Adventures about pet therapy, dog rescue and urban life in the 'Burbs
Happy last Monday of Hades, er I mean July. Maybe it’s a good idea the Olympics have started-we can stay inside to watch the festivities and competition. We missed the controversial opening ceremonies. Guess I was in training like Snoopy. Although this is an event where I would definitely excel and would no doubt win gold.
To all you triathletes, we wish you a pawsome week and hope you enjoy watching the summer games in Paris. Happy Monday.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Welcome to the latest edition of Nature Friday where we join our friends, Rosy and Sunny from Adventures of the LLB Gang. Elsa here. Another hot week is in the books and an even hotter one is forecast for next week. It is compounded with some of the worst air quality in the entire country. Denver continues to be plagued with ozone issues and now wildfire smoke coming from Canada and the Pacific Northwest has arrived. On Tuesday, the Swiss company IQAir who tracks air quality, rated Denver the worst in the country and was rated 9th worst in the world. With 40+% humidity and somewhat cloudy conditions, our walks stop being fun. Normally the humidity hovers in the very low teens so this definitely feels muggy to us.
Wilson: Exactly. As I walk three times farther than you do, I huff and puff like a bloody steam engine. Even potty breaks throughout the day are short to say the least.
Elsa: It’s miserable for all of us. Normally the early morning air is clean and fresh but we know isn’t because Mom coughs almost the entire walk even before she checks for air quality alerts that now last all pretty much all day long.
Wilson: It’s enough to make a chap stay indoors, I tell you. But let’s share what we saw just this morning, shall we?
Elsa: I’m game. What ‘cha got?
Wilson: Well I’m still getting used to the botany around here. I have to inspect some things very closely.
Elsa: Umm, I think you photobombed Mom.
Wilson: Ah…well, how’s this frame showing off that beautiful Coleus and those lovely Dahlias?
Elsa: Oh yes, that’s much better. That planter has a lot of pretties in it. And besides, no one wants to see your big fat jughead in a planter.
Wilson: {miffed} Well, I had to check it up close and personal and can tell you that I was quite mesmerized by all that color. Nearby I found a nice patch of orange coneflower, also known as Rudbeckia that was located within some other plants. Guess Mum realized she probably needs to hold me close to her so I don’t investigate too closely.
Elsa: Well just realize it’s good practice for you to stay close for when you go visit folks at hospital. They can’t have your large tuchus sashaying all over the hallways.
Wilson: Oh dear, I never thought about it like that. I’ll make a note since I certainly don’t want to get Mum in trouble because I’m investigating the world around me and will try to stay more focused.
Elsa: You say that now, but I know when a squirrel or bunny comes into view, all bets are off. At least you give the birds a break.
Wilson: Not that there will likely be any birds in hospital but crikey…you ever try to get close to birds? Obviously they don’t want to become friends with a cuddly chap like me anyway.
Elsa: Your size probably intimidates them. I learned a long time ago it’s impossible to try to get close to them. Those wings work hard to stay away from the jaws of death.
Wilson: If you think I’m big, you should see the Irish Wolfhound puppies. Those little buggers are growing like weeds. Check out this little ‘chonker.’ He’s the largest of the litter and will likely be quite a specimen when fully grown. Check out those little pinky paws and that round belly!
Elsa: I’ll grant you that he and his siblings are going make you look small by comparison. Mom’s daughter says they’re doing well and gaining weight.
Wilson: They’re sure cute and I’m glad Mum receives regular updates on how they’re doing. And just for the record, the ‘jaws of death’ are reserved just for squirrels. I will say the birds were definitely enjoying all the sunflowers we walk past. They wait until the last second to avoid any encounters with me and Mum while eating the seeds.
Elsa: Everyone seems to like sunflowers. They’re pretty cheery, that’s for sure. I’m also a big fan of hollyhocks. They can grow just about anywhere and it makes you wonder how they manage to thrive in sidewalk cracks.
