First Name: Cindy
Occupation: Retired Nurse
Age: 58
About MY Dogs: I have had dogs all my life, mostly boxers. My last male boxer, Max, died in October 2012 due to old age. Max was my best friend, my soul mate. We went through so much together. He was there when I went through my divorce after 28 years of marriage, we went through multiple moves together, he was with me during the death of my father, and through all 3 of the births of my grandchildren; you've all been there, you get the picture. After Max died I wasn't sure I would ever get another dog; it was so painful, and I just didn't think I could start it all over again. Too many great dogs lost. So, I took off to California to visit my mom and my sisters, and ended up staying in California for 2 1/2 months. My kids were frantic and wondering if I was ever coming home. Every time they asked, I just said I didn't know. The thought of going home to that house with no Max waiting for me was unbearable. Then one day my sister sat me down and asked me if I wanted her to help me do a search of Boxer breeders. I just looked at her, started crying, and said, "No more dogs for me". She sat there and stared at me for about 10 minutes, and then finally said, "You can no more live without a dog than you can live without breathing. It's just not who you are", and she left the room. That night I started searching online. This time it was different though. I've always had purebred dogs, but this time I wanted to do it different. I knew I couldn't have another boxer, it was too soon for that. But, I wanted to do something to honor Max. When Max died people kept telling me how sorry they were, and that I should feel good that I had given him such a great life. They just didn't get it. Max was the gift to me, always, and I had been the lucky one. I wanted to give that back to a dog somewhere that maybe needed me. I wanted to do it for Max, and all the wonderful dogs I have been so lucky to have in my life; they were all gifts. So I started searching breeds and rescues, and when I got home to Baltimore in February I had made a lot of contacts, filled out paper work, given references, and vet references, etc, and I started doing the footwork. Somehow one Sunday I found myself at an iffy rescue place in New Jersey, and there was my Cane Corso Bella Mia. Bella chose me from the moment she locked eyes with me, and I knew in my heart and gut that she needed me. She was 13 weeks old, no history except for abuse; a scared too death hurt little girl. Needless to say we walked out of that wretched place together, and neither of us has looked back since. Life with Bella is very different than with other dogs I have had, and it has been years since I've dealt with a puppy. This hurt, scared, fragile little girl now had only me to depend on, and with her issues I found myself in the beginning doubting that I could help her heal and believe in herself, and if she would allow herself to trust and be loved, and love in return. But, we took everything real slow, and I gave her all I had to give when she let me. She was very aloof in the beginning, and I've come to realize that maybe that was somewhat due to the breed, but I knew also that she was reserving judgment on me. We've come so far together in such a short time, and I know now that the future holds no limits for us. Bella has brought joy, laughter, love, and a sense of being needed back into my life.
Interests: I am an avid reader, a fisher woman, and gambler. I love the mountains, and I love camping; not the drive in and park campsite type, but the get as far away from people, haul your own water in type of camper. I am also extremely involved in my son and daughter and their families lives. I love being a grandma!
Favorite music: I love almost any kind of music as long as it's not hillbilly twang. I love love love Meatloaf (and, no, I am not talking about food) everything he has ever sung; I've lived most of my life in a "Bat Out of Hell" way! I love Maroon 5, Usher, Florence and The Machine, Neon Trees, Bonnie Tyler, Train, Pink, and I am in total awe of Carrie Underwood's voice. Love it all!
Favorite Book: ANYTHING BY JEFFERY DEAVER, anything by Brad Thor, Vince Flynn, every single book written by Robert B. Parker (RIP). I am an avid reader, and my favorite genre is mystery/thriller. I will read just about anything. I just finished the whole series "Game of Thrones", at least what there is so far; I'm waiting for the next one. I can't possibly pick just one favorite book; everyone is an adventure that started when I was very young and will continue until the day I die.
Favorite quotes : "Love is, above all, the gift of oneself." Jean Anouilh
"Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born" Anais Nin
"This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave" Elmer Davis
What's on TV: CRIMINAL MINDS, Blue Bloods, The Good Wife, Scandal, NCIS, The Voice, and of course Celebrity Apprentice!!
Random facts about myself: Well, as you can probably tell from this mini bio and the threads I post in that I am never short on words. I write like I talk: fast, and a lot!!! I love to laugh. I am happiest when I am doing things with my family. I am not a very trusting person, and I don't let others close easily. But once a friend, I am always a friend. I am an intensely loyal person with not much tolerance for betrayal. I am at a point in my life that I really enjoy. I thrive on the peace that I have in my life today, and that I am close enough to my children to see them often. My heaven on earth is Buck's Lake in California....as "Meatloaf" so aptly sings: "Where Angels Sing".
