Top 12 of 2012

Happy New Year!

I love this time of year. I love reflection and goal planning. Maybe that makes me crazy, but it’s true. In that spirit, today’s post is one of reflection. I’m going to share the top 12 posts of 2012 (well, not including blog round ups) as determined by how many people viewed them.

But before we get there, I wanted to list some highlights of 2012, as they relate to pets.

We didn’t lose a dog. I know that may seem like an odd highlight, but having lost two dogs within 16 months of each other, one in late 2009 and the second in 2011, it brings it home. In fact, we’ve had June for 3 years now and Larry for over a year and a half.

We didn’t have a major medical scare with the dogs. While June’s swollen salivary glands remain a bit of a medical mystery, we are no longer fearful it’s lymphoma.

We did start fostering. Howie has been with us for close to a year. And I have to wonder, is it considered a failed foster if the rescue never considers him adoptable? All of his health issues are minor, but they add up. And we’re still working on getting him over the habit he developed while in pain of snapping at people. While there is a part of me that would love to see Howie go to his own forever home, I also won’t mind if he just stays with us.

Life is a little hectic with three dogs in the house, but we’re loving every second. I can only hope 2013 will be as good as 2012.

And now for the promised top 12 posts of 2012 from Life by Pets

12. Howie at the Dog Park – earliest pictures of Howie at the dog park, when he still loved getting loves from everyone.

11. I Wish They All Could Be Border Collies – video of David Lee Roth’s border collie working the sheep.

10. Just Say “No” to Martingale Collars for Shelter Dogs – no one wants a collar to get stuck on their dog.

9. Jogging with a Beagle – I honestly can’t recommend it (not if you actually want to jog).

8. It’s not all Kisses and Head Butts – taking care of your pets is work- work that’s worth it, but work none the less.

7. Weiner Dog Lasers – so I’m not the only person who wants one.

6. Vote for Seattle – I still think Seattle is one of the best cities for pet travelers.

5. Pet Blogger Challenge– yikes, I bet the new one is only 10 days away…

4. Mr. Chewy Review – it’s not for us, but it might be for you.

3. Bloggers Unite for Dog Rescue: Be the Human – pets can’t be. You have to step up.

2. Why I Said Nothing (even though maybe I should have) – why I didn’t tell someone with a puppy too young to be at the dog park to take their dog home.

And the top post of 2012 at Life by Pets, as determined by your views is…

1. Howie & the Pink Sock of Shame – our solution to getting Howie’s lick granuloma to heal. He looks so cute in pink.

And as a follow up, here’s how his lick granuloma looks now. The hair will never grow completely back, but at least the skin is healed.