Wilson: Right-o! Another beautiful example of brilliant color. Rather like this daylily which I’m particularly fond. They are blooming all over the neighborhood in assorted colors.
Elsa: Oooh, that is a vivid specimen! I’ll give you points for finding that one. So…you got any critter sightings this week?
Wilson: As a matter of fact, I do. This cat was lounging inside the windowsill and seemed fairly focused on making sure we didn’t linger too long interrupting his bird watching. We walk past that house every day, but have never seen him before. He seems like a fairly big fellow.
Elsa: Meh…I’m sure I could take him.
Wilson: {gasp} Why on earth would you? He’s minding his own business. Such hostility…what’s up with that?
Elsa: It’s not hostility-I’m a Ninja. It’s just what we do.
Wilson: I see no reason to cause a bloody ruckus in the neighborhood. Unless we’re talking about squirrels…then you have my wholehearted approval…although I’d prefer if you left the squirrel hunting to me. I’m getting better at anticipating their wily ways. Why just a couple of days ago, I was within a whisker of catching one before he jumped up on to a power pole to escape.
Elsa: Yeah, You startled both me and Mom. Remember the house rule-one mustn’t hurt Mom.
Wilson: Well he startled me, too. And because I know it upsets Mum, I’ll keep that rule in mind. I did however see that African chap you’ve mentioned before. I think he enjoys munching on tree leaves.
Elsa: {eyes rolling} You buffoon…that’s yard art. That giraffe statute isn’t real.
Wilson: It’s not? Hmm…that’s a major disappointment. So little sister…what plans do you have for the weekend?
Elsa: Lots of naps in air-conditioned paradise, Dude. Not much else can be done. Oh and I’ll probably check out some of coverage of the Olympics. But that’s the extent of it.
Wilson: I’ll be right there with you. I rather enjoy watching the telly. Whatever you do, we hope you have a marvelous weekend and hopefully are able to see some of the finer examples of nature’s beauty when and wherever possible. Cheerio!
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Good Monday morning. Before we get to today’s musing, Wilson wanted me to thank everyone who left such wonderful birthday wishes for him. The House Pony had a fabulous celebration and the party was a raging success. We received a surprise during in the middle of it. Can you guess what it is from today’s smile?
No, okay then…here’s the skinny. This past weekend while Elsa and I were celebrating Wilson’s birthday, my daughter texted me a photo. To say I was shocked is a bit of an understatement. I had no idea. And while they’re small now, they will grow into that giant breed known as Irish Wolfhounds, the tallest of all breeds. Right now they’re tiny little beans (ranging from 1.96 to 2.84 pounds-55.6-80.7 kg), but will grow up into gentle giants. Let me introduce 9 (yes, you read that right…n-i-n-e puppies and no that’s not a typo) squeaking, little Irish Wolfhound puppies. I know, it’s hard to fathom these little guys start out so small yet grow up to become so huge. Everyone is doing well including the parents who live with my daughter and her family. Life is going to get pretty interesting until the pups are weaned and move on to their new forever homes. And to think I call Wilson a house pony. Irish Wolfhounds definitely gallop.
Here’s wishing you a ‘wagnificent’ Monday.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Elsa: It’s a Saturday and with me posting here, I hope you aren’t freaked out. Yeah, I know, it’s weird but there’s a good reason. Today is the House Pony’s 6th Barkday. Mom asked me if I wanted to host a ‘paw-ty’ and being the sweet girl I am {giggle, I know, I could hardly stop guffaw-ing even thinking about it), I agreed.
Wilson: Aww, you love me…she actually loves me. {butt wiggling} Thanks, Ninja.
Elsa: Whoa, whoa, whoa…umm, let’s not go all Sally Fields on me, ok? I’m still just a tad leery of being in close proximity around you. I mean, you know…boy cooties and all. This is probably the closest I’ve been next to you in a while so just be grateful. But don’t get any bright ideas like this is gonna be a ‘thang’ cuz I’m a Ninja and well, we Ninjas live in shadows. Got it? That’s why Mom can never get a good pic of me-I blend in too well and you rarely, if ever, see any details in my face.
