Happy Birthday 2012!
Friends, 2011 was a year full of change and growth here on The Daily Corgi. Before we plunge into the brand new year, I thought I’d take take a look back on “the year that was!”
Camrun, reminding us that 2012 is a Leap Year!
JANUARY kicked off the second full year of The Daily Corgi with the usual suspects: Dogs of the Day, Video Biscuits aplenty, the occasional Corgi cameo, and the first contest of the year.
In January, the Dogfort Red Lobster Corgi t-shirts made their debut. Sales of these wildly popular shirts benefited CorgiAid, and confirmed once more (as if there were any doubt) that Corgi Nation has cheek firmly intact. We ARE a funny bunch, in the very best way.
One of Corgi Nation’s own — Roper Flynn — crossed the Bridge in January and was memorialized on the 21st. What a fine boy he was — and (as all dogs should be) — so very loved!
Later in the month, uber-handsome puppy mill rescue Benny Corgipants was approved for a grant by the ever-awesome CorgiAid and was adopted by lucky Peg and Bill M.
Rounding out the first month of 2011, the “Welcome Home Soldier Dad” video — featuring Cardigans Scatter and Hoover welcoming their Dad home after his tour of duty in Afghanistan — appeared for the first time on the Daily Corgi. Although the video was filmed two years earlier, the joyous reunion of these family members never really seems to get old.
(I ought to know, I’ve watched it fifty times :-).
FEBRUARY brought us the Superbowl victory of the Green Bay Packers, and the emergence (naturally) of a few Corgi cheeseheads. Oh, those Wisconsin-ites. Or is it Wisconsin-ians? Or simply “cheeseheads”?
Less than a week later I shared that my “BlogPaws or Bust!” fund goal had been reached, and I’d be attending the BlogPaws 2011 Conference for sure! I still can’t say thanks enough for my readers’ generous donations.
The second month of the year marked the passing of Ein, whose memorial appeared on the blog on the 7th. This “California cool, laid back boy” spent the first few years of his life tied up in a backyard, but went on to live a very good life with his forever family. No doubt he is still missed, but probably teaching the other Corgis how to just chill out dude up there at the Bridge.
The Daily Corgi got the royal seal of approval on the 8th, when a letter from the office of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth arrived at my doorstep from from Buckingham Palace, thanking me for the 2011 Daily Corgi Calendar I’d sent her as a Christmas gift. To all the people who thought I was crazy for sending the Queen of England a calendar with hundreds of photos of my readers’ Corgis, read it and believe!
On Valentine’s Day, I rolled out The Daily Corgi’s Drive for Five to Fight DM fundraising campaign. In just over two weeks, blog readers contributed a total of $3,515 to fund research into DM (degenerative myelopathy) in Welsh Corgis, and in June The Canine Health Foundation thanked us with a letter acknowledging our significant contribution to the future health and welfare of the breeds.
On the 15th, I kicked off a “Faces of DM” series of posts, profiling Corgis whose lives have been affected by this neuro-degenerative disease of the spinal cord. DM is a progressive condition which cannot be cured, only managed. DM dogs are brave, as are the many families who choose to stand by them through the ordeal.
Speaking of brave families, Hoagie’s people bid this sweetest and gentlest of dogs a final farewell in his memorial post of February 18th. Like so many Corgis, his gorgeous insides shone right through his outsides, and another star was hung in the heavens. Every time you see one twinkle …
On a brighter note, February was a banner month for Corgi Nation, as Paige Davis founded CorgiPals, with the mission of giving a voice to Corgis in need. Since its inception, CorgiPals has since raised more than $15,000 for Corgis in need. I’d go on (again) about how much I admire Paige and her drive to make the world a better place for both dogs and people, but she’s too busy sewing CorgiPals fleece hats to notice. Still, Paige … you ROCK.
I noted the arrival of Sutter Brown as California’s new First Dog on the 27th, and declared my dogged determination to get a personal interview with him. Alas, his people have not yet called my people.
I’m not giving up.
MARCH was a month marked by tragedy for thousands, as the earthquake and resulting tsunami in Japan took many lives — both human and animal. The memory of those souls, and the courage and compassion of those who helped the survivors, will live on.
Daily Corgi reader Katie Ringo guest blogged on the topic of Agility, in a fun and informative two-part “Sunday Special Feature” series on March 20th and 27th.
The post announcing winners of the March caption contest capped off the month with a bit of fun — and some noms for the low-riders.
Of course.
