Does Your Dog Talk to You? If Not.....Why Not?

Any dog owner will tell you that anyone can learn the language of DOG very quickly.  All you have to do is learn to listen. They enunciate clearly.  Having that type of relationship with your fur friend is also difficult because you always know when it is time for them to cross the Rainbow Bridge.  I believe they prepare us for their final good-bye.  

We have rescued more than two dozen dogs over the course of many years and it is never easy to say good-bye.  It doesn't matter if they were with us for a couple of years or close to twenty.  I dread the day each time as I realize it is getting closer.   But I will never allow my dogs to suffer by keeping them alive for my selfish reasons.  My dogs talk to me and if you are prepared to listen then you will be able to talk to them as well.

Rescue dogs make the best pets.  They communicate their appreciation of being rescued in a variety of ways.  Mostly you see it in their eyes but their actions speak louder than any human words.  Their constant need to have you in their sight or touching you while they sleep are a couple of ways they let you know how much they love you.  

Does Your Dog's Breath Make You Want to Run Away?

For those of you who like the lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer and the heat that goes with it -- I hope you are seriously enjoying this one.  There is little I like about summer which I shared in my post this time last year.  For a smile, read 10 Reasons Why I Would Like to Skip Summer.  This year is no different except we are not having the wild fires on the North West Coast.
                                                                                                                                                                                       







What I do enjoy about summer is seeing the grandkids more often and watching them enjoy their summer activities. William loves to go fishing with his daddy and has learned all aspects of fishing including driving the boat.

I May Be A Small Dog But I Dream Big

I come from strong stock.  I may be small in stature but I have always dreamed big.  When I dream, it is not only what I think about when I am awake, but also when I am asleep.  If I set my mind to something, you better believe that I will do it.  I am a very determined character.  Here I am with my big sister, Mercedez who went away last year and I miss her so much.

Dreams Do Come True

Even when I was very young, I knew that I wanted to be a husband and father and I never gave up hope that I would meet the perfect girl.  When I laid eyes on that Mexican senorita, I knew she was the one for me.

And the Winner is....

Big brother told his mom
If you don't give me a sister
Put it back!

Aubrie Jeanne born February 13, 2016, 8 pounds, 14 ounces is a little miracle addition to our family. Aubrie's grandma (yours truly) was a miracle baby, Aubrie's mommy was a miracle baby and now little Aubrie is a miracle as well. Every life born is a miracle in the truest sense of the word, but when doctors say it cannot happen and everything goes wrong......what a miracle indeed.  

 Less than an hour old -- yet with ATTITUDE

And the winner is..........

If it's Not a Sister, Put it Back, Mommy

"Mommy, if you have a boy instead of a sister for me, send it back."  

Daughter Rochelle was having her monthly pre-natal exam when three-year-old William made it exquisitely clear he only wants a sister.  Looking closely at mommy's belly button during the exam he asked the doctor, "Is that the baby's penis coming out?"

So, the pressure is on to produce one baby of the female gender. Last month, several of you put in your guess for gender, date of birth and weight.  Here is the newest ultrasound picture.  The contest is still running.  Rochelle is due in February.  Please tell me what you think......gender, date and weight.

Is There Ever A Bad Time For Good News?

When everything seems to be going wrong do you quit?  Or do you think it may be going wrong because it is worth persevering?  I had to make this decision last week when I got THE phone call. Before I can adequately share that story please read this one about the two long-haired Dachshunds we were trying to adopt and why it was so important.....

The hoops we had to jump through trying to adopt these two dogs were much like the hurdles we encountered when adopting our son.  But these were DOGS.  I understand the agencies need to be sure their rescues are going to good homes but this seemed a bit over the top.  We had to send pictures of each room in our home and all parts of the yard. This was to determine if we had a dog friendly home.  We had to have several personal and professional references. Any vets we had previously used would need to contacted. This was a problem because after we switched to a raw diet for our dogs, we no longer needed veterinary services.  The only time we used a vet in the past few years was when Texas was attacked by the Bull Mastiff.

Rescue dogs are a breed of their own.  I believe they are fully aware that they were given away or thrown away or neglected.  They are the most loyal dogs; hands down.

The Good, The Bad, The Funny, The Sad

Many of you will agree with me and wonder what happened to January.  Wasn't it just Christmas?  This is our monthly Fly On The Wall post where bloggers share their goings-on in their homes over the past month -- the Good, the Bad and sometimes the Ugly!  Along with the Funny and the Sad.

In the past three months we have lost three dogs.  Two of them were my daughters, Dakota and Willow, and then we lost our 18 year old Texas, the sunshine of my hubby's life.
For that tear-jerking yet heart-warming story click here.

Most of you will remember the posts I have written about Mercedez, my black Lab.  After Texas died, I wondered if Mercedez would make it through another month.  She has grieved deeply with each buddy she lost.  Although she is in good health, with a beautiful shiny coat, she is definitely slowing down -- especially this past month.

Can Dogs Have Dementia?

Do you know if dogs can get dementia?  Sometimes in the middle of the night I will find her standing in the hallway staring at the walls.  It is like she does not know where she is or why.