Wilson: Oh, I thought it was because Mum’s not the best photographer around {mom wincing but nodding her head in agreement}. Well, I still appreciate your efforts and the good wishes. You’re making me feel loved and that’s all that matters. So…wanna come to my paw-ty and nosh on the goodies Mum’s making?
Elsa: Umm, yeah, no. I was taking a nap when Mom asked me if I wanted some watermelon and I actually turned up my nose.
Wilson: Blasphemy! How can you turn down such a tasty treat? Mum used her doggo cookie cutters and everything and had watermelon juice running down her arms. I mean…come on! It’s a paw-ty!
Elsa: Nope, it’s hot and those candles kinda wigged me out so paw-ty hardy, pal. You like the attention…go for it!
Wilson: Well if you insist. Let’s see…I guess I’m supposed to make a wish, right?
Wilson: {continuing} Umm, let’s see…I want this wish to come true. I know, I got it! I want treats all weekend!
Elsa: {eyes rolling} You’re not very original, are you?
Wilson: Well, what else would you suggest? I mean, Mum already plays with me, she takes me for pawsome walks around the neighborhood, and she is making sweet potato jerky which I just know I’m going to love. And…and…she’s making pupcakes for later this weekend…I mean what else could a guy possibly wish for on his…
Elsa: {interrupting} Do you ever equate the good life with something other than food?
Wilson: {gasp!} Without food?! {head cocked} What’s the point of that? That doesn’t sound very fun.
Elsa: Whatever…you do you, ok? But while you’re at it, please make it a great birthday, okay? I’ve got street cred that needs to be preserved. Don’t want anyone to think I can’t do birthday celebrations.
Wilson: I promise. And thanks for the birthday wishes. Now, let’s cut up that watermelon and get this paw-ty started.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Welcome to this week’s edition of Nature Friday where we join our friends from the Adventures of the LLB Gang for their weekly blog hop. There are 64 days until the official arrival of autumn, but who’s counting? Sorry we’re late posting. Mom gets easily sidetracked and said she had some things to take care this morning. Elsa here with slices of nature from around our ‘Hood. Like everywhere else on this blue marble, it’s been hot and unlike many areas, our neighborhood remains dry as a bone.
Wilson: Bone? What…where…did you get a fresh bone? How come I didn’t get a bone?
Elsa: Here we go again. Yo, “Hoover,” it’s an expression. I didn’t get a bone; there. are. no. bones, I’m just describing the moisture situation. Or lack thereof.
Wilson: Whew, I was afraid that maybe I missed something to nosh upon…ok carry on.
Elsa: {eyes rolling} Well, it’s that time of summer where bad grasses come out and stick to everything…socks, furry legs, paws, well you get the idea. Mom had to pull some of those nasty things off both of our ankles and feet and several of them managed to weave their nasty little selves into our back door mat. They’re a real pain to remove since they’re like Velcro with barbed ends. We’ve written about these rotten things before. Well dude, I’m here to tell ya they haven’t gotten any less evil. Let’s take a gander at Foxtails first. Yikes, they have a gajillion seeds that are stickier than Gorilla Glue…just waiting for some unsuspecting chunk of fur to attack like Velcro.
Guess Nature decided Foxtails weren’t bad enough, so she decided to create goatgrass. This one is particularly troublesome for us dogs and can cause all sorts of problems.
Wilson: Yeah, one those guys hitchhiked on one of my legs when I was sniffing for the perfect spot to relieve myself and I had a devil of a time trying to pull that bad boy out. And I thought the weeds and bugs were bad in Missouri.
Elsa: Oh trust me, Missouri does not have a monopoly on bad weeds. Luckily Mom is neurotic very conscientious about anything that sticks to our furs. Which is a good thing, unless of course, you’re the one at the end of a slicker brush.
