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...

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...

Moving....lots of work. I am still divided in two...some stuff here, some stuff there. As packages arrive, boxes....I have been slowly going through and among one was a photo card from a vacation several years ago to Edisto Beach. We rented a lovely beach house and brought the dogs...at the time there were five in the pack. Good memories.

In my adult life I have shared my life with a good number of dogs. I am often asked which one has been my favorite...I start thinking back and smiling....naming names and special memories...until I have named all of them. I have had no favorites...each one earning my love, respect...and devotion.

Each... different in temperament and personality. All were rescues (except for Rocky & Bailey)...a few fearful...a few aggressive....a few just a tad bit wild. All required training, time and patience and love.

Have you had a favorite?

Below are just a couple of images from my Edisto Beach vacation....very dog freindly (dog must be leashed on the beach). the two Goldens have since died...both...just a couple of my favorites!


Mikey was a rescue...loved the water, wet sand...first time at the beach.











How could I post without something about Rocky & Baily...just a little video of dogs doing what dogs do!

Favorites....

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...

Shopping, I am not a big fan....unless of course I have limitless access to money and can spend whatever I like. Sadly....while I indeed have very good taste....in all things, I am not wealthy. So...would prefer to do other thing with my time. However there are those times when I just have to muster the strength and head out to the stores...and I do so reluctantly.


Last Saturday found me at Target looking for a blender. While I like to cook, well there are those times, especially some mornings I just do not want to cook oatmeal, or eggs. I do make a batch of oatmeal once a week, as do I make several hard boiled eggs....still there are those mornings when there really is nothing ready to just eat and go.

What can be faster then adding several ingredients to a blender....and mixing it up. Easy....so there I am looking at the mannnny blenders on the shelf. The mistake I made was not taking the time to do a little research before leaving the house....way too many to choose from.















Crushing ice was important and guess what, the majority all said they did that...hmmmmm. I was tempted to leave the store and do my research when I spied several boxes....Waring Pro...made in the USA. Mid range in price....in my basket and I head to the cashier.

Upon arriving home I just cannot wait to try my new blender out....yes, I am a gadget freak and really needed to test it out. The damn thing smoked out my house. Clearly I had done something very wrong....the next day try again....nope, not so good at crushing the ice. Did I mention very cheaply made....and oh my....this time around more smoke....and boy did it heat up.

Box it back up and head back to Target. yes, this time I did do a little research and found a model that would have the ability to make a smoothie with ice...Target did not carry this model....so I would have to return the original and head to another store.

I return the blender and as I am leaving I realize they had not refunded the full
amount, go back and question why....seems the receipt stated I have been given a $10.00 gift card....no....I had not. So...cashier and I are discussing this....I request the Manager, she is the manager....she then picks up the phone and calls the folks that handle gift cards and learns that the card I was given had not been used, so is there any way to void it, cancel it somehow....sure but they need to speak with me.

OK....so now I am handed a germ infested phones....oh all right I admit it....I am a germ a phobic. I am standing in Target....holding a yucky phone talking to someone in another country that does not speak English well. I am trying to listen carefully having to push this phone closer to face....yep....I was freaking out....I give my name, home address, home number....I am told a new gift card (remember, I did not purchase a gift card.....I purchased a BLENDER). Then I am told I needed a pen....ok get one....I am told even though I have given them all the needed information I now must mail then my information...here is the address.

Say What??? I hang up and look at the young girl and say that I wanted my $10.00 placed back on my credit card. I purchased a blender, I did not want a gift card....did not get a gift card...she explained they could not....I stated she had five minutes. Please know I did not yell at the girl....she is just doing her job. I did ask her to "think"...just take a second and think about this....sigh....finally I was credited the full amount for the blender. I will not be shopping at Target any time soon.
Wondering if I am indeed the minority on this....I do not want a gift card....offer a good sale. take $10.00 off at the register.
What do you think??

New blender was purchased at another store and I am in smoothie heaven.

Some mornings I can be found mixing things up for breakfast in my new blender...that crushes ice....minus the smoke.
Feel free in sharing your most favorite smoothie recipes.

Mixing it up...

This morning found the pack and I up and out having some fun before breakfast. It was so peaceful and quiet....the dogs running, romping and having fun before settling in with a wonderful stick, pine cone....to only once again chase, be chased and just enjoy one another.

