tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71759964475526031842024-03-05T07:58:26.491-08:00Best Treats for Your Dog ... and other Doggie StuffAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12602199854847548157noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175996447552603184.post-84126038742978445232014-10-15T13:11:00.000-07:002014-10-25T11:57:38.231-07:00Hikes with Dogs are Good for the Body and Soul<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Sammi romping through the woods,<br />with Franki close behind.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The arrival of Fall brings cooler weather and beautiful Autumn colors. If the heat of summer kept you inside in the air conditioning, it's time to get outside, get moving, and enjoy the season! Having larger dogs, I tend to stay active all year round, for their benefit as well as mine. We're lucky, I suppose, because the woods are just outside the back gate and the dogs are always ready, willing, and able to go roaming and romping through the trees.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hiking with dogs is the perfect way to spend time together, as well as getting the exercise that we all need to stay healthy. And, as I've experienced, hikes with dogs are good for the body AND the soul. Nothing makes me happier than watching them enjoying the freedom to run, sniff and dig. It doesn't matter how many times we hike the same trails, they are always excited and eager. It's always new and wonderful.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Cookie trots down the middle of this </span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">small stream in the woods.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Late last winter, we ended up wandering in a different direction than usual and came across a lovely, quiet spot with a small stream rippling through the trees. The dogs immediately began splashing around, drinking the cold, clear water, and cooling their warm bellies. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Having a new place to explore, they were noticeably excited, even more than usual, and began running through the trees, their noses to the ground. I sat down on a large rock next to the stream to watch them, knowing they wouldn't go far and would come back to check on me every couple of minutes. Except for Shasta, the old, white hound, they don't need to be leashed in our woods. They are the epitome of pack animals and never wander too far away from me.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Franki takes a drink while cooling her </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Being the youngest, Franki tends to wander farther and faster than the others, but sooner or later, I hear the jingle bells attached to her collar and know she's on her way back to rejoin us and cool off for a bit in the water, before taking off again to explore some more.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Despite being nearly 11-years-old, Cookie is usually right behind Franki, not wanting to miss anything exciting. Sometimes I hear them barking frantically, as they tree a squirrel or some other wild critter. On rare occasions, they catch a deer or rabbit unaware and I can hear them chasing the poor creature through the forest; except for Franki, however, the dogs are too old to be interested in long chases, and Franki's arthritic knee and strong attachment to me prevent her from running for too long. I call for her two or three times and within a few minutes, I hear the leaves crunching, her bells jingling, and soon she comes running up, her tongue lolling and chest heaving from the excitement and effort of her race.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Cookie and Franki, facing off. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">More often than not, her excitement spreads to Cookie, who promptly engages her in a bit of wrestling and play biting until they're both ready for a short rest and a cool drink.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Andie and Sammi (and poor Shasta, who is limited by her leash) tend to stick closer by me during our hikes, although they, too, take advantage of the freedom to run, roam and sniff. But Shasta and I are rarely left alone. Even when Cookie and Franki are out wandering and exploring, Sammi and Andie are never far away and usually within sight, or are sitting or standing nearby, enjoying the quiet, eating shoots of green sprouting from the rotting leaves, listening for Cookie and Franki, or just sniffing the air.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Even in late winter, Andie enjoys the </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The dogs and I are very fortunate to have access to woods and trails where it's safe for them to roam and wander, and where we can all enjoy the fresh air while we exercise. But even if you don't have walking or hiking trails as close as we do, more and more dog parks and dog-friendly trails are opening up or are already available across the country.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even if you have to travel a bit to get there, the benefits of exercising with your dogs are many: stress-reduction, weight loss, disease prevention, and just plain ol' fun and enjoyment are all good reasons to bond with your dog while you walk, run, hike, swim, or play fetch. There are many resources available to help you find <a href="http://www.hikewithyourdog.com/page2/page2.html" target="_blank">dog-friendly trails and parks</a>. Use your favorite search engine or contact your local chamber of commerce for ideas.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Happy Sammi<br />(and Shasta, up in the right corner)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">Ever
wonder where you'd end up if you took your dog for a walk and never once pulled
back on the leash? </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">~Robert Brault</span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12602199854847548157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175996447552603184.post-2600843273132784492014-06-23T13:18:00.000-07:002014-10-28T07:52:31.505-07:00Black Dogs with Blue Eyes are Amazing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT7ctTLm0xsYlNYv3bEdEJS7jXNBOS6_MF26someozu4jfw86BPK48czqGDQzr6ocW9KmxNgkEZmYYMufsy8Te7Ild0Yu1e5MJnxdLBvrWDpE5ieLEelvCIDl65yJG4t1B0RXCPa738lsd/s1600/Franki+Blue.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT7ctTLm0xsYlNYv3bEdEJS7jXNBOS6_MF26someozu4jfw86BPK48czqGDQzr6ocW9KmxNgkEZmYYMufsy8Te7Ild0Yu1e5MJnxdLBvrWDpE5ieLEelvCIDl65yJG4t1B0RXCPa738lsd/s1600/Franki+Blue.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Franki ... a black dog with amazing blue eyes.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I get so many comments about my beautiful Franki. Black dogs with blue eyes are amazing to look at, and she is also such a beautiful spirit. She loves people and has a very sweet personality. She's also a bit of a goof and likes to clown around.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are several breeds of dogs that often have blue eyes: Alaskan and Siberian Huskies, Australian Shepherds, Alaskan Malamutes, Border Collies, Catahoula Leopard Dogs, and Dalmatians are the most likely to have blue eyes. Since I started this blog and also from the videos I've posted of Franki on YouTube, I've heard from several people who have black lab mixes with blue eyes. So Franki isn't absolutely unique, but she is rare. Most blue-eyed dogs are white or are multi-colored or merle.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">On the Move!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I never tire of taking photos of Franki, although with the stark contrast between her black fur and light blue eyes, sometimes it's difficult to capture good shots of her. Plus, if she's outside, she's usually on the move.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Soon after adopting Franki, I noticed she had a limp. It's only noticeable when she's walking, and if you saw her running around the front yard or out in the woods, you'd never know she has a bum leg. X-rays revealed that she has rather significant arthritis in her back right knee. Our vet believes it's most likely due to getting hit by a car when she was a puppy and not getting proper veterinary care for the injury. Franki was rescued when she was barely a year old and was often seen limping around a rural community, alone and hungry.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since she was injured so young, she has obviously adapted well to the somewhat limited use of her leg. I give her a joint supplement, and the occasional anti-inflammatory when she seems especially stiff, but she is otherwise very happy, very active and very healthy.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Taunting Ripley into a Chase</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With her boundless energy, Franki is one of those dogs who enjoys sprinting around the yard at top speed, hoping one of the other dogs will chase her. She often taunts the other dogs by grabbing a toy and dangling it just out of their reach. When they try to take it from her, off she goes!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If we're on a hike in the woods, it's almost impossible to get a good picture of her. Franki has a bit of a wild streak and runs through the woods like a deer. She's graceful, sleek, and very fast. And, as you can see in this photo, she usually looks a bit crazy as her ears are caught in the wind as she runs, her eyes wide with the excitement of being out in the wild.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">...................................................</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Did you know that black dogs are the least likely to be adopted from rescues and shelters? It's referred to as "Black Dog Syndrome" or "Black Dog Bias" by animal rescue workers. For whatever reasons, some people have an unreasonable fear of black dogs (and other black animals). But anyone who has ever lived with a black dog can attest to the fact that they are just as wonderful and loving as a dog of any other color. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photographer Fred Levy <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;">recently launched the </span><a href="http://caninenoir.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Black Dogs Project</a><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;">, a photo series of black dogs against a dark background. Levy's photos are beautiful and truly capture the sweet nature of his subjects. His project was recently the topic of a widely read article in the The Huffington Post, which you can read <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/27/black-dogs-project_n_5037181.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUUDeD4VHFpC32FV1RzrAV9St4kxXj9UnZN-mmw_89_rLbNaFiaFNaQMrgFXiAj94aXGCfTPHWJQOJAl5njwgvZ0eTH8QwzwrzLWFmEcob05XwpCuDbQ_hMF0bRIq-FfYKgIPTNZZsbJVA/s1600/09-19-2012+-19.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUUDeD4VHFpC32FV1RzrAV9St4kxXj9UnZN-mmw_89_rLbNaFiaFNaQMrgFXiAj94aXGCfTPHWJQOJAl5njwgvZ0eTH8QwzwrzLWFmEcob05XwpCuDbQ_hMF0bRIq-FfYKgIPTNZZsbJVA/s1600/09-19-2012+-19.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Franki Blue</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;">His series doesn't feature any black dogs with blue eyes, but you can always come back here, where I'll be posting more photos of my blue-eyed wonder dog, Franki, in the near future.</span></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12602199854847548157noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175996447552603184.post-21477344947304558302014-05-05T09:31:00.000-07:002014-05-14T12:11:01.990-07:00Gift Ideas for Dad<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbSAi9BvwIIMTLcPyEFKDyhqwsvEqN8aCFIxSxuqbwFKbedSu50YbBOKo2AyEVzUCOfxQ0zcsKsSwF3oof5XW13KYN516xD9mLX43XlgQkFaZau9hkmQmy5zvqIi4eoDlcXmNiRv0PHpZm/s1600/1971+December.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbSAi9BvwIIMTLcPyEFKDyhqwsvEqN8aCFIxSxuqbwFKbedSu50YbBOKo2AyEVzUCOfxQ0zcsKsSwF3oof5XW13KYN516xD9mLX43XlgQkFaZau9hkmQmy5zvqIi4eoDlcXmNiRv0PHpZm/s1600/1971+December.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">My dad with my little brother and our<br />dog, Mugger, in 1971.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whether you're looking for ideas for Father's Day, dad's birthday, or "just because," it seems that men are often much harder to shop for than women. And if your dad is one of those guys who already "has everything" ... well, it's just that much harder to think of some unique gift ideas for dad.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today, I'll try to help with a few ideas, whether your father is a dog-lover or not.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If your dad or someone else in the family is a camera bug, you may have a lot of old home movies, photographs, or slides sitting around. If they're in VHS, film reel, prints, or slide form, you may be concerned that, over time, those memories will degrade or you may no longer have the equipment to even watch or view them anymore. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In that case, you have a few options. You can buy a DVD recorder that will allow you to transfer VHS to DVD; you can take your photos, slides, video tapes or film reels to Walgreens, Walmart, or other photo service business and have them transferred to DVD; or you can use a service like <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/qs112tenkem17AB95781337925A5" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;" onmouseover="window.status='http://www.yesvideo.com';return true;" target="_blank">YesVideo.com</a><img border="0" src="http://www.tqlkg.com/5s105uuymsqBHKLJFHIBDDHJCFKF" height="1" width="1" /> and have your old movies and photos available both online and on DVD, if you choose.</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqE0Xi4ADTuG7c1JUke64Hebo721dddgChihYkeA9DHwK-w632niSqdFxhEG5coq2umisA9HCgeMkdz20WslmpWHH8QDOaP4yWyxGQQKf-8j0yQKP_Yr8CrNZbSu9VQyttF_L9itXGYBpH/s1600/1967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqE0Xi4ADTuG7c1JUke64Hebo721dddgChihYkeA9DHwK-w632niSqdFxhEG5coq2umisA9HCgeMkdz20WslmpWHH8QDOaP4yWyxGQQKf-8j0yQKP_Yr8CrNZbSu9VQyttF_L9itXGYBpH/s1600/1967.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">My older brother, a puppy, and I in 1967.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you place an order with YesVideo, you get:</span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A private, online account with unlimited video storage</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Editing
& trimming tools that make it easy to create custom DVDs</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Free
iPhone & iPad apps so you can access your movies anywhere</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Online
sharing via email & Facebook</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Your
videos will be online & your originals will be shipped back to you, usually within 14
business days, depending on the size of your order and the quality of the original medium.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.tkqlhce.com/5281dlurlt8EHIGCEF8AAFDIFBB" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;" onmouseover="window.status='http://www.yesvideo.com';return true;" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank">
<img alt="124x124 YesVideo 20% Off Coupon Special" border="0" src="http://www.tqlkg.com/lh101ax0pvtEKNOMIKLEGGLJOLHH" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can also order copies of the new digital video on DVD. Until the end of 2014, <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/cc111js0ys-FLOPNJLMFHHLNGJOH" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;" onmouseover="window.status='http://www.yesvideo.com';return true;" target="_blank">Get 20% Off your entire first order by using Coupon Code: 20TR at YesVideo.com.</a><img border="0" src="http://www.awltovhc.com/24106jy1qwuFLOPNJLMFHHLNGJOH" height="1" width="1" /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
Another unique gift, perfect for Father's Day, or dad's birthday is the Jacob Bromwell <a href="http://www.dpbolvw.net/a2110r09608OUXYWSUVOQQSVWWQY?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jacobbromwell.com%2Foriginal-popcorn-popper&cjsku=C100" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;" onmouseover="window.status='http://www.jacobbromwell.com';return true;" target="_blank">
Original Popcorn Popper</a><img border="0" src="http://www.tqlkg.com/9q97drvjpn8EHIGCEF8AACFGGAI" height="1" width="1" />. Made in the U.S.A. for 195 years, this American classic pops corn over an open fire or kitchen stove top. With just a bit of oil and some salt, you can create new family memories together, whether it's movie night or during summer camping trips.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTcIoIcCWilYrND7aClb47h2zSx3Lg7g9uq0Jcj1Mmgd3wYZ-DFXWUtmUWUBp-wByjK3NyBPX1SXmUUUyHR2ovlCCRAKi99J6P0RV9SDnwDgIAn7_ev9AmC0gemUR43h6auUzIYT-vPA3F/s1600/Popcorn+Popper+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTcIoIcCWilYrND7aClb47h2zSx3Lg7g9uq0Jcj1Mmgd3wYZ-DFXWUtmUWUBp-wByjK3NyBPX1SXmUUUyHR2ovlCCRAKi99J6P0RV9SDnwDgIAn7_ev9AmC0gemUR43h6auUzIYT-vPA3F/s1600/Popcorn+Popper+1.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Bromwell high-quality popcorn popper's 3.5
quart capacity lets you evenly pop popcorn over an open fire, as well as a
stove top (gas, wood, or electric).</span></div>
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</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unlike
microwave popcorn with low popping ratio, their popcorn popper features automatic
steam venting and promises super fast and consistent popcorn every time.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Durable,
non-electric, and fun for the entire family.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A wood handle keeps your hands cool.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Free instruction & recipe pamphlet included.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Built
out of quality stainless steel and guaranteed not to rust.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Backed
by Jacob Bromwell's 100% Lifetime Guarantee, so you can buy with confidence.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Still
Made in the USA, even after all these years. Buy American and save jobs.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><ul style="text-align: left;">
</ul>
<form action="http://www.jdoqocy.com/interactive" method="get" target="_blank">
<table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="width: 600px;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="10%"><img alt="Original Popcorn Popper" border="0" src="http://www.jacobbromwell.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/thumbnail/300x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/p/o/popcornpopper_clip_1.jpg" /></td>
<td valign="top"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Original Popcorn Popper</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Works over a campfire or the kitchen stove. You're not still making popcorn in the microwave, are you? Ahh, the sweet smell of freshly popped popcorn over the open fire. With the kiddos crunching and laughing away, there's no better way to bring family and friends together than the good ol' fashioned way. Our Original Popcorn Popper is a durable customer favorite, especially with families. Kids love watching the kernels magically transform into fluffy popcorn, whether it's used over an open fire or kitchen stovetop. You'll love knowing that it's still 100% made in America and now in its 195th year of production, having maintained its original design since it was given the gift of life in the early 1800s. So for movie night at home, or ghost stories around the campfire, make your popcorn the original way, with a bit of oil, a pinch of salt, and a dash of nostalgia.</span><br />
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<input name="utm_source" type="hidden" value="cj" />
<input name="pid" type="hidden" value="5897356" />
<input name="aid" type="hidden" value="11367719" />
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<input name="url" type="hidden" value="http://www.jacobbromwell.com/original-popcorn-popper" />
<input type="submit" value="Buy" />
</td>
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</form>
