• Alpine Meadows Ski Resort – Lake Tahoe, California
• Big Bear Mountain Ski Resort – San Bernardino, California
• Boreal Ski Area – Soda Springs, California
• Heavenly Ski Resort – South Lake Tahoe, California
• Mammoth Mountain Ski Area – Bishop, California
• Northstar at Tahoe Ski Resort – Truckee, California
• Royal Gorge X-Country Ski Area – Reno, California
• Snow Summit Ski Resort – Big Bear Lake, California
• Squaw Valley Ski Resort – Olympic Valley, California
• Sugar Bowl Ski Area – Sacramento, California

There’s nothing like sharing a day on the slopes with your dog. One of life’s great pleasures.

10 dog friendly things to do at the Pacific Mist Inn...

http://pacificmistinn.blogspot.com/

Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens:

http://www.gardenbythesea.org/visitor/

The botanical gardens feature indigenous plants, including the native rhododendrons that blanket the area. Manicured formal gardens, a dense coastal pine forest, fern-covered canyons, diverse plant collections, and flower-filled coastal bluffs overlooking the blue Pacific Ocean. Located on 47 acres that lie between California's scenic Highway One and the Pacific Ocean, includes canyons, wetlands, coastal bluffs, and a closed-cone pine forest. A moderate climate grows a wide range of tender species which cannot survive the more extreme heat or cold that occurs in other locations. 

We saw incredibly beautiful  rhododendrons of many hues, white, blue, purple, pink trumpet, red, peach, white pearl, white swan, blue peter, president roosevelt and took a lovely walk to the beach/bluffs. You can take your dog on a leash and you could probably picnic with your dog, it says the trail is steep to the cliffs but it was not that strenuous... you go through a gate, and cici enjoyed stalking bugs every step of the way. The long walk did not tire her out as much as I'd hoped, even though we walked about an hour... she still had energy left to play with Gracie, the dog at the Atrium B&B. She ran around the yard, and greeted people (lick lick lick)... 

We stayed in the lovely, cozy and comfy quilt room (one of three pet friendly rooms) with a fireplace, very comfy bed...while I had breakfast of mushroom cheese omelet, fresh fruit and fresh baked banana bread, Cici played outside in the yard with Gracie.  

The Atrium B&B is at the north end of Fort Bragg... http://www.atriumbnb.com/

Innkeepers Mary, Gail and Joanna Jenson created the dog park... McDog park on Maple. It took about two years to bring the park into fruition. And came about because of their commitment and dedication and with the assistance of the community, the city and the Parks and Recreation Department. The park has a small dog area and a large dog area, it is entirely fenced and quite a nice size with grass. Soon, they will have a water fountain for the dogs.

Every year there are a few festivals including the Huckleberries and the Hounds, the oldest Ugly Dog contest, and several dog parades and costume parties for the K9's. 

Cici played with about 6-7 dogs at the dog park, and the people and dogs were really friendly (unlike the dogs and owners in Carson City, Nevada)... there was a dog named Zelda, two goldens (huge funny guys), a hound dog, a few others... unfortunately, one dog ruined Cici's day... I had a bad feeling when I saw the dog and sure enough, the minute this dog came inside the park, she and Cici got into it... it was difficult to pull them apart, the owner finally got his dog away from Cici and I left, shaken to the core. Cici's mouth got chewed up a little bit, it was very scary.  She has not let me look at her much. I was able to go to PAWS, and sat in the car for a bit to calm down, take some Rescue Remedy Bach Flowers for shock.  Got Cici a treat and some dog food, which she gobbled up. Then I was thinking what can I put on her mouth, and thought I needed an Aloe Vera plant. We drove by a nursery and I asked them. The woman there at Parker and Jensen I think it was called, gave me a free aloe vera plant. I tore off a leaf and put some on Cici's mouth.  Then I went to the pharmacy and got some hydrogen peroxide to clean the two wounds on her mouth. She was not happy about it but it made me feel better. 

