Mischief Monday: Ducks, Geese and Dogs

 

If you asked the dogs, they'd say that there's plenty of mischief going on at our pond.  A flock of ducks flew in and have been having a high time swimming, splashing, and generally just doing what ducks do.  There are sometimes as many as 12, but usually 6-8 that spend their days here.  Nights, too, sometimes. 

 

They've been joined by a pair of local wild geese.  This pair frequently visits us and we were surprised that they didn't mind the newcomers.

In fact, at first glance we first wondered if the geese had brought early goslings along with them.

 

Nope, those are the ducks peacefully swimming with the geese.

Rosie didn't know what to make of the whole situation and the strange gathering of critters.  She sought the safety of the deck, where she could just watch.

Rudy, onn the other hand, likes to get upfront and personal.  It drives him crazy that these fowl are soooo close and he couldn't get to them.  AND he was told not to bark.

  
"The ducks and geese are our friends, Rudy.  We like the them!"

Rudy never barked at them, but as you can see from his "full alert" stance, he sure wanted to.  Pretty sure he'd like nothing better than to chase them.

And what was the birthday boy, Jeffie, doing?  Just doop-dee-dooping around the yard.  Guess he thought they were just more birthday party guests!

We've received so many fabulous photos for Jeffie's Birthday Party Pet Photo Contest, that I'm going to share some today, plus announce the lucky winners in the Good Dog Take Outs dog treat giveaway!

Bren L, Kate V, Dogmama, Shelbie J, Jackie B, and Sharon G! 

   

You've won your choice of two flavors of Good Dog Take Outs pet treats!  I've already sent you an email asking for your selections and shipping address.  Note:  I need to hear from the winners within 48 hours or alternates will be chosen.

Jeffie, Rudy and Rosie love Good Dog Take Outs dog treats and hope you do, too!

More dogs have arrived at Jeffie's Birthday Party!  Plus, you should take a look at some of the outtakes of Rita's birthday greetings for Jeffie.

Delilah (above) and Sampson (below) from Heart Like a Dog arrived 

with these pawesome birthday greetings for Jeffie!

Granite has his party hat on and already has a little frosting on his nose!

Free Pet Care Available in 63107 Zip Code

Live in the 63107 zip code in St. Louis, MO?  Take advantage of free help for your pets!

Through their Families With Paws program, Stray Rescue of Saint Louis is sharing information and free pet care resources, one zip code at a time.

Working with a grant from the National Humane Society, Stray Rescue is targeting one zip code at a time within their city.  Going door to door, Stray Rescue is offering free pet care assistance:

• Spays and neuters for dogs and cats
• Rabies and distemper shots for dogs and cats
• Microchips for dogs and cats

Currently they're working with the 63107 zip code, the program will move to different zip codes in the future.  Contact Stray Rescue of Saint Louis on the web or call 314-771-6121 for more information.
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Dog Song Saturday: Jingle Bells Sung by Pets

It's Saturday and time for a dog song music video at Talking Dogs.  Today we're breaking our own rules since Jingle Bells is not a song about dogs.  However, we're pretty sure you're going to smile as you watch dogs, cats, guinea pigs, fish, horses, ferrets, and many more animal pets "sing" this traditional Christmas carol.

Grab a dog (actually, any pet will do!)  Sit.  Stay.  Relax and enjoy Jingle Bells!

Fetch more dog song music videos at Talking Dogs to get your weekend started just right and be sure to scroll down below today's video to explore some barking good pet blogs in today's Pet Blogger Hop.

Mutts Rule | Guest Post by the Dog Daddy

Jeffie and the Dog Daddy

 Today we have another guest post by the Dog Daddy at our house.  He was inspired by National Mutt Day.

MUTTS RULE!

December 2nd is National Mutt Day, which has led me to think about the dogs I have loved. Almost all of them have been mutts. 

My definition of a mutt is a dog that is of mixed breeds.  Sometime you don�t know what breeds are involved.  Sometimes you can figure it out as the dog matures.

