It's Just A Dog! Really?

Are you a "dog person?" Do you have or have you ever had a special dog?  Are you one of those people who buy special dog treats or dog blankets or toys for your pup?

These pictures are just a few of some special little critters that have touched me.  I have been privileged to have so many in my life...Chihuahua, Great Dane, Airdale, Golden Retriever, Boston Terrier, Yorkie....in one way or another with all their varying personalities, they hold a piece of my heart.

The little girl on the left is Cupcake...my granddaughter's little charmer.  She is full of energy and love and likes nothing better than cuddling with her humans.  She is full of sweetness and kisses!

The little guy below is Buddy, he was my faithful little companion for three years after I rescued him from a less than ideal home situation.  He gave me hours and hours of love and affection in return.

I have actually heard some people say, "I don't like dogs."  Obviously they have never really "known" or "loved" one of these special creatures.

Dogs serve us in so many ways, Therapy Dogs, Emotional Support Animals, Guide Dogs, Service Dogs performing so many tasks for their humans.  From the dogs that follow our soldiers into war zones and save countless lives searching out explosive devices, to the K-9s who serve our Police Forces here in the US, these faithful, loving creatures serve humans in innumerable ways.

I have seen degrees of abuse and neglect of these animals over the years...from those who own them and chain them outside in cold or heat and just feed and water them, but give no love. Why would you want to "own" something you just chain to a tree?  These people create socially isolated, frustrated dogs who frequently bite or injure.  I don't believe that any dog is "born mean."  Just like a child, the puppy must be nurtured and trained.  They must be socialized.

Then there are those who beat and abuse them beyond belief.  I can not even fathom that kind of treatment of these special little creatures.  They are dependent upon our love and attention, and what they give in return is immeasurable!

Japanese researchers recently completed a study which showed in brief that when a dog and an owner gazed into one another's eyes, that the levels of oxytocin (a hormone that causes Japanese researchers found that dogs who trained a long gaze on their owners had elevated levels of oxytocin, a hormone produced in the brain that is associated with nurturing and attachment, similar to the feel-good feedback that bolsters bonding between parent and child. After receiving those long gazes, the owners’ levels of oxytocin increased, too.

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Credit

The dog’s gaze cues connection and response in the owner, who will reward the dog by gazing, talking and touching, all of which helps solder the two, the researchers said. They suggest that dogs became domesticated in part by adapting to a primary human means of contact: eye-to-eye communication.

Interesting, huh?  For those of us who know how much these "fur babies" give us this isn't at all surprising!

I believe that a child who grows up with the love and companionship of a dog learns responsibility and compassion.  Recent research has also concluded that having a pet somehow makes it less likely for a child to develop allergies.  

I have always had a special bond with my little friends, my fur babies.  They have given me so much in so many ways.  I have had people say "it's just a dog!"  Just a dog? I think not!

They are your faithful friends, who will put their lives on the line to save yours.  They are companions who will comfort you when you cry.  Some lead the blind, others search out bombs and drugs.  Some serve faithfully in the military or with the police and save lives each and every day.

Honestly, if you have a fur baby that lives with you in your home, you will soon discover just how much language they understand, and although they can not talk themselves, they can certainly communicate.

My latest little fur baby is on the left - Rosebud.  She's still a pup, and learning new things every day.  Yep, it is work to teach and train her, but she has already given me immeasurable fun and pleasure.  Her amusing antics and unconditional affection are constants in my daily life.

Just a dog? Not!  They are faithful friends who will help you through the tough times and love you unconditionally.

I have found that I personally am very skeptical of people who say "I hate dogs."  Dogs are very good judges of character, and can "sense" when someone is a danger to their people.  If your dog alerts to someone, be skeptical of that person's character.

So whether you adopt a "rescue" puppy or a "designer" dog, I encourage you to add one of these amazing little creatures to your life! They will give you joy and pleasure beyond measure!


