Computer Security

It's November 30.  And the LAST day of November.  OK. I really need to get working on that list for Santa soon.  Today also happens to be something called Computer Security Day.  Humans do so much on-line that computer security is a huge issue.  And guess what one of the ten most popular passwords is that humans use?  Their pet's name.  I wonder how many of you used your dog's name to log in today?! They say that in the US, the most popular name for dogs and cats is Bella - so you can bet that thousands of people use Bella to log in to their computers daily.  If you are using Bella - change it.  Really.  And apparently 67% of humans change their passwords ONLY if they have to.  My human has lots of passwords.  And of course, she can never remember which password she uses for which site.  And then she gets to the security question to help her change her password and she can't remember what she put down for her favorite movie.  And when she put the birthplace of her third uncle twice removed did she include the city AND the state?  Or just the city?  And her first vehicle?  Did she put down the model and make?  Or just the model.  Because if you don't put down EXACTLY what you did before, the computer won't let you in.  And you know, computers KNOW when you are in a hurry to log in.  So that's when they start acting up.  Kind of like us dogs.  We smell your need to hurry.  And we just want you to SLOW down.  You poor humans.  Life is just SO complicated for you.

My security settings would look something like this:
Password:  Food123
What is your favorite movie?  Lassie
What is your dream job?  Salesperson in a butcher shop
Who is your favorite move character? Cujo
What is your favorite thing to chase?  Bunnies
Who is your favorite teacher?  My human
Who was your first boss?  Frodo
What is the nickname of your closest sibling?  Einstein
What is your favorite food?   Anything
What is your favorite thing to read?  My blog!

Well it's time to go and log on to do some secure shopping.   Still thinking about that diamond collar....

Have a good one. Peace and paws up!

A leash on life

   

So let's see what is new in the world of dogs.  It looks like they just found some images of dogs on rock walls in Saudi Arabia that are believed to be 8,000 years old.  What is particularly unique about these images is that they appear to depict dogs in hunting scenes - and some of the dogs appear to be on leash.   These are supposed to be the earliest evidence of the use of leashes.  The dogs in the images have pointy ears, curled tails and short snouts.  Some suggest they are relatives of the modern Canaan dogs but I think they are the relatives of the FG.  The dogs in some of the scenes appear to be tied to the humans while the human is using a bow and arrow to hunt. Can you IMAGINE tying the FG to my human.  Now that could be entertaining....

Today, leashes come in all shapes and forms - and some humans become very attached to their leashes.  Pun intended.  For example, when they show dogs in beauty pageants, they have leashes that they feel they absolutely MUST use.  It may be a particular color, or length or style - but they feel almost superstitious about their leash.    Kind of like wearing lucky socks.

Leashes can be made of leather from cows, and there are braided versions that are even made of elk leather.   Fancy show leashes can even have little beads to make them more ornate.

Plain old leashes can be made of rope, nylon or cord.  Then we have the retractable leashes which people either love or hate.  Apparently they can result in injuries - so in some areas their use is banned.

There are leashes that are shock absorbing which are supposed to reduce strain on the dog and human.  We have one...I'm not so sure it reduces shock - but my human does like to use it with the FG.  It has this spring-like bungee part and I suppose if it was used with a MUCH smaller dog could cause the dog to ricochet backwards.  That could be entertaining...

Many leashes have reflective tape to be used at night. And some have two handles so you can walk two dogs at once.  Double the pulling power in our house.

I tried to find THE most expensive leash that one can buy- and I think I found it.  It's made of snake, crocodile and ostrich skin and it is decorated in 18 carat gold and silver.  All for $300,000.  I also found a 52-carat diamond collar, that would go great with the leash for $3.2 million. It's on my list for Santa.  I also found a harness made of stingray leather and decorated in gold and diamonds.  It's a steal at only $10,000.  And if we're looking for other gift ideas, I found a Versace dog bowl for just $750.  I'll take two.  But one of the best gifts I found was SUPER fancy dog birthday cakes.  For just $1000.  Yes.  $1000.  If that would not be the ultimate WASTE in this house.   What a great magic trick - how to make $1000 disappear in less than 0.85 seconds. Check out these items here:

https://www.thethings.com/15-of-the-most-expensive-pet-products/

So dog leashes have been around for eons.  And even back 8,000 years ago, I bet humans THOUGHT they were walking US.  But of course, we know much better.

Now excuse me while I check out the Swarovski Crystal Bath tub - for just $7,000.  Then again, I'm not all that fond of baths...

Have a good one!  Peace and paws up!

Snowflakes.

So my human has put a serious dent in the Christmas decorating explosion.  Although she vowed she was not putting out as much "stuff" as usual, it still looks quite a bit like a scene from the Griswold's Christmas vacation.  Inside.  We've got enough Santas, elves, tiny houses and bottle brush trees to stock ten aisles at Walmart.  OK.  Maybe not exactly ten aisles.  Try twelve.  She hasn't put up the "real tree" yet - maybe next weekend.  She SAID she will get a smaller tree this year.  SURE she will.  After she finished the indoor explosion, she decided to put a few things outdoors.  Off she marched into the woods with her clippers - while we canines screamed at her from the back deck.   After she finished, she took each of us out (on leash) to show us her handiwork.  Einstein and I could not have cared less.  We just wanted to pee on the big container with all the branches and berries.  And we pretty much ignored the rest of the stuff.  And then it was the FG's turn to go out...

The FG rarely barks - relative to us PONs.  And when he does, it is this weeny, squeaky, come-play- with-me bark.  However, when he went outside and spotted these snowflakes that my human hung in a few trees and bushes - well the bark that came out of him was one like I have never heard before.  It was like a LION.  Actually maybe I did hear that bark once before - at the scary garbage can.  Anyway, he sure let those snowflakes know who is boss...

