The Money Math Maestros
Victoria's dogs:
Kara: (1980-1998)
Part Dachshund, part Chihuahua. My very first dog that I named after the movie, Xanadu with Oliva Newton-John. I saw Kara in a petshop window, when I was in kindergarten, and made a deal with my parents that if I earned all +'s at school, they would buy her for me. I earned my +'s, got Kara and began a schooling career of negotiating for good grades. She lived a long, great life and was an incredible love of mine.
Brandon: (1980-1994)
Teacup Poodle. My second baby, born in 1985. Brandon, when full grown was 4 lbs., and he was absolutely precious. My aunt raised teacup poodles and one summer when my mom helped my aunt and her family move, my aunt gave Brandon to my mom. Brandon was an absolute sweetheart and a favorite of all our friends and family.
Chubby and Sheral:
(1987-1994) & (1987-2001)
Dachshund, Chihauhua, Teacup Poodle. Chubby and Sheral were the babies of Kara and Brandon. They were both so tiny that my sister and I would dress them up in doll's clothes. I lost Chubby in November of 1994, due to cancer. Sheral lived longer, but passed in 2001.
Decker: (1999-2000)
American Bulldog. Decker was my first large breed dog. He was just gorgeous. When we would walk in the park, people would stop and comment about how beautiful he was. I lost him to a tragic, unforeseeable accident.
Decker and Sheral for my 1999 Christmas Card.
Deacon: (2000-2010)
American Bulldog. Deacon has been my largest dog, weighing 160 pounds. He was a big, lovable soul. Deacon followed me everywhere and would mimic "I love you". Oftentimes he would bury himself underneath the covers in an attempt to not go out in the mornings, while I was getting ready for work.
Dallas: (2001-2010)
American Bulldog. Dallas was Deacon's little brotther. Also very large, weighing in at 140 pounds. Dallas absolutely loved his toys and chasing the ball. Dallas had the biggest heart and never used his weight against me.
Left to Right, Dallas, Deacon and my Miss Cookie. All three American Bulldogs, Dallas weighed 140, Deacon weighed 160 and Miss Cookie was very tiny at 60 pounds. Miss Cookie was the leader of the bunch and she kept these big boys in line. This photo was taken during my brief period in Ohio. The snow being new to my guys, they would run outside and throw themselves into the soft snow.
Right to Left, Dallas, Miss Cookie, Deacon. This photo was also taken during our stay in Ohio.
Miss Cookie: (2006-2018) Purebred American Bulldog with a heart of absolute gold. Miss Cookie would wiggle with excitement at anyone that would give her attention. Even going to the vet, she would wiggle and wag her tail when the vet came in. She was so happy and I can imagine her facial expressions were that of smiles.
Deieson: (2010-2024)
American Bulldog/Labrador...I adopted Dei from the Van Nuys Animal Shelter when he was approximately 18 months old A volunteer group had gone through the shelter and had photographed the dogs that had been in the shelter for quite some time without notice. This group took the most adorable photo of Dei. After losing Deacon and Dallas, I wanted a pal for my Miss Cookie. My mom had been a big advocate in helping me find a dog to join Miss Cookie. My mom and I had visited Ojai, Oxnard, Riverside, Northridge and finally Van Nuys. On the day I went to visit Dei, when I first saw him, he looked gangly and scrawny, and my first thought was that he probably wasn't the one. The woman at the shelter asked me if I wanted to take him to the playroom. I did not want to seem rude, so I agreed. Deieson walked well on the leash but was unconcerned with anything or anyone. When we arrived at the playroom and the woman opened up the toy trunk and threw a toy on the ground, Deieson became so excited that he went lunging for this toy. It was the most adorable thing I had ever seen in my entire life. He stole my heart with that excitement, and I immediately told the woman I had to have him. I paid the fees to get my new guy and I had to leave him there while he went through the neutering. Three days later, my mom and I drove back to the shelter to get him. Miss Cookie loved him immediately and he had our hearts forevermore. He lived a long and healthy life by my side. He kept me going when we lost Miss Cookie in 2018. I lost Deieson on December 29, 2024. Another large piece of my heart was taken with him.