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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Follow-up Friday: Rosie's Spay, Dog Treats, Giveaways

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 Misty at Misty Shores Chesapeakes. 



This week has flown by.  I'm weather obsessed (always) and, perhaps, never more so than this spring.  Our weather has been seriously crazy for this area of the country.  Pity the folks who already had their tomato plants set out in their gardens when it sleeted and snowed for 2 days straight.  In May!   While I shook my head and grumbled about the damage to blooming flora, the dogs just were wishing the white stuff would accumulate enough to make snow angels.

Rosie had a trip to the vet to remove her stitches from her spay surgery.  She did terrific throughout the experience.  No cone for her.  It was her nursemaid, Jeffie, we had to watch in terms of licking.

I've been thinking lately that I should be buying lottery tickets because I've been so lucky!  First we won a box of The Honest Kitchen Smooches dog treats from Roxy and Torrey at Roxy the Traveling Dog.

We heard from Kate at SlimDoggy that we were one of the FitDog Friday giveaway winners of a coveted SlimDoggy scoop!  I should note, that given how Rosie loves to eat, I suspect that soon we'll need to be joining the FitDog Friday blog hop!

And we won 2 adorable Cesar Millan dog toys from Bren Lee and Titan at Pibbles and Me!

Image stolen from Pibbles & Me

Jeffie, Rudy and Rosie entered that giveaway thinking that if they were  lucky enough to win, they'd share with the homeless dogs at their favorite shelter.  Bren and Titan have graciously sent our prizes to Stray Rescue for us.


Good Dog Take Outs - New Flavors Review and Giveaway
We've heard from several of the winners of our Good Dog Take Outs giveaway and these yummy, all natural dog treats got paws up! 

Yesterday Sharon sent these cute photos of Schooner and Skipper.  She says they loved their Carob Cherry and Chili cheese Crinkle treats.  In fact, Sharon writes:  Schooner is still barking, wanting more as I am writing this email.

All About Jeffie Quiz
Ann at Pawsitively Pets was the winner of a pair of my hand crafted dog lover earrings in the random drawing for this contest.  She'd already emailed me to let me know she received them and really likes them.  Then yesterday she made my day with this glowing For Love of a Dog review with some wonderful photos! Wow!  Thank you, Ann. And I think you rock those earrings!


This weekend, among other things, I'll be writing a review of a new dog book, It's Just A Dog by Russ Ryan, finishing a custom jewelry order for another book author, Jaimi Wolotsky - this one a book about rescue dogs.  And, hopefully, the sun will come out and there will be some Jolly ball.  Lots of Jolly ball!

Follow-up Friday: Spring, Dogs Barking, Birthday Giveaways

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 JoAnn Stancer at Sand Spring Chesapeakes.


Wow, Jeffie's birthday celebration is almost over!  I can't believe how fast this month has flown by.   On the last day of April, I'll announce the winners of three giveaways, plus we'll have a special surprise.  And then I'll have to go back to "normal" blogging.  LOL

While we've been partying, Mother Nature has given us spring to enjoy.  Lots of lovely warm day and beautiful blossoms.  The dogs are thrilled, and so is Skeeter.  Great weather for Jolly ball, frisbe, rowdy play and sun bathing.

Rosie has learned about the lawn mower.  Unlike Jeffie, so far she has not tried to rescue the rider/driver from that scarey loud machine! 

Before I forget... if you'd like an invitation to join Pack, let me know.  I have some to share.  If you haven't heard of Pack, click the link and check out this cool new site!  

My Best Friend, The Dog Song: Dog Song Saturday
I'm including this today simply because it is a fabulous song for dog lovers! 

Redbone Coonhound Lab Mix Adoptable Dog
Including this today because this beautiful dog still needs a home.

Mischief Monday: Ducks, Geese and Dogs
Okay, I really do have some follow-up for this post.  So much that I'm planning to write a future blog post, or two, related to this one.

I feel as though I should share some kind of special dog training tips.  However, I don't have any.  Our dogs are very eager to please us.  They understand the word "no." They understand when we tell them not to bark.

We live in the country.  On a farm.  That includes other animals - both domesticated and wild.  Its important to us that all of our own critters get along for both safety reasons and peace of mind. 

Our dog, Sherman, loved our geese.

We've had domesticated geese, ducks and chickens of our own in the past.  None of our dogs were ever allowed to bark at them or threaten them in any way.  We could have fowl in the future, so there's no reason to allow barking at the wild fowl and let our dogs learn that bad habit.

Plus, part of the joy of living beyond the sidewalks is enjoying nature and wildlife.  We like seeing the herons come in to fish for breakfast.  The ducks are fun to watch, too.  It won't be long before the hawks that live in the woods on our property line will begin teaching their young to hunt.  Frankly, we don't want to miss that.  And we would miss all that and more if our dogs barked them all away.

