Category: OES

Nature Friday ~ January 17, 2025

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 66 Comments

Welcome to this week’s Nature Friday post where we join those cute pups from Adventures of the LLB Gang. Hiya, Elsa here. It’s winter and any photos are fairly slim showcasing nature around the Mile High. The National Western Stock Show is going on but Mom said she’d rather set her hair on fire than deal with the traffic and wannabe cowboys than go to that event. Since she no longer works downtown, she didn’t even see the annual parade of Longhorn cattle up Seventeenth Street.

Stock Show
Image from the 2015 National Western Stock Show parade

Elsa: {continuing} The big thing that we’ll be watching is the newsworthy story of a winter advisory in the form of an Arctic blast that’s slated to arrive later today (more on that below). Mom and Wilson will once again be spending the day at the hospital visiting folks. I heard he visited with a jillion people yesterday and made friends with even more. He tried to make ‘friends’ with a local hoodlum right before he left for his shift. Trust me, he didn’t get close but there was one tuckered out squirrel that collapsed from exhaustion on top of the wooden fence. His sides were heaving as he tried to catch his breath. Mom said he seemed pretty traumatized since he didn’t even run away when she went to see if he was ok. The House Pony was foiled {again} and life moved forward. Guess you had to be there to appreciate the drama.

Wilson’s friend

Wilson: Hey, I almost got him! He didn’t realize how speedy I am.

Elsa: Don’t kid yourself. No matter how {ahem} speedy you think you are, you’re always going to lose to that rodent. You should save your energy for more important endeavors, like Olympic style napping, like me. Trust me, that’s a much better use of your time with a greater chance for success.

Wilson: I just know I can get him at some point. I just know he’s going to make a mistake, slip off that top rail and fall on my side of the fence. And I’ll be there to ‘welcome’ him. {smiling with teeth exposed} Heh, heh.

Elsa: Well, I’m just saying, you’re wasting valuable time trying. I mean, wasn’t it Groucho Marx who said “paying alimony is like buying hay for a dead horse.”

Wilson: Perhaps, but because it’s almost MKL Day, I subscribe to the his quote, “It’s a job that’s never started that takes the longest to finish.” Martin Luther King, Jr.”

Elsa: Whatever, bozo.

Wilson: I think this is just something that you and I will have to agree to disagree about. Now about that Arctic blast you mentioned. The local weather channel said we can expect a “flash freeze.” What the bloody dog is a “flash freeze?” How cold is it going to get?

Graphic courtesy of Denver 7 channel

Elsa: Glad you asked though I’m not looking forward to those days with the minus symbol. One of the local meteorologists said a “flash freeze” is when there’s a rapid drop in temperatures from above freezing to below freezing in a really short period of time. She said Colorado rarely gets them. There’s a chance we’ll get some snow later today, even if it’s practically balmy as of this morning (32ºF/0ºC). That cold front will move in later this evening and any existing moisture on the ground like rain or melted snow will quickly freeze into ice. It’s gonna be nasty and brutally cold out there for the next few days so Mom is most grateful her calendar is clear and she won’t have to drive anywhere. It will likely be way too cold for us to do anything outside beyond super quick potty trips, so expect lots of sessions with the snuffle mats.

Wilson: Mmmmm, I can hardly wait. Well that’s it for us. Because this Arctic blast is going to hit a lot of the country and affect so many, we hope you all stay safe and warm. I strongly recommend you snuggle with a dog. Just saying.

Elsa: What he said. ⬆️ Stay warm and don’t let squirrels or Jack Frost put too much of a damper on your weekend. Hugs and tail wags. I’m going to get started on that nap now.

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ November 29, 2024

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 58 Comments

Welcome to Nature Friday. Today is the last Friday of November, 2024 and no doubt some of us are moving a little bit slower today, no doubt still under the influence of a Thanksgiving Day food coma. For those needing a spot of pressure, there are only 26 days left until Christmas and only 33 days left in 2024. As always we’re joining our pals from Adventures of the LLB Gang. Don’t forget to click on the link to see what others have posted. We hope your ‘holiday’ was safe, full of good cheer and that you were able to enjoy Thanksgiving with friends and family for those who celebrate it.

