Bonnie's blog

Welcome to Bonnie Mae's blog, where we share the day-to-day life of Bonnie Mae and inspire readers to love all animals, regardless of their challenges. We'll be updating this blog once a week.

Day 1 With my New Family 

It all started on a sunny Saturday. I had just joined my new family—not even 24 Hours in, and already I was living the dream: belly rubs, soft blankets, and more love than I knew what to do with. But nothing could’ve prepared me for this.

We pulled into this magical place called Starbucks. The smells? Divine. Like roast chicken met a vanilla cloud and hugged a bacon-scented donut. I stuck my snoot out the window and knew something special was coming.

The humans ordered something called a “venti iced caramel whatever” (typical), and then—THEN—they turned to the speaker and said the most beautiful words I’ve ever heard:

“And a pup cup, please.”

Cue the angel chorus.

What followed was a cup of pure whipped cream heaven. I stuck my entire face in it. Zero shame. It was creamy, cold, and glorious. I looked up with white fluff all over my snout, and my new family? Laughing. Smiling. Taking 300 photos. I knew right then: I was home.

And that, dear friends, was the day I became a Starbucks regular.

Me & My New Sister Crimson

When I first arrived at my forever home, I was so excited. New smells, new toys, and most importantly… a new sister.

I ran up, tail wagging like a propeller, ready to play, wrestle, share toys—best friend stuff, you know?

But my new sister?
Yeah… she wasn’t exactly sold on me.

She gave me the look.
You know the one—ears back, slow blink, paws planted like,
“Who is this goofball and why is she in my yard?”

I tried everything:
Play bows. Wiggle butts. Showing off my underbite (it’s usually a crowd-pleaser).
Nothing.

So I gave her space.
I rolled around in the grass by myself. Played fetch solo. Gave her her favorite toy without even chewing on it (I mean... that’s love, right?).

And then one afternoon, it happened.

She was watching me zoom around the backyard, and I guess I looked ridiculous enough to be interesting—because suddenly…
She joined in.

She chased me. I chased her. We tumbled, we barked, we sprinted until our tongues hung out and our sides ached.

From that moment on?
Backyard buddies for life.

Now we’re inseparable—two furry blurballs zooming across the grass, napping nose-to-nose, and occasionally teaming up to steal snacks when Mom’s not looking (shhh… don’t tell).

She didn’t choose me right away.
But she gave me a chance.
And now?
She’s not just my sister—she’s my very best friend.

My 1st Birthday 

🎉 I just had my FIRST EVER BIRTHDAY PARTY 🎉

And oh my tail, it was EVERYTHING.

There was no silly little "dog treat" shaped like a bone.
Nope.
I got a WAFFLE.
Like, a real, fluffy, golden, warm waffle—with fresh strawberries on top 🍓🍓

Apparently strawberries are great for dog breath (which, let’s be honest, is helpful when you give as many kisses as I do).
And I? Give. Kisses.
Everywhere. All the time. Full-face, no-warning, sloppy, joyful kisses.

So Mom said the strawberries were a gift to both of us. Win-win. 😂

After my waffle feast, we played in the yard, took a million pictures (my underbite was ON POINT), and I even got a birthday belly rub that lasted at least 14 minutes. That’s like… 98 dog minutes.

And the best part?

I was celebrated. I was spoiled. I was home.

My first birthday wasn’t just about the waffle (but it was amazing). It was about having a family who loves me just the way I am—goofy teeth, big heart, strawberry breath and all.

So here’s to being one year older, a whole lot happier, and forever loved.

4th of July

This 4th of July?
It was my first one home.
My first one with people who love my weird teeth and my sloppy kisses.
My first one with backyard zoomies, grilled goodies, and hugs during the fireworks when things got loud.
My first one as part of a family.

So yeah, this year, freedom isn’t just fireworks and flags.
It’s the freedom to be me.
To be silly. To be soft. To be strong.
To chase dreams—and ducks—and maybe even a few titles someday.

And now, I get to share my story with the world.
One blog post at a time, one tail wag at a time.

This is my first real Independence Day.
And I’ll never take it for granted.

