A day in the life...

Living with Lupus often at times is very challenging...my number one complaint is that it is just so very difficult to make plans. Then of course there is the pain and discomfort thing...nope, not at all fun.

As with most things in life I have found there is a balance to everything....so on a day where no plans were made, hands very sore...I took some anti- inflammatory, picked up my camera, put a few treats in my pocket and headed out side with the puppies.

One of the very first things I ran across was the above Hidden Treasure...I swear he actually posed for me.


My furry pack have learned to sense when things are a bit off with me....they usually give me a bit of time to work  through....find my balance if you will...find something that is a bit awe inspiring and so today...it was a tiny little lizard that, rather then run as they usually do...stuck around and allowed me to be in his space long to capture a lizard doing what lizards do when no one is around.

Then as I turned, there were my pups, rather then trying to get me to throw a ball or Frisbee, they went off on their own...the two females enjoying a moment in the sun....the Goldens a good roll and romp...doing what dogs do.



Hidden treasures are all around us...you need not go far from where you are to find them...just need to take a little time and actually look for them!

Hidden treasures...

Our count down until the fence is installed is less then a week away. My poor hands can use a bit of a rest. Nike and Bailey's bladders must be the size of a pea ;-) For our outings throughout the day are many!
Their daily walks on leash will continue for it is a wonderful way for the pack to spend time together, and great exercise for all of us..especially me. I can paint, draw for hours often getting lost so they make me pay a little more attention rather then getting lost in the moment.
Yes, even though so hot and humid here in FL we still manage our daily walks. they say you get used to the humidity, I have been here a few months and so far when outside I appear to to melt....funny how I seem to be the only one.

The past few months have indeed been challenging in that the two goldens just have not been getting enough exercise. Having the fence will allow them to pick up speed without having me at the end of the leash correcting them. Off leash romps are so needed. Walks are wonderful but a few crazy eights sprinted throughout the yard, a good game of fetch and of course some agility no doubt will be such a wonderful release for them.
Once my hands get a little bit of a break.....and I am so hoping that improvements will be made and the pain and discomfort lessens.

Yesterday afternoon I headed out for a few errands...since moving into the House on my list of needed items has been a pooper scooper. I pick up after the dogs after each and every BM...just so easy to do it that way....I have been holding at times up to four retractable while attempting to bend and scoop with a plastic baggie. A couple of nights ago I made the mistake of falling asleep....around 2 am I awoke on the sofa realizing the dogs needed to do their final outing. Hook all up and out we go....one after the other they pee, poop...I reach into my pocket for the baggie....yawning, sleepy and tired, bad hands, I did not realize there was a hole in the end of the bag until I felt the warmth...well you get the picture.

With that fresh in my memory I did indeed remember to stop at the local pet shop to find they only had one type...yes, for those not in the know....there are several types of pooper scoopers. this model comes in two parts. The first part is long handled and you actually wrap a bio degradable baggie at the end, the other is also long handled and you use that to scoop the poop into the end with the baggie. Looked easy enough....that is until I got it home and stood there for what seemed like an eternity trying to attach the plastic baggie. My arthritic hands just took forever to get it....I was actually laughing at myself for I no doubt if someone was watching me rather then thinking something wrong with my hands....I think they would be under the impression I were a bit slow ;-) Indeed....that as well!



Last night, just as the sun was going down the boys and I left the house for our walk around the neighborhood. I reached out for my camera and realized...while I did indeed charge the battery, I also vacuumed and needed that out lit. Maybe it is age, or me being preoccupied, I never did re- plug the the battery charger in. thank goodness for our cell phones...in a pinch they do a great job.

It was one of those evenings when there actually seems to be a bit of a breeze...very refreshing. After our walk we just hung outside the house. Watched a few birds at the lake, scanned the water for any alligators :-) Life at the moment is good!!!

Pooper Scooper...

August 2008:
Yes....it is true. After all of these years I finally have the ability to admit that I am a Chocoholic.
My first meeting is this evening....wouldn't you know, first thing this morning the doorbell rang and when I opened the door, there in front of me was this large box marked GODIVA Chocolatier.....
I was shocked!
I wonder how they learned about the meeting....they must be watching me...
I grabbed the box very quickly and slammed the door shut. Ran to all of the windows and closed all of the blinds. I opened the box about two hours ago and my stomach is is so bloated and the pain is unbelievable. I must get rid of all of the evidence....I first tore the boxes in tiny shreds....now what to do with the chocolate....it was tough, but I managed to eat all of it...
I am too ill to attend the meeting this evening, maybe I'll make the next one.