So the FG is turning into a real guard dog.  As long as the burglars are wearing snowflake suits.  And pushing a garbage can.  Ya gotta love him...

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up!

Rocks. On-line....

November 27.  And it’s Cyber Monday.  The day for all those folks (like my human) who didn’t want to actually go out to stores on Black Friday and make big “savings.”  Nope – today the bargains are on-line – so you can sit in the comfort of your home and shop for “savings.”  My FAVORITE thing with on-line shopping is when you want a product and it costs $49.99. BUT if you spend $50.00, you get free shipping.   So now you find yourself buying something “else” so you can “save” money.  Remind me again about how humans are smarter than canines?!

I had to look, though and see if there were any bargains for us dogs today.  And in my searching I found all kinds of discounted collars, treats and toys.  And then I found Dog Rocks.  Which I HAD to investigate.  According to the ad, Dog Rocks help to eliminate pee stains on grass.  You know what I mean – the yellow spots which have made our lawn look like a strange checker board.  So before actually READING how they work, my human started laughing – because she envisioned our entire lawn covered with rocks.  That’s one way to get rid of the yellow spots.  But wait – you don’t put the rocks ON the lawn – you put them in our water bowl.  These rocks, which come from Australia, are said to have “paramagnetic” properties – and they somehow filter out nitrates in water.  And it’s the nitrates that cause pee to kill the grass?  What?  And tell me -if I lean into my water bowl, will the buckle on  my collar become attached to the magnetic rock?!  Apparently not – and SUPPOSEDLY these things are safe for us dogs.  But I’m not so sure about them…I think my idea about just putting rocks all over the front lawn would solve the problem.  Besides, lately we have ALL decided to jump up onto this flower bed in the middle of our circular driveway – and we take turns peeing on the plants up there.  We are giving the lawn a break.  It’s called Rotational Peeing.  Anyway, here’s the link to the mystical rocks.  If you do use them, let me know if they work.  Although I seriously doubt we’ll be buying them… we didn’t even address the point that ANYTHING in our food or water bowl is considered edible – so the issue of ingested rocks would be a whole other story….

http://dogrocks.org/

Well, it’s time to go and check out the discounted treats.  So many choices…AND free shipping…

Have a good one. Peace and paws up!

Good Grief

November 26.  Do you realize a month from today, Christmas will be over? OK – that was a horrible statement- I mean who wants to rush Christmas?  Besides, I don’t even have my list done yet for Santa, and my human is FAR from ready for the big day.  It seems like the Christmas season starts right after Halloween now.  Let’s face it, she has been into the egg nog since the end of October.  She vowed that this year she was not going to do the all out crazy Christmas explosion decorating thing – and I see she has made a few changes, but it will no doubt STILL be more crazy than the average household by the time she is finished.  As long as she puts up the dog tree, I don’t really care about the other decorations.

Any day now I expect we will start our holiday photo shoots.  Those treats better be good...

According to the crazy calendar, today is Good Grief Day.  I thought it might have something to do with humans looking at their credit card bills after Black  Friday but then I realized what the REAL meaning is.  It’s the birthday of Charles Schulz who was the creator of Charlie Brown and Snoopy and all the characters in the cartoon, Peanuts.  So in honor of Mr. Schulz AND to get you ready for the holiday season, here’s an excerpt from the Charlie Brown classic Christmas movie…

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bPhqMJpQsYQ

And here is one of THE best quotes from Lucy, Charlie Brown’s BFF…

You were a good man Mr. Schulz – and we hope you have them laughing in heaven!

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up!

TICKED off

So yesterday morning while my human was eating her breakfast and the FG and I were vying for attention by sitting at her side and either pawing at her or attempting to get on her lap, my human was petting my head and suddenly she said "OH NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"  She jumped up from the table, and whisked me into the garage AKA grooming torture chamber, and lifted me onto the grooming table.  She outfitted herself with her trusty headlamp used for dog walking in the dark, and instructed me to stay still.  And sure enough - there on the top of my head, was a TICK.  A TICK.  Seriously.  I thought those guys had gone into hibernation for the winter.  If that's what they do.  Go figure.  None of us has had a tick since the summer - when we OFTEN ran off into the woods and were playing in the tall grasses.  And even then, I think we had MAYBE three ticks in total between the three of us all summer.  So IMAGINE how disgusted we were to find this freeloader.  Well, I didn't even really realize he was there - and I didn't feel much as my human got out her trusty tick removel tool and extracted him from my noggin.  She then placed the vermin in a plastic bag and then in an act of total violence, smashed the tick to smithereens with a rock.  Talk about overkill.  Literally.

So I decided to look up information about ticks and see if they have ANY redeeming qualities.  I mean really, what is their purpose, besides spreading disease?????  From what I gather, the buggers have been around since the time of the DINOSAURS.  The oldest know fossil of a tick is supposed to be 90 Million years old.  In the ecosystem, ticks are food for some animals, reptiles, birds and amphibians.  Apparently guinea hens find them delectable, as do opposums.  Ticks carry a variety of microorganisms and that's supposed to be part of the whole circle of life thing.  And they are helpful to those viruses and bacteria that they carry.  Good for the virus.  Ticks supposedly help to control animal populations like other predators do.

So the tick public relations firm touts that ticks are basically part of the ecosystem and  it's  their role to help maintain balance.   I think it's stretching their value.  Sorry I just don't buy it.  I think the earth could get along QUITE well if all ticks were annihilated.   But I don't see an easy solution to this - so I propose we get some guinea hens.  Or an opposum.  But not both as the opposums would probably eat the guinea hens.  We don't actually HAVE opposums in Nova Scotia -  and as I understand it, they are considered a nuisance in many areas.  They get into the garbage, and bird feeders and they can carry rabies.   OK, so maybe the opposums are not such a great idea after all.  Guinea hens.  That's what we need.  I will put one on my Christmas list.  OK - two because just one would get lonely.  Wonder if I can order them on-line...

