Friday, May 31, 2013

Follow-up Friday: Dog Book, Dog Treats, Dog Ticks

I'm happy to be joining Heart Like a Dog in the follow-up Friday blog hop again this week.  This is the blog hop that lets you wrap up your week and leads you right into the weekend.  Hosted by FUF creator, Jodi at Heart Like a dog and co-hosted this week by Misty Shores Chesapeakes.

So far it has been too cool and rainy to do any real swimming at our house, but maybe that's a good thing!  While we've been waiting for the sun to shine, I've been online window shopping doggie life jackets for Rosie because I'm sure she's going to love it.  However, I'm glad to have stumbled on this blog post from Life in the Dog Lane about Swimmer's Tail in Dogs before we took our first dip in the pool this year.  I'd never heard of it.  It is real and if you have a pool and your dogs swim with you in it, you better check it out!

Live within traveling distance to Kansas City?  One of my favorite places, Wayside Waifs has been selected as one of 50 shelters in the US to compete in the ASPCA/Rachael Ray $100K Challenge.  Wayside's goal is to adopt 1,831 animals by August 31, 2013 and win the cash.  To kick off their efforts, Wayside Waifs is having an "Adopting Around the Clock" event beginning tonight at midnight.  All adoptions are just $25.



Wiener Dog Song: Dog Song Saturday
Just have to say... if you love wiener dogs, you should watch this Doxie dog music video!

Adopt Thor a Bernese Mountain Dog Mix
Three years old, beautiful, and waiting for you in St Louis!  If you're not participating in the Tuesday Tails blog hop, consider joining us.

Thor - Available for adoption at the HSMO

Book Review: It's Just A Dog by Russ Ryan
Russ Ryan is a real dog lover and he's written a charming dog tale with humor and heart.  Be sure to check out our book review, plus enter to win a paperback copy of It's Just A Dog.  Hurry!  Giveaway ends Sunday night midnight.  Plus, if you purchase this book, do it before September 2.  Prior to that date 50% of the sales will be donated to Muttville Senior Dog Rescue!

A barking good dog story by a guy who loves dogs!
As part of the giveaway, I asked readers to comment about how they would feel if their beloved dog came back as a ghost and how their current dog(s) would feel about it.

A few commented that it would scare them, including Amy, Sugar, lennyg.  Several said they'd love it!  I agree with Snoopy about that quote saying love never dies.  Danielle, Christine and Caren... their dogs are their first dogs, so they couldn't answer the question!

Jackie said, "If Bailey came back (our first dog) she would be like, 'hey! How come Rita gets to eat wed food, when all I ever got was kibble?!!'"
I know my Benji would say the same thing!

I've thought a lot about Shelley's comment that she's had dreams of her 20 yr old dog, Penny, coming back as a ghost and Shelley had a chance to tell her what she didn't get to.   Wow.  If Lucy came back as a ghost, I'd feel that way, too.  And I would be thrilled.

Orijen Dog Treats from Chewy.com Product Review
This wasn't the first time we've received dog treats to try from Chewy.com and to say my dogs are fans of Chewy.com is putting it mildly.  There's a double bonus for Jeffie.  Not only does he usually love the dog treats and taste testings, he gets to try to scare the life out of the FedEx man. 

A number of readers commented favorably about Orijen /Champion Pet Foods.  We loved these treats!

The Tick King on a better day!
The Tick King Dog
I published a teaser on Wordless Wednesday.  In fact, on my Facebook page I said:  Moses in the bulrushes?  No.  Jeffie in the cattails.  Almost everyone seemed to think this was a pleasant adventure.  Nope.  Not even for Jeffie.

I am still creepy crawly and so is Jeffie.  We're still picking/finding ticks from this little adventure.  Yesterday I found 3 seed ticks on him.  Dead, but still...  This year we realized the ticks were going to be bad.  The dogs have now had 2 (monthly) applications of Frontline.  Usually we do not have to apply any topicals.

Most of the ticks are just catching a ride.  But not all.

Here's the real problem:  though Frontline does kill them if they're sucked in and does seem to kind of repel them... it takes only a few hours for disease to transfer from the tick to the host once they've sucked in.

Add to that, though Frontline kills the ticks that manage to attach, I'm now finding dead ticks on Jeffie.  

Smart ticks.  Though Rudy and Rosie would be more tender morsels, Jeffie's wild fur coat makes a perfect place to run and hide.  Jeffie now endures many (way too many if you ask him) "tick checks" a day.  

