5 Years Ago: Lady Annyeong's Adot-a-Versary

The Harrington's have opted out of the traditional Christmas Card. Not because they are complete scrooges, but because Christmas is a busy, stressful season! The duo obviously loves receiving all the holiday cheer, but, since returning to the states and choosing to live life in Burlington, the couple has taken a more haphazard approach. This year, the celebratory card comes as a celebration of five-years sharing hearts and homes with a sweet little three-legged mutt named Lady Annyeong.

Thanks to Vistaprint, these postcards can be adorned with as many pictures of her majesty as the Harrington's so choose and a letter can be produced on the back side with very little effort. To family and friends, Mike and Melissa hope you've received your official copy in the mail - if you've mooved recently, perhaps now would be a good time to send a Facebook message or email to on the Harrington's so they can get their address book updated and add you to their relatively-annual holiday mailing list!

Oversized Postcards by Vistaprint

 

Greetings and Happy New Year!

 

A couple years ago, we opted out of the yearly Christmas card and decided to be a bit more haphazard and spontaneous in our mass update mailings. Thus, our mailings are unpredictable to say the least. For the year 2016 (specifically January, 21st) we are celebrating our 5-year Adoptaversary of Lady Annyeong Harrington. Hoo-ray! So, you have the pleasure of receiving an update adorned with the face of the sassiest, three-legged mutt from the streets of Seoul, South Korea.

 

A few Lady Factoids: She’s obsessive over cheese-sticks, jumping up on the chests of her humans for regular cuddles, and wagging her little nubbin’ of a tail. She’s queen of Abode 212, inside and outside. She loves her backyard access and is certain that the queen size bed was purchased with her in mind. She is the source of great joy, many giggles and all the best feelings - five years with Lady has provided us a lifetime of great happiness.

 

Aside from celebrating life with Lady, we continue trucking along with the community of Burlington and our rockin’ little pizzeria/gastro-pub/bar. The Burlington Place is our constant source of joy, annoyance, success, ridiculous stories, inspiration, faith in mankind, disappointment in mankind, great eats, fresh beer, innovative cocktail experiences, and so much more. A few BP factoids: Record pizza sales in one day - 84; 10,000th pizza sold in April. 456 Crows killed at our most recently hosted crow hunt. Over 1,000 views on the #TBPPizzaSpecial known as More Than a Club (cream cheese, chicken, bacon, tomato, pickles and raw onion).

 

And some non-business factoids from the life of M&M: There are two guest rooms available at Abode 212 in Burlington, WY. M&M celebrated 8 years of marriage in September 2015. In 2015, M&M were able to attend the Mountain West Conference basketball games in Las Vegas. They also attended the Great American Beer Fest in Denver, CO. Mike built a patio and deck in the backyard AND set-up a hot tub(!) Melissa has resurrected the blog (www.theharringtontimes.blogspot.com) if you’re so inclined to stay relatively updated, that’s your resource.

 

Cheers to you and yours! (especially your furry friends!)

Mike, Melissa and Lady Annyeong Harrington

 

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Favorite Pup Moments: Winter 2013 #tbt4tht

The winter with the pup has been a lot of couch cuddling and reading, dog-sitting and attempting to make Lady Annyeong become friendly toward other dogs, road-trips, family time including hanging out and attempting to share space with all the family dogs and even watching Lady get a bit active with some dog toys, which is not at all normal for this sassy pup.

After her initial distaste for Wyoming winters, she's come around and now happily makes her way into the bitter cold for her morning and afternoon walks, but don't let that fool you into thinking she LOVES winter, she just tolerates it and would always choose to curl up in a sunny spot on the carpet rather than expose herself to the elements for a long period of time.

 

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An Early Week Snowshoe Outing

Occasionally, it's easy to feel too lazy, too stuck-at-home, too sheltered, too stuck-in-a-basement, too eager to get out and do something!

The Harrington life has been busy with lots of road-trips and the tackling of a few other big projects, leaving the entire family (three-legged member included) anxious to get out of the house!

And that's exactly what they did on a Monday afternoon. They left work. Loaded up the car. Strapped on some snow-shoes and set out about exploring their favorite state and watching their sweet pup tackle the mounds of snow as if she were born to be buried in snow.

