Would you do it?

Have a question for you:  if you had to put your pet down, would you (or have you) cut off some of their fur before doing so?

I read a blogger who's dog suddenly became very ill and had to be put to sleep and she cut off the fur at the tip of his tail to save.  I've never really heard of anyone doing that before and I don't know that I could. I have saved puppy teeth and a tooth that Brut lost that I know I will treasure forever, but for some reason I think it would freak me out to have an actual "piece" of my dead dog.  But I don't know.  I don't think there is anything wrong with what this blogger did, but I don't think I could do it.  I just think I wouldn't feel right taking a piece of them when it is their time.

How do you feel?  Could you do it? Or  have you done it?  I'm curious to hear other people's responses.

Stillness of the Lone Wolf

Free Glasses For All Readers from Firmoo!!

I had just woke up, grabbed my glasses and SNAP!  The hinge broke off.  It was irreparable and my favorite frames were irreplaceable.  They didn't make them any more.  I'd been needing a new pair of glasses for a good year or so and now I had no choice.  I had a pair of old frames I could wear, but money was tight and it wasn't quite in our budget.

Then one day in my inbox I find an email from Firmoo ( http://www.firmoo.com/)for a free pair of non-prescription, prescription or sunglasses for free.  FREE!!  All I had to do was give a review of my experience and spread the word that EVERYONE gets a their first pair of glasses FREE (you only pay shipping and handling) when you order from Firmoo.  This couldn't have come at a better time, as my old glasses I was wearing were starting to wear on my eyes.  An answered prayer that is available to ANYONE that wants it.  Just go here:  (http://www.firmoo.com/free-glasses.html)

OK, so I'll never make it in commercials!  BOL!

I don't remember exactly how long the delivery took, but it was less than a week.  I also received, a hard cover case, a soft case bag, two eyeglass screws with screwdriver and a lens cleaning rag.  I can't remember ever being this satisfied with a pair of glasses that I have owned.  I was a bit skeptical and unsure about buying glasses online, but once I figured out my frame measurements and was able to actually see the glasses on my face made, it made all the difference.

I encourage anyone who needs glasses of any sort, for any reason to give Firmoo glasses a shot.  For Free, what have you got to lose?

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Have Questions?  Go HERE for Firmoo FAQ.

Want to know how to order FREE glasses? Go to YouTube to show you how.

I was very impressed with our entire process from selecting frames to watching the precise tracking as my glasses were practically delivered to my door.  As well as answers to my emails from questions about my glasses to this writing this review.  Everything was precise and simple and I couldn't be happier dealing with such a fine product and company.  Thank you Antonio!!  

24 Paws of Love gave Firmoo 24 Paws up!

Sledding dreams do come true

I must share about our weekend.  It was too good to be true.  You know when you have those doubts and you think you need to give up your dream?  That's what happened to me when I thought I might get Chance into a harness to go sledding.  I have been having great luck with working with him and getting familiar with his pulling harness, but I pushed the limit putting it all the way on him.  He wasn't quite ready for that.  Even though I knew more than likely he wouldn't go, I was crushed.  And that's when I asked my husband, "should I just give this up?"  He looked at me as only an optimist can only look at such a pessimist and said," like forever?"  I nodded.  In exasperation he said, "No.  Chance is deeply scar from his past.  He's not like Zappa or Fiona."  I hung my head for a few minutes, so afraid I was going to have to give up on everything I'd been working so hard to achieve.   Then I threw out the old tapes and said, "Lets take Zappa and Silver."

It was mess trying to get them hooked up, they kept getting tangled with each other, but once we finally got going, it went great!  Zappa was in heaven not having to be by himself and being able to run with somebody and Silver was right up there with him enjoying the challenge.  She was even pulling!!  When we got to the top of the hill near the end of the road, we stopped for some reason and they both dove into the snow sniffing like cray, like this was what they were after in the first place.  More tangling mess.  I tried something different with the lines and now know not to do that again. bol!  Once they were done and situated, they were ready to go again.  Both with all the pep and vigor they had in them.

We didn't go too far before I turned them around to go home.  They did just over a half mile (about 1km).  I didn't want to overdo either of them and wanted to keep it as fun as possible.  It was my first time out sledding.  Dad was there for help and we both forgot the camera and video.  I was thoroughly impressed with Silver, because normally she won't pull and is just a good running companion.  And Zappa, you could see him just light up running with mommy and sharing in the moment.  It helps that Zappa and Silver are so close.They kept a steady pace, stayed on track and listened pretty good even though they don't know any commands.  It was a great first ride and I'm excited to do it again.  Now if all the snow doesn't melt in the next week, we might get another shot at it!!
     

Canine Twister

Waiting for turn...

My turn?  Finally! What's it say?

Back left paw to nose....

Got it!!

Pet Bloggers Exchange-We 'met' Roxy the Traveling Dog.

