Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Loss, Grief, New Beginnings And A New Dog

Days after my last post in November, I very unexpectedly (and dramatically) lost my mom.  Everything shut down for me, and this blog was on that "everything" list.  To say life is forever changed is an understatement, but in the past 6 weeks I have started to heal.  Some of the healing was forced upon me because we immediately inherited my mom's 9 month old Great Pyrenees puppy, Georgie, and she doesn't allow time for sadness lol.  Life has been...busy.  But, with a new year approaching quickly, new energy in our house and a new idea and direction for this blog, I am back.  For the time being I want to post mostly photos.  I have found playing around with my camera to be lots of fun, and pretty relaxing.  I am learning along the way, but I hope to be able to post some decent pictures through this year.  Last night we got our first snowfall, so today we had a snow photoshoot!

Piper

Murray

Murray

Georgie
  

Sunday, November 8, 2015

Murray Snuggle Sunday

Spending my Sunday with this guy, and couldn't be happier :)
Happy Sunday, All!

Thursday, October 22, 2015

Trying Something New

I've always had an interest in photography.  I love taking pictures...especially of my favorite subject...my dogs!  So, I am going to start making a real effort to learn proper techniques with photography.  I have a pretty nice camera that I know virtually nothing about.  It's high time I changed that.  So I'm jumping in head first!  I hope that equates to some better pictures for my posts...and possibly some posts just of my pictures.  Stay tuned....

One of my faves

Monday, October 19, 2015

Sickies

We had a sick Murray in the house this weekend.  Upset belly was causing limited eating, vomiting and some terrible gas!  Once he was feeling up to it, some boiled chicken and rice with some canned pumpkin mixed in did the trick!  Today he's feeling A OK!  I've been hearing of this dog "stomach bug" going around.  Anyone else?

On the mend with a new friend

Sunday, October 4, 2015

Relaxing Weekend

Back to school has been busy busy and my blogging has taken a serious hit!  I'm happy to report we had a relaxing weekend, which was much needed.  We hope all is well in blogland, and we are working to get out some helpful and fun posts ASAP!

Our weekend "look"

Sunday, September 20, 2015

Sunshine Sunday

We're down to our last few really nice weather days around our parts.  We were sure to get outside and enjoy it today. 
 Happy Sunday, All!

Sunday, September 13, 2015

Seresto Year 2

Fleas and ticks are a HUGE problem where we live.  Ticks especially, are everywhere.  We have found once again in year two, that the Seresto collar works amazingly well, and it's super easy to use.  So much easier and cleaner than the liquid drop types of flea and tick products out there, which Murray had a skin reaction to.  Neither of my dogs had any kind of bad reaction to the collar.  Both of my guys are large dogs with heavy coats, and the collar fit and worked well.  We highly recommend!

Sportin my Seresto this summer

Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Error...

We're having some technical difficulties.  Best we could do today was share our summer 2015 collage.  Ugh, computers!

Sunday, September 6, 2015

The Look

It's that sad sad time of year again when my mom leaves me to return to the kiddos she teaches in 3rd grade.  I don't know why I can't go to class with her.  It's not fair!  So instead I give her this look a lot...so she's well aware I'm NOT a happy camper.

Monday, August 31, 2015

A New Season Approaching


Welcome to our new Fall design.  I'm pooped from all that creativity!  Once rested I'll be back to some good posting, Y'all!

Thursday, August 27, 2015

We'd Love Your Vote

We've entered a contest over at Caru Pet Food and would be grateful if you would be willing to for for us.  We've tried Caru a few times and just LOVE it!  If you haven't tried one of their stews, run out and get some.  DELISH!  If you're willing to vote, please click HERE.  Thanks bunches :)

Monday, August 24, 2015

Tuesday, August 18, 2015

When A Cat Loves A Dog

A day in the life of a dog who is loved by a cat.  
The struggle is real.

Monday, August 17, 2015

This Dog Makes Me Laugh

When we have people in the house that the dogs don't know, like the guy attempting to fix our brand new, broken furniture this week, I put the dogs outside.  While outside both dogs proceeded to bark, run and jump around the yard in excitement, knowing someone new was inside they couldn't get to.  Well my man Piper here ran and jumped at the door and missed and fell into his full kiddie pool.  Not phased, he jumped up and kept on going.  Doesn't he look super proud of himself?  Oh, this dog.  Almost 12 years old and still a nut.  Love him!

Monday, August 10, 2015

Our Furiend

Today we had to say farewell to a lifelong friend.  Our pal, Rupert, crossed over the bridge today.  Rupert is not a "blog dog", he was a close friend's dog who had quite a spirit.  His mom called him the Kramer (from Seinfeld) of the canine world.  So now you can imagine the kind of character he was...and I'm sure will continue to be in dog heaven.  He and his sister Jasmine, who is also mourning her brother tonight, were born just weeks after our Piper.  They all would be turning 12 this November.  Piper, Rupert and Jasmine spent many days in puppy hood running and chasing each other as puppies do.  Rupert and Jasmine being herding dogs, gave Piper a good what for, which was just what he needed at the time.  Thank you, Rupe!  Tonight Rupert's family are deeply feeling his loss and comforting Rupert's sis Jasmine too, so I would like to hold up a virtual glass to cheers Rupert's life.  He was loved so very much and was quite the lucky pup to live the life he did.  Get to chasing those dogs again, Rupe!

