Black Dog Blog

Nearly Wordless W-ratty Wednesday...

2012-02-08T07:38:00.001-06:00

Seriously?!? No treats for me this morning?!? MEAN, STINGY ratty mama, LOL.

Mr. Giles, looking kinda sad.

Monday nights at Green's house

2012-02-07T07:39:00.000-06:00

I trained Spike and Murphy in the yard yesterday. It's been awhile, I hate to admit, but I pulled out our agility equipment and set to work. It totally reminded me why I hadn't been doing that lately- Spike gets sooo overly excited, he focuses on soccer balls around the yard. Seriously, in the next house, with the next yard (stay tuned- there are changes afoot within the next months...), I will know better. Keep all soccer balls AWAY! :)
Murphy managed to run zoomies wildly around all jumps, weaves, everything but the tunnel. Somehow she took the tunnel on almost every lap, haha. Ah well, we'll try again today. She will learn to weave if it kills me!
Sophie, poor Sophie got to play some fetch after and I realized just how poor her muscle tone has become this winter, with my clearly slothful behaviour. Back on track- she and I both are on a serious plan to get her and I in better shape. She needs it for her hips and knees. I probably do too.

Anyway, the evidence of why agility is sooo good for my dogs....

Sophie, napping on the couch. Sorry for the quality- taken with my iPhone and I usually do a little better with it, than this. :(

Napping Murphy.

Tired Spike.

After agility practice last night, I worked on sewing a chute for our training sessions. This fabric is actually Denier 420 nylon. I have NO IDEA why Sophie and Murphy needed to "help" me with this project. It's not even cozy fabric, LOL.

Spike and Murphy watching out the window.

Finally, my little winter gift to myself- a pair of Monster Slippers, custom made by Tasha, a knitting genius in the city. LOVE THEM! My students love them too- they were delivered to school yesterday morning and I insisted on wearing them all day. Makes for a happier Monday, LOL.

Still here...

2012-02-06T07:36:00.000-06:00

Yes all, we are not missing in action at all. I've been a horrible blogger of late, but you see, it's not without reason....

First, Murphy (pics to follow later today) turned 2. TWO! She's my puppy- she can't be two already!! It's given me the unfortunate feeling that I need to expand the family again... maybe a puppy, maybe a kitten. All in all, a bad, bad idea!

So, when I haven't been busy with the celebrating of not having a pup in the house (not entirely true, because anyone who has ever raised a Jack surely knows that 2 is still a pup, at least in terms of brain power, LOL), I've been working on agility with her. Murphy seems to have suddenly decided to work. Or, I have suddenly figured out how to work with her- that's more likely, to be honest. She's driving forward more and showing me an incredible ability to run contacts (amazing touches at the end!), a desire to jump like a lunatic and an increasing ability to listen. So, I've been starting to work front and rear crosses with her and increasingly more difficult handling. And, she's starting weave poles tonight. I'm aiming for her first trial to be late this summer, early fall so watch out world, Murphy and I are on our way!

I've also been hanging with the big kids. Sophie has been quite stiff of late so I've spend extra time massaging her hips and working her knees. She doesn't seem to hurt, just be stiff. It's a reminder that Miss Soph is just around the corner from 5 and somewhere deep down, I never thought we'd make it this far with all the problems she's been through. I feel hopeful to be honest. If she's just stiff, that's so much better than crying and refusing to move. And, we've been there before.

And, Spike. Well after months away, I've gotten the old man back to agility classes too. He's a delight to work with. :) No other way to put it. Just a delight.

Besides all that, I've been sewing. The orders are coming in slow (phew) but steady (phew!) and I've been busy working on getting stuff done. Biggest mistake I've made to date was sewing myself an alpaca mattress pad because it's become very, VERY easy to cuddle in bed and not want to get up. But, it's February and it seems the perfect time to cuddle up in bed with a good book, a warm dog and lovely, cozy bedding.

All in all, life is pretty good these days. So no fears- we didn't freeze into pupsicles here, we are just distracted from the blogging world.

Brrr! It's cold out there.... (and Wratty Wed!)

2012-01-18T07:25:00.001-06:00

Morning all from a frigid Saskatchewan. I'm dreading going out there.... Temperatures last week hit +6.3 Celsius. This morning: -34 Celsius with a windchill of -46 Celsius. And, that's warmed up since I woke up earlier. It's a morning I am grateful for dogs who try to go out (and it's tough, but they do it!), warm blankets, a warm house and a good block heater in my car. No matter the temperature, schools do not close here. Kids may not go, buses are not running but school is still open. So, soon I'll head out to warm the car up before I attempt to drive to work. This too shall pass; after all, I'm reminding myself it could be November after all and already this cold.

And, to also to remind myself of some of the good things in life...

Zander and Giles cozied up in their toasty warm hammock. There's a tiny little baby boy huddled in there too. I rescued a wee little 3.5 week old male last week. He's a doll- can't wait to get photos of him. (Is that the same photo I used last week?? Sorry! I didn't get anything new this morning....)

And Murphy, sleeping on top of the doggy blankets in the basket. :) She knows comfort when she sees it.

Ah well, stay warm whereever you are and remember, Spring has to come eventually! In the meantime, I'll be spending my free time hunkered down on the couch, knitting my first project, a scarf that is sure to be done in time for the balmy summer weather that will eventually be with us.

It's here! It's here!!

2012-01-14T09:45:00.000-06:00

Hey all!

GREAT NEWS! My website is open for business!!! Please, check it out, order something and support the "Jen needs a new- non teaching job, hope this works gig" LOL. Anyway, I am still working on getting a traditional online store set up on there (difficult because I just want to charge actually shipping) and getting more pics up. Please the collars and leashes section needs to be built.... but, the gist of it is there!!

SO, please, check it out!!
Black Dog Design

I am also on Facebook and as soon as I can figure out how to link... oh wait, this might work...

Black Dog Design on Facebook

Please, click LIKE and support me!!

(And, I KNOW I have been strangely quiet on the comments front. I promise I am still out here reading, just have been very consumed with getting this and my rattery off the ground.... but, I'll be back in full force SOON!)

Annoucement: Black Dog Designs

2012-01-09T07:33:00.001-06:00

It's Monday and I am pretty draggy this morning. But, I'm taking a knitting class this evening that I've been looking forward to for ages. So, it's motivation to get up and moving. Even Murphy was snoring lightly when the alarm went off; and I KNOW that, as my sleep wasn't great.

But, it's in those sleepless nights sometimes that great ideas are born. Such was the way with this plan, a few weeks ago. It's just taken me a little time, money and shopping to bring it to this point.

As of today, I am proud to announce the opening of my online store: Black Dog Designs. It's a bit of a journey still to learn how to build my own webpage and online store but I expect it to be up and running within a week.

In the meantime, I want to show off some of the products that I have been working hard on:

Ratty Hammocks. These vary in size and price, depending on what you need. ($7.50-$16.00)

Collars and Leashes of course! There are too many to showcase here.

Belly Bands for our boy dogs who need a little reminder to be good in the house. ($10.00- custom made to size). These are made out of velcro and flannel with several thicknesses of fabric to ensure protection of our couch corners.

But, the "piece do resistance".... my Alpaca Line. Dog beds in a variety of sizes, pillows, mattress pads, duvets for our comfort. Alpaca is lovely to sleep on as it's cozy and warm. It's hypoallergenic and great for humans who need a little softness or dogs who have some arthritic bones. My guys have been fighting over their alpaca bed, so clearly I need to make them more!

All pillows, duvets, dog beds are made out of all natural cotton sheeting (muslin). All human products are lovingly made with handwashed, hand carded alpaca fibre (and let me tell you, it's LOADS of time consuming work! LOL). But the results are great.... comfort, warmth, lovely sleep. :)

So, stay tuned for the official opening of my online store... I can't wait to see where this goes!

W-Ratty Wednesday is back

2012-01-04T07:36:00.001-06:00

Good morning all, and happy Wratty Wednesday!! For your amusement, a pic of the boys...

Zander and Giles, hanging out, enjoying their lovely new Christmas present- their hammock.

So, Jean over at My Life with the Critters asked why someone who is so involved in animal rescue would make the decision to breed rats. It's a good question, and I've put loads of thought into it.

There are several reasons, to be honest. I love the species, they are lovely pets and good breeders are very hard to find in this province. So, part of it is about ensuring I have a continued supply of ratties to live with that I know are healthy and well socialized. As well, there is only 1 other breeder in this province (my sister rattery) and it's not enough to keep up with the demand for quality pets. She doesn't want to expand her rattery to the point of keeping up, preferring quality over quantity. I feel the same. So, between the two of us, we might be able to keep the Saskatoon area supplied with healthy little squeakers (but NOT feeders!). As well, to perfect colour lines with great health. Like all pets, rats are susceptible to certain diseases, but with good breeding those isues can be eliminated. For those reasons, I've decided 1-2 litters a year are ok.

Unlike BC, we do not have tons in rescue, and it's difficult to find rats that are socialized enough for pet homes with children (at times). There is 1 store in Saskatoon that has a decent breeding program, but even he can't keep up with the demand for pets. The province does not need someone breeding hoards of rats all the time or we will have issues with rats needing rescue (and occasionally it happens), but certainly 3-4 litters a year would not be difficult to place in pet homes.

I think my reasons are similar to why I would consider breeding Labradors in the future- to better lines, to provide a quality animal who is healthy. I will certainly begin this journey and see where it takes me. No promises that my rattery won't be a closed one (meaning what I breed, I keep and the program is VERY small) or that I will continue to breed, but when the right pair comes along, I will likely decide those genetics are worth being passed along. Besides, we are starting "rat shows" in the Manitoba/Saskatchewan region and I dream of having a competitive Russian Blue Rex (curly) Dumbo Rat to show. Hehe, it's an interesting journey all right!

Anyway, here's to a great Wednesday.... hug your critters, everyone, even if your preference is a little ratty.

Perspective

2012-01-03T07:31:00.000-06:00

A little perspective for the first day back to work after the holidays....

Welcome 2012

2012-01-02T14:51:00.000-06:00

I have many goals for this year, none of which I feel like blogging about today. And, I have loads of changes in mind, but none I really want to blog about today either. You'll just have to come on the journey with me, to learn about these as we go.

But, I did manage this as a gift to myself for 2012. I painted a picture- my first ever on canvass, with real paints. I love art, but I am no painter, that is for sure. But, my friend Allison, over at Polka Dots and Paisley inspired me to give it a whirl.

This is the result...

What can I say? It was a lovely way to start the New Year- calm and relaxing, with a paint brust in hand. And, I'm pleased with the result. Here's to a bright, colourful and artistic new year!

The Third Annual Christmas Quilt

2011-12-31T15:38:00.000-06:00

Two posts in one day, WOW! I have some catching up to do, that's for sure!!

Anyway, as seems to be my December tradition, I made my third quilt this December. Of course, I have to show you the journey.

Yes, it's a rag quilt. They are easy and relatively quick. Plus, I had tons of old jeans to use up. Here's the intial laying out of the patterns. Bu the way, you can see my foot in that pic- you can see my lovely new Alpaca slippers. They were a pricey Christmas present to myself, but I have a new found fondness for Alpaca fibre and I had a moment of weakness at a Christmas Craft Sale. So comfy!

I made it in 9 patch blocks, each with one pattern and jeans. Then, I stitched the blocks into 5 blocks by 5 blocks. I had 4 cozy flannels, yes again in pink. This one is for my couch and the size ended up smaller than the last two, but perfect for a TV watching blanket.

The dogs overseeing the process. Maggie was still here then. :)

Hmmm, comfy! Sophie as always HAS to lie on the quilt, mid process.

Anyway, the finished product, all washed and ready to go. It frayed up lovely and I am very pleased with the results!

I won't be waiting another year to make another quilt, I can tell you that. There's going to be some heavy duty sewing in my near future. :)

Change is A Comin'

2011-12-31T09:16:00.000-06:00

It's been a hectic month around here at the Black Dog Blog! School wrapped up for the holidays and none too soon. As a junior high teacher, I understand when kids have had enough. And, they were clearly at enough the beginning of December. So, we wrapped up and Spike and I headed to my parents for Christmas. Sophie and Murphy stayed with Rebecca at The Poop Guys, and Maggie went to another kennel.

Maggie has not moved home yet- she's still staying at my friend Joanne's place. I miss her terribly, but Maggie was used to being an only dog. She had some serious jealous issues going on- especially with Murphy. Her way of showing it- BARKING. All the time. Loudly. Until my neighbours complained to the town and I received a warning from the Bylaw Officer. So, in the interest of maintaining my sanity, my dogs happiness and Maggie's ability to be comfortable, she's staying where she is at for now. I am not sure if she'll move back- she might, but only if I can find a humane way to control her barking. In the meantime, I'm taking an extended break from fostering- I need some time just with my crew.

Other than that, I've made some pretty serious decisions about my future and that's a good thing. You'll be learning about those over the next bit- just watch the blog as it changes and morphs into something new. ;) Yes, it's a tease, but I will be sharing as I get things re-organized and re-vamped. It's December 31st and I think it's time.

The first big change is the start of my Rattery. I've been in contact with another hobby breeder, here in the Saskatoon area and we've decided to become sister ratteries. This means we'll share a client list, share rats back and forth for breeding and basically help each other out. The first help is thanks to Rebecca, at Mat and Bec's Rats; she is making the trek to Winnipeg and will be bringing back a breeding pair for me. That means the start of my Blue/Silver lines... very exciting! So, stay tuned for litter announcements.

The second big change- I've decided to take a break from Grad School. I've burnt out and lost my drive to finish my thesis, so I just need to leave it for the moment. It's not a bad decision, in fact I believe it's the right decision right now. Rather than dropping out, I'm taking a medical leave for now- with my anxiety and depression diagnosis, I qualify for one and at this point, my anxiety is creeping back up so it's time.

Other than that, for now, I'll leave you with some newly revamped pages.... check them out! :) And, later today there will be pictures of what I've been up to (New Quilt, new projects!)

Happy New Year all! Here's to a great 2012, full of changes that bring joy.

Maggie has found a home

2011-12-09T07:32:00.000-06:00

Maggie had a big day yesterday as she returned to the vet for her followup visit and to get her stitches out. When Dr. Nairn came in the room, the first thing he said to me was "I need to talk to you. I think you need to keep Maggie". I laughed and told him the thought had crossed my mind as I feel pretty attached to her at this point- having gone through 2 big surgeries and everything else, I do feel attached. He sees her as a special girl who is clearly attached to me, and he wants to see her in the best environment for her senior years. Not sure it should be me, but well, that's a whole other issue.

We talked about her surgery and the results. When I got Maggie, she had 2 lumps. By the time she went for the second surgery, she had 4. They removed all 4 the second round, in an attempt to get clean margins. It's been a rough recovery, and while her stitches are out, she still is bleeding and not healed under her arm put at this point. (surgery was two weeks ago today). All 4 lumps, even the one he thought was a skin tag turned out to be either a Grade 1 or a Grade 2 Mast Cell tumor. And, she has a new one, this week. I showed it to Dr. Nairn last night, and while we don't know 100% that it's cancer, based on what we've seen so far, it is likely that it is another Mast Cell.

I am devastated. I can't put this dog through more surgery. New Hope doesn't want to put her through another surgery for her sake and the sake of our wallets- she's cost us upwards of $3500.00 as of yesterday. So, I contacted the powers that be and we have made a plan.

As of today, Maggie will live with me. Mags will live out whatever she has left in my home and be kept as comfortable as possible, until I don't think we can keep her happy anymore. She isn't appearing to be sick at this point, but the cancer is spreading, seemingly quite rapidly. I am treating her with Benadryl and Pepcid in an effort to keep the cancer at bay, but it doesn't seem to be helping at this point. So, the decision is made: Maggie will come off Petfinder and remain a New Hope dog- but essentially mine.

I am happy to give Maggie as comfortable a home as possible, for whatever time we have- it could be weeks, it could be years. I am being realistic, and I think we have weeks to months together. In any case, if she starts to appear to be feeling worse or the cancer spreads more, I'll have lots of say in determining when enough is enough, and for that I am grateful. And, it just seems like the right thing to do, to see her through to whatever her end will be. She's a lovely dog, and I feel blessed to have been able to rescue her (ironically, after her owner died of cancer) and to take care of her this far- she's showed her quirky, spoiled rotten, only dog mentality to me through this whole time. But, she's also showed me a gentle, wants desperately to be loved side that is endearing. So, there it is. Maggie is home.

Catching up

2011-12-03T10:10:00.000-06:00

I took a couple days of "doggy therapy" to get over the flu I had. They are VERY helpful you know.... just look!

Maggie is cuddling with me on the love seat. YES, she's wearing a TShirt. She's finally figured out she had surgery and she's itchy. So, there you have it- the latest in post surgery fashion, hehe!

Nap time!! Yeah for Labrador cuddles.

Doesn't she look great in her pretty-in-pink shirt??

Sophie and Guinness spent the day napping on the other couch. They seem to like each other.