Elsa here to start things off. Mom got a hankering to trim up my paws because she said, and I quote…”my feet were looking like a muppet.” I hate getting my paws trimmed and won’t let her use clippers. She can only trim them with scissors but she’s gotten fairly good making them look halfway decent. But we’re here to talk about Nature things. Mom went to spend the Thanksgiving howliday with our Grandpa with a few family members. He’s going to be a busy fella over the next few days, as other siblings will show up extending the holiday and food fest. I’m jealous as there will be some amazing foodables while they’re celebrating which will be good for him to see other family members from out of state who will begin to arrive this weekend. Let the fun and food continue.

But first, jeez Mother Nature, could you be a bit more kinder on the thermostat? It was 18ºF freaking degrees this morning when I went outside to pee at oh-dark-thirty. As the popular musician Collins Obinna Chibueze (otherwise known as Shaboozey) sings in his chart topping A Bar Song remake of the 2004 single song Tipsy, “oh my….good Lord!” We aren’t nearly ready for walks on the frozen tundra.

Wilson: ‘Morning little sister, boy are you right about the temps. I hurried my morning constitution in record time. For a quick minute I thought perhaps it might freeze to me private parts! Since you’re the native of this landscape, I’m guessing this is the norm for this time of year but even with my double coat, I’m grateful Mum will be taking us out for our morning walk later, hoping for a few degrees of warmth from the clear skies and sun. But I’m guessing those same clear skies are why it’s so bloody cold. Brrrrr.

Elsa: Right you are, House Pony. Those clear blue skies, while pretty as all get-out, are what makes things so cold. But they also make for some beautiful pictures, even when you’re whizzing past familiar sights. Mom can never get enough of seeing Pikes Peak; she’s written about that view before. It’s that view that inspired author and poet, Katherine Lee Bates to write the lyrics for America the Beautiful after she saw the gorgeous view from the summit of this well-known 14,000+ ft. peak.

Wilson: She really enjoys seeing it, both when she drives through Colorado Springs where it looms over the city as well as the back side once she gets to her Dad’s house.

Elsa: It’s very close, it’s easy to see why it’s such a draw. Then again, it’s our Mom so there’s always that. She loves seeing  mountain majesty anytime and Pikes Peak is so close and can be easily captured even with a cell phone.

Wilson: I guess so…the area is so different from what I was used to experiencing in Missouri where the highest point was a mere 1,772 feet (540 metres). These fourteeners are something else.

Elsa: Our state is very lucky to have so many tall mountains; and especially at this time of year, when we’re focused on gratitude for the views they provide. By contrast, the Great Plains spread far and wide and have their own special beauty. Mom volunteered at the OES rescue booth at last weekend’s Denver Dog Fair where there were over 150 adoptable dogs from breed rescue organizations with scads of inside and outside activities with loads of vendors.

Wilson: Righto, Ninja. Mum loves the views on the plains and captured this windmill at the event site in eastern Arapahoe County with the landscape being so wide open with nothing to stop the wind.

Elsa: My ears would be flapping like the Flying Nun in those breezy conditions out there.

Wilson: Indeed. But you’d have enjoyed it inside where your first vet, Dr. Jeff of Animal Planet fame gave a talk to the attendees. He and Mum talked about how you’re doing these days since he relocated his practice up in the foothills southwest of the city.

Elsa: Oh yeah, I remember him! He’s a good guy and does so much for the community on the topic of overpopulation despite being diagnosed with cancer and challenging the local veterinary community with his low-cost affordable care model. Glad Mom got a chance to talk with him and find out how he’s doing these days in foothill area of Conifer, CO. He was well received at the event.

Wilson: And here’s a trained pup from one of the many dog trainers with one of his graduates. This Doodle fancied about carrying a bag of treats in his mouth. I can’t. even. begin. to. fathom. not eating treats I was carrying. I mean, I barely taste them as it is without having to carry them.

Elsa: Oh brother…there you go again thinking with your 17 stomachs. All an all, it was a good event and the rescue managed to receive a decent amount of donations. Their first mission was to promote a senior OES named Reagan and we have our paws crossed that someone will adopt her. If you’re interested, please check the rescue’s website and fill out an application. Technically we’re not fully set up to take in dogs but Reagan’s situation prompted a special case scenario and we are doing what we can to help her. Isn’t she quite the gorgeous lady?

