First Blog of the new year, and it has been a start of a year of firsts! The first one being that after a short Christmas break I go back to my part time job and find that I am being laid off! Through no ones fault, just working for a not for profit organization is touch and go with the monies, and we had none. That was a depressing day, but I muddled through it, and it was off set by an awesome home check for the rescue group I volunteer for, that re-homes pit bulls. This home check wanted to foster dogs until their forever home was found, it was a young couple with a wonderful pit bull and a very cute one year old. Any dog would be lucky to be placed into foster care at this home.
Then the caca hit the fan, literally! We are out on one of our walks and Harry suddenly discovers that frozen coyote poo is the best treat EVER! He has always sort of liked scarfing up bunny buttons and I didn't worry too much about, because bunnies eat their own poop once and then eliminate it the second time. But with coyote poo it is a completely different story.....worms...not just any worms but tapeworms. Not only is Harry munching down on it he has taken to rolling in it. All summer we would come upon it and he would just sniff it and maybe pee on it. Come winter and there are just tons of frozen treats awaiting him. And living by a ravine with a healthy population of coyotes you do the math! After doing some research I called my vet with the news, apparently I have a perfectly normal dog. A round of de-worming medicine and we are good to go, that is until he finds more to eat. I am with holding kisses temporary until he grows out of this phase. I long for the days when he would roll puppies, at least I could control that and get him under control and lead him off with the phrase "he is just a puppy" trailing after me. I am hoping this is a phrase...
But all in all my Harry is growing up fast, not quite the dog his big brother Oliver was, those are some mighty big paws to fill, but he is growing into his own and in a year or ten he will be the perfect dog. But then having said that who really wants the perfect dog...we just want our dog! And there are no bad dogs just challenging ones!
Sunday, 20 January 2013
Monday, 24 December 2012
December 24, 2012
Merry Christmas Eve everyone! This will be my Harry's very first Christmas and the first Christmas without Oliver...
In the paper the other day they were talking about Christmas presents that we just had to have for Christmas or we would jussssst die. the writer mentioned when he was a child there was a "Johnny Reb Canon" that he had to have. He did get one, and of course it went the way of all the favorite toys of our childhood, gone and no one seems to know where. He went on line and found one for a horridly high price. This got me thinking about the toy I always wanted, a Chatty Cathy doll. When I was growing up we didn't have a lot of money, not that I knew it back then. Of all the things I asked for and was lucky enough to get, Chatty Cathy always eluded me, that and an Easy Bake Oven. Credit to my Mom through she always let me bake with her and I even had my own little set of kids baking pans and what not, who needed a teenie tiny oven when I had the real one to use. And I turned out the best cakes ever, there were even little boxes of icing that you could get.
Anyway back to Cathy, no matter how many times I asked for one the answer was always the same, we can't afford it,or it is too much money, which I am sure back in the early sixties it had a dear price tag. But I did get a Chatty Cathy coloring book and I was almost in seventh heaven. I loved my coloring books.
Well this article got me thinking about the doll, so I went on Ebay to have a look see if they were still around, and low and behold there was Miss Cathy in all her Chatty glory! What was I thinking, it is the most ugliest doll I have ever seen, she wasn't even cute, let alone pretty. Was the charm that she could talk by pulling a string.....had to be. Were our standards of good looking low when we where children, or didn't we care. I suspect we didn't care. But wasn't Barbie the most beautiful of all... Don't get me started on an Easy Bake Oven, not even looking that one up.
Harry is getting a stocking tomorrow full of goodies, he doesn't suspect a thing, even through he was born in October, he spent the first four months of his little life on the streets, so this is truly his very first Christmas somewhere warm and loved.
Merry Christmas Everyone!
In the paper the other day they were talking about Christmas presents that we just had to have for Christmas or we would jussssst die. the writer mentioned when he was a child there was a "Johnny Reb Canon" that he had to have. He did get one, and of course it went the way of all the favorite toys of our childhood, gone and no one seems to know where. He went on line and found one for a horridly high price. This got me thinking about the toy I always wanted, a Chatty Cathy doll. When I was growing up we didn't have a lot of money, not that I knew it back then. Of all the things I asked for and was lucky enough to get, Chatty Cathy always eluded me, that and an Easy Bake Oven. Credit to my Mom through she always let me bake with her and I even had my own little set of kids baking pans and what not, who needed a teenie tiny oven when I had the real one to use. And I turned out the best cakes ever, there were even little boxes of icing that you could get.
Anyway back to Cathy, no matter how many times I asked for one the answer was always the same, we can't afford it,or it is too much money, which I am sure back in the early sixties it had a dear price tag. But I did get a Chatty Cathy coloring book and I was almost in seventh heaven. I loved my coloring books.