Bark at preditors?  You betcha.  Bark at the critters that never aim to do us harm?  Nope, no thanks.  Not here.


Dog Mom Bracelet from For Love of a Dog Jewelry: Enter Now!
Just a reminder...  if you'd like to win this Dog Mom bracelet, enter via the Rafflecopter.  Perfect timing for Mother's Day!

Wordless Wednesday: Jeffie the Puppy Prisoner
Seriously, we kind of regret Jeffie's time-outs behind the baby gate.  We think it has contributed to his separation anxiety.  

All About Jeffie Quiz Contest - Win Earrings
This little party game is just for fun and you could win these For Love of a Dog earrings!   This is the final giveaway in Jeffie's birthday celebration. Ears aren't pierced?  No problem, they can be changed to clip ons for the winner!

 

More pawesome friends 

have arrived at Jeffie's birthday party!

Lila the Boston Terrier and her kitty sister, PJ, are ready to party!

 Hurry!  There's still time to enter Jeffie's Birthday Party Photo contest!

Winner of the random drawing will win a $25 Amazon.com gift card.

Follow-up Friday: Cherry Blossoms and Party Dog Photos

I'm glad to be joining Heart Like a Dog in the Follow-up Friday blog hop again this week.  The 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 .

I think spring has finally arrived in the Ozarks.  So much blooming goodness with the fruit trees, quince, forsythia, and flowers, too.  I can't resist sharing a photo of one of my cherry trees in full blossom.

The west side of our backyard is lined with redbud and dogwood trees.  They've got fat buds and I can hardly wait!

Tripawd Dog Mandela Deserves a Forever Home
Imagine the horror of your foot rotting off because you have a compound fracture in your leg.  Plus, you're starving and homeless.  Stray Rescue of St Louis saved Mandela's life, but he still needs a loving forever home.  Thanks to those of you who shared this post.

Mischief Monday: Party Photos and KONG Winners
Congratulations again to our winners!  Jeffie, Rudy and Rosie wished they could enter because they LOVE these new all natural KONG Jerky dog treats!

Can you believe the pawesome party photos?!  Wow, is this ever fun!  You can catch up on the party now on our Jeffie's Birthday Party page (see below for link.) 

Good Dog Take Outs Treats New Flavors: Enter Now!
You've still got time to enter the giveaway for your choice of two flavors of Good Dog Take Outs dog treats.  These are good!  And, yes, they have cat treats, too!

Wordless Wednesday: Dogs in Party Hats

I need to buy some more hats for my dogs.  I love dogs in hats!  I used to dream of finding a little black derby for Tucker, but never did, dog-gone it.

Yes, all three dogs wore their party hats for both taste testing sessions (KONG Jerky treats and Good Dog Take Outs.)  Seriously, the whole time.  We did have to do a bit of hat adjusting when the party became a little, well, not rowdy, but...   there was a lot of jockying for good position, if your know what I mean.

The interesting thing is that Rudy actually seems to enjoy getting "dressed up."   All three dogs forgot all about the hats when the treats were at stake!  Most of the time, Rosie's hat was hanging from around her neck, but she looks pretty cute with it on, too.

Jeffie's First Construction Project
The Dog Daddy took a walk down memory lane with this little story about Jeffie's puppy days.  Too bad I don't have any photos of Jeffie helping the Dog Daddy water.  Jeffie always carried the hose!

Jeffie's Birthday Party Pet Photo Contest
Join in the fun!  Here are some more fantastic party dogs!  

Fetch the Jeffie's Birthday Party page for more.  Enter your pet(s) photo(s) for a chance to win an Amazon.com gift card.  Get the details here.  Party hats are not required and Photoshopped photos are fine.  There's plenty of time - contest deadline is April 27.

Jeffie was thrilled with Gizmo's birthday greeting!

Rosie is hoping for some double zoomies!

 Isn't Misaki gorgeous in this beautiful birthday card?!

 Looks like Rita is having a really good time at the party!

 Toby brought along some other party animals (who shall be nameless)

 Jack & Maggie, the dogs from SlimDoggy just arrived and they brought cake!  Hurry and eat some before Jack eats the whole thing!

Emma, the GBGV, asks:  Did you order a present?

As you can see, its been a busy week at Talking Dogs!  We have more party fun planned, including a giveaway of a piece of For Love of a Dog jewelry!

Now, why don't you join the Follow-up Friday blog hop and tell us what you've been up to!

Follow-up Friday: Monkey Winner, KONG Dog Treats, Photo Contest and More

I'm delighted to be co-hosting the Follow-up Friday blog hop with Heart Like a Dog this week!  Created by Jodi at Heart Like a Dog, this is the blog hop that lets you wrap up your week and leads you right into the weekend.

