in the mornig we had the beach to ourselves except for a lady with a cranky dog who she did not want to play with cc, but she ran and romped around hrself and we played peekaboo by a big rock...

that night we changed sites altougth people said it ws the best one in the campgroumd. all the kids left and maybe ten cars of people stayed... one with a dog named pepper, a cute polka dotted terrier mix with jack russell, they also had a few kids, and were kinda noisy, and i just wanted to sleep and be closer to the car... we moved wth the help of some guys there and then found out the next morning that the park ranger had come late and made them move their dog into their car...  their dog freaked and chewed up their car... thankfully we moved !  and no park ranger came by us...

met a  bunch of really nice folks, the gals at the Inn at the tides, lorrie and marilynn, kudos to them, while the inn is not yet pet friendly, they were very kind and friendly to me, as was a young gal at the gas station, and the people at the roadhouse, where they have coffee and free wifi...

now, how come so many people who work and get paid at visitor's centers are downright rude and unfriendly????  the one in bodega was upset because i asked her a few questions... isn't that HER JOB????  People told me she is always like that... sheesh...  i will do the job and be nice and friendly and helpful.... it is not like there were a bunch of people and phones ringing....

then we went to dillon beach to meet camie and we met her dog dotdog, who played with cc on th beach along with other dogs while we chatted about writing a book together, traveling cross country with our dogs...

now for the foo foo camping...  i had been to costanoa before a few years ago, kinda combo snooty camping, expensive camping and thy had a funky little veggie cafe... imagine my surprise when i walked into the veggie cafe and found instead a real restaurant.  also found out that KOA has taken over the camping part and are charging, GET THIS, $57 a night to camp out in your own tent !  give me a break... you are paying $57 for a little piece of grass and apparently dogs are not allowed in the really foo foo part, which is $150 OR MORE A NIGHT, LUXURY CAMPING,  but you can have a dog in your own tent... sheesh...

and i also found out that the reason that dogs are not allowed on any of the beaches from half moon bay to santa cruz, is that the coastal commission has decided that dogs are no good for the environment, puhlease, someone needs to have them get a grip... write letters, raise a fuss, people... it is bad enough that you are not allowed to pull off to the side of the road after sunset ... what is this piece of real estate discrimination?

so there is no place for dogs or people... we stayed at big basin and we were not supposed to be there either but a gal at koa//costanoa said her friends were camping out there, and there did not seem to be any camping sites that I saw, just a bunch of folks yakking and a horse camp and hiking trails and no dogs allowed, either...  so cc and i sat in the car and rested...

there was this weird woman with two standard schnauzrs outside the cafe at dillon beach who apparently went to the beach and were bullying all of the other dogs at dillon beach, while we ate, so thankfully we missed that...  people, if your dogs do not play well with others, DO NOT BRING THEM TO DOG BEACHES OR DOG PARKS NO IFS NO ANDS NO BUTS... but of course people who do this have crazy dogs because they are nuts and treat their dogs badly...

what is strange, ironic in a way is that Carmel, down the road a couple of hours, people can park there from 5 am to midnight, ok there are five hours that they cannot, but most places make people leave after sunset. And Carmel is a very dog friendly place... so go figure.

We tried to find a camping spot in the Monterey area and went on a harrowing adventure... read in a guide book that there were two secluded nice spots near the Tassafras Zen Center, so we drove and drove and drove forever on Carmel Valley Road, until I was going where the heck is this place?  it is supposed to be only 22 miles... we drove and drove and drove and finally came to the Zen Center, the guide book did NOT say that... and we were out of gas, with no stations in sight. I rang a doorbell and the kind people gave us gas and told me that the campsite was four miles ahead up on a rocky road, ok, we'd come this far, right. we drove and drove and drove and drove up very rough and rocky road, and never found the campsite, and had to drive all the way back...  apparently, there are no decent campsites around except near Big Sur... grrrreat...

saw a deer in the parking lot of a shopping center in Pacific Grove, also a raccoon... the wildlife are coming, the wildlife are here...

cc loves Carmel beach, playing with the other dogs, running, splashing... wheeeeee...

Today, cici met Hank, Chaka, Zipper, I know i am forgetting a few dogs and she also played with Roxie... Hank and Cici had a grand old time and Zipper kept Cici running and chasing...  she really needed the exercise both Monday and today, Saturday.

We also went to the Pacific Mist Inn afterwards and she licked poor Tasha upside the face and there was a little tiny Lassie look alike that we kept away from since she seemed overwhelmed by Tasha... Tasha is THE most mellow K9 ever, a grand ol lady, we figured that the poor dog was not ready tor Cici's exuberant tail wagging and kisses.

I think dog parks are wonderful for the dogs and owners. The K9's need a safe place to run, play and socialize with others of their species.  Which reminds me that there was another dog that Cici was not allowed near, a really tiny Chihauuau mix, who kept sniffing around her and a cat who has smartly evaded Cici's awareness.  This morning it was close, the cat came out and Cici was walking but the frisky feline fled the scene before Cici was the wiser. There have been a few birds that have also kept their distance and a rabbit and a deer on the road that she did not notice.

Fun things to do in Fort Bragg with your dog

Botanical gardens

Cowlick's ice cream

Glass beach and other beaches

McDog park

Stay at a pet friendly inn

Eat at a pet friendly restaurant

http://www.mendocino.com/FAMILYFUN.html

http://www.mendohumane.com/?page_id=110

All in all, I figure that Cici has played with at least 130 dogs, the four dogs last year at Kings Canyon, at least 24 dogs at the McDog park in Fort Bragg this week, the four dogs recently in Mariposa near Yosemite, the dog in the undisclosed location, Frankie in Genoa, Karma, Jake and a whole bunch of dogs in Carson City, plus the dogs in Fresno at the dog park there, the dogs at the beaches in Carmel and Monterey, the K9's she met in Pacific Grove on the hiking trails, the golden retrievers and other dogs she met over Christmas and New Years in the Marina, not to mention all her buddies at the vet hospital that she would have loved to have played with but was unable to do so because of the injury to her leg.

Funny, I just realized that I cannot think of any dogs that she played with in Oregon except one dog at the beach in Brookings up there last summer, none in Ashland or Medford, none in Mt. Shasta nor Susanville.  She did not play with any dogs in Bridgeport, Jackson, Arnold, Markleeville, Marysville, Virginia City, or Dayton either.

