Adventures about pet therapy, dog rescue and urban life in the 'Burbs
We hope all you upright and pet moms had a lovely Mother’s Day. Wilson said our family BBQ was a huge success, in fact, he’s started tracking for the next family get together. Notice he had the dinner timer at the top of his smart watch although I would have expected him to rank the squirrel finder higher.
Here’s hoping your week tracks beautifully. Happy Monday.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
And so the ongoing battle between the 80 lb. quilt continues. I swear this dog rather enjoys ‘busting a move.’ On top of me.
Here’s hoping all your moves this week are pawsome. Happy Monday.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Here’s hoping you have the best Monday possible following a wonderful weekend. Stay motivated.
Life, love, bark! 🐾
Well goodness gracious…what the bloody hell is with the weather? Winter Storm Fern sounded like such a nice name and who goes on a rampage like she did when they’re named “Fern?” That beast showed her true colors and pounded most of the U.S. mercilessly. If she didn’t dump a load of snow, she hammered people with sleet and/or ice. We were very sorry to hear about all the misery she caused and hope people are getting their power turned back on and settling in cozy, warm laps. Mum heard there’s another potential snowstorm coming to the east coast but we hope the weather forecasters are wrong and it’s not nearly as bad as they are saying it might be.
Wilson: It’s been cold here this week but nothing like it’s been around Blogville. When the sun is out though, it’s most welcoming and it melted nearly all our snow. There still are some frozen places along the creek. Mum kept me out of the walking lineup until midweek for which I was mostly grateful. Even if I was antsy and kind of annoying, I think she was trying to keep me safe and warm. It’s just boring being inside all day long.
The Mum: I know it’s hard for you when you have to be inside but if it’s too cold for me all bundled up, I know it’s too cold for you. I’m just trying to look out for ya, buddy.
Wilson: I appreciate it, Mum, even when I don’t like it. My potty breaks were a bit on the fast side because of the cold at the beginning of the week. I thought when you took me for a ride, things were going to look up and then I realized as soon as we pulled up, you were taking me to the groomer. What the dawg, Mum? I thought you were my friend. Harumph.
The Mum: Sorry, House Pony. You were getting a bit funky but now you’re all nice and floofy, you smell amazing and are nicely trimmed up. I didn’t let her steal all your furs. As we drove to the groomer’s shop, I couldn’t help but notice the wide open spaces. This stretch was pretty windy which likely sped up the melting and although it was 40F (4C), it felt much colder with the wind. Still it was such a pretty day with those sunny blue skies that I didn’t mind.
Wilson: Of course you didn’t, it wasn’t your furs being stolen.
The Mum: Oh puleez…she didn’t take that much off-you still have plenty of floof. It’s clean now and smells heavenly.
Wilson: {grumbling} It’s humiliating. Luckily Sydney is nice to me and everyone was very supportive.
The Mum: Oh for heaven’s sake, you are such a drama queen. Has anyone told you to ‘grow a pair.’
Wilson: {blinking and then rolling his eyes} I have a certain reputation to maintain. Sadly I am a Maligned Floof with a case of anxiety.
The Mum: {eyes rolling} Whatever. So what else do you have to share besides these overly ridiculous claims surrounding your latest grooming session?
Wilson: Well, since we missed several days of walks along the trail, we finally were able to take photos of one of the underpasses that has a pretty amazing mural late in the week. I kind of like this mural, the colors morph from one color to another. It rather looks like it’s a gigantic dragon in segments.
The Mum: It really is a statement piece. I wish I could show it in its entirety, not just in the segments to really show off how well each color blends into the next.
Wilson: The colors are pretty cool and it sure beats looking at plain old concrete walls or graffiti. I like it when cities incorporate interesting art into their infrastructure.
The Mum: Yes, you’re spot on, House Pony. It breaks up winter drab nicely.
Wilson: Well that’s it for me this week. Next week I will share a different kind of artwork by the legendary Camille Pissarro whose exhibit is being shown at the Denver Art Museum. Pissarro is known as the father of the Impressionist Movement and his landscapes are truly incredible.
The Mum: Sounds like a plan. We hope everyone stays warm and safe this weekend and that the weather doesn’t impact your ability to enjoy nature. We also hope that power is fully restored to all those folks who’ve been impacted by the ice storms. Be safe and have a great weekend.
Wilson: Yes, what Mum said. If you’re planning on something special this weekend, leave us a comment and tell us what you’re doing. Enjoy this last weekend in January. If you need some good news, just remember, there are 48 days until Spring officially arrives. With each passing day, I think we’ll all be giddy for when it arrives.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Holy cow, we’re heading quickly toward the middle of the month…how in the world did that happen? In some ways January has been speeding by and in other ways seems like a slow crawl. The national news makes it seem like an endless Groundhog Day. Different day, same old headlines. Such is the contrast when you reach a certain age, I guess.