APRIL started in style, with the news that Sidney and his Mom Geri’s Team Low Rider took the top fundraiser spot in the 2011 Paws in the Park walk to benefit the Escondido (CA) Humane Society. Together, this Corgi-powered group raised more than $19,000 — handily surpassing perennial winners The Sneaky Cat Ladies!
On the 3rd, Lisa O.’s moving farewell to her heart dog Penny Black graced the Daily Corgi. Another beautiful little soul who changed the world in her lifetime. Thank you for sharing her with us, Lisa.
I posted an Open Letter to Rescuers in the second week of April, in a continuing effort to navigate the sometimes murky waters of communicating among ourselves to get dogs rescued and adopted out. As much as The Daily Corgi is about celebrating Corgis with happy, healthy lives (and supporting sound, ethical breeding practices is a part of that), my mind is always with the not-so-lucky dogs. I’m grateful to those who bear with me as I learn my way, and stand firm in the knowledge that whatever missteps I might make, I always act out of a sincere desire to help.
April brought a few more tender stories of a treasured dog’s passing in Jack Jack, a Corgi mix whose smile could fix anything, and Willie, who retained his puppyish ways and refused to grow up ’til his twelfth year. I swear these dogs’ beaming faces could make a stubborn sun rise!
Who among Corgi Nation could escape the fact that Corgi relative Prince William was marrying his beloved Kate? (Yes, that Uncle Will!) Even if (like me) you didn’t wake at an insane hour the the day of the royal wedding to watch the Whole Entire Shabang, you couldn’t escape the obvious faux pas: there were NO Corgis at the nuptials. None. What an oversight. I’m still smarting from it!
I’m not the only one who noticed that Corgis had an interest in the whole affair. The brilliant Freeview ad showed a trio of Pems making their way from the countryside to London to watch the ceremony, with what looks to be a very Queen-ly hostess. Another group of enterprising Corgis persuaded some clever bakers in England to create a huge Corgi-shaped cake in honor of the big day, complete with a locket on the collar featuring likenesses of William and Kate.
Jolly good!
The Daily Corgi would have been remiss in not offering the happy couple all the best on their special day, and so I did. Polite but brief, presuming my invite got lost in the mail.
In keeping with the festivities, Corgi Nation knitters got a special treat in a pattern for royal Corgis (and Queen, etc.) in a pattern designed especially for them. I’m still waiting for somebody to knit mine. Late and/or super-early Christmas and birthday gifts are always welcome here at Daily Corgi HQ.
The blog hosted a virtual Easter Parade of low-riders on the 24th. It was unbEARSably cute, and is fast becoming an annual tradition.
MAY brings Mother’s Day around every year, and a handful of special Moms made their appearance on the 8th.
Because we all love sleeping Corgis, three full days on the blog were devoted to your photos of slumbering low-riders, on the 18th, the 23rd, and the 28th.
Jon Farleigh and Dewi’s dee-lish-us faces and Cardi Powered personalities graced the blog on Memorial Day. Impossible to ever get too much of those two!
JUNE was a busy one on the blog, in contrast to a sleepy sort of May. On the 2nd, I gave Paige Davis my inaugural Hero for Corgis Award. The following day brought another bunch of sleeping Corgis (they truly are that popular)!
Gorgeous Fezzik Inconceivable’s memorial post on the 3rd reminded us all that Corgis offer so much joy simply by being true to their nature: silly, intelligent, and eager for life. Yep, that’s Corgi Power in a nutshell.
Unforgettable Barley — a fearless adventurer and handsome ham who never did grow into his ears — had his turn on The Daily Corgi a few days later. He packed a lot of living into eight short years. Like all of the Corgis we said goodbye to on the blog in 2011, he changed lives just by being who he was, which was naturally woof-tastic!
Hard to believe, but the Sleeping Corgis feature returned again twice in June: on the 11th and the 19th. Proving once and for all that Corgis + sleeping = AWESOME!
The Corgis of Proud Spirit Sanctuary represented for their Mom, Dad and the entire ranch full of happy critters on the 29th. I adore those dogs — and Melanie’s books about the Sanctuary too!
In JULY, the blog featured the intriguing work of filmmaker and photographer Rachel Marie Smith. Don’t think Corgis can fly? You haven’t met Angel yet!
This Summer, Freddie Bumbles, who retained his puppyish carefree personality into adulthood, went suddenly — and too soon — to the Bridge. It was an honor to run his family’s tribute to Freddie on the 9th. Corgi Nation knew him well and felt the loss far and wide; such was his effervescence.
By special invitation, Cardigans stormed the blog in mid-July. We don’t just see enough Cardis here, do we? Let’s change that up in 2012.
