A day in the life...

The other day during the cooler part of the day found me sitting in the shady part of the yard. After some fetch, some fun with the hose the dogs were off doing their thing. Golden's were busy rolling in the grass, the two females were closer to the fence...keeping an eye on things. Me....I was relaxing and watching. Wondering what the dogs were seeing....wishing for just a moment I could see through a dogs eyes....

Several birds could be seen walking around the lake...my two females have boundary's....if the birds get to close and they have not been around before...they must be chased away.
One bird can be seen on the fountain in the lake. S/he can be found almost on a daily basis, same time doing exactly the same thing....taking a shower...a rather long one at that. Then a few swims around the lake...always to the same spot where the wings are spread out...motionless...sunning and drying all those feathers.

The squirrels were busy in the trees behind the fence squawking away. I had the feeling they were directing their protests in our direction as there was fresh bird feed in the feeders. Time for an afternoon snack.

I noticed Gemma taking it all in....front paws crossed....ready to relax, but yet ready for some excitement. I could not help but smile as I watched her....we humans just cannot see the pleasure in chasing squirrels...but after all, it is her job and she is very good at it. One very daring squirrel made to the top of the wood fence and took a few steps before Gemma, then Niki were off and running. Poor squirrel....will just have to be patient to get a few bites to eat....not when the females are on duty!

Gemma knows all to well that if she spies the UPS truck, Garbage truck, when she barks, growls....she chases them away. This she has learned over the years...so very rewarding to be that good at something.
For some reason she takes some time off when the lawn maintenance crew is here...the lawn is cut on a weekly basis and she remains quiet...just ignoring their presence. Early on she did her best to chase them...I would have to say she really gave it her all. Barking through the glass only to have them wave over at her....I mean really...how disrespectful.
So...she now she just ignores them.

The neighbors....well she Never allows them on her property. She will take a stance at the fence, lean forward and bark...by doing this she can keep them across the street. She has fine tuned and honed this skill. Yes, through a dogs eyes the world is so very different.

Through a dogs eye's...

Little Niki is a sweet little cocker mix that came into our lives years ago....funny how it seems like yesterday. The image above was taken in our yard this morning... a look of determination on her face...one of my favorite expressions.

Her oh so spirited ways, her determination is what saved her all those years ago when she was found in the creek...then a few years back when she injured her spine. Partially paralyzed...it did not stop her...barely even slowed her down.

Upon her arrival she cozied up to the Goldens that rescued her...soon after...the rest of us. It was perfectly clear early on she was to be a Daddy's Girl....she simply adores Mike. She adores me...however...just the mention that Mike is on his way and she will wait...listen...and wait... Upon his arrival home she can barely contain herself.

While she is always so very happy to see me...she knows when Mike is around she can do no wrong. Constant hugs, petting fests...non stop.
Spoiled...yes indeed.

Daddy's Girl...

Are the lucky dogs!

This image is actually one of my favorites. A snapshot of a real life moment of the three dogs looking out the sliding glass door. To this day I have no idea just what they were looking at for by the time I photographed them to me looking out, whatever it was had gone.

It was taken before Bailey was added to the pack. Around the time I started thinking about adding another another Golden. Rocky needed a brother to run with, chew with, play with...yes, he had Gem and Niki, he really needed a brother of similar size and strength. I mean really....I do not think it possible to have just one Golden ;-)

Our canine friends are so very social...they really need someone to pal around with. Yes, we do a good job of occupying their time by playing fetch, obedience agility, etc. To have another dog to wrestle with, chew with...to have someone around that "gets" you.
They need the opportunity to be a dog, among other dogs.

The addition of Bailey was a good call on my part for the four dogs enjoy one another....read each other very well and have no issues with one another.

Canines, Canines who need canines...

With the arrival of spring the pack and I have found ourselves outside more...taking in all of the sights, sounds and pollen.

The temps have been in the low eighties the last few days so hard play has been in the morning and late afternoon when it cools down...with lots of sitting in the shade...and a few of our favorite things in-between ;-)

A few of our favorite things...

I exchanged messages and talked to a few friends today that were a bit angry at their dogs for having done things that were deemed unacceptable behavior.