PEACE, LOVE & JOY

Simple Pleasures

Things have certainly been rather tumultuous here for the last twelve days; what with my retina surgery and Lucy's broken hip. I am glad to report that both Lucille and I are on the mend.

So, today after breakfast at Denny's my hubby and I went out and purchased some beautiful Mums and Kale to put in the planters on the front porch. Sometimes it is the simple things that help keep life in perspective. Between running back and forth to doctors and hospitals things have become quite helter skelter around here of late. I am a person who enjoys order and things have been anything but orderly!

Today I resolve to try and put things back in perspective and take one day at a time. A healthy breakfast, and planting some beautiful flowers is a good start. Do you have things that help you keep your head on straight? Watching a ball game? Playing a piano? Painting? Whatever it is, don't forget to take time to do something for YOU. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in doing things that we fail to take a deep breath and just enjoy a few moments. Laughter is the best medicine and I hope something makes you smile today!

My doggie Buddy, makes me smile every day. He is the sweetest, most loving animal and really doesn't demand anything of me but a little love. What a joy! Studies have shown that petting a dog or cat can lower your blood pressure, and I believe mine goes down when Buddy is around.

My hubby has a great hobby that keeps him in balance. All work and no play makes for a grumpy hubby, so I am most happy that Kevin has taken up carving. He is quite good at it and has done some really beautiful work. He carves gun stocks, plaques and figurines and is now working on carving beautiful leaves on my kitchen cabinet doors. He has a new web site where you can see some of his work. The address is: hardwood-designs.net. Have a peek and let us know what you think!

Well fellow bloggers, I need to get moving before I have to go back to the hospital to see Lucy! Hope I will have some travel news to post soon. I have a couple of adventures planned including a trip to Atlanta and a Holiday Pops Concert with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra in December. We will also be heading back to beautiful Okaloosa Island for Thanksgiving this year!

Here's a great recipe to start off your Seasonal Baking!

GINGER COOKIES

4 1/2 cups all purpose flour
4 tsp ground ginger
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups shortening
2 cups granulated sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup molasses
3/4 cup coarse sugar

In a medium mixing bowl stir together the flour, ginger, soda, cinnamon, cloves and salt. Set ASIDE

In a large mixing bowl beat shortening with an electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds to soften, gradually add the 2 cups granulated sugar; beat until fluffy. Add eggs and molasses and beat well. Add half of the flour mixture and beat til combined. Stir in the remaining flour with a wooden spoon (mixture is quite stiff).

SHAPE into 1-2 inch balls, roll in coarse or granulated sugar; place dough balls on ungreased cookie sheet about 2 1/2 inches apart.

BAKE in a 350 degree oven 12-14 minutes or until light brown and puffed. DO NOT OVERBAKE! Let stand 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool.

These are soft and chewy and keep well in tins or plastic containers. They also freeze very well!

Enjoy!!!

They Are More Like Us Than Not

Nearly two years ago now I adopted my little guy Buddy.
I had lost my Golden Retriever to cancer nine months prior to adopting the little guy. Buster and I had been together for 17 years, and losing him was really painful. He had been a great and loving animal, who was also extremely smart.

I have heard all kinds of estimates on a dog's ability to think/learn. Most people say they can learn about the same things as a two to three year old child. I have found this to be pretty much the case. The other thing I have learned after having had dogs for many years now is just how much like us they are.

People will frequently say a dog doesn't have "human" feelings, and don't try to assign that to them. To the contrary, I have seen dogs get depressed, cry at the loss of a "friend", and grieve the loss of an owner. I have seen them give love and comfort when their master is lonely or upset. These aren't "tricks" but demonstrations of real emotions and feelings.

Once, when I lived in Maryland, I had four dogs. All of them got along well and played together constantly. When one of the dogs was killed following a truck when we were moving, all three of the other dogs stood beside the road and cried mournful howls for several minutes. They realized what had happened and were mourning the loss of their little friend.

