We would like to wish all of our friends a very Happy Holiday season!
May all of your Christmas wishes come true.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Monday, December 14, 2009
Eye Candy -Photo challenge
Deborah, the Snowcatcher, has invited us to a photo challenge. She states that the challenge is called meme here in the USA. It’s supposed to be something like an Easter Egg Hunt. In order to find the hidden treasure, you have to read the other participants blogs.
The challenge is to go to the fourth or seventh folder in your My Pictures folder and post on your blog the fourth or seventh image from that folder. You then challenge friends to participate by inviting them via the blog entry. If you don’t use the My Pictures folder, find the 4th or 7th folder with pictures and choose the 4th or 7th picture. It does not have to be related to your blog! If you have folders within folders, you can choose the fourth folder within the fourth folder and the fourth image within that folder. You get the idea!
I realize everyone is really busy right now; however I would like to pass this challenge on to Three Dog Blog, The OP Pack, Sierra Rose, and A Vintage Cottage Home. Hopefully this will make it around the dog blog community so that all of our friends and readers will be participants. I’m a week late posting myself so whenever you get around to it is fine.
Be sure and link everyone so that our friends and readers can refer to each blog.
I’ve chosen the 7th image from my 7th folder taken in August 2007 when my husband and I made the trip to Alabama to decide on which new job offer he would accept. Our daughter would be changing schools, but was not happy about relocating for the second time in three years. We drove around the University and took pictures for her. She is studying to be a High School English Teacher. She told me last night she would like to continue with school until she has her Masters and go straight into teaching at a University level.
"The Hands." The sculpture, actually titled "Becoming," depicts a pair of large bronze hands, one holding a pair of keys, with the other hand guiding the first upwards. The hands represent the student grasping the keys of knowledge, with the second hand representing the professor's guiding touch.
The challenge is to go to the fourth or seventh folder in your My Pictures folder and post on your blog the fourth or seventh image from that folder. You then challenge friends to participate by inviting them via the blog entry. If you don’t use the My Pictures folder, find the 4th or 7th folder with pictures and choose the 4th or 7th picture. It does not have to be related to your blog! If you have folders within folders, you can choose the fourth folder within the fourth folder and the fourth image within that folder. You get the idea!
I realize everyone is really busy right now; however I would like to pass this challenge on to Three Dog Blog, The OP Pack, Sierra Rose, and A Vintage Cottage Home. Hopefully this will make it around the dog blog community so that all of our friends and readers will be participants. I’m a week late posting myself so whenever you get around to it is fine.
Be sure and link everyone so that our friends and readers can refer to each blog.
I’ve chosen the 7th image from my 7th folder taken in August 2007 when my husband and I made the trip to Alabama to decide on which new job offer he would accept. Our daughter would be changing schools, but was not happy about relocating for the second time in three years. We drove around the University and took pictures for her. She is studying to be a High School English Teacher. She told me last night she would like to continue with school until she has her Masters and go straight into teaching at a University level.
"The Hands." The sculpture, actually titled "Becoming," depicts a pair of large bronze hands, one holding a pair of keys, with the other hand guiding the first upwards. The hands represent the student grasping the keys of knowledge, with the second hand representing the professor's guiding touch.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Darlin’s first picture and Christmas story.
I’m posting this on both blogs because it seems appropriate.
A year ago today I took Darlin’s first picture. If I had taken her picture when I first started feeding her it would have made some people cry. She was so skinny that she looked hunched over with her stomach pulled up inside of her. She didn’t have her winter coat when we met, as a result her hair was thin and closer to her body. I thought she was some kind of hound dog. I was in such a hurry to feed her on schedule that taking her picture never crossed my mind. As soon as darkness fell I would watch the clock until it was time for me to leave the house.
So why Dec. 6th, 2008?
A local breeder had been shut down by the ASPCA. There were about 50 dogs that they had to surrender. The Humane Society took several, some went to rescues, and 16 were transported to a Michigan rescue. The ASPCA asked the breeder to pay for the gas needed to transport the dogs out of state. She said she wouldn’t do it because she didn’t want to give them up. When I heard about the gas, I made the donation because those dogs were not going to be delayed a chance at freedom if I had anything to do with it.
My husband and I met with the breeder’s husband at 8:00 in the morning at a grocery store parking lot. The same one that Darlin’ would be eating at once it turned dark. He was supposed to be bringing three Jack Russell’s going to Russell Rescue in Tennessee. They were not Jack Russell’s, they were Rat Terriers, but that’s okay, Russell Rescue wouldn’t turn them away. I had my camera along so that I could email the pictures to everyone involved in their rescue.
I asked the breeders husband for their names and any information he had. When he handed over the male he called JR, he said that JR had never been used for anything other than making puppies. They were frightened. In fact JR was in the back of the crate when we arrived at rescue and I didn’t realize it at the time, but he had to use the bathroom.
My daughter’s great grandmother (89 yrs at the time) lives in Tennessee so we stopped to visit with her that afternoon. Granny had a stroke in 2007 and moved into an assisted living home. We always take her out to lunch when we visit. It’s usually getting dark by the time we head home so I had Darlin’s food with me so that I could feed her on the way to our house. That day I had my camera too. It was hard getting Darlin’s picture because the camera I used isn’t good for taking pictures at night. Darlin’ was fearful too therefore I kept my distance as she ate over at her tree.
Yesterday we went to visit Granny in a North Alabama Rehab because she broke her hip in November and still isn’t able to walk. Darlin’ had been alone all afternoon and was really missing me. She cries, whines, barks, and gets overly-excited when I come in the door. All of are dogs are excited to see Mom and Dad even though the kids were home, but Darlin’ is different - and special. She usually hides in my room while I’m away. I’m sure she feels abandoned by me when I’m gone.
Last night I stood outside as Darlin’ went potty before bed. She still won’t stay in the yard without me and most times she will not go down unless I do. It was freezing cold and the ground was covered in frost. I wore my oversized coat with the hood over my head and I was still freezing, yet the night reminded me that it wasn’t quite as cold as some of the nights that Darlin’ spent alone outside last winter. As I stood there shivering waiting on the dogs, I was thankful that my mind is at peace this month.