As I stood and watched my pack my eyes lingered on little Niki. I watched as she ran, play bowing to each dog, inviting them to play with her. Running with the Big Dogs.
I marvel at her big dog spirit. I watch as she approaches Bailey who is happily destroying a pine cone....a few growls, a few attempts at nibbling on his pine cone, before she just takes it from him.
I also marvel at her will to survive...I remember how she came to us and the obstacles we encountered along the way.

As a puppy Niki came to us by way of the creek that was behind our house. On a cold...rainy/sleet winters day...a day that found me ill with the flu and doing my best to rest on my comfy sofa surrounded by my five dogs...a different pack...all wonderful dogs that have since left us either from from old age or illness.
My two Golden's Montana and Phoenix were being a nuisance. Running back and forth, barking whining, crying...oh my poor aching head. I "commanded" they down....I then pleaded...I whined, and cried for them to stop.

Their persistence got me up....opened the back door....my it was cold damp and very windy...I let them out and they ran the entire length of the fence. Phoenix kept running to me....barking and heading back to the fence. I looked, saw nothing, heard nothing made them come in....firmly told them to down. Just as I was getting comfy....they once again was at the back door...and yes, once again barking crying and whining. Not at all like either of them....though I really did not feel well I again went out, this time walked the length of the fence....trying to see into the wooded area....heard nothing but wind and the creek....moving water.

This was pretty much the entire morning well into the afternoon. Finally during another outing I heard this faint cry....yipping....sounded like a puppy or small dog. I moved closer to the fence....really trying to find the location of this dog. My Golden's now realizing I finally have a clue did their best to show me just where this dog was....however....they were still moving back and forth. As I listened it appeared as though the puppy sound was moving. My heart ached for it had rained pretty hard and the water level was up...and it was pretty cold with sleet and ice in the forecast. I ran into the house and called the non emergency number for the fire department. They were polite and explained if I did not have a visual they could be of no help.




I was not even sure just what I had heard....so now dressed a little warmer, just the two golden s and I headed out. I called out, clapped, whistled....the dogs barked and barked and barked....now staying in one spot. Montana stood his ground and growled, barked....Phoenix running to me, back to bark next to Montana....it was then I heard the pup clear as a bell....this was the day Two Golden's saved a little puppy.

For those of you who know me....you know I ma just not a "little " dog person. While I respect all breeds, I just always seemed to have a mid size, to larger breed. So...a little dog had joined the pack, though I was doing my best to find her a good home. After a visit to the veterinarian clinic, vaccinations started, puppy pictures posted on my web site....this little dog was in need of a forever home.
Training was started because I know full well the best way to help a dog find a forever home is to house train and teach several much needed commands (walking on leash, sit, down and come)....little Niki is a very shy, fearful and skittish dog. She needed a home with no children, an environment where she would be loved, around other dogs and of course...training.
Sounds to me as though she was already home....but, I thought I would try to find a "better" home for her.

There were several who instantly fell in love with her images...the stories I told of her and she was wanted and already loved. Sadly, the fact that there were children in the home or who visited the homes I decided it best if she stayed put.
I did what was best for the dog and it was not that she would not be loved...she would have...she was a pack dog and in watching her she gets her strength from the pack. Being an only dog...yes, she would have been lavished with attention and very much loved...I was fearful over the fact that she would snap at children and could easily see it escalating.

I took care of her...groomed her, trained her but it did take a while for me to "love" her...my mind was set on finding her a home. Mike was smitten with her the moment she came into our lives, not to mention the dogs....especially the Golden's...all three of them put up with her antics of climbing all over them....stealing bones and toys....things they would not tolerate from the other dogs in the pack. Her puppy license had never been revoked ;-)






Over the years we have lost pets due to old age, illness and my pack was shrinking...and changing. One of the changes was Niki's spinal injury...then a series of mis-hap's occurred at the local Animal Emergency Clinic we brought her to.





Poor little Niki was paralyzed. Surgery was performed though several weeks later we were told there was little hope. Most recommended we put her to sleep....I looked at my little dog who in spirit was indeed a Big Dog and said...no, impossible. I rolled up my sleeves and the work began....she worked so hard....had so much trust in me...we did it together...stretches, massages, balance exercises, water therapy and agility.
Now I smile as I watch her run....ears flopping....My Little/ Big Dog that Could ;-)

The day two Goldens saved a puppy...

When a loved one... two legged or four, becomes ill or suffers an injury the best thing we can do for them is help make their life a bit easier...if at all possible, make them more comfortable.
That is what I have been doing for Rocky for the past four weeks or so. He has been on daily dose of muscle relaxers and anti inflammatory for what the vet thinks is cervical disc disease.

