Is Canine Disarming the Solution for Agressive Dogs? - Paw Nation

Read this story and let me know what YOU think.

I agree with one of the commentators that this surgery might only make the problem worse. What a shame! I think Chloe and I could have helped this cute little thing.

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Windows - Part II

Here's Chloe, standing on the windowsill like a cat. She's little. She can do this.

Well, thankfully Friday is right around the corner. Looking forward to a relaxing weekend. How about you?

Windows

Never can say goodbye. But I had to go to the store. As I was driving the car away, I saw THIS on my windshield:

Grasshopper! I pulled over and escorted the little bugger off the windshield (using an old ATM receipt) so I could keep going on my merry way. After all, I must be back for my little Bichon ... who sits by the window waiting for me every minute while I'm away.

Home Decor According To Chloe

It begins with our submission to the Vanity For Humanity call for photos, which you can participate in as well ... over on one of our fav non-dog blogs, parisapartment.wordpess.com.

Chloe insisted I submit a photo that includes a shout-out to her furry kind...and so it has been done. We're on the site - check it out.

Then it was off to the garden for flower picking!
The gladiolas are from a neighbor - and I love the way they splay out in the vase with the golden, Black-eyed Susan daisies in the center.

I hope they still look this pretty for our dinner party tomorrow night when my parents come over to join us!

Have a lovely weekend.

Blue Eggs and Ham: A Dog Story

It's about a half hour before dinner and we go outside. We see this blue egg on the ground. It's empty. Just a shell.

What a pretty shade of blue!

We really need to get inside for dinner! So the eggshell falls to the ground. But look now - there's only a half of an eggshell on the grass. Where's the other half????

Chloe ATE it! Yes she did. And now look at her - is she ok?

Perfectly fine. Eggshells, it seems, make a yummy appetizer.

Now what's for dinner?

Dog Joke on a Popsicle Stick

Not a Bichon joke, but I get this - whereas the other one was over my head!

July Farmer's Market Challenge

We had so much fun posting for the last Farmer's Market Challenge here on Honeygo Beasley (where we featured York Farm in Bensalem, PA) that we're doing it again for Squirrel Queen's July Challenge. Actually, it's about more than just fun. It's about good, healthy eating - and eating locally grown foods, too.

So last Saturday, we went over to Styer Orchard in Langhorne, PA, where the main attraction was picking our own farm, fresh fruits and veggies.

It all starts when you pull in the parking lot of The Market at Styer Orchard (which is actually not related to the farm itself), where you can buy things that are already picked, as well as prepared delicacies, such as baked goods and salads.

There's even a little restaurant where breakfast is served daily.

We bought a few items at the market and then mosied over to the actual farm.

The barn at Styer Orchard has a great "vibe." It's a cool place to walk around. You really get the feel of being immersed in daily farm life when you see the bales of hay and old farm equipment. (The hay is important - we'll be sitting on it later in the tractor that takes us out to the ripe crops in the fields.)

Time to get pickin'!

We abide by the rules and get our bucket.

Riding out to the fields ... we enjoy the beautiful sunshine!

The view is breath-taking.

Eggplant flower.

We pick only what we plan to use this week and decide to come back next weekend, if the weather permits. We also decide to buy most of our fruits and veggies here throughout the year and not just once in a while. It's more fun than going to the supermarket - we get more exercise, are outside, and can support our local growers.

Can't wait to do it again!

Meet The Firefly and Roxie

This is a firefly - by day. While I wasn't able to catch one on video last week at night, I did manage to get a close-up of one of these fascinating bugs while it was sitting on my front door in the middle of the afternoon.

And we recently had a visit from Chloe's friend Kris - who brought along her new Min Pin named Roxie.

Roxie was recently spayed, so she couldn't run around and play with Chloe, but the two nosed up to each other and seem to be becoming fast friends.

A Curio Story

A little over a month ago, I wrote a post about my mother's curios and I promised to share some of the stories that go with the many collectables she has on those shelves, for those of you who are curious to know more.

See the statue of the Asian man, to the right of the raspberry and green colored glass vase? Well, when Mark and I first got engaged, I had to go to the jewelry store in New Jersey where he bought my diamond and have some work done on the setting. Mark wasn't in town, so I went with my mother. And while we were in the jewelry store, my mother admired this statute - which reminds me of a saytr from Greek mythology ... a creature you'd find in the woods. My mother liked the statue so much that she asked if it was for sale. The salesperson who was helping us said, "You like that? Really? Here ... you can have it." And my mother was elated. She brought it home and displayed it on a shelf in her curio with some jewelry (beaded bracelets) draped around the statue's neck, as it had been displayed in the store. Not long thereafter, my mother actually saw the same statue being used as an accessory in a furniture store. 

