Category: Dogs

Monday Musings ~ February 23, 2026

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 68 Comments

National Dog Biscuit DayHappy Monday. Today is Wilson’s favorite day. Not because it’s Monday but because it’s International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day (also known as National Dog Biscuit Day). Woof, woof! What’s the story behind this special day? We did some digging and hope you enjoy the back story. Plus, in honor of the House Pony’s favorite day, we’re sharing a few recipes from our dog treat cookbook that you can make for your own dog’s favorite day.

So here’s what I discovered about how dog treats came to be a billion dollar business. I learned that the term “dog’s bread” had been around since Roman times. It was frequently labeled “bad bran bread,” with the term being associated  with treating people poorly. 

Back in early 1800’s England, dog biscuits began to show up that resembled what we are more familiar with now. Made with vegetables, grains, and bran, the mixture was baked together and sold as a treat, with claims made that they would improve a dog’s  coat and skin. 

The first mass-produced dog biscuit was created by American, James Spratt in London when he began manufacturing his “Meat Fibrine Dog Cake” around 1860. Ingredients were wheat meal, vegetables, beetroot, and meat. 

These “dog cakes” were originally marketed to the English gentry for their sporting dogs. Spratt’s Meat Fibrine Dog Cakes began to show up in the U.S. in 1881, and were considered a luxury item and were marketed at dog shows. They appeared on the cover of the first journal of the American Kennel Club in 1889. Spratt’s Patent, Ltd. also supplied army dogs with hundreds of millions of the biscuits during WWI. 

Not to be outdone, American F. H. Bennett began to compete against Spratt by making the first bone-shaped dog biscuit, known as “Milk Bone.”

A fascinating side fact that I learned was that a box of Milk-Bone treats made an appearance in the 1924 silent film The Tomboy, and later was the basis for a line from the TV sitcom Cheers, spoken by the character Norm, who was played by George Wendt. “It’s a dog-eat-dog world and I’m wearing Milk-Bone underwear.”

So in honor of the Floof’s favorite day, here are two recipes from our treat making cookbook that you can make for your dog’s favorite day. Enjoy!

Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Dog Treats (Source-Maryland SPCA)

Prep time: 25 min. Cook time: 40 min.

Ingredients:

  • 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup canned pumpkin (whole pumpkin only, not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 2 TBS peanut butter (make sure your peanut butter doesn’t contain any Xylitol or other artificial sweeteners)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (I use much less-1/8 tsp as not all dogs like the taste of cinnamon)

Directions:

  • Preheat oven to 350ºF (175ºC).
  • Mix together flour, eggs, pumpkin, peanut butter, salt, & cinnamon in bowl. Add water as needed to make dough workable but keep it fairly dry and stiff. Roll out to 1/2 inch thick. Cut into 1/2″ pieces or use cookie cutters.
  • Bake in preheated oven until hard, about 40 minutes.
  • Enjoy 🐾

Peter Peter, Punkin Eater Treats *

  • 2 cups whole wheat flour (or another if your pup has wheat sensitivities. We  experimented and use coconut flour because we were out of whole wheat-it was quite yummy but very difficult to use cookie cutters with the coconut flour which made it rather crumbly)
  • 1 cup oats
  • 1/4 cup peanut butter
  • 1/3 cup plain pumpkin
  • 1 cup water (I substituted The Honest Kitchen’s Bone Broth well…because I tend to tinker with recipes and in this case, and it was well received) by my official taster, Sam.

*We blogged this recipe way back when in October 2016. Original post can be seen here.

Mix all ingredients until well combined. Press into a ball, wrap in plastic and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight. Lightly flour surface and roll dough out to about 1/2″ thick. Use cookie cutters or a small glass to cut out the treats. Bake at 250º for 25-30 minutes and allow to cool before serving. This recipe received the 4-paw seal of approval. 🐾🐾  Nom, nom!

And even though it’s National Dog Biscuit Day, it’s still a Monday, which means we start the week out with a smile or two. The first is in honor of the historic win by Team USA in yesterday’s gold medal men’s hockey, overtime win on the exact day 46 years ago when the upstart US team beat the Soviet Union back in 1980.

