A day in the life...

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...

"I Love My Dog " Paint Your Pet Contest...

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...

During the warm afternoons at the beach house the dogs would lounge on the deck over looking the ocean. The best days were those with a hint of a breeze ruffling their fur. All quiet, lazy and comfy....Niki in her bed and Gemma and Rocky sprawled out on the planking of the deck and Bailey sitting high up in an Adirondack chair.

Passerby's and neighbors would often chuckle at the site of him. I at first thought it to be a one time fluke, but nope, each afternoon all would take their places and Bailey would climb on top of a chair and just sit, enjoying the breeze, taking in the sights, sounds and scents...oh so quiet and still....relaxing.
The amusing thing was that he always choose the very same chair...there were several to choose from.

Last weekend during Mikes visit he purchased an Adirondack Chair...just one. I placed it at the end of the patio facing the pond. Once the fence was up after a good play I stayed out back a little while with them....all found a comfy place in the grass....and there was Bailey...sitting high up, overlooking the yard, pond....taking in the afternoons sights, sounds and scents. Life is good on the still, peaceful afternoon.

A dog and his Adirondack Chair...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Irish? No worries if your not, for on St. Patrick's Day we are all Irish for the day!
Drink your morning coffee in style, mugs and tee shirt sold on Zazzle.

Irish for the day...

March comes in like a Lion...

I am a dog person.
My home has never been without muddy paw prints, fur in unwanted places....dog toys, bones scattered about. The expression"My Life has gone to the dogs" is something I can relate to. Spending time with my furry friends is not a chore, but rather something to be enjoyed. Working as a team, learning to share our space with one another, working on Dog Obedience  and just hanging out, playing fetch or just simply taking in the sights sounds...all enjoyable. While I would be the very first one to tell you that I am the "Big Dog" (pack leader) it is give and take for clearly they have me so very well trained as well ;-)

So on this rainy afternoon in Atlanta the leashes and collars are set out and ready to be placed on the dogs, that is of course if there is a break in the rain.
The dogs are ready, willing and able, though if you walked into my home at this moment you would find four dogs napping. Just the slightest movement from me, any hint of a walk or play and you will see four dogs are up and on the move at lightening speed.
Of course, if the weather does not co-operate...no worries. A day of naps, relaxing and a few inside games (try hide n seek....I dare you), toys to chew, a dog or two groomed and life is good.
Content and happy in the moment...
Indeed, words to live by. If we all just sat back for a moment...made the time to spend with furry friends we could learn a thing or two ;-)

Share your rainy day dog activities with us!

Rainy day dog activities...

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...

When sharing your life with dogs, there are certain words, commands that one must take the time to teach. A release word is one of my dogs most favorite words for it means they can move after being placed in a stay or wait command. It also can mean a treat...when photographing them it most definitely means they are rushing forward to get their reward...be it a hug, attention...pat or of course a little taste of a tiny tasty morsel. The image taken right before this of course is great for they were paying attention, looking at me and the camera, this one is at the very moment I uttered "OK". i love capturing this moment....their expressions are priceless....now of course one must be mindful of the camera for you will have a dog or in my case dogs rushing you. Try it....the results are wonderful and so very memorable.

Release Word...

Yesterday Bailey and I headed to the North side of Atlanta to a more Holistic vet clinic. I so want to get him feeling better....as he is on antibiotics for the bacteria in his stool and urine I thought it best to add a few things. He is off all home cooked foods and now just eating Flint River Ranch...in addition to the meds he is on a couple of Chinese herbs (which will help with the loose stool) as am I adding probiotics in powder form (for infants actually)....will help with the flora in his intestines. Oh and yes in deed, cranberry juice....yummmmmy. There is a capsule form for those that do not like the juice.
He is well on his way to being a healthy pup ....I have postponed his third set of vaccinations....his immune system does not need any thing added to the mix at the moment.
We have resumed his training, and daily play and exercise...while he has been walked daily...and he and Rocky managed to "sneak" a play in...we have taken it slow with him the last few days.



I have a large bag of Large Breed Puppy Wellness dog food, unopened that I would like to donate to one of the local rescue organizations. So, if you belong to one, or know of one in need, let me know.


Oh, and for those that find the music distracting, the player at the bottom of the page allows you to lower the volume, as does it allow you to change the music for your listening pleasure ;-)

Bailey on the Mend...

One of the questions I am asked when out and about with my dogs is "What do you feed them"?

What do you feed your dog....

On this very chilly morning I find myself sitting at my PC...coughing still. You probably have experienced such a cough, after days of coughing you dread just even the thought of coughing for your ribs, and internal organs hurt when you do so.

At a cool 28 degrees the pack and I were out side for our early morning play....well ok they played and I pretty much stood in place doing a little cold weather dance trying to keep warm...deciding on just one shot for todays post...and of course the two are playing tug. That poor stuffed toy does not stand a chance.

