Thunder Storm

Just a little something cool I came across that I wanted to share...especially with those of us in Southern California who rarely get any rain or thunder...check this out.

Close your eyes, but you might want to open them after you hear the thunder so you don’t miss the lightning! Be sure to turn on your sound. Start watching with your eyes open, then close them and just listen!

Y is for Yippy-Yappy

Those of you who know me, know that I am an animal lover, and have a very soft spot in my heart for dogs. Most dogs that is...basically any dogs that don't do this! I don't like dogs that "YIP and YAP" constantly!

And really, I suppose it's not the dogs doing this that anger me, it's the owners of the dogs that allow them to do this...some people just shouldn't be animal care takers...'nuff said.

If you'd like to see what others in bloggers are doing for A-Z Mondays....be sure to go over to Jen's blog at http://unglazed.blogspot.com/ - she has a whole list of other bloggers participating!

Jill's New Necklace

Anyone with dogs who lives in even a semi-warm climate has probably, at one time or another, had to deal with hot spots. We've been very fortunate in the past to have been able to avoid them pretty well.

Jill's luck ran out on Thursday, and she is suffering from a nasty hot spot, just at the underside of the base of her tail. She's been licking the stuff I put on it off and irritating it none stop, so it was time for some "cone" action. I've always hated the old "Elizabethan" style of lampshade cone, so this time, we went with something called a "pro collar." It looks more like a life preserver than a cone, and so far it has been doing the job nicely. (Huge thanks to Lisa for picking this up for me!)

Jill, putting it mildly, HATES it, but if it will help her to heal quickly, it's worth her being a little mad at me.

"Take it off! It clashes with my pink bows!"
"Mom, I'm so mad at you I refuse to look you in the eye..."

Here is a little video of her looking really pathetic, and Kona interjecting trying to help talk me into taking it off. He's such a good brother, that is until he abandons her and starts playing with Harley and Jack...

If anyone has any miracle cures for getting rid of hot spots, I'd sure like to hear about it. We are currently trying a concoction of lavender, tea tree and grapefruit essential oils, sprayed directly onto the hot spot. It seems to sooth for a little while, and it sure smells great, but I'm not sure if it's really doing anything. We went to a "hoity-toity" pet store yesterday where they proceeded to quiz me on everything she's ever eaten since she was a puppy, what shampoo we use, etc., and tried to sell me about $200 bucks worth of crap I know we didn't need. So many of the items in pet stores have alcohol and other chemicals in them-I certainly wouldn't put them on me if I had a hot spot, and I certainly won't put them on my pooch. No, thank you very much, we left....went by a health food store, got the essential oils and came home to give it a try. As I mentioned, I'm up for ideas if you have them. Of course going to the vet is an option, but I sometimes hate to walk in for an office visit, have to pay $40 to hear someone tell me, "Oh, go home, keep the area dry, and it will take care of itself..."

Anyway, I hope you all have a great weekend, and I look forward to your hot-spot remedy suggestions.

Close Quarters

We went a couple of places yesterday that were just plain crowded...Now don't get me wrong, I love most people, but sheesh - this is just a LOT of people to love!


Yes, San Diego+Sun+Summer=CROWDS!

Our favorite beach was packed yesterday. It was still fun, don't get me wrong, but when the parking lot is full before 10am, well...sometimes you just feel like turning around and going home...

On top of that, our Golden group had a gathering at a store last night. It was the first time, and probably the last, that we got together in a store. We had a great turnout of around 40 people and their Goldens, and needless to say, it was a bit crazy. Thank goodness the pups are so well behaved and mellow. The store had snacks for the 2 legged and 4 legged guests, and there was a trainer there to share some advice. It was fun, but I think the off leash places are more our style. Who can knock getting together with Golden friends though, anytime, anywhere?

Kona kicked back while I got some things set up.
So many dog dishes, and all of them empty. Maybe if I sit real nice, someone will fill one up for me!
The place was pretty packed!

The trainer had plenty to say - and even though it was crowded, people did have a nice time.

Ho-Humm

Kona says...."Mom is taking the 2 legged kids to the beach today. What's up with that? Just because they can bathe themselves when they get home doesn't mean they should be able to go to the beach any more than WE do! It's not fair...I'll just stay home, be bored, and continue using Jack for a pillow..."