In the meantime, bring on the snow!  But just a little....

Have a good one. Peace and paws up!

Black Friday. And product reviews...

Well, it's Black Friday and according to some, the official start to the holiday shopping season and a day of big sales.  Mind you, it seems like the last 2 weeks have been Black something - every store seems to have been promoting sales for days now. 

My human would much rather shop on-line than battle line-ups with people in the cold.  And admittedly, IF someone is looking for something specific (like a new warm dog-walking coat), there ARE bargains to be had right now.  But it's also interesting that often the VERY thing she wants- that is on sale, is not available in the size or color she wants.  BUT, the full price items are all available.  Go figure. 

And since it's that time of year, I thought I would review a few products that we canines may (or may not) want to put on our list for Santa...

First off we have the Pet Selfie stick.  It's basically a squeaky ball that you attach to your cell phone in order to get our attention when taking photos:
https://poochselfie.com/
I'm afraid I am giving this a Paws Down.  Because while you MAY get one or two shots of us when you first use it, let's face it, we will QUICKLY catch on, and learn to ignore it.  At least the dogs in this household.  Not that I don't like to retrieve things - but unless the thing suddenly self-propels the ball, we will quickly start to demonstrate picnore.

Next we have the automatic self-propelled fetch toy.  The machine will launch balls after your dog drops the ball into the device. 
https://goifetch.com/
This concept is pretty cool - and it could keep some of us dogs entertained, once we are trained to use it.  I wouldn't advocate for use indoors with us...that could get pretty crazy.  Personally, I think the exercise that my human gets from throwing the ball is good...but given that some humans could have trouble throwing a ball - well I will give this item a Paws Up.

Next we have an indoor potty for dogs.  Seriously.  It's basically a hunk of sod that is delivered to your house - so your dog can pee and poop indoors.
https://www.freshpatch.com/
Strange - they don't take any returns.   OK. OK.  I understand that this could work for dogs living in an apartments/highrises - and could be good for seniors who can't take their dogs out....But I guess it's just a bit strange to me.  We dogs DO need to get outdoors.  Mind you, on rainy days, we PONs might appreciate this product.  But can you imagine having three of these things in our house? Not to mention dogs who like to dig...Nope - I'm giving this one a Paws Down.  Sorry Sharks.

Next we have the Kong frisbee. Or Extreme Flyer.
https://www.kongcompany.com/products/for-dogs/rubber-toys/extreme-rubber-toys/extreme-flyer/
OK. I like this one.  Kong makes some pretty indestructible toys - so I'm thinking I would enjoy fetching this.  I give this a Paws Up - and I'm putting it on my list!

I shouldn't even show you the next item - as it looks like they are so busy taking orders that you may not get your gift for Christmas.  But if you don't mind waiting, these pet pillows with our photo are pretty cute:
https://gomineofficial.com/
I think it would be cool to have our image on a pillow.  Mind you, if we got a hold of it, we would probably destroy it.  They also make jewelry with our image!  I give these gifts Paws Up.  Mind you - they are more for my human than for us.  But we might as well give her something...

Those are my reviews for now.  No doubt other cool things will come along in the weeks ahead.  And really, my favorite items on my Santa list are edible items.  ANYTHING edible.  

Have a good one!  Peace and paws up!

Thanks

November 24.  And the fourth Thursday in November.  So what does that equal in the USA?  Thanksgiving!  And the holiday this year is predicted to have the most travellers in 12 years.   Sources say that 50.9 MILLION people will travel more than 50 miles from home - with the majority doing so by car.  And if you are in the group travelling by plane, expect that waits could be long as almost all flights are FULLY booked.  Whatever you do,  don't sleep in and miss your flight!

It is estimated that over 44 MILLION turkeys will be consumed today - as more than 85% of Americans have turkey as the main course today.   The average American is said to gobble down 3000 calories on Thanksgiving day - with 50 million pumkin pies consumed across the country.  Whoa.  I wonder what the average dog eats on Thanksgiving?  We canines CAN have a bit of turkey - but not too much as it could cause dietary "issues" later.  And hold the gravy - for sure.

I found this commercial video that depicts dogs having quite the holiday feast.  It  just bugs me that a CAT is at the head of the table.....  Check it out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhg7Xm4FXAY

But what I really found interesting was THIS video - which shows how they filmed the commercial.  Some pretty patient people and obviously, very well behaved canines!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guBWYqJv1DY

So Happy Thanksgiving to all my friends and family in the USA.  And no matter where you live, be thankful today for the many good things in your life.  Humans often tend to focus on the negative things in life - and what they don't have... But take a minute today to think of the many things that you DO have - like even the ability to read this blog (!)  and remember to give thanks.  Oh and don't forget to give thanks for your dog - and maybe give him or her an extra treat - just to show your thanks!

Have a good one!  Peace and paws up! And thanks to you for taking time to read my blog!  I truly appreciate it!

Different versions of the same game...AND an eagle.

Yup.  A rainy night the other night..  AND we got to play "Find the bunny."  Let's just say that the FG plays his own version of the game.  Check it out...

Ya gotta love him.   Oh and he DID eventually Find the Bunny in Room #1... All the while Einstein and I were screaming at him....

And speaking of bunnies.  My human was wondering why we haven't seen many around lately.  And then she spotted THIS visitor in the backyard.  

No wonder the hare population is invisible.  We could assume they have gone to the Rabbit Rainbow Bridge - but I prefer to think they are just hiding...

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up!

Skip it. Or jumping to conclusions...

Who knew?  On this day - November 21st, in 1837, a guy by the name of Thomas Morris - who was in Australia, jumped a skipping rope 22,806 times.  I'm not sure who I feel more sorry for - Thomas and his obvious lack of something better to do, or the poor person who had to count for him...

