Monday, April 30, 2012

Quips, Quotes, Thoughts, and Other Notable Sayings

I've had a great 4-day weekend with my human!  Am too tired to write much this morning, so I'll leave you with a quote I found in my human's stuff- I'm going back to bed!!


"A house without a dog, is as strange to me as a house without any windows!" 
- Anonymous

Friday, April 27, 2012

Friday's Friend- Meet Bourbon, Bailey, and Bess

I have to say a special "Thank You" to Cat Lady for the dedicated hard work she puts into rescuing cats.  She has saved many cat lives and made many cat owners very happy- thanks a very important thing to do in life.  I am thankful that PetConnect Rescue has someone as dedicated as her and their cat volunteers (maybe one week I can share some pics of them with you).

"Bourbon, Bailey and Bess"
My friend the Cat Lady sent my dad this photo of 3 kittens that just arrived from a North Carolina shelter. If it weren’t for the dedication of the caring volunteers at PetConnect Rescue these 3 cute (yes, even I think these little ones are very cute and I bet all my pals would agree!!) would not have made it (been put to sleep – grrrwoof!-almost happened to me but thanks to PetConnect Rescue.....). 

At only 6 weeks old they aren’t old enough to be adopted or be on the PetConnect Rescue website, but they are growing fast and playing hard, so will be ready soon. In a foster home, they are loved, happy and learning the world is not such a bad place. Bourbon, Bailey & Bess are lucky but will need loving forever homes. If you are looking for a new family member or are interested in fostering – please visit the PetConnect Rescue website at PetConnect Rescue.

Friday's Friend - Meet Rocket


"Here I Come!"
I'd like you to meet Rocket! When my human went to photograph Rocket, he wasn't sure, as usual, what type of dog he was or what his personality would be like. My human loves dogs and loves to photograph them for rescue groups and clients. So he goes to the house, sits down on the deck steps to prepare his camera, next thing he knows, Rocket jumps in his lap and gives him gives him doggie kisses!! When my human told me about it, I had to laugh as I could smell it all over him. I'm cool with it since he's helping other dogs and cats to find Forever Homes.
I want to introduce to you Rocket!! He is an affectionate,sensitive Boxer/ Pit Bull mix, who is obviously also mixed with a breed with big ears! Born last March, Rocket is full grown at 45 lbs, but still puppyish enough to love to play with people, toys, and his foster’s other dog. This smart, healthy, beautifully muscled dog adores people, and he is so tuned into his people’s feelings that he seems a little hurt if they shy away from his abundant kisses (which my human found out right quick!). A bit too big for a lapdog, nevertheless, he would love to fall asleep in a comfy lap, and just being able to touch someone he adores relaxes him. He is very tolerant of all kinds of touching, grabbing, hugging,etc., and does not guard his food or toys from people, so would be a great playmate for older children, who could comfortably enjoy his bounce and vigor.
"Rocket"

Rocket is housebroken, sits for a treat,and comes when he is called. He walks well on a leash using a gentle leader and is an attentive watchdog. He needs to have someone around for at least part of the day, and will need a good fence to keep him in, as he is quite athletic and motivated by the presence of other dogs, squirrels, over the fence. He is neutered, microchipped, heartworm negative, and up to date on his shots.

"Rocket's Curiosity"
If you would like to meet Rocket or obtain more information on adopting him, please go to www.petconnectrescue.org for application and more details.

"Am Looking for A Friend and A Home. Are you it?"



Thursday, April 26, 2012

The Green Team!!

"Our Leader- See Him in the Middle"
I am now on the Green Team at my Human’s church!! I am so excited.  I got invited to attend by the group so I went.  My human and I had a blast!

While he cleaned out the weeds around the church’s sign out on the highway, I supervised his efforts to make sure he didn’t miss a single weed.   My human is pretty good and meticulous about garden work so he did a great job.  