<img border="0" src="http://www.ftjcfx.com/c666p59y31NTWXVRTUNPPRUVVPX" height="1" width="1" /><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another great source for gifts for dad is <a href="http://www.dpbolvw.net/ap117vpyvpxCILMKGIJCEEDEEMGD" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;" onmouseover="window.status='http://www.smkw.com';return true;" target="_blank">Smoky Mountain Knife Works</a><img border="0" src="http://www.awltovhc.com/18103vvzntrCILMKGIJCEEDEEMGD" height="1" width="1" />. Don't let the name mislead you. They offer much more than just knives ... </span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tkqlhce.com/8s75shqnhp4ADEC8AB4665C5E9A?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.smkw.com%2Fwebapp%2FeCommerce%2Fcart%3FMode%3D1%26SKU%3DWR14060%26commissionCode%3DCJSMKW&cjsku=WR14060" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;" onmouseover="window.status='http://www.smkw.com';return true;" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Winchester Camper's Kit" border="0" src="http://www.smkw.com/large/knife/WR14060.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.jdoqocy.com/5q70wktqks7DGHFBDE7998F8HCD?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.smkw.com%2Fwebapp%2FeCommerce%2Fcart%3FMode%3D1%26SKU%3DWR14060%26commissionCode%3DCJSMKW&cjsku=WR14060" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;" onmouseover="window.status='http://www.smkw.com';return true;" target="_blank">
Winchester Camper's Kit</a><img border="0" src="http://www.ftjcfx.com/oi121o26v0zKQTUSOQRKMMLSLUPQ" height="1" width="1" /></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Smoky Mountain Knife Works carries <img border="0" src="http://www.lduhtrp.net/i6104z15u-yJPSTRNPQJLLKRKTOP" height="1" width="1" />Sporting
Goods; Martial Arts and Self-Defense products; Movie Memorabilia; Collectibles; Kitchen items, including over 100 types of sauces, jams, honey, and relishes; Tactical gear; Hunting, Fishing, Camping, and Outdoor gear; Pocket Knives; Apparel and Accessories; Books and Video; Lighters; Flashlights; Fantasy items, and more. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
Their prices range from under $24.00 to $300 and up, so you're apt to find the perfect gift for the special man in your life. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">*Disclaimer: I may earn a small commission from any
purchase you make through any of the links within this article or anywhere else
on this blog. Be assured, however, that
my commission does not affect (increase) the prices you pay.*</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12602199854847548157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175996447552603184.post-61379744026663025772014-04-21T11:08:00.000-07:002014-05-13T11:50:49.754-07:00Oh, How Time Flies! We Brought Franki Blue Eyes Home Two Years Ago.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmOz8zSkflVGapiGSQqrsNVX2m8Ye5VNAnDyzsitqI8zcl0cqY6HOU1sQMzJQPBrAF-m_fgODvrWc60_65s8tpDdoYrSB8JT2ZtF9NyLgN6J65MXfOewCXMoDnTothrTbgQ5QomBpYylTj/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmOz8zSkflVGapiGSQqrsNVX2m8Ye5VNAnDyzsitqI8zcl0cqY6HOU1sQMzJQPBrAF-m_fgODvrWc60_65s8tpDdoYrSB8JT2ZtF9NyLgN6J65MXfOewCXMoDnTothrTbgQ5QomBpYylTj/s1600/009.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Franki ... Just Chillin'</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She was barely a year old when my rescue group, <a href="http://www.colars.org/" target="_blank">COLARS</a>, took Franki in just over two years ago. She was pregnant and had been abandoned next to a dumpster behind a closed-up, rural bar-and-grill. A kind woman saw her and fed her for a couple of days until she learned about COLARS. Just two days after rescuing her, Franki gave birth to three puppies. After the pups were weaned and transferred to another rescue shelter for adoption, I went to visit her at her foster home.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At first, I hesitated about adopting her ... she was a bit wild and I was concerned that my older and partially disabled pooch, Ripley, might get hurt with such a rambunctious kid running around. So I went home without her, knowing that our rescue group would be careful about placing her in a new home. But I couldn't stop thinking about her. Not just because she was beautiful and unique-looking with those crystal blue eyes ... there was something special about Franki beyond her outward appearance. Even though she was unfocused and hyperactive during my visit with her, something kept tugging at my heart.</span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV0Cr9EKzGYFjxIerE6UbtzScqCKyj84dWIXT5z9N28vgBb9EXzt1aqLRH6Jg24g-0kGlKAlBm1d7mZXr_n0Z_oJQyJd94jAEe7lqJ5HaukxD5je3Yim84aj2M1juvGrXHr7So4oZNijkZ/s1600/DSCN0569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV0Cr9EKzGYFjxIerE6UbtzScqCKyj84dWIXT5z9N28vgBb9EXzt1aqLRH6Jg24g-0kGlKAlBm1d7mZXr_n0Z_oJQyJd94jAEe7lqJ5HaukxD5je3Yim84aj2M1juvGrXHr7So4oZNijkZ/s1600/DSCN0569.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Franki and Ripley, August 2012.<br />Cooling off after a hike in the woods.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Two days later, I went back to her foster home and told her foster mom that I'd like to take Franki back to my house for a few hours to see how she'd do with my five dogs. I introduced her to them, one-by-one, in the front yard, waiting until both dogs had enough time to sniff each other out and calm down enough to get acquainted. Since Ripley was the oldest and most dominant dog, I introduced Franki to her first. Despite being very excited, Franki seemed to understand that Ripley's physical body was fragile and she kept a respectful distance.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Things continued to go well, and despite feeling cautious about a new, younger and very active dog trespassing on their turf, my dogs were generally accepting of Franki running around the yard. I was still unsure about whether this would be a good fit for everyone; but after watching Franki and the rest of the pack for a while outside, I decided to take her inside to see how she acted indoors.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjea70oI5rmJwuO0Rtet9XwPUrEgcT7J7bHyVGqmzylFmoNPpbqTf7vLUIpqi2iM_kFhhMmOLqzuCwJyhgRKCkpl9ViGkv_eTaB9W6ZCZYX8Mc2v39a5f26nQwKTdPL5OTqk5w5VoTCXtfN/s1600/DSCN1813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjea70oI5rmJwuO0Rtet9XwPUrEgcT7J7bHyVGqmzylFmoNPpbqTf7vLUIpqi2iM_kFhhMmOLqzuCwJyhgRKCkpl9ViGkv_eTaB9W6ZCZYX8Mc2v39a5f26nQwKTdPL5OTqk5w5VoTCXtfN/s1600/DSCN1813.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Morning Playtime, November 2012<br />Franki and Andie</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was more than surprised. The instant Franki entered the house, she calmed down. I had expected her to become overly excited about being in another new environment, but she seemed to know intuitively that acting like a wild dog inside was unacceptable. I wondered if she had cued into the other dogs' relative calm and realized that this is how she was also expected to behave.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Waiting for a Birthday Treat</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To make a long story short, as the saying goes, I never took Franki back to her foster home. This was her new, forever home. She's been a blessing; pure joy! ... mixed with some occasional naughtiness, of course ... she's still a kid, after all.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although I don't know her actual birth day, I decided that her homecoming date, would also be her birthday. So, yesterday, we celebrated Franki's third birthday and her second year of being Home. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Sammi, Cookie, Andie and Franki</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a special treat, I shared some of my mother's homemade, world famous chocolate chip oatmeal cookies with her and the rest of the gang ... the dogs got none of the chocolate, of course; just the bites around the chips. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"I think dogs are the most amazing
creatures; they give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for
being alive." ~Gilda Radner</i></span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12602199854847548157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175996447552603184.post-37368520044167419702014-04-18T14:27:00.000-07:002014-05-14T08:22:24.573-07:00Mother's Day Gift Ideas for Under $30<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.jdoqocy.com/6f102xdmjdl069A8467021595247?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.calendars.com%2FBeagle-Bobble-Head%2Fprod115009%2F&cjsku=200800012334" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;" onmouseover="window.status='http://www.Calendars.com/';return true;" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Beagle Bobble Head" border="0" src="http://www.calendars.com/img/p/135/200800012334.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/1c74lnwtnvAGJKIEGHACBFJFCEH?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.calendars.com%2FBeagle-Bobble-Head%2Fprod115009%2F&cjsku=200800012334" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;" onmouseover="window.status='http://www.Calendars.com/';return true;" target="_blank">
Beagle Bobble Head</a><img border="0" src="http://www.ftjcfx.com/kg115kpthnl6CFGEACD687BFB8AD" height="1" width="1" /></span></td></tr>
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<img border="0" src="http://www.tqlkg.com/f4103y7B-53PVYZXTVWPRQUYURTW" height="1" width="1" /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mother's Day is just around the corner ... May 11th ... so you are likely thinking about getting your mother something special this year. But maybe you don't have a lot to spend.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No worries! If your mom is a dog (or cat) lover, I've happened upon an online store called the <a href="http://www.dpbolvw.net/9r75zw41w3JPSTRNPQJLLOSKRLP" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;" onmouseover="window.status='http://www.Calendars.com/';return true;" target="_blank">DogBreedStore.com</a><img border="0" src="http://www.lduhtrp.net/3f66vvzntrCILMKGIJCEEHLDKEI" height="1" width="1" />, that has some really great dog- (and cat) related Mother's Day gift ideas for under $30. Not only for Mom's day, of course. Any time you need a gift for someone who loves their dog or cat, you're likely to find the perfect gift. They have everything from bobble-heads, like the adorable Beagle pictured to the left, to <b>iPhone covers</b>, calendars, wind chimes, puzzles, <b>bumper stickers</b>, umbrellas, dog toys, <b>leash hooks</b>, stationery, magnets, <b>coffee and travel mugs</b>, sleep shirts, socks, <b>doormats</b>, wall art and signs, frames, <b>leashes</b> ... pretty much any kind of gift you're looking for, most under $30. Free shipping starts at only $25.00; otherwise, standard shipping is a flat rate $5.00.</span><br />
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<td valign="top" width="10%"><img alt="Beagle Bobble Head" border="0" src="http://www.calendars.com/img/p/135/200800012334.jpg" /></td>
<td valign="top"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Beagle Bobble Head</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">This adorable Beagle will wiggle his way into your heart. The wobbly-headed pup is made of high quality, hand painted resin and stands approximately 4.25" tall. Great for home, office, or dash! The perfect gift for any dog lover! Does not include adhesive.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHtlA6cIhUQdO5WP6FOBSh1F8sJig-lk_CNSBy2f3A67Nnb6Ap_7P1QdwAQYNA8MTIqeJna2kd5ljL5UNc-LKtMTlHCdCeYokQ1GFh7f_z36assK55qmpJLD3I8ScYv_DJkWlamN4y2XmP/s1600/Some+from+Spring+2008+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHtlA6cIhUQdO5WP6FOBSh1F8sJig-lk_CNSBy2f3A67Nnb6Ap_7P1QdwAQYNA8MTIqeJna2kd5ljL5UNc-LKtMTlHCdCeYokQ1GFh7f_z36assK55qmpJLD3I8ScYv_DJkWlamN4y2XmP/s1600/Some+from+Spring+2008+012.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Happy Sammi</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My best boy, Sammi, a Beagle-mix, has made me rather partial to Beagles, so some of the ideas I'll share with you here today are Beagle-themed, but you'll find the <a href="http://www.dpbolvw.net/9r75zw41w3JPSTRNPQJLLOSKRLP" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;" onmouseover="window.status='http://www.Calendars.com/';return true;" target="_blank">DogBreedStore.com</a><img border="0" src="http://www.lduhtrp.net/3f66vvzntrCILMKGIJCEEHLDKEI" height="1" width="1" /> has a large variety of breeds to choose from: Australian Shepherds, Basset Hounds, Boston Terriers, Border Collies, Labs, Boxers, Bulldogs, Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, Chihuahuas, Cocker Spaniels, Dachshunds, French Bulldogs, Golden Retrievers, Puggles, Poodles, Heelers, Doodles ... the list goes on. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The store features plenty of more generic and general dog-themed gifts, and if you're partial to Rescues, they have some products that are rescue-themed, as well, including iPhone covers, an air freshener, and magnet.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOImhpi7lZVO3ziOXlefqE7RrNdNc_g933cDj-VVo1Aifmqc7akr7MBTHHhKLTKnMMRQf0G5-v6CEifk8GJU2g1ov49L_pZEklpf6NlDKeG4pr2ccKDs22v22C3Q8FKB2NctkmS0WgRBs-/s1600/Dog+Wisdom+Sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOImhpi7lZVO3ziOXlefqE7RrNdNc_g933cDj-VVo1Aifmqc7akr7MBTHHhKLTKnMMRQf0G5-v6CEifk8GJU2g1ov49L_pZEklpf6NlDKeG4pr2ccKDs22v22C3Q8FKB2NctkmS0WgRBs-/s1600/Dog+Wisdom+Sign.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.jdoqocy.com/63103y1A719PVYZXTVWPRQUYURTW?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.calendars.com%2FDog-Wisdom-Wall-Sign%2Fprod201300030321%2F&cjsku=201300030321" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;" onmouseover="window.status='http://www.Calendars.com/';return true;" target="_blank">
Dog Wisdom Wall Sign</a><img border="0" src="http://www.lduhtrp.net/i6104ltxlrpAGJKIEGHACBFJFCEH" height="1" width="1" /></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They have a very large assortment of decorative wall signs and plaques (over 100) that would make great gifts. All of the decorative wall plaques are made from a printed page that is encapsulated between a UV blocking sheet of vinyl and a 3/8 inch thick sheet of medium density fiberboard. They're finished off with a decorative beveled edge and a keyhole hanging system, so they're ready to hang in any room indoors, including bathrooms.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The wall plaques are among my favorites ... it's hard to choose ... but the Dog Wisdom, and Golden Retriever Conversation Quote wall signs, featured to the left and below, especially caught my eye. Each one is priced at under $25.00. If you'd like to purchase one, or take a closer look, just click on the caption/link under each photo. You'll be taken to <a href="http://www.dpbolvw.net/9r75zw41w3JPSTRNPQJLLOSKRLP" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;" onmouseover="window.status='http://www.Calendars.com/';return true;" target="_blank">DogBreedStore.com</a>'s website, where you can see every product they have available. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.tkqlhce.com/cj102nmvsmu9FIJHDFG9BAEIEBDG?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.calendars.com%2FGolden-Retriever-Conversation-Quote-Wall-Sign%2Fprod201300026631%2F&cjsku=201300026631" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;" onmouseover="window.status='http://www.Calendars.com/';return true;" target="_blank">
Golden Retriever Conversation Quote Wall Sign</a><img border="0" src="http://www.awltovhc.com/5281jy1qwuFLOPNJLMFHGKOKHJM" height="1" width="1" /></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The gorgeous wall plaque to the right features a Golden Retriever, but the quote is something every dog lover can relate to: "No one appreciates the very special genius of your conversation as the dog does." ~Christopher Morley</span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of my favorite Beagle-themed gifts is the beautiful wall hanging below. They also have them for German Shepherds and Golden Labs. They measure 12 inches x 12 inches, and are only $19.99.</span>
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<td valign="top"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">I Heart My Beagle Wall Sign</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Decorative Plaques are a ready-to-hang version of printed art. We take the printed page and encapsulate it between a UV blocking sheet of vinyl and a 3/8 inch thick sheet of MDF wood. We then finish it off with a decorative beveled edge and a keyhole hanging system. Once finished, this decorative plaque can hang in any indoor environment—from kitchens and baths to man caves!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've given you just a very small taste of what the <a href="http://www.dpbolvw.net/9r75zw41w3JPSTRNPQJLLOSKRLP" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;" onmouseover="window.status='http://www.Calendars.com/';return true;" target="_blank">DogBreedStore.com</a><img border="0" src="http://www.lduhtrp.net/3f66vvzntrCILMKGIJCEEHLDKEI" height="1" width="1" /> has to offer. Take a look for yourself ... you'll see that they have quality dog and cat-themed gifts at great prices. And their shipping rates are so reasonable. Even if you don't purchase the minimum to qualify for free shipping (only $25), standard shipping is a flat-rate $5.00. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please share the love by sharing this post on your Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest page, or in an email. Just click any of the sharing options below. The Pack says, Thanks!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 12.727272033691406px;">*Disclaimer: I may earn a small commission from any purchase you make through any of the links to DogBreedStore.com within this article or anywhere else on this blog. Be assured, however, that my commission does not affect (increase) the prices you pay.*</span></span></form>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12602199854847548157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175996447552603184.post-78826111715715079042014-04-11T10:49:00.000-07:002014-04-24T15:10:45.698-07:00Dying Woman Desperate to Find a Home for Her Beloved Dog<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Family photo, contributed to National Dog News Examiner</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I first saw this article on Facebook along with a plea to share the information to help this woman find her sweet Pittie mix, Sherlock, a new, loving home. Anyone who loves their pets like family can understand her anguish at the idea of her dog being homeless after she is forced into hospice care or dies.<br /><br />The article, <a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/dying-woman-desperate-to-find-a-home-for-her-beloved-dog" target="_blank">Dying Woman Desperate to Find a Home for Her Beloved Dog</a>, appears on examiner.com and includes the following contact information for anyone who might be able adopt Sherlock or help find him a home in some other way: <br /><br />Sherlock is in Fort Collins, Colorado, is fully vetted, and heartworm negative. Contact Jess for more information at: <a href="mailto:rubyphoenix36@yahoo.com">rubyphoenix36@yahoo.com</a> or phone 970-775-0797.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sherlock's human guardian, Pat, has end-stage cancer and will soon be going into hospice. "Sherlock has basic obedience training and is housebroken. He loves people but has never been around young children. He loves long walks and cuddling on the couch. He is such a sweetheart. Sherlock would do best in a home with no other pets. A well mannered, sweetheart of a boy who can't comprehend that soon his human will be gone."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Can you help this woman fulfill her dying wish? Please share this far and wide so that Sherlock can find a new forever home and loving family!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Update</b> from the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Saving-Sherlock/1439945412915208" target="_blank">Saving Sherlock</a> Facebook page: "<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">We found a wonderful local family for Sherlock, who we spoke with several times, we did reference checks and had scheduled a home visit for yesterday in the evening. We told Pat about this family several days ago and she was very excited to meet with them, especially since they want her to continue to be a part of Sherlocks life as long as she can. Pat was not feeling well yesterday and began having some difficulty with the thought of placing Sherlock. This is completely understandable and we all feel for her. The adoptive family is wonderful and very understanding of her situation. They said to me this morning "we don't want Pat to look at it like she is losing Sherlock, we want her to look at it like she is gaining a family".</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"> ... April 22, 2014</span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12602199854847548157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175996447552603184.post-14426402082186509602014-04-04T10:00:00.000-07:002014-04-05T20:06:00.795-07:00The Best Price for Bully Sticks<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bully sticks, bull pizzles, and steer sticks ... whatever you call them, they have perhaps become the most popular dog treats around. Especially since all the bad press on treats from China, bully sticks have become THE trusted treat for dogs. But they can be very expensive with price tags of $3.00 - 5.00 <i>per stick</i> being very common. And if your dogs are anything like mine, even a single 6-inch, thick bully doesn't last longer than an hour or so. </span><br />
