Adventures about pet therapy, dog rescue and urban life in the 'Burbs
Wait…it’s the last Monday of April? Where the heck did April go? Seems like I just blinked and poof! it’s practically gone. When I realized it, I felt a lot like this game show’s contestant. Wishing you a fantabulous Monday and remember don’t sweat a ticking clock. Happy Monday! 
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Greetings mates…and welcome to Day 115 of this year. As we do on Fridays, we’re joining our friends Rosy & Sunny from the LLB Gang for their weekly Nature blog hop. Be sure to click on the link to see what scenes were shared by others.
The Mum: Ummm, good morning, House Pony. Now could you please get off my laptop?
Wilson: Oh right, sorry about that. Just thought you needed some up close and personal help.
The Mum: Uhhh, that’s very sporting of you but I think I’m good. Besides, you don’t have any thumbs.
Wilson: Mum, it’s not nice to point out negative aspects of one’s anatomy. I’m a bit disappointing you’d resort to something like that.
The Mum: Nothing malicious intended, sweet boy. Just pointing out obvious differences. We both have to work with what we’ve got for each situation. Feel better now?
Wilson: Okay, but you know how sensitive I am. As long as you don’t mean anything by it, I’m good.
The Mum: Of course, the one thing we are here at the Ranch is kind. That’s a rule that will not be ignored. So what do we have for today’s slices of nature?
Wilson: Uh right…let’s get started. People are going to think we’ve gone batty about birds.
The Mum: Yeah, it kind of does seem that way. While most people show cool raptors and diverse images of birds, when you live in the heart of the city, your options are somewhat limited.
Wilson: Well one thing that’s universal is it’s definitely springtime and springtime is nest building time for birds of all stripes right now. Even if it’s a simple rock dove…more commonly known as a pigeon. In some places they are referred to as rats with wings since they eat just about anything. Here’s a male collecting some nest material in a parking garage. Adults are about 11-15 inches long (29 to 37 cm) and weigh anywhere from 8-13 oz (238–380 g). They typically have a dark bluish-grey head, neck, and chest feathers with glossy iridescence around their necks.The most identifying characteristic of this bird is those two black bars on their pale grey wings with their tails having a black band on the end, and the outer web of the tail feathers are lined in white. Pigeons are known to be quick on the wing when surprised or avoiding potential predators. Eye color is generally orange, red, or gold and they have those weird red/pink colored feet. Did you know the females are nearly identical as the males though the iridescence is less intense.
The Mum: Oh my goodness…I see you did some homework.
Wilson: Well, I am a professional and enjoy knowing little bits and bobs about things. It’s important for one to be curious about the day to day stuff. More people out to try it, especially since they they’re constantly looking at their cell phones.
The Mum: I say Wilson…good job. I found those pigeons when I parked my car at the doctor’s office. I don’t know why but I was simply fascinated watching them as they busily were ‘feathering their nest.’
Wilson: You must have been really engrossed in watching them-you were almost late for your eye appointment.
The Mum: Yeah, but it was nice to be captivated for several moments watching their rituals as they prepare for new babies. They almost didn’t mind me watching them working on their construction project-a common scene around the city.
Wilson: I noticed after your eye appointment, you went on a long walk around that neighborhood and found some serious signs of spring.
The Mum: It’s a habit I can’t seem to break. I used to live nearby and whenever I’m on the east side of town, I always have to walk by my old house. Like everywhere in the Mile High City, the neighborhood has changed so much. It’s very dismaying to see beautiful old Victorians torn down in favor of box-like McMansions. Fortunately my little 1900 Victorian cottage is still standing, having last sold for almost 19 times more than what I paid for it. Yikes!
Wilson: Gosh, Mum, that’s wild. It was a tiny little house but gentrification has really inflated home values.
The Mum: Yeah, it’s a truly bizarre real estate market, but enough of that. Why don’t you show some of the signs of spring from around that neighborhood.
Wilson: Right, well that part of town seems a little bit farther along than the area around the Ranch. I mean don’t bearded irises usually bloom in May?
The Mum: Indeed. In fairness though, they are starting to bud up on our side of town around the Ranch but I haven’t seen any that were flowering. This is your classic purple iris. Nothing flashy but oh my gosh, so early.
Wilson: Early, eh? What about this somewhat out of focus Bleeding Heart (sorry about that). Guess it surprised you so much, you couldn’t hold the camera straight.
