Monday Musings ~ March 3, 2025

March 3, 2025 ~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 84 Comments

Happy first Monday of March. Neither Elsa or I are 100% healthy yet but are holding our own. You may correctly surmise that I’m improving with a scrappy greeting to today’s weather forecast by yelling (as much as one can with no voice) to today’s weather forecast, “bring it on” as the Ranch braces for the first spring storm arriving later this afternoon. Spring storms in Colorado are normal and welcome in March as they tend to drop a lot of moisture and melt fairly quickly. With 17 days until the official arrival of spring, we’ll see if Nature goes along with the forecast of 8-14 inches of white stuff. In the meantime, let’s enjoy a lighthearted look at life.

In accordance with Colorado consumer law, I recently received a notification from the LexisNexis Consumer Center indicating I was eligible for a free disclosure copy of my credit report so today’s smile ironically seems in line with what our pets face all the time. It came as a rather big surprise since I wasn’t aware of LexisNexis (you can click on the link to reach their website to see if you’re interested in checking out) having a presence in the credit reporting arena, being only aware of the big 3: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. Looks like the day won’t be a total loss as I learned something new and discovered there’s yet another place to check to keep my online identity safe in this age of online theft, scammers and mischief makers. Anyway, hope it’s a lighthearted look for you to start out the week. Wishing all is well wherever you’re located and this smile allows you to usher the week in with a little chuckle. Happy Monday.

Monday smile

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Monday Musings ~ February 10, 2025

February 10, 2025 ~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 63 Comments

Hope you survived the hype of Super Bowl LIX. While we didn’t watch the game, the outcome seemed like quite a shocker that not many had expected. Elsa here…as dogs, the House Pony and I think it should have been called Super Bowl Licks, not that Roman numeral silly jazz. Egad, I’m starting to sound like the House Pony waxing on about food. Eek! For the record, I’m improving each day but still am somewhat croupy. Mom has been running the diffuser non-stop with a respiratory formulation that seems to help loosen up the gunk now that I’m finished with the course of meds from the vet. Thanks for all your get better wishes-we appreciate it.

So…did you watch the other “Big” game–you know the one where you weren’t bombarded with gambling apps or “AI is good for you” commercials? Puppy Bowl XXI was full of excitement; we were rooting for team Fluff and little Maya (who was fostered by fellow blogger, creative writing teacher, and novelist, Cara Achterberg). You can read her Another Good Dog™️ blog posts here. While Maya didn’t score a touchdown, she had an adorable bout of the zoomies in the second period that made us laugh. Maya’s DNA Wisdom Panel revealed that she was part Dobermann. Who’d have thought that? Do you see a Dobermann here between those ears?

Over 140 puppies from 80 shelters across 40 states and two countries, were part of the “longest-running call-to-adoption television event.” Puppy Bowl contestants all get adopted, making it one of the more successful ‘adopt, don’t shop’ campaigns by raising the importance of pet adoption with its “Pup Close and Personal” segments that provide back stories for many of the furry contestants and it warms our heart to see dogs with disabilities in the line-up.

Here are some video highlights in case you missed the actual game.

Even if we are playing armchair quarterbacks today (what the dog happened to the Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs), Monday still means we’re going to start the week with a smile. Wishing you and yours a ‘pawtastic’ week. We couldn’t decide on a single smile and since I’m feeling generous, here are two. It’s going to be a very busy week for us with something going on each day, so we may be tardy visiting all of you. Wilson has hospital duty for a couple of days and Mom will be running around like a chicken with its head cut off taking care of me and other commitments. Please be patient; we’ll do our best. Have a great Monday and an even better week.

And while you’re at it…stay warm. Winter has decided to make a return appearance in the 303 this week. Bundle up sports fans. Have a Happy Monday.

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Monday Musings ~ February 3, 2025

February 3, 2025 ~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 65 Comments

Good Monday morning…am still finding it hard to believe it’s February now. Yesterday we experienced a glorious 62ºF (16ºC) day and it’s expected to be nearly 70ºF today. In February! I think I see some kind of conspiracy possible here.

