Monday, October 31, 2016

Celebrate Halloween by Adopting a Shelter Dog


October is National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month
Hurry! There's still time to fetch a best friend 
from your local animal shelter or rescue!
 


Happy Halloween from all of us
at Talking Dogs and For Love of a Dog Jewelry!

Saturday, October 29, 2016

Its A Wild Life a Dog Adoption Rescue Song by Caroline Cordier - Dog Song Saturday


October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month and we've got a great song about it for today's Dog Song Saturday.

It's a Wild Life was written by Caroline Cordier for her documentary and recorded by singer Lonna Marie.  The video contains photos of rescue dogs from  Arctic Breed Rescue and Big Dog Rescue in Australia.

We usually tell you to sit and stay, but today we want you to spread the good word about shelter dogs.  Don't shop - Adopt!


Fetch some more genuine dog song music videos at Talking Dogs.  You'll be surprised at how many we've collected over the past few years. 


Thursday, October 27, 2016

Tucker, the Dog Who Played with Ghosts - A Halloween #ThrowbackThursday

Lately I've been re-visiting some of my old blog posts for Throwback Thursday.  Today's tale is about Tucker, the original Talking Dogs blogger and it is pretty perfect for Halloween.

Without further ado, here's A Talking Dogs Ghost Story, originally published for the Monday Mischief blog hop on October 26, 2014.


When another pet blogger put out a call for spooky pet ghost stories, it reminded me of Tucker's story.  Though not really scary, it certainly adds some Halloween flavor!

You may remember Tucker as the original Talking Dog.  Though he lived here in Missouri, he spent most of his life with us in southside Virginia.

We spent a few years restoring a 256 year old three story plantation manor house there, then enjoyed it for quite awhile.  Including visits from former residents.  Very old former residents.

We had been there about a year when we realized we weren't always alone.  When "they" were visiting, we'd be in the kitchen (first floor).   Usually it began with the faint whiff of pipe tobacco odor.  Then we could very faintly hear music (flute or recorder) and it was Colonial era music.  Sometimes we could hear voices, clinking of glassware, all very soft in tone.  All of this was coming from the original dining room (right above where we were.)

When these incidents began, Tucker would become quite excited and race up the stairs.  He might pause on the second floor for a bit, but would then madly skitter up the next flight of stairs to the third floor.   Always to the large room that was the children's bedroom in Colonial times.

We could then hear him racing around and playing.  The times we followed him, we'd find him happy as can be.

There was never, ever an evil feeling or vibe about any of this.  It never felt threatening in any way.  I always liked to think the former residents of our home liked what we were doing to their house.   They obviously liked Tucker and the feeling was mutual.

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Do Animals Grieve - I Say Yes

Jeffie and the Dog Daddy
Today marks the one year anniversary of Jeffie's death and tomorrow will mark two weeks since my husband Gary's death.  Naturally, I'm thinking about grief.

Awhile back I wrote about missing Jeffie and Kim (Team Beaglebratz) left a comment which included:
" I was wondering something - is there a chance your other dogs would still be grieving a little - or were they never close to Jeffie?  Just a thought."
My answer is yes.  Especially Rudy.

And it got me thinking about other animals we've lost and the reactions of the ones they left behind.

I firmly believe our pets do grieve.For both their animal and human companions.

I shared Tim and Tom's story with you last week (Burying Tom and Going Home)   Our Belgian draft horses Tim and Tom spent their whole lives together.  Born on the same farm and matched up as a team, they ate, slept, worked and played together.  When Tom died at age 29, Tim was present as our vet administered the euthanasia drugs.  He was present as we buried him 

And Tim stood guard at Tom's grave for weeks sending heart breaking whinnies into the skies.  Tom was never the same and there was never any doubt he spent the rest of his own life missing his partner.

Tim (left) and Tom (right)

When we lost Cakes this past January, Ditty - who never even bothered to answer Cakes whinnies for her - spent more than a week in grief.  Calling for her friend.  Like Tim and Tom, Ditty and Cakes had spent their whole lives together.

Most of our dogs have been present at the deaths and burials of their canine friends.  There has always been a very subdued mood and they've always spent time visiting the graves.