I had a German Shepherd once that was a fantastic baby sitter. He would follow my oldest son every where he went and any time anyone approached the child, the dog would step in between and watch to see the person's intent. Once when another child was bullying my son, the dog knocked the other boy down and stood over him nose to nose until I told him to stop. He didn't injure the other child, he just protected his master's son.

My daughter and I talked yesterday about a movie which was made about Hachikō, an Akita from Tokyo who showed an incredible loyalty to his master. If you want a story that will tug at your heart and make you understand just how faithful and loyal a dog can really be, you must see this movie.

Dogs can develop many of the same illnesses and problems that people do. Recently, my little Boston Terrier Buddy has developed some serious allergies. He is allergic to grass, and keeping him from rolling in it when he occasionally goes out is a challenge. He gets a runny nose, red eyes and his skin gets red and rough. I give him antihistamines prescribed by the vet when this happens. I have done some additional research and found that dogs can even be allergic to poultry. That was a surprise. Many dogs are allergic to wheat.

If your dog exhibits excessive licking of paws, chewing at his feet, runny nose, or other symptom you think might indicate allergy, you need a quick trip to the vet for treatment. These allergies can sometimes cause serious infections. If you love your pet, please care for him just as you would any other member of your family.
They will return your love and give you more in return than you can imagine.

They are like us in so many ways. They can't talk, but believe me they can communicate. They can love and feel pain. They can be sick and tired. I love my new little companion Buddy, and he loves me. I hope he is around for many years, and I plan to take really good care of him to insure that is true.

Let me hear from you about your wonderful pets. I would love to know your stories.

Jeepers Peepers, It's A Golden Doodle!

This post is in memory of Buster The Wonder Dog who left for Doggie Heaven in 2009.


I had just settled into my seat in First Class when I heard whining and smelled the familiar sweet odor of a new puppy. As the stewardess passed out water to the passengers, I heard her ask, "What kind of puppy is he?" The reply surprised me.
"Why he's a Golden Doodle." I pondered for a moment what kind of animal this was. A childhood story about a goose who laid a golden egg popped into my head, and I couldn't help but wonder if this dog laid golden "doodles." Fortunately, the puppy was quiet during the flight and I was left wondering just what kind of critter he was.

When I returned home, I couldn't resist Googling Golden Doodles on the WEB. As it turns out, they are a mix between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. Interesting. But what is even more interesting is the fact that this is only one of hundred of new "hybrid" dogs available to today's crazed pet owners. It seems that dog breeders have finally realized what us average folks knew all along...mutts are better!

Having owned everything from a Chihuahua to a Great Dane,purebred and mutt, I have to tell you that my favorite dogs have always been the mutts. Now some may disagree, but this new trend is something to look at. Breeders are saying that these dogs of "dissimilar parents" grow better, have better temperaments and less physical problems. They are currently being marketed as "designer" dogs, and people are paying big bucks for them, I mean thousands of dollars for a mutt. Go figure.

My first mutt was a Chesapeake Bay Retriever/Black Labrador mix, and he was a great dog. He loved everyone, especially children, and you could teach him any trick in a minute. The children taught him to sit up and beg, roll over, and retrieve anything they pointed to in minutes. His shiny, black coat was curly right down the middle of his back. His eyes were black as coal, and he always looked like he was smiling. I can't remember why, but the kids named him Peepers.

We got him free because he was a "Mutt." He loved to retrieve anything from gigantic rocks to bullfrogs (which he never injured in the process). He could climb ladders and open doors. Needless to say, he was the children's all-time favorite dog. One hot, muggy Maryland Summer I cam home to find a gigantic snapping turtle in the kiddie pool in my back yard. When I asked the children how it got there, they described in detail how they had gotten Peepers to herd it through a drain pipe and into a large trash can for them. Then they carried it home and dumped it into the pool. I am telling you this to show you that there is nothing this dog wouldn't do for those children.