Wilson: We hope you had a fantabulous weekend. Mum attended a celebration of life from a former beloved partner of the law firm she worked at for nearly 25 years. He had been a champion for women in the legal biz and just a downright amazing human. It was great for her to catch up with folks from decades ago, including one who was a neighbor of hers in the old neighborhood as well as her favorite attorney at the firm. R exemplified the concept of kindness, dignity and competence. It was wonderful catching up with folks and celebrating the life of one of the best attorneys. Rest in eternal peace, Mike. As a long time pilot and aerial enthusiast, Mum is sure he is flying high and free now.
The Mum: As we normally do on Monday’s, let’s start this week out with a couple of smiles. Wilson said he could identified with both of them (though he thought it was ridiculously crazy to chase after a toy, but a tiny morsel of a crumb…but that’s a whole other ballgame; he did say he’d dig to China if it meant he could retrieve crumbs) . Of course whenever there’s anything food related, he will put his paw of approval on the post. Have a wonderful Monday and an even better week overall. Sending out January hugs and tail wiggles to you all. We plan to enjoy a warm up after last week’s slice of winter.
Finally, let’s take a look at the life of Farley, the sheepdog from For Better or For Worse. Wilson definitely could identify with this day in Farley’s world. He likes to keep those days at a minimum and reminded me that there’s always something he could do with me, even if it means getting his paws paddles caught up in my feet upending me and sending me splatting on the street. I’m ok, just a bit sore. The expression on his face though was priceless. He had a “what the bloody hell are you doing down there?” Guess I need to give you a Wilson healing slurp to get you up and moving.” Which he did. Silly boy.
Here’s hoping you stay upright and have a terrific Monday.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
It’s Monday and for both of us, it came way too quickly.
The Mum: Good morning, House Pony…what have you got planned for today?
Wilson: {lip smacking, snorf, burp} Umm, extensive sleeping with intermittent snoozing, some yawning, a bit of stretching, relaxing, a few dreams with a bit of leg twitching.
The Mum: Whoa…I see. Sounds like you have a busy day planned.
Wilson: I’m wondering how I’ll be able to fit it all in.
We hope you have a great Monday. Don’t overdo it, ‘kay?
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Have you ever roasted the seeds from your porch Jack-o-lantern? It’s a slimey exercise but boy howdy, they sure are tasty snacks.
We survived the neighborhood kids doorbell ringing by placing our treats on a small table and inviting them to take a treat without sending Wilson into protective mode by sending him into an extreme eardrum-splitting alarm. He and I rested calmly and by 10 pm, all but about 6 pieces of Hershey nuggets had been taken and were promptly saved for Saturday’s lunch snack with my granddaughter’s house. I’d have to rate this year’s holiday a resounding success even if I didn’t get to see all the adorable costumes for the little ones coming to the door.
Today is the first weekday back on standard time. If you were like some people (me), you spent a bit of time yesterday trying to remember how to reset the car clock or re-adjusting clocks that don’t automatically change around the house. After decades of changing clocks, you’d think I’d have changing the dining room, a pendulum clock, the art studio, microwave and stove clocks down pat for the manual switch. You’d be wrong. This is why I save all instruction manuals for appliances and have even tabbed the owner’s manual in my car to the page on how to manually change the clock since thee is no “how to change your clock page in the table of contents (WTH Mazda?). Thank god there are no VCR’s with their flashing blue clocks these days. Changing that clock after a power outage and the twice a year time adjustment practically took an act of god. Goodbye and good riddance to that old fashioned technology. The alarm clock in my bedroom automatically changes but it’s old enough that it’s always off for a week or so. Good thing I don’t have to rely on it to get up in time to leave for work. I just wait it out until the switches back (or forward) to the ‘correct’ time.
Which leads me to today’s smile. I couldn’t help but think how many similar scenes to this one were happening all over the country. For his own reaction, Wilson hopped up on my bed when I got up and curled up in the covers until he realized my getting up meant he could go outside and possible scare round up a bunny in the low light like he did a couple of mornings ago. Nothing like chasing a full speed Sherman tank down the alley in low light conditions wearing flip-flop slippers. Imagine his disappointment when he realized it was a rabbit and not the bane of his existence-a squirrel.
