Things worth learning from our dogs:

• When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
• Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
• Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
• Take naps.
• Stretch before rising.
• Run, romp, and play daily.
• Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
• Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
• On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
• On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
• When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
• Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
• Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough.
• Be loyal. Never pretend to be something you're not.
• If what you want is buried, dig until you find it.
• When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.
• Be always grateful for each new day.

A Perfect Low Tide

Friday was one of those special days you remember for a long time. Not only was it a full moon week, which of course means low tide for me and the dogs, but it was a beautiful day all around. The best low tide this month was -1' just around sunset. As an extra special treat it was sunny, beautiful, and warm. The last whisper of Indian Summer was saying a very sweet "good-bye", and boy was I glad I had my camera.

I had some fun with my favorite photos of the day.
Hope you enjoy!!

Click on the image to enjoy the large view.

Red Dingo Dog ID Tags - They are beyond gorgeous!!!

The "proof is always in the pudding" and boy is this pudding sweet!!!

I just ordered these new engraved dog tags made by Red Dingo at DogGoneGood. Boy are they beautiful!! This is the "large" size ID tag and the color selection is the "dark blue".

There are 9 beautiful colors to choose from and 8 different graphic patterns to select as well. They have cat collar size tags and special cat only graphics as well!!

I got the "bone" for Shelby and the "flower" from Nutmeg. You can engrave up to 5 lines of text. I obviously edited out our personal information on the back of Nutmegs but I wanted you to see how nice the engraving is. These are no cheap-os either when it comes to durability. They are thicker then just about three quarters and are beautifully polished and smooth rounded at the edge. You just want to hold them in your hand. I may pick up another one to use on my key ring they are so nice.

This is a "go out and get it right away," especially if you are as tired as I was of the virtually disposable ones you can get at Petsmart or Petco.

And the best part is that they are just $12 each. I'd have probably paid way more than that for something this nice!!

For my faithful few fellow bloggers:
Please share this with your other blog readers.
Trust me they are that good!!!

The "naked walk"

The first perfect morning walk ...
two beautiful Yellow Labradors;
leash free, collar free naked dogs;
a beautiful sunny Monday morning.

I hope you enjoy the recent collection of pictures!!
With the my iPhone always at my side I have been able to capture more pictures of the dogs.

Sunday morning with Mom

Because every Yellow Labrador looks better in purple!!


Sunday morning sleeping in with Mom.

Now that's one happy girl!

At the lake ...

Yes, that's Nutmeg out in the lead, at least in this picture.

The perfect reflection.

Final tug of war.

"Come on Dad, throw it alright already!"

Just for fun!

Click the picture for a larger image.

All good things come to those who wait

I knew this day would come.

I knew this day was possible.

I knew I couldn't give up hope.

Looking into his eyes, despite the fact they were adolescent eyes, I knew one day I would be writing this blog post. And today's the day!

Tonight for the first time Shelby and I walked all the way around the block with no leash. I was so proud of him!! Yes, he still pushes the limits on how far away from me he wants to jog ahead, but he was able to be checked with voice commands. We had two encounters with three others dogs out for walks, granted they were across the street on the opposite sidewalk, but still ... !

In the past there would have been no holding him, or shutting him up for that matter. (See previous post "Surviving Puppy Adolescence")

Yet there he was this evening prancing at my side with a yip and whine or two, (maybe it was three - anything is better than the incessant barking fits he'd go into) and he was quick to check in with me with those loving attentive eyes turned up to me as if to say, "look, look, look mom - other dogs!!" I couldn't help but smile in admiration!!


So here he is now in the evening shadows of my office - 13 months later. And I couldn't be more proud of him. That's my boy!!

It was time for change

So as you can see, I've updated the post column top picture. Here it is on the right for those of you who catch us on your favorite RSS feed aggregator.

Although I liked the previous picture it was time for a change. I really like this new one. It is one of my favorite recent pictures from this summer. There's such a happy feeling to it. They are both running at full speed, ocean air blowing on their "slip stream" features, big smiles on both their beautiful faces as they grin from ear to ear. With a closer look you'll see that they each only have one foot on the ground as they sprint back to us with the ball.

Every time we decide to drive out to the beach I think that I just barely beat them at wanting to get there as absolutely fast as possible. Nutmeg, who is fondly been named "Miss Wiggles" gets to wiggling from tip to tail. Shelby trembles with excitement for the the last five miles it takes to get to our favorite final destination. I'm sure you get the picture!

Even though the previous picture was of the beach it was taken up along the Mendocino coast and was not as clear a picture as the new one so it was easy to make the switch. For posterity sake I'm including it here for the eventual archive history it will become a part of.


Here's hoping you, my few faithful readers, have some awesome memories of your own that you had the pleasure of sharing with your canine "children" this summer.

Cheers,

"Sunshine"

Only time will tell - 2

Well so far so good ...

We had some good rain just after I spread out the enzyme deodorizer. That usually will set off Shelby on a "I'm not peeing there" fit. With two dogs using the same area you can imagine how the area can smell. However, not this time. Then today my husband raked off some of the early fall leaves that were beginning to cover their "business" area. Usually stirring up the rocks, especially when they are wet, will set off a pretty good nose tickle. Once again, not this time.

Here are some other things that we've noticed. Where some of the water solution that hit the fence it did not leave a stain or a residue on the wood, granted it's 30+ years old. Also the concrete driveway got some of the over spray. Now it no longer shows any of the stains left from where Shelby often "signs his name". At least that's what my husband calls it when he swirls the last of a stream off the rocks onto the driveway in what appears like a fancy cursive "S".

So far the "Yard Odor Killer", made by "NaturVet" is working well. A big thumbs up form us for now!!

Only time will tell

I know I've mentioned before that our dogs have been trained to "do their business" no a path of pea gravel rocks that runs half the length of our drive way behind the gate. You can imagine after two years now how that path of rocks can smell on a hot day.

With winter rains just around the corner my attention turned once again to that area as Shelby will really "cop-a-tude" about peeing there when the rocks are wet. The smell must be too much for his hyper-sensitive hunter's nose. It becomes a real battle to get him to go in a timely manner. This can be trying to one's patience when it's cold, raining, late, or all of the above.

I just found a new product today that I really hope works, it's called: "Yard Odor Killer" and is made by "NaturVet." Here's the description from their website:

Product Description:

Tired of lingering urine and stool odor left behind by your dog or any stray dog that happens into your yard?

Yard Odor Killer effectively eliminates stool and urine odors instantly. This is not a masking agent and is safe to use around children, plants, grass, and pets. Simply attach any standard garden hose to the special nozzle and spray away. Covers up to 15,000 square feet. Great for use on grass, plants, shrubs, patios, patio furniture, kennels, dog runs, swing sets, fences, block walls or any other surface where odors arise due to pets.

Active Ingredient:
Alkyl Dimethyl Benzylammonium Chloride.

I found it today at one of my local independent pet supply stores. As it was recommended by the owner of a dog board and kennel I really hope it works. One of the things that convinced me it was worth a try is that it is safe around plants. In other words, it will not leave harmful residues in the ground or harm the neighbors plants on the other side of the fence.

I'll let you know how it works. If anyone has tried any other products with the same intent in mind I'd love to hear what worked for you. So, send a "tail wag" our way!

A little off topic - but I know you won't mind!!

There are very few times that I have veered off topic here on this blog as my purpose with this blog is to tell you about my experiences raising my dogs.

But I love KT Tunstall and this video is awesome!! In a way for me it comes back to the whole blog theme in that we need to "Hold On", to the moments we have each day with our "best friends" as the nothing stays as it is forever.

I hope you enjoy!!!