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<a href="http://www.jdoqocy.com/q465xdmjdl069A84670225925A5" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;" onmouseover="window.status='http://www.BestBullySticks.com';return true;" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank">
<img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.lduhtrp.net/km121vvzntrCILMKGIJCEEHLEHMH" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So where can you find the best price for bully sticks? Unless you can afford to buy in bulk at the wholesale level, the <b>lowest prices for standard thickness, 6-inch bully sticks</b> ranges from about $1.25 - $1.80 per stick. One of the very best sources I've found online is <a href="http://www.jdoqocy.com/2s65ox52x4KQTUSOQRKMMPRSMML" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;" onmouseover="window.status='http://www.BestBullySticks.com';return true;" target="_blank">BestBullySticks.com</a><img border="0" src="http://www.lduhtrp.net/cg66z15u-yJPSTRNPQJLLOQRLLK" height="1" width="1" />. They specialize in bully sticks and offer a large variety of sizes and quantities. The more you buy, the lower the price per stick.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not all bully sticks are made in the U.S.A. In fact, most of them are not. Most likely, that's because the American beef industry </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">isn't interested in the investment it would take to raise free-range, grass-fed cattle. Most bullies come from either Brazil or India, where there are more organic ranchers than in the United States.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Most of the bully sticks sold by <a href="http://www.jdoqocy.com/s875ar-xrzEKNOMIKLEGGJLMGGF" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;" onmouseover="window.status='http://www.BestBullySticks.com';return true;" target="_blank">BestBullySticks.com</a><img border="0" src="http://www.lduhtrp.net/lp75drvjpn8EHIGCEF8AADFGAA9" height="1" width="1" /> come from <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;">free-ranging, grass-fed Brazilian cattle, none of which are fed hormones or antibiotics. They are a single-ingredient treat with no added chemicals, coloring, preservatives, or flavorings. They are USDA/FDA inspected and approved.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/8066r09608OUXYWSUVOQQTYSWPT" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;" onmouseover="window.status='http://www.BestBullySticks.com';return true;" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some of the bullies <a href="http://www.jdoqocy.com/s875ar-xrzEKNOMIKLEGGJLMGGF" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;" onmouseover="window.status='http://www.BestBullySticks.com';return true;" target="_blank">BestBullySticks.com</a><img border="0" src="http://www.lduhtrp.net/lp75drvjpn8EHIGCEF8AADFGAA9" height="1" width="1" /> sells are made in the U.S.A.; but from the research and looking around I've done, it's very difficult to find American-made dog treats that come from free-range, grass-fed cattle that have not been given hormones and/or antibiotics. I prefer the bullies from Brazil because they are thicker and more uniform in size. The bullies from the U.S. are thinner, and I'm not 100% sure they are from organically-raised cattle (free-range and grass-fed; although they appear to be chemical-free). </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All of the bully sticks sold by </span><a href="http://www.jdoqocy.com/s875ar-xrzEKNOMIKLEGGJLMGGF" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;" onmouseover="window.status='http://www.BestBullySticks.com';return true;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">BestBullySticks.com</a><img border="0" src="http://www.lduhtrp.net/lp75drvjpn8EHIGCEF8AADFGAA9" height="1" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" width="1" /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> come from cattle raised with NO added chemicals, coloring, preservatives, or flavorings. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
<br />Bull pizzles (basically, dehydrated bull penis) are "left overs" of the beef industry. But as far as dogs are concerned, these "left overs" are one of the best-tasting things on Earth!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Sammi is always happy to "demonstrate" <br />the proper way to eat a bully stick.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bully sticks become chewy when moistened by your dog's saliva and naturally help clean their teeth while providing dogs with a satisfying chew. They're a great way to reduce tartar build-up while satisfying your dog's instinct to chew.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They're a much better treat than rawhide: bullies are easily digested, and won't break or splinter so are a safe and healthy treat for dogs. They're naturally high in protein and low in fat. ... It's just hard to find a better, longer-lasting treat for your canine!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These are the same bullies I give to my own dogs. I trust <a href="http://www.jdoqocy.com/s875ar-xrzEKNOMIKLEGGJLMGGF" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;" onmouseover="window.status='http://www.BestBullySticks.com';return true;" target="_blank">BestBullySticks.com</a><img border="0" src="http://www.lduhtrp.net/lp75drvjpn8EHIGCEF8AADFGAA9" height="1" width="1" /> and have had no problems giving these treats to my furkids.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">*Disclaimer: I may earn a small commission from any purchase you make through any of the links to BestBullySticks.com within this article or anywhere else on this blog. Be assured, however, that my commission does not affect (increase) the prices you pay.*</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12602199854847548157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175996447552603184.post-48040059610943312112014-02-25T09:36:00.001-08:002014-02-25T09:47:48.515-08:00Riding a Wave of Hope<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you haven't seen this video yet, do yourself a favor and watch it now. Dogs are such blessings in our lives. In so many, many ways. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickspire.com/m/Rubbertree669/Riding-a-Wave-of-Hope#.UwzQhPJmKzA.blogger">Riding a Wave of Hope Movie</a>: Turning disappointment into a joyful new direction.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitxE0U06VdiJ4OfT4OUEVh33NGTqI7bt42blUnDC1WUXQN8VacoS7ScRnAdrOPB29PtTMZpkfrWb1A17osax63zqJpc-6oA5GltvzXZOQ2qZ9yJtA2hq2I27Av1jhUH1MXMXMbOjpWcyRr/s1600/DSCN1569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitxE0U06VdiJ4OfT4OUEVh33NGTqI7bt42blUnDC1WUXQN8VacoS7ScRnAdrOPB29PtTMZpkfrWb1A17osax63zqJpc-6oA5GltvzXZOQ2qZ9yJtA2hq2I27Av1jhUH1MXMXMbOjpWcyRr/s1600/DSCN1569.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My girl, Ripley, inspired me in so many ways her whole life. She reminded me every day to appreciate the little things in life and that our perceived disabilities and shortcomings can be overcome.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">... may all beings be released from suffering.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12602199854847548157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175996447552603184.post-18796509082889625482014-02-19T15:47:00.000-08:002014-02-19T19:51:20.112-08:00Dealing with the Loss of Your Dog or Other Pet<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Teddy ... 2003 - July 28, 2011</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyone who's ever lost a beloved pet knows that the pain and grief can be overwhelming. And all too often, your friends or even family members don't seem to understand and may even belittle you for your feelings, or tell you to "just get over it. It's just a dog" (or cat or bunny or any other critter). But dealing with the loss of your pet is just as difficult as dealing with the loss of a human. Sometimes, it's even more difficult. The depth of your grief for the animal you loved is real. It is profound. And it's normal.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Those of us who love our pets dearly often don't know how to deal with the loss. Your employer may provide paid time off when a close human family member dies, and your friends and family members are quick to offer their love and support during your grief. You can join a support group to talk about your feelings and there are counselors and doctors trained in helping you deal with such losses.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Brittany ... January 1989 - January 21, 2004</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But when it comes to the death of your pet, you may feel completely alone and unable to cope. You're expected to go to work and to carry on with routine activities and responsibilities. Too many people just don't get it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I remember when I was very young ... only about 7-years-old ... my dad was waiting for me and my brother on the front step when we got home from school. I could see he had been crying, which was the first time I'd ever seen my father in such a state. He told my brother and I that our dog, Mugger, had gotten out of the back yard and wandered onto the busy road down the street. Mugger had been hit by a car. Her injuries were fatal and she had died shortly after my dad got her to the veterinarian's clinic.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Lacey ... March 1996 - October 1, 2012</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Being so young, I'm not sure if I was more upset by my dad's reaction or the reality that our sweet Mugger was gone. But the fact that it seemed okay for my dad to be so sad helped me better deal with the loss of our dog.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mugger's passing was the first time I was faced with death. Since then, I've had to say goodbye to many other pets. Gerbils, turtles, hamsters, lizards, cats and dogs. I loved them all. The dogs, especially, but they were all special in their own way.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Ripley ... July 1999 - April 5, 2013</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It never gets any easier to say goodbye. I think it might be harder now that I'm older. The more I'm around animals, the more I learn how truly special they are. Most recently, I've had to say goodbye to my Ripley. She was an amazing being. Wicked smart and very funny. She looked at me like she could really "see" me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She's been gone for almost a year now, but I still miss her so much. Her loss is palpable. She was such a major presence in my life and it just doesn't feel the same without her here. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So maybe you're reading this because you, too, have lost a pet that was dear to you. Or maybe you're dealing with an ill or dying pet right now. If you're feeling overwhelmed or like you just don't know how to cope, there is help for you. There is comfort, and light ahead. And there is nothing wrong with seeking help in moving forward.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>"Not the least hard thing to bear when they go from us, these quiet
friends, is that they carry away with them so many years of our own
lives." </i></span></span></div>
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<i style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">~John Galsworthy</i></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you're not sure where to look, I'd like to offer two resources that can help. Both of them are downloadable ebooks, so you can start reading right away. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They are both great resources; one is geared toward people who are more spiritually oriented. </span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://074fa3xsyd5ecrb6viq4vm10-w.hop.clickbank.net/" target="_top">The Pet Loss Spiritual Guide</a> was written by healer BJ Burman. She has <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.400001525878906px;">devoted herself to helping people deal positively with the loss of their beloved pet ... </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.400001525878906px;">to not only deal with the emotions, thoughts and practical aspects, but very importantly, to deal with the </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.400001525878906px; text-decoration: underline;">spiritual</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.400001525878906px;"> aspects. Not in a religious or a secular way, but simply with acknowledgement to the world’s great wisdom traditions of both east and west.</span></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.400001525878906px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.400001525878906px;">Her guide is geared toward helping you deal with the loss of your pet both before and after he or she dies. She includes some great bonuses with the book and there is a 60-day money back guarantee. Two of the bonuses are in MP3 format and are truly wonderful.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkAkMOUeZKpnRS6F09yGAiaGOC9Id4kMesya2on7KitnqY_K2Q6iqhkQQ-mO0DAa9h6qnco-KPVpJN7E31W1fdC5dOsG8gH04BXzYlD4rO-jbK9rE345RjXX-SowNZFTV4cLQMUERtcjNA/s1600/Pet+Loss+Spiritual+Guide+-+BindBurman.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkAkMOUeZKpnRS6F09yGAiaGOC9Id4kMesya2on7KitnqY_K2Q6iqhkQQ-mO0DAa9h6qnco-KPVpJN7E31W1fdC5dOsG8gH04BXzYlD4rO-jbK9rE345RjXX-SowNZFTV4cLQMUERtcjNA/s1600/Pet+Loss+Spiritual+Guide+-+BindBurman.png" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.400001525878906px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22.400001525878906px;">If you'd like to learn more about her book and all the bonuses, just click here: </span><a href="http://074fa3xsyd5ecrb6viq4vm10-w.hop.clickbank.net/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_top">The Pet Loss Spiritual Guide</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. If you're using a mobile device to read this, there's a scannable code to the right, if you prefer. Both links will lead you to her page. The cost is $37.00.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The other ebook was written by Robin Jean Brown and titled </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://d47df-1lmexlcjdpvzkjclqpug.hop.clickbank.net/" target="_top">How to ROAR: Pet Loss Grief Recovery</a>. In her guide, Brown will share with you her own experiences of loss and lead you gently through the stages of grief. She includes steps you can take to ease the way, including detailed journaling questions to help you examine and work through all the feelings associated with the death of your pet, both before and after your beloved passes on.</span><br />
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</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvCUOcOLsY6kA9QuVgtGx_80Vd3htGMWgkaSiV3_8bP9HKkM8h7yek8skdxIyUR3J-m5lEqClwcts-DnbCZPvvE2WMPOGqxOJUp9hW2s4y4ZJbJpX7c9oddzLVIUhEXM2HkMxviX09ALj-/s1600/Pet+Loss+Guide+Mobile+Link+-+Robin+Brown.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvCUOcOLsY6kA9QuVgtGx_80Vd3htGMWgkaSiV3_8bP9HKkM8h7yek8skdxIyUR3J-m5lEqClwcts-DnbCZPvvE2WMPOGqxOJUp9hW2s4y4ZJbJpX7c9oddzLVIUhEXM2HkMxviX09ALj-/s1600/Pet+Loss+Guide+Mobile+Link+-+Robin+Brown.png" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you'd like to learn more about her book, just click here: </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://d47df-1lmexlcjdpvzkjclqpug.hop.clickbank.net/" target="_top">How to ROAR: Pet Loss Grief Recovery</a>. For mobile users, I've included a scannable code option to the left. Her book comes with a 60-day money back guarantee and it is only $17.00.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whether you buy either guide, I hope you find comfort and peace along your journey. Know that you're not alone in your feelings of loss and grief. There are others who understand and care. Don't be afraid of your feelings. Someone told me once to just lean into them. Acknowledge and embrace all of your emotions. Not only will you be honoring your pet, by facing your deepest fears and most profound feelings, you'll soon find you can more easily move forward.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please feel free to share in the comments section below. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Grief is like the ocean; it comes on waves ebbing
and flowing. Sometimes the water is calm, and sometimes it is overwhelming. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">All
we can do is learn to swim."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">~Vicki Harrison</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><u>Disclosure</u>: The links above are affiliate links, which means that I may get a commission if you decide
to purchase anything. Thanks from me and my furry crew for all your support. </span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12602199854847548157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175996447552603184.post-44229184389777213252013-12-25T09:47:00.000-08:002014-02-19T19:35:00.753-08:00I Rescued a Human Today<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DD0-HPoA0AT_QwdnlzD7OODmjmqRy7gWDL-aWC-PVh5hcBSp3EBwEk0P-34fA_oulkhgSeovyy-ZeWw-2ud8Quy5soJVCPIjHbJ6pbLM0nNIqqpJKzYCIwhLKA3bFE05G35GLbE7DJ_g/s1600/04-01-2012+%2816%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DD0-HPoA0AT_QwdnlzD7OODmjmqRy7gWDL-aWC-PVh5hcBSp3EBwEk0P-34fA_oulkhgSeovyy-ZeWw-2ud8Quy5soJVCPIjHbJ6pbLM0nNIqqpJKzYCIwhLKA3bFE05G35GLbE7DJ_g/s400/04-01-2012+%2816%29.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ripley</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm sorry I don't know the name of the person who wrote this. I've gotten this story from two or three friends in emails over the past few years and it brings a smile and a tear every time I read it. </span></span><b style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></span></span></b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">I RESCUED A HUMAN TODAY</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 9pt;"><br /> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><span id="yui_3_2_0_1_13415045156982450" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Her
eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively
into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help
her. I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid.<br />
<br />As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a
little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn't want her to
know that I hadn't been walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get
too busy and I didn't want her to think poorly of them.<br />
<br />As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't
feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and
want to make a difference in someone's life.<br /><br />
She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved
my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her.
Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship.<br />
<br />A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to
assure her that all would be well. Soon my kennel door opened and her
smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms. I would
promise to keep her safe.. I would promise to always be by her side. I
would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and
sparkle in her eyes.. I was so fortunate that she came down my
corridor. So many more are out there who haven't walked the corridors.