Standing out in the cold last night took me back to last winter and winters past. It was December when my daughter asked what my intentions were concerning Darlin’. That’s when I told my family with tears on my eyes that I only intended to keep Darlin’ alive through winter by feeding her and the rest was in Gods hands. I didn’t want her, I had three dogs already. Besides, she didn’t want me, she wouldn’t come near me.
I knew my family was tiring of me not wanting to go places or do anything that might interfere with feeding Darlin’. I understood what was going on with them; they had to help me too. The questions hurt because it put what I had been doing into perspective. I knew that I was neglecting some of my own responsibilities because of Darlin’. How long was I going to continue with her feeding routine? How long could I keep doing it? I had to drive six miles every night. That’s not very far, but it was inconvenient. I couldn’t abandon her, especially not after three months. I couldn’t skip a feeding, not after establishing a routine. I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night knowing that I was capable of feeding her and without me she would be hungry. What if I ever missed a meal, would she wait for me? It was hard enough knowing she was hiding in the cold somewhere. December was an emotional time for me.
It was Dec. 13th when we went to see Trans Siberian Orchestra in concert. The concert started about the same time I would be feeding Darlin’. Afterwards we went to dinner. The concert was wonderful, but Darlin’ weighed heavy on my mind because I would be so late getting to her. We took my husband’s car that night therefore I knew I would have to ask him to stop so that I could buy food on the way home. There was more food than we could eat at dinner. I asked everyone to pass their plates and I scraped everything together in a carryout container for Darlin’. We pulled into the parking lot at the grocery store on our way home when I thought I saw something by her tree. As we got closer she lifted her head and I realized it was Darlin’ lying there napping and waiting for me! She waited over three hours!
It was raining and the wind blew hard for three days the week of Christmas. I knew Darlin’ wouldn’t come out in the rain, but I left her food anyway by putting a bowl out with a stick on top to keep the rain out. I figured if the rain slowed down she would come to eat. At that point I hadn’t seen her for two nights and I was getting worried. The food was gone, but I couldn’t be sure that Darlin’ was the one who ate it. On Christmas Eve we put her food out early so that I wouldn’t have to leave the house later. My husband bought a large basted bone for her as a Christmas gift and we left that too. She didn’t show up.
As we drove home I recalled the year before we were living in Missouri. Our cat Abbey had been bit by something and it tore a large piece of skin off of her that required stitches. Abbey had to go outside, she ran to every door in the house and begged to go out. She loved to lie around on the porch and play with our neighbor’s cat, but they also had one that was mean and attacked her. Going through my photos I found the picture of her wound was taken and emailed to my husband on Dec. 6, 2008. He had transferred and was already working at his new job in Alabama while I stayed in Missouri with the children so they could finish out the first semester at school before we relocated them.
I didn’t know until I wrote this post that Abbeys picture and Darlin’ pictures were taken at the same time a year apart. It seems significant to me because there is so much synchronicity in my life when it comes to animals. I will write more on this subject in the future.
My husband came home for Christmas in 2007. We were sitting in the living room on Christmas Eve when I spotted something that looked like eyes in our tree. It was Abbey lying in the branches! I pulled her out and noticed her stitches broke open and the wound was infected and oozing. We called an emergency vet and drove Abbey over right away. Two Christmas Eves a year apart we were out at night because of an animal.
We gathered around the tree a little earlier than usual last year. The kids open one gift on Christmas Eve and the rest on Christmas morning. Since it was still early and the house was quite I thought about making a second trip to check on Darlin’. The rain and wind had slowed so my thoughts turned to Darlin’ and whether she might show up. I asked my husband if he would mind if I drove over to check the food to see if Darlin’ was around. He said that he would drive me. It was at that moment when he offered to drive me that I didn’t feel bad about asking. When we arrived the bowls were empty, but the Christmas bone was still there. I had to believe that she had eaten and would come back for her bone later.
This year Darlin’ will spend Christmas next to me on the couch. Her head will be dry, her belly will be full, and this will be the first of many Christmases to come for her in a real home.
A year ago today I took Darlin’s first picture. If I had taken her picture when I first started feeding her it would have made some people cry. She was so skinny that she looked hunched over with her stomach pulled up inside of her. She didn’t have her winter coat when we met, as a result her hair was thin and closer to her body. I thought she was some kind of hound dog. I was in such a hurry to feed her on schedule that taking her picture never crossed my mind. As soon as darkness fell I would watch the clock until it was time for me to leave the house.
So why Dec. 6th, 2008?
A local breeder had been shut down by the ASPCA. There were about 50 dogs that they had to surrender. The Humane Society took several, some went to rescues, and 16 were transported to a Michigan rescue. The ASPCA asked the breeder to pay for the gas needed to transport the dogs out of state. She said she wouldn’t do it because she didn’t want to give them up. When I heard about the gas, I made the donation because those dogs were not going to be delayed a chance at freedom if I had anything to do with it.
My husband and I met with the breeder’s husband at 8:00 in the morning at a grocery store parking lot. The same one that Darlin’ would be eating at once it turned dark. He was supposed to be bringing three Jack Russell’s going to Russell Rescue in Tennessee. They were not Jack Russell’s, they were Rat Terriers, but that’s okay, Russell Rescue wouldn’t turn them away. I had my camera along so that I could email the pictures to everyone involved in their rescue.
I asked the breeders husband for their names and any information he had. When he handed over the male he called JR, he said that JR had never been used for anything other than making puppies. They were frightened. In fact JR was in the back of the crate when we arrived at rescue and I didn’t realize it at the time, but he had to use the bathroom.
