Thanks to Ape

A little while back I posted about the tragic loss of a local 2 year old K9 named Ape after he was shot by a crazy gunman.  While that time was sad and many of us were full of  questions (yes, he was wearing a vest), something very positive has been underway as a result.  Ape not only served so bravely during his short life, but in a way, he continued to serve even in his death...through raising awareness.  Soon after Ape's passing, my county's sheriff's department shared on the local news that that have 3 police K9's and only one outdated vest.  I was in shock!  I had no idea!  Three days later, simply by putting that information out to the public, and with Ape's recent heroism on people's minds, enough money was donated by locals to the county sheriff's department that all three K9's could now be vested!  K9 programs are often not paid for through taxes, so the public generosity is crucial.  Not only could we now vest our three K9's, but there was enough money to purchase portable emergency trauma kits!  I couldn't be more thrilled! 

Since I was so unaware of the lack money, vests and supplies available to help protect and save out K9 dogs serving us so well, I can only assume there are others out there who are also unaware.  Please, I urge you to investigate your own local K9 needs.  It took our small county 3 days to earn what money we needed, and it was simply done through sharing and interest.  Of course larger towns might require a bigger effort, but find out, spread the word....get your service pups protected!

Resources to help you get started:

Vest-A-Dog

Kevlar for K9s

Once Upon A Time

Let me tell you a story...

Once upon a time, in the not too distant past, Murray's parents used to let Murray start off bedtime on their bed each night, for a little TV time, relaxation and bonding. 

Murray's parents always asked him to get down for actual "sleep time".  Of course "good dogs" sleep on the floor in a proper doggie bed.  Murray would spend most of the night in his own bed on the floor being the good dog he was, and sneak his way back to his parents' bed before morning....(Murray's parents never felt his agile slip up onto the bed...he was so stealth).

These days, (or should I say nights?), if Murray's parents ask him to get into his own bed like a good boy, he is immediately bouncing back up to be with them within 5 minutes.  Most nights Murray never gets down at all.  Poor Murray's parents... who suffer with little leg and foot room with a 90 pound Murray on their bed...but Murray, boy does he look comfortable!  So comfortable that Murray's mom doesn't have the heart to keep him down.  What will they do?  Buy a bigger bed perhaps?  We shall see.  To be continued...

The End...(Sweet Dreams)

RIP Ollie

Ollie and his family fought long and hard to make him well, but his job here on earth was done. It's with a heavy heart and tears in my eyes that I tell you he started his journey to the bridge this past Monday.  Although he was not here long, just under 3 years, he fit in a lifetime of fun, friendship and love in that short time.  He will be missed by so many.  Safe journey, Ollie.  You were and always will be loved and remembered. 

Little Eatz

We have another new favorite treat in our household!!!  We received some peanut butter cookies in our March Bark Box and they were an instant hit!  Again, I am not being paid for this review and I am not affiliated with the company in any way...other than being a new fan.  The company is "Little Eatz" from Louisville, KY.  I love that right there...made in the USA!  Upon further search of their website, it looks like they currently make 3 flavors of cookies...Perfect Peanut Butter, Carob Chip and Cinnamon Crunch.  I have to say they all sound delish.  Here is the greatest part...they are made for not just the dogs, but people too!  Treats for sharing!  I will admit I did not try one yet, so I can't attest to the taste, but they smell just like freshly made peanut butter cookies.  My dogs went nuts for them!  They don't contain any preservatives, nothing artificial and they are all natural.  You can both have a serving for only 120 calories too!  At about 4 bucks a bag, these can't be beat.  Give them a try!  Let me know if any of you humans have given them a taste :)  I am a chicken BOL

Bed Steps!

Yes, for the most part, Murray sleeps on our bed with us.  For years I have watched him jump up and down from our abnormally high bed, and I decided I wanted steps for him to cut down on the risk of him injuring himself, and also so even in older age, he can climb up to settle in each night with us.  The problem has always been that Murray is about 90 pounds, and most dog steps are rated for well under that weight.  Even the ones that claim to accomodate large dogs had mixed reviews from customers.  Leave it to Jamie to find a solution....we will build them ourselves!  Well, HE will build it himself.  Away he went to do lots of research, finding successful models and many unsucessful ones.  He finally settled on using foam board from Lowe's.  Based on the height of our bed and the size of Murray, we decided on making a two step model, each 5 foam boards thick.  He used heavy duty glue for the initial construction and then reinforced it with duct tape.  It's not pretty, but it worked!  We have covered it in an old flannel sheet to give Murray extra grip and to help protect the foam a bit.  The sheet is then also removable so it can be washed.  An added bonus is that when you are walking around at night in the dark, stubbing your toes on it doesn't hurt!

(Below is a quick video showing Murray using the steps to come off the bed)

Front View

Side View

 

Covered in Sheet