So many more to be saved. At least I could save one. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZA5thrvq7dx3SBum2wPV2Pnw8gCpdVtkCjlmvu_sQJqx2uRLk3WW0fx9e9LMjC61Lnhb5zQS_lFXqzOHY3I_0ukT0EBID6hCG4DfZQZYHIoBFbf7HVpUoVasfIjh3z8YakQ4mFIsPaOxz/s1600/006.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZA5thrvq7dx3SBum2wPV2Pnw8gCpdVtkCjlmvu_sQJqx2uRLk3WW0fx9e9LMjC61Lnhb5zQS_lFXqzOHY3I_0ukT0EBID6hCG4DfZQZYHIoBFbf7HVpUoVasfIjh3z8YakQ4mFIsPaOxz/s400/006.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Andie</span></td></tr>
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</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span id="yui_3_2_0_1_13415045156982450">I rescued a human today.</span></span><span style="font-size: 9pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></span><span id="yui_3_2_0_1_13415045156982450" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13pt;"></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12602199854847548157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175996447552603184.post-58652776089449000452013-04-22T12:27:00.000-07:002014-02-19T16:59:45.432-08:00Why Do Dogs Eat Dirt?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZPxLLJ2tnR88H71xGxeWEthGkXHJidb8pCpmWl11R1B7zKi1T70nVRMQOa0iiOJp1NzbLU1R7oBePeNZ1dQzRu1s8lc0B2P7XZMwclxkq-z30CnegfqZz5TEIRf0_6AeRGGJNKb4kW-S/s1600/089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZPxLLJ2tnR88H71xGxeWEthGkXHJidb8pCpmWl11R1B7zKi1T70nVRMQOa0iiOJp1NzbLU1R7oBePeNZ1dQzRu1s8lc0B2P7XZMwclxkq-z30CnegfqZz5TEIRf0_6AeRGGJNKb4kW-S/s400/089.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Andie eating dirt and roots in the woods.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do your dogs ever eat dirt or other "weird" stuff? Mine do. Why do dogs eat dirt? I did a search on Google to see what kinds of information were available.</span><br />
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One article on Squidoo offered several possible explanations. But when I considered my dogs' behavior, I'm not sure I agree with any of them: <a href="http://www.squidoo.com/why_do_dogs_eat_dirt">Pica, Hunger, Mineral Deficiency, Health Concerns and other Abnormal Behavior</a> were all described.</span><br />
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Pica is simply the ingestion or eating of non-food materials and substances. Over the years, I've noticed that my dogs are "particular" about the dirt they eat. They always choose areas where there is a lot of rich, decaying matter ... especially where there are roots. So I've always believed that they were supplementing their diet with whatever minerals or other nutrients are found in this type of soil.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another explanation offered was simple hunger. This was applied to dogs who don't get enough to eat (strays and neglected dogs), or dogs who are only fed once a day. I feed my dogs twice a day, plus they get daily treats. While my dogs aren't fat and definitely aren't obese, my vet sometimes gives me "the look" after weighing them during an exam. This "look" means I need to watch their caloric intake ... that they are on their way to being slightly overweight. oops .....</span><br />
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"Health concerns" was another possibility, namely digestive issues. In other words, the dog isn't able to properly absorb the nutrients from its food. While I can't know for sure if my dogs are digesting their food properly, I've added digestive enzymes to their food at every feeding for years.</span><br />
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I had to chuckle at the next explanation: "Eating dirt is also a way by which the dog can gain the owner's attention. These are sensitive creatures that would crave human companionship especially when there are no other pets in the home." Not only do I share my life with 5 dogs, but I adore them all and no one could ever say they are not getting enough attention.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjujBmskZ1OwxLVyQ4c73aOgNhGoirrz44mEpPfwcvt0gf3-JzazmbcWpbfFvhZUe3tGlAwQI_oRBoEn41Xnc2Ko1WhWD6Kk5AFoJqAviRt9UZ2Jex3VNBBPF0qCOvY8U_A8tv4kvxuPCQ0/s1600/091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjujBmskZ1OwxLVyQ4c73aOgNhGoirrz44mEpPfwcvt0gf3-JzazmbcWpbfFvhZUe3tGlAwQI_oRBoEn41Xnc2Ko1WhWD6Kk5AFoJqAviRt9UZ2Jex3VNBBPF0qCOvY8U_A8tv4kvxuPCQ0/s400/091.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Sammi waits his turn as Ripley eats all the good stuff.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The last explanation offered seemed to be the most likely in my case ... that dogs eat dirt to make up for vitamin and mineral deficiencies in their food. Although I buy "premium" dog food, it is likely that certain nutrients are missing. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
I would love to be able to afford to feed my dogs a completely natural, raw and organic diet. I know that the vast majority of "over the counter" dog foods lack sufficient Omega 3 oils; for years, I have added Cod liver oil, a very affordable source of Omega 3s, to their daily feedings to help make up for this.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kqzyfj.com/ti118ox52x4KQTUSOQRKMLOSUUTR?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onlynaturalpet.com%2Fproducts%2FOnly-Natural-Pet-EasyRaw-Dehydrated-Dog-Food%2F999244.aspx%3Fclick%3D6875&cjsku=999274" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;" onmouseover="window.status='http://www.onlynaturalpet.com';return true;" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Only Natural Pet EasyRaw Chicken & Oats 2 lbs" border="0" src="http://www.onlynaturalpet.com/Images/Products/999244_300.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">The most affordable raw diet I've come across is from<br />Only Natural Pet Store. I started feeding it to my<br />dogs once a day in March 2013 and have been very happy with<br />the results... my dogs love it and my pickiest, Sammi,<br />has shown an overall increase in improved appetite<br />even when he gets regular, dry food.<br /><b>Just click on the photo to learn more about<br />"Easy Raw" dog food from Only Natural Pet Store.</b></span></td></tr>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are multiple benefits of fish oil: adding it to your dog's food may prevent and cure skin allergies. My dog, Brittany (R.I.P), suffered from severe "itchies" every summer. But once I started to give her fish oil ... every day, 365 days a year ... she never displayed allergy symptoms again for the rest of her life. I started giving her fish oil when she was about 8-years-old ... she lived to the ripe old age of 15.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
Another benefit of fish oil (Omega 3's) is a shiny, healthy coat. If a dog's skin is healthy, so will her coat. All of my dogs have soft, silky coats that are a pleasure to touch.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And just like for humans, fish oil is good for your dog's heart and brain function.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiDgklp-kILQB2d1PWTH4is9jA-5XQNY7c3WhAa2lUORtdlFDUFrA5D4yYFtycL0_KhXcWd9Akcv3nwtv5JBMhC9tCnrBeCBvUX1pmmOHX56JL_sqxAinKln9saSQ5Kt1nMGtwxBzJnizx/s1600/090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiDgklp-kILQB2d1PWTH4is9jA-5XQNY7c3WhAa2lUORtdlFDUFrA5D4yYFtycL0_KhXcWd9Akcv3nwtv5JBMhC9tCnrBeCBvUX1pmmOHX56JL_sqxAinKln9saSQ5Kt1nMGtwxBzJnizx/s200/090.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Andie had to get a few extra bites.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, was my question answered? Why do dogs eat dirt? ... well, maybe it's just because they LIKE dirt! </span><br />
<a class="itxtrst itxtrsta itxthook" href="http://www.squidoo.com/why_do_dogs_eat_dirt#" id="itxthook4" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: darkgreen 0.07em solid; color: darkgreen; font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 1px; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="itxtrst itxtrstspan itxthookspan" id="itxthook4w0" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; color: darkgreen;"></span></a><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12602199854847548157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175996447552603184.post-51350164949323207832013-04-11T14:39:00.000-07:002014-02-19T16:15:16.558-08:00Thinking About Adopting a Pit Bull?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFI9lYBwxaSV8Z_XJbux8Nj-FW9fTJvh9sqOcof30R2gZYZ9jqB1dN8wcGVfmQ_iUmAUb8DI9TAbkIdXyUHVHKAWHS5HlMqj_Y4PqC44FF5Jt4wehelKu9SrC5HWw21ce-M0BrSjUxxZcw/s1600/Ruby's+Day+Out+Smaller+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFI9lYBwxaSV8Z_XJbux8Nj-FW9fTJvh9sqOcof30R2gZYZ9jqB1dN8wcGVfmQ_iUmAUb8DI9TAbkIdXyUHVHKAWHS5HlMqj_Y4PqC44FF5Jt4wehelKu9SrC5HWw21ce-M0BrSjUxxZcw/s400/Ruby's+Day+Out+Smaller+003.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ruby</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Despite having the qualities that we most love in dogs ... loyalty, sweetness, affection, and a generally happy disposition ... Pit Bull Terriers and their cousins (I hate the term "bully breed") are often overlooked when it comes to adding a new member to the family. And while they are gentle and loving in nature, they are too often portrayed as being viciously unpredictable and dangerous.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you're thinking about adopting a Pit Bull or similar breed, it's so very important that you educate yourself about all aspects and characteristics of these dogs. Despite their sweet, friendly nature, they are probably not a good choice for many people, especially first-time dog guardians. This is true for any dog, however; too many dogs end up in shelters because they were "so cute as puppies." But once they become adults, they're not as cute and may not fit in well with your lifestyle.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm not an expert on Pitties, aka Pibbles, so am not writing this from that perspective. There are lots of great sources online, if you want to learn more about them. But I do want to introduce you to one very special Pibble ... Ruby! ... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My rescue group pulled this sweet girl from our local pound after her human disowned her. She had obviously been well cared for and loved, and was well socialized. But because of her breed, it's been a challenge finding her a new, loving home.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg01nZuWZzasVccDfJlEzno6LK6O1wnPcapDBrIpP9ubctBr2sFd2F2OMA7rhljk1pibmNqZvNDrthFWVUEEz1fKiGedMbX4PsCufn5VPSyG2xCz7c4WbAXJ9TqRQfe3lUimeo83mLnijoG/s1600/001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg01nZuWZzasVccDfJlEzno6LK6O1wnPcapDBrIpP9ubctBr2sFd2F2OMA7rhljk1pibmNqZvNDrthFWVUEEz1fKiGedMbX4PsCufn5VPSyG2xCz7c4WbAXJ9TqRQfe3lUimeo83mLnijoG/s320/001.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">To keep her balanced, socialized and as happy as possible while waiting for her new home, I've been taking her out of the boarding facility where she's staying temporarily, as often as possible. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">During our latest outing, we stopped off for some ice cream. Ruby was very polite and loved her special treat ...</span> <br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"Without ice cream, there would be darkness and chaos."</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><strong> ~</strong><strong>Don Kardong</strong></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Y_u4tm-xGF1iTbbytD6MCp654TZKqpmEjLIKbOvWl4t-u-xeLwQ7hLYVrzsY2nSm56-rS7umnpOLqeMdySE-BWqUBco-tFJonCFYPLJ3M0T94STNIsh55GTdWsju2nNajDWkWlzHvhhF/s1600/002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Y_u4tm-xGF1iTbbytD6MCp654TZKqpmEjLIKbOvWl4t-u-xeLwQ7hLYVrzsY2nSm56-rS7umnpOLqeMdySE-BWqUBco-tFJonCFYPLJ3M0T94STNIsh55GTdWsju2nNajDWkWlzHvhhF/s1600/002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Y_u4tm-xGF1iTbbytD6MCp654TZKqpmEjLIKbOvWl4t-u-xeLwQ7hLYVrzsY2nSm56-rS7umnpOLqeMdySE-BWqUBco-tFJonCFYPLJ3M0T94STNIsh55GTdWsju2nNajDWkWlzHvhhF/s320/002.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Despite her excitement over the ice cream, Ruby continued to be the perfect angel. When I pulled the cone away from her, she sat patiently waiting to see if she'd get another few licks. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And of course, I indulged her .....</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">************************************************</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Next on the agenda, I wanted to let Ruby run, sniff and explore. She isn't getting enough exercise at the boarding facility ... she's only about one year old and, like all Pitties, she's a very strong, athletic dog. So I took her to a large, fenced yard where she got to just be a dog for a while .....</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq1slvYk2LHFyujXjRv7LFkn5FRBXyE864BNk0zWw6fZYrA8SX6VI26snzxHtbx3XHbP4oy1bH04TNzZj3fB5bBkt-hEtzXUvDgDTaCV89Q1dw-uEvB1IgHp8elY07gJBihulO_oYWVsRu/s1600/Ruby's+Day+Out+Smaller+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq1slvYk2LHFyujXjRv7LFkn5FRBXyE864BNk0zWw6fZYrA8SX6VI26snzxHtbx3XHbP4oy1bH04TNzZj3fB5bBkt-hEtzXUvDgDTaCV89Q1dw-uEvB1IgHp8elY07gJBihulO_oYWVsRu/s320/Ruby's+Day+Out+Smaller+001.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ruby is a bit taller than the average female Pittie and weighs right around 50 pounds. Her brindle coat is very striking. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">.... She's beautiful, isn't she?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Despite being cooped up most of her days at the boarding facility, rather than explore the yard on her own, Ruby preferred to stay by my side for most of her visit</span>.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIAj3ZLea_bueUDAW3dImRI69ysVPSa9CYIiLVr7fEbtb3u7mKKhAqwVKB54WYeZppzcR7wsSO12_-RWiVZQXgJcVnjlo9GhpzNr67u365gK5-ulBqV0KCKCUxCkc1Xk-3nP-Ef5Xv1xe7/s1600/Ruby%2527s+Day+Out+Smaller+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIAj3ZLea_bueUDAW3dImRI69ysVPSa9CYIiLVr7fEbtb3u7mKKhAqwVKB54WYeZppzcR7wsSO12_-RWiVZQXgJcVnjlo9GhpzNr67u365gK5-ulBqV0KCKCUxCkc1Xk-3nP-Ef5Xv1xe7/s320/Ruby%2527s+Day+Out+Smaller+004.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's pretty obvious that her heart's desire is simply to have a human to love. Even though she doesn't see me every day, she bonded with me very quickly. Whenever I got up to walk around the yard, Ruby walked right by my side. She wandered and sniffed a bit, but always looked to see where I was and never strayed more than a few yards away. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcnd5v_PXFZJs93weTzm5jILrb162xxVf9NJORYwFUX_lzCa4CKabAqZyTyk_-RqXMPujf4nUlOlff_l05qcnTzdit-AEq2vXI_lfnRp5iP9mGVThXAmsoGMXS_dzcHkrwmx1WqnglEofL/s1600/Ruby's+Day+Out+Smaller+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcnd5v_PXFZJs93weTzm5jILrb162xxVf9NJORYwFUX_lzCa4CKabAqZyTyk_-RqXMPujf4nUlOlff_l05qcnTzdit-AEq2vXI_lfnRp5iP9mGVThXAmsoGMXS_dzcHkrwmx1WqnglEofL/s320/Ruby's+Day+Out+Smaller+007.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">You can see from her bald belly, that Ruby was spayed recently. She'd had all vaccinations, but hasn't been microchipped yet. Other than that, this girl is R.E.A.D.Y. to love and be loved!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I got LOTS of Pibble kisses .....</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN1LXvnzcXZmS2gx5J1Js9Ggk_4HA7OAtMPoLSiQj5VwkGnj71j3MK2H-Dq-zZ3TD-s5BCZjld4t7lGw0hx25URSoljyWo7de5fbnPNquDe5tP8qRPp6t997RN-1mKtRV4dx8NOccsndDw/s1600/Ruby's+Day+Out+Smaller+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN1LXvnzcXZmS2gx5J1Js9Ggk_4HA7OAtMPoLSiQj5VwkGnj71j3MK2H-Dq-zZ3TD-s5BCZjld4t7lGw0hx25URSoljyWo7de5fbnPNquDe5tP8qRPp6t997RN-1mKtRV4dx8NOccsndDw/s320/Ruby's+Day+Out+Smaller+005.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Fortunately, Ruby has good doggie breath. :-)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It was a really nice Spring day. Ruby and I relaxed and enjoyed the view and each other's company ....</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9j6ujOMGBz3qRF164V1WLqNkHJzWEtsT97xfbkWSx4gznpXjV6THRyeI20oLvqICN0J-lQdomAgqts5BBi-BNu4LJa6-1p8iqRsKn2KpVmJbKCqOSNQhwuAkxxpGaHSHtq315bJW5F2Z/s1600/Ruby%2527s+Day+Out+Smaller+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9j6ujOMGBz3qRF164V1WLqNkHJzWEtsT97xfbkWSx4gznpXjV6THRyeI20oLvqICN0J-lQdomAgqts5BBi-BNu4LJa6-1p8iqRsKn2KpVmJbKCqOSNQhwuAkxxpGaHSHtq315bJW5F2Z/s1600/Ruby%2527s+Day+Out+Smaller+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9j6ujOMGBz3qRF164V1WLqNkHJzWEtsT97xfbkWSx4gznpXjV6THRyeI20oLvqICN0J-lQdomAgqts5BBi-BNu4LJa6-1p8iqRsKn2KpVmJbKCqOSNQhwuAkxxpGaHSHtq315bJW5F2Z/s320/Ruby%2527s+Day+Out+Smaller+009.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>"Dogs are a link to paradise ... to sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring. It was peace." </strong></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: black;"><strong><br /></strong></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>~Milan Kundera, author of The Unbearable Lightness of Being</strong></span> </span> </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTvDKbSRpGYja6yAoYsm0GM2EpYy3VwMh9WcgdQLGHUDcBqv6h0IvPjPvxTxM-EoofRFka1DFpd2_POvE8vqoiFNkk3sejSFuzxTN_CjKrxxqOEXiI9yWpyG9bKO_YMk6Ejuy89B7zulZw/s1600/Ruby%2527s+Day+Out+Smaller+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTvDKbSRpGYja6yAoYsm0GM2EpYy3VwMh9WcgdQLGHUDcBqv6h0IvPjPvxTxM-EoofRFka1DFpd2_POvE8vqoiFNkk3sejSFuzxTN_CjKrxxqOEXiI9yWpyG9bKO_YMk6Ejuy89B7zulZw/s320/Ruby%2527s+Day+Out+Smaller+010.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As we sat and relaxed, we got a little visitor.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ruby rushed to investigate ......</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAj9F4kgb00Suj1K7_Hd843ngL8HaKGyzj2zCCtgP9n4ivkUZ-hJLSgyLiFXvkvctCXLfBCPcQq3D0ByhDxWMXersw7Z1F7MisLIZ-sYT5ukMHmv_Ymon8kARm2YNeP4hC1l_ZbbD2zIU7/s1600/Ruby's+Day+Out+Smaller+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAj9F4kgb00Suj1K7_Hd843ngL8HaKGyzj2zCCtgP9n4ivkUZ-hJLSgyLiFXvkvctCXLfBCPcQq3D0ByhDxWMXersw7Z1F7MisLIZ-sYT5ukMHmv_Ymon8kARm2YNeP4hC1l_ZbbD2zIU7/s320/Ruby's+Day+Out+Smaller+012.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Oops! ...... killed by curiosity.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Nope. Still not moving.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Apparently, spider-killing services are an added bonus. Included free with your adoption fee!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Update</b>: Ruby is no longer available for adoption, but I hope you enjoyed this post.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Please visit my rescue's Facebook page. We're the Circle of Life Animal Rescue Society (COLARS) ... <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Colars/293981707289603?ref=ts&fref=ts" target="_blank">COLARS on Facebook</a> Please Don't Shop! ADOPT instead!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And please don't litter ... S.N.Y.F.F. instead! (Spay/Neuter Your Furry Friends)</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12602199854847548157noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175996447552603184.post-19281680246191487022013-04-02T11:20:00.002-07:002014-05-13T14:26:00.416-07:00Should I Feed My Dog a Raw Diet?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG9aefDYsSlR8EF12JB3WN58X7AQeAuyWNuh8fKjhWCwRSs0PqGTv7Q5msXuxuh_d2FlXIwLMYSxJCASakqNGediMutX9lmBJh7SpOgUV-dr0wm5bn9Xmb0EwbkBlKl-70jzd1PuMvW7hO/s1600/20130201_195158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG9aefDYsSlR8EF12JB3WN58X7AQeAuyWNuh8fKjhWCwRSs0PqGTv7Q5msXuxuh_d2FlXIwLMYSxJCASakqNGediMutX9lmBJh7SpOgUV-dr0wm5bn9Xmb0EwbkBlKl-70jzd1PuMvW7hO/s400/20130201_195158.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a><span class="userContent"></span></div>
