Koko's Kritters

Last February, we had to say goodbye to our sweet, loveable and smart American Staffordshire Terrier, Reese. Reese was one of Korbin's first words. She called him "Breese." Reese had to go live with a new family in Oklahoma because of the breed discrimination laws where we live. It was a really bad experience for us because Reese was Koko Bean's Daddy and my "first born." I was always a skeptic when it came to his breed until he came into our lives. He was the most trainable, well-mannered pup we've ever had. The worst thing about him was that he had a bit of "Mississippi Leg Hound" in him, but only if you were male.

The other furry kid in our house stayed with Grandma and Grandpa for the last six months. Chloe Belle Kersey came into our lives six months after Reese did. She was born December 28, 2005. Chloe is a Rat Terrier. We paid a whopping $50 for her and if you asked Koko Bean's daddy, he would tell you it was way too much. Chloe is what some may call, a spaz. She's deathly afraid of car rides, is constantly on the hunt for squirrels and perches herself on the back of a couch like a cat when she's inside. The first time I met Chloe, she was brought into my office at Wal-Mart, and immediately dropped a load on the office floor. You see, up until then, I was going to get her smaller sister. When she sashayed in the office and took charge like that, I knew she would be a perfect sister for Reese. She held her own with him and the two were best friends. We recently welcomed Chloe back to the city when we got our house. Now, she has a yard full of squirrels and even a chipmunk to terrorize.

(This picure was taken about a year and  half ago. Notice Chloe peeping the squirrels.)

Being the "Ellie May Clampet" that I am, I decided we needed another critter to add to our zoo.

Name: Flex Iron Morrison

Birthday: May 14, 2011

Colors: Tricolor (black, tan and white)

Weight: FAT!!

Height: Short

Breed: Flex is a composite breed called a Mini Bull. (A mixure of Olde English Bulldogge, French Bulldog, American Staffordshire, and American Bulldog.)

At first, Flex was the laziest, most docile canine I've ever met. We didn't think his demeanor would ever fit his name even though his body type certainly did. Now that we have Chloe back, he's a whole new dog. Instead of wanting to be held all the time by Mommy, he wants to chase and nip at Chloe. Chloe usually rebuttles with a nip of her own along with a stern teeth-bearing growl. Koko Bean has really gotten to like him as well.

She plays with him, chases after him, disciplines him, and even gives him kisses. There are times though, that I have to get on to Koko Bean for smothering him too much. For instance, today, she was sitting on him as he gasped for air. She also thinks that picking him up by his throat is standard procedure in puppy care.

I love having dogs in the house. When I was growing up, there wasn't a time that I didn't have a dog or two. I want Koko Bean to appreciate animals just as I do. (The only exception to my appreciation would be snakes and cats.) Cats are gross and poop inside on purpose. Snakes- well snakes are serpents, like the Devil. They're slithery, sneaky, slimy-looking creatures and as far as I'm concerned they have no place on this Earth. I'll stick to furry, fun-loving, squirrel-chasing, spastic pets of the canine variety.