Missy Moo, the Tornado Dog.

I preface this post by reminding you all that Kevin and I should be prohibited from even coming within a 1 mile radius of Petsmart during adoption days.  We are the definition of bleeding hearts, and those sneaky shelter volunteers see us coming from a mile away (Hints why we wound up with Lucy, Stella, and Hudson.  Breyer was actually premeditated, believe it or not.)  Keep that in mind as you read this post..... and also... please don't call Animal Hoarders on Kevin Gray just yet.

Almost 2 months ago, Tornados ripped through Eastern Kentucky, leaving two towns in my work territory absolutely devastated.  In the week following the tornados, I was unable to even go to Eastern Kentucky, so I had no idea how the damage affected my customers or if they were even alive.  Finally, FEMA had cleared out of Salyersville, Kentucky, so I was able to make it there 1.5 weeks after the tornados ripped through.  I thought I had mentally prepared myself for what the town was going to look like, as I had been paying close attention to the news casts every night.

I could not have been more wrong.

Nothing could have prepared me for what I witnessed when I got there.  

This was about 2 miles away from Salyersville.  As a point of reference, those hills used to be covered in trees and other greenery.

And this was the first sight I was met with when I finally got into town.

My heart was absolutely broken when I realized the gravity of the situation, and how horrific the damage was to the city of Salyersville, Kentucky.  

Now, I took video of my experience as well because pictures didn't show everything I wanted people to see to better understand the situation they were dealing with.  However, I start crying midway through the video, which leaves anyone watching it forced to deal with trying to translate my hysteria. I didn't want to do that to yall, but if you get a chance to donate to the Red Cross or United Way of Eastern Kentucky- please do it.  They still need all the help they can get.  It will be years before these towns fully recover from this.  

So, Kevin & I continued to talk about what we could do to help with the tornado relief efforts.  We had already donated to the Red Cross, but it still didn't seem like quite enough.  Then, my phone rings one day while I'm at work....

Me: Hello?

Kevin: Honey, I know how we can help with the tornado relief.

Me: Ohhh! Thats great!! What are you thinking?

Kevin: Well.  You know all the Animal shelters in Morgan & Magoffin County are now non-existent.  And as a result, a ton of the dogs are being sent to other shelters.  Like Estill County.  You KNOW, Estill County is beyond over crowded and they can only keep the dogs ONE day before they are put down.

Me (Being my bleeding heart self): No.. I didn't know that? Oh my god.  Okay, well, should we make a big donation there?  

Kevin: NO, CAROLINE (In the most annoyed voice ever).  I think we should work with a rescue league and (wait for it)... FOSTER MISPLACED TORNADO DOGS. (Yes- read: Dogs. S. As in plural)

Me: Ummmm.... I'm sorry, what did you say?

Kevin: Ohh yeah- we'd be great at it!! And I've already been working with a Rescue League & we've already been approved anyways.

Me: Ummm.... I'm sorry? I think I'm hallucinating.  You want to do what? Seriously? I think you've lost your damn mind.

Kevin: What are you talking about?  This will be great!  This is how I'm giving Alms during Lent, Carol! 

Me: Seriously?  Is this my life?  

A lot of people have the misconception that I am the head-strong one in my marriage.  Lemme tell ya, when Kevin Gray gets something in his head that he is going to do something, homeboy is going to do it, come hell or high water.  

Knowing this about him, I wasn't entirely surprised to come home from Easter in Louisville (which he um, conveniently skipped out on because he was "sick?") to find this little angel in my back yard.  

Meet Missy Moo, the Tornado Dog

So, again, was I surprised?  No.  Was I thrilled to see a new dog at our house?  Ummmm, No. And actually, I'm convinced that Kevin googled "How to calm your wife down so she doesn't kill you for doing something utterly ridiculous" before I got home because I was greeted with red wine and flowers as soon as I walked in the door.  That kid knows how to work me.  Maybe Petsmart gave him some pointers, no? :)

So, that was 3 weeks ago, and I think its safe to say that Missy Moo, the tornado dog has been formally adopted.  She is basically the best dog ever.  We are both pretty much completely enamored with her.  I mean- good lord- how could we not be?  She came to us crate trained, house broken, and has learned quite a few tricks already.  Its like a miracle dog.  

However- Let me stress that there will be NO more dog fostering at the Grays because you get attached & it inevitably leads to scenes like these.....

I gotta give her props- she is the best snuggler ever.

And if you don't believe me, just ask Hudson...

At this point, I firmly believe that Hudson would cut me if we gave Missy back or let anyone else adopt her.  

She is his BFF.  

For life.

The only downside to their newfound friendship is that I think Missy has further fed his ego & he now firmly believes that he is a huge dog.  Its basically like Missy gives him the muscle to back up his insane persona.  

What a pair.  

So, anyway, if you havent called Animal hoarders yet, rest assured that my A-type personality has made me even more psychotic about cleaning my house & ensuring that our humble-abode smells nothing like a Feeders Supply.  Now, lets just pray that no more natural disasters occur because I'm mildly terrified that Kevin will try to adopt something really weird, like a lama or ostrich, the next go round.  hahahaha.

Anyway- thats about it does it for me.  Have a fab Tuesday!