Mischief Monday, Aussie Style

Mischief Monday at our house. Jack is not the one committing mischief. He's got the back of the one committing mischief. 

That's the granddaughter. If you take a look at that face it spells "stubborn"! And Jack is watching out for her so she doesn't get in too much trouble.

Thoughtless Thursday, Windy Wyoming

I got caught out without my good camera so these are on my iPhone.  This is the historical bridge by Fort Laramie, the fort itself.  We're actually a little piece of history.  Fort Laramie was a stop on the Pony Express and also had a couple of Indian (Native American) Treaties signed here.  You can still go visit and tour the old fort.

Chris LeDoux was right, we have lots of blue sky.  This photo was NOT edited in any way; that's how blue the sky was.

Can you see the last of the gold leaves?  It was breezy so I figured I'd better take whatever pictures I could right then because by the end of the day, the leaves would be all gone!

Another view of the leaves and the blue, blue sky.

And the gold fields.  A little irrigation pond on the edge of the fort.  The sun made this sky look less blue, but still very pretty.

And Sera's windblown look, to demonstrate how breezy it was.  In other parts of the country, this would be considered windy, but here in Wyoming, this is just a breeze.  Windy is 50 miles per hour!

This is the Thoughtless Thursday blog hop with Ruckus the Eskie, Love is being owned by a Husky, and Barking From the Bayou.

Best Buddies?

Sera is a very patient dog.  It takes quite a bit to make her lose her patience and set someone straight.  I just happened to catch this one with George the catdog, trying to snuggle up to Sera.  Right at this moment Sera looks like she might actually like George.

Rare that these two show affection and even more rare that I had a good camera in hand when they did.  So here is my (possibly) once in a lifetime shot of these best buddies.

And then George pushed his limit just a little too far and Sera decided she had had ENOUGH!  Right after this, she walked away and left George staring wistfully after her, if cats can do that.

The Pet Parade Blog Hop

Hosted by Rascal and Rocco

Co hosted by Bionic Basil, Barking From The Bayou and Love Is Being Owned By A Husky

Thoughtless (Thoughtful) Thursday

Do you ever wonder what your dogs are thinking?  

In this photo, Jessie was watching something; I'm not exactly sure what. Does she think she is protecting the house?  Does she think this is HER domain and we are all her subjects?  Is she just looking for an opportunity to play?

Like most dog owners, I've seen the dogs when they are dreaming and they look like they are chasing something.  Do they remember their dreams?  Do things that happen during the day cause them to dream something specific?  Do they have nightmares?

What do the dogs think about when we're gone?  Do they wonder where we go and why we go there?  Do they wonder when we will be back?  Do they see our absence as an opportunity to do stuff that maybe they aren't supposed to? 

Do they watch television?  We leave the television on when we are gone so that maybe the dogs have something to pay attention to.  Don't know if it helps or not, but can't hurt.

I just know that when I look into their faces, I can feel that there is sooooooooooo much there that they can't "say" in English.  And since I don't speak dog as fluently as I'd like, I'll have to figure out other ways. 

What is going on in those heads?

We're joining Thoughtless Thursday blog hop today hosted by y Ruckus the Eskie and co-hosts Love is being owned by a Husky and M.K Clinton.

Tuesday Tales, the Mod Squad at Black Dog Animal Rescue

Today is Tuesday.  That means another edition of Tuesday Tales.  

I love it when I come across a program that does great things for the community and especially animals in the community.  People started noticing that black dogs have an especially hard time finding homes, simply because of their color. Black Dog Animal Rescue helps with black dogs, as well as all other colors, breeds, sizes and ages.  

This group has several great programs to help animals in the Wyoming area.

1) Pet Food Pantry to help provide food to families who are having trouble getting their pets fed

2) Clyde's Fund to help with medical care for homeless pets

3) Foster care for those looking for homes

4) Adoptions

5) Low cost microchipping

6) The PASS program that help rehome animals without making them go through a shelter

and

7) The Mod Squad to help dogs who need training or behavior modification so they can find good homes.

Today, I want to highlight The Mod Squad!

Here is how Black Dog Animal Rescue describes their program. 

Black Dog Animal Rescue is implementing this behavior modification and enrichment program  to support our mission to provide homeless animals across Wyoming with safe and secure placement, promote the use of proven, life-saving programs in our communities, and advocate for animal welfare. This program was created by the Humane Animal Welfare Society (HAWS) out of Waukesha, WI in 2009. Mod Squad was created to address the fact that the main reason most dogs (up to 70%) who enter the shelter system do not survive the experience is behavior problems. By implementing this program we will work to improve the behavior of dogs in our foster care, and address emotional states of fear, anxiety and insecurity. Our aim is to ensure the needs of dog’s with more complex behavior issues can be met and more of these dogs will have a successful adoption.We are confident that over time, we will see positive results as there has been an increase in adoption rates, decrease of euthanasia rates and stable return rates since its inception at HAWS.