I made sure to keep my claws to myself and not dig any holes around the yard that wasn’t really needed.  My human said this was an important spot on the property because it’s what people see driving down the highway and the first thing they see when coming onto the property.  So, I helped him create a welcoming and friendly look by removing sticks and chopping them up, trimming grass and not digging. (I’ll save my digging skills for my humans yard!).

"Yes, yes, yes... scratch right there!!!"
The fun part was when I got to meet the other guys on the team.  They would take a break, pet my head and scratch my belly- it was great!!   I loved it.

"Doing an Inspection of the Work"
The guys get together every Saturday to do a variety of chores like mowing the yard, and this is no small space, trimming and edging, weeding (like Dad does) and general clean-up.  Two of the guys got to ride these really cool tractors all morning.


The coolest thing about it is that I got to spend time with my human where I normally wouldn’t get to do so.  AND, we went out to lunch afterwards.  It was so cool to sit around chatting with the guys after a morning of working in the Lord’s Gardens!!!  I’m glad the group invited me to join!!

"Finishing Up!"
   

Sunday, April 22, 2012

A Dog's Love

My friend, Mrs. Tammy, shared this photograph with me and I just had to share it with you!


Saturday, April 21, 2012

Saturday's Success Story -"In Honor of Ms. Portia"

My buddy, "Big Bruno" sent me a video this morning that I would like to show on this weekend's Saturday Success Story.

Grab your hankies or tissues or something to wipe the tears- this is really great!!

Friday, April 20, 2012

How A Dog Created A Business!


"Legend and His Doggy Baggage"

A few weeks ago, I took my humans to the Super Pet Expo.  We saw all kinds of stuff.  I spent my allowance for the next few months! I got a new harness for my leash- bright red- looks great on my black fur.  My human bought a few T-shirts and mugs…with quotes like “Life is Short Play with Your Dog” and “I Love Dogs, it’s humans who annoy me!”  I’ve got him trained already!  

We stopped at a really cool vendor called “Doggie Baggage.”  I nudged my human to get me one of the big pieces and one to hold my important documents.  He hesitated, so I nudged him harder then went around and nudged Mom just a tad and it worked.   They met Debra Johnson who created the baggage pieces and travels around selling them.  She was one of the nicest people we met that day-
While my humans were shopping in her booth, I got the opportunity to interview her for a few minutes about Doggy Baggage.   Here’s what I learned from her.

“You know, I have to ask, ‘Has a pet ever changed your life?’ (my humans turn and smile-) I have heard humans claim that a dog or cat or horse had changed their life. Pets bring lots of unconditional love, companionship, laughter, and even tears.  They touch human lives in countless ways,” she says with a smile.  However, Debra Johnson never imagined that a dog would “change” her world to the extent it did.  (My human says this too!!)

In February 2008 LEGENDARY JUSTICE (Legend for short) joined her family. “He was the cutest little ball of fur with the biggest feet I’d ever seen,” Debra states.  They bonded immediately and training began on day two. Debra continues, “By the end of the week he was already sitting on command. I was proud!!  We spent all our time together, learning about his new surroundings, walking on a leash, playing ball and potty outside.  We were a team and went everywhere together!”

And then, out of the blue, her husband was transferred 300 miles away. After much thought and many discussions they decided to commute every other weekend. Debra stayed home and Bryan rented a house in Ft. Meyers. One weekend he would drive home and the next weekend she would head south, with Legend.  Perfect. How hard could it be?

“I found out on the first trip! Several hours into our jaunt, Legend and I pulled into a rest area for a potty break and the trouble began. I had grabbed the sturdiest box I could find and threw in all the supplies I needed for a puppy: water, food, toys, treats, dishes, brushes, collars, leashes, shampoo, and bedding. And I couldn’t find anything!! I had a squirming puppy under my arm and unpacking a box with the other. I just needed to find the water, clean up bags, a treat and a toy. By the time I found the ‘needed’ items the entire box had been unpacked and then needed to be repacked before we could continue our journey” Debra said.