The Mum: {blushing with embarrassment) Something like that. To say I was stunned would have been an understatement. Around our neighborhood, I haven’t seen any even close to blooming. Must be because of the sunlight exposure. They sure are pretty and fairly easy to grow.
Wilson: I see you found some new garden art on your walk.
The Mum: Yeah, I can’t help myself. When I came across these frogs, I kept thinking now that Lent is over I could actually enjoy an alcoholic beverage. Suddenly I was craving Mexican food and margaritas-hold the salt, please.
Wilson: I can practically hear them singing ay-yi-yi-ing from that sunny spot.
The Mum: You’re a real hoot, you know that? So what else do you have for this week?
Wilson: Looks like the lupine are starting their annual surprise appearance in odd places where they weren’t planted.
The Mum: I had to chuckle about where this one showed up. It’s not even remotely close to where last year’s lupine bloomed in that part of the garden. It always makes me smile. I’m looking forward to seeing what color the blossoms will be.
Wilson: Well, Mum, it’s time for me to go on my morning constitutional so I’m going to wrap this up. Be sure to get outside and enjoy the longer daylight with slices of nature that are appearing in your neighborhood. Is spring in full swing near you? Have a great weekend.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Hope your holiday weekend was full of joy and peace. The Ranch foreman surprised her Dad for the day. It was a lovely get together with family.
This week we’ll commemorate Earth Day (April 22). First held on April 22, 1970, it includes a wide range of events that are coordinated globally through the Earth Day website, with a billion people in more than 193 countries. Around the Ranch, we think it’s important for all of us to get serious about it…especially because of today’s political climate…you know, before coal comes roaring back and science becomes completely outlawed.
Just remember we’re all connected.
Happy Monday.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Happy Good Friday, mates. Wilson here to finish up sharing the photos from Mum’s recent outing to the Denver Aquarium for this week’s edition of Nature Friday. As always, we’re joining Rosy and Sunny from the LLB Gang for their weekly blog hop. Be sure to click on the link to see what scenes were shared by others. But before I begin to share the rest of the photos, can I just say Spring has left the building and done a boomerang back to Winter again. Yesterday was a right proper Spring day with temps in the mid-70’s. (22cº). Today when we woke up, it was 28ºF and snowing. We can expect anywhere from 3-6 inches of white stuff. It’s not accumulating on the sidewalks but I think our walk this morning will require lots of waterproof layers. Can anyone explain why Mother Nature can’t seem to decide what season she wants to be?
The Mum: Good morning, House Pony. I see you’re raring to go. Is it because we returned to winter today? You seem to get a bit frisky when the temps drop.
Wilson: Umm, something like that, although I was perfectly content sleeping on top of your legs this morning.
The Mum: Yeah, about that…you know you’re killing me at night with this “dog pile” behavior. What’s up with that?
Wilson: Dog pile? I have no idea what you’re talking about. I’m just staying close to you for a couple of reasons. One, I think enjoy it and two, since I got groomed last week, I’m a little short on hair and thus a tad chilled.
The Mum: I tried to cover you with a blanket on your bed but you end up kicking the covers off and then jumping on my bed.
Wilson: Well your bed seems a bit more comfy. So does the sofa. I REALLY like the sofa…well so long as you’re on it.
The Mum: We’re gonna have to have a ‘come to Jesus chat’ about that. It’s becoming harder to read a book when you’re sprawled across my lap.
Wilson: I’m just staying close in case you get stuck on a word. Consider me as your reading tutor.
The Mum: {eyes rolling} I see we’re going nowhere fast here so let’s wrap up my visit to the Denver Aquarium, ok?
Wilson: Works for me. This first one is going to freak everybody it so feel free to skip this part. Why in the world would you take a photo of a Green Tree Python? He looks quite intimidating!
The Mum: Hey I’m not a fan of snakes either, but he was quite fascinating. I learned that they are arboreal (meaning they live in trees, not on the ground); their luminescent scales give off a green light and help them blend into the trees allowing them to stay camouflaged; unlike most snakes, they don’t lay eggs-the females give live birth to their offspring and are quite protective of them; they aren’t venomous; they have a unique skull shape that’s different from other snakes, was told they make great pets for experienced snake keepers and live a relatively long time for snakes.