Snoopy-hockey

Because we know the East Coast from Maryland to Maine is being hit with more severe winter weather, we hope they will appreciate today’s smile. Stay safe, warm and be comforted with the fact that Spring officially arrives in 25 days. Hang in there.

Winter

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Monday Musings ~ November 17, 2025

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 74 Comments

We hope you had a wonderful weekend but now it’s time to prepare for the week. With less than two weeks until Thanksgiving arrives in the US, preparations are beginning to become more apparent all over the neighborhood. Some folks have decided to blend the last holiday  with the upcoming one. Despite the addition of yet another inflatable, I thought it was kind of clever despite the addition of yet another inflatable to their growing collection. Wilson simply wants to know what will be served. How are you getting ready for Thanksgiving?

Monday smiles

Happy Monday!

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Monday Musings ~ October 13, 2025

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 72 Comments

Happy Monday. Despite the recent executive order to the contrary, today is Indigenous People’s Day in the U. S. (aka Columbus Day). In his order, the president praised the 15th-century explorer as “the original American hero” and “a giant of Western civilization” which seems ironic in this day and age, given that Columbus was the first immigrant to reach the Americas.

But because it’s Monday, we need to start the week out with a smile. Today that means we’re joining the live coverage with ‘Louie’ as he covers a very important news story.

Monday smile

One thing I’ve learned about Wilson, is that he apparently can count and has seemingly mastered fractions as well. All of which means that dividing treats is forbidden around the Ranch. I no longer even try to pull any treat division like that here and have assured the House Pony there will be no ‘crime scenes’ around the Ranch about that.

We hope the news in your neck of the woods involves only whole portions. Make it a pawsome Monday and an even better week.

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ October 3, 2025

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 61 Comments

Greetings, mates. Tis I, Wilson, the fabulous floof here to welcome you to the first Friday of October. For those keeping track, today is the 276th day of the year with just 89 days left until we can tuck 2025 in the history books. This week we captured some images showing October at its finest as well as learned about some of the dangers that often live in our gardens. Let’s get started but first, as always we’re joining our friends from Adventures of LLB and hope you will check out their link to see what others have posted this week.

Wilson: So my Mum and another rescue volunteer drove up to Evergreen, Colorado, a lovely mountain community located about 20 miles west of Denver to check out a potential adopter. They couldn’t help but wonder how bad the traffic might be going up on a weekend with all the city leaf peepers heading up to the high country and were pleasantly surprised that the ride up was nothing like the cluster it was last year. It was a cool day but you couldn’t ask for lovelier weather. Evergreen’s elevation is 7,220 ft. (2200 m) and the aspen leaves were beginning to change into their trademark gold colors. Against dark evergreen trees, you could see those ‘quaking aspens’ from miles away.

Aspen in Evergreen

The Mum: It was a gorgeous day and it was a thrill to see Populus tremuloides often referred to as Quaking Aspen leaves are beginning to turn in areas all over the state. According to the U.S. Forest Service, the Quaking Aspen is one of the most widely distributed trees in all of North America. They are a tall, fast-growing tree, usually about 15–18 m. (50–60 ft) tall at maturity, with a relatively smooth white bark that is marked by thick black horizontal scars and prominent black knots. When you see parallel vertical scars you know the elk have been munching on the bark with their front teeth particularly during winter months when grass is buried in snow. Quaking aspen get their common name from their distinctive leaves’ tendency to “quake” or tremble in wind due to  their flattened stems.  Aspen trees are considered the largest living organism in the world because of how they spread through a long underground root system, creating clones (suckers) with new trunks emerging from it, thus creating large clonal groves. Their leaves tend to be moist and do not readily burn and it has recently been reported that wildfires will sometimes bypass stands of aspen enclosed within a coniferous forest.

Wilson: After your rescue work, you guys drove back home from Evergreen and enjoyed the show of gorgeous changing leaves and wide open meadows where elk walk through grazing on grass.

Changing leaves - Aspen

Aspen

Evergreen meadow

The Mum: It was a quite a sight winding down the mountain and seeing those spots of gold dotting the landscape. Every turn provided another gorgeous view.