Which of COURSE, led me to see what I could find out about DOGS jumping rope.  Here's the dog who has the record for the most skips with his human - at 58 jumps togther.  And he looks like he is actually enjoying it!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYo__2Q7USY

Now here is a video I found from 2011, when a record number of dogs (13) broke the record for skipping together...
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gy96TGlOq28

Interesting that both of these records were set by dogs in Japan.  Must be something in the food.

Can you IMAGNE my human trying to jump rope with any of us?!  Heck - she can barely skip  rope by herslf, let alone with one of us.  I could see a VERY serious accident occurring were she to try this with one of us...  Mind you, it would make for a good blog...

Have a good one!  Peace and paws up!

A poopy idea....

This is a tale of a good idea - with a bad result.

So Friday after work, my human stopped at the grocery store to pick up something for dinner. And as she wandered, she spotted some frozen soup bones.  She happily scooped up four and after getting the contents for her meal, proceeded to the check out.  The rather glum looking clerk asked her if she found everything.  And my human - the cheerful-dog-owner-on-a-Friday-night explained that she had.  As the clerk scanned the bones my human asked "Do you know what I call those things?"  The clerk slowly looked up and stared at my human and said in a less than enthusiastic voice, "Soup bones?"  My cheerful human exclaimed "No - I call them Peace and Quiet."  The glum clerk just stared at her and of course, my human went on to say that they were for us - and how during our bone fest, she would have some peace.  The girl just shrugged her shoulders and the woman behind her in the line chuckled - she was another dog owner.  The girl then went on to say she didn't have a dog, but she knew that the Dollar Store sold all kinds of bones and rawhide treats.  My human figured that the girl wasn't quite ready for the lecture on the dangers of Dollar Store dog treats laced with all kinds of toxic chemicals.  Nor did she explain that the ONLY dog related items she would ever purchase at the Dollar store were poop bags or dreadful holiday attire.  My human just responded with a cheerful "Is that right?'

When she got home she fed us and took us out and made her own dinner.  She told us she had a special surprise for later.  We knew what the surprise was - we had seen her taking them out of the bag, but we feigned surprise when she pulled them out after dinner.

Now keep in mind, this is NOT the first time we have enjoyed soup bones.  BUT - when we have had them in the past, my human gave them to us for a SHORT period of time.  Like 15-20 minutes.  She would then take them away, refreeze them and bring them out the next day.  And that was the plan.   HOWEVER....she had a really busy week at work last week.  And after dinner she was really tired.  She sat down on the couch in the DFZ, while we were in bone heaven and she quickly dozed off.  For about an hour.  She woke up with a start and we were all still chewing away.  She scooped up the bones and we all collapsed after the chewing frenzy.  Little did she know she would be scooping something ELSE the next day...

On Saturday, we had good walks and my human told us she was going to see her mother for a few hours.  The FG was sequestered in his pony sized crate and Einstein and I had free rein.

When my human returned after about 3 hours, she opened the french door in the hallway, and Einstein burst out into the hall.  She wasn't sure if he was concerned because he had DONE something - OR because he was escaping something.  Hard to know - but when my human walked in, she realized she should have brought in a team wearing hazmat suits.  Ah yes.  The poop trail left behind when one or two have eaten too much marrow from soup bones.  It was hard to know who the culprit was - without DNA analysis. 

She cleaned up the disaster as we all watched.  Hey - when ya gotta go, ya gotta go.  Needless to say, none of us got the bones on Saturday night...but no worries - we were all fine in the poop department the next day.  And the smell from disinfectant is starting to fade...

Ahhhhh....the best laid plans....The moral of the story?  Set an alarm when feeding marrow bones - at least FRESH bones....and if you don't - have LOTS of cleaning supplies handy....

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up!

Tis better to have loved and lost...

So on this day in 1850, Alfred Lord Tennyson became the British Poet Laureate.  But you knew that, right?  OK – I didn’t either – but now we both know.  Tennyson was one of Britain’s best loved poets – you, no doubt are familiar with one of his famous lines: “’Tis better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all.” While some people may think of this line as applying to humans and a loss of a romantic love – it could just as easily apply to that difficult time when a canine goes to the Rainbow Bridge.   Think about it.  And of course, for a more comedic interpretation – well I have my own take on this quote – which I will get to in a minute.

When I look at the history of famous humans, I always like to see if they were owned by a dog.  And sure enough – Tennyson had a dog named Karenina.  Apparently, Karenina was a “Siberian Wolfhound” and a gift of the Russian Imperial Court.   As I understand it, she accompanied him on long walks in the countryside and was immortalized in a statue of the two of them which stands in the Cathedral Green in Lincoln, UK.  Clearly the artist, Watts,  recognized the bond between the poet and his dog – and felt it important to depict them together.  Although I did read somewhere that the statue of Tennyson would topple over without the dog there.  But then again– most humans DO depend on us canines to keep you stable…

So now to MY quotes  - ‘Tis better to have played 15 rounds of fetch, and lose the ball in the woods, than never to have played at all.

‘Tis better to have shared a banana, than never to have had a banana at all.

“Tis better to have chased the bunny and lost him, than to never have participated in the chase.”  At least I think so.  But not so much my human…

‘Tis  better to have cleaned up puppy pee, than never to have owned a puppy at all.

That’s it for today.  It’s Sunday – but it’s looking like we have a rainy day ahead. Time for some indoor Find the Bunny.

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up!

Cardiovascular health.....

So a new study just came out in Sweden, and the results indicate that humans owned by dogs have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.  So they have a lower mortality risk.   Now the benefits of owning a pet have been touted for a long time - but as with any research, there are always limiting factors.  One would assume that if you are owned by a dog, you get more exercise - which is good for cardiovascular health.  But did the people with good activity levels already, choose an active dog breed purposely?  They also wonder if by living with a dog,  human are exposed to more bacteria - and this somehow changes the microbiomes in the human's gut.  This adjustment in the human system may somehow make humans more resistant to certain "bugs."  I knew all that dirt that we drag in had a good purpose.