Wilson: Miss Reagan has come a long way since we began to foster her and we hope she will find her fur-ever home soon. She truly deserves a second chance.

Elsa: Well that’s it for this week’s hodgepodge of rather unrelated photos. We hope everyone has a great weekend and manages to find a lovely view or three of Mother Nature at her finest. Stay warm and make it a pawsome weekend.

Wilson: Yes, what my little sister said. Happy Friday and have an even better weekend.

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Monday Mo(a)nings

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 71 Comments

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.

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ November 8, 2024

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 57 Comments

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.

Hugs and tail wags 🐾

Nature Friday ~ November 1, 2024

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 47 Comments

Welcome to this week’s edition of Nature Friday where we join our friends from Adventures of the LLB Gang. Don’t forget to click on the link to see what others posted. Elsa here. Can you believe it, there are only 60 days left in 2024?? My heavens, where did this year go? This week’s post is what I’m calling the “Last of the Mohicans” since there’s not a lot of flowers left after we experienced a hard frost yesterday morning. While we’re glad the days have turned toward more seasonal autumn temps, it was a bit of a shock to the system to walk in such chilly conditions. Mom even drug out our coats as it we received a couple of drops of moisture and the wind chill was pronounced.

Wilson: Ooh, ooh, please let me show a photo of that, okay?

Elsa: Go for it, House Pony.

Wilson: I rather enjoyed wearing my coat and you looked quite fetching yourself.

Elsa: I was more impressed that you and I walked together so closely. We start out next to each other these days for our walks but then you peel off to go ‘water’ a tree or some other poor piece of nature. It’s just so weird, even Mom commented on how we’re doing next to each other. I guess after nearly 11 months, I’m getting better about accepting you as a brother and not nearly as timid.

Wilson: Gosh, you’re right. I hadn’t noticed. I’m always so focused on my surroundings and keeping my eyes peeled for squirrels.

Elsa: I figured as much-you tend to forget I’m around and bump me when you plow through. I’m getting better about letting you go first but Mom has started making you wait until I clear a doorway or other narrow pathway.

Wilson: I’m sorry, it’s not intentional to bump you, I just tend to be a bit wound up. Maybe with this walking next to each other thing will become more common and I’ll get used to not being  a bulldozer.

Elsa: Hope springs eternal. My balance reflexes are a tad teeter-y. But I know Mom’s got my back so behave yourself, dude. Okay?

Wilson: Right, I’m trying hard to be less excitable. So did you notice the red leaves have started falling in big numbers?

Elsa: Sure did. Mom was oohing and aahing the whole walk. Show everyone just how much moisture we received. What was it, 12-15 drops?

Wilson: Right…it wasn’t much. The forecasters who said we may receive a spot of snow were wrong but they tell me now we may receive a few inches on Monday.

Elsa: Well…can’t wait for that…oh wait…yes I can. These past couple of chilly mornings have made the ole bones just a tad creaky and I’ve enjoyed taking over your cuddle bed.

Wilson: I’ve noticed that but I tend to occupy it on the afternoon/evening shift. Mum said she needs to find another one but has no place to put it since there are beds galore throughout the house. Guess for now, we’ll just have to share it and I’m on board with that.

Elsa: Thanks, I appreciate that. So what else have you got?

Wilson: Well like you said, it’s getting a bit sparse on flower blooming. Our neighbor had a few gorgeous roses but he must have cut them because they were gone late yesterday afternoon. Our Canadian shrub roses look fairly pitiful with only a few bracts blooming. This was the best of the lot and I’m only showing to for Rosy.

Elsa: You’re right, pretty pathetic. Hope Rosy doesn’t hold that against us.

Wilson: {gasp} Sweet Rosy would never do that! She’d just smile and be gracious as always. We do have a couple of tomatoes that survived the frost but I think Mum is going to ash-can the plant. They likely won’t taste very good. I know she’s going to miss noshing on fabulous tomatoes. The ones in the grocery store seem to be pretty flavorless.

Elsa: I wouldn’t know…they’re veggies and when it comes to veggies, I only willingly eat green beans and broccoli.

Wilson: Oh, you’re missing out on a lot of tasty morsels and I’m happy to take your portions for you. You hear that, Mum? Give Elsa’s tomatoes and fruit snacks to me. She said it’s okay.