Wilson: Pretty cool, Mum. This week had a few slices signaling autumn’s arrival around our neighborhood too. Look at this clump of acorns Mum found. I can’t believe the squirrels hadn’t eaten them.

Acorns

The Mum : Aren’t they simply adorable?

Wilson: The squirrels?

The Mum: No, silly Floof, the acorns. You know my thoughts on squirrels.

Wilson: Whew…I was beginning to think you’d gone to the dark side, Mum.

The Mum: Not likely. So what else would you like to share?

Wilson: We found some very interesting but potentially dangerous plants along our walks. Check out this one! What is it, Mum?

Castor bean plant

The Mum: That is the castor bean plant and is widely cultivated in parks and public spaces. It’s surprising as it is quite toxic and extremely poisonous. I have seen it around and while those flowers are colorful and fascinating, I was shocked when I found out what it was. We won’t be planting it in our garden any time soon. Yikes!

Wilson: You seem to be on a roll, Mum. I see you’ve managed to find another poisonous plant. Caladium, also known as elephant ear or the heart of Jesus, is also poisonous. Native to South and Central America, they are hardy only to Zone 10 in the US and cultivated as houseplants or treated like annuals in a garden and should be lifted before the first frost and stored when temps reach 65F (13C) after the tubers have been dried. All parts of this plants are poisonous and should not be ingested and the leaves could irritate the skin.

Caladium

Wilson: Ok, you’re beginning to scare me, Mum. Those plants were discovered along our daily walking routes. Should I be scared?

The Mum: Not really sweet boy, it was just a fluke that I found some beautiful plants that happen to be toxic. Nature provides defensive strategies for lots of critters and plants to allow them to survive in a world that can be threatening to them. Even like this beautiful hydrangea which I learned is toxic to dogs, cats and horses. This is why I keep you on a short leash to avoid encountering anything dangerous.

Hydrangeas

Wilson: I’m getting nervous walking around because you know I love our walks and love to sniff.

The Mum: Don’t worry, buddy. It’s good for dogs to sniff, because it activates your brain, reduces anxiety and provides mental stimulation. Besides, I watch you like a hawk to make sure you stay safe and don’t get into plants that could cause problems.

Wilson: I appreciate that, Mum even if I sometimes wish I could roam freely without such close observation, it sounds like being careful is the best strategy and appreciate that you look up all the plants that we encounter on our daily jaunts so we can avoid any toxic ones.

The Mum:  It’s good to learn about the natural world in general but especially prudent to  avoid encounters that could have unpleasant consequences. Learning about common plants we may find in our garden provides us with the necessary information to stay safe. So what’s on your weekend agenda? Have you got any plans?

Wilson: Nothing really specific but I hope we can go check out Sloan’s Lake and watch the lake birds. The weather should be lovely and I’m sure there will be lots of people enjoying the pleasant temps and changing leaves. We hope you have a terrific weekend full of beauty. Enjoy getting a healthy dose of Vitamin D!

Nature

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ September 26, 2025

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 58 Comments

Wilson - hockeyIn the immortal words of fellow Brit, John Oliver, Welcome! Welcome! Welcome! Tis I, the House Pony joining the pups from Adventures of the LLB Gang’s blog hop and boy do they have a good one today which I definitely could identify with. Be sure to click on the link to see what I’m talking about.

Well let’s see, ah yes, it’s the last Friday of September and we’re already longing nostalgically about this handsome month, knowing that in just 4 days, we’ll be entering the last quarter of 2025. On the one hand, it’s hard to believe there are just 96 days left this year (and only 90 days until Christmas in case you need some perspective, but more importantly, only 11 days until hockey begins). Well let’s start with the big news of the weerk.

