(via couldeverdreamof)
This picture makes me think of a warm summer day at the beach (with my pig if I had one).
Tag Archives: pets
1.15.12 13:05: Don’t make me go out there!!
Colin Ross Jack: Dogwalk Snow Scene
I really do not want to get dressed and walk. Sofie does not mind since she likes to just be out in the yard and run around and bark and do her business but Lulu does not like that idea, she demands her walk. Getting dressed to go outside on a freezing day like today is really not fun. Winter has been very nice in the Mid-Atlantic and I have gotten spoiled not to have to wear my face mask and 27 layers of clothes. I bought Lulu a new sweater last night because I worry about her skinny little body with the single layer of hound hair (of course when I got it home I noticed it was ripped and it was the last one in her size – doesn’t it always happen that way). I am always searching for that perfect dog walking gear for me in freezing weather that won’t cost a million dollars. I have yet to find it. 
My gloves are never good enough. I have tried mittens but they don’t seem to do it either. I tried the ones that let your fingers come through and then have a little pocket that you can move back and forth (what a bother!). I tried liners in my gloves. I must have 20 different types of gloves in my box but none of them make me happy.
I wear this face mask thing called a Balaclava. It keeps me covered except for my eyes. When it is ridiculously cold at night, I even take off my glasses (because they feel like hot steel going into my skin). Those are the times I really have to trust the dogs to lead me. It used to be funny because I would walk blind Sqaush E Bear without my glasses in the dark and he would be my leader: Is that the blind leading the blind? LOL
And, when it is really really really bad, now don’t laugh, I wear my terrycloth bathroom, which is down to the floor, under my coat. That seems to be the only thing that really cuts the sting.
Snowball Smile
Now I love a nice snowy walk so don’t get me wrong and there is nothing like playing in the snow with a pack of dogs, but I don’t have any snow today, just wind and ice. Well, here I go…. It’s just another freezing cold windy DogDaz afternoon at my house. ❤
For my football friends: Go RAVENS!
People Products That Support Pet Rescue
There are a few online stores where a portion of your purchase will go directly to support rescue and shelter dogs. Both the ASPCA Store and the Animal Rescue Site Store have products for both pets and people. Check out a recent review of pet products that support animal rescue by clicking here.
The following products for people cost the same amount as at any other store and products range from gifts for pet lovers and awareness products to clothing, jewelry and more. Browse the following suggestions or visit their websites to browse for yourself.
The ASPCA Store– A portion of every donation goes to help rescue pets and organizations around the country. Up to 40% of each purchase goes to rescue and adoption efforts!
ASPCA wristband $5.99- This orange wristband promotes animal awareness and is a great conversation starter. “Go Orange For Animals” with this Armstrong-like silicone bracelet.
Always in My Heart Pewter Memorial Necklace $19.99- This pewter colored memorial necklace comes with the inscription “Always in my heart” and features a black paw. A wonderful way to remember and honor your departed pet, as a portion of the proceeds go to save other pups who need help.
Dog Awareness Water Bottle $8.99- Fight animal cruelty with this dog awareness water bottle, great for hiking, the gym, office or everyday. The water bottle is white with a dog shadow and the words “Animals can’t dial 911 but you can” inscribed. A must-have for any animal activist—and it’s dishwasher safe!
Anti Puppy Mills T-Shirt $24.99-$26.99- This black shirt with white screen-printing has a cartoon image of a dog peeing on a puppy mill in the distance. It’s a cute shirt and a great way to be bold and start a meaningful conversation!
Men
Women
Animals Asleep Book for Kids $12.99- A cool book for kids ages 4-8, this book features a friendly, fact-filled story about how different animals sleep. An award-winning children’s book, this is a must-have for any young animal enthusiast!
The Animal Rescue Site Store– Every purchase directly supports rescue animals and pets in shelters. Each purchase directly purchases food and care for these pets in need.
All Over Paws Socks $4.95- These cute socks some in a variety of colors and have small paw prints all over. Each pair purchased funds 14 bowls of dog food!
Paws Galore Magnetic Notepad $6..95- Use this cute paw-print notepad on any magnetic surface, especially the refrigerator! The cute design features multi-colored paw prints and lots of room for writing notes and reminders.
Pillow Pals $19.95- A wonderful toy for kids, these Pillow Pals are soft, colorful and comfy. Choose from a butterfly, monkey, panda, puppy or shark. These cute animals are half pillow, half stuffed animal and are 100% fun for all kids!
Pup Upcycled Plastic Shopping Bag $19.95- These oversized bags are great for shopping. Completely washable and reusable, these Shopping Bags come from materials that would have otherwise gone in a landfill. Be green by using this bag for various shopping needs while displaying your love for dogs!