Here’s wishing you a fantastic Monday and week.

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Monday Musings ~ January 27, 2025

January 27, 2025January 27, 2025 ~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 69 Comments

We managed to survive the snow and relentless cold this weekend and hope you did as well. Our forecast for the last Monday of the month will see Mile High temperatures reach the mid-40’sF (7C). Woot! It’s still dark in the morning when we rise and will take longer to rectify that as I heard on the morning news we’re in the 10 hours a day range of sunshine. Today’s smile reminded me there’s one thing that remains constant no matter what time of year it is.

Here’s wishing you have a ‘wagnificent’ Monday and an even better week. Let’s just hope the coffee kicks in to match my alarm clock.

Live, love, bark! 🐾

MLK Monday ~ January 20, 2025

January 20, 2025 ~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 75 Comments

Today is Martin Luther King Day in the U.S. When I found this quote/meme, it occurred to me it was even more poignant to share it today. I had just came back inside from shoveling the snow that fell overnight on top of all of yesterday’s snow. One way to honor the civil rights leader, is through participating in some sort of service on this day. So, I chose to shovel the two houses sidewalks next to my corner lot. Both are somewhat new to the neighborhood and I haven’t met them. While it’s below zero, it was quiet, I was well bundled up and being out pre-dawn, it allowed my thoughts to percolate softly on that idea of service today. I also couldn’t help but think that Mother Nature’s calendar is definitely messed up. January is normally our driest month of the year. Guess the powers to be didn’t send out that memo to her.

And while it’s MLK Monday, we still felt it was important to start today out with a couple of smiles. Stay safe and warm; we hope MLK’s words strike a note in your heart.

Not to be outdone, as I was trying to shovel out the ‘pee-tio’ yesterday, a similar scene made for some interesting maneuvering at the Ranch.

Here’s hoping you have a great Monday.

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Monday Musings ~ January 13, 2025

January 13, 2025 ~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 66 Comments

Happy Monday, peeps! Now that the holidays are over, winter seems to be in full swing with snow and cold temperatures. Our weather forecast calls for a warming trend and we’re good with that. With Elsa’s aging joints and Wilson’s attitude about snow, we’re looking forward to blue skies without the ‘lace-woven ice’ Nature so kindly provided us with last week. The snow that did fall here is 96% melted and was only about 4-5 inches deep.

Over the weekend one of our Instagram followers surprised us with a Gotcha Day gift for Wilson. Can we just say how cool was that? Thank you, Barkland Bakery, a local family business. We loved your treats and will look for you at various events when you come back to town. You can follow them on their Facebook or Instagram pages. Having once launched a dog treat business myself, I am impressed that Barkland produces small batches of tasty treats that have no artificial additives and zero preservatives. The fact they made a personalized Gotcha Day biscuit for Wilson was so unexpected and appreciated. Wilson thought the peanut butter flavor is the bomb and Elsa was thrilled to get in on the treat action. Thank you, Becky for the treats and speedy delivery. Wilson and Elsa both think your taste taster, Kylo, deserves a raise. Barkland’s next event is the Winter Farmers Market this Saturday at the Foothills Mall in Fort Collins from 10-2pm. Keep your eyes open for this up and coming local pet treat company around the metro area and follow them on social media to see when they’re near you.

Before we get busy with the week, we ask you to keep all those impacted by the LA wildfires in your thoughts and prayers. If you are able to help, please consider making a donation to reputable groups who are help pets and people who have been impacted. Watch out for scammers. Happy Monday.