August 2009:
I no longer attend any of the Chocoholic meetings...I knew one day I just may regret my decision.While personally, I do not ever think you can be "cured" I do believe the need, want and desire to have chocolates lessens with each passing day. I was almost leading a normal life in that I could actually open my blinds... leave my house, shop and visit friends and family homes without any fear of having an "episode" where I would do anything to get to a piece of chocolate. Hell, I would knock my own mother down to get just a sniff, taste of it!
I am so embarrassed to share that, but I know that for a fact for I
actually did it. Yes, I know the cravings and feeling of desperation all too well.

I almost made it...I was well on my way....that is until today...
Damn Godiva!
I am not at all sure how they learned of my progress, but they would do anything in their power to have me fall off the wagon...
At 1: 12 pm this afternoon, Wed. 8-5-09 there was a knock at the front door. I had this uncomfortable feeling in the pit of my stomach as I approached my front door and peeked out and saw the UPS truck in my driveway....the driver... was laughing hysterically while watching me...the hair on my neck and arms stood up as thoutgh electricity was surging through my body. As I opened the front door before looking down I noticed I was already salivating....I knew, I just knew... before actually seeing the box stamped with Godiva Choclatier....

So now....once again my house is dark, all windows and doors are locked....
the only evidence is the stickiness of my keyboard from my fingers...my tummy hurts for I have eaten all biscuits....as have I devoured every last morsel of the powdered hot chocolate....and still I crave more...god help me.

Thank You Donna...for the early Birthday present...it is yummy!!!
Godiva makes the best Biscuits and Hot Chocolate :-)

Chocoholics Anonymous...

Once locals learn that you will soon be a permanent resident of FL they cannot help but share the many tales of the local
wildlife....especially about the snakes and alligators. Of course the stories do have merit, just a few weeks ago one guy woke up and decided to do some gardening. He headed to the Walmart located off of US 1 to purchase some plants and supplies. He wandered around putting Items Into his cart, just as he was reaching for a plant....tucked behind the plant he was reaching for was a pygmy rattler and sadly for the man, he Indeed was bitten.

I listen to most of the stories and smile for I just may never encounter any of the poisonous snakes....however being surrounded by water....chances that the dogs and I actually run I\into something....well the odds that we do increase due to the fact we are surrounded by water.

When walking my neighborhood we pass a section that is very woodsy and has a sign that says "Natural Preserves"....meaning swamp land ;) As of yet the only creatures I have seen come out of this area is very large birds. It is not bad enough being told about the gators and snakes I have been told there are wild hogs, not seen any of those either....and would prefer not to for they can be very aggressive. I am not a national geographic photographer and while I love to photograph nature...getting that close and personal I can do without...this Is the reason I purchased a long lens ;-)

There are times when just taking the dogs for a quick pee has been challenging for they will spy, sense, smell something in the woods and appear frightened...more often then not I respect their senses...sometimes though, they are a little off...

Since moving Into the house, once night falls Rocky makes several trips to the door next to my studio, he growls, and growls. This has become a nightly activity....the first, second and sometimes third time he does this all the dogs take part by rushing the door, hackles up...barking ready to defend Rocky, territory, After a while, they do not bother, though Rocky continues to guard, scare away something only he sees.

The first few nights that this behavior first appeared I would put the outside lights on, look out to see what the fuss was about...never noticed anything. I have a sneaking suspicion he Is actually growling at his own reflection ;-)
Yesterday I finally got around to hanging something to cover the glass in the door...stays open during the day for I love the light coming through, however once dusk, I close it....worked like a charm for while he went to the door a couple of times he returned without a sound.

When we leave the house, before walking off the patio I do my best to survey If anything is in the grass....survey the woods out back....see nothing we all leave the covered patio where we risk getting bitten up by a horrible...sneaky and nasty critter, the mosquito. Some day's they are not a bother, other days they are
terrible....just like It was when we stayed at the beach house.

