Well…here’s a change of pace for you. Elsa here. It’s a Monday (FYI, that’s not the change, that comes whether we like it or not) but instead of a Monday Musings post, I’m here to tell you today is that big oaf Norman’s Gotcha Day. Three years ago as COVID was still kind of hiding in the background, and my pogo-stick of a brother Sam was still the Concierge of the Ranch, Mom brought home this enormous pile of fur. A huge new brother that turned us Knuckleheads into a terrific trio. Sadly it would only be for a short time since our precious brother Sam decided that Mom was left in Norman’s capable paws. Happy Gotcha day, dude. I may be a pill to you at times, but you’ve turned into a pretty special boy and I am glad that you enjoy the limelight since it allows me to continue refining my Ninja skills in the background without a lot of front stage scrutiny.. Us Ninja’s like being in the shadows.
From your first car ride, it was clear you were going to be a nice addition. So doggone polite, sheesh. Is that because you’re a British breed? Us poodles might learn a thing or two about getting along with everyone from you. Then again…why should we have to?
I will say, you were a fast learner which helped me out because that meant I didn’t have to teach you how to, for instance, walk nicely on a leash.
Mom was a bit surprised though by one of your traits as she specifically had asked the foster if you got up on the furniture. He said and I quote, “Never!” Erm…so ten minutes after you arrived…how do you explain this?
But no matter, that’s one of Mom’s favorite pics of you and whenever she sees you hogging up on the sofa, she laughs out loud. Thanks for making my Mom smile, big guy.
Right away Mom thought you’d be a welcome addition to the pet therapy program at Lutheran and that you’d manage to fill Sam’s paws quite nicely as soon as the hospital reopened and she was right. Too bad that just as you began the approval process, the hospital shut down for the next 18 months. But eventually they reopened (better late than never, right). But she had no clue how much the nurses and staff would be filled with joy whenever you make hospital rounds. They frequently shower you with treats, toys as well as loads of attention. So sorry you have to work on your Bark Day but I’m sure they’ll make it worth your while this week.
You continue to charm Mom by letting her dress you up (and ridiculously I might add…but hey, whatever floats your boat). Sure glad somebody enjoys it…count me out!
You’ve been a great sport every since you lumbered into the Ranch.
And for all that and so much more, you deserve a pawsome Gotcha Day. Happy Barkday, fuzzball.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
You are fortunate to have such good-natured and patient dog.
Boy, don’t I know it! Norman is such a terrific ambassador for senior dogs who find themselves in rescue.
True, senior dogs are more difficult to place, but what many prospective pet parents fail to understand is that senior dogs are more relaxed, need less exercise than a young pup, and could be amazing companions. I love puppies, young and any other type of dog, but when we adopted Charlie 2 years ago I wasn’t looking for a puppy but rather one that was an adolescent. My Charlie was 1 year old. Now he is 3 years old.
Lol. I loved your post. Where is the Love button? Norman is gorgeous! I love what he is wearing.
Aww thank you. Yes, you’re right…there should be a ‘love’ button too. Norman was such a good sport about wearing the birthday crown and all he visited seemed to love it too.
I bet he made their day. He certainly made mine. Adorable!
🥰
Happy Belated Gotcha Day! Thank you for the kind words you left on my blog for my loss of Emmy. XO
It was a small but heartfelt gesture-I know how hard it is when you lose a beloved pet. Sending hugs and tail wags.
Congrats, Norman!
Many thanks.
Elsa what a PAWESOME job you did on this post! I am so sorry I am late! Happy Belated Birthday/Gotcha Day sweet Norman! You are one cutie that’s for sure! I also LOVED the photo of you on the couch. Heck, you deserve to lay wherever you choose! You are one handsome dude for sure! Thanks for making your Mama smile again!! Lots of love to you big guy!! xoxo
We’re big on celebrating Gotcha Days for the whole week, so no worries. And thanks for the kind comment. 💙
Lulu: “Happy Gotcha Day, Norman! Many happy returns!”
Java Bean: “Gotcha Days are the best days ever, if you ask me!”
Thank you. Especially for us rescue dogs. 😉
Norman! Concatulations! And wowzers…you are quite the clothes horse! You look marvelous! Now we are going to sing you the song!
¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪Happy Gottcha Day to you♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸
¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪ Happy Gottcha Day to you ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸
¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪ Happy Gottcha Day dear Norman!!!!! ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸
¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪ HappyGottcha Day to you! ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸
Keep being AWESOME! Purrs Mave, Jo Jo, Kozmo and Cinnamon
Thank you! Our big guy had a great day and met some very cool peeps, including 3 police men who were in love with him.