Sophie... I think she's watching TV here.

Speaking of Mr. Gorgeous Guinness himself, he's moving out tomorrow!! He's found himself a stellar family and I couldn't be more pleased for him!

Murphy likes to cuddle UNDER my blankie, on the floor. Just her little legs showing, hehe.

Spikey, in his crate. It's his "I want to be close, but it's too hot in here to cuddle, so I'll stick myself in my crate so at least I'm still in the same room" plan. He is quirky, that boy.

He did come out to watch the street from his favourite chair at least.

In other news, I got the Christmas tree up. Crossing fingers it won't get knocked down this year!

Oh, and I haven't done this, this year yet, but it makes me feel better about the LONG nights and SHORT days of winter in Canada. I keep thinking, at least the weather has been mild. Anyway, Dec. 1st, this is what it looked like as I was leaving... just mostly dark. The shortest day of the year also happens to be my last day before holidays so I will get a photo to compare. Hopefully I'll have figured out the settings on this camera by then to actually get a decent photo. :)

W-ratty Wednesday: Exploring the dirt box...

2011-11-30T11:20:00.000-06:00

Ahhh, yes, I haven't done a Nearly Wordless, W-ratty Wednesday in ages. But, I managed in my "I feel icky and under the weather, should still be sleeping, but I have labs and jacks" kind of state to click some really bad photos of Zander and Giles. Oh, and a couple of the girls, before I did the bi-weekly total clean job of the cages.

Zander's nose. And, a junky eye that needs cleaning up. He's a sensitive soul, this one and dogs barking (Maggie) stresses him out a bit. Ah well, extra treats and cuddles....

Giles... WOW! New digging tin! COOL!

Get your fuzzy butt outta my way... Zander shoves Giles out of the way to explore the brand new tin.

PIGGY! Giles has 2, TWO treats in that mouth!

Smidgy... my word, you ladies are MESSY! lol

Smudge and Dru coming to see what's up.

All three girlies, pre- cage clean... Smidge, Dru, Smudge. This cage WAS imacculate just a couple days ago. The girls are way messier than the boys.

All I hear now is happy rustling as they scramble to see what's new, to work through mounds of crumpled papers to create new nest and to find any hidden treats. All in all, a good way to spend an icky, sicky morning.

Update on the Mags....

2011-11-28T07:30:00.000-06:00

Good morning all.... it's Monday, isn't it?!? And, I think I have the flu. But, that's life; I'm going to head off to work for the day because it's a case of "planning for a sub at this time of day is WORSE than teaching with the flu." If I'm not feeling better SOON, I'll be in bed tomorrow, cuddled with Maggie and crew. :)

Speaking of Maggie.... she amazes me! She still hasn't seemed to notice she had surgery and she is her playful self already. She's supposed to be on crate rest, but I figure, what's the difference between chewing a bone on the couch or in the crate? The difference for Maggie- she's quieter and happier on the couch, LOL. She is recovering incredibly quickly with no issues. Phew!

And, Guinness, just a quick update too.... he met a family yesterday and as predicted they LOVE my boy! If all goes well, Mr Guinness is off to live his life with a great family, complete with a 7 year old boy to grow up with. I am hoping he'll be able to move next weekend- it's a little complicated by the fact that they live in Regina, and need time to drive up and get him but I believe once they get the "ok, the home check is great!" they'll be in the car heading here to get their boy!

Otherwise, everyone else is happy, content and busy chewing on deer bones. :) I promise an update with pictures (and maybe for a change, focusing on the dogs of the Black Dog Blog, LOL).

Franken-Maggie

2011-11-26T10:49:00.000-06:00

WARNING: Graphic, post surgery pics below. (just in case you are squeamish!)

Maggie is back home. The vet wanted to keep her last night, but I couldn't figure out a way to manage to get into the city to pick her up, get her home, then back to the city for an 8 hour + day of agility, obedience, then hanging out with the Junior Girls Basketball team at their tournament. I'm supervising the tournament this evening. So, I asked if I could please try bringing her home and was told that as long as Mags is on complete crate rest for the next while, I could. And, I have strict orders to bring her back if anything looks bad or worsesome.

Maggie was incredibly tired and droopy in the car but by the time we arrived at my house, she was already perking up. She hobbled up the stairs, plopped herself in her crate and loudly demanded some dinner. :) She MUST be feeling ok if she wants to eat, right?!?

Anyway, she cried most of the night, in a low, pathetic moaning kind of way- as if to say, "I'm lonely and I don't feel good! Cuddle with me please!!" This morning, she just barks. She's decided that she is ready to go and should be allowed to get back to normal.

Sadly though, she can't. They removed a big chunk of skin, on both tumour sites- one goes up into her armpit and the other is her neck. Because of the incision in her side/armpit, she can't put full weight on that paw until the skin begins to heal/regenerate. It pulls on her stitches too much and hurts. But, she still manages to do stairs and limp along bravely, tail wagging, happy to be up and moving. And, crate rest?!? Yeah, she's not too big on that!

Anyway, Maggie is showing big signs that she is going to be just fine! Her prognosis is GREAT! They got it all and have clean margins on all sites. There was no sign of regrowth at the time of her second surgery. So, in a couple weeks the stitches will come out and Maggie will be deemed completely healthy. And, once her fur grows back, you'll never know she had surgery to have cancer removed. And, she'll be back to her playful, happy go lucky self, making me think that all is right in the world again, at least for a moment. She is easily the most resilient dog I have ever seen and she's teaching me loads about grinning and bearing it, and just getting on. Well done Maggie, that's a huge life lesson for me!

Anyway, here's the photo of her neck... it looks awful this morning!

Isn't that awful?!? Poor Maggie! Luckily though, she has been a strict diet the last weeks and she had loads of extra skin to make up for the huge patches they took off. So, it looks much, much worse than it is!

I had a hard time getting Maggie to stand still for this, but here's a photo of her side. That's part of her incision only; it continues up into her armput. It looks pretty sore this morning.

You can't see much here, but the yellowing you see is the start of bruising. This was two hours ago, and now it's incredibly bruised- the whole shaved area basically looks like a big, ugly bruise. I was warned that would happen.

Ah well, keep sending the well wishes- Maggie loves hearing that people are rooting for her!!

Christmas comes early....

2011-11-25T07:37:00.000-06:00

Earlier in the week, I took my students to the Festival of Trees. This is an annual fundraiser for the MS society. After looking at a few of these sites, I couldn't help but get in the Christmas mood!

The quality of these pics aren't the best. Sorry! I took them on my iPhone, and had to jostle through crowds, give the phone a second to focus and it didn't always work out. Ah well...

One of my favourite wreaths.

The Dr. Suess inspired tree!

Gingerbread house, a-la- Smurfs!

It was fun and I had such a good time looking at the 80 trees, the wreaths and gingerbread creations. I am definitely starting to feel the Christmas mood!!

So, that HAD to carry over to last night, hehe! It was our First Annual?!? Steak Night to raise funds for New Hope Dog Rescue. I had to go, of course, as I have Miss Maggie and her surgeries/diagnostics have just past the $3000.00 mark. So, I spent a few days, created some PowerPoint presentations to demonstrate the needs (they will be up here soon!) and I went, with no intention to buy anything. I just planned to eat my steak, play my PowerPoints and come home.

But, then I spotted this and my eyes lit up. It's a basket donated by the Meadow Lake Humane Society. I found it touching that another rescue donated to us, to help out! And, we often take puppies from them (especially mangy little pups that need extra TLC), so I guess that's why. So, I bid. Then, I walked away and didn't think much about it- I ALWAYS get outbid on stuff.

It got a little jostled in the car on the way home, but it gives an idea at least.

Look at all that Happy Puppy Making Goodness!

Yes, I won the silent auction and brought home Christmas in a giant pail, for the dogs. There's the food like treats. There's even a box for the ratties to enjoy, hehe! I don't give rawhides to my dogs as they don't sit well with them, but I have the two chewing fiends lodging here who will LOVE them!

The toys! There is basically two of everything- two squeaky toys, two tuggers, two sets of balls (Yeah for Sophie!), two ducks.... I've put most of it away but the dog bed. Spike spent his night, curled up on the new doggy bed, now living at the foot of my bed. All in all, I am pleased!

Yes, it was a bit of a big donation to get that bucket, but for Maggie, it's worth it! :) Our steak night brought in over $5000.00 and that just warms my heart. Hug your pups today and think a good thought for those in rescue. We are grateful for all your kindly thoughts and donations. :)

Oh, and if you can spare a kindly thought for Maggie, she's back at the vet having her second sugery today. If all goes well, Miss Maggie will be declared Cancer Free by the end of today!!

Three peas in a pod

2011-11-21T07:26:00.000-06:00

Ahhh, the motivated by food crew. Should have been 5 dogs there, but Spike was off to the side and didn't make the shot. And Maggie was safely crated (due to bad behaviour, LOL. She's learning manners, slowly but surely, my poor, spoiled rotten foster!)

Sophie, Murphy and Guinness.

Speaking of Guinness, I am slowly but surely seeing what a beautiful, gem of a dog he is. He's patient, kindly, wise and gentle. He's everything, EVERYTHING a balanced Labrador is supposed to be. Some family is going to be incredibly lucky to be graced with his presence. We don't very often get a dog like him into rescue, that's for sure and I for one will be sad to see him go, but know he's meant for a special, special family somewhere. :)

Stuff

2011-11-20T15:18:00.000-06:00

It's been a busy couple weeks. I've been working on a couple slideshows for a New Hope fundraiser and that's kept me hopping. I'll post them after the event.

In the meantime, Miss Jorja has been adopted! I decided to place her up for adoption after all as she had some issues with strangers that she needed worked on with someone who had time to do so with her. Lucky girl had an application very quickly from a family I was delighted to see her live with. And, I will be able to keep up with her life, on facebook so that is great!

Maggie has gotten GREAT news! All her tests came back fine so she goes for more surgery this week to get the clean margins she needs to be declared cancer free. She'll be up for adoption at that point and will be looking for the perfect retirement home.

And, Guinness has moved in. I don't understand people.... they have basically the perfect dog and they decide for the standard "My baby has allergies" and "I'm moving to a place I can't keep him" reason and I don't buy it. He had a blown cruciate and they paid for the surgery, then did all the rehab. And, he is in great shape, after his surgery (which was in July). He may need some pain meds here and there as he's likely going to get arthritis in the knee, but that's so minor in the whole scheme of things. He's a gentle, gentle soul who just wants to be loved. I can't help myself- I'm smitten and can't wait to find him his perfect forever home!

In other news, I've been working on a little agility equipment and a door blocker for the Rat Room. That way, it stays warmer in there and keeps packs of wild, starving labradors from raiding their food. They seem MUCH happier with the door open! And, Murphy has no inclination to jump it, which is great!

Spike and Sophie are continuing on, in their usual, happy ways. I am so lucky they are open to having random new dogs come through here!! :)

The Save Maggie Campaign

2011-11-04T20:15:00.000-06:00

New Hope has been overwhelmed by dogs lately that have HUGE medical needs. Some we knew about when we got them, others like Maggie were a surprise. And, because I am fostering Mags, I felt like I had something to say about her, the needs she has and what she has meant to me. So, I wrote a letter to kick off a fundraising campaign to help these dogs. It just came to me, the day she arrived home after having her ultrasound done. And, I want to share it with you.....

Maggie is a lovely 8 year old Chocolate Lab. She is a CKC registered dog and came from a breeder in Saskatchewan. She’s obviously had obedience work in her life, and she’s clearly been pampered and loved her whole life.

So, how did she come to be with New Hope? You see, her owner recently died of lung cancer. Her breeder was not interested in taking her back. And, no arrangements were made for Maggie, or at least none that worked out for her. But, lucky for Maggie, a family friend decided to contact New Hope and ask if we could help. Me, being the Labrador lover I am, said “SURE!” When I picked up Maggie and all her belongings; her crate, a bag of food, a blanket, bowls and her registration papers; I saw on her neck a lump. Of course, the nice man exclaimed “OH! I had no idea that was there!” and jumped in his car and drove away.

I brought a very scared, confused Maggie home that day and she began the steady process of settling in with me. It hasn’t been easy for her. She’s been an only dog her whole life and she was clearly attached to her owner and was clearly loved by him. She has been grieving his loss; at times I catch a far away look in her eyes, as if she knows she’s missing someone desperately. It’s heartbreaking to see that look of sadness and confusion in her eyes, as she pleads with me to take her home. But, she’s trying and Maggie has learned to get along with the pack of dogs here (2 other Labs, a Jack Russell and a mixed breed dog).

Also, lucky for Maggie she found us as she was taken for vet care immediately. The vet originally thought the two lumps were fatty tissue. However, by the time her appointment came to have them removed, a third was growing. Dr. Nairn, at Erindale Animal Hospital made the decision to have the lumps biopsied and it was a good thing. Sure enough, poor Maggie has Mast Cell Cancer, a common skin cancer in dogs. She’s had her lumps removed, only to find one regrowing almost immediately. Today she was back at Erindale having a liver biopsy and ultrasound to see if her cancer has spread. As of tonight, it sounds like good news; the cancer has likely not spread but further surgery is required to ensure there are clean margins on the tumor sites in an attempt to keep them from returning. She’s been poked and prodded, and shaved to do these tests; she’s pretty miserable this evening, huddled in a lump on the couch beside me, post sedation. She’s trying to sleep it off, but her shaved belly is itchy and irritated and it’s keeping her awake. She’ll be ok in a few days, but at the moment, Maggie again is looking at me with longing in her eyes, to make this stop, to help her feel better. I am trying.

Maggie has become part of the family for the time she is with me. She runs in the yard with the other dogs. She sleeps on the bed, occasionally. She cuddles up on the couch and she wrestles and plays with the others. She chews a bone and really just wants a soft touch and a nice place to have a nap. She is a great dog working hard to make the best of a situation she is powerless to control. She continues to break my heart though as I look at her, and wish I could make it all better. She really NEEDS her own family, a family where she can be loved and cared for, in a quieter place that has more room to give her all the attention she needs. I wish I could give that to her, but part of fostering is loving them as best you can, while they are in your care, but also knowing that there will be a time to let them go. I am doing the best I can to look after my girl, but, I still need help for Miss Maggie.

What help does Maggie need? She needs YOU to help her in a variety of ways! You can choose to donate money to help us help dogs like Maggie. Maggie did not ask for this fate and she certainly is longing for the comfort and care she deserves. She also deserves the medical treatment she is receiving; if she had been placed in a shelter, Maggie would have been euthanized. Not here at New Hope; we choose to treat her with the dignity and respect she would have if she was one of our own personal dogs. And, truly, I’ve grown to love Maggie as if she was one of my own. But, her surgeries and scans come at a price and New Hope along with Maggie need your generosity to keep us able to save and take care of the dogs who need us.

As well, we need MORE FOSTERS! If you think you could provide compassionate care and love to a dog in need, please, PLEASE contact us today! We have puppies and seniors, purebreds like Maggie, and dogs who are uniquely mutts. We have large and small, most healthy, some with big needs. They all just want a home that cares and helps them become the best they can be, in order to find their forever home. In order for us to keep operating, we NEED YOU! Please, consider donating. Consider volunteering. Consider fostering. Consider adopting- especially one with needs or a senior like Maggie. I promise you, it will truly change your life.

Not a Sport?

2011-10-30T09:24:00.000-06:00

This little clip made me smile yesterday. This is for all those who wonder why I work so hard at my agility.... it's because Spike and I both LOVE it. And, it is a sport, requiring hard work, determination, persistence. :) Even Murphy is getting in on the action; she trained for nearly 2 hours yesterday between an obedience class and agility class and loved it all!

Anyway, for your viewing pleasure...

Needing some POTP and an pupdate

2011-10-29T07:39:00.000-06:00

Hey all! It's been a couple weeks since posting and I've just been trudging forward, through work, dogs and life. But, I figure I really should give an update, especially before Monday.

First though, Jorja. I've made some big decisions around Jorj- she is up for adoption. I actually really was thinking to keep her, but I've realized that while I love her to bits, she needs less dogs in the house. She's been through a great deal in her short life and I am going to allow her to find a home that can focus on HER, because I believe it's best for her. Ultimately, yes, I DO want another agility dog. Sophie is done and Murphy may never run as she's kind of "when I feel like it". Spike is not getting any younger so I AM thinking about another agility dog, but I suspect that Jorja, while she would make a fantastic little agility dog, will thrive in a home where she's the only dog. SO, lucky girlie has a solid application in on her, and she's meeting her family next weekend. Cross paws.... I think it's a great match!