I have owned several purebred dogs: an Airedale Terrier (beautiful, sweet, but very high-strung), a Great Dane (large, friendly and a complete klutz) and a Chihuahua (who only loved me, and attacked everyone else). I owned a really great purebred German Shepherd when I was first married, but he wasn't very fond of my husband. As it turned out, he was a better judge of character than I was. The mutts are still my favorites.

Examining the list of hundreds of "designer" dogs currently available, I didn't come across one with Pepper's background. Guess the American Canine Hybrid Club has not recognized that mix yet. Could call it a Chesalab? I did find some others that made me raise an eyebrow though, like the Papi-poo (there's that poo thing again). How about the Bagle Hound? Do you eat it or walk it? There are endless numbers of others from every letter of the alphabet: Afollie (Afghan Hound/Collie mix), Beagleman (Beagle/Doberman), Chiweenie (Chihuahua/Japanese Chin) and the Cock-A-Mo (American Eskimo/Cocker) sounds like a bird to me. The list is long, some with such ridiculous names that any respectable dog would be embarrassed to be introduced as such.

When I think now about how many times I have had someone ask me about my dog and I replied, "Oh, he's just a mutt," I'm ashamed to admit that I didn't know what a treasure I really had, or did I?

Buster, bless his heart, was a mutt. He was mostly Golden Retriever, and I don't have a clue what else. He had long, silky bond hair, and his big brown doe-like eyes could melt your heart. He loved to give hugs. Smart, sweet and faithful, a loving companion and he is sorely missed.

I now have a cute, amazingly sweet little Boston Terrier. He isn't papered, he is just a wonderful companion who will put up with grandchildren, never (and I do mean NEVER) barks, and is easily trained. He loves to peek over the top of my computer as I write, and steal my "warmed up" seat when I get up.

You can go online an order just about any mix you like. Breeders are coming up with new mixes every day, and thousands of people are clamoring to have a unique dog. So, if you need a good giggle (and laughter definitely is the best medicine) you need to go to www.dogbreedinfo.com/hybriddogs.htm and have a look-see. Have fun. I sure did.

And remember, if you want a really great dog, there are thousands at your local animal shelters who need adopting. They will appreciate you so much that you will never own a better animal. Trust me, I have done it!

My Buddy Has Allergies

I have always been aware that dogs can have many of the same health issues as humans. Therefore, it shouldn't have come as a surprise when my little Boston Terrier, Buddy, presented with severe allergy symptoms. His nose was runny, his eyes were runny and reddened, and other sensitive little parts of his body were red and swollen...sigh.

So, off to the Vet we go. Buddy as it turns out is allergic to GRASS! I don't know if it is just our particular grass, Tift Bermuda, or any and all grass. When he goes outside to go potty, Buddy usually just makes a quick trip around the yard and does his business and comes right back in. Two days ago, however, he decided to have a rollicking roll in the grass...and apparently that was the beginning of the problem.

After a cortisone shot, some antibiotics for the most irritated areas on his little body and some allergy cream, and a prescription for antihistamines, Buddy is feeling much better. Buddy, by the way, is the "PERFECT" dog. He is quiet. Buddy never barks and if he occasionally does, it sounds more like a cough than a bark. He doesn't whine to get out of his crate. He was crate trained in ONE night! So, if dealing with allergies is the only problem we have, we will deal with allergies.

Please remember that if you take the move to get an animal, make sure you give them the same care you would a family member. They deserve to have the best food, their annual shots, regular visits to the vet and all the love you can shower on them. In return, they will love you unconditionally and faithfully. It has been proven that having a pet can lower your blood pressure and generally cause you to have better health! Just make sure you have the time and resources to give them what they need too!

Additionally, you may want to consider pet insurance. Those vet bills can get a little steep if your pet develops a serious problem. There are also "credit cards" which can be used to pay for a large expense which will make it possible for you to spread the cost over a length of time. I actually have CARE CREDIT, and it is a card which has no interest if you pay the amount back within a six month period.

I have always had animals, and I have always enjoyed them. Just like people, they have their quirks and own personalities, so be careful to choose a dog that will match your family's needs! Enjoy!