Monday Mischief: Green Dog Toes and a Winner

Mother Nature continues to have different ideas than we do about spring.  As each variety of flower, blooming shrubs and tress begins to bloom their hearts out, along comes a storm and the petals are on the ground.  Lots of rain, high winds, and even some hail add to the "fun."

In between storms, we run around cutting bouquets to enjoy in the house and try to keep up with mowing grass.  

Yesterday the Dog Daddy jumped the gun and began mowing when it was definitely still too wet and lush.  (You know what's coming, right?)

Technically, Rudy is a yellow Lab.  In reality,  he is a white boy.  

At least he was white.

 Now he's a white boy with green feet!

And in other mischief related news...  

We have a winner in our book giveaway!  

Congratulations to Larrielle P.   

She was selected by Random.org as the winner of a paperback copy of It's Just A Dog by Russ Ryan.    

Larrielle, I need your shipping information within the next 24 hours or an alternate winner will be selected.

Book Review: It's Just A Dog by Russ Ryan

Take a deep breath.  Relax.  You read that title and began to clench your teeth, right?  Well, this book isn't at all what you think.

When my beloved Lucy passed away last year, I felt as though my heart had been ripped out.  I was sure that my life would never be the same.  After all, not only was Lucy my heart dog and constant companion,  she inspired my business, For Love of a Dog.  

Lucy is the dog in my business logo.  Without Lucy, I may never have created any dog jewelry.  When Lucy died, a bit of the fire that fanned my jewelry muses died, as well.  Life really was not the same in any way.

Some people just didn't get it.  "It's just a dog," they said (or thought to themselves - though it showed on their faces.)

Russ Ryan gets it.  Oh, dog!  He really gets it.

It's Just a Dog is dedicated to Petey Ryan and Charlie Dickens.  You guessed it: dogs.  Petey, a Jack Russell terrier, was over 14 years old when he passed away in 2010.  Charlie, a Terrier / Retriever mix and "rebound dog," died suddenly after eating a poisonous mushroom right before publication of this book.

Russ notes:

"Being a dog widower has taught me that it doesn't matter if you have a dog ten years or ten months - the pain and hurt is still the same. Fortunately, the good part is that the love never dies!"

Russ Ryan and Charlie Dickens

Your teeth just unclenched, didn't they?  And now you're reaching for a tissue or two, right?

Now you're ready to read about a great new dog lover book:  It's Just A Dog.  It's a hilarious tale with lots of heart and I thoroughly enjoyed it.   

Note: one very lucky reader will receive a free paperback copy of this book!  [See the Rafflecopter below.]

Here's a summary from the publisher:

What if your dog died and then came back as a ghost... that could talk?  Would you welcome him back with open arms or run away scared to death?

This is the premise of It's Just A Dog, a new novel about love, loss, and one man's dog who rises up yapping from the grave.

Charlie Keefe is not just your typical dog lover - he's a world famous dog painter, a.k.a. "The Picasso of Pooch Portraits".  Unfortunately, Charlies' beloved muse, Pete, his lovable Jack Russell terrier, has just died.  And he's totally devastated by the loss of his furry best friend.

So, after months of grieving over his dearly departed soulmate, Charlie reluctantly agrees to foster a new puppy - a cute Cavalier King Charles spaniel named Brownie from the local animal shelter.  Soon after, Charlie is surprised to find himself falling head over heels with this new puppy girl, his "Rebound Dog' as he calls her - as well as being romantically attracted to Janelle Jordan, the head hound at the dog rescue.

But then complications arise when the ghost of his old dog, Pete, mysteriously reappears one night and comes back to haunt him and the new puppy - setting off a bizarre chain of events that throw Charlie's life, career, and entire belief system into chaos!

It's Just A Dog is a story about loss, love and new beginnings, told in a humorous, informal style.  I immediately felt as though I was reading about a friend.  I'm very cautious about dog books.  I'm always afraid something terrible will happen to the dog.  Indeed, this story really begins with the death of Charlies' beloved dog, Pete.  However, I was hooked when Charlie explained:

Losing Pete felt like losing a child - although that's not really fair since I've never even had a kid, let alone lost one.  In any event, all I can do is share with you the depth of my own personal painful experience, so please bear with me.  Besides, loss is a contest that nobody wants to win.

However, lest you think this book is a serious downer, hilarity does ensue!  As Charlie deals - or rather doesn't deal well - with his grief, he travels the bittersweet road of loving another dog, has numerous encounters with the ghost of his dead dog, and becomes (more than just friends) with one of the local crazy dog ladies.  All along the way, the author skillfully harmonizes humor with pathos.