Wilson: Egad…don’t remind me {shivers}. Count me in the ‘not a fan’ category.
Elsa: Down Wimpy…let’s talk about some nice things. Hibiscus flowers are in bloom right now. Talk about striking and BIG. Did you know they are part of the mallow family. The leaves alternate, ovate to lanceolate, and can be toothed on the edges. The flowers are huge, rather trumpet-shaped, with five or more petals. They can range in color from white to pink, red, blue, orange, peach, yellow or purple, and are approximately 4–18 cm (1-1/2 to 7 inches) across. Dried hibiscus is edible and is often a delicacy in Mexico. It can also be candied and used as a garnish, usually for desserts. Contrary to popular beliefs that the flowers or petals are what is being eaten, it’s actually the calyces (that part in the center of the bloom). Even your big fat head looks small by comparison.
Wilson: Hey, that’s not nice. There’s nothing abnormal about the size of my head; I just needed to see how it smelled.
Elsa: Well, you do have a large head and nose, you can’t deny that.
Wilson: Like I said, I’m perfectly sized for a sheepdog.
Elsa: Oh, you mean B-I-G? Whatever. Did you notice the new lawn art in the ‘Hood? At least I think they’re rather new-ish.
Wilson: I did. I wasn’t quite sure what to make of those things. It seemed clear they weren’t squirrels or rabbits, but I wasn’t sure just what they were. They were quiet and didn’t move one bit. Such stealthy creatures.
Elsa: Oh my dog…you are such an idiot! Those are lawn art statutes, you bozo. Jeez…were you standing behind the door when they were handing out brains? {smacking a paw against her forehead}
Wilson: Well, I’ve never seen anything like that, and you shouldn’t be so judgmental.
Elsa: You’re right, sorry. But for the love of all that’s holy…I can’t believe how literally you take things. Anyway, let’s share our last photo for this week. Mom seems obsessed with heart shaped things lately and she seems to often be in the right place at the right time and found this new heart. She’s walked past this corner garden lot for years and the owner is always switching things out or otherwise updating the plants. Looks like she decided to install a heart-shaped succulent space. I kinda thought it was kind of sweet.
Wilson: Cute little hen and chicks.
Elsa: Whoa…look who’s got the Mister Green Jeans impersonation down pat.
Wilson: Hey, I’m not just a handsome face. So what’s everyone doing this weekend? Mum said she’s attending the Open House for the new Lutheran Hospital which opens in two weeks. She attended the ribbon cutting ceremony last night and says I’m gonna love visiting the new facility. It’s amazing and will be incredibly modern and state of the art updated compared to the old hospital. Hopefully I can visit the nurses and staff on practice runs soon.
Elsa: Paws crossed. I need some quiet time where I don’t have to explain everything to you. You can be quite exhausting at times. Whatever you do, we hope you’ll take some time to look for all the cool things Nature gifts with us. Have a great weekend, peeps!
Live, love, bark! ,🐾
Here we are again. It’s hard to be enthusiastic about setting another record breaking day…but hopefully it will be the last one for a while. We hope everyone had a good weekend, stayed as cool as possible as well as hydrated and that this week is kinder and more gentle to you. The countdown for a cool front to arrive is on to which we say…yes please.
Have a great day and an even better week. Happy Monday.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Happy Friday peeps and welcome to this week’s edition of Nature Friday where we join our pals Rosy and Sunny from Adventures of the LLB Gang. Elsa here and Imma ready to dish the latest from the summer of hell. It’s not that it’s been bad mind you, but for the love of all that’s holy, could it get any hotter? For the record, that’s just a rhetorical question. Of course it can be hotter. Just remember this Ninja life observation, House Pony…”things are never so bad, they can’t get worse.”
Wilson: Oy, don’t tell me that. I was hoping we could maybe catch a break on the relentless hot temps that have played out from sea to shining sea.