On the 19th, The Daily Corgi officially turned TWO years old! Can you believe it?! On that day, The Daily Corgi’s facebook page had 6,222 fans. Today it’s over 8,000. The Daily Corgi’s twitter followers numbered 898, and has since grown to nearly 1,400.
I LOVE my Corgi People!
AUGUST was eventful, to say the least. Paige at CorgiPals shone the CorgiPals Hero spotlight on me and allowed me to tell my own story. (Yes, I’m wordy there too). Frankly, I think that’s just the coolest thing that’s happened to me in years.
On the 14th, Anitra Francis shared her photos and story of an Iowa puppy mill rescue. Heartbreaking and hopeful at the same time. Anitra is the kind of person who wastes no time asking “why”, she’s too busy setting things right for the dogs who can’t speak for themselves. She is, to coin a phrase, a Ninja for Good.
The story of Sir Darbert Westley Spencer’s life ran on the 21st. His years weren’t easy ones, but his Mom Kim K. loved and stood by him through every last day of it. Who could ask for anything more?
On the 24th, I departed Boston for three days of fun and fact-gathering at the BlogPaws 2011 Social Media and Pet Blogging Conference. In spite of being book-ended by two natural acts of Mother Nature — the D.C. earthquake and Hurricane Irene — the event was terrific and worth the anxiety and “adventure”. My poor, P.O’d cat couldn’t say the same, however.
While I was away, Paige Davis graciously guest posted about her history as a Corgi lover and the lovable low-riders in her life: Dexter and Violet, a.k.a. my Minnesota niece and nephew. (Yikes — Violet is so much bigger now!)
Late in the month, the good people of the Portland, Oregon area had their annual Corgi Walk In The Pearl, raising thousands of dollars for the Dove Lewis Animal Hospital and the rescue efforts of the Columbia River Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club. Nearly 200 Corgis and their people hoofed it for these excellent causes. I look forward to video of this impressive (and enviably FRAP-tastic) event every year.
SEPTEMBER was a busy month.
Once I figured out how to get photos and videos off my camera and on to the blog (no small feat), I posted my BlogPaws “meet and greet” with Daily Corgi fans/fellow bloggers/conference-goers Elizabeth T., Julie K., and their low riders Jon Farleigh, Dewi, Roxi and Charlie.
Now THAT was some fun.
Once the dust had settled, I had the chance to sit down and figure out exactly what it was I learned at BlogPaws. As it turns out, the secret not-so-secret truth is this: I blog because I am in love with Corgis and can’t stop talking about them. They make me happy when nothing else does, and happier than almost anything else.
So I am a Professional Goober for Corgis, and baby I was born this way!
One more Corgi made us all proud in September: Mulder of Rhode Island began work as a therapy dog, adding to the large numbers of low-riders going above and beyond to make life better for humans. Go Mulder!
On the 9th, beautiful Baxter Valentine made his first appearance on The Daily Corgi. He’d just been diagnosed with prostate cancer, and with his Mom Anitra Francis (the Ninja for Good lady) and Dad Bryan, Baxter was facing an uphill battle. Corgi People rallied quickly and with great gusto for this family. Within days, CorgiPals began a successful campaign to raise funds for Baxter’s treatment, and Corgi Nation boldly answered the challenge as an army of love and generosity.
Later in the month, Baxter made his Dog of the Day debut on The Daily Corgi.
The work of photographer Teresa Berg earned her a “Pet Hero” spotlight post on the 22nd. The time and talent she donates to better the chances of adoptable pets are so special. Another example of how we can each give to the cause in our own individual ways, and they all matter. Large or small, they matter!
OCTOBER introduced a shiny new masthead on The Daily Corgi. I love the old one (it’s still around in some places, most notably on facebook), but it was time for something new. New masthead, same motto … “Life is short. Get the biscuits!”
On the 3rd, Baxter Valentine got his first treatment vacation, after coming through the first round of cancer-fighting with flying colors. His doctors even gave him the all-clear to attend his Dog Wash/Playdate Benefit the following weekend.
On the 7th, Paige Davis rolled out the first of her CorgiPals hats to benefit Baxter’s Helping Paws Fund. These toppers have gone on to grace dozens and dozens of Corgi Lovers’ heads and raised tons of loot for good to boot!
One of the year’s most touching posts — Gizmo and Millie: A Rescue Love Story — ran on the 11th. If you missed that one, have a look back and read it. You’ll be glad you did.
The Corgis n’ Pumpkins feature mid-month drew more than a few gourd-loving low-riders. I hope to have an even bigger bumper crop in 2012.
