Hiya, remember us? Today is the first day I’ve actually felt well enough to post. Man, oh man…that COVID bug sure leveled me and once I got over it, I had no creative juices. Enter Dogtor Norman to provide relief to me as well as others.
We didn’t get a chance to visit at the hospital in November so when we were asked to provide a bit of stress relief, e.g. a spot of pet therapy for shoppers at our favorite store, Orvis, well we jumped at the chance. Since I’m über sensitive about all the assorted bugs/viruses floating around these days just waiting to muck up the holidays, I masked up like crazy, used plenty of hand sanitizer and brought a nice batch of treats for Dogtor Norman for our visit with customers and staff. The manager had specifically requested that Norman be one of the canine attendees and…well I mean, who are we to not want to make that happen, especially when we totally love the store? This lady was particularly taken with Norman and after she and her husband shopped, she returned multiple times to spend a few moments with the big guy. It’s always inspiring to see folks with physical limitations make special efforts to administer a few tender ear rubs particularly in jammed retail spaces. Making the effort to navigate around store’s that are filled with merchandise and customers, her attention was especially touching.
With COVID, RSV, flu cases and inflation putting a damper on holiday festivities, folks are beginning to realize there are less than three weeks until Santa makes his midnight run to houses all over the world. Shopping for the holidays can be stressful for some folks but ever the professional, Norman knows just how to fix holiday stress for young and old alike.
When taking pics of kids with Norman, I’m extra sensitive about posting them online without obscuring their faces. Alas, with the latest update to Apple’s OS, I’ve been experiencing some issues with the photo editing process. This was the best I could do for this sweet little girl’s face. She told me they had two mastiffs at home and totally loved big dogs. Norman was equally smitten with her-giving her a nice hug while she laid on the floor next to him while her Dad shopped. He kept checking on her to make sure she wasn’t a problem. I love it when parents are attentive to their children’s well being as well as Norman’s. We don’t mind being an unofficial ‘kid wrangler,’ but feel like too many folks are more than happy to simply dump their kids on complete strangers. This kind of thoughtful parent ranks right at the top of the “good’ list and I genuinely hope their holidays are very merry and bright.
What’s a Monday around the Ranch without a smile to start out a busy week during the holidays? I’ve always enjoyed the Marmaduke cartoons and hope this one makes you smile like it did me. 
We may not have been to the North Pole lately, but finally feel well enough to get cracking with holiday preparations. With time being of the essence, it’s time to get cracking. While I no longer put up a tree, a few holiday embellishments will come out of storage to brighten things up. And I did manage to even knock out the Christmas cards. Yay.
Here’s hoping life has been treating you well and your stress levels are low as you head toward the big day. Make it a ‘pawsome’ week.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Java Bean: “What a long spell of not feeling well! We are glad you are doing better now!”
Lulu: “You do such good work for the humans, Norman! You must be at the top of the Nice List!”
Many thanks to the kind wishes, guys. Yes, I think Norman is likely at the very top of the Nice list. Elsa…well, let’s say, she tried. Plus she’s pretty so she has that going for her. LOL
So glad you are finally over the hump! Covid is awful! Hope you stay healthy now! Hugs to Norm! He makes so many spirits bright as a therapy dog! <3
Belly rubs to Elsa too!
And a Hug for you to breathe and be able to relax,not worry about what still needs to be done and Be Merry! 🙂
Love the comic! Someone else made a visit to the North Pole.
Yes, I saw that North Pole story. 😉 I learned a few years ago I can only do so much and as long as I keep putting one foot in front of the other, I’m a winner, no matter when I arrive. It’s crazy to get bent outa shape about the holidays and focus on the real meaning during this time of year. 😍
You are so right! I don’t get bent out of shape either. I love this time of year and the real meaning! ❤
Welcome back from Covid-world. So glad you’re feeling better!
Love and licks,
Cupcake
Thank you, Cupcake. That makes 2 of us!
Mew mew mew mee Sweet Norman yore so guud with efurryone!!! No wunder efurryone <3 LOVES <3 you!!
Miss Monika you just gettin over THE Evil Covid??? EEKKKK!!! Wee sorry you were so sick. Pleese accept sum POTP an ***purrss***…..wee want you to bee well to cellybrate Catmass with Sweet Norman an Elsa 😉
~~~head rubss~~~BellaDharma~~~ an ((huggiess))) BellaSita Mum
Many thanks, sweet kitty and mum. I’m doing sooo much better. We hope you have a better week than last week. 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼
Sadly THE week started off with alot of shoutin an badness an BellaSita beein told to call Pawlice!!! It iss not nice inn here at all Miss Monika 🙁
So sorry to hear that. I wish someone in the city government could help you out.
So glad you’re on the mend, finally! Take care of yourself. Rest a lot! ❤️
Many thanks for the kind wishes. Luckily Norman is a good ‘dogtor’ and providing me with the best care. 💙
We are SOOO super happy that you are feeling better at last….Covid just takes such a huge toll on EVERYTHING doesn’t it. Norman continues to make people happy when he shares some love with them even for a minute – that’s such a wonderful gift for everyone but especially little ones. Sending you lots of hugs!
Love, Pam and Teddy too
Thank you. It’s certainly something I hope I don’t come face to face with again any time soon! I remain deeply grateful for Norman’s attentive care while I recovered.
