Follow-up Friday: Rosie's Spay, Dog Treats, 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 Misty at Misty Shores Chesapeakes. 



This week has flown by.  I'm weather obsessed (always) and, perhaps, never more so than this spring.  Our weather has been seriously crazy for this area of the country.  Pity the folks who already had their tomato plants set out in their gardens when it sleeted and snowed for 2 days straight.  In May!   While I shook my head and grumbled about the damage to blooming flora, the dogs just were wishing the white stuff would accumulate enough to make snow angels.

Rosie had a trip to the vet to remove her stitches from her spay surgery.  She did terrific throughout the experience.  No cone for her.  It was her nursemaid, Jeffie, we had to watch in terms of licking.

I've been thinking lately that I should be buying lottery tickets because I've been so lucky!  First we won a box of The Honest Kitchen Smooches dog treats from Roxy and Torrey at Roxy the Traveling Dog.

We heard from Kate at SlimDoggy that we were one of the FitDog Friday giveaway winners of a coveted SlimDoggy scoop!  I should note, that given how Rosie loves to eat, I suspect that soon we'll need to be joining the FitDog Friday blog hop!

And we won 2 adorable Cesar Millan dog toys from Bren Lee and Titan at Pibbles and Me!

Image stolen from Pibbles & Me

Jeffie, Rudy and Rosie entered that giveaway thinking that if they were  lucky enough to win, they'd share with the homeless dogs at their favorite shelter.  Bren and Titan have graciously sent our prizes to Stray Rescue for us.


Good Dog Take Outs - New Flavors Review and Giveaway
We've heard from several of the winners of our Good Dog Take Outs giveaway and these yummy, all natural dog treats got paws up! 

Yesterday Sharon sent these cute photos of Schooner and Skipper.  She says they loved their Carob Cherry and Chili cheese Crinkle treats.  In fact, Sharon writes:  Schooner is still barking, wanting more as I am writing this email.

All About Jeffie Quiz
Ann at Pawsitively Pets was the winner of a pair of my hand crafted dog lover earrings in the random drawing for this contest.  She'd already emailed me to let me know she received them and really likes them.  Then yesterday she made my day with this glowing For Love of a Dog review with some wonderful photos! Wow!  Thank you, Ann. And I think you rock those earrings!


This weekend, among other things, I'll be writing a review of a new dog book, It's Just A Dog by Russ Ryan, finishing a custom jewelry order for another book author, Jaimi Wolotsky - this one a book about rescue dogs.  And, hopefully, the sun will come out and there will be some Jolly ball.  Lots of Jolly ball!

Thank You Sampson and Delilah

Though I announced the finale of Jeffie's birthday party celebration, the party actually continued for a few days.  

The real highlight was the day Jeffie (aka The Mailman) went up to the road to the mailbox and found a package addressed to himself.  

He'd received a birthday surprise from Sampson and Delilah!  There was an adorable Pointer dog themed birthday card with this message:

 

   

Inside were amazing goodies!  

Jeffie spent a lot of time giving them a good sniff over!

 

 Rudy honed in immediately on the Omaha Steaks dog treats!

 Jeffie really liked the gecko dog toy.  

I think he was trying to sniff out if that was Delilah or Sampson's smell.

 Rosie's eyes were wide as saucers 

when she got her first taste of those steak treats!

In fact, all three dogs loved them.  

Once we opened that package, nobody cared about anything else.  

Jeffie, always a good brother, let Rosie check out the gecko.

She loved the double squeakers!

 

 Thank you so much, Sampson, Delilah, and Jodie at Heart Like a Dog for the barking good surprise!
 

Jeffie's Birthday Party: The Grand Finale

Hang on, Jeffie.  Your birthday party is not over quite yet!

What a party!

We've had treats, played some party games, told some Jeffie stories and more. 

I don't know about you, but we've had a whole lot of fun!  

For a review and to see the absolutely wonderful party dog photos, fetch Jeffie's Birthday Party page.

And if you thought the fun was over... there's still some fun to be had!

Jeffie received a very special birthday gift from none other than Oz The Terrier!

Yup!  That's right!  Jeffie inspired a limerick 

from the great and powerful poet, Oz!

Happy Birthday to Jeffie the Retriever mix!

He turned seven this month, not six.

Though he hates change of any kind,

being one year older he doesn't mind

as he knows an old dog can still learn new tricks.

--Oz the Terrier

Now, what you've all been waiting for.  Drumroll, please.

And the winners are...

Theresa S was chosen by Rafflecopter as the winner of the Dog Mom Bracelet Giveaway from For Love of a Dog.  Congratulations, Theresa!  Please send your wrist measurement and shipping address to sue (at) forloveofadog (dot) com.  If I don't hear from Theresa, within 48 hours, an alternate winner will be chosen.

Ann at Pawsitively Pets is the winner of the random.org drawing in the All About Jeffie Quiz participants and will be receiving these dog lover earrings from For Love of a Dog.  Congratulations, Ann!  Please send your shipping address to me at the email address above.

It's a good thing for Ann that the winner did not have to score the highest in correct answers to the quiz!  However, Chris at Saved By Dogs beat everyone else by a mile!  She missed only one question, so Jeffie insists that she'll be receiving a pair of earrings, too.

I wish Jeffie could afford to give a prize to every single participant in the Jeffie's Birthday Party Pet Photo Contest.  (He says he's saving all his pennies to buy more KONG Premium Jerky and Good Dog Take Outs dog treats.)

All the party photos are fabulous, but Jodi at Heart Like a Dog was the lucky winner of the Amazon.com $25 gift card in the random.org drawing. Congratulations, Jodi!  Each party photo was assigned a number according to when I received it.  Here's Jodi's lucky photo number 25 of Sampson:

UPDATE:  WE HAVE A NEW WINNER IN THE PHOTO CONTEST!  Jodi messaged me first thing this morning to say:  "... while I'm truly grateful and thankful, I really feel since I won the monkey earrings, that the gift card should go to someone else.  I would just like to pay it forward, you know. :-) "  What a kind and gracious winner!

So, as I told Jodi, luckily I saved the Random.org results and the next number on the list belongs to Christine K.

CONGRATULATIONS TO CHRISTINE K and here's her winning photo of Granite:

Who was it that said:  All good things must come to an end?  They were right about this party.  Thanks to everyone who participated in any way.  It just wouldn't have been a party without you!

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.

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!

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!