At David Walley's Hot Springs resort in Genoa, someone told me about pit bulls being called nanny dogs... she said that cici looked like a nanny dog.  most everyone tells me how cute, beautiful and delicious she is and I have to agree... when she's being good and listening... my dog trainer, car rental friend Deb said she will help me teach the gurl a thing or two...

why do we love dogs so much?  is it because they always have a kiss or two or three or four, a wagging tail, a funny happy doggy smile, a cuddly warm belly to rub, four paws up, or what?  why do you love your dog? perhaps we should have a writing contest...  tell me please in less than 100 words, why do you love your dog?  could be a poem, essay, letter, whatever... even a photo or two or three...  win the free giveaway, ok, it's sunday, not monday, but hey it's a holiday weekend...

ok, for starters, why I love cici is she is always sweet, she makes me laugh a lot, she is so funny, she has this way of making me feel better and inspires me to be a better person, she is cuddly and does quirky things like putting her head on my shoulder while I'm driving or sticking her head under the bed and growling when she is mad at me or wants to do something am not letting her do, she is a wonderful companion and a silly bug stalker... she's my bug... my silly dilly bug... and she's smart, too... she also really goes for what she wants, is determined to get what she wants no matter what obstacle be in her way... she is a cuddly bug... the polka dot swirl of a pearl of a gurl of my heart... awwwwwww...  ok, get the idea... now how about you?

can you love your dog too much?

http://www.slate.com/id/2098359

If you want to promote your pet friendly inn, let me know, perhaps I can help  you... win win win... for more info, visit this page... with helpful tips...  

http://celiasue.hecht.googlepages.com/innkeeperswelcome

Here's our new free giveaway contest for the week...sponsored by Doggytug...Kelly now has an instructional video on how to use the toys... on the product page, upper right hand, click on the photo... 

http://Doggytug.com

Dottie the traveling bikini dog panties (you do remember Dottie) says: Answer this question and win... who played Bonnie Blue Butler in Gone with the Wind?  (hint: i recently had breakfast with her)... 

if no one gets the answer to that question, then the first person who names three of the nine inns I recently wrote about (in May 2008) will win the free weekly giveaway contest...  so you've got two shots at winning a great goodie bag filled with wonderful doggytug toys... send us your answer before Friday, May 16, 2008... 

Doggytug toys are the tug toys that dogs love to play tug of war with...  just ask Lainie... who is Lainie you ask, check her out playing with her tug toy... from her free giveaway package... she is playing with the floatie that is for swimming with, by the way... 

http://olgathetravelingbraotherstuff.blogspot.com/

did you know that originally Mother's Day was a day set aside for women for peace?

http://fabulously40.com/blog/1528/Mother-s-Day-is-not-just-about-flowersit-s-about-Peace-and-activism.../

from My Dog, the bug catcher and lizard stalker, everything sniffer, since I am her Mom... she thanks me because... 
1. Feeds me tripe, kangaroo and hot dog treats until I bark for more 

2. Snuggles and cuddles with me all night long and doesn't mind when I push her off the bed, sit on her head or breathe into her face

3. Gives great chew toys and plays tug of war at the drop of a hat
4. Takes me on adventures to the beaches and dog parks
5. Puts me in the car (even when I don't wanna get in) to stay in dog friendly inns and places where I can sniff grass, stalk bugs and eat in the same dining room as the humans
6. Sings silly songs to me like if you're happy and you know it wag your tail
7. Doesn't get too mad at me ever even when I slobber on her face, jump up on her friends and dirty the bed with sandy paws
8. Gives me lots and lots of kisses, belly rubs and massages
9. Makes a very convenient and comfy pillow
10. Loves me unconditionally

Today, we are going back to Little River, we just love that town, to the Little River Inn. 

Tomorrow, we will stay, for the first time, in the town of Mendocino. And Tuesday, we will be leaving this area a little bit and go north about 30 minutes up to a town called Westport. Wednesday, we are supposed to meet someone in the big city, San Francisco, and stay overnight near the airport, in a city I used to live in called Burlingame at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. I was surprised to find out that they are pet friendly. 

To Market 

the market/deli in Little River is a wonderful place to eat... They gave me free dogs treats, and have a wonderful selection of foods from enchiladas to salads, spinach spanokapita, egg rolls, sandwiches, cheeseburgers and more... 

 Little River Inn

Everyone needs to be pampered every once in awhile. The Little River Inn is just the place to indulge your senses, unwind, and relax. I'll tell you why. When you go up the driveway to the Little River Inn, you get a sweeping sense of history and tradition. Just as the trees have deep roots in the earth, the Little River Inn has been here for almost 70 years... six generations. And there are a lot of reasons why. The family. The food. The customer service. Da views, da gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean. The pet friendliness. Visitors come here year after year, generation after generation to celebrate holidays, anniversaries, birthdays and other special occasions. 

Cici made friends with the dog next door, a poodle mixed with Jack Russell... those poodles are sure getting around... seems like every day you hear about another poodle mix, poodle lab, poodle cocker spaniel, poodle terrier, etc. 

Family

In 1850's, Silas Coombs, a lumberman from Maine built a family home. In 1864, he married Margaret Boyd, they raised four children, including twin girls, Cora and Margaret. The twins grew up in Little River. Ole Hervilla grew up in a boardinghouse run by his Finnish/Swedish immigrant family in Utah. He came to Fort Bragg to join his brother and ran the Windsor Hotel. He married Cora Coombs in 1939 and they purchased the Little River home from her parents and on May 27, 1939, opened the Little River Inn.   The inn has become known for its old fashioned family hospitality...  Some of the staff members have worked at the Inn for 30+ years. Now, Cally Dym runs the Inn. She grew up in Petaluma, went to Columbia University, lived in New Orleans, Colorado and makes ongoing contribution to the community including the boys and girls club, animal organizations, and other charities. 

Cammie Conlon played Bonnie Blue Butler, the doomed only child of Rhett Butler and Scarlett O'Hara, in the 1939 classic movie Gone With the Wind when she was just 4 years old. She remembers that she loved the pony and said that Clark Gable was very kind to her. She only had two scenes with Vivien Leigh and one of them was cut.  Cammie and I had a delicious breakfast together and she regaled me with interesting tales of the Inn and the family. 

Eco Friendly

Solar panels, recycling, composting, and more innovations to come. 

Food

I had three of the Inn's specialties... Crab Pot Pie and the Olallaberrie Pie for dessert for dinner. Makes me want to sing that pie song from the movie Michael. Pie pie I love pie my oh my.  Fresh picked berries...Fresh tasty ingredients. the Olallaberrie Pie is made from Calli's grandmother's original recipe. yum-o as Rachael Ray would say.  For breakfast, I had Ole's favorite breakfast, his Swedish pancakes, two eggs and sausage. Quite delicious, and a nice hearty and light way to start the day.