Well this article got me thinking about the doll, so I went on Ebay to have a look see if they were still around, and low and behold there was Miss Cathy in all her Chatty glory! What was I thinking, it is the most ugliest doll I have ever seen, she wasn't even cute, let alone pretty. Was the charm that she could talk by pulling a string.....had to be. Were our standards of good looking low when we where children, or didn't we care. I suspect we didn't care. But wasn't Barbie the most beautiful of all... Don't get me started on an Easy Bake Oven, not even looking that one up.
Harry is getting a stocking tomorrow full of goodies, he doesn't suspect a thing, even through he was born in October, he spent the first four months of his little life on the streets, so this is truly his very first Christmas somewhere warm and loved.
Merry Christmas Everyone!
Tuesday, 27 November 2012
November 27, 2012
Harry and I were out and about this afternoon, just minding our own business when something caught my eye to the left, in the Victoria Golf Course on River Road, a coyote. Mind you this wasn't dusk or dawn this was 12:30 in the afternoon! He dashed in front of may car, and thank goodness I was a ways from him, however the SUV on the other side of the road was closer, this is what was racing through my mind... OK I will pullover, put on my flashers, I have a scarf that I can use as a muzzle, but no blanket. There used to be a wonderful Campers Village blanket in my car, but now it is in pieces scattered through out the back seat, thanks to a certain puppy who shall remain nameless, anyway back to my brain going a hundred miles an hour. Ok muzzle done, I am wearing a faux shearling fleece, I can wrap the coyote in that, (fashion goes out the window when it comes to animals in distress) I have a cage in the back of my car along with heavy work gloves....don't ask, I volunteer for Wildlife Rehab...all I have to worry about is not getting run over...and then I can go to the emergency vet, oh rats what about Harry, he can ride up front with me for the length of time it takes to get to the vet. There I have a plan in action. The coyote thankfully made it across both lanes of traffic without losing a hair, but I was ready.
My spouse says I can't save every animal in the world, my answer to him is "yes I can or at least try!"
I just saw the some idiot left a 10 month old puppy in a car for three days, no food no water and it has been -17 at night these past couple of nights. When police responded he came out and said he didn't do anything wrong, the dog had shelter! All I can say is he is lucky I didn't find the poor puppy.....thankfully he is now some where warm and safe, the puppy, not the piece of scum that left him there, he can rot in hell with Michael Vick. What are you thinking, oh pardon me, you weren't. Would you leave your child in a car for three days, yes you probably would....... These are the same people that turn out pets because they are "too old". However Karma is a wonderful thing and it will find you eventually.
Thus ends my rant for the day. As I am writing this Harry is curled up safe and sound on my bed snoring his little heart out, just where he should be!
My spouse says I can't save every animal in the world, my answer to him is "yes I can or at least try!"
I just saw the some idiot left a 10 month old puppy in a car for three days, no food no water and it has been -17 at night these past couple of nights. When police responded he came out and said he didn't do anything wrong, the dog had shelter! All I can say is he is lucky I didn't find the poor puppy.....thankfully he is now some where warm and safe, the puppy, not the piece of scum that left him there, he can rot in hell with Michael Vick. What are you thinking, oh pardon me, you weren't. Would you leave your child in a car for three days, yes you probably would....... These are the same people that turn out pets because they are "too old". However Karma is a wonderful thing and it will find you eventually.
Thus ends my rant for the day. As I am writing this Harry is curled up safe and sound on my bed snoring his little heart out, just where he should be!
Monday, 19 November 2012
November 19, 2012
I can't believe my last post was in October. When I started this blog I wanted it be a weekly thing, funny how stuff gets in the way.
So Harry and I are enjoying a nice off leash walk the other day and we run into a family, probably grandparents enjoying their grandchild. Keep in mind we are in the off leash area, so this little family out for a nice walk, is pulling their grandchild in a sled, remember still off leash, well Harry does what every dog presented with a eye level child, but runs up, nicely, and wants to get to know the child, perhaps a little kiss! Well the grandfather is trying to push Harry away, puppy vs old man, you can guess who might of won. He is looking at me like I am the wicked witch of the north east west and south. Memo to file, this is an off leash park, full of, of I don't know DOGS!
These people fall into the same category as people on bikes, runners and young parents with strollers ( with the Happy Meal on the tray) that come down to the off leash and are more then upset that there are dogs, but worst yet dogs off leash that seem to like to run after moving objects, or in the case of the full meal deal lick off the residue of those chubby little cheeks at just the right level....what are you thinking. Don't want dogs around go up on the people path. Then there are the exceptions, the wonderful cyclists that stop and pet all the dogs they encounter, the runners that run with their dogs and stop so the dogs can say hello and maybe have a bit of a run themselves, and the children that giggle like Tickle Me Elmo when anything on four legs approach them, big or small. Then there is the young family that actually let the dogs actually come right up the the dogs and encourage interaction with them, and if they get knocked down they just get right back up and do it all again!