Elsa: {eyes rolling} Egad, you are shameless when it comes to tiny morsels.

Wilson: You can never have too many tidbits, I say.

Elsa: {moving along} Well I see there are still a few snapdragons blooming. They are so resilient.

Wilson: They certainly are! So are the Zinnias and now that the temperatures are cooler, the Pansies have started to bloom too.

Elsa: Those pansies are cute. I’m kind of over the Zinnias and marigolds, they’re looking way too bedraggled.

Wilson: But the Plumbago has come alive with rich mahogany leaf-color. There are just a few blue flowers now but the Plumbago is giving the maple trees a run for its money.

Elsa: Well I for one hope everyone had a safe and happy Halloween. There were no trick-or-treaters last night so it was peaceful and quiet. Good thing, I’d have given them a piece of my mind like I did with yesterday’s creature where I barked yelled “Boo!” to on our walk. Try to scare me…get over your bad self!

Wilson: I for one appreciate you standing up for me. Now that we’re through Halloween, we can focus on Thanksgiving. I’m salivating just thinking about all the yummy food that will be served…

Elsa: {interrupting} There you go again, thinking with your stomach.

Wilson: What’s wrong with that?

Elsa: I. can’t. even. begin. to. explain. it. Suffice to say we hope you have a great weekend and are able to get out and enjoy the return of nice weather and hope you find one of the beautiful sights Mother Nature provides for us. Enjoy celebrating Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) this weekend.

Live, love, bark! 🐾

 

Monday Musings ~ September 16, 2024

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 73 Comments

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.

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day ~ 2024

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 72 Comments

Anyone who’s owned a pet knows all too well the pain of losing that special companion, but they continue to live in our hearts yet every once in a while, something you see or hear reminds you of them in an especially significant way. Today is the day we honor and remember them through Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day. Not a day goes by where I can’t imagine any day that went by over the past 4 years where I don’t recall my two most recent angels.

How did this day come about you ask?  The day was created by author Deborah Barnes as a way for people to share their memories of the pets that were lost after she had to say goodbye to her kitty, Mr. Jazz back on August 28, 2013. Deborah published a heartfelt book detailing the journey of letting Mr. Jazz go, called “Purr Prints of the Heart – A Cat’s Tale Of Life, Death and Beyond” wherein she expressed her feelings and the anguish she felt.

Reaction to the book was profound and Deborah realized other pet owners shared a similar journey when they lost theirs. Then in 2015, Deborah created Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day as a chance for people everywhere to share their stories and memories of pets who were loved and lost.

These two sweet and precious Angels remain missed ever so much.

My Angel Knucklehead, Sam
Precious and adorable, Norman

So today, I can’t be remiss by not acknowledging and honoring other beloved pet such as my beloved McKenzie, the black standard poodle who was rescued from the Denver Dumb Friends. He was one of the most fun, loving companions who made me laugh countless times over his 13 years with me. He passed on August 29, 2002, shortly after I moved into my current home so today is particularly poignant.

The Three Amigos-McKenzie, Eliot & Crosby

There was Eliot, my first sheepdog, also adopted from the Denver Dumb Friends who introduced me to the Old English Sheepdog breed and Crosby, the lovable Airedale/shepherd/mastiff mix who had the goofiest mohawk and who also was an epi-warrior, passing away far too soon. He taught me so much about the condition which has definitely benefited Elsa. Puck, my second Old English Sheepdog was also rescued from the Denver Dumb Friends two years after Eliot was adopted, after she had been taken away from an abusive family. That girl was a pill of a dog if ever there was one and the cleverest counter surfer I’ve ever known.

Puck (l) and Eliot (r)

All these special dogs brought a deep richness into my life and I still miss them all through tears, smiles and memories from our time together. I’m a better human for having had each one of them in my life.

Hope you take a moment to recall the beloved pets from your life, especially today.

Live, love, bark ❤️‍🩹

Monday Musings ~ August 26, 2024

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 61 Comments

Happy Monday. For those keeping score, there are twenty-nine days left in the summer from hell with today being the last Monday in August. Since Wilson joined the Ranch, he’s always been an ‘enthusiastic’ eater, so much so I serve meals in a puzzle slow feeder. It still only takes him about 5 minutes to gobble the kibble, toppers, veggies and supplements.