It didn’t take but a couple more trips like this for her to realize there had to be a better way.  Upon returning from the fourth trip she pulled out the sewing machine and began to design a bag that would give immediate access to those “most needed” items and still hold everything else I needed for a rapidly growing puppy. She actually used a 32 ounce, plastic Gatorade bottle with a screw top, to measure the pockets because that is what she traveled with. Little by little and many samples later, Doggy Baggage was perfected and I had the ideal travel bag for Legend.

“Then a friend needed one and another needed one for 3 dogs and a friend of a friend wanted a smaller version for day trips and it finally dawned on me that this was a marketable product. Months of searching for the right manufacturer finally yielded results and ‘Doggy Baggage’ was born in October, 2009.  We offer 3 sizes to fit any pet owner’s needs. The small day bag is perfect for around town, doggy day care, or a day at the lake or beach. The large tote is ideal for extended travel and everyday storage and the duffel is perfect for the family with multiple pets, agility classes, and groomers. If you travel in a RV or boat, where storage space is limited, Doggy Baggage is essential,” says Debra.

Doggy Baggage products are made of 100% 18 ounce cotton canvas. It is durable, functional and stylish. We offer many fun prints and colors to fit any pet’s personality and we guarantee the finest quality materials and workmanship in each piece. Doggy Baggage is available online at www.doggybaggage.com  and a growing number of pet stores and boutiques across the US.
"This one is like the one I have"
Doggy Baggage is also perfect for everyday storage; simply rearrange the outside pockets to hold the items you use most at home like collars and leashes, brushes, and shampoo.  All your pets’ belongings are now organized and ready to go at a moment’s notice. 

“Did I mention we are a Florida based business?” she asks.  “Sometimes we have to evacuate but being ready for emergencies doesn’t mean just hurricanes. Fire, floods and unexpected family situations are all good reasons to prepare your pet.”  Doggy Baggage also has a “Pooch Pouch” designed to hold your immunization records and medications and will easily slip into any size bag.

Bryan is no longer in Ft Meyers. He’s working with me now. Look for us in upcoming pet expos and dog days events. We are really enjoying the traveling end of this new business and try to make as many public events as we do industry trade shows. Never, in a million years, would I have thought a dog could change my life to this extent, but Legend is completely responsible for my new business!!

Debra H. Johnson, Owner, Doggy Baggage, LLC, www.doggybaggage.com.

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Friday's Friend- Meet Tippy

I am getting to where I really enjoy meeting these  cats each week,  Er, please don't tell my dog buddies, I'll never hear the end of it- but it's fun to help Cat Lady by featuring her cats on my blog and telling you about them.   I always hope that someone will see the post and adopt the cat.  They need Forever Homes too, just like us dogs do!

"Tippy"
That pose is enough to make anyone looking for a cat, to run out and adopt Tippy!!  How cool is that?

My friend, the Cat Lady, says that Tippy is a sweet 6 yr old boy who likes to be petted, especially while he is lying on his window perch peering out at the world. He was living with an older couple who could no longer care for him. Tippy gets along well with dogs (YAY!), is energetic and would probably do best in an adult home or in a home with older children. Tippy was an indoor/outdoor cat so he would do well in a house instead of a small apartment. Tippy has allergies for which he only needs a steroid injection about once a year. Whoever adopts Tippy will no doubt quickly fall in love with him because of his easy-going personality. If you can offer a good home to this likeable guy please visit my friends at PetConnect Rescue: PetConnect Rescue Adopt a Cat - Tippy

Thank you Cat Lady for sending me this cool pic and great bio about Tippy.


Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Quips, Quotes, Thoughts and Other Notable Sayings

Sneaking into my dad's photography studio again to get into his files of quotes and stuff, I find one that is packed full of truth:


"There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face"
-Ben Williams


Tuesday, April 17, 2012

A Recent Blog Reading

I was reading a blog the other day and came across a fascinating poster about Americans and their pets.   I have to share it with you via this link:

MUTTerings and Things

Check it out- I think you'll get a chuckle or two from it- be sure to share it with your human too.

