Kona and I went on our regular therapy visit to the Veteran's Hospital today. Our team of volunteers today consisted of K'alani, and her caretaker Andra, (an assistant organizer from my Golden Retriever Meetup Group) and Bella the Boxer, the pup of the Recreational Therapist Kelli that supervises our visits.
We were also joined by a new friend, Wilson. Wilson is a 220 lb. Great Dane-Mastiff mix. He is 5 years old and recently started doing therapy with his Dad, Tom. Wilson is a mellow, sweet boy, and is the epitome of a gentle giant.
The patients today got a kick out of seeing all of dogs today, but especially Wilson. Several of them asked where his saddle was! I only see one problem with having a dog as big as Wilson...remember the old saying of "what goes in, must come out"? Yeah, I wouldn't want to be picking that pile up!
From left to right, Andra with K'alani, Me with Kona, Tom with Wilson and Kelli with Bella.
Many thanks to Miley for passing on the Honest Scrap award to me! I am suppose to list 10 things that are true about me and pass it along to 10 bloggers.
Here goes.
I am a sincere person. If I give you a compliment, I really mean it.
I am very soft hearted.
I love chocolate.
I hate dieting.
I love my family beyond words.
I enjoy searching out and reconnecting with old friends.
I love throwing big parties.
I get my feelings hurt easily.
I will forgive pretty much anyone for anything, but I never, ever forget.
Yes, I likes me some eclectic music. You name the music, and I can appreciate it (except Rap), including Xavier Cugat and his orchestra. Sit back, relax, and take a trip back to yester-year.
If you'd like to see what other bloggers are doing for A-Z Mondays, be sure to go over to Jen's blog. She has a whole list of other bloggers participating, and you can join too!
It sounds like aliens have landed at our house. But fear not, it's just a silly "Zap Ball" - our pups favorite toy. It's a red rubber ball that has a light and sounds in it that whistle, chirp, ring, etc. Cute, right? It will keep the dogs entertained, right? It turns off after a couple of seconds, right? WRONG. When it happens to get dropped into water something inside it shorts out (what a shock, no pun intended) and the stupid thing goes off for HOURS! We have a pool, remember? Ball gets taken out of package, given to dogs, said dogs pick up ball and walk directly to the pool and drop it in. Oh yeah, its entertaining them alright. It's entertaining ALL of us!
Some dear friends of mine, K & S, have started up a new business venture. They have created Dugan's Barkery, featuring their very own line of all Natural, Allergen-Free Treats for all of your canine family members! Although their web site is not quite up and running yet, it will be soon! They feature all kinds of yummy treats, including Jack's Sprats, Jill's Fills, and Kona's Kisses, in honor of, you guested it, my pooches! Earlier this week we were thrilled to receive a goodie box for our sampling pleasure. As you can see, everything was a big hit! We can't wait until they are up and running at full capacity so that we can order and share some of these goodies with our blogging friends!
Oh, we love surprises! Our box was chuck full of goodies! How cools is this! Our pups are even on the labels! Too cute! Love it! Yummy! Trying to wait patiently Come on AJ, hand them over! Kona takes a sniff... ...and goes crazy for his kisses!
My heart is heavy. A good friend of mine, and assistant organizer for our Golden Retriever Meetup group, Jessica, is having to say goodbye to one of her Goldens today. Sammy is a young dog of 5, an agility champion, and all around awesome sports dog. Last month he was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. He didn't respond to medication and was deteriorating quickly. Jessica and her husband have decided it's time to say goodbye to this beautiful boy. I wanted to share this video compilation she made of Sammy late last year. Hug your babies extra tight today.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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..."
A quick explanation - I've decided to participate in a fun little blogging game, called A-Z Mondays. Each Monday I will blog or post a picture(s) about a specific letter. I'm joining this game exactly half way through, as the original game started with A and made it's way through 26 weeks of letters. Today, being the 27th week, we begin going backwards.
I thank my wonderful blogging buddy over at KBL2ORD2SAN2LUV for introducing me to this fun game, and inspiring me to join. I also thank Jen over at http://unglazed.blogspot.com/ for coming up with this great idea, and allowing me to join in the fun.
So, without further ado, my first A-Z (or rather, in this case Z-A) post.
Z is for Zip line In November of 2007 my entire family went on an Hawaiian cruise to celebrate my parents' 50th anniversary. While we were there, we decided to zip line. It was, by far, one of the funnest things we've ever done. Here are AJ, Bear, Hubby and Pickle all suited up and ready to go. Hubby, who isn't a fan of heights, took the first step... In addition to the actual zip line, there were a couple of wicked rope bridges for us to cross. Here I go!
Pickle felt like she was flying!
Bear loved it too.
We were up about 80 feet. Yikes!
Another of those "fun" rope bridges.
I was SO thankful to get to the other side!
It was a breeze for AJ!
Our zip lining group, from left to right - My awesome sister in law, my nephew, me, AJ, Bear, Pickle, my brother, Hubby, and on the far right, one of the instructors.
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!
Also, if you'd like to join along, all you have to do is go to Jen's blog and let her know you're playing .
Yesterday, before heading to the airport to pick up Hubby, and ultimately winding up in the hospital with him, I went to a local event called Wags For Wishes. At the event they had all sorts of things for our 4 legged friends to do, agility, flyball, canine good citizen testing, you name it...and "Splash Dogs." That's what we went for (I went with Val from My Boo Bears) - none of my dogs are jumpers, but I went with her to be her "official" photographer. Val's boy, Joey, is an awesome jumper - a real natural! He practices quite often an my pool, and he had no hesitation jumping off the dock yesterday. It was a blast seeing Joey and several of our other Golden friends jumping.
