funkysafari: A Helping Hand by funk_so_bravo
Tag Archives: DogDaz
5.25.12 The Duck and the Green Pool
We opened the pool last weekend, and for those of you who do not know swimming pools, it usually opens a nice algae green color. Some years the water that sits in the pool all winter has even been a lovely shade of black. It takes me about a week to clear it and get it to nice swimming blue. Since it is spring in the Mid-Atlantic, the ducks have come to roost and are very happy that I have provided them a lovely swimming hole. I was not terribly happy to see Mr. Duck getting ready for a swim this morning. I let the dogs out, but they can not get to the pool area, so all they did was bark. Mr. Duck could not have cared less, he stood there by the pool for a really long time anyway with the dogs barking safely outside the pool gate. I expect Mrs. Duck will be back with him soon; when he finds her. There is a lot of ‘that’ going on under my bushes right now; ducks finding their spring mates. Every year they come back and party in the yard. Then they have their ducklings under my bushes and waddle them down the road to the river. The cycle continues. That makes me so happy. But, I do not like the ducks in the pool or them leaving ‘presents’ on the edge.
Just another DogDaz morning at the zoo ❤ 
5.24.12 SO-fie Good
I am amazed at Sofie Bear these days, I am so happy with her, she is like a different dog then the one that came to live with us 1-1/2 years ago. Sofie is at the point now that we can do a total walk around the neighborhood without the leash. She comes when called and rarely gives me any bad behavior, I must say that if I go for to many days without reminding her whose boss (me!) she can slide a little, but I would expect that. If someone told me I would be this big a fan of the e-collar method, I would have told them they were crazy, but the collar, along with 4 weeks of training (for me mostly), is what really really did the trick. I notice many people with e-collars on their dogs, but the collars are to loose or not positioned correctly. I also think that a lot of people buy them but don’t really know how to use them to get the kind of behavior modification that they are looking for. I hardly ever had to correct Sofie with the collar, which surprised me.
Watch out Lulu Belle, you’re next! Mommy likes the idea of 2 off-leash dogs.
Just another DogDaz morning at the zoo ❤
5.23.12 Remote Control
“Why do guys hog the TV remote?” Just kidding.
I would like to understand why male cats seem to want to sleep on the television remote. Even on the coffee table, Muffy or Nine find it and sit on it. This is Nine taking a nap on my king size bed. He has all this space to lie in and he sleeps on the little remote. Now I understand the newspaper thing; that is where your attention is focused and they want to be the center of your attention, so they lie on the paper.. But why the TV remote? And why only my male cats?
Just another DogDaz morning at the zoo ❤
5.22.12 A Dog’s Life
There is nothing like lazing on a fine sunny day. Louise just loves to sit in her spot on the deck and take in all the warmth of the day, 
Sofie finds a nice cool hole to lie in somewhere under the trees (just like Squash used to). Don’t you wish sometimes you could have a dog’s life?
Just the other day I was thinking about how lucky I am. Though I work way to many hours, I have great friends and family, a ton of silly animals, have food to my hearts content, and am blessed with feeling safe in my home and surroundings. If I were a dog, I would probably want the same things (well maybe not the work part). I guess maybe I do have a dog’s life after all, with just a different kind of herd to tend. Well, I think I will go lie on the deck.
Just another DogDaz morning at the zoo ❤
5.21.12 Promdogs
If Lulu Belle or Sofie could have gone to the prom with C, what would they have worn? Lulu I think would be a frilly girl. I know she does not act like that because she is all athletic and serious and stuff, but she really would like something really girly. Maybe she would have chosen pink with her beautiful brown and black fur. Definitely a classic flowing gown, maybe chiffon. Since she is so shy, she probably would have a quiet pre and post party with her date and a few close friends.
Sofie Bear would go to P A R T Y ! with a large group of friends, date or not, and Miss Independent would probably wear something ‘different.’ Maybe purple clingy gown with a deep slit up the leg and lots of bling. I think she would play the ‘blond’ card, if you know what I mean.
Humm, sometimes it is fun to dress them up in my mind. Kind of like paper dolls when I was a little girl, or C when she let me pick out her clothes (I think that stopped when she was 6).
Just another DagDaz morning at the zoo ❤
5.20.12 Fledglings
It is nearing the time that I have to let my little duckling fly on her own. This weekend was Senior prom. She is graduating high school soon and then she will be leaving to college, I have spent years teaching my daughter to stand on her own, take responsibility, and fly. It is just hard to close the chapter of childhood/parent and move into the next phase of the relationship. Not that I don’t want to, I just miss the little girl.
Maybe that is why I have animals. They may get older, but house pets are not able to be self reliant because of the situation. They depend on me for food, walking, things like that, and I like that. Heck, I need that or I wouldn’t have 7 rescues I guess.
As the summer approaches I know that there are many changes on the horizon in my house. All the children will now be gone and it is just me, V, and the zoo. It helps to know that the animals will stick to the routine: feed, walk, cuddle, play, sleep (repeat). And me, well I will have to learn how to embrace the change….. maybe I’ll get another dog (NOT!)
Just another DogDaz morning at the zoo ❤