This week we were blessed with an entire 24 hours of beautiful rain. Although not a fan of getting wet, Mum kept waxing on about how fabulous it was and so good for the garden. I reminded her the only thing fabulous around here is me, but she was over the moon and even my cuteness couldn’t deter her glee. She couldn’t take a photo since she doesn’t have enough thumbs to hold the leash and an umbrella to keep me dry. Even picking up after me practically required an act of God so she grumbled not being able to document me in the wetness. Just as well, you all know me as a cheerful, happy Floof. Trust me, I was less than cheerful or happy. Frankly I couldn’t finish the walk fast enough. But I did have to chuckle that she got a lot wetter than me because the umbrella (and my raincoat) kept me fairly dry except for my paddle feet and she was diligent about keeping the umbrella over me more than her. Serves her right.

The Mum. Well that wasn’t very kind, talk about ‘no good deed goes unpunished’ when it comes to trying to keep you dry.

Wilson: I don’t mean to sound ungrateful but you know how I feel about wet. I don’t like. it. one. whit.

The Mum: Well, I think you shouldn’t look a gift horse in the mouth. Or umbrella. But let’s put that behind us and share what we encountered this week, naturewise.

Wilson: {eye blinking in abject dis-interest} Well then, if you can’t commiserate about me having to walk in the rain, let’s get to it.

Spindle shrub

The Mum: Aren’t those pink seed capsules absolutely adorable? Euonymus europaeus, known as spindle, European spindle, or common spindle, is native to much of Europe, where it is found on the edges of forests, hedges or gentle slopes, none of which exist in my garden so I have no idea from where it came. When I looked it up, I learned that birds are attracted to the fruit and most likely spread the seeds so much so that now it’s considered weedy and invasive in some areas. Like in our garden.

Wilson: Looks like teeny, tiny pink pumpkins to me.

The Mum:  Precisely.

Wilson: Judging from the photos you took this week, I can tell you’re really into the reds as September winds down and starts to yield to October ‘s version of autumn where maple trees will showcase their red and orange hues once the leaves really start changing. But then I noticed this little fella just lying in the grass. We didn’t see any maple trees nearby from where it might have come but I guess it just means they’re being coy and shy. Right now 99% of any trees changing colors are leaning toward bright gold.

Maple leaf

The Mum: The reds and oranges aren’t as prevalent in our area so when they show up, they are pretty spectacular like that maple leaf as well as this Horse Chestnut tree we came across yesterday morning.

Horse chestnut

Wilson: As a dog I’m not supposed to be able to see colors as well as you uprights, but I can tell these are pretty colorful. What do you know about the Horse Chestnut tree, Mum?

The Mum: What I learned is it’s a medium growing, shade tree, that’s not really a chestnut tree. Its fruit is inedible and the nuts are somewhat toxic. The name comes from a mistaken, belief that it cured chest ailments in horses. Fact is, Horse Chestnuts are actually toxic to horses, but of course the urban garbage disposals, otherwise known as squirrels seem to be able to break down the toxins and safely eat the nuts. You can guess I won’t ever be planting any of those trees in my yard.

Wilson: Gee Mum, you’re no fun. It’d be a great way to attract my favorite nemesis. We’d both get loads of exercise, me chasing; they trying to avoid my jaws of death. Why in the world would you deny me that pleasure.

The Mum: Squirrels have already chewed through my kitchen window three times, I’m not a halfway house for neighborhood hoodlums.

Wilson: Gee Mum, you’re no fun. So tell me more about this sage.

Salvia microphylla

The Mum: Sure, House Pony. That’s Salvia microphylla, commonly called baby sage. Native to Mexico and parts of the Southwest, it’s a hardy, sun loving, drought resistant perennial shrub. It’s a somewhat bushy evergreen shrub that is able to adapt to diverse conditions.

Wilson: Interesting. Well I rather liked this Malus, which includes both culinary apples as well as these crabapples in the genus. It’s especially pretty against a crystal blue sky after that rainy day earlier in the week. This one was lovely with beautiful blossoms back in the spring and now is showy producing all these tiny little apples in autumn. Crabapple trees are  mostly considered ornamental trees but I’ve heard crabapple jelly is mighty tasty. But I can’t imagine what a job it’d be picking and coring the little fruit. 