Anyway, onto the Power of the Paw news. I've had Maggie to the vet and this has been a big part of the no posting. I've just been hanging out, trying to figure out what comes next for Mags. She had her tumours removed and by the time her appointment arrived for that surgery, there was a third one growing. So, New Hope's great vet called and asked if he could remove all three and send them off for biopsy. Of course, I said, please yes! He had thought they were fatty tissue, due to her fairly young age of 8. But, the third tumour was a tip off and sure enough, he called a couple days later. Mast Cell Cancer. In the whole scheme of things, this is a fairly treatable cancer. They were all grade 2 tumours and because I have no medical history on this girl, who knows if this is the second occurrence, or how long she had them. So, Mags is scheduled for an ultrasound of her liver on Monday to see if it's spreading. I don't have loads of optimism, to be honest, but I'm trying. So, Monday is decision day: more surgery to get clean margins? Moving Mags to a quieter home to live out her life? Keeping her with me, if it's a rapidly spreading cancer? I have no answers, I just know that in the meantime, my poor girlie is getting loads of love.

Other than that, at least my little clan of dogs and rats are doing well. Sophie's limp is slowly improving. Spike and I ran some agility last weekend and while there were no Q's I learned a great deal about what it's like to be in Advanced Gamblers (and where we need to work!). Murphy is as cute and energetic as always.

Alright, better run- I'm working at the kennel this weekend. I promise pics next entry, but in the meantime, hug your pups and send some positive thoughts for Miss Maggie, if you would.

There's a new girl in town...

2011-10-17T07:35:00.000-06:00

And her name was Sadie. This is her....

She isn't the prettiest lab in the world, but poor baby is 10 months old and on house #5. She's a drivey, energetic, LOVELY little (well, not that little, let's be honest- she's the biggest dog in the house) Black Labrador.

She started life out by being sold to a drug dealer and she lived in complete hell until someone rescued her but couldn't manage her so gave her to a friend, who gave her to the family I got her from. They said she was untrainable. They said she was destroying the house. They said she was AWFUL, stubborn, hated the cats etc.

What did I find? A dog that Sophie LIKES. That NEVER happens. A dog that learned the tunnel in 2 seconds flat. Also sit. And, respect the leash when I have it in my hand (mostly). I also found a dog who has the best doggy greeting manners I have ever seen in a rescue- she like everyone! Yes, she's 10 months old and has had no rules. Yes, she's a bit of a brute. But, she's black and everyone loves her here. I'm in trouble. I've renamed her Jorja and I suspect I'll be keeping her around for a while at least.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-10-10T12:24:00.000-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all my Canadian readers!! Celebrate big with family, turkey and pie. :)

I opted to stay home this Thanksgiving as I just didn't feel up to travelling my my parents; you know, with going back to work, germs creep back into my life and I feel a tad flu-ish. So, I celebrated quietly with dogs, a roast chicken rather than turkey but certainly with pumpkin pie! I also went out with a friend for coffee, had breakfast yesterday with my brother and his family and managed to get the dogs out for some play times.

There's been LOADS going on around here... dogs have come and gone. Macy and Dory have both moved out- they were the cute little Newf mixes. Paco, the Jack Russell spent one night here then moved on to another foster. Maggie is here, for an undetermined length of time, but I'll get to her. At one point, I had 6 dogs shoved in and learned that is CRAZY!

I've also started to look for a new vehicle. My trusty Buick is no longer quite so trusty so I am moving onto to a mini-van I suspect. I'm not in a rush, but I certainly felt some sticker shock as I visited Honda on Saturday. Sigh.

I've cleaned the house, cleaned kennels, cleaned cages, worked and done yard work. So, there's reasons for the absence, but I do apologize.... But, we're back!!

Everyone here wants to wish you a happy Thanksgiving should you be celebrating this weekend....

Sophie, napping happily on the loveseat. :)

Maggie. She's a lab. She's 8 and her owner is dying of lung cancer. She's the wrong colour, but other than that, I LOVE her. She technically has an application in on her already and she may well move to Edmonton, but in the meantime, I am trying to figure out if I can let her go. She is a sweetheart of a dog!

Spikey. :)

Murphy. Why do I always manage to cut her ears off? LOL

Even Dru and the crew want to say happy thanksgiving. The girls are thankful for a brand new SPECTACULAR cage, with 5 shelves for their amusement.

Zander, peaking out who is grateful to move into the girls old cage- even if I haven't completely redone all the shelf liner.

Anyway, from my crew to yours... happy Thanksgiving!

W-Ratt y Wednesday and Huh?!?

2011-09-21T07:23:00.000-06:00

First of all, welcome to Wratty Wednesday.... here's your weekly dose of rattly cuteness.

Yesterday I went into my office to find all three girls snuggled together in their Kleenex box. So cute! Please note their hard work at redecorating the Kleenex box; that was their nightly project.

Now onto other news.... Spike is asking HUH?!? Yup, it's true... I WAS taking a break from rescue. I guess it's ended in a flurry of Newfoundland/Labrador, puppy breathe cuteness. How could I say no when they need a place just until Friday?!?

So, here is Dory. She is a doll... cute, cuddly, snuggly and full of impish playfulness. Love her, she's been wrestling with Sophie and Murphy non stop since arriving last night.

Macy! She is a little bit more of an independent girl, off exploring. She also is less in the midst of the doggy play sessions. But, what a doll. Please note their size: at 8 weeks, they are approximately the same size as Murphy. Can you say LARGE puppies?!? LOL

Snuggly Dory. Sigh!

So, they are 8 week old pups from the Meadow Lake shelter. They stand a better chance at a quick adoption in Saskatoon so they have arrived with their sister (who already met a family last night!). Like I said, they are moving to their real foster on Friday but they needed a place to crash for a couple nights and I crumbled at the sight of their faces. They are still a bit grubby and will be getting a bath along with a vet visit as soon as we can manage it, but in the meantime they are still cute!

Wrestle time with Sophie and Dory. :)

Anyway, in other news....

1. I never did give an update on Sophie after her vet visit last week. She has indeed torn her other ACL. It isn't as bad as the other side, but it was still inflamed and sore the day I took her in- about 3 weeks after it happened. But, thankfully I kinda knew what it was, so she was already on mostly crate rest and Deramaxx so I had done the right things to help it heal. She is on the mend, but sadly, this spells really truly the end of Sophie's agility career. Sigh.

2. Spike's titles. Alright, here's the explanations!

FDCh-S: Flyball Dog Champion-Silver. This is the 4th flyball title, after Flyball Dog, Flyball Dog Excellence, Flyball Dog Champion. So, Spike and I earned 1000 points and achieved that title over 3 weekends of racing. Of course, he is retired now so that's the end of this flyball titles, but that's ok!

SJATD: That's Spike's St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog title. It allows us to volunteer with St. John Ambulance as a dog-handler team.

SGDC: Our first agility title! In agility there are 3 levels of competition and you have to complete enough clean (perfect) runs at a level to move up. As well, there are different types of runs you can enter; standard runs (which include all equipment) and the games runs. There are 3 different agility games to play, and for the Starters level you need 2 perfect runs in each of the games to achieve this title. So, we finally got the last of our games to move up to the Advanced level. And, we are 1 standard round (out of 3 needed) to achieve our Agility Dog of Canada title.

So, yes, I am proud of my little rescue dog who could: he tries soooo hard for me and he LOVES his agility! He doesn't care about the titles, and really neither do I, but I do love to see how far we've come and what a team we are becoming. He truly is a once in a lifetime dog. :)

Well, that's likely enough from the Black Dog Crew this Wednesday morning.... hope the rest of your week runs smoother than mine likely is with these cute balls of puppy fuzz in the house!

Introducing Spike...

2011-09-19T07:13:00.000-06:00

Spike who is now actually Spike FDCh-S, SJATD, SGDC. Yup, we got that last Jumpers Q for our Starters Games Dog of Canada title, in agility. Proper update coming soon I promise. But, in the meantime, I'll leave you with this photo of a content, King Spike, relaxing....

W-ratty Wednesday

2011-09-07T06:34:00.000-06:00

I think rather than Wordless Wednesdays, I might just give Wednesdays to the rats. Then they don't clutter up the rest of the blog, and I can maybe limit their cuteness to one day a week.... hehehe.

Anyway, I couldn't help myself yesterday morning when sleepy faces peered out of their hammocks as I came in to check my emails in the morning....

My boys peering out. Sooo tiny still that I worry about them a bit. They really did come to me, to young to be away from the litter. So sad!!

Smudgy.... I can almost hear her thoughts "what'da want?!?" lol

Dru was the only one who dragged herself up to say good morning!

Smidge lounging.

Yes, they really do make it out of their cages, but they move tooo fast still for me to get decent photos when they are free-ranging. So, for now until they get past the baby phase I'll have to content myself with photos through the bars. Won't take long until they settle a bit.

Learnings from a sick leave

2011-09-05T13:10:00.000-06:00

It's the long weekend and it's GORGEOUS outside. I just came in from a lovely game of fetch with the dogs.... we might not have made it to the park, but we spent lots of time puttering around at projects and playing. I even got some photos today. It's been good.

That's been the lesson this summer for me: hang out, take it easy, do things you love and you'll feel better. After years of struggling with depression, I was FINALLY diagnosed this spring and began the long slow process of getting better. Yup, that was the issue: Major Depression and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. It got so bad that I was having to pull the car over and take breaks when I was in traffic in the city. I had to check the door locks multiple times before I could leave the house. The final morning I worked last spring, I sat outside the school for almost 20 minutes, shaking with anxiety and tears streaming down my cheeks. I went to the doctor the next day. So, here I am months later and back to work, finally ready to blog to the world that I have mental health issues. One of the big lessons along the way was that I am not alone; the majority of my friends it seems have been there too. That helps!

Anyway, my poor dogs over the last year have paid the price for the frenzy I managed to get myself into- soooo busy I couldn't stop to think about how crappy I was feeling. And, when it all fell apart, I realized at the end of all that busy-ness, there really is just me and my dogs. There's no meetings, no committees, no doggy classes worth my own health- or theirs, really. So, I quit almost everything extra in my life and spent the summer hanging in the yard with the dogs. THERAPEUTIC! Long games of fetch, napping on my hammock and reading on the deck surrounded by flowers was exactly what I needed. I also learned that I like to be physically busy. I cut the lawn a whole bunch this summer, because if I couldn't focus I found physical labour was often necessary before I could sit. And, it's all good.

So, this fall I am finding myself back to my basics of life. Work, a little study (slowly plugging away at the thesis- there is no rush to finish to convocate this fall anymore), lots of play with the pups. I've cut my hair off, resumed hanging at coffeehouses and even gotten rats again. I've been writing stories and poetry again and even started to draw. These are all things from my happier days. And, they make me happy. Better skies ahead right? We'll see, but I have learned that through this each one of the dogs was necessary in me getting better:

Spike is Mr. Serious. He was relentless in his desire to work and please and play fetch and get attention. And, he took it seriously. He kept me moving, and while we didn't go to agility classes this summer, I still trialed with him. And that was good! We are back to classes this fall when winter season starts as I'm missing it now and feeling well enough to get moving again and that's good. He forced me to get up and do something.

Murphy kept me laughing with her crazy antics. She can entertain herself for hours hunting flies, burying bones in the yard, destuffing toys and throwing a bottle cap around to chase. It's impossible to not laugh at a Jack.

But, it was Sophie who really got me through. Her dark, soulful eyes, full of compassion as she gave a little kiss was exactly what I needed. She was quick to cuddle and wouldn't leave my side if I couldn't get out of bed in the morning. She would sigh, give a kiss and watch while waiting for me to get up. She was glued to me, and I believe she got me through it. I love that dog.

Anyway, it's time I was honest about my "nervous breakdown" as I laughingly call it. But, I am getting it back together and here's some of the reason why.....

Yup, that's the box from my brand new PVR satelitte reciever. It didn't stand a chance against a bored JRT and Labrador, LOL. Thankfully the PVR is just fine!

That led to lots of this....

Let's play!! Murphy chasing Spike...

Sophie chewing on her favourite Jolly Ball. It smells like Blueberry. At least it did when I bought it. Now it's Blueberry mixed with Eau D'Wet Labrador.

Run Spikey!! Get em Murph!

Got it!! TUGGGG!

GRRR! It's MINE, Spike!

Alright, let's both yank her arm out of the socket. Youch, having tuggy dogs is good and bad.

Throw it again, please??

Chomp, chomp, chomp!

Watching.....

Can't catch him!

Still focused... She LOVES that ball!

Even through a rough game of fetch, Soph won't give up her jolly ball.

Ah, cool down at the end of a session!

Love those dogs. :) They make me smile, even in the midst of some dark clouds. Hug your pooches today and remember, they love ya even if you can't seem to get out of bed sometimes. :)

(ASIDE: in the interest of my mother, if you are interested in seeing the ratty family, I've updated the Black Rat Rattery tab with pics.... stay away Ma, trust me! LOL).

Final parting shot of Sophie in action.... chomp, chomp, chomp.

Update on Sophie

2011-09-03T06:23:00.000-06:00

Just a quick little update this morning.... if it dries up enough outside later today I want to get the dogs out for a run at the park and get photos, which I will post.

Anyway, Sophie is doing better. Her knee is a bit stiff and sore but she's remained on 4 paws, even without deramaxx. So, I am optimistically thinking that she might have just thrown her back out or something like that again. So, she has an appointment on Tuesday for an adjustment and to check the knee and make sure she is ok. But, I am thinking things are looking up!

Seriously?!?

2011-08-28T11:57:00.000-06:00

Seriously?!? There are a few things I am kinda questioning these days...

1. Where did the summer go? I go back to work TOMORROW and I have very mixed feelings..... seriously, do I have to?!?

2. How did Spike manage to slice his paw pad open yesterday?!? Seriously, it looks like it hurts!!

He is clearly distressed now, haha, but let me tell you yesterday he was sure crying when it happened.

3. Seriously Sophie?!? I believe she blew her good ACL yesterday. Honestly, my poor girl. She is a mess again; I knew she wasn't feeling well in the evening, as she was limping. I didn't pay any attention because she is often stiff when she first gets up. Then, I had to help her on the bed when we curled up to watch the latest episode of Weeds, online together. I didn't think much about that either as it's not that uncommon. But, she couldn't settle, and she started to cry. That IS unusual for my girlie. So, I began to massage around her hips/bad knee onto what I thought was her good knee. She wouldn't let me touch it. Oh Oh! So, I got her up to see her walk. Sure enough, no weight on that paw. So, off we trundled to the kitchen for a deramaxx, then I helped her down the backstairs to go for one last trip out for the night. Once she got moving again, it seemed to be ok-ish but she sure isn't herself. My poor girlie is still not ok today and I think I'll be taking her off to the vet just to make sure it isn't a full tear. I am sure it's partial and this wasn't unexpected as most who have torn one side tend to do the same to the other side, but it still sucks. :( Cross paws for Soph that she's not in too much pain!

She wont even get up to beg for food or steal off the counter. That's NOT a good sign. Sigh.

A final note.... crossing fingers and paws around here for our friends on the East Coast. Hoping everyone is ok through Hurricane Irene. Anyone hear from Mango and Dexter, for example?? I'm hoping they are ok and not flooding right now.

The Rattie Girls

2011-08-27T18:59:00.000-06:00

Warning Mom: DON'T READ THIS POST! :)

My mother reads my blog regularly, but has a decided distaste for the ratty critters that have moved in. I guess I am free to go ahead and rescue some little ones that needed a great home, even if she isn't impressed. At least I gave her a warning before she decides to visit again.

Anyway, I added a third rat and I became increasingly aware of how unhappy they were in their cage. It was simply too small for active baby girl rats. They NEED to run and play. So, I set about to create a grotto for the girls; a cage made out of a bookcase. It was a total adventure and I will not confess how much I spent on supplies I may or may not have used, or how much my back hurt by the end, hehe.

Anyway, step one: Attach shelves with screws and staple wire on the back.

Make sure there are little hole for them to climb up and down between shelves.

Add doors and let the girls start to explore.

Smudge and Drucilla exploring their new home yesterday.

Smudge. She's a cute little dalmation rat.

Dru, climbing up to see what can be seen.

The final project. I'm quite proud of it and the girls are happier than they've been in days. They have spent HOURS running, wrestling, playing, climbing. It's good!!

How are the dogs? Banned from the office as they are just too interested still. Well, scratch that- Spike doesn't care. Sophie wants their food and Murphy, well Murph is dreaming of murder I am sure. But, they are learning impulse control and that's a good thing.

Ahhhh, rescuing critters is good for the soul, even if they are rats. :)

Updates!!

2011-08-23T07:36:00.000-06:00

ARGH, where does time go???

Due to popular demand, the official update on Moose: Moose is now Cooper and he will spend his life with Sara, his adopter. Yes, she is the girl that met him at the fundraiser. She has a roommate who has a young husky dog named Shout and when I took Moose over there, he took one look at me, then he was gone in a flurry of teeth, fur and wrestling with his new sis. They both were smitten. Sara was smitten and honestly, I tried to say goodbye to the boy, but he wouldn't; he was too intent on trotting around after his new Mama and playing with Shout. PERFECT PLACE for him! Exactly where Moose/Cooper should live.

Otherwise, my summer is winding down as I am back to work next week. I am dreading being away from my dogs all day- I've been home for 3 months after all with my sick leave then summer holidays. But, such is life and we'll all adjust.