Bailey loves to roll around in the grass and every time he does this....even though before coming back inside I run my hands through his coat....attached to him Is usually a little lizard. That keeps me busy for I then must around trying to catch and release back In the yard.
On occasion a frog will also find his way inside....the tree frogs like to suction themselves on anything that does not move....especially the glass....around all windows and doors, lots of frog and lizard poop...even on the glass...frog art!






Two weeks ago...a lovely Sunday afternoon I took Niki out for a stroll around the yard...she got to play touch and kick ball...just as we were headed back to the patio I stopped for I thought I saw something in
the water. Now, I have Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis and inflammation can effect your vision, and it has In my case. Adding to the problem is the fact as we age we have a difficult time focusing...my vision at times is very blurry even with my glasses. so...on this lovely sunny, summer afternoon I was pretty certain I was watching an alligator lazily floating in the pond. I watched for a while and then retreated back in the house with Niki, got my camera and returned to watch and
photograph. Also....to get an estimate of size for I was told once they reach a certain length they can be moved elsewhere....of course while I have no fear in being a lizard and frog wrangler....I would call a professional for the gator ;-)




As I watched it appeared to sink down into the water a bit, to soon emerge enough to get a few photographs. I tracked him for a good part
of the afternoon....just snapping away certain that I got some awesome shots ;-)

Imagine my surprise when I got around to putting the card into the card reader on the Mac to see a log that through my eyes, on that sunny, summer afternoon oh so appeared to be an alligator, though it does closely resemble an alligator...don't you agree ;-)

Bad vision and over active imagination made for a pretty exciting day!

Gator sighting...

During a late dinner last night Michael and I sat at the dining room table discussing the days events as we both nibbled on our meal. Two golden's resting under the table, one eye open for you never know when a tasty morsel will tumble to the floor....Niki wandering about, Gemma napping without a care in the world.

Our conversation tuned to an interesting topic....talent. When I worked full time as a dog trainer most people would watch me work with their dog and they would say...wow....I was so "gifted" to have the ability to understand canines. The same with my camera.....then later with my painting....and now with writing a tale or two.
Talented/ Gifted are not words that I use....I remember so many years ago reading an article in a magazine about dog training...I gave it a try and could not believe how the relationship with my dog improved. I read every book on animal behavior...and with each dog that joined our pack....such wonderful teachers, they taught me well. Soon I was training other peoples dogs, teaching group classes....I worked hard....as did my dogs.

During group classes I started photographing students on graduation night....the camera just felt right in my hands. Soon flowers were my subjects....while I will photograph everything, anything if the lighting is wonderful... my true love is animals....domestic and wild.
Again...my own little pack taught me well....for there is a little secret to getting the best shot.... patience.
You cannot rush the moment...the light....it just happens naturally....if your patient. The same with painting...the life that you can create with your lines, color....scribbles....one must have the ability to look and see what is not so visible to most. My paintings are often time not the exact likeness of the subject....my interpretation....what I see.

I no doubt there are those that have chosen the very same journey as I and arrived so much faster, achieved so much more...I suppose.some do have an inner gift....but still their craft must be honed.
Along my journey my furry friends have been by my side every step of the way...as teachers, as my subjects...and as students....and it all started with one dog, a magazine article and a lot of hard work....still ;-)

You've got talent...

With the temps in the 80's this afternoon here in the Atlanta area it is no wonder my dogs were a bit lazy. Like us humans, some tolerate the heat better then others. My pups prefer the cooler temperatures that we had enjoyed the last few days. I hope a few more "cold" snaps roll in before the summer temps are here to stay. Looks like early morning walks from now on....and once the sun goes down early evenings, that is if it cools down.



With the warmer temps so too is there an increase in the bug activity around my house. Lot's of annoying but harmless ants...from now on we must be on the look out for fire ants, nasty little buggers. I noticed just about every bee, wasp that we have here in Atlanta flying about....hornets and yellow jackets too. I hate these flying insects as I am allergic. Please know dogs can also be allergic to bee stings as well. The above image shows a carpenter bee annoying the dogs....they love to hoover and chase you. Pretty territorial, or at least it looks that way to me.
The puppy seems to have an interest in chasing them....so I have been telling him to come to me when I see this. Lots of yellow jackets flying about so I have been trying to see if any nests starting up.