Whether it is true or not I have always felt that mixed breed dogs are better because they blend the attributes of two or more breeds and are generally more  interesting.  

When I was a child our family had a farm dog named Prince. I would guess he was part hound and part German Shepard and who knows what else. As an adult my first dog was a Cockapoo, part Cocker and part Poodle. Max was a great dog but I lost him when my first wife and I divorced. 

Since I met Sue we have had many dogs and they have become more and more an important part of my life. When we met, she had Benji.  He was part Doberman and part German Shepherd. 

Benji - Doberman Pinscher and German Shepherd

 Together we adopted Sherman, part Lab and part something else.  

Sherman - Labrador Retriever and who knows!

 After Benji's death, we adopted Spanky, part Lab and part something else with a curly tail!

Spanky - Labrador Retriever and ?

Then Lizzy, a pure breed Border Collie joined our family.  

Sherman, the Dog Daddy, and Lizzy - Border Collie

Tucker showed up at our farm and stayed. He was the biggest mystery. We think he was part Lab and part Chow and who knows what else.

Tucker - Labrador Retriever, Chow and ??

Lucy was a product of an "opps" litter.  Her daddy was a black Lab and mama was a Golden Retriever.  

Lucy - Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever

When we adopted Jeffie all we knew was that his mother was a Golden Retriever. As he matured, we decided that his father had to have been a Border Collie.  He has some classic Border Collie markings and behavior, but he is golden and white.  If you look closely you will see that he has one ear that resembles a Golden Retriever and one ear looks more like a Border Collie.

Jeffie - Golden Retriever and Border Collie

Our most recent family member is Rudy, the product of another "oop" litter.  His mother was a Yellow Lab and his father was believed to be a neighboring chocolate Lab.

Rudy - Labrador Retriever

I love mutts. 

I also love dogs.  All dogs. 

Some of my favorite things are watching are dog shows and agility trials. Most of those dogs are pure breed and I love to see them.

But, when I come home ...

I want to see my mutts.

I celebrate DOG DAY every day!

Raising My Furry Children by Tracy Ahrens Book Review

Raising My Furry Children, by Tracy Ahrens celebrates the bond between humans and animals with anecdotes of daily living with pets.  

You'll smile, laugh and worry along with Tracy as she tells stories that feel very familiar to those of us who love cats and dogs. 

Raising My Furry Children is a collection of columns that the author has written while raising her furry kids:  Speckles, a Brittany spaniel, and her cats, Desdemona, CD, Joan of Arc, and Captain Jack Sparrow. 

Her book begins with a true story of two cats left in a cardboard box outside of a local animal shelter.  A note was taped to the top of the box briefly telling why the owner could not care for the cats anymore and some information on the cat's personalities. 

"Louie" pet portrait by Tracy Ahrens

What follows are Tracy's reflections on the lives and personalities of her own pets and her realization that every pet has a unique biography waiting to be shared.
Her stories are narratives of how she learned patience and respect for her pets.  Told with love and humor, Raising My Furry Children is a fun, personal look at life with pets. 

Tracy has a sense of humor that doesn't fail when sharing the antics of her critters.  Though the book is fairly evenly divided between her Brittany, Speckles, and the cats, Speckles personality quirks amused me the most. 

"One evening I came home after dark, and Speckles did not meet me at the backdoor.  Instead, I heard voices from my living room.

Initially, I was scared a bit since I live alone.  I called for Speckles immediately, and he trotted to the backdoor nonchalantly.

I think I picked up something heavy with which to hit a possible intruder, but realized that if someone had broken into my house, Speckles would not have been so calm.

When I walked into the living room, the television was on.  I didn't leave it one when I left home.

I looked around the room and noticed a blanket I had covered the sofa with was rumpled up.  In the middle of it was the television remote control.

I then laughed at Speckles, who apparently made himself a comfy bed on the sofa, rolled on the remote control and turned the television on.