Wilson: No, nope, not a chance…if you think you’re going to bring home one of those, you’re sadly mistaken. And that is non-negotiable. I put my paw down on this, Mum.
The Mum: Don’t get your knickers in a bind. There’s not a chance that one of those guys will become a Ranch Hand any time soon. But you gotta admit, they are quite fascinating to watch.
Wilson: Well I’m glad we agree on the part where there’s no chance of them coming here. I don’t even think I’d enjoy eating them and that’s saying something!
The Mum: I should say so! For you to not be interested in eating something has to be a first. Well, what about these fish?
Wilson: Whoa…those Kokanee salmon are quite colorful and I hear they are pretty tasty, so yes, you can put them on the menu. And so is that trout. I heard the Cutthroat Trout is Colorado’s state fish, did I get that right?
The Mum: You’re are right. They are a big hit among Colorado anglers. They were first discovered by the Spanish explorer, Francisco de Coronado in 1541. Lewis and Clark made notes of their presence in their journals in the early 1800’s as they were exploring the Western US.
Wilson: You told me your highlight was seeing the Sumatran tigers, Rudi and Luhahn. Sumatran tigers are extremely endangered with probably only about 400 of them left in the wild. They are the smallest of the subspecies and have the darkest coats, allowing them to blend in quite well to their habitat. Did you know all tigers have unique stripe patterns much like humans fingerprints? They tend to sleep around 20 hours a day. You think there’s some truth to Sumatran tigers being the source for the expression, ‘taking a cat nap?”
The Mum: {snickering} They are truly majestic; I could watch them for hours as they play and move around their enclosure.
Wilson: I see you found Nemo, Mum. Those clownfish are quite colorful, too!
The Mum: Yup, I DID find Nemo! I think Dorie was in that tank as well but she refused to swim with Nemo while I was there and because there was such a crowd, I needed to move along to the Lionfish. Talk about a fearsome looking fish.
Wilson: Those fish are quite invasive I understand. Native to the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific, the fins are venomous to small fish. Fatalities can occur on very young children, the elderly, or anyone who is allergic to the venom. Healthy adults fare better but in some cases they can sure make you uncomfortable for several days. I’d hate to be poisoned by one of those guys.
The Mum: No kidding…that would definitely make for a bad day.
Wilson: You seem to have a fascination with stingrays, Mum.
The Mum: I love watching them swim around so effortlessly.
Wilson: So what the bloody heck is this fish?
The Mum: I think that’s a Shovelnose Ray but I didn’t make a note about it. It was most fascinating with its long nose and tail. There was another fish I forgot to note. It might be a young Lumpfish, but I wouldn’t bet the Ranch on it.
Wilson: Hmm, it’s kind of interesting but definitely not scary like this Moray Eel. My heavens…look at those teeth! Now do you understand why I hate water.
The Mum: Those eels are pretty scary looking, I’ll give you that. I saw a green one, too that was positioned in a “S” shape under some rocks. It’s creatures like this that made me decide diving in the ocean was not my scene. I’m more of a ‘walk along the shoreline’ kind of person.
Wilson: Yikes…they come in green too? No, thank you. I think I’m done with all the creatures of the sea. I’m glad you are more of a dry land kind of mum. Hopefully we’ll get back to photographing flowers and land animals next time. We hope everyone has a lovely celebration of Easter and Passover. And don’t forget to get outside and view the natural world in between egg hunts and Seders. Have a fabulous holiday weekend.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Considering it was in the mid-80’sF a mere couple of days ago, Wilson and I woke up to a bit of a surprise this morning. The wild wonderful wacky work of springtime in the Rockies.
Let’s just hope it doesn’t impact the butterflies we saw on our daily walks. I had to chuckle when I found today’s smile which just reminds us of how spring can quickly morph from the “chrysalis” stage. Hope your Monday beautifully emerges today and throughout the week.
P.S. Don’t forget this public service reminder, tomorrow is the tax filing deadline in the US. While our return was submitted weeks ago, the refund arrived quicker than expected (and equally quickly spent), we know some folks wait until the last day to file.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Welcome to this week’s edition of Nature Friday in April, where we’re joining the LLB Gang for their weekly blog hop. Be sure to click on the link to see what scenes from nature others are sharing. This week my great-granddaughter turned one year old and the family visited the Denver Aquarium to celebrate. Kids young and old are fascinated by the calming sight of fish floating through coral and rocks. While it’s challenging to photograph fish in large tanks with glass reflection, not to mention the occasional photo bomber or poor positioning due to large crowds visiting, we apologize in advance here. That said, let’s ‘dive in,’ so to speak.