Customer service

check-in was prompt, easy and friendly. When we arrived at our cabin, waiting for us were several very nice touches... a doggie bowl and treats for Cici. A bag filled with towels and sheets to put on the furniture. A  book about the history of the Inn along with a handwritten note and information package. Dinner and breakfast were superb.

Room at the Inn

Deliciously comfortable bed that I stretched out in, a jacuzzi tub, a large screen TV with cable, wireless internet, a fireplace, fridge, and da view da gorgeous view... through the glass doors and the deck, I could see the ocean waves gently lapping away. 

Pet friendliness

Susan (Calli's mother) rescued three premarin horses that are kept in a beautiful green fenced area across from the Inn, behind the market/deli... Dogs and cats and other pets are welcome at the Inn.  Below are some of the pet friendly opportunities happening at the Inn currently

Yes, Dorothy, Toto Too

This package includes:

Two nights in a luxurious room with a fantastic ocean view

AND

A day at Doggie Day Camp for your pet

ENJOY A WINE TOUR, A STROLL ON THE BEACH OR A LLAMA TREK

 take a day to explore the redwoods, ride the Skunk Train or shop in the village.

This package is available Tuesday through Saturday nights only.

The rate for this package is based on a two night minimum, double occupancy, and

ranges from $472-$580 depending on your choice of accommodation.

Fourth of July Pups on Parade 

And the Little River Inn's official dog Rosie welcomes other pups to join her in the upcoming July 4th Pup Parade with a two night, July 3 and 4 stay at the Inn.. dozens of dogs will walk along Main Street, receive a red white and blue kerchief and transportation to the parade from the Inn. Call 1888-INN-LOVE to make your reservation. Or go to http://www.littleriverinn.com 

http://www.pacificmistinn.com

if you are looking for a dog friendly inn for some peace and quiet and relaxation, run do not walk to the Pacific Mist Inn in Little River, California along Highway One (20 minutes from Fort Bragg)... I can feel the stress melting away.  We conked out, slept really well in our cabin. Doesn't look like much as you drive up, rustic ambiance nothing fancy but boy there is a whole lotta Silence. Peace. Quiet. There are nicely spaced apart for privacy individual bungalow cabins,  with do it yourself barbecues, kitchens, a hot tub in the woods (how romantic)... speaking of romance, if I were getting married, this would be a fabulous place to tie the knot and invite your wedding party to stay...

it is five minutes to restaurants, the innkeepers here have thought of everything... just love the personal touches, from a book that tells you all of the local info from beaches to restaurants to art galleries... to the little notes and tips (28 thing to do on a rainy day) with instructions, they make you feel very welcome and at home here... 

http://www.pacificmistinn.com/accommodations.html

and if you are thinking about having a girlfriend's getaway, the cabins are perfect because you can each have your own room and share one cabin. It is a hop, skip and a jump to the beach. Close the doors in between the rooms for privacy, open them for late night snacks, movie watching and girl talk...

cici and i stayed in the zen cabin at the Pacific Mist Inn with our very own zen water fountain tinkling outside, i kid you not... we had two rooms, an entire cabin, with two beds, one for me, and one for her... :-)  a fireplace with wood to cozy up, two bathrooms, two televisions, two phones, a kitchen, and a deck to sit outside... cici is happy and at home, only restriction was for her to have fun and eat her doggie biscuits that they left for us with a sweet note... and two chocolates for me (i did not share them with her)... 

there is a whale and dolphin room, ocean mist room and more...

If and when you bring your dogs, you can have a fabulous breakfast, lunch or dinner with your pooches at the nearby Stanford Inn. We ate breakfast there. The scones are to live for and the food is divinely scrumptious. Cici got overexcited and had to go back in the car, there were so many people and dogs and smells and she was just a little too happy. And one dog arrived and for some reason, she just went berserk. The only time I have ever seen her act like that was when she saw a cat. Bark bark bark. Poor baby. She just loves it here. 

www.standfordinn.com

The inn is a whole dog universe unto itself... everything is organic, vegan and makes Carmel almost look small and quaint by comparison. This place is huge, has greenhouses, organic gardens, pools and it is so very majestic looking and zen at the same time. How do they do that? 

the trip from santa rosa was a little twisty and windy on highway 128 from cloverdale (101 north), but only in a few places... and you are rewarded with driving through a redwood forest and alongside the beach... spectacular.

the weather is moderate all year round cool in the summer, about 75-80 degrees and colder in the winter.

the Pacific Mist Inn even has zap (electric) cars you can drive/rent in the area... and don't forget the hot tub in the woods... ummmmmm... get in the zone...

i noticed along the way that scharffenberger has a tasting room, does that mean a wine and/or chocolate tasting room?  oh well, found out that it's not chocolate, oh well,  mmmmm help me, I'm melting... mmm  mmm good...

http://olgathetravelingbraotherstuff.blogspot.com/2008/04/happy-tails-to-you.html

a new clue for those of you who want to enter this week's giveaway and win... name my two cats who were brothers... and poetry is one word to search for, there are other forms, poetry is plural... the cats meow... 

Cici and I will be traveling soon... next week to Mendocino, California and then south... staying in dog friendly places...  if you know of fun places, please let us know... we are especially looking to stay in yurts, tree houses, tipis and weird, unique and unusual places that feature dark chocolate, too, and speaking of chocolate, we will be featuring some yummy chocolates again soon and if you are an innkeeper or chocolatier and want to be featured here and in other publications, please call or email me asap. 

if we get to southern Oregon any time soon, I found this... pet friendly b and b's in southern oregon

http://www.lodging-world.com/petfriendlysearch.us.oregon._._.html

and can you believe it, Napa/Sonoma wineries have gone to the dawgs... more on this soon... am doing research and we hope to check these out personally...

also, did you know that there are people making dog wine, dog chocolate and dog beer?  how dry I am... hiccup...  we are NOT NOT NOT recommending that anyone give regular people beer or wine to their dogs, please don't... it's not good for them...

http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/home-entertainment/beer-for-dogs-next-stop-doggie-aa-230729.php

http://www.beerfordogs.com/

and dog lovers wine clubs?

http://www.hsus.org/shop/dog_lovers_wine_club.html

and wine dogs...

http://www.winedogs.com/t-about.aspx

and dog wine labels?

http://www.critterwines.com/Dog.asp

Cici and I are looking forward to being on the road again... well, I am... not so sure about her... once we hit the beach though, she will be a very happy camper... 

you remember our close friend, Dottie, the traveling bikini dog panties...