There is a Humane Society here... http://www.MendoHumane.com/?cat=18

Now we are relaxing at the Surf Motel and Gardens ($49 to $250 plus $10 pet fee per night). This is a very nice AAA motel, they even have beautiful gardens and a pet exercise area, similar to the one at the dog park, only smaller. Each room has a fridge and microwave, cable TV, wireless internet, coffee pot and complimentary continental breakfast in the morning (coffee, tea, hot chocolate, fresh fruits and danish). This motel is at the south end of town and it is quiet. The staff is friendly and helpful.  The Harvest market is next door, this seems like a Whole Foods type of market. Cici and I slept well and love being near the beach.  Just the relaxation we needed after the day we had... 

http://www.surfmotelfortbragg.com/Surf-Activities.html

ok, so we're not in the lst, 2nd or 3rd grade... but I think Flat Stanley has traveled enough... it's time for Flat Fido to see the world from a doggie perspective!  And if Flat Fido is based upon a real live dawg, and if Flat Fido meets a real dog, cat, horse, or other animal, you can name him Flat Fanny or Flat Felix...meets whoever, gimme a paragraph or two of Flat Fido's story... therapy dog, search and rescue, family pet, whatever... clever, funny, cute, and sweet photos and stories wanted ! 

http://www.flatstanley.com/picture_gallery.html  

you can even paste a photo of your dog onto paper, or a magazine or newspaper photo of a dog onto paper...  or make a cut out of a cartoon dog...  you can give him/her a collar, a leash, and a personality, if you like.

here are some resources:

http://drawsketch.about.com/library/bl-step-dog.htm

http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-draw-a-cartoon-dog 

just remember, the nice thing about Flat Fido is since he is a cardboard stick figure, pencil drawing or cartoon, or you can make him as realistic as your own dog, you don't have to feed him, walk him, bathe him. He just hangs around, looking like he is glad to be with you.  Does he sit? Fetch? Bring your slippers and the daily newspaper? He is clean, obedient, and easy to take care of so your relatives won't mind taking him out for a walk or a trip to the store. No poop to clean up. No muss, no fuss.

and oh by the way, my girl's debut on squidoo....

http://www.squidoo.com/polkadotpitbull

I just wrote to someone that it should be illegal for dogs to be kept outside 24/7 on chains... this is cruel, inhumane and abusive treatment of dogs.... hurray, for this organization...

http://www.dogsdeservebetter.com/home.html

TIP JARLike my blog? Drop a few bucks into the Tip Jar and buy CeliaSue a cuppa hot chocolate!

http://www.chickensoupforthepetloverssoul.com

http://www.enya-mp3.com/mp3-caribbean-blue.html

Music Dogs Love: While You Are Gone

http://www.amazon.com/Music-Dogs-Love-While-Gone/dp/B000XC906A

Dancing with dogs

http://www.squidoo.com/dancingdogs
http://www.caninehorizons.com/Dancing_with_Dogs.html

http://www.amazon.com/Dancing-Dogs-Step-Step-Freestyle/dp/1860542670

TIP JARLike my blog? Drop a few bucks into the Tip Jar and buy CeliaSue a cuppa hot chocolate!

Maybe you have a doggie business, are a dog owner with a business, or just love animals and have a business. Whatever your situation, you might consider branding your business with an animal mascot, animal media spokesperson or by training your animal to become a media star, to do commercials, movies, or TV shows.  Shades of Lassie, Rin Tin Tin, Petey, Benjie, the dog on Frasier, Paul Anka on The Gilmore Girls, the cat on Charmed, Mr. Ed (the horse that spoke to Wilbur), Air Bud, and many others.  

There is a good reason why Geico has a Gecko in their TV commercials as media spokesperson. How about Tony the Tiger, Morris the cat, Ford Mustang, Taco Bell's Chihuahua or Smokey the Bear. During the recent Superbowl, the average price for a 30-second spot was $2.5 million. In these ads, many companies had memorable cute, fun, cuddly, furry animals convey their message.