PSA's and Pictures of Lady:Edition Four

Not so much of a PSA in the same sense of previous PSA's, but perhaps some helpful information nonetheless. Many of the following 'service announcements' may warrant a more full-fledged blog regarding the ins and outs of how the Harrington's accomplished the following tasks, but for now, this is more of an area to find some helpful links when preparing to leave Korean Public School and/or travel from Korea to the USA with a dog.

Speaking of the dog, the above photos are bit old and the Lady is now sporting a much more cropped hairstyle allowing her to feel a bit fresh in this humid, Korean summer heat!

Preparing to leave Korea is filled with the need to sell, pack, apply, meet for final dinners, say good-bye and try to organize something that resembles life after departure in whatever corner of the world you've decided to tackle next.

Pensions, Beaches and Green Tea: Happy Birthday Buddha

In order to perfectly round out the month of May, the Harrington's were thrilled to come face to face with a three-day weekend. Monday, May 28th of 2012 happened to coincide with the lunar date dictating Buddha's birthday (or arrival on earth) and allowed many residents of South Korea to enjoy an extra day of sleeping in and/or exploring the peninsula. The Harrington's made the most out of the weekend by celebrating, barbecuing, camping and exploring.

Saturday got off to a slow start with Melissa putting the finishing touches on a cover letter and resume for a dream job and Mike gathering the necessary items for a successful weekend which included tents, sleeping bags, home-made root-beer and home-brewed cider and beers.

With their tasks accomplished and fully yearning for a get-away, the couple loaded up the car and headed just south of town to Jang-tae san a recreational forest boasting a Sky Tower and Tree-top Tower walkway. However, the forest wasn't the sole purpose of the Harrington's outing, rather the couple was heading off to a Pension where they would spend the evening and the following morning celebrating Ryan's (one of Mike's soccer buddies) birthday. The afternoon and evening were filled with barbecued duck, pork, beef, a few veggies, more than a few pitchers of beer and bottles of makgoli, birthday cake, food offerings to and from Korean families at the same pension, a roaring campfire and numerous drinking games.

Morning came all too soon for some of those celebrating, including the Harrington's who struggled to sleep on the hard, heated floors of the pension. Regardless, the crew cleaned up their site, grabbed some orange juice, soaked up some morning sun along the river and went their separate ways with most returning to Daejeon while M'n'M made their way into the recreational forest and further South to the coastal city of Yulpo. 

As mentioned earlier, Jangtae-san boasts a Sky Tower and Tree-top walkway which provided the Harrington's a pleasant start to the day but were nothing entirely impressive or worth ranting about.

Lady and the Beast

Having said numerous good-byes, to friends and island paradise, the Harrington's welcomed the new semester enjoying friends who have yet to leave and forcing the Lady to spend time with a beast of dog, Hogan.

Adopted from the animal shelter in Asan, Hogan is a beast of a dog in comparison to Korea's usual run-of-the-mill-purse-pups...

One Year Ago: Lady Annyeong got a Forever Home

A year ago began a fateful Facebook link share between Mike and Melissa that generated a slew of comments, all in support of becoming this little 'ladies' Forever Home. So after many conversations and Melissa's growing desire to have this dog in their lives the couple made their way through the pet adoption process as necessary through Animal Rescue Korea. They also took on the naming process until it was concluded, without hesitation to call the 3.5 legged mutt, Lady Annyeong.

Since bringing home this bundle of joy the Harrington's have enjoyed countless walks, professional pup haircuts, home 'budget' pup haircuts, board-gaming, road trips, camping and festivals with Daejeon's sweetest Lady. She has spent significant time with Aunties and Uncles meeting numerous Daejeonites and quickly surpassing M&M in her friend count (thankfully she doesn't have Facebook...yet, she'd totally out do her parents).

One year with this girl has brought immeasurable joy to the Harrington household. There is nothing better than coming home to a twirling, pitter-pattering little fluff that wants nothing more than you to lay down so that she can crawl up on your chest and be near you until it's time to go for the evening walk. For the Harrington's, Lady Annyeong is one of many blessings and joys that has been possible only because they made the trek to Korea and she is undisbutably worth it!