The study indicated that the lowest risk of cardiovascular disorder was seen in humans owned by hunting, retrieving and scent hounds.   No mention of herding breeds - but I think our activity level still fits the bill.  Heaven knows my human gets LOTS of walks because of us.

More research needs to be done - but who knows, maybe someday people will receive a prescription for a dog instead of a drug.  And then we need to get the insurance companies to pay for that prescription!

Of course, you know on the flip side....given our SOMETIMES less-than-exemplary behavior - my human thinks we actually RAISE her blood pressure.  Which we probably do.  And THAT'S why we try to get her to take us out for MORE walks.  Yup.  We have this all figured out.  Just call me Dr. Viktor.

Bottom line - we canines DO help humans in SO many ways.  And the benefits go both ways...

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up.

Snuppy

Hey - remember the story of Snuppy?   In 2015, I wrote about Snuppy - he was an afghan dog - who was the first ever dog to be cloned back in 2005 in South Korea.  Well, Snuppy is gone - he went to the Rainbow Bridge just a few weeks after his tenth birthday.  But Snuppy lives on - because, you guessed it - they have recloned Snuppy.  While there have been concerns that cloned animals may have shorter lifespans, and other medical problems, it seems that Snuppy lived a healthy life - and lived to a decent age for the breed.

So now there are three Snuppy puppies out there.  I checked out a place in the US to see what the costs are to clone a dog.  Looks like they have gone down - it's just $50,000 now.  What a bargain.  BUT - what ticked me off - the price to clone a CAT is only $25,000.  Seems like some canine discrimination if you ask me.

Clones are basically genetic twins.  BUT just because Cujo LOOKS like Cujo - their persnalities may be completely diferent.

While the IDEA of preserving a cherished pet may seem appealing, let's face it - each one of us IS unique and that's what makes us so special.  While humans have a hole in their heart when they lose a dog,  the arrival of a new canine kid takes up a new place in their heart.  My human said there will never, ever be another me.  "Thank goodness".   I think she was joking.  Actually, I think she should get clones of all three of us.  Now.  Wouldn't THAT be a circus?

Have a good one.  It's FRIDAY! Peace and paws up!

It has arrived...

It has arrived.  Well not officially, but we have had a sampling.  What am I talking about? Winter.  Well, winter weather.  Now I know that some folks have already experienced snow - but it was our first taste Tuesday morning.  And taste it we did.  My human took us out and while it was JUST a dusting on the lawn, we had to sample it.  Nothing quite like fresh snow!  As long as it's not yellow.

My human is NOT ready for winter.  She had to search for her mittens And she began to panic because she has not put the snow tires on Ludwig yet.  Not that she REALLY had to worry with the snow we had on Tuesday - it didn't amount to much and was gone by lunch time.  Still - it was a wake up call for what lies ahead!

To get you in the wintry mood, check out the attached snow dogs videos.  The first with some Bernese puppies is beyond cute...
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e859wGiFnFg

 And this one is a compilation of different dogs.  I must say, I felt sorry for some of those guys on ice...
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEutxAiytww

And then we have this gem, which I believe I have shared before.  Einstein and I in our crazy snow suits.  Looking like VERY strange creatures...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0p3YOESsQs

 And this one of the FG last winter with the snow zoomies:
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyNxZdIeRGA

And of course, I MUST share some of my favorite snow pictures.  Ever.  Including one of Baby Pax...

So that's your intro to snow.  Might as well get used to it if you live in any northern climate.   It's that - or move to Florida.  And trust me, once the shoveling begins, I KNOW we will be hearing my human suggesting that!

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up!

Faith. And Alyse.

Well time for a good news story for a change.  And it took place here in Nova Scotia.

A local breeder of Samoyeds went to the World Dog Show in Germany last week.  I don't know if she was showing a dog - or if she was there as a spectator - but it was obviously a BIG trip.  Unfortunately, while she was away, two of her Samoyeds - a 7 year old and a 3 year old by the names of Faith and Alyse, went on the lam.  Poof.  They disappeared.  I don't know the details of how it happened, but I do know that an APB (All points bulletin) was put out on NUMEROUS social media sites - including the Lost Dog Network.  People combed the rural farmlands where the dogs live - and there were no sightings.  People put up posters.  Everywhere.  And no doubt, their human was crushed.  Several days went by - with no sightings.  There were rumors they could have been stolen.  Or they got away and were shot by hunters. Things were looking pretty bleak.

And then - like in some Disney movie, along came Amy.  Amy is a rural mail delivery person who drives a postal van to deliver her parcels and had seen one of the many signs that had been posted for the lost dogs.  And as she was going about her job, she spotted two not-so-white-now Samoyeds along her route.  She got out of her vehicle and enticed the pair with a rice crispie treat, and in a friendly but firm voice, instructed them to get in her van.  And they did.  And then Amy delivered one of THE best packages EVER to one very appreciative human.

HOW GREAT IS THAT?!   Talk about good mail service!   So two escapees were reunited with their human.  And all it took was faith - and an angel named Amy.

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up!

Frost

So yesterday morning, we actually let my human sleep in. Mind you, her flight didn’t get in until late and by the time she walked in the door it was well after midnight.  After giving us hugs and taking us out for pees and giving us treats – well it was 1:30 by the time she went to bed.  So we decided not to get her up at 5.  We let her sleep in until around 6:30.

By the time we got rolling, it was light outside so we could go for an extra long walk – up the public trail.  It was also VERY frosty – my human thought it was the coldest morning of the season – but she wasn’t here last week to know this is not new.  But we love the crisp mornings – with a light sparkly glow of frost on the plants.  

