My Flying Squirrel Rosie Says - Wordless Wednesday

Rudy knows what's coming:  Rosie.  He fumbles the catch knowing his sister is on her way and she's going to claim the Flying Squirrel as her own.

 Yup! There she is.  "Mine!" says Rosie.

Rudy gives it up (he always does), 

but decides a little tandem retrieving is in order.

Rosie guards her treasure.

A little sniff never hurts while you're 

waiting on your brother to come try and get it.

She successfully called dibs on the Flying Squirrel, 

but now watches Rudy and hopes he'll come play with her again.  

Silly girl.  Rudy is all done with arguing with the girl!

Sort like the cheese stands alone!

How Are You is a Loaded Question - Losing the Dog Daddy

How are you? It seems like such a simple question. 

Do you want the common courtesy response?

Or do you want the truth?

I was brought up to be a good girl, mind my manners, and not spend time wondering how genuine the inquiry might be or talking about myself.  So, my answer would be: fine. Or some polite version of "fine."  

The truth is a wholly different story.  And the truth is that I'm never sure how to answer.

It's hard to know what to say when someone dies. We all want to say the "right" thing to the survivor.  Like me, you may have read articles advising what to say and what not to say.  And yes, there are lists of things that have been said that cause an eye roll (or stomach roll). 

I've known other women who have lost their husbands and as I look back I'm relieved that I pretty much said "good" things and did good things.  

Yet I had no idea.  No idea.  They say there are some things in life that you must experience in order to understand.  The death of a spouse is definitely one of those things.
 

I'm numb and lost in a "widow's fog."  Really, that's a thing and they say it could go on 1-3 years or longer. I was relieved to learn that there was a name for it and that it was not early onset dementia.

When I'm not numb I feel as if I've fallen into a pit of fire with flames wrecking havoc on my body and mind.  

The world as I have known it for 40 years is gone. My hopes, dreams and plans for the future are gone.  Those were created and intended for the very specific duo of Gary and Sue. Now I'm alone.

Every single thing reminds me of my husband.  Might be a memory from the past or might be some basic everyday kind of thing.  Might be a happy memory and might not.  Regardless, everything reminds me of my loss. Every single fricking thing.

I'm crying. A lot.  I'm forgetful, exhausted and I can't sleep.  I can't seem to make decisions or focus on anything.  I'm a swirling mass of confusion, chaos, and pain. 

Back to the question.

It's a dilemma. Because if I am too truthful, you may not ask again. My truth could make you so uncomfortable that you avoid me.  I don't want that. 

Please don't be offended or take it personally if I tell you that I don't want to go to lunch or I just can't talk on the phone.  Sometimes it is just too hard to talk about Gary's death and too hard to try to "be normal."

Please keep asking.

How am I?   I'm not okay, but I'm working on it.

I will be okay.  Just not today.

 

Getting By With a Little Help From My Friends | Losing the Dog Daddy

Thank you.

Thank you for the cards, calls, and messages.

Thank you for your prayers, positive energy and good thoughts.

Thank you for the memorial contributions to Stray Rescue of St Louis, Dogwood Animal Shelter, Wayside Waifs, and Richmond (VA) SPCA in memory of Gary. 

Thank you for the gifts for Rudy, Rosie, Skeeter and me.

Thank you for your loving, thoughtful, fun and funny posts to my Facebook timeline.

Just some of the beautiful cards, letters and donation notifications.

Special thanks:
 
To my friend who, when I told her Gary died, her first response was "How are you doing?" After a pause while I tried to think what to say, she said "no, no. I mean are you okay financially? Be honest. I'll write you a check."

To my friend who, as soon as she found out that Gary died and I was alone, dropped everything and drove 6 hours to be with me.

To my friends who made the amazing commitment to take my dogs and cat if anything should happen to me now that Gary is not here.

To Gary's son who took care of some chores for me before returning to Colorado and has stayed in touch to offer support.

To my friend who has insisted on a daily check in from me - just to make sure I'm okay.

To my friends who invited me for Thanksgiving and Christmas so I would not be alone.