Rudy has lived through the loss of Tucker, Lucy Jeffie and now Gary.  He was really just a puppy when Tucker was dying.The last two days we most often found Rudy sitting vigil with Tucker.   He still visits Tucker and Lucy's graves.


Rudy sitting vigil with Tucker.
Rudy and Jeffie had a very close relationship.  We'd jokingly told Jeffie that Rudy was his puppy, but Jeffie took that very seriously.  Rudy really did become his.

I started to say that Rudy hasn't been the same since Jeffie died, but the truth is that he hasn't been the same since Jeffie became ill.  Both Rudy and Rosie were very upset, nervous and worried.  Rudy more so.

And when we came home without Jeffie - after that fateful mad dash to the vet when Jeffie died in my arms before we could get there - neither Rudy nor Rosie looked for him.  

They knew.

Since then Rudy has become more my dog than ever.  He's been by turns what I would call depressed and what I would call manic.  When we're outside playing he pretty much goes crazy.  I have no doubt his misses his hairy brother and the rowdy play they loved.
Rowdy boys Rudy and Jeffie

These days both Rudy and Rosie are missing their Dog Daddy.  They periodically check the house for him.  Rudy sometimes stations himself at the front door watching for him.  They examine and sniff things that were his.
Rudy waiting and hoping.

Yes, they're definitely influenced by my own angst and heartbreak - in all these instances of lossHowever, their behavior leaves no doubt in my mind.

Do animals grieve?

Unequivocally, I say yes.   


Saturday, October 22, 2016

I Will Always Be With You from All Dogs Go To Heaven | Dog Song Saturday


Those of you who've been with us for awhile know that sometimes we share music videos with songs that are not technically dog songs (song written about dogs.)  Today is one of those days.

I Will Always Be With You is performed here by Sheena Easton and Jesse Corti and comes from the movie All Dogs Go To Heaven 2.  The video is a tribute to "man's best friend" and a plea to adopt older dogs.

Sit. Stay. You might want to grab a tissue as you enjoy I Will Always Be With You. Then fetch some more genuine dog song music videos at Talking Dogs.  You'll be surprised at how many we've collected over the past few years.

Thursday, October 20, 2016

Burying Tom and Going Home #Throwback Thursday


As I think about the coming day when I will spread my husband's ashes upon the graves of his beloved horses, I remember when Tom died and want to share with you a poem I wrote at the time about burying him.

It was years ago I wrote this poem.  We live on a different farm now and Gary's ashes will join horses that joined us later in life than Tom.  However, I have no doubt that Gary was welcomed "home" and I like to think he's mowing hay or plowing with the horses he loved right now.
 
Gary waving from the hay mower with Tim and Tom. The dogs are Sherman & Spanky

Our Belgian draft horses, Tim and Tom, spent their whole lives together.  Born on the same farm and matched up as a team, they ate, slept, worked and played together.  

When Tom died at age 29, Tim was present as our vet administered the euthanasia drugs.  

He was present as we buried him 

And as we mourned, so did Tim.

Tim stood guard at Tom's grave for weeks sending heart breaking whinnies into the skies.  Tim was never the same and we had no doubt he spent the rest of his own life missing his partner.

Burying Tom

Before we covered him with the sheets,
we pillowed his head on fresh cut cedar boughs.
And carefully arranged his legs
that ran like fire across these fields.
A thick covering of cedar boughs,
their feathery softness more for us than him.

Stepping out, we lean hard against the shovels,
our breath coming in frosted clouds,
then gather ourselves and continue with picks and shovels
down through the ice and snow
through thick oak and thin persimmon roots.

Before we shovel him out of sight, we talk to him.
We invent our own mythology, his and ours.
We tell him when it's our turn
to enter the darkness, unlike that fierce dog
who guards the gates of Hell,

He'll be the welcoming one
at the dim edge of the other side.

When we are still stunned and smelling of earth
he'll come and lead us the way he did
when we took our long hayrides
and he turned us out of the tangled woods
into the wide bright fields
toward home.

Saturday, October 15, 2016

Pound Dog Rescue Song by The Fastest Poodle - Dog Song Saturday


How about a little rockabilly for today's Dog Song Saturday?  Check out The Pound Dog - Rescue Dog Song from The Fastest Poodle and featuring The Wolf Rock Band.

We completely agree:  rescue animals make wonderful pets!