Friday, April 13, 2012

The Barkers Dozen Launches “Dollars for Daffy” Fundraiser

"Daffy Trinka"
I believe in helping others especially when it comes to a dog or cat in need of medical attention.  It's an important part of life- helping others. My human received this news release about a dog named "Daffy Trinka" who is suffering from an unknown illness and is in need of medical care.  I want to share the details of a fundraiser to help Daffy.

"A shop called The Barkers Dozen has launched the “Dollars for Daffy” fundraiser for the month of April 2012, where the organic dog treat baker will donate a portion of the profits from the sale of its products to Daffy Trinka, a 6-year-old Toy Fox/Jack Russell Terrier and loyal fan of the company."

This is really cool, check this out "50% of the profits from the sale of its treats purchased on its online store – shop.thebarkersdozen.com – to Daffy and her owner, Ingrid Trinka. Plus, when customers use the promo code “DAFFY” at checkout, they will receive a special thank you gift from The Barkers Dozen."

Her human, Ms. Ingrid Trika, said "I am just so thrilled to see Daffy chosen as a ‘Barkers Buddy’, the rest took my breath away.  I am overwhelmed to think that complete strangers would extend such an incredible offer to us. We are so very thankful. We never, in our dreams, expected this.”  I get teary-eyed reading this it's so cool.

Daffy, is an avid fan of The Barkers Dozen’s Gluten-Free Blueberry Bone-anza Organic Dog Treats, was rescued two years ago by her owner, Ingrid Trinka, in what she calls a twist of divine intervention.

Ingrid, who had been praying for years for the right dog to enter her life after her beloved Dachshund BetsyRoss passed away, didn’t adopt Daffy the first time she met the dog because the pup didn’t seem like a good match. The dog appeared to have been abused by previous owners, was in poor health and was found homeless. Eight months later, when Ingrid and the same dog crossed paths again, she realized a greater power had chosen Daffy for her. Daffy’s whole story can be read on The Barkers Dozen’s blog, The Daily Barker.

While Daffy now has a forever home and has blossomed into a well-mannered dog, she is suffering from what appears to be a neurological disorder that causes violent jerking and tremors when she sleeps. Ingrid and Daffy live in a town without the facilities or equipment to diagnose and treat her, and will need to travel more than 250 miles to Manhattan, Kan., to the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine, to have bloodwork and an MRI taken. Ingrid, who is disabled, can’t currently afford the treatment or the travel and lodging costs, which are estimated to total around $2,000.

The President/CEO and Founder of The Barkers Dozen, Shawn Sherry, states,
“When we learned of Daffy’s story, we felt compelled to offer our assistance so that Daffy could get the care she deserves. This dog has been through more than most, and her second chance at life should be as healthy and happy as possible.”

You know what my thought is, humans should buy their dogs some special treats and help raise funds for Daffy-a win-win all the way around- now to go find my human and convince them!!

About The Barkers Dozen:
With the goal of providing Homemade Organic Pet Treats that everyone could afford, Shawn Sherry and Anthony Newman founded The Barkers Dozen in 2009. In the midst of the 2008 pet food scare, they saw an opportunity to start a local and organic dog treat business where customers could feel safe and secure about what they fed to that loyal member of their family.

The Barkers Dozen treats use the highest-quality, human-grade organic ingredients and are made in a variety of shapes and sizes to satisfy any furry friend. The gourmet dog treats are made on demand and in small batches to ensure the freshest product possible for our customers, without using artificial preservatives. Feeling a responsibility to the world in which we all live, its packaging has always been renewable or recyclable in nature.

The current lineup of organic pet treats includes: Barkers Family Chicken Treats, Barkers Carrot Treats, Blueberry Bone-anza Gluten Free Treats, Barkers Dozen Barkscotti, Peanut Butter Cups, Peanut Butter Treats, and The Big Dipper. Also available are “The Mutt”, “The Chocolate Lab” and “The Mastiff” Sampler Boxes, seasonal treats, puppy adoption and dog birthday gift boxes, and custom-made cookie jars and gift baskets.

