wrecked

Hi guys... just wanted to explain my recent absence. I was involved in a pretty bad car wreck early last week. I totaled my car, was banged up pretty good, and dislocated and broke some bones in my right foot.

I'm doing ok... and luckily I have a wonderful mom who has practically moved in with me to take care of me and all my puppies. I also have fantastic friends that are dog-sitting for a few of my babies as well.

I'm very lucky that I wasn't more seriously hurt considering the severity of the wreck, and I'm incredibly grateful that I didn't have any of the dogs with me. I know without a doubt that they would have most likely been killed if they had been in the car.

This has brought home to me that they need to be as secure as possible when I have them with me in the car, and making sure they're safe is my number one priority as I choose my new car. I'll keep you all posted as I research dog-friendly vehicles in the next couple of weeks. Thanks guys!

the skinny

So since I've been away so long, I thought I'd fill everyone in on the pups' current activities... we've been busy.

Mona Mae is currently in Rally training. If you don't know what Rally is, it's basically a course that we go through together where we have to perform different obedience tasks... Not as physical as agility, but fun all the same. We hope to start entering competitions soon! And don't you think she's looks extra cute these days too?

Quincy is still visiting with me as my Delta Society Pet Partner around town. He visits a local assisted living facility, an oncology unit at a local hospital and a VA medical facility. He loves visiting and passing on his doggie love, and I enjoy the fact that we get to change the perception of pit bulls one person at a time.

Oliver is... still Oliver. He's a little kooky, but sweet as can be.

Penny Sue had recently become more and more anxious and nervous. She's always been skittish, but she has gotten worse in recent months. I'm working with my vet on different medication options, and we've been test-driving the Thundershirt. So far, we've had some success with it, but I think it gives even better results with other anxious behaviors (thunder and other sound phobias, etc.) than it does for her general anxiety.

And guess who's still around? Matilda... also known around these parts as "Flapjack." Oh yes, she still lives with me. I haven't been able to find a good home for her yet. But I've been having a blast working on clicker training with her. She has taken to it like a duck to water, and she has learned all kinds of useful and fun things. We've also been working hard on "sitting for petting" because she tends to be rather enthusiastic about greeting new people. She also is a pain to photograph... she either won't sit still or she looks like she does to the left - like she has a stomachache or something. But she's still available for adoption so spread the word!

So that's the skinny on my puppy pack. Well, that... and the fact that they're all shedding like crazy and I feel like I live in a dog fur snowglobe sometimes.

blueblood indeed...

Let's just say my dogs are about as far from "bluebloods" as they can get. I pick them up from the side of the road, when I'm going through a fast food drive-through and from the shelter. But that doesn't mean they shouldn't be treated like one.

Blueblood dog products are so chic and well-made. I seriously love their dog beds (the purple one is my favorite), and the reversible totes are calling my name. And right now, if you use the code JULY 4, not only will they give you 20% off your purchase and free shipping, but they'll also donate the proceeds to the Gulf Coast Oil Spill Fund. It's a pretty sweet deal so make sure to check it out...

y'all bear with me...

I'm working on a new look... and I hate this one... but it's 5:45 and I'm out. I'll try to fix this mess tomorrow!

yummies

So I have a friend who is a dog trainer, has adorable Shelties and she competes in Rally (more on that later). She also makes liver treats that my dogs (and every other dog I've ever known to try them) absolutely love. So I'm passing along the recipe.

Pay attention folks - I don't think I can emphasize enough how BANANAS these will make your dog. I've known my dogs to almost tear my purse apart trying to get to some of these I accidentally left in my bag. And I make no guarantees, but I'm pretty sure you could convince your dog to do a back handspring followed by an advanced calculus problem if you promise them one of these treats.

They're great for just everyday snacks, but you can cut them up into small pieces to use for training time as well. My dogs are always much happier to work for these than they are for store-bought treats. And make sure you follow the advice she gives in the recipe - cook with the windows open. The smell from the baking treats can be pretty... stinky.

You can find the recipe right here.

watersliding anyone?

This is so what Quincy would do... if he had access to a backyard pool with built-in water slide...