You may (or may not) have realized we’ve been MIA lately. In case you’ve missed us, we (as in me) have experienced some technical difficulties. Last week a particularly ugly stomach bug showed up so I’m a bit behind on visiting blogs. Please be patient as I rejoin the human race and regain my strength mojo. For the record I have turned the corner and am feeling better but it’s going to take some time getting all the pistons running smoothly again. I’ll get there but don’t worry, I’ll get caught up (eventually). Meanwhile the dogs think my return this means extra walks/attention to make up for the time they missed out on last week.
On the plus side, Wilson earned his official pet therapy dog status just before I got sick. He is now able to visit as an official member of Lutheran’s pet therapy program. He lit up a lot of people up during his test and made a jillion new friends. In all the years I’ve been the pet therapy chauffeur, I don’t think we’d ever seen as many people. He was so tired when we came home he actually snored, something he’s never done before.
Hope life has treated you well during our absence. Please stay safe and healthy and by all means, do not catch this bug. It’s ugly and mean. Happy Monday.
Today is a federal holiday in the U.S., where we annually honor all veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Prior to 1954, Veterans Day was known as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day and coincides with celebrations in Europe, marking the anniversary of the end of World War I when major hostilities formally ceased at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, when the Armistice with Germany went into effect. Today we honor all who have served whether they have two or four legs.
While we honor all who have served, the Ranch wants to pay special tribute to one in particular who happened to have a Denver connection. Sergeant Geronimo was a parachuting dog and a member of the famous 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment. Thought to be part coyote and German Shepherd he was picked up as a stray by Sergeant Kenneth Williams, a member of the 507th and served in World War II with Williams’ unit.
Photo courtesy of Denver Pet Ceremony Website
Named after the famous “jump shout” of the unit, Geronimo was so enthusiastic about jumping, he often needed to be restrained from jumping too soon.
Geronimo was trained by the men in the unit, had his own parachute and was the company’s mascot. Trained in 1943 in Nebraska at Alliance Base, he and his handler, Williams were used in demolition work. He made numerous jumps and word of the parachuting pup spread making him famous. Geronimo was widely featured in magazines and newspapers including Life magazine. The Army used his popularity to raise millions of dollars in war bonds.
Photo courtesy of Denver Pet Cemetery
Geronimo was considered a hero by his unit, especially after he alerted them that Sergeant Williams’ was badly injured on maneuvers to destroy a bridge. After being rescued by his fellow soldiers, Williams recovered from his injuries following a lengthy recovery period. Both Williams and Geronimo were honorably discharged and retired in the Denver area together. Sadly Geronimo was tragically killed by a hit and run driver when he escaped from his yard in 1947. His body is interred at the Denver Pet Cemetery located in Commerce City, Colorado. Over the years, two markers have been placed for Geronimo by members of the 507th Paratrooper Infantry Regiment.
Sleigh bells ring, are you listening…in the lane, snow is glistening…a beautiful sight…hmmm, hmmm, hmmm…walking in a winter wonderland. Humming continuing…oh hiya, Elsa here. Welcome to this week’s edition of Nature Friday.We’re once again joining our pals from Adventures of the LLB Gang. Don’t forget to click on the link to see what others have posted.
You know how often we’re whining about lack of moisture, right? Boy howdy…did Mother Nature finally decide to turn on the faucet. Before the temperatures decided to hover in the mid-20’s, a soft misting rain fell, later joined by wet slushy snow. The snow has barely stopped and Mom tells me the forecast is calling for another 10 inches between now and early Sunday morning. I asked her, where are you gonna put all that white stuff? She just groaned and shrugged her shoulders. Rude!
Wilson: Oooh, oooh, is it my turn, yet, huh…is it?
Elsa:WAIT! Sheesh…talk about ruining a perfectly good intro.
Wilson: But…but I waited while you opened and even let you post the first photo. I’m so confused about the rules for our Friday posts since they seem to defy precedent.
Elsa: Get used to it. Changes are in the air after this week’s ‘happening’ of which we shan’t get into, but I’m sure everyone knows to what I’m referring, so I’ll just leave it at that. And no, this isn’t some sort of Ninja logic…I can’t help but wonder if logic just became extinct this week but this is a pet blog, not some political podcast so let’s just get started. Ok, House Pony?