Crabapple tree

The Mum: Good point, not a job I’d take on. But like you said, they are a lovely ornamental tree that we can agree on, enjoying them in spring and autumn. Speaking of autumn, looks like the neighborhood is gearing up for Halloween with a bunch of skellies showing up. The house that I’ve featured many times for it’s overkill of inflatibles has started with a bunch of new decorations. Hopefully this means there won’t be all those hideous blow-ups cluttering the entire yard. I know they’ll eventually fill the entire lot since I saw a pickup with a trailer being unloaded with tons of boxes. They clearly have a storage unit where they store all this junk stuff. Sigh. But at least it’s not as tacky as usual. Yet, though it’s early days.

Halloween

Wilson: I wasn’t sure if I needed to defend you or run away from that thing. I do believe those folks must be slightly odd but the lady there always enjoys seeing me.

The Mum: She does, but I think her husband is a lot like this ogre, he never replies when I say hello. Course if hauling all those things back and forth (note the gigantic boxes in the background on the porch), I guess I’d be unfriendly too.

Wilson: It’s never good not being friendly, Mum. And besides, who can easily refuse moi, a fabulous Floof? Huh? I rest my case.

The Mum: I can’t say but think it’s rather rude not reply to a friendly hello. Oh well. It’s a sign of the times. Well, that’s about it for us. I just heard it’s National Pancake Day so maybe I ought to fix us some pancakes, what do you say?

Wilson: Pancakes, Yes please! But before we go, please have yourself a gorgeous autumn weekend and be sure to get out and enjoy some of the beauty Nature is dishing out for our enjoyment. Cheers!

Nature

Live, love, bark!  🐾

And now for something different

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 38 Comments
Five Sibes Book badgeToday we are doing something different from our usual fare, we’re reviewing a book written by the award winning author, Dorothy Wills-Raftery. Dorothy is one of the premier lay people on canine epilepsy and one with whom I became acquainted with nearly 10 years ago following the rescue of Elsa, my Standard Poodle shortly after her epilepsy diagnosis came following her adoption. Elsa has now been a “Ninja Angel” for 5 months (gosh…where has the time gone?) and not a day goes by that I don’t think about her and still miss her every single day. Dorothy’s blog and all the resources she shared got me through some dark times trying to help keep Elsa well and live a good life despite the diagnosis. She made me realize that epi-dogs can live great lives despite the diagnosis. I shall forever be grateful for her support, knowledge and shared resources.
When Elsa passed away in early Spring, it was shortly thereafter that Dorothy released her latest book “Wolfie, What Is The Rainbow Bridge?” When Dorothy hosted a promotional drawing for a copy of the book, I entered, never imaging that I’d win and was beyond honored and thrilled to receive a copy, especially given that my great granddaughter’s own pup is now showing her age and our family will need for a loving explanation once Nala earns her wings. Knowing how hard Elsa’s passing was on me as an adult, I was thrilled to see a book written expressly for children to help them cope with this life inevitability. The fact that it was written by one of my favorite people in Blogville who just happens to be an award winning author and one of the kindest humans I know…well, I knew a review was in order and think this lovely and gentle book could be a wonderful resource to share with any small child when the time comes to address the loss of a pet.
When it arrived, I was excited to try to read it to my great granddaughter but being the independent little miss that she is, she sat down and carefully went through each page as if she was reading its message on her own.
Halia - book review
Wilson also took a gander and was particularly smitten with Dorothy’s co-author, her 7 year old grandson.
Wilson - book review
This book is ever so gentle and handles a tough topic about the passing of a beloved pet with the little people in our lives. I was quite touched at how thoughtful and tender it approached the subject. At just 50 pages it’s a small enough book to keep young readers engaged and it’s beautifully illustrated with precious photos as well as questions to answer that will help process the loss of a pet.
I cannot recommend this lovely book more. In the US, as adults we tend to gloss over the topic of death and it can be a challenge on how one should explain it to a child when their companion earns its wings. This book will make that hard topic more understandable on an emotionally charged subject.