 Who we are…

A dedicated group of specially selected volunteers, trained in behavior modification and enrichment techniques, that works with special needs dogs in our foster program.

 What we do…

Work with dogs who need help to become adoptable because they have behavior issues. This is determined by a behavior evaluation for new arrivals. We also work with special needs and elderly animals. In addition, Mod Squad members may be asked to participate in activities such as:
Handling animals for functions in and outside of the adoption center.

• Recordkeeping and information systems.

• Promotional activities.

• Assisting with training for other volunteers.

• Fostering animals with special needs.

You can see their web page, www.bdar.org for more information.  Such a great program for helping dogs that could be successful with a little help.



We're joining the Tuesday Tales Blog Hop today hosted by  Dogs N Pawz and Talking Dogs

Thoughtless Thursday, Random Thoughts Aussie Style

Fall is really in the air here.  We were in the sixties today and mostly cloudy.  Still warmer than usual, but look at the colors in those trees. Usually, we would have been below freezing a couple of times by now, and everything would be dead.  But not so far this year. We are rapidly getting ready for colder weather but sure is nice that it isn't yet really cold.

Random; I know.  These pictures were all taken in the same outing so there is a loose connection. This is one of my new products.  I know; are there really people who will buy these for their dogs? Yes. There are.  Actually, quite a few people have dogs who are incontinent.  Or difficult to fit, etc.  I talk to alot of people who have show dogs. The dogs who show have to be intact so they deal with heat cycles.  Anyway, I managed to get this photo!

This is Reba.  She is usually a little too spastic to get a good picture, but this one worked.  Could have been my husband's influence (note feet in picture).  

When I take my good camera out with me, I usually just shoot what calls me.  This is our garden. Usually, everything is done by now; dead, dry, ugly.  But this year, it is blooming.  Don't even know what all the flowers are because it all comes premixed as seeds as part of the "good bug blend" that is designed to keep the bad bugs out of the garden without chemicals. We try to use as few chemicals as possible with all the dogs, cats, etc.  Supposed to be clover, marigolds, carrots and a bunch of other stuff.  Whatever it is, it smells soooooooo good!  I should have planted it a bit earlier so we could enjoy it longer.

We get so busy this time of year, with crops finishing up, the garden produce needing to be put up, getting ready for Christmas sales (too early, you say?). This is sort of my Thoughtless Thursday frame of mind.  Or is it really too many thoughts Thursday?  Anyway, we're joining the Thoughtless Thursday blog hop today.  It is hosted by: 

Ruckus The Eskie
Co hosted by Barking From The Bayou, and Love Is Being Owned By A Husky

Ready for Fall!

So went all went out for a walk the other day, farther than usual and different places than usual. It was a very mild day and I figured I'd get a few shots and the dogs would enjoy the outside time. 

I love summer and no threat of snow.  I consider snow a 4 letter word.  Unfortunately I live in Wyoming so snow is possible at least 9 months of the year.  

But then there is fall.  We are having a truly gorgeous fall this year.  First of October and the garden is still producing.  We have not had a freezing temp yet.  Still very pleasant, but not sweltering.

This is a comforting site.  Lots of hay put up and ready to keep the animals fed for the year.  And behind it are our trees with yellow leaves starting to show.  All with that great big blue sky above.  As much as I love summer, this is pretty darn cool as well.

The trees, up a little closer.  Can you see the yellow?  They'll be gloriously gold in another week or two and then gone.  That's as it is supposed to be, I suppose.  But they sure are pretty until then!

Today we're joining the Pet Parade blog hop hosted by  Rascal and Rocco and co hosted by Bionic Basil, Barking from the Bayou and Love is Being Owned by a Husky.

Showdog Saturday, the Greyhound

Greyhounds are such amazing athletes.  To see one really move is magic. I decided to research these magnificent animals this week for Showdog Saturday. I don't know individuals of the breed well but hear that they are sweet and quirky.

What I found online is this:

This a very ancient breed. Evidence of them has been found in the Nile River Valley that dates back more than 4000 years. Greyhounds were bred to hunt, with excellent vision and speed. One source said they can reach speeds of 40 to 45 miles per hour. 

At one time, only the nobles were allowed to own these gorgeous dogs. Eventually, however, the breed became widely popular. Greyhounds are known for racing, but they also compete in other dog sports, like lure coursing, conformation, obedience, and agility.