At Talking Dogs, we've been partying all week.  All the month of April, we're celebrating Jeffie's 7th birthday.  Because of all the "party favors" we're giving away, we have winner's to congratulate and we're also participating in Fido'[s Freebie Friday blog hop which is co-hosted by Dog Tipper, All Things Dog Blog and Doggies and Stuff.

First, we want to congratulate Nellie who won the special Dog Blogger Necklace from For Love of a Dog in the giveaway at Dakota's Den!  Not a winner, but you'd like a necklace like this?  Fetch one at For Love of a Dog! 
They're on sale now!

If you'd like to enter to win a cat blogger version of this necklace, fetch Cat Chat with Caren and Cody.  Hurry!  The giveaway ends soon!  Or you can purchase one at For Love of a Dog.

Next we need to woof about receiving the Versatile Blogger Award from The Daily Dog Blog.  Thank you, Julie!  We'll talk more about this later this month, but we just had to woof a bit today.

2 Black Dogs Too Long at the Shelter:  Adoptable Dogs
Many thanks to those of you who shared this post via social media.  Both dogs are still without homes.  The fact that one has been there for over 5 years simply breaks my heart.  Please continue to share. 

Mischief Monday:  Too Much Party Punch?
In addition to having a laugh at Rudy's expense, we announced the winner of our Monkey Giveaway!  Congratulations to Jodi! We hope she enjoys her monkey earrings from For Love of a Dog and that Sampson and Delilah enjoy their Skinneeez Big Bite dog toy.

KONG Premium Jerky Dog Treats:  Product Review and Giveaway
If you haven't entered this giveaway yet, Jeffie, Rudy and Rosie think you should.  They LOVE these new, made in the US, KONG jerky treats for dogs.

The "photo shoots" for this giveaway and the one we'll be doing this next Tuesday (new flavors of Good Dog Take Outs) were pretty funny.  After a round or two of taste testing, none of the dogs minded wearing party hats at all.  As they jockeyed for position, a few hats got knocked akimbo and Rosie lost hers a time or two.  I'll share some of the "out takes" on a future blog post.

Jeffie's Birthday Party Pet Photo Contest
Just want to clarify - you do not have to make sure your pet is wearing a party hat in the photo(s) you submit.  And Photoshopped photos are fine with us.  

Join the fun! We've already received some fantastic party photos!  We'll be sharing more each week, plus you'll soon find a Jeffie Birthday Party page here on our Talking Dogs blog.  One (1) winner will be chosen at random (random.org) to win a $25 Amazon.com gift card.

So far, we've got some real party animals joining us!

 Gracie and Cider came to the party from Kelly's Pet Salon in Michigan!

 Gambler is ready to par-tay!   He lives with JoAnn at Sand Spring Chesapeakes in Wisconsin.

 Artie dressed as a Ninja for a Pet Days party at the Harley Dealer and thought why not use this dog-gone good costume again!

 

 Coco is ready to celebrate!  Coco Chanel Bella is a 7 year old American Cocker Spaniel who lives with Christine.  Jeffie and Rudy are smitten!

Snoopy thought if he got enough birthday balloons, 

he could hitch a ride to Jeffie's party! 

Nibblet (above) and Shiner (below) 
of Pawsitively Pets are pretty in party pink!

What are you waiting for?  
You can see what fun we're having.  Join us!

Follow Up Friday: Dog Party, Puppy Photos and More

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 2 Brown Dawgs.


All the month of April, we're celebrating Jeffie's 7th birthday.  Because of the "party favors" we're giving away this week (see below), we're also participating in Fido's Freebie Friday blog hop which is co-hosted by Dog Tipper, All Things Dog Blog and Doggies and Stuff. 

We're part of another giveaway this week at Dakota's Den!  Enter to win a special Dog Blogger Necklace from For Love of a Dog created especially to celebrate the Blog Paws Conference event next month.  Not a dog blogger? Not attending Blog Paws?  No worries - this necklace can be personalized just for you.  Plus, if you're not the lucky winner, you can fetch one for yourself at For Love of a Dog.

Rosie Update
Our puppy girl is growing up.  Fast.  On Sunday, she weighed 40 pounds!  On Monday, she jumped on the bed all by herself.  Her coat began to show some curls a couple of weeks ago and there's now some telltale feathering.  She is, by far, the easiest puppy we've ever had.  Zero destruction.  All joy.

Coyote Update
The visitors we shot at must have spread the word.  The only coyotes weve seen lately have been the hunting pair.  We've spotted them far to the south along our boundary line.  I like carrying the airhorn with me, but it has had a strange side affect.  During the March Madness basketball games, when the airhorns sound off?  The dogs race to either the front door or slider to see the "danger."


Bithday Party for Jeffie:  You're Invited!
I know Jeffie joins me in thanking  everyone for the wonderful birthday wishes!  Rosie is still panting from all the zoomies she and Gizmo were doing the first day.  And we found out that Snoopy is having a birthday this month...  our own Dog Daddy and Jodi, too!