I'm really not sure how many ticks total there were.  I stopped counting at 50 and my guess is that was about half way through the "big" removal.

We usually do not even have to apply any topicals to the dogs, in spite of living on a farm in the country.  So, even if you've never had any problems with ticks before, I encourage you to be vigilant.

We're organic gardeners, but this year we're spraying. 


So, what 's your week been like?  Join the Follow-up Friday hop and tell us all about it!



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Thursday, May 30, 2013

The Tick King Dog


If you read Talking Dogs yesterday you saw this photo.  Many probably recognized Jeffie. 

A couple of mornings ago, I was out in my studio taking photographs of new jewelry for For Love of a Dog and Bittersweet Ridge.  The south side of my studio is all floor to ceiling windows overlooking our garden, creek and a series of springfed ponds.

My map drawing skills leave a lot to be desired, but this may help:


Something caught my eye and I was startled to see little Miss Rosie between the south garden perimeter fence and the big pond.  She was looking straight at me and I know that she knew she shouldn't be out there.  By the time I made is outside, she was back in the backyard.
I looked for Rudy, who has, in fact, been known to jump the yard fence.  Rudy was up on the deck.  What a good boy!    

How did this happen?  Some idiot left the gates open.  Both the gate from our backyard into the garden AND the gate from the garden over by the greenhouse which leads to pretty much our whole acreage.

So, anyway, I call (and call) for Jeffie...  no Jeffie in sight.

Whoops!  Could that be Jeffie?

 Oh, yeah.  That's Jeffie alright!

Sitting in the most marshy area of the creek, in the middle of cattails.


I forgot to add it to my little map, but there is a gate from the backyard to the creek, which is where I headed.  I'm standing on the edge of the march, calling and coaxing Jeffie.  He would not budge.

I holler for the idiot and he goes into action.  Around the garden he goes, crosses the pond via the bermed road, and advances on Jeffie from the other side of the creek.

He reports that Jeffie is not stuck or hung up in any way.  Jeffie appears to be afraid to venture into the creek, so won't cross it and come back to me and the yard.


Of course, when Jeffie realizes the Dog Daddy is over there on his side, he's happy to oblige all the coaxing and join the Dog Daddy for a walk back home.

Unfortunately, it wasn't until Jeffie had been back in the house for a little while that we noticed the little spots that pretty much covered him.  TICKS!  Lots and lots of the little devils.  We've never picked so many ticks or so fast.  We stopped counting in the 50's.

Thanks to the topical treatment our dogs are sporting this year, the ticks on Jeffie were on the move... to his face, lower legs and feet.

Our blogger friends at My Brown Newfies had just posted a great article about ticks this year.  The tick forecast is:  gonna be a bad one.  We'd already noticed way more ticks than usual, hence the topical treatment this year.  Boy, little did we know!

Still picking a stray tick here or there.  Have run the vac (too much) to catch any that abandoned the good ship Jeffie.  Suspect I'll be creepy crawly for a long time to come.  Needless to say, Jeffie has been banned from sleeping with us.  AND we learned that not only does he not like the doggie swimming pool, our Tick King, Jeffie, is not about to put his feet in a creek! 

The Talking Dogs Tick King, Jeffie
I hate ticks.  They're right up there with ants, but at least I can thank the ants for helping my peonies open!  Even though we live in the country, we've never had a problem and didn't even use any topical applications last year.  As I write this, the Dog Daddy is out picking up chemicals to spray on the backyard and garden fence lines.  Hate to do it, but gotta draw a line.  Literally.

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Wordless Wednesday: Who What Why?


Not so wordless Wednesday...
This is not the photo I'd planned to share today, but life happens, right?
You can probably correctly guess WHO this is.
WHAT is he doing?
WHY is he doing it?

Find out the real deal tomorrow!

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Orijen Dog Treats from Chewy.com: Product Review

When Chewy.com contacted us to see if we'd like to give Orijen dog treats a taste test, we jumped at the chance.

We love Chewy.com because they have such a wide selection of pet food and treats, fast home delivery, plus their customer service is outstanding.

This order was no exception.  Within just a couple of days, FedEx delivered our Orijen Black Angus Beef Freeze Dried Dog Treats.


Our dogs loved these dog treats!  They smelled good as soon as we opened the package and each dog was eager to take a turn with the taste testing!