<span class="userContent" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My oldest pooch, Ripley, is almost 14 years old. Despite her age, were it not for her severe and aggressive arthritis, she'd still be active and happy and would probably live for several more years.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But since she was about 5 years old, she's had arthritis in her spine and back legs. If you've read some of my other posts, you may remember that she had back surgery in 2010 and has had fluid injections in her knees. (If you'd like to know more about Ripley and what a special being she is, read my blog post, </span><a href="http://www.besttreatsformydog.com/2012/04/one-mans-trash-is-another-womans.html" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">One Man's Trash is Another (Wo)man's Treasure.</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Despite the surgery, injections, joint supplements, anti-inflammatories and pain relievers, her condition has gotten worse rather quickly. She's showing more and more signs that her condition will soon render her immobile and in unbearable pain. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of those signs is her lack of interest in food. For the past few months, I've been fretting over the fact that Ripley no longer wants to eat dog food. No matter what I tried, she turned away from it. She is so stubborn, she'll go days (literally) without eating anything but a couple of bites a day.</span><br />
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<span class="userContent"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDVcELXtFBfm80QUDIfuFOo8MRfsgNI4LeEw_o5MLuOW1ueqIw5btolI14CC1rjJP2aa2FTvaX4wps-s46kIS_cEI-pOAouCYpYAXdtHPZUFLFm20XIw2DKhDNUbRGj1XlRGrKKLo3vXE-/s1600/Easy+Raw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDVcELXtFBfm80QUDIfuFOo8MRfsgNI4LeEw_o5MLuOW1ueqIw5btolI14CC1rjJP2aa2FTvaX4wps-s46kIS_cEI-pOAouCYpYAXdtHPZUFLFm20XIw2DKhDNUbRGj1XlRGrKKLo3vXE-/s320/Easy+Raw.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="userContent">About a week ago, I bought some </span>dehydrated, raw dog food from <a href="http://www.jdoqocy.com/h577ft1zt0GMPQOKMNGIHKONQKK?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onlynaturalpet.com%2Fsearch%2Fdogs%2Fdehydrated" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;" onmouseover="window.status='http://www.onlynaturalpet.com';return true;" target="_blank">Only Natural Pet Store</a><img border="0" src="http://www.tqlkg.com/eh102p59y31NTWXVRTUNPORVUXRR" height="1" width="1" />. Ripley LOVES it. Is it more expensive than dry, processed dog food? Yes and no. It depends on what you already feed your dog. Like super premium dog food, your dog needs less to thrive than with cheaper brands.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(<a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/ll121p-85-7NTWXVRTUNPPVWOXWV" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;" onmouseover="window.status='http://www.onlynaturalpet.com';return true;" target="_blank">Get $10 off orders of $30 PLUS Free Shipping on orders of $79 or more. Use coupon AF10BUCKS through 5/31/2014. New Customers Only.</a>)<img border="0" src="http://www.tqlkg.com/4h102kpthnl6CFGEACD688EF7GFE" height="1" width="1" /></span><br />
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Most American dog owners don't, and have never considered, a raw diet for their dogs. Honestly, it sounds a bit gross and unappealing. But that's just because we're humans, not dogs. While looking around for some kind of food that Ripley might like, I started researching raw food diets. I was worried about bacteria and other food-borne pests and diseases. Is a raw diet safe? One article I read is on Only Natural Pet Store's website; I'll share some of it below:</span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Diet is the foundation of health. The fresher the diet, the more nutrients are available for the animal's system to utilize in building immunity, healing from illness and warding off disease. Raw food diets have been shown to help the body deal with many common ailments such as flea infestations, hot spots, continual shedding, poor dental & gum health, allergies, gastro-intestinal problems such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease, immune disorders and degenerative diseases. </span><br />
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"Raw diets have been common practice in European countries for decades, especially Germany, where it is commonly recommended by veterinarians. The fear of feeding raw meat in this country seems to stem from a fear of salmonella, E. coli and parasites. In over 10 years of feeding raw food and seeing countless animals on raw food diets in my practice, salmonella and E. coli have not been seen to be a problem. Remember, pets' digestive systems are designed to accommodate raw meat. Parasites could be contracted through eating wild, whole prey or game meats, but is much less likely to occur with properly handled human grade meats. Infection is more likely to occur through a pet's ingestion of feces or soil, or from poorly handled meat."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you'd like to learn more about feeding your dog a raw diet you can read </span><a href="http://www.onlynaturalpet.com/knowledgebase/knowledgebasedetail.aspx?articleid=5&Keywords=raw" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">All About Raw Food</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> on Only Natural Pet Store's website. The article includes results from a long term study on raw food for cats conducted by Francis M. Pottenger, Jr., MD; introducing a raw diet to your pet; affordable alternatives to fresh or frozen raw food; and more valuable information. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVUxX_UacrTNr5OyiDDS7wxU-i51dRNS7Rjced-tAMLcPjoS8zI9yPpEAOHIRHgzr5RzXoR40AVy-pK85qBsG94JPx-HTy4kin_UEg5fRlbMuy6dosU9e9OWpMWATwckjQuZuz8HN1fiCw/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVUxX_UacrTNr5OyiDDS7wxU-i51dRNS7Rjced-tAMLcPjoS8zI9yPpEAOHIRHgzr5RzXoR40AVy-pK85qBsG94JPx-HTy4kin_UEg5fRlbMuy6dosU9e9OWpMWATwckjQuZuz8HN1fiCw/s320/004.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've only been feeding Ripley the raw food for about a week, but so far I'm impressed with it. She eats with gusto again and the food is very easy to prepare. You just add water to the dehydrated mixture of meat, grains, fruits and vegetables and let it soak for 30 minutes or more, then serve. You can prepare up to four days food in advance and store it in the frig. Or, like me, you can prepare each meal individually. After she's done eating a meal, I wash the bowl and mix her next meal in water and then let it soak in the refrigerator until about an hour before her next meal.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After the mixture soaks in water for a while, it looks and smells very appetizing. You can see the carrots, cabbage, oats and meat very clearly and it smells like chicken soup. (The Only Natural brand has 3 flavors and there are several other brands of dehydrated food on Only Natural's site as well. Click the link just below to go to Only Natural Pet Store's website.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I bought a 2 pound bag of </span><a href="http://www.tkqlhce.com/ed81zw41w3JPSTRNPQJLKNRTTSQ?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onlynaturalpet.com%2Fproducts%2FOnly-Natural-Pet-EasyRaw-Dehydrated-Dog-Food%2F999244.aspx&cjsku=999274" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;" onmouseover="window.status='http://www.onlynaturalpet.com';return true;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">
Only Natural Pet EasyRaw Chicken & Oats 2 lbs</a><img border="0" src="http://www.tqlkg.com/ko79fz2rxvGMPQOKMNGIHKOQQPN" height="1" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" width="1" /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> just to try it, and with the serving size Ripley's getting, it should last me close to 2 weeks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyway, if you have a REALLY finicky, stubborn (spoiled) dog who won't eat regular dog food, or you want to incorporate some raw food into your dog's diet, give it a try. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been a customer of Only Natural Pet for a couple of years now. They ship fast and are true to their guarantees. They always have something on sale. If you've never shopped from them before, you can <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/ll121p-85-7NTWXVRTUNPPVWOXWV" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;" onmouseover="window.status='http://www.onlynaturalpet.com';return true;" target="_blank">Get $10 off orders of $30 PLUS Free Shipping on orders of $79 or more. Use coupon AF10BUCKS through 5/31/2014. New Customers Only.</a><img border="0" src="http://www.tqlkg.com/4h102kpthnl6CFGEACD688EF7GFE" height="1" width="1" /></span><br />
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OR ... look in the upper right-hand column ... there's a link for 20% off your order during their Spring Sale (good through May 31, 2014).</b></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12602199854847548157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175996447552603184.post-83016979648029434222012-09-07T07:53:00.002-07:002014-02-19T16:24:37.152-08:00The Ties That Bind<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I sit down to write this, Sammi and Franki are close by my side ... the same side ... with Franki lying next to me on the couch and Sammi sitting at my left foot.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They are both calm and affectionate and look at me with sweet, submissive faces. I stroke both of their heads and whisper against their faces, "you're such good dogs." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I get a little slurp from each of them on my chin, then Franki turns to Sammi.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sammi presents his face to Franki and shuts his eyes as Franki cleans his face and sniffs his ears. Sammi just loves kisses on his face... </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">although he hasn't always appreciated Franki. It took some effort on my part to </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">encourage the bond that has since formed between them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even after all the other dogs had accepted Franki, Sammi continued to resist her and displayed a somewhat hostile attitude toward her, despite Franki's submissive posture and attempts to engage him in play. Sammi just didn't like her.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With six dogs living in relatively close quarters, it's very important to me that they all get along. I needed to find a way to form a bond between Franki and Sammi. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Taking a cue from Dog Whisperer Cesar Milan, I thought I would try putting Sammi and Franki together for a Pack activity without the other dogs. According to Cesar, dogs are more likely to form a positive bond if they have no other choice but to engage in some kind of activity together as a Pack. He commonly uses a Pack walk, but I wanted Sammi and Franki to spend several hours together. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
Since almost all dogs enjoy riding in vehicles with their humans, and it's something we do as families, I thought a day-trip with Sammi and Franki would be a perfect bonding activity. Both of them were already well-behaved when riding and were always eager to go. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVWne_ueTe_efE1vrNSjAZALRs8QPW0V9JFvU5CxI5RTlB6skIAHr1dz3558olra8cVHxfTOQ7S9lqmF8CrYGHLCRAgzTmdqPpiOtf96BGhDzviSj7rGPZdSdaiJXN2L4-3LzNDyQzL8vk/s1600/040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVWne_ueTe_efE1vrNSjAZALRs8QPW0V9JFvU5CxI5RTlB6skIAHr1dz3558olra8cVHxfTOQ7S9lqmF8CrYGHLCRAgzTmdqPpiOtf96BGhDzviSj7rGPZdSdaiJXN2L4-3LzNDyQzL8vk/s400/040.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, one day in May, my parents, Sammi, Franki and I all piled into my parents' "dog mobile" to take a trip to a lumber yard for a trailer-full of mulch for my landscaping. Round trip, we were gone for a few hours, after stopping for lunch in the car along the way and driving into another county for the mulch. The dogs were angels. And, even better, it worked! After we got home, I saw the difference in how Sammi reacted to Franki immediately. He has stopped growling at her whenever she approaches him, and they have since become buddies. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Their bond was further cemented the first time Franki ventured to lick Sammi's face. After that, Sammi was hooked! They often lay down and sleep next to each other, and although Sammi isn't usually interested in playing with Franki, he tolerates her youthful energy like a slightly bossy older brother. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> ********** ********** ********** **********</span></span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxcAjNN4oQL28imKOThJ5X_1NkgmwO_wj1XlkQwA49iBVOduSPn4NcDU2zZ59QGkEd8GSMHzaHiHfdEkNT85aVIBRf9bv-fAaSdW_IQKhqjZBbfBERKRpu2c71LPvP3IUjzY9r6IoazKF2/s1600/093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxcAjNN4oQL28imKOThJ5X_1NkgmwO_wj1XlkQwA49iBVOduSPn4NcDU2zZ59QGkEd8GSMHzaHiHfdEkNT85aVIBRf9bv-fAaSdW_IQKhqjZBbfBERKRpu2c71LPvP3IUjzY9r6IoazKF2/s400/093.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sammi presents his face to Ripley</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While we're on the topic of face kisses ... Ripley is the first dog I've known who seems to think it's her duty to clean the other dogs' wounds and clean the debris from their faces and eyes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not all dogs appreciate this service, of course, but Sammi, Andie and Cookie all enjoy a good daily facial.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheZiD9xQNbTaMSK4CSRLRX_MofwhgJ65tfZVIIFr6yStbzqzTIdm0f3ulJe7IopJ6DCwxIBeGxrQhbUqvzcg3P1jbHU-gx8UFgQg85XxWs0-_G_AWCY8ZYlOgeapI0vtopYaVyc_Gj0gh8/s1600/094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheZiD9xQNbTaMSK4CSRLRX_MofwhgJ65tfZVIIFr6yStbzqzTIdm0f3ulJe7IopJ6DCwxIBeGxrQhbUqvzcg3P1jbHU-gx8UFgQg85XxWs0-_G_AWCY8ZYlOgeapI0vtopYaVyc_Gj0gh8/s400/094.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">None more than Sammi ...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As you can see, Ripley takes her duties very seriously.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFW50LfSvaU3mPpboIWKvHJwndZEWkFjEMU-YZm68rVIKAmXJVDaYwqlgZnB1MEB6EwefckFksx57hqGY5wHrGszGYt7IFAFggVJZATeNTFUUi_w37PCukoMRhXhEwhhoy96PZuLszHnAz/s1600/095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFW50LfSvaU3mPpboIWKvHJwndZEWkFjEMU-YZm68rVIKAmXJVDaYwqlgZnB1MEB6EwefckFksx57hqGY5wHrGszGYt7IFAFggVJZATeNTFUUi_w37PCukoMRhXhEwhhoy96PZuLszHnAz/s400/095.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="quotes">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"The dogs in our lives, the dogs we come to love and who (we fervently
believe) love us in return, offer more than fidelity, consolation, and
companionship. They offer comedy, irony, wit, and a wealth of anecdotes,
the "shaggy dog stories" and "stupid pet tricks" that are commonplace
pleasures of life. </span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">They offer, if we are wise enough or simple enough to
take it, a model for what it means to give your heart with little
thought of return. Both powerfully imaginary and comfortingly real, dogs
act as mirrors for our own beliefs about what would constitute a truly
humane society. Perhaps it is not too late for them to teach us some new
tricks."
</span></div>
<div class="authors">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
~~Marjorie Garber
</span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12602199854847548157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175996447552603184.post-34147378212274919872012-07-23T10:23:00.000-07:002012-08-25T16:24:44.217-07:00Start the Day Without Caffeine?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: left;">
<span id="yiv514277281role_document" style="font-size: large;"><span id="yui_3_2_0_1_13430629594803186"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">Here's another clever email message I'd like to share ...</span> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span id="yiv514277281role_document" style="font-size: large;"><span id="yui_3_2_0_1_13430629594803186">"If you can start the day without caffeine,</span></span></div>
<div style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: left;">
<span id="yiv514277281role_document" style="font-size: large;"><span id="yui_3_2_0_1_13430629594803186"><br />If you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains, </span></span></div>
<div style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: left;">
<span id="yiv514277281role_document" style="font-size: large;"><span id="yui_3_2_0_1_13430629594803186"></span></span></div>
<div style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLs5UtuQIAJoifjiqdgNam8wx2bXUKUYUXX6tCF-Gqk7iz-wT9MS-GpAbWsW_JEvBl_M0-lBZwsl464OiI9WDDiszRA5ZN2vUdb2WHH8csIoaCoEqZ8Pe9Ld2FcW_dBAxJ1gAL-ydaGp8l/s1600/Happy+Teddy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLs5UtuQIAJoifjiqdgNam8wx2bXUKUYUXX6tCF-Gqk7iz-wT9MS-GpAbWsW_JEvBl_M0-lBZwsl464OiI9WDDiszRA5ZN2vUdb2WHH8csIoaCoEqZ8Pe9Ld2FcW_dBAxJ1gAL-ydaGp8l/s400/Happy+Teddy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: left;">
<span id="yiv514277281role_document" style="font-size: large;"><span id="yui_3_2_0_1_13430629594803186"></span></span><span id="yiv514277281role_document" style="font-size: large;"><span id="yui_3_2_0_1_13430629594803186"><br />If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles,</span></span></div>
<div style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: left;">
<span id="yiv514277281role_document" style="font-size: x-large;"><span id="yui_3_2_0_1_13430629594803186"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">If you can eat the same food every day and be grateful for it,</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">If you can understand when your loved ones are too busy to give you any time,</span></span></span></div>
<div style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8MQZsqhvvUXCeM9hAgXMx-KK67q8jSLatAnFjAwIV81IGQ6HBR1V_E4go55WpLyL9X8YDuvPX1oaM0xQZcsHl0Uw2jAcse7augDSvUjcKmNJS72CuGoMZXAPwKCW5Z4sfzNwykZz7PVjc/s1600/Spring+2006+013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8MQZsqhvvUXCeM9hAgXMx-KK67q8jSLatAnFjAwIV81IGQ6HBR1V_E4go55WpLyL9X8YDuvPX1oaM0xQZcsHl0Uw2jAcse7augDSvUjcKmNJS72CuGoMZXAPwKCW5Z4sfzNwykZz7PVjc/s400/Spring+2006+013.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: left;">
<span id="yiv514277281role_document" style="font-size: x-large;"><span id="yui_3_2_0_1_13430629594803186"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />If you can take criticism and blame without resentment,</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">If you can conquer tension without medical help,</span></span></span></div>
<div style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: left;">
<span id="yiv514277281role_document" style="font-size: x-large;"><span id="yui_3_2_0_1_13430629594803186"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /> </span></span></span><br />
<span id="yiv514277281role_document" style="font-size: x-large;"><span id="yui_3_2_0_1_13430629594803186"><span style="font-size: large;">If you can relax without alcohol, <br /><br />If you can sleep without the aid of drugs, </span></span></span></div>
<div style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSAgZ7N2C7K2HAe9NHW9y5nyzZXxqfIoP4rHJb2CpHbNoq2ADb3S3GMtX-OzBt-gTQgAXUazyD4HPcsX0xBCSducqXD6LUW7kfHUnivJrt9xoTWX5hI7apVgYloVOUeRQFL4jagrGCiuTv/s1600/Summer+2006+002-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSAgZ7N2C7K2HAe9NHW9y5nyzZXxqfIoP4rHJb2CpHbNoq2ADb3S3GMtX-OzBt-gTQgAXUazyD4HPcsX0xBCSducqXD6LUW7kfHUnivJrt9xoTWX5hI7apVgYloVOUeRQFL4jagrGCiuTv/s640/Summer+2006+002-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: left;">
<span id="yui_3_2_0_1_13430629594803186" style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">
