Cel-ehh-brate Good Times (Corn Dogs and Rue Dogs), C’mon!

Y’all… it’s March 18 and as promised, we’re gonna celebrate! Yep. Today we are celebrating dogs – of both the corn and the K9 variety. (See, About and Connecting One Free Thing to Another for any confusion on this matter. If you’re still confused, just know I’m in love with each, both equally and inexplicably.) I hope you’re prepared. I’m certainly not.

According to Wikipedia:

National Corndog Day is a celebration concerning basketball, the corn dog (A corn dog is usually a hot dog sausage coated in a thick layer of cornmeal batter), Tater Tots, and American beer that occurs in March of every year on the first Saturday of the NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Championship. National Corndog Day was inaugurated in 1992 in Corvallis, Oregon by Brady Sahnow and Henry Otley. The first celebration was informal and involved only corndogs and basketball. In subsequent years, National Corndog day was expanded to include tater tots and beer and gradually spread to other cities. The celebration currently is sponsored by Foster Farms, a Livingston, California-based poultry producer, PBR, a US Midwest-based beer company, and Jones Soda. Operations for National Corndog Day currently are governed by a board of directors consisting of event hosts (or “city captains”) based in various cities in the United States.

So, since I didn’t prepare adequately (never be surprised by this statement), I am missing the tots. Instead, I have chosen to pair my delectable dog with crinkle fries, as they’re the best type of fry. Period. Also, I’m not really a fan of beer, so the sweet battered delicacy on a stick with crinkle fries (just don’t even try and argue this), will both be enjoyed with my other favorite dog – Rue, as you likely already guessed by the photo and the title and the opening paragraph.

Now, for some context, one year ago yesterday, Rue managed to survive a 30 minute caper of sorts, after having barely survived a literal near death liver failure event only two weeks prior following some medical treatment for heart worms.

Yes, she’s a dog. Yes, I’m a bit nuts over her. Yes, there’s somewhat of a history that somewhat explains my insanity but, likely not enough to convince you, so I won’t even try. Bottom line: I wrote about her neighborhood escapade exactly one year ago today and shared it on social media, who so kindly reminded me all about the trauma… or, horror… or, embarrassment… OR, whatever word describes all three, this morning when I logged on.

But, because we are learning to celebrate each day in our stories, I will choose to embrace this memory, by remembering and celebrating the fact she’s still around. Oh, and the fact that I can enjoy this dog while enjoying a corn dog and this day, the day the Lord has made. (Was that a stretch? It shouldn’t be. All good and perfect gifts come from Our Father.*)

So, here’s the memory for recap…or, just for a laugh. But, remember… you’re not laughing at me, your laughing with me.

Well, it appears a few apologies are in order. First, I want to apologize to my friends who spent 30 minutes of their lives yesterday on a wild Ruesse chase after Rue escaped out the front door and into the great big world of smells and sights and busy streets. They endured my frenzied, fear-filled chase all over the neighborhood, even laying on their backs to try and entice her to them.

Eventually, one ran with me, while the others drove, as the chase continued through the next neighborhood and across a busy three lane road over into the parking lots of multiple businesses, where finally one was able to grab her (while I lay behind the building in a hysterical heap) before she could dart back into the road.

Second, I want to apologize to the business owners who were affected by said chase, and any potential screaming/crying/general disruption that may have happened during the time of the chase/rescue.

Third, I’d like to apologize to the ‘anonymous’ 911 caller who become so frightened by the ‘screaming woman chasing another woman’ they felt the need to contact the police.

Fourth, I’d like to apologize to the police who followed up on the call only to discover the ‘screaming woman’ was not chasing another woman, but her dog, and her screaming had turned into hysterical sobs b/c her dog wouldn’t listen to her and only missed dying that day b/c of good breaks and this woman’s friends.

And, finally, I’d like to apologize to my husband who has to endure this hysterical, screaming, woman-dog chasing woman on a daily basis.

On another note, anyone looking to adopt a dog?? She’s about 2, a mix of something that’s very fast and rascally, has heart worms and some weird death wish. Message me.

Okay, so clearly not my most shining hour. And unfortunately, for everyone around me, these moments happen more than I care to admit. Again, I’m a work in progress. The best part about the whole story is that ‘my friends’ I was apologizing to had met at my house that day for our weekly Bible study. Why I didn’t just stop to pray first before going bananas is anyone’s guess. Maybe you can learn from my mistake. However, all’s well that ends well.

Actually, with Jesus… All. Is. Well. Period. But, that’s for another post.

Happy Corn Dog Day and Rue Day (I just made that one up)! Make it a good one.

P.S. If you would like to take part in celebrating today but have no corn dogs or Rues on hand, visit your nearest Sonic for a 50 cent corn dog and/or @rue.therescue on Instagram.

* James 1:17-21