My daughter’s great grandmother (89 yrs at the time) lives in Tennessee so we stopped to visit with her that afternoon. Granny had a stroke in 2007 and moved into an assisted living home. We always take her out to lunch when we visit. It’s usually getting dark by the time we head home so I had Darlin’s food with me so that I could feed her on the way to our house. That day I had my camera too. It was hard getting Darlin’s picture because the camera I used isn’t good for taking pictures at night. Darlin’ was fearful too therefore I kept my distance as she ate over at her tree.
Yesterday we went to visit Granny in a North Alabama Rehab because she broke her hip in November and still isn’t able to walk. Darlin’ had been alone all afternoon and was really missing me. She cries, whines, barks, and gets overly-excited when I come in the door. All of are dogs are excited to see Mom and Dad even though the kids were home, but Darlin’ is different - and special. She usually hides in my room while I’m away. I’m sure she feels abandoned by me when I’m gone.
Last night I stood outside as Darlin’ went potty before bed. She still won’t stay in the yard without me and most times she will not go down unless I do. It was freezing cold and the ground was covered in frost. I wore my oversized coat with the hood over my head and I was still freezing, yet the night reminded me that it wasn’t quite as cold as some of the nights that Darlin’ spent alone outside last winter. As I stood there shivering waiting on the dogs, I was thankful that my mind is at peace this month.
Standing out in the cold last night took me back to last winter and winters past. It was December when my daughter asked what my intentions were concerning Darlin’. That’s when I told my family with tears on my eyes that I only intended to keep Darlin’ alive through winter by feeding her and the rest was in Gods hands. I didn’t want her, I had three dogs already. Besides, she didn’t want me, she wouldn’t come near me.
I knew my family was tiring of me not wanting to go places or do anything that might interfere with feeding Darlin’. I understood what was going on with them; they had to help me too. The questions hurt because it put what I had been doing into perspective. I knew that I was neglecting some of my own responsibilities because of Darlin’. How long was I going to continue with her feeding routine? How long could I keep doing it? I had to drive six miles every night. That’s not very far, but it was inconvenient. I couldn’t abandon her, especially not after three months. I couldn’t skip a feeding, not after establishing a routine. I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night knowing that I was capable of feeding her and without me she would be hungry. What if I ever missed a meal, would she wait for me? It was hard enough knowing she was hiding in the cold somewhere. December was an emotional time for me.
It was Dec. 13th when we went to see Trans Siberian Orchestra in concert. The concert started about the same time I would be feeding Darlin’. Afterwards we went to dinner. The concert was wonderful, but Darlin’ weighed heavy on my mind because I would be so late getting to her. We took my husband’s car that night therefore I knew I would have to ask him to stop so that I could buy food on the way home. There was more food than we could eat at dinner. I asked everyone to pass their plates and I scraped everything together in a carryout container for Darlin’. We pulled into the parking lot at the grocery store on our way home when I thought I saw something by her tree. As we got closer she lifted her head and I realized it was Darlin’ lying there napping and waiting for me! She waited over three hours!
It was raining and the wind blew hard for three days the week of Christmas. I knew Darlin’ wouldn’t come out in the rain, but I left her food anyway by putting a bowl out with a stick on top to keep the rain out. I figured if the rain slowed down she would come to eat. At that point I hadn’t seen her for two nights and I was getting worried. The food was gone, but I couldn’t be sure that Darlin’ was the one who ate it. On Christmas Eve we put her food out early so that I wouldn’t have to leave the house later. My husband bought a large basted bone for her as a Christmas gift and we left that too. She didn’t show up.
As we drove home I recalled the year before we were living in Missouri. Our cat Abbey had been bit by something and it tore a large piece of skin off of her that required stitches. Abbey had to go outside, she ran to every door in the house and begged to go out. She loved to lie around on the porch and play with our neighbor’s cat, but they also had one that was mean and attacked her. Going through my photos I found the picture of her wound was taken and emailed to my husband on Dec. 6, 2008. He had transferred and was already working at his new job in Alabama while I stayed in Missouri with the children so they could finish out the first semester at school before we relocated them.
I didn’t know until I wrote this post that Abbeys picture and Darlin’ pictures were taken at the same time a year apart. It seems significant to me because there is so much synchronicity in my life when it comes to animals. I will write more on this subject in the future.
My husband came home for Christmas in 2007. We were sitting in the living room on Christmas Eve when I spotted something that looked like eyes in our tree. It was Abbey lying in the branches! I pulled her out and noticed her stitches broke open and the wound was infected and oozing. We called an emergency vet and drove Abbey over right away. Two Christmas Eves a year apart we were out at night because of an animal.
We gathered around the tree a little earlier than usual last year. The kids open one gift on Christmas Eve and the rest on Christmas morning. Since it was still early and the house was quite I thought about making a second trip to check on Darlin’. The rain and wind had slowed so my thoughts turned to Darlin’ and whether she might show up. I asked my husband if he would mind if I drove over to check the food to see if Darlin’ was around. He said that he would drive me. It was at that moment when he offered to drive me that I didn’t feel bad about asking. When we arrived the bowls were empty, but the Christmas bone was still there. I had to believe that she had eaten and would come back for her bone later.
This year Darlin’ will spend Christmas next to me on the couch. Her head will be dry, her belly will be full, and this will be the first of many Christmases to come for her in a real home.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Happy 9th Birthday to Sam!
A few things about our boy:
Born in Missouri, adopted in 2004 as a companion for Chloe.
We’ve had him five years. His previous owners wrote down his information.
He chewed on his feet when we got him. I did some research and took him off of Iams dog food to see if he was allergic to corn. He stopped chewing his feet.
He eats canned dog food with boiled chicken and a little broth for dinner every night. If dinner is late, he’ll let me know by whimpering or whistling. I look at the clock and realize he wants his supper. I free feed dry, but he only eats a few bites a day, if that. He gets dog bones, biscuits, or a dog cookie when he comes in from outside. He goes straight to the kitchen and sits for his treat. A few nights a week I give him a small bully stick in the evenings while we’re watching TV. He could stand to lose 5 pounds, but he’s not as active as he used to be.
