Happy Birthday Mom

My mom's 60th birthday is coming up, and what party would be complete without a series of awkward skits to complete the evening. Well, my family really enjoys a little number, and since singing is out of the question (I sang my last song in 1996...it was "Dust in the Wind" and I am pretty sure it blew) I decided to create a trivia game based on all the animals that have been a part of my mom's life the past sixty years. It is impossible to include each one, my mom has had countless Toby's, but I gave it my best. Most of you don't know the animals mentioned, or my mom for that matter, but I think it speaks to her enormous heart and incredible passion. The performance is Sunday, so cross your fingers for me. I hope you enjoy it.

Cari Rodman’s Animal Trivia Pursuit

A tribute from the many animals whose lives you have impacted (and from Lisa, David and Dad)

1. In a galaxy far far away our adventure took flight.
We were destined to be together forever,
Our love was out of sight.

Answer: Luke and Leia (Cocktails)

2. I believe in the principal of plural marriage.
I dish out tough love, and I am not afraid to get physical.
Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day, and if you are nice, I might regurgitate some up for you.

Answer: Chico (Parrot)

3. “Unfortunately he’s dead”
At least that’s what she said.
You taught my parents a big lesson,
But poor Steve sure was stressin’.

Answer: Stolen Turtle

4. I was meant for another,
But our connection was like no other.
You bent the truth so that we could be together in flight,
I also slept on your head which was really a sight!

Answer: Missy II (mixed breed rescue)

5. When it comes to “true to breed” that is not me.
You are my best friend and I always have your back,
Just remember that you are on your own if there is opportunity for a snack.

Answer: Taylor (Aussie rescue)

6. You were my princess but I scarcely showed affection,
Lucky for me you didn’t take it as rejection.
My gorgeous hair and long legs made me sophisticated and regal,
Too bad for me, I was dumb as a seagull.

Answer: Alfie (Afghan rescue)

7. As the seasons changed my love for another grew stronger,
Finally one day I couldn't’t hold back any longer.
A report wasn’t filed,
But poor Steve was defiled.

Answer: Autumn the Bunny

8. While the legends of your swimming did not exceed our yard,
To me you were on spectacular life guard.
You saved me from drowning more than twice,
I lived to be 22 because you were so nice.

Answer: Ivy (Shitszu rescue)

9. I ate through luggage and I ate through grates,
I ate for fun and I ate to escape.
Although I was sneaky I was lovely as a flower,
One look at me and you lost all of your power.

Answer: Daisy (Mutt rescue)

10. I was sickly and frail, my old owners thought I was a dud,
You saw past the missing teeth and treated me like a stud.
You carried me around and kept current on my massive medical chart,
You saw more than anyone ever had, and I saw straight to your heart.

Answer: BJ (Yorkie rescue)

11. We celebrated a Bat Mitzvah with a new arrival,
I knew my long search was over, there could be no other rival.
I proved smarter than most, jumping on counters and opening the door,
When I was in the picture life was never a bore.

Answer: Chelsey (Lab rescue)


With great love and affection,

Tony, Boots, Taylor, Ivy, Sunny, Simon, Chico, Gordo, Missy, Missy II, Luke, Leia, Madison, Toby, Winston, BJ, Chelsey, Alfie, Buttons, Maxi, Autumn, Daisy, Abby, Puff, Peppy, Sascha, Shayna and Paco.

And the list goes on and on and on…