Because every rescue deserves a reason to celebrate. 🎆

07/13/2025 - Sleepy Shenanigans, Sisterly Suspense, and Dad’s Photo Antics

Hey everyone! Bonnie Mae here, your official nap enthusiast and part-time mischief maker. This week’s report comes straight from my very favorite spot—the comfiest, coziest

Hey everyone! Bonnie Mae here, your official nap enthusiast and part-time mischief maker. This week’s report comes straight from my very favorite spot—the comfiest, coziest corners of the house, where the sun hits just right and the snoozes come easy. If you need me, I’ll be right here… probably snoring. 😴

So, big news first: my sister is grounded. Yep, you heard that right. Apparently, when a girl is “in heat,” humans think it’s a good idea to confine her to the bedroom like she’s on some sort of timeout. No one asked me if I wanted to volunteer for that gig! The upside? While she’s busy being grounded and moody, I finally got some quality playtime with my Big Brother Rypley.

But here’s the twist—my sister actually got pretty lucky being in heat this time. Instead of just sulking in her room, she got to travel all the way to sunny Florida with Dad! I’m pretty jealous, if I’m honest. While I was mastering my napping skills at home, she was probably soaking up some sun and sniffing new smells. Not bad, sister… not bad at all.

Rypley and I have been tearing up the place—okay, maybe “tearing up” is a slight exaggeration, but we definitely put on some Olympic-level zoomies and a wrestling match or two. It’s been great having a partner-in-crime who’s not on timeout.

Meanwhile, Owen’s been my little cheerleader, carrying around his duck call like it’s a treasure. He blows it with all his might, and I swear sometimes I think he’s calling me for an adventure or maybe just telling me to wake up and play. I’m not always sure what all those quacks mean, but I do know one thing: when Owen calls, I listen.

Now, Willow… ah, Willow. She’s like that mysterious, aloof dog who’s way too cool to be friends with me. I’ve been trying my best to get on her good side, but she’s still playing hard to get. Her current strategy? Letting Owen use her as a human (well, dog?) pillow. I kid you not—she just flops down and lets him snooze all over her like she’s a big fluffy mattress. Genius move to avoid my attention! I’m starting to think she’s got a secret deal with Owen: “You keep me comfy, and I keep Bonnie Mae at bay.”

Even though Willow’s a tough nut to crack, I’m not giving up. One day, I’ll be the star of her snuggle squad. Until then, I’ll just keep my paws crossed and my tail wagging.

Oh! And guess what? Dad has taken it upon himself to become a professional photographer—well, sort of. He’s been making all these funny photos of me online. I’m not sure if I’m a superstar or just a meme in the making, but hey, if it means more treats and belly rubs, I’m all in! Maybe next week I’ll get a fancy hat or sunglasses to go with my online fame.

So that’s the scoop this week: lots of sleepy time, some sisterly drama, a Florida adventure, Owen’s duck call serenades, Dad’s photo shenanigans, and the occasional epic play session. Life with my humans and fur siblings is pretty great, even when I’m forced to respect the “heat rules.” (Seriously, who made those anyway?)

Thanks for hanging out with me in my cozy corner of the world. I’ll keep you posted on all the naps, the zoomies, and the slow wins in the Willow friendship department.

Until next time—stay sleepy, stay silly, and maybe take a nap or two!

Back, Busy, and… Blushing?

Hi friends!
I know, I know… it’s been a couple of weeks since I last checked in. Sorry about that! Life’s been a little crazy (and not just because I’ve discovered I have feelings — more on that in a minute 😅).

First off, a BIG birthday shoutout to my human sister who just turned 30! 🎉 I didn’t really understand the whole “milestone” thing, but there was cake (none for me, rude), and a lot of happy humans. I made sure to give her extra snuggles, because 30 seems like a big deal, and she deserves it.

In between all the celebrating, I’ve been logging some serious miles with my parents. We’ve been spending weekends on the road, helping my four-legged friends get to their forever homes. I love sitting beside them in the car, offering little licks and nudges to let them know everything’s going to be okay. I tell them, “Just wait until you meet your humans — they’re going to love you like mine love me.” It’s honestly one of my favorite things to do.

