Hot Weather Tips for Pet Owners

Since it's sweltering outside again, it's time for all of us pet owners to be extra vigilant. Pets can heat up faster outside in the hot temperatures than we think. Remember LOTS of shade and LOTS of extra water too! Here are the top 10 hot weather tips for pet owners from the ASPCA.

1. A visit to the veterinarian for a spring or early summer check-up is a must; add to that a test for heartworm, if your dog isn't on year-round preventive medication. Do parasites bug your animal companions? Ask your doctor to recommend a safe, effective flea and tick control program.

2. Never leave your pet alone in a vehicle—hyperthermia can be fatal. Even with the windows open, a parked automobile can quickly become a furnace in no time. Parking in the shade offers little protection, as the sun shifts during the day.

3. Always carry a gallon thermos filled with cold, fresh water when traveling with your pet.

4. The right time for playtime is in the cool of the early morning or evening, but never after a meal or when the weather is humid.

5. Street smarts: When the temperature is very high, don’t let your dog standing on hot asphalt. His or her body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. Keep walks during these times to a minimum.

6. A day at the beach is a no-no, unless you can guarantee a shaded spot and plenty of fresh water for your companion. Salty dogs should be rinsed off after a dip in the ocean.

7. Provide fresh water and plenty of shade for animals kept outdoors; a properly constructed doghouse serves best. Bring your dog or cat inside during the heat of the day to rest in a cool part of the house.

8. Be especially sensitive to older and overweight animals in hot weather. Brachycephalic or snub-nosed dogs such as bulldogs, pugs, Boston terriers, Lhasa apsos and shih tzus, as well as those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.

9. When walking your dog, steer clear of areas that you suspect have been sprayed with insecticides or other chemicals. And please be alert for coolant or other automotive fluid leaking from your vehicle. Animals are attracted to the sweet taste, and ingesting just a small amount can be fatal. Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 if you suspect that your animal has been poisoned.

10. Good grooming can stave off summer skin problems, especially for dogs with heavy coats. Shaving the hair to a one-inch length—never down to the skin, please, which robs Rover of protection from the sun—helps prevent overheating. Cats should be brushed often.

Bonus tip: Please make sure that there are no open, unscreened windows or doors in your home through which animals can fall or jump.

I'm Melting!!!!!

Today, I resemble what was left of the Wicked Witch of the West. I'm just a greasy kinda soup on the floor. Man is it HOT here! After an unusally cool May, the tables have turned. In just a week, we've hit summer full tilt. Right now, it's 93 degrees with a heat index of 97! This is only the beginning too! If the first of June is this hot, then what will mid August be like? Hmmmm...I don't remember moving to the tropics. Was I out of the room, when that decision was made? Casey and I were out at lunch. We never could get the car cooled down, even after driving to the far side of town. Yeah, it's that kind of hot. I wish I could walk down a freezer isle right now. It doesn't seem like I can get cooled off anywhere.

I talked with my friend, Melissa, this morning. She lives in Ohio. She was updating me on a few things, since we are visiting her this weekend. She happily informed me that she's having her airconditioners re-installed this week. She said it had been really hot, so it was time. As a life long southerner, I can't quite grasp this concept. What do they do that one week in December, when it's 85 degrees outside, and you have to crank up the AC?? My poor hot, southern brain can't wrap itself around it. Is it really that much cooler just that little bit further north? If so, should I consider summering up there? I guess I'll experience it first hand this weekend. Just my luck, though, the heat will follow me there. Somebody pass me the deodorant!

Weekend Ramblings

The weekend went by way too fast! I chose to take the extra day off this coming Friday, instead of today. So, here I am. Anyway, we didn't do anything earth shattering this weekend. We just rented a couple of movies and took it easy on Saturday night. On Sunday, Casey and I had shelter duty early. Afterwards, Casey cooked a really nice breakfast, while I got cleaned up. Afterwards, we were off to Frankling to meet Pattie Burkitt to pick up my pet portrait. Let me tell you folks, it is SOOOOO good. The computer scan did not do the piece justice. It is so detailed. Pattie did such a good job really capturing the dogs. I am so impressed. She went ahead and sprayed it with the final fixative, so it's ready to frame. She even threw in a set of custom made notecards for me. She's so sweet!! Anyway, with Pattie's permission, here's the final product. Keep in mind, the portrait in person is so much better!