The Barkers Dozen celebrated its first year in business in 2010, and to mark the occasion, redesigned its Web site and rolled out an interactive, virtual storefront, as well as The Daily Barker blog and e-newsletter.

In 2011, Sherry assumed sole ownership of The Barkers Dozen, following a year of historic growth for the company. Later that year, continuing its belief in social responsibility, The Barkers Dozen began utilizing staff from the Aditus group, a non-profit which helps those with special needs to be able to enter the work force.

In addition, The Barkers Dozen donates a portion of its profits from every sale to two animal shelters in its local market.

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Friday's Friend- Horton and Lorax

Hello!!  I've got two cats to introduce to you this week.   The names, Horton and Lorax, are taken from one of Dr. Suess's children's books as my human tells me.  I, didn't read Dr. Suess as a youngster, I read books by Dr. Arf A. Barker, quite entertaining and educational.   Anyway, I digress,  let me tell you about these two kittens....
"Horton and Lorax"
My Dad took this photo of these two kittens (I’ve almost forgiven him for not taking me along-). Horton and Lorax were rescued from a shelter in North Carolina – if my friends at PetConnect Rescue hadn’t rescued them, they might even have been put to sleep (RRRuff!). That makes me mad, because even though I’m not that fond of kitties, I certainly don’t know how anyone could let these two die and I wouldn't want to hurt one- there too fun to chase!!. But there just isn’t enuff room at the shelters to keep all the cats and dogs that need homes. If more people would spay and neuter their 4leggeds there might be room for more cats and dogs who need help. But now these two brothers are safe and they’d love to find a home together! They are very social and love being with people and kids. To find out more about Horton and Lorax please visit my friends at PetConnect Rescue: PetConnect Rescue Adopt a Cat - Horton & Lorax

"Horton and Lorax"
My Dad told my Mom how cool these two kitties were while he was photographing.  They kept playing around the crate being fun.   They were entertaining to watch.   Thanks our friend, Cat Lady, for sending us info. on these two guys!

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Happy Easter

I've lived with my humans for a few years now and, for the most part, I noticed a consistent trend with them- they go to church on Sundays.  I'm a bit interested in the Christian traditions and faith since I moved in with them.


Realizing the nature of my subject and the many followers who will read this, please don't take my comments as a lack of respect for faith and religion. Just a curiosity.


This week has been Holy Week, beginning with Palm Sunday going to Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter. Seems to me, like a lot of events for a week and from what I overhear from my humans, maybe a bit overwhelming.


I decided I wanted to find some answers to questions.  Though Dad and I talked, I decided to ask my friend "Kim" what it's all about (she knows more than my Dad does but don't tell him...)


She explains to me that "Holy Week is from Palm Sunday leading up to Easter Sunday.  Palm Sunday is Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey with people waving palm fronds and placing in His Path. Maundy Thursday is the day Jesus held The Last Supper (Passover Feast) with the disciples and Judas was identified as a betrayer and left.  Good Friday is when Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, disciples fell asleep, Judas betrayed Christ in the garden, it is also Crucifixion Day, however, it is also the day when the veil in the temple was torn in two revealing the Holy of Holies to all the people. Easter is Resurrection Day, the third day after His Crucifixion on the cross.  He arose from the dead on Easter so that man could be forgiven of his sins and have everlasting life."


"Spring's Tree Blooms"
I have to wonder what the dogs of Jesus' time were doing when this was going on. There's mention of dogs in the Bible, not much about their activity and cats aren't mentioned at all. If I were there, would I have waved Palm fronds with the crowds or run along side Him?  Would He allow me to follow Him like my human does or would he shoo me away?  Would He allow me to be near Him at the Last Supper or would I sit somewhere in the distance?  As He prayed on Good Friday, would I have stayed awake with Him and maybe bark a few times to keep the disciples awake and would I have growled at Judas for his betrayal and bitten the Centurions for crucifying Him on the cross.  What would I have thought and felt on Easter when Mary discovers He is no longer in the tomb -that He is Risen?!

