Thankful Thursday-Thank goodness for blogging

I am so grateful that my husband talked me into blogging about the dogs.  I can't believe it has been over six years since we entered the dog blogging world and I'm so glad I did.  

I've gotten to know so many wonderful dogs and people over those six years.  I have laughed and cried as well as loved and lost so many precious dogs.  Rejoicing in new life, sending crossed paws for illnesses and just enjoying every day life together.  

I am ever so grateful for having a place to share about being dog crazy.  I never had so many friends that were just as dog crazy as me.  It is wonderful. 

And I'm so truly grateful for what blogging has given me, a record of my dog's life, especially now after losing Brut.  I wrote about happenings that I would have never had down before blogging.  Every post is priceless.  

I'll never be able to thank all of our readers who have stuck by us.  It is support and encouragement that has carried us through and post are few and far between now you are still there and we want to let you know how much we appreciate you from the bottom of our paws!

I can't believe how blogging and all of you have helped change my life. 

Thank you so much! 

God bless.

Pet Blogger Challenge

We're joining the Pet Blogger Challenge.  This is our first time doing it.  I wasn't that interested doing it before as sometimes I just go anti-social, but I felt like this year I'd like to join in.

I've been blogging for three and half years.  My husband Mark kept talking about blogging and making money.  I didn't see how it could happen, nor was I interested after all the criticizing I got on the dog forums I used to go on.  The last thing I wanted to do was write about my two packs of hardly socialized  dogs, a litter of puppies we had two years prior, a male and female who weren't neutered or spayed (and still aren't) and an aggressive dog with every bad dog behavior possible.  And being a rather private person, I wasn't comfortable just throwing that out for the world to see.  But eventually curiosity got the better of me and after starting my own personal blog, I finally created the 24 Paws of Love blog and was hooked.  And now I write about everything that I feared and have never gotten any negative comments or criticism, always just the opposite, support, encouragement, or no comment.

We started with the intentions of making money as well.  We signed up for Google Adsense and Amazon, but the ads took over the blog and eventually I only left one ad for Google Adsense up.  I did everything to customize the ads towards dog related issues and when an ad for "Boob Cream" showed up I got rid of Google Ads as well.  After three years and making $50 on Google that I can't get, (you have to make $100 to receive a check) we'd given up on the money issue long before and making money became a last priority.  It was all about the dogs!

I've done some reviews for treats and toys for the dogs.  It nice getting the free stuff, but I felt like the reviews just took up my valuable space.  And this year I decided I'm not doing reviews either.  Again I just want this to be about the dogs, our lives together and sharing our experience that dogs are more than just dogs.  Which has been our only goal since we wrote our first post back on June 30, 2010.

I think the thing I've gained is confidence in myself while blogging.  It can be stressful for me at times, especially when I have writer's block and I can't get myself out.  That's when I recently turned to vlogging.  Which has opened up a whole other avenue.  Considering I don't like being on camera, talking out loud or the fact that anyone will see me, it has been quite liberating.  And since my fear of being on camera, I don't have any video or very few pictures with the dogs and I together, so these will be great keepers for when the dogs are gone.

Don't do much with social media except we do have a FB page.  I would like to do more, but really this is my husband's area.  We are hoping for him to come on board real soon.  He has so many ideas and crazy things he's like to do with the dogs.  I keep telling him FB is his place!

So anyways, that's how we started and got to where we are now.  I think the idea of making money threw me off in another direction, it stopped being fun and that's what I want is to enjoy what I'm doing and without selling my soul to do it.  It isn't worth it.  Now I'm doing things they way I want to and in a way the dogs would love it if they were online too.  At least I think and hope they would be proud too.        

Thanks for not Being Like Them.

Before I started dog blogging, I started out on dog forums.  It was an eye opening experience.  People who claimed to be dog lovers, were quite ruthless with their believes and would attack anyone who differed from them.

One example:  If you didn't feed a raw diet you were practically considered evil to your dog.

Another:  When I was struggling with Brut's aggression on a daily basis, I asked for help, suggestions, or how to cope and I was chastised for making him a father and bringing more aggressive dogs into this world (in their minds).

It was pretty ugly.  My thin skin couldn't handle all of the abuse and self-righteousness that was being flung around, so I quit going to the forums.  And because of it, I almost didn't blog at all.  I just didn't think I could handle being judged so harshly.  What I did with my dogs was my business, just like what someone else does with theirs, is there own.  And how did that give anyone the right to knife me, if no real harm was being done?

