An   Introduction   to

The CREATURES

“The love for all living creatures is the most noble attribute of man.”

-Charles Darwin

I hope I never know a time in my life without the company of animals. Over the years, I have been fortunate enough to work with and love a great variety of creatures, and each has taught me something about myself. From horses to hedgehogs, geckos to gerbils, snakes to skinks, cats to chickens, seahorses to savannah monitors, dogs to dart frogs…you name it, I’ve probably been a caretaker and admirer! From an early age, I have always been intrigued by the bonds we create with the creatures in our lives and how we communicate with one another. I’ve been blessed to have so many incredible memories thanks to the animals in my life, and I look forward to a lifetime filled with more.

My house will forever be spotted with paw prints, dusted with some hair, and filled with much love. Consider that both a warning and a promise.

Here are a few critters who currently hold space in my life, but know that many will live on in my heart.

The Canines

Tackleberry

Full Name: Eugene Tackleberry
Belgian Malinois x Border Collie mix
Birthday: February 29, 2020
Nicknames: Tack, Tickle, Pickle, Werewolf
Special Talent: Search and Rescue Dog, Service Dog, self-proclaimed fetch champion
Likes: Anything sporty, outdoors, or being with his mom
Dislikes: Not a fan of swimming or baths
Dream Date: A long walk in the woods, a long game of fetch, and then repeat that all over again. And again.
Amos

Full Name: Amos Moses
Labrador Retriever
Birthday: August 22, 2017
Nicknames: Momo, Homer
Special Talent: Couch Dancing
Likes: Food and food adjacent items, stealing dad’s stuff
Dislikes: Empty food bowls and the word no
Dream Date: An all-you-can-eat buffet followed by ice cream in the park. You don’t even have to pay; he’ll clean dishes to cover the tab.
Ivy

Full Name: Ivy Ann
Pit Bull Terrier x Cattle Dog mix
Birthday: January 9, 2022 (estimated)
Nicknames: Yip, Yipper, Little Lady
Special Talent: Blowing epic spit bubbles
Likes: Her brothers, stealing toys
Dislikes: Loud noises, the broom, and TV trays (I don’t understand either)
Dream Date: Wrestling outside with her brothers and then snuggling down in a fluffy blanket for a nap.
Archer

Full Name: Archer Ichabod
Mini Australian Shepherd
Birthday: October 31, 2016
Nicknames: Arch, Cha Cha, Drama King
Special Talent: Booty shaking, running into things, vocalizing like a soulful diva
Likes: The spotlight. Must have all the attention. Always. RIGHT NOW.
Dislikes: Car rides, strangers who don’t immediately fall in love with him, and mom going away
Dream Date: Seeking a polyamorous relationship where a room full of people sits around petting him and telling him how pretty he is.

The Felines

Rigatoni

Full Name: Rigatoni Lee
Domestic Shorthair
Birthday: July 1, 2023 (estimated)
Nicknames: Big Rig, Rig Lee
Special Talent: Opening doors
Likes: Biting ankles, fishing games
Dislikes: Being held, keeping the peace
Dream Date: Eating a bunch of food really quickly, chewing some ribbon or string, and sneaking out to run away when you aren't looking.
M.E.O.W.

Full Name: M.E.O.W.
Domestic Shorthair
Birthday: 2013 (estimated)
Nicknames: Old Man, Mow-Mow
Special Talent: Gives the best hugs
Likes: Helping dad in the garage, sitting in your lap by the campfire
Dislikes: Rain, traveling
Dream Date: Just to be held and sit somewhere cozy with you…and maybe kill you a nice chipmunk to show his gratitude.
Walter

Full Name: Walter
Domestic Shorthair
Birthday: Unknown; stray that arrived last year
Nicknames: Walt, Wally
Special Talent: Disappearing act
Likes: Scratches, treats, and wandering off for several days to make you worry and remember how much you actually like him.
Dislikes: Fast movements, staying put too long
Dream Date: Start with lots of scratches, followed by some canned food and temptation treats. Then he’ll walk off, and you can wait until he comes back when he’s good and ready.