Time to go through my first aid kit making sure my benadryl supply is adequate. If you do not have a pet first aid kit time to start putting one together, better safe then sorry.
If your dogs happens to get stung by a bee, wasp stay calm....look for the area that they were stung, with so much fur it can be difficult....look for a spot that in inflamed and swollen....remove the stinger with a tweezer (should be in your first aid kit).

Make a paste of baking soda and water and place on the entire swollen area....then apply and ice pack to the area to reduce swelling....alternate placing the pack on the area, then removing the pack...then, finally monitor your pets health. if you pet is experiencing difficulty breathing get them to your vet clinic ASAP. Again, some animals are indeed allergic and will require immediate medical attention.

First Aid Kit...

The past few weeks has found either Michael or myself at the veterinarian clinic with one of the dogs.
When you share your heart and home with more then one pet there will indeed be times like these.
First it was Montana (whoops....Rocky, funny how we never really stop thinking about our beloved pets that are deceased, Montana dies a few years ago) with the upper respiratory cough....then Niki with her UTI.

Due to the fact she is partially paralyzed she is just prone to them. As I am here a good bit of the time, by keeping the bladder empty...and keeping her clean is really the only way to prevent them. Still....every once in a while one will occur. Catching them in the early stages of course is key. While out with her about a week ago I was emptying her bladder (yep, she needs assistance to empty her bladder) I noticed a bit of blood. No other symptoms....just the blood and then within a day...while urine does not have a pleasant odor, when there is an infection present....phew.

The docs are always surprised when they examine her....for she truly is the little dog that could!

During her examination the vet looked at her teeth....little dog teeth. I put off her cleaning long enough, so after this round of antibiotics...and our upcoming trip to the beach she will be getting her teeth cleaned. I have never seen such bad teeth on a dog....not really sure why as she is a chewer and we do brush her teeth. Not sure how such a little dog can be soooo adorable and have such stinky breath, and bad teeth. No doubt genetics.


Not yet finished with her round of anti biotic's when I notice Bailey having the occasional bout of Diarrhea. Yesterday found me making a batch of basmati rice (smells so good) and cooking some chop meat. With held his breakfast.....dinner was the rice/ chop meat. This morning some Flint River and the rice mixture was breakfast, same for dinner.
So far so good, though we shall give this a couple of days.
He will ingest everything and anything...with all of the rain we have had here in GA as of late I no doubt that is the problem.


Let me tell you it is not easy to not feed a golden....
As I was doing the breakfast dishes he sat next to me and leaned against me just looking up at me with those brown eyes. Following me....while this is not at all unusual behavior, part of a Golden's charm is that they are ALWAYS with you. This type of following....having to lean on, touch....stare at....through you.
Once he realized there would be no food what could he do....
He finally wandered over to Rocky's crate....looked in for Rocky was napping....ever so gently entered, turned around, one last look in my direction....gently laid down next to Rocky and napped.

Times like these...

This morning a Golden woke me with a poke of his nose, then a growl....then another....then two more. I was slow to rise for just about every joint, muscle and tendon ached....in the end it was my hands which got my attention. The left so sore and painful, the right just a hint of pain...so very similar to how the left started.

I went in search of slippers....sharing your life with two Goldens your guaranteed to wake and walk barefoot for your slippers are never where you left them the night before ;-)
This morning...well let me just say I no doubt they will eventually turn up!
Dogs do indeed have a sense of humor and it matters very little to them how often I threaten to sell them off on e-bay if they hide my slippers one more time...it is the same ritual each morning. Just a little thing we share together!
I put on my fancy yellows crocs (a fashion statement for sure) and out in the cold...windy air we go.
It is a bit overcast and I cannot help but think that the weather forecast is indeed correct in that a cold front moved in. The cold air and wind just made me ache more so I hurried the dogs up and we retreated back in the warm house.