Looking back now, I learned a few things from going on those forums.  I didn't want to act or be anything like them to someone else.  I'm a big believer in everyone having their own freedom and choices, even if I don't agree with them.  I think everyone has the right to be who they are and do what they feel they must do for their dogs.  I loved the post I did on Brut (HERE) where I spoke of my choice to keep him intact.  And several readers commented that it wouldn't be their choice but respected my decision to do so.  I found that very cool!!  That's the kind of stuff, I would like more of, agree to disagree.  I think sometimes people are afraid to state their opinions, like myself, because it isn't nice or they are afraid of starting controversy.  Unless you are trying to tell me how to do my job with my dogs or my life, I am open to different opinions and ideas.

I appreciate the support and understanding I have gotten on our blog.  It has made such a difference in our lives to know there is a place to go and just be ourselves.  It has helped in untangling this web of Brut's aggressions, Chance and Blaze's anxiety, and any other problem we've come across with our dogs and ourselves.  We are able to share and get feedback that encourages us.  I've spoken before about the chastising we've gotten about our dogs, having so many, from people who really don't care about animals like we do.  You can only blow off so much of before it starts to get to you.  And now we always have this wonderful place in the dog blog world to come and be apart of other crazy bloggers who really understand. And we would like to thank you again and again for making our lives and our dogs better for knowing this great land of dog blog world.        

 

Monday Memories-Sleepy Puppies at 9 months old

Monday Memories-our little trip down Memory Lane

 

Ahem...Can I get your attention please?

(Blaze-2 months after she came back home)

The 24 Paws of Love

are so doggone sleepy

that we are going to take a little blogging nap today.

So we can spend some extra time with Daddy

i

And Mommy.  

(Visiting Chance about 2 months before he came home)

Any one care to join us?

Two Year Blogiversary

There once was a family of dogs

Who wanted to have a blog

So they  barked

and they begged

until their humans

wrote the 24 Paws of Love

I was telling my wife that we needed to start a dog blog and she just shook her head...

Yeah, but he's MY purple monkey! Back OFF!

Yes, that is how it all started.  Thank goodness for a persistant husband!!  And because things around the homestead have been in such an upheaval we missed our 2 Year Blogiversary on June 30!  And that's just crazy talk around this house.  :)  How could we miss out on thanking our readers for sharing in all of our tears, joys and frustrations?  How could we not thank you for having our own little place in the doggie blog world where we are not the misfits for loving our dogs?  Not to mention just being able to write all about our dogs and someone actually reads it...isn't that just crazy?!?

Try that again will ya MOM!!

To be able to thank all of you for the encouragement and support that you just can't get from a "normal" person and always being able to share your uplifting words in such time of need.  Can't forget those comments that start out as giggles then have us falling off our chairs while the tears roll down with laughter, just because you "get it."  Or standing together in our fears and anger when their is a dog injustice.

Big Bro you are no match for me!!

Our two packs have grown and thrived because you have all been a part of our lives.  It has taken each of your unique perspectives, experience and angles on life to continue to open our eyes from such an isolated viewpoint.  You are our dog friends and it is an honor to call you so.  Never have we meant so many crazy dog loving people who believe it's all for the dog.  So we take this moment, this special place in time when we first enter the blog world to tell you how much we appreciate our readers and being part of our lives.

Thank you from the bottom of our tummies!

pee.s.  Monday Memories will be back next Monday. 

Dedication Week

You know that feeling when things start to gel and come together?  When that 1,000 piece puzzle has more than just the border and starts to come into focus?  Or all those times you've wondered if all those little baby steps were getting you anywhere only to come out of the storm and see the rainbow?

That's how we are feeling.  That's how the 24 Paws of Love is doing.

I feet like I am on Miracle Street after trudging through the mud for what has seemed a very long and grueling walk.  Sometimes I still can't believe it myself and I feel like I'm going to burst with so much excitement.  I had no idea all those little accomplishments would add up to so much.  For them and me.  

We would like to dedicate this week of the amazing progress of the 24 Paws of Love to you, our readers, who without your help, would have never been possible.  We would like to thank you all personally for being part of our journey and giving us more hope than we could imagine from your own personal stories and comments.  You have been a lifeline that we have desperately needed and have come to depend on dearly as no one else could fathom the amount of dog loving crazy that goes on in this home.  But you do.  And I think the best way to thank you, is to let the dogs tell you themselves and share in what you have become a part of by just being there.

  Won't you join us?