About Dorothy Wills-Raftery:

Dorothy is a PhotoJournalist, Romance Author, K9 Author, Children’s Book Author and Editor
Romance Author at Woman’s World
Author – Chicken Soup for the Soul Book Series & Rosie the Riveter Book Series
Author/Creator FiveSibes.com
Book Author of the following:
Wolfie, What is the Rainbow Bridge?
EPIc Dog Tales: Heartfelt Stories About Amazing Dogs Living and Loving Life with Canine Epilepsy
Getting Healthy With Harley: Learning About Health & Fitness
What’s Wrong With Gibson? Learning About K-9 Epilepsy
Buddy, The Christmas Husky: Based on a True Holiday Miracle
Dorothy has been published in these publications:
Petful, 4Knines, AmericanPet Magazine, Hudson Valley Paw Prints
Sled Dogger Magazine, Kings River Life Magazine, The Wedding Journal, In Focus Magazine, Ulster Magazine, Times Herald-Record
The Daily Freeman
LiveGibStrong badge
She is the Founder/Author of #LiveGibStrong 💜 K9 Epilepsy Awareness & Education and a recipient of DWAA Maxwell Medallion “Excellence” for FiveSibes Blog & #LiveGibStrong K9 Epilepsy Resource Library and author of #Paws4Purple initiative for PurpleDay®️ Every Day/Anita Kaufmann Foundation and is an International PurpleDay®️ for K9 Epilepsy Ambassador Since 2012

Live, love, bark! 🐾 💜 🐾

Nature Friday ~ August 1, 2025

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 53 Comments

Wilson - BoulderWelcome to the first day of August. I’m going out on a limb here by saying I think it’s going to be a hot month and I’m not talking about a certain fabulous floof strutting his stuff on a Parisian runway. With less than two months until the  blessed day of autumn’s arrival, Mum has ramped up her whinging even more than usual. Can’t say as I blame her but…hello…look who’s wearing a  fur coat? Not her. Mum only managed to take a few photographs from around our garden this week but I will forewarn you about not having very high expectations as they’re not particularly special but it seems to make the chief biscuit maker happy, so let’s relish a brief moment when we managed to get out of the house, shall we?

Greetings mates. Wilson here. I know, I know…we’re like a broken record but I think anyone who has been caught in this summer version of Groundhog Day, you probably can identify. The 90’sF are returning and these temps tend to limit our outdoor times unless absolutely necessary. The hot weather makes people grumpy and Mum is no exception. Early this morning, she stubbed her foot on a tray that holds my food and water bowls and gosh…you would have heard the the most horrible imprecations imaginable floating in the air. Even I blushed and I was half asleep. Well enough of that, let’s join our furry friends from the Adventures of the LLB Gang‘s blog hop and hope Mum is civilized today. Be sure to check the link out to see what great posts and pics are shared around Blogville.

The Mum: {grumbling under her breath and shuffling her feet into the room} Yawn…’morning House Pony. Are we doing this heat thing again today? What’s the forecast for today?

Wilson: Now Mum…you’ve got to let it go. We’re all sick of it but for all that’s holy, let’s just focus on the…ahem…paltry selection of flowers we found this week, shall we?

The Mum: {more grumbling} Whatever. I’m just hoping the coffee kicks in soon to improve my disposition.

Wilson: {softly whispering under his breath} Amen.

The Mum: What’s that you say?

Wilson: {pivoting} Oh nothing. I just realized we neglected to include one photo from our time spent in Boulder. I must say, that weekend seems like so long ago. The variety up there was such a delight.

The Mum: Yes, Boulder was truly lovely with an enchanting variety of plants we don’t often see in our neighborhood. Take a gander at this Crocosmia. Isn’t it fabulous? With those colorful flower clusters on branched stems, it can flower from early summer into early autumn. It belongs to the iris family and were you aware that their genus name comes  from the Greek words krokos, meaning “saffron”, and osme, meaning “odor.” Apparently the dried leaves give off a strong scent of saffron (the spice derived from Crocus that’s been immersed in hot water.

Crocosmia

Wilson: Hmm, fascinating and like you said, quite beautiful. Lately I’ve noticed garden annuals are in full bloom. Our zinnias planted from seed are flowering into nice pops of color in their pots and I’ve notice that the marigolds have come back with a vengeance this year. Looks like you’ll be busy deadheading them or we’ll have to host an Indian festival to Lord Shiva soon.