And then there are the dog owners that get really miffed when my dog wants to play with their dog and maybe gets rolled but keeps coming back for more. Those that don't know dog language, rolled is when your dog is so happy to see the other dog, he actually rolls the dog on its back, nine time out of ten the dog gets up and wants more, but the humans are mortified that happened to sweet little "Muffin". Harry plays with a select few dogs including a Basset Hound, who by the way can give as good as she gets. If you didn't know these dogs you would think that they were mortal enemies they way they bare their teeth and grab fur. So thanks to Edith, Max, Lexi, Watson, Jaz and Maebell for playing with Harry and for their parents that encourage the play!
So Harry and I are enjoying a nice off leash walk the other day and we run into a family, probably grandparents enjoying their grandchild. Keep in mind we are in the off leash area, so this little family out for a nice walk, is pulling their grandchild in a sled, remember still off leash, well Harry does what every dog presented with a eye level child, but runs up, nicely, and wants to get to know the child, perhaps a little kiss! Well the grandfather is trying to push Harry away, puppy vs old man, you can guess who might of won. He is looking at me like I am the wicked witch of the north east west and south. Memo to file, this is an off leash park, full of, of I don't know DOGS!
These people fall into the same category as people on bikes, runners and young parents with strollers ( with the Happy Meal on the tray) that come down to the off leash and are more then upset that there are dogs, but worst yet dogs off leash that seem to like to run after moving objects, or in the case of the full meal deal lick off the residue of those chubby little cheeks at just the right level....what are you thinking. Don't want dogs around go up on the people path. Then there are the exceptions, the wonderful cyclists that stop and pet all the dogs they encounter, the runners that run with their dogs and stop so the dogs can say hello and maybe have a bit of a run themselves, and the children that giggle like Tickle Me Elmo when anything on four legs approach them, big or small. Then there is the young family that actually let the dogs actually come right up the the dogs and encourage interaction with them, and if they get knocked down they just get right back up and do it all again!
And then there are the dog owners that get really miffed when my dog wants to play with their dog and maybe gets rolled but keeps coming back for more. Those that don't know dog language, rolled is when your dog is so happy to see the other dog, he actually rolls the dog on its back, nine time out of ten the dog gets up and wants more, but the humans are mortified that happened to sweet little "Muffin". Harry plays with a select few dogs including a Basset Hound, who by the way can give as good as she gets. If you didn't know these dogs you would think that they were mortal enemies they way they bare their teeth and grab fur. So thanks to Edith, Max, Lexi, Watson, Jaz and Maebell for playing with Harry and for their parents that encourage the play!
Monday, 29 October 2012
October 29, 2012
Yesterday was my Harry's birthday and he celebrated in style. First came the gift bag, except he really didn't know what to do with it at first, which is bizarre because he is the first the have his little pink nose into any bag that comes into the house, from my purse, grocery bags (which I totally get) to my library books. however this one sort of stumped him. I had to pull out the first toy, which is now just a shadow of it's former self, he wasn't interested in the bags of treats at all, which again can smell and hear the opening of a treat bag in another country! Then he got to finish off the drops of milk left in Dad's cereal bowl! Big treat!
Then we were off for walkies. He managed to tell everyone he met that it was his birthday and badgered them into giving him treats if they had any. The non-treat people, he settled for a pat and a kiss.
And speaking of walkies, the other day we are in the off leash park and this beautiful Staffie comes up and wants to play so bad, however he had a Saskatchewan Rough Riders hoodie on, so far so good. Harry immediately grabs the hood part and flips the poor thing on his back. The dog got up shook it off and again ran toward Harry, and Harry of course grabbed the hood. This only made the owner more mad, after I got Harry under control, and bare in mind the dogs are still playing, having the time of their lives, she picks up her dog in a huff and storms off. Not easy to do with a Staffie, they are heavy. I just laughed, memo to file if you going to dress up your dog don't supply handles! Comments heard were, Oh he mustn't be a Rough riders fan!
Then we were off for walkies. He managed to tell everyone he met that it was his birthday and badgered them into giving him treats if they had any. The non-treat people, he settled for a pat and a kiss.