To my friends who continue to check in with me via Facebook, email and phone.

To my friends who generously and repeatedly ask me: what can I do? 

I'm very sorry it has taken me so long to express my gratitude.  Please don't take it as a sign that I don't appreciate you.   

Thank you. I am truly blessed to call you my friends.

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!

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.

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!

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.  

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. 

Mama's Boy | Wordless Wednesday

Mama's boy needs a cookie.

(Yes, Rudy got a cookie!)

Adorable Animal Hugs for Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day 

from all of us at

Talking Dogs

and

For Love of a Dog

Adopt a #Valentine from Your Local Animal Shelter | Dog Song Saturday

We're doing something a little different for today's Dog Song Saturday.  Instead of an original dog song we invite you to enjoy two barking good videos encouraging you to adopt a furry Valentine from your local animal shelter or rescue.

So this Valentine's Day head on down to your local shelter and adopt a new best friend.  Can't adopt?  Volunteer, foster, donate.   

First up is ABBA Goes to the Dogs.

This pet adoption video was made by staff and volunteers at the SPCA of Wake County in Raleigh, North Carolina and is accompanied by ABBA's classic hit Take A Chance On Me.  Pretty perfect to promote shelter pets!

Next we have OakTown Pup which is a parody of Uptown Funk by Bruno Mars. Oaktown Pup stars adoptable dogs from the East Bay SPCA in Oakland, CA and we have no doubt you'll love this music video.  The opening shot features a pit bull mix named Carla and don't blink at the :54 mark or you'll miss the sweet doxie on wheels.

Created by the East Bay SPCA in an effort to get more of their rescue dogs adopted, Oaktown Pup is compelling.  We're betting the song's refrain will be an earworm:

Cause time's right for you to adopt!
Oh! And spay or neuter your pup!

Sit. Stay.  Turn up the volume.  Put a smile on your face with Take a Chance On Me.  Get your groove on and get funky with Oaktown Pup sung by  Amanda Shechtman.



Fetch more dog songs and music videos at Talking Dogs.  You'll be surprised at how many we've collected over the years.

Talking Dogs blog is participating in the Tuesday's Tails blog hop hosted by Dogs N Pawz and Talking Dogs. This is the blog hop that features shelter pets.  Find a pet at your local animal shelter or rescue and join us!

Tuesday's Tails blog hop participants can post any day of the week and link up with a fresh blog hop linky every Tuesday.  Though targeted at adoptable pets, we also welcome blog posts regarding pet adoption, rescue organizations and adoption events. Fetch the Tuesday's Tails Facebook page and give us a like and if you're participating in the blog hop, post your featured pets! Please help spread the word about these beautiful animals via social media and let's find them forever homes!

Adopt Furry Valentine Bungee a Young #Shepherd Mix Dog @WaysideWaifs in #KCMO

This good looking guy is Bungee and he's love to be your valentine! He's 1 1/2 years old and animal shelter staff and volunteers report he's a real sweetie. Bungee is young enough to still have some of that amazing puppy energy, but old enough to know basic commands. He's a beautiful Shepherd dog mix with some pawsome eyebrows and would love to snuggle up with you on Valentine's Day and every day after.

Here's Bungee's adoption message:

Hi, I'm Bungee! I'm an adorable Shepherd mix with soft, tan and black fur who's looking for a home to call mine. I came to Wayside from another shelter who ran out of space for me, was adopted, then returned again. I was really sad at first but I know I'm getting the best chance at life here. I hope to find a family who I can give all my love and kisses to. Think that might be you? I'll do grr-eat with other furry friends and children but I'd like to meet them first to get an idea of how I might do once we're home.

I have a high energy level so staying active is very important. I love to romp around the backyard or explore the world on walks. I'll benefit from using a harness on walks because I get so excited about all the new sights and smells and tend to pull ahead. With some basic obedience training I'll be able to learn exactly what you expect from me in my new home. I already know the command sit and I'm super smart so I know I'll be able to learn even more. I'm especially motivated to learn by praise or yummy treats! I can't wait to find the perfect peeps to snuggle up with in my new home. If I sound like the type of guy you've been looking for, come by Wayside Waifs soon to meet me!
Tail wags,  Bungee

For more information about Bungee, 

contact Wayside Waifs at  816-761-8151. 