<span id="yui_3_2_0_1_13430629594803186" style="font-size: large;"><span id="yui_3_2_0_1_13430629594803210" style="color: purple;">...Then You Are Probably .........</span><span style="color: purple;">The Family Dog."</span> </span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12602199854847548157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175996447552603184.post-64931000529500954272012-06-26T12:20:00.000-07:002014-10-25T12:30:38.094-07:00Do All Natural Flea and Tick Products Work?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-YreJbywqiOodyvHQPWmVoflkfaHqjOQ60PDLNlsP6EFngLjca7hyhu1XWuAOdiSi42_4UnBAbIMWJEtAIChyphenhyphen-kwxuEgMuzQVraXingx3BknmjLyeM60LfCm1158fZaIkl0yQxxQQKGBn/s1600/IMG_0977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-YreJbywqiOodyvHQPWmVoflkfaHqjOQ60PDLNlsP6EFngLjca7hyhu1XWuAOdiSi42_4UnBAbIMWJEtAIChyphenhyphen-kwxuEgMuzQVraXingx3BknmjLyeM60LfCm1158fZaIkl0yQxxQQKGBn/s400/IMG_0977.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">My boy, Sammi</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you're at all like me, when it comes to flea and tick
prevention, you feel trapped between a rock and a hard place. You want
to protect your furries from the agonies of their bites and all the
diseases that are spread by these pesky creatures. But at the same
time, you're not all that comfortable, if at all, about putting
chemicals on your beloved pets. There are many so-called effective,
all-natural flea and tick remedies available these days, but do all natural
flea and tick products work?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This
summer, I'm on a mission to find out whether Only Natural Pet Store's
"Easy Defense" Flea & Tick Tags really work. If you follow my blog,
you know I have six dogs: Ripley the Blue Heeler mix, Shasta the
Hound mix, Sammi the Beagle mix, Cookie the German Shepherd mix, Andie
the herding-type mix, and Franki the Black Lab/Dalmatian mix.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Living in a place that's hot and humid every summer means the dogs need protection most of the year. Many veterinarians recommend year-round flea and tick prevention in many parts of the world, including my own. But I've never followed that advice, because I wanted to minimize my dogs' exposure to the strong chemicals found in the most popular preventative treatments, such as Frontline, K9 Advantix, Revolution, and Biospot.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5dsUNro0PhY0kr1AMUD-dguW5DcP0mGHGObkowvFocYpGUqD5ipt4GxnO-TcX0HNR0M9Ur57kuKSKGexuUk4Uhec1LGwWVjK9Q-Ue_m3sv2-dBZ74810rumv6G744fuwLKAIxlkDUXsl-/s1600/IMG_0964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5dsUNro0PhY0kr1AMUD-dguW5DcP0mGHGObkowvFocYpGUqD5ipt4GxnO-TcX0HNR0M9Ur57kuKSKGexuUk4Uhec1LGwWVjK9Q-Ue_m3sv2-dBZ74810rumv6G744fuwLKAIxlkDUXsl-/s320/IMG_0964.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Ripley </span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">(and Cookie in </span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">the background)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtNkXJ9ZKFwgtusBYXSNnWZiUxrBENe1DJXfr3mjt6z1w8Rh6wUb5nIAXHl1bM7IdcXvOxyzy4M6zhiy2Fyotg1Wy9oeexB0NfymXi6zHreEl1WceQUuZDLMnvqQ2kNyuFdv30-N6oo78G/s1600/Flea+and+Tick+Tag+Box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtNkXJ9ZKFwgtusBYXSNnWZiUxrBENe1DJXfr3mjt6z1w8Rh6wUb5nIAXHl1bM7IdcXvOxyzy4M6zhiy2Fyotg1Wy9oeexB0NfymXi6zHreEl1WceQUuZDLMnvqQ2kNyuFdv30-N6oo78G/s1600/Flea+and+Tick+Tag+Box.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Earlier this year, I got an Only Natural Pet Store catalog in the mail, which is where I first saw the Easy Defense Flea & Tick Tags. Because they offer a money back guarantee, I decided to put my doubts aside and try them. I know it's hard to believe a simple tag could keep fleas and ticks off anything. But a 15% discount, in addition to the guarantee, gave me the extra push I needed. Plus, if you buy 2 at a time, you save even more money (about $7.50 per tag). </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">According to Only Natural Pet Store, the "<b>Only Natural Pet EasyDefense Flea & Tick Tag</b> is
a safe, chemical-free way to keep harmful pests off of your pet. Using
state of the art holistic technology, the EasyDefense Tag utilizes your
pet’s own energy to create a natural barrier to pests. There are no
chemicals or pesticides involved. It is completely safe for pets and
humans in the household."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And you needn't be scared off by the price tag ($59.99 per tag or $104.99 for 2 tags) because they last for up to three years. If you've been buying name-brand flea and tick drops, you know that you can easily spend that much or more on just a 3-month supply!</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgroQen-cXFqKWVlG-qHIu2YQYq-MNgR1qZ2VEHvD0Y-a_rTVJbYxnCRGXm8jJJCbQuQx1R9kk9yivYy0vJ205GkdFi5KTPbCv8WHdVh7gc5dh0BHDBcY3sxiwf95wiQJVGgB9OKcTFsGKW/s1600/02-05-2012+%281%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgroQen-cXFqKWVlG-qHIu2YQYq-MNgR1qZ2VEHvD0Y-a_rTVJbYxnCRGXm8jJJCbQuQx1R9kk9yivYy0vJ205GkdFi5KTPbCv8WHdVh7gc5dh0BHDBcY3sxiwf95wiQJVGgB9OKcTFsGKW/s400/02-05-2012+%281%29.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Sweet Shasta</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SO! ... I wanted to know if these tags worked, first and foremost. But I also wanted to know how well they worked compared to the traditional chemical products.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This summer, four of my dogs are wearing the Easy Defense Tags (Shasta, Cookie, Andie and Franki). For the other two, I'm using a generic form of Frontline Plus (Ripley and Sammi). Because the directions on the box advise that the tags can take up to three weeks to begin working, all of the dogs were treated with the generic drops at the beginning of the season (March).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So far, at the end of June, I've seen no fleas on any of the dogs. Because we had a mild winter, ticks are REALLY plentiful this year. I've found very few ticks on <i>any</i> of the dogs (relatively speaking). And the ticks I've found on the 'tagged' dogs, were either just hiding in their fur, or were barely attached. I've even seen healthy-appearing ticks near the 'tagged' dogs, that didn't seem to be attracted to them. Usually a tick makes a bee-line toward its intended prey, but they seem to be slowed down or stalled when they get near the 'tagged' dogs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In my mind, the real test is yet to come ... as the summer gets hotter and more humid, the flea population will peak. ... I'll keep you posted.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>UPDATE</u> ... <u>April 2013</u>: I got mixed results with these flea and tick tags. Later last summer, the tick population exploded. Two of my dogs who were wearing the tags repeatedly became infested with deer ticks. The other two wearing the tags didn't get nearly as many ticks on them. A lot of the ticks attached themselves, although it seemed that most of the little pests were still crawling away from the dogs (and onto me!).</span><br />
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I never had any problem with fleas, but don't know if that was due to the tags or the possibility that the flea population was low last summer. The whole summer, I saw only a couple of fleas on one of my dogs, but only on one occasion. She and the rest of the dogs were flea-free the rest of the summer. She was wearing one of the flea and tick tags. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So after the ticks got really bad, and I got tired of them crawling onto me, I gave in and treated the dogs with some generic Frontline drops. And although the tags definitely seem to have some repellent properties, from my experience, they work only on some dogs and don't seem to work well during periods of heavy infestation.</span><br />
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A little less than a year after I bought the tags, I decided to ask for a refund on all four tags. If I didn't live out in a rural area and if I didn't frequently take my dogs out on hikes in the woods, I would have kept the tags through another summer to get a better idea of their effectiveness.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7cGzIGWFZafLivg5yPcToWvhb_ml-PhkW4cBYgyBNhMEUS-rC2iIlTFnvxmwetfOFVdIT9CBhGonNptSe3nsx2bt-bzJUDKBt4jy5dRSJqycVgyoVrC5lSBBWvzIJQcO6g6UCBBOXwgRk/s1600/Dog+Blog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7cGzIGWFZafLivg5yPcToWvhb_ml-PhkW4cBYgyBNhMEUS-rC2iIlTFnvxmwetfOFVdIT9CBhGonNptSe3nsx2bt-bzJUDKBt4jy5dRSJqycVgyoVrC5lSBBWvzIJQcO6g6UCBBOXwgRk/s320/Dog+Blog.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had no problem getting a full refund from Only Natural Pet Store (minus shipping charges, of course). It took about 3 or 4 weeks from the time I mailed the tags back until I got my refund check in the mail. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><u>Another Update</u> ... <b>July 2013</b></span>: I never did find another natural product that I was willing to try, so have been using a "generic" alternative to Frontline because I know it works.</span><br />
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By the way, I'd love to hear from anybody who's had good results from any natural flea and tick product in the past. Please feel free to leave a comment.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 12.727272033691406px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">*Disclaimer: I may earn a small commission from any purchase you make through any of the links to OnlyNaturalPet.com within this article or anywhere else on this blog. Be assured, however, that my commission does not affect (increase) the prices you pay.*</span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12602199854847548157noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175996447552603184.post-48499658216025243032012-06-25T05:44:00.001-07:002014-10-28T08:00:04.403-07:00Franki the Blue-Eyed Black Lab/Dalmatian Mix?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Franki enjoys cooling<br />off in her pool on hot<br />summer days.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hmmmmmm. Living with a totally black dog with bright blue eyes got me curious about blue-eyed dogs in general. It's a lot more common to see blue eyes with white, spotted, or merle coats, so it's a bit of a surprise for most people to see a jet black dog with blue eyes. Franki is obviously a mixed-breed dog and looks "labby" around the head for sure. She weighs 50 pounds and is much leaner than Labradors in general. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Franki's size and body shape is long and lean, much like a Dalmatian's.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaA_J7lhUEIOb1Z6RDUA2IwnCI1SxNDpoKzaWFbLfn1cSi51ngrtiHDW7BzFTw9mGcQc8HD5_g7tyg4j65VawwUqH51Jy0B4NFXSUJlAbkE601exUgKdhzIGAz8ImNl2yl2ZMjAl4xvAId/s1600/Dalmatian+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaA_J7lhUEIOb1Z6RDUA2IwnCI1SxNDpoKzaWFbLfn1cSi51ngrtiHDW7BzFTw9mGcQc8HD5_g7tyg4j65VawwUqH51Jy0B4NFXSUJlAbkE601exUgKdhzIGAz8ImNl2yl2ZMjAl4xvAId/s320/Dalmatian+1.jpg" height="320" width="283" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Ripley and Franki relaxing</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">after a hike in the woods.</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And her frosty blue eyes are endlessly captivating, looking more blue or closer to white, depending on the light.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I also learned that it's relatively common for Dalmatians to have blue eyes, like this puppy pictured below.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9QPYjfEt8DCFcMHn_kkCvD2xwmXBPECcmekbD_4T8o73aN_j6LiuP9O1N6TfWwoO7QyKwr-GcYrTUfnO5H9KQosbAOMkqOJqZrJN7zPmZYD1mbZ3fOvT9yv2oc4ToQh8GsBt5ZXFjoUAT/s1600/Dalmatian+Puppy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9QPYjfEt8DCFcMHn_kkCvD2xwmXBPECcmekbD_4T8o73aN_j6LiuP9O1N6TfWwoO7QyKwr-GcYrTUfnO5H9KQosbAOMkqOJqZrJN7zPmZYD1mbZ3fOvT9yv2oc4ToQh8GsBt5ZXFjoUAT/s320/Dalmatian+Puppy.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So I am left to wonder ... is Franki a Black Labrador / Dalmatian Mix?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Regardless, she is a great dog with a sweet personality, and has brought so much joy and energy to our home. </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12602199854847548157noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175996447552603184.post-11061369992542438882012-06-10T15:58:00.001-07:002012-06-10T16:11:25.493-07:00Why Do Dogs Eat Grass?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxu0ywlsb4rybSLIWBlbev91qvNvdXx3N9p2YwUP_-An2JQpW0ECMDjAdE-oxYlgEXENa56KBkQVKtLR-8oEMQsCbZ3tPFH5ACb7_QHFUhGp0ZZkfyqBdbXwEFG0wHOCOLoTjMfOi5iusH/s1600/iPhone+Pics+077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" qba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxu0ywlsb4rybSLIWBlbev91qvNvdXx3N9p2YwUP_-An2JQpW0ECMDjAdE-oxYlgEXENa56KBkQVKtLR-8oEMQsCbZ3tPFH5ACb7_QHFUhGp0ZZkfyqBdbXwEFG0wHOCOLoTjMfOi5iusH/s400/iPhone+Pics+077.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">It's a common belief that dogs eat grass when their tummies are upset ... we see a pool of puke and partially digested grass and assume that the grass made the dog or helped the dog throw up. But that implies that grass is some kind of doggie medication and that dogs only eat grass when they don't feel good. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">But is that all there is to it? Why do dogs eat grass?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Dogs are not strict carnivores. They've always been <a href="http://www.petmd.com/dog/wellness/evr_dg_eating_grass" target="_blank">scavengers</a></span><span style="font-size: small;">, devouring anything and everything, as long as it fulfilled their basic dietary requirements. Domestic dogs are actually omnivores and will frequently seek out alternative foods to fulfill their nutritional requirements, especially if they are fed a commercial diet. And most of the time (about 75%), dogs <i>don't</i> throw up after eating grass. If you think that they do, it's probably because you only notice your dog has been eating grass because you can see it in her puke! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Grass is good for your dog in moderate amounts UNLESS the grass has been treated with fertilizer, herbicides, or pesticides. Since grass is a plant, it has fiber and nutrients that aren't found in typical dog food.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A great alternative to letting your dogs graze freely on your lawn is Barley grass. It's easy to provide some safe grass by planting a special patch of Barley grass. Dogs who like the taste of "lawn" grass will most likely also appreciate Barley grass. It's inexpensive, grows very quickly, and is highly nutritious. Barley grass is rich in vitamin A and C, plus it provides other vitamins, plus minerals and phytonutrients necessary for all mammals. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I planted the Barley grass in this photo about 8 - 10 days before I took the picture. As long as the dogs don't demolish the patch right away (which they don't), the grass will keep growing most of the summer, just as if it was growing in the ground. They nosh for a couple of minutes each day and then leave it alone, so it grows back quickly.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I like to use self-watering containers so that the soil stays moist and I don't have to worry about watering every day during the hot summer. And because some of the grass gets pulled out while the dogs are eating it, I continually add a few seeds here and there all season. </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/">"<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/SqvUQarZo5M?rel=0" width="560"></iframe>"></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">When it starts getting cold outside, I just bring the container inside and place it in a sunny location where the dogs can continue to eat the grass year round. Before bringing it inside, though, I pull all the grass out so I can either change the soil or add organic matter to it ... in my experience, the Barley grass will grow more quickly inside during the fall and winter if it has good, fresh soil. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMYupuiX8XWWYS4NfQVCPbznVXK6DwnwgPq1eS6kMk_Io2aOpeUsbFVQ4iofzbmNLeqifyrclj6bsxGj-8IFZ5Gsc_1xy7XwU32FcpeOK6Z_pe9ZQIe3q8OI4CTfl5r9ouiqvazOXBjyzf/s1600/Pooper+scooper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMYupuiX8XWWYS4NfQVCPbznVXK6DwnwgPq1eS6kMk_Io2aOpeUsbFVQ4iofzbmNLeqifyrclj6bsxGj-8IFZ5Gsc_1xy7XwU32FcpeOK6Z_pe9ZQIe3q8OI4CTfl5r9ouiqvazOXBjyzf/s320/Pooper+scooper.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Crap! I thought I was in charge!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="quotes">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>"Dogs are the leaders of the planet. If you see two life forms, one of
them's making a poop, the other one's carrying it for him, who would you
assume is in charge?"
</i></span></span></div>
<div class="authors" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>
~Jerry Seinfeld </i></span></div>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12602199854847548157noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175996447552603184.post-64964780240844766252012-06-07T06:18:00.000-07:002012-08-25T16:19:08.273-07:00Finding Franki<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I've been away from the blogosphere for too long! Been busy getting my house and yard ready for market ... the "for sale" sign just went up last Saturday. Right now, I'm just trying to find Franki ... </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxWS7RFxovRJJUgfb1fZE-HGif9Ogt9_oP1TEpCL40At9MmjQzrW29vzKc8H_GUmzYbIubC7-a5imMiw0VvtEP2KappbgDVObB1MiZNc3xuUXgt7Alxj_5cJ6Yo2eP3JazI8EE7HpxGIG7/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxWS7RFxovRJJUgfb1fZE-HGif9Ogt9_oP1TEpCL40At9MmjQzrW29vzKc8H_GUmzYbIubC7-a5imMiw0VvtEP2KappbgDVObB1MiZNc3xuUXgt7Alxj_5cJ6Yo2eP3JazI8EE7HpxGIG7/s640/014.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I think I may have spotted her ...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvqvt7RMU8HijLLruXxTZl7YMH9sepF0LQSNP3jQMvlnyXWPeEEuJkPtIdxhyphenhyphen6xspS8GVHRxvdtJsNV-XxxaX3KSodhjqtmdCEL0sNuHiBdiKuKrfjIiL-qt6YELiwxDeo3v4XSwsw52dM/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvqvt7RMU8HijLLruXxTZl7YMH9sepF0LQSNP3jQMvlnyXWPeEEuJkPtIdxhyphenhyphen6xspS8GVHRxvdtJsNV-XxxaX3KSodhjqtmdCEL0sNuHiBdiKuKrfjIiL-qt6YELiwxDeo3v4XSwsw52dM/s640/015.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Whatcha doin' back there, Franki Blue? ...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7sOpOHpBF8QM9u34NmqjGI_A7Ua8ZGgwTgF6OzG6hJqB-q0D0PTRRQ0YUaQajvTuwY07EcNR13xrV0hZLaNfTC2yoVDk_jdjMBtpNpxuA91bKk7d1CSzfr-_Bg1tP01gCSBfFkqImkPjo/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7sOpOHpBF8QM9u34NmqjGI_A7Ua8ZGgwTgF6OzG6hJqB-q0D0PTRRQ0YUaQajvTuwY07EcNR13xrV0hZLaNfTC2yoVDk_jdjMBtpNpxuA91bKk7d1CSzfr-_Bg1tP01gCSBfFkqImkPjo/s640/016.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Seems there is nothing like an overgrown Viburnum shrub when it comes to shade. :-)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPcAFGAdvwW1lcV4u-rmgpivJnQh8Q0lzTCoupMKzXZltnH6ZYJsKUTmcqL5Ej2AOirUHbDm8gNImgdGb5e-KRFaRBFdOqYeDS1RUZZ2E7VTFCFcjvIAas8VZcdEMIYyO1QszUtEDXtrxU/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPcAFGAdvwW1lcV4u-rmgpivJnQh8Q0lzTCoupMKzXZltnH6ZYJsKUTmcqL5Ej2AOirUHbDm8gNImgdGb5e-KRFaRBFdOqYeDS1RUZZ2E7VTFCFcjvIAas8VZcdEMIYyO1QszUtEDXtrxU/s640/019.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<div class="quotes">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">"He wa'n't no common dog, he wa'n't no mongrel; he was a composite. A
composite dog is a dog that is made up of all the valuable qualities
that's in the dog breed—kind of a syndicate; and a mongrel is made up of
all riffraff that's left over."