What was he watching?  Of all things - Animal Planet."

Thank You, Chaser, the first story in Raising My Furry Children was contributed by Steve Dale.  Dale authors a twice/week syndicated newspaper column [Tribune Media Services] and is host of two national syndicated shows on Pet Word Radio.   Thank You, Chaser tells the story of how Chaser, literally, changed the course of Dale's life.  Scroll to the bottom of this post to enjoy an interview Steve Dale conducted with Tracy.

A portion of the book is devoted to delightful pet portraits by the author.  Tracy is an accomplished artist, creating beautiful graphite pet illustrations, many of which you'll find here.

"Ellie" pet portrait by Tracy Ahrens

Tracy's columns continue to appear through Chicago based Talis Pet Media Group.  She currently has one mixed breed adopted dog and three rescue cats.

Book sale proceeds are being donated to two major organizations: American Brittany Rescue and the American Humane Association.  

The contribution to  American Brittany Rescue is honor of Tracy's dog, Speckles, who passed away in 2007 and is featured in Raising My Furry Children.  She has also fostered two Brittanies through ABR since Speckles passed away.  The American Humane Association is a national voice for the protection of children and animals through groundbreaking research, education, training and services that span a wide network of organizations, agencies and businesses.

Raising My Furry Children was awarded second place in the category of Humor/Non-fiction book in the Illinois Woman's Press Association 71st Mate E. Palmer communications Contest. 

Raising My Furry Children can be purchased at Amazon, Barnes and Noble or from any major bookstore.

Tracy Ahrens with Trucker

Tracy Ahrens of Momence, Il. has been a journalist and editor for newspapers, magazines and Web sites for over 20 years. Currently she is a freelance writer for the Chicago Tribune and the American Red Cross Greater Chicago Chapter.

Her monthly humorous column on raising her pets can be seen at Tails Pet Media Group.  She has also written two children's books,  Cloud Jumpers and What if the Moon.

Tracy has won 51 writing awards statewide, locally and nationally. She is a member of the Illinois Woman�s Press Association, the National Federation of Press Women and BlogPaws community (online community for pet bloggers).  For years she has been a volunteer for animal rescue groups including the Kankakee County Animal Foundation, which she helped found in 1994.

Military Reunions with their Dogs: Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is about family and being thankful for our blessings.  All of us at Talking Dogs and For Love of a Dog are grateful that you've come by our blog or browsed our online shop.  We definitely feel blessed.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, grab some tissues and enjoy this video of dogs welcoming their owners home from military deployment.  Created by Welcome Home Blog for Veterans Day, the joy and gratitude you'll see here seems pretty perfect for Thanksgiving.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Holiday Gift Pet Jewelry Event

Fetch For Love of a Dog for special jewelry and Christmas gifts for dog lovers! 

Choose dog breed jewelry and gifts in over 80 dog breeds, 

Mutt / mixed dog breed jewelry, 

Dog bone jewelry, 

Rescue and adopt pet jewelry

 Rainbow Bridge pet memorial jewelry for dog and cat lovers, 

Cat lovers jewelry, 

horse and equestrian jewelry

 and much more!  

Necklaces, bracelets, earrings, pendants, pins - all one of a kind and handmade! 

Free standard shipping, too!

Shop our Sale Now!

And be sure to come back for our Black Friday Sale for more special bargains!

Unique Portuguese Water Dog Jewelry Gift Ideas

Fetch Portuguese Water Dog jewelry gifts at For Love of a Dog and enjoy the satisfaction of giving Christmas gifts that are handmade and one of a kind.  

Like the fabulous Portuguese Water Dog necklace shown above.  This black Portuguese Water Dog pendant is hand sculpted porcelain and two dimensional (flat on back).  So versatile, you can easily remove the pendant to wear it solo as a pin.  Glossy black obsidian gemstone beads and fancy silver beads, including some dog bones, are combined for a real statement piece sure to bring compliments.