The ratties are great. Yes, they are RATS. And, I love them! I am making them a new cage; a giant grotto that likely will help me expand the family a little. I already added Dru, a black rat who is just a little doll. She fits with the other girls so well. Honestly, their temperaments are likely tiny dogs. They LOVE people, they love socialization and are highly trainable. I can't wait to clicker train some tricks! hehe

The dogs and I are great! I worked a weekend at Rebecca's and they were in heaven, running around, chasing, digging, enjoying the space. Then, they got a weekend at Bec's while I hung out at a Leadership Camp for young people. They had fun and I was inspired about the next generation. There are some super stars growing up in this province and it gives me hope!

In light of the fact that I ended last school in such a difficult position (sick leave, essentially due to stress) I have made some big decisions in the last while. The most recent one is to take a step back from the rescue. I love New Hope and the work they do, but I personally need a break. So, that is huge for me as I have been involved pretty much since I arrived here. I think the time away will be good; I will be able to re-find my passion for dog rescue, perhaps. And, at the end of the day my focus is on getting my thesis done, creating a better, more stable and normal routine for the dogs this fall and making sure that I stay healthy! I'll miss it, and I'll miss the variety of dogs who have come through my doors over time. But, a break and a rest is good sometimes.

That's all for this morning; I promise pictures and stories about the dogs soon. I definitely have some to tell!

Dog's Breakfast Fundraiser

2011-08-08T08:04:00.000-06:00

I took Moose to a fundraiser event for New Hope Dog Rescue yesterday afternoon. It's a crazy afternoon as it's an ice cream eating contest and while I didn't actually watch the competition, I understand there were 5 guys, each eating some crazy amount of ice cream to see who could do so the fastest. I believe it entails like 14 scoops of ice cream, whipped cream and a cherry on top.

I was a bit busy while they were eating. You see, a gal had applied to meet a number of our puppies and had met Moose's brother James on Friday. She liked him, but his foster mama mentioned how much cuddlier Moose is than James, and she wanted to meet him. So, while guys were making themselves sick on ice cream, Moose was worming his way into the heart of she who is likely going to be his new mama! She wanted the night to think about which she wanted, but I suspect Moose will be packing his bags and moving out tomorrow. And, if not, that's ok too- I have come to love his cuddles on the couch and Murph has enjoyed having a playmate. So, I'll keep you posted!

Anyway, some shots from the day of Moose, asking nicely for doggy biscuits....

He's perfected THE LOOK. You know... THE LOOK that says "I'm here, I'm quiet and just sitting here, and I'm WAITING for that doggy biscuits!!"

Moose with one of our Special Girls, Robin. We brought her and her sister Ducky in from a shelter in NorthWestern Saskatchewan. Once she arrived, we realized that she was in bad shape; she has severe hip dysplasia on both sides and immediately underwent bilateral hip surgeries. Moose loved her and she was content to lie on her bed, and get biscuits for being such a lovely girl!

All in all, it was a great afternoon and I'll keep you all posted on what happens with the Moose Man!

It's hot Ma!

2011-08-03T13:52:00.001-06:00

Part of my self care plan has been to be outside as much as possible, soaking up sun. Good for what ails ya, I am sure! I had intentions of getting pictures of my flowers, the dogs and things we've been up to but I ran out of batteries and have yet to manage to remember to get any while I'm in the city. Today, I promise-today. Enough of the lousy iPhone photos!!

Anyway, yesterday wasn't too bad but the dogs were still warm. We celebrated with ice cubes. The only one who refused a cube was Sophie; I offered her two, she accepted both and spit them out. Silly girl!

Everyone else wanted one, even Spike, which suprised me.

Chomp! Chomp!

Moose, across the room, chomping away. I tried to upload a cute one of Spike and Murphy, but it just won't let me, in a reasonable size. Blogger.... grrr!

And, finally a teaser.... stay tuned to find out who/what these little gafers are and why they are here. I'm sure I'll be getting a phonecall from my mother about going something like "you got what? WHY?!?" Ah well, let's just say it was the better choice than another puppy and I NEEDED some baby fuzzies, post house deal falling apart, hehe.

Yup, they ARE cute!

WOAH! Where'd July go?!?

2011-08-02T15:08:00.000-06:00

I'm back. I really, really am. After an unplanned blogging break, I've returned to snapping photos and telling silly stories about the dogs. They've missed you all, after all. And, I'm sorry I missed reading some of your blogs in the process.

So, where did July go? In a haze of lots of stuff, to be honest. I'll explain someday but July was mostly about self care- taking care of myself. And, getting out and running in an agility trial. And, nearly buying a 90 year old house. That took up quite a bit of July, to be honest.

I'll tell you that story at least.... I haven't been well, and ended up off work from May 25th, until summer holidays started. (that's the long story I'll share someday) As part of my "thinking about life and getting my act together so I could feel better", I started to look around at houses. I have always, ALWAYS wanted to own my own place, but with student loan payments for another 8 months or so, and University now, I didn't think I could make it happen. So, what did I do? I went and looked at a house. I liked enough to go a second time. Then, I went to the bank to just see if I could get pre-approval for a mortgage. And, I did. So, I saw the house again and really liked it. So, I put in an offer and we negotiated in the span of a day. Two days later, I got a life changing house inspection done on the house. Not really a surprise because of the price, the house hadn't been properly maintained and had several issues, including an OLD furnace from 1959, and heating duct work that hadn't been updated. So, that means the upstairs had no direct heat source, just a hope that passive heat (the concept that heat rises) would keep a person toasty warm on a windy, -40 night. But, the biggest issue was the problem of no eaves troughs on the house. Due to that and improper grading towards the house, the foundation on the one side of the house started to rot and needs to be replaced within the next year or so. In order to do that, the house would have to be jacked up off the foundation, a structural engineer would have to be involved and men would have to work in a crawl space comprised of wood and dirt to fix it. Beginning cost estimate of $20,000 for that repair alone. So, at that point, I said, thank you NO and walked away. Sadly, this means to that the house is basically not saleable at the price it's listed at. So, the current owners have a HUGE dilemma- stay in the house the way it is or basically bulldoze and start over as the repairs are not worth it on this particular house. They would never recover their cost and have already lost big on it. (They bought at a bad time when the housing market had gone crazy and paid WAY too much with no home inspection so they didn't know any of this. I gave them a copy of the report as I wasn't interested in causing them any more problems, I figured they've got enough stress at the moment). So, the dogs and I are staying still at the moment. And, I'm saving my pennies to have a better down payment for a better house requiring less work. (Which will likely be a 90 year old character home again, just with a structurally sound foundation I hope!).

Anyway, enough of that, just an update, Moose is STILL here. I can't figure out why as he's such a great puppy but he's had 1 application that didn't work out. :( Poor Moosey; he's a lovely little dog who will make someone a GREAT dog! Anyway, I will update his petfinder stuff. But in the meantime, some pics of him mainly napping. :) So cute!

The quality of these aren't great; I was using my iPhone which apparently does MUCH better outdoors than inside. Anyway, Moose "helping" me change the sheets on the bed last night. Or rather, keep the blankets from moving on me, hehe.

Where's Moose? Hiding in the blankey, hoping I don't disturb him again!

Moose and Murph during a play session break yesterday. Murph has been under the weather too (I'll tell that story on Friday, I hope, after she's been back the vet AGAIN) but yesterday she was pretty perky and wanted to wrestle with Moose. They are funny when she's not cranky!

Moose enjoying a "leave foster mama alone, she's trying to read and work on her thesis for the first time in WEEKS" bone. It worked until Spike swiped it. Poor Moose. Someone needs to save him from this nuthouse!

Moose

2011-06-29T09:54:00.000-06:00

I figure I better introduce my new monkey before he's come and gone... he has a meet and greet in a bit, but you never know right? He might not hit it off with them?!?

Anyway, here's the cutie, himself...

Moose is an 11 week old Lab X of some sort. Sweet as the dickens and LIVES for people. He's been the easiest foster so far as he is basically crate trained already and almost makes it through the night- sometimes he has to go out once but he wakes you up, then is happy to go right back to sleep in the kennel. He's only had one accident in the house so far and it was totally my fault- that was Friday when he first arrived. He's playful and cute. Seriously, did I mention he LOVES people?!?

Yup, he has a tiny hint of puppy mischief in him, but nothing to serious, to be honest. He's chewy, that's really his worst flaw. But, how can you resist that little face anyway?

Moose is going to be a bigger boy, I suspect- maybe 70 pounds?!? It's so hard to know because we were told Lab/BC mix but really, we have no way of knowing. Lab for sure. In any case, he's waiting for the perfect home and in the meantime, I'm soaking up the puppy cuddles!! :)

He was sooo funny at the vet yesterday for his puppy checkup as nothing really bothers him! He didn't even notice the microchip needle going in as he had a dog biscuit to munch on, then he proceed to turn around and kiss the vet. And, he insisted on meeting EVERYONE in the parking lot on the way back to the car. So, yup, he's a doll. Someone is going to be very lucky with this pup!

Delinquents

2011-06-22T17:22:00.000-06:00

It is a BEAUTIFUL, HOT, SUNNY day today. I need to say that loudly as it's POURED down rain here sooo much lately. Not complaining, but I do love the sun. The perfect lawn cutting day, to be honest, so I headed out to cut the side/front lawns. I always leave the dogs out while I putter in the yard as I have one of those reel mowers- the no electricity/gas mowers that require lots of energy from me, but do not cause any issues with safety. There is no need to keep the dogs out in the yard while lawn cutting. In fact, Sophie and I often practice heeling while I cut the lawn.

Anyway, the dogs were out, and Spike for some reason decided he needed to be in. I could hear him, so I periodically yelled to knock it off, but finally had enough and went to check. This is what I found...

Yes, that screen IS shredded.

Yes, this IS the guilty party.

Sigh. Every. Single. Summer.

Some of the remains off the deck floor.

The innocent?!? party....

Now, the screen was already wrecked because last summer the back doorknob had fallen out and I had to cut my way into the house. Then, it was further aggravated by Murphy deciding it was a doggy door that she could leap in and out of at will. I do have video footage of this, however blogger is not letting me upload it. :( Just use your imagination and picture a furry little Jack launching herself through it, at will.

So, well yes, today was my final straw. Time to fix the window. And, smart me bought DOUBLE what I need because I doubt the screen will make the summer.

Half done! This isn't taking very long at all, phew!

Sophie watching me work.

Murphy scheming about leaping through her doggy door.

I'm SURE Spike is sorry, really I am!

Voila, a whole new screen. Just in time to enjoy the beautiful day.

Apparently Spike likes agility

2011-06-20T14:37:00.000-06:00

I went to an AAC trial this weekend, held in Saskatoon. I wasn't going to go; I wasn't feeling great on Saturday morning and the weather was truly atrocious! It poured down rain off and on all day Saturday but we went and everyone there made the best of it. That's what you do if you want to run some agility outside in Canada after all!

So, Spike and I were second dog on the line, at about 730AM, Saturday AM. I wasn't sure I was awake enough to run yet, but I thought, let's just try. End result? Our first ever Q, in Starters Gamblers of all things, with a first place finish to boot. We ran standard next and I have to admit, it was a hot mess. Starters Jumpers with a Q and a first place finish next (and a smokin' fast 24.56 sec time, standard course time of 38 seconds, phew!). Last run of the day, I decelerated where I shouldn't, taking for granted Spike had enough speed over a final jump to head to the correct end of the tunnel. Hmph, MY mistake pulled him off. Ah well, 2 for 4.

Day 2 was MUCH nicer; sunny, warm to the point of t-shirts and shorts and I even got a bit of a sunburn. We started again with Starters Gamblers, 1st place finish and a Q. Standard was next and I learned a lesson from this run. It was the nicest Standard Spike and I have EVER run- truly lovely, I think! BUT, I didn't decelerate and call Spike out of a tunnel to the teeter and he blew off the end. So, 10 faults for bailing on it. But, lovely, fast run otherwise. Last two runs were both Snooker and we nailed both with 1st place finishes and Q's. Yes, the 22" class was very small and sometimes Spike was the only dog running in that class, but I am still proud of him and his 1st place finishes- especially when there were 3 or 4 other dogs entered. And, all those Q's.... WOW!! Really, it's not about the placements, it's about the team work we had this weekend, the fun I had with my dog and seeing the joy on his face as he flew around the course. He truly loves agility.

He looks tired here, but trust me, he's not. He came home from a full trial (our first ever full 2 day trial), ran to the yard and grabbed his soccer ball. He wasn't tired a bit. And, people at the trial were surprised to hear he's nearly 6 years old. He just loves, loves, LOVES to jump!!

Spike and his ribbons... the red and white ones are the Qualification scores. Underneath each are first place ribbons too. It's quite a haul. And, I am shocked in the span of one weekend, we ended up 1 leg short of his Starters Game title with AAC. What a dog!!

Sugar and Spice...

2011-06-17T14:58:00.000-06:00

My girls, the rain dogs...

My boy, the completely "I hate getting wet/dirty/cold" dog. Poor Spike, stuck inside (and maybe unable to run agility this weekend in the trial if this heavy rainfall warning keeps up... pouring down out there, sigh!)

Tired

2011-06-13T15:13:00.000-06:00

I was at Rebecca's kennel all weekend, while she went to play flyball with her dogs. I take all 3 dogs with me, as it's a treat for them to run and hunt gophers. Spikey killed 2 himself this weekend, I believe- I can't prove it was him, but he hunted in that field a good chunk of Sunday. Murphy was outside for 7 hours straight on Sunday, playing with her big siblings along with Chase the Chihuahua and Quinn the Jack/Chi cross. Sophie loves to just run around, chasing birds or balls. It has been GORGEOUS weather and with the heat comes even more tired dogs.

Good thing these two slugs have agility class tonight... wonder if they'll find any energy to work tonight?

Better get out my yummiest treats; looks like they are going to need some motivation! Nothing like tired dogs. :)

We're back!

2011-06-13T07:36:00.000-06:00

It's been awhile since I blogged, and to be honest really read any blogs either... sorry blogland, it's been a rough few weeks, none of which I want to go into here. Suffice it to say, I am starting to get back to normal and as a result, I'm back to taking pictures and wanting to share. :)

So, what were we up to?

Well, I went with my buddy Rebecca to look at these creatures...

That's Boston.

Boston, and his buddy Tango.

The herd. They have LOADS of alpacas there!

Boston and Tango in the shelter, waiting to be haltered.

That's Boston. He's my new bud I am taking for a walk, haha! Funny way to spend a Sunday afternoon, but the end result is that Rebecca now has Boston and Tango living at her place. There will be loads more photos to share over the summer, I am sure because I am quite fascinated by them! And, can't wait to sheer them in the spring and get knitting with their wool!!

Other than that, Spike and I ran in our first agility trial of the spring. I am really pleased with how we are working together and that Spike is such a responsive little dog... love him! No Q's from the weekend, but glimmers of potential, I think. And, honestly, we were 2 points short of a Q in gamblers, which I happen to think is fabulous considering I had never run a gamblers course before! We weren't much short in Snooker either; one wrong tunnel entry was all that did us in! :)

SOPHIE debuted in agility at that trial too. She earned a whopping 4 points in Snooker, but I am so proud of her!! She had never seen a 22" jump before, and had never done anything like this. But, the time was right to run her, so next June I can double drop her heights down to 16" and really truly run her. She's hysterical and actually grinned after her run for about an hour, haha!

Other than that, I've been hanging out, avoiding grooming Soph. She hates it, but it was time... in the span of 3 minutes, which is all she'll sit for, I managed to pull this out of her left leg.

I know it doesn't look like a ton, but for Sophers to tolerate that much grooming is amazing!

Ah well, off to enjoy some sun in my garden before I get my day started.

A little sunshine

2011-05-22T06:27:00.001-06:00

I need a little sunshine in my life at the moment- so much unhappiness lately, so I am ready to show off what I enjoy about life rather than dwelling on all that other stuff. :) I'm fortunate I have my two favourite flowers, blooming up a storm!! First of all, my baskets of pansies on the front step. Love them!

This is the first year I've had these tulips really bloom. Love them too!

Sorry, they are a litte fuzzy, but they give you the idea at least of my front garden.

And, the view from my door step as I was leaving for work, May 18th. Sun comes up at about 5AM now.

And finally, my dogs love to hang with each other in the sun.

Spike loves being on the deck.

Murph, looking around.

Oh there you are Murphy!

Sophie, drying off in the sun. She loves to have a play in our paddling pool then dry in the sun.

My girls watching the neighbours cut their lawn.

And, after sunbathing comes napping on my bed. Spike and Murphy cuddled up together.

I am not so sure Murph likes being used a pillow but she stayed there for a long time!

I love that my dogs all get along so well and can hang out together with no problems. Nothing like a furry face to help a person feel better!