Bungee's adoption ID number is 30693785. 

Wayside Waifs is Kansas City’s largest no-kill animal shelter.   They are an independent, 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit humane society and animal welfare organization established in 1944.  Wayside Waifs is committed to finding homes for all adoptable pets. Wayside is the largest pet adoption center in Kansas City, placing over 5,400 animals each year in loving forever homes. Wayside does not euthanize adoptable animals, and there are no time limits for animals in our care. Only animals suffering from significant medical issues or those that pose a danger are humanely euthanized. Wayside Waifs is proud to be a part of Kansas City's no-kill community. 

Talking Dogs blog is participating in the Tuesday's Tails blog hop hosted by Dogs N Pawz and Talking Dogs. This is the blog hop that features shelter pets.  Find a pet at your local animal shelter or rescue and join us!

Tuesday's Tails blog hop participants can post any day of the week and link up with a fresh blog hop linky every Tuesday.  Though targeted at adoptable pets, we also welcome blog posts regarding pet adoption, rescue organizations and adoption events. Fetch the Tuesday's Tails Facebook page and give us a like and if you're participating in the blog hop, post your featured pets! Please help spread the word about these beautiful animals via social media and let's find them forever homes!

The Dog Song by Myles Hunter and Ken Greer | Dog Song Saturday

Another Saturday - another dog song here at Talking Dogs.  Today we've got another original dog song called... yep, you got it... The Dog Song.  

This one is by Myles Hunter and Ken Greer who say it's is an "innocent animal's take on the vicious and bigoted state of the human race with a sad, but accurate ending."  

They note:  

"There's always somebody to hate. People that are different than you."

Sit. Stay. Snuggle with your dog and enjoy The Dog Song.  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.  Including quite a few entitled The Dog Song!

Pharrell Happy by Dogs | Dog Song Saturday

Though original songs about dogs are our favorites to feature on Dog Song Saturday, once in awhile we change things up.

Here's the thing.  This Pet Collective version of Pharrell Williams song Happy has a pawesome video filled with lots and lots of puppies.

Besides, we're wishing you and your best furry friends a whole lot of happy in this new year!

Sit. Stay. Relax and get ready to smile with this canine version of Happy.  In fact, scroll down below the video for the lyrics and sing along!

Happy 2016!

I might be waggy but I wanna play
I'm your best friend, you can get awake
I deserve a treat cuz I'm a fluffy babe
I got hair, shakin' the air, doggy by the day

Because I'm yappy
Bark along if you feel like your master loves you
Because I'm waggy
Wag along if you feel like your tail is chasing you
Because I'm floppy
Howl along if you want a cuddle from me to you
Because I'mma doggy
Dog around if you think you're my best friend too

Hey, woof on

Come, Stay, Down
K-9
Come, Stay, Down
My bark is too high
Come, Stay, Down
K-9
Come, Stay, Down
I shake...

Because I'm yappy
Bark along if you feel like your master loves you
Because I'm waggy
Wag along if you feel like your tail is chasing you
Because I'm floppy
Howl along if you want a cuddle from me to you
Because I'mma doggy
Dog around if you think you're my best friend too

Hey, woof on

Come play now.... K-9...
Come play now... My bark is too high
Come, Stay, Down... K-9
I shake...

Because I'm yappy
Bark along if you feel like your master loves you
Because I'm waggy
Wag along if you feel like your tail is chasing you
Because I'm floppy
Howl along if you want a cuddle from me to you
Because I'mma doggy
Dog around if you think you're my best friend too
 

Happy Holidays from For Love of a Dog and Talking Dogs Blog

May the spirit of Christmas bring you peace,

The gladness of Christmas give you hope,

The warmth of Christmas grant you love.

Merry Christmas!

