FIRST ANNUAL FLICKENNEL
MOTHER'S DAY ESSAY CONTEST!
MOTHER'S DAY ESSAY CONTEST!
Welcome to our first annual Mother's Day Essay Contest, in which anyone in the continental United States can participate. All you have to do is send us an email of 300 words or less and tell us why you think YOUR MOTHER deserves to have a dachshund from FlicKennel Dachshunds. Our email address is flickennel@hughes.net.
Be convincing! Be funny! Be real! Be yourself, but HURRY - the contest starts NOW, April 28, and ends at midnight May 7, 2009 so Mom can pick her pup and take delivery in time for Mother's Day!
Be convincing! Be funny! Be real! Be yourself, but HURRY - the contest starts NOW, April 28, and ends at midnight May 7, 2009 so Mom can pick her pup and take delivery in time for Mother's Day!
The winner will get to choose from at least four beautiful dachshunds (our selection), with both male and female, smooth-coated and longhaired, from which to pick.
The 2nd-place winner will receive a $100 discount off a dachshund from FlicKennel.
The 3rd-place winner will receive a $50 discount off a FlicKennel doxie.
No purchase is necessary in order to enter the contest, but the first-place winner must either pick up their dog or make arrangements and pay for any shipping cost outside our local area. (We do ship, by Delta Airlines, anywhere in the United States, including Alaska, but for this contest we'll stick to the continental U.S.)
Entries must contain complete name, address and contact phone number, as well as the best day and time to reach you. All information you submit will be kept absolutely confidential and will NOT be shared with third parties or used to send spam of any kind.
Winning emails will be posted on this page. All decisions of the judges will be final, so you need to make absolutely SURE your mom WANTS a dachshund before entering!
GOOD LUCK!!!
The 2nd-place winner will receive a $100 discount off a dachshund from FlicKennel.
The 3rd-place winner will receive a $50 discount off a FlicKennel doxie.
No purchase is necessary in order to enter the contest, but the first-place winner must either pick up their dog or make arrangements and pay for any shipping cost outside our local area. (We do ship, by Delta Airlines, anywhere in the United States, including Alaska, but for this contest we'll stick to the continental U.S.)
Entries must contain complete name, address and contact phone number, as well as the best day and time to reach you. All information you submit will be kept absolutely confidential and will NOT be shared with third parties or used to send spam of any kind.
Winning emails will be posted on this page. All decisions of the judges will be final, so you need to make absolutely SURE your mom WANTS a dachshund before entering!
GOOD LUCK!!!
Our puppies
smile and make YOU smile!
Okay - tomorrow is Mother's Day, so here are the winning entries, with our First Place Winner shown first! We have not edited these, so they are as we received them.
FIRST PLACE, WINNER OF FREE DACHSHUND
From Aaron Mehring, of Williamsburg, Colorado:
My mother deserves a dachshund because she is a dachshund freak. She has dachshund key chain, dachshund purses, dachshund statues, dachshund jewelry, dachshund planters, dachshund pictures, dachshund pillows, dachshund window clings,dachshund daily planner, and many more items that I could name. She loves dachshund. She is always saying that dachshund are the perfect dog, especially for kids. They have already been stretched and pulled out. She talks about a dachshund she had as a kid. She told me how she had to rehabiliate this dachshund name shotsee. Somebody had ran this poor dachshund over and hurt her back legs. my mom tell me how she would take a towel and put it under it's tummy by it's back legs. She would hold the back legs up with the towel and walk with it every day, a couple times a day. It took months but my mom did it. This dog became my moms best friend. she has told me that she could tell this dog anything and it became her bed buddy. This dog slept with her and it changed her life. she said it made her the person she is today. I see the joy in my mom's face when she talks about shotsee and I would love to see that joy in her face when see gets a dachshund. My mom is is always going to flickennel and looking at the puppies. I know she would love to have one. I am only 9 so I can't afford to get one for my mom, but if I could i would. Thank you for taking the time to read this letter.
Aaron Mehring
SECOND PLACE, WINNER OF $100 DISCOUNT ON A SELECTED PUPPY
From Hannah Crosier
My mother loves dachshunds. She fell in love with her first when she was a young woman.