Seeing Differently

I never once realized the impact that blogging was going to have on my life.  I never once thought my heart could be captured by dogs other than my own.  And I had no idea how hard it would hit me, grieving for dogs that have passed on.  Dogs I've only seen on my screen that I have never touched or looked into their eyes.  There is a loss I didn't expect and a sadness that I feel wandering around in blogland.  Blogging has become more than just writing about our dogs.  I have been in my own personal grief for some time and I had no idea that being part of this dog community that I would be hit so hard with the deaths of dogs that I would read about every day.  It is hard enough to lose your own beloved canine, I didn't expect to grieve with others over theirs or how close to home it would hit.  So many times, I find myself not knowing what to say.  I have fallen silent as I read your blogs and find I have no words to add.  Right now, I find myself just absorbing what is happening in your lives and just feeling blessed to be able to read your stories.  Connecting, being.  And in this time of quiet for me, I just wanted to let you know I am here.  I am reading and listening and soaking in all the doggie love you provide.

On this weekend of thanks, I want to thank you, our doggie blogging friends for just being there.  Whether you post, read or comment.  My husband and I thank you for being part of our world and letting us be part of yours.  The gifts we have been given has been invaluable.  From helpful suggestions, to encouraging support, to those humorous perspectives that we still laugh about to this day.

I could write endlessly on the gratitude I have with my dogs.  What their lives mean to me and all they have given, but it is nothing compared to experiencing the death of another dog that puts your whole world in perspective.  Those extra few minutes a day to take the time with these precious creatures, will never be enough to thank them for who they are.  For you and for me.  Give all your loved ones an extra squeeze, every day, you never know when you might again.

   

Kodiak

The Thundering Herd lost one of their own this past weekend.  We will forever be saddened that the Red Team won't be the same after losing their teammate, Kodiak.

The Thundering Herd was the first dog blog I came across, when we were exploring the notion of doing a dog blog and they stuck.  There was something about those 6 Huskies that we could relate to.  :)  They have a special place in our hearts and have become like family.

And while we are still in shock over Kodiak's death, we can't imagine what the hu-dad must be going through.  In an instant, life changes.

All of our dogs are paired with a strong female, male bond.  Sometimes when they are separated for any length of time, it is as if they hold their breath waiting for the other to return.  We are sending special paw prayers for Kodiak's girlfriend, Kiska who also shared a deep bond.

Our hearts go out to the hu-dad and the Thundering Herd.  We are thinking of you.

Run Free Kodiak...

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If you missed it, check HERE to sign up for Brut's Birthday Bash Give Away

Through Your Eyes

One award the 24 Paws of Love is never going to win is one for their social graces and I think I have finally come to accept this.  Try as we might, our only goal has been for the dogs to be civil with each other and I believe after three years we have finally reached this.  This in turn has made me appreciate your dog blogs even more.  What the 24 Paws of Love can't do yet, we enjoy living through your dog's eyes. 

 Now you know you can't handle any more than just me!

Like you aren't going to see all six of our dogs out and about like The Thundering Herd walking all at the same time and pace.  A feat that still amazes us to this day.  Considering we walk one dog at a time, maybe two if the mood is right, can you imagine how this looks to us?  Like a miracle!  How cool would that be some day??

You and me, just the way I like it.

Or how I always fall out of my chair when Tales and Tails talk about loading up their four dogs in their vehicle for a day's outing and travel to the many great parks. How do they do that?  I don't think we have ever had more than three dogs in the same car and that was only for a vet visit.  Three dogs and Brut was definitely not one of them!

Focus, shomcus, Where's my treat?

Brut would be an excellent candidate for agility, his focus is like a laser when it comes to treats, except the very thing that gives him that attentiveness would create havoc in the ring.  No one wants a food crazed reactive nut job running amongst the crowds!  So we watch through the eyes of Layla as she takes those turns and jumps, cruising with such ease and pleasure while Layla and her owner show everyone that a Malamute can rule the agility world too.

Not exactly, but closest pic I have of Chance's stance

Now, while none of my dogs are anywhere near being any kind of pedigree, both Chance and Brut have got a show dog's stance that is to kill for. Even if they were able to participate, I don't think the gangster riots they would ensue would even get them in the door.  So, we take ringside seats to watch the professionals, Sherman and Leroy at My Brown Newfies, where Jen takes us through the adventures of the show ring and life of a real show dog.

Anywhere??  I'm only a part-time anywhere girl.

Then there is Pamela from Something Wagging This Way Comes, who has known the pain and frustration of dealing with reactive dogs.  Who specifically took the time and love to find a gentler, easier dog and found Honey.  Hearing the tales of the joy that Honey has brought to Pamela and understanding all too well how deeply this joy is appreciated, we too live in that happiness for her and her well deserved adventures with Honey.  What you mean you can take her anywhere???

These are only a handful of examples of the many blogs that we live vicariously through.  It is one of the reasons we enjoy the dog blogging community and all it has to offer.  Where we can celebrate and cherish our differences and our individuality of living with dogs.  Our dogs have come along way in the last couple of years and learning to accept their uniqueness has been challenging at times, but it is a specialness I wouldn't change because that's what makes them the 24 Paws of Love.  And while our world may seem a bit odd or out of order, that's OK, because yours look a little weird to us too.    And that's what we love most about this dog blogging community and we wouldn't have it any other way!  :)

     I'm just here to be the different one.

