But for everyone’s sake….take the time and make the effort to train them!
If you do, you will have a dog that takes care of business – “on command”, and one who simply says, “Don’t bother me I am watching America’s funniest videos!”
Posts Tagged ‘dogs’
Big Dogs are great
July 26, 2017I didn’t mean to kill my dog!
April 20, 2017No one wants to think that they are to blame for an instance where they loose someone they love. But in my heart of hearts I know it was my fault that Dakota’s life was cut short. After breaking my back I was unable to walk with her and do the things with her I once did. She sat next to me, loyally, and I never encouraged her to leave my side.
The last year it seemed her ability to walk had gotten worse, perhaps the injury to her ACL when she was young had gotten worse due to lack of exercise. But there is no excuse. I kept giving her treats and marrow bones and she loved them.
At one point I realized she had put on lots of weight, but was unable to walk her too help her get it off. Even if I cut down on her food, my sweet husband would wind up giving her treats. He was just too exhausted to walk her. So there she sat.
She was happy to be near us. That’s the thing about a dog….they are so loyal and their love is so unconditional. I knew she was gaining weight. I could see it as she meandered to the back yard to take care of her business, and to sniff for cats.
One day she walked only to the edge of the yard and just watched me. She did this for a while. I couldn’t coax her to walk further.
That week my husband and I loaded the dogs into the forerunner and took a ride to the woods. She loved going in the car with the windows partly down. She couldn’t jump down as her hind side was weaker, probably from the weight. But she walked in the woods and went to the water and stepped in as if she had been doing it everyday. She loved water too.
By the time we got to the truck we were all tuckered and both dogs were a little less excited, and more whipped!
She was a big girl. No doubt about it. Her barrel chest was very predominant and though the weight was on, she still looked beefy and beautiful.
A couple of weeks later it snowed. She gingerly stepped out in the yard with the pup, now almost two. They shoveled the snow with their noses and were fascinated by the accumulation on the ground. The cool felt good to her and she was like a young girl dog, but one who found it difficult to run because of the extra pounds. They stayed out and played for a while and then she settled in next to me, covered with a blanket to keep her warm.
When I mentioned I was worried about the weight my husband said it was okay, she could “go happy and have what she wanted.” I didn’t want her to “go”, and I knew I needed to do something. I knew it would eventually hurt her, but I did nothing. I didn’t know what to do. I should have made a plan to help her.
She was still beautiful the day she died in my arms, from what we think was a heart attack. She was only seven. I cried for 10 days and 10 nights, and I will cry for her till my days end. It wasn’t her fault. She was only seven.
I know I am human and we all make mistakes, but this was a mortal one that took my faithful friend away forever. I was the one who knew she was too heavy, and I was the one who did nothing to change it! God knows I didn’t mean to let her die too young. I know I didn’t mean to….and I know I will NEVER let an animal get too much weight on in my lifetime. When you hear “Don’t let your dog get overweight” – listen! It can kill them. I am not just sitting here letting my life be ruined, but this is a lesson I do not want anyone else to experience.
I will honor her life by never letting it happen again. The price you pay is just too high. I see her trusting eyes looking into mine, and I pray she knows I never meant to hurt her. I pray God knows.
If you love your animals, if you love your children, if you love yourself – be careful not to overload with useless food “just to eat”. It’s not worth the death of someone you love, and it can happen.
It happened to me.
Dakota – 6 weeks
Dakota – almost 7 – my best friend
DREAM of the Kilo Year
June 2, 2016This dream two nights ago took me to a new level of dream reality. My dreams have nothing to do with my faith as that is like a rock – but sometimes they seem to allow me to have another reality. A reality now where there is no disability. There is so much as an finite human I have still to learn; so many talents that none of us bring to light because we do not know, or do not believe strongly enough to manifest the being of these gifts.
All my life, since a few nightmares when I was a child, I have had AMAZING dreams.My father did too. They are (some people have asked me) in color, and it has been easy to sometimes awake and then go back to sleep and pick up where I left off.
My dreams have been answers two prayers, at least twice that I remember specifically. I love my dreams.
I wasn’t in a good place in this dream. Very rarely have I personally ever been afraid in a dream, and through I cannot remember what the dream was (that is rare too as sometimes my dreams stay with me for days or indefinitely) – I was frightened.
Since my puppy was big enough to jump on the bed, each morning I awake with him lying next to me. I open my eyes and he is sound asleep next to me, or I awake to his eyes looking directly into mine.
Back to the dream. That morning I did open my eyes – I wanted to leave the dream I think – but apparently, not really! I put my arm around the sleeping dog and closed my eyes and went immediately back to sleep.
The dream began again, but this time I wasn’t frightened – my puppy was right next to me and I had my arm around him. I was no longer afraid. He was absolutely with me.
What is so unusual about this dream is it is the first one that I have come back to this reality, and taken “someone” with me into my dream. Though I have no memory of what the dream was at all, I remember I was no longer frightened. I could feel his chest rise and fall with each breath – and he was awake and checking the perimeter around us.
