A day in the life...

Sometimes life's little accidents are a blessing. Much to my...and the dogs surprise...the timer on the sprinkler system was changed over the weekend. Therefore upon awakening this morning we found them on in the backyard. While I no doubt the Goldens would have very much enjoyed a romp in the sprinkler system first thing this morning...they were leashed for a morning walk...which, by the way...they really enjoyed as well...as did I.

Many of us often forget that we must make the time, on a daily basis to spend time with our family...both two and four legged. I know...so easy to come up with an excuse...worked late, tired....have things to do. yeah....I have heard them all...as have I on occasion come up with a few of my own.

Life lesson...The life of our canine friends goes by in an instant....from puppies, adult to senior. Making the time is pretty darn easy...get up early and take your dog for a walk...or maybe, the entire family can go for an evening stroll...go ahead, you will all enjoy it!

Making time...

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...

I know....the above video is just shocking....
On the second day of summer the temperature and humidity rise and these poor dogs....wow I have tears in my eyes....these poor dogs are being forced to cool down by running through the water hose....then sadly....I just cannot believe I have witnessed such a thing....they then can be seen rolling in the wet grass to lower their body temperature.

With your help....We CAN change that. By sending in a Small donation money can be raised to help these dogs get a pool. Never again will they have to roll in the wet grass to cool down....the next time they roll in the grass I hope....really hope that it will be to dry themselves off.
Hard to believe....in this day and age that there are still people who force their dogs to live this way.
Please, Please help them....skip your daily run to Starbucks....I mean really....look at those faces....they are counting on you!

Urgent....Your help is needed....

Wow...while it seems I have been slacking off....nope...not at all.

One night well over a week ago...after a restless evening of sleep....finally dozing off when I was suddenly, and unexpectedly awakened by this horrible pain...I mean the moaning and groaning kind of pain....thinking I might have shouted out a little screech....well OK...it was more like yelling.

I look down at my calf and it was as if something was alive in there...my calf was a rock hard ball....and moving....it was freaking me out.

I watched in horror as my muscle was spasming...and I was not very quiet about it, that is until I glanced over to see several dogs all looking like deer caught in head lights. I toned it down a notch....all the while thinking to myself just what the hell was wrong. Blood clot,?>....then it dawned on me, a charley horse.

Poor dogs....especially Bailey...I scared him and for the remainder of the night he was glued to me. As the week passed I had hoped so too would the pain...but no. I have to be in the small percentage of individuals that will experience problems after the fact.




As I have taken it easy the pack has let me know that they will indeed tolerate a couple days of rest...but that is about it. So....we are back to play, training and just hanging out!

Can your dog do that?
For those interested in strutting their dogs stuff....on facebook page is a section of "This weeks Trick"...create a video of your dog showing off then post a link directly onto the facebook page.. No worries if your dog does not know the weekly trick....Bailey and I demonstrate the how to's.

Can your dog do that....

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...