And speaking of walkies, the other day we are in the off leash park and this beautiful Staffie comes up and wants to play so bad, however he had a Saskatchewan Rough Riders hoodie on, so far so good. Harry immediately grabs the hood part and flips the poor thing on his back. The dog got up shook it off and again ran toward Harry, and Harry of course grabbed the hood. This only made the owner more mad, after I got Harry under control, and bare in mind the dogs are still playing, having the time of their lives, she picks up her dog in a huff and storms off. Not easy to do with a Staffie, they are heavy. I just laughed, memo to file if you going to dress up your dog don't supply handles! Comments heard were, Oh he mustn't be a Rough riders fan!
Happy Birthday my baby boy!
And check out the newest Pet Rescue Magazine, my Harry is in it!
Sunday, 23 September 2012
September 23, 2012
So this past Friday I get an email saying Harry's results have been posted. I quickly go the the website and this is what I found.
Great Grandparents - Saint Bernard, Collie - Alaskan Malamute on one side and Rottweiller, Cocker Spaniel on the other side of the family. Down it all trickles to Harry's parents.....St. Bernard, Collie, Alaskan Malamute Crossed with Rottweiller Cocker Spaniel. Not a lab or chow in the mix, not even an Akita. Ok I do kind of get the Malamute, his back legs have that look and of course there is his curly tail. but don't get the rest, especially one set of grandparents being Rottie/Cocker cross. So much for his spotted tongue and webbed feet. Apparently Chow's aren't the only dogs with a black tongue, and lots breeds have spotted tongues.
A friend of mine is convinced that these are a bunch of guys, drunk or high, with darts and lots of pictures of animals...and you do the math. If I was a betting person, I might consider using another company, there are a ton of them out there, who knew. this company was supposed to be the best with the greatest number of different breeds. Maybe too many breeds. I still might do another test and see what comes up.
But for now my sweet baby boy is a lab/chow X with definitely a little coyote thrown into the mix.
Wednesday, 22 August 2012
August 22,2012
It has been a while since I have posted. I have the month of August off from my part time job and have been enjoying the weather, most of my days are deciding whether to read in the sun or the shade and getting up once in a while to do a little weeding. All this hot weather and the rain has made the garden come to live. If I see another bean or zucchini.....The tomatoes are coming fast and furious, I planted Zebra tomatoes this year, when they are ripe they are a bright green with lighter stripes and really tasty, might make a very bizarre pasta sauce however.
Mr. Harry is growing leaps and bounds, I think he might top the scale at least 60 lbs. For a dog that loves to swim he is so afraid of a bath. After swimming in Mill Creek all summer let's just say he isn't the best sleeping companion. We tried once to give him a bath in the yard with a big bucket of warm water and a small bucket to wet him with. You would of thought that we were killing him. He took off and hide in the garage for at least an hour. The other day we tried the hose, very low, like his wonderful foster mom suggested. That didn't fare any better, but he did stand still enough, (after a little WWF) to get a little cleaner then what he was. Or at least he doesn't smell as bad!
One night for our last walk he discovered the neightbour's chickens were nesting in the grapevine on the fence that divides the two yards, he thought he had died and gone to heaven, wow Mom I don't know really want these are, but I am sure that I really want them. They have since picked a different spot, but every night before we begin our walk and when we end it, he has to check that maybe they might be there, he is way too smart for his own good. Everyday is a laugh a minute with him.
Harry is truly a gift from my Oliver, but really Ollie couldn't you have picked an older dog for us. Old people young dog don't really work! I tell Harry all the time about his big brother and so do most of the people we meet in the off leash park.....and most of them see the resemblance, just a little smaller head, the chow don't you know, or maybe the Akita:)
Mr. Harry is growing leaps and bounds, I think he might top the scale at least 60 lbs. For a dog that loves to swim he is so afraid of a bath. After swimming in Mill Creek all summer let's just say he isn't the best sleeping companion. We tried once to give him a bath in the yard with a big bucket of warm water and a small bucket to wet him with. You would of thought that we were killing him. He took off and hide in the garage for at least an hour. The other day we tried the hose, very low, like his wonderful foster mom suggested. That didn't fare any better, but he did stand still enough, (after a little WWF) to get a little cleaner then what he was. Or at least he doesn't smell as bad!
One night for our last walk he discovered the neightbour's chickens were nesting in the grapevine on the fence that divides the two yards, he thought he had died and gone to heaven, wow Mom I don't know really want these are, but I am sure that I really want them. They have since picked a different spot, but every night before we begin our walk and when we end it, he has to check that maybe they might be there, he is way too smart for his own good. Everyday is a laugh a minute with him.
Harry is truly a gift from my Oliver, but really Ollie couldn't you have picked an older dog for us. Old people young dog don't really work! I tell Harry all the time about his big brother and so do most of the people we meet in the off leash park.....and most of them see the resemblance, just a little smaller head, the chow don't you know, or maybe the Akita:)
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