Check out the It's Just A Dog book trailer:


The day this book arrived, I began reading and simply devoured it.  If you're looking for a great dog story is full of fun doggie hijinks and written by an authentic dog lover, then pick up a copy of It's Just A Dog by Russ Ryan.  You'll be glad you did!

Plus, here's another barking good reason to buy this book:  50% of the sales of It's Just A Dog during the 3-month summer launch (through September 2, 2013) will be donated to Muttville Senior Dog Rescue.

It's Just a Dog is available for purchase on Amazon $2.99 Kindle, $9.99 paperback and on Amazon UK.

Russ Ryan, in addition to being a dog lover and self-described dog widower, has written and developed screenplays with Hollywood producers of American Pie, Final Destination, and Fireflies in the Garden.  He was also a writer on National Lampoon's Repli-kate.  He is also the creator of Meansheets, a vintage movie poster blog that focuses on the greatest artists and illustrators from the 1940's to the 1980's.   It's Just A Dog is his first novel. 

Enter to win your very own paperback copy of It's Just A Dog!  

Several options are available in the giveaway Rafflecopter below.  

One (1) lucky winner! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

* I received a proof copy of It's Just A Dog from the author in exchange for my honest review and no other compensation.

We're participating in the Monday Mischief Pet Blog Hop today because with a title like this book has, there's bound to be some mischief.  Thank you to Monday Mischief Pet Blog Hop sponsors: Snoopys DogBlog, My Brown Newfies, and Alfies Blog.  We're also participating in the Freebie Friday hop, sponsored by The Dog Tipper, All Things Dog Blog, and Doggies and Stuff. 

Follow-up Friday: Spring, Dogs Barking, Birthday Giveaways

I'm glad to be joining Heart Like a Dog in the Follow-up Friday blog hop again this week.  This is the blog hop that lets you wrap up your week and leads you right into the weekend.  Hosted by FUF creator, Jodi at Heart Like a Dog and co-hosted this week by JoAnn Stancer at Sand Spring Chesapeakes.


Wow, Jeffie's birthday celebration is almost over!  I can't believe how fast this month has flown by.   On the last day of April, I'll announce the winners of three giveaways, plus we'll have a special surprise.  And then I'll have to go back to "normal" blogging.  LOL

While we've been partying, Mother Nature has given us spring to enjoy.  Lots of lovely warm day and beautiful blossoms.  The dogs are thrilled, and so is Skeeter.  Great weather for Jolly ball, frisbe, rowdy play and sun bathing.

Rosie has learned about the lawn mower.  Unlike Jeffie, so far she has not tried to rescue the rider/driver from that scarey loud machine! 

Before I forget... if you'd like an invitation to join Pack, let me know.  I have some to share.  If you haven't heard of Pack, click the link and check out this cool new site!  

My Best Friend, The Dog Song: Dog Song Saturday
I'm including this today simply because it is a fabulous song for dog lovers! 

Redbone Coonhound Lab Mix Adoptable Dog
Including this today because this beautiful dog still needs a home.

Mischief Monday: Ducks, Geese and Dogs
Okay, I really do have some follow-up for this post.  So much that I'm planning to write a future blog post, or two, related to this one.

I feel as though I should share some kind of special dog training tips.  However, I don't have any.  Our dogs are very eager to please us.  They understand the word "no." They understand when we tell them not to bark.

We live in the country.  On a farm.  That includes other animals - both domesticated and wild.  Its important to us that all of our own critters get along for both safety reasons and peace of mind. 

Our dog, Sherman, loved our geese.

We've had domesticated geese, ducks and chickens of our own in the past.  None of our dogs were ever allowed to bark at them or threaten them in any way.  We could have fowl in the future, so there's no reason to allow barking at the wild fowl and let our dogs learn that bad habit.

Plus, part of the joy of living beyond the sidewalks is enjoying nature and wildlife.  We like seeing the herons come in to fish for breakfast.  The ducks are fun to watch, too.  It won't be long before the hawks that live in the woods on our property line will begin teaching their young to hunt.  Frankly, we don't want to miss that.  And we would miss all that and more if our dogs barked them all away.

Bark at preditors?  You betcha.  Bark at the critters that never aim to do us harm?  Nope, no thanks.  Not here.


Dog Mom Bracelet from For Love of a Dog Jewelry: Enter Now!
Just a reminder...  if you'd like to win this Dog Mom bracelet, enter via the Rafflecopter.  Perfect timing for Mother's Day!