Sure none of us wants a dog that has accidents in the house...in my case there is Niki and at times she cannot help it. That she actually does so well is totally amazing due to the fact that she is partially paralyzed. For her it is all about muscle memory and the fact that we get her out so much throughout the day...plus continually working with the "potty" command has been very helpful.

Still...I am human and yes, I have at times lost my patience with her...as with the others. Of course it is very short lived...my canines friends have indeed taught me a thing or two and one is get over yourself. Growl and let it go!

My dogs are pretty well spoiled. I mean really...their life span is not as long and....have you really looked at their faces, I'm pretty sure you would spoil them as well!

As spoiled as they are...they do have to work so they actually earn their lifestyle ;-) Their jobs....oh easy enough....no rough housing on furniture (of course many people prefer that their dogs not have access to furniture)....no wrestling in the house... Commands are practiced throughout the day....down for feedings, sit and calm for going outside....potty outside...no destructive behavior, etc.

Wanted behavior must be taught...and yes....lots of praise so that they know they are doing a good job. Communication is the key.

As we bring these pups into our hearts and home do take the time to teach wanted behavior.
If we do not take the time to teach...give proper DAILY....there I have said it...they need daily exercise....how can we possibly get angry at them for doing what dogs do...it is never to late to teach an old dog new tricks....oh and by all means...spoil them a bit.

Spoiled dogs...

The first day of spring...what a beautiful day here in St. Augustine. So nice in fact the dogs and I spent a good bit of it outside...something I will indeed regret a little later for the pollen, well if you have allergies start taking your meds now....stock up on tissues and cough drops...your gonna need 'em!

On this beautiful spring day we watched the men work around the lake, trimming, picking weeds and mowing while we all enjoyed the morning sun. At the bird feeder a little action going on as the birds stopped, grabbed a bite and flew away.

A couple of walks and lots of outings to play then nap in the sun. Towards late afternoon I brought the "balls" out.
Bailey is officially ball obsessed....
He would much prefer rolling them, digging...and attempting to get as many in his mouth as possible. As I bring them out I give an orange one to Rocky....holding three I start tossing one...he retrieves and as he comes back to be I say drop....he does and I throw another. this of course wears him out....then when he has used up a good bit of his energy I allow him to play with all four....then once we return in the house he drops...I put them away until tomorrow.



Ball obsession is not at all a bad thing....something that I "nudged" along by playing the two-fer game and not allowing him access to the balls all the time. Wonderful distraction for training and focus....for at the moment he can only focus on the balls....shaking with excitement and anticipation of fun.

Does your dog have any toys, games that s/he is obsessed with...in a good way...how about in a bad way?

Happy Spring Everyone!

Obsessed...

With the time change we have enjoyed late in the day play...one extra then they are used to...lucky dogs.

Even with all the ball toss they so want to play rough. Before Rocky's neck issues a good wrestle match was a fun thing to do, though Bailey gets very rough. A bit of a bully...has to have all of the toys...hogs everything and plays rough.
Though they still so want to wrestle, I must put a stop to it to prevent any damage to Rocky's neck and spine. this is not to say that every once in a while they mix it up before I stop it. They like it Ruff...fun times!

I have mentioned before that the majority of my dogs have been rescues...except for Bailey and Rocky. I am often asked if there are any benefit's to rescue vs. purchasing...of course rescuing is wonderful. The majority of dogs that I rescued were from my dog training days and I must tell you that many had serious behavioral issues that required some work....all in all every dog that came into my home remained in our home...happy, respected and so very much loved.

I am not at all suggesting all rescues will come with issues...there are wonderful dogs to be adopted...healthy, happy dogs....though it will be up to you to train the dogs once in your home...same as with getting a pup through a breeder...the training part, that is up to you. In a perfect world those that foster the dogs would take the time to train them as well...many just do not due to lack of knowledge, time and some will foster two three dogs at one time...plus their own....lots of work. At least the dogs are safe.

Some wonder if I feel "quilty" after all these years of rescue...to now purchase dogs. Nope...not at all. Currently there are four in the pack....two are rescues. If I am blessed to live a long life....and continue to work at training, grooming and caring for them I will always have a rescue or two in the pack.