A Healthy Dose of Cuteness and Joy in 3.5 Legs

A post with no purpose other than to show case the adorable-ness that is Lady Annyeong Harrington.  The distinctive pitter-patter of this sweet Mutt has graced the home of Mike and Melissa for just over ten months thanks to the work of fosters and volunteers through Animal Rescue Korea. (Always lots of cuteness on their website, although the Harrington's are pretty sure they got the best the ARK has ever seen, sorry fellow Korea expats, the Harrington's beat you to this little doll ^.^)

Celebrating Six Sweet Months with Lady Annyeong

Dear Readers,

Can you believe the Harrington's have had this sweet little puppy face in their lives for a whopping 6 months?



It's amazing how quickly time goes. Not only has Lady Annyeong been a member of the Harrington clan for 6 months now, but the Harrington's are currently days away from returning the home-land, friends, and family that they so dearly love and have missed for more than a year. Unfortunately, Lady Annyeong does not get to be a part of that journey. She will remain in Korea under the loving care of trusted friends and if all goes according to plan will return to the Harrington's at the end of August with the same depth of love and connection as she now shows them (awwwww...)

Anyway, six months into dog ownership the routine has melded a bit and is a constant showcase of the mutual love the Harrington's have for Lady and Lady has for the Man and the Woman. Each morning begins with a walk through the park or neighborhood street followed by breakfast for the Lady and a farewell which Lady accepts with increasing contentedness (which leads the Harrington's to question her actions during the day...hmm.) Upon the return of the Man or the Woman Harrington Lady greets each excitedly, grinning, spinning and chasing either Harrington until they finally stretch out on the floor where she is finally able to hop onto their torsos, stretch out and snuggle for an undefined amount of time. Eventually, the evening walk and meal are cared for in-betwixt additional snuggling and cuddling. As the day comes to a close every Harrington in the household, whether of two-legged or three point five - legged variety, makes their way to bed for a solid nights rest.

And that dear readers, is how life looks at the six month mark with an adorable pup.

Tuesday Nights with Girls and the Lady

Tuesday nights, the Harrington's continue to make their way to the OEC Coffee house just out of Galma exit #2 for some of Daejeon's best hot/iced choco and green tea lattes -- not to mention, a fabulous and kind Barista! But it's not just choco and green tea and sweet friends that lure the couple to the coffee shop on Tuesday nights, it's the prospect of spending some time with a few Middle School girls, playing Uno and chatting. Special bonus, now that the weather is warm (vergeing on swealtering), the couple can bring Lady Annyeong along and sit with her outside of the coffee shop. Not only do they get to enjoy the Lady's company, but the Middle School girls are all to eager to help the Lady maintain her 'girlish' figure by running her around and wearing her down!

Sporting a New Look (and missing some parts): Lady Annyeong

Lady hair was everywhere. It was time for a change.

Mike Harrington took Lady Annyeong for a short walk to the Dunsan-dong E-Mart, up an escalator or two and into Royal Vet clinic for a grooming. Booked until 5:00 that evening, the groomers opted to keep Lady Annyeong for the whole day and the Harrington's were to pick her up at the end of the day. Assuming Lady would receive a nice scrub down and trim, Mike left her at the clinic for the day, returning at 7:00 to find a nearly naked 3.5 legged dog who was anxious to return home.

Unfortunately for Lady Annyeong, the clinic visits didn't stop there. This past week has been a week of Rabies shots, spaying and micro-chipping for Lady Annyeong. The vet at Royal Vet Clinic has faithfully served Lady Annyeong and the Harrington's and ensured as pleasant as a process as possible. Now, five days following the major surgery and needle prodding, Lady Annyeong is on the up swing of recovering.

Since being spayed, Lady now shows particular affection toward her dirty green tennis ball - Mike Harrington hypothesizes that Lady realizes she can no longer give birth, but wishes to express her motherly instincts by caring for the green tennis ball. The Harrington's may never understand this new found appreciation for the tennis ball but do expect Lady to continue living a happy, fulfilling life especially with the arrival of Spring and hopefully more outings.