Marigolds

The Mum: Well, they’re cheery and bright and not the worst thing to volunteer in the garden.

Wilson: Right-o. They’re as cheerful as the Coreopsis (also known as Tickseed) that have popped up in a few unexpected places. Just yesterday I saw a small patch in the Plumbago that’s also begun to bloom. Coreopsis

Plumbago

The Mum: I’m a huge fan of the Plumbago and it’s really thick and luscious this year. The blue flowers are beginning to bloom and in a few weeks, the leaves will start their morphing into a gorgeous shade of mahogany. I know I wax on about it, but I truly love Plumbago since it isn’t picky about its growing conditions and makes for an easy to grow ground cover.

Wilson: I noticed you found a quirky scene on our early walk this morning. I’ve heard of vertical gardening but this kind goes beyond that, don’t you think?

Vertical garden

The Mum: I had to chuckle when I saw those plants growing in the rain gutter. Apologies for the overcast skies. Smoke from wildfires in Utah and Arizona are clouding up our normally crystal blue skies.

Wilson: You humans have a strange sense of humor. Lastly I thought I’d share how our little fig plant is doing. The two little figs seem to be doing well and the plant has really started to leaf out. You get so giddy whenever you go outside and check on it. It’s exciting to see you enjoying them as well as seeing them doing well. Well done, Mum.

Fig

 

The Mum:  Thanks, House Pony. I’m can’t wait until they ripen. Well, that’s about it for us. We hope you are able to enjoy little glimpses of nature around your neighborhood.

Wilson: Cheerio, mates. But before I go sashaying off, I have to share the award I earned from Lutheran. I’m still somewhat new to the pet therapy thing but I received this little trophy to acknowledge that I had completed than 20 visits this year. Actually it was 26 but who’s counting. The next category is 50 or more visits. While I did not attend the event in person (they tend to be filled with a bit more canine energy than I can comfortably handle, but Mum brought it home so I could pose with it). Getting the dogs to pose was a bit like herding cats but everyone enjoyed a good laugh about it.

Wilson Pet therapy

Pet therapy

Have a pawsome weekend!

Nature

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Monday Musings ~ July 21, 2025

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 53 Comments

Signs

This sign was taken a while back and is located in the Dairy Block in LoDo (lower downtown) Denver and it has become Wilson’s motto. He adopted it after running into some deer yesterday on his birthday walk. Sadly I must report his efforts were rather rebuffed and he came to the conclusion they were very strange dogs.

Here’s hoping your week is full of friends. Happy Monday.

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Monday Musings ~ June 30, 2025

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 50 Comments

Wait…you’re hauling me to next Monday-where did the weekend go? Oh well…as long as I’m closer to autumn. Your turn, what’s your caption?

Monday smile
Photo from the Denver Dog Fair

Happy Monday.

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ June 20, 2025

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 63 Comments

Heat advisoryWelcome to the Summer of Hades, 2025 edition. Bloody hell…who turned the blinking heat up?? We are under a heat advisory for the next few days. Good thing my fur coat was groomed last week but I’m still panting up a storm to cool myself down and Mum is sweating like a pig. Neither of us do well in heat and I have to make sure she stays well hydrated. Heck, we both have to stay well hydrated since unlike many areas of the country, ours is what’s known as ‘a dry heat.’ I don’t give a squirrel’s patootie, the bottom line is it’s been ungodly hot.

Wilson here. For those who need a bit of inspiration in the “this too shall pass” category, there are ‘only’ 94 days until autumn arrives. You can count on us keeping track of that number as it goes down. I know there are many of you enjoy summer and extol the virtues of extra sunlight to which I say, “Bollocks-you can have it!”

The Mum: Wilson!! Easy with the language, buddy!

Wilson: Whaaat? I’m just stating facts, Mum. It’s miserable out there. {grumbling} Bloody Summer Equinox…you can have it.