Corgis aced the U.S. Dog Agility Association Nationals in Kentucky, taking first and second finishes in the 8″ Performance Speed Jumping Event. What looks like a miniature Poodle took third … that’s impressive!
(Yes, I do notice other dogs :-).
On the 20th, I nominated Paige Davis for her own CorgiPals Corgi Hero Award. It took a lot of persuasion, but she finally gave in and accepted. Girl is waaaay too modest for her own good.
California Corgi Chloe made the cover of Entertainment Weekly, alongside talented comedienne Melissa McCarthy. Chloe made her Dog of the Day splash not long after.
Corgi luminary Pudge der Poopster was appointed honorary SpokesCorgi for The Third Annual Daily Corgi Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest. No doubt that face and major foof-age helped spread the word. Thanks again, Pudge! You’re the best!
By NOVEMBER 2nd, giving for Baxter Valentine’s fund had reached a whopping $6,200. The update on his treatment was mixed, but his Mom remained hopeful and kept his doctors busy.
On the 7th, the results of voting in the Costume Contest were announced. Mulder the Spider took top spot, followed by Oliver the Firetruck, and Jeter as Harry Potter and Cappy as Luna Lovegood. The so-charming-he’s-disarming Benny Corgipants took the Editor’s Choice prize … there was no resisting him as The Ladies’ Man!
Midway through the month, Elizabeth T. of The Chronicles of Cardigan was interviewed for The Daily Corgi’s first-ever “Blue Ribbon Blogger” feature. I consider that one a coup, as Chronicles is one of my top favorite Corgi blogs. It’s well written and regularly hilarious!
My reach into the Corgi World expanded by 10,000 (give or take) in November, with the acquisition of rights to the facebook Welsh Corgi page. The page was simply given to me by the person who previously owned it. Talk about an early Christmas gift, Sari Kallio!
By the 17th, Baxter Valentine’s fund had reached it’s $8,000 goal. Not long afterwards, however, our hero and fighter Baxter was gone.
He was too young to go.
In his wake, Baxter left a legacy of love for the many, many people who adored and rooted for him. Pure love, and inspiration enough to set his Mom Anitra on her way from Minnesota to Missouri within a week to bring back dozens of dogs in need of foster — then forever — homes. She dubbed the mission Baxter’s Rescue Brigade, and in no time at all, Corgi Nation chipped in hundreds of dollars to cover the costs of vehicle rentals and gas.
Amazing.
A look back at Phil’s life rounded out the month of November, with his Mom’s fond reminiscences of the many ways he filled up her life and Corgi-fied the neighborhood with his winning ways.
DECEMBER began with the welcome news of Zoie’s successful surgery. This lovely Pem, who developed cataracts as a puppy and been virtually blind since, benefited from both a CorgiPals Helping Paws Campaign and a CorgiAid grant. Her vision is restored and she sees the whole wide world now. Not just her family, but all the things she could only smell, taste and touch before.
CorgiPals’ campaign for Buster Boom‘s new cart reached goal in less than 48 hours, and on the 22nd full payment was delivered for his custom wheels. He’ll be rolling with the rest of ’em soon (if he isn’t already!)
On a sadder note, beautiful Cooper succumbed to liver failure and went to the Bridge at just five months. No matter how long they’re with us, it’s never long enough.
Just before Christmas, The Daily Corgi featured an entire post dedicated to herding. It took two-and-a-half years for me to get around to, but I think but Kathleen Kane’s fascinating and thorough introduction to herding was well worth the wait.
Last (but certainly not least), Santa paid many a visit to Corgi Nation in 2011, and a few dozen proud families shared their Corgis with St. Nick photos on The Daily Corgi on the 23rd.
* * * * *
Looking back, a LOT happened on the blog in 2011. More than I thought, and far more than I could fit in a single retrospective post.
In those 365 days, many Corgis made their debut, a few beloved alums went to the Bridge (farewell for now dear Dodger), heaps of money were raised for Corgis in need, a slew of fabulous picnics brought in bucks for CorgiAid and various rescue efforts, CorgiPals got off the ground, and the phenomenal growth of Corgi Nation community on facebook amazed us all.
Corgis and their people all around the the country — and the world — connected and forged friendships (and a few romances) via facebook. Corgis generally love to talk — and talk they do! There’s a whole lotta Corgi-powered chatter there, much of it independent of The Daily Corgi’s own facebook page. Which is just as well, since I’ve got quite enough to handle with my own virtual “real estate”.