Celebrating 2 Months with Lady Annyeong

Today, March 21, 2011 marks the two month anniversary of the Harrington's sharing their home with a sweet 3.5 legged dog who answers to Lady Annyeong. In honor of her presence in the Harrington's '519' Apartment and on the pages of The Harrington Times, we bring you two videos showcasing Lady Annyeong on this day of celebration.

In the first video, enjoy the experience of coming home to Lady Annyeong as she sits, paws, sneezes and shows unabashed joy at the return of her beloved Mr. and Mrs.



Now, an opportunity to see Lady at play. For two months the Harrington's have tried to find a toy for Lady Annyeong that she would love and enjoy. Proving her loyalty to this family, Lady was not satisfied with any toy purchases but rather waited until Mr. Harrington managed to find a Tennis Ball on the street, free of charge. Even the Lady understand the value of a good dumpster find.

Pet Adoption in South Korea

Who wouldn't want a little of this in their life?

The Harrington's are not the first to adopt a sweet furry friend after spending a few months while in Korea nor will they be the last. Regardless, for those who are in South Korea who are considering making the big commitment regarding a little fuzzball of a friend, the Harrington's hope to share a bit of insight regarding the process with future articles addressing other pet related issues such as veterinary expenses, traveling home, etc. as the issues present themselves to the Harrington family.

In South Korea, there a few ways to which the Harrington's are aware one can seek out pet adoption, the primary source being Animal Rescue Korea. This organization's website is in English, so Guest English Teachers, have no fear! The site is essentially a network of English speaking animal lovers who are connected and knowledgeable about animal shelters throughout the peninsula. The site is filled with information regarding adoption, fostering, volunteering and even plentiful forums to discuss ALL things pet related.

As to the Harrington's specific experience with ARK and pet adoption: Lady Annyeong (then known as Sylvie) first came to the attention of Melissa Harrington while she was browsing topics posted on http://www.waygook.org/ an extremely helpful place for English teachers in South Korea. After email communications with the original poster, the filling out of an adoption application and much conversing, the Harrington's chose to meet Sylvie on their way through Seoul. The meeting was held between the Harrington's, Sylvie and Sylvie's foster on a Monday afternoon. Although the couple had first heard about Lady Annyeong/Sylvie through http://www.waygook.org/ she was a part of the system that is Animal Rescue Korea. She was being cared for in the home of a Foster Volunteer. The primary benefit of such a set up is that, for potential adopters a Foster can provide adequate information regarding current routines, temperament, potential issues, etc. This information was extremely valuable to the Harrington's who wanted to be quite sure they took in a dog to whom they could serve yet maintain their own routines with. Following this first meeting, the Harrington's took a few days away from Lady Annyeong/Sylvie to make sure it was a commitment they were ready and willing to make for this particular dog. As readers know, the decision was a definite yes.

For others considering adoption or purchasing a pet in South Korea, here are some things to consider/take away from the Harrington's experience: regardless of your choice to buy or adopt, at least look over the application form and pre-adoption information provided on the ARK's site - this is crucial to understanding what is expected of you as a pet owner; if this is your first pet, consider searching for a pet with a foster so as to get any insight you can regarding your specific critter; know the rules and regulations regarding returning to your home country with a pet; consider pet food prices and time commitments in light of your current money needs and social commitments; be prepared to fall in love with a cute ball of fur and teach it new tricks!

And for those considering a pet who need just a bit more convincing or friends and family of the Harrington's who want to see what Lady is capable of, a home video from '519'.

The Harrington's Capture Happy

As readers may or may not know, the Harrington's have been occassionally participating in a 'link party' or 'blog carnival' or some other blog terminology for 'doing a similar thing weekly across the gamet of numerous blogs' known as You Capture. The couple has done such photo projects as capturing sweet, kindred and holiday magic. This week, the Harrington's bring you happy.

If you've been keeping up, you know the Harrington's recently adopted a little ball of fur. They call her Lady Annyeong. And she has brought the couple such great joy and happiness in only a few short days.

Move over Lady Gaga, There's a New Lady In Town

And she goes by the name Lady Annyeong. (However, we'll give a bit of lip-service to Lady Gaga by asking: "How do you wake-up Lady Gaga? -- answer at the end of this article)

Following the Harrington's 5 day travelling stint around the peninsula (of which The Harrington Times will provide full articles and reports in the near future) the Harrington's made plans to go and retrieve the dog which we at The Harrington Times, recently sought your adivce in naming.

