August 9, 2010 was a red-letter date for the Schachs. This was the date when the Twins were born. It had been a lonely spring and summer for us. Missy the Boxer had left us in February, leaving a gaping hole in our hearts. I had promised her that we would live life to the fullest once I retired in June. Unfortunately, I was never able to fulfill that promise. We never had those long walks in the park, or the rides in the car to nowhere in particular. The endless afternoons throwing balls and eating ice cream never became a reality.
Life without a dog left an emptiness in our household. With Brady away in college, and with my husband working long hours for the rail road, I longed for four-legged companionship. After a lengthy discussion, it was decided that we would indeed bring a puppy into our home.
What ensued was a story that many of you have followed since the very beginning. Instead of one bouncing baby Boxer, enter two: Cimarron’s Do You Know the Muffin Man, named after one of Brady’s favorite lines from the movie, “Shrek”, and Cimarron’s What Were You Thinking, which was exactly what my husband said when I told him that I had bought two.
How I survived those first months, I’ll never know! Potty training was a nightmare. While I had one outside, the other was pottying inside.
Chewing was a never ending nightmare. We lost a cell phone, a remote, and a camera to Brody,
while Muffy added her own special touches to the couch and chair.
They played hard
and napped even harder.
But through it all, they were the best snugglers and lovers that two puppies could ever be.
As we fast forward to today, both have become well adjusted, loving members of our family. Muffy is one win away from her AKC Champion title. Motherhood and a stint as a therapy dog loom in her future. Brody will hit the circuit again later this fall, after taking time off to recover from cancer and to mature. There will be no puppies in his future. Instead he will forever be the consummate clown. They are my constant companions…my best friends…my confidantes. They are the ones to whom I tell my troubles. They are the ones with whom I share my dreams. They are the ones who dry my tears when I cry. They are the ones who make me laugh when I am sad. They are the ones who love me unconditionally…and I love them right back. Happy third birthday, Twins!
Until next time…
I too am writing with sappy tears (hard to stop them tears). Your eloquent tribute are exactly my words to my fur babies. We just put our Oscar Meyer Heemeyer weiner dog to sleep the Monday before Convention 2013 this year. We still have our JoeJoe (bejon) to comfort us in laughter and sadness. So glad he’s with us. Don’t know what I’d do without his constant companionship. My hubby is now open to find another fur baby. Isn’t it ironic how they inch their way into our hearts and home and become such a wonderful family member. Thank you so much for sharing your fur babies stories with all of us cyber friends. Big hugs!
Kim Smith
Writing with tears in my eyes and a smile on my face. Been with you all since the beginning and have enjoyed all your puppy posts and updates. I know how special boxers are. Thanks for sharing them with all of us.
You always make me smile with your stories of these sweet ones. This one brought a few (admittedly sappy) tears. What lucky puppies these are!! Such beautiful pictures.
Awww, Happy Birthday!! I have not followed the story since the beginning, having found you late, so thank you for sharing these pictures. They are adorable! The potty training is the worst, but so worth it for all the love you get in return. 🙂
Happy Birthday Muffy & Brody! What a heart warming story. Thank you Ann for sharing this story and pictures with us. God Bless You and Your Twins.
Happy Birthday Babies!!!! They look so cute with the little ear bandages on. They are SUCH beautiful dogs. My dog is my best friend also so I totally understand. : )
That was a heart-warming tribute to your loving twinks, Ann!
I just love reading about your babies. Being a dog lover myself and having 2 Maltese brothers, I’m in love. Having also been in your shoes, losing my best friend, Nestlee at 4 years old, I was devastated. Once I developed the courage to bring another one home, I too brought 2. Double the fun, double the craziness. Thank you for sharing your story with us, and let’s not forget your gorgeous artwork. I’m fortunate to have one such piece from a one-one swap from Brian King. Thank you. I much admire your work – so inspiring.
They are the sweetest, Happy Birthday to Muffy and Brody! Thanks for sharing such a tender portrait of your life with the “kids”!
Great post today. Happy b-day to the Schach twins! It doesn’t seem that long! Great photos and story. Here is to many more!
Chris R. from Iowa
My goodness. Where has the time gone. I have been following the story of the twins from day one. I love the photo of you and Muffy together and the one with Missy. It was great revisiting the journey of the twins.:)
Mary
What a wonderful “Tail” of three great dogs who have truley made the Schach household complete, with tears, fears and mostly JOY! Wishing Birthday greetings to Muffy & Brody and most of all to their loving “Mommy Ann” I wish more years of happiness and joy.
Happy Birthday Muffy & Brody!
So understand your blog. My fur babies are just as much a part of our family as any other member.
That was beautiful! I so get what you said about our furry fans being the best listeners and tug at our heart. I have 3 dogs and I too share your love!
Happy Birthday Muffy & Brody!
Happy Birthday to the Schach Twins! Wishing Muffy much success on the shows! Hope you are getting enough rest, Ann!
Happy Birthday to the Schach Twins! Wishing Muffy much success on the shows! Hope you are getting enough rest, Ann!
Happy Birthday Muffy and Brody! Thank you for sharing their beautiful story with us, I can only imagine how wonderful that day was when they first came home with you! I totally know how you feel, I don’t know what I would do without my dogs, they are all the things to me that Muffy, Brody, and Lexi are to you. I wish all of you many more wonderful birthdays together!