Once in, I filled the tea kettle with water and just longed to wrap my sore hands around the warmth of the cup. A little breakfast so a few anti-inflammatory can be taken....another cup of tea and I found myself wandering into my office, sitting in front of the Mac, hands wrapped around the tea cup cup. I noticed the sun peaking through here and there....birds feeding at the feeders...I wondered if I should skip the blog today...clearly I should not be typing. A few sips of tea and I once again focused on my hands...the what ifs...you know if two hands are in splints who will do my hair...and of course a few more personal things with which we each do throughout the day using our hands without ever a thought!
Who will walk the dogs, groom the dogs...those what if's.

I turned my gaze out the window and I saw what I at first thought was rain....then I really looked....yep snow. Snow in April....and the sun was shinning....the dogs and I rush outside and I extend my hand and catch a few tiny flakes...it was then I realized I was smiling. First smile of the morning....no sooner did the snow start...it stopped, sun once again disappeared behind the clouds. We retreated back into the house, me to my office where I am once again sitting in front of the Mac....with a smile on my face I start typing for the blog about the cold front that moved through GA on a spring day. I am also thinking how I could have easily gotten so lost in my pain and discomfort that I could have missed the sun/ snow shower...and so, the day begins and I resume my daily tasks without skipping a beat!!!



Spring

Snow on an April Spring Day...

Finally a dry day...a bit overcast but oh how everything is green and lovely.

After several more days of rain...time for a nice long walk. Looking down at my hand and wondering if I should take the two Golden's together...a second later I have better judgment. Taking them one at a time is the best I can manage at the moment. My hand does not seem to be healing....as the weeks drag on I am amazed at the pain that it is still causing me. I know I should not be walking them at all for one pull can further damage it, but they must be walked, especially the pup.
I look over at them....clearly the most wild and hyper dog will be going first....Bailey. At this thought I smile....he is six months old today, gone are the puppy features...he was such an adorable puppy. Not yet full grown....short legged compared to his body.
His behavior....more like Dennis the Menace ;-)



He is so very inquisitive, enthusiastic....and yes....he loves to stir up excitement within his pack....and at this moment in time I am almost certain he believes his name to be No No Bad Dog!
There are moments of such sweetness....it's there...he has learned if he looks at you in such a way it will just melt your heart. if you have ever loved a Golden...you know the look...head cocked at a slight angle....looking directly up at you...wide eyes, slight, oh so very slight goofy upper lip curl...they have learned with that one look you will pet, hug them, regardless to what your doing at that moment!

Bailey still seeks out the comfort of being near Rocky....at this point in time I am still so enjoying their relationship. Rocky...enjoys Bailey...simple. The other day I was busy, preoccupied....fed bailey lunch and then forgot about him in the crate. Funny how they learn certain things....I no doubt he would have eventually whined to let me know he was forgotten.....but they know they must be quiet to gain freedom...so not a peep. Rocky on the other hand did all he could to get me to let Bailey out of the crate. The addition of Bailey to the pack has made Rocky such a happy Golden....someone to play with....and someone to annoy....non stop.
He has helped me to raise Bailey....in both good and bad ways ;-)



Funny how they know it is time for a walk....Bailey loves going out...even if you just take him to the mailbox, it's an adventure. I start our walks pretty much the same....with a purpose to burn off a little bit of energy...and a little bit of training. I am so saddened at the timing
with which my hand is bothering me....he is missing out on working around other dogs, people....being socialized....It annoys me to no end to have to admit I just cannot control him with the one hand. Oh....and they do so know when you are weak, both physically and mentally.
This in no way makes him a bad dog, just a normal six months old.