Wilson: Right, Mum. I’m sure glad they don’t allow dogs. You know how I feel about water especially since I received the full professional water torture treatment so I could visit patients and staff at the hospital. The only water I’m interested in lives in my water bowl where I’m happy to gulp and make a mess with the best of ’em. The Downtown Aquarium (originally known as Colorado’s Ocean Journey) opened back in 1999. It’s not huge as aquariums go, however the aquarium holds approximately 1,000,000 US gallons (3,785,000 L), and exhibits a variety of fish and other animals.
The Mum: That’s right, House Pony…the aquarium was rebranded in 2005 as the Downtown Aquarium after Ocean Journey filed bankruptcy when it wasn’t able to make the high construction cost repayments. The restaurant chain, Landry’s Restaurant purchased the facility in 2003 and remodeled the premises by adding a full restaurant, bar and ballroom for events.
Wilson: This aquarium examines the relationship between inland freshwater ecosystems and the ocean and features the path of two rivers in their route to the ocean (namely, the Colorado River and the Kampur River in Indonesia).
Wilson: After the 2005 renovations, the two paths were continued although they are not arranged in a zoogeographic pattern. Tanks were added to showcase species from African and South American freshwater ecosystems and some tanks are mixed community spaces. There are several interactive exhibits, including a stingray touch-and-feed tank. Check out the Reticulate Whipray that looked like a leopard. It’s a large species from the Indo-Pacific area. I notice you chose not to pet him.
The Mum: Yeah, I had a minor infection on one of my finger tips and decided there were plenty of people to pet him so I’m sure he didn’t miss my fingers running along his skin.
Wilson: Whoa…for someone who’s so gung-ho about petting animals, that was a surprise. But I applaud you for thinking of the welfare of ‘therapy ray.’
The Mum: I just thought it was prudent for him. Besides, I was kind of mesmerized by the way he floated around and didn’t even realize I wasn’t petting him. He did seem to enjoy the attention under the watchful eye of the human attendant who was quick to correct overly enthusiastic visitors.
Wilson: The aquarium continues to focus on conservation by housing many endangered or threatened species. There are twelve species of fish, six reptiles, two mammals, and two birds and the aquarium participates in the American Species Survival Plan for Sumatran tigers with two gorgeous young male tigers, Rudi and Luhahn who will be featured in another post.
The Mum: There were loads of students on field trips and I couldn’t help watch them checking out all the fish. The largest tank is the one where everyone is awed. It was quite something to see sharks floating in front of and above the crowds, almost like a cave. Most of the sharks were females but there were a couple of males that looked quite fearsome.
Wilson: Gosh, Mum…it’s not even Shark Week! But I can see why everyone wants to see them. Say, didn’t your grandson dive in the tank with them years ago on his birthday?
The Mum: He did and we chatted about his recollections. It began his ongoing love with diving and the ocean. I ‘m afraid I’d be too afraid to do that as an adult, let alone as a spry young kiddo.
Wilson: I don’t blame you for not getting in. There’s water involved and not nearly enough treats to make me want to get in it.
The Mum: Silly boy. Diving is not for everyone but it’s good that some people are willing to do the research to save and protect these amazing creatures. I mean, just look at those rows of teeth!
Wilson: Ummm, I think I’ll pass on focusing on all those teeth. Let’s look at a few more of the creatures from the aquarium.
The Mum: It was a great visit and I loved watching Halia’s reaction to the fish floating around. I’m sure it was somewhat overwhelming for her but glad she had the opportunity to be exposed to the natural world. Well, we’d better skedaddle for the hospital. Another big day, buddy. You were a real superstar and I know there will be more opportunities to bring smiles to folks today. This afternoon, I’m going out to pick up a sheepdog who’s coming into our rescue. Her family is moving here from out of state and the landlord won’t allow pets so she’s relinquishing her girl. While I don’t know a whole lot about her, I’ll have a better idea later this afternoon. It’s going to be a big day. What’s on your weekend schedule?