I'm just so excited about it. I've wanted to have one done for so long now. Now, I get to decide how I want it framed.

Yesterday, Casey and I did quite a bit of housecleaning. We were also running back and forth to the grocery store to get supplies for our cookout. It was just family and neighbors. We all had a really good time, along with some great food. Casey was in charge of the actual grilling, so we had fantastic hamburgers, hotdogs, and brats, of course! Since it was so hot out my brother decided instead of a heavy dessert, to make fruit salad and have watermelon for everyone. It was just right for the searing afternoon.

Nothing big is on my plate for today. I'm trying to take it easy this week. On Friday, Casey and I are heading up to COSI in Columbis, Ohio. We are attending the midnight premiere of the new Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination Exhibit. I just can't wait to get in that full scale replica of the Millenium Falcon's cockpit!! We'll be there on Friday and Saturday. On the way back Sunday, we are stopping over in Cincinnati to visit with one of my best friends ever, Melissa. We are spending the night there, before heading for home on Monday. I haven't seen Mel since October, so I'm really looking forward to visiting with her. So, I'm sure this three day week will be a blur for me. I've got laundry to do, packing, and lots of other stuff. Looks like I'd better get the caffeine ready!

Memorial Day

I hope that everyone has a happy and safe holiday weekend. Everyone usually spends this weekend indulging in summer fun. I'd like to take a minute to honor all of America's veterans, past and present. Thanks so much for doing what you do and all of your sacrifices. Thanks for letting me live free!

To all of the men and women serving abroad, thanks for a job well done. We think about you everyday. May God keep you safe.

Andrew, Eli, and Cheryl: Memorial Day, May 2005. I'd also like to remember Casey's cousin, Andrew, who is currently serving in Iraq. He got to come home for a brief visit last March, and if all goes well, will return to us this August! Andrew, we miss you, and we love you! We can't wait until you get home.

Everyone have a great weekend!

Holiday Weekend Kickoff

Since it's now officially the Memorial Day Weekend, I thought I'd share a really cool organization with you all. The organization is The United States War Dog Association. They honor all former and current U.S. Military War Dogs and their handlers. Here's the mission statement from their website.

"The United States War Dogs Association, Inc. is a nonprofit organization of Former and Current US Military Dog Handlers and supporting members committed to promoting the long history of the Military Service Dogs, establishing permanent War Dog Memorials, and educating the public about the invaluable service of these canines to our country."

They have a very special event happening this year on June 10th. They are officially unveiling the U.S. War Dog Memorial.

Scale model of memorial.

The memorial is located in Holmdel, New Jersey at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Please visit their website for more information on the memorial dedication. There's also a lot of excellent tributes and stories of current and former war dogs and their handlers on the site. So take a moment and drop by and honor some of America's most forgotten but deserving heroes.

Cat Reality

As a shelter volunteer, fundraiser, dog walker, cat lover, and overall humane association supporter, I like to keep up with what other associations in the area are doing. For this reason, I belong to several national, statewide, and local humane association e-mail lists. So it was no suprise, when I got my usual e-mail update from the Nashville Humane Association yesterday. One of their shelter cats, Opry, is going to New York to participate in the first reality show for cats. It's the Meow Mix House. Once Opry has had his taste of fame, the association would love for him to find his forever home, and are running a high profile adoption campaign. Here's the pertinent information about the show and adoption campaign from the e-mail that I received:

Adopt A Reality Star!

The Meow Mix Company and the Nashville Humane Association are seeking an individual or family to adopt a very special cat! Opry, a one-year-old grey tabby will make history in June by becoming the first feline from Nashville to ever compete on a reality show!