Wordless Wednesday: Jeffie the Puppy Prisoner
Seriously, we kind of regret Jeffie's time-outs behind the baby gate.  We think it has contributed to his separation anxiety.  

All About Jeffie Quiz Contest - Win Earrings
This little party game is just for fun and you could win these For Love of a Dog earrings!   This is the final giveaway in Jeffie's birthday celebration. Ears aren't pierced?  No problem, they can be changed to clip ons for the winner!

 

More pawesome friends 

have arrived at Jeffie's birthday party!

Lila the Boston Terrier and her kitty sister, PJ, are ready to party!

 Hurry!  There's still time to enter Jeffie's Birthday Party Photo contest!

Winner of the random drawing will win a $25 Amazon.com gift card.

All About Jeffie Quiz Contest - Win Earrings!

What fun is a birthday party without party games?  

Gotta have a game, right?

With a prize, of course!

During our month long celebration of Jeffie's 7th birthday, we've told you about Jeffie.

And we've shown you some photos of our beautiful boy.

Now its time to see what you remember!  

Take a moment to complete the All About Jeffie Quiz and you'll be entered to win a pair of For Love of a Dog hand crafted dog lover earrings.

 

Its easy and fun!

Take the All About Jeffie Quiz here.

[ http://4loveofadog.polldaddy.com/s/jeffie-trivia ]

One winner will be selected at random via Random.org.  

Winner must have a US or Canada shipping address.  

(Sorry, blame the USPS for hiking fees for International packages.)

Winner will be announced here on our Talking Dogs blog on Tuesday, April 30.

Here's what the winner will receive:

Perfect for any dog lady!  Chubby turquoise gemstone hearts freely dangle from three dimensional light tan glass dog bones.  

Silver accents, including leverback earring findings.   If the winner prefers clip on or french hooks, I'll make the change before shipping.

Rosie wants to know:
What are you waiting for?  Take the quiz and enter!

Dog Mom Bracelet from For Love of a Dog Jewelry: Enter Now!

Jeffie's gala 7th birthday party is in full swing and we have another giveaway contest for you!

This one is special because we're not just celebrating Jeffie's birthday.  We're also getting reading to celebrate Mother's Day!

If you're reading this blog, chances are... you're a dog mom, right?

And you like to tell the world about your special fur-baby, right?

Have we got a barking good giveaway for you!

Enter to win this one of a kind Dog Mom bracelet from For Love of a Dog Jewelry!

This handmade Dog Mom bracelet features a handmade porcelain ceramic dog bone in deep sky blue that proclaims:  DOG MOM.  Its surrounded by big clear sparkling crystal rondelle beads and sky blue Czech glass beads.  All hand wire wrapped with silver jeweler's wire.  

A charming silver dog collar and dog bone toggle clasp adds just the right touch.  The winner will need to let me know their exact wrist size so this bracelet can be custom sized to fit.

Follow the instructions with the Rafflecopter below to enter.  (Sorry, this giveaway is open only to those with a US or Canada shipping address.)

While you're in the contest mood, be sure to enter Jeffie's Birthday Party Pet Photo Contest!  You could win a $25 gift certificate to Amazon.com

Disclosure:  This For Love of a Dog Jewelry bracelet was created by me for Jeffie's birthday party giveaway.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow-up Friday: Cherry Blossoms and Party Dog Photos

I'm glad to be joining Heart Like a Dog in the Follow-up Friday blog hop again this week.  The is the blog hop that lets you wrap up your week and leads you right into the weekend.  Hosted by FUF creator, Jodi, at Heart Like a Dog .

I think spring has finally arrived in the Ozarks.  So much blooming goodness with the fruit trees, quince, forsythia, and flowers, too.  I can't resist sharing a photo of one of my cherry trees in full blossom.

The west side of our backyard is lined with redbud and dogwood trees.  They've got fat buds and I can hardly wait!

Tripawd Dog Mandela Deserves a Forever Home
Imagine the horror of your foot rotting off because you have a compound fracture in your leg.  Plus, you're starving and homeless.  Stray Rescue of St Louis saved Mandela's life, but he still needs a loving forever home.  Thanks to those of you who shared this post.

Mischief Monday: Party Photos and KONG Winners
Congratulations again to our winners!  Jeffie, Rudy and Rosie wished they could enter because they LOVE these new all natural KONG Jerky dog treats!