As I watched the pack do their thing I could not help but smile and have a daja vu moment....over the years I have stood, early... chilly morning...thinking of the warm cup of tea inside just waiting for me to wrap my cold hands around the cup...and take a few sip. The sounds of the birds, the dogs playing....it has been many years....and a few dogs....the memories of those dogs that shared their lives with me....oh what very special dogs each is...was!

Over the years I have read about those that have had one special dog. A dog that was so loved...and that loved so much....a Heart Dog. I have always smiled when reading such a thing....for I so understand the sentiment...

For a brief moment I stood trying to think to that one special dog and all I can tell you is that the faces that appear in my minds eye....all of my beloved furry friends. Bogie....oh my what a pain in the butt he could be...when he was sweet....he was oh so sweet. Lovely Jas, what wonderful soft, fuzzy fur....yes indeed....my heart dog for sure. Serious Montana....who at the sight of a ball would just light up with excitement and anticipation that you will indeed be tossing it for him to fetch. Bear, the white GS that stole our hearts and slept at the front door, protecting his pack....Tasha....beautiful blue eyed tash, so very independent but yet, put your hand under a blanket and move it around and just watch her, like a puppy try to get it. Mikey the Golden...what a funny sense of humor he had. Sparkie the Pit Bull....sweet funny Sparkie who could just melt my heart with just a look in my direction.... and of course My Phoenix....hyper, oh so very hyper Phoenix....the fun we shared together.

I look to the dogs I share my life with currently and indeed, those same feelings and emotions....I adore each one.

Each having a different personality, sense of humor...I love each for who they are. Bailey....now he has been with us the least amount of time....really everyone loves a puppy. I can think back during the short time he has been a pack member and recall the exact moment he became one of my Heart Dogs....I had him in my lap and he was nipping at my hands and I was "trying" to teach him to be gentle. He finally looked up at me and barked....yep, a Woof. I smiled and hugged him....now indeed not many would find it endearing...but at that moment I knew my heart was his.

So, No....I have not had one special Heart Dog...I have been so fortunate that I have had a pack of Heart Dogs ;-)

Pack of Heart Dogs...

Yesterday was so lovely, sunny 40's. Pretty much the dogs and I were in and out either going for walks, training, agility and of course romping and playing....well ok, I do not get to romp but the dogs sure have fun doing so ;-)

Oh and yes indeed....I did get some work done as well as were the dogs groomed. Pedicures and good brushing for all. The puppy has finally gotten used to the dremel and all nails can be "sanded". Excess fur on paws, no problem...any attempt to trim any fur around his ears....oh boy, he does not at all like that at the moment....in time...he will learn to just relax!

Our Cardinals are pretty fearless, pretty accustomed to the dogs and will hang out feeding throughout our entire outing, so we get to do a little bird watching as well!

What can I say about the "girls" other then just how cute are they. As my pack is a four pack I will have to include them in my postings once in a while. Not sure how Rocky avoided my camera yesterday....I was bird watching when he and Bailey were wrestling and I did not bring along the camera when we walked. As I am once again coughing and coughing...just having a tough time shaking this.

Although I am not feeling up to par, training went on as usual....sure glad I am not the one having to climb, go through and jump over....whew. That A-Frame is so much easier to go up, then come down for a puppy. Since introducing it to Bailey I must say....he is doing well, although he would so love to jump and hop down. As mentioned in previous posts, the pause table is really one of his favorites...jumping up and sitting or doing a down....he is indeed catching on.

Not really sure just what it is about the Golden pups who have come to live with us....they always have very loose stool....not to mention on just how they can clear a room out for it seems they emit a steady stream of gas. All is well as far as tests....healthy as can be. He is on a low residue diet because it has become a daily thing for him. He is active, happy and never skips a meal...drinks plenty of fluids...no dehydration.
I no doubt it is one of those things that will just clear up in time....until then ...any one have any gas masks they can loan me?

A little Bird Watching...

Today found me very busy...and I must admit a bit cranky for I had dealings with an extremely rude individual. Funny how at time we allow such nonsense to almost ruin our day. As it was a very sunny day here in the Atlanta area...and I was looking longingly out my window I decided it time to just take a break. The dogs were ready for some fun in the sun time....with tug toy in hand we all went out. We walked around a bit, did a few fetches with the ball and stick. I gave them the tug toy sat and just watched. Amazing on how my mood was transformed into that of a very happy gal.



It seems to me the dogs like the softness and the stretchiness of this toy. If anyone out there know of another toy like this....that would possibly last a little longer....do share ;-)

And as the dogs were running out of energy....I noticed the pup find a quiet little space and down he went, out like a light.

Tug Time...