Rudy could hardly wait!

Jeffie tries to savor the taste!
Orijen single-source dog treats are 100% pure meat, grain-free, 5-7 calories per treat and come in five flavors:  Alberta Wild Boar, Brome Lake Duck, Black Angus Beef, Free Range Bison, and Ranch Raised Lamb.  Orijen has also created three formula-matched treats (matched with their dog foods):  Original, Regional Red, and Tundra flavor.
  

 According to the Chewy.com website:
Orijen includes more fresh meat than any other dry pet food brand.  Orijen is designed to mirror a natural animal diet and includes a diversity of meats.  Free-run chicken and turkey, fresh whole eggs, free-range red meats and fresh saltwater and freshwater fish make for a healthy and nourishing diet.

Orijen is made by Champion Petfoods and is produced using only the freshest regional ingredients.  Champion Petfoods is Canada's award-winning pet food maker.  Located in the heart of Alberta's prairies, Champion Petfoods got their start in 1985.  Their foods are matched to the digestive systems of both dogs and cats.  Origen brings peace of mind to owners by promoting peak health of their pets in addition to containing natural flavors that their pets crave.

Champion Petfoods closely works with local farmers, fishermen, food processing innovators, and the scientific community to produce the highest quality products.  Arriving fresh from the region each day, the meat is never frozen and never exposed to heat or chemicals.  The harvested fruits and vegetables are ripe with vitamins, enzymes, and antioxidants.  The natural herbs help strengthen organs and tissues while supporting the digestion process of pets.

All these fresh ingredients are processed under the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's highest food safety standard.  Even the ingredient suppliers are approved by the United States Department of Agriculture.

We gave the Orijen Black Angus Beef Singles Freeze-Dried Dog Treats a taste test.  Ingredients:  Angus beef liver, boneless Black Angus beef, Black Angus tripe.

Pros:
  • 100% Pure beef
  • High in protein
  • Grain-free formula 
  • Only 6 calorie per treat
  • Single ingredient treat
  • Made without cooking or preservatives
  • Re-sealable bag for freshness
  • Made with Canada’s best and freshest ingredients in Orijen's own kitchen!
Priced $7.99 to $12.99 at Chewy.com, it's easy to fill your cart and there's free shipping with any order over $49!
We give these dog treats and Chewy.com all paws up!

Rosie says:  More, please!

* We received one bag of Orijen dog treats from Chewy.com in exchange for our honest review of the product and service.  We received no other compensation - financial or otherwise.

We're joining the Tasty Tuesday blog hop today.  This is a blog hop that celebrates good food, sponsored by Sugar the Golden Retriever and Kols Notes. 

Monday, May 27, 2013

Book Review: It's Just A Dog by Russ Ryan

Take a deep breath.  Relax.  You read that title and began to clench your teeth, right?  Well, this book isn't at all what you think.

When my beloved Lucy passed away last year, I felt as though my heart had been ripped out.  I was sure that my life would never be the same.  After all, not only was Lucy my heart dog and constant companion,  she inspired my business, For Love of a Dog.  

Lucy is the dog in my business logo.  Without Lucy, I may never have created any dog jewelry.  When Lucy died, a bit of the fire that fanned my jewelry muses died, as well.  Life really was not the same in any way.

Some people just didn't get it.  "It's just a dog," they said (or thought to themselves - though it showed on their faces.)

Russ Ryan gets it.  Oh, dog!  He really gets it.

It's Just a Dog is dedicated to Petey Ryan and Charlie Dickens.  You guessed it: dogs.  Petey, a Jack Russell terrier, was over 14 years old when he passed away in 2010.  Charlie, a Terrier / Retriever mix and "rebound dog," died suddenly after eating a poisonous mushroom right before publication of this book.

Russ notes:
"Being a dog widower has taught me that it doesn't matter if you have a dog ten years or ten months - the pain and hurt is still the same. Fortunately, the good part is that the love never dies!"
Russ Ryan and Charlie Dickens
Your teeth just unclenched, didn't they?  And now you're reaching for a tissue or two, right?

Now you're ready to read about a great new dog lover book:  It's Just A Dog.  It's a hilarious tale with lots of heart and I thoroughly enjoyed it.   

Note: one very lucky reader will receive a free paperback copy of this book!  [See the Rafflecopter below.]

Here's a summary from the publisher:
What if your dog died and then came back as a ghost... that could talk?  Would you welcome him back with open arms or run away scared to death?