Sorry But Your Husband Has Irreversible Brain Damage

I remember the first time I heard those words.  It was unexpected.  "We're sorry but there is nothing more we can do."

Doctors are supposed to fix what ails you.  In my twenties, I was told I had two years to live if I didn't have a hysterectomy.  It is 40 years later and I'm still here.  I had a baby.  So, even though these words about my husband were terrifying, I knew there had to be another way.  I'd find the answer. We could fix him.  Click here for that story.

In 1995 my husband was waiting in an intersection to make a left-hand turn.  The guy in the big truck making a left-hand turn from the opposite direction.... didn't see him and hit him head-on.  He blamed the sun. 

 

Do You Believe In Fate?

I heard something.  I stopped cold in my tracks.  Was I being followed?  A shiver crept up my spine.  I took another step and heard it again.  What was that?  It sounded like a whimper but was ever so faint, perhaps it was being muffled.  

The fresh morning snow was forming a blanket covering the brown soil and debris on the forest floor.  The season's first snow fall always reminded me of new beginnings.  I wanted to walk in the quietness of the early morning before anything could disturb my thoughts.  I loved making new tracks in the snow where nothing had been before.  

Heartbreaking Obituary For Our Beloved Dog - R.I.P. Texas

Name:  Texas, a.k.a. Texie Mexie, Texas Mexas, Big Guy, Mama's Boy and Poopy Pants
Age:  18 years old
Date of Birth:  August 27, 1996
Date of Death:  December 29, 2014

Preceded in death by:  Teslin, wife

Survived by:  Son, Louis Vuitton
                        Daughter-in-law, Lily
                        Granddaughter,  Lola
                        Numerous other children 
                                     Texas sired many litters

Texas

Sister Mercedez and Son Louis Vuitton

Lola, Granddaughter

Lily, Daughter-In-Law

But there is so much more to Texas' life than these details. Many of you have met Texas in other blog posts about this unique, incredibly strong, feisty, beautiful dog.

Follow Your Dream or One Crazy Miniature Dachshund

When Inderpreet Kaur Uppal requested that I guest post on her blog, she was specific.  She asked me to share what motivated me to write my memoir.  That was easy!  A crazy miniature Dachshund named Louis Vuitton was responsible for inspiring me to share my story.

 
It was a difficult but therapeutic journey requiring me to visit places in my past where I never wanted to go again.  The struggles I endured through life would make most people roll over and quit.  But through them all, I gained incredible strength and my memoir has become an encouragement for many.

I thoroughly enjoy guest posting as it is a great opportunity to gain a new audience and new friends.  Last month  Inderpreet Kaur Uppal did a guest post on my blog of her views on marriage and relationships.  Although we are half a world apart, our views are very similar.  Her post can be read here.  A Friend Indeed

We met on a blogging challenge last Spring and I have grown to appreciate her as a blogger and friend.  She is a freelance writer, blogger, editor and lecturer.  She has a Masters Degree in Human Resources Management.  She loves to read and travel.  Her blog posts are a range of subjects from lifestyle to book reviews.  She blogs at  Eloquent Articulation.  

There are no excuses -- Follow Your Dreams

 

I know you will enjoy this humorous and remarkable story of one very special dog.  Please connect with me on Inderpreet's blog and comment here..... or there or BOTH.  I will answer in both places.   Here is the story:  Follow Your Dream

I Ain't Dead Yet

Looking at my little Dachshund today, I can't believe he is getting so old.  It was just yesterday when he was a puppy.  He will be 18 years old this year and I know it won't be long before we will have to say good-bye.

I Ain't Dead Yet

In the evenings, he is pretty stiff.  When I ask him if he wants to go outside he just looks at me as if to say, "You're kidding, right?  I was just getting comfortable."

Can You Say 'No' To Those Soft Brown Eyes?

It caught my eye.  Normally, I scan the local newspaper and don't even notice the classifieds, but today was different.  She caught my eye.  

Find Out What's In Dog Food NOW

If you love your dog, and I am sure you do or you would not be reading this post, then please consider feeding your best friend a natural food diet.   

Battered Hope - A Memoir to Remember

When my daughter turned 16, she went on a trip for fourteen days and left me with her new puppy, a miniature Dachshund. This little guy named Louis Vuitton was one intelligent dog. I made notes of his escapades and took pictures during this two-week stay.

I May Be A Small Dog - But I Dream Big

I come from strong stock.  I may be small in stature but I have always dreamed big.  When I dream, it is not only what I think about when I am awake, but also when I am asleep.  If I set my mind to something, you better believe that I will do it.  I am a very determined character.

Dreams Do Come True

Even when I was very young, I knew that I wanted to be a husband and father and I never gave up hope that I would meet the perfect girl.  When I laid eyes on that Mexican senorita, I knew she was the one for me. She did not disappoint and we were able to raise a family together.

The Miniature Dachshund Who Started Me On My Journey To Become An Author

Books. So many warm thoughts are evoked when I think of that word. It is exciting to plan your date with the book you want to read and then take the time to sit in a quiet place and shut out the world you are living in to enter another world you choose to go.