He likes all white cheese, but not American cheese. He doesn’t mind if you pass him up because he’ll usually spit it out.
He likes getting his picture made, he’s my camera hound.
He LOVES the smell of perfume or lotion. If you smell sweet, he’ll be all over you!
He loves getting pampered: baths, blowing drying, and brushing.
He doesn’t mind the rain unless it’s really pouring down and windy. He loves snow, but may never see it again because we live in the south now.
He has no fears or phobias.
He has good recall. I’m not afraid that he’ll run off.
He blows his coat at least twice a year - which means lots of brushing.
He used to play with stuffed toys, but not so much anymore.
May 2006, Abbey's first day home.
He will not chase a ball - he will chase the dog that is running after the ball.
He breaks up play wrestling between the other dogs by rushing in at them.
He sticks his muzzle down in the water bowl and dips for drinks. I have never seen him lap up water like other dogs.
He walks through the pool almost every time he goes outside. He has never laid down in the water to cool off, he just stands there cooling his feet.
His favorite playmate is Bonnie, Chloe comes in second place, but he loves his Bon Bon.
He licks Bonnie and Toby’s ears. It appears affectionate, but can cause ear infections or inflammation so I stop them if I see it. The dogs go to him and lie down because it feels good for them.
He enjoys walks. He can hardly contain himself when we open the closet where the leashes are. He will pull out the door, but once he’s walked a little he’s a good walking buddy.
He barks when he hears anyone at the door, even when my children come home. He will not bark when my husband or I come home.
A stranger can come into our home and Sam acts like they are here to see him. He’s very friendly.
He LOVES to ride in the car, but his tongue drips on me out of excitement, not slimy slobber though.
He loves the attention at the Vet, but starts to cry like a baby as soon as they lift his tail for a fecal. The Vet tech usually laughs and skips that test!
This year we discovered a fatty tumor on his side. He laid in the floor on his side and let the Vet do a needle aspiration. He didn’t budge. They love him there because he’s so good.
He’s good with other dogs, but corrects Lucie, a Boston Terrier, that comes for play dates. She gets overly excited and bugs the crap out of him and tries to mount him. He has been wonderful around fosters and rescues.
He wanted to be near Darlin' when she had her heartworm injections. You can see in his eyes he knows something is wrong. It was aweful for her.
Sam has never wet in the house. He had one accident not long after we got him. He and Chloe got into an old garden spot at their new home. I think they ate a rotten squash and it went straight through them. I walked in the kitchen the next morning and Sam held his head down. I said, “Oh Sam.” Poor thing, I could see he was very sorry. It was an easy clean-up on tile. He has never had any other accidents in the house.
He has never chewed or destroyed anything.
We went to the St. Louis Arch in August 2007. We left Sam, Chloe, and Bonnie outside all day. They had a fresh bucket of water and the pool was full of fresh water. We arrived home about 8pm and they were dying to get inside. Sam came crashing through that door like he had seen his last day outside! I checked and all of their water was hot! So I’m sure he got hot too! I could barely get him to go outside for a month afterwards. He ran to the grass and did his thing and no sooner did I slide the door closed he was on it ready to run inside. There we’re a few times I had to push him back out! He was traumatized out in that heat all day!
He sleeps on his orthopedic mattress in the living room, stretches out across the hall a lot, and sleeps on the leather sofa in the TV room, as long as someone is in the room with him.
He will whistle through his nose if we are sleeping and he has to go out. He used to sleep all night, but this past year he wakes my husband between 3-4 am to go out. I think as he ages he may not be able to hold his bladder as long.
He’s been slowing down over the last year. It takes him longer to go up and down the stairs, but occasionally Bonnie will get him to chase her around the yard which is always nice to see.
Sam is a good boy. He listens, obeys all of us, and is just an easy going dog with no issues or demands whatsoever. Dad loved him the first time they met. Sam really loves his Dad, but he is affectionate with everyone that he meets. If you scratch his head, he’ll turn over and give you his belly.
We love you, Sambo!
Born in Missouri, adopted in 2004 as a companion for Chloe.
We’ve had him five years. His previous owners wrote down his information.
He chewed on his feet when we got him. I did some research and took him off of Iams dog food to see if he was allergic to corn. He stopped chewing his feet.
He eats canned dog food with boiled chicken and a little broth for dinner every night. If dinner is late, he’ll let me know by whimpering or whistling. I look at the clock and realize he wants his supper. I free feed dry, but he only eats a few bites a day, if that. He gets dog bones, biscuits, or a dog cookie when he comes in from outside. He goes straight to the kitchen and sits for his treat. A few nights a week I give him a small bully stick in the evenings while we’re watching TV. He could stand to lose 5 pounds, but he’s not as active as he used to be.
He likes all white cheese, but not American cheese. He doesn’t mind if you pass him up because he’ll usually spit it out.
He likes getting his picture made, he’s my camera hound.
He LOVES the smell of perfume or lotion. If you smell sweet, he’ll be all over you!
He loves getting pampered: baths, blowing drying, and brushing.
He doesn’t mind the rain unless it’s really pouring down and windy. He loves snow, but may never see it again because we live in the south now.
He has no fears or phobias.
He has good recall. I’m not afraid that he’ll run off.
He blows his coat at least twice a year - which means lots of brushing.
He used to play with stuffed toys, but not so much anymore.
May 2006, Abbey's first day home.
He will not chase a ball - he will chase the dog that is running after the ball.
He breaks up play wrestling between the other dogs by rushing in at them.
He sticks his muzzle down in the water bowl and dips for drinks. I have never seen him lap up water like other dogs.
He walks through the pool almost every time he goes outside. He has never laid down in the water to cool off, he just stands there cooling his feet.
His favorite playmate is Bonnie, Chloe comes in second place, but he loves his Bon Bon.
He licks Bonnie and Toby’s ears. It appears affectionate, but can cause ear infections or inflammation so I stop them if I see it. The dogs go to him and lie down because it feels good for them.