Animals, dogs, cats and others can enhance the message that you use to tell the world who you are and what you represent. Why? One reason is that Americans love animals.

Now is the time to train your dog to become a celebrity, bring home the bacon, work for their keep and supply you with an abundance of bling bling bling...

http://www.ehow.com/how_18747_dog-commercials.html

http://www.dogstars.co.uk/

Charity Rents Animals Out for CommercialsBy PHILIP H. DOUGHERTY
Published: December 19, 1984

Because charitable organizations are always in need of funds and since commercials frequently need animals in their casts, Green Chimneys, a treatment center for troubled children that is also a working farm, has gone into the rent-a-pig business. And that is only the beginning, since there are also horses, cows, sheep, goats, donkeys, chickens, ducks, geese and rabbits.

Robert Schechter, who is on the board, promises that the prices will be reasonable and that handlers will be provided.One of his fellow board members is Gordon Bushell, recently named chairman and chief executive of the William Esty Company. So with that much recognizable talent on hand, no wonder the new program has been named ''Farm on the Moo- ve.'' 

Now, this dog has all the right moooves...

http://www.koreus.com/video/chien-danseur.htm

my paw print will soon be on Hollywood boulevard...

http://www.thesierraweb.com/monolake/index.cfmI

Also, Topaz Lake is on the way down 395 from Gardnerville, about 20 minutes... I was disappointed when I went there because a wonderful beach that I used to be able to go to has been closed off, so now you either have to pay to go to the beach or live there on a beachfront property. Perhaps if you stay at a motel/lodge there, you get access to the beach. But we drove around and around and could not find anything but a boat launch area and no parking everywhere.  

When I lived in Carson City, from 1998 to 2002, Topaz Lake was easily accessible. And when I lived here then, I did not explore these towns, did not have a dog and was very busy working all the time. Having a dog leads to new travel adventures. When you want to take your dog to different places to run around and go crazy off leash. It was fun to visit all of these places nearby that I had never gone to.I always love going to Davis Creek in Washoe Valley, which is north of Carson City about 10 minutes. There are wonderful trees, also a little pond and you can camp out there. I just go for the day and took Cici there also. Until it started getting too crowded with school busses filled with kids, other people with their dogs, and tourists. She loved running around chasing squirrels and other wildlife...

Just above Davis Creek is a little store that sells all kinds of goodies, homemade and otherwise. Unique gifts, hot jams and jellies, cactus and all sorts of fruits and veggies, pies, cookies, sweets, etc.There's a Chocolate Nugget Candy Factory above Davis Creek, as well as a Chocolate Nugget on the way to Virginia City off Highway 50.

Virginia City is a really fun place, a place set back in time. Cici loved social butterflying herself around, meeting people. We visited some of the stores that would allow me to bring her inside. The cool thing about Virginia City is that it is a replica of an old gold rush town, with museums, gift shops and taverns. It's one of my favorite spots to visit near Carson City. There's a Mark Twain Book Store, mines where you can dig for gold and gemstones, the Virginia and Truckee (V&T) Railroad and several museums including the Mark Twain Territorial Enterprise newspaper Museum and a Gambling Museum. I also remember some kind of a honky tonk show place where you could dress up like a hooker, but I don't see that listed on the website...

http://www.virginiacity-nv.org/

http://www.campingguidenevada.com/cgnes/listingNONEnophoto.asp?campcode=NVWASDAV

http://www.topazlake.com/ 

Did not visit the Grover hot springs in the park in Markleeville, but it seemed like a nice place. We just meandered around town looking for a nice park or place to cool off. Found a little respite a few miles east of town finally. Not a place to let Cici off leash. A librarian told me about a school on the way back out of town, towards Woodfords, where I was able to let her run around.  I spotted an overnight campground place on the way into town, and tried to let her offleash there and got yelled at by the caretaker.  Overall, it seemed like a nice town.  Good for hiking, camping and taking a dip in the hot springs. 

http://www.alpinecounty.com/recreation/grover.php 

On another occasion, we drove down the 395 for two hours and arrived in Bridgeport, CA. Another very small town, expensive accommodations, at least that is what people told me. And Cici enjoyed chasing after skateboarders. We ate turkey burgers at a local joint and inquired about places to let her loose. Not much. We were directed to a few campgrounds. Cici loves fishermen, too. And she splashed around a bit in the water. She tried to catch some fish which was hilarious to watch.After awhile, we decided to head further south to find a beach where Cici could run off leash near Mono Lake, to no avail. All were crowded, campgrounds were filled up and there were just too many dogs and people.  