Roxy                                                                       Torrey

Pamela from Something Wagging This Way  Comes created and held a Pet Blogger Exchange that paired two bloggers together to share, encourage and get to know each other.  I had the honor of meeting and getting to know Mary of Roxy the Traveling Dog.  Mary, her husband and their two dogs Roxy and Torrey are traveling while they create and sell their artwork on the road.  They sold it all and moved into their RV to live the life they had always dreamed.

I loved getting to know about Mary and her dogs and their hiking adventures out in the mountains and deserts, but it was her artwork at Desert Raven Art that stole my breath away.  She does exquisite bead work on based on the Sioux and Northern Plain Native American tribes.  Her work is beautiful and intricate.  She makes and sells, dresses, moccasins, dolls, hand bags and carry pouches.

Here are some of Mary's works:

LOVE THIS SHIRT!!

                                                                   LOVE THIS DRESS!!

Her husband Al has a passion for sculpting.  He too has a beautiful eye and attention to detail as you can plainly see.  Al's work can be see at Al Hone Sculptures 

“Searching for days gone by” is a sculpture of a Native American who is longing for, and looking for the way of life he knew. The days when hunting the bison was a sacred right, and they were plentiful on the plains. Days when life was simpler, and everyone had respect for Mother Earth. He is prepared for the hunt with his bow and quiver full of arrows. To bring him extra guidance on his journey, he is wearing his own personal medicine bundle.     

And these are just photos of their gifted craft!  Can you imagine being able to see them up close and personal?  I am mesmerized by the Native American and I can almost see the breeze gently blow through his questions stirring in his solemn eyes.  And I can almost feel that buckskin dress smooth as velvet against my skin.  Such beautiful replicas made with time, love and dedication.  And they are all available at Desert Raven Arts.  

And I've left out what I think is the best part, Mary their own wedding clothes, from white buckskin that she beaded herself.  Go HERE to see what I think is one of her most beautiful creations.

CAN'T GET ENOUGH ART?
One of the highlight's I enjoyed from Roxy the Traveling Dog if you the artsy type, is Artsy Fartsy Tuesday where Mary highlights other artist and their unique creations.  Showing a wide range of authentic crafted pieces that are for sale as well.

I was so touched by Mary and Al's work.  Their designs touched a longing in my soul that doesn't get met enough.  I am so grateful to be paired with Mary and get to know a little bit more behind the creators of Roxy the Traveling Dog.  And aren't Roxy and Torrey just adorable?  Who wouldn't want to take them everywhere they go?

           

Is Silver Really Getting Up There?

Do you use Senior dog food or have you in the past for your older dogs?

Silver turned nine years old last year and about 4 months ago she quit diving into her food.  Now she can be a picky eater, but I'm wondering if her hesitation is trying to tell me something more.  She does eat all her food, but I've been wondering if I might supplement or dare I say change to senior dog food.  (no, no, she can't be that old!)

It's made me wonder if there is something lacking in regular food that has caused her to pause before eating, even after a food change.  She just not that thrilled about eating her kibble unless something else is in it.  I want to stay on kibble and have thought about adding a cook diet to supplement or adding veggies (which she likes), but this doesn't solve the problem of the dog food itself.

How do you know if your dog is just being fussy or is having a problem with their food?  All of the other dogs are fine with the same food.  They can't get enough of it.  How much have her nutritional needs change in the last year or so?  Have any of you notice a difference in your older dogs diet preferences or behaviors?Did you notice a difference using a senior diet for your dog or not?

Any insight would be great.  Oh, and by the way she doesn't have any problems eating anything else and is finishing her food.  So what should I do?   

Happy 5th Birthday with live birth video!!

Happy Birthday to the Power of Ten!  The name we gave Silver and Brut's litter.  They are turning FIVE years old today and we have a special treat for all of our readers, a video of two of the births of those 10 puppies.  

It starts with the first three newborns who landed in our hands as new mom Silver gave birth standing up.  We had to open them out of their sacs, dry them off until they cried and cut and tie the chord.

The first birth on the video is when Silver finally laid down to have Chance, the fourth puppy.  Chance broke through his sac and placenta on the way out of the canal.  So Silver only needed to dry him off then let him feed.

The second birth is a little more gory as this little guy we called T-bone was born still in sac with the placenta in tact.  This was one birth that Silver did the the whole job herself, with a little help from me opening up the sac around the head and shifting things so it would be easier for her.  Time is everything in those first few moments of life.  Enjoy here or on YouTube   

We knew our lives were going to change with these 10 little miracles,

but we never knew how much.

(in their birth order)

Zappa

Red

Angel

                Jan.2, 2008-Oct. 9, 2012

Chance

T-bone

Grumpy

      Jan. 2, 2008-2012

Rocket

V-girl

Blaze

and Fiona

Happy 5th Birthday to our little ones who are all grown up now. 

We love you.

Grandma and Grandpa