He enjoys walks. He can hardly contain himself when we open the closet where the leashes are. He will pull out the door, but once he’s walked a little he’s a good walking buddy.
He barks when he hears anyone at the door, even when my children come home. He will not bark when my husband or I come home.
A stranger can come into our home and Sam acts like they are here to see him. He’s very friendly.
He LOVES to ride in the car, but his tongue drips on me out of excitement, not slimy slobber though.
He loves the attention at the Vet, but starts to cry like a baby as soon as they lift his tail for a fecal. The Vet tech usually laughs and skips that test!
This year we discovered a fatty tumor on his side. He laid in the floor on his side and let the Vet do a needle aspiration. He didn’t budge. They love him there because he’s so good.
He’s good with other dogs, but corrects Lucie, a Boston Terrier, that comes for play dates. She gets overly excited and bugs the crap out of him and tries to mount him. He has been wonderful around fosters and rescues.
He wanted to be near Darlin' when she had her heartworm injections. You can see in his eyes he knows something is wrong. It was aweful for her.
Sam has never wet in the house. He had one accident not long after we got him. He and Chloe got into an old garden spot at their new home. I think they ate a rotten squash and it went straight through them. I walked in the kitchen the next morning and Sam held his head down. I said, “Oh Sam.” Poor thing, I could see he was very sorry. It was an easy clean-up on tile. He has never had any other accidents in the house.
He has never chewed or destroyed anything.
We went to the St. Louis Arch in August 2007. We left Sam, Chloe, and Bonnie outside all day. They had a fresh bucket of water and the pool was full of fresh water. We arrived home about 8pm and they were dying to get inside. Sam came crashing through that door like he had seen his last day outside! I checked and all of their water was hot! So I’m sure he got hot too! I could barely get him to go outside for a month afterwards. He ran to the grass and did his thing and no sooner did I slide the door closed he was on it ready to run inside. There we’re a few times I had to push him back out! He was traumatized out in that heat all day!
He sleeps on his orthopedic mattress in the living room, stretches out across the hall a lot, and sleeps on the leather sofa in the TV room, as long as someone is in the room with him.
He will whistle through his nose if we are sleeping and he has to go out. He used to sleep all night, but this past year he wakes my husband between 3-4 am to go out. I think as he ages he may not be able to hold his bladder as long.
He’s been slowing down over the last year. It takes him longer to go up and down the stairs, but occasionally Bonnie will get him to chase her around the yard which is always nice to see.
Sam is a good boy. He listens, obeys all of us, and is just an easy going dog with no issues or demands whatsoever. Dad loved him the first time they met. Sam really loves his Dad, but he is affectionate with everyone that he meets. If you scratch his head, he’ll turn over and give you his belly.
We love you, Sambo!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving!
On this day of giving thanks, we are thankful for the dogs, cats, and people that have welcomed us to the blogging community. We hope you all have a wonderful day filled with love, laughter, and good food. Thank you for friendship, Mom, Sam, Chloe, Bonnie, Toby, and Darlin.
Friday, November 20, 2009
It's been a dog week
I did a blog interview with Happy Tails Books – Lost Souls Found! If you get a chance go on over and check it out. You’ll learn a little more about me, the five dog Mom. Your comments are also appreciated. Happy Tails Book – Lost Souls Found! are breed specific books with heartwarming and inspiring stores about adopted and rescued dogs. If you have a story to share about your adopted dog, Happy Tails books accepts stories for publishing! These books are great! They would make a neat Christmas gift for someone you know that loves dogs.
My doctor called yesterday about my MRI results. I have a herniated disc, arthritic bone spurs, and a narrowing of the spinal canal. I start physical therapy next week. At least now if this happens again he can give me an epidural block. I would have to live with back pain for years before I chose surgery as an option. Time to slow down.
And now, on to the dogs.
Earlier in the week I thought she saw a scratch under Bonnie’s eye. It might have come from a bush or something in the yard. After a few days it looked like it was swelling, then it got as big as a black eyed pea. I was planning on taking Bonnie to the vet after it swelled, but it’s gone down a little. I wonder if there may be something in there and if that’s infection? Bonnie will probably have to go to the Vet Monday, unless it looks like it’s going away. I dread it if it’s an infection because they’ll have to open it up and clean it out, which means that she’ll have to be sedated.
I love Bonnie's eyebrows, they look so feminine.
Chloe sounds hoarse. I did some research today, but didn’t find the answer. She has a collapsed trachea and it sounds a little like a honk, but it’s her bark, not a breathing issue. She’s feeling pretty good, she’s actually barked so much lately I thought she had a sore throat. I think we have some new dogs in the neighborhood. She’s barking at dogs I haven’t heard before. I’ll give her a few more days and then maybe she’ll go in with Bonnie.
I can't wait any longer, I've got to clean that door. Look through the glass.
Toby is my little thin-skinned pup. It’s no wonder he had so many scars when I got him, he scratches himself raw all the time. He scratched the hair off of his hind leg all the way to the skin recently. This is not the first time, but it has been a while. His two toes were pink and hairless last month where he had a scratch. He must be running past something low to the ground and scraping his legs. My husband thinks it could be the wooden deck steps because he goes down so fast and sometimes trips. What’s with Jack Russell’s and steps? Both of mine run down with one leg lifted in the air. “Hey, who needs four legs when three work fine?”
Gee, I just want to kiss this.
Gotta a funny about Toby. Toby always waits in the bathroom for me when I shower. I recently started taking more baths because it’s getting cold and I enjoy them more in the winter. I lean back in the tub and wet my hair and I’ll sometimes shampoo my hair in the tub. Toby hasn’t been in the bathroom when I bathed until last night. He was sitting on the rug right in front of the tub watching me so I was talking to him. I swear he wanted in the way he kept looking at me with those big dark eyes. Then I leaned back and slid under water to wet my hair. When I came up he jumped back and dashed over to the door! Then he came back and was keeping his distance barking at me like it was fear related! I’m not sure if it was the wet hair or if I looked like the Loch ness Monster coming up out of the water!