He has had to be kept quiet with not much physical activity, not an easy task when dealing with a three year old Golden that is surrounded by a pack of dogs ranging in ages 1- six. After two weeks on the drugs he so wanted to jump, run play.....and then of course as I would place him in the crate to take the others out for a play....that look....an unforgettable look.... haunting eyes that are screaming out.....Don't Leave Me in Here....TAKE ME WITH YOU....I WANT TO PLAY TOOOOO!!!
Please know that I am not at all exaggerating ;-)

The New Year found me giving him his last pill....since then I have been waiting , watching....slowly allowing him his freedom. Still, not allowing the two Goldens to wrestle....their most favorite pass time.
The last couple of days I have watched Rocky pick up a toy and parade it around Bailey....enticing him to play. With such a grand invitation to play, well to see the look in Baileys eyes, just what he has waited for....I am pretty quick to put a stop to it before it gets started...a big disappointment for both of them.

Having been watching the pack for all of these weeks I was very tickled to see Gemma step in to help Bailey with his energy...and of course to have a little fun herself.
Rocky let it be known, as did I there would be none of that and pretty much Bailey has really not tried to initiate play with him.
Bailey for the most part has turned to Gemma, his toys and me for a release of energy.

After all these weeks Rocky is letting the pack know he is now ready for some action...
As he is not yet out of the woods I think he needs a couple more weeks to warm up slowly to a more active way of life. Rocky has never been the most active Golden....too many joint issues for that. He does so enjoy a good fetch fest once in a while....loves playing with Bailey...enjoys walks.

I have worked hard at keeping Rocky mentally stimulated....along with trying to help him to heal with supplementation along with his prescription medication and the occasional dose of Milk thistle. Massages...one of his very favorites and of course enough hugs, kisses to spoil any dog.

As I am not currently working I of course am so hoping healing has indeed taken place for
the cost of veterinarian care is so very expensive. Having relocated finding a good veterinarian clinic is a daunting and expensive task. The thought of surgery, not to mention his size... care ....well I do not even want to think about that....time will tell.



Recently I read a comment on FB stating anyone who would spend allot of money on a dog bed is basically an idiot. I had a pretty good chuckle for Mike had gone out looking for a comfy bed for Rocky's crate. Since he would be spending a good amount of time in it....keeping him comfortable was important to us.
Yes....one can just throw a pillow down for their dogs....they would indeed find it comfy and cozy. Before little Niki's back surgery several years ago old comforters were used in crates, on the floor. As an individual that suffers from RA and Lupus....well I know pain and discomfort...the importance of a good mattress can indeed make all the difference.

With that thought process....and the experience of having my fair share of senior dogs in my pack that suffered from arthritis the hunt was on for a more comfy...well made dog bed that wold fit into the crate.

Mike volunteered to look around for something more suitable...he happened across a bed that would be wonderful for Rocky's crate as he explained it to me via phone conversations...I then thought of Gemma who is now six and showing a few joint issues. Her crate is kept in my studio which in cold weather does not warm up as the other rooms in the house. I could easily move the crate, however this is the space she is most comfortable in. The bed is several inches thick (keeping her away from the drafts...enough support for those achy sore joints)....well lined, easy to care for.

Two were purchased...one for Rocky, one for Gemma. Bailey prefers to not have a bed in his crate...though when colder I do place a throw mat inside....Niki....hers was specially made for her....she is partially paralyzed and one must give pressure points a thought...along with those areas where there is little feeling....and of course it must be lined.




The beds....a great big hit.
I have opted to keep the fuzzy throw mats on top of the new bed...making it even more comfy...Goldens, they love a bolster to rest their head on, or hang their head off of it.
Bailey....he enjoys a little snooze in either Rocky's or Gemma's crate....as will you often find Niki in one of the crates with the new beds when unoccupied. Rocky....well his first time in the crate with his new bed there was little moving around trying to find a comfortable position...a big difference from before the bed was placed in the crate.. Yes....he likes it.

The comment was not made about me, nor directed at me in fact until now I had not made reference to the purchased beds. No offense was taken other then amusement. Most of us share our opinions based on our own life experiences...forgetting we each take a different path in life....forgetting that our experiences are different....so easy to do here in cyberspace.