In the earlier days of greyhound racing, many of these dogs would be put down when their career was over. Now there are quite a few rescue groups who help these guys find new homes.

Generally healthy, they don't tolerate cold temperatures well and should be mostly indoor dogs during extreme weather. They usually have a strong prey drive but can learn to live with cats and other small animals.

Greyhounds get along with older kids but don't care for the rougher handling of young children. They are pretty independent but willing to please someone they respect. Generally gentle and even tempered, they need someone who is calm, confident and fair to help them succeed and bond.

Communicating with Your Dogs

As dog lovers, we've all seen the head tilts, the excited greetings, and the barking of dogs.  We know that these actions mean something.  But what about the more subtle messages?

This look says "I'm hot and tired so give me a break".  

This one says "I love you".

And this one says "I don't like this!"

I believe that dogs are really pretty intelligent but they just can't form our language with their lips. Just not built for it.  But I believe they have a whole lot more to tell us if only we find a way.

Since I go to dog shows occasionally to set up my booth, I get to meet other vendors and other dog owners.  And there is always a bit of down time to visit.

I met an animal communicator at the shows and we've talked many times now. At first, it was polite. I didn't really believe but I was curious. 

We were talking about my barrel racing and some issues I was having with my mare. I told Nancy that it got kind of frustrating paying so much for runs that took only 15 to 20 seconds and not being able to figure out our problems.

She said, well, a session would cost less than one of your bad runs so maybe it would be worth it.  Put that way, I figured I'd give it a shot! I had nothing to lose and what if it helped?

She had me give her information about the horses, dogs and cats living here; names, ages, breed, sex; basic stuff.  No issues were listed.  

We started with Legs, my mare.  It seemed that Nancy did connect with Legs.  She was able to discuss issues that I didn't even realize that we had and hadn't told her about, but it rang true.  We went down the line, talking about/with each one.  And she had some good insights for me.  

But the animal that Nancy most connected to was Rocket, my sweet Aussie girl. As Rocket declined in health, I'd talk to Nancy about the various things happening. Nancy helped us explore where Rocket hurt and what was happening with her.  Rocket suffered pretty badly from the arthritis and we were pretty sure she had an abdominal cancer.  

No, we did not go to the vet about it because 1) she was already miserable from the arthritis, 2) she was incontinent and having issues there, 3) she was already thirteen and 4) considering the first three, we were not going to try to extend her life selfishly just for her to suffer more. No point in doing tests and getting an official diagnosis if you would do nothing with the information  (Note, I was an RN for 20 years so I have a different view of things than some people might; another whole SERIES of posts should I ever decide to write them).

Eventually, the day came when Rocket no longer would eat her favorite treat, peanutbutter.  She had been incontinent occasionally, but this time she was having bloody stools and just looked miserable. I decided to call Nancy to help us determine if Rocket was ready.  

I was so glad that I called.  Nancy knew that Rocket wanted to say goodbye to my husband, who was at work, and to our one daughter who she had a special bond with.  I hadn't even thought about it, but according to Nancy, Rocket asked to talk to "the big girl" meaning our daughter. I was home with  no other humans around, so I called my husband and then my daughter and let them talk to Rocket through the phone. Then Rocket let Nancy know that she was ready to go and that I should take her to the vet right away.

We did that, and I held her paw and stroked her fur as she left this world.  And I felt like we had real closure thanks to my friend Nancy.  

I'm sorry this post got a little down, but I went there because it left a lasting impression on me about animal communicating, at least through my friend.  I know there is no absolute proof that there was communication going on.  I know alot of people would never try it and would never believe there was a benefit to it.  Maybe each of you reading this post thinks that I'm a bit nuts.  But I felt in my heart that it made a difference and helped us peacefully take this difficult step with our beloved dog.

I think sometimes it is about our beliefs, much more than the facts.  I think there are things that are true whether you can prove them or not.  I choose to be open to the possibilities and I'm really glad that I gave an animal communicator a shot.

Today we are joining the Pet Parade blog hop.  Check it out.

Thoughtless Thursday, Aussie Style

As summer comes to an end, we start thinking about changes.  Temperatures are cooling down a bit and school has started.  It gets dark earlier and the sun comes up just a little later.  

We start doing things differently.  Less time outside and more inside. Less gardening.  More cooking. 

One practice that we have is to hang out on our back porch.  We love it because it looks out over our hay field and the hills with very few traces of humans. The dogs love it because they can see all around and can enjoy the breeze.

A boy and his ball.  He's so attached to it. It goes everywhere!

As the "senior" of the group, Gabby is not quite as active; a little more laid back. She's 8 1/2 now.

Jessie, the queen (at least in her own mind) watching to be sure her subjects are all in line.