Dottie has been on the go and is in the know... she has gone underground and found the latest in doggie underwear,  black and white polka dot dog bra toy with a bright red bow for your K9 with matching red dog panties chew toy ... 

http://www.southernagriculture.com/southag/product.asp?dept_id=3346&pf_id=PAAAIALLFJKKNFDB&ad_id=froogle&key_id=49000_DogtoyLeopardPrintBra

You have until Friday, April 25, 2008 to tell us the name of my two cats ... hint, their names appear in an earlier post... and a poem was written for one of them.  I can't tell you the name of the poem or I will give away the name of the post and that would just make it much much much too easy for you... our friends over at Doggytug

have a fabulous new goodie bag all for whoever wins the new contest... so enter before Friday... 

I cannot imagine why anyone would put tea tree oil on an animal's skin ...  seems much too intense and can cause a burning sensation.  so common sense would tell me not to do this ... and yet I was going to put some in cici's ears... 

am glad that I did not listen to this person back in January, she said that she did not know this info then and just found out herself... 

here is info I found online...

The oil is is rapidly absorbed both through the skin or when eaten and can be toxic to cats and other animals in higher dosages.

cici has finally figured a way to chew up one of her new toys... she grabbed a very small one out of her new doggie bag, one of the toys that I did not give her, and she managed to chew it up... not totally... 

oh dogs, can always seems to find a way to get into mischief in new creative ways...every single day... who me, mom? she looks so innocent and sweet...  I'm a good girl, and so cute, yeah, woof woof woof... 

aromatherapy, acupressure, massage, yoga and zen for dogs...

this post started because I've been wanting to write about dog massage and acupressure for awhile now but I was very inspired by Best Friend's message about working with the Vicktory dogs with Jin Shin Jyutsu recently...

http://news.bestfriends.org/index.cfm?page=news&mode=entry&entry=5C69EBB7-19B9-B9D5-9D7F3D475E9FCF01

and then I did some research and found these wonderful resources below... 

doggie massage...

http://www.dogmassage.com/institute.htm

jin shin jytusu

http://www.jsjforyouranimal.com/html/book.html

pet massage

http://www.petmassage.com/

http://www.rmsaam.com/

http://www.denverdogma.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhTtb-_Ka7E

http://www.rmsaam.com/resources.html

Doga

http://animal.discovery.com/fansites/k9karma/videogallery/videogallery.html

http://animal.discovery.com/fansites/k9karma/massage/massage.html

basic tips for dogs, massage is not just petting your dog 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eX8mJ6bqNG8&feature=related

for range of motion

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYXN58pwr64&feature=related

back paws foot massage

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAGkor6dsFc&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnA2OLmrYgQ&feature=related

doggie yoga

k9 karma on animal planet 

http://animal.discovery.com/fansites/k9karma/k9karma.html

http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2007/04/03/doga_ani.html

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17930468/

http://www.usatoday.com/news/offbeat/2007-04-03-doggie-yoga_N.htm

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=10240557

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/12/24/earlyshow/contributors/debbyeturner/main534238.shtml

blogtalk radio for conscious animals

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/consciousanimal

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/consciousanimal/2008/03/10/The-amazing-history-of-Best-Friends-Society

A poodle named Cici has been dyed pink by her owner who has been fined $1,000 in Boulder City, Colorado. The salon owner has said that she uses beet juice and Kool aid to color her pooch, and to be raising awareness about breast cancer. She is violating the city's code: "No person shall dye or color live fowl, rabbits, or any other animals." Staining her dog's fur pink... what do you think?   is it a case of being pink and you pink alone, or be polka dot and the world polka dots with you?  

my Cici says that if only the poodle wore Dottie, the pink and black polka dot traveling bikini dog panties, instead of a silly dress, that was color coordinated, then this wouldn't be such a crime... but since the poodle has no remorse over making such a bad furshion statement, my Cici is not paw pressed... she did perk right up when I played a music video about the Squeaky Deaky happy dog music about a squeaky toy though...  there are more important things in life to be concerned about than pink poodles... like when am I going to get another kangaroo treat to eat? 

we chose DOTTIE the traveling bikini dog panties because according to our pink polka dottie dotometer... it is the best name for us...

 here is the official DOTTIE slide show ...

!!!

                                                              D O T T I E 

                                                              the traveling bikini dog panties

It was a difficult decision to make...we loved ALL of your entries and sentiments... thank you all !!!

here is how we made our choice...

since cici is white and black and pink all over... she said that the pink with black dots (there does not seem to be pink with white dots) bikini panties are the best match for her skin and fur tones...  a girl dog just has to be color coordinated to become a furshionista..

DOTTIE would like us to make a few things clear...so there are no misunderstandings...  she is not DOTTY... and all that implies... yes, she has a rearview perspective on life, imagine seeing life through a wagging tail end, like living with windshield wipers going 24-7...  She will not DOT any i's and sometimes, yes, she can be cross.. But that does not mean that she cannot dot her way out of a paperbag.. think what your life would be like if you lived in fear of being chewed to bits by the K9 which makes you fly by the seat of your well panties... and

DOTTIE is 1000% dedicated to wiping out polka dot discrimination once and for all... 

DOTTIE also affectionately known as DOT the traveling bikini dog panties is seeking partners to help her wipe out the scourge of polka dot discrimination wherever it can be found...

And it is becoming epidemic in some places. for instance, did you  know that polka dot abuse has been discovered in dot-ridden places on the Internet and girlds (worlds and girls) of the secret g-web?  The intricate underworld designers of polka dot dog panties have simply got to be outted and dotted... on the bottom line... You can't fool DOTTIE, she knows who you are... 

a very special thank you to Doggie Design Inc. designer of the bikinis and PoshPetGlamour Boutique for their assistance ... kudos...  long live Dottie and her sister traveling bikini dog panties... 

https://www.doggiedesign.com/doggieline.html

http://www.poshpetglamourboutique.com

and ...

http://www.moderntails.com

http://www.glamourdog.com/redwhpodotpa.html

http://www.bowwowsbest.com/

http://handsnpaws.zoovy.com

http://www.fancynancys.com/panties.htm

http://www.forpetssakeboutique.com

http://www.pawpalaceonline.com

http://www.howlinmoonbakery.com

For now you will simply have to imagine what Dottie looks like on a real live K9...  but here's a preview of one of Dottie's red Hawaiian bikini sisters on a real live dog...