Her family had a small dachshund named Cedrik. He was a mild mannered dog, very lovable. They used to dress Cedrik up in doll stuff and put him in the stroller. He loved being center of attention. On the boat, Cedrik would stand in the front of the boat with his ears flying in the wind and never wanted to stop. He had to sleep with my mom. Every time she moved, Cedrik would get up turn around in two small circles and lie back down in the very same spot.
Then Dad brought Max home in December of 94 for our family Christmas present. My mom fell in love with Max as we all did. He was very smart.
Max loved to go for walks. He loved to snuggle. My mother called him "mommy's little man". Max loved to chase the squirrels and birds. We would take Max to the lake and he would chase the geese and muskrats until he was exhausted and we would have to carry him back to the car. He would help my dad fish. Max would swim out and follow the fish back to the shore. We have many great memories.
We lost Max last November. He lived to be 14 years old. We miss him and we have taken time to grieve. Max was special and there will be no dog that can take his place. We would like to have another little friend who will have his own little quirks and will open his heart to us as we will to him (or her). Dachshunds love to be loved but they love to love back.
My mom wants a male.
Hannah Crosier
THIRD PLACE, WINNER OF $50 DISCOUNT ON A SELECTED PUPPY ~ TWO WINNERS!
From Ian Spain
The mom I'm going to write about happens to be my wife. She's been a mom for two years now, and it seems about every Mother's Day she gets a new baby in the family (1st son May 3rd 2007, 2nd son May 30th 2008). She is the most amazing woman with how she takes care of and loves our little boys, that it amazes me that she can do it all. Unfortunately, a lot of being mom causes her to sacrifice a lot of her own happiness. Especially around this time of year (though I try to make it special) Mother's Day seems to get lost amid the birthdays (8 family birthdays in about a month). She never asks for something for herself. Today as I was getting ready to leave work, she sent me a picture message of her holding a Dachshund at one of the mall pet stores and talking about how she would love to get one. She never does that! Now pet stores (because of puppy mills) are in the category of "nice to stop and look, but that's it." Tonight we were looking on-line at various websites when we found yours. We were so impressed by the quality of your Dachshunds! To her, no other sites compared!
My wife always puts others first, and I think it would be great for her to finally be placed first by someone who's not her husband...namely your judges of your competition! Seeing her excitement as we went through your Dachshunds made me determined to get her one, but right now because of the number of family gifts required over the next month that isn't possible. But I know you guys can make it a possible for the greatest mom I know...my wife.
Ian Spain
From Katrien Stanley
I sent this email to enter my mom for the mother's day contest and I wanted to make sure you got it so I am also sending it from her email address. I also included my full address and best time of day to reach me. It would not be a problem for us to drive there to pick up the puppy also. Thank you!
My mom is not your typical sweet hearted mother. Shes more than that. She deserves more than that. I bet if you asked her Sheila, what would you want if you could have anything. With no doubt she would most definetly say dachshund. When i was younger she sacrificed her own loving well u guessed it dachshund so i could keep my dog. Now, my mom didn't just want a lap dog or a companion when shes lonely. This dog was her friend. Someone she could snuggle up with and read a book. Someone she could cuddle and let sleep under the covers with at night so she's not cold. Someone she loved so dearly for she would never let her out of her sight or someone she looked forward to seeing at the end of the day. I think my mom deserves a dachshund because she sacrificed her own tender friend so i could keep mine and i believe that is what a true dachshund-loving mom deserves.
Katrien Stanley: 11 years old
Monument, Colorado
A great big FlicKennel THANK YOU to everyone else who entered the contest. We received some very nice letters and stories, and apologize that we simply did not have enough puppies to give one to each contestant! Some who entered had recently purchased a pup for their mother, and we took that into consideration, as well as the fact that some folks already have one or more dachshunds and would only be adding to their "family" of them.