Today’s smile somewhat resembles mealtimes although I can’t imagine any delay in quickly inhaling his meal. The frame where Farley is waiting looks a lot like Wilson, although in his case, it’s because I have him wait until he receives the release command. This waiting period lasts from 30-60 seconds and has helped him with impulse control and confidence building, not that he’d ever wait for any condiments. The puddle of drool for me to clean up once he’s inhaled eaten his dinner is just a bonus for me.

Here’s hoping all your meals are ‘pawfect’ this week.

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Celebrating August Friends

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 64 Comments

Greetings sports fans, yeah, I know it’s not our usual day to post but I just couldn’t contain my excitement that our friends Ann and June from Zoolatry featured the House Pony on her blog today. Way to go Wilson, although I’m sure I would have been an equally pawsome feature subject. Elsa here, I’m very proud of my oaf of a brother, especially because he will begin bringing joy and smiles to all kinds of folks when he starts visiting the staff and patients at the new Lutheran facility which opened earlier this month. And a special shout out to dear Ann who created such fabulous badges-we love them both. Isn’t she amazing? Be sure to visit her website-she’s so creative and quite generous making badges of all types for the cats and dogs of Blogville. We are so very grateful to her for her work here and throughout Blogville. Way to go Ann!

Wilson’s Wagon will begin his probationary visits at the hospital next week and both Mom and he are so looking forward to bringing comfort to the folks at Lutheran. Once he completes his probationary period, he’s be awarded the purple scarf indicating he’s a full fledged pet therapy pooch. Couldn’t be more proud of the dude! Way to shine, “Intern Wilson.” You’re on your way to becoming a full fledged dogtor. And again, thanks every so much, Ann for doing an amazing job on today’s badges-you’re the best. That Denver skyline is the bomb! Don’t forget to drop by her truly wonderful blog. She’s the best!

Live, love, bark 🐾

Nature Friday ~ August 2, 2024

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 42 Comments

Hello mates, Wilson here. Today is the first Friday of August. There are 51 days until the official arrival of autumn and for those of you who enjoy Halloween, 90 days until the fun day. As always, we’re joining those cute little guys over at Adventures of the LLB Gang. So let’s get right to it, shall we?

Elsa: Hey…what are you doing?

Wilson: Mum asked me if I’d host today since she and I took the pictures last Sunday after you had your walk.

Elsa: Oh yeah, right. Ok, Knock yourself out…I’m going back to sleep. You realize it’s still dark outside right now?

Wilson: Righto…but it needs to get done before it gets too hot and there are a bunch of photos which will take some time to load and make ready. Mum has had a busy week and wasn’t able until today to start working on today’s post. I doubt I’ll be able to get it done before we need to leave for our early morning walk-about but am trying to get started. Wish me luck!

Elsa:  💤 💤💤

Wilson: Umm, looks like she was serious about going back to sleep. Oh well. Let’s get started. Last weekend was the annual Dragon Boat Races. We were busy on Saturday and missed the opening which I understand is a big deal with the event being a huge celebration of Asian culture but we decided to check it out on Sunday morning. I must say, I’ve never seen anything quite like it back in Missouri but being devoted to my Mum, I thought, why not. We arrived as the teams were setting up their tents and stretching to get ready for the race. There weren’t many visitors yet which suited Mum just fine. This event draws over 150,000 visitors over the course of a weekend and it gets pretty congested with people, pets, strollers, etc. The northeast entrance to Sloan’s Lake looked quite promising to my stomach with several food trucks greeting us. I wanted to get a closer look but Mum was didn’t want to dally and kept me moving along. The water stations were ready for {yet} another hot day with sunny conditions so we decided to check out the teams and the rest of the festival.

Wilson:  We found the team assembly area and it was abuzz. We wandered around watching people stretch, meet for strategy sessions and pep talks and the taking of their team photos. Mum thought the teams were more numerous and bigger this year.

Wilson: Mum giggled about the team name “Blazing Paddles.” Sometimes I don’t understand her sense of humor but Elsa assured me it was ok. I can only rely on her experience for matters like this.

Elsa: Wha…yawn…did you call me? Is it time for us to go on our walk now?

Wilson: Crikey…I actually am beginning to see a spot of sunlight so right, we best start out. I’ll finish this when I get back.