So glowing, frosty plants spell one thing in our world.  Photos.  My human HAD to capture some close-up photos of the tiny frost diamonds.  Now Einstein and I are fairly patient while she takes some shots of fauna.  We use it as an opportunity to sniff and explore.  Within leash range. So she managed to get a few shots...

  I was not as excited about the photo of us. I mean who wants to sit and take photos on such a crisp day.  But she did manage to get a shot of two of us cranky looking PONs.

Then it was the FG’s turn to go out.  Well I’m here to tell you that obtaining a closeup shot of any type of fauna is next to IMPOSSIBLE with him.  Every time my human would stop and bend over to take a shot, he had to walk wherever she was aiming her phone.  And attempt to pee on the subject matter.  Or he would pull her – and she would get shots like the following.  

She finally abandoned her attempts to get photos with him along – why she thought she could get any is beyond me.  Mind you she did get one or two.

We had several games of fetch and lots of belly rubs yesterday.  It was a GOOD day.

Today she is back to the bad 4 letter word. W-O-R-K.  We heard the whole speech about making money to buy dog food and treats, yadayada. We’ll assume our role as guard dogs.  Good thing she only has to work 4 days this week!

Anyway, I hope your day is crisp – and take a minute to explore the wonder of the world around you.  Before some dog pees on it.

Have a good one. Peace and paws up!

Home sweet home

She’s BACK!!!! And while we had a great time with our sitters, we were happy to see our human return .  For a few minutes . Until we realized that she had no guilt gifts.  Seriously.  Yeah, yeah she SAID she tried and apparently has colleagues who will testify to her efforts – but who knew the were no really cool pet shops around the convention centre.  Or around the places she went sight seeing.  I’m still not sure how she managed to do sight seeing while at a conference – but she ASSURED me it was legal.  She even went in a store that had the following foot stool for sale- and thought we might enjoy it- but figured she couldn’t carry it on the plane…

Anyway, we will forgive her.  Because we really ARE glad she is home.  And get this – the sitters said we were well behaved!   No stealing of cell phones ( like I did once with our old sitter – no wonder she retired from dog sitting), no fights ( not that we ever really have any big fights) and we didn’t steal any human meals.  So we were honestly on our best behaviour!  How boring is that?!  

We all barked and jumped for joy when my human came in.  Elroy actually screamed ( he was in his pony sized crate when she got home) and he nearly took her out when she let him loose.  But she survived.

She  is  off today – so we have have lots of time for walks – and games of fetch.  No sleeping in because of the time difference for her – we have things to do!

Have a good one.  We plan to.  Peace and paws up!

Tongue twisters

So according to the crazy calendar, today is Tongue Twister day.  Tongue twisters are basically statements or a list of words, which, when spoken quickly and repeatedly, get all mixed up.  I did a search for tongue twisters that have SOMETHING to do with dogs – and here are two I found:

A big black bug bit a big black dog on his big black nose.

If a dog chews shoes, whose shoes does he choose?

And here are some I wrote:

Pick a perfect playful Picard puppy.

The shy sheepdog shook his shaggy short tail.

The sweet sheepdog surfed for sugar.

 Rapid rabbits run recklessly.

I’m not sure what a tongue twister would be for us dogs...wood roof wood roof wood roof?

My human is on her way home today! We have had a great time with the sitter and neither she nor her partner had to visit the emergency room so that is a good sign.  We would welcome them again. We’ll see if they’re ever want to come back and just how much they share with my human…

Have a good one. Peace and paws up!

I 

Remembrance

My human is still away, but I decided I could repeat some of my blog from the past - because today is an important day in many countries around the world.  It’s a day that we remember and honor those men and women and even canines who have served their countries in times of war – and during peacekeeping times as well.   We call today Remembrance or Veteran’s Day.

In the dog show world, the term veteran is used to describe an older dog.  In the human world, the term Veteran means so much more.  

Veterans are very, very special.  They defended our rights and our liberties and without them, many of us would not enjoy the freedoms that we do today.  

 

The poppy has become a symbol of this day with its connection to the poem "In Flanders Fields." The poppies bloomed across many of the battlefields of WW I - and they became symbolic of the blood shed on those fields.

While we have this special day to honor Veterans, we really need to keep them in our minds and hearts all year round.  We also know that due to the often unthinkable challenges of war time service, many Veterans have after effects – known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.  As I understand it can be a difficult condition, not only affecting the Veteran, but family members of the Veteran as well – who see their need for help.  And that’s where, in some cases, we canines can come in.  We can work as Service Dogs to help Veterans suffering from PTSD.  We are specially trained and  we can detect when someone is feeling anxious or depressed or provide comfort if someone is having nightmares.  We provide a service that is often life-saving.

When you look for websites and organizations that provide dogs to Veterans, it seems that there are a number of options.  I even found one group in the US that has Veterans training the dogs to serve other Veterans.  Now that seems like an excellent idea.  Because I can’t research each organization right now, I’m reluctant to post a particular group – and I’m sure that many countries have at least one or two options.  I urge you to research this – and consider supporting such programs for these men and women who have given so much for you.  It’s a wonderful way to say thanks… 

It’s my humans last day at her “conference.”  I sure hope she took time to do some guilt shopping…

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up….

Dog shows

So there  is a big event going on in Germany right now and until November 12.  It’s called the World Dog Show.  And as the name implies, dogs from all over the globe will be competing- with an entry of over 31,000 dogs.  My human has been to Crufts and while it has always had the biggest show, it seems the WDS is bigger than Crufts was this year – as Crufts had an entry of 22,000.  Now before all the Crufts lovers get their leashes wrapped around a tree – please understand that my human LOVES Crufts.  She has been 4 times.  And as she sees it, it’s the grand dog of big dog shows.  It’s held in the U.K. each  year in March – in Birmingham - and  has been held since 1891.  That’s a lot of history.  The WDS is the new pup on the block – as it started in 1971.  It is held in a different country each year and as far as I can tell, the dates for when it is held change from year to year. Next year it will be held in Amsterdam in August.