Can you believe the pawesome party photos?!  Wow, is this ever fun!  You can catch up on the party now on our Jeffie's Birthday Party page (see below for link.) 

Good Dog Take Outs Treats New Flavors: Enter Now!
You've still got time to enter the giveaway for your choice of two flavors of Good Dog Take Outs dog treats.  These are good!  And, yes, they have cat treats, too!

Wordless Wednesday: Dogs in Party Hats

I need to buy some more hats for my dogs.  I love dogs in hats!  I used to dream of finding a little black derby for Tucker, but never did, dog-gone it.

Yes, all three dogs wore their party hats for both taste testing sessions (KONG Jerky treats and Good Dog Take Outs.)  Seriously, the whole time.  We did have to do a bit of hat adjusting when the party became a little, well, not rowdy, but...   there was a lot of jockying for good position, if your know what I mean.

The interesting thing is that Rudy actually seems to enjoy getting "dressed up."   All three dogs forgot all about the hats when the treats were at stake!  Most of the time, Rosie's hat was hanging from around her neck, but she looks pretty cute with it on, too.

Jeffie's First Construction Project
The Dog Daddy took a walk down memory lane with this little story about Jeffie's puppy days.  Too bad I don't have any photos of Jeffie helping the Dog Daddy water.  Jeffie always carried the hose!

Jeffie's Birthday Party Pet Photo Contest
Join in the fun!  Here are some more fantastic party dogs!  

Fetch the Jeffie's Birthday Party page for more.  Enter your pet(s) photo(s) for a chance to win an Amazon.com gift card.  Get the details here.  Party hats are not required and Photoshopped photos are fine.  There's plenty of time - contest deadline is April 27.

Jeffie was thrilled with Gizmo's birthday greeting!

Rosie is hoping for some double zoomies!

 Isn't Misaki gorgeous in this beautiful birthday card?!

 Looks like Rita is having a really good time at the party!

 Toby brought along some other party animals (who shall be nameless)

 Jack & Maggie, the dogs from SlimDoggy just arrived and they brought cake!  Hurry and eat some before Jack eats the whole thing!

Emma, the GBGV, asks:  Did you order a present?

As you can see, its been a busy week at Talking Dogs!  We have more party fun planned, including a giveaway of a piece of For Love of a Dog jewelry!

Now, why don't you join the Follow-up Friday blog hop and tell us what you've been up to!

Good Dog Take Out Treats New Flavors: Enter Now!

 

When Good Dog Take Outs heard that we were celebrating Jeffie's birthday this month, they very generously offered to join in the fun!

Good Dog Take Outs has added new flavors!  

We got to taste test some of them and 

6 lucky party dogs get to try some, too!

We reviewed Good Dog Take Outs a couple of months ago and they were a big hit with all three of our dogs.  Their dog and cat treats are made in the US, in fact they're made in the heart of central Michigan in a licensed kitchen!  They oven bake fresh pet treats from human grade ingredients that contain no added fillers or preservatives.

Their new flavors include:

• Carob Cherry - Carob and Michigan Grand Traverse area red tart cherry juice.  They're the closest you can come to a chocolate covered cherry for your dog safely. 
• Nacho Mamma Chips - nacho cheese flavors and special handmade seasoning.
• Iced Cinnamon Rolls - heart healthy cinnamon and raw honey. Cinnamon improves circulation and has anti-inflammatory properties for your dog's joints;  raw honey helps boost the immune system.
• Chilli Dogs - spicy puppy shaped dog treats with no additives.
• Wheat/Gluten Free Chilli Cheese Crinkles - cheese, spices and no wheat/gluten.  Like cheese straws for dogs.

We ordered the Carob Cherry, Nacho Mamma Chips, Wheat/Gluten Free Chilli Cheese Crinkles to taste and Good Dog Take Outs sent Jeffie a package of Original Flavor as a special birthday gift!

Not only are these dog treats all natural and healthy, they look and smell good, too.  The Carob Cherry are adorable with their heart shapes.  Nacho Mamma Chips look just like you think they should!  The Original Flavor are cute dog bones with icing squiggles.  The Wheat/Gluten Free Chilli Cheese Crinkles look like cheese straws.  The Dog Daddy even tried them:  Yum!

Jeffie, Rudy and Rosie didn't really care how the treats looked.  One whiff and they were ready to party with Good Dog Take Outs!

Though it was nerve wracking waiting for a taste test, Jeffie, Rudy and Rosie had beautiful party manners!

I wish I could tell you which new flavor was their favorite.  However, they loved all of them!