The Mum:  My goodness…you’re sure getting very worked up. We’re going to have to soldier up, do the best we can and hope this heat dome breaks up. It’ll mean our walks will likely be starting at oh-dark-thirty…i.e. 5:00 AM. I’m yawning just thinking about the uncivilized hour.

Wilson: I’ll be ready, Mum. So let’s get started with this week’s slices of nature…it’s all about trees. We’re joining our friends from Adventures of the LLB Gang. Be sure to click on the link to see what others have shared. Before the heat set in on us, the mornings were heavenly perfumed by the scent of all the Littleleaf Lindens that are in bloom across our neighborhood right now. Their fragrance is absolutely intoxicating. Don’t the flowers look like Lily of the Valley?

Linden Trees

Linden Trees
American Linden Tree-a grand shade tree

The Mom: It’s one of my absolute favorite trees. I inhale deeply on our walks enjoying that fabulous fragrance once they start blooming.

Wilson: It’s a lovely tree, Mum but what about the Popcorn tree?

The Mum: Popcorn tree? Oh, you must mean the Catalpa tree which is also in bloom.

Catalpa tree

Wilson: I dunno, Mum…it looks like popcorn all over the sidewalk to me.

The Mum: Yeah, it does rather look like popcorn on the sidewalk. Catalpa trees are kind of messy but they’re great shade trees and those blooms are beautiful when you look closely. Just make sure you don’t look too closely, you might inhale a bee!

Catalpa flowers

Wilson: They sure are messy trees. All those orchid-like blooms all over the sidewalk and then those long, cigar shaped seed pods will start falling, from autumn through winter. The blooms and seed pods from the large specimen across the street always manage to land in our yard in addition to our own. Remind me why you planted it?

The Mum: When the city made me take down the Silver Maple, they said they’d replace it with another shade tree. I applied for a Honey Locust which they did plant, but for some reason, they threw in a Catalpa as well as an Oak tree. Lots of leaves, flowers and acorns to deal with. The squirrels don’t seem to mind. They seem to love all the trees that are messy. Me, not as much.

Wilson: Hey, I try to do my part keeping the squirrels at bay. I can’t help it if you don’t want me chasing them..

The Mum: Well they tend to run out in the street and you’re all too eager to follow them. There’s been another flowering tree that’s currently in bloom and it’s also a beauty..

Wilson: That’s right, Mum. It’s a Japanese Tree Lilac. Those creamy white flowers fill the morning air with a luscious scent. This is a modestly small tree but seems to do well in Colorado. We’re starting to see and more of them around the neighborhood.

Japanese Tree Lilac

The Mum: It’s a real beauty for sure. But what about that fabulous cherry tree we walk past every day? It ripened earlier than any of the other cherry trees in the neighborhood. The owner even said if we could reach the fruit at the top, it was ours.

Cherry tree

Wilson: Well I’d have been up for it but don’t think you could have reached the top fruit without a ladder and then we’d have to carry a bucket with us then wash and pitt them once we got home. You told me you did that once and it was pretty much an all day project.

The Mum: Yup, it sure was. Pitting was the pits-no pun intended. But the jam sure was yummy. I might consider making peach jam later in the summer but cherries are a lot of work and we’ve been pretty busy with hospital visits and rescue work.

Wilson: Speaking of busy, there was the rescue picnic over the past weekend. We were unable to attend but it sure looked like a fun event. Lok at all those sheepies! And we managed to raise about as much as we raised last year for the rescue. Everybody had a good time even if it was somewhat warm.

OES Picnic 2025

The Mum: Yeah, maybe next year we can attend and you can run around in a beautiful setting with loads of other sheepdogs.

Wilson: Oh that would be so posh, Mum. I do hope I can attend.

The Mum: Well we’ll see. Well, that’s it for this edition of nature. We hope you all have a lovely weekend and we pray everyone stays safe and hydrated this weekend and especially don’t overdo it. But if you’re out, please try to savor the wonders of Nature.

Wilson: Meanwhile I’ll be wondering why Nature has to be so doggone difficult and likely making plans to visit Yellowstone National Park and lying near the air conditioner vent. We hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Wilson

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Live, love, bark! 🐾