Nature Friday ~ January 10, 2020

SamGood “Fri-yay” morning, peeps! Sam here doing this week’s post where we check out nature around our Ranch ‘hood. Is this January or March? The weather has been unseasonably warm (we even reached the 60’sF a few days) but we’re not complaining. While the mornings are crisp and there are still mounds of snow and ice on north facing shady areas, it’s been practically balmy I tell you with lots of blue skies and bright sunshine. As always we’re joining our Pacific Northwest furiends, Rosy and her brothers from LLB in our Backyard for this week’s Nature Friday blog hop.

What areas don’t have clumps of snow, there’s lots of brown showing. On our walk yesterday we came across something we haven’t seen for months. A tiny little green plant growing out of a stone wall. It was super exciting. Mom had to stop and take 87 photos of the little guy who I named Bobby. That way when we walk by there later today, I can bark hello to Bobby as I’m trying to pee on him. I’m sure he’ll be happy to spread along neighborhood news with other doggos. Mom thinks Bobby is some kind of borage. We see it around a lot. Bobby’s a pretty cute little guy, don’t you think? Can’t help wonder how he got between those stone blocks.

Nature Friday

Shortly after I ‘introduced’ myself to Bobby, mom came across another green sign with some small cacti. Mom walked by and I could see the cogs turning. She turned us around and walked back to stand in front of it for a few moments trying to figure out what it was. Mom had downloaded a free phone app earlier this month called PlantSnap to help her identify plants whose name she doesn’t know. Boy or boy…ain’t technology grand?! So after a quick snap, POOF! the app tells her it’s none other than ‘Henbit Deadnettle’ (Lamium Amplexicaule).

Nature Friday

I’m calling this deadnettle ‘Paula’ and hope she doesn’t grow too close to those prickly things. I tried to sniff them to see what they were and they. are. not. friendly cactus. Luckily mom managed to wrest me away before I got a good snout-ful sniff and said they didn’t need any watering from me even though things are really dry around the hood.

We’re going to enjoy this comfortable weather while wondering how long it will take for the glacier on the north side of our yard to melt. Do you have any ‘cool’ plans for the weekend? Whatever you do, we hope you have the opportunity to enjoy something that’s totally ‘wagnificent’ outside in nature.

Nature Friday

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ September 13, 2019

Today is Friday the 13th and I’m handling today’s post for mom. Sam here. Despite the superstition surrounding Friday the 13th, I think it’s lucky for mom that I’m taking over for her today as we join our Blogville fur-iends, Rosy and her brothers from LLB in our Backyard. Did you know Friday the 13th occurs any month that begins on a Sunday? According to a local NPR station, “the last time a full moon happened on Friday the 13th was on June 13, 2014, said Paul Hayne, assistant professor in the Department of Astrophysical & Planetary Sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder. “You might say it only happens once in a blue moon,” he said. “This particular full moon is unique in the sense that it both falls on Friday the 13th and it’s also the Harvest Moon.” A Harvest Moon is the closest full moon to the fall equinox, when our days start to get shorter than our nights. The fall equinox is on Sept. 23. The last time a Harvest Moon happened on Friday the 13th was on October 13, 2000. The next time a full moon will happen on the superstitious day will be in August 2049.” Pretty cool stuff, huh?

The mornings have been wonderfully cool (today it was just 48F and the Ninja and I showed our super sled dog skills dragging pulling mom on our the walk) but it warms up during the day (into the 90’s this weekend). Who knows nature better than me, Ace Snooper-Sniffer about snuffing out nature’s coolest stuff? After all, I know all the best places to check out where I leave loads of coded messages for other doggos who walk in my paw prints. As mom’s whined told you multiple times, it’s been hot and dry this summer. After a nice little shower a couple of days ago (the first in forever in our ‘hood), something strange happened. These guys started popping up in the weirdest spots. This first one is located in one of my all time favorite spots to read pee mail. The nerve that now there’s a house there now. Ugh…naturally that means mom won’t let me sniff there now. Boy she can be such a killjoy!

Mushrooms

Look how the guy managed to push itself up through that mulch. Makes you wonder how much force nature used to that.