Meow Mix House

New York City

June 13th - 23rd

Nashville Humane Association is one of ten animal shelters nationwide who will be submitting a cat to compete in the inaugural edition of The Meow Mix House, the first reality show for cats.

The cats will travel to NYC and live together in a decked out "kitty crib" specially designed for them on Madison Avenue.

The house is equipped with webcams in every room and can be viewed in real time at www.MeowMixHouse.com

Nashville residents can show their support by looging onto www.MeowMixHouse.com between June 13th and 23rd to vote for Opry as their favorite.

The cat with the least amount of votes each day will be evicted from the house and sent packing to their new adopted home.

After his 15 minutes of fame are up, the celebricat will be in need of a permanent, loving home. People interested in adopting Opry are asked to contact the Nashville Humane Association at (615) 352-1010. The deadline for application to adopt is Wednesday, May 31 at 5 p.m.

And don't forget to log on to www.MeowMixHouse.com and vote for Opry to keep our cool Nashville cat in the house!

Opry, as seen on the Nashville Humane Association web page.

For more information about the reality show, Opry, and adopting him click HERE.

Design Your Own Dog?

I was catching up on my blogroll this morning, and I came across a great topic over at Pennie's. Let me tell you, this whole fad of designer dogs just hacks me off! These breeders that are making money by breeding two different breeds of dogs are unbelievable! Folks, let's just call these dogs what they are....M-U-T-T-S! Designer dog breeders are making money off of people that just want the "in" thing. They are selling for hundreds of dollars what you can do through a visit to the shelter and a small donation. There is also a free option. You can rescue a stray dog. If anyone out there doesn't know where a stray dog is living, please let me know. I'd like to experience that community for a while. I hate to sound so bitchy, but this type of thing really makes my blood boil. Nature has been creating designer dogs for years. There are so many wonderful mixed breeds waiting in shelters for homes of their own. For years, shelters and rescue groups have had to compete with breeders, and that's o.k. I don't see anything wrong with owning a pure bred dog. That's just some people's cup of tea. In fact, I have two of my own that I acquired through rescue. But now, we have to deal with people that run their businesses breeding mixed breeds too? It's too much for me to handle without a fight.

Labradoodle smchoodle, it's a mutt! These exotic names are just a joke. Anybody can do that. Here are my two designer dogs. Let me know if anyone has any better suggestions for their designer names.

Shiloh, my Jackshund (Jack Russell / Dachshund mix).

Fergie, my Heelshep (Red Heeler / Shepherd mix).

Wow, I'm trendy aren't I? Think you can spot a designer dog over a shelter dog? Take the Designer Dog Quiz. Oh, and something to consider. If combining two breeds is trendy, wouldn't multiple breeds be more exotic? Visit your local shelter today and start a new trend. Getting off my soapbox now. Everyone have a good day.

2 Week Slate Update

Casey and I had a rather quiet weekend. Late Saturday afternoon, we went up to Clarksville for a get together at a friend's house. After a late night, we decided to just chill on Sunday.

Casey took the day off yesterday to help me get Slate back to the vet's office. We were up early and at the vet's office by a little after 10:00 a.m. Slate was a little nervous on the car ride, but that's not suprising. He seemed to settle down, once we got into the waiting area. They took his little cast off of his leg and had a look. They checked the incision they made to remove the BB, and then took an x-ray to see how the bones were healing. He had made good progress, but not good enough to go without a cast. Since the BB shattered the bones apart, instead of breaking them clean, it is taking just a tad longer. I also went ahead and had his vaccinations updated, while we were there. They had given him a mild sedative, while they were recasting his leg, so he didn't mind them so much. His physical was good. Dr. Kinard feels that he's making good progress, but wants to make sure everything is VERY healed, before he let's him go without a cast. So, now he has a bright green cast with little paw prints. He goes back in 3 weeks for another x-ray. I still wish that I could catch who did this, so they could be punished and made to pay my vet bills. I'll keep trying.... Hopefully I'll have pictures of his new cast, before the end of the week.