Some very innocent seeming websites have all the underpinnings of polka dot discrimination although one wouldn't know it at first DOT. 

Now check this store out... filled with nice wholesome looking polka dot products, proud of accordion music and polka lovers... who are they kidding?  DOTTIE would not be caught alive in such a place... at first glance, it seems all very up and up... I Love Polka et al, but if you read between the lines like DOTTIE does, well, then... the message is clear... our worst suspicions have been confirmed... there are NO Polka dot dog panties anywhere to be found and NO Polka dot dogs either !   is this a mistake, oversight or evidence of pure and simple Polka Dot discrimination?  

http://www.cafepress.com/buy/polka

Look at the photo below... This trickster has the unmistakable shady eyes of a Polka Dot discriminator... 

People who judge my dog just because she is white and has black polka dots or because one ear is black and the other is polka dotty should walk a few miles wearing DOTTIE the traveling bikini dog panties to find out exactly what it’s like to be a polka dot girl in traveling polka dot dog panties. Should we ban all polka dotted dogs and all pink and black traveling polka dot dog bikini panties or heavens to DOTTIE, euthanize them all just because they have polka dots?  DOTTIE thinks not. 

Enquiring dots who want to know, who have photos of polka dot abuse or  evidence of polka dot discrimination in their home town  (especially against polka dot dog panties or polka dot dogs), please contact DOTTIE here...  Dottie the traveling bikini dog panties wants to put polka dotty abusers where they belong... on our blog... Cici the wonder dog approved this message.

yesterday, while writing about yurts and affordable and alternative housing for my blog for the Seattle newspaper, I came across two cute photos (below)... a dog in a yurt and a couple of llamas in a yurt...since I don't yet know how to post photos there, and since they are animals, thought I'd post them here for you to enjoy... and if you don't know and want to know what a yurt is, visit my other blog below (hint: a yurt is a round or circular or dome housing structure used by nomads in Mongolia, Russia and even in the USA)...  am thinking that they will come in handy on some land for the K9 healing center, some yurts for the animals, a yurt for myself, for staff and guests... yurts are in campgrounds across America, there are yurt bed and breakfast inns, and yurts have endured extreme weather such as snow, rain, and heat... they are extremely affordable... portable... and easy to put up, good for emergency relief shelter, nomads, dog kennels, dog weddings, mobile offices, writer's retreat, artists studio, dog camps, doggie daycare and doggie education centers.  Women writers with dogs retreat and healing center... 

If anyone would like to donate land, yurts, expertise and other resources for the doggie healing and education center, please let me know.  we will need to set up a 5013c non-profit status, grants, and donations... am going to announce a Creative Expression contest this week which will help launch and fund the healing center so get in on the ground floor, for the pups. 

http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/affordablehousing/

Another way that K9's can earn their keep is through dog modeling...  this guide shows you how to get started... if you want to show off your dog and earn money...  

someone recently suggested that Cici could become a dog model... I fell down on the floor laughing my butt off... this person obviously has never met my girl Cici... assuming that dog modeling requires a dog to sit or stand still for more than 30 seconds at a time... she does do that on occasion... and that a dog listens and obeys basic commands on cue... hah... need I say more? 

yesterday, I took her out behind the house because she needs exercise... I was happy to let her roam around back there because SHE NEEDS EXERCISE... she sniffed her way over to the neighbor's house where lo and behold, they have a dog... the dog, Sunshine, was indisposed unfortunately... hurt herself... and was being confined. Me and the neighbor lady chatted while the K9's whined... Cici was beside herself, barking at me even after we got home... how dare I take her away without letting her play with Sunshine... and then out in the yard, she heard these other dogs down the street in the other direction barking. She kept coming into my room barking at me to take her there immediately... I felt bad for her, wanting to play with some dogs, any dogs, and this really was not a viable option for her... what is a dog mom supposed to do ? 

we will be moving in two weeks and hopefully to a place filled with K9's ... not... at least a place where she can sometimes play with others of her species... 

but I digress from the subject at paw... 

http://pawpalaceonline.blogspot.com/2008/02/for-working-class-canine-starting-being.html

http://www.animalactorsagency.com/Dogs_Medium_Hm.htm

DO YOU THINK YOUR PET COULD BE AN ANIMAL ACTOR? THEN REGISTER YOUR PET WITH OUR ANIMAL TALENT AGENCY - WE NEED ANIMAL TALENT FROM ALL OVER THE COUNTRY AS WELL AS OVERSEAS. OUR DATABASE IS SEEN AROUND THE WORLD

Once you register with the Animal Actors Agency, you will be able to join our STUDIO DOG TRAINING CLASSES, similar to dog acting school, which will increase your dog's potential as an animal actor.

We are currently NOT accepting any new submissions for 
animal actors. Please check back on our website soon for updates on when 
we will begin to accept submissions.

How much money will my pet make?
Payment to you will be made promptly upon payment to Hollywood Animals. The animal rental fees for dogs, cats and birds vary depending on various aspects: a) how many days the animal is working; b) is the animal highlighted or is it background atmosphere; c) the type of required ; d) how trained your pet is. To give you an example, dog rentals can be anywhere from $50.00 to $300.00 dollars per day.

I'm looking to supplement my income and thought that putting my dog on TV would be the way to go...
The #1 most important reason to get your dog involved in studio work should be that it's FUN FOR YOU PET! If you are just in it for a buck, you are in it for the wrong reason. Don't expect to get rich off of your dog doing a few shoots here and there. If your dog or cat is uncomfortable around distractions and becomes distressed around strangers and you are unable to put in the time and patience in overcoming these obstacles, then studio work is not for you.

What Makes a Good Studio Animal?
Basic Obedience - Your pet should have reliable basic obedience. Typical obedience commands include heel/loose-leash walking, sit, down, wait, recall (coming when called) and stay. Proofing all obedience behaviors around distractions and at a distance is key for studio animals.
Environmental Conditioning - Exposing your pet to challenging and interesting environments with stimulating sights, sounds, smells and textures.
Socialization - Exposing your pet to new environments that include interaction with pedestrians, crowds, small children, other dogs, other animals, motor vehicles and machinery. On a set, your pet will be working with trainers and actors and must be able to work with people other than his or her guardian!
AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) or Therapy Dog Guidelines - The requirements for a certified Canine Good Citizen are excellent guidelines for the makings of a good studio dog. Learn all of the exercises required for certification including accepting a friendly stranger, handling by a stranger, walking in crowds, sit and down in place, coming when called, obedience under distraction and supervision by a stranger.

