Walking with Angels

My highlight for the day was taking Fiona and Zappa for a walk.  I was having a rough day and it was time to just get out of the house and walk.

 

First I took Fiona and her guard instantly came down.  Her tough girl attitude suddenly became quiet and loving.  Her body trembles with happiness.  She was perky and lighthearted like a giddy school girl who can't believe she was chosen for this special time together.  Her gratitude shows by nose bumping my hand or thigh for thanks.

Next I took Zappa.  Zappa was being more comical than usual.  He usually gets in his serious stance as if he knows there's business to take care of.  Like in my story Who is Zappa?  Instead he was quite bouncy and silly.  His guard was also down.   His whole body wiggle with happiness as he pounced from one spot to the next.  He was letting his playful side out, a side he rarely shows.  He was such joy to walk with.  He too was grateful for this special time together. 

The treat was equal for all of us.  They were grateful for this time and so was I.  There was nothing I needed more than to spend that quality time with them.  Their happiness was contagious and their loving sweetness melted all my problems away.  What could be better than walking with angels?

    

What's your favorite part?

We love everything about our dogs, but Daddy and I have a few different opinions on which part of a dog's body is our favorite.

One of Daddy's favorites are the ears.

Brut's pointy ones and...

all the lab-looking ones.

One of my favorites is their eyes.

 

But we both agree, there is nothing like a Husky tail that wins our vote!

We love how it just seems to float and bobble as if suspended in air.

We love that half moon curve.

  And how soft and fluffy they are. 

There's just something about their tails that give you the warm, fuzzy feeling with that silly bounce that means  fun.  

So how about you?  What part of your dog's body do you love the most? 

Monday Memories-Chance and the boy

Chance's first six months home with us.  This is his story:

He stands at the corner of the fence, waiting, staring at the long road looking for what he has lost.  His eyes hoping to see the boy again.  He continues to wait.  He will never give up.  For it doesn't matter what happened to him, the neglect and abuse, all he cares about the boy.  No one can question his love for the boy.  His loyalty is fierce.  He waits every day.  The day ends with sad eyes.  He has come back home where he was born. He knows he is loved here, but he always looks back for the boy.  Lost and confused at the turn of events, he never gives up trying.  Where is the boy?  He wouldn't just leave him. 

For months he continues his empty search.  He struggles to understand.  He finds comfort in new arms that understand his pain.  He slowly begins to accept, the boy is gone, fading into the distance like a sunset that will never rise again. Unlike the boy, Chance never stopped loving him.  He sometimes sits and listens to the secrets of the wind that carries his love to the boy.

Chance's story here...     

Dog Talk and the Saturday Blog Hop

After four years Brut, how much more information do you need?

Don't you trust me by now?

Check out Life with Dogs for more info on the Hop

Hunting Season Warning

Rifle and Muzzle loader season for Whitetail Deer is fast approaching in our area. While I do not hunt, I once lived with an avid hunting family. They warned me of one thing:


Hunters have been known to shoot loose dogs while hunting. Whether it be by accident or from chasing and scaring off their game.

This is a subject that I feel very strongly about. I have not ever experienced a tragedy of this nature, but I'm so thankful I was made aware of this and would like to share this with others who may not know.

Prevention is key:

The most important precaution is to avoid hunting areas, forest, fields and swamps during these times. Go to a park or other secure area.

Find out when local hunting seasons are from your DNR or other local source.

Keep your dogs secure in your home and yard.

If you walk through hunting areas:

Have you and your dog wear Hunter Orange.

Keep your dog leashed. It only takes a second to loose sight of your dog and it may be too late.

Stay on a designated path.

It is unfortunate, but sadly it happens. I've heard several stories of hunters shooting themselves or another by being startled, because they have fallen asleep or have an itchy trigger finger. I have nothing against hunters and I know this does not pertain to every hunter, but I would like let others know it can happen.

Lets keep every one safe this season and most of all our furry friends.

Is this enough Hunter's Orange, Mom?

