Wordless Wednesday: Not

Why are there flower photos here?  Keep reading and I will explain.

I am a slacker.  A slug.  A non-blogger.  At least lately.  And I thought I'd mention a few reasons why.  At the moment I'm mostly blaming Mother Nature.  What we did to anger her, I do not know.  I only know that we must've done something big, bad and ugly.

First we had the monsoons of never ending rain this spring.  Seriously.  Incredible flooding, flash and otherwise.  When the rain stopped it suddenly turned hot.  I mean HOT.  And dry.  I mean REALLY DRY.  Drought dry.

  

For the past seven weeks, count 'em, we had not a drop of moisture.  I refuse to count the heavy morning dews because they were a result of the killer humidity levels.  Of course, even the dew could not survive Mother Nature's wrath.  With the heat by about 8 AM even the dew gave up.

It's been over 100 degrees every day.  For days.  And I don't mean 100 point something.  I mean 105, 106 degrees.  It cools off at night to about 86 degrees.  Whoopee.

We finally got some rain.  About 1 inch, two days ago.  Within 36 hours we had to start watering again.  That's how drought dry we were when the rain shower came.

Our days are consumed with watering - trying to save the garden, flowers, shrubs, and trees - and keeping an eye on our critters - canine, feline and equine. 

Oh yeah, and I'm working on a total web site makeover (what was I thinking when I began that?!), working on new items for the shop, and then... drum roll, please... the AC in my studio gave up the ghost.  Poor fan could not take the stress.  (I empathize!)  There are no AC units to be had.  None.  We haven't decided exactly what we're going to do about it.

So... I've become a slacker blogger.  Sorry.  I haven't even had the mental energy to do much shameless self promotion.   Since our weather forecast remains, in my humble opinion, horribly hot and dry.

  

And since we still have no idea what it is exactly we could sacrifice to Mother Nature to end this misery...  I've decided to show you some of what we're trying to save with all our watering efforts!

 

Coming soon... photos of the butterflies that are swarming my mimosa trees!  And dog photos.  I promise.

Fearful Dog Seminar with Nicole Wilde

Help for Your Fearful Dog

Presented by Nicole Wilde

Saturday, September 10, 2011

9 AM to 4:30 PM

Humane Society of Missouri, 1201 Macklind Ave, St Louis, MO

$90 per person - CEU's may be awarded or applied for

Anxiety, fearfulness and phobias are some of the most challenging behaviors dog owners, trainer, shelter/rescue workers and other canine professionals are confront with daily,.  Based on her award winning book Help for Your Fearful Dog, this one day workshop uses lecture, photographs and videos to explore ways to effectively, humanely, and safely work with fearful dogs.  Nicole will also overlap into the area of fearful aggression.

Topics will include:

• Causes and prevention
• How fear manifests
• The body language of fear (including common and lesser known stress signals)
• How to live, manage and work safely with fearful dogs in the home
• Information about group classes
• A "Firm Foundation" program on which dogs can build confidence
• Skills owners should know and utilize
• Skills dog should learn and practice
• What training equipment is (and is not) appropriate

 This workshop features interactive exercises.  Audience participation is highly encourage.  Nicole will also discuss how complimentary therapies can make your behavior modification plan even more successful and the importance of making your veterinarian a part of the plan.  No matter your experience level, this workshop will provide a better understanding of shy, anxious, and fearful dogs, and many new techniques and ideas you can apply immediately.

Nicole Wilde, CPDT-KA is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers.  She is on the Advisory Board for both the Companion Animal Sciences Institute and the Association of Animal Behavior Professionals.  Read more about Nicole Wilde here, plus you can find Nicole's blog here.

For more information about this Fearful Dog Seminar or to make your reservation, you can call Linda Campbell at 314-951-1510 or visit the Humane Society of Missouri web site.

Puppy Mills: Madonna of the Mills Video

Don't miss the HBO premiere of Madonna of the Mills on August 24 (8 pm on HBO2) and take a peak at this video to get an glimpse of this documentary film that no dog lover should miss.

Adopt Bruno a Big Labrador Retriever Dog

Bruno is a blue and white Labrador Retriever mix dog who's looking for a forever home.  He's about 7 years old and neutered.  Bruno loves people and walks nicely on a leash.  Can't forget to mention that he is absolutely gorgeous.

If you have room in your heart and on your couch, contact the Humane Society of Missouri's Chesterfield Valley animal shelter for more information about Bruno.  His animal id number is A357359.

Our Tucker, who is a big black dog and 14 years old, says don't let Bruno's age deter you.  There's plenty of time for some barking good adventures and lots of doggy love.

Dog Song Saturday: Tennessee Hound Dog

It's Dog Song Saturday here at For Love of a Dog.  Today's offering will get your toes tapping!  Tennessee Hound Dog is performed by bluegrass artists, the Osborne Brothers.  It's accompanied by a fun montage of, what else, hound dogs.  Have to say there's a photo or two that gave me that puppy fever, if you know what I mean.

Grab a dog or two.  Sit.  Stay.  Tap that toe and enjoy Tennessee Hound Dog!  Then scroll down below to explore some barking good dog blogs because today is a Pet Bloggers Hop.