My shoe kept coming up missing yesterday. Toby doesn’t chew on shoes, but there was something about these shoes that he needed. Every time I put it back with the match, he would take it back. Well, until I pointed my finger and told him, “No!.”
Darlin’ took her first treat from my husband yesterday! He gives the dogs a treat in the morning before he leaves for work. He takes Darlin’s treat to her bed because she still isn’t comfortable with him or our children. She lies in her dog bed on my side until I get up. He used to take the treat and offer it, but she turned away so he left it for her. Then he said he left her treat and he would hear her crunching as he left the room. Gradually as she became more secure eating the treat while he was nearby she started eating them before he got around the foot of the bed. Last week he told me that he heard her crunch as soon has he turned his back. He always puts it to her mouth before leaving it. Yesterday she opened her mouth for the first time! This morning she took two! Hooray for Darlin’! This means a lot to us! She’s been living inside our home since April.
I know this doesn't look natural because I'm also the one taking the picture. Darlin' is a hand shaker. Once she bonded with me, she started offering her paw. She's so sweet when she does it.
Sam has decided he’s going to lay on the couch now. He is allowed on the leather sofa downstairs, but I never allowed him on the ones that Darlin’ and Toby are on in our pictures. Those were actually my places to sit without dog hair. Then I got Darlin’. She feels safe next to me so I made an allowance for her, and then Toby, and Bonnie. It’s just a surprise to walk by and see him sleeping there. He only has to get down when I clean it up or if I’m sitting there because there isn’t enough room for all of us. Sam has also been waking my husband up between 3:00 – 4:00 am to go outside. My husband swears he’s doing it for a treat. He said Sam didn’t waste anytime outside last night, then he whined next to the bed because my husband didn’t give him a biscuit! I slept like a baby last night.
I’m going to make a memorial donation in Hana’s name to Heart Bandits Rescue. It’s been a while since I looked up Eskie rescues until tonight. They sure have their hands full of a lot of beautiful dogs. It makes me sad for those homeless dogs. I was shocked at how many Eskies need forever homes from just that one rescue group. It just goes to show that purebred dogs end up abandoned like any other breed. And breeders complain about mandatory spay and neuter laws!
This is Heavens new Angel, Hana. Her parents aren't doing so good right now. Please visit their blog. Hana the Dog
My doctor called yesterday about my MRI results. I have a herniated disc, arthritic bone spurs, and a narrowing of the spinal canal. I start physical therapy next week. At least now if this happens again he can give me an epidural block. I would have to live with back pain for years before I chose surgery as an option. Time to slow down.
And now, on to the dogs.
Earlier in the week I thought she saw a scratch under Bonnie’s eye. It might have come from a bush or something in the yard. After a few days it looked like it was swelling, then it got as big as a black eyed pea. I was planning on taking Bonnie to the vet after it swelled, but it’s gone down a little. I wonder if there may be something in there and if that’s infection? Bonnie will probably have to go to the Vet Monday, unless it looks like it’s going away. I dread it if it’s an infection because they’ll have to open it up and clean it out, which means that she’ll have to be sedated.
I love Bonnie's eyebrows, they look so feminine.
Chloe sounds hoarse. I did some research today, but didn’t find the answer. She has a collapsed trachea and it sounds a little like a honk, but it’s her bark, not a breathing issue. She’s feeling pretty good, she’s actually barked so much lately I thought she had a sore throat. I think we have some new dogs in the neighborhood. She’s barking at dogs I haven’t heard before. I’ll give her a few more days and then maybe she’ll go in with Bonnie.
I can't wait any longer, I've got to clean that door. Look through the glass.
Toby is my little thin-skinned pup. It’s no wonder he had so many scars when I got him, he scratches himself raw all the time. He scratched the hair off of his hind leg all the way to the skin recently. This is not the first time, but it has been a while. His two toes were pink and hairless last month where he had a scratch. He must be running past something low to the ground and scraping his legs. My husband thinks it could be the wooden deck steps because he goes down so fast and sometimes trips. What’s with Jack Russell’s and steps? Both of mine run down with one leg lifted in the air. “Hey, who needs four legs when three work fine?”
Gee, I just want to kiss this.
Gotta a funny about Toby. Toby always waits in the bathroom for me when I shower. I recently started taking more baths because it’s getting cold and I enjoy them more in the winter. I lean back in the tub and wet my hair and I’ll sometimes shampoo my hair in the tub. Toby hasn’t been in the bathroom when I bathed until last night. He was sitting on the rug right in front of the tub watching me so I was talking to him. I swear he wanted in the way he kept looking at me with those big dark eyes. Then I leaned back and slid under water to wet my hair. When I came up he jumped back and dashed over to the door! Then he came back and was keeping his distance barking at me like it was fear related! I’m not sure if it was the wet hair or if I looked like the Loch ness Monster coming up out of the water!
My shoe kept coming up missing yesterday. Toby doesn’t chew on shoes, but there was something about these shoes that he needed. Every time I put it back with the match, he would take it back. Well, until I pointed my finger and told him, “No!.”
Darlin’ took her first treat from my husband yesterday! He gives the dogs a treat in the morning before he leaves for work. He takes Darlin’s treat to her bed because she still isn’t comfortable with him or our children. She lies in her dog bed on my side until I get up. He used to take the treat and offer it, but she turned away so he left it for her. Then he said he left her treat and he would hear her crunching as he left the room. Gradually as she became more secure eating the treat while he was nearby she started eating them before he got around the foot of the bed. Last week he told me that he heard her crunch as soon has he turned his back. He always puts it to her mouth before leaving it. Yesterday she opened her mouth for the first time! This morning she took two! Hooray for Darlin’! This means a lot to us! She’s been living inside our home since April.
I know this doesn't look natural because I'm also the one taking the picture. Darlin' is a hand shaker. Once she bonded with me, she started offering her paw. She's so sweet when she does it.