Happy to hear that you have pretty much recovered from that nasty bug. It must have been dreadful stuck at home and feeling sick with only the Broncos to entertain you. Stormin’ Norman is looking mighty handsome1
Thanks. Luckily I stopped relying on the Donkeys for entertainment long ago. Otherwise I’d probably still be sick! Hope you and the AJF are doing well. 💙
Monika, so glad you are feeling better. My wife’s boss just got it, and she’s really under the weather right now. Don’t push it trying to get back into the swing of things…but I was happy to see you give a shout-out to doing your Christmas cards. My wife is trying to keep the tradition alive with our friends and family. I’m sad to see it becoming less of a thing…but plenty of other traditions still ongoing. Have a great week!
Thank you. Several people around me have been sick lately (luckily none of them caught COVID) so I’m not surprised there’s so much illness going on. With each week I’m getting a bit stronger and resuming my walks has made me feel better. It’s good to be out in the fresh air. While recuperating I thought I’d start on the Christmas cards. Feels good to check that off as well as a couple of decorations to make things somewhat festive. I just can’t be a text person for Christmas. No siree. Hope you have a terrific week.
Thanks, Bruce-you’re very kind. Yeah, I’ve learned the hard way not to try and resume a normal lifestyle while recovering. Doggone it, that bug is mean!
Happy that things are better now! Have a great week! xoxo
Thanks. Hope your week is equally ‘wagnificent.’
Not here. North Pole in Arizona? It was 65F and sunny today.
65? Quick, bring out the sweatshirts!
Christmas cards…uhhh, oops, I’d better get busy! So glad you’re feeling better. And Norman is the perfect therapy dog! Even being asked to make special appearances, like Lexi was for different things. Doesn’t it make your heart glad?!
Absolutely. He’s such a joy for me and everyone whose path he crosses. I knew you’d understand. 💙💙💙
I have had every COVID shot available and still mask up in public. I’m glad you are feeling better and ready to get on with the holiday.
Thanks, John. Me too. The doctor said the vaccines won’t keep you from catching it, but it’ll keep you from dying from it. The flu is hitting lots of folks here-I’ve become fanatical about hand washing and never go outside without a mask. I think I got lax on the hand washing but that’s changed for sure!
Good for you.
Many thanks, John. Yeah, I don’t wish this on anyone.
I just got the variant booster and that gave me a sniff of what COVID would be like. No thank you.😊
Had no problem with the booster or any of the vaccines (although now that I think about I did test positive a few days after receiving the booster). Hmmm, makes you wonder, doesn’t it?
It does.😳
Norman is the best Santa Paws.
He really is. It never ceases to amaze me when he draws a crowd.
He’s such a good boy.
The best!
So glad to see your new post and hear that you are feeling better! How could you say no to Orvis, since they requested Norman…masks and hand sanitizers are worth it to help him spread some holiday cheer.
Thank you. It was a good outing for us both. Have a super week.
Thanks!
Glad to know you are back on your paws! Thanks for the great post too! Love the photos and warm and fuzzies they give me.
Thanks for the kind wishes. We’re very glad to share something positive. Here’s to a great week!
Thanks, Mike. It’s been a slower process getting back than I’d like but am grateful to be almost back to 100%. Finally. 😉
I’m glad you’re feeling better. That’s great news.
I would love to love on Norman. I’d be all over him. He’s so handsome.
I linked this post to Awww Mondays.
Have a fabulous day and week. Scritches to the pups, a big smooch to Norman and a healing hug to you. ♥
Thanks, Sandee. I couldn’t be more pleased about being linked to Awwww Monday. You’re the best!
he is so sweet, glad you’re starting to feel better…. wish everyone acknowledged illness spread with mask wearing
Thanks; I;m still trying to get my full stamina back but glad to be able to resume walks.
So glad you are feeling better. At least you have an excuse for not posting — I just … haven’t.
Love the story of the girl lying down next to Norman. He is such a good boy!
My writing mojo has been at an all time low for the past couple. Not sure why, guess it went down the drain with the physical stamina. Norman truly is a sweet boy that everyone just gravitates toward. Hope you’re otherwise well. Hugs and tail wags.
Glad you are better and back in WP land, among other places! Love and best wishes!
Right back atcha, Cristina. 💙
Glad you are feeling better. My two adult nieces were very sick too. Lots of bugs out there trying to dampen the holiday spirit but Normal can do a lot to negate that!
He’s such good medicine. Hope your nieces feel better soon.
What an awesome outing! I still have an orvis sweater that my dad gave me 30 years ago! Classic and lasts! Norman is such a sweetheart!
I just love that store. They have such a great product line and the people they hire are extra special.
Welcome back! 😊 I’m sooooooooooooooooooo glad you’re well enough to be posting again!
Thanks Pit, I hope I can come up with interesting articles-writers block is so unpleasant. Happy Monday.
so happy you are feeling better! COVID is awful! Had me exhausted for 2 weeks(at least!!) Love how that woman loved Norman so much, “what’s NOT to love??”. I’ve had some sort of annoying cold since a week ago today…..”tis the season!!” Continued healing wishes coming your way!!! (((hugs)))
Thanks for your well wishes, yup, colds are making the rounds. My son got hammered with a doozy of one last week. Masks and hand washing seem to have protected us the past couple of years and I’m sure I got a bit lax on the hand washing which led to the ‘Rona virus. Doggone it!
we are so glad you feel better… and we agree we have to look twice who and what we post… sadly…. but better safe than sorry ;O)))) happy monday to you all
Thank you! It’s bad enough posting pics of adults but kids…that’s a whole ‘nother ball of wax. I won’t even post pics of kids in the family unless it’s on our private FB page. Too many weirdo creeps out there. Happy Monday.