Elsa: Sorry dude, I just report the news/weather, I don’t create it. But yeah-no…nature decided she was going to pay us a few days visit with gifts. As in recording breaking triple digits. You know what that feels like on a black dog?!
Wilson: You have my sympathies, little sister. But I’m sure our readers are sick of hearing us whine about the heat. We’re all over it. Mum keeps checking a special calendar she has every day and told me we’re ‘just’ 71 days from the official arrival of autumn. She actually cheers now with each passing day as the number is getting smaller. I’m a dog; I live in the present so it kind of passes over me.
Elsa: Yeah, me too…I’m a big proponent of living in the here and now but think I might be tempted as that number gets a lot smaller. Still it kind of dovetails with what’s going on in the urban garden right now. We seem to be in a bit of a transition. All the pretty late spring/early summer blooms are now history and, at least in our garden, not a whole lot is very pretty or blooming much although I will note the Plumbago is starting to set it’s pretty little blue flowers and Mom even found a couple of leaves that were turning mahogany. She thought it was a few weeks early and couldn’t help wondering if that’s a sign that we’ll have an early autumn. This is after all, a La Niña year. Oh sure, the coreopsis, yarrow and the last remains of the Bachelor Buttons are blooming and the Russian Sage is making a colorful splash throughout the neighborhood but our garden is in a bit of transition now.
Wilson: What the bloody devil is a La Niña year? Is this related to El Niño?
Elsa: Well, I’m glad you asked. A La Niña year is when winter temperatures are warmer than normal in the South and cooler than normal in the North. La Niña can also lead to a more severe hurricane season, as evidenced by Hurricane Beryl that pounded Texas earlier this week and still has a million people without power.
Wilson: Gosh, sounds so ominous. I know Mum has been worried about her daughter who lives in the Houston area and who’s been without power all week long. As of last night, the hope was that the power will be restored by midnight tonight. So what’s the difference between La Niña and El Niño?
Elsa: El Niño is the opposite of La Niña. According to NOAA, during La Niña events, “trade winds are even stronger than usual, pushing more warm water toward Asia. Off the west coast of the Americas, with seawater levels increasing, bringing cold, nutrient-rich water to the surface. winter temperatures are warmer than normal in the South and cooler than normal in the North. La Niña can also lead to a more severe hurricane season. These cold waters in the Pacific push the jet stream northward. This tends to lead to drought in the southern U.S. and heavy rains and flooding in the Pacific Northwest and Canada.
Wilson: Fascinating. Thanks for the meteorology lesson.
Elsa: Hey, that’s what I’m here for. So let’s share the pics Mom took this week. I’m giving her a pass on the few photos because of the heat. I’m not completely heartless.
Wilson: Quite sporting of you, mate. So she and I walk past this corner garden every day. The garden itself is somewhat nondescript as gardens go, it’s a bit wild and jungle-y. And now that the allium have finished blooming the gardener had a brilliant idea to bring some color and attention to that corner space. Mum watercolored it for today’s header. Here’s what it looks like for real.
Elsa: Whoa…that is pretty clever! I see what you mean about the jungle but I do like that ceramic piglet on the bench. And I see there is an Oregon grape (holly-leaved barberry) plant there too, along with some other plants.
Wilson: You know I’ve never noticed that pig statute before. I’m always more interested in the tree rats that live there. Mum always grips my leash tightly as we walked past.
Elsa: Well gosh, I wonder why? Could it be that her shoulders are shot and she’s tired of becoming a human kite?
Wilson: {blushing} Sorry, I just can’t help myself. I am beginning to focus a bit more on the numerous bunnies that have populated our neighborhood. Boy, are they ever fast! And wily too. They deke so much better than squirrels. Even the babies. They could make a kite run much more interesting…er I mean a side hunt.
Elsa: {eyes rolling} Are you trying to kill our Mom?