Sam has decided he’s going to lay on the couch now. He is allowed on the leather sofa downstairs, but I never allowed him on the ones that Darlin’ and Toby are on in our pictures. Those were actually my places to sit without dog hair. Then I got Darlin’. She feels safe next to me so I made an allowance for her, and then Toby, and Bonnie. It’s just a surprise to walk by and see him sleeping there. He only has to get down when I clean it up or if I’m sitting there because there isn’t enough room for all of us. Sam has also been waking my husband up between 3:00 – 4:00 am to go outside. My husband swears he’s doing it for a treat. He said Sam didn’t waste anytime outside last night, then he whined next to the bed because my husband didn’t give him a biscuit! I slept like a baby last night.
I’m going to make a memorial donation in Hana’s name to Heart Bandits Rescue. It’s been a while since I looked up Eskie rescues until tonight. They sure have their hands full of a lot of beautiful dogs. It makes me sad for those homeless dogs. I was shocked at how many Eskies need forever homes from just that one rescue group. It just goes to show that purebred dogs end up abandoned like any other breed. And breeders complain about mandatory spay and neuter laws!
This is Heavens new Angel, Hana. Her parents aren't doing so good right now. Please visit their blog. Hana the Dog
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Saturday, November 14, 2009
All Dogs Go to Heaven
This was circling the Internet through email a while back. It was sent out as a way to tell people why they get forwarded emails from friends. I love the story. You might enjoy it too, even if you've read it once before. I've changed the title.
A man and his dog were walking along a road. The man was enjoying the scenery, when it suddenly occurred to him that he was dead.
He remembered dying, and that the dog walking beside him had been dead for years. He wondered where the road was leading them.
After a while, they came to a high white stone wall along one side of the road. It looked like fine marble. At the top of a long hill, it was broken by a tall arch that glowed in the sunlight.
When he was standing before it he saw a magnificent gate in the arch that looked like mother-of-pearl, and the street that led to the gate looked like pure gold.
He and the dog walked toward the gate, and as he got closer, he saw a man at a desk to one side.
When he was close enough, he called out, “Excuse me, where are we?”
“This is Heaven, sir,” the man answered. “Wow! Would you happen to have some water?” the man asked.
Of course, sir. Come right in and I'll have some ice water brought right up. “The man gestured, and the gate began to open.
“Can my friend,” gesturing toward his dog, come in, too?” the traveler asked.
“I'm sorry, sir, but we don't accept pets."
The man thought for a moment and then turned back toward the road and continued the way he had been going with his dog.
After another long walk, and at the top of another long hill, he came to a dirt road leading through a farm gate that looked as if it had never been closed. There was no fence.
As he approached the gate, he saw a man inside leaning against a tree and reading a book.
“Excuse me!” he called to the man. “Do you have any water?”
“Yeah, sure, there's a pump over there, come on in.”
“How about my friend here?” the traveler gestured to the dog.
“There should be a bowl by the pump.”
They went through the gate, and sure enough, there was an old-fashioned hand pump with a bowl beside it.
The traveler filled the water bowl and took a long drink himself, and then he gave some to the dog.
When they were full, he and the dog walked back toward the man who was standing by the tree.
“What do you call this place?” the traveler asked.
“This is Heaven,” he answered.
“Well, that's confusing,” the traveler said. “The man down the road said that was Heaven, too.”
“Oh, you mean the place with the gold streets and pearly gates? Nope. That's hell.”
“Doesn't it make you mad for them to use your name like that?”
“No, we're just happy that they screen out the folks who would leave their best friends behind.”
A man and his dog were walking along a road. The man was enjoying the scenery, when it suddenly occurred to him that he was dead.
He remembered dying, and that the dog walking beside him had been dead for years. He wondered where the road was leading them.
After a while, they came to a high white stone wall along one side of the road. It looked like fine marble. At the top of a long hill, it was broken by a tall arch that glowed in the sunlight.
When he was standing before it he saw a magnificent gate in the arch that looked like mother-of-pearl, and the street that led to the gate looked like pure gold.
He and the dog walked toward the gate, and as he got closer, he saw a man at a desk to one side.
When he was close enough, he called out, “Excuse me, where are we?”
“This is Heaven, sir,” the man answered. “Wow! Would you happen to have some water?” the man asked.
Of course, sir. Come right in and I'll have some ice water brought right up. “The man gestured, and the gate began to open.
“Can my friend,” gesturing toward his dog, come in, too?” the traveler asked.
“I'm sorry, sir, but we don't accept pets."
The man thought for a moment and then turned back toward the road and continued the way he had been going with his dog.
After another long walk, and at the top of another long hill, he came to a dirt road leading through a farm gate that looked as if it had never been closed. There was no fence.
As he approached the gate, he saw a man inside leaning against a tree and reading a book.
“Excuse me!” he called to the man. “Do you have any water?”
“Yeah, sure, there's a pump over there, come on in.”
“How about my friend here?” the traveler gestured to the dog.
“There should be a bowl by the pump.”
They went through the gate, and sure enough, there was an old-fashioned hand pump with a bowl beside it.
The traveler filled the water bowl and took a long drink himself, and then he gave some to the dog.
When they were full, he and the dog walked back toward the man who was standing by the tree.
“What do you call this place?” the traveler asked.
“This is Heaven,” he answered.
“Well, that's confusing,” the traveler said. “The man down the road said that was Heaven, too.”
“Oh, you mean the place with the gold streets and pearly gates? Nope. That's hell.”
“Doesn't it make you mad for them to use your name like that?”
“No, we're just happy that they screen out the folks who would leave their best friends behind.”
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Making memories with Toby
Toby is the most affectionate dog I have ever owned. He wants nothing more than to be near me at all times. He’s usually at my feet or lying next to me on the couch. Toby does sleep in our bed. When I brought him home as a rescue he slept in a dog bed on my side. I had another rescued Jack Russell at the time that my sister adopted a few weeks later. Before she adopted Jack I told her both dogs went right to bed at night and wouldn’t get up until I did. I found this email I sent my sister about the dogs and how well they were doing.
