A day in the life...

New Years Eve 2009 finds me reflecting on past 12 months...the good, not so good...lessons learned.
I have never been one to make New Years Resolutions, never really saw the need to set myself up for failure. I strive for improvement on a daily basis...always new things to be learned.



2009, we brought the New year in with the addition of puppy Bailey. It has been both a pleasure and joy to watch him grow, play....we have a lovely pack and to have had the opportunity to watch the relationships in the pack flourish, especially that of Rocky and Bailey...truly joyful.

Little Niki still standing strong...the Little dog that could ;-)
Gemma...amazing how she adjusted to all of the many changes during the past year...proof as to the strength and love in our little pack...together we can get through just about anything....I give them strength, guidance, respect and love....they to me....the same.

My fifty-ith year found me a little more stiff and sore....my hands, well the progression of Lupus and RA, along with the normal aging process has indeed given me a run for my money. Several months into 2009 I realized my health....my life was headed for big changes...the best way to describe it....fear. I was fearful of the the changes to come...of the things I would now have to struggle to accomplish....more fearful of those things I would not accomplish.
As I worked less and less....as I picked up my camera, painted....created less and less my thoughts turned to a few years ago...when I stopped training dogs for a living because of health issues...I am indeed running out of ways to "reinvent" myself.

Sometimes it really is just best to breath in deep....find your strength and jump...
I did, and When I landed I did so with sand under my feet...Florida is now our home.
The move has brought me closer to several family members, both in miles and in our daily lives....and for that I am Thankful.
The Beach....what can I say....I love the sound, smells of the ocean. I so love the fact that during a run to the grocery store I can just stop at the pier....makes me smile. The simple joy of Taking the dogs for a walk on the beach....oh how we love it.
Of course there are trade offs....living in FL one must deal with yearly arrival of the Hurricane season.

So...Here we are...2010's arrival just hours away...
I am hoping for more of the same...no, 2009 was not a perfect year...the economy....the fact that I have not worked...health issues...still I am saddened it is coming to a close....I will not be giving in, giving up anytime soon.

To My Friends and readers that have taken the time to visit,support us and spend a little time with us....we will be be here this upcoming year...sharing our Tales and adventures here in St. Augustine...dog training tips, videos...some wonderful recipes for people and their dogs... sharing some wonderful images....selling some of my art work and hopefully making a few new Friends along the way.

May you each have a Happy, Healthy New Year and may you be surrounded by those you love, and those that love you the most, may you each have wonderful New Beginnings in the year to come ;-)

New Beginnings...

"Tis the season and we made this little Christmas Carol just for you ;-)

The other day as I was going through boxes for Holiday decorations for the tree I ran across the Hallmark snowman and dog singing Jingle Bells stuffed toy (batteries not included). I fell in love with it several years ago and just had to have it...still the same batteries I originally put in...still working.

While Bailey was part of the pack last year....he was just a little pup so this year we are being extra careful with all decorations for the tree. Everything catches his eye and is new and interesting.
I placed the stuffed toy on the floor and allowed everyone to sniff....then turned it on.
Oh my....he sang right along with it....barking howling...the other dogs looked at him as though he had lost his mind.

Interesting in that Bailey seems to have the ability to hear things the others do not...and while I no doubt some of the things he hears are indeed his imagination....he hears better then the others. Also, in cleaning, touching his ears are much more sensitive as well so I am not at all surprised to his reactions to it.

He is very much a talker...when he is happy or excited he tells a good tale and can be pretty loud. This afternoon I once again introduced it to the pack this time camera ready.
When he realized I was not going to allow him to "Have " he so tried to "ignore it....but so anticipated the ending.

So, if you like dogs.....like Goldens....sit back and enjoy....I am sure it will make you smile. Oh....best if you turn the sound to the player on the site off. Scroll down, on the right you will see Dee's Playlist...then the player itself.

A Christmas Carol...

For those wanting to watch the video....to turn off the sound to the site:
Scroll down, on the right hand side is the player, click the middle button.
For those wondering why I scolded Rocky at the end...he is allowed outside for potty runs, no running, play...for 3-4 weeks (one week down). When he is the most energetic I have him leashed, every once in a while he "tries" to have a good romp...I am the fun police and just cannot allow it, for his own good.

Today found Mike out front putting up a few lights...
it was 80 degrees ;-)
Sometime this week I either have to find or make a wreath for the front door....it just needs little something. Then that is it....not going crazy with it this year.
I happen to enjoy the Holiday Season, though like to keep it simple.