Wilson: Yeah, I’ve noticed Mum has the sads and wondered if that’s what’s been bothering her. I hope she knows we’re here for her.
Elsa: Of course we are and with your pet therapy skills, I’m counting on you to really step up. I can’t wait four years for her to smile again.
Wilson: I’ll do my part and with your help, we’ll make her feel better even though she won’t to be able to affect the political world around here. Luckily our state passed sweeping changes to codify some of the social issues in the state constitution. But because we’re a pet blog, that’s all we will say for now. Let’s move on to Mother Nature and what she unleashed on us the past couple of days, shall we?
Elsa: You got it, brother. So I already alluded to the heavy wet snow that’s been falling for the past day and a half. I think we had about 6-8+ inches so far. Hard to tell because with that heavy snow, there has been a lot of leaf drop.
Wilson: Boy, you can say that again. Leaves have dropped along with the temps after they were heavily coated in a layer of white stuff. Sadly, some of that droppage has included lots of tree branches with it. Mum was out at midnight and at 4:00 AM, trying to shake snow off branches and various wires for the past couple of nights. But first, let’s share a couple of pics from last weekend.
Last of the clematis
Water feature
Elsa: Wow, those seem like such ancient history. Fast forward to just two days later and you have this.
Wilson: Righto. Talk about a huge change.
Elsa: It sure was pretty.
Wilson: Pretty but deadly. As we were doing our morning constitutional in the dog run, Mum heard a loud crash and walked out front to this scene. A huge limb came down, blocking about 90% of the street. She went over to talk to the guy who lives in the house to see if there was anything she could do to help since she had just obtained the name of a licensed tree trimmer the day before.
Elsa: Yikes! So that’s why she was gone for so long. She told me the guy said he’d talked with the police department and they indicated they would send someone out to clear the street.
Wilson: Mum knew that would take hours, if not days but the Ranch is on a great block and the neighbors came out, one with a chainsaw, and between four of them they managed to cut up and move the pieces out of the street. They worked like beavers taking care of that huge catastrophe.
Elsa: When everyone works together look what they can accomplish that’s positive and divisive. Oops, there I go again injecting a political slant. Sorry. It’s going to be hard to remain objective I suspect and hope people don’t take offense.
Wilson: It’s hard not to but I’ll be here to gently remind to stay above the fray, deal?
Elsa: Deal. I just hope I can keep up my end of the bargain.
Wilson: I’ll be patient and gentle, I promise even if I feel the same.
Elsa: So with the colder temps, it’s making things really interesting. Our Catalpa tree leaves keeps making funny noises.
Wilson: You can say that again. It’s been dropping frozen leaves like bombs. Luckily no tree limbs, just tons of leaves. Normally these leaves hang around longer than most but the weather did a major number on the tree. We were lucky, the neighbor across the street, lost a huge limb, just barely missing his car. Everyone in the neighborhood is on high alert and with parking always at a premium in this dense neighborhood, it makes things interesting.
Elsa: I can only imagine. I know Mom had a hair appointment scheduled yesterday and fortunately the hairdresser’s salon in only a couple of miles away so she walked over there and it gave her a chance to see how other people fared. It was a bit of a war zone out there.
Wilson: Crikey…glad she didn’t take me with her. I’m still not comfortable around garbage trucks and the sound those broken tree limbs must make. I’m grateful to have been spared that outing, though I’m beginning to get a spot of cabin fever.
Elsa: Yeah and my weary bones won’t be happy in icy wet snow either. Mom said she was going to bring out the puzzle snuffle mats so we could exercise our minds. She said something absurd about not wanting us to cause mischief. Mischief? Us? Bwahahaha!
Wilson: Well you know me, if there are treats involved, count me in!
Elsa: {eyes rolling} Of course you are but it’ll be good for some mental stimulation. Let’s leave everyone with a few pretty pics and not just carnage, shall we?
Wilson: Happy to oblige.
Elsa: Those are lovely, House Pony. I just looked outside, and it started snowing again. But we hope whatever you do and wherever you are, we hope you are safe and warm while still enjoying all that Mother Nature provides us. To those who share Mom’s current inner anguish, please know we are with you in spirit. Let’s continue to be supportive to each other.