In The US, the biggest show held each year is the AKC/Eukanuba Championship which started in 2001.  The entry for that show is around 3,400 dogs. Probably the best known show in the US is Westminster – the grant dog of American shows held in New York City each year in February. It started in 1877, and last year the entry was around 2900 dogs. 

The World Dog show is held under the FCI - the Fédération Cynologique Internationale– an international federation of kennel clubs– which places all breeds of dogs into 10 groups. In North America we have 7 groups with PONs and Picards in the herding group.  In the FCI, we are in the Sheepdog and Cattledog group – and they will be judged on Saturday.

If you would like to see the World show, check out this link to watch it on your computer:

http://www.wds2017.de/en/home/

I’m sure my human will take time out from her conference to watch. Sure she will. It will be her last day there – so she’ll likely be at the beach.  Or in Hollywood searching for movie stars.  She’ll watch the results later if they are on-line.

I’ve been to a number of shows locally,  and personally, while the ribbons are nice, I prefer shopping at the booths. I wonder what the shopping is like in Germany….Good luck to all the dogs competing - and as you humans know, you always bring the best dog home with you!

Meanwhile, here at home, we continue to behave.  I WAS a bit restless the first night, but since then, I’ve been good.  And both sitters have are still alive -so all is well.  I just hope the guilt gifts are going to be good…

Have a good one! Peace and paws up!

Sitters and stuff

So my human left us  and promised she would bring back extra great treats. Let’s just say she had better come home with SOMETHING for us. Get this – she went all the way to California!  And there is more to the sitter story. We don’t have one sitter.  We have two.   The girl from our vet clinic is here and she has her partner with her.  He’s a very nice guy. Elroy tried desperately to bowl him over when he arrived.  Thank goodness he likes dogs!!!!

So far we haven’t eaten or destroyed anything.    They are being super nice to us – and they send updates to my human.  And guess what my human did the first night she arrived at this “conference?”  She went out to dinner – with a PON friend! She met this friend last year through this weirdo World Wide Web – and they found out that they not only work in similar fields – but they are PON people. Kind of like a cult.  People who have the same breeds will find each other – no matter where they are. And then they get together and sit and talk about us.  And they extol our virtues AND our bad habits.  Although my human said she was the one talking more about bad stuff for some odd reason…. Anyway, they met last year at this conference for the first time – and now they are BFFs. She hasn’t found a Picard person at this conference yet – but knowing her, she’ll find somebody in California who is owned by one! Then last night she had dinner with a friend who is owned by a Saint Bernard.  She better not be planning to get one of THOSE.  Talk about olfactory art on the windows.  Walls.  Floor.  Ceiling…..

Well time to get the sitters up.  And send my human a reminder about guilt gifts…

Have a good one. Peace and paws up!

Instavikgram

So my human started something new on this world wide web thing.  Well - she didn't START it - she just joined it.  It's called Instagram.  My take on it is that you post a picture, add some weirdo line with the picture and you share it with the world.  And if you share it with the 79 million other people who post dog photos, some people you don't even KNOW will look at your pictures.  And then they "follow" you.  It's kind of creepy if you ask me. 

My human's photos are surprisingly mostly of us dogs.  Go figure.  That and nature stuff. 

I think I may start my own Instagram account.  And here are some examples of the kinds of things I will post.

Bet I can get more followers than my human...Or heck - maybe I'll start my very own webpage that ONLY dogs can use.  Instavikgram.  I like it.  Now have to have to figure out how to use Twitter.  Seems ANYONE can use it...

Have a good one!   Peace and paws up!!!

Bunnies. And the suitcase...

According to the crazy calendar - today is Hug a Bear Day.  For us it would be "destroy a bear day."  We know that plush animals in this household have a short lifespan.  Even our beloved bunny has to be guarded - or he could easily become an amputee.  Like the last one...

We had not played Find the Bunny in quite some time, so when my human pulled him out the other night, we all went mad.  Of course, I had to play first - because she could not stand my screaming if someone else played first.  I was a very good bunny finder. 6 for 6 tries.  However, I am not so keen about giving the bunny back.  UNLESS there is a treat - then I'm good.  After I played, it was Einstein's turn.  The spectators are sequestered in the front hall where they can study the proceedings.  And some of the hiding places.  And frankly, I think THAT'S how Einstein found the bunny SO quickly each time.  He remembered the hiding spots by watching me.  He even got a few EXTRA turns - he was SO fast.  And then it was the FG's turn.  Ah yes.  The comic relief.  He is AWESOME at waiting in one room while my human goes to hide the bunny in another room.  When she tells him to sit and wait he throws himself into a sit.  It's kind of hard to describe - but he gets SO excited.  And when he is finally told to "Find the Bunny" - well furniture moves.  He races to the other room.  And he is good at finding the bunny.  BUT - he does NOT come back with the bunny.  My human has to go after him.  He figures it is his prize - and he couldn't care less about a measly treat.  He would rather toss the bunny in the air.  And RUN with it.  
 
My human took us out for our walks EXTRA early this morning....and let's face it - we SAW the suitcase.  We actually heard her spill the beans on the phone the other night - she is off to a "conference."  But don't worry, even though she is gone, I'll still manage to write my blog - I'll see if the dog sitter can help me.  Or I can always ask Einstein to help me - but the blog will be much more serious - he's just not a funny guy.  Smart.  Good bunny finder.  But he just doesn't have MY comedic side.

I guess we'll have to behave for the sitter....say a prayer for her...

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up!