Happy Gotcha Day to a swell guy! Hope there’s extra treats for the occasion. 🙂
Loads of treats and ear rubs today. The hospital made a great fuss over Norman. 😁
Happy Gotcha Day, Norman! We know from Angel Lexi that therapizing isn’t work, it’s a joy to make people happy. And you are a pro at that, friend. Here’s to another great year with your loving family. XOX Xena, Lucy Chia and Riley
Thanks for the nice Gotcha Day wishes. Norman loves people (though his therapy work is quite different from Angel Sam) and manages to bring a lot of joy to everyone he encounters.
Happy Gotcha Day big guy!
Big hugs to you.
Thanks! He had quite the celebration today.
Most deserved.
Happy Gotcha Day big guy!
Big hugs to you.
Many thanks, we appreciate it.
🙂
Awww, we all love Norman. Happy Gotcha Day, big guy. Hope you got cake:)
Woos – Lightning, Misty, and Timber
Thanks. No cake but LOADS of treats from everyone at the hospital. 🦴🎉🦴
Norman, there is so much goodness and love wrapped up in that big furry doggy body of yours!! We love you and all the fun hings you do, and we know you are truly loved by all of those who get to meet you at your ‘work’!
Happy Gotcha Day to YOU, Norman!
Thank you! He had a great day at hospital and is now snoozing after seeing a jillion people. We love how he brings such joy to people.
what a charming handsome boy…. glad you came to live with your mom and elsa
We’re so grateful for this sweet boy!
Happy Gotcha Day Big Normie!!! You are an inspiration you know……you do so many wonderful things for others and the BEST thing is you make us all smile and you just can’t have too many smiles!!
Hugs, Teddy
Thanks so much Teddy. He really does bring joy to folks. We couldn’t be more thrilled with him.
Happy Gotcha Day, big buddy! You are right where you belong. Stay special. xoxo
Love and licks,
Cupcake
Thanks Cupcake! I think we’re gonna keep him. 😉
Awww, you’re so handsome, Norman. I would love on you in a hot minute.
♫♪Happy Gotcha Day to you,♪♫
♫♪Happy Gotcha Day to you,♪♫
♫♪Happy Gotcha Day Dear Sweet Norman,♪♫
♫♪Happy Gotcha Day to you!♪♫
I miss Sam too.
Have a woof woof Gotcha Day, Norman. Scritches all around and a hug to mom. ♥
Thanks Sandee. We all still miss Sam but are so chuffed Norman is with us. 🥰
Happy gotcha day Norman! You are so gosh darn cute. I am sending you a big kiss!! All my dogs have been rescues and all were great dogs. My Alex has been with me 11 1/2 years. Since he was a stray, they guessed his age at 3 or 4. He is doing well for his 15ish years and makes me smile every day!
Thanks Susan. We love senior dogs, especially those who were rescued.
A very Happy Gotcha Day, Norman!!!!!!
Thank you! It’s been a great Gotcha Day so far.
What a beautiful gift from God to your Dog Mom! So love your gotcha story and really happy you hit the jackpot with the rest of the ranch crew!
Many thanks. We sure won the dog lotto with this sweet boy and think he feels the same. 💙
Happy happy Gotcha Day mee sweet Norman!!!
Mee reememburrs when you joined THE Ranch Handss…..mee inn-stantlee had a *crushie* on you! Who wuud think a semi-feral street Kitty wuud ‘crushie’ on a reefined Poochie like yoreself!?!?
May yore day bee as lovelee as you are!!!
All mee <3 an ***paw kissess*** BellaDharma an <3 an {{{{huggiess}}}} BellaSita Mum
Aww, thanks. You’re too sweet for saying that. We couldn’t be more grateful for this pile of fur!
Mee just wanted you to know how speshell you are Sweet Norman!!!
Even Aunty Mary-Ellen lovess you!
Wee all love you! <3 <3 <3 <3
💙💙💙
Happy happy Gotcha Day sweet Norman, you are a true star and here are gentle pats across the miles for you and sweet Elsa 🤗💕🐕
Thank you so much! We’re so lucky this boy came into our lives and cherish every day with him. 💙
Happy Gotcha Day, Norman! 👍🦴🥓🦴
Thank you Herr Pit. And Norman says thanks for the digital treats. 😋
A wonderful gotcha post, Elsa. Loved the photos of Norman in costume.