The Visitor's Information people were very helpful and called up the Virginia Settlement people and got us a camping tent site for the night for about $12.  Thought that we might be able to get a covered wagon but the tent site was all they had available, they just had a cancellation so we were lucky to get it.  The Virginia Settlement is about five minutes south of the town of Bridgeport, 5 miles south of Bridgeport on Highway 395, so we drove back up from Mono Lake. The settlement has wireless internet, a nice restaurant, it's like a tiny little community. If you blink your eyes, you will miss the place. The people were very friendly and accommodating there. The only thing that I did not like was it was too smoky from the campfires and a bit crowded.  

But the tent site was amazingly spacious, private, surrounded by trees and bushes, and each has a campfire pit and water. Cici slept in the car because she was just too jazzed up about all of the other dogs. Plus, this family across from us also had llamas. I slept on the grass in my sleeping bag. The guy even gave me a padded mat to make it more comfortable. Cici befriended the folks across from where we stayed. They were sleeping in a covered wagon. Seemed nice and private and very small, basically a bed but the price was only $22, $10 more than the tent site. They also have cabins and a motel there.  It was quite cold at night and the stars were beautiful to behold.  A lot of people come here to fish.

More about the town of Bridgeport...

http://www.bridgeportcalifornia.com/index.htm 

http://www.virginiacrksettlement.com/index.html

http://www.bridgeportreservoir.com/

This looks like a nice dog friendly place to stay, nearby.

http://www.walkerriverlodge.com/ammenities.htmand an RV park...

http://www.calparadise.com/ratesmaps.html

Here are a couple of places that actually live up to the name luxurious and do not charge exorbitantly for the privilege.  

http://www.chateaupoochie.com/

http://www.canyonviewranch.com/index.asp 

And if you are interested in starting your own doggie daycare business, here are a few pointers. 

http://www.pawsdogdaycare.com/business_services_start_a_daycare/startupmanual.htm

http://www.frugalmom.net/doggy_day_care.htm

http://www.mymommybiz.com/ebooks/daycare.html 

and a doggie castle

...

Cici and I missed this on our recent visit to Carmel... we will have to visit another time...

http://www.carmeldogcalendar.com/

http://www.valleysentinel.com/index.php?

http://www.carmellife.com/things_to_do/calendars.html

http://www.bigmallrat.com/shopping-malls/cities/carmel/carmel-plaza.html

http://www.travelintelligence.com/travel-writing/3306/North-America/United-States/California/Carmel/Poetry-by-the-Ocean.html

<a href="http://www.vipfibers.com/the-process.html#stepbystep

http://www.vipfibers.com/the-process.html#stepbystep

</div>

When people discriminate against people based upon the person's looks, we call that racism and bigotry (unless the person is fat then it's somehow ok because obese people, fat people somehow deserve to be humiliated and ridiculed)...there are so many reasons for people to hate one another and to hate dogs... but there are many more reasons to LOVE people and love dogs...it's a matter of choice I suppose... 

My girl brings smiles and laughter and love wherever she goes and she deserves to receive goodness and love in return, to me it's that simple.  People who judge my dog just because she has black polka dots or she looks like that dog on the television or because one ear is black and the other is polka dotty should walk a few miles wearing polka dots to see what it's like to be a polka dot girl in a non polka dot world. Should we ban all polka dotted dogs and euthanize them because they have dots? sounds silly doesn't it? Bless the polka dotted creatures and end polka dot discrimination today !  :-)

I am inspired by these websites... and I want to find a K9 first aid kit that is ALL NATURAL and includes Bach Flower Remedies for shock/trauma/anxiety.... also aloe vera gel and juice for cuts and scrapes,  creams, homeopathic remedies, and herbs for specific problems.  If anyone knows of a holistic first aid kit, let me know, thanks.