  

7 List Challenge

Pamela from Something Wagging This Way Comes has challenged me with the My 7 Links started by Tripbase.  Wasn't sure how I felt about the "homework" that was involved with this assignment, BOL, but the trip down memory lane was a blast!

1.  Most beautiful post:  Brut Trust
        This was my first post about the depth of the relationship I have with Brut but it was the comment by Pyroclasm Jones that touched me even more.  
2. Most Popular Post:  The Throw Away Dogs
     This post really touch a nerve with many about a woman I know who carelessly comment she could always get another dog if her's died from heart worms because she didn't treat her dogs for them.  
3.  Most Controversial Post:  Hormone City!
     I don't think I really have one, but since two of our dogs are not spayed or neuter yet, this could be considered controversial for the lack of comments. 
4.  Most Helpful Post:  Doggie Medicine Cabinet
     This wasn't one of my touchy-feely post and I wasn't sure about writing it, and was quite surprised by the comments and the help it gave.
5.  Post Who's Success Surprised Me:  Daddy's View Point-How Much Is That Doggie in the Window? 
     This was the first post my husband wrote (besides our first post) and we were completely surprise by the responses we got.  It was so great to know we weren't alone in the doggy world!  
6.  Post I Felt Didn't Get the Attention It Deserved:  Monday Memories-Daddy Dog Brut Playing With Pups
      I thought this video post would be an absolute hit.  I mean, how can you resist that big bad Daddy Dog Brut playing with all his little pups?  

7.  Post I'm Most Proud Of:  How We Became Two Packs
     I am proud of this post for a couple of reasons:  1.  Houndstooth asked in the previous post why the dogs were separated and it was the first time someone had asked us a question.  And 2.  When I wrote this story out, I came to many realization that I was not fully aware of that helped me to grasp a fuller perspective  why we were two packs and the important role it has played in our healing process.

Now it is up to me to choose 5 Bloggers to pass this challenge on to.  If you would like to participate by all means join in the fun.    

The (mis)Adventures of Sage

Just a Pup

White Dog Online Diaries

Cybersibes

Oh Corbin 

Here again are the rules.    And thanks again to Pamela for our nomination. 

First Blog Anniversary-Daddy style

OUR FIRST BLOG POST:

 My wife, asked me how I wanted to start out the first post of our dog blog. She was at a loss for ideas. (Not surprisingly because she has done all the blog work so far.)


All I know is what I witnessed when Brut and Silver had their first and last litter of puppies on Jan. 2, 2008 was nothing short of (lost for words) Never in my life have I ever experienced or witnessed, read or seen in any movie what began at 2:50 am when Zappa was born and continued through until Fiona was the last one out. When Fiona was stuck and I pulled her out, I was overjoyed that she was OK.


It is a high that I still have to this day. An amazing miracle of God. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think about that night. It changed me in a way that I’ll never look at life the same. I thought I knew what unconditional love was before, but what I have witnessed since that night has made me a different person. It changed my whole outlook on humans, animals, simply everything. When we got Blaze and Chance back, it made me realize how short and precious life really is.


I hope this blog will be able to show and tell even half of what my wife and I want to express to people that think dogs are just dogs. Believe me my friends, dogs are much more. If you pay attention to the dogs around you, they can teach you more than you ever thought possible about yourself, the people around you and what life is really about.-Daddy


Our goal is not so much to share how much we love our dogs, but how much their love means to us. In a world that is full of cruelty, sorrow and pain, there is nothing better than having 24 Paws of Love. -Mommy


Please check out each dog’s story, (link name under picture) and share in the unconditional love they each bring.

It was a year ago today, that the 24 Paws of Love began its journey into the blog world.  It seems like it was just yesterday when I told my wife, "Let's start a dog blog." and she gave me that, "You're crazy" look.

After this last year, I have realized that this dog blogging business is just amazing.  I am so grateful that there are other people in the world that feel the way I do about man's and woman's best friend.

And truth be told, my whole world includes my wife and our 24 Paws of Love.  There was really no one else until the world of dog blogging came into our lives.  Where we have found ourselves swept away with the care and compassion of fellow dog lovers blogging about their "Fido."

I would personally like to thank each and every one of you for being part of our blogging world.  This has been one of the best year I have had.  No matter how my day went, I could always count on the dog blogging community help make my day better.  And here's to another year of dog blogging for all of us and everything that is to come.

Cheers,
24 Paws of Love