“Santa is Coming!”
Ready to meet a family that is definitely on Santa’s Nice List!? The McLellan Family: Sarah, Michael, their 2 children Elizabeth (12) Andrews (15) and 3 fur babies Millie(9), Bruno (6) and Maggie (6).
Millie, a Havanese was a gift delivered from Santa himself on Christmas in 2012! Bruno, a little mixed breed the family fostered from the shelter and as it often goes with fostering, they fell in love and couldn’t live without him. Maggie is an alluring, jet black kitty who chose them. They found her on their front porch and she was so sick, they didn’t think was was still alive. She was only 4 weeks old and couldn’t even walk. She was missing a toe, but she swept into their hearts that warm day in August 2015 and they’ve all loved her ever since. Including Bruno and Millie who are very protective of her.
Sarah and Michael recently celebrated their 18th wedding anniversary. They attended Ole Miss at the same time in the 1990”s but didn’t meet until 2000 when Sarah was working for the Oxford Eagle in the marketing department and Michael was working for Belk Ford. Both their families live in Oxford and have long histories as pet guardians. Michael’s parents, Joe and Sandra have a farm in Yocana with many animals and their little shih tzu, Barkley is a frequent visitor to the Spaw and will celebrate his 17th birthday in January! Barkley still doesn’t know what to think about his “niece and nephew” Millie and Bruno. He is a mellow fella compared to the wild and young whipper-snappers.
Millie and Bruno are energetic and enthusiastic but also have a soft, snuggly side. They both love being with all family members, but Millie is especially attached to Sarah. Bruno enjoys sunbathing and watching for visitors so he can alert and remind all who is really running the show at the McLellans. He’s nuts for tennis balls and squeaky toys and he will never say no to a treat! Millie is a real character. She thinks she is a circus dog and walks on her hind legs to pander for attention and ask for treats as if she is deprived! While they are true house dogs, they are also a bit ruff and tumble. When Sarah put on her tennis shoes, they know it’s time for a W-A-L-K! Their farm visits are among their favorite outings. They are free to get super dirty and of course boss the farm animals around. Bruno runs around barking at the goats, horses and sheep.
The whole family loves to spend time at the farm. It keeps Joe very busy. While he is retired, he decided to get the farm as a pastime. A post career, career is more like it! While none of the adults in the family grew up in Oxford, they all do love it here and have set down roots. For them, Oxford is not too big not too small. It’s just right. Sarah currently serves on the board of the Lafayette County Literacy Council and Michael is the regional sales director for the Versant Group. They love the schools and the vast selection of activities the town has to offer.
And of course Millie and Bruno love to visit the Spaw. They enjoy greeting the other patrons and letting everyone know of their presence. Millie has a special dance she does while in the tub that the staff has charmingly named “The Milly Rock”. They are large characters for such small babies!
Here’s to wishing all a very happy holiday season!!