Mini Update

2011-05-21T05:42:00.000-06:00

I have pics to share, but I am off to Regionals this weekend and don't have time this morning. I want to get them up- they are a ray of bright sunshine in the midst of sogging flooding... which brings me to the update on Tim and Erin. As of yesterday, they are officially homeless. The government that said the banks that were too unstable to work on to save houses, were safe enough to dismantle houses. So, the Lynes and the Roseneu family homes (next in line to fall in) were torn down to save them actually falling in. At the same time, the Ministry of Transport apparently is starting to build a dyke to save the road behind the houses. Unspeakably sad... now they wait to hear if there is any monetary help in the face of this tragedy. Cross paws folks, they have a fight coming to get any help, it sounds like.

But, on an up note, it's beautiful here, the sun is shining and I am off to volunteer at Agility today and tomorrow. Should be a lovely weekend to hang out, outside with my agility friends and just remember the world isn't all bad.

Updates!

2011-05-19T06:07:00.000-06:00

I've been asked for an update, so here you are....

First of all, KIWI, that pretty little lab in Prince Albert needs an update! I called the Shelter and they asked me to foster with the hope she would become a New Hope dog. However, before I could go and collect the pretty girl, who was not fairing well in the shelter (big surprise- 8 month old Lab, hello?!?) she got sent out on a trial adoption! So, Miss Kiwi has a home!!

Alright, onto Erin and Tim, along with the other residents of Cottonwood River....

The news is spotty at best right now because they don't have internet. They are camping out at a gravel pit, on higher ground, waiting to hear news and to know what's going on with their home.

The Allen's house is gone, officially. It began to wash away when the basement collapsed in and the roof buckled, on Monday. Tuesday government officials decided the bank that was not safe enough to save was safe enough to put an excavator on, to dismantle the house. However, in the process of dismantling it, to keep it out of the river, they knocked it in, OY!

Tuesday, Tim and Erin were working on getting everything out of the house when the bank began to give way in front of their place. The rock work that had been placed was no longer holding, especially since they had heavy rainfall on Monday night. So, they pulled out and walked away from their home. As of the last update from yesterday afternoon, the house was still there, but barely hanging on. They had meetings last night to hear whether the gov't would dismantle it in the same way they did the Allen house or whether they would just let it go and live with the environmental consequences. Which, by the way, was the reason they were not allowed to fix the banks: ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS over putting too much silt in the river. However, their neighbors lost 4 acres of land on Monday afternoon, so I'd say those silt concerns were not justified. :( Anyway, I haven't heard anything yet from the meeting and there's been no updates as of this morning. But, everyone- and I mean everyone from their home- dogs, cats, pigeons, horses, goldfish- are safe and at this moment, maybe that's enough.

So stay tuned- this saga is not over yet. It's a matter of time, then the fighting will begin for compensation and support. Prayers and good thoughts are still needed for this area as it's not over. There are 2 more homes in process of being emptied and evacuated, and more to come. Cottonwood River stands to lose 10 homes to this river and the first one only has gone. Thanks all for your support for Erin and Tim, along with their friends. So sad.

Oy! What a weekend....

2011-05-16T18:47:00.000-06:00

I have pictures from the weekend, but they will have to wait. Crazy things have been happening in the lives of my friends and I need to share!! I spent much of my weekend praying for these families and sending emails to anyone who would listen, on their behalf for interventions.

Tim and Erin Lyons, as well as the other families on the Cottonwood River, need your support, your prayers, your good thoughts, your power of the paw. Tim and Erin are the owners of Eromit Labrador Retrievers and have an amazing breeding program with their gorgeous labs. My next furbaby, I hope, will come from them! Anyway, they live in an acreage on the Cottonwood River, outside Quesnel, BC. It's been a bad year for snow, and Wednesday night, they experienced a flash flood which flooded the river, causing them to evacuate their home. Erin and Tim are wise; they knew early on in their ownership of their gorgeous home that the river was experiencing erosion and so they set up an evacuation plan so they and the dogs would be just fine. They swung into action and everyone- humans, dogs, horses and pigeons are safe! BUT, their home is in danger of falling into the river at this point. Their neighbours' home fell in this afternoon and it is sounding like they may not qualify for disaster relief funding at this point. SO, pray, cross paws, light candles, send positive thoughts, whatever you do in their direction! They are going to need it!! If Tim and Erin's home goes, 4 others will follow as the river changes course and erodes away the banks. It's heartbreaking because it was preventable, was a man-caused problem, due to logging, jamming up the river and never needed to go this far. So far, the government has been less than supportive in saving their homes, even though they are committed to saving the road, right behind their homes. :( So, Erin and Tim and everyone else in their community need your support.

Here's some news clips from the last while...

The start of the chaos... May 12th. This article includes a picture of Tim and Erin's flooded out acreage. So sad!!

Flood warning- May 14th. This was towards the start of the nightmare. It was the second warning issued.

Bob Simpson, MLA's information about the area. He is supporting the families who are going to be homeless soon.

Quesnel home teeters- May 16. According to the article, they were going to attempt to pull the home back from the river. Sadly, they didn't succeed, but rather ended up pushing the Allen home into the river. :(

Emergency crews called off- May 16. This article states that the crews were called off for safety reasons. NOT TRUE... it was because of money! BOO! The Media is spinning this, at this point to save the government's butts.

The Allen Family loses everything. So Sad! Erin and Tim's neighbours lost everything- including their home. The only good I have heard at this point is that MLA Bob Simpson is making sure they can stay together.

I could go on and on, but I feel so sad for Erin and Tim, losing their home. I also feel sad for them as they try to collect up all their stuff, which was dispersed to their neighbours' homes but is now being loaded into a semi to go to storage. Erin, I believe it coming back to Saskatchewan with her dogs, for the time being as her dad has a kennel here as well. Tim, I think will remain in BC to fight the government decisions and to start to rebuild.

It's been a rough week in Canada, that's for sure. The Saskatchewan/Manitoba (mainly Manitoba) floods, the Quebec floods, Slave Lake burning up in a forest fire (40% of the town is gone as of this morning), but it's the personal stories that break our hearts.

Subdued

2011-05-08T18:50:00.000-06:00

Murphy and I are both under the weather. I am struggling still with allergies that have morphed into a sinus infection requiring antiboitics. Yuck. Murphy is struggling with a vaccination reaction. I've never seen her want to hang under a blanket, refuse to be touched (and cry/yelp in pain when I pick her up) and cease moving for this long. In fact, her left thigh where she got her distemper shot swelled and was warm to the touch. Poor Monkey! So, at the vet's advice, I gave her a dose of Metacam and she's feeling MUCH better.

Poor girl, she really wasn't feeling well!

She buried herself under and refused to come out. All I could find was her nose/

Murph and I hunkered down on the couch together to watch a little Bones online while Soph watched the street from her very comfortable seat in the toy box, haha!

Silly girl, but I guess if you are too lazy to stand and need to rest your chin, then well, it must work, eh?

Spike checking in on Murph.

Murphy is CLEARLY feeling better after a big dose of Metacam. I was unloading the car, with the front door open, when I looked up to see a speeding white furry bullet go by... Murph has perfected the "jump through the back screen door" move. Unfortunately blogger won't let me upload my video of her in action, but suffice it to say, if she can jump through the back screen door, she can likely jump on the kitchen counter. Yikes! I have learned that keeping a Jack contained is harder than it looks!

Adopt this dog, so I don't have to rescue her!

2011-05-07T06:50:00.000-06:00

I promise a longer post soon, but I am under the weather with allergies that have morphed into a nasty sinus infection. BOO!

But, I have been watching this girl on petfinder for awhile, so someone needs to go and give her a second chance before I find myself in a car, on the way to Prince Albert!! She's a beauty!

Kiwi: Labrador Retriever (mix)

Kiwi arrived at the Shelter on Apr 21/11 after she was found on the streets and brought in to us as a stray by Animal Control. Kiwi is a gorgeous dog--her coat is so shiny and sleek, she was obviously taken care of, but sadly, no one ever came looking for her. Kiwi is about 8 months old and is a very energetic dog who would do well in an active family. She has been started on routine vaccinations and will make a wonderful pet. If you are looking to add Kiwi to your family, then stop by the Shelter at 680 Exhibition Drive or give us a call at 763-6110.

Sunny Sunday

2011-05-01T08:59:00.000-06:00

It's a beautiful, sunny, warm Sunday morning and the dogs couldn't help but celebrate by a little nap in the sun...

Sleepy, happy Murphy.

Sharing the sun with Spike.

Seriously, Murph is asleep here, haha... silly girl, trying to soak up as much sun with Spike in the way.

Lovely way to spend a Sunday morning!

The Week

2011-04-30T10:25:00.000-06:00

I have been wanting to post an update all week, but life has gotten in the way. It's even gotten in the way of commenting on blogs; I want you to know I am reading still, whether I have commented or not! I can manage that much at least!

So, what have I been up to?

Well, working on Sophie, of course. She's doing well but has thrown a couple fits in despair at the "new rules". Really, they aren't that strict- sleep in your crate at night, no barking at the window, don't come up on furniture unless I ask or say yes, no stealing food off the counter. We've been 95% successful so far, to that's very good news! Today will be a test as we go to agility class- the first in awhile I've made it to with Soph. We'll see.

Otherwise, she's been busy licking yogurt containers clean

She's also been laying about feeling somewhat peevish and sorry for herself. But, no worries, she's coming along quicker than I thought in the manners department! I feel somewhat lucky that she is a quick learner and not really stubborn at all as it's making this a lot easier than it could have been! I've also kind of cautioned myself to remember that while I don't want her walking all over me, this is also a dog who has lived in constant discomfort for much of her life; that changes them, I believe. So, anyway, manners are getting here.

A good chunk of the week has been spent in the yard, getting cleanup done. I didn't get the leaves cleaned up in the fall as it snowed early and stayed. So, this is the result, at the 3/4 clean point:

I do have a compost, but I don't try to save much from the backyard as I just can't bring myself to compost anything from a place where the dogs have used the bathroom. So, black bags. Sigh.

But, the good news is that I have found my weaves and training has resumed with all three dogs! Yeah for that!!

We've had a couple storms this week... strange, I think to have thunder storms in April, but I guess so! I came home one evening to find Spike a mess his crate, shivering and drooling. The next evening, he huddled in the shower downstairs. Poor boy! I have a thundershirt I need to find- I put it somewhere safe at the end of the season, last year and can't find it! As well, I may try Melatonin for him this summer.

The girls, fortunately are blissfully ignorant of storms. Phew! Well, except Soph will sometimes ask to go out as she loves rain, silly girl! They tend to nap them away.

The rest of the week has been spent getting my life in order- cleaning the house, paying bills and creating a bit of a budget for myself, sigh. And, studying, of course! I have become hyper motivated to get done my thesis FAST because it means a stop in tuition payments, a pay raise at work and the ability to think about a newer vehicle. Murphy has taken all this very seriously and has been quite concerned, haha! She's napped a bunch in the bed by my desk.

Soph has hung out in the office with me too, most of the week.

Spike has come in and checked on progress then wandered off to nap in the bathroom.

Such a strange dog!

Ah well, all in all it's been a very productive, busy week. I head back to work on Monday and it's 8 weeks until summer holidays.... it'll be a very busy 8 weeks, so stay tuned for updates on agility trials, research and Sophie's life lessons. :)

Defining Moments

2011-04-25T10:31:00.000-06:00

I've been thinking about this post for days, knowing I had lots to say, but I've been unsure how to go about getting it out. Life is a series of defining moments, I've become more convinced of that lately. These are moments that make life crystal clear and the direction you are aiming for very certain. Or they can change the course of your life forever.

I've had several of those, and an unusual amount of crystal clear moments this winter and spring. But, most are way beyond the scope of this old blog, so will have to remain as just that; defining moments in my career and personal life that are changing who I am and where I am heading.

I've been very aware that I am just coming up on an anniversary of one such moment; nearly 5 years ago, I was in a car accident that caused the loss of my beloved, albeit way to much dog for me, dog Mortimer. It set into motion a series of events that brought Spike into my life and a determination to have a dog who could run dog sports.

Another such moment is just past; 3 years ago at Easter time, my niece Katherine was diagnosed with Leukemia. This changed my path as I found myself living in the Saskatoon area, when I had planned all along to go to Edmonton. Katherine is about 9 months past chemo treatments, has a head full of red curly hair and enough spunk to propel her forward into life. She's full of energy, joy and happiness. Yes, she's well on the road to being just fine. But, still a defining, life changing moment and with one simple declaration from a doctor changed my family forever.

This past weekend was another moment for me, in several ways. I attended an agility seminar with Spike and that was a moment for me. We accomplished more than I thought possible, and for the first time this winter I walked away feeling like I CAN run agility, Spike and I CAN be successful and I am able to do this! I felt that way in the fall, after running a couple trials but I am feeling like I am getting there, not just my dog; I've never doubted Spike's ability, but I have questioned mine. I want to run agility, be successful, and someday teach and judge agility myself. It's a new goal.

The other moment occured thanks to Sophie. Sophie met my friend this weekend from Edmonton who has multiple labs, all very sweet, all very good agility dogs. Sophie was her usual, wild self and my friend set me straight. She told me the truth, which I heard loud and clear: Sophie is an unmannered, badly behaved dog. And, I heard the message loud and clear and as such have changed Sophie's life forever. I am on a journey to learn to be a better dog owner; I babied her because I felt bad about how bad she felt. I babied her because she was cute and gave me "the eyes". As a result? I have a dog who is difficult to live with and I now have the task of cleaning up the mess. So, end result? Sophie is on "manners bootcamp" where she has no freedom in the house, is on strict leash walking routines, and is earning back privileges like "sleeping outside of the crate at night". It's hard work being consistent, but I am way more stubborn and determined than she is. I do not want a dog who snaps at another unsuspecting, undeserving lab. I do not want a coffee thieving, food thieving dog in my house. I do not want a dog who has no self control because I haven't taught her to use what she has. The defining moment was clear; I do not have to live like this anymore.

I've struggled with Sophie's behaviours for a long time. There's no doubt that she is a spirited, willful dog but I haven't had the plan in mind until last weekend. That's when it became crystal clear; I can have a normal, happy, EASY TO LIVE WITH lab, if I decide that's what I want. So, stay tuned on updates about Sophie's "manners bootcamp". We'll get there, her and I. I'm way more stubborn than her and already in the span of a week have seen "baby steps" towards improvement. At this moment, I'll take what I can get.

This little muffin...

2011-04-21T05:51:00.000-06:00

is 4 today! Happy Birthday Sophie girl!

Longer post to follow to show what we've been up to lately! In the meantime, I better go give the birthday cuddles this morning.

Murphy the Hoarder

2011-04-13T07:22:00.000-06:00

Last evening, I gave all three dogs Elk Bones to munch on for the evening. It makes it much easier for me to focus and write, like I need to, if I don't have the dogs giving me the evil eye for not taking them for a run or playing fetch or practicing weaves like we need to.

I don't know how she does it, but Murphy managed to steal Spike's bone and squirrel it away in her crate where she commenced with flashing teeth and glaring at him as he got too close. Don't mess with Murph, after all, unless you are momma who can stick her hand into said crate and take Spike's bone back. Crisis adverted!

Really, they are MY bones. Both of them, they really, really are!

Are you sure about that? (Poor, mopey Spike!)

Yup, they are MINE!

Ah, much better... Spike has his bone back. Thanks Brave Momma!

Sophie happily staying out of it!

And, finally- further evidence that Murphy is the strangest dog I have ever owned. Breakfast on the slant.

Just for the record, we are working nose touches for contact equipment in agility. And, she was in a lovely sit, on the stool, waiting for her breakfast. Unasked, she dove into a 2o/2o position, hit the floor with her nose, then looked at me for her breakast. LOL! Why can't she do that in class now??

Murph, you are a strange beasty, aren't you?? :)

Studious Sophie

2011-04-12T07:26:00.000-06:00

I am studying these days. Or rather, frantically writing to finish what I hope is my last paper of this degree, except for my thesis of course. I will know Thursday if I have to sneak in another class over the summer or not. In any case, I even missed agility last night (BOO!) to write. Let's just say, by 8PM, I moved it to the bed where I thought I would be more comfortable. Big mistake, that's for sure. Sophie insisted on helping, then before I knew it, we were both sound asleep.

See, she's curled up with my Feminist Standpoint Reader. And yeah. Within the hour, both of us were lightly snoring.

Ah well, one big last push to get this done as I am defending my thesis proposal on Thursday afternoon AND running Spike in an agility seminar this weekend. Can't wait to get through the defense and onto the fun of my weekend!

Workin' Weekend

2011-04-10T05:54:00.000-06:00

I am at the kennel this weekend, and for LONG hours at that. So, the dogs get to go. It's been NON STOP run, run, dig for Spike and Murphy while Sophie is content to spend hours running between them and the fence line to check for cats. They crack me up!

In any cases, I got some photos yesterday of some of the action. There is still a tiny bit of snow, but it's mainly mud now so spring must truly be here!

Way out in the field!

Spike found the soccer ball, big suprise!

C'mon, play with me!!