Sit. Stay. Tap your paws to The Pound Dog Then fetch more dog songs and music videos at Talking Dogs. You'll be surprised at how many we've collected!

Thursday, October 13, 2016

Rudy Wanted For Bunny Murder at Talking Dogs #ThrowbackThursday

My friend, Jodi, at Heart Like a Dog blog has been sharing some of her old past blog posts for Throwback Thursday and it has inspired me to revisit some of my own old blog posts and share some of them with you for Throwback Thursday.

Since Rudy just celebrated his birthday (October 10), I thought I'd share one of my favorite blog posts about my sweet boy.  And yes, he's still chasing bunnies, though there have been no murders lately!

Without further ado, here's Dog Wanted for Bunny Murder, originally published on March 3, 2014
.

Rudy Kazootie is wanted in connection to the murder of Mr. Rabbit.

Murder victim:  Mr. Rabbit

Witnesses on the scene have come forward stating they witnessed Rudy Kazootie chase down, capture, shake and kill his victim.

Rudy Kazootie's known aliases:  Two Shoes, Bitey Whitie, Gater Boy, Pretty Boy, Rude Dude.

Don't be taken in by his youthful good look.  Rudy has quite a record with the authorities.  

In 2001 Rudy Kazootie was the suspected leader of the Possum Dog Gang.  

He is well known for his death dance.

Rudy is a blonde Labrador Retriever, stands 28 inches at the shoulder, and weighs 104 pounds.

If you see this dangerous criminal, contact the authorities at For Love of a Dog.
  
Do not try to apprehend him yourself - particularly if you are a rabbit.  The suspect is fanged and authorities believe he may be a serial bunny killer.


Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Fetch Tennis Ball Dog Lover Jewelry Gifts at ForLoveofaDog.com


Since yesterday was Rudy's birthday and there was a whole lot of fetch being played, I thought I'd feature my Fetch and Flyball dog jewelry today.

Have an active dog that lives to fetch and loves tennis balls?  Or maybe your dog is a true Flyball star?  Then, be sure to check out these jewelry pieces.

Shown above is just a sample of what I still have available.  Remember, I'm closing my For Love of a Dog jewelry business, so when these are sold there will be no more.

As I write this I have 7 bracelets, 5 necklaces, and 2 pair of earrings.  Each is one of a kind, handmade by me and Lab inspected by Rudy.

Shop For Love of a Dog Jewelry now!  Snag some sale bargains for special Christmas gifts and enjoy free standard shipping, too!

Sunday, October 9, 2016

In Honor of Rudy - Labrador Retriever Dog Jewelry at For Love of a Dog


It is no accident that I have always had more Labrador Retriever dog jewelry than any other dog breed.  In the very beginning of For Love of a Dog Jewelry, my heart dog Lucy was my inspiration.  (That's Lucy in my For Love of a Dog business logo.)

Since I lost Lucy, Rudy has been more than happy to inspire me.  He's been a terrific model and is a great example of his breed.  He's also pretty sure there's a reason Labrador Retrievers are so popular:  Labs are fantastic!

Because Rudy's birthday is tomorrow, I thought I should feature my Labrador Retriever dog jewelry today.

Even though I'm now closing my jewelry business, I do have a pretty good selection of Labrador Retriever dog jewelry.


Is your favorite dog a yellow Labrador Retriever or are you shopping for a yellow Lab dog lover?  As I write this I currently have 11 bracelets, 8 necklaces, 1 pin, 1 pendant and 1 pair of Labrador Retriever puppy earrings.  When these are sold, there will be no more.
 

Maybe your favorite are black Labs.  I have less of my black Labrador Retriever dog jewelry still available.  Right now I have 4 bracelets, 3 necklaces, 1 pendant, 2 pins and 1 black Lab leash holder.



If you're shopping for someone who loves a chocolate Lab, hurry and fetch a piece of my jewelry before it's all gone!  Right now I have 5 bracelets, 2 pendants, 1 pin, 1 necklace and 1 pair of chocolate Lab earrings.

I used to import these amazing carved gemstone pendants from Hong Kong.  They're hand carved from solid gemstones.  Some are tigerseye and some are a jasper and I only have these 5 necklaces left.   I also have loved incorporating vintage things in my jewelry and that's the case with the amazing vintage brass repousse necklace shown above.