Here are some of the other entries, which were too good to leave unmentioned:
Hi I am Heather and I am 15. I think my mom (Annette Valdez) deserves a dachshund because she's the best mom anyone could ever ask for. The least I could do for my mom is win her another child. I say that because she loves dachshunds so much, she treats them like family members. Our dachshunds LOVE her. My mom has five kids (ages 16,15,13,4 and 14 months old) and is a busy person but always has time to play with Rebel, Jade, Ruby and Jellybean (who is really old). Jade is her baby, she treats her like a princess. We call my mom the Weenie Woman! because shes always piled up with all her puppies. My mom loves to pay fetch with our dog Ruby. Our dog 'Cupcake' we had for nine years, unfortuntely passed away last year. He was practically my moms 3rd son! She loved him so much. Ruby reminds her of Cupcake because they look alike (and the weird thing is is that they are half siblings just 10 yrs apart) and they both love to play!
I love to see my mom happy and dachshunds make her very happy! I would really appriciate if my mom won a dachshund. It would make her SO happy. And that's why I think my mom, the best mom ever, deserves a dachshund!
Thank you,
Heather Prater
Pueblo, Colorado
What can I can about my Mom? Let me start with the most important part, she MY mom, and she is the most wonderful and amazing person I have ever met. I am one of 3 children, two stepbrothers and myself. She has been my rock and my motivation, my love and support. Now as I prepare for my doctorate program in Denver, she has been more supportive than ever. My education will cost an extraordinary amount of money, and she has yet to complain once. I'm sure that all the emails you receive will say that their mom is the best one out there. I'm also sure that each mom is the best, every mom is amazing just for being a mom, but I really think my mom deserves this adorable little pup!! After the loss of our beloved Misty, a red miniature, my mom has searched for a puppy to fill the void, and befriend our little Mo (a black and tan who very lonely!) She walks daily in the mall staring into the pet store window hoping to catch a glimpse of the perfect puppy! Sadly, almost 2 months later still no luck. I know she will keep looking but I would love to surprise her with a little bundle of mother's day love!
I love you more than anything Mom!!
Kimberly Robison
Colorado Springs, Colorado
My Best Friend
My mom, Victoria, is such a great wife, mother, grandma and friend. She has been watching your sight and waiting for her new friend. She was so proud when the Boot's babies were born. She made us all go on your webpage and look at the pictures. She is caring and sweet. My mom is the best mom and grandma that anyone could ask for. She always puts everyone else above herself.
She has recently quit working outside of the home and needs a little friend to keep her company all day long. One of the Boots babies should be her buddy! She has so much to offer and has been waiting for a puppy to spoil and love. My mom is very deserving of this loving prize!
Our whole family took a vote and decided she should win the Mother's Day Doxie! And we weren't even biased in our voting J
Thanks
-Kim Kennedy
Caelin and Evan (the twins) can't type yet, so yep, it's the dachshund writing! Ok, here's the deal: our Mommy just operates BEST when dealing in two"s…she just doesn't know what it's like to function without twins. Take Caelin and Evan…people always ask how she "manages with twins" and "isn't it so much more difficult?" and she just laughs and says she doesn't know…all she's ever had was twins! So while I'm just about the greatest (Janet told her SO!) thing that's come her way since Daddy and then those cute little humans who were born 3 years ago, wouldn't it just be TERRIFIC if there were TWO OF ME around too? I mean, really, mommy is the best with kids and doxies, and somehow thrives on "organized chaos". She's been through a lot of health challenges over the past 3 years, and the twins say it's been very hard on her, but since I bounced into her life, she's really been much happier (wackier) again, and not in nearly as much chronic pain. I'm a delightful distraction! We (the twins, Daddy and me) figure if I have helped her that much in just 3 weeks, and she likes twins so much, why not have two of us again? She's always had wiener dogs 2, 3 or 4 (small herd) at a time -- she's zany, crazy like that! Our logic is, one doxie = half the pain; so two doxies = maybe no pain! And one of us for Caelin's lap, one for Evan's lap, and two of us to curl up on mommy's feet at night after she kisses the twins goodnight -- perfect answer for her health and happiness (not to mention her silly, bony, cold feet)! Please help us help Mommy.