On Friday, January 21st, the Harrington's began their journey home leaving from Tabaek, South Korea train station. Upon stopping at Jecheon the Harrington's continued separate ways; Mike onto Seoul, Melissa onto Daejeon. The plan at this point was for Mike to retrieve the 3 year old mixed-breed dog from her foster in Seoul while Melissa continued on to Daejeon to unpack, clean up, and purchase some basic necessities (dog food, pee pad and some treats).

Awaiting anxiously in Daejeon, Melissa was thrilled when 5.5 legs walked through the door and began settling into home. Being an adult dog, Lady Annyeong is not filled with unrequited energy and spunk. She is of a mellow temperment and 24 hours into her stay with the Harrington's remains a bit shy and timid although appears to sense that she has been fully welcomed and embraced by this new family. She has eaten well, pottyed only outside on her daily walks, learned to comfortably lay on her blanket and pillow and given the Harrington's plenty of opportunities to stroke her soft white and brown-spotted coat.

(And the answer to the question regarding Lady Gaga...A: You Poke-er Face...hahaha, ㄱㄱㄱ, Question and answer provided via a facebook status of a Kindergarten teacher whose student post just such a question)

The Name Game

On Monday, January 17th the Harrington's made their way to Seoul and began their first week of true-blue vacation since arriving in Korea. Heading toward Chuncheon, South Korea the Harrington's made a choice to stop and meet a girl named Sylvie. If you're reading this, it means the Harrington's are quite confident and certain that soon Sylvie will be theirs, greeting them at the threshold every day after work, causing them to stroll through a nearby park multiple times a day and bring the type of joy only animals can bring to a home. If you're reading this, prepare to hear more and more stories about life with a dog while living in Korea. If you're reading this, anticipate the return of the Harrington's and the small bundle of joy that will accompany them in the form of a white with brown spots, 3.5 legged mixed breed small dog (not child - lest you still be confused this far into the post).

However, Sylvie as a name, just doesn't sit quite right. Doesn't quite fit the Harrington style nor the Wyoming life and dog companions she may enjoy. This is where you, our readers come into play. We at The Harrington Times value your input and advice regarding all sorts of important life decisions including the naming of our first pet.

 First, a little 'history' and a few ideas which have been kicked around by the Harrington's themselves. A note on 'history', for years, Mike has boldly stated that he would have a dog named Genghis, a name referencing the mighty, powerful and downright burly Genghis Kahn of Mongolia. Mike knows exactly what type of dog this name fits, and Sylvie is not that dog. The couple have also talked of one day owning a turtle to take on the name Atilla, a fish or cat by the name of Ghandi, etc. (The most likely of these three to truly exist in the life of the Harrington's will be Genghis). This sets a 'name stage' of influential people throughout history, particularly in Asia. Therefore, Melissa Harrington has decided that the following two names would be acceptable for Sylvie: 1) Lady and 2) Su Kyi, both in reference to Aung San Su Kyi of Burma, Nobel Peace Prize winner and proponent of democracy in the nation operated by a military junta. Lady takes on a second meaning when considered in context of the Disney movie, Lady and the Tramp. It is likely that Sylvie in her stature and adorbale-factor will find herself a 'lady' among many 'tramps' upon returning to Wyoming. Su Kyi has a pleasant 'Asian' ring to it and is the most direct reference to an admirable woman. The thrid name choice is 3) Anyeong, a Korean word which generally translates to 'Hello' but may hold an association of sorts with a traditional word for 'Peace'.  The name Anyeong would also prove humourous to those familiar with the TV series Arrested Development, such as Mike Harrington who already gets a kick out of imagining calling forth our dog. As a sort of 'compromise' Melissa Harrington has suggested the name 4)Lady Anyeong.

As readers and friends, the Harrington's request that you put forth your opinions on the four name choices and/or add to the possibilities by commenting on this article. As always, they are grateful for your input and advice however make no guarantees as to the final outcome. Check back often for new stories on the Harrington's and to find out the final decision in 'The Name Game'.

In case you missed the link at the top, click here, to get a feel for Sylvie's personality and adorable looks.