Welcome to this week’s Nature Friday post. As has been typical…oh let’s see, since forever, October joined all the other months that set records. While not as warm as September, temps are still about 15-20ºF above average, with crisp mornings. Hi, Elsa here. As always we’re joining our friends from Adventures of the LLB Gang. Don’t forget to click on the link to see what others shared. This week’s photos are a bit all over the map-Mom couldn’t seem to get her act together for a coherent theme. And speaking of incoherent, here’s the House Pony to try to make sense of the photos.
Wilson: Hello mates, Happy Friday. My snarky sister is right, Mum really didn’t have a specific theme this week but we’ll try to make it interesting nonetheless.
Elsa: That may be a stretch but I’m sure you’ll do the best you can given the pickings are somewhat slim.
Wilson: Yeah, while Mum and I have been walking 5 miles a day, scenes along our route haven’t changed that much though I will note Mum saw a re-blooming iris two days ago. It’s the first time she’s ever seen one that wasn’t white. It’s actually rather pretty and no, Ninja, I didn’t sniff it for marking purposes.
Elsa: Wha…how dare you accuse me of being ready to pounce on that softball, err…that comment. But I’m convinced you thought about it.
Wilson: I did not. I was a good chap and Mum was proud of me.
Elsa: Well that has to be a first. So what was all that ranting and raving about that unusual find the other morning? I was on that walk and I couldn’t see what big deal was all about
Wilson: You mean that mushroom we found? Mum thinks it might have been an oyster mushroom or possibly a mock oyster mushroom. She said she wasn’t a mycophile by any means but she was pretty excited about coming across its path. Typically our humidity is in the low to mid-teens so for this one to sprout up in the gravel was definitely something to get jazzed about.
Elsa: Then again, maybe not so much. We see far more interesting things all the time. But whatever cranks your handle is fine by me.
Wilson: Well can I just say I was fascinated. I haven’t seen anything like that around here, at least not since I became a Ranch Hand and thought perhaps you might be intrigued with it.
Elsa: Nope, not even the slightest. Now…show me that chubby racoon that’s been waddling around our ‘Hood in the early morning, and I’m all over it. They are such fascinating critters. And that one who’s so chunky is particularly interesting. He’s barked at me before. I wanted to give him a piece of my mind, but Mom was adamant that we avoid any encounter at all costs. She can be such a killjoy sometimes.
Wilson: Tell me about it. She’s gotten so strict about me not even getting close to squirrels. It’s a major drag that I can’t chase after them. I’m sure I could catch one, I just know it. I’m quite speedy, you know.
Elsa: Yeah, yeah, yeah and you could whip it with one paw tied behind your back. Spare me, brother.
Wilson: I say, dear sister. No need to be so harsh. I was just saying…
Elsa: {interrupting} Oh spare me. Nobody wants to hear you yammering on about how close you came to bagging a squirrel.
Wilson: {miffed} Fine, I won’t say a thing about it.
Elsa: Promise? Ahhh, peace and quiet…just what I was praying for…
Wilson: {steamed} Oh so you planned to trick me into not talking about it, eh? Well that’s rather unkind. You know you could just do the post yourself if you don’t like what I’m sharing.
Elsa: Sheesh, lighten up, dude. Don’t be overly sensitive. Be more like me. Like I could give a rat’s…
Wilson: Umm Mum said to stop talking like that. You’d be well to heed that directive.
Elsa: Whatever…I’m the Ranch’s only princess…I can pretty much get away with just about anything. I mean, look at last week’s post where I munch her ballot. And here I am to tell about it. Heh, heh…this ‘no consequences’ thing is just awesome, I mean…hmm, it’s got me thinking…I wonder what else I can get away with…
Wilson: Best not, I’d have to report you to Mum. She was more than irritated with you again after you ate the latest flyer from Costco.
Elsa: Yeah, I did a really amazing shredding job on that yesterday morning. Mom doesn’t need the flyer anyway; she’d just spend money on stupid stuff instead of dehydrated liver treats on moi.
Wilson: Best not to chance it. You just never know and I sure as the devil don’t want to be blamed for something you did.
