Bates: “Did someone say the BALL DROPPED”? Yes, Bates!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
We celebrate bring in this new year with the White family! Jason, Kristi, Harper Lane, Ava Lynn, Bates and Chance. The White family are somewhat new to Oxford but not new to North Mississippi. They moved here a little over a year ago from Baltimore Maryland and had their second child Ava Lynn in Oxford. The move was prompted by their respective careers, but the close proximity to family sealed the deal. Kristi is a Psychologist and Behavior analyst at the Oxford branch of The Autism Center of North Mississippi and Jason a Nurse Anesthetist in New Albany.
Kristi is originally from Pontotoc, MS and Jason is from Flowood, MS. They met while Jason was in Tupelo at North Mississippi Medical Center completing his nurse anesthetist training. Kristi had previously completed her undergraduate studies at Ole Miss where she adopted Bates, who is now 12 (mini Schnauzer). He was her faithful support during her intense studies. She was working in Tupelo when she met Jason who also attended Ole Miss but never crossed paths in Oxford. After they met in Tupelo her continued pursuit for her Phd took them to Hattiesburg. This is where they acquired Chance an Australian Shepard mix, now 6. They found her at the shelter there but another family adopted her first; however, they returned her after a week. This is when Jason and Kristi took their “second chance: for her and them. That is how she got her name:)
Kristi always had pets growing up including dachshunds, a golden retriever and a favorite tabby cat. Jason grew up with mostly cats. Bates and Chance are their all time favorites now! Both those precious fur babies are sweet natured and very loving. Chance loves to give hugs and kisses to everyone, especially the young girls. She and Bates follow them everywhere and provide them with soooo many kisses and cuddles! They were so welcoming when each baby girl came home from the hospital after they were born. Chance and Bates were obsessed with each one. These events remain as Jason and Kristi’s favorite memories of fur babies. The trips they have taken with them to the beach are among favorite memories but nothing like how loyal they are to the family.
Chance is a funny girl. She doesn’t like it when Kristi or Jason cook something on the stove which is so odd because she will eat anything except for fruits and vegetables. When they get the pans out and put them on the stove she runs upstairs and hides. Bates is fine as long as he doesn’t hear gunshots or hammering so his chances with that not happening are pretty good. Though he began his life as Krisiti’s fury love, Bates snuggles next to Jason on the couch and in be. He’s just a lover boy! He’s passionate about playing with balls but not as much as his obsession with his red bunny toy that he has had since he first came to live with Kristi all of those years ago. Both Bates and Chance do the happy wiggle dance when they see the Homeward Bound vehicle pull into the drive. They know they are either going to go on a daily walk or hitching a ride to the Spaw for their “monthly me time”. Car rides are a favorite activity, because good things happen when they get to ride. Chance is always pumped when she arrives to the Spaw. She will not be denied! They are both so sweet and very generous with affection to others! What a way to start the day. The whole family enjoys living in Oxford. It was a dream come true. They are looking forward to another year of Oxford living and a great 2022 ahead!