Trombone "Pinky Toes" Valentino Jones
Carl, Keri, Caelin, Evan & Trombone Jones Donner
Highlands Ranch, Colorado
FIRST PLACE, WINNER OF FREE DACHSHUND
From Aaron Mehring, of Williamsburg, Colorado:
My mother deserves a dachshund because she is a dachshund freak. She has dachshund key chain, dachshund purses, dachshund statues, dachshund jewelry, dachshund planters, dachshund pictures, dachshund pillows, dachshund window clings,dachshund daily planner, and many more items that I could name. She loves dachshund. She is always saying that dachshund are the perfect dog, especially for kids. They have already been stretched and pulled out. She talks about a dachshund she had as a kid. She told me how she had to rehabiliate this dachshund name shotsee. Somebody had ran this poor dachshund over and hurt her back legs. my mom tell me how she would take a towel and put it under it's tummy by it's back legs. She would hold the back legs up with the towel and walk with it every day, a couple times a day. It took months but my mom did it. This dog became my moms best friend. she has told me that she could tell this dog anything and it became her bed buddy. This dog slept with her and it changed her life. she said it made her the person she is today. I see the joy in my mom's face when she talks about shotsee and I would love to see that joy in her face when see gets a dachshund. My mom is is always going to flickennel and looking at the puppies. I know she would love to have one. I am only 9 so I can't afford to get one for my mom, but if I could i would. Thank you for taking the time to read this letter.
Aaron Mehring
SECOND PLACE, WINNER OF $100 DISCOUNT ON A SELECTED PUPPY
From Hannah Crosier
My mother loves dachshunds. She fell in love with her first when she was a young woman.
Her family had a small dachshund named Cedrik. He was a mild mannered dog, very lovable. They used to dress Cedrik up in doll stuff and put him in the stroller. He loved being center of attention. On the boat, Cedrik would stand in the front of the boat with his ears flying in the wind and never wanted to stop. He had to sleep with my mom. Every time she moved, Cedrik would get up turn around in two small circles and lie back down in the very same spot.
Then Dad brought Max home in December of 94 for our family Christmas present. My mom fell in love with Max as we all did. He was very smart.
Max loved to go for walks. He loved to snuggle. My mother called him "mommy's little man". Max loved to chase the squirrels and birds. We would take Max to the lake and he would chase the geese and muskrats until he was exhausted and we would have to carry him back to the car. He would help my dad fish. Max would swim out and follow the fish back to the shore. We have many great memories.
We lost Max last November. He lived to be 14 years old. We miss him and we have taken time to grieve. Max was special and there will be no dog that can take his place. We would like to have another little friend who will have his own little quirks and will open his heart to us as we will to him (or her). Dachshunds love to be loved but they love to love back.
My mom wants a male.
Hannah Crosier
THIRD PLACE, WINNER OF $50 DISCOUNT ON A SELECTED PUPPY ~ TWO WINNERS!
From Ian Spain
The mom I'm going to write about happens to be my wife. She's been a mom for two years now, and it seems about every Mother's Day she gets a new baby in the family (1st son May 3rd 2007, 2nd son May 30th 2008). She is the most amazing woman with how she takes care of and loves our little boys, that it amazes me that she can do it all. Unfortunately, a lot of being mom causes her to sacrifice a lot of her own happiness. Especially around this time of year (though I try to make it special) Mother's Day seems to get lost amid the birthdays (8 family birthdays in about a month). She never asks for something for herself. Today as I was getting ready to leave work, she sent me a picture message of her holding a Dachshund at one of the mall pet stores and talking about how she would love to get one. She never does that! Now pet stores (because of puppy mills) are in the category of "nice to stop and look, but that's it." Tonight we were looking on-line at various websites when we found yours. We were so impressed by the quality of your Dachshunds! To her, no other sites compared!
My wife always puts others first, and I think it would be great for her to finally be placed first by someone who's not her husband...namely your judges of your competition! Seeing her excitement as we went through your Dachshunds made me determined to get her one, but right now because of the number of family gifts required over the next month that isn't possible. But I know you guys can make it a possible for the greatest mom I know...my wife.
Ian Spain
From Katrien Stanley
I sent this email to enter my mom for the mother's day contest and I wanted to make sure you got it so I am also sending it from her email address. I also included my full address and best time of day to reach me. It would not be a problem for us to drive there to pick up the puppy also. Thank you!