Fifi Dog models... awww, look it's a Dal... sweet, but do they take mutts and mixed breeds???   oh boy, can you Cici now? 

http://www.fifidogmodels.com/models.html

My dog is a natural, white with black spots, pretty in polka dots...

!!!

came across this site about women with dogs...  dogsforwomen.com

and several books about women with dogs...

Shaggy Muses, a book about the dogs that inspired famous women writer such as Virginia Woolf, Emily Bronte

A Three Dog Life

and

Women Writers and their Dogs

(have not read any of them)

and I have read and met Natalie Goldberg, author of Zen Howl, and Writing Down the Bones, none of her books are about dogs, they are about writing... and she is funny, smart and wonderful... 

Here are more details about the free giveaway contest and other contests soon to be announced below... 

http://www.free-press-release.com/news/200804/1207934246.html

and kudos to Olga the traveling bra... 

http://olgathetravelingbra.blogspot.com/2008/04/olga-traveling-inspirational-bra.html

Now, did you know that dogs (and cats) have their own radio station... TV too... dogs just wanna have fun... and according to these two articles, if you put them together, then you should play music for your dog while he tries to figure out where the heck you've hidden his/her food...  yummy...  music to capture prey by, just like in the wild... it's true that cici has been scarfing up her food in two minutes and looking for more and more and more, and even barking at me for not giving her more at times, our pets are spoiled and bored and so on... she does love getting treats from her kong... i fill it up and put peanut butter over the opening, and it takes her five minutes to eat instead of 30 seconds...  is this an answer ? 

http://blogs.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-healing-arts/200803/songs-soothe-the-panicked-pooch

Songs to Soothe the Panicked Pooch

or Music to woof by...

The fact that music can calm the panicked pooch is no surprise to music therapists who have studied the effects of rhythm, sound, voice, and song on humans for many decades, demonstrating its health-giving affects on everyone from pregnant women to older adults with dementia. Researchers have long known that music affects the nervous system and cardiovascular system. Now, hundreds of animal hospitals, kennels, and rescue shelters have taken notice of music as therapy for dogs, as well as devoted dog owners themselves. We can purchase specialized CDs with music designed for doggy listening and there is even a pet-friendly radio station (www.dogcatradio.com)...

Classical music-and Bach in particular-- reduces separation anxiety and stress behavior, including reactions to loud noises such as thunderstorms. And pop music had no effect at all, possibly because dogs, like humans, are used to hearing it regularly. So apparently, Paul McCartney and Barry Manilow pose no known harm to canine mental health.

Dogs are known also to take comfort in music with slower rhythms, fewer instruments, and simpler melodies. Because dogs hear at much higher frequencies than people do, music to calm the particularly panicked pooch should be played a low volume. But is all classical music Fido-friendly? The answer isn't in yet and dogs, like humans, seem to prefer a little variety. So, roll over Beethoven, your dog may also dig a little rhythm and blues.

http://animalbehavior.net/LIBRARY/AllPets/BehaviorTopics/PetFoodPuzzlesBeckerDVM.htm

did you  know that it is important for dogs to work for food ...

if your dog is bored, lonely, frustrated, depressed, you should  make your K9 work for their supper!

http://www.caninegenius.com/treats_games.php

below is a sampling of the goodies Cici had the good fortune to enjoy this week...  my spoiled brat girl... Cici LOVES her new pink girly loofah, she adores squeaky toys and could not wait to get her paws (and mouth) on it to play with and chew up.... made her day !!!

A day later, the loofah gets four paws up for being cute, cuddly and fun to play with... but cici chewed it in half, so as far as durability goes, it gets one paw down... I'll get her another one, but not let her chew it for too long...  she really liked the beef bully stick, chewed it for a couple of hours... and enjoyed every last bit of it...

Moo Bully Sticks - Moo odor free Bully Sticks come from Free Range Brazilian cattle that graze on the lush, green fields of Brazil and drink from fresh, clear, sparkling springs and streams. They are given NO hormones, NO antibiotics, and NO animal by products are added to their diets like U.S. and Canadian cattle that are kept in feed lots.

She also loved the chicken treats by Plato... scarfed up the Venison and avocado dog food by Addiction...  cannot wait to see if she likes the Plato kangaroo treats, fish with sea veggies by Orijen, Plato organic duck treats and other foods such as Thrive and Holistic Select... 

Wait, treats made from kangaroo???    Plato Free-Range Kangaroo Strips offer a solution for dogs with food allergies to chicken and other meats.

Go on, hippity hopp over to k9 cuisine...      

"I calculated that my average daily belly rub total is 74. I've only gotten 8. You are 93 behind!"

It did not occur to me at the time that anyone would actually read my blog. That there would be people who would come and visit me and read my posts and make comments. Until the first or second week, when two newspaper friends put links to my blog in their respective papers, the Reno Gazette Journal's columnist Mark who writes about Mostly Dogs, and Salem-News Editor Tim King.  Suddenly, there was a flurry of visitors and I was hooked into this blogging thing... Hey, I'd always wanted to write a column. 

Soon it just became fun to write about my dog and other dogs and travel and chocolate. I could wax poetic with no editor making me conform to deadlines or word counts or content.  Wow. Freedom.Now there is no going back.  And I have started writing blogs for other people and getting paid to do so. Ka-ching. That's a nice feeling. And I'd like to do more of the same.  If you'd like to hire me to write your blog, website copy, newsletter, article, press release, donation letter or more, email me and I'll give you a discount if you mention my blog.

Check out Bloggers for Hire...

I am listed on the bottom with a few (ahem) of my samples...  

http://bloggerjobs.biz/bloggers-for-hire/weekly-bloggers-for-hire-32/

There are more... click it out...

http://travelsgalore.googlepages.com/home

This one even has content about pets... foreclosure pets... ugh... 

 http://moneymergenews.blogspot.com/ 

I have learned a lot... So thank you dear readers...

I write the blogs that make the whole world sing... that make the whole world laugh... that make the whole world sit up and take notice... that make 10,000 visitors keep coming back for more ?   y'all come back now y' hear...

and the 10,000th visitor will win a prize, so be sure to let me know... meanwhile, keep those cards and letters coming in...

One gal wrote:

I LOVE your website. It's wonderful! So creative and interesting. I read every word--absorbed it from the moment I logged on to it until there were no words left to read---intrigued the entire time. Congratulations on such a beautiful and informative website.

Thank you for all you do.