Paw Prayers Crossed

I've come to rely heavily on our dogs for so much in my life, I can not imagine being without them or having to make heartwrenching decision about their health and well-being.

I had a terrible day.  A program I volunteer for seems to keep putting a monkey wrench in itself.  It can be very disturbing at times because I don't really feel like I'm really able to help the person I am there for.  Being a volunteer, I have very little say so and even though my vote might be heard, it would do little.  I couldn't wait to get home to the dogs.  I spent all afternoon and most of the evening with them.  I was grateful for their love and attention and the dependability that they were there. 

I read two different blogs and my heart stopped.  Rolling and Romping in the Rockies, K is having her toe amputated tomorrow due to cancer or infection and Grey Hares on My Sofa had to let go of her beloved Greyhound Dixie.  I don't know how we do it as dog lovers.  Loving our dogs to pieces and then having to let them go or make decisions that affect their lives.  Neither of these dog lovers had easy decision to make and I can only imagine the range of feelings associated with making these choices.

If you haven't already, please stop by both of these blogs and give them your warm thoughts.  Dog lovers are a rare breed. and because of this wonderful love we share, we are empathize with other owners and understand their pain.  We've all had to make difficult choices with our pets and know far too well, they are not just animals.  Our pets are our friends, our confidants, and are full of unconditional love.  We understand how our pets become a part of you and you them and how we always want to do what is right for our best friends.

For K and her family and Dixie's family we would like to give a warm hug and Paws of Prayer for them.
We are thinking of you.   

Who is Zappa?

Who am I?

I asked myself this question on a walk with Zappa.  Just him and I on the trails of the forest.  I have seen the cute, puppy-like face, with that adorable expression and wise old eyes always giving kisses and hugs.  A heartwarming dog, gentle in manner, sweet and lovable.  His other attributes are outsmarting his father, Brut and defending himself against the sinister Fiona during playtime.  He tends to be a bit of a loner, like his mother Silver, which is how he comes to be pester by Fiona.  She wants to play.  He is all mouth and always starts the "Howling Choir" performance.  He can be tough when he needs to be but truly is more of a lover and an intense thinker, pondering the world around him.  This is the Zappa I see every day, until we are alone, pacing through the forest or streets of our neighborhood.  It then I begin to wonder, Who is Zappa?

The Bad Boy comes out

As we hit the trails, I began the notice the change.  Zappa seems to stand taller and his shoulders are broader, as if he's finally fitting into his own skin.  His nose is on fire as he calculates every scent he encounters.  His coat is bristled as if taking every sight and sound is radiating through the tips of  his fur.  He is electrified with the rush of the tale that is being filter through the collection of his senses.

I watch this metamorphic transformation as his primitive senses override the sweet, innocent puppy dog I know and witness Zappa come into his own.  His manner becomes brusque, like I am walking a bear.  His eyes dare me to question him.  He wants to be the one in control.  His demand is subtle but this proud dog is asking for my respect.

Respect me

This rebirth of Zappa happens every time we are away from the pack.  Most of the time it is difficult to detect.  It hasn't been until recently that I have picked up on his clues.  This walk he didn't hold back.  Everything in him was alive and charged.  The true Zappa ringing forth.

I have come to realize that I have a family of independent dogs and they are always asking my respect.  Whether it is as demanding as Brut and as delicate as Zappa, and I know I have a long ways to go with all of them.  Zappa taught me a valuable lesson, I have to earn my respect with him, just as much, if not more than I did with Brut.  Zappa showed me who he is, now it was my turn to show him who I am.  And I thought dogs were all about sit and stay...BOL!!  What an exciting journey to embark upon.

Earn it!

Monday Memories- Puppy Clean

Modern appliances are wonderful tools, but sometimes they don't as good of job as one might like. 

Take it from the puppy experts.  They are never as clean as you think. 

I think we'd better help Mommy with these.

Look, I found a spot right here.

I've got one up here.

It's everywhere.

Better call in the troops!

Why does Mommy even use this thing?

When is she going to learn?

It's only clean if it's PUPPY CLEAN!!