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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Daily walks are not only good for us....but also for our beloved furry friends. I find it so relaxing...and the affects it has on the dogs....wonderful. Keeps the pack together, peace and harmony. They so enjoy it....half an hour, to hour of my time every day....of course once the walk is over if weather permitting a little Agility is the icing on the cake. they are a little more relaxed, better ability to focus.

Daily Walk for R & B...

Today found Bailey and I headed to the vet clinic...nothing serious, just a puppy visit for his second set of shots. Something about a puppy makes most folks want to stop, chat and pet and love on the pup. Show the leash to Bailey and he is ready to go, or settle and nap. The leash....so amazing for when puppy get too excited in the house it can be used to quiet them down...and of course keep them out of trouble ;-)

Driving Lessons...

OK....just when your thinking it could really get no worse....I go and scribble something reallllly bad. OK, so there is a technique to this that cannot be mastered in a few tries....and I do realize this. However I did not think it could get any worse then where I started....but oh yes indeed...maybe I should change this blogs name to Bad Art ;-)
Tomorrow I'll practice some apples....blending, not blending....cross hatching, etc.
In a couple of weeks I have my private session and maybe just maybe she can point me in the right direction.

My attempt in blocking the background did not work.....should you blend, not blend??? The over all color here did not work so this is telling me more colors are needed. Also, once again my charcol sketch was good and along the way I am not really sure what happened. While I have read that soft pastels are very "forgivable"....not in my hands!

More bad pastels ;-)

Had a little bit of time to do a qucik little painting. Since I was busy this morning I am waiting on it to cool down a bit so Rocky and I can go on our walk...neither of us do well with the heat....we are ready for the fall weather and colors ;-)
For my quick painting I felt like a beach scene!!!!

Beach Scene...

Rocky and my road less traveled kept us close to home this afternoon due to the passing storms. While I have yet to see rain....I heard the rumbling of thunder and saw a few bright lights in the sky. For both our safety thought it best to stick close to home. I do not like to be out and about when I notice lightning...pretty dangerous.


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Daylily...

Update 9-10-08: 

Photo of Jack...Now Paintings of Jack