Elsa: Un-lax big guy. I’ve got the ‘Mom’ touch. She gives me a lot of latitude because of my early years in the puppy mill. And of course, the fact that I’m an epi-warrior just adds to her feeling sorry for me. I mean, talk about the luck of not one but “two get out of jail free” cards. I’m golden, trust me.
Wilson: Best not to push it. Besides, Mum loves it when we behave nicely.
Elsa: {eyes rolling} I’ll always be her favorite. You can take that to the bank.
Wilson: Not 100% sure about that but let’s share yesterday’s beautiful sunrise. With days getting shorter and it not being quite as hot, we’re able to eat our breakfast before going on our morning constitution. I rather like sleeping in a bit instead of having to go for a ‘crack of dawn’ walk. It’s nice to saunter outside and check out the pretty sunrise.
Elsa: Whoa…nice clouds. I was too busy going potty to notice that bright orangey cloud. Mom was blown away by how bright it was. The mornings have been so clear so that was a nice treat.
Wilson: Treat, where? Wait, oh, I think you’re teasing me again. I know Mom will give me a nice tasty treat and it’ll be acceptable to eat it. I’m getting very good with waiting until she gives me the ok command. Anyway, we walked past a nearby church the other morning and saw how they created this scene. Kinda cool. Not sure if it means something because I’m not Episcopalian but it did catch Mum’s eye.
Elsa: Don’t look at me for an explanation. Maybe someone reading this will know if it means something special. Anyway, it’s nicely done at any rate.
Wilson: Agreed. So the leaves around the Ranch have just begun to change in the last couple of days. Many are just so dried out but Mum found this tree with a bit of color yesterday morning. It was very breezy yesterday and looked a lot like it was almost snowing.
Elsa: I know she’s been on the hunt for a very large leaf to put on top of your head because you’re so easy. Consider yourself lucky it’s been windy to thwart those efforts to make you look ridiculous. I’ve already put her on notice, I ain’t posing. Period.
Wilson: Don’t be so sure, I saw her pulling down that box that contains all the bandanas, hats and costumes in anticipation of Halloween. I just hope she’s too busy to pull it all together.
Elsa: Egad…so that’s what she was doing. Oh right, I’ll be laying low. Speaking of Halloween, what scene did you decide on sharing this week? There have been so many to choose from, won’t it be hard to find just one?
Wilson: You’re right about that, there have been so many but this one seemed to be truly out of the norm. We are definitely not fans of inflatables but this one caught Mum’s eye. I don’t think I’d want to stop at that house for treats.
Elsa: Wait, you’d skip this house? Well that’s gotta be a first. But I’m with you. I wouldn’t want to stop at that house either. That’s just creeps-ville, dude.
Wilson: I agree. Well that’s it from me. So many of you were concerned about Mum’s ballot problem last week but I’m happy to report she filled it out as soon as she got home and hand delivered it to a nearby drop box. She received notice from the Secretary of State a couple of days later saying they’d received, verified the signature and accepted it. Whew. Look what they sent her in return-it even has the state flower, the Columbine, in the design. Pretty cool, don’t you think?
Elsa: Nope, I can’t chew up a digital sticker. Anyway, glad the whole thing is over now-she droned on about it endlessly. We hope you all have a terrific weekend and are able to get out and enjoy finding some slices of nature before daylight saving time ends.
Good Monday morning, peeps. Welcome to Monday. While it seems as if everyone is just trying to get through the election, do you realize there are only 71 days left this year. Don’t know about you but that is somewhat alarming. Where has this year gone?
It should be noted that Wilson is a bit of a cheapskate when it comes to tips. He can’t seem to help but lick his bowl spotlessly clean for all meals. I guess not sweeping up bits and bobs of crumbs is my tradeoff for actual tips. There’s no doubt he’s quite the neatnik when it comes to not leaving morsels of food on the floor. If only he could be convinced to wipe off his nose prints on the front door.
Today is Indigenous Peoples Day in the US. Formerly known as Columbus Day, it celebrates and honors Indigenous American peoples by commemorating their histories and cultures. While I always post some light-hearted smile on Monday’s today always leaves me with an uneasy feeling because of how native peoples have been treated and there is nothing funny about the historical past in that regard.
