Friends, HI! I barely have my whisks unpacked in the new Bakehouse kitchen. I have one mixing bowl and the location of the others is likely in the garage in a very large dish box with a bonafide Texas tarantula nested behind it. My abject fear of spiders absolutely CANNOT handle it. Somehow tarantulas are so big and spidery, they transcend my fear because they’re like cartoon spiders, right? They can’t be real. Those are animatronics – I don’t know how the world works.
But we’re not here to talk about spiders. We’re here because I dove More Is More headfirst into my life this season and added another furry member to the family. I came to the conclusion, having been in this big house in Bellville for a few weeks, that this house needs a dog. Specifically a floppy-eared hound dog. Miraculously, in his old age, Tron agreed and just asked to take his meals atop the kitchen counter like the king he is.
Meet Graham. Otherwise known as Graham Slam, Graham-a-lama-dingdong, Graham Bam Thank You Ma’am, Graham Cracker Snacks, Grammy Snacks, Grammy Bear and in his elder years, GrahamPaw.
Graham is a year and a half old hound mix I adopted from the Brenham animal shelter a few weeks ago. He was an owner surrender and lived at the shelter for 10 very long months before I came along and took this shy boy home. He’s anxious. He not entirely sure I’m his person yet but the pot of chicken I have simmering on the stovetop for treats will tell him otherwise. Slowly and surely.
So far, judging by the way Graham rests his head on my leg at nights, he has the sweetest soul. He hasn’t had the luxury to relax in nearly a year so he’s skeptical and exhausted. We know he has the nose of a hound dog, loves to roll full body in road kill (SIR, WHY?), and subsequently, will tolerate a bath. His favorite snack is American cheese, or the almond butter toast I left unattended on the coffee table yesterday. He’s quiet, a little sneaky, and an absolute heart melter.
He and Tron share a bed and nose boops and I suspect, in the colder months, will be caught cuddling.
You know what this means, right? Dog biscuit recipes are coming soon.
xo Joy
Jen
Awww this made me tear up. Dogs are the BEST companions. Congratulations to you and Graham.
Molly in TN
I’m so happy to meet Graham and to know that he has found a loving home with you. I love the picture of him and Tron on the bed together – sweet brothers.
Joy
Oh this makes me so happy!!! For me, a house is not a home until there’s a dog in it. And he hasn’t been able to relax in 10 months . . . *sob* I’m glad he can now. I’m celebrating 10 years with my little rescue pup and they sure do come around!
Susan
Nose bumps mean they recognize one another as family. They look comfy together.
Joy the Baker
That is SO SWEET!
Karen Lawson
Joy, your a Joy! Thank you for your blog and your interesting play on words as you communicate to us. I’m all for More is More too! I want to thank you for rescuing this fine fellow. Thank you for your Graham cracker shaped heart!
Magda
Welcome sweet boy to the family! I hope you will relax soon enough and enjoy your new home and family!
Chris
This has to be my favorite post of yours of all time Joy! Thank-you for bringing Joy into Graham Craker’s life. He’s a doll and now you will know real true love. :)
Em C
Congrats on the new addition! My sweet dog Hammy spent 10 months in 3 different shelters before he came to me (and was a timid bundle of anxiety). Came here to say that doggie Prozac really helped him, it’s cheap and vet said no side effects. Just something to consider as he settles in…
Julia Levy-Twomey
I can’t love you enough for rescuing this sweet boy. #AdoptDontShop feels sadly out of favour with many in the public eye so this makes it even more special. Thank you millions and all the gentle hugs in the world to this big guy xxx
Carolyn Smith
Congratulations Graham and Tran look comfortable with one another.
Lauren
Bless you beyond words for adopting him!!! I live in kauai where we have so many hounds at the humane society. They are wonderful doggos. Your boy is one lucky guy!
Jody Bitzel
Ah, congratulations! Much love abounds in our rescue buddies. And my next thought was oh goody, now we will get dog biscuit recipes!! Yea!
Marie
I was right there with you lol can’t wait for the recipes
Nathalie H.
I love rescue stories! Welcome to you, sweet boy Graham, you are going to live your best life ever in this beautiful joyful home! I can see that you have already settled in, with your best buddy, Tron, and life really is going to be sweet. I wish you all the best and look forward to more updates from your Mama!
Teddi Carbonneau
How wonderful that Tron has accepted his new buddy. He must be a very secure little guy. Graham already looks like he belongs in that space. What a happy household you are creating!!!
B
Congratulations, he’s so cute and so lucky to be rescued. I have a rescue and it’s wonderful when you finally earn their trust.
Graham paws ….lol love it!!
Heather O
Hi Graham!
Ali B
Hound dogs are the best (and worst LOL) dogs and I’ll say it until my dying breath.
Audra
Congrats on the new addition to your family! What a sweetheart.
Wendy
Welcome Graham ??? thank you for rescuing him. I’m glad Tron likes him cuz I love Tron ?
Andrea
Awww, congratulations Joy! Dogs are the best! ??????
Lacey
Very cute!
Reannon
Welcome to the fam Graham!!! I think you’re gonna love it here!
MaggieToo
Hey, wait a minute: Isn’t there another critter who should have an opinion about this? The one who was helping you paint the kitchen walls?
Micha
He is too sweet! (As is Tron). Our rescue terrier, Sherman, just last week rescued a tiny black blue-eyed kitten from the wilds of our front yard. She is living her best life with a good friend of ours and is now named Azul. Happy days!
Michelle Fern
Congrats to you and Graham! Rescues are always the way to go!
Rebeca
Awww, Graham looks like such a good boi. So nice to see him and Tron together!
Nosizwe
I don’t know why, but rescue animals are the most loving animals! You will break down his reserves and in his time you’ll be his all. Nice that he and Tron have a mutual tolerance. Enjoy your happy family.
Nosizwe
I don’t know why, but rescue animals are the most loving animals! You will break down his reserves and in his time you’ll be his all. Nice that he and Tron have a mutual tolerance. Enjoy your happy family.
Laura
Welcome Graham! You are too sweet! He looks like a hound/ Rhodesian Ridgeback mix to me. My family had an RR mix growing up named Sadie and she was also a sweet gentle soul. Hope you enjoy all of the snuggles!
Karen T
Thank you for rescuing this lovely dog! He is regal! I love your blog, and I love your heart!
Jan
What a stunning boy! Rescues are the best. Such a good sign that he and Tron are already sharing space. Romeo, my rescue, and I look forward to the coming biscuit recipes.
Kay
You might be setting the groundwork for the Texas Bakehouse, but sweet Graham might be the first member of the Texas Barkhouse ???
Alexis
Welcome to dog life! I have a 2 1/2 year old pup and she’s the absolute best! (Except that she’s never met a stranger and we MUST greet everyone we see). But she’s the reason I know my neighbors, which is a major plus! Here’s to Graham (and you) settling into new and wonderful places.
Oh and yes, my life and my puppy’s, would be better if we had a Joy-crafted dog treat recipe!
KB
Aaaaw yay- that’s so great! Welcome, Graham – you are so adorable! And what a wonderful welcome Tron is giving him- sweet boy!
Kristin
Congratulations! What a handsome boy. And way to go, Tron!!