My mom is not your typical sweet hearted mother. Shes more than that. She deserves more than that. I bet if you asked her Sheila, what would you want if you could have anything. With no doubt she would most definetly say dachshund. When i was younger she sacrificed her own loving well u guessed it dachshund so i could keep my dog. Now, my mom didn't just want a lap dog or a companion when shes lonely. This dog was her friend. Someone she could snuggle up with and read a book. Someone she could cuddle and let sleep under the covers with at night so she's not cold. Someone she loved so dearly for she would never let her out of her sight or someone she looked forward to seeing at the end of the day. I think my mom deserves a dachshund because she sacrificed her own tender friend so i could keep mine and i believe that is what a true dachshund-loving mom deserves.
Katrien Stanley: 11 years old
Monument, Colorado
A great big FlicKennel THANK YOU to everyone else who entered the contest. We received some very nice letters and stories, and apologize that we simply did not have enough puppies to give one to each contestant! Some who entered had recently purchased a pup for their mother, and we took that into consideration, as well as the fact that some folks already have one or more dachshunds and would only be adding to their "family" of them.
Here are some of the other entries, which were too good to leave unmentioned:
Hi I am Heather and I am 15. I think my mom (Annette Valdez) deserves a dachshund because she's the best mom anyone could ever ask for. The least I could do for my mom is win her another child. I say that because she loves dachshunds so much, she treats them like family members. Our dachshunds LOVE her. My mom has five kids (ages 16,15,13,4 and 14 months old) and is a busy person but always has time to play with Rebel, Jade, Ruby and Jellybean (who is really old). Jade is her baby, she treats her like a princess. We call my mom the Weenie Woman! because shes always piled up with all her puppies. My mom loves to pay fetch with our dog Ruby. Our dog 'Cupcake' we had for nine years, unfortuntely passed away last year. He was practically my moms 3rd son! She loved him so much. Ruby reminds her of Cupcake because they look alike (and the weird thing is is that they are half siblings just 10 yrs apart) and they both love to play!
I love to see my mom happy and dachshunds make her very happy! I would really appriciate if my mom won a dachshund. It would make her SO happy. And that's why I think my mom, the best mom ever, deserves a dachshund!
Thank you,
Heather Prater
Pueblo, Colorado
What can I can about my Mom? Let me start with the most important part, she MY mom, and she is the most wonderful and amazing person I have ever met. I am one of 3 children, two stepbrothers and myself. She has been my rock and my motivation, my love and support. Now as I prepare for my doctorate program in Denver, she has been more supportive than ever. My education will cost an extraordinary amount of money, and she has yet to complain once. I'm sure that all the emails you receive will say that their mom is the best one out there. I'm also sure that each mom is the best, every mom is amazing just for being a mom, but I really think my mom deserves this adorable little pup!! After the loss of our beloved Misty, a red miniature, my mom has searched for a puppy to fill the void, and befriend our little Mo (a black and tan who very lonely!) She walks daily in the mall staring into the pet store window hoping to catch a glimpse of the perfect puppy! Sadly, almost 2 months later still no luck. I know she will keep looking but I would love to surprise her with a little bundle of mother's day love!
I love you more than anything Mom!!
Kimberly Robison
Colorado Springs, Colorado
My Best Friend
My mom, Victoria, is such a great wife, mother, grandma and friend. She has been watching your sight and waiting for her new friend. She was so proud when the Boot's babies were born. She made us all go on your webpage and look at the pictures. She is caring and sweet. My mom is the best mom and grandma that anyone could ask for. She always puts everyone else above herself.
She has recently quit working outside of the home and needs a little friend to keep her company all day long. One of the Boots babies should be her buddy! She has so much to offer and has been waiting for a puppy to spoil and love. My mom is very deserving of this loving prize!