Celebrate Jeffies' Birthday with Monkeys:  Enter Now!
Jeffie's party kicked off with a giveaway for a pair of monkey earrings from For Love of a Dog and a Skinneeez Big Bite water bottle dog toy. There's still time to enter, so visit this blog post and get to work with that Rafflecopter!  

Next week's party favors?  A giveway of KONG dog treats!  After all, what would a birthday party be without treats?!

Yesterday we did a taste testing of some dog treats for review and giveaway on the blog.  This was Rosie's 2nd official taste testing.  She knows the drill!  I'm looking forward to sharing the photos because, since it is a birthday party, they're all wearing their party hats.  Some of the photos are blurry because the photographer was laughing so much.  I'm not sure who had too much party punch - the photographer or the dogs!

Jodi asked when exactly is Jeffie's birthday.  Jeffie was born in early March and we adopted him April 28.  Since we don't know the exact date of his birth, we've always celebrated his birthday in April.  BTW, Jeffie was an early Mother's Day gift for me from the Dog Daddy.

Celebrating Jeffie:  Wordless Wednesday
Time passes in the blink of an eye.  Jeffie puppy cuteness evolved into a sweetheart of 7 years.  Thankfully, I have lots of puppy pictures of Jeffie and I'll be sharing more later this month.  I'm terribly biased, but I think he was adorable and all the blog comments made my day!

And, Jackie, Jeffie mentioned to me something about Rita flirting with him at his party... but that whole tequila thing kinda made him nervous!

Jeffie Was a Cush Dog
I realize that having two dogs at once (or more) is not doable for some.  It has been for me and, frankly, I don't know what I would have done without my cush dogs.

Bailey writes that they've been thinking about getting a cush dog for their dog.  I recommend it.  Rudy has been Jeffie's cush dog through the loss of Tucker and Lucy last year.


Well, we've had a big week of birthday fun!  Right now Jeffie is napping and resting up for more fun to come!
 

Follow-up Friday: Bunny Ears, the Big Head, Senior Dogs and more

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 mastermind, Jodi, at Heart Like A Dog and co-hosted this week by Lisa at Dogs N Pawz.


Before I begin my follow-up, I just want to mention a few things. 

Love dogs wearing rabbit ears?  Be sure to come back on Sunday to see Jeffie, Rudy and Rosie in their bunny ears in honor of Easter.

Be sure to visit Talking Dogs during the month of April, because we're going to be celebrating Jeffie's 7th birthday ALL MONTH LONG.  There will be a different giveaway each week - hint: don't miss us on Tuesdays!

I have to thank Kathy Hensel Porter for the very lovely article she published this week on her Healing Rescue Pets blog about my life and For Love of a Dog jewelry business.  Kathy's doing a series of interviews with women who followed their dreams and created pet related businesses.  My interview is long, thorough, and Kathy did a wonderful job telling my For Love of a Dog story.

Finally, I have to shout WOOF at Caren Gittleman.  Here I am, just reading my Google Reader and I stumble on a totally unsolicited fabulous review of For Love of a Dog and my jewelry work.  I was gobsmacked and absolutely thrilled.  She better watch out or I'll get "the Big Head!"   Be sure to visit Dakota's Den on April 1 to enter a very special giveaway she's hosting.  I promise - this is no April Fools Day joke!

And, finally, a bit of follow-up:

Dancing in the Snow: Our First Real Video
I just want to thank everyone for their comments!  Obviously, Rosie has stolen our hearts, too, and we love watching her play with Rudy, with or without snow!  Hopefully, my skill at the "video thing" will improve as I remember where the zoom is and steady my hands.  LOL  I need to hurry up with that because Rosie is growing up fast.

Busted:  Dog Fighting Ring in KS MO TX
Last I heard, 100 dogs were seized and most were Pit Bulls.  (Frankly, I can't say much more about this story in polite company, if you know what I mean.)

March Madness: Wordless Wednesday Not
Over the years, Jeffie has learned that yelling at the television is okay and not directed at him.  He consistently is THE BEST comforter when your team is having a bad day, too!  Happily, both of my teams are in the Sweet Sixteen:  KU Jayhawks and Duke Blue Devils.  Rosie can have her cookies, I'll take my boys in blue.  (The dog daddy was for the Tar Heels.)  

Adoptable Senior Dog: Surrendered because He is Old
NEW INFORMATION!

Mac, senior Lab mix, adoptable dog. Photo: Kim Hansen

Freddie, senior Lab, adoptable dog. Photo: Petfinder

Mac, 12 year old Lab mix, and his companion, Freddie, a female black Lab, were discovered by a realtor.  They'd been left behind in an empty house that had been foreclosed.  Please, people, share these pups!