Vicki

http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.wordpress.com/2008/02/04/53-dogs/ 

It should be understood that in white culture, dogs are considered training for having children. That is to say that any white couple must get a dog before they have kids. This will prepare them for responsibility by having another creature to feed, supervise its bathroom activities, and to love. Because of this, white people generally assume that their dog is their favorite child unless otherwise stated.

 The blog is pretty funny... and true...and I think that they left out a lot about dogs and rich white people... because they are talking about rich white people... not poor white people... let's be clear.  For instance, in the Stuff White People Like, they left out about designer dogs... you know all of those foo-foo dogs, Labradoodles and all kinds of poodle mixes that are the latest dog to have, dress and show off with your designer clothes and designer shoes and designer handbags. Paint their toenails, dye their hair the color of their favorite dress or braid their hair. There are even designer handbags that are made to fit your dog into or vice versa. Whatever would you do without your designer dog handbag?  Can't leave the house without mine... hah...

It should also be said that some rich white people only like small designer dogs. Tiny dogs.  Yorkie-poo dogs. Chi-poo dogs.  The smaller, the tinier the better. You know, how you can never be too rich, or too thin. Your designer dog can never be too tiny. A dog the size of a pin. 

With a dog that weighs a ton, 54 pounds, I cannot compute or empathize although sometimes when my dog is hogging up the bed, I wish and pray for a small designer dog, a no muss, no fuss dog... a dog that isn't a dog... a dog that is more like a cat... independent, small, a container dog.  Now you know that someone is going to invent, clone or create out of a test tube a dog that does not shed, that does not bark, that does not growl, that does not sniff butts, a dog that does not chew, a dog that does not slobber, a dog that does not pant, a frankendog that does not do any and all of the assorted dog activities that dogs now do. A non-dog, dog... 

Rich white people also like to spend a lot of money for their designer dogs and on their dogs... and brag about how much they spent. After all, their dogs are their most prized possessions...  show off dogs, show dogs... how many tricks can you teach a mutt, after all...  mutts are white trash dogs while designer dogs are upper echelons dogs. They've made it passed the canine ceiling and are living in the rich white person's penthouse.  They are dogs with attitude, fashion sense, and refined tastes. They are dogs with portfolios, trust funds, their own cell phones, and their own laptops. They are not lapdogs anymore. No sireee... These dogs have arrived. They are status dogs. Cream of the crop dogs.

But wait a minute, dogs are people, too, right.  I hate to tell you, rich white people, but dogs are canines not human beings. They ain't never going to be human, well, maybe in another life.  Sounds like a funny book or movie to me. Dog reincarnates into which movie star's husband. Let's see, how about Sarah Jessica Parker in the new Sex and the City movie.  Big used to be her dog but now he's her hubby. Or a celebrity dog lover like Doris Day, Betty White, Mary Tyler Moore, their dog dies, oh no, yes, dogs do pass over, and in its next incarnation becomes their child.  

I once read a book, don't remember the name, that was from the perspective of a cat in Tibet, I think. So this dog becomes human reincarnation book turned into a movie could be like that, don't you think?

 Anyway, I thought that the dog weddings, dog techie gadgets and other doggie paraphernalia that I have posted about, even designer dog names, are hilarious.  Because rich, white people are treating their designer dogs like children. They even leave their inheritance to their dogs. Now what the heck is a dog or a cat going to do with all of those millions?  Seems a terrible waste and absurd especially when there are so many homeless pets and starving dogs in India.

Still, dogs are children who can't talk back. Sometimes, you just wonder what the dog is thinking when you see these rich white people with their dogs. Bet the dog would be cast out into the street, disowned and rejected if their owner knew that Fidarino thinks that they're nuts, too, just like the rest of the world.Dogs can bark and bite and growl at you whenever they don't agree with you. Dogs are children who don't spend money and talk on the phone, but you can spend a fortune on them and call your relatives to speak to the dog. Dogs are children who don't spend hours rotting their brains out watching TV... oh yeah, now they have those doggie videos and dog TV shows...

Cici perks up every time she hears dogs barking on my computer, on a video and TV... she looks and sniffs and gets all excited, tail wagging...  Where are my comrades?  she looks at me as if to say... She's not my kid. She's my dog. And a very sensitive girl. There is a line that gets crossed. Yes, I think animals are smarter than people in some ways. They know things that we don't. And we know things that they don't. But some people ascribe almost supernatural powers and abilities to their pets. Some people. 

I think that the reason that rich white people put so much into their relationship with their dogs and cats is because they are lonely.  The people not the dogs. And maybe they are obnoxious, crazy and neurotic and think that no one loves them except their dog or cat. And maybe no one else does because they are so obnoxious, crazy and neurotic. Instead of changing into better human beings, just get a dog or cat to love you. Instant love. Instant friend. Problem solved. That way, you can pretend that you are all right and society will agree with you too. I admit that I have felt that way.  Nobody loves me, everybody hates me, I'm gonna eat some worms. Or go play with my dog. The dog (or cat) becomes a scapegoat for the rich white people's emotional baggage.  Not fair to the dog or cat but shrinks the shrink/therapy bills. 

All you have to do then is give the next rich white person you see with a tiny designer dog, a belly rub or a doggie kiss and a cookie and everything will be all right...  All they need is love... the rich white people and their dogs need love, too. After all, they are living with rich white people and putting up with their stuff.

Now that I have riffed, ranted and raved about rich white people's dogs... and you are warned, I will do so again, can you tell I'm in a mood today... Just woke up in a mood.  That's another thing that rich white people like. Moodiness. Shows that you're a better person, you have feelings. Rich white people have Feelings, oh oh oh feelings... 

http://petrescuercentral.blogspot.com/2008/03/fundraising.htmll

My dear sweet Cici writer has some serious afflictions and various harmful conditions... and I thought i would share them with you all to see if you know what to do to cure her... some, if not all of these, are believed to be in the K9 handbook... email me for a copy.

first of all, she is a true bruceaholic... she has a very serious bruce addiction...  bruce almighty... our friend and landlord bruce is her best friend and she just cannot get enough of him... as evidenced by her constant nagging, wailing, barking, growling and waiting at the stairs to get her fix of him 400 times a day... the following afflictions that she causes are numerous including but not limited to: 

Whackto Intolerance... whenever she gets all crazy girl whacko, at some point, you reach the brink and cannot tolerate her wild flights running up and down the stairs, jumping madly up on the couch, or barking in the mirror one minute longer... at this point, either you take a drink to calm your nerves or throw the dog outta the house and into the yard, lawn furniture be warned ! 