</i></span></b></div>
<div class="authors" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>
~Mark Twain
</i></span></b></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12602199854847548157noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175996447552603184.post-78601941025854968212012-05-02T20:46:00.000-07:002012-08-25T16:17:08.861-07:00Franki Blue Eyes Comes Home<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh12uN1yNaPthAguOoJn-dHI9NyV99lM68FtzMGJl2JeAUyMNZt5db1-I-n-_Rzf1y1EDuItkwgOAsHc2DpygT4ibhyDkGiCEMkIAGrtwblJiUymm2yKwvSB6Ue7YJAxldVgbAC-z1an8ln/s1600/04-27-2012+%282%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh12uN1yNaPthAguOoJn-dHI9NyV99lM68FtzMGJl2JeAUyMNZt5db1-I-n-_Rzf1y1EDuItkwgOAsHc2DpygT4ibhyDkGiCEMkIAGrtwblJiUymm2yKwvSB6Ue7YJAxldVgbAC-z1an8ln/s640/04-27-2012+%282%29.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Well, Franki (formerly Crystal) has found a forever home ... with me! (For her back story, please read my post <a href="http://www.besttreatsformydog.com/2012/04/sweet-dog-with-blue-eyes-needs-loving.html" target="_blank">A Sweet Dog with Blue Eyes Needs a Loving Home.)</a></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I had been thinking about adopting her since before she gave birth to her pups, but when I first met her, I thought she might be too wild for my more mature pack. But I couldn't get her out of my head. So I brought her over for a visit one sunny Sunday afternoon ... and never took her back to her foster home. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It was a bit uncanny. She went from being an unruly, unfocused creature, to a well-behaved (but still very active) and focused dog. It was almost like she had just been waiting for someone to show her what was expected. And I know that the other dogs helped her, too. Anyone who has been around a group of dogs knows how much they can learn from each other. </span></span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhncv3TtsbUSuWOZlQ4zkUnN5Rr61gZTQdaWLm_C2mQABVtNYolLvJBjBF6eYySxvn7fyfvREoh6029ZJJySDtGZwOeCkC07Izc5ON3XT3NaF5db-6AiZPZE_BT5mMmh0VBZI6S3NLSdOvf/s1600/04-24-2012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhncv3TtsbUSuWOZlQ4zkUnN5Rr61gZTQdaWLm_C2mQABVtNYolLvJBjBF6eYySxvn7fyfvREoh6029ZJJySDtGZwOeCkC07Izc5ON3XT3NaF5db-6AiZPZE_BT5mMmh0VBZI6S3NLSdOvf/s400/04-24-2012.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Franki sits, waiting patiently for a treat.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">It took her all of 10 seconds to figure out the doggie door on her first day. By the end of the second or third day, she stopped jumping on me. She sits for treats and before she begins eating her meals, and doesn't try to steal the other dogs' food. Instead, she waits patiently, watching the two slow pokes, Sammi and Ripley, as they finish their kibble.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">Aside from a couple of naughty moments ... she chewed the lid off the large tub where I keep the dog food and stole some food off the kitchen counter ... she's been an angel. And the joy and laughter she has brought into our already happy home ... well, I can deal with some spunk. She's barely out of her puppyhood after all. And I know I can count on the other dogs to help show Franki the ropes. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJwpVtprov7DLo7VeTAfTUxGMpbwyniOiGu_pa_PAp38UWX2G6HukGMSRvUL7sRrZ6jalPAiRkM42qsVPM7FXsBjjI51yMdnOwMWYpw4YIqbDjlWHiSTWIjsl6w1sLdaMhhzeUUQkWQZ8z/s1600/04-27-2012+%284%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJwpVtprov7DLo7VeTAfTUxGMpbwyniOiGu_pa_PAp38UWX2G6HukGMSRvUL7sRrZ6jalPAiRkM42qsVPM7FXsBjjI51yMdnOwMWYpw4YIqbDjlWHiSTWIjsl6w1sLdaMhhzeUUQkWQZ8z/s640/04-27-2012+%284%29.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Franki and Ripley ... just chillin'.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="quotes" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><b>"I know that I have had friends who would never have vexed or betrayed me, if they had walked on all fours."
</b></span></i></div>
<div class="authors" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>
~Horace Walpole
</b></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"> </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12602199854847548157noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175996447552603184.post-78909833089454934952012-04-19T06:25:00.000-07:002012-08-27T11:13:04.646-07:00A Sweet Dog with Blue Eyes Needs a Loving Home<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiaqKgyo6so4N4PLrGU1PTbgVSAMh4TBN5Gf0pQIgKQuuTN_q4qGwyjcLxCZDj6GD-MLZegVANA8tOU-iHs8ik6fxhG2vMx3auBga_Xn1W4x9PSNtrK7w9r1aUII2sg8Vl-2BdsiqsOblh/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiaqKgyo6so4N4PLrGU1PTbgVSAMh4TBN5Gf0pQIgKQuuTN_q4qGwyjcLxCZDj6GD-MLZegVANA8tOU-iHs8ik6fxhG2vMx3auBga_Xn1W4x9PSNtrK7w9r1aUII2sg8Vl-2BdsiqsOblh/s400/008.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crystal</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Crystal is a sweet dog with blue eyes who needs a loving home. My rescue group, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Colars/293981707289603" target="_blank">COLARS</a> (the Circle of Life Animal Rescue Society), received a call from a concerned citizen about 6 weeks ago. She had been feeding a dog who had been abandoned near a closed-down rural business for about a week. She called us when it became obvious that no one was coming back for her. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">We took her in for a veterinary check-up right away and he noted she was pregnant. The next day, she went into labor ... we had rescued her in the nick of time! She had three pups. Two black and one brindle. After just one week, it became apparent that these were going to be BIG puppies. They gained 10 pounds in only five weeks. Since Crystal is a smallish lab-mix at only 40 -45 pounds, we had to wean them early ... in their enthusiasm to feed from her, they were causing her pain and discomfort during nursing. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXVRgvn1MrSG3Ls2GJlL_MOxgL1Sgsx3eoe0HqLxmmtJUXKJcgUOVjI2rmS3EEtx5EO1C2LKI3bSIUYlerz7y1QioXUTJFxu4RExtXcx7Q3tAPkro-BLk5Q_qWv5D0lVlfp5TBISQlkW3j/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXVRgvn1MrSG3Ls2GJlL_MOxgL1Sgsx3eoe0HqLxmmtJUXKJcgUOVjI2rmS3EEtx5EO1C2LKI3bSIUYlerz7y1QioXUTJFxu4RExtXcx7Q3tAPkro-BLk5Q_qWv5D0lVlfp5TBISQlkW3j/s400/004.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">So now Crystal is puppy-free and we're waiting for her milk to dry up so we can get her spayed. I went to meet her for the first time yesterday after she was transferred from one foster home to another. She now has room to run in a very large fenced yard. </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="font-weight: normal;">The first thing I noticed was that she is VERY active ... and in need of an experienced, patient trainer. She loves people, but has bad manners, and won't even respond to
her name. But I could also see that she's got great potential. She was starting to
respect me after only an hour of interacting with her. Her typical sweet
and friendly lab personality endeared me to her, but she acts like a 6-month old puppy. She has no focus and is "all over the place." She jumps on people and needs help to learn some basic good social skills. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="font-weight: normal;">The second thing I noticed about her ... once she slowed down long enough to get a good look at her ... was that her eyes appear to change color. Sometimes they are crystal blue, but they also appear white or yellow, depending on the light. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="font-weight: normal;">Crystal is definitely a unique-looking dog, at least as far as black lab-mixes go. I hope that will help us find her a good home. She'll need lots of attention, LOTS of exercise and positive reinforcement-based training. I'm confident she'll make some loving person or family a wonderful companion. She's got lab smarts, lab friendliness, and a beautiful, shiny black lab coat. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="font-weight: normal;"><span id="goog_1335096221"></span><span id="goog_1335096222"></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We'll only be giving her over to another rescue group with a
trainer on staff (wish we did), or an experienced person willing to take
on a project dog. She's located in southeast Missouri. If you are interested in adopting her, or know someone who might be, please leave me a comment here, or feel free to visit the </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Colars/293981707289603" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;" target="_blank">COLARS</a> Facebook page and leave a private message. </span> </span></span></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12602199854847548157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175996447552603184.post-84315698641737380832012-04-15T13:31:00.002-07:002014-04-24T11:26:43.308-07:00I Am a Facebook Addict ...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHx1cAjAAnJALdxgLUIWRXJdaYMMXG2Vmk_acShKQKwY9sMnIVXzLl5ejFzYjfq3SvxQzGLXEITVi5iHImiYAApOtdIop2geGAENrBJUKISclZmoyh308PjNP21geZC80KgvA7-a3Ktffb/s1600/Facebook+Addict.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHx1cAjAAnJALdxgLUIWRXJdaYMMXG2Vmk_acShKQKwY9sMnIVXzLl5ejFzYjfq3SvxQzGLXEITVi5iHImiYAApOtdIop2geGAENrBJUKISclZmoyh308PjNP21geZC80KgvA7-a3Ktffb/s1600/Facebook+Addict.jpg" height="301" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> must admit, I spend too much time on Facebook. My name is Amy and I am a Facebook Addict. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I resisted for years before opening an account because I thought it was just a waste of time. But since I joined in August 2011, I've found that Facebook can be a great tool and a fantastic way to meet people with similar interests and passions as my own. Not only have I re-connected with long-ago friends, but I've found a wonderful group of like-minded animal-lovers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today's post will be dedicated to some of the worthwhile images and messages I've come across on Facebook. Just today, for instance, I saw this:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOGJiayfA5HZF2EdjrPkDfEo_ONMGQBppHmPeajpvQ-IB1Gg2JCmtL6NffaYAqiaSrPtIBXSGvEEyIeHst_hPfb3X1J44_cvjPmHaiNd1-OTsUAErzfNPAw83AYDKOmsPZKjm0m719STon/s1600/Eyes+of+an+Animal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOGJiayfA5HZF2EdjrPkDfEo_ONMGQBppHmPeajpvQ-IB1Gg2JCmtL6NffaYAqiaSrPtIBXSGvEEyIeHst_hPfb3X1J44_cvjPmHaiNd1-OTsUAErzfNPAw83AYDKOmsPZKjm0m719STon/s400/Eyes+of+an+Animal.jpg" height="303" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/InsideTheDivinePattern" target="_blank">Inside The Divine Pattern</a> and Anthony Douglas Williams for sharing this. It perfectly expresses what I see and feel every single time I look into the eyes of any animal. Although there is a lot of controversy about whether animals have souls, I have no doubt in my soul, heart and mind that they do indeed have souls. It is only the human soul that needs "saving." Animals, like babies, are innocent. And have pure, uncorrupted souls. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL3nwuDptMPyLqyMDhw6qndYc6oM9CFr2N2WId6O1kkONj5HfhR99ScgRjv8DmsEdPM4PLa4VoRDIT_ps-pwQo3nMrIy-IAFkMA3M9UwWM1z4ezw8gOo3UzCI8D-XnI0uxEDAH9SK3-PKw/s1600/Forever+Dog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL3nwuDptMPyLqyMDhw6qndYc6oM9CFr2N2WId6O1kkONj5HfhR99ScgRjv8DmsEdPM4PLa4VoRDIT_ps-pwQo3nMrIy-IAFkMA3M9UwWM1z4ezw8gOo3UzCI8D-XnI0uxEDAH9SK3-PKw/s400/Forever+Dog.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A popular message I've seen on many rescue pages involves "forever homes" for pets. The photo to the right was posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheGSDC" target="_blank">The German Shepherd Dog Community.</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Along those lines, I shared this photo today on my personal wall as well as my non-profit spay/neuter group's Facebook page:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzkU0qgu3IbzgBFfE9nTznAi-igmpEUujnc3zNgzHYIW484t3wI7Fk7nBae4smsrur16XnZRHB4XxP7cFVfN3NWG_1j4d7rJWOxynsj_50cQ9NCEXCm985uPTBXFD6eXv7jtQsV8AKtSwt/s1600/Abandoned+Dog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzkU0qgu3IbzgBFfE9nTznAi-igmpEUujnc3zNgzHYIW484t3wI7Fk7nBae4smsrur16XnZRHB4XxP7cFVfN3NWG_1j4d7rJWOxynsj_50cQ9NCEXCm985uPTBXFD6eXv7jtQsV8AKtSwt/s400/Abandoned+Dog.jpg" height="248" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/werepeace" target="_blank">RePeace</a> for sharing such an important message ... one that is near and dear to my heart. I first saw this photo on another wall and one person had left a comment admitting that he/she had done this very thing and was ashamed for it. The person admitted he/she didn't think about the consequences of abandoning the dog until he/she saw this photo, which included the horrifying ways a dog, cat or house rabbit can suffer after being abandoned: <b>starvation, heat stroke, freezing to death, dying of thirst, being hit by a vehicle, or being preyed upon by wild animals or humans.</b> I respected this person for admitting publicly what he/she had done and left my own comment telling him/her so. I added that I hope he/she will now consider becoming an advocate for animals.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, although I often spend waaaaay too much time on Facebook, it has added another dimension to my life and expanded my circle of dear friends. And it has provided me with a platform to help spread the message of responsible and loving pet guardianship and kindness to all animals.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To end on a lighter note, let me share a photo and quotation I posted today:</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhARcNog_Lwi7E7ixXBICvqj0npwxhMaTnbBD-2ZsfW9WzrNTNY_aImpaZiX4s9Yus9hD29sdEsE-MVomaSflmkI2otfC8Bpw8R31jlVpGesuJ6vVEKwZjzffWV-AWRY4QFBxO2B8DIogFj/s1600/Couch+Buddies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhARcNog_Lwi7E7ixXBICvqj0npwxhMaTnbBD-2ZsfW9WzrNTNY_aImpaZiX4s9Yus9hD29sdEsE-MVomaSflmkI2otfC8Bpw8R31jlVpGesuJ6vVEKwZjzffWV-AWRY4QFBxO2B8DIogFj/s400/Couch+Buddies.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Cookie, a formerly neglected dog, and her old pal, Teddy (R.I.P.). Teds was abandoned near my front gate. He was lucky and found a new and better home. Other abandoned dogs don't fare so well. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b><span class="caption">"Home is where the dog hair sticks to everything but the dog!"<br /> ~Author unknown</span> </b></i></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12602199854847548157noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175996447552603184.post-76632819663769946332012-04-11T16:08:00.001-07:002012-06-26T09:47:40.746-07:00Ripley Gets Knee Injections for Her Arthritis<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: small;">Today (Wednesday, April 11th) I brought Ripley to the vet so she could get some fluids injected into her arthritis-riddled knees. I knew she wouldn't be able to stay upright on the slippery floors of the waiting room, so put her in her cart. She had a good time walking around and greeting all the people ... She's such a ham! ... check out the short video to see Ripley walking around the waiting area like she's on the Red Carpet. :-)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I'm trying the mobile cell phone app feature for my blog as I wait for Ripley to recover from sedation. Dr. Ben isn't sure if the injections will help her this time ... When he examined her legs before the injections, he said they felt REALLY bad. Worse than the last time. I'll be able to tell if the meds are having a positive effect within a few days.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNNDI5p_9xX6VG1Ayq5JlJJ2ZpmPmqGpuHLD_CfHNHMcEGfWlMDkkSTDD7A-NKV6-90JNH5GkzBVZwNNmQvTracJPj18b-3s0XKhu8n7-o5sPLEXMzZ-Mj4mUtw8QWDQKFaNeegQEBQpSw/s640/blogger-image--1539810134.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNNDI5p_9xX6VG1Ayq5JlJJ2ZpmPmqGpuHLD_CfHNHMcEGfWlMDkkSTDD7A-NKV6-90JNH5GkzBVZwNNmQvTracJPj18b-3s0XKhu8n7-o5sPLEXMzZ-Mj4mUtw8QWDQKFaNeegQEBQpSw/s640/blogger-image--1539810134.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for Dr. Ben</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;">........ Back at home .... I had to carry Ripley into the house. She can't walk AT ALL! She's always been sore after getting the injections, but she's always been able to walk afterwards. I gave her pain meds and a couple of her favorite treats. She's resting on her orthopedic bed and I'm hoping that after a while, she'll be able to put some weight on her back legs. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDT6ZoI9XABq_UYgN4-OM78X4PCKUXOoRVt9T-m4bLdd2ePpgqRcNEQCfBA2k1AU-Ssihq-MtT12bAGJno9gyXvDRtSXUijzFt3AK89YTIgKLYJF6iULCHJHy8mdPpYgqA96w3c655Q5tk/s640/blogger-image--1761824637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDT6ZoI9XABq_UYgN4-OM78X4PCKUXOoRVt9T-m4bLdd2ePpgqRcNEQCfBA2k1AU-Ssihq-MtT12bAGJno9gyXvDRtSXUijzFt3AK89YTIgKLYJF6iULCHJHy8mdPpYgqA96w3c655Q5tk/s640/blogger-image--1761824637.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh out of surgery.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSvjd_wu6AYR_9Y4M2QK5Zd8KOSwLmOvGc621ep0TUJzMyrbet1dXOAM_YVrcfkTuLeYSWO6fBXROrp7uAM4p7aeiC536S94EVGnjj8nDmhEx_DNbAyMDhqHkxy68jdmLIwX-4GDAIgMAe/s640/blogger-image--1668449392.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSvjd_wu6AYR_9Y4M2QK5Zd8KOSwLmOvGc621ep0TUJzMyrbet1dXOAM_YVrcfkTuLeYSWO6fBXROrp7uAM4p7aeiC536S94EVGnjj8nDmhEx_DNbAyMDhqHkxy68jdmLIwX-4GDAIgMAe/s640/blogger-image--1668449392.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still groggy from the sedation.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;">So, yes, I'm a worried Mom right now! And feeling helpless. She's also been leaking pee a bit. I tried to use a back leg support harness to help her walk before we came inside, but she didn't want to put enough weight on her front legs either. If she's not a little better soon, I'll have to call Dr. Ben and see what he thinks. Prayers and healing thoughts for Ripley, please!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I ended up calling the emergency number for the vet clinic at about 1 am. Her right back leg was so swollen and hard, and she couldn't sleep because of the pain. I described her symptoms and he asked lots of questions. He determined that she wasn't in immediate danger, but wanted to see her first thing in the morning. </span></div>
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Thursday morning the 12th of April: Since she still wasn't able to walk without help, I enlisted my step-father's aid in taking her in. In the parking lot of the vet clinic, the vet tech and I loaded her onto a gurney/cart so she wouldn't have to walk. <span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">After examining her leg and getting Dr. Ben's opinion (Doc Ben was on farm calls), the kind, young veterinarian decided to give her steroids and antibiotics. They concluded that some of the joint fluid that was injected leaked under her skin causing the pain and inflammation. It's possible that her knee joint is so clogged with arthritis that the fluid just didn't have anywhere else to go.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOsbInsyOeWeKGbli_tbmflT8No2yfs4YTiU_Mfbp1BWALTa2D2xkCT9Kc2OaGm4id2t9SB0mOOXB3zVqbw5xlQXsnxfVjgGmUKBtqp1jOMv2uffzwQFw-CsNRflC3_0oW1d75SY-Tuzow/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOsbInsyOeWeKGbli_tbmflT8No2yfs4YTiU_Mfbp1BWALTa2D2xkCT9Kc2OaGm4id2t9SB0mOOXB3zVqbw5xlQXsnxfVjgGmUKBtqp1jOMv2uffzwQFw-CsNRflC3_0oW1d75SY-Tuzow/s400/001.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for Dr. Kelvin to examine Ripley's leg.</td></tr>
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<span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">Back at home, Ripley seemed very relieved, and I helped her walk around for a bit so she could get some of the stiffness out of her legs. We all rested in the sun for a while before going inside for treats, more water and some much-needed sleep. Ripley and I both slept most of the day!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirSERQ8_OgDCLhE0wbbXqMWGtlDKPkrQmXaZxazxxD0eCq9J5EUf6o30BGp_RtrstaBtTP8A_xL4KagW4IdXYjCmd3W_V0ZsS7imH59sbUYe_bkKnVfbYHCPCqwHqn-BNh-xbRa0ii_Awc/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirSERQ8_OgDCLhE0wbbXqMWGtlDKPkrQmXaZxazxxD0eCq9J5EUf6o30BGp_RtrstaBtTP8A_xL4KagW4IdXYjCmd3W_V0ZsS7imH59sbUYe_bkKnVfbYHCPCqwHqn-BNh-xbRa0ii_Awc/s400/004.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thursday morning. Resting in the sun after a morning visit to the vet.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">............... <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Friday the 13th of April: </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The swelling in her leg is slowly coming down and hopefully the steroids the doc prescribed will help speed her recovery. ... Something that became very clear to me the past couple of days: When you live with a disabled family member, otherwise small set-backs loom large. </span><br />
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-weight: normal;">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text_exposed_show">But small steps forward are great victories. Yesterday evening, I left Ripley laying out on the back deck for a while since she seemed to be enjoying the air and scenery. I had planned on going out to help her back in soon, but all of a sudden, I heard her coming through the doggie door on her own. She gave me her usual "woo" of hello as she walked into the kitchen and I couldn't help but laugh and cheer.</span></span></span></h6>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-weight: normal;">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text_exposed_show">Even though her progress has been slow and she has needed help getting up several times today, I can see "the old Ripley" returning. Her appetite is getting better and her back legs are starting to work for her again. I hope to report soon that we've taken a walk in the woods ......</span></span></span></h6>
<div class="quotes">
<b>"We derive immeasurable good, uncounted pleasures, enormous security, and many critical lessons about life by owning dogs." </b></div>
<div class="authors">
<b>~Roger Caras, <i>A Celebration of Dogs</i></b> </div>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-weight: normal;">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text_exposed_show"> </span></span></span></h6>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12602199854847548157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175996447552603184.post-20992399905627318162012-04-11T11:37:00.000-07:002013-04-02T20:04:10.872-07:00One Man's Trash is Another (Wo)man's Treasure<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWP8cp9OOC01VH0pmWtzFb7Ly1J7kQ1cwvH20MXt71uskkYvyQDOBbCvdL014O191N-KXx3XVsyZPJX-jCzpqRzZk7f75wEJW6G5xYkslA31_jhLCYaOlsV6AEkJgvj4vMfL69HAjC327x/s1600/18--Happy+Ripley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWP8cp9OOC01VH0pmWtzFb7Ly1J7kQ1cwvH20MXt71uskkYvyQDOBbCvdL014O191N-KXx3XVsyZPJX-jCzpqRzZk7f75wEJW6G5xYkslA31_jhLCYaOlsV6AEkJgvj4vMfL69HAjC327x/s400/18--Happy+Ripley.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b><span style="font-style: normal;">"If you pick up a
starving dog</span></b></i><span class="st"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">
and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference
between a dog and a man." ~Mark
Twain</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One Man's Trash is Another (Wo)man's Treasure.....</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBzR25X-qZb8xKmuoLg1-lspBqViQnokzC5OKlJhCVLjmJKelGZT_ca5JmykNqkkgYsVEBMpaCC_gT0uma3GXPkpdHHxagaPnQUJqeS5hXHqR-04uo4JGQDs7DxtIXwD8x5apaGt8bwaV8/s1600/Ripley+Sept+1999+%282%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBzR25X-qZb8xKmuoLg1-lspBqViQnokzC5OKlJhCVLjmJKelGZT_ca5JmykNqkkgYsVEBMpaCC_gT0uma3GXPkpdHHxagaPnQUJqeS5hXHqR-04uo4JGQDs7DxtIXwD8x5apaGt8bwaV8/s400/Ripley+Sept+1999+%282%29.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ripley, 1 week after rescue</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Can you believe that someone just threw this beautiful puppy
away? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One day after work in September 2009, I was taking my two
dogs, Brittany and Lacey, out to our favorite place to walk. To get there, I had to load the dogs into my
little truck and drive about 10 miles to a state conservation area, where we walked
around a peaceful, scenic lake. There
were two ways to get there, depending on which part of the lake I was in the
mood to wander : on one route, I drove
the back roads, and on another, I started out on Interstate 70. On September 11, 2009, I decided to take the
I-70 route.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I had just merged onto the interstate from the entrance ramp
when out of the corner of my eye, I spotted her. I had to do a double take. For one, I was nearing a cruising speed of 70
mph, and secondly, she was just so small.