If deciding to add a puppy, or adult dog to your family and not sure if you should adopt or find a breeder I can only share my experiences with you. Reputable breeders are not easy to find....most talk the talk....but sadly, they do not have the breeds best interest at heart...they do not walk the walk. Those "discounted" pups found in the paper....be careful my dear friends and make sure you are not purchasing pups from a puppy broker or puppymill. Breeders that are selling several breeds of dogs should be a red flag and you should run in the other direction.


Poor Rocky, who has had one health issue after the other...is just not a structurally sound dog...I would not recommend this breeder. When Rocky turned two and time for another Golden to be added I had been looking through rescue. As I had three dogs in the pack I needed to take all dogs temperament, personalities into consideration...especially that of little Niki's physical condition. I was not looking to purchase another Golden...learned of a breeder with pups almost ready to go to their forever homes...Bailey was added.

There is no right or wrong...though with rescue...you are indeed saving a life......both require homework on your part to find a pup or dog that will fit into your family and as important...fit your and your families lifestyle. Once a dog is brought into your heart and home it should be for life!

They like it Ruff...

I know, with this statement my age will indeed be showing....I remember a time when having some down time did not consist of working from home, cell phone ringing, text messages...beeps, rings wherever we go.

Sometimes one must just stop what they are doing....turn off the PC, mac...off goes the cell phone...time to relax and enjoy. So, with the upcoming weekend that is just what the pack and I will be doing...family time. No beeps, text messages....quiet...at least on my end.

The dogs other favorite person will be in town....good weather in the forecast so walks on the beach...visit to the pier...one of Rocky's favorite places by the way. No calls, no blog posts....just relaxing and quiet....can you hear it...just the sound of the ocean, birds.

Give yourself and your loves one's a break...spend some quality time with them...without interruption!


"When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive- to breathe, to think...to love."

Down time=quiet time...

I remember it well.
This is Rocky as a pup (see the zipper nose)...oh so very sweet. He still makes the exact face if caught doing something I do not like or when one of the other pups takes a toy from him....love ...love...love that face. Ran across several images on an old web site of mine...so, taking a moment to go through and enjoy the memories....share a couple with you.





Time goes much to quickly. Rocky is coming up on four years of age...he is a wonderful dog...loving...sweet with a certain amount of mischievousness and a great sense of humor. Allows Bailey to be a butt head without having to be in his face to correct him. He turns to me to correct any wrong doing by Bailey or any of the other dogs in the pack. With just a look in my direction...and that face....ohhh so pitiful...as you can see he learned long ago that no one could ever possibly be angry with him....or he would most certainly get his way when making this face.

I bet you couldn't resist that face...could you??

Just as Rocky is a big brother to Bailey...Rocky had Phoenix to show him the ropes. He learned from the best as Phoenix was a wonderful Golden...and as with so many other Golden's... died way to soon and from cancer. This of course was not exactly what I had in mind as I wanted the two dogs to have each other to play with...bond. What can I say....I am conditioned to having a couple of Golden's around.

Enjoy each moment of your furry friends life...play, go for many walks...be silly....teach, teach....teach...so many of us do not take the time to teach our furry friends...by teaching we learn so much...take pictures...give lots of pets and hugs....give of yourself....give your time...be patient... I can so promise there is indeed a payback and it is worth every moment.

Puppy breath...

Living with Lupus and RA does indeed have it's daily challenges. It took me a very long time to not be so hard on myself for not getting to all that I would like to accomplish in a day. The interesting thing....I have illusions of grandeur when planing what needs to be done (my inner Superwoman, get it all done). Funny...I do not know of one individual that could get it all done well. I have learned to adapt, change the plans...be somewhat flexible.
So, on a day that started where I thought all would actually get accomplished...it changed mid morning.

Walks and then grooming of the pack was first up. All dogs brushed, then I looked at Niki and decided rather then just a brushing she really needed a new "do". Clippers came out and I shaved her down with a seven blade...followed by a bath...by now my hands were a bit sore. Knowing her new do would have to wait for another day...she will have to run around looking like a miniature Clydesdale for trimming up to finish has to wait for me to have the ability to hold onto a pair of shears.