Wilson: Well, we’re back and I’ll try to get this wrapped up now. As you can tell, it was a bright clear day. The recent weather conditions have contributed to a city wide advisory about blue algae blooms on all lakes. It’s was so bad at Sloan’s Lake, there was even a fish die off.

Elsa: Boy I bet all those million dollar homes surrounding the lake were pretty cheesed off with the smell of rotting fish in the area.

Wilson: Well, can you blame them?

Wilson: Mum wouldn’t let me get near the lake to check things out more closely. Even the cattails were out of bounds. A poor bloke can’t even get a sniff, eh, Mum?

Elsa: Yo House Pony, Mom is just keeping your best interests at heart. Be grateful. You do not want the digestive issues that come from being in contact with that stuff!

Wilson: This year the dock the teams use to get into their boats was segregated from visitors. We couldn’t get very close to inspect the boats.

Wilson: After a bit of strategic positioning, Mum was able to capture this view but that was as close as it got.

Elsa: It bears repeating for the umpteenth time, Mom needs to bring her big camera with her for stuff like that.

Wilson: Now that’s ironic, she said the exact same thing! But carrying it and keeping me from squirrel hunting tends to make her rethink that so we’ll see the next time.

Elsa: I’m just saying…

Wilson: Since we couldn’t get close enough to easily see the start of the first race, we decided to head down toward the finish line. Before we got there, we went toward the boat launch to see that view. Not great, but I did get to see a Cormorant bird take off from the launch.

Elsa: Mom calls those guys the aerial submarines of Sloan’s Lake since they dive into the lake to feed and come up yards away. Hope the birds of Sloan’s Lake aren’t impacted by the algae and fish die-off.

Wilson: Me too. I like watching them fly over the lake. Well here’s the winner of the first heat grabbing the flag. Mum is always amazed how they manage to scramble up to the head of the dragon and extend their body to grab the finish flag first.

Elsa: Can’t help but wonder if anyone falls in while reaching?

Wilson: Wait…what? Why in the world would you even contemplate something like that?

Elsa: Hey, it happens!

Wilson: {dubiously shaking his head} I think, dear sister, you are slightly demented.

Elsa: Hey it’s a reasonable thought. Don’t get all sanctimonious on me Land Hippo!

Wilson: {ignoring the pejorative} Mum learned the theme for this year apparently was the Year of the Wooden Dragon. There was a contest for artists to submit their best depiction. This year’s winner was a student from Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design, Markiey Fantonial. Formerly a premed student, Markiey couldn’t resist the call to satisfy his creative spirit. From his bio at the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival website,  Mum found this explanation: “His vision for the contest was a fusion of diverse influences, weaving together the intricate beauty of Asian art, using the iconic imagery of Hokusai’s “Great Wave,” the vibrant energy of anime, and the nostalgic essence of his childhood memories. Each stroke of his design reflects a tapestry of cultural resonance and personal expression, drawing viewers into a world where tradition meets innovation, and imagination knows no bounds.” Pretty striking, huh?

Wilson: As we left the park, we came across the Wooden Boat outrigger which Mum really liked but was disappointed the probably uncovered for the opening ceremonies.

Wilson: We walked past the dragon tunnel and headed back home as temperatures began to soar. Mum would have like to found someone to chat about that outrigger but there wasn’t anyone nearby.

Elsa: Whoa, that’s pretty cool. Thanks, House Pony. You ‘done good’ this week and I appreciate the extra beauty sleep. Before we go, I want to ask everyone to keep all those working the wildfire lines around Denver in their thoughts and prayers. You may have heard in the national news that Sunday was the last day we had clear skies as 4 fires broke out beginning on Monday. With hot, dry temperatures, gusty wind conditions and in some cases, steep terrain, those fires quickly expanded to include thousands of acres with the air quality in the metro area reached very unhealthy levels affecting everyone, not just conditions. The fire southwest of Denver is in an area where rattlesnakes have complicated efforts by keeping boots off the ground. They’re only able to use air tankers and helicopters to fight that one. Overall, one person has perished, a couple of firefighters were injured and numerous structures have been destroyed. Please send positive thoughts for all first responders as they work to contain these fires as Colorado burns. Have a good weekend and keep in mind that nature is quite cranky with us these days.

Live, love, bark! 🐾