The chocolate Portuguese Water Dog bracelet shown below includes earthy jasper gemstone beads and sparkling rose crystal rondelles, hand wire wrapped with silver jeweler's wire.  In addition to the hand crafted chocolate Portuguese Water Dog charm, there's also a sweet silver dog bone charm.

 Check out these Portuguese Water Dog Christmas ornaments.  Two dimensional (flat on back), they're fully handmade beginning with an original sculpture.  True to AKC and UKC dog breed standards, you'll be amazed at the details.  Perfect as a Christmas gift and to display all year round.

Black and white Portuguese Water Dog Christmas ornament shown above.

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Chocolate Portuguese Water Dog Christmas ornament shown below.

Shop For Love of a Dog for unique Portuguese Water Dog jewelry and Christmas gifts.  Be sure to check out our dog bone jewelry, including great earrings, plus our rescue and Rainbow Bridge pet memorial jewelry.  Barking good gifts for dog lovers are waiting for you at For Love of a Dog.

Enjoy fast free standard shipping and don't miss our Black Friday Holiday Sale!

Poodle Dog lover Jewelry Gift Ideas

Fetch handmade Poodle dog breed jewelry gifts from For Love of a Dog for special people on your Christmas shopping list.  Select from unique, hand crafted pins, necklaces and earrings.  

The black Poodle dog pin shown at top is hand sculpted of porcelain.  Two dimensional (flat on back) with a beautiful glossy finish.  Hurry, there's only one of these available as I write this blog post!

In fact, all of our Poodle dog breed jewelry is one of a kind, so when a piece sells, it is not repeated.  Like this whimsical Poodle dog necklace shown below.  It begins with a unique artisan handmade lampwork Poodle dog head.  The necklace is composed of beautiful coordinating grey freshwater pearls with pink crystals to match the Poodle dog's tongue.

Or how about a Poodle dog necklace like those shown below. Each has a hand sculpted porcelain Poodle dog pendant.

Shown above is a Chocolate Poodle dog necklace with dragonskin turquoise gemstone beads and deep amber crystal rondelle beads.

Shown above is a blonde Poodle dog necklace with coordinating crystal rondelle beads and blue faux pearls.

Shown above is a white Poodle dog necklace with red jasper and creamy white riverstone gemstone beads.

Shop For Love of a Dog for more Poodle dog breed jewelry gifts.  Browse our other jewelry, too,  in themes of rescue, adoption, rainbow bridge memorial jewelry and more.

Enjoy fast free standard shipping and don't miss our Black Friday Holiday sale!




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Papillon Dog Lover Jewelry Gifts

Fetch Papillon dog lover jewelry gifts from For Love of a Dog for that special person on your holiday shopping list.  Select from Papillon dog breed necklaces, bracelets, pins, pendants, even Papillon dog leash hollders and Christmas ornaments!  All hand crafted and one of a kind or in limited quantity.

The Papillon dog lover necklace shown at top. is truly a one of a kind piece. The pendant is hand sculpted from porcelain and can easily be removed from the necklace to wear as a pin.  Very versatile!  Check out those sweet three dimensional porcelain dog bones, combined with glossy black obsidian and gold chain for the necklace.

Shown below is a Papillon dog lover bracelet.  Sweet artisan lampwork bead has a raised floral design of pink roses and white daisy flowers.  Rose pink crystal rondelle beads, white snow quartz gemstone beads, and three dimensional white glass dog bone beads coordinate perfectly.  The real focus is this wonderful two dimensional, handmade Papillon dog charm.  

Or how about the adorable hand sculpted Papillon pin shown below.  Small in size; large in impact.

Right now this Papillon dog breed Christmas ornament is still available.  Hurry, our ornaments are selling out fast this year!  True to AKC and UKC dog breed standards, these two dimensional (flat on back) sculptures are hand crafted and gorgeous to display year round.

Shop For Love of a Dog for all the dog lovers on your Christmas shopping list.  Over 80 breeds in our dog jewelry and gifts, plus themes of rescue, adopt, dog bones and so much more!