I was happy that while I was getting my diamond ring, 

my mother had a nice little "perk" that day, too - so we both felt special!

(The raspberry and green glass vase next to the statue is from a Telefora Mother's Day arrangement that I sent to my mom a few years ago, I think! I'll have to ask my mom to verify that.)

Well, bye for now. Have a lovely weekend everyone!

The Old Mill Flea Market, Hulmeville - Bucks County, PA 

(Read about the three spooks who live there.)

It takes a certain kind of dog ...

"THE PLEDGE"

If you are ever trapped under a ton of rubble, I promise to sniff you out.

I promise to be worth every cent of the $10,000 that it took to train me.

I promise to ignore all other more fascinating smalls and concentrate on the scent of humans.

I promise to go about my work with a wagging tail, even if my paws get sore.

I promise to never give up.

THE NATIONAL DISASTER SEARCH DOG FOUNDATION

Strengthening disaster response in America by teaming the most highly trained dogs with firefighters to save lives. To donate, call 

(866) 459-4376 or visit www.SearchDogFoundation.org

BE PART OF THE SEARCH(R)

***

Those search dogs sure are brave - brave like our squirrel chasing troops here on the blogosphere. 

Dogs and Beaches Do Mix!

Honeygo Beasley blog readers are taking their dogs to the beach this summer - some have already done so. If you're still on the fence about it, check out this link to learn about dog-friendly beaches throughout the US, including the 50 Best dog-friendly beaches, and on that link, you can also read the first 12 pages of Doggin' America's Beaches.

Chloe's first time on the beach was a bit sedate. She didn't do any swimming, just a lot of sand clawing! 

Stupid Squirrel ...

Chloe Loses It - Or The Case of The Missing Dog Tags

     She lost her tags in the grass, and I spent what seemed like forever looking for them - first in bare feet, in the hopes that I would inadvertently step on them, and then on hands and knees. Good thing I had my video camera with me!

***

     It all started when we went out last night at around 8:30 p.m. for "the last walk." 

     "Look at all the fireflies!" I said to Chloe, as if she knew what I was talking about. Then I ran back inside the house to get my camcorder. Unfortunately, I was a tad too late to capture the little bugs on video. 

     Chloe didn't seem to mind. She rolled around and ran around in the grass like a crazy dog. I took pictures anyway ... of her. She was having fun!

***

     And somewhere along the way, she lost her tags. Trying to find the tags in the tall, damp grass was like trying to find the proverbial needle in a haystack. Plus, it was getting darker and darker outside. Finally, I had a brainstorm - use the video footage to figure out where she lost her tags! 

     I turned the camera on to "playback" mode. In one clip, she has the tags on and you can hear them jingling ... in the next clip, we're standing next to a couple of trees and the tags are gone. I felt like Nancy Drew piecing together a crime, or better yet "Cindy PI." Now to figure out where that spot is on the grass. That was easier said than done. 

     It was now about 9:30 p.m., and I had spent nearly a full hour of poking around in the grass looking for the darn tags, so I thought it was time to give up and call it a night. But if you know me, you know that I don't like quitting. 

     In semi-despair, I sat down sat on the grass - thinking what a pain it would be to have to send away for another dog license, go to the vet for another rabies tag, and not to mention the sentimental "solar-powered" name tag Mark brought back for her from Florida.

     Then I put my hand down in the grass beside me and suddenly felt ... metal!

***

Lessons learned:

1) It's good to take time to look at the fireflies.

2) If you decide to roll in the grass, keep your tags on!

3) Sometimes you can find what you're looking for without even looking.

Piano Man

He gets a little stiff and rusty - and this was before he found a better key to play this song in - but here he is ... my dad ... on the piano, entertaining Chloe and the rest of us before dinner yesterday evening. 

And the award goes to ...

This award is from Anne at Comfort Food Warms The Soul. Thank you so much for this award! I think I need to now list these awards on the margin of my blog, now that I have two! Anyway, I am extremely flattered and really enjoy participating in the blogging community with all of you. So here I go - playing the award game and passing the award forward.

I'd like to pass this award to:

Abby - another cute little furry gal with a lovely blog.
Tank, who already has a lot of awards but could always use another one because he is so prolific.
Our new friends Mollie and Bobo.
Deb and Hannah, also our special friends.
Checkers, with whom we like to play games on Facebook!
Emme, another Bichon like Chloe!
Jejune and Petal - who got us into blogging in the first place.
To anyone I missed - I am going to create my own award soon and pass it on to you - or if I get one before that, don't worry - you're "in." I did this rather diplomatically by going down my blog roll and listing those who have most recently posted. But I love you all!