While we were walking this morning, we found this straight line of mushroom caps.  I think they’re making a stand against some garden mouse.Mushrooms

I think this little fella is a tad sleepy-see how he’s leaning sideways.

Mushrooms

We noticed something else kind of weird in our own garden. Mom planted a couple of vegetables (a cherry tomato and a pepper plant) in pots this year to see how’d they fare. In a word, the cherry tomatoes have been going “nuts.” Mom is thrilled but I don’t like them, they’re veggies and as a Standard, well…I have my standards concerning anything remotely sounding veggie-like. As in…nope, nada, ain’t happening. Elsa of course thinks otherwise, but then she eats wool socks so she obviously has no standards. There’s never any rhyme or reason as to what shows up in our garden.

Veggies

Mom saw new  ‘neighbor’ this week. Although a pair of falcons have been seen a few times in the past couple of years several blocks away, she’s never seen one this close to the Ranch. He was pretty skittish and she couldn’t get very close so this isn’t the best photo with a cell phone, but it’s still pretty cool. Elsa and I would have made him fly away flushed him out for a close up but mom won’t let us. That woman is too heavy handed with killjoy stuff.

Falcon

Mom was hoping he’s looking for squirrels who are eating acorns. Gawd knows there is a gigantic bouquet of those buggers. But he was still pretty cool to check out.

We hope you’ll be able to enjoy a beautiful Indian Summer weekend but don’t forget to enjoy some nature at the same time.

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Heroes of Hope ~ 2019 Highlights

Hey sports fan, Sam here. You may remember from our earlier post where I ‘pawticipated’ in Lutheran’s annual Heroes of Hope – National Cancer Survivors Day® Celebration event. National Cancer Survivors Day® is a celebration for those who have survived, an inspiration for those recently diagnosed, a gathering of support for families and an outreach to the community. Since mom screwed up publishing her Wednesday post on Tuesday (awk! good grief) and I’m not going to risk her messing this one up. I’ll be taking over today’s post by sharing highlights from the event. Leave important things to real professionals, I always say.

As a Knucklehead star athlete, we are expected to make an appearance on the Red Carpet stage (even if it’s black). I adjusted my cape, er…bandana and gave mom a “hurry up, let’s do this” look. Sheesh, sometimes she’s so inept behind the camera. I mean, there were oodles of others waiting their turns (translation: there are tons of peeps I need to visit). But then while I’m posing for mom, a lady walks up and asks for my autograph picture. Mom was kind of surprised but safe to say, that lady’s interest got my tail going.

Heroes of Hope

As a member of Lutheran’s Pet Therapy program, we also celebrate survivors and their families by participating in the 1K walk. Being a ‘distinguished’ (i.e. senior) pup, I held my nose high and the tongue out long keeping up with everyone, although my preference is to stop and chat with all the folks cheering us on along the course sidelines. Hey, I gotta keep my personal skills sharp, right? I mean…it’s free ear rubs for crying out loud! What Knucklehead passes those up? Nope not happening, thank you very much.

Heroes of Hope

The event began with the 10K race, followed by the 5K, and then the kid’s run. We bring up the rear with our 1K walk and there were lots of non pet therapy uprights in our group. But everyone loves watching the kid run. They are beyond adorable as they race (and sometimes toddle) down their course while the crowd cheers them on. Nothing makes my tail wag more than a bunch of kiddos running straight toward me!

Heroes of Hope

No celebration at this annual event is complete without some close ups of a few of the pet therapy dogs. This is my pal, “Little One,”  a former racer who now is a champion pet therapist. She has a gazillion visits under that billed cap. She and her mom recently rescued a Galgo greyhound from Spain who may be joining us once she’s all settled and becomes more socialized. Woo-hoo-another pawsome pet therapist!

Heroes of Hope

Then there’s my little pal, Zoe, one adorable little Corgi who steals the show whenever she shows up. Don’t tell anyone but she gets my tail seriously wagulating-just look at that sweet face!

Heroes of Hope

After our ‘race,’ we serious athletes needed to re-hydrate and I was no exception. Never fear, that’s good ole H2O in that cup. One of several.