The Dog Song by Brian Caudill | Dog Song Saturday

Kick off your weekend with Dog Song Saturday at Talking Dogs.  Every Saturday a new music video with a song about dogs.

Today we've got an original dog song by Brian Caudill.  The Dog Song is on his 2008 Pocketful of Change album and is available on Google Play, iTunes and Amazon.

Caudill is a songwriter originally from Kentucky, but now living in Florida. His songs range from pure rock to country ballads.  The Dog Song is written from a dog's point of view.

Sit. Stay. Settle band and enjoy The Dog Song by Brian Caudill.   Be sure to fetch us every Saturday for a new dog song music video. In fact, check out our Dog Song Saturday music collection. You'll be surprised how many we've found.

Early Warning System | Wordless Wednesday

 

Rudy hears the far away rumble of thunder long before we do.

He'll be taking cover soon in our closet or a bathroom.

Poor boy.  Rudy hates thunderstorms.

Lucky Dog Song by Brad Stubbs | Dog Song Saturday

It's Saturday, so time for a new dog song and music video here at Talking Dogs.  

Today we're featuring a cute original dog song called Lucky Dog by Brad Stubbs.  This song is available on the album Songs For Kids which is available on iTunes.

Stubbs notes that the dog in the accompanying video is his family's dog, Molly.  They rescued her when she was a lost puppy.  She sure looks happy now.

Sit. Stay. Relax and enjoy Lucky Dog and kick off your weekend every Saturday with Dog Song Saturday.  Every Saturday we share a new dog song.  In fact, fetch lots of dog songs here at Talking Dogs.  You'll be surprised how many we collected.

Dog Lovers Antham by Jordan Sax | Dog Song Saturday

Kick off your weekend with Dog Song Saturday at Talking Dogs.  Today we have a beautiful dog song for you.  A dog lovers anthem, I'll Always Be Loyal to You by singer / songwriter Jordan Sax.

According to Sax this song "highlights our Creator's special personal love for each of us as written from a dog's point of view and passionately expresses their true feelings of devotion and love for their caretakers through thick and thin until the end and beyond."

I'll Always Be Loyal To You is available on Sax's  iTune album Child of Love. 

Sit. Stay. Relax and enjoy this dog lovers anthem.  Then fetch more dog song music videos here at Talking Dogs.  You'll be surprised at how many we've collected.

My Dog and Me by John Hiatt performed by The Graveyard Shifters | Dog Song Saturday

Kick off your weekend with Dog Song Saturday at Talking Dogs.  

My Dog and Me is an original dog song composed by singer and songwriter John Hiatt who plays a variety of musical styles including new wave, blues and country.  

The song is performed here by The Graveyard Shifters a Finnish band along with their video for Theme Music's Cats and Dogs week in 2013.

Sit. Stay. Relax and enjoy My Dog and Me. Scroll down below the video for the lyrics.  Go ahead.  Sing along!

 Fetch more dog songs and music videos at Talking Dogs. You'll be surprised at how many we've collected!
 

My Dog and Me Lyrics ©John Hiatt

She marked our trail up the back bone ridge
How many times can one dog pee
Keeps me high as an eagle when I'm on the skids
I guess you gotta come down eventually

Buddy, I coulda gone that extra mile
For an extra bark or an extra smile
'Cause I never felt so free
It was just my dog and me

Then she gives me that look like she'd lay down her life
No doubt she would in a minute, man
She'd face the bullet, oh, she'd face the knife
Just to keep my butt from the fryin' pan

Now she's runnin' up ahead to chase some deer
Comes back to tell me that coast is clear
It's a different world I see
When it's just my dog and me

And there's a rabbit on the run
Man and beast stand, sky and sun
Who's talking to the birds in the trees
Why it's just my dog and me

Now it looks like we've been makin' tracks
From the crack of dawn to the end of the day
So it's nice and easy down the devil's back
She wouldn't know any other way

Now it's over that ridge for one last mile
'Til we're fast asleep by the fire side
Dreamin' these dreams for free
Yeah, it's just my dog and me

I never felt so free
It's just my dog and me.