Rupert
 

Friday, August 7, 2015

Beach Bum

I'm back from my vacation being a beach bum and thought you all should know!  BOL  I'll get back to regular business soon :)


Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Pet Peeve

Dressing dogs up for fun on a regular basis....this drives me nuts!  Sorry if I'm offending anyone, but  dogs are DOGS, not babies or kids.  Sure, a raincoat or a sweater to protect your pup from weather conditions is perfectly acceptable.  A Halloween costume or dress up for a photo op doesn't bother me in the least either.  I do that myself!  But it's the poor little dogs I see all decked out in dresses and tiaras on a daily basis that really get to me.  I venture to say that NO dog enjoys this.  So please, think twice before strapping your dog into a tutu to go for a walk.

Hey!  Let dogs be dogs!  We're great the way we are!

Sunday, July 26, 2015

We Still Walk

It's HOT and HUMID around us today, but we still managed to get a walk in.  We just have to make some changes in this weather.  We go slow and take our time.  We shorten the length of our walk.  We strap on our cool collars, and we walk on grass whenever it's safe and possible to avoid burning paw pads. So we got our Sunday Funday walk in despite the weather, which makes everyone feel refreshed!  Yay!  
Happy Week to Everyone!
Sportin our COOL collars

Friday, July 24, 2015

Stuffed Animals- A Murray Fave!

Murray's toy of choice is anything stuffed with a squeaker inside.  He used to want to tear into the stuffed toys to retrieve the squeaker, but now they just become his best friends.  We have tons, and I mean TONS of stuffed dog toys around our house....all sizes, shapes and colors.  As soon as I try to pick them up and put them in a toy basket, Murray is close behind pulling them all back out.  They are literally scattered around every room in our house!  There are even three or four in my exercise room!  He carries them outside, up to bed, to the door when someone walks in....everywhere!  I find it to be the cutest thing!  So, here he is with one of his larger stuffed animals, his lamb.  


Saturday, July 18, 2015

DIY Natural Dog Shampoo

If you want to control what ingredients you place on your dog during grooming/bathing, it's not necessary to purchase dog shampoo.  You can make your own safely and it's all natural!  Here's the recipe...

1 Cup Natural Baby Shampoo or Natural Liquid Dish Soap
1 Cup Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
2 Ounces Glycerin 
1 Cup Warm Water

Mix all together in a squeeze bottle.
Make sure your dog is good and wet when you apply the shampoo, and do a complete rinse when done to be sure no shampoo residue is left behind. 

Scrub A Dub Dub!


Ready for my bath!

Monday, July 13, 2015

Summer Fun

Now that we've covered how to stay safe in the summer months, I'm excited to share some of our summer FUN plans that we have!

*Our annual Cape Cod trip!  Our favorite place to go!  Cape Cod is super dog friendly and we eat great food, enjoy romps at the ocean and soak up the atmosphere.

*Pooch Plunge!  Our local shelter holds an annual pooch plunge at the end of summer at the public pool.  It's closed to people and open to the pups!  It's a great time and earns lots of money for the shelter!

*Dog friend play dates!  It's the best time of year to meet up and play together!

*Lazy days at home soaking in the pool!  This goes without explanation :)

*Lots of playing ball! 

*Lots of walks and exploring!

Come on!  Lets get goin!

Saturday, July 11, 2015

Dog Summer Safety

Summer is our favorite time of year around here.  We spend lots of time outside enjoying what seems like a very short season, and just like every other season, summer brings it's own specific risks for your pup.

*Overheating or Heat Stroke
It SHOULD go without saying, but unfortunately it does not...do not leave your dog in a hot car!  Your car's interior heats up very quickly and even a cracked window won't help.  At home and elsewhere, be sure your dog has access to plenty of shade.  In extreme heat, a kiddie pool works great for quick cooling off.  There are also many frozen doggie treats on the market, or you can make your own!

*Dehydration
Your dog should have regular access to unlimited, cool drinking water.  We keep a full bowl at all times inside.  We fill a bowl daily when we're outside so it's changed often, and we carry a jug full of water and a bowl with us when we travel.

*Grilling/BBQ
Keep foods at bbq's that could be potentially unsafe for you dog out of his reach.   Meat bones and corn on the cob are just a couple picnic items that could be of danger.  The grill itself is another risk.  Wagging tails and sniffing noses can quickly get burned if not careful.  Even when we aren't using our grill, our dogs are interested in the smells left behind.  We keep our grill covered when not in use so our curious pups won't be tempted to eat something they shouldn't.

*Hot Pavement
Always test any surface with your own feet before deeming it comfortable and safe for your dog's paw pads.  If it's too hot for you, it's too hot for them and can cause some serious burns.  Walking at cooler times of the day is best.

*Fleas, Ticks and Heartworm
Speak with your vet about appropriate precautions against parasites.  We choose to use the Seresto collar for flea and tick control and love it.  Our dogs are given Interceptor for heartworm preventative.