Rebecca has 3 New Hope Foster pups staying with her- all super cute, sweet and friendly. All watched and waited to be allowed to play with Spike and Sophie (Which never happened! Sorry little foster guys!) This is Snicker- she has the most amazing eyebrows!

Aeron- a husky mix.

Sable, Snicker's sister. Their Momma is a Lab, and who knows who daddy is! :) They turned out to look either rather shepherdy like Sable or rather labby, like Snicker.

Spike with a wild look in his eyes- that's his "KICK THE BALL!" look.

Sadly, one of the few photos of Murph- she's been a blur all weekend!

Princess Sophie. Notice what while her "sit" is still a bit off, it's MUCH BETTER than it has been in 2 years!!! She was a bit stiff last night, after all the running, but it's all in her knee, not her hips. I can live with that!! She still managed to walk with 4 paws on the floor and worked the stiff out quickly. Yeah for Sophie girl being much, much better!

Murphy's chair

2011-04-03T18:12:00.000-06:00

Murphy has claimed a chair on the deck. It HAS to be hers now... she made her mark on it already! To be fair, I believe Ringo had a paw in this wanton destruction, but it's very clear to me that nobody but Murph will be able to use this chair again.

It's the "I see you, why won't you let me in" look.

And, the "Maybe if I stare more intently at you, you will open that door!" look.

Oh Murphers... so much for my chair!

Beautiful Mornings

2011-04-02T06:37:00.000-06:00

I am up early because even if it is a weekend, I can't change that I am a morning person. I love the quiet, slow, steady pace of a morning, coffee in hand as I prepare to face the day.

I glanced out the window this morning and had to grab the camera.

I saw the most beautiful, deep red sunrise. I couldn't help but try to photograph it, but the pictures do not do justice to it.

And, over here is a picture of my muddy road. Spring seems to finally be here, and even though it is very slow to warm up, it is still warm enough to go out in a sweater only. It's beautiful and the snow is starting to go. I can't help myself, but I am starting to really plan out my garden for this summer. I am going to plant lots of strawberries where Sophie can't get them and a peony bush for sure. It just makes me happy to think about summer and planting my garden and maybe feeling like I have a little time for myself to putter in it.

And, finally, my best boy because Spike hasn't made many appearances on the blog lately. He's not so far away from his 6th birthday and I can't help but notice how grey my boy is getting. Wish they could stay young forever, but there is something quite sweet about a steady, reliable middle aged dog who has settled into who they are with a confidence that didn't exist in puppyhood. Love that boy so much. :)

Hope You Know... You're My Hero -A Celebration of Man's Best Friend

2011-04-01T05:49:00.000-06:00

I borrowed this from Robin, over at The Year of the Chocolate Bunny, but I thought it worth posting here. Made me tear up this morning, so tissue alerts to you too. :)

Happy Friday and Happy April all!

Therapy dogs bring cheer to patients

2011-03-29T07:08:00.000-06:00

This is an article from the weekend; there was a St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog test and 4 more dogs were certified. Yeah for therapy dogs!! SJA is who I volunteer through to be able to take Spike to the nursing home.

Therapy dogs bring cheer to patients

My Girls

2011-03-27T20:37:00.000-06:00

My girls would be lost without each other. I know that Murph and Soph really are best friends; they cuddle together, destroy toys together, run amok in the yard together, steal food together... they are actually quite inseparable.

So, I couldn't help myself as I was putting laundry away a few minutes ago. The sight was quite irresistible and I snapped a few of my girls together.

Hanging out together, watching me fold dish clothes.

Ahhh, Murphy makes a great pillow.

Sleepy girls.

Sophie, attempting to keep at least one eye open.

Murph isn't feeling great this evening; she's had an upset tummy all day so she's not moving much. Still, it's nice because I did get some super cute photos of my girls. :)

What's been going on!

2011-03-26T10:38:00.000-06:00

It's been a busy couple weeks. I presented at my first ever conference and it was good. I attended two days of policy development work on Social Justice and Equity for the Teachers Federation. I watched the Canadian government fall and two budgets, one provincial, one federal come out, showing no understanding of the issues in Education right now. I read some pretty heavy journal articles. I hung out with some pretty crazy dogs. I also worked. I finally cracked yesterday and the dogs went to Rebecca's for a few hours to burn off some energy while I worked.

It helped, and everyone is looking like this, this morning:

Spike in his sunbeam, half in the hallway, half in the office. He looks like the picture of contentment this morning.

Sophie, cuddled up in the dog bed, under the living room window. She can keep an eye on me from there and I suspect she is planning to drink my coffee the minute I get up to switch the laundry loads over.

Murphy and Ringo, cuddled up on my blanket, on the loveseat. They are wedged in next to me as I am studying this morning. Say goodby to Ringo though, he's heading off on an adoption trial today, PHEW! I love that dog, but I seriously need a break from fostering!!

And, this is what I am doing: frantically getting papers written that are due, and my thesis proposal tightened up and ready to go in. I am presenting/defending my thesis proposal within the next couple weeks so I am ready to get on with getting on! Between that and finishing up my final class (I hope!) for this degree, I am BUSY! Ah well, at least the dogs are content this morning!! :)

The view this morning

2011-03-18T15:56:00.000-06:00

It was a wild morning around this house, for some reason. Both Murphy and Ringo (yes, he's STILL here, LOL!) were CRAZY and while my back was turned my living room went from clean to this:

Toy guts everywhere. Sigh. I clean my house daily, actually multiple times daily with the toy killers around!

Murphy refuses to admit her guilt, but I know better!!

But, in other news, this was the view as I was leaving this morning. Sun was up, but yes, that's SNOW. Sunrise today was 7:15AM, and I've been driving into a blinding light everyday this week (save cloudy today), bright enough that even sunglasses didn't completely help the glare! YEAH!!!

And, even better, there's a hint of my lawn peaking out! Spring IS coming, even if it's a bit cold and snowy today!!

Spike's exercise program

2011-03-13T06:37:00.000-06:00

I can't believe it's been a week since I posted; where does time go? I intended to get outside with the dogs and get some pictures of us playing but the weather has not cooperated. It's gone from warmer to cold to cold again. Today looks like our luck is changing, and it should be melting by this afternoon!

I took Spike to the chiropractor again this week and got great news. There was nothing wrong with his shoulders this trip; this is the first time since all this has started in November that he didn't have anything to do with his shoulders. So, we've been backed off to appointments every month to two months again and I came away with homework to do. I am supposed to work on the following with him:

1. Walk backwards
2. Stand with front paws on a stool and walk around it. (both directions)
3. Stand with back paws on a stool and walk around it. (both directions)
4. Stand with all 4 paws in a box and gradually make the box smaller until he has all 4 paws in a tiny box and can balance himself.
5. Walk through a ladder on the ground
6. Stand with paws on two sit fit cushions. He's supposed to have the front paws on one, the back paws on another. Gradually increase the distance between them.

All of these exercises are designed to strengthen his abdominals so that Mr. Long Back will have more support as he's jumping and that will help keep his back aligned. And, for his shoulders, I am pretty sure encouraging him to dig will help strengthen them, as long as everything is in alignment. That's good news for Spike as he lives to dig gophers up in the spring.

Sophie should have gone to the Chiropractor this week, but I didn't have an appointment for her. I am pretty sure she has things out in her back end, but she's managing to be her chipper self and she's not back at agility for a couple weeks anyway so I suspect it's ok for now. I am continuing with the plan of running with her; she gets to do lots of straight line running just to rebuild lost muscle tone in her back end. It takes time I guess, but I have seen improvements and that's encouraging. I keep thinking I should likely get Murphy to Dr. Orchard as well, but I haven't yet. I can't believe what a difference it's made for spike and Sophie!

Travelling this weekend.

2011-03-05T18:35:00.000-06:00

A little update on the flood situation from my friend Robin at The Year of the Chocolate Bunny. Robin posted an update and stated that she, Tim and Alex got out of the house, as did all 3 dogs. They were also able to save their cats, but not their sugar glider or their rabbits. They have managed to find a new place to live, but they are not able to keep three dogs there (just two!), and they have to rehome their cats. It's very sad to think they have to give up Bubby, their newest dog, saved recently from the Humane Society. And, give up their cats. They are starting over from scratch, so any kind thoughts and messages you could send them would be appreciated. They've been through a great deal over the last six months, and I suspect this is a devastating blow; the house they were in is scheduled to be torn down due to chronic flooding they were never informed about and all their possessions are still inside the mouldy house.

Anyway, I am away this weekend, working for the Ministry of Education, doing some training in preparation to mark provincial exams this summer. I have been hired as a Exam Scoring Leader for a grade 7 Reading Assessment. It's a good gig, pays decently well for a teacher and it's just a week out of my summer. I enjoy it, as I see it as Professional Development and I learn lots from the experience. Plus, I've met lots of other great teachers from around the province and it's a good chance to get away!

The dogs are with Rebecca this week, and I learned the Sophie got into mischief very shortly after arriving there. Bec hadn't adequately closed her crate, and she escaped and was loose in the dog room so she figured she could eat quite a bit of another dogs kibble. End result? Peroxide and Rebecca needed to clean up the yard after Soph. I suspect Sophie now fully understands "DON'T COME OUT OF YOUR CRATE UNTIL INVITED, EVEN IF THE DOOR IS OPEN!" I love that Rebecca sends them home a little better trained than they left, but I do feel bad that she misbehaved. At least Ringo and Murphy had to be woken up this morning! Phew, to that one! Spike apparently is having a blast running around and exploring the yards.

I have to admit, I am enjoying being away, staying in a nice hotel (it's all expenses paid!) and having the bed to myself. I do miss the dogs, but it is nice not to have Murphy sleeping as close as possible, or Sophie snoring in my ear. I will be hunkering down tonight with my research but it's alright; it's quiet and I have no distractions here. Tomorrow, I head home and back to the reality of life with 4 dogs (thank goodness one will eventually move out!) and work on Monday.

Positive thoughts needed!

2011-03-03T19:25:00.001-06:00

I was just reading a fairly new friend of mine in the blogworld and learned their house flooded and they lost everything. Please, send your positive thoughts (they've had a series of loses of late, between computers and cameras, now this) and well wishes to Bubby, Scout and Hunter, along with their humans. I feel heartbroken for them!!
Look them up at.... http://theyearofthechocolatebunny.blogspot.com/

Really, I'm getting lots done!

2011-02-25T10:07:00.000-06:00

I had a huge list of schoolwork to get through this week. I have no idea if I have managed to tackle even a quarter of it; I feel behind and that's not good. But, I'm trying! Honestly, the cold weather has not helped as the dogs all have cabin fever (as do I!) and want out, but it's just toooo cold! (Windchill of -49C this morning. That's -56F for my American readers).

It's no wonder I am not getting much done; I was settling down with my Carol Gilligan, Voice Centered Relational Methods of Research materials when I was disturbed by the following...

C'mon, play with us!! Ringo And Murphy, looking adorable, of course!

Fine, we'll create our own fun, thank you very much! Spike and Murphy tugging.

It's mine! No, it's MINE!

I's won. Will you play with me?!? Spike trying to cajole me into playing.

Fine, three can play at that game! Spike, Sophie and Murphy all tugging with Sopher's toy.

How many of us can fit in here? Me for sure!

And, Ringo too!! HA!

Ringo trying desperately to escape the wrath of Murphy, after he chases her into her crate. She doesn't share well, you know!

See... I feel better!! Ringo, ready for napping!

Sophie agrees, and curls up on my bed. Always the princess, always looking for comfort!

Spike and his sunbeams. Ahhh, that's better!

Where's Murphy?? Still doing zoomies, frantically around the house. That dog is going to be the death of me! Good thing she's cute!

The view from my chair

2011-02-23T12:15:00.000-06:00

It's a quiet day around here. The weather is much better so everyone spent time in the yard running around, burning energy off which was much needed! So, by the time I settled in to study this morning, I realized everyone was settling in for a morning nap. I can see 3 out of 4 dogs, napping in their chosen places, content now.

Ringo... yup, he's still here! He is about 10 weeks old and desperate for his own home! But, in the meantime, he hangs out and is fitting in with the crowd just fine. He certainly likes his naps, having claimed this cushion in the office for his own.

Too Cute! He shifted and looked a little more comfy in this position, despite his flipped over ear.

Spike, in the hallway, just outside the office door. He loves his sunbeams and will likely spend his day moving from sunbeam to another. Love it!

Murphy is spread out, protecting my bucket of journal articles. Must keep all that reading safe for me, you know!

Oh to have a dog's life!

Each to their own

2011-02-20T06:34:00.000-06:00

It's been brutally cold this weekend and it doesn't help me or the dogs, but I have been working at my buddy's kennel while she's off running flyball. I have left Spike mainly at home as I think his shoulder is still hurting, but Murphy, Sophie and Ringo have all had time there. But, it's mainly been time to sit in a crate because it's TOO COLD to go out! I have to head over there shortly to do breakfasts for the crew, but it's -35 on my thermometer at home with a windchill likely into the 40's and call me crazy, but I figure I deserve a coffee at least first!!

Anyway, to make up for it, I bought the dogs a bag of Elk Bones. These are a treat to entertain them for an evening or more and everyone has their favourite "chewing spot".

Murphy, it makes sense, hides in her crate. Sophie can't fit her big head into Murph's tiny crate to steal the bone.

Sophie is in the hallway between my room and the office. A nice place to chew a bone too.

Spike marches to the beat of his own drummer. He chose the bathtub. Yup, I have photos to prove it.

What a boy! He's nothing if not an enigma of neurotic energy!

It's looking a little brighter!

2011-02-18T15:55:00.000-06:00

The days are getting longer, that is very obvious. That has to mean winter is almost over, right? In any case, I took a photo a month ago on the way out the door and posted it, so I figured I better this month again to compare them! So, here you go....

It's a balmy -43 with the windchill this morning, -31 celsius before the wind. Yuck. It might be getting brighter out, but it's still COLD!

I won an award!

2011-02-13T06:53:00.000-06:00

An update on the MangoMinster competition: we didn't win the cracker dog competition; I'm not surprised. Yes, my girls are crazy but there are some CRAZY dogs out there, that's for sure! I am not disappointed as it was fun to play along and to have a part in some February fun! And, I am touched by some of the comments people left (and for the record, Moose, Sophie thinks you are quite handsome too!!! )

But, I did receive an award this week, one I hadn't even realized I had been awarded until days past. Jean, over at My Life with the Critters awarded this little ole blog with the Stylish Blogger Award! That means more to me than winning Mango Minster and I am touched she thought of us!!

So, with this award comes a couple challenges. The first is to tell you seven new things about myself and the second is to award it forward, as it were. So, I'll start with the seven things.

1. I am an intensely private person so having a blog is out of character for me. But, I blog for many reasons; to talk about my dogs in an environment where people aren't forced to listen, to express my thoughts, to share their funny, quirky stories. As well, I have an incredibly challenging job this year that I am struggling with, and this is stress relief in many respects. Because of the nature of my job, I will never share really anything about it online as it just wouldn't be appropriate, but I can at least still talk about the rest of my life which helps me not just think about work all the time!

2. I am a student again. This you all know, but what you might not know is I LOVE school. I love being a student, and plugging away at learning and internalizing new ideas and thoughts. I am a teacher, myself and I am realizing more and more that some of the ideas I am discovering could change the world of education forever (which it needs. I might be a teacher but I also understand the structures that keep education and school in place, just don't work!) I am planning on a PhD program and I am at the stage where I am excitedly looking at the possibilities of where I could go to do that! It will likely mean a major move but that's a very cool possibility.... I love the idea that when the time is right (I am hoping 2-3 years from now), I'll be able to move to BC or Ontario or Alberta.

3. I am crafty but I don't have time to work on all of my crafts. I love to quilt and sew. I also make cards and scrapbook. I do a little beadwork, learned while teaching in Northern Saskatchewan. I also cross-stitch but this is the craft that mainly has fallen out of favour with me as I just don't have the time and energy necessary to devote the hours needed to finish my crazy large projects. I'll come back to it, I know I will when my life is a little less full.

4. I love to read and write. I would rather read than watch TV any day, and I have thought about cancelling my cable, as I just don't watch TV much anymore. I love just about any books and I continue to collect them as well. I am lucky in this house of mine, I have a room FULL of bookshelves where my favourites can live! I like mystery thrillers like Patricia Cornwell when I need to have a break, young adult novels and I have a particular fondness for Canadian literature- Douglas Coupland, Miriam Toes, Emma Donoghue. Ahhh, reading.

5. I love all three of my dogs for very different reasons. Spike was my second dog as an adult, and came to me from a shelter, during a time when I really needed a dog like him. I love how serious he is, how hard he works for me, and how he loves to just play with me, no matter what I'm asking. He's easy to train and loves his agility! I love Sophie because she's the class clown. She has worked through so much stuff physically but she still comes around with a big grin on her face and a happy wag of that tail. She will be hysterical to watch running agility because she loves to show off. Murphy is quirky and strange. I love that she makes me laugh all the time at her antics. She is an incredibly determined dog; when she wants something, she tries hard to get it. She makes me laugh, but in a very different way than Sophie does. She manages to fit with the big dogs, even though I wondered if Murphers would be a mistake. Nah, I'm stuck with her now!