I’ve also been working on my whistle training (yep, I’m a scholar ✨). But we’re taking things a little slow. My parents noticed my snout is growing a bit more crooked, and they’re keeping a close eye on it. They’re worried I might have some breathing issues, so they’re taking me to see a specialist soon — just to make sure I’m okay. I try to stay brave (and cute), but I know they’ve got me, no matter what.

And while we’re on the topic of tough stuff... we discovered one of my PTSD triggers recently. 😞 My dad swatted a fly the other day with one of those scary fly swatters, and I completely panicked. I flew into my mom’s arms, shaking like a leaf, scared to death. It was like something deep inside me remembered something bad — even if I didn’t understand it fully. My parents were so gentle afterward. They said they’re documenting everything and being more cautious moving forward. I love them so much for that.

Oh — and yeah, back to the other drama.
I finally went into something my sister calls “heat” — yes, that thing I used to make fun of her for. Karma, much? 🙄 Let’s just say I’ve been a little moody, a little bossy, and I may or may not have developed a very inconvenient crush on Rypley. 😳 Like, swoon-level stuff. But apparently, I’m not allowed to fall in love with him because my parents said it’s forbidden. I guess I’m living in a real-life doggy soap opera.

Anyway, I’m feeling a bit more like myself again. I promise not to disappear for weeks at a time, but if I do, just know I’m probably out there helping more pups find their people — or working on my training, or trying not to blush every time Rypley walks by. 🙈

Until next time,
xoxo, Bonnie Mae
Pawprints, triggers, training, and a tiny bit of teenage angst 🐾💕

The Art of the Stare (and Other Weekly Wins) 08/29/2025

Hey frens, it’s me—Bonnie Mae! ✨

Guess what? I finally did it… I SLEPT THROUGH THE NIGHT! 🎉 Mom says it’s the best gift I’ve ever given her (you’re welcome, Mom 😎). Butttt here’s the catch… Mom went out of town this week, so it was just me and Dad holding the fort. And let me tell you—we had the BEST bonding time ever. Mostly napping. Lots of napping. Basically, we turned into professional sleepers. Dad says we deserved a trophy. 🏆💤

Buuuut, I gotta confess something. I mayyyyybe have been a little spicy around breakfast and dinner. 😬 Food is just soooo good and I don’t really feel like sharing, okay? Don’t judge me—I’m working on my table manners, promise.

Oh! I’ve got a big vet appointment coming up soon—time for my updated rabies shot. I’m not too sure how I feel about that, but Mom says it’s important.

Also, still learning that kennel time is not punishment—it’s actually just nap time when Mom and Dad need a break (still working on that one, but I think I’m catching on).

The really exciting news? I am officially 100% house broke now! 🎉 No more accidents in the house. Mom and Dad are super proud of me.

And of course, snacks are a daily thing. I mean, duh. Priorities. 🦴

Oh, and here’s my newest skill: I’ve been perfecting the stare. You know the one. 👀 The “how dare you ignore me, now give me loves” stare. Works every. single. time. Add in my cute little smile and BAM 💥—instant guilt trip for Mom and Dad. I mean, seriously… how could you not love this face?

🚤 BIGGEST adventure of the week? I went on my very first BOAT RIDE! And guess what—I LOVED it. The wind in my ears, the splash of water, the smells… it was basically the best day ever. Turns out, I’m 100% a water baby. 🌊🐶 Pretty sure this won’t be my last time on the lake!

So yeah… this week was all about sleeping, snacking, splashing, learning, and snuggling with Dad. Pretty sure I crushed it. 💛

Until next time,
Bonnie Mae 🐾

09/23/2025 No Shenanigans This Week

 

Hey friends,

There’s no update this week—no stories, no misadventures, no quirky things to report. If you’ve seen the tribute on the main page, then you already know: I’m mourning the loss of my sister, Crimson.

She was light, laughter, and an anchor in ways I’m still trying to understand. Right now, the words aren’t coming easily, and even if they were, I don’t think I could string them into anything that would do her justice.

So for now, I’m taking a little time. Time to grieve. Time to breathe. Time to let the silence say what I can’t.

I’ll be back when my heart is a bit less heavy. Until then, hold your people close.

With love,
**Bonnie Mae**

 

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