Beautiful

As I told you all last week. I got a sneak peek at my pet portrait that I commissioned. I've been wanting to get one done for the longest time and finally decided to just go ahead and do it. The preview of the portrait is absolutely beautiful. A friend of mine named Pattie Burkitt did it for me. Her business is Pattie's Portraits: People and Pets in Pastels. She is located in Franklin, Tennessee, and she takes orders from anyone. So if you would like to have one made you can e-mail me, and I'll send you her phone and e-mail.

This is of my Slate. Isn't it beautiful?

This is the actual photo from which the artwork was taken.

Congrats!!

Russell Smith and Debra Weaver, owners Pope's Cafe at the Humane Association Chili Supper February 2006.

I just wanted to say a big CONGRATULATIONS to my and Casey's friends Debra Weaver and Russell Smith, owners of Pope's Cafe in Shelbyville, that has been operating since 1945. As you all know, Debra and Russell have been a huge support for our humane association. Back in February, they held a benefit chili supper for us, and they also catered at our Spring Wine Tasting a couple of weeks ago. Those of us at the humane association value their support and their friendship. They have acquired the various equipment and other items from Nashville's famous eatery Vandyland, which opened in the 1920's as Candyland. I know that they have some big plans, but I'm not at liberty to divulge them here. So, come on down and enjoy a Nashville tradition in Shelbyville. To see the Shelbyville-Times Gazette story, click HERE. I guarantee you the food is fantastic. In fact, Casey and I never miss a week eating there.

Oh and by the way Debra and Russell, Casey and I will there for dinner tonight!! CONGRATS!!

Planning

I'm back after a day at a really good workshop. I just love it, when I learn really great stuff that I can take back home with me. Despite all the benefit that I got out of it, I feel really tired today. Also, it's not helping that I have a slamming headache. I have been productive. I've gotten several items on my "to-do" list. I've made a lot of progress on the arrangements for Celebration Pet Day. I want to have one of those rental Moonwalks for the kids. So, I've been busy calling around and getting prices. We've just about gotten the breakfast menu planned and all of the food donated. I can't believe that we are this far along, and it's only May. Hopefully, I'll be less stressed about the whole thing this year. I have my own committee with actual other people on it this year, instead of just me. That has really helped a lot. Also, it helps that we've done it before this time. Last year, we were completely making it up as we went. This is what we are planning for this year so far:

Children's Star Wars Character Breakfast kickoff

Reptile Program

Dog Show

Dog Agility Competition

Pet Related Vendor Booths and Businesses

Moonwalk

Other Area Animal Rescues

Any and all suggestions would be appreciated. I'd like to hear what other areas do for this sort of thing.

Summer Schedule

Casey and I had a really nice weekend. On Saturday, we just hung around the house until early afternoon. The weather turned out so nice that we decided to take a drive into a few neighboring towns to see what was up. It was really nice to get out and enjoy the sunshine that's become a rarity here lately. We didn't get home too late, so Bear got out to enjoy a really nice walk. On Sunday morning, we met Casey's aunt at Crackerbarrel for Mother's Day breakfast. We had a really nice, long visit. It was good to see her, since it had been 2 years since our last visit. Afterwards, we did a little shopping, and then headed home. We both needed naps, since we did shelter duty VERY early that morning. That afternoon, Casey grilled some of the best T-Bone steaks ever! He fixed a wonderful Mother's Day dinner for Mom. We had a really nice time eating and visiting together. After Mom left, I just fell into bed. For some reason, I was really tired over the weekend. Yesterday, I did the dreaded house cleaning. I really had the drags yesterday, so it took me a little longer than usual. When I finally got finished, I was really glad that I'd done it.