6. I am a little obsessive about things and if an idea takes hold of me, I'll research and read about it for hours. I just need to know, as a way to process things that usually are bothering me.

7. If I am feeling stressed out or tired or sad, I often clean or bake. I have certain chores that I turn to, in order to calm myself down. I wash dishes and there was a time in my life when I just couldn't go to bed without a clean kitchen. I am not quite as obsessive about a clean kitchen as I used to be but now, I mainly vacuum if I need to relax. And, do laundry. For some reason, I love doing laundry (but am less thrilled with folding and putting it away). Strange I know!

So, now onto the 15 blogs I want to award.... I suspect lots of these have already been chosen by other people, but it doesn't matter, does it? I'm still going to award them. I am not going to email people to tell them; they can read it here, and choose to do with it, what they want. That's ok with me! The majority of what I read is animal blogs, but I have to admit, I am starting to read Radical Teaching blogs. But, for now, I am going to stick with my favourite mainly dog blogs and leave it at that.

First, some old favourites of mine- well, of course Jean's blog but she award me! :) Otherwise, Life is Better with Sheltie hair and Jacked are two friends who blog locally. Love them! And, Casper's Adventures by my dear friend Gwyn of course deserves the award! I know I am missing local friends blogs... sorry if I missed you!!

Then, I discovered awhile ago a blog that has led me to MANY of my newer favourites.... Mango's blog! From there, I learned about Norwood and Tula . I also met Moose and Bolo. And, Honey the Great Dane! As well, there's Khyra Khorner and from sophie's view and Dog Daze (love blogs about Labs!). New to me is also Arwen's Pack, but I am enjoying hanging there. Oh, and of course, my new friend at Living a Farmer's Life (stay tuned for more about this one... she does a monthly trick with her dogs and I am challenged myself to teach the same trick to at least 1 of the dogs, but hopefully all 3! I need to update this soon and thanks for all your help with training this month's trick!)

Ack! I'm running out of awards to award....I have to give the last two to my favourite blogs about Therapy Dogs! There's Magnolia and Life with Claire.

Sorry if I left a blog out that should have gotten this award too. It's hard to narrow it down, isn't it?? Anyway, that's all from me this morning... there should be pictures later of playing in the yard with the dogs. The weather is BEAUTIFUL, spring like (strange for February in Saskatchewan!) and I have to get out there with the pups!

Vote for us!

2011-02-11T07:21:00.000-06:00

I am not usually one to participate in contests or to ask for votes, but I am going to! I entered Soph and Murph into the Cracker Dogs category, over at MangoMinster and I am a little worried that I'll be the only one voting for my girls! So, if you can find it in yourself to appreciate how crazy my girls are, I'd love for you to give us a vote over at.... LINK! I know the girls would appreciate the boost of confidence that they really ARE nutjobs!!

Really, we're helping out with laundry!

2011-02-06T18:50:00.000-06:00

It's been a quiet weekend here... my agility classes were cancelled for Murphy and Sophie, so I've hunkered down with the books and spent time reading about feminist epistemologies and paradigms and research methodology. In the midst of that, I did laundry and cleaned the house. As well, my buddy Carla came over (photos she took will be posted tomorrow!).

But, for today, I give you "See ma, I's helping with the laundry, really"

Why must she lie on the CLEAN DISHCLOTHS??

Spike and Murphy cuddled on the bed. Murph follows me room to room as I put things away. Silly dog!

Sophie napping on the loveseat, next to where I am working on reading and taking notes. Yup, she likes to cuddle up close.

Ringo in a rare moment of awakeness is entertaining himself. He's at that cute stage where he's all chubby tummy, eating and sleeping. I love puppies, and he's a gem, that's for sure!

Hmmm, yummy bone! He loves it when everyone else is napping and isn't around to steal all the good bones away. Poor pup!

Anyway, all in all, it's been a great weekend! I need more of these "quiet, stay at home studying" weekends!

Where does time go? (AKA, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MURPHY!!)

2011-02-02T17:06:00.000-06:00

I have no idea where time goes, but my little bundle of fluff is a year old today! This cute little face...

has become this....

It's a horrible photo- SORRY! She just wouldn't stand still!!

This one is a tiny better, but not much. Yup, for her birthday I did hand strip her. The job isn't done (it takes FOREVER when they won't sit still!), but I have to admit, she's looking pretty fine, even with this much done!

Murphy, well everyone got a new squeaky for her birthday. But, Murphy, well, she's a hoarder, what can I say? This morning, I found stuffing from a stuffie she might have eaten AND a spoon that Sophie must have stolen off the counter, in her crate. They'd been there for a couple days! Anyway, she got her stuffy and ran for her crate.

Then, she went back for Spike's...

Finally, she ended up (with some considerable effort as Ringo kept stealing them!) with all 3 in there... she's lying on the purple and orange ones here, while squeaking away on the yellow. She's quirky, what can I say??

Of course, she's lost all 3 as she got into a fight with Ringo over them, but for a brief moment, Murphy thought she was queen, LOL!

Happy Birthday Murphers... may we have many, many more years together, girl!

Saturday catching up

2011-01-29T08:55:00.000-06:00

Ringo has been here for a tad over a week, so he's about 7.5-8 weeks old now. What a cutie, that's all I can say! He's funny and quirky, but loves to cuddle which is totally part of his charm. Admittedly, he's in that "always underfoot stage", especially when I am trying to cook something, but it has it's endearing parts. Like this morning, he dragged the puppy bed over to be just by my feet, while I am blogging. You know, 2 feet away is not close enough!!

He's doing stairs like a pro and is super food motivated so I suspect when I actually have a moment to teach him something useful like "sit", he'll learn it fast. He is a bit shy when meeting people, but once he warms up to you, he's all about being close to someone to cuddle, or play at their feet. He'll wander off a bit to explore but comes running back to check in.

His housetraining is going great; little monkey can sleep 8 hours at night and has never had an accident in his crate!! Housetraining itself is going better than Murphy's even (silly terrier! She'll be a year old next week and still has the occasional whoops!) He will actually go to the back door when he needs out; of course if you don't move it fast enough, he can't hold it to wait but wow! That's a huge step towards actually being housetrained.

He loves to wrestle and play with Murphy. The big dogs don't spend much time with him, but at least he's made friends with Murphs. It's great for both of them!

Say goodbye to Murph's coat... I've been stripping it all week. Finished product to be revealed eventually, haha!

It's a busy weekend around here- everyone has agility (yeehaw! Update on Sophie tomorrow, I hope!) and I have my dad staying here. He's in town for a track meet, so he is crashing at my place. Of course, that meant, he got here at midnight last night and left again at 7:30 this morning, but at least we have a dinner planned tonight. Spike loves that he's here; little turkey spent the night, curled up, under the covers with Dad, in the "dog free" guest room! Guess I'll be washing blankets even after dad leaves! Ah well, such is life!

Spike napping in the barely big enough dog bed. He tried to stay up waiting for dad to arrive. :)

Ringo, hanging on the couch. He has funny facial expressions!

Grumpy Sophie... " you woke me for this?!?" :)

What a difference a week makes!

2011-01-23T10:10:00.001-06:00

What a difference a week makes is for sure!! Last weekend, on Sunday it was cold. Very cold in fact. And, I picked up a new foster dog named Boston, brought him home and realized within minutes it wasn't going to work for lots of reasons. (but mainly his fear of Sophie, which I can't entirely blame him for!). Anyway, he went back on Monday and I committed to take a puppy. Well, since then, the weather has warmed up to melting temperatures, Sophie has gone back to agility classes (but, I think she deserves a post all to her own, about that!) and I brought the pup home.

His name is Ringo, although that doesn't really suit him, to my way of thinking. I call him Porkchop and Piglet because he's a rolly polly pup. He's a farm special dog; in other words, who know what he is? There's likely some lab in there, possibly some border collie but there's also maybe some shepherd, looking at his siblings. All I know is that he is CUTE!

Ringo is 7 weeks old at best guess; his momma was rescued when he and his siblings were about a week old. She was tied to a dog house and had very little food. It was cold, and New Hope had to take them. So, here they are and Ringo is a sweet little thing! I love puppies this age because they are all potential and promise; who knows what this dog could become? I can tell you the base of his personality is sweet, cuddly, mostly quiet but still full of puppy play. He plays with Murphy then crashes on my lap for a nap. He's learning to stand up for himself a little because Murphers is relentless in her pursuit of play. In comparision to Murphy, he's laid back and fairly moderate in his energy levels.

He's fairly quiet in his crate; he'll settle in there nicely at night, but watch out, once he's awake, he lets you know loud and clear! He's actually doing fairly well with his kennel training. He's keeping his crate clean, which I am so impressed about, but we'll see on Monday when I am gone to work all day. In any case, he's doing better than Murphy even does in her crate, LOL. He's even doing quite well on housetraining. There's been very few accidents (like 1 or 2 since Friday night) and he'll even cry a bit when I suspect he needs out. He's even rung the bell at the back door, which is Sophie's way to tell me she wants out. So, while he can't be considered housetrained for a long time yet, I think he's a smart one and won't take long to figure it out.

Really, for anyone looking for a cute, cuddly boy who might end up on the larger side of medium, they can't go wrong with this little gaffer. He really is a lovely boy!! I am quite smitten with his little socks, his sweet personality and how gentle and friendly he is.

Spring must be coming right?!?

2011-01-19T16:45:00.001-06:00

Spring must be coming, the days are getting longer!! I leave the house for work at 7:50 most mornings, and it's been very dark until this week. I realized suddenly this morning that this was the scene...

That is the view from my front doorstep and YES that's a hint of the sunrise to come!! That MUST mean Spring is coming right?? I sure hope so because it's been cold (not bitter yet, just cold) at consistently in the -20s the last week, with windchills down into the -30's. Tomorrow morning, they are saying the windchill might dip to -41!! (That's -41.8 in F, for my American readers!) BRRR!! The only consolation I have is that beautiful hint of blue!!

The Cracker Dogs of Black Dog Blog... Mango Minster entry

2011-01-16T09:35:00.000-06:00

I would like to introduce everyone to the Cracker Dogs of Black Dog Blog.... All 3 are crackers, on any given day, but for the purposes of this contest, I think it's safe to say the GIRLS are the WORST offenders of CRACKER DOG behaviours!! I suppose, you could almost call them BAD SPORTS, but they are too nice and funny about their behaviours to be that! There is no ill intent behind their goofy, quirky behaviour, that's for sure!

So without further ado, here they are!

Murphy qualifies on the basis of CRAZY CRACKER DOG JACK RUSSELL status. Need I say more? Sophie should because, LAB, hello? Everyone knows they are crazy and fantastic! haha

So, to build a case, I have a smattering of photos from over the years...

I moved into my house in August 2009 and my landlords very kindly had planted a garden for me Spike and Sophie to eat! That's Sophie above stripping the corn clean out of the garden. They would run around smacking each other in the head with the stalks. TOO FUNNY!

A sample of what Sophie steals from the sink... who needs to wash dishes when you have a lab who does it for you?!? Last night she stole a COOKIE SHEET from the sink, dragged it to the living room and licked it clean!

Murphy in action! That pillow was NO MATCH for her!!

And, of course, the customary napping, after distruction... on the DIRTY LAUNDRY of course!

Murphy's tug toy for agility class.... yes, it's a RAW CHICKEN WING in a SOCK. It's the only thing that really works. She's a Jack alright... motivated when she wants to be! Sign of a cracker dog?? She does things her own way!

Oh, and of course, licking the rubbermaid tub clean, after I've thawed meat for the dogs. I was lucky that when I walked into the kitchen I caught her with all 4 paws in the tub.... she of course thought she was in trouble for a moment, and kindly removed the back two paws but couldn't help herself, she had to keep cleaning it out. When I got back, she still had 2 paws in, and 2 paws out, getting blood on my clean kitchen floor! LOL

The annual destruction of the Christmas tree. This particular picture was from my first Christmas here... I've gotten wiser about WHERE I put the tree so this doesn't happen 3-4 times a season!

A garbage bag with NO FOOD in it, except this lowly milk carton, in the bottom. Please note, I washed it out even. Sophie STILL found it, picked it out and left it for me, as if to prove a point.

My box lid I use for the game "101 things to do with a box and a clicker". It was no match for Murphy. How she got it off the bookshelf, I'll never know.

My coffee cup. Sophie finishes my coffee everyday for me. This was the first time I caught her that morning.

Second time... she had gone back to clean up her mess a little more, LOL

This is the dog blanket that was on my bed the other night. Murphy had already gone out for the night, and insisted in coming right back in and PEEING on this blanket, on MY BED. Yup, silly, silly girl!

Too bad Blogger isn't "feeling well" this morning and is refusing to up load my videos, or I'd have further proof. But, there's many, many stories. For example, the time Sophie drank so much water at Rally Obedience class that she threw up, mid heeling pattern. I cleaned it up, but she refused to walk through the spot, the rest of the class; she would go around it. She managed to maintain a gorgeous heel, just not at my side, lol. Everyone else walked there, but NOT SOPHIE! Or, the time Murph and Soph were playing soccer in the house and managed to knock down a picture, off the wall AND my cute little knicknack shelf. Nothing was broken, but they really SHOULD stop bouncing off the walls!

I could go on and on, but they are hysterically funny, trust me on that!

So with that, I give you the Cracker Dogs of Black Dog Blog. They are never dull, never boring and keep me laughing all the time! Hope you consider us for this fantastic award this year!

Robine Hood Aidan Story

2011-01-12T06:18:00.001-06:00

It's a heavy topic for so early on a Wednesday morning, but I just arrived home from a walk with my three dogs. I was able to do it with safety, no fear of dog packs, no fear of "what if one gets away?". This story touched my heart because I know the issues in Northern Saskatchewan, when it comes to dog control. This event happened in Buffalo Narrows, SK which is an hour south of where I lived for 3 years.

Dogs in Northern Saskatchewan are shot as a means of dog control. Each Northern community has a dog catcher and their job is to keep the dogs from packing up; this is accomplished by randomly shooting dogs viewed as a problem or as strays. I know from experience, when the dogs pack up at certain times of the year, they are SCARY! They become mean and aggressive, but I also know there is a BETTER WAY than culling the dogs.

I lived in fear the entire 3 years I was in La Loche; I worried my dogs would be stolen, get off their tie outs, run off and get shot. I lived in a teacherage, supplied by the school division that refused to fence my yard properly and also refused to allow me to fence it, if I could have afforded to. So, I resorted to tie outs, the first 2 years I was there. By the third year, my dogs, Spike and Sophie NEVER were out of the house without me. I had caught kids throwing rocks at them, had been threatened that they would steal Sophie, and Spike had escaped his tie out a couple times. So, I kept them with me at all times. They got off leash runs, very carefully and both were taught a recall command that was as solid as possible. End result? We made it. But, many of my friends lost dogs to the dog catcher.

I know packing, stray and wild dogs IS a problem in Northern Saskatchewan. But, there has to be a better way! Noone needs to live with the fear of their dog being shot. Noone needs to go through what Nadia has gone through; please watch her story below. And, help us find new ways to control dog populations in Northern Saskatchewan so the communities remain safe for the children to play without the fear and threat of dog shoot days. If you want more information about this issue, please comment below and I can share more about how we might make a difference. The volunteers of New Hope Dog Rescue are committed to finding ways to help make a difference to dog owners in Northern Saskatchewan.

Sophie's feeling better!

2011-01-10T07:36:00.000-06:00

As you all know, Sophie has had problems with her hips for as long as I've had her. They've been there since puppyhood. Shockingly, 3 treatments at the chiropractor and she is FINE. Like as in, no pain medications, no lameness, just an enthusiastic, happy Lab!!

And to prove this, here's a couple videos of Sophers in action... The first one is on the way out to the field behind my house. Sophie insisted on doing a weird, bouncy-pounce that just made me laugh.

The second is just Sophie doing a retrieve after her ball. It's really nothing spectacular, but for a dog who has not done anything in about a year, this is amazing! Everytime I let her run, she'd be on three legs so I just stopped. Now, there's no problems at all!

So good to see no more Limping Sophie!! Bring on the agility, she's going to be one smokin' fast dog to run!

Contest: Mango Minster 2011!!

2011-01-09T07:19:00.001-06:00

Good morning all! I am so excited to awaken to Mango's Mango Minster 2011 contest this morning. Yes, it's true... I'm entering the dogs in a contest!!

In fact, I am so excited about it, I've offered to sponsor a category and make a brand new leash/collar set for them.

Of course, you all know that Sophie will be entered in the bad sports category... how can I NOT?? I'm even going to attempt to build a case for Spike to fit in that category too... it's a stretch I know, but I can't leave the boy out, can I? And, Murphers is a cracker dog extraordinaire, of course! So, watch out all, I'll be taking photos and videos to prep for my entry into this exciting contest. I was even up at 5:20 this morning (thanks Murphy!), just in time to get some video footage of Murphy in full cracker dog action! So, stay tuned! There might even be some crime reconstruction scenes (thanks for the great idea Khyra!!) of Sophie in action.