I woke up and my arm was still around him, but this time he was alert, and checking the perimeter around us. It still amazes me because he came into the dream upon my need and request. He has begun to stay with me every step I take…almost as if remembers……
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An Eclectic Post
July 7, 2015
6 weeks old – Axel Bear
4 months old – Axel Bear
Cherish your pets. They are gifts to us and are really great friends. They depend upon us. They are precious.
If something breaks don’t sweat it. Material things come and go. Our human counterparts are the “things” we must take care not to break with our words, or our actions.
Material things can (and usually are) replaceable. Even if they are a cherished item that gets broken – just look in the eyes of the person you are upset with and remember words are like double-edged swords-they go directly to the heart. For women sometimes they remain there for years. It is sad, but true.
Here is the tip for the day. Don’t forget to pierce the potato your are going to bake. Just a few with a fork or small pokes with a paring knife. If you do that your potato won’t blow up! (I forgot!)
Please say a prayer for those who are homeless because they are just unable to do anything else – no matter what the reason. If they are on drugs they need prayers. If they are “takers” they need prayers. If they have lost everything in a fire or flood – they need prayers. Be generous with your prayers as we all need them and there is absolutely no charge to pray! Remember with time and circumstance it could be any one of us in need. Be grateful for every moment and every thing!
Create a beautiful day for you and your family and friends. Does anyone remember the song “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine…..”?
We all have that light within. Just prompt it to release in the form of a smile, a kind deed or word, or better yet, a great big hug.
Cherish yourself! So often it takes years to really learn that one! Somehow I felt cute as a button a few days ago, so I took my first selfie. (heeheee ) Felt kind of silly, but I hope you can see the joy in my heart. 
It still seems really TOO FUNNY to take and post a photo of myself – but I did it anyway! Pheww! That’s off my bucket list now. LOL I know – must be a pretty dumb bucket list!
I can’t stand it. I have to tell you. I stood in front of a fan to have that wind blown look. I don’t know why it still makes me laugh! That is the silly child within me.
I send hugs and love and blessings to all my family and friends. I don’t take the time often enough to tell each one of you individually how much I love you – so here it is –
I love you! You KNOW who you are…now let’s have a giant air hug!
Have you ever eaten dog food?
February 17, 2014I have. Of course it was by accident! Still trying to “be good” and let my body heal as it should. That takes time. So even though I am much better (my hip surgery-new joint), it has only been three weeks and I have some healing to do.
This morning I got up and did a few things and then got back in bed with a paper towel holding a couple of handful of Cherrios, and one holding a bit of dry dog food.
The next thing I knew both towels flew out of my hand and there was a mix of both on the bed, on the floor, in my hand, and surprisingly on the blanket where the dog lay.
Those did not last long.
Since I cannot really bend down yet, I took the now invaluable “grabber” and started to pick the little things up one by one, separating them into (once again) two paper towels.
Did not take long so I climbed into bed to sit and do a bit of studying, and I poured out the goodies for the dog (who was on her blanket on the bed too). Then I popped some Cherrios into my mouth and began to chew. Do my dismay, I realized I should have put my glasses on before doing so.
Uh-huh – dog food mixed in! Yuk. I am glad I am not a dog. It made me begin to gag and I thought I was going to need a bucket. I made my way to the bathroom, did some spitting into the toilet, and quickly brushed my teeth.
Now I have seen some showoff guys do this for fun (after a few drinks), but my palate must be really selective. It was disgusting.
Though I admit, not half as disgusting as the Preparation H I once brushed my teeth with (no glasses of course).
Did I get mad? Not on your life. I started laughing after I quit gagging. There is so much to be miserable about today, and I will endeavor to be joyous, even if it means, “laughing WITH myself!” By the way, I shared my yogert with the poor dog!
Haven’t told my husband yet, as he will be tired tonight and I thought I would share it after his shower so he can have a good laugh too.
Find the humor in life and you will find the joy! God bless you all!
I just hate people that dress up their animals!
July 13, 2013
That’s it. I’m done posing.
One more, please!
Now go play like a good dog Dakota.
Thoughts for the Day
June 11, 2012
We all have the power to transform the natural stress that comes from living into energy capable of improving our physical and spiritual health.
Secret number one is that the essence of life is transformation. These simple words hold the key for changing your life for the better. Join me and see if it is not so. These are thoughts for the day that can transform your life and the lives of others.
Cherish your pets and the lives of all animals. They are gifts to us and can be dear friends.
Remember to look for all those blessings we take for granted. The breeze in the trees, the sound of singing birds, the laughter of a child, these are all blessings we can enjoy!
Look at your surroundings as if you were a visitor.
Love. Do a kindness for someone.
“Humble beginnings or wealth from the start, what truly matters are things of the heart”.
Take your family for a walk, or just do something spontaneous for fun together.
Don’t keep yourself in a prison. Take a break from your electronics and refresh the memory of talking to a real human, or sitting in the sunshine!
Take a breath. Stretch. Smile.
Make a point of actually playing with your children while they are small. Catch a fish, catch a ball, catch precious moments that are only there for one short period of time.
Watch the sun rise as darkness lifts, watch the sunset. How many times have you left to see the stars at night or revel in the full moon? Not enough in a lifetime for me.
