Downtown Pursey Brown

I found Downtown Pursey Brown (aptly named my Joel) in New York City at the Hell's Kitchen Flea Market. I wasn't looking for a purse as I don't normally shop for handbags, purses, pocketbooks, etc. but there it was hanging on a hook under a canopy, being peddled by a sweet woman. There were several different colors to chose from and the orange one caught my eye but I chose the taupe color because  " it goes with everything". It is soft as butter, and has several zipper compartments and is so darn cute. In the past, I haven't cared much about bags except for their functionality. I get a purse and use it until it's falling apart.  Pursey is different. For some reason it makes me feel good. I wish I had bought  more than one color. I even think my sisters are suffering from a little Pursey envy. It didn't hurt that I found it in one of my most favorite places in the world!

Pursey, Pursey, have mercy!

A Love Letter to My Dog

                                                      Rest in Peace 9-10-12

Dear Gage,

You went to heaven today as all dogs do. I am so sorry you got sick. I know you were uncomfortable the last week of your life. I hate that so much for you. Daddy and I tried to comfort you all we could. I couldn’t decide if rubbing your belly helped but I hope it was at least comforting to know someone was there for you.

The  first time I heard about you was when Lindsay called me at work and told me Chad had brought a pit bull home. She was afraid of  you and what you might do to Maggie. I was very apprehensive myself. Chad reassured us you were a good dog and would not hurt us. I believed the negative things I had heard about your breed. I was ignorant, I admit that. I thank God every day that Chad brought you to live with us nine years ago. I appreciate your undying devotion and loyalty to our family, And, I also appreciate that you never growled, snapped, or bit anyone. I am so proud of you for making a good name for your breed.

I'm sure no one would be surprised to hear that you are my favorite dog of all times. Pretty much everyone who knows me, knows about you. Like your Aunt Tresa said, you had human-like qualities. You had a fine talent for making people love you instantly.

I want you to know that I loved every minute of cuddling with you. I loved kissing your jowls, I loved the white fur on your face and chest that looked like silk and your soft, soft ears. I loved the sound you made when I rubbed your ears. I never minded when you sat on my feet while I was cooking dinner or drying my hair. I will never forget the basketball goal incident, watching you carry a twelve pack of diet Coke with your mouth, the time you "helped" us tear up the linoleum floor or the fact that you didn’t just fetch a stick, you fetched the whole tree limb! And well, I could go on and on.
Please tell all my other dog friends hello. As I told you the other night, Missy and Coca will be your BFFs. Please be patient with Buddy. He’s a good boy-just a little nuts.

I hope you understand we did what was best for you today. It would have been selfish to keep you with us any longer. I will miss you more than you will ever know. Thank you for loving us as much as we loved you.
You were a good boy Gage. (that is what I always whispered in your ear)

Note: In the month after Gage passed away, we received many cards, flowers, chocolate :-) and two donations to animal charities (Seeing Eyes for the Blind and Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine)  in Gage's memory.  They were all beautiful gestures of friendship and love and we were very touched.