Here in N. FL spring is indeed on it's way, though if you were to ask this to some of the long term residents they would share with you just how very cold it has been. On this day where my list changed mid day....the sun shining, a cool breeze in the air I thought it to be a beautiful day...one in which the pack and I spent the afternoon taking in the sites and sounds of our yard, just hanging out.

Yes, these are the days...while it did not go exactly as planned...I could not think of a better way to have spent it!
I wonder...just how many of us are flexible when our plans change? How many of us actually have the ability to take the time that is needed for body, mind and soul. I would think those of us that share our lives with pets learn to just "be"....we have wonderful teachers!

These are the days....

It is no surprise that the majority of people I know are dog people. I do have a few friends that are really into cats, horses and or birds...and a few that prefer to not spend their time with or on a pet...preferring to do something better with their time then vacuuming up after, caring for etc.
Nothing wrong with any of those choices.

Some would say those that do not have pets are missing out....while I would agree they are indeed missing out on the bonding experience....a good bit of work goes into the basic daily care of sharing ones life with a pet. On a day I am tired...not feeling well there are those times I will think to myself....I would not have to vacuum daily....more time to do what I want....when I want....can leave the house anytime I want....for as long as I want...with no worries....no more outings in the middle of the night....even... more money to spend on... "ME" ;-).

These thoughts that I have on occasion are very short lived for I truly cannot imagine my life without a canine friend or two by my side. My life would indeed have less love in it...not to mention just how empty my home would feel.
I am afraid without them my life would be filled with eating bon bons and watching TV.

Yes...sharing ones life with a pet is work....the longer we do it the better we get at it....then my dear friends it is a way of life. Those that do not put the time in working at it will often times complain about the dogs behavior...eliminating on the floor, pulling on leash, destructive behavior and the difficulties in performing basic canine care.

Basic canine husbandry skills...many people do not at all possess these skills. While it matters very little whom you have clip your dogs nails, or express your dogs anal glands, etc....the fact that many would admit that their dog will not allow them to handle them is very telling on that relationship.

These skills are indeed so easy to obtain for it is in the basic daily care....
daily exercise, daily training, daily handling/ grooming (really, I am not suggesting you should clip your dogs nails or express their anal glands) and massage, teaching "settle" and rewarding calm behavior that will truly enhance the love, respect and trust between canine and human.

I know...so much easier to just share your home with your furry Friends then having to do all that work....the rewards will definitely out weight any work put into it....I promise...just ask Rocky and Bailey!!


"My goal in life is to be as good a person my dog already thinks I am ;-)"

A life filled with eating bon bons and watching tv...

Cooking for One
What's on Dee's plate...

I love BLT sandwich with a cup of tomato soup on the side.
One of those meals I do not make too often...though really one of my favorites. Cooking for one, well one would be so tempted to just open a can of tomato soup....but let me suggest making homemade. Yes, I know the convenience of just opening the can...oh but the taste will indeed have you sold on homemade....I promise.

You would be surprised at just how easy it is to make your own...simple ingredients that most already have on hand. I used canned whole tomatoes, though you can also used crushed and when in season fresh ripe tomatos. I set the oven temp at 450, drain the tomatoes saving the liquid. Place tomatoes on a pan, drizzle with olive oil and salt and pepper...roast away (make sure you turn your exhaust vent on for this).
Today I just roasted Tomatoes but there are those times when I also roast a green pepper...whatever your personal tastes are.

You will need a small carrot, celery, onion and garlic...diced. Saute in a little olive oil 'til softened.
Add your roasted tomatoes along with the saved tomato juice and diced veggie to a blender (this is when I always think it would be great to have a hand held immersion blender). Add mixture to pot along with a little chicken broth....cook for about fifteen minutes. Mean while cook your bacon, slice your tomato, mix your mayo and avocado together, toast your bread in the oven, then melt the cheese one slice of the bread. Now, add a little cream to the soup...arrange your BLT, pour your soup into a mug and enjoy!!!

Simple & fresh...