If you can’t leave – take a mental vacation. Even if it’s just for a minute or two, visualize a favorite place. Listen to the sounds of nature. Take a breath and use your mind to renew your zest for life.
Cherish the earth. It is our home.
Cherish your body. It is the only place your Spirit has to live!
Don’t let the sour expressions or negative attitudes of people affect your day.
It is a choice. Let your light shine through and be grateful for small miracles. Start a cycle of sharing smiles and positive thoughts.
YOU CAN DO IT!
If you love your dog and your family and friends………
September 16, 2010….this could be an important post.
Today was a culmination of a week of triumph and tragedy. The triumph – I survived. The tragedy – my middle son misunderstood an email I sent him and he sent me a scathing email threatening to disown me (as my older son has done already). I still am reeling a year later from that, as the only thing I can attribute that to is me “suggesting” that he lighten up on words to his children. He is an awesome father and though he does 99% of everything right – is words are abusive. I’ve been through that abuse. I was trying to help. That scenario is the only thing I can think (plus a plate that is overflowing), causing him to dump me.
My middle son sent me an email saying the first was harsh; an apology of sorts. I was on his side. I have always been! I always will be for both sons…and my daughter (who by the way is one of my best friends too!).
So today, after a lifetime of trauma – some self-induced, and some just “time and circumstance”, my 15 month old Rottie could have been killed, and it was my fault! I hear pros and cons of open windows in cars, being tied, being in a crate, not being in a crate. Well, I will damn well guarantee that I will NEVER get in the car again without all windows being only opened 3 inches from the top.
I’ve been warned about rocks flying in and injuring my dog. Never had that happen! I’ve had dogs all my life and never had any bad things happen…they all were loved and lived long lives.
Today I tied my dog in with a leather lead (a short one) attached to a nylon leash
I was on I-5 (major California freeway) and had to go out of town 20 miles to actually get a light crate for Dakota. She loved the air and had her face out the windows at 65-68 miles per hour. I watched her in the mirrors.
Next I had to return a container to a friend who had brought me garden fresh tomatoes from her garden. I took Dakota on a brief walk at an area nearby.
I fastened her in and let the windows down a bit further as it was getting hot. I was going 40 miles an hour. Suddenly I heard a big thud and quiet. I turned around to check her out, thinking she had fallen and I wanted to check her. She was gone.
I screeched on the brakes went to the side of the road-jumped out of the car and saw her behind me, on the opposite side of the road – looking stunned. I thought of oncoming cars. Thankfully no cars had been there when she fell out of the car.
I began to run and saw it was clear then and began calling “Dakota.” She
started to cross the road and I saw two cars coming in the lane she was approaching. I screamed as I ran and said, “Hurry.”
Thankfully they were drivers who were concentrating on the road. They slowed down and we met about a hundred yards from my toyota.
She wasn’t limping and she seemed okay. I came totally unglued – hugging her and thanking God she was okay.
I grabbed her collar and led her to the car (and she was anxious to be there) – I lifted her and saw there was some blood. Quickly I checked her joints and body and saw nothing critical, so I quickly drove home.
I brought her in the house and checked her from head to foot. There was an abrasion under the chin, one on the hip, a deeper one at the bend in the right knee (all the skin and hair gone) and one just below that. There are small various abrasions elsewhere.
I called my husband (working out of town) – called my friend who is a vet assistant – and proceeded to attend to the wounds. Though she isn’t limping, she is exhausted and rather in shock. I just wrapped the one wound and have been sitting with her for two and one half hours now.
I have been through worse in life – trust me – but this is now, and she is my friend and a beloved family member. She is going to be fine. Obviously she probably will be sore and still for the next few days, but I thank God it wasn’t on the freeway.
What has come to mind is the importance (once again) of cherishing each moment you have. Had I been pissed off at her, or ignoring her, or too busy to play not loving on he, it could have been all over just that fast. Think about it.
Equate this incident to your family and friends. LOVE LOVE LOVE while you can!
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Of course everything that I do or ask or receive I ask and thank God, as I know Him. I know there is a superior being as the human mind and body are superior to anything on this planet earth. We may be able to clone something, but the Spirit is given from God.
THANK you God for miracles and Grace.
Dakota’s progress from 5 weeks to 14 months….
August 2, 2010She’s still my baby!
Have a wonderful day everyone and blessings to you and your loved ones!
A dog’s purpose and from the mouth of babes
March 24, 2010A friend sent me this and though I do not know the author, I feel the short story is heart-warming and the reminders are very important for us all. Hope you enjoy!
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A Dog’s Purpose? (from a 6-year-old).
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog’s owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.
I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn’t do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home
As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker ‘s family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.
The little boy seemed to accept Belker’s transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker’s Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.
Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ”I know why.”
Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I’d never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try and live.
He said,”People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life — like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?” The Six-year-old continued,
”Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don’t have to stay as long.”
Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.
Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you’re not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.
ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!
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My puppy thinks everyone should nap – this was taken a couple of months ago….look
who I caught on the bed!
Relax, it's just Life! 