Wipe Your Paws Indoor Mat $16.95- A fun, colorful rug, this doggy rug is great to place inside your dog’s favorite door. Features words “Wipe Your Paws” in a funky font and is 20’’ x 30’’ in size.
1.13.12 7:32: Do you know The Muffin Man?
The Muffin Man
The Muffin Man says that the dogs are boring and that I should write about him. Muffy, who actually runs the zoo at a ripe old age of 18 or so, is one of those really special cats. You know the kind. The cat that makes you feel like you are the only human in the world and that he adores only you, until he goes sits on someone else’s lap and gives them that same story. The Muffin Man, aka: Muffin, Muffy, Mufasha, Muff, came from the SPCA to live with V and kids when he was maybe a year or so. We don’t know his story really but he picked V out of the line up of humans available that day and decided that this was the family he wanted to come home to (and you thought it was the other way around, didn’t you?). I inherited Muffy when V and I became a family. He, as stated before, wins your heart immediately. At the time, my 2 cats, Gertrude and Alice, were his senior and were very happy with their lives (except for the silly dog Nikki, but they were used to her). They were not thrilled in the least to join a house with 3 other cats (Muffy, Zackary, and Cuddles). Muffy, however, being the cool negotiator he was, managed to get everyone ultimately to tolerate each other well.
Muffy & Gertrude on my desk
Muffin has a heart problem. He used to get EKGs every 6 months (we don’t do that anymore) and has been on heart medicine every day and a baby aspirin 2X a week forever, but, thankfully, he is doing great (obviously, he is 18). Starting about a year ago he begin to get that old cat skinniness that makes them look really haggard. We worry that he is cold and the kids put blankets on him all the time, but I think he knows how to take care of himself (like lying on the floor heating vents).
Muffin likes to help me type and spends a great deal of time on the keyboard and in front of the computer screen with me. He his a fascination with my office phone cord and likes to chew on it just about the time he wants dinner. Oh Yah, over the years, he has chewed through about 1,000 microphone cords, ipod cords, Barbie doll arms, and associated soft plastic things. Not a big sacrifice for the millions of hours of enjoyment he has added to everyone’s life.
Ok Muffy, are you happy now? This post is for you. Just another DogCatDaz morning at our house. ❤
Muffy & Noel in my office window
Muffy
Muffy & Zackary in the kitchen window
1.12.11 11:59: Where’s Sofie?
Where's Sofie?
I have totally lost the battle (and my mind). It snowed the other day. Actually, it slushed (you know that really wet stuff). It came down in big wet flakes for a while. This was Sofie’s first snow. At doggie bed time, I knew that I should just put her on a leash for her final pee because I never can get her to come back in, but oh no, I am the eternal optimist. Well, it took 45 minutes to get that silly mutt (she is a mutt, so I can call her that) to come in. She played with the slush and basically hid and dug (her usual). Louise (my angel dog) comes back in immediately. She goes in her kennel (almost shuts the door by herself), puts her head down and goes right to sleep. But Sofie, oh not Sofie Bear! When I finally got her in, she whined and whined because she wasn’t ready to go to sleep. Just another DogDaz morning at the zoo. ❤
Sofie finally in bed asleep
1.11.12 16:26: “To Sit With A Dog… Is Peace”
To sit with a dog
To sit with a dog on a hillside
on a glorious afternoon
is to be back in Eden,
where doing nothing is not boring –
it is peace.
– Milan Kundera (Czeck novelist & poet, c.1929)
My daughter made this piece for me. It is Louise, Squash, and me down by the river. Squash had his summer shaved coat. He had been blind for a long time by then (due to being an insulin dependent diabetic), but as long as he had me, he was comfortable going anywhere. Lulu had been with us about 2 months by then. The picture of Madison taking care of Lily the blind dog (that I posted this morning) made me think about Squash. When we got Lulu she was very attached to him. I think he liked her too, as much as an old dog likes a puppy. She would try to cuddle with him (like I watch Sofie try to do to her). But mostly, he would go to his usual spot (taking up the whole foyer by the front door) and Lulu would be with me in the office. He loved to be outside in the nice weather and sometimes sleep for hours under ‘his’ tree. I would send Louise out in the yard to find him and lead him back in and she would. She actually takes other dogs leashes and will bring them back to their owners if asked. I always joked that Lulu was Squash’s seeing-eye dog, well, now I know that could be so.
Squash & Lulu in the Snow
Louise watching over Squash
Sniffing together
Besties
I must be honest, not a day goes by that I do not think about big old Squashy. I actually have a large picture of him (with a tuft of his hair tucked in the frame) next to my bed. I have been blessed by many wonderful souls that have passed through my life. (Probably feeling nostalgic since tomorrow is the 11th anniversary of my Mom’s passing.) I am glad Louise was here to play with and help him for a little while (Squash E Bear went to the Big Meadow in the Sky last February). Just another DogDaz afternoon at our zoo. ❤