I don't know how to answer these questions because I wasn't there.  I like to think He would love me, allow me to be with Him as he took this journey to give His Life so that we could have everlasting life.  

  [16] “For God so loved the world,[f1] that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. [17] For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. [18] Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. [19] And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. [20] For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. [21] But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”
(John 3:16-21 ESV)
======================================================= 
[1] 3:16 Or For this is how God loved the world

And I like to think that I could walk beside Him as I do my human now.  And you can walk beside Him now, just read the Scripture about, ask Him to come into your heart and then began a glorious journey of serving Him.

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Friday's Friend- Part 2

One of my human's co-worker's asked me to introduce you to a dog who is looking for a "Forever Home."  Dad's co-worker said she's the sweetest dog (well, she hasn't meet me yet so---) and a joy to have around- she's helping the foster parents by taking her for walks and stuff.

Meet Reba.  I understand she is a collie and not a mixed breed.  She was picked

Reba: Collie, Dog; Chantilly, VA
"Reba"
up as a stray in rural VA. She is very friendly and sweet.  The place where she's staying  believes she had a litter of pups before coming into rescue. Her age is around 1 to 2 years.

She is a very sweet dog (and what a looker!!-ooops.. excuse me!) who gets along well and plays well with other dogs. She is high energy and very responsive, so she would make a great performance dog. We feel that an active family who will take her places and just enjoy being with her is the perfect home!

If you are interested in rescuing a collie, please complete this short adoption...

Thank you to Dad's co-worker for sharing this information with me.  Also, thank you to www.petfinder.com for posting her information. 





"Friday's Friend"

"Flo"
My Friday's Friend guest today is Flo- who reminds me a little bit of my brother who passed away last Christmas but he had much more hair than this cat.  She sounds abit like me too- starting life out a bit ruff!

Meet Flo:  Some of us have a ruff start in life, but with patience and some love things can turn around.  Flo is a wonderful little lady (I thought she was a cat)  who was dumped as a kitten at a rural feed store. Then, she lived on a farm where she warmed up to people and other cats. Flo is now comfortably living in a foster home. She loves to be petted and brushed and she has an amazingly soft silky coat! She can be a little shy at first, so would do best with older children and adults, and she will show her loving personality. Flo is current on her vaccinations, spayed, and healthy. She has perfect litter box manners. Flo would love to live with another cat friend, but she will also do well as an "only child." To learn more about Flo please visit the PetConnect Rescue website:PetConnect Rescue - Adopt a Cat Flo

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Dog and Cat Photography by Allen

My human has asked me to promote his new work every once in awhile.  I agreed to since he is the one who makes the money to buy my treats and food.  He feeds me the best food and gives me some of the best treats.

"Charcoal"
Dog and Cat Photography by Allen is a way to get great photographs of your dog and cat inexpensively.  You pay for a session fee which reserves the date and time as well as covers his basic expenses.  After the session, you will receive a link to your private gallery on his website where you can select the prints or products you'd like to order.

"Astro"
Allen's goal is to provide you natural,
beautiful images of your dog or cat in the setting or location of your choice.  He doesn't use computer editing software to remove blemishes, scars or anything else as that's considered part of the natural look of your companion. (I have four scars from my journeys before I met my humans and Dad's taken many shots that he loves despite the scars that I don't like).

Anyway, you can request black and white images (do that before the session starts) and virtually any products.  The products offered are prints, photo books, gallery/canvas wraps, DVD's, CD's, Screen Savers and so on.  If there are some  products you want but are not offered by Allen, you can request it and he'll make recommendations or assist you.

For further details, please check out my human's website at   Allen Pearson's Photos.  You can contact him by email at allen@allenpearsonsphotos.com.   Or,  check out the notes section on Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/AllenPearsonsPhotos.
"Skippy"

"Tiger"

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Quips, Quotes, Thoughts and Other Notable Sayings

"A Special Look"

[5] Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my salvation and my God.

-Psalm 43:5 
[ESV Study Bible]