This is the premise of It's Just A Dog, a new novel about love, loss, and one man's dog who rises up yapping from the grave.

Charlie Keefe is not just your typical dog lover - he's a world famous dog painter, a.k.a. "The Picasso of Pooch Portraits".  Unfortunately, Charlies' beloved muse, Pete, his lovable Jack Russell terrier, has just died.  And he's totally devastated by the loss of his furry best friend.

So, after months of grieving over his dearly departed soulmate, Charlie reluctantly agrees to foster a new puppy - a cute Cavalier King Charles spaniel named Brownie from the local animal shelter.  Soon after, Charlie is surprised to find himself falling head over heels with this new puppy girl, his "Rebound Dog' as he calls her - as well as being romantically attracted to Janelle Jordan, the head hound at the dog rescue.

But then complications arise when the ghost of his old dog, Pete, mysteriously reappears one night and comes back to haunt him and the new puppy - setting off a bizarre chain of events that throw Charlie's life, career, and entire belief system into chaos!
It's Just A Dog is a story about loss, love and new beginnings, told in a humorous, informal style.  I immediately felt as though I was reading about a friend.  I'm very cautious about dog books.  I'm always afraid something terrible will happen to the dog.  Indeed, this story really begins with the death of Charlies' beloved dog, Pete.  However, I was hooked when Charlie explained:
Losing Pete felt like losing a child - although that's not really fair since I've never even had a kid, let alone lost one.  In any event, all I can do is share with you the depth of my own personal painful experience, so please bear with me.  Besides, loss is a contest that nobody wants to win.
However, lest you think this book is a serious downer, hilarity does ensue!  As Charlie deals - or rather doesn't deal well - with his grief, he travels the bittersweet road of loving another dog, has numerous encounters with the ghost of his dead dog, and becomes (more than just friends) with one of the local crazy dog ladies.  All along the way, the author skillfully harmonizes humor with pathos.

Check out the It's Just A Dog book trailer:


The day this book arrived, I began reading and simply devoured it.  If you're looking for a great dog story is full of fun doggie hijinks and written by an authentic dog lover, then pick up a copy of It's Just A Dog by Russ Ryan.  You'll be glad you did!

Plus, here's another barking good reason to buy this book:  50% of the sales of It's Just A Dog during the 3-month summer launch (through September 2, 2013) will be donated to Muttville Senior Dog Rescue.

It's Just a Dog is available for purchase on Amazon $2.99 Kindle, $9.99 paperback and on Amazon UK.

Russ Ryan, in addition to being a dog lover and self-described dog widower, has written and developed screenplays with Hollywood producers of American Pie, Final Destination, and Fireflies in the Garden.  He was also a writer on National Lampoon's Repli-kate.  He is also the creator of Meansheets, a vintage movie poster blog that focuses on the greatest artists and illustrators from the 1940's to the 1980's.   It's Just A Dog is his first novel. 

Enter to win your very own paperback copy of It's Just A Dog!  
Several options are available in the giveaway Rafflecopter below.  
One (1) lucky winner! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

* I received a proof copy of It's Just A Dog from the author in exchange for my honest review and no other compensation.

We're participating in the Monday Mischief Pet Blog Hop today because with a title like this book has, there's bound to be some mischief.  Thank you to Monday Mischief Pet Blog Hop sponsors: Snoopys DogBlog, My Brown Newfies, and Alfies BlogWe're also participating in the Freebie Friday hop, sponsored by The Dog Tipper, All Things Dog Blog, and Doggies and Stuff

Sunday, May 26, 2013

Adopt Thor a Bernese Mountain Dog Mix

Thor is one gorgeous dog!  Love that wavy coat and beautiful tail!

Thor is a Bernese Mountain dog mix.  He's three years old and already neutered.  Thor sits and takes treats gently.  He walks pretty well on a leash, but he's a big boy, so he could use some training on sometimes pulling.

Have some time for fetch and frisbe?  Thor is your guy.

Please watch Thor's adoption video and then give the Humane Society of Missouri in St Louis a call at 314-951-1562,  Thor's animal shelter ID number is A551251



Since 1870, the Humane Society of Missouri has been dedicated to second chances. They provide a safe and caring haven to all animals in need - large and small - that have been abused, neglected or abandoned. Their mission is to end the cycle of abuse and pet overpopulation through our rescue and investigation efforts, spay/neuter programs and educational classes. They are committed to creating lasting relationships between people and animals through our adoption programs. They further support that bond by making available world-class veterinary care, and outstanding pet obedience and behavior programs.