Our whole family took a vote and decided she should win the Mother's Day Doxie! And we weren't even biased in our voting J
Thanks
-Kim Kennedy
Caelin and Evan (the twins) can't type yet, so yep, it's the dachshund writing! Ok, here's the deal: our Mommy just operates BEST when dealing in two"s…she just doesn't know what it's like to function without twins. Take Caelin and Evan…people always ask how she "manages with twins" and "isn't it so much more difficult?" and she just laughs and says she doesn't know…all she's ever had was twins! So while I'm just about the greatest (Janet told her SO!) thing that's come her way since Daddy and then those cute little humans who were born 3 years ago, wouldn't it just be TERRIFIC if there were TWO OF ME around too? I mean, really, mommy is the best with kids and doxies, and somehow thrives on "organized chaos". She's been through a lot of health challenges over the past 3 years, and the twins say it's been very hard on her, but since I bounced into her life, she's really been much happier (wackier) again, and not in nearly as much chronic pain. I'm a delightful distraction! We (the twins, Daddy and me) figure if I have helped her that much in just 3 weeks, and she likes twins so much, why not have two of us again? She's always had wiener dogs 2, 3 or 4 (small herd) at a time -- she's zany, crazy like that! Our logic is, one doxie = half the pain; so two doxies = maybe no pain! And one of us for Caelin's lap, one for Evan's lap, and two of us to curl up on mommy's feet at night after she kisses the twins goodnight -- perfect answer for her health and happiness (not to mention her silly, bony, cold feet)! Please help us help Mommy.
Trombone "Pinky Toes" Valentino Jones
Carl, Keri, Caelin, Evan & Trombone Jones Donner
Highlands Ranch, Colorado
Trombone Jones, 4-5-09
(Hey Mom, when can we have a NEW picture?!)
(Hey Mom, when can we have a NEW picture?!)
Hello~
My mother is a dachshund lover! My mother grew up with dachshunds her whole life, starting when her father was stationed in Germany. That is where they raised Machen and Midget. From there it was Baren and Coco. And now it is Susse and Lucy. Susse is about 12 years old now, and Lucy is a young spry little doxie who is only 3 years old. Lucy's nickname is "scamper pants."
My parents just moved out to Calhan, with 35 acres and a beautiful view of Pikes Peak. I think my mother is most excited about a larger area for the dachshunds!!
She had my father build a really classy kennel for the dogs, including a safe roof to keep out any hawks or eagles and a cozy "hilton" quality dog bed inside the kennel. Of course, the dogs are only outside for exercise and bathroom breaks, because they stay inside with Mom most of the time!
It is so cute to see Lucy and Susse snuggled up together on the couch, or at Mom's feet. She really is head over heels for these adorable dogs.
I have already decided to buy her a dachshund for Mother's Day. However, I just read about this contest, and I would love to present her with a little boy and a little girl dachshund!
Thank you!
Kellie Amend
[Kellie was here last weekend to pick up the pup she bought for her mother, Victoria - thanks, Kellie!]
My mother is a dachshund lover! My mother grew up with dachshunds her whole life, starting when her father was stationed in Germany. That is where they raised Machen and Midget. From there it was Baren and Coco. And now it is Susse and Lucy. Susse is about 12 years old now, and Lucy is a young spry little doxie who is only 3 years old. Lucy's nickname is "scamper pants."
My parents just moved out to Calhan, with 35 acres and a beautiful view of Pikes Peak. I think my mother is most excited about a larger area for the dachshunds!!
She had my father build a really classy kennel for the dogs, including a safe roof to keep out any hawks or eagles and a cozy "hilton" quality dog bed inside the kennel. Of course, the dogs are only outside for exercise and bathroom breaks, because they stay inside with Mom most of the time!
It is so cute to see Lucy and Susse snuggled up together on the couch, or at Mom's feet. She really is head over heels for these adorable dogs.
I have already decided to buy her a dachshund for Mother's Day. However, I just read about this contest, and I would love to present her with a little boy and a little girl dachshund!
Thank you!
Kellie Amend
[Kellie was here last weekend to pick up the pup she bought for her mother, Victoria - thanks, Kellie!]
What a Fun Contest! So here goes:
In August of last year I purchased a puppy from Flickennels. My mother is always amused at the managerie I have, and constantly comments on how I have good-looking animals and how personable they are (as long as they stay in CO since she lives in MI). When I went home to visit over the Winter Holidays, I decided to tote along my little guy...without first informing my parents. When I arrived at the airport I unzipped the top of his carrier and toted him down to luggage pickup where my father was waiting for me. He at first did not notice my little bugger sticking his head out of the opening, but when he did..."oh my God, did you tell your mother?"!!! On the ride home we decided to just let her notice him as he had and watch the response.