Sera, the one who is REALLY in charge, casually keeping an eye on things.

Reba, just hanging out and hoping for loves of any kind.  She's such a lovebug but a bit needy.

These guys love hanging out on the back porch as much as we do.  As fall turns into winter, we won't be able to do this for a while. Temps in the 30s and 40s or even cooler are not conducive to porch sitting.  But for right now, it's gorgeous out!

We're joining the Thoughtless Thursday blog hop hosted by by Ruckus The Eskie,

co hosted by Barking From The Bayou, and Love is being owned by a husky

Wordless Wednesday, {52 Snapshots of Life Challenge} Week 38, Feet

Feet up!

We're joining the Wordless Wednesday blog hop.  Check it out!

Tuesday Tails, Adopt Bella and Loki!

Time for another edition of Tuesday Tails. We think all dogs should have the chance at a loving, safe home, like our dog Sera here.  Unfortunately, it doesn't always work that way, but we can sure try to help those that we can.

I've been talking to our local animal shelter/rescue, Waggin' Tails Shelter of Torrington, Wyoming. This week I'm featuring Bella and Loki.

This is Bella!

Bella is as beautiful as her name. A family situation has caused Bella to need a new home. She is a 60 pound pretty girl and is 2 years old. She wants to please and will be excited to go to her new home. She is afraid of the shelter cats, at this point, so probably a home with no cats.

They don't think that Bella has ever been able to be a pup. She doesn't know how to play, but the other dogs are working on that. She is a willing student. She likes to hang with all the dogs. She is a great dog and a fabulous pit bull breed ambassador.  

This is Loki!

Loki is and 18 pound little guy, between 1 and 2 years old, who is full of fun and vigor. He is a cute, medium sized dog that is ready for walks and play. He is a perfect size! If you can, come meet Loki at the shelter.

Loki is a little dog with a big personality. He like playing with the other dogs, but really just wants a lap to sleep on and arms to love him. Sweet guy.

Either of these dogs would LOVE to have a new forever home.  Waggin' Tails has several other dogs and cats who would also love a look.  Please consider adoption as an option.

We're joining the Tuesday's Tails blog  hop today hosted by Dogs N Pawz and Talking Dogs. This is the blog hop that features shelter pets.  Find a pet at your local animal shelter or rescue and join us!

Fit Dog Friday, Aussie Style

Run, Jack, Run!

Running across the field!

This is one way our dogs stay fit.  They get to go out with us and run.  

We're very lucky because we have so much space and don't have to leash them or worry about other dogs.  

Aussies, being the busy bodies that they are, really do well with the exercise.

We're joining the Fit Dog Friday blog hop hosted by SlimDoggy, MyGBGV Life, and To Dog with Love. Check it out!

Thoughtless Thursday, Aussie Style

What do dogs understand?

So, being Thursday and all, I'm thinking of #throwbackthursday.  And I think of Rocket, my sweet Aussie girl that passed on a couple of years ago.

If you've been following my posts, you know that Rocket was a bit accident prone.  She had arthritis in several areas and, we suspect, some type of internal cancer.

Well, we talk in front of our dogs; about stuff, about them, whatever.  That's what you do; you talk to people (and often dogs).

One day a couple of years before she died, my husband and I were watching Rocket hobble around a bit.  It was one of those days when the barometer had changed and she was feeling it.  

We talked about how, one day, it was going to happen that she would be in so much pain that it would be better for us to do the hard, but kind, action of putting her to sleep.  We decided that, when the time came, we would give her a nice juicy steak the night before and then do what needed to be done.

We went on with our day to day stuff and didn't think about it.  But apparently Rocket did.

Roughly a week later, we had steak for dinner.  We had leftovers and, as usual, gave the dogs some. There was an extra large chunk that we put on a plate and gave to Rocket, expecting that she would happily scarf it down.

Not this time!  She backed up from it and looked at us with these incredibly knowing eyes.  You could hear her say "I'm not ready yet!"  It hit us that she not only had heard our previous conversation but remembered the detail about the steak for her last supper.

We laughed uncomfortably because we didn't mean to worry her and had forgotten about the conversation.

I told her "Oh no, we didn't mean that!" I told her that this time it was just left over steak and it was ok to go ahead and eat.

Darned if she didn't just go ahead then and there and happily scarf down that steak.

We learned a really important lesson that day.  At least in our household, the dogs do hear what we say; far more than we ever realize!

Do you ever have those times with your dogs?  I'd love to hear.

This is a blog hop!

Today we're following the Thoughtless Thursday blog hop. Hosted by Ruckus The Eskie

Co hosted by Barking From The Bayou, and Love Is Being Owned By A Husky.