Thanks John. Norman is a real sport when it comes to wear clothes and hats. Unlike me who always acts too good to wear anything but my luxurious furs. 😉
A lot can be said for that. Lucy hates human clothes. Twiggy is all for them.
It’s funny how they can be with dressing up in the same household.
I know right. Like sweaters. Lucy refuses. Twiggy would wear one all day.
We’ve never seen a dog who was so amenable to our silliness like Norman.
Ha ha ha. That is good for sure.
Happy gotcha day Norman!! 🎉🎊❤️🐾
Thanks so much!
NORMAN! We are shouting all the way from here to there to say what a special day for a special pup! (And a special day for your Mom ‘n’ family, too) Happy Gotcha’s all way round, even for all those munchkins and others you visit and make so happy. We just think you are one super special, lovable dog … love JUNE and her Mom.
Thanks so much June and Mom. We think we’re so lucky to have had Norman join the Ranch. 💙
Elsa, what a great post about Norman. These pictures put a very big smile on my face. I am sure you are happy he doesn’t mind getting dressed for special occasions, but both of you get big smiles all the time regardless. I hope Norman has a very Happy Gotcha Day, and am sure he will do just that with a family like yours!
Thank you! He’s been such a wonderful addition to the Ranch. We sure scored a winner with him!
It has been three years already? Time goes quickly when you are enjoying yourself.
That’s what we thought too. Where did the time go?
Elsa, I am so proud of you for stepping up and giving Norman such a praise-filled post!
He has got THE friendliest face, ever. Those eyes!
Happy Gotcha Day, Norman! You landed in THE best family ever…
Thank you! I had to edit my post several times-boy said I was ‘somewhat’ edgy initially. But Norman’s du h a good sport, I decided he should receive a nice greeting today. All best may be off tomorrow. BOL
I don’t doubt you did but you managed to do so beautifully. He really is a good sport and I understand that tomorrow is another day 😉
His sweet nature is really something to behold.
It emanates from him even through photos!
Happy Gotcha Day, Norman!
Many thanks. Too bad the Big Guy has to work on his Barkday but he’ll get lots of treats.
Happy Gotcha Day, Norman. It sounds like you landed in the perfect home for you.
Many thanks, Walter, Millie and Cindy. He’s so nice he deserved a loving home in his senior years.
Happy GD Norman! You were a perfect match for the ranch, the ranch hands, and the trail boss. 😉.
We couldn’t be happier about this guy saddling up in our Bunkhouse. 💙
Happy HAPPY Gotcha Day Norman! Love all the outfits too….made me smile and I needed that today! 🙏❤️
He has a knack for making people smile, with or without costumes. Hope those pics set the stage for a day full of smiles. Stay well, Cristina and thanks for dropping by.
norman we love love love ya… appy gotcha day!!! for many many more at least 87 …
Many thanks. We hope for many more too. Happy Monday.
Happy Gotcha Day Norman!! Those pictures are priceless. He actually looks happy to dress up! What a sweetheart!
Norman is the most even keeled dog I’ve ever known. Nothing seems to flummox him and the fact he is so balanced just underscores his sweet disposition. I was so blessed to be able to adopt him! Happy Monday.
What a nice post for your brother, Elsa! Happy Gotcha Day, Norman! ❤️
Clearly I’m mellowing in my old age. BOL. Thanks for the well wishes, Jan. Happy Monday.
Happy, happy Gotcha Day Norman! You came along at just the right time. Enjoy that sofa…looks very comfy!
The timing couldn’t have been more perfect. Norman was a lifesaver for my Mom because Sam was her 💙 dog. There’ll be little relaxing today-until his hospital rounds are finished. Happy Monday.
Very generous of you, Elsa! And those dressing up photos…well, give me Dr. Norman any day!
Isn’t he something else? Sure glad Mom doesn’t try to dress me up like that. I don’t do dress up. At. all. I barely tolerate a neck scarf. Happy Monday.
Congrats Norman! You beautiful pup came to a wonderful home!
Thank you. Because he was considered a senior dog when he came into the rescue, Mom was more than happy to give him a loving home. Seniors are harder to place, especially big ones and he certainly is big. Norman is the tallest sheepdog Mom has ever seen!
Awww. We adopt pets who have a harder time finding a home too.
It makes for winners all around!
It really does!