Wilson: Certainly not. I’m just a victim of canine instincts. But I have to protect my Mum.
Elsa: Protect is one thing…your homicidal critter chasing is something else. You gotta remember you’re a herder, not a hunting dog!
Wilson: I know, I know…but I can’t help it if they jump out in front of me and startle us both, can I?
Elsa: Just focus on sheep, pal, okay and leave the squirrels and rabbits to the hunting dogs. Or better yet, just learn to ignore them. Does that work for ya?
Wilson: Umm, I’ll try. But can’t make any promises.
Elsa: Well, If wishes were horses, beggars would ride, I say. What else you got, House Pony?
Wilson: Well, you know how Mum has been battling the nasty wasps that keep hanging around our solar fountain. Well it’s been good practice because she’s trained her eyes to find bees on milkweed as well as that beautiful globe thistle that’s currently blooming.
Wilson: I’ve been trying to catch bees as well but Mum has managed to deter my laser like moves here as well. Sometimes, she takes the fun out of our walks.
Elsa: Oh lord. You’re gonna get stung and then maybe you’ll learn to leave them alone. They’re the kind of pollinators we like in the garden…like those pretty Swallowtail butterflies.
Wilson: You mean they bite? Crikey…maybe I should rethink biting them.
Elsa: What else you got, dude? Something I hope that doesn’t involve turning Mom into a kite or provides you with a tiny snack.
Wilson: Oooh, did you say snack? Mum’s potted cherry tomatoes are beginning to ripen. She told me under no circumstances was I to go near them. Luckily they don’t really appeal to me so I’ve been good not trying to nosh on them.
Elsa: Mom was so excited to see that little spot of reddish goodness. I think she even drooled a little. She babies her potted tomato plants and works hard to keep the neighborhood critters who shall remain nameless away from them. I think she said they cost about $20 a pound after it’s all said and done. Still, she enjoys them saying there’s nothing half as tasty at the grocery store.
Wilson: Well that’s everything I have for this week, Ninja. I guess we’re gonna be spending a lot of time in the cool comfort of the house which means lots of naps. I don’t know about you, but I’m okay with that.
Elsa: Naps? Oh yeah, put me down for lots of naps in air conditioned bliss. Whatever you do for the weekend, we hope you stay hydrated and enjoy catching slices of Mother Nature early before she gets a head of hot steam going. Have a great weekend!
Live, love, bark! 🐾
After days of boom-booms, happy (with a dash of quiet) sounds really good to me. Make it a great week!
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Hope you all managed to survive Explosion Day, aka July 4th. Elsa here. Whew, thank goodness we got through it even though it lasted until after midnight. Mom closed up the house and turned up the volume on the TV so we’d have less to hear. Bless her. Seems like a lot of peeps are beginning to question this whole “let’s blow &#@% up” holiday and not just here in the Mile High. Although Mom thought there were a lot of people who give lip service to ending fireworks but still ran to their favorite fireworks pop up stand and bought a bunch. Still we hope all that barking and whining by folks about it is starting to move the needle. Baby steps. Not only are there alternatives that don’t scare the Bejesus outa woman and beast, it’s so much better for the environment. With way too many ozone alert days around here lately (thanks Mother Nature-the heat ain’t bad enough?), let’s add a ton of toxins to the atmosphere from shooting fireworks to make it even more obnoxious. But I digress.
Today we’re here to join our friends, Rosy and Sunny for this week’s edition of Nature Friday so be sure to click on the link to see what else was shared this week. Today we are finishing up with the final installment of photos to last week’s Spirit Guide post. Take it away, House Pony.
Wilson: Greetings mates. Let me begin by saying you chaps can keep your noisy holiday. Color this dog definitely not a fan. And here I thought garbage trucks were loud. But thankfully it’s over, and like any good dog, I live in the present moment. so let’s check out the rest of Spirit Guide photos, shall we?
Elsa: Yeah, come into our garden, said the spider to the fly.