We're participating in the Tuesday's Tails blog hop hosted by Dogs N Pawz.  This is the blog hop that features shelter animals.  Find a pet at your local animal shelter or rescue and join us!  Please spread the word about these beautiful animals via social media and let's find them forever homes!

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Wiener Dog Song: Dog Song Saturday

It's Saturday!  Time for a dog song at Talking Dogs.  Kick off your weekend in a dog-gone good way with Wiener Dog Song.

Wiener Dog Song is an original dog song that celebrates the enigmatic, beloved dachshund.  This music video features video footage and adorable photos of doxie dogs in various poses.  Wiener Dog Song was written by and performed here by Yet Another String Band and is available on their Cd We Are Yet Another String Band.

Growing up, I had a wiener dog brother.  Hansel was a standard black and tan Doxie and my mother's first heart dog.  These particular Wiener Dog Song lyrics fit him to a tee:
Stubborn as a mule.  You may think you rule.
But this I know is true... your wiener dog owns you.
Grab a dog.  A wiener dog if you've got one!  Sit.  Stay.  Relax and sing along to Wiener Dog Song! Fetch more dog song music videos at Talking Dogs and be sure to scroll down to explore some barking good blogs in today's Pet Blogger Hop.

Friday, May 24, 2013

Follow-up Friday: Hummingbirds, Deer, Dogs in the Bed

I'm glad to be joining Heart Like a Dog in the Follow-up Friday blog hop again this week.  This is the blog hop that lets you wrap up your week and leads you right into the weekend.  Hosted by FUF creator, Jodi at Heart Like a Dog and co-hosted this week by Pup Fan from I Still Want More Puppies.

Those of you who follow For Love of a Dog on Facebook, already know about this.  So if it is repeat... move along.   I'm referring to my hummingbird incident.  I went out to the studio to get some packages ready for shipping and as I walked in the door, I saw something out of the corner of my eye.  I realized a hummingbird had come in with me.


Poor panicked hummer!  With 10 foot ceilings out there, I knew it would not be easy getting him/her out.  After an afternoon of periodically trying various ideas with the door wide open, the light bulb in my brain finally glowed.  Snatched one of our hummingbird feeders from the deck and hung in in the open door.  

"My" hummer was tired, slow, and totally freaked out.  Not sure he/she saw it until another hummingbird - who was outside - came to check it out.  Thankfully "my" hummingbird did, too, and escaped to freedom pronto!  Silly as it sounds, I was exhausted!  LOL



Our deer herd came to visit the other day.  We couldn't help but wonder if they were checking to see if we still had a good hiding place to stash their fawns.   Of course, we'd love to babysit their babies like we did last year.  Especially since we seem to have finally scared off the coyotes.




Dog Song Saturday:  It's All Right If My Dog Sleeps All Night With Me
 
No matter where you do it... sleeping is bliss.

Oh, how I wish I'd thought to do a survey with this post.  I loved all the comments.  Had a giggle at the thought of all five dogs in the bed with tubby3pug.  Jeffie was thrilled to hear that Gambler has his own pillow on the human bed.  Plus, he's hoping that Cadwaladr will be getting a pillow, too.  Our dogs think that 2brown dawgs really should get a larger bed!

Our pack rarely all sleep with us at the same time.  There are several dog beds in our bedroom (Dog Daddy says way too many) and they can choose where to sleep.  With a puppy, we keep the door closed.  Eventually, that will change and our pack can sleep wherever they want to in the house.

That said,  Emma is not alone.  The only other furniture our dogs are allowed on is the (big) doggie sofa in the family room.  Well, Rosie keeps jumping into "my" chair in there, but she doesn't stay for long.

And if anyone loves Dachshunds, don't miss our Dog Song Saturday tomorrow - Wiener Dog Song!

Pit Bull Dog Baby Girl Needs a Forever Home


Baby Girl is still homeless and the only real follow-up I have is to ask you to share her photo and/or adoption video via social media.

Well, and to suggest you consider joining the Tuesday's Tails blog hop hosted by Dogs N Pawz .

Monday Mischief:  First Doggie Pool


The doggie pool is a big hit with Rosie.  More often than not, we need a dog towel when she comes back inside the house.  Pretty sure a larger pool is in the Talking Dogs future.