Repetitive Lick Syndrome, this ensues at the closeness of anyone's feet, hands or face, beware...  symptoms include slobbered on wet toes, arms, eyeballs and/or cheeks...Tail Lashing, quite deceptive so be forewarned, the onset is quick, sudden, and caused by sheer excitement...you may think that she is happy to see you and think it's cute but if you get too close, you may feel like your knees are being flogged with a whip... try putting a pillow over said tail, this should cause symptoms to abate... otherwise, tackle the K9 down to the floor on their back and administer belly rubs... 

Chewtonia, aka chew the one you're with, this dangerous condition must be prevented due to possible loss of fingers or toes, while the K9's mouth is still open, insert a large plastic object such as a chew toy or bone, get your digits out of the mutt's mouth as quickly as you can and run for the hills! Smotherization, aka dog butt on your head while you sleep, and/or doggie breath swarms into your face while you doze, a deadly combination, if synthesized with RLS (Repetitive Lick Syndrome outlined above) suffocation can occur at all altitudes... 

OneEarUp complex, it is believed that this signals an incoming message from the Pack Leader in the Sky. These messages are inaudible to human ears, and audible only to K9's. Letting your dog listen to these alerts can lead to bouts of incessant barking at invisible objects and frenzied running around in circles, leaping into your lap or hiding underneath the bed. It is also possible that the reason dogs drink out of the toilet bowl is to receive messages, since toilet bowls are conducive and another deceptive method of incoming calls. The only antidote is doggie ear muffs, to be applied at random moments to keep the K9 off guard as to your intentions. Also, close the bathroom door and keep your mutt out.

Sniffitup, another grave complex, that is evidenced by dog sniffing the grass, your shoes, everything in its path and can lead to meandering off any given path, standing still with nose quivering, followed by swfit outbursts of taking gross, disgusting and/or repulsive items into one's mouth such as dead birds, rats or feces. No known cure.

Growlybearitis, one of the most lethal conditions that is the equivalent of Jewish mother guilt inducement... your beloved dog sticks their head underneath the bed and growls whenever they are displeased with your behavior. Someone unknown passing by might be inclined to believe their sad doggie story. They also could be tempted to call the ASPCA because clearly you have been neglecting your precious pet, deprived them or otherwise mistreated them. What a poor innocent dog. Now, give me one hundred Hail Mary's and one hundred sit-ups. You are bad, to blame and there is no redemption for a pet parent who does not pay attention to their dog 24/7 and give them whatever it is they want 24/7.  Obviously, you are the meanest pet parent on the face of the earth and deserve to be banished forever to the hinterlands, Timbuktu or Antartica, whichever is worst.. that is until dinnertime, when the said K9 has to go out, or you are reprieved by giving them a new chew toy,  bone or belly rub. Better shape up ! 

Feetwarming, a nice fuzzy deceptive trick to keep dog owners from kicking said K9 outta the bed and house no matter the day or night.... may be contagious... highly addictive... 

Here are just a few statistics:

• Pet businesses are the fastest growing home-based business

• 40 million US households own at least one dog

• Americans spend $34 billion on their pets each year

• 47% of all US households own more than one pet

If you, like me, want to be in your own business, love animals, and the freedom and flexibility to work when you want, then becoming a Pet Sitter, doggie daycare owner, or Pet Photographer, may be the right occupation and career move for you... Thousands of people are leaving the corporate world behind to work at home...and these businesses are recession proof, low overhead and you don't have to work like a dog! woof woof... Cici agrees... she likes me home with her and if I am going gallivanting around town to be with other animals, she's coming along for the ride !!!

As a pet sitter, I wanted to find out more info, so I obtained The Pet Sitting Business video (see website below). I didn't know what to expect but boy was I pleasantly surprised. This video is chock filled with great tips, advice, and suggestions from Pet Sitters International, Fetch (a franchise) and actual real live pet sitters.

http://www.mypetbusiness.com

For instance, they discuss how to do market research to see if there is a need for another pet sitting business in your community, how to market your business, how to set up a strong and solid business network referral system, build up a clientele and repeat customers, how to generate word of mouth advertising, what a typical day in the life is like, how to expand your business, what services to offer, and how to increase your income and become profitable. They also recommend becoming certified, getting first aid training as well as obtaining insurance and bond for your protection as well as the pet owners. I knew some of these but seeing it in practice was really inspiring and helpful.

This video is four paws up interesting, educational and entertaining, who could ask for more? I love that there is constant footage of dogs taking walks in the park, off leash, on leash, in the background as well as real life anecdotes and examples of how to be a successful pet sitter. Getting paid to be with animals... love it...

http://www.mypetbusiness.com/dvds/pet_sitting_business.html

Thanks to this video, I am redesigning my website, and have new tools and resources to take my pet sitting business to a new level... I would love to pet sit for you and your dogs in California (northern or southern) soon, just send me a jingle/email ...

http://house.petsitting.googlepages.com/home

here's a video that teaches how to express the anal glands, while we're on the subject... ugh...

http://www.expertvillage.com/video/8453_dog-grooming-basics-glands.htm

while we are on the subject of disgusting things that dogs do... dogs drinketh and pet parents taketh away and flush... :-)

it snowed a lot, very deep fluffy snow and she enjoyed playing in the white, she has never been in that kind of snow before... California dreamin...  

TIP JARLike my blog? Drop a few bucks into the Tip Jar to buy Cici the wonder dog a bone!

been checking out some tasty looking homemade dog treats to make at the Dog Channel... will post tomorrow...meanwhile, here is a story I found on the Dog Channel news wire...  I have been wanting people to combine foster kids, seniors, abused women and dogs/cats, forever... why not let a little sunshine into their lives... dogs need loving companions and homes, and kids, seniors and women need K9 love and kisses, so why not put them all together...  one big happy family...

http://www.dogchannel.com/dog-news/new-program-to-house-dogs-at-womens-shelters.aspx

The American Humane Association (AHA) has created a program to promote on-site pet housing at women’s shelters in hopes of helping battered women who are reluctant to leave their partners because they are afraid for the safety of their pets."AHA’s Director of Public Policy, Allie Phillips, created the Pets and Women’s Shelters (PAWS) program, and has witnessed the dilemma faced by victims who stay with abusers because they are fearful of what will happen to their pets if they leave...."

My blog is now worth $2,500 more than it was 10 days ago...

Now here is my girl reclining on the couch... after a hard day at work at home...  

TIP JARLike my blog? Drop a few bucks into the Tip Jar to buy Cici the wonder dog a bone!