Rita finalist Missy Tippens, on Becoming a Grandmother
Becoming a Grandmother
By Missy Tippens
Yes, I know Roxanne features pets on her blog. So why did I title my post Becoming a Grandmother? Well, because I now have a granddog! And I’m absolutely crazy over him. His name is Tucker, and we’ve been enjoying dog-sitting for the last two weeks.
Tucker has really been a blessing. The first time we had him with us for an extended visit, our 13-year-old lab named Libby passed away. Our 11-year-old dog Duke had been with Libby since we brought him home as a puppy. He always stood at the door and whined anytime Libby was gone (on a walk or to the vet). I feared for Duke and how he would react to losing her.
But Tucker was here to help with the grief, to keep us all busy, and to help ease Duke into life without his constant companion. I truly think Tucker helped prevent the depression some animals can suffer when they lose another pet they’re close to.
So now we have Tucker in our lives. My son, who lives 2 hours away, got Tucker from a pit bull rescue, and he’s the sweetest, most precious thing! I’m now officially a picture-toting, doting grandma. 🙂 I can’t begin to imagine what a joy it’s going to be to have human grandbabies someday!
Thank you for indulging me and letting me share a few photos today. Do any of you have grand-dogs or cats? Or do you have a new pet you’d like to talk about?
We all just heard on Tuesday:
MISSY IS A FINALIST IN THE INSPIRATIONAL CATEGORY of the Romance Writers of America Rita awards! Being nominated for this national award is a tremendous honor–think of it as the Oscars and Academy Award of writing! And Missy’s latest book is available now!
Georgia Sweethearts
Love Inspired
April 2013
by Missy Tippens
A Pattern For Love…
After inheriting her great-aunt’s failing yarn shop, Lilly Barnes is determined to make it a success. All she wants is stability, something she doesn’t think possible in the small town of Corinthia, Georgia. Then Pastor Daniel Foreman rents space in her store to hold meetings for his growing congregation, and this proves to be her lifeline. At first Lilly wants nothing to do with Daniel’s big dreams, but she soon finds herself starting to share his goals. Yet trouble between her customers and his congregation make them both doubt the path they’re on. That is, until practical Lilly shows him that love is a risk worth taking.
4 Stars from RT Book Reviews “…Tippens imperfect and charming characters learn to lean on God for direction and to use their hurt to help others.”
Find her book at:
Harlequin.com
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
DeeperShopping.com
Available for Pre-order: Christian Book
Missy Tippens, a pastor’s wife and mom of three from near Atlanta, Georgia, made her first sale to Love Inspired in 2007. Her books have since been nominated for the Booksellers Best, ACFW Carol Award, Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, Beacon Contest and RT Reviewer’s Choice Award. Visit Missy at www.missytippens.com.
Roxanne, thanks for having me and letting me brag about our newest family member. 🙂
Thanks so much for being a blog visitor, Missy. And mega-congratulations on being a Rita finalist. What an honor!!!! And well-deserved, too.
By the way, I love the name Tucker, too. Had a horse by that name–a gelding that we bought from Cindy Gerard. He was just beautiful. Waaaay down the blog, there are lots of photos of him.
best wishes!
Thanks for the Congrats, Roxanne! I’ll be sure to Check out your Tucker.
Hi Missy! I love the pictures of your granddog! Both of my kids are still at home so they have to share my cats and dog with me LOL. But whenever my mom comes to visit she walks with a bag and the animals run to her. She announces “I have treats for my grandbabies!” And believe me they know it 😀 The cats get catnip mice and the dog gets a bone or stuffed toy. No matter what it is, they love the attention and my mom loves telling everyone about her ‘grandcats’ and ‘granddog’. I hope someday in the near future I’ll get to enjoy visits from any grands – cats, dogs or babies – I’ll enjoy them all! Thanks for the smile this morning!~
That’s so cute, Chris!! I’ll have to remember that trick when I go visit. I’ll be a favored mom and grandma 🙂
Hi Missy. The dogs are so adorable. And I really like the name Tucker. It reminds me of a hero’s name. I’m so glad you mentioned that your pit bull is kind and sweet. I think most people assume they are not gentle dogs. I have two dogs myself…a chocolate lab and a mini poodle. They sure keep us busy. 🙂
Sandy (Belle Calhoune)
Sandy, he is a pit mix. But I believe they’re sweet dogs by nature. Have to be trained otherwise and tend to get a bum rap. Tucker is a big old baby who loves to crawl in my lap and snuggle under my chin. 🙂
Love the pics of Tucker!! We do not have a pet at this time, but may look into it soon.
Can’t wait to get to Walmart and purchase your new book. I could download Kindle, but I like to pass my books on to a friend!
Congrats again on that Rita!
Thanks, Jackie! I’d love for you to let me know if you see it in stores. I haven’t found it yet. Also let us know if you get a new pet!
THOSE ARE THE BEST PHOTOS, MISSY!
Gotta love a woman who isn’t afraid to be a grandma.
Congratulations on your RITA final and your new release!!!
Thanks, Tina! And nope. You can’t have the hero name! LOL Because it’s perfect for my next proposal idea! The outdoorsy type guy. 🙂
Okay, Tucker is a great hero name. If you don’t claim it, I am!!!!
LOL. See I did ask first. I am nothing if not polite. Got any other good dog/hero names?