I always love hearing about the twins – Happy Birthday Muffy and Brody!
I’m gonna guess many of your readers are shedding a few tears (including me). What a beautiful tribute to the “twins!”
Happy Birthday to Muffy and Brody!!! What a wonderful post…..but you made me tear up because I still long for another furry friend in our home. It’s been 5 years since our Okie died. You have captured some wonderful pictures of the boxers!!!
So special! There are no words to describe what our four-legged friends mean to us, just unconditional love.
Happy birthday to your furry friends (AKA kids). I loved and enjoyed the story. After losing a beloved (furry) child of my own, while my husband was away for an extended golf trip, I rescued my border collie/lab. I LOVE her. I actually wanted a small lap dog but decided this was the best fit for our family. I truly understand where you’re coming from. Great job raising twins!
Indeed Happy Birthday Brody and Muffy, what a journey it has been Ann, but looking back I am sure makes you appreciate who they have become today. Have a great weekend to all
Nicole
Happy birthday to your twin furry children. Dogs are such blessings in our lives. Your dogs are so lucky to have such a doting mommy. 🙂 Thanks for sharing such a beautiful post today.
OMG! What a heartfelt story. Thank you for sharing. Happy birthday to your poochies. Hope they get special treats. 🙂
Happy Birthday to the twins! Thanks for sharing your story. Our empty nest led me to adopt a dog from a rescue. There’s nothing better than unconditional love from a furry friend! Thanks Anne for sharing your beautiful cards too.
Happy Birthday, Twins! We have 2 dogs too. I would be lost without them. And when we aren’t home, they have each other for company. They are the best!
Happy, Happy Birthday to your babies! Fantastic tribute to Missy and the twins. This post made my day as my husband and I will be traveling today to pick up our new puppy to add to our family. Have a great weekend celebrating!
Aug 9th was my English Mastiff’s 4th birthday too! He is a rescue along with my St Bernard, Bull Mastiff and German Shepard – all are rescues. It’s difficult when they cross the Rainbow Bridge, but we have the great memories so they always live in I our hearts.
OMG — you made me cry! In the beginning for the loss of your sweet girl and then tears of joy looking at the pictures of your babies. They are gorgeous. I totally understand your need for a dog. My two Westies are my best buddies also. My husband is fighting cancer right now and the dogs are the best diversion as they make us laugh each day.
Happy birthday to Muffy and Brody! Can’t believe it as been 3 years! I have loved watching them and reading their posts. Hugs to both and thank you for sharing them. I have to say I really miss owning a boxer.
happy birthday to your beautiful twins i like when you show pictures of them. have a great day
Awww Ann, I am not an animal person but I do love reading about the twins, lots so love to them on their special day. Hugs to you for being a wonderful momma to them!
sweet words of love for the Twins Ann ~ Happy Happy Birthday to them 🙂 TFS and enjoy your weekend!
Oh my gosh, how time has flown by. Happy birthday to Muffy & Brody—give them a hug & kiss from me!
What a wonderful touching story. We love our pets unconditional and they offer so much to us. We know exactly what you are conveying in your message. They are the kids that we don’t have. Thanks for sharing and hope they have a wonderful birthday.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the TWINS!! Three already that is so hard to believe. Great pictures of them growing up and a grand story to go along with it!
You told Missy you were going to live life to the fullest and you are….with the Twins and Lexi. I am sure she is smiling at you every day.
Our hearts will always miss those that are gone from our homes but we leave room for a couple more paws along the way.
Cookie wishes the Twins a special day too!
Oh my goodness, reading your story was a great way to start my day. I’m crying, seeing the photo of Missy and remembering when you lost her, so sad, but laughing at the antics of the birthday babies. The photos are so darling (is Muffy laying on the counter top?) and thinking of all of that boxer love in your house just makes my day. Happy Birthday Muffy and Brody!
Awwww, you’re making me cry! Happy B’day to the twins and happy everyday since to you : )
Happy 3rd Birthday to your twins!! You’re pictures are wonderful Ann. My favorite is the last one where they are dreaming and so tiny. ; ). I’m missing my boys terribly right now as we are away on vacation. I give love to all the furry friends I meet and that helps a little bit. I hope your furry kids got a nice bone to celebrate!
I really enjoy your stories about Muffy and Brody!! I have 2 “pedigree” rescues and they are wonderful company. It doesn’t take long for them to forget their humble beginnings!! I think I’ve finally gotten my latest rescue housebroken – WOW!!!!
What a lovely story and super fabulous pictures. Thank you so much for sharing this with us. Happy Birthday, Muffy and Brody!!!!!
Ann I loved reading your story today. I’m away in GA for a FULL WEEK of training… reallY? All I want to do is retire…someday!
Happy Birthday twins! Can’t believe it’s three years! Wow… seems I haven’t even been a demo that long…. but the years DO fly by don’t they?
Ann I can’t imagine you crying, that was so sad…. but I’m sure we all have our moments, so I’m glad you have them to help you through what ever it is. Hugs.
I love dog love stories! I have a little doxie that is 14 years and counting! My little Doodlebug is my constant source of love and acceptance! Thanks for sharing your story!
Happy birthday to Muffy and Brody! Thank you for sharing this beautiful story. Dogs ARE amazing companions. I don’t ever want o be dogless myself. Hugs.