While chatting with my mother and taking off my shoes in the foyer, I kept waiting for her to notice the dog. It took her about five minutes, but when she did the expected happened..."Is that a dog? Oh why didn't you tell me? What are you going to do with him while he's here?..." and such. But it didn't take long....when I arrived back home that evening after visiting friends, I caught her watching TV on the couch with the little guy curled up on her lap. She beat me up the next morning to take him outside and by the end of the week was musing..."well, having a little dog like that isn't so bad...he's pretty easy to take care of...I don't think I'd mind one like that as long as it was that well-behaved...." and such!!!
Thanks for the opportunity!
Danielle McLeod
In August of last year I purchased a puppy from Flickennels. My mother is always amused at the managerie I have, and constantly comments on how I have good-looking animals and how personable they are (as long as they stay in CO since she lives in MI). When I went home to visit over the Winter Holidays, I decided to tote along my little guy...without first informing my parents. When I arrived at the airport I unzipped the top of his carrier and toted him down to luggage pickup where my father was waiting for me. He at first did not notice my little bugger sticking his head out of the opening, but when he did..."oh my God, did you tell your mother?"!!! On the ride home we decided to just let her notice him as he had and watch the response.
While chatting with my mother and taking off my shoes in the foyer, I kept waiting for her to notice the dog. It took her about five minutes, but when she did the expected happened..."Is that a dog? Oh why didn't you tell me? What are you going to do with him while he's here?..." and such. But it didn't take long....when I arrived back home that evening after visiting friends, I caught her watching TV on the couch with the little guy curled up on her lap. She beat me up the next morning to take him outside and by the end of the week was musing..."well, having a little dog like that isn't so bad...he's pretty easy to take care of...I don't think I'd mind one like that as long as it was that well-behaved...." and such!!!
Thanks for the opportunity!
Danielle McLeod
A mother: a term used to describe someone who is regarded as having the status, function, or authority of a female parent. This basic definition does not come close to describing the ways my mother affects me each and every day. My mom is one of the most genuine loving and caring people you will ever meet. She isn't just the person who gave birth to me and cares for me but she is what I need her to be when I need her to be. My mother always gives without expecting anything in return and no one could be more deserving.
My mom always goes out of her way to make sure that my family gets the best out of life. Constantly making sacrifices and never putting herself first has made her the best mother a child could expect. Her love doesn't just affect my immediate family and me, but has touched the lives of many. My mother has never hesitated to offer sage advice and a friendly smile to needy family members, close friends, and even complete strangers. Numerous times has my mother spent hours encouraging people and even giving people a place in our house to live. Could one tell from looking at my mom all of the great things she has accomplished? Perhaps not due to the fact that my mother is not arrogant in anyway and could care less about how high people hold her in their opinions. Even when awarded the most coveted award in a contest my mom would most likely just accept the gift with a smile and congratulate everyone who lost.
Being one of the main role models in my life my mother has done everything possible to mold me into a respectful young man prepared to make my passage into adulthood. Countless times have I spent with my mother late into the night talking about life, school, relationships, and many other topics. If there has been one thing in all my mother's lessons that I have learned it is that no matter what I she will always play some kind of role in my decisions. This comforts me knowing that one of the nicest wisest women on Earth will be guiding me through life.
Now that I have given you a small hint of the type of woman my mother is I would like to share a short story with you.