Shop For Love of a Dog now for best selection.  Because I'm closing, there will be no more in the future.  Find your favorite dog breed jewelry and snag some Christmas gift bargains in my huge sale, plus enjoy free standard shipping!

Yes, Rudy.  There will be birthday treats!

Saturday, October 8, 2016

Song My Dog Wrote by @BrendanBiondi For Rudy's Birthday - Dog Song Saturday


Not only is it Dog Song Saturday at Talking Dogs, it is the Saturday before our boy Rudy's birthday.  He'll be 6 on Monday.

Rosie and I thought today's dog song should include a yellow Labrador Retriever like Rudy and we finally decided we'd share a dog song and music video that we've shared previously.

Why?  Because Song My Dog Wrote is one of our favorite dog songs.  It's a true original dog song written by Brendan Biondi.  The music video is all about Brendan's yellow Lab, Calvin.  AND part of the proceeds from sales of Songs My Dog Wrote go to support Dogs on Deployment.

Add Songs My Dog Wrote to your favorite playlist and follow Brendan and Calvin on Instagram.

Now, sit. Stay. Relax.  Join birthday boy, Rudy listening to Song My Dog Wrote.  Then fetch more dog songs and music videos at Talking Dogs. You'll be surprised at how many we've collected!

Friday, October 7, 2016

Australian Cattle Dog, Bearded Collie and Catahoula Leopard Dog Jewelry at ForLoveofaDog.com


Are you a shopping for a special birthday or Christmas gift for someone who loves an Australian Cattle Dog / Blue Heeler, a Bearded Collie, or a Catahoula Leopard Dog?  Then you really should do yourself a favor and check out my handmade dog breed jewelry!  

Not only will you be purchasing a special one of a kind gift, but you can snag some huge bargains in my sale!

You need to hurry, though, because For Love of a Dog is going out of business and when these items are sold there will be no more like them!

In fact, these dogs breeds are already almost all gone!

I have only two pieces of my Australian Cattle Dog jewelry still available and both are pins.  One is very whimsical and doggone cute! The other is a pretty profile.

There's a tiny bit more selection in my Bearded Collie dog jewelry.  1 pair of earrings, 1 necklace, 1 pendant, and 1 pin.

My Catahoula Leopard Dog jewelry is pretty much the definition of limited selection.  I have only one piece left, but it is an adorable Catahoula Leopard Dog puppy pin.

Hurry!  No, really.  Hurry!  Once these are gone, there will be no more and you'll have missed the chance to have a one of a kind artisan jewelry piece in your favorite dog breed.

Shop For Love of a Dog now!
Take advantage of my huge sale, plus free standard shipping!

Thursday, October 6, 2016

The Rhyme and Reason of Dog Names at Talking Dogs - #ThrowbackThursday

My friend, Jodi, at Heart Like a Dog blog has been sharing some of her old past blog posts for Throwback Thursday and it has inspired me to revisit some of my own old blog posts and share some of them with you for Throwback Thursday.

 Today I want to share another of my personal favorites that I wrote just for fun.  And, yes, I realize that this was written before Rosie was born, so she's not included.  Hang on until November - her birthday month - and I tell you the story behind Rosie's name.

In the meantime,, here's What's In a Dog Name, originally published on October 18, 2012.
Sources    Most Popular: VPI Pet Insurance      Trendiest: Vet Street
 I've recently read several articles about dog names. Some have been humorous; some explored why we name our pets what we do.  Some have been simply informational.  They all got me thinking about my own dogs and their names.

My first two childhood companions were Blackie Duke, a black Lab, and Skippy, a Cocker Spaniel.  Both were named by my mother.

The first dog that I was allowed to name was my childhood Beagle, Snoopy.  I think the inspiration for that name is pretty obvious (Thank you, Charles Schultz).  Because I was in elementary school, that name had to be approved by my parents.

The true test of my dog naming abilities came with my very first "just mine" dog, Benji.
Benji / Benjamin Franklin
Adopted from an animal shelter while I was still in college, Benji was named after Benjamin Franklin.  Because Benji was a mutt, I remember wanting a very American name that reflected the melting pot nature of our country.  (Seriously.  I thought like that back then.)