Obviously not one of our golden friends, but I was super impressed at how far this boy flew!
Poor Hubby, for 2 years in a row now he's had super crappy birthdays! Last year our oldest daughter's car was stolen on his birthday, and today, after a long flight home from Baltimore, he wound up at the doctor for some severe side pain he's been suffering with all week. The doc sent him to urgent care, he had to have blood work done, and a CAT scan...we finally got out of there 5 hours later...starving, tired and grumpy.
Birthdays like this suck.
Luckily, he'll be ok, the pain is coming from something that will need to heal itself, so he was sent home with pain medication and some anti-inflammatorymeds, and orders to rest. Not exactly the kind of gifts he wanted for his birthday.
We had just a small family celebration when we finally got home. Nothing big, or exciting, but just some quiet family time. He is such a good sport though, and had a smile on his face the whole time.
Happy Birthday Honey, you deserve so much better...hopefully next year!
We got a kick out of the fact that Bear and AJ bought him the identical card. Showing off with the kids and some of his birthday loot. A tiny cake with lots of love behind it.
Today is Hubby's birthday. I have been up for an hour, and haven't spoken to him, or hugged him, or given him a birthday kiss yet. That's because he isn't home. He is actually, as I am typing this, on a plane heading from Baltimore to San Diego. He's been traveling for work all week, and is finally on the way home. It was so strange not having him home this morning - it's the first time in 20 years that we haven't woken up together on his birthday. Anyway, so far, even though he's not home this morning, it has started off better than his last birthday. That's the daythis happened! (Needless to say, I went and checked for Bear's car as soon as I woke up!)
Hopefully the rest of the day will be good too...He certainly deserves a Happy Birthday!
I've finally found it! I've been looking for this bumper sticker for quite some time. I saw it for the first time last summer and it made me laugh out loud. Last night I found it and picked up a handful of them. I know when I've first posted this on my blog I had several people that wanted one if I ever found it. If you'd like one, email me your address, and I'll be happy to drop one in the mail to you.
The weekend turned out to be a really great one! It was relaxing and fun - full of friends in the backyard, food, games, cards, dogs, fireworks, swimming, sunshine - you name it! We didn't have any "formal" activities to take part in this weekend, no Meetups, no parades, etc., and it was really nice for a change. Not that I don't thoroughly enjoy all of those things, but sometimes it's just so nice to be on your own schedule. That's how this weekend was...it was pretty near perfect. Here are just a couple of the tons of pictures I took...
Patriotic marinaded shrimp kabobs - one word - YUM! (Thanks Shirley!!) Bear showing her patriotic flair Pops schooling Barb in cribbage! Yours truly grabbing a couple of those shrimp kabobs...
The pool was in prime shape.
Girls against boys in pool volley ball - we dominated - which had nothing to do with the fact the we way outnumbered the boys...
An awesome ice cream sundae bar for dessert - thanks Leanna!
The kids (and Ed) are ready for the fireworks.
It was a very nice show...
The pups got a chance for some pool fun on Sunday.
Harley is a happy girl
Queen Gigi (Jill) loves cruising around on her raft.
Kona and Harley play ball.
Big thanks to all of my family and friends that made the weekend so fun! I appreciate you all bringing something to share, taking alot of the stress off my shoulders.
We spent part of yesterday at Coronado Dog Beach with Val and her Boo Bears. Although the sun wasn't shining as much as we would've liked, and the wind had a bit of a chill to it, and the ocean water was icy cold...WE HAD A BLAST! Just ask the dogs!
Kona loves the feeling of the sand between his toes and the wind flopping his ears! The pack on the prowl Where's the ball? Oh, Jack sees it...
"Ok little dog, take a sniff and move on..."
AJ had a great time and even braved the cold water for a little Boogie boarding.
"Who needs a ball?"
It was a lovely day...fog and all.
"I could push that little girl in the water - no problem, but I am a good boy, and choose not to."
Where'd that ball go?
Ah, there it is.
What a handsome boy!
"You gonna throw the ball again for me, or continue taking pictures?"
Sweet Kona, he knows his limits, and he was D.O.N.E.
We decided to leave Jill and Harley at home for this little adventure...Harley is nursing a sore foot (she has "tennis elbow" in her wrist) and it's best for her to take it easy for a while, which is totally impossible to do at the beach. Jill also tends to get a little carried away at the beach sometimes (which isn't great for her hip), and she always tries to follow AJ out into the waves when he is boogie boarding. She gets way out there, and it gets scary...anyway...the girls kept each other great company while we were gone, and were tickled pink when we got home.
"My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style."
- Maya Angelou
About Me
Sue
I'm an animal lover - Golden Retrievers to be specific. I have 3 and they are like my fur-babies. My kids are all nearly grown, and busy beginning to live their own lives. I enjoy reading, being out and about with my dogs, meeting new people, and spending time with my family. I especially love to travel, and have been to most of the states and several different countries in Europe.
Family key:
Hubby = Hubby (of course)
Bear = 23 y.o.d.
A.J. = 17 y.o.s.
Pickle = 15 y.o.d.
G. Ma = my Mom
G. Pa = my Dad
