BULLIES come in all ages

BULLIES come in all ages
(click to see movie trailer)

Surround yourself with positive people,
energy, and situations;
always avoid negativity.

~~~~~~~~~~

Life is too short to wake up with regrets.
So, love the people who treat you right.

Forgive, and then forget about the ones who don't.


Sunday, January 31, 2010

Crazy Critters


We interrupt our regularly scheduled program, Sunday is for Family, for the following special announcement.


Gimme a break!

I'm skeptical, to say the least.

I'd love to hear from you if your pups have, or had Crazy Critters.


Happy Trails,

Saturday, January 30, 2010

More Official Mango Minster Sanctioned Events

After entering Zack in Biggie Z's Dog Pile contest, Sassy and Buddy insisted I enter them in a Mango Minster Sanctioned Event.


Too bad there isn't a barking contest, as Sassy would win
paws down.
Sassy decided to enter the Tucker's Sit Stay Event.

Sit Happens!

Sassy's the one on the left! (chuckle)
Entries deadline is TODAY, midnight EST.


Buddy entered Niamh's National Train Your Dog Month Photo Contest

(whew, that's a mouthful), with the following picture.

He's been working hard on "Down Stay" (and alien eyes) command.

Deadline for this great contest is midnight, January 31.



Happy Trails,

Friday, January 29, 2010

Sassy Says

Dogs can't hold their licker!

(Yes, that's slobber flying!)




Happy Trails,

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Reminder- Mango Minster and Dog Pile Contest


Don't forget, if you haven't entered Mango Minster, the deadline is January 27, midnight EST.

All the Sporty Dog contestants are having a blast hanging out in Key West with Judge Moose.

I had a call from Zack and Buddy last night saying the last time they saw Sassy she was leading a conga line down the beach. She better not come home with any tattoos or piercings.


I'd like to thank Mango's Mom and all the judges, who work very hard to make Mango Minster a lot of fun and a great success!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After several unsuccessful attempts to get photos of each pup for Biggie Z's dog pile competition, I finally conceded defeat.


I thought I'd share the blooper photos.


Buddy was excited when I told him I was going to pile moose on him.


"Hey, this isn't my buddy Moose!"


Sassy decided to take the stuffie and run.

"Geez, Mom, I want to play with Clifford, not wear him!"




I entered this photo of Zack, who always wants to please me.
He won't win the contest, but he's certainly a winner with me!



Happy Trails,




Monday, January 25, 2010

Monday's Memory-Sled Dogs

I took my first winter trip to Alaska in 1996. I had been to AK several times during the summer, with the endless daylight and relentless mosquitoes, but the winter offered the Alaska I had always imagined. My "must do" list included a trip to a sled dog kennel and a ride on a sled. I made arrangements to visit Iditarod veteran, Lynda Plettner and her amazing dogs at Plettner Kennels in Houston.

As luck would have it, I spent the 2 days prior to my kennel visit sick as a dog with the flu. To make matters worse, I also experienced my first and thus far, only, earthquake. I honestly thought I was hallucinating from high fever until I called the front desk of the hotel and they confirmed it was, indeed, a mild earthquake.


Meeting the dogs


The dogs were very affectionate until they heard the harnesses and went crazy with excitement.
"Pick me, pick me!"




I secured the sled while Lynda hooked up the team.

Getting final instructions from Lynda:
"Keep your arms in the sled and your mouth shut!"


I thought she was being rude, telling me not to talk, but as I quickly realized, when the dogs started running, snow wasn't the only thing flying. They don't stop to do their "business", if you know what I mean.

The ride through the winter wonderland was magical and the rhythmic patter of paws on the snow was hypnotic.
This will always be one of my most memorable Alaska experiences.

I'll be returning to Alaska in March for my 2nd Iditarod (as a spectator and volunteer).

I have many exciting adventures planned (will give details in a future post), including the opportunity to drive a dog sled.

Mush On!!!



Happy Trails,

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Sunday is for Family

Great-Aunts Alta and Rachel
Local Swimming Hole- Frederick, Maryland
~July 4, 1918



Happy Trails,

Saturday, January 23, 2010

A True Hero

Dog Bites Firefighter In LA River Rescue

United States (California) - A German shepherd hoisted to safety from the storm-swollen Los Angeles river Friday is fine, authorities said, but the firefighter who splashed down in the daring helicopter rescue was hospitalized after being bitten by the dog.

Joe St. Georges, a 25-year department veteran, suffered severe hand and arm injuries but was in good condition at County USC Medical Center Friday, said Los Angeles fire Capt. Steve Ruda.
"He has significant injuries, bites and punctures, to his hand and arm and is being seen by a specialist," Ruda said.

The dog, nicknamed Vernon after the Southern California town where he was found, did not have a name tag or computer chip, said Sgt. Charles Miller of the Southeast Area Animal Control Authority in Downey.
The dog was quarantined to be monitored for rabies, but "appears to be well-maintained and cared for," Miller said.

At least 50 firefighters responded to reports that the dog was in the river. For an hour, firefighters stood at the top of the steep, concrete banks, throwing life vest and float rings, hoping the dog would grab on. Most of the time, the canine walked along a pipe or ledge in the center of the river, sometimes slipping. One firefighter got into the river and tried to catch him, but the dog took off. Soon the pipe was submerged.