The beginning of our walk was normal....heel, sits, downs....a few stays....walking at a faster pace, then slower pace....once some energy was expelled we start walking the neighborhood, hoping to not encounter any loose dogs, and if so....that they are indeed friendly. I walk with a walking stick, and attached to my hip a can of citronella spray...both of which have been used in the past....I would prefer to not have the need to reach for either.
As we walk I can not help but chuckle for it has been a few days that we have had a good walk and everything....sights, sounds....smells,,,all seemed new to Bailey. Our pace is now slower as we were taking in our surroundings....there is a corner house in our neighborhood and there are multiple dogs always out in the yard, chain link fence. They bark and bark and today I notice Bailey's fur hackle up...give a look in their direction. I pause and make him pay attention to me....look in the direction of the other dogs....if they seemed agitated, or were growling and barking....running along the fence we would continue along our way so that we not cause any trouble within their pack. They were quieting down so I took the moment to work with Bailey....put him in a sit, down....and we then resumed our walk and once again my thoughts were on the fact he was six months old. Since the majority of dogs that have shared their lives with me were rescues....I did not know how old they were....guessing the age....not knowing a birth date. I will celebrate the fact he is six months, acknowledge, pay attention to his behavior for a six month of male Golden....whew so much energy....oh...and the trouble they can get into if your not paying attention....or for that matter acknowledge their age and the puppy development stages. So, at six months the hormones are kicking in....yes....for all those that are going to be concerned over the fact that Bailey is an intact puppy. He will indeed be neutered in time. At six months he is so very easily excited....I must say he does get easily over stimulated and while I would prefer for him to be a tad bit calmer we will work though this stage. It is the enthusiasm at this age that I so adore...and the fact that they are truly sponges soaking up all that goes on in their pack and in their environment. So yes, I will indeed acknowledge the fact he is six months old...we will celebrate with an extra game of fetch, just he and I...then play time with the pack...a pretty great six month old celebration ;-)

Celebrating...Six Months...

Yes....A Prayer in Spring... by Robert Frost, one of my favorites. If you have not taken the time to look around at the lovely greenery, new growth here and there...do take the time to do so. If in parts of the country where there is still snow covering the ground...look closely, it's there.

Above is the apple tree that grows out front...oh and the scent just when the blooms are opening is soft, sweet. the bees...soo many drinking in the sweet nectar of the flowers. Sadly...the flowers do not last very long....with all of the rain no doubt they will drop to the ground sooner then usual. Time to stop and smell the flowers ;-)


Just what to do on a rainy day....once it slows down, time to head out for there is new scents every where...so much to explore, sniff and of course if you find a good stick along the way, by all means stop for a chew.

A Prayer in Spring...

Waiting...

In having both together...Baily is a little more stocky, one of those low to the ground Goldens...Henry a little taller...it will be fun to watch both mature into adult dogs. Henry seemed so much more laid back then Bailey...and those eyes....yep I bet he gets away with all of those annoying puppy behaviors.....one look with those eyes and you just melt!!!
Other then that both were very sweet, funny....goofy. Henry is a bit more agile and boy....pretty darn fast...agility dog for sure ;-) Bailey...though not as fast seemed to have a bit more energy....as I type that I am smiling for they were both happy, energetic pups.

Handsome Henry was a bit too friendly when it was time to take a few pics....every time I went to bend down....he was gonna come greet me :-) Not to mention the fact they were pretty much a blur....running, jumping, chasing and whizzing by us....or just a jumble of paws and teeth.

Pups need to have the ability to blow off some steam with another dog that is as energetic. I know Bailey would love to have another play date with Henry sometime soon :-)

Brotherly Love...

It really does...the little pup that I picked up from the breeder back in Dec. weighs in at about 50 lbs. Five months old and pretty darn full of himself. My once calm pup when out and about has turned into a demanding little fella. If you even look in his direction, well really you had just better come over and pet....oh and once there expect to be jumped on...oh, last week he also realized he can hit people with his front paws and get attention from them.



If you decide not to come say howdy....yes indeed that will be my pup with the deep "WOOF" demanding....again, that you come say hi. The puppy training that we have been working on....that perfect come....yes, he has figured out there is a world out there and it is so much more exciting then me. Training at this stage is soooo very important for young dogs...keep at it!



Five months old....getting to be a big fella...no doubt in my eyes he will be a puppy....always ;-)

Time flies...

March comes in like a Lion...

I happened to speak with someone this afternoon looking for a new home for their dog. They told me how wonderful the dog was....how much they loved him....I wondered if so wonderful and so loved, why are you looking for a new home. At a year old it would seem the dog was not trained...seems now they could not afford to train the dog now....grooming was another added expense not to mention the vet care.

Yes, the economy has truly effected so many of us....still I wonder rather then looking for a home for the dog, what could be done to keep the dog in his home? Most local libraries have books and possibly a dvd or two on dog training. E bay is another place that I no doubt you could find a great deal on training material.

