - from me. Thank you, Paul Mallory  ____________ _________ _________ _______ I folded the letter and slipped it back in the envelope. Sure I had heard of Paul Mallory, everyone in town knew him, even new people like me. Local kid, killed in Iraq a few months ago and posthumously earning the Silver Star when he gave his life to save three buddies. Flags had been at half-mast all summer. I leaned forward in my chair and rested my elbows on my knees, staring at the dog. "Hey, Tank," I said quietly. The dog's head whipped up, his ears cocked and his eyes bright. "C'mere boy." He was instantly on his feet, his nails clicking on the hardwood floor. He sat in front of me, his head tilted, searching for the name he hadn't heard in months. "Tank," I whispered. His tail swished. I kept whispering his name, over and over, and each time, his ears lowered, his eyes softened, and his posture relaxed as a wave of contentment just seemed to flood him. I stroked his ears, rubbed his shoulders, buried my face into his scruff and hugged him. "It's me now, Tank, just you and me. Your old pal gave you to me." Tank reached up and licked my cheek. "So whatdaya say we play some ball?" His ears perked again.. "Yeah? Ball? You like that? Ball?" Tank tore from my hands and disappeared in the next room. And when he came back, he had three tennis balls in his mouth.

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Winners!

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Here are some long overdue winners!

Penny & Rio Book Giveaway
Congrats to #7 c allen!

Balloonatiks DVD Giveaway
Congrats to #19 Brooke!

Herbal Water Giveaway
Congrats to #8 Donna!

Bluegala Giveaway
Congrats to #208 daeron!

Flat Iron Experts Giveaway
Congrats to #24 Katy!

All winners have been emailed and have 48 hours to respond.

Thanks to all that entered!

Tomorrow is the beginning of the Gearing Up for the Holidays event hosted by myself and Mom to Bed by 8! Grab our event buttons and get ready for some awesome products and giveaways!

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Blush Accessories Review & Giveaway

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All my life I have had the hardest time trying to find shirts that fit me. I'm built like my dad, long and lanky. It has it's pros and cons. I don't gain weight easily, but my torso is long! Regular shirts seem to make me look like I want to show my tummy. That is not the case. Then, I wash shirts, they shrink, and it makes it worse. I'm constantly tugging on my shirts trying to stretch them out.

Well, Blush Accessories has really come to my rescue! They sell a topless undershirt. It's like a tube top, but it's worn around the waist. Everybody loves the layered look, but the bulk of wearing two shirts and dealing with extra straps is not fun! With the topless undershirt, it takes that mess away!

It has a tapered shape and it's made of spandex to keep it from slipping. I ordered a medium because that's what I wear in shirts. Turns out that I needed a small. It didn't fit snug around my waist. At least now I know because I WILL be buying some more!

I loved that I could wear a shirt and not have to keep trying to pull it down! I could lift my arms in the air and not give everyone a show! Freedom! :) This shirt is a lifesaver. The fabric is very soft and stretchy, making it very comfortable! I received the brown one, so I will be going back and ordering the black one and the white one!

As I mentioned, they come in black, white, and brown. Sizes are small, medium, and large. Price is $15.99

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One (1) lucky readers will win a topless undershirt of their very own! Winner chooses size, not color. 

                                                                  MANDATORY ENTRY                                                        
Tell me why you'd like to win this.  Please be sure to leave your email address in the first entry. I don't want to have to search for it! *You MUST do the mandatory entry! All bonus entries will be deleted if it's not done first!*

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RT #Win a topless undershirt from @USCGWifey and @blushaccessoir_  #Giveaway ends  10/19 http://bit.ly/c5TgI8

                                                                             RULES                                                                        
Giveaway ends October 19, 2010 @ 11:59pm CST
Winner(s) will be chosen via Random.Org., and contacted via email
Winner(s) have 48 hours to respond to the email or another winner(s) will be chosen
Open to US only

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Wholesale Costume Club Review & Giveaway

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Picking out costumes for Halloween is so much fun! My little one was so excited to get to pick his costume this year! Although, he had a hard time picking one from Wholesale Costume Club because there are so many to choose from!

We looked at so many. He also changed his mind a few times! Decision making for a 4 year old is sometimes challenging! He finally decided on the Bakugan Battle Brawlers Dragoniod Costume! Bakugan's are the big thing around here for all the little boys! He was excited to get it in the mail and see the wings on it!