We like to make our own dog treats, but sometimes there simply isn't time.  Good Dog Take Outs are just like homemade - without the time and messy kitchen!  Plus they come in such cute take-out containers.  Perfect for gift giving to a special doggie friend.

We're pleased to give Good Dog Take Outs pet treats our highest recommendation!

   Six lucky winners are going to find out

just how good these treats are...

because we're doing another giveaway!

Six (6) winners will win two (2) 4 ounce packages of Good Dog Take Outs in their choice of dog or cat treat flavors!

All you have to do is use the Rafflecopter form below to enter.  Sorry, winners must have a United States shipping address.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure:  We received no financial compensation for this review.  We purchased 3 varieties of these dog treats. Good Dog Take Outs gave me one package as a gift.  We only publish our own opinions at Talking Dogs and share information about products we like and support. 

Follow-up Friday: Monkey Winner, KONG Dog Treats, Photo Contest and More

I'm delighted to be co-hosting the Follow-up Friday blog hop with Heart Like a Dog this week!  Created by Jodi at Heart Like a Dog, this is the blog hop that lets you wrap up your week and leads you right into the weekend.

At Talking Dogs, we've been partying all week.  All the month of April, we're celebrating Jeffie's 7th birthday.  Because of all the "party favors" we're giving away, we have winner's to congratulate and we're also participating in Fido'[s Freebie Friday blog hop which is co-hosted by Dog Tipper, All Things Dog Blog and Doggies and Stuff.

First, we want to congratulate Nellie who won the special Dog Blogger Necklace from For Love of a Dog in the giveaway at Dakota's Den!  Not a winner, but you'd like a necklace like this?  Fetch one at For Love of a Dog! 
They're on sale now!

If you'd like to enter to win a cat blogger version of this necklace, fetch Cat Chat with Caren and Cody.  Hurry!  The giveaway ends soon!  Or you can purchase one at For Love of a Dog.

Next we need to woof about receiving the Versatile Blogger Award from The Daily Dog Blog.  Thank you, Julie!  We'll talk more about this later this month, but we just had to woof a bit today.

2 Black Dogs Too Long at the Shelter:  Adoptable Dogs
Many thanks to those of you who shared this post via social media.  Both dogs are still without homes.  The fact that one has been there for over 5 years simply breaks my heart.  Please continue to share. 

Mischief Monday:  Too Much Party Punch?
In addition to having a laugh at Rudy's expense, we announced the winner of our Monkey Giveaway!  Congratulations to Jodi! We hope she enjoys her monkey earrings from For Love of a Dog and that Sampson and Delilah enjoy their Skinneeez Big Bite dog toy.

KONG Premium Jerky Dog Treats:  Product Review and Giveaway
If you haven't entered this giveaway yet, Jeffie, Rudy and Rosie think you should.  They LOVE these new, made in the US, KONG jerky treats for dogs.

The "photo shoots" for this giveaway and the one we'll be doing this next Tuesday (new flavors of Good Dog Take Outs) were pretty funny.  After a round or two of taste testing, none of the dogs minded wearing party hats at all.  As they jockeyed for position, a few hats got knocked akimbo and Rosie lost hers a time or two.  I'll share some of the "out takes" on a future blog post.

Jeffie's Birthday Party Pet Photo Contest
Just want to clarify - you do not have to make sure your pet is wearing a party hat in the photo(s) you submit.  And Photoshopped photos are fine with us.  

Join the fun! We've already received some fantastic party photos!  We'll be sharing more each week, plus you'll soon find a Jeffie Birthday Party page here on our Talking Dogs blog.  One (1) winner will be chosen at random (random.org) to win a $25 Amazon.com gift card.

So far, we've got some real party animals joining us!

 Gracie and Cider came to the party from Kelly's Pet Salon in Michigan!

 Gambler is ready to par-tay!   He lives with JoAnn at Sand Spring Chesapeakes in Wisconsin.

 Artie dressed as a Ninja for a Pet Days party at the Harley Dealer and thought why not use this dog-gone good costume again!

 

 Coco is ready to celebrate!  Coco Chanel Bella is a 7 year old American Cocker Spaniel who lives with Christine.  Jeffie and Rudy are smitten!

Snoopy thought if he got enough birthday balloons, 

he could hitch a ride to Jeffie's party! 

Nibblet (above) and Shiner (below) 
of Pawsitively Pets are pretty in party pink!

What are you waiting for?  
You can see what fun we're having.  Join us!