Basketball

Today is November 6 and according to the crazy calendar it is Basketball Day.  And the reason it is today is because it is the birthday of James Naismith – the inventor of the game – who just so happens to be Canadian.  So when I saw it was his birthday, I of course decided to see if he liked dogs.  Well I guess he did.  So much so that he reportedly took his collie,Roderick, along on his honeymoon- sailing along the New England coast and up to Nova Scotia.  His new wife was apparently not too impressed because both she and Roderick were seasick for a good part of the journey.  Apparently on a train trip after the voyage, James spent several hours with Roderick in the baggage compartment so he wouldn’t be lonely.  So I guess James really DID like dogs…and no wonder his wife didn’t.

I found a  video of some basketball-playing dogs.  Unfortunately there is no PON or Picard…

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=iuyuefXtb0I

I love to play fetch – so the idea of just dropping a ball in a hoop and letting go is not my idea of fun.  But I suppose if there are treats involved, I COULD learn to play. Maybe.

Well after all my human’s efforts to help me avoid a seizure with the time change,  things didn’t work out as planned. I unfortunately had a seizure yesterday morning.  The first one in almost a month.  Drat.  Paws crossed it was just the time change.

Time to get moving here.  We tried to get my human up yesterday, but she insisted we had an extra hour.  Not today.

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up!

Dog sitter????

Good day.  Hopefully you remembered to turn back your clock last night - or you are up EXTRA early.

My human was TOTALLY stressed out yesterday - trying to figure out HOW she would give me my  medication with the time change.  You would think she was figuring out some MAJOR scientific equation.  If I take my pills every 12 hours - at 7 AM and 7 PM, and we now have an "extra" hour in the day, WHEN do I take my pills?  She had reams of paper with times on it.  OK.  Maybe not REAMS - but enough to give her a headache.  Clearly, math was NOT her major in university.  She didn't want me to change my routine by a full hour immediately, so she had to figure out how she could do it in 15 minute increments.  That probably makes NO sense - BUT if she figured it out correctly, I will be taking my pills tonight exactly 12 hours since my previous pill and the time on the clock will be 7PM.  Don't ask me what that means - but she will be happy - and that's all that matters.

AND.  Besides the medication challenge, SOMETHING else is going on.  It began early yesterday morning with a cleaning frenzy.  A cleaning frenzy means one of three things.  Someone is coming for a quick visit.  OR there is going to be a party at our house.  OR Someone is coming to STAY.  All I know is that a young woman who works at our Vet clinic arrived yesterday afternoon.  Before she got here, my human said we needed to behave...

We were on the deck when she came in.  My human proceeded to show her around the house.  THEN she let us in.  We greeted her with much barking, and the FG tried his best to knock her over.  My human had left the door to the master bedroom open, and the FG spotted it.  He RACED into the bedroom and launched himself onto the bed.  Then he raced into the bathroom.  5 seconds later he was launching himself onto the bed again.  He was OVER-THE-TOP wild.  Then my human wanted to show her our property.  She put the FG back on the deck.  She took Einstein and me out with them - but we were not on leash.  So GUESS what happened??  You guessed it. Yours truly TOOK OFF.   My human tried to remain calm - and simply explained to the young woman why I need to stay on a leash.  At ALL times.  About 5 minutes later I came RACING down the driveway.  My human GLARED at me.  Ah yes.  We were clearly NOT making a good impression....

Anyway, the young woman left after about an hour.  My GUESS is that she may be our new dog sitter.  The one we always had for many years, (and LOVED),  retired due to a health issue.  The girl we had last November was mysteriously booked up.  At least that's what she SAID. 

So it seems this girl will be our new sitter.  Given all the cleaning that went on yesterday, I am guessing this is going to happen pretty soon.  But I haven't seen any suitcases yet...unless my human  is hiding them in the closet.  That's what she did the last time - so we wouldn't know until the last minute.  All I know is that she better be going somewhere that has REALLY good dog treat stores...

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up!

Robot dog

OK.  Now here is a story that I just HAVE to comment about.  It seems Sony has produced a dog robot with artificial intelligence.  The dog barks, sits, gives paw, and can apparently investigate and analyze the environment with  sensors to determine what a human wants.  And you can have one at the bargain price of $2, 200 CDN.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/aibo-sony-artificial-intelligence-robot-dog-pet-1.4384007

Really?  I mean REALLY?  How could anyone compare that to a REAL dog?  Can he retreive?  Guard the house?  Fertilize your lawn?  Countersurf?  And what happens when the batteries run out?  Or maybe you just plug him in every night.  And so you have a power outage - and you no longer have your dog.

Admittedly you don't have to feed him.  And it looks like grooming would be pretty easy.   He doesn't look like he would be all that cuddliy.  Imagine sleeping with him.

I'm thinking his repertroire of behaviors is pretty limited.  How BORING would THAT be?  Can he chase a rabbit?   And disappear in the woods?

Hey - here's an idea.   We should get one - and teach him all of  OUR behaviors.   Now wouldn't THAT be fun?!  Stealing things.  Chewing carpet.  Barking incessantly.  Mind you - it would all come to a sad end when Elroy would dash down with him into the lake....If we didn't destroy him before then.

Stick with the REAL DEAL

Have a good one. Pease and paws up!

How cliché

 

November 3.  And it's cliché day. Clichés are common overused expressions that often lose the meaning for which they were originally intended.  So you KNOW I have to create my OWN version of some common clichés.

• Don't get your knickers in a twist.  MY version:  Don't wrap your leash around a tree.
• As the crow flies.  MY version: As the Picard runs.
• Count your blessings.  MY version: Count your treats.  
• You can run, but you can't hide.   MY version:  You can run, but she'll still find you.
• Actions speak louder than words.  MY version:  FRODO speaks louder than words.  
• The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.  MY version:  The grass is always greener where we dogs didn't pee. 
• The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.  MY version:  The ball doesn't fall far from the PON.
• The writing is on the wall.  MY version:  The dog goobers are on the windows.

And then let's add some dog clichés with photos.  Enjoy:

Have a good one!  Peace and paws up!