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Monday Musings ~ January 6, 2025

January 6, 2025January 4, 2025 ~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 69 Comments

Welcome to the first Monday of 2025. Today is also notable for another reason, it was one year ago my dear friend, Cheryl and I drove to Missouri (along with Elsa, riding shotgun in the back seat) to pick up a gigantic and severely matted floof, then named Sam, to foster. He greeted us enthusiastically and I knew right away that it was more than likely I would fail at the foster aspect of this journey. We drove 1500 miles roundtrip through snowstorms on highways and tiny rural roads over a 24 hour period. I couldn’t have made that trip without Cheryl’s presence, good nature and common sense to guide us (and keep us squarely on the road and not in a ditch after it became dark). I’ll always remember our conversations which reassured me along that uncertain road where we recalled the past 20+ years of friendship, with observations on life, people and dogs (and egg sandwiches bought at a gas station convenience store). Her great company surrounded me in comfort and continues to this day. I’ll always be grateful for her joining me on this transformative journey, with all its twists and turns. Thank you my friend, for accompanying me then, as well as for your ongoing loving support and friendship. I love ya!

The transformation of this filthy, matted mess…

to this handsome boy after his first grooming…

While we’ve experienced few hiccups over the past year, I still have a dear friend who was always there for both of us.

You’ve come a long way Wilson, both literally and figuratively. From all the ups (learning how to navigate the ways of a noisy, chaotic urban environment while becoming an beloved pet therapy dog at Lutheran) as well as the downs (losing those unnecessary pounds and a couple of damaged teeth), you’ve been quite the addition to the Ranch, Wilson. Here’s to many more happy trails, buddy. Happy Gotcha Day, House Pony.

And because it’s also a Monday, we would be remiss if we didn’t share a smile to welcome the New Year. Have a great week!

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Monday Musings ~ December 30, 2024

December 30, 2024 ~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 64 Comments

Today is the last Monday of 2024 and as we prepared to close the door on the year, we are reminded of the pets who have departed. Many thanks to Ann at Zoolatry for sharing her lovely badge acknowledging this day.

We think of our own Angels every day but especially today and send tender thoughts of comfort to all who have lost a beloved pet. Till we meet again, Norman, Sam, Puck, and Eliot. I love and miss you.

And even as we recall past pets who brought immense joy to our hearts, Monday just isn’t Monday around the Ranch without a smile and given the time of year, this one seemed definitely appropriate. Whether you make annual New Year’s resolutions or set actual goals with a definitive plan to achieving them, we hope you’re resolved to start out the day with a smile.

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Monday Musings ~ December 23, 2024

December 23, 2024 ~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 56 Comments

Pop-culture can provide us with new terms and this week’s convergence of the two holidays on Wednesday, gives us an opportunity to do just that by combining the two holidays into a new term. Happy Chrismukkah week! Elsa here. That portmanteau neologism is a perfect example. Mind you, we’re not trying to be disrespectful of either holiday, but we thought it might be a nice way to acknowledge both holidays in today’s smiles. Without further adieu, let’s enjoy more than one smile for today, shall we?

We all have heard songs where people hear/sing the wrong lyrics. Humans have been messing them up on some songs forever (Manfred Mann’s Blinded by the Light immediately comes to mind). Apparently dogs have done it as well, even with our great hearing.

And for our Jewish friends, we hope you like this smile.

However you celebrate this week’s holidays, we hope you’re not spinning out of control and send our very best wishes to you and yours. Have a safe and pawsome holiday(s) spent with your friends and families.

P.S. That pic of me at the top is my way of saying I hope we’re done with the photo shoots for a good long time. And here I thought I could escape being exposed like my brother was last week. Sigh…no such luck.

The Ranch will be taking a few days off to relax and rejuvenate and are not completely positive if we’ll post this Friday. We’ll catch up with you soon. Happy holidays everyone!

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Monday Musings ~ December 16, 2024

December 16, 2024 ~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 55 Comments

Happy Monday and happy birthday to my beautiful daughter. Love you sweetie and hope your day is as special as you are. I’m so proud of the fun loving, smart, amazing woman, mom and daughter you’ve grown into. Have a wonderful day!

Let’s make having a birthday on a Monday extra special. Let’s do a two-fer because you can just never have too many smiles on a Monday, right?