So that’s the year as I see it, from the perspective of The Daily Corgi. Mine are hand-selected mile markers. I make no claims to telling the whole story, only what’s crossed the blog’s radar (and frankly what I actually remember at this point, given my post-holiday addled mind!)
I hope you’ve enjoyed this fruitful year as much as I have, and look forward to another year of Corgi Powered fun, work and community-building in 2012.
I’d like to thank the CORGIS who make all of this possible. I adore you, I know there are no other dogs in the world like you, and I wish I could meet every last one of you! You are my everyday inspiration. Your smiles, your eyes, your ears, your funny butts, tails (or nubs), beguiling expressions, terrific personalities, intelligence, energy, sense of humor and singular silhouettes captured my attention decades ago and have never let me loose.
I’m free to love other dogs (and I do!), but in the end it’s you for me, because it’s just meant to be.
xoxoxo
Laurie Eno
Founder & Editor
The Daily Corgi
Founder & Editor
The Daily Corgi
Really great retrospective, Laurie. It took me almost an hour to read because I kept clicking on the links to look back. I cried, again, while reading the letter from the Queen's office.
You rock, Laurie! Happy 2012 to you and Kitten Girl.
Wishing you peace, love and happiness,
Nancy and Nia
Looking forward to 2012 and all your work!
Thank You! Laurie, for hosting this site for the most corgi obsessed people in the world. Your blog will continue to improve the lives of countless corgis/mixes and their owners.
Like Nancy above me, it took me forever (read 2 hours) to get through it because of the links and stories.
Here's hoping that Kitten girl will continue to let you amuse, educate and soothe our corgi obsession!
On with the games! Olympics in the UK will obviously have all the European team corgis working out to get into shape. Go Corgis!
Sylvia and Timmy
Thank You! Laurie, for hosting this site for the most corgi obsessed people in the world. Your blog will continue to improve the lives of countless corgis/mixes and their owners.
Like Nancy above me, it took me forever (read 2 hours) to get through it because of the links and stories.
Here's hoping that Kitten girl will continue to let you amuse, educate and soothe our corgi obsession!
On with the games! Olympics in the UK will obviously have all the European team corgis working out to get into shape. Go Corgis!
Sylvia and Timmy
WOW! Since the inception of my blog coincides with the beginning of this incredibly well done retrospective, the reality of just how much has happened in the last 12 months has just smacked me between the eyes. You should be very proud of all you have done, especially the number of lives you have touched in a good way, both human and canine.
And as always, my words of gratitude for your kindness and supportiveness (toward me, my boys and my blog) fall desperately short of being adequate.
Here's to a new year full of growth, fun and exciting surprises!
Elizabeth, Jon Farleigh and Dewi
P.S. Thumbs way up on the subtle and smart redesign of the blog!
Wow, I forgot just how much went on in Corgi-land over the past year. Pretty busy/
Great job, Laurie – looking forward to 2012 (with more cardis!).
Maryk, owned by
Gracie, the blue CWC
PS I vote for bringing back the Dogfort Red Lobster t-shirts again for another fund raiser (I missed it the first time around).
What a wonderful retrospective Laurie! Thank you! Funny how we forget how full the year was…you're awesome! Kudos for all you do to benefit others. Such an inspirational spirit! I wish you an even better 2012! May it bring you all of the goodness you've given to so many others and much more! You so deserve it!
WOW Laurie – what a wonderful tribute to the very special love and friendship corgi people have for their corgis and for eachother. Happy 2012 to you – and to all the amazing people I have read about and will continue to read about on the Daily Corgi.
Laurie, the other big story of 2011 is that as a Corgi blogger you're almost as awesome as the Corgis themselves.
Happy 2012 from Gromit and me.
Thanks all for your compliments! I found it genuinely rewarding to go back and look at the year month-by-month. There was so much that happened, I think this will be worth doing every year from here on out.
I know for sure that 2012 will be another year filled with stories big and little for us to reflect on a year from now.
Onward!
awesome Laurie! Thanks for including our boy Ein. You were such a big help to us in our time of need.
Happy New year girl!
Thank you, Laurie for this blog. I loved remembering the different stories of 2011. Hey, if you are in our neck of the woods (Portland, OR) in August of this year, you have to come to the Corgi walk in the Pearl. It is tons of fun!
Laurie, we all owe you and your corgoriffic obsession with our very special charges. You've single-handedly (OK with the able assistance of hundreds of feisty stubby leggers) created an international community devoted solely to telling the wonderful stories of the dogs who bring so much joy (OK, and maybe a little bossiness) to our daily lives. One request: MORE CARDIGANS IN 2012 PLEASE!!! :^)