Next came another shelter dog, Sherman. I was generous enough to allow the Dog Daddy to select his name (with my wholehearted approval.)
Sherman / Sherman T. Potter
Sherman was named after Sherman T. Potter of television series MASH fame.

When we adopted our black Lab mix from a shelter, I was certain he would grow up to be a chunky, blocky, hunky fellow.
Spanky / Spanky
I named Spanky after that fellow on the right of Lil Rascals fame.  Friends told me I should've used Buckwheat.  Maybe so.  Spanky grew up to be a lean athletic fellow and never resembled a "Spanky" at all.

My Border Collie, Lizzy, showed up at our farm and chose me. 
Lizzy
There was no agony on my part about her name.  She just felt like a Lizzy immediately.  I didn't realize the meaning of her name until I decided to write this blog post.  As I'm fond of saying on Facebook about some images:  TRUTH!

Then came Tucker.  Excuse me while I pause to chuckle. 
Tucker / Tucker Road
He was another stray that chose us.  The Dog Daddy was not keen on adding a puppy to our family right then, so I wasn't sure we would keep him.  Since we had to rush him immediately to a vet, he needed a name fast.Tucker came to us from the road.  We named him for that road:  Tucker

Lucy's name was easy and I chose it solo.
Lucy B / Lucy Bays Bingham
Lucy B was named for my fifth great grandmother, Lucy Bays Bingham who was born in Virginia in 1778 and moved to Indiana in the 1820's.  On the bottom right you can see her cabin which is now in the Indiana University Mathers Museum.  Though I'm not sure my ancestor would appreciate it, Lucy B was named as a tribute.

Jeffie has a big name to live up to and, frankly, there was a lot of debate about it in our house.  The Dog Daddy was persuasive.

Jeffie / Thomas Jefferson
Jeffie was named after Dog Daddy's all-time hero:  Thomas Jefferson.  Depending on present company, we also acknowledge a smidge of Jefferson Davis influence, but that's another story!  

Our poor yellow Lab puppy spent a few weeks with no name at all while we agonized.  Lists were made.  Names added; names crossed off.  When the Dog Daddy began threatening to call him Tator, I knew I had to do something fast.

Rudy / Rootie Kazootie
I'd always wanted to name a dog after my favorite childhood story book, but I wasn't sure the name fit.  Rudy is named after Rootie Kazootie.  Little did we know that as Rudy grew up and "explored" the yard that I needn't have worried. Rootie would have been quite appropriate.


Hmmm...  a little bit of history.  Some popular culture.  Some genealogy and fond reminiscence.   A few snap decisions;  a few that took quite a bit of time.   

Is there a theme or pattern to how we've named our dogs?  

Perhaps it is simply that it is important to us.  Important to somehow reflect ourselves in combination with the bundles of love that are our best friends.  

Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Puppy and Dog Jewelry and Rosie, Too for #TongueOutTuesday

I try to remember to post a photo of Rudy or Rosie on Facebook for Tongue Out Tuesdays.  Unfortunately, I often forget.  Then I got the idea to begin posting some of my dog jewelry that includes adorable dogs with their tongues out!

As you know, I'm closing my For Love of a Dog jewelry business, but these necklaces are still available (as I write this.)

Shown at top is my Let's Play! dog necklace with an adorable artisan lampwork puppy dog with a panting tongue as the centerpiece.  Surrounded by some dog bones and one of a kind, of course!


This puppy love dog lover necklace is another sweet one of a kind creation still available at For Love of a Dog.


And this cutie is my Rosie.  Not only is she not jewelry, she's not for sale!  Just making sure you're paying attention.  :-)

Shop For Love of a Dog for unique dog jewelry that are barking good gifts.  Everything is on sale right now, so if you're not already shopping for Christmas gifts, maybe you should be!
.
 

Monday, October 3, 2016

Dalmatian, Greyhound, and Borzoi Dog Jewelry Gifts at ForLoveofaDog.com


Are you a secret - or not so secret - Santa for someone who loves a Dalmatian, Greyhound or Borzoi dog?  Then you really should do yourself a favor and check out my handmade dog breed jewelry!  

Not only will you be purchasing a special one of a kind gift, but you can snag some big bargains in my sale!

You need to hurry, though, because I'm going out of business and when these items are sold there will be no more like them!