We here at the Ranch ask you consider the history that went into the creation of this national holiday.
And because it still IS Monday, we can’t begin the week without some sort of smile. As you may recall, Elsa has a long history of eating things that is well documented on this blog. (for example, see The Carnage Continues). She’s been very civilized for some time but then suddenly last week decided the mail would be her latest conquest, including important notices and bills. She managed to pull several pieces of mail off the dining room table 3 days in a row.
I will note however, she’s never chewed up junk mail instead, she seems to focus on important items and then proceed to pull them down from the middle of the dining table. She managed to munch was an agreement with the Water Department regarding agreement for replacing the service line. Do you know how embarrassing it is being an adult and telling a service rep “my dog ate the agreement” and how can I get another one? Luckily it’s a national holiday with mail not being delivered today so it’ll be safe, at least today.
As you celebrate the contributions of Indigenous People today, we hope you have a good week.
It’s Monday again…where did the weekend go? Wilson has been entertaining himself by making friends with various bugs who are making their last hurrah before summer finally hits the road. They have at least the next 10 days of friendship, according to the forecast.
We hope you have loads of friendly encounters this week. Happy Monday.
Cheers, mates. Wilson here to extol the virtues of the day…today is National Black Dog Day. Yes, there is a day devoted to black dogs and for good reason. Did you know that black dogs have the lowest rate of adoption and highest rate of euthanasia of any shelter dogs? What’s behind that craziness, you ask?
Celebrated annually on October 1st to combat Black Dog Syndrome, this day was founded by animal behaviorist and activist Colleen Paige (who also created National Dog Day and National Mutt Day). To encourage the adoption of black dogs, some shelters and rescues will waive adoption fees or host special events to benefit dark-colored pups.
Did you know that black dogs are often the last to be adopted in shelters? That’s why we celebrate National Black Dog Day each October to spread awareness that every pup deserves a fur-ever home.
While there is some debate over the veracity of black-colored dogs being readily adopted, the issue known as Black Dog Syndrome (BDS) is real. It’s thought that black dogs are more likely to stay in shelters longer and may potentially be euthanized if they aren’t adopted soon enough. With space and other resources being limited and the real effort to get dogs adopted out as quickly as possible, black dogs are often overlooked by potential adopters.
Anyone can participate in National Black Dog Day. Even if you don’t have a black dog, you can use #NationalBlackDogDay on your social media posts to help spread awareness about BDS or by donating to your local shelters and rescues to aid in the adoption of black dogs, as well.
Black Dog Syndrome
What is Black Dog Syndrome? There are many negative connotations associated with black animals. Ancient superstitions often keeps someone back from adopting a black pet. All too often black dogs have been portrayed as guardians of the underworld in mythology.
Yes, it’s a real challenge photographing dark dogs and they are frequently passed over. Light-colored dogs definitely stand-out a bit more in pictures. But in reality, a black dog is no different than any other pup regardless of their coloring. They all need love and care just like every other dog.
Ancient superstitions may hold someone back from adopting a black pet. Black dogs have often been portrayed as guardians of the underworld in mythology much like black cats are associated with bad luck or witchcraft.
Likewise, black dogs in movies and television are often portrayed as aggressive, as well (i.e. the attack dogs in the movie The Dark Knightand Fluffy, the three-headed guard dog, in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone are all black dogs).
And while she’s been known to nosh on some of the strangest things over the years and has seizures, this girl is beloved and Mum thanks her lucky stars she’s a Ranch Hand. So please join me in celebrating Black Dog Appreciation Day. Way to take center stage, little one.
Today’s smile is soooo Wilson. Now I understand that it’s the motion detector in him that causes him to end up following me even if I’m just grabbing a glass of water. Wishing you loads of quiet times this week. Happy Monday!
Happy Monday, peeps. Hope you had a wonderful weekend. Time to get back to it…whatever ‘it’ is for you. Over the past eight months, I’ve been observing Wilson to get a good idea what makes this boy tick and realize he is constantly in training for the lazy dog triathlon. I mean…just look at two of his best events.
We hope you have a splendid Monday and an even better week doing your best.