My girl is a Dal Pit mix, so to all you polka dotted pit girls out there, we salute and celebrate you and your polka dots but what about your wild pit side? half blood pit... half blood dal... oh, this is sooo dotty !Now here's a website for parents to have a 101 dalmatians party for their kids (substitute pit bull, can you imagine having a pit bull party for your kids)... hmmmmm....

http://www.childrentoday.com/articles/1986

http://www.toledofiremuseum.com/dalmatians/dalmatians.htm

http://server.inalbum.com/show/jodipreis/Message_to_the_Media2.html?296033009

http://www.pbrc.net/mediacenter/mediaqa.html

http://www.forpitssake.org/blessing.html 

http://www.understand-a-bull.com/Findthebull/findpitbull_v3.html

http://www.k9forensic.org/k9firstaid.html 

http://www.thefiremuseum.com/dalmatian.htm

http://putsomepolkadotsonit.blogspot.com/2007/09/dog-gone.html

my dog is a spoiled brat and proud of it... she was growling at me last night because I had the audacity to feed myself and not give her any scraps... she had food in her bowl waiting for her to chow down but she had to see what I had first before she would touch it... yes, I have on occasion been known to share my food with her... and now she expects people food as part of her diet...  a little bit of turkey, chicken, scrambled eggs with turkey ham, hot dogs, cheese and such... I was hungry last night and did not give her anything... tsk tsk tsk... 

we got the carpet cleaned yesterday and I took her with me, it was cold outside but she was better behaved in the car than she would have  been at home, I gave her a nice big juicy new bone to chew and she gnawed away... I checked in on her often and took her for a walk or three... 

So now I have a dream/vision... and a dog who seriously needs her nails clipped... she does not like to bathe, although she likes to be in the bathroom while I take a shower, go figure... nor will she let me near her paws.... I cut her nails twice, one nail at a time, and cut the quick the first time out, so she's a bit leery... understandably... 

anyway, back to my dream... a doggie healing center, complete with a holistic vet, animal communicator, doggie day camp/ranch, K9 spa, massage, groomer, swim pool/aqua paws, dog cuisine/chef, canine reflexology, barkery, a one stop shop for your pooch... 

anyone game?  let's talk...

now here's some sites that offer pedicures for your pooch, a ridiculously expensive spa for dogs in NYC, talk about spoiled pooches and cool doggie day care/ranches... 

http://www.bestfriendspetcare.com/PoochPedicure.cfm

http://www.pamperedpuppy.com/features/200601_nycspas.php

http://dogs.friendlypetonline.com/Spoilarticle.html

http://www.dogdayafternoon-online.com/service.htm

http://www.secretsantaworld.net 

tis also the season to be silly....

http://www.k9gifts.com/christmas-dogs/dalmatian.html

http://www.shop.com/Lavender_Dog_Spa_Bone_Shaped_Gift_Basket-38860861-p!.shtml?trk=1

ok, why does a dog need a spa for $40, can they not make do with a nice bath?  buy some good lavendar shampoo from the health food store for $5-6 and suds away...

http://www.lespoochs.com/fragranceXmas.asp

luxury poochie perfume for $250-500... for two to four ounces...yeah sure right, if you buy this, I've got a bridge to sell ya... harvested exclusively in Switzerland... 

just so you know that i am not a total grinch... how about some all natural fragrances for your mutt for $12.99 and up...

http://www.just4pooches.com/html/shopping/brand/happytails.shtml

or some all natural doggie treats like Paul Newman's or Sister Joan's Liver Nutri-Bits Boot for $4.95... and they support a good cause, I think...

http://www.stpatricksguild.com/browse.cfm/4,49635.htm

or you can purchase all natural organic treats from australia

http://www.puppypatisserie.com/

or from 

http://www.mybestfriendpettreats.com

HAND-PAINTED BREED PICTURE 'PAW'TY CAKES FOR YOUR DOG! These are NOT computer-printed images on icing paper sheets!!! We hand-paint your dog's picture directly onto the cake!!