Kirby asked if we tried a lake.  Jodi made a good point about how you just never know what a dog will do. Same point was made by Shiner who swims in the lake, but never tries to get in the kiddie swimming pool.

Neither Jeffie nor Rudy have been interested in our pond or creek, other than just to get their feet wet.  We're going to give Rudy another chance with this soon.   Though Rosie hasn't been offered that chance, yet, I suspect she'll like it.  We'll keep you posted.

Previous dogs of ours who liked the doggie pool also liked large bodies of water.  And those that thought the doggie pool was a giant water bowl?  They didn't want anything to do with swimming any where.  

The exception was my tripawd Benji.  Though he only cared to stand in the doggie pool (and didn't do that very often), he loved to swim.   He even had his own raft to lounge around on when he got tired. 

You Can Help Oklahoma! Blogger Disaster Response Network in Action

This is a bit contrary to my own blog post and maybe I shouldn't share this.  However, we chose to financially support the efforts of the Central Oklahoma Humane Society for the tornado relief efforts.  You can read more about those efforts on their blog.



Our little dog pack is looking for long weekend adventure!


 Happy Memorial Day!






Wednesday, May 22, 2013

You Can Help Oklahoma! Blogger Disaster Response Network In Action

As a member of the Blogger Disaster Response Network, I'm happy to tell you that BlogPaws, Pet 360 and World Vets are teaming up to help Oklahoma and you can help, too.

By now we've all see the news, images and videos of the devastation from the Oklahoma tornadoes.  Right now the greatest need is for cash.  Donations are being collected via World Vets and these monies will go where the greatest needs are - on the ground in Oklahoma.

Click this image and you'll connect directly to the World Vets donation page. Donations will be collected by World Vets through 11:59pm Tuesday, May 28.

Team Up For Oklahoma

Plus, you can also help without spending a cent!  Freekibble is donating 100% of the Halo Kibble raised today to homeless dogs and cats impacted by the tornado in Oklahoma.  Visit www.freekibblekat.com to answer the trivia question and that's all you need to do to add to the tally.

Looking for more ways to help?   VetStreet has pulled together a fantastic list

Wordless Wednesday: I've got a smile for you!


Rosie is all smiles!

And, believe it or not, there's no dirt on this nose!  LOL

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Tasty Tuesday: Mother's Day Cake

The dog daddy at our house likes to bake.  

I love this, however my thighs are not so thrilled.  

For Mother's Day, he and the critters presented me with a lovely bouquet of tulips, a fanastic dinner (bacon wrapped filet mignon, fancy baked potatoes, fresh asparagus, great wine and this cake.

When you read how involved the recipe is, you'll understand that my Mother's Day cake was made with lots of love.

Warning:  just looking at this cake will probably add calories! 


It is the best chocolate cake I've ever put in my mouth!  It really should be called "death by chocolate!"  Here's the recipe:

Chocolate Pumpkin Cake
1 1/2 cups flour
2/3 cup cocoa
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 cup canned pumpkin 
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3/4 cup butter softened
1 cup dark brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs, plus one yolk

Heat oven to 375 degrees.  Line the bottoms of two 8 inch cake pans with parchment paper and lightly butter.  Sift the flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together.  Stir the buttermilk, plumkin, and vanilla extract together in a small bowl.  Beat the butter and sugars together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy.  Beat in the eggs and yolk, one at a time.  reduce mixer speed to low and alternately beat in the flour and buttermilk mixtures in gthirds.  Pour the batter into the prepared pans.  Bake until a tester, inserted in the center, comes out clean - about 35 minutes.  Cool layers completely before icing.

There are two steps to finish this masterpiece!
 
Step 1 - Frosting:
Beat 6 ounces softened cream chese using a mixer set on medium high speed until fluffy.  Add 1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar, 2 1/4 teaspoons cocoa, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and 3/4 teaspoon vanilla and beat on low speed until well combined.  In a separate bowl, beat 1 1/2 cups heavy cream with 3/4 cups confectioners sugar and a scant 1/4 teaspoon food coloring (he used red for pink) on medium-high to soft peaks.  Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.  Spread 1 cup frosting between the two layers and use the reamining frosting to ice the top and sides of the cake.  chill 30 minutes and proceed to step 2.