Once the order was placed, it took no time at all for it to get here! Fast shipping is a big plus for me! We tore open the package and he wanted to try it on right away! I didn't have a problem with that because I wanted to see how it fit.

To my surprise, it fit him nicely. A little long in the arms and legs, but that is much better than being too short! I was happy with it! The costume features a red and gold jumpsuit with three dimensional foam shoulder armor and detachable wings. It's also topped off with an extremely detailed plastic character mask. This costume is all new for the 2010 Halloween season!

Wholesale Costume Club has a huge variety of boys costumes! That's why it was so hard for him to pick one. Don't have a boy? Don't worry, there are lots of kids costumes to choose from. It will keep you busy for hours! They also have $3.99 flat rate shipping! Hurry and go get started!

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Two (2) lucky readers will win a one-year membership to Wholesale Costume Club! 

                                                                  MANDATORY ENTRY                                                        
Visit Wholesale Costume Club and tell me what your favorite costume is!  Please be sure to leave your email address in the first entry. I don't want to have to search for it! *You MUST do the mandatory entry! All bonus entries will be deleted if it's not done first!*

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RT #Win a one-year membership from @USCGWifey and @CostumeClub 2 winners! #Giveaway ends  10/18 http://bit.ly/cNf6vL

                                                                             RULES                                                                        
Giveaway ends October 18, 2010 @ 11:59pm CST
Winner(s) will be chosen via Random.Org., and contacted via email
Winner(s) have 48 hours to respond to the email or another winner(s) will be chosen
Open to US only

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Costumes4less Review & Giveaway

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I loved Halloween as a child! Dressing up and running around the neighborhood getting candy from people. I still love Halloween as an adult because my kids are now getting to go trick-or-treating! They are now old enough to pick out what costumes they want. It's so much fun watching them try to pick just one.

My oldest had a really hard time picking at Costumes4less.com! They have sooo much to choose from. After looking through them for about a half an hour, he finally decided on a Ninja Fighter! He was super excited for it to get here!

I placed my order and we waited. A few days later, it was here! FAST shipping! I love that! We opened it and he could not wait to put it on! I told him he could only put it on for a minute, then it had to go back in the bag until Halloween.

The costume is really neat! It comes with a black hooded tunic, pants, faux leather tunic, faux leather shin guards, ties, and mask! It's made better than a lot of costumes I've seen. It looks pretty realistic! As soon as he got it on, he got into character! Running around and ninja chopping everything!

The costume also fit him really well. I am always worried about how things are going to fit him. He's tall, but skinny. But, it fit nicely on his waist and was plenty long enough. That makes me very happy!

Costumes4less also has adult costumes, TONS of children costumes, super cute pet costumes, spooky decorations, and so much more! They even have a low price guarantee! If you can find a costume at a lower price, they will pay you 110% of the difference! Now that's the kind of service I like!

                                                                                WIN IT                                                                        
One (1) lucky reader will win a $40 store credit to get their favorite costume! 

                                                                  MANDATORY ENTRY                                                        
Visit Costumes4less and tell me what you'd buy if you won!  Please be sure to leave your email address in the first entry. I don't want to have to search for it! *You MUST do the mandatory entry! All bonus entries will be deleted if it's not done first!*

                                                                      BONUS ENTRIES                                                             
Leave separate comments for each entry

1 Extra Entry-
Follow me on Twitter

Follow Costumes4less on Twitter
'Like' me on Facebook

'Like' Costumes4less on Facebook and leave a comment telling them I sent you
Add my blog to your blogroll
Enter another one of my giveaways. 1 entry for each.

2 Extra Entries-
Subscribe to my blog via email
Grab my button and tell me where to find it

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8 Extra Entries-

Blog about this giveaway and tell me where to find it

Daily Entries-
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RT #Win a $40 store credit from @USCGWifey and @costumes4less #Giveaway ends  10/18 http://bit.ly/a0bQzr

                                                                             RULES                                                                        
Giveaway ends October 18, 2010 @ 11:59pm CST
Winner(s) will be chosen via Random.Org., and contacted via email
Winner(s) have 48 hours to respond to the email or another winner(s) will be chosen
Open to US only

Don't forget to thank a member of our MILITARY!