My Dalmatian dog breed jewelry is a good example of how limited selection is in some of the dog breeds.  Right now I have only 2 Dalmatian necklaces and 1 pair of Dalmatian dog earrings.  I do have a number of black and white pieces of dog lover jewelry still available, but you special Dalmatian dog lover probably would love something truly with a Dalmatian dog pendant or charm.



Greyhound dog jewelry is also very limited in selection:  5 bracelets, 3 necklaces and 1 dog leash holder.  No solid colored dogs are left, only brindle and white and all brindle.


My Borzoi / Russian Wolfhound dog jewelry is incredibly limited in selection, however I do have 2 Borzoi Christmas ornaments still available.  Otherwise there are 3 Borzoi necklaces, 1 bracelet and 2 pins.  I should warn you that this is one of my personal favorites of my dog jewelry and I'm still thinking I may keep one of the tri color Borzoi pieces for myself!

Shop For Love of a Dog now!
Snag some bargains for Christmas gifts, plus enjoy free standard shipping to US addresses.

 

Sunday, October 2, 2016

Boxer, Doberman and German Shepherd Dog Jewelry Gifts at ForLoveofaDog.com


As most of you know by now, I'm slowly, but surely closing For Love of a Dog and my dog breed jewelry is selling out.  If you've been meaning to snag a piece in your favorite dog breed, you'd better hurry!

Today I'm barking about my Boxer, Doberman, and German Shepherd Dog jewelry gifts.  These are three of my most popular dog breeds and have been since I began For Love of a Dog.

Shown at top is Boxer dog breed jewelry and gifts that I currently have on hand:  5 bracelets, 3 necklaces, 2 pendants, 2 pins and a dog leash holder.


I have an even better selection of Doberman Pinscher dog jewelry.  As I write this I have:  10 bracelets, 4 necklaces, 1 pair of earrings, 5 pendants, and 3 pins.  These include both cropped ear and natural ear Dobies.  Sorry, all of the natural tail Dobies and red Dobermans are sold.  All of these have cropped tails and are black and tan.



 Last, but not least for today, is my German Shepherd Dog jewelry.  Inventory today:  9 GSD bracelets, 3 GSD necklaces, 2 GSD pendants, and 3 GSD pins.  It's hard to find white German Shepherd Dog jewelry, so if that's your favorite GSD color, snag a piece now!


I hate being pushy, but you really should shop now before all my dog breed jewelry is gone.  There will be no more.

Shop For Love of a Dog and enjoy some bargain prices in my huge sale, plus free standard shipping to US addresses.

Saturday, October 1, 2016

Rosie is Barking about National Black Dog Day



Rosie has plenty to say about National Black Dog Day.

That's because she was one of the lucky black dogs that was adopted from an animal shelter.

Black animals altogether, are the least adoptable pets in shelters because of their color. All too often, black dogs are overlooked because of many stigmas such as; the color black is evil (the same stigma that cats have), black dogs do not show up as well in photographs as multi-colored or light colored dogs and black dogs look scary and intimidating because you cannot see their facial expressions as easily, etc. They are often overlooked when people are searching for a new dog and the first to be euthanized in overcrowded conditions.


National Black Dog Day is devoted to creating public awareness about these beautiful, shiny fur babies that offer just as much unconditional love as any other dog and deserve just as much love back. Black dogs also show off colorful accessories much better than any lightly colored dog! Try buying your black dog a neon green or hot pink collar!

Rosie's best advice?  Adopt a black dog! 


National Black Dog Day was founded by Celebrity Pet & Family Lifestyle Expert, Author and Designer, Colleen Paige, who is also the founder of National Dog Day, National Cat Day, National Puppy Day and many more philanthropic holidays to increase the greater good. 

He's Fine A Song for Irresponsible Dog Owners on Dog Song Saturday


As you listen to today's dog Song Saturday selection... well, we'll just say we've all been there and met up with some of the dog owners this song is rapping about.

No, we don't really understand the whole chicken thing in the video, but listening to the lyrics we found ourselves nodding in agreement.

Sit.  Stay.  Maybe even vent a bit as you listen to He's fine - A song for Irresponsible Dog Owners by Mediocre.

Then fetch some more genuine dog song music videos at Talking Dogs.  You'll be surprised at how many we've collected over the past few years.