Heroes of Hope

Once fully hydrated, I was able to get in some serious visiting with other individual racers and teams. The hospital had 14 teams running in the 5K and a number of folks on those teams are peeps I frequently visit when I’m at the hospital. Such cool people, with compassion with deep caring. I woofed for the team from the Lab, called “Out for Blood.” Zoe’s human sister works there and was on the team. I always love seeing her whenever I make hospital rounds. It’s always great fun greeting dogs, uprights, little peeps and enjoying some delicious snacks after the race and then checking out the various booths with healthful products, resources and info for anyone suffering from this horrible disease. It’s a good place to network and that’s when I ran into the newest member to the pet therapy team, Axel whose photo we shared on Monday. You can see where I photobombed him here. Axel is a Black Mouth Cur and should be a great addition to our program.

Those who win their respective race receive special recognition but I like to think anyone who’s willing to lend their support to kick cancer’s butt is No. 1 in our books.

This event definitely has had even more meaning for my mom whose dear friend Cheryl, battled cancer over this past year. We’re barking our kudos on her determination and courage. We love her and she’ll always be mom’s hero!

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ February 22, 2019

Nature FridayHi guys, Sam here. Today we join our fur-iends Rosy and her brothers from LLB in Our Backyard for this week’s edition of the Nature Friday Blog Hop. Be sure to click on the link to check out nature around Blogville.

Mother Nature decided to take a detour away from Spring, beginning last weekend. It’s been c-o-l-d with a couple of dustings of the white stuff.

FlowersLast Friday we saw these crocuses blooming. Their cheerful blooms brightened our spirits and *POOF* just like that, Mother Nature decided to snow on their sweet little heads. We haven’t walked past them again to see how they fared since it’s been too cold to walk that far. We hope they are hanging in there. Mom looked out this morning under some dead leaves in our garden to see if there was any action there and lo and behold…these little heads were checking to see if it’s safe to come out through patches of snow. Woohoo, guess maybe Spring really is planning on arriving. At some point.

Flowers

There’s a chance of snow again today so I guess I’d better go outside and cover those babies up so they stay safe and warm. Next week should be warmer so we expect the garden to make us look forward to warmer springtime days. We hope you have a fun weekend.

Live, love bark! 🐾

Monday Musings ~ December 17, 2018

We hope you had a wonderful weekend making preparations for Santa Paw’s arrival. Sam here, mom finally got her tush in gear and is mostly caught up. Are you ready for that big guy in red to show up? I’m gonna try out for a position with his reindeer. Think I have a chance?

Have a wooftastic week!

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Monday Musings ~ November 5, 2018

The weekend is over and now we wait for the endless election to be over. Sam here. But first, a smile. I’m thinking this Twitter strategy should be used for all the incessant ads. If you have not yet voted, please do so. While every election is ‘impawtant,’ this one will set the direction our country will take over the next two years. For those who have voted early, humble poodle tail wags.

And now in the it’s-not-too-late-to-think-about-the-howlidays category, we note the following post from our avian pal, Kismet regarding the card exchange. We sent our email in accordance with the instructions because Mom likes to mark things off her to-do list. So right after you vote, email Kismet, ‘kay?

Live, love, bark! 🐾


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Remember, if it SQUAAAAAAAAAAAAWKS, it talks.

Monday Musings ~ October 15, 2018

Hey sports fan…it’s me, Sam. Did you know this is National Veterinary Technician Week? First celebrated in 1993, the third week of October each year honors the heroes in animal care — vet techs. Yes it’s true that I act kind terrified a little scared whenever a tech takes my temperature (but, um…excuse me…how’d you feel if I jammed a cold tube up your…well you know). But you gotta admit, I still wag my tail every time you come into the exam room.

Truth is, I have a personal interest in hoping all Vet Techs have a good week. Mom’s granddaughter in Hawaii is a vet tech and works at a pet hospital in Kona. Like all techs, our Hailey does all kinds of work including taking pertinent background info before the vet comes in and talks with the client about their pet. She handles all the basic questions, cleans kennels, restrains animals, draws blood and gives certain injections and vaccines as permitted by statute. She helps take X-rays and ultrasounds and monitors sedation procedures. She also runs blood work after a draw.  

