“HEY HONEY BARKS“

Hey Honey!

I know it’s a little forward of me to address you as “Honey,” but I’m sure in due time it will feel like we’ve known each other for years. Allow me to introduce myself: I’m Paula Carr, Honey & Alfie’s mom, and also the author of the *Hey Honey Children’s Books*.

I created this blog a long time ago and was never sure how I wanted to use it. With everything going on in the world and in our society, I’ve decided to use this platform to share something positive and uplifting—something that puts a smile on your face after a long, hard day or a stressful period. What better way to do that than to talk about our “fur babies”? Even if you’re not a pet owner, who doesn’t enjoy social media posts of adorable dog antics, whether they’re being sweet and lovable or a bit mischievous? My intention is to talk about that family member who brings us joy. No matter what you’re going through, they’re right there at your side. That family member you’ve discovered decided to empty the trash, redecorate your furniture, or even chew a brand-new pair of shoes, but you just can’t stay mad at them for long; you love and spoil them anyway.

Disclosure: Paula Carr is not an expert on this or any other subject matter that may be discussed in this or future blogs; I am just a passionate dog and pet lover.

Now that’s understood, let me tell you why I wanted to start this blog. It all began when I got my first dog. I grew up with dogs, but I didn’t own one by myself until 2010. It was always my intention to get a dog when I bought my house, but it took nine years for that to happen. By then, I was doing very well—I had a great-paying job, a nice house, etc., you know, all those superficial things people associate with doing well or being successful. I started focusing on what breed of dog I wanted.

I remember once, as I was leaving a doctor’s appointment and walking to the metro, I saw a young lady walking her English bulldog. It was hot, and that bulldog was not having it; he decided to stop and rest right there on the sidewalk. I, along with other passersby, thought it was so funny. He was the epitome of a bulldog, stubborn as ever. I stood there for a minute and then walked up to her and asked all the normal questions about the dog: was it a girl or boy, its name, how old? But she could hardly focus on my questions because at that point she was getting pretty frustrated with his stubbornness. At last, he stood up and took a couple of very slow steps. To be honest, I started to get a little concerned because it was so very hot, being the middle of summer.

But while I was on the train going home, I really started thinking about that English bulldog and what it would be like to own one. I began my search, applying online to a few bulldog websites. To this day, I’ve never heard a word from any of those websites. In the meantime, I would have daily conversations with my coworkers and friends about getting a dog. I will never forget the night I got an email from my manager at work. It was around 10:00 PM, informing me that he had an English Bulldog for me. I sat straight up in my bed, screaming for joy. I responded with quickness, trying to type on my phone without errors.

At last, I had my first dog, Honey, and she was so special\! It was almost impossible to walk down the street with her; people would stop and want to know all about her and the bulldog breed. People would even slow down or stop and honk their car horns, asking to take her picture. It was crazy, but Honey didn’t seem to mind. It wasn’t long after that I thought I could write stories about Honey and my life experiences. It was always my dream to write, but I never, ever thought it would be children’s stories. I always described Honey as “my pure joy,” as she added so much to my life that I didn’t expect. Through Honey, I met and developed relationships that I know if it weren’t for her, I wouldn’t know half the people that are in my life to this day. More and more, I came to learn about dogs and dog breeds in general. I became attuned to how having Honey helped me to open up to expressing emotions that I had guarded within me.

My fur babies meant everything to me; they were my world. I’m sure you understand how I feel about Honey and Alfie if you are a true dog owner. I am looking forward to sharing my journey with my fur babies with you, because they were more than just dogs—they were family!

Best,

Paula