Grooming...I groom my own dogs and I must admit, I am not a groomer ;-)I call their trim Neat & Clean, we will not be winning any dog shows anytime soon ;-) Again....if needed a clipper for shaving, again, I am sure you can find something on e-bay....or like me hand sissor (again, Niki will not be winning any awards for her fur style. I jsut sissor away....clean and neat.

Also...I will have to look into this....there must be locations in the Atlanta area that offer vaccinations for those that cannot afford it. I know on the north side of Atlanta there is a store that will help those in need with dog food. I mean, rather then just look for a home, look at what can be done to keep the beloved furry friend in his home. I will do a bit of research and post more valid info at a later date.

I will also post little training video's....today is just to show how easy it is....stay tuned for our training series ;-)

Paws Atlanta : Low cost vaccination clinic.

Spay & Neuter Clinics:
Check with local Humane Societies.
• Project Spay/Neuter – Pet Vet of Cumming: www.tracylanddvm.com, 770-887-1565.

• Cat Care Hospital in Marietta: 770-424-6369.

• Atlanta Humane Society: atlantahumane.org, 404-875-6420.

• Fulton County Animal Services: Free spay/neuter certficates for Fulton County residents who can't afford the procedure for their pets. Www.fultonanimalservices.com, 404-794-0358.

• Casper's Fund: From Atlanta Animal Rescue Friends, Inc., www.caspersfund.org, 678-318-1886.

• Friends of Animals: www.friendsofanimals.org.

• PAWS Atlanta: www.pawsatlanta.org, 770-593-1155.

• SpayGeorgia: Metro area. Www.spaygeorgia.org, 770-662-4479.

• Humane Society of Cobb County: www.humanecobb.org, 770-428-9882



Pet Food Pantries
Pet Food Bank Information

Help Save Our Pets Food Bank at P.A.L.S.
P.A.L.S.
2115 Liddell Drive NE Atlanta
404-536-8472, 404-876-2200 ext. 314
Donations accepted at:
Fulton County Animal Services
City Dog Market in Brookhaven
Highland Pet Supply in Virginia Highlands
Piedmont Bark
The Atlanta Dog Spa
See more about this story on Channel 2's People 2 People program Sunday, August 3rd at 6:30 a.m.
For more information about pet food help and donation opportunities in your area, here are several links:
Atlanta Area Help

Gwinnett and Douglas County Help

Cobb and Cherokee County Help

Please know the above info was gotten online. The phone numbers/ web sites were not tested. Feel free to add info in the comment section...Thanks!!

We work for food ;-)

If you take a very close look you will see a pack of dirty dogs, especially the Goldens (look at the puppies neck....dog spit and red clay...our very first outing was a bit too much fun for the Goldens and they just had to wrestle, roll in the GA red clay. Now, when I had red dogs you would just brush the dirt out of their coats, the lighter Goldens, well they start to get a red hue...and unnatural red hue at that. Depending on our weather for the next few days all will be getting groomed and bathed.



Bailey is indeed growing into his paws...and yes indeed, almost five months old he woke up and has the attention span of a nat ;-) Since I am still recovering from being ill....while all received daily play and training ...after days of not leaving the house we are starting over. For the world out front is once again new to him....the birds, pine cones, soo much to see, sniff, taste....leash training and daily walks and training have resumed....at the beginning.

Just as all puppies should be....a bit of a brat....notice the toy below with the tag still on it....he just could not wait to have it. Please, do not worry....after showing off to all, he pranced over to me and the tag was removed.

Dirty Dogs...

Bailey turned four months old this week. He is indeed growing so very fast. Due to his illness we held off his last set of vaccinations, as is he still on meds. Next week he will receive his last set. I so love watching them grow....he is a fun little puppy....happy...bratty at times and when I write that he adores Rocky...well as I had to separate them due to the fact they play non-stop and can get pretty rough, I placed the puppy in the office with me so that I can work....little bugger must have top toed out and in my search for him, there they are...snuggled up together in my living room.



So...four months is a big deal to a puppy. Watching the other dogs...the two females are sooo tired of his puppy antics and are letting him know that he needs to grow up. Yes, they are revoking hhis puppy license!
Rocky will soon follow, especially because he is so very rough, and getting so very big. Of course he will always be my puppy in my eyes and of course he is not ready to grow up....yet.

Four Months...