A vet tech’s duties often encompasses far more work depending on the vet for whom they work. It’s probably easier to list the things they can’t do. Vet techs are not permitted to diagnose, perform surgery or prescribe medication.

Veterinary technicians typically work with vets in private practices, hospitals, research labs, and zoos. These days they are an important part of the professional veterinary team, but that hasn’t always been the case. The first “animal technician” program was created back in the 1960s, before then, veterinarians hired students or office workers to do much of the basic work and routine tasks. As the field of animal health became more complex, a need arose for a well-educated staff that could take on greater responsibilities and duties developed.

Even my weirdo Ninja sister loves our Hailey girl. This week we salute you and all vet techs and applaud the terrific job you perform. Have a great week, dear Hailey. We love and miss you and are so proud of all you’ve accomplished.

Miss Hailey with the Ninja

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Therapy Tuesday

Last week I worked my shifts magic at the man hospital and hospice. Sam here. Yes…it was disappointing that West Pines wasn’t on the schedule but I made the trips worthwhile nonetheless. While the hospital was a bit slow, I was busy, busy, busy visiting with many nice people.

Whenever I go visit, mom always makes sure we pay attention to staff. They need therapy visits too she says and wished she had a dog visit when she worked at the law firm but I think she wanted a guard Rottweiler most of the time. Any-who, we always try to swing by the gift shop. the coffee bar and the reception wait areas. Lately she’s been going up to the Lab because everyone there loves visits from all of us therapy dogs. I love them because they make such a fuss over me are so nice. It’s definitely a win-win for everyone.

On our second day of visits, we had to drop by the Facilities Department to replace my badge holder that snapped off on the previous visit. Located in the basement, it’s kind of a dreary place with no windows or sunshine. We had to walk around to find it and saw lots of people scurrying around heavy mechanical equipment. Some of the engineers I meet on the various floors and they know me well. It’s always nice to run into them because being engineers, they know right where my sweet spots are on my ears. Ahh…they rub them sooo well.

We walked into Facilities and Rachel was there so I patiently waited outside her office as she helped another person on the phone. When Rachel got off the phone she looked a little frazzled and asked who I was since we hadn’t met before. She chatted with mom and told her my story. I only remember the ‘blah, blah, blah’ part. It was then that I took matters into my own paws and sidled up next to her and looked long and lovingly into her eyes, wagging my tail. She melted. Bingo…score! She began rubbing my ears and telling my mom what a rough day she had been having but seeing me made it all better. My job there was done so after a few more minutes, off we went to visit other staff folks and patients throughout the hospital.  This was one of my best visits of the day.

It always makes us feel good to lighten the load of hospital workers and patients and this time was no different. Mom always asks me how do I know how to make people smile, but I just wag my tail. A guy’s gotta have a little mystery about him, right? I’m already looking forward to next month’s visit.

Live, love, life! 🐾

I’m baaacck Monday

Sam here and I just want to let you know I’m baaacck. I even woke mom up this morning at 3:49 am to let her know I’m feeling good and ready to rock-n-roll. As you can imagine, she’s thrilled, especially since I told her first! Thank you for all the good wishes. I may be a little scarred but I’m the same knucklehead good dog as I was before. I’m hoping those stitches come out by the end of the week. Hope you have a great Monday and a great week!

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Knuckleheads Do a Review

 

Photo courtesy of NomNomNow

Mom hasn’t been part of the pet blogger influencing network before so imagine how thrilling it was when Kevin at NomNomNow contacted us Knuckleheads to see if we’d be willing to try out their fresh food. Sam and Elsa…drooling here. Shortly after we barked a resounding YES, a large and extremely well-insulated box showed up at the Ranch (with the best cooling packs making sure it arrived safely during the heat wave). Our mom knew a little about NomNom and like us, thought this would be a great opportunity for the us to paddle in the pet blogger review pool. Even though I, Sam, HATE water. I do however, love good food.*

Sam: One of the most exciting aspects of NomNom was the fact that the food was all fresh. I could smell the freshness as soon as mom opened the box.