We hope today’s reunion with the weekday world was easy enough, the yawns were kept to a minimum and you didn’t have to overdose on caffeine. Have a wonderful Monday.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Over the weekend I transported a relinquished sheepdog to one of our fosters. He’s a sweet boy and was placed with a seasoned sheepdog owner who’ll help him get over his shyness.
While I was gone, it looks like the spirit of Elsa showed up to keep Wilson company. Even as an angel she shares her presence and legacy. This was new behavior from Wilson and clearly was a paw on my shoulder from my beloved Ninja who wanted me to know she’s thinking of us.
Which leads me to today’s smile which perfectly sums it up. May you savor the theft of your heart. Happy Monday, friends.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Wilson: This week we’re doing a Farmer’s Market kind of nature thing since our veggie garden is in full harvest swing. Mum always plants a couple of tomato plants and this year they’ve been doing quite nicely. Just look at those little red beauties.
Wilson: Harumph…well it’s certainly not like I got a chance to nosh on any. How come you don’t let me be quality control, eh, Mum?
The Mum: Hmm, not sure why I haven’t offered any to you. I have given you multiple strawberries and you seem to have enjoyed them.
Wilson: Good thing you took a photo of those berries when you did because they were gone the next morning. Seems as though some little critter ate my berry!
The Mum: Now, now…it wasn’t your berry per se but I share your disappointment as I was hoping for a fresh strawberry snack myself that morning with breakfast.
Wilson: Excuse me, you at least have thumbs to obtain snacks. Pardon me if I’m not very sympathetic.
The Mum: My goodness…stop waxing on about a single little strawberry. What else have you got?
Wilson: After enduring such a huge gastric loss, I guess I can share a bit of exciting news about your fig plant who continues to do extremely well. I think I need to host a naming content for this little guy. Every sports team in the country bids out their stadium/arena to corporate interests so I’m officially accepting name suggestions. Best treat…err most popular name wins. This guy is doing so well I can’t just keep calling him ‘the fig’ any longer. He’s nearly fully ripened. We must fill this opportunity and name this dude. And the good news is it won’t cost you a shilling. So leave your name suggestions in your comment.
And at last count, there are about a dozen little nubs waiting to join this ripening bad boy in my belly!
The Mum: I’m not sure you’ll be getting a fig, but I might be persuaded to share a tiny taste with you. How’s that sound?
Wilson: Sheesh, Mum, you’re getting pretty stingy in your old age. I thought Farmer’s Markets were supposed to be more community minded, as in sharing all the harvest.
The Mum: {purposely ignoring the snark} Speaking of community minded as in sharing…look at this basket of nectarines shared by a nearby neighbor who placed it on the sidewalk with a note to enjoy their bounty. How sweet was that?
Wilson: Very sweet indeed. As well as generous. I note the sharing aspect of that neighbor, maybe you should be willing to share some of your figs with a certain floof. Just saying.
The Mum: Let it go, House Pony. On another neighbor’s yard, I’ve noticed that garden that we walk past every day on our walks. Their front yard is covered with a Little House of Horrors style vine that’s spreading all over the place. And this guy is starting to get big. He’s going to make a lovely Jack-o-Lantern.
Wilson: What a lovely shade of orange. I guess this neighbor is preparing for the whole pumpkin spice season which was launched this week.
The Mum: I heard that Starbuck news. What can I say? I’m sure corporate America will figure out interesting ways to jump on the bandwagon, creating heaven only knows what kind of food, drink, snack or candle fragrance.
Wilson: I’m good with plain ole pumpkin myself actually. For our final photo, we offer a beautiful rose especially for our friend, Rosy. Mum took this pic shortly after an early morning shower a couple of days ago and oohed and awed all the way home about it. Yes, it’s pretty, but I was more interested in what’s for breakfast. We wish you all a very wonderful weekend. Our family is going to have a family reunion with all 5 generations attending to celebrate Mum’s dad’s 95th birthday. I know there’ll be lots of treats there. This year they are doing a Mexican food with margaritas theme to celebrate with him. Ole! Please pass the tacos and don’t forget to have a wonderful and safe Labor Day weekend. Finally, may your college football team have a splendid season opener.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
We don’t generally post on Tuesday but today is one that really applies to Wilson which is why we’re joining our friends at The Cat Blogosphere for “Work Like A Dog Day” today. This celebration is held every August 5th. Drop by their monthly calendar for all manner of cool celebrations and announcements.
While this is strictly an unofficial holiday, we think it’s important to celebrate all the hard work that working dogs like herding dogs, hunting dogs, rescue, service and in our personal case, therapy dogs who work hard, providing help and cheer for their humans. Please notice that the House Pony takes his daily contributions quite seriously.
Happy Tuesday peeps!