Step 2 - Glaze:
Place 4 ounces of chopped bittersweet chocolate, 1 tablespoon cold unsalted butter, and 3 tabelspoons corn syrup in a medium heatproof bowl.  Bring 1/2 cup heavy cream to a boil, pour it over the chocolate and let sit for 3 minutes.  Gently stir, using a whisk, until smooth.  Let sit for 3 to 5 minutes, until the glaze thickens slightly.  Pour the glaze onto the4 center of the frosted cake and smooth out to the edges to allow the glaze to drip over the sides.

Enjoy!

Monday, May 20, 2013

Monday Mischief: First Doggie Pool

We just might finally have a water dog again!

We got our first doggie swimming pool many years ago on the farm.  Sherman and Spanky were thrilled.

The pool had colorful fishies printed all over the bottom and Spanky loved to stick his head under the water and chomp at them to try and "catch" them.   Sherman loved to just lay down, soak and cool off.

To our great disappointment, Tucker, Lucy and Jeffie regarded their doggie swimming pool as a giant water bowl.  No playing; no soaking.  Just a tongue lap now and then.  So much for the pool.  

Rudy got so excited about water - that's Rudy shown above when the creek overflowed into our yard - we thought we had a water dog.   We were thrilled and picked up a little kiddie pool at the big box store.  Our thought was that if he really liked it, we'd get him a bigger one.

Well, Rudy did like to walk around in the doggie pool water.  Sometimes he stomped a front foot down to splash.  Unfortunately for us, he mostly thought it was a really big water bowl.



Now we have Rosie, a very confident 6 month old puppy who's usually ready to try just about anything!

 What is this thing and why is it in my yard?

 They've put this thing on the deck now... where are Rudy and Jeffie?

 Hey guys, should I be afraid?

Rudy says there's nothing to worry about.
But now they've put my Jolly ball in there
and a tennis ball!

I've got to get my Jolly ball!

Forget the Jolly ball.  This is fun!

Oooh... you can drink it!  You can splash it!
You can stick your head in it!

Wow, my head is wet!

 I think I need a towel!

We now keep a "dog towel" by both the patio and back porch doors for our little swimmer.  I managed to capture some video and when I've got some time, I'll get that uploaded to our YouTube channel.  Rosie loves the water and I suspect there's a bigger doggie pool in her future!

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Pit Bull Dog Baby Girl Needs a Forever Home

Baby Girl is a spayed female Pit bull Terrier mixed breed dog.  Animal Shelter staff at the Humane Society of Missouri think she's about 2 1/2 years old.

Baby Girl is a real looker with those beautiful eyes.  One is brown;  the other blue.  She's a brown brindle and creamy white beauty.  As you can see from her adoption video, Baby Girl doesn't miss a trick.  She's alert and interested in everything going on around her.

This girl is a lover.  Baby Girl adores people and has some wet kisses at the ready.  Good natured, easy going, and ready for her forever home.

For more information about this beautiful Pit Bull mix dog, contact the Humane Society of Missouri in St Louis 314-951-1562.  Baby Girl's ID# A543394.  You may also view her profile on Petfinder.



Since 1870, the Humane Society of Missouri has been dedicated to second chances. They provide a safe and caring haven to all animals in need - large and small - that have been abused, neglected or abandoned. Their mission is to end the cycle of abuse and pet overpopulation through our rescue and investigation efforts, spay/neuter programs and educational classes. They are committed to creating lasting relationships between people and animals through our adoption programs. They further support that bond by making available world-class veterinary care, and outstanding pet obedience and behavior programs.

We're participating in the Tuesday's Tails blog hop hosted by Dogs N Pawz.  This is the blog hop that features shelter animals.  Find a pet at your local animal shelter or rescue and join us!  Please spread the word about these beautiful animals via social media and let's find them forever homes!

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Dog Song Saturday: It's All Right If My Dog Sleeps On the Bed All Night With Me

It's Saturday, so time for a dog song at Talking Dogs.  Today's song deals with that age old question:  should dogs be allowed to sleep on the bed.  I don't know about you, but at our house all three dogs are allowed to sleep with us on our bed.  Jeffie even has his own pillow!

Have a look at the music video It's All right If My Dog Sleeps On the Bed All Night With Me.  This is an original dog song from Skip Haynes and the Laurel Canyon Animal Co.  Then let us know what you think about this issue!

Fetch more dog song music videos at Talking Dogs.  And be sure to check out the barking good blogs below because this is the Saturday Pet Blogger Hop.