*Fertilizers
Be aware of where you dog is roaming around when out on walks.  Not everyone who uses dangerous lawn treatments posts it so you know.  Be careful to allow your pup to walk on pesticide free surfaces as much as possible.  Thank you to those who do post!

*Fireworks
It's best to keep your pet away from places where fireworks will take place.  Keeping them safely inside with the windows closed and the TV or some music playing helps a lot.  If that is not possible, it's important to hold pups on a short leash to be sure they aren't startled and running off.  Keeping ID on your dog or getting them micro-chipped will help a great deal should he run off.

*Grooming
Some dogs need a summer cut to keep their coats shorter and cooler in the warm summer months.  There are also dog sunscreens available for pups with skin being exposed to lots of sun.

*Summer Allergens
Try to stay aware and on top of what allergies your dog might have during the summer months.  It will keep them far more comfortable to avoid those allergy triggers.  Different grasses and flowers are common triggers in many dogs.

Since we know it's impossible to list every single possible risk, dog owners have to stay aware.  No one will watch out for your pup as well as you.

Happy Summer!

 

Sunday, July 5, 2015

5 Summer Goals 2015

I have things in mind as each summer rolls around  to keep my pups and myself happy and healthy.   As a teacher, the summer months give me ample time to spend reconnecting and working with my guys.

1. More regular toothbrushing.
2. Homemade summer frozen treats.
3. Take more pictures.  Capture "moments".
4. Teach/learn a new tricks.
5. Being more of service to dogs in need.

Anyone else have summer goals?


Friday, July 3, 2015

4th Of July!

Happy July 4th One and All! 
 Stay safe and keep your pups safe and secure!

Murray

Sunday, June 28, 2015

What's That?!

Can you see that thing in the water? It's a little zippy boat! I want to get it!  

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

6 Senior Dog Tips

1. Consider what the best diet is for your aging pup.  Often seniors function better on a lower protein food so as not to over stress the kidneys.
2. Ask your vet about conducting a senior blood panel to find and possibly treat early, any sneaky ailments.
3. Consider increasing your vet checkups to twice a year, rather than just annually, to catch things early when they're more treatable.
4. Continue to prevent fleas and ticks. 
5. Adjust exercise levels to suit your dog.  Aging dogs tire faster and stiffen more easily.
6. Glucosamine/ Chondroitin can be a great supplement to add to a senior dog's diet to help with stiffness.

Friday, June 19, 2015

Monday, June 15, 2015

Getting Big!

My mom's pup Georgie is growing fast!  Had to post a side by side.  

8 Weeks Old
15 Weeks Old


Thursday, June 11, 2015

Thank You!

Thank YOU for all the sweet birthday messages!  I had a great day and am not the least bit bummed to be another year older.  I have a great life and I love every second of it :)  Here's a pic of me before I devoured my cake.  It was delish!

Monday, June 8, 2015

Murray's 8th Birthday Letter

My loveable Murray...
You are an 85 pound, now 8 year old, crazy haired pile of love with so much happiness inside.  I love your constant happiness...and how every morning you act like you so badly want to snuggle and sleep in, and then you can't resist the cats running by the bedroom door so you pounce from your pretend sleep!  I even love how you bark at every single sound you hear...every. single. sound.  I love how you jump in excitement at every creature we pass on a walk.  I love how you are sweet and welcoming to dog visitors at our house.  I love how you look up to your brother Piper...and sometimes annoy the crap out of him.  I love your nickname, "Boom" you earned after you fell off our bed while sleeping one night.  
You make us so happy! 
I love that if I hug you, you literally place your head on my shoulder...and I KNOW you're hugging me back.  I love to throw a frisbee for you.  You have so much fun with that.  Although trying to get you to give the frisbee back isn't loads of fun for me ;)  I love how you MUST take a "ball" (toy) outside with you in the afternoon and upstairs with you to bed.  You love your toys so.  You're so funny when you wait for us to ask you, "where's your ball?", and then sprint off to get it to bring it inside.  I love that you love to travel with us, and you're so well behaved wherever we take you.  I love that you hate clippings and baths, act like they're literally killing you, and then bounce around like a loon the minute they're over.  You are beyond adorable, and you make us so very happy.  We love you with all our hearts.  You are such a joy every day.  
Happy 8th Birthday!  
Love, Mom and Dad


Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Dogs Are The Best

Dogs are the best...

*Dogs don't talk back...or talk at all!
*Dogs don't judge you.
*Dogs know when you need them close by.
*Dogs don't get mad at you.
*Dogs don't care how your look.
*Dogs are happy just being with you.
*Dogs are fun.
*Dogs love...all. the. time.
*Dogs are furry and warm to snuggle with....and they cuddle back.
*Dogs don't steal the remote.
*YOU are your dogs best friend.  Never forget!




Saturday, May 30, 2015

Georgie!

My mom (Murray's grandma) recently got a new puppy!  She got a Great Pyrenees and named her Georgie!  Welcome Georgie!  Isn't she just the cutest?!?!


Monday, May 25, 2015

Sunday, May 17, 2015

She Deserves Better