Almost done with shopping, another of which I am not going crazy with. Still must pick up the dogs presents. Yes, I do happen to buy a few chew toys for the pups. They love presents...though prefer you to open them for them ;-)
A few years back we had a dog that so loved presents...did not matter that they were not for him....to rip off the paper, and move to the next gift was sooo much fun for him.

So, tell me, do you purchase gifts for your furry friends?

Holiday Decorating...

The last few weeks has found Rocky and I at one of the local vet clinics here in St. Augustine. It was a bit difficult to dx him for at the time we had been treating his ears for a nasty yeast infection, but then he started cocking his head to the side and limping.

Still, even after spending almost $800.00 we are not too sure as to just what....leaning towards cervical disc disease. Poor, handsome Rocky. He has had joint issues since he was a puppy.

While waiting for his prescriptions to be filled we sat in the waiting area. In walked a lovely, adorable Westie pup. So happy to see everyone and announce his presence. An older couple were at the end of the leash and they seemed to be embarrassed over the dogs exuberance. I smiled and had Rocky sit. The Westie barked, and pulled on his leash. The girl at the desk asked if the barking bothered the couple... they replied that they would prefer he did not bark. Girl at the desk starts telling them about a bark collar....also, she kept repeating "pet parents"..."All of our pet parents who have barking dogs have had great success with the use of one of our citronella collars".



My right eye began to twitch...the girl at the desk was really doing her best to sell them when I asked how old the dog was....6 months. I started asking questions about the breed to see if they knew about Westies, yes, they had one before. I asked if that one had barked, not too much they replied. I then said at six months the dog had found his voice....now they should start teaching "Quiet", teaching sit, teaching the dog to be calm. The poor girl at the desk once again mentioned that the success rate with the clinic pet parents (my eye really began twitching) and the citronella collar....I just raised my hand and told the girl to please be quiet.
I know, but hey.....once you turn fifty you really learn to just speak your mind ;-)
Well...all right, if any one that really knows me is reading this I know just what your thinking...so I started speaking my mind when I turned 20!




I am not a big fan of the term "Pet Parents". I feel it takes away some of the dogs dignity. To me, it is in no way endearing...mostly used by those individuals. with an agenda...sales, advertising, animal activist groups.

I asked a few more questions of the Westies people...are they home with the dogs, yes, crate trained, yes....does the dog bark in the crate....if he hears a noise....mostly quiet. I then asked if they thought that the dog had a barking peoplem....no, but they would like to turn him off.

Training tools are wonderful and indeed have their place. Working with a young dog is as easy as implementing it into your daily life with the dog. So...I suggested they do just that.



As for "Pet Parents"....what do you think...anyone reading today??

Pet Parents...

Song Debut: Julian Lennon's 'Lucy' | Billboard.com

Proceeds from purchases of the single, available only at iTunes from Dec. 15-Jan. 1, will go towards the St. Thomas' Lupus Trust in Great Britain and the Lupus Foundation of America.

Song Debut: Julian Lennon's 'Lucy' | Billboard.com

Choose LED Holiday Lights

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Choose LED Holiday Lights

With Thanksgiving behind us many of us are now gearing up for Christmas. My tree is up, though I need to finish decorating it...outside lights up.
While we did have Bailey last year during Christmas he was just a puppy....I opted to not put up a tree. So, this will be his first time around a tree. He has sniffed it but that is all.

I have many ornaments and other interesting things that hang on the tree...I will have to pay close attention to both him and Rocky for ornaments swallowed can indeed be dangerous for our furry friends....and tinsel is a big no no. Using coated wire you can easily secure your ornaments to the tree to ensure your furry friends safety. please know if your not paying attention, well I have heard many a tale of pets knocking the tree down....secure that as well ;-)






















What's On Dee's Plate

OK....I admit it, I am not really crazy about Turkey, still each and every year I purchase a fresh bird, a rather large bird at that. This year I hosted my family. Six adults...after dinner, before desert the leftovers are put away, the meat is removed from the carcass everything gets placed in the refrigerator. You NEVER throw away the carcass. From that the most hearty soup can be made.

Come Friday morning a rather large pot is placed on the stove....the turkey carcass is added....lots of broth...onions, celery carrots & some garlic. It simmers the reminder of the day....lunch...turkey sandwich, dinner, leftovers from Thanksgiving....that is the end of the turkey for the reminder, and there is still a good bit left is added to the soup....along with the leftover gravy.

Once the soup is done all bones removed, remainder of turkey meat added, gravy added and frozen veggies.
This is why I make a Turkey each and every year....nothing like a great big bowl of turkey soup.

Leftovers...