And she blended in ... she was frozen in fear along the white "fog
line" (the white line on the right side of the lane). I thought to myself, "was that a
puppy?" and pulled over onto the shoulder.
I looked behind me, and sure enough, it was indeed a puppy. So I backed up, got out of the truck and
quickly snatched her up before she decided to run into traffic. I remember feeling the 18-wheelers and other
vehicles whizzing by and winced at the thought of this little creature
wandering out onto the busy interstate highway. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsUOioQrItV0WF2uYVpJHY81NprGzYB6D3jepY6UO0YnwGf9D27JQeUqQgAOZdaLjlRajcICDcFWGDZJmtoagJ35k84Un2rsP5YDQn9cdmm0xEeVTPt9rfp0Ps9N7VSYHvXg0X8uuQ84-g/s1600/Ripley+Oct+1999+%282%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsUOioQrItV0WF2uYVpJHY81NprGzYB6D3jepY6UO0YnwGf9D27JQeUqQgAOZdaLjlRajcICDcFWGDZJmtoagJ35k84Un2rsP5YDQn9cdmm0xEeVTPt9rfp0Ps9N7VSYHvXg0X8uuQ84-g/s320/Ripley+Oct+1999+%282%29.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ripley, 3 months old</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I pulled her close to my chest, I noticed she smelled
strongly of urine and grease, but she appeared to be in pretty good shape. But rather than continue on to the lake (sorry
Brittany and Lacey!), I figured I should take her home and get a better look at
her.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIGSvxR8c94Tgm_jb81aOtL-H_1M9zEF8goCIJNR9F5EedcdFBvKmEbN06dXjd80UaL2yfAMvj5_sNihmltBAOcHaV9_ZUD5VD0rl3QHnbWQVVbnXJYBwMIljDgraY3cPE-Y3U7S1cB0jZ/s1600/Ripley+Sept+1999+%281%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIGSvxR8c94Tgm_jb81aOtL-H_1M9zEF8goCIJNR9F5EedcdFBvKmEbN06dXjd80UaL2yfAMvj5_sNihmltBAOcHaV9_ZUD5VD0rl3QHnbWQVVbnXJYBwMIljDgraY3cPE-Y3U7S1cB0jZ/s320/Ripley+Sept+1999+%281%29.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ripley has always been a "talker," and a great character.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Back at the house, she got a bath and a meal ... she was
very hungry. And then I wrapped her up
in a towel and she slept for about 14 hours.
At the veterinarian's office the next day, she got some puppy shots and
a clean bill of health from the vet. She weighed all of 3 pounds and he estimated
she was only about seven weeks old. He
and his staff were sure she was an Australian Cattledog (Blue Heeler)
or a Cattledog/Australian Shepherd cross.
Whatever she was, I surely didn't need a third dog ... but almost 13
years later ... well, let's just say I'm a softie and leave it at that!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHAm3CqlL9k_hIUmGBI0TWCWL75xe5Q_G-qfVcHx3eW8ftZE6bc_vsF7I56hlRPYpL2oi2cWFoCAr7Jns4DTc4PXBufNz7fNY7gYpaQUQTXMrJoo5x2T79aSIhJHJc0FgEahsz0HmLgfr3/s1600/16--I've+Got+the+Ball%21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHAm3CqlL9k_hIUmGBI0TWCWL75xe5Q_G-qfVcHx3eW8ftZE6bc_vsF7I56hlRPYpL2oi2cWFoCAr7Jns4DTc4PXBufNz7fNY7gYpaQUQTXMrJoo5x2T79aSIhJHJc0FgEahsz0HmLgfr3/s320/16--I've+Got+the+Ball%21.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Acting the Clown</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0cEmNDwbQKcyNcqQqAZmM7WJBbDEs84DvGvVh7oYitHr5YDvRI57yz5LcoO9crTqh7PsWXpqvQJ7-81Ts0PPAGrX10OT-mgXMIT4Il0o4MECFcgdpSzd0zYbhQsiPCaB29qGvMdLDtTnm/s1600/Ripley+Sept+1999+%283%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0cEmNDwbQKcyNcqQqAZmM7WJBbDEs84DvGvVh7oYitHr5YDvRI57yz5LcoO9crTqh7PsWXpqvQJ7-81Ts0PPAGrX10OT-mgXMIT4Il0o4MECFcgdpSzd0zYbhQsiPCaB29qGvMdLDtTnm/s320/Ripley+Sept+1999+%283%29.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was obvious early on that Ripley is smart ... she learned to use the doggie door and was house trained in less than 2 weeks!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Ripley has brought me years of smiles, laughter and loyal
companionship. Being a herding breed, she is extremely
intelligent and has lots of energy. It's
often been a challenge keeping her mentally stimulated, but since I was already
used to taking my dogs for long walks several days a week, I had few behavioral
issues with Rip. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br />
<br />
And Ripley has taught me so much. She's been nothing less than inspirational.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
When she was only five years old, she started to show signs
of arthritis. And unfortunately for her,
it has been an aggressive and pervasive disease. Within just a few years, her spine was nearly
fused together with invasive tissue, and both of her knees were nearly
unrecognizable in x-rays. Added to that,
her front right foot is also gradually being taken over by pernicious tissues.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The arthritis in her spine got so bad that the nerve to her
back legs was crushed, which also affected her bladder ... she leaked urine
almost constantly. When her
veterinarian, "Dr. Ben," showed me x-rays of her lower back and legs
in September 2010, he said, "I don't know how this dog can
walk!" And he followed that with, "if any human had
arthritis this bad, they'd be in a wheelchair." Then Dr. Ben looked me intently in the eyes
and told me he had shown these x-rays to his colleagues. Their immediate reaction was to put her down. He responded to them with, "You wouldn't
say that if you knew this dog. She has
the spirit of a puppy." </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And he was right. You'd
never know how bad her condition was just by watching her ... she was still
happy and silly and more than willing to go on hikes with me and the rest of
the Pack, and got around the house and yard well enough. But I knew she was in pain and it was getting
worse, despite daily doses of anti-inflammatory drugs and joint supplements. I had a decision to make: take away her life,
or seek advice from a specialist. And
when I looked into Ripley's eyes, I knew I couldn't give up on her. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY0sk4hr1xjEzf25fOZ0ifUeTGnKvnembQOUgnvanmdSXi-c7ODTJFaGYeztE0VZbxpMunLz85EmUZkVscb4EkDUqC9wvEBsOyAJmMXazFVaWXFu0btGcQgJHG0SRQuy4C5pMY6K9E_RIu/s1600/Summer+2008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY0sk4hr1xjEzf25fOZ0ifUeTGnKvnembQOUgnvanmdSXi-c7ODTJFaGYeztE0VZbxpMunLz85EmUZkVscb4EkDUqC9wvEBsOyAJmMXazFVaWXFu0btGcQgJHG0SRQuy4C5pMY6K9E_RIu/s320/Summer+2008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So Dr. Ben referred us to the best orthopedic surgeon he
knew. And I drove her 3 hours to the University of Missouri--Columbia's
College of Veterinary Medicine ... several times over the course of several
months. To make a long story a bit
shorter, in December 2010, Ripley had surgery to scrape the foreign tissue from
around her spine to free up the nerve that had been crushed flat. I knew it would be only a temporary solution,
but the orthopedic surgeon, "Dr. Jimi," was confident that it would
make a significant difference in Ripley's life.
And it did! Within just a few
days after the surgery, I could see how much easier it was for her to
walk. And her bladder no longer
leaked. Along with the back surgery, Dr.
Jimi injected steroids and other fluids into her stifle joints (knees), which
made her all the more comfortable. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For about six months, Ripley was practically a new dog. She had to have more injections in her knees
to keep them cushioned, but otherwise she was able to continue our hikes. She couldn't run with the other dogs, but she
trotted along quite well. ... </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But then I noticed she started to slow down and started to
walk funny when going downhill. She
looked like a drunk, swaying from side-to-side and stumbling like she didn't
have full control over her back end. I
had hoped the surgery would give her more time.
My Ripley still had the heart of a puppy ... always eager, always ready,
and still the family clown.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I knew another surgery was out of the question. She was getting too old and I didn't have the
money. So I started to ask around and
search the internet for a brace of some kind to support her back during the
downhill portion of our hikes. I posted
a video on YouTube showing how she walked and asked anyone who watched it if
they had ideas. Ripley got a lot of
sympathy from viewers and a kind woman from Bahrain, who had become a
"fan" of my dogs (I have a few
dozen YouTube videos of the dogs just being dogs), helped me search internet
sites for something to help Ripley.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
During my search, I came across the website Handicappedpets.com. They specialize in wheeled carts for
dogs. I didn't really want a cart,
though. I wasn't sure Ripley would be
able to use it out in the woods. I
contacted Dr. Jimi, Ripley's surgeon, and showed him the video. He didn't know of any braces that existed
that could help Ripley. So I took a leap
of faith, and borrowed more money from my savings, and bought Rip a wheeled
cart from Handicappedpets.com. (And with the help of some friends and family,
widened the path we walk through the woods to accommodate the cart.) </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Along with the surgery and the steroid injections, it has
been Ripley's saving grace! She only
needs it going downhill, so to help keep her muscles toned, I only strap her in
right before we head down the mountain.
Thankfully, the cart is very lightweight and it balances nicely on my
shoulder. Ripley is such a good
girl! She learned to use it very quickly
and seems to "get" that it helps her walk much more easily ... so she
stands still whenever it's time to attach the cart. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4p7cKPxpAPQOX5kt3FYSu8sZzNemdJpf_fp_yvisaPcyC4jrIHfDpib4N7noodtfYQpiwFoyXBjDtBZsw_rniLZimoWBJZh-hfpJLmoNGm_0yXmZ7vXCxRvzfqainw_iUI-p6pXc_Q1KA/s1600/March+2012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4p7cKPxpAPQOX5kt3FYSu8sZzNemdJpf_fp_yvisaPcyC4jrIHfDpib4N7noodtfYQpiwFoyXBjDtBZsw_rniLZimoWBJZh-hfpJLmoNGm_0yXmZ7vXCxRvzfqainw_iUI-p6pXc_Q1KA/s320/March+2012.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ripley poses in her wheeled cart.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK06gSYBiz14WVQRhmYvinRt7bacYxWhK99T0TkCK0d5bLzjKVSbLHHX4r1xUj7spEmrTFcDUHWeRcFKQzT90KDwSnf53-3g2L_jaWjQAgtynW82e341EseFwJT6lF32vEexwbXyZd9k_g/s1600/October+2011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK06gSYBiz14WVQRhmYvinRt7bacYxWhK99T0TkCK0d5bLzjKVSbLHHX4r1xUj7spEmrTFcDUHWeRcFKQzT90KDwSnf53-3g2L_jaWjQAgtynW82e341EseFwJT6lF32vEexwbXyZd9k_g/s320/October+2011.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Classic" Ripley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I can't imagine going on a hike without Ripley. It would break both our hearts. I also can't imagine the pain she must be in
every day. Yet she seems to just ignore
it for the most part. Ripley doesn't see
herself as disabled ... or unable to do much of anything, for that matter. She doesn't see obstacles. She sees beyond them. She has taught me that obstacles are almost
always of our own making and that you can find a way beyond them if you look
hard enough. She has helped me to
appreciate the little things in life ... simple joys and pleasures. She reminds me to smile and laugh every day,
no matter how badly I may feel. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ripley has taught me to slow down ... to take a deep breath
... and live in the moment. For in such
moments, there is peace. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12602199854847548157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175996447552603184.post-47625305707953195792012-04-02T13:25:00.000-07:002012-05-24T20:45:19.436-07:00Do Dogs Have Personalities?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">Duh! I think anyone who has spent any time around dogs would have to say YES! And if you live with multiple dogs, like I do, there is absolutely no doubt that dogs do indeed have individual personalities. </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">All 5 of my dogs have their own very distinct set of traits and behaviors.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Ripley, pictured above and below, is the family clown. She is extremely bright, loyal, and likes to goof around. She responds to laughter and seems to know that she's funny. She's one of those dogs who "talks" and seems to make different noises depending on the situation. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ripley can be a bit bossy with the other dogs and often acts like a crabby coach when they are playing, like she's trying to tell them to calm down and quit acting like idiots. And one of her most endearing behaviors is her love of grooming the other dogs. My mother calls her "Nurse Ratchet" (from One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest), because she is both bossy and nurturing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ripley also has a talent for finding ticks on the other dogs. She'll stick her nose into their fur at the exact spot where the tick is hiding out. Then she'll pull back and look at me with a certain expression in her eyes. If I don't investigate right away, she'll stick her nose back into the other dog's fur and repeat the whole process until I remove the tick. She's right on target every single time!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Then there is Shasta. She's a whole other story. She's much more subdued and serious than Ripley. Although, as you can see from the photo of her to the right, she's got some seriously goofy expressions. Shasta was rather neglected when I found her wandering along a rural highway. I'm guessing she spent the first year or so of her life mostly alone. It might be the reason she is a loner. Although she's friendly and sweet with me, she prefers to keep her distance from the other dogs most of the time and doesn't participate in "pack activities," such as playing and sleeping together. And when we take hikes, I have to keep her leashed because she won't stay with us and wanders away on her own.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Like Shasta, Cookie was also neglected before she came to live with us. I started calling her Cookie because she's just so dang sweet! She's rather shy and submissive and likes to cuddle ... despite her 80+ pounds!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">She's one of those typical large dogs who think they are small. She'd sit on my lap if she fit, but usually just has to settle with putting her head in my lap or curling up next to me in a ball. Cookie knows what the word "kisses" means and will give kisses if you say the word to her. Fortunately, she has pretty good breath for a dog, so her kisses won't make you pass out or even turn away with a grimace.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Cookie is also camera shy, so I don't have as many photos of her as the other dogs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And if we're outside wandering around in the woods, it's next to impossible to get any good shots of her. I have to act quickly to get some photos of her when she decides to take a break ... but I've taken more photos of her butt than her head ... she doesn't stay still for very long!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Well, I have to get back to my "day job." I still have two dogs to go ... I hope you're enjoying getting to know my special pals.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Please feel free to leave comments and feedback. The only rule for posting comments is this: Be the person your dog thinks you are!</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12602199854847548157noreply@blogger.com2