Plans are well underway... can you tell I am competitive and really want to win?!? Nah, not me!! :)

Things are looking up!

2011-01-08T16:27:00.000-06:00

I am the proud new owner of a Canon Powershot SC 130, as of today. Only took two tries from the store, as the first one was faulty, but after another quick trip into Saskatoon (only a 20 minute drive from house to store!), I replaced it and was able to get some quick photos taken to try it out. The settings are very similar to my old camera, so that lack of quality in the photos you are seeing below has NOTHING to do with the camera, but rather it has everything to do with the subjects. Seemingly in the 5 days without a camera in the house, they have forgotten what it means to pose, HA!

Anyway, it was also a trip to the vet day for Spike and Sophie both. Spike is continuing to have some problems with his neck and shoulder, so he will be going back in 3-4 weeks for another appointment just to make sure he's on track. I am trying to get him back healthy enough to maybe run a trial or two in April and May, so I have time to continue rebuilding his muscles to be ready for competition, but I have to just be patient and make sure I am actually remembering he still needs lots of just straight line running too! As well, Spike and I are going to do another Theresa Rector agility seminar in April, if all goes well, so I need him in shape for that.

Spike, looking dazed. It was SUPER hard to get him to look at me!

Murphy, in a rare moment she decided to sit still.

Sophie, just a split second before she moved, lucky me!

Sophie is one lucky dog at this moment! I am so grateful that Rebecca suggested I take Spike to Dr. Orchard as I randomly asked if she could help Sophie. Because of that one simple question I assumed the answer would be "no" to, Sophie is completely well as of this moment. She has been approved to go back to Agility classes and can now start with low jumps. She has been free of lameness for over 6 weeks now, and has been without any medications for that length of time. I see no signs of pain, no evidence that she will return to her former incredibly sad state. What I'm left with is a mischievous, rambunctious, happy Lab! At the start of the appointment today, before she had any adjustments, Sophie was leaping, straight up and down, all four paws off the floor, repetitively to give Dr. Orchard kisses, as she laughed and told me "there's no going back now...we can't tone her down, you know!" Sophie is able to get along with other dogs, she is HAPPY and she's getting into TONS of trouble so I know things are on the upswing.

I am still shocked at the difference between Sophie this winter and last winter. Last winter, I hoped I could manage to keep her around for another year or two before deciding I couldn't manage her pain. Now, I suspect she'll outlive me, LOL.

Sophie is getting into more trouble than ever before, however. Consider the following:

Yes, that's Murphy with an empty Blizzard cup (thanks Rebecca for the blizzards today!! Lovely Saturday treat to go with the Tim Horton's coffee you brought me too!)

Murphy zoomed down the hallway to my bed where she tried to avoid the evidence. Nice try little brat! I KNOW you have the cup!

She's given up trying to pretend it's not her chewing on it.

Anyway, what does that above scene have to do with Sophie? Only Sophie can and will stretch herself out as far as possible, then use her paws to bat at things at the very back edge of the kitchen counter to get it down. She'll even do things like this in front of me, expecting I won't notice or care. Oh, I notice all right! Sophie has gotten SOOO bad that I nearly tossed her out of the car before we even got to the vet today. I stopped to run a few errands on the way, one of which was a trip to the grocery store. It's my fault completely for buying that bag of Sweet and Salty popcorn, of course and that my trunk is broken on the car (it's an old car, and I am seriously getting sick of fixing things! I need to trade it in for a shiny mini van where I can LOCK HER IN A CRATE!) so the groceries were in the front seat. Now, I'm not stupid, they were locked in a rubbermaid tub that I imagined was Sophie proof. HA! She managed to nose her way in, and in the 10 minutes I ran into flyball for a quick visit, she ate the WHOLE BAG! Sigh. Needless, I had to apologize to poor Dr. Orchard because Sophie is some smelly now! Sigh, what have I done?!?

Anyway, yup, life is good. Sophie might be a very bad dog, but I wouldn't trade her for the world. And, Spike is getting better so that's awesome. And, I am happy to have a new camera again! Life is good!

Friday Ramblings

2011-01-07T07:46:00.000-06:00

Life seems to be one big ball of perpetual change of late. You know, change from holidays to work routine. And, that's not so bad, to be honest. I am a creature of habit, sadly and I kind of like my morning routines and all, so it's ok. The dogs obviously fair better with the routines too. Of course, if I could get my sleep back in line, I'd be doing better. I have been having a bit of insomnia of late- waking anytime after 2 or so, and am often not able to get back to sleep, so if I could manage that, I think I would be in excellent shape right now. Perhaps it's time to cut back on the coffee? I'm not sure, but that thought makes me a little sick to my stomach.

Anyway, in other news, I am back down to 3 dogs for the moment. Henry was here for a temporary pitstop and he's moved to another foster home. So, I have to decide if I want to bring home a Ben-like dog (oh dear, me and my labs, I KNOW!) or take a couple week break until our litter of Labby puppies are ready to be moved and fostered on their own. I'll decide this weekend. :)

In any case, as requested, a couple photos of Henry... these are his petfinder photos as I didn't manage to get any others taken. Sorry! I'm still limping along with problem cameras, but this weekend, I'll head into the city and take care of getting one. My camera is officially toast, but my mother had one she gave me when the zoom went on it. It's another canon powershot, and to be honest, it's a great camera but without a zoom, it's tough!! I didn't realize how much I rely on that to get a half way decent photo for my foster dogs especially. Mom figured I'd need a backup camera at some point, because let's be honest with Sophie in the house, I'm constantly living with the thoughts "what's going to break next?" or "what's she going to eat next?". Poor Soph!

He really IS a cutie pie, and I kinda miss the little guy. Anyway, that's life in rescue; sometimes we need to shuffle dogs to make room for others and it's the way it goes.

Murphy especially is going to miss Henry. She LURVED that boy!! He was pretty taken with her too, and they loved to chase each other around the living room. :) But, then, Murph loves any new dog in this house, so if I go get Boston this weekend, she'll love him too!! I hear he's bigger than Ben, but just as loveable.

Anyway, I've mostly gotten back into my walking routine. The dogs are loving it! They always get a run everyday, playing fetch, or just playing in the yard or the field behind my house, but there's something almost meditative about walking that I love. And, they are always game to go. Walking the three is not bad; Murphy is the hardest of them because she doesn't understand "walk" yet... she thinks it's a great chance to bounce around and grab Soph's ears to get her to play. Soph takes her walks VERY SERIOUSLY and does not appreciate the puppy antics much. Poor girl! But, it's good to be back at it and I am sure Murphers will eventually learn. Or grow up. Or is that too much to ask for a Jack Russell?? ;)

I hope to get my camera this weekend, as I said so I can get the dogs over to Rebecca's for a run/photoshoot. And, Spike and Soph are both back to Dr. Orchard this weekend for a checkup. I am pretty sure Spike is fine; I have a feeling he won't need to see Dr. Orchard for a while, which is great! Soph has regressed a bit over the holiday. I've been straightline running her LOTS, but with Ben especially around, she was playing pretty rough with him and I think she knocked her back out a bit. But, I'll know more tomorrow... here's hoping she's gaining muscle tone!!! Other than that, a little bit of agility with Murphers on Sunday and the rest of the weekend is back to the Thesis grind... working on my literature review!!

Introducing Henry!

2011-01-04T09:21:00.000-06:00

Things have been a whirlwind around my place lately! As you all know, I picked up Ben just a couple weeks ago, he had an amazing application for adoption within hours of being on the website and he's gone, on trial already! He's been renamed Moose and they have the patience needed to help a big, goofy lab find his way in the world! So, that left me free to take another dog on and Henry has now arrived!

Henry is a sweet little corgi cross of some sort. It's been an adventure so far, having him in the house because he is sooo scared of making a wrong move. It's like he was tossed out by someone, and now he's worried he's going to mess up and get dumped again. :( It's heartbreaking to watch a dog go through that, but let me tell you, they make the best pets ever! (Just look at my Spikey... he was JUST LIKE THIS TOO!).

Anyway, Henry is settling in well. He likes hanging out, quietly chewing on a bone, but he's always ready to go somewhere, if I want to go. He's getting along as well as can be expected with my dogs; Sophie is lots of dog for anyone to manage and she needs some "finishing school" to polish off the rough edges. So, for Henry to handle Sophie with a certain amount of grace and resignation, speaks volumes about this gentle little soul. And, Murphy is RELENTLESS in her quest to get him to play. He will play, but mainly he just wants to hang out, sleep and cuddle at the moment. Henry LOVES Spike, following him around, giving kisses and the like. Sooo sweet to watch!

Henry's learning the crate, but is clean in the house. He's loving having dog beds to curl up in, bones to chew on, a toy box to visit. He has a grateful nature that is very sweet. He'll make someone a gem of a dog!! He is such a quiet, sweet boy, I can see him being a super star, therapy dog someday. I am smitten with this little boy because he's such a gentle soul and he is sooo grateful for food, a quiet corner, whatever attention he gets. He'd make a great pet for a family or an older couple, that's for sure.

Stay tuned for pictures.... Soph accidently broke my camera the other day and I am struggling along without the ability to get a decent photo. Take my word for it, Henry is CUTE! I'm hoping to get a new camera by the end of the week so I can post photos of what a goodlooking boy Henry actually is!

Ups and Downs

2011-01-03T06:52:00.000-06:00

It's been a day or two of ups and downs, that's for sure....

For example, Sophie knocked my camera off the counter and broke it. DOWN. I get to go shopping for a new one. UP. Of course, I still wont be getting the Canon Rebel I really want, but that's ok. I hadn't planned on a camera at this moment so I'll be going with something a little more modest, but it's still fun to go shopping!

I got a new foster dog and Spike has growled at him while he's been growling at Sophie. DOWN. But, he's moving out tomorrow, UP! Apparently, it's just a temporary placement, so Mr. Corgi is moving on. And, Ben is going on trial with a fabulous family and has already been renamed Moose. UP!

I go back to work this morning. DOWN. But, winter break is just around the corner. UP. And, I am looking at all the positives of my job rather than the challenges. UP.

It's very cold out, DOWN. But, I have walked the dogs two days in a row, despite that. UP. They are happier, I am happier and whatever... I can always bundle up for the cold, right? I got my first dog as an adult, living in Northern Saskatchewan which is at least as cold as it is here, so I figure, I should be able to handle a walk here. And, I feel more like myself when I am walking the dogs regularly; there's something about nature and being outside, by myself, just moving that tunes me back up. Last year, I felt like I lost myself somewhere along the way so it's nice to be getting back to what matters to me. UP, BIGGGG UP!

See, ups and downs, and that's life right? It's alright, I just am going with whatever happens, to be honest. I am heading back to work this morning and will make the best of it. And, I'll go shopping for the new camera and that's ok too. Not planned, but not the end of the world. My old powershot was having lens issues prior to this anyway. See, it's a new me.... I'm attempting to go with the flow more and live in the moment more. That's a lesson from my Sophie girl especially. :)

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T10:48:00.000-06:00

So, welcome to 2011 and a brand new decade!! I've decided to take it pretty quiet around here today, in celebration and just chill with a couple dogs on the couch and a good book.

I chose to pick up the book "Room" by Emma Donoghue. And, I'm struggling to put it down again. It's the story of a little boy and his mother, locked in a room by a man named Old Nick. The boy has never been outside and has grown up thinking "room" is all there is; everything else is imaginary and not real. Donoghue decided to write this book after she heard the story of Fritzl in Austria who locked his daughter away for 24 years and she had 7 children, 3 of which were raised in a cellar, never experiencing natural light or the outside world. And, Donoghue has done a masterful job of creating a disturbing sense of what that life must be like, told from the perspective of a 5 year old child named Jack. You should read it, really you should. Beautiful, haunting, awful and will stay with me for DAYS, I am sure!! In case you're interested: Room, from Amazon

Anyway, in other news, the dogs celebrated the new year with a new collar each. I still make collars and leashes, when I have time and the energy. Of late, I have been hunting around for new trims to sew and I while I need to splurge and order a bunch of new webbing, I still managed to make these yesterday:

This one, above is Sophie's. This photo explains EXACTLY why I don't have a website, selling my collars. It's BRUTAL to get good photos of them, with the camera I have. I own a good little Canon Powershot, but sadly, I have no idea what setting to put it on to get good photos of light coloured collars; they tend to wash out, unfortunately. In any case, Sophie's collar is very pale (any guesses as to how long it will stay clean?!?) and girly. Totally suits her!

Spike's is a cheerful, 70's version of Sophie's. Yup, browns and oranges, but it seemed to suit him better than pale pink, haha. Notice, Sophie wears a martingale while Spike wears a buckle. Really, I don't walk Sophie on collar/leash ever (she wears an easywalk harness) and I like the look of the martingale. Spike can't wear one for Therapy work; it has to be a flat buckle so that's what he gets.

And Murphy's. Yup, it's girly. And, no she's not. I don't care; I've always loved these cheerful polka dots but didn't have enough left for a new collar for Soph, but there was enough for Murphers. So, my non girly- girl, will have to be happy in pink. :)

Anyway, here's to a new year of taking care of me... that includes reading all day, if I choose. :) So, back to my book I go until I find the motivation to take the dogs for a run (it's REALLY, REALLY cold out here, right now!) and make cabbage rolls for supper. Yum!

Hope you are enjoying your January 1st as much as the crew and I are!

Goals for a New Year!

2010-12-31T09:06:00.000-06:00

I have had the last two weeks off, from work and University and it's been a great chance to stop, take some time to get caught up on sleep, crafting, dog training, family but mainly to do some reflecting. And, in the tradition of New Year's Resolutions, I know I want to set some goals for the New Year as it helps to focus my energy and drive.

I have lots of things whirling around in my mind, as I am pondering what I want to accomplish in the new year. Lots of them have to do with the dogs, but there are lots of personal goals too.

Personally speaking, I want to accomplish the following....
1. Finish my MEd. I could be done at Christmas, next year if I focus and get busy on my research. I only have one class left, then I am on to Thesis work and this is really, REALLY important to me.

2. Work. I need to make some serious decisions about work as I am finding my job to be a little more stressful than I thought possible, this year. Yes, I am a teacher and I work with Special Needs kids which automatically makes it a difficult job, but I am finding that I am carrying more worry, related to the job than I really should be. So, I need to find ways to let it go or I am going to find myself ill. And, I guess I know I am on the verge of some changes, as I finish up my education and think about my PhD, so I need to figure out the next steps. Do I take a leave from my job next year to focus on my Thesis? Do I take a chance and leave teaching to do something else? It's unclear right now!

3. I need to focus on ME. I am busy, there is no question of that. But, in the midst of that busy life, I have forgotten to take care of some of the things I need to focus on: proper eating, cooking more, sleeping enough, not being such a stressball. So, in the spirit of taking care of me, I want to focus on my nutrition. I want to cook more from scratch and to actually savour and enjoy what I am eating. Hopefully along the way, I'll lose a pound of two as well!

4. Writing. I love to write. This blog is a bit of an outlet for me, but it's pretty raw and thrown together most of the time. I really do love working with words and I want to find some time and space to weave something together. I want to dust off my short story writing and get back to it. It's a big part of who I am, but I've lost it over the last while.

In terms of the dogs, I want to accomplish the following:
1. Spike: I want to actually get a Q in agility! I want to keep on trucking with the agility work and see where he can go! Specifically, I want to teach him directions; Switch with a left/right command. I also want to get his weaves and contacts even more reliable. I also want to work on teaching him some new tricks. I want to continue his therapy dog work and get him certified to work with children as well.

2. Sophie: I want to continue to improve Soph's health. She's happier than she's been in over a year; the sparkle is back! I want to continue to foster that. And, if we can manage to do some Obedience and Agility along the way, that's a bonus!! I would love, LOVE to get her CD, in Obedience. Sophie is the reigning queen of tricks in this house and I want to continue to work her magic and learn a few new things.

3. Murphy: I want to do some basic obedience with her. She needs more attention and focus, so I figure if I can teach her some basics, maybe I can increase her capacity to focus and learn. As well, I want to continue with agility with her. She's got a LONG WAY to go before I can run her in a trial, but whatever... it's a fun journey training a terrier, right? I also want to work on some trick training with this poochy of mine.

I have some big ideas of what I want to accomplish in 2011, and I have no idea if I have the ability to actually stick to it, but I know that if I don't spell it out for myself, I won't actually do anything. So, here goes to a new journey.... I have no idea where I'll find myself next fall, or really even next December 31st, but I can tell you this much, I'm hoping to enjoy the journey a whole lot more than I did in 2010. It wasn't an easy year, personally, but I feel like this is a chance to get myself back on track and loving the life I am creating. Here's to health, hope, happiness. May you find the same things too!

Agility Woman

2010-12-29T15:10:00.000-06:00

I HAD to share this one... so funny and perhaps a little bit true?!?