In August of 2005 my family was devastated by the destruction of hurricane Katrina. We were forced to evacuate away from our home which was completely destroyed along with most of our most treasured possessions. Our family was left crushed and confused. Throughout this tough and trying time my mother became the refuge we could all seek comfort in when we faced seemingly unbeatable odds. She somehow always found positive things going on in our lives at the time and helped us understand that this was just a trying time in which we needed to stick together and push through it. My mom took all of the worry and sadness and hid it deep inside herself so that my family could look at her and gain strength through her. My mom realized that being depressed and feeling sorry for herself was only going to cause my entire family to collapse into a sorrowful meaningless mess. My mother did what only the most selfless and caring mother could do and told us all that relocating was our only option. At the time I couldn't understand it and felt as though I was being cheated out of my life. We later moved to Colorado, a foreign alien place at the time. When we arrived my mother once again had to be our protector and help us to realize that everything would work out. Once we finally did get settled into our new life and became a happy strong family again it was easy to see the effect everything had had on my mother. She seemed as though there was something missing in her. It was nothing serious but it just seemed as though my mom was not as happy as she could've been. This caused my family to search for a really special gift for my mother on Mother's day 2006. What we found was one of the most precious heartfelt gifts that can be given to a mother, a dachshund puppy. This puppy was the most precious little blessing named Paris. When my mother received Paris I could instantly tell that the happiness had been replenished in my mother. Paris brought great joy to my mother's heart for three years until she recently passed away in a tragic event. Paris was one of the best gifts my mom has ever received in her life and brought only the love that a dachshund puppy can bring.
Joel Henry
[His family recently purchased "Nola," the sister of "Trombone Jones."]
Joel's dad, David, also wrote:
I am writing about my mom Debbie Henry, a very timid person and the most awesome mom anyone could ever ask for. We were talking the other day about this certain incident that happened when I was a little boy about 6 years old and I know this should put a smile on your face.
I remember on this particular morning mom had to go to the doctor because she had a lot of problems with her teeth. So she got me and brother ready and off to the doctor's we went. When we got there me and my little brother waited outside until she came out of the doctor's room and she did not look to happy. So she didn't say much to us, but I knew that we had to stop by the grocery store to pick up groceries before we went home, because she had to make dinner for dad. While we were in the check out line I looked over at my mom and she had her hand over her mouth and I said mom show the cashier your teeth and because my mom has never been mean to anybody she politely put her hand down and smiled. I looked up at my mom and realized she had no teeth.
Wow! I can't believe I did that, but now that I am older now and have children of my own. I have had a lot of embarrassing moments of my own.
My mom is the greatest and she deserves the happiest Mother's Day!
Happy Mother's Day Mom
Love, your son David
I am writing about my mom Debbie Henry, a very timid person and the most awesome mom anyone could ever ask for. We were talking the other day about this certain incident that happened when I was a little boy about 6 years old and I know this should put a smile on your face.
I remember on this particular morning mom had to go to the doctor because she had a lot of problems with her teeth. So she got me and brother ready and off to the doctor's we went. When we got there me and my little brother waited outside until she came out of the doctor's room and she did not look to happy. So she didn't say much to us, but I knew that we had to stop by the grocery store to pick up groceries before we went home, because she had to make dinner for dad. While we were in the check out line I looked over at my mom and she had her hand over her mouth and I said mom show the cashier your teeth and because my mom has never been mean to anybody she politely put her hand down and smiled. I looked up at my mom and realized she had no teeth.
Wow! I can't believe I did that, but now that I am older now and have children of my own. I have had a lot of embarrassing moments of my own.
My mom is the greatest and she deserves the happiest Mother's Day!
Happy Mother's Day Mom
Love, your son David
That's all the stories we received, and we hope you've had as much fun with this contest as we have. In token of our appreciation, the writers of these entries will all receive a $25 discount on one puppy each. All discounts, including the second and third-place prizes, shall be honored for six months from Mother's Day, so until November 10, 2009. This posting effectively TERMINATES the 2009 Mother's Day Essay Contest, but we'll be watching for your entries next year! Be sure to look at the photos of the winners, posted below...
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!
Here are photos of the happy prize-winners and their puppies. Congratulations, and may your new babies keep you happy for a looooooooooooooooooooong time to come!
FIRST PRIZE: Tammie Mehring and her son Aaron, who entered her in the contest. They chose Dakota & Ace's male chocolate dapple longhair.
SECOND PRIZE: Hannah Crosier nominated her mother, but sent Dad to pick up their puppy, M&M and Sandman's smooth chocolate-dapple piebald male.
THIRD PLACE: Ian Spain nominated his wife, the mother of their two sons (both born in May), and came to pick up PupTart and Flash's son, a longhaired red sable piebald.