Wilson: Whatever it is, we hope you can get outside and experience a great springtime weekend. You’ll have to fill me in after you pick her up. I’m glad the owner had sense enough to contact us but sad that she’ll lose her family. I know how traumatic that can be and we’re keeping our paws crossed it goes well. Have a great weekend, mates.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Happy Monday, peeps. After a week of winter revisiting the Front Ranch, today is shaping up to return to glorious spring. Yay! Today’s early morning temperature low is nearly as warm as the past few days highs. I know both the Floof and I will enjoy it and may even take an extended walk around Sloan’s Lake to see how spring is shaping up there.
It’s going to be a full week for Wilson as he’ll be delivering some K-9 therapy this week at Lutheran…{whispering softly} which will mean a certain someone will suffer have the requisite bath and professional groom. Apologies buddy-please focus on all the attention and treats you’ll be receiving this week. Ooh, did I mention the best word around…I sure did. TREATS, TREATS and more TREATS. Hopefully that got his attention.
Wishing you a ‘wagnificent’ Monday.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Welcome to the first Friday in April where as always we join the LLB Gang for their weekly Nature Friday blog hop. Click on the link to see what scenes from nature others are sharing. Hard to believe we’ve officially entered the second quarter of 2025. Where has the time gone? Soon Passover and Easter will be front and center. The speed at which time flies by seems to speed up the older you get. Luckily there’s a certain ‘lad’ who’s happy to keep me on my toes (aka staying young by trying to keep up with him, despite the uncanny number of wrinkles staring back at me from my bathroom mirror). Well, let’s get started with today’s latest conversation.
Wilson: Hello, Mum…happy Friday. So what will we showcase this week?
The Mum: Well, young man, before we get started, how’s about we have a little ‘chat’ first before we share any photos from nature we encountered this week, shall we?
Wilson: Umm, this sounds ominous. Am I in trouble?
The Mum: Not in trouble per se but we do need to have a heart to heart about the maple flowers that are dropping on the sidewalk like flies.
Wilson: Ooooh, you mean those tasty morsels I find whenever I go outside? They are just so…
The Mum: {interrupting} STOP…you can’t eat those…
Wilson: But Mum…I can’t help but think of them as little truffles. I realize they may not be for everyone, but you do realize one of my greatest gifts to humankind is my uncanny ability to hoover up crumbs, wherever I find them. Just think of these things as crumbs that I’m cleaning up for you. I mean, you realize I’m doing you a solid by you not having to constantly have to sweep them up from the patio. When you think about it, I’m actually doing you a favor.
The Mum: Umm, well when you put it like that…wait, what am I saying? When you snarf those little flower clusters up, I have to mop up the slobbery drool marks! No, no, no…maple flowers must not to be eaten. While it should be noted that they aren’t poisonous, ingesting the flowers could cause stomach upset, including vomiting and diarrhea. You wouldn’t want to have to go to the vet now, would you?
Wilson: {gasp} Well, when you put it like that…definitely not. I’ll try not to eat them Mum, but we both know it won’t be easy. May I suggest you bring plenty of treats with you when taking me outside to deter me from eating until they’re gone?
The Mum: Boy, you’ll do just about anything for a treat, won’t you?
Wilson: I say, Mum, I’ve told you many times before, I’m no ordinary fool. You should know treats are a bravo-good way to deter unwanted behavior. All the training videos say so.
The Mum: You’ve been on Facebook again, haven’t you?
Wilson: {clearing his throat} Let’s just say I’m a quick study, Mum.
The Mum: I can see this conversation is going nowhere. Now that we’ve chewed on that topic, what slices of nature do you have to share this week?
Wilson: Well, the forsythias are blooming right now and boy are they cheerful and bright. I’ll bet they make lovely cuttings in any vase.
The Mum: They are definitely a sign that spring is here.
Wilson: And flowering shrubs are beginning to bloom around the neighborhood. One of the prettiest is Prunus Glandulosa, commonly known as flowering almond. This small shrub is fairly tolerant of urban conditions, and once well established, can be fairly drought-tolerant. All parts of the flowering almond shrub including the stems, leaves, and seeds, are toxic as are many plants in the Prunus family (i.e. plums, cherries, and peaches). It contains cyanogenic glycosides, that release cyanide when metabolized. Ingestion can lead to all sorts of health problems like gastrointestinal distress, difficulty in breathing, seizures, coma and death. Yikes-I’m rather glad we don’t have any in our garden.