Jack slept all night again, in Toby's bed hanging out of each end. Toby slept in his bed. You should see how these two get along. It's like they both know they had it rough so they’ve bonded. They were probably talking in bed the first night. Toby said, "Hey, how long have you been here?" Jack said, "I got here Wednesday and they've been treating me good. She feeds me, gave me a bath, and kisses me all the time." Toby replied, "I think I got her with these eyes. I hope they keep us because the food is good here." Jack said, "Yeah, I know, I never had a treat before bed before, they have cool toys too and dog beds all over the house."
Toby, Jack, and Bonnie. Toby was in our home four days when this was taken.
Jack found his forever home on March 1st, just two weeks before I trapped Darlin and brought her home. When Jack left it meant Toby had to sleep alone. One night I looked over and Toby was looking up at me with those big brown eyes. And you know what happened then. I picked him up. He tucked himself in next to me and now I can’t imagine him sleeping anywhere else.
Toby will not get in bed without my permission, not to sleep anyway. He can jump in the bed after Bonnie when they are playing and wrestling, but if it’s about sleeping with Mommy he asks by making a puffing noise through his cheeks. I usually reach over the bed as he stretches and reaches for me to lift him up. If I ignore him his puffing sound will turn into a bark. I have ignored it because he wants me to pick him up and I’d rather he just jump in bed and lay down, but he won’t. He wants Mommy to put him in bed.
Two weeks ago I had terrible low back pain. Something I have suffered with at various times in my life since I was in my early twenties. I use to push myself hard, working like a horse at times, and lifting things I shouldn’t have. One summer when I was in my 30’s I scraped, sanded, and painted our entire home all by myself. I remember my older neighbors telling me, “You’re going to feel that when you get older.” They were right. What I did in my 30’s, I started feeling in my 40’s!
The back pain was unbearable. I was taking pain relievers and using a heating pad with no relief whatsoever. I had some Lortab that my doctor gave me this past Spring for stomach pain when we discovered I had a hernia. I had been taking them too, but nothing seemed to work. One night I took a Lortab when I started feeling nauseous, light-headed, and sick to my stomach. It was actually kind of scary. My husband was downstairs when I called out to him that I needed to lay down. I thought I was going to get sick, but couldn’t, so I stretched out across the bed on my stomach with my forehead on top of my closed hands.
Toby jumped up in the bed and scooted closer to me, placing his chin on my hand and gave a slight whimper. I said, “Mommy’s okay, Toby.” I felt him move foreword on his tummy, getting closer as he positioned his chin firmly on my hand next to my forehead. Then he backed up quickly and barked at me. I said, “Mommy’s here, I’m okay.” He laid his chin back over my hand as I felt him sigh and let out a deep breath into my hair.
It was a memorable moment. A little piece of our history that was created in a minute of uncertainty for him. He won’t jump in bed to sleep, but he didn’t hesitate to jump up and check on me when I wasn’t feeling well.
Jack slept all night again, in Toby's bed hanging out of each end. Toby slept in his bed. You should see how these two get along. It's like they both know they had it rough so they’ve bonded. They were probably talking in bed the first night. Toby said, "Hey, how long have you been here?" Jack said, "I got here Wednesday and they've been treating me good. She feeds me, gave me a bath, and kisses me all the time." Toby replied, "I think I got her with these eyes. I hope they keep us because the food is good here." Jack said, "Yeah, I know, I never had a treat before bed before, they have cool toys too and dog beds all over the house."
Toby, Jack, and Bonnie. Toby was in our home four days when this was taken.
Jack found his forever home on March 1st, just two weeks before I trapped Darlin and brought her home. When Jack left it meant Toby had to sleep alone. One night I looked over and Toby was looking up at me with those big brown eyes. And you know what happened then. I picked him up. He tucked himself in next to me and now I can’t imagine him sleeping anywhere else.
Toby will not get in bed without my permission, not to sleep anyway. He can jump in the bed after Bonnie when they are playing and wrestling, but if it’s about sleeping with Mommy he asks by making a puffing noise through his cheeks. I usually reach over the bed as he stretches and reaches for me to lift him up. If I ignore him his puffing sound will turn into a bark. I have ignored it because he wants me to pick him up and I’d rather he just jump in bed and lay down, but he won’t. He wants Mommy to put him in bed.
Two weeks ago I had terrible low back pain. Something I have suffered with at various times in my life since I was in my early twenties. I use to push myself hard, working like a horse at times, and lifting things I shouldn’t have. One summer when I was in my 30’s I scraped, sanded, and painted our entire home all by myself. I remember my older neighbors telling me, “You’re going to feel that when you get older.” They were right. What I did in my 30’s, I started feeling in my 40’s!
The back pain was unbearable. I was taking pain relievers and using a heating pad with no relief whatsoever. I had some Lortab that my doctor gave me this past Spring for stomach pain when we discovered I had a hernia. I had been taking them too, but nothing seemed to work. One night I took a Lortab when I started feeling nauseous, light-headed, and sick to my stomach. It was actually kind of scary. My husband was downstairs when I called out to him that I needed to lay down. I thought I was going to get sick, but couldn’t, so I stretched out across the bed on my stomach with my forehead on top of my closed hands.
Toby jumped up in the bed and scooted closer to me, placing his chin on my hand and gave a slight whimper. I said, “Mommy’s okay, Toby.” I felt him move foreword on his tummy, getting closer as he positioned his chin firmly on my hand next to my forehead. Then he backed up quickly and barked at me. I said, “Mommy’s here, I’m okay.” He laid his chin back over my hand as I felt him sigh and let out a deep breath into my hair.
It was a memorable moment. A little piece of our history that was created in a minute of uncertainty for him. He won’t jump in bed to sleep, but he didn’t hesitate to jump up and check on me when I wasn’t feeling well.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Dad's new screensaver
I was more black when Mom and Dad got me. Every year I get lighter. Mom say's I may be a red heeler by the time I'm an old man.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