When I checked my e-mail this morning, I had a really nice suprise waiting for me. I had the preliminary sketch and color work for the painting of the dogs that I had commissioned from my friend, Pattie, back in February. Oh, it is so wonderfully done. It looks finished to me, but she still says she has quite a bit to do on it. It's head shots of all 4 of them. They are really detailed too. She captured them perfectly. I can't wait to get it home and framed. I think I'm going to hang it above the mantel. I love it, when I have really cool stuff like that in my inbox.

Little Slate is doing wonderfully. He finished up all of his meds on Sunday. He's just flying around the house and backyard in that little cast. He goes back to the vet on next Monday for a follow up.

Things are typical at work. Classes have started for the summer. I'll be away for a workshop tomorrow, but I'll be back on Thursday. Everyone have a great afternoon!

Weekend Windup

It's that time of week again. That time where I realize that even though it's a weekend, I have little to no free time left at all. Casey aunt is supposed to be in town this weekend visiting. This means after work, swimming, and dog walking, I have to clean house. It's really not that bad, but I'm a bit obessive when company comes over. I have no idea what time she's supposed to be over on Saturday, so I want to get everything done tomorrow night, so I can relax a little. Luckily, I'll be back on my regular schedule next week.

Sunday is Mother's Day. First thing, Casey and I will head to the shelter to do clean up and feeding. I'm not sure what the middle part of the day will bring, but we are having Mom over for dinner. Casey is grilling her a big t-bone steak (those are her favorite), along with the rest of the fabulous meal he is planning. I'm making Mom's gift this year, since the vet bills have drained us this month. I'm keeping it a secret, until afterwards. I've got most of it finished, and it does involve the dogs. I think that she'll really like it. I hope everyone has a terrific weekend!!

To My Mom:

Thanks for everything!! I love you!!

My mother's mother.

Getting Better

Slate is getting better everyday. On Tuesday, we stopped giving him the pain medicine, and he's doing just great. He's going outside and running and playing. He's got a fantastic appetite. That cast that Dr. Kinard fixed him is the thing. He's able to run around and jump up on the couch himself. I'm hoping that when we go back in 2 weeks, that we'll be finished. If not, he'll get another cast for 2 more weeks. He just seems like he's doing so well. Slate is usually a very happy dog and undemanding.

This is Slate's little trick to beg for treats. He just sticks that cast out and waves it around a little bit. I'm going to try to get some little videos of it tonight, so I can post them here. He's so funny. He's really learned how to make the most out of his situation. Don't you just love that little sly look on his face? I'm just so proud that he's making a quick recovery. Dr. Kinard says there won't be any lasting effects either. I am going to talk to a few more neighbors this weekend to see if I can find anything else out. I want to say thank you again to everyone for such great support. I have the best friends EVER!!

Be Kind To Animals

With all of the excitement with Slate this week, I've completely forgotten to mention that May 7 through May 13 is Be Kind to Animals Week. For ideas of things that you can do click HERE.

Since it's Be Kind to Animals Week, I'd like to share one of my favorites pieces with you all again.

The Rescuers' Quilt

Author Unknown

As I arrived at the Bridge, I faced all the animals who had gone there before me. Before each of us go to the Bridge, we live our lives like the squares of a quilt in many piles, mirrored in the eyes of the animals awaiting us. An animal Angel sits before each of us sewing our quilt squares together in a tapestry that is our life. But as my animal Angel took each piece of cloth off the pile, I noticed how ragged and empty each of my squares was. They were filled with giant holes. Each square was labeled with a part of my life as a rescuer that had been difficult, the challenges I was faced with in my quest to save lives and the times I had been tempted to take the easy way out and avoid the controversy rather than speak for the animals who could not speak for themselves. I saw hardships that I had endured for the sake of the animals, which were the largest holes of all.