Human Nature....we each will have moments of behaving like an idiot...each of us will not always be the brightest light on the tree...Searching out and purchasing a bed for my dogs that costs a good bit because it is well made (and made in the USA), durable and easy to care for....nope not even close on the stupid/idiot meter ;-)

So....while I no doubt each of us has indeed over indulged our children, furry friends and other loved ones....wondering, just what is the most expensive item you have purchased for one of your furry friends?
I am stepping up here to announce...other then the dog beds ;-) that when Phoenix was with us...he indeed was a wonderful, fun dog.....he also happened to be very hyper and always needed something to do....I went out and purchased agility equipment....not very good with my hands I could not make it.

I purchased solid, well built equipment....a bit pricey but with yearly maintenance it would last a lifetime. The best money I ever spent...and indeed, he was well worth it ;-) as was many other dogs...all benefited from the exercise, mental stimulation as was it the best way to bond...and for Niki....a wonderful....creative way to keep her from getting bored with her rehab.
I still have that equipment and remember well working along side Phoenix and passing what I learned along to others.


Spend time with your furry friends....take the time to better learn to communicate and understand them, teach them....they are so much more intelligent then we give them credit for... while I would love to write that sharing one's life with a furry friend will cost you little....it really depends on just what you can afford....it depends on your circumstances. There is nothing wrong with every once in a while splurging on our loved ones.



Remember...Your time....well it is the least expensive thing of all.

Idiot meter...

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

During a phone conversation with a dear friend yesterday we got onto the topic of travel....
It is no secret to my family and friends...I have a terrible fear of flying. I used to have the ability to force myself to get on a plane....but then one day I just could no longer muster the strength.
I cannot explain the fear...it is more of a feeling of being boxed in, closed in...tight, claustrophobic.
As there are a few places I would love to travel...well at 50ish this is something that I will soon have to seriously work on...but that is a topic for another day.

I guess I am a bit of a homebody. I prefer to be surrounded by my family, friends....which of course consists of my four dogs.
As my friend and I discussed travel she was telling me of her planned trips the next few months. While I can stand and often enjoy several days without my dogs....I truly miss them if any more then that.
For those that do travel if you are fortunate enough to have found someone to care for your furry friends you are indeed so lucky.
My crew, well just not an easy pack to care for. The Goldens....piece of cake...feed, hug, pet... throw the ball and take for a walk....easy. the "Girls", well not so easy. Niki is indeed a handful....you have to make sure her bladder is empty (by manually squeezing her bladder....not as bad as it sounds). Since Gemma. is very fearful...well I would indeed need someone that was very dog savvy.

As our conversation progressed I questioned any concerns she might have about the care of her pets when she was gone. It was not meant to be taken as judgement, just a question for it was mentioned the one cat was indeed so very attached and during my friends absence behavioral issues occur that require time and patience once she returns from her trips.
As my friend was doing quite a bit of travel, with more planned I really was just wondering...
the reply was she could not live for her pets, especially this one cat.

I smiled for I knew my question was taken wrong...no worries we are indeed good friends and have known each other a lonnng time. I stated that I did indeed live my life for my dogs....with four one has to make sure there is enough money for medical care....well really....they are accustomed to a certain lifestyle ;-) The installment of the fence was for them to safely have freedom...yes, I would say I live for my pets...for my two legged friends and family...and of course just for me ;-)

I often plan my vacations so that they include my furry friends. When Niki was first injured we did have a choice....and it was an easy one to make. I was full aware of the care that she would need for however long she lived....we could put her to sleep...or surgery and lots of care for many years to come. I love her, my husband adores her....it was easy... I have no regrets...I do however get tried.....I am human and there have been times I lost my patience....I do have days where I so wish I were a better, more patient individual...pray for a Calgon moment (I know...my age is showing).
This is one of life's many little secret gifts...she (Niki ...my little cky mix) is teaching me and maybe, maybe before I die I will get it!

So...yes...I live for many things...and my dogs are indeed a part of that....what about you, do you live for your furry Friends?
One of My favorite quotes"
Dogs are not my whole life, but they make my life whole ;-)

Living your life for your pets???

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...

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...

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...

Sammy is back with us fora few days....sporting a new do. I do so love when he is a scruffy pup, however, look it those eyes. Yep...he is one handsome poodle ;-)



Sammy on 12seconds.tv

Sammy has come a calling...

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...

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...

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...

Today finds the sun shining brightly...warmer temperatures...a big difference from our snowy Sunday. What to do on a lovely sunny winter day....sadly for the dogs I do have to work for who would keep them in the life style they have become so very accustomed too ;-)

Nothing in life is free...