Wilson: Huh…wait, there are spiders? And flies? You mean I missed noshing on bugs? Crikey, I don’t recall seeing any of those.
Elsa: {eyes rolling} Dude, it’s just a figure of speech. Jeez, you gotta stop being so literal.
Wilson: Whew, I thought I missed a few snacks. Anyway, I think Mum saved the best for this week. Check out this Coyote-Fish spirit guide.
Elsa: What. The. Dog?! Umm, o-kay. Not sure about some of those spirit combinations. I mean just look at these different views on the eagle-camel.
Wilson: I will say they are most colorful. Even the pond’s reflection with the deer-butterfly looked glassy but colorful. I say, I can’t even image not getting cross-eyed while painting all those patterns.
Elsa: I’m dizzy just looking at them. I mean, check it out…{stuttering} I, I mean…it’s so bizarrely weird. Got anything to share that won’t give me a seizure?
Wilson: Well, Mum took some photos of several bonsai trees. I’m rather miffed I couldn’t sniff at them.
Elsa: I’m sure the grounds keepers are quite grateful for that. Some of these bonsai trees had been in ‘training’ for well over 10 years. That’s some kind of intensive maintenance to keep their shape. Some were crafted from yews, ordinary pine trees, a jade and also a maple like this one. Guess you can make a bonsai out of anything.
Wilson: Many of the flowers were pretty as well and of course the Chihuly spire that’s located in the Romance Garden is always striking. Mum really enjoyed her visit at the Denver Botanical Gardens (which she learned is one of the top five botanical gardens in the country). Their special events and exhibits manage to please and entertain all visitors.
Elsa: Ok, now that’s what I’m talking about. N-i-c-e flowers. I can see why she loves going there. There’s always something for everyone. Even the weirdos. So, what are your plans for the weekend? We’re heading down to my grandpa to introduce him to the new great, great granddaughter. We are very excited and can’t wait to see them all together. Whatever you do, just make sure you get outside and check out all the cool (and yes, some of the weird) stuff that Nature provides. Have a great weekend.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Today is July 1st and thus begins the worst week of the year–fireworks going off in celebration of July 4th. Did you know more pets are lost during this week than any other week? A few years ago someone asked me why I was anti-patriotic because I challenged their setting off illegal fireworks in the alley behind my house. Being a naturalized citizen (meaning it was a conscious decision to become an American), I take my patriotism very seriously. Blowing up fireworks has absolutely nothing to do with patriotism and I wish people understood that. I know that two hundred and forty-seven years ago, a bunch of rebel-rousers in the New World declared their independence from their British rulers and they continue to remain as scrappy ever since. These days, much of that ‘scrappiness’ is not necessarily attractive or positive and each political camp deludes itself into thinking its side and vision for the country is a ‘more perfect union’ than was originally sought. Nonetheless, the Ranch hands continue to pray that we can somehow achieve it for all, not just for power’s sake.
Of course, there has been progress made by removing loud noises in fireworks, and there seems to be a trend where some cities have begun to favor laser shows over fireworks. With the recent heat dome covering much of the U.S. I applaud municipalities who are switching to laser shows, drone and LED light displays to avoid the potential for igniting fires in tinder dry conditions and the terrorization of vulnerable groups. Eventually I hope fireworks will become a mere memory and folks actually understand what this holiday is all about.
We hope you’ll support organizations who are working hard to help pets and those individuals suffering from PTSD especially this time of year.
Elsa, the House Pony and I wish our U.S. based readers a safe and happy Fourth of July week. To everyone, we hope you have a great Monday. With temps still in the ‘sizzle’ category, we hope you are able to stay cool without taking flight or hiding under the bed.
It’s true, I am passionate about not using fireworks to celebrate the 4th, but it’s still important to begin the week with a smile. Stay cool and make it a great day! Oh, and don’t forget to bring the poop bags with you like I did this morning {head smack}.
Live, love, bark! 🐾