I glanced around me. Nobody else had such squares. Other than a tiny hole here and there, the other tapestries were filled with rich color and the bright hues of worldly fortune. I gazed upon my own life and was disheartened. My animal Angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together, threadbare and empty, like binding air. Finally, the time came when each life was to be displayed, held up to the light, the scrutiny of truth. The others rose, each in turn, holding up their tapestries. So filled their lives had been with the riches of the Earth. My animal Angel looked upon me, and nodded for me to rise. My gaze dropped to the ground in shame. I hadn't had all the earthly fortunes. I had love in my life, and laughter and the sweet kisses of the precious animals who honored my life with their presence. But there had also been the trials of illness, and death, and false accusations that took me from their world as I knew it. I had to start over many times. I often struggled with the temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the strength to pick up andbegin again. I spent many nights crying and praying that somehow thestrength would come to go on, asking for help and guidance as I tried to help the helpless. I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured painfully, each time enduring it for the sake of the animals who looked at me with trust and love in their eyes.

And now, I had to face the truth. My life was what it was, and I had to accept it for what it was. I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life to the light. An awe-filled gasp filled the air. I gazed around at the animals gathered there, who stared at me with wideeyes. Then, I looked upon the tapestry before me. Light flooded the many holes, creating an image of an animal who had depended on me. All the animals at the Bridge stood before me, with warmth and love in their eyes. They said, "Every time you gave over your life to help us, it gave us life. Each point of light in your life is when you stepped aside and let us shine through, until there was more of us than there was of you."

May all our quilts be threadbare and worn, allowing the animals to shine through.

Now go and spread kindness!

Recovery

Slate seems to be feeling much better. Yesterday, while I was at work, my mother went over and took care of him. I wanted to make sure that he got his pain medication on schedule. I felt so bad. I know the little thing probably really hurt all last week, and I want to make sure he has a speedy recovery. When I got home, he was very frisky. He was more than ready to go out with the other dogs. Dr. Kinard padded the end of his cast, so he's able to walk on that leg. As soon as he got in the back yard, he was flying around. He wanted to play and investigate everything as usual. It really made me feel a lot better to see him acting normal. I'm so glad that his injuries weren't any more serious than they were. We've been lucky. So far, the swelling is minimal and there's no sign of infection. He still has a lot more antibiotics to take and at least 1 more x-ray. He goes back to the vet on the 22nd for his next check. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it is a good visit.

I want to thank everyone who sent e-mails and comments for their good wishes and prayers. It's funny. You never realize how much impact a small, personal blog can have, until something like this comes up. Then, the flood of support overwhelms you. So, from the bottom of my and Casey's hearts and from Slate: We love you all and thanks so much for your support.

What?!!

Casey and I headed to Dr. Kinard's office in time to have Slate there by 11:00 a.m. The vet gave little Slate's foot a thorough inspection. On first look, he couldn't figure out what was wrong either. He felt that since he wouldn't put any weight on it all and it was a little swollen, we should get an x-ray to see if there was anything wrong internally. After a short wait, Dr. Kinard came back in with the x-ray and announced, "Someone's shot the little fellow with a BB gun." My jaw completely hit the floor. There it was in the x-ray as plain as day: a metal BB and 2 broken bones. I just couldn't believe it. Even today, I'm still having trouble believing it. Someone shot my little dog with Casey just a few hundred yards away!! We've lived in our neighborhood for 8 years. I know all of my neighbors. They know all of my dogs. Who could have done this? Who could be THAT CRUEL!! You guys know that I usually don't like to vent on my blog, but I will say this. If I find out who did this, I will see that they are punished. I'll put them under the jail if I can. I notified my humane association, and I'm going to fill out a police report. Not only will I have them arrested and sue them, but the Humane Assocation will do the same. I never dreamed since I have indoor dogs, that one of them would be the victim of animal cruelty. I'm still really mad today, but there was no dealing with me on Saturday.

The good news is Slate is going to be perfectly fine. Dr. Kinard did surgery to remove the BB and reset the broken bones. Slate has a full leg cast that is bright yellow with little green dog bones on it. We got to pick him up from the vet's early yesterday morning. He goes back in 2 weeks to remove the cast and get another x-ray. At that point, he may be finished. It just depends on how fast he's healing. Let me tell you, he's one spoiled little dog today. I'm at his beck and call. He's been doing this funny little thing. When he wants something, he'll wave the leg with the cast on around in the air like, "gimme, I've been shot you know." His appetite is good, and so far there's no infection. He's a very lucky little dog. Everyone keep your fingers crossed that he has a speedy recovery.