When the helicopter hovered overhead, the dog scrambled to the side of the river and tried to climb the sides, only to slip each time.
The 50-year-old St. Georges finally splashed down from the helicopter, wrestled with the frightened canine and lifted it to safety.

At a late afternoon news conference, helicopter pilot Scott Bowman said St. Georges took a muzzle with him but he wasn't able to get it on, "so he decided to go for the capture."
Miller said the dog had some scrapes and worn nails, but was otherwise fine.
"He was fearful when he first got here, understandably. He went through a big ordeal," Miller said.

The dog will be quarantined for 10 days, unless the owner shows up with proof of rabies vaccination, Miller said. Then, the dog could be monitored at home. If the owner doesn't show up, officials will try to find the dog a new home.
Storms that started Monday have already dropped up to 8 inches of rain in Los Angeles County, the National Weather Service reported.
(Associated Press)


Happy Trails,

Sweet Friends Award



One of my favorite bloggers, Deb, @ Posted from Home,
has shared a very special award with me.


The rules of the Sweet Friends Award are:
1. Copy the image
2. List 10 things that make you happy and try to do one of them today.
3. Tag 10 bloggers who brighten your day.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Ten things that make me happy:


1. Spending a cozy evening by the fire w/ Hubby
2. Doing anything w/ the pups
3. Traveling in the RV w/ Hubby and pups
4. Blogging,creating posts and visiting my blogging buddies
5. Bird-watching
6. Watching re-runs of Seinfeld
7. Listening to Andrea Bocelli
8. Beach trips w/ the girlfriends
9. Photography
10. Being retired

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


I'd like to pass on the Sweet Friends Award to the following 10 bloggers:


3. Kathy- BirdingRVers
10. Jack- (the only male on the list) Daily Dose of Jack






Happy Trails,

Friday, January 22, 2010

Sassy Says

In a perfect world, every dog would have a home
and every home would have a dog.
~Unknown

~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is a heart-warming story from USA Today, about Hospice Fosters for dogs and cats. I'm not sure I could do it, but I'm so thankful for those who can!


Happy Trails,

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Coyotes

A pack of coyotes frequently visits our property. Although we've never seen them, they serenade us with their yip-yap howls. While the dogs find this activity upsetting, I find the coyotes' mournful cry beautiful and mesmerizing.

I realize many people consider coyotes pests and a danger to society, but I admire the coyotes' adaptability. They have managed to survive despite conflicts with man, including habitat encroachment.



I shot the video from our deck at 12:30 AM. If you listen carefully, you can hear Sassy getting the last word, as usual.



I love this song, performed by Don Edwards. You might recognize it from the ending of Grizzly Man, the story of Timothy Treadwell.








Happy Trails,

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Zack's Tongue



I have 2 questions:


Where does it all come from?


And, where does it all go?





Happy Trails,

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

I'm Juz Sayin'

Folk will know how large your soul is,
by the way you treat a dog!
~Charles F. Doran




Happy Trails,

Monday, January 18, 2010

Monday's Memory-Zack and Sassy

July 2, 2005

Zack loved Sassy from the minute we brought her home.
In this video, you can see his delight in having a new playmate.



Happy Trails,

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Sunday is for Family

Daddy, acting silly
Savannah, GA
~July, 1979

This picture was taken six months before Daddy died of a massive heart attack, at age 52. This past Thursday, January 14, marked the 30th anniversary of his death. I will always remember Daddy as young, happy and full of life and laughter.





Happy Trails,

Saturday, January 16, 2010

All You Need is Love

We received this great award from our sweet, little furiend, Coco.
Coco is a perfect example of the proverb,
"Good things come in small packages."
If you don't know Coco, please visit her blog and tell her Dog Daze sent you!
If you have not yet received this award, please feel free to accept and pass on the love!





Happy Trails,

Friday, January 15, 2010

Sassy Says

A dog naps so much because it loves so hard.

~Anonymous





Happy Trails,

Thursday, January 14, 2010

I'm a Retriever

Remember the song by the Monkees, I'm a Believer?
(I know, my age is showing...)


~Adapted from Hallmark Cards

Happy Trails,

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

I'm Juz Sayin'

No matter how little money and
how few possessions you own,
having a dog makes you rich.
~ Louis Sabin



Happy Trails,

Monday, January 11, 2010

Monday's Memory-Brandy

Brandy (Golden Retriever) was the first dog I owned as an adult.
I bought her in 1975 while living on campus at the The University of Georgia.
When I visited the breeder another girl was there who wanted Brandy.
The girl was also living on campus and wanted the breeder to hold the pup for two weeks until the quarter ended. The breeder was moving and needed to sell Brandy ASAP, so I bought her and successfully kept her hidden for two weeks.



I sang Golden Ears to Brandy...

modified from David Bowie's Golden Years.

Brandy and I were happy to move to the North Georgia mountains.


Brandy was my first of three Golden Retrievers.




Happy Trails,