These are the rules:
(1) Thank the person who nominated you for this award.
(2) Copy the logo and place it on your blog.
(3) Link to the person who nominated you for this award.
(4) Name 7 things about yourself that people might find interesting.
(5) Nominate 7 Kreativ Bloggers.
(6) Post links to the 7 blogs you nominate.
(7) Leave a comment on each of the blogs, letting them know they have been nominated.

Here are 7 things I hope you find interesting about me (Chloe) ...

1) My birthday is November 6th, 2006 so I'll be three years old this year.

2) I like to bite the pillows on the couch in the evening - it's a terrible ritual that my owners are tying to get me out of.

3) My groomer says I am very lovable - I lick her while she grooms me!

4) I don't like to go for very long walks. Maybe it's because I am so little and very active at home. If we go out too far from my comfort zone, I stand up on my hind legs to see if I'll get picked up and if that doesn't work, I take the leash in my mouth and try to pull whoever is walking me back home. 

5) I have a favorite friend named Beau; he's our neighbor and a Pomeranian. I like him so much because he's my size. I cry when I see him outside and beg to be let out.

6) I love my dog food - Precise brand - it's all I've ever eaten since I was puppy.

7) One of my favorite toys is a tennis ball.

 

Have a great day, everyone!

PetParadise grand opening at Charlotte International Airport

It's vacation time. To bring your pet or not to bring your pet, that's the question. Sometimes, you have to go on separate vacations, to keep the relationship going! Here's an option worth considering ... PetParadise!

Click on ad to see larger image.  

If you plan to travel through the Charlotte International Airport area in August 09 or thereafter, mention the ad above to get one FREE night of boarding. (See ad for details.)  In addition to pet boarding, the resort offers grooming and daycare services. And that bone-shaped pool is pawsome!  To find out more, you can visit their Web site at PetParadiseResort.com. You also find PetParadise locations in Houston, TX ... New Orleans, LA ... as well as throughout Florida in Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Palm Coast, Gainsesville, Ormonnd Beach, Sanford, Tallahassee and Ft. Lauderdale. I wish they had one in the Philadelphia area!

Today: A bike ride with Chloe before the Michael Jackson memorial service...

... and good thing we missed the rain outside. (It's pouring now.)

Watching Mariah sing "I'll Be There" - no one could sing it like Michael.

Just a Dog

Just a Dog

From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up, it's just a dog," or, "that's a lot of money for just a dog." They don't understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs involved for "just a dog."

Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a dog." Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a dog," but I did not once feel slighted.

Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a dog," and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a dog" gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.

If you, too, think it's "just a dog," then you will probably understand phases like "just a friend," "just a sunrise," or "just a promise." "Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy. "Just a dog" brings out the compassion and patience that make me a better person.

Because of "just a dog" I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future. So for me and folks like me, it's not "just a dog" but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment.

"Just a dog" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.   

I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a dog" but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a human."

So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog." just smile, because they "just don't understand."

- Authored by Richard A. Biby

Your thoughts?

Forever blowing ...

Bubbles!

Chloe's "grandma" blowing bubbles.

They're very hard to catch! 

I think may be easier to catch a squirrel than a bubble.

Independence Day

Hope your 4th is happy and your 5th, 6th, 7th and the rest of the month is super, too!

Here's Chloe nuzzling a new-found buddy who's all dressed up for the 4th of July.

Chloe is, too, with her bright red collar. Maybe she can borrow the teddy's striped sweater? Looks like it would actually fit her ...

Postcards From The Edge

Wish you were here - two postcards came in the mail. One from Hawaii. The other reminding me that "Chloe, it's time to schedule your next visit."  Hawaii or the Vet?

I'd rather go to Hawaii. How about you?

Herbs and The Watermelon Snack

Chloe and I always enjoy morning walks. The other day, we were outside admiring a neighbor's garden, which is filled with pretty flowers and herbs. Our neighbor came outside to chat with us and kindly offered some herb cuttings, which she suggested I place in water and let grow roots, so I could replant them in a pot of soil. So here they are ... no roots sprouting yet.

Later that day, I was scheduled to take my mother shopping. So before our allotted meeting time, I decided to make myself a little snack of fresh watermelon. As I was slicing the melon, a huge chunk slipped out of my hands and onto the floor. I wiped the floor and resumed preparing my snack. Then I noticed Chloe's head - her white fur had a huge pinkish-red stain. Guess that fallen piece of watermelon ricochetted off of Chloe's head before hitting the floor. A moistened wash cloth and even a little tear stain remover was used to try to rectify the situation - to no avail. So ....

Emergency bath! Since Chloe's hair is so short, she was easy to dry. And we made it in time to take my mother shopping.

Wordless Wednesday