Enjoy fast free standard shipping, too!  And don't miss our Black Friday sale!



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Pit Bull Terrier Sweet Girl is Available for Adoption

Sweet Girl is a Pit Bull Terrier dog available for adoption from the Humane Society of Missouri animal shelter in St Louis, Missouri.  She's about 2 years old, spayed, and as you can see from her video below, adorable.

Sweet Girl prefers to go to the bathroom outside and walks very nicely on a leash.  

If you have room in your heart and are looking for a new best friend, contact the Humane Society of Missouri at 314=951-1562 and ask about Sweet Girl.  Her animal shelter ID number is A538989.

Twilight Breaking Dawn Part 2 Goes to the Dogs

While on the lookout for some new dog songs, I stumbled on this video that simply cracked me up.

While the world (at least it seems so) celebrates the final movie installment of the Twilight Sage, The Pet Collective has been having some fun.  Watch below as

"After the birth of Rezzie,  the Canines gather other vampire clans in order to protect the puppy from a false allegation that puts the family in front of the Dogturi."

With apologies to all the Twihards out there, here's Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 - Barking Dawg Paw.  

Handmade English Bulldog Jewelry Gifts

If you have an English Bulldog dog lover on your holiday shopping list, be sure to visit For Love of a Dog.  That's where you'll find my one of a kind, handmade dog breed jewelry, including English Bulldog necklaces and even Christmas ornaments.

Shown above is one of my English Bull dog necklaces.  This one combines beautiful amber colored crystal rondelle beads and creamy white pearls, hand wire wrapped with gold jeweler's wire.  The pendant is a whimsical hand sculpted porcelain English Bulldog.

The dog breed Christmas ornament shown below would make a barking good holiday gift!  This English Bulldog is hand cast resin from an original carving mold.  Hand painted, two dimensional (flat on back), and true to AKC and UKC dog breed standards.  Generously sized (4.25" x 3") it looks fantastic displayed on a Christmas tree or throughout the year.

Fetch For Love of a Dog for one of a kind, handmade dog lover jewelry and gifts.  Enjoy a 10% discount on your entire order and free standard shipping with this discount code:  FLDNEW  Shop now for best selection! 

Unique Collie Dog Jewelry Gifts

Those of you with your own personal version of Lassie... please take a look at my Collie dog breed jewelry.  

You'll find pendants, pins, bracelets, necklaces, and even dog breed Christmas ornaments!  Handmade and most items are one of a kind.  Some could also be used to represent a Shetland Sheepdog, but some are simply Collie through and through.

Shown above is a Collie dog pin that can also be used as a pendant thanks to the bail on the brooch finding.  Hand cast resin from an original carving mold, it is hand painted and two dimensional (flat only on back.)

The Collie bracelet shown below could also represent a Sheltie.  I used white three dimensional glass dog bones, snow quartz gemstone beads, rose pink crystal rondelles to coordinate with the daisy and pink rose floral artisan lampwork bead.

Check the whimsical hand sculpted porcelain pendant on the Collie necklace shown below.  It can easily be removed to wear solo as a pin!  Beautiful with the genuine tigerseye gemstone bead necklace.  Truly a one of a kind, this Collie dog necklace would make a barking good gift.

Here's just one of my tri color Collie jewelry pieces.  A Collie dog charm bracelet with beautiful crystal rondelle beads, glossy black onyx gemstone beads, three dimensional black glass dog bones, and an amazing artisan lampwork bead. 

Fetch For Love of a Dog for photos and details of the Collie dog jewelry shown above, and a much larger selection than shown here.  Enjoy 10% off your entire order, plus free standard shipping, with this discount code:  FLDNEW   

Looking for unique, unusal dog lover jewelry?  Shop For Love of a Dog and know that most of my dog lover jewelry is one of a kind, handmade right here in my Missouri Ozarks studio, because I love dogs, too.