....Rescuing dogs... Rescuing each other!

Introducing.... The Muggelton's!

My Uncle Mark is truly a stand up guy. An extremely successful person that is completely content with all he has, and just wants to do great things for his family and other people. Besides a great shot of tequila, there is not much that he pays too much care and concern to in life that can cause any kind of stress. Hes goes above and beyond for his step kids (my cousins), and he is always sending boxes of goodies our way to New York, and all the other locations that his family lives in around the country for that matter.  One thing that's difficult you see is that my uncle lives in Colorado so its very hard to see him often. He attended my own wedding last year, and just recently I finally made it out there again for his wedding! It was the first time since I had made it back to that beautiful state since I was in college back in 2006!

 It was shortly after that college ski trip that Uncle Mark sent me a photo of  who we now call "Jackson"... (I am of course fond of the name since it is my new last name that I took in my marriage to my amazing, perfect, outstanding husband). Now, my last visit was before I got heavy into rescue and was still trying to understand life and who I was. I did not think much about it at the time, but looking back I realize how amazing my uncles choice was that day. He is a simple man with a simple but big heart. He walked into a shelter and knew that he wanted to adopt a dog that's time was "up", and that the first one that jumped up on the cage at him (something people are often scared of), he was taking home. That is how my Uncle Mark got his best friend Jackson, who came equipped with a letter from his previous owner stating how she hoped he could have a better life someday. Lucky for her my uncle came in time, and even more lucky for the both of them that they found each other!

The wedding was an amazing time for me. I was lucky to be a part of the audience, snapping photos with my fancy camera, enjoying the scenery, and mostly enjoying my family. Not only did I finally meet the infamous Jackson, but I was able to have a whole week exploring Colorado like I have so often done before- but this time I got to bring my husband to explore with.  I had the opportunity to get to know my Uncles wife Colly better also which was wonderful. I had only met her once at my own wedding last year. Best of all I got to meet HER rescue dog... Blaze!!!!

Its amazing how families can blend and join together as one in all different ways. In this case it was two people, and two dogs whose lives had been saved by them, on very different occasions. In Colorado, it is common to choose a canine companion through rescue and adoption. In fact, out of the 20 plus dogs I met there, I dont believe one of them was from a breeder or a petstore (which basically do not existin Boulder). I think that the way humans treat animals of all kinds are a reflection on who they are as a person, so that is probably a strong reason why every time I am in Colorado, I want to pack up, move, and surround myself with the people, the environment and the lifestyle there.

People so often say that dogs cant get along... or my favorite that "they WOULD" adopt a dog but "rescues" have so many problems and they cant be trusted... perhaps would hurt their breeder born dogs they have now... Well, I say to them, that is a close minded excuse, and we are surrounded by closed minds everyday! I bring this up in reference to Blaze, Collys dog. A purebred Siberian Husky not needed as a sled dog, thankfully picked up by a Siberian Husky Rescue. At 13 years of age, DAMN is he a looker still and such an easy going guy. Colly has done an amazing job of making sure he has the best possible life and he is still so active -even runs with her everyday (yes, thats right, hes 13!). She goes through so much trouble to give him the best & because of his tricky purebred issues that people so commonly don't realize exist, she even makes his own food for him day after day. She boils chicken, rice, & veggies to ensure that he gets the proper nutrients for his hip dysplasia, but not the wrong ones since, as with any big long haired breed, he also has some allergies.

The cutest thing about the dogs is honestly the way they love each of their owners individually still, no matter what. They may be a family now- four parts that make up a whole, but both Jackson and Blaze know who saved their lives through rescue, and who is the reason they live such amazing ones. Blaze follows Colly every where she goes, and Jackson is glued to my Uncle Mark. When the four of them get together, they happily act like pals, and lay side by side begging for food. However they truly stick true to keeping their personalities that are SO completely different, on the forefront of their actions so you always know the difference! Meeting these guys, and watching my Uncle join his new family was just something that I had to share. Since I love photography, I was able to play around and take some great shots of the wedding, (of course incorporating these two amazing animals)!  

Before the Ceremony began and everyone was setting up while my Uncle stayed in the basement so as to not see the bride. They did things the traditional way which was awesome. Jackson just sat there with his soccer ball, staring at him all day, waiting to play. Occasionally my uncle had the chance to toss it around for him, which Jackson took full advantage of, of course. He was Best Man after all. 

One of the best parts for me was getting to see my amazing cousins, Tobias & Kajsa. I never get to spend enough time with them since they live so far away and they are truly unique individuals. That is what I love about them... they are simple, happy and full of life. It must be Colorado folk!

As the men started to line up, so did the family! They have a beautiful setting... their house is on the foothills of Boulder, Colorado looking out over the city, side by side with the mountains. It is truly magical. It spoke true to their character too that everyone gathered on the deck, over looking the ceremony while the groomsmen gathered below- Jackson included. Toasts were already starting, Tequila was already flowing, food was being served and everyone was ready to celebrate this moment my Uncle had waited his whole life to have! It was literally the perfect day for them.

Even Jackson was checking out the gorgous bride as she heads to the alter....

Like I said, Blaze follows Colly everywhere... She made sure to give him a big squeeze before the ceremony, and he made sure he followed her afterward! Jackson was close behind of course... he had to make sure he did not leave his soccer ball anywhere!...... Photographed below, Is my mom and dad (left), followed by most of the Muggleton clan! (Mom's side of the family had all brothers, she was the only girl!)

Congratulations to Uncle Mark & Colly!
It is so nice to be able to incorporate the happiness that comes with rescue in all different ways. Rescue truly is a sad ugly thing most of the time... and I think what happens is people so often forget to remind people of what happens to those that make it out and into amazing families! This is why I do what I do, and I want people to know everything that goes along with is- especially the good! So thank you for letting me share my experience with my family, my uncles wedding, and two sweet as hell rescue dogs I was able to love on while I was there!

Great things truly do happen to great people.