Hop, Hop, Hop

My apologies for not showing up yesterday. My mom had a dental thing come up, so I had to wisk her away to everyone's favorite thing...the dentist and a drill. It's been the typical week so far. It's really quiet at work, since the spring sememester is over. That means that I have Saturday off this week. It will be nice to have a Saturday. But I always feel wronged on Monday, when I acutally have to drag myself into work. Oh well....

Part of my Saturday is already scheduled. I have to take Slate, the long haired Chihuahua, into the vet tomorrow morning. I let him out on Tuesday morning to do his daily business, and he returned with a mysterious foot injury. It's his right front paw. I first noticed him limping and hopping and on closer inspection realized that he had a little nick in his joint area. I got him cleaned up and the little bit of bleeding stopped, before I left for work. That evening, I tried to get a better look at his foot, since he was still limping. Being his usual crotchety self, he wouldn't let me look at it for very long. That night, and in the short inspections that have followed throughout the week, I've found nothing. As of today, he is still limping and has a small amount of swelling on top of his joint and in his paw pads. So, it's off to Dr. Kinard we go tomorrow morning. That itself will make for an interesting trip. Slate is deathly afraid of the car, so we have to give him something before we ever start to the vet's. He's really grouchy anyway because of his paw, so that will help calm him when the vet examines him as well. I really don't want him to bite Dr. Kinard. It's funny when he was younger, he liked everyone and would let anyone do anything to him. No he's a little crumudgeon. Just like a little old man; hateful at times. I know that he's not the only dog that the vet sees like this, but I still hate for it to happen. I love my dogs, and I want everyone else to love them too. I don't think it's anything serious, but I just want to make absolutely certain. Everyone keep their fingers crossed!!

You Better Recognize

Do you love service dogs? Think they go way above and beyond the call of duty? Here's a great contest that Pedigree is running. It's called Pedigree PAWS to Recognize. Pedigree runs this contest to celebrate and honor America's service dogs. There are 5 contestants this year: Rocky, Hero, Polo, Xena, and Quanto. You can read their biographies at Pedigree's website and vote for your choice. This contest is running from April 7th until July 14. If 10,000 votes are received, Pedigree will donate $25,000 to American Humane . So everyone, let's get those votes going! To vote, click the picture above or click Here.

Wine Tasting Wrap Up

The wine tasting went swimmingly well. Casey and I were out and about until after 9 p.m. on Friday night getting all of the supplies. On Saturday, we made 6 lbs. of meatballs for everyone's dining pleasure. We arrived about 5:30 p.m. to help with the last details and make sure everything was set up and ready. Our good friends from Pope's Cafe were there with LOTS of fantastic food. They had Jambalaya, roasted pork loin, fried green tomatoes, chocolate pecan cheescake, dips and crackers and honey and garlic cheese rolls. Let's just say their table was very popular. There were several other restaurants and caterers there as well, but I'm just so pleased that Pope's was THE talk of the wine tasting. Russell and Debra, who own Pope's, have been so supportive of our humane organization. It's nice to see their hard work pay off. The town really turned out for our event. By 7:15 p.m. the place was packed. By 7:45 p.m. the food vendors were nearly out of food. Everyone had a great time visiting and bidding on silent auction items. I got to see a lot of really good friends and make some really good contacts for our upcoming Pet Day. I actually had another high point of the night. I won one of the silent auctions. I won this wonderful framed picture of some "Oh so cute" sea otters. I'll have to get a picture of it and post it here for you all to see. I believe this was one of our biggest wine tastings yet. I didn't take my camera with me but hopefully, I'll have some shots from a friend to post here soon. A big THANK YOU to everyone who came out to support.