Elsa: Ooh, ooh, yeah, and remember how I came a-running when I smelled that Chicken Chow Wow in those cute packages? It has the high protein percentage dogs like me need for optimum health. And it tastes great!

Sam and Elsa: Yeah…watch what NomNom’s veterinary nutrition expert says. We’re very glad NomNom took the time to formulate nutritionally sound, home-cooked meals for dogs as well as for our kitty fur-iends.

Courtesy of NomNomNow.com

Sam: These meals are made with real meat, vegetables, healthy oils, vitamins and nutrients with NO additives and NO artificial ingredients.

Elsa: And they taste way better than the wool socks I often enjoy eating.

Sam: Elsa, you tend to eat anything, but in this case, I’m glad you’re actually eating something that’s good for you and in keeping with your special needs as an Epi-Warrior. Dogs like you need a high protein diet and the Chicken Chow Wow more than adequately checks that box.

Elsa: Apart from the GRE-AT taste and nutrition in these yummy packages, they arrived ‘pawfectly’ portioned for our unique caloric needs. One of the side effects of my anti-seizure medication is it makes me extra hungry all the time so mom constantly monitors my waistline.

Sam: Yeah she watches mine too. How come when a mom is on a diet, the whole family is on a diet. What’s up with that??

Elsa: Moms are just like that, I guess. Did you know this stuff is human grade and the vitamins are all-natural? Umm, I hope mom doesn’t think I still won’t beg when she’s eating her meals. And I hope she doesn’t think about eating ours either.

Sam: She won’t, remember she’s a veterinarian. I’m sure she knows nothing will stop you from putting on that sad, “I’m starving” look when she sits down to eat her own meals. You really have that look ‘pawfected,’ don’t you?

Elsa:  You bozo, she’s a vegetarian, not a veterinarian. Why are brothers so dumb? And for the record, I’m not milking it just for milk’s sake; I had a rough life so it’s important to strike while the iron’s hot now that I have a pushover good mom.

Sam: {rolls eyes} You…little Ninja, are quite the shameless tool. Do you know the other reasons why this food is great?

Elsa: Do tell, Knucklehead brother!

Sam: I’m ignoring your snark. These meals are all delivered fresh. If you received more than a week’s worth of food, you can freeze and thaw them out when needed. One bag, one meal. Rip, serve, enjoy. How easy is that? There’s nothing like fresh clean food which results in clean energy. More food is absorbed and used for energy which means more playtime with mom! NomNom vitamins, minerals and nutrients promote health coat and skin and the all natural vitamins will keep our immune systems strong and healthy. Because it has no fillers, we get all the essential nutrients we need and are able to use more of the food. Which means less waste, meaning fewer poop bags. Mom likes that feature. Delivery is free and if you do autoship, it can be paused, updated, edited or cancelled at anytime. More convenience! They also have a great customer service department standing by to answer any questions you may have.

Elsa: Wow, you really did your homework on NomNom. I’m impressed, brother. You know what else I liked? They sent a fabulous package of restaurant quality chicken jerky. Man, that stuff tastes incredible and its only ingredient is CHICKEN. Have I told you I LOVE chicken?

Sam:  I know, I start licking my chops whenever mom gets out the package. Cooked in small batches those single ingredient treats have zero preservatives.

Elsa: I noticed you ‘kinda’ liked them. And I also noticed you’ve been eating all your food when mom serves it. No more sniffing and walking away like you’re playing hard to get. That means less for me to bogart so I’m not so happy about that.

Sam: Mom gives you a bowl, so there’s no need to try eating mine too. Remember your girlish figure.

Elsa: You know you could have left me a couple nibbles, but nooooooo. You had to eat EVERYTHING. You never eat everything.

Mom: I think you both enjoyed this deliciousness. So what’s the verdict, kids?

Sam and Elsa (in unison): NomNomNow receives eight paws of approval, mom. And if anyone wants to try it out, click here for a special discount.

Live, love, bark! 🐾

*Full Disclosure
We received no monetary compensation for our review. We did receive a generous supply of NomNomNow to try but our review was not influenced by it.