(Kitty cakes too!) 

* Just $5-$10 to paint your dog or cat's picture on his or her birthday cake!

you can always dress your dog up in a dumb outfit....

Deluxe Dog Santa Claus Suit 

Dress your dog up this christmas with the Kyjen Deluxe Dog Santa Claus Suit! This christmas dog costume is top quality and easy to put on and take off. This holiday dog costume comes with Santa hay, beard, a plush body suit and boots. Dress your dog up this Xmas! 

Prices Starting At: $9.99

now this is what every canine needs... dog greeting cards made from rawhide, edible cards... cute idea actually... you just have to get the from England...

http://www.dogtopia.co.uk/dog_card_chew_rawhide/dog_rawhide_chew_greeting_cards.htm

chow now brown bow wow... how about a raw bone for $1.50 from the grocery store or

some all natural organic dog food for $90... puhulease...  they do have some other reasonable products here though... 

http://www.naturalpetstore.com.au/products.php

you can also get all natural organic dog food for $30  (go to your local whole foods or wild oats health food store).... different brands, I like Paul Newman's and so does Cici, she's got taste..

how about a loofah dog, this is cute... for $5

http://www.muttropolis.com/products2.cfm/ID/4346/name/Loofa-Dog-in-Santa-Suit

and then we have doggie sweaters... for the really pampered puppies...

http://www.justdogclothes.com/pp/?D=A

and you can also give your dog a playmate from a rescue shelter or their own personal trainer or canine rehab from an aqua paws type place with a pool and caring staff or you can take your dog with you wherever you are traveling, yes, we are going to the beach, Monterey and Marina and Pacific Grove and Carmel, we shall visit for three weeks, and enjoy the beach, chase the birds, and have fun in the sun, well, it's been pretty cold here, so the beach will be a nice change of pace and play...

oh by the way, none of these companies are paying me to promote them, so tell them if you buy that I sent you so that they can send me a nice thank you gift for Cici...

bow wow for now... 

being silly after all these years, she still loves to lie on her back and get belly rubs... she's just got longer legs now, and scars from her three surgeries, and that doesn't stop her from running, jumping and playing...  she's my puppy and she's so silly ...  

do you have pet names for your dog?  Some of Cici's pet names are Nutty McNutto, crazy girl, sillyhead, sweetie pie, Cici bug, bugalicious, oshmo the torch carrier (my dad used to say this), brat girl, silly nutty and delicious, pain in my pituitary, and so on... 

in one day, she ate my glove, ran upstairs (where she is not supposed to go), ate icicles (snow is melting and then overnight it freezes), chased birds on our walk, and ate up her new bone, almost, I took it away for another day.

I also had an experience at a dog park. This woman had a very mean Jack Russell who was always sniping at the other dogs including mine. And she would sit around talking to anyone who would listen about my dog. One time, all of the dogs decided it was a good idea to jump into the muddy water, that stank, and had a blast and as we walked over to rescue them, I said perhaps we should get them a pool to play in.. She sniped back to me, you should get your dog a choke collar and something else I don't recall.  I was taken aback by her unexpected and mean remark. From then on, I stayed clear of her and her vicious dog.

I started going to the park very early in the morning when no other dogs were there because it had become increasingly impossible with this woman and her friends. My dog decided to go into the stinky muddy water again and we were having words owner to dog and I was considering washing her off with a hose that was nearby or a sprinkler. She was not happy about that idea and we were in the middle of this snafu when along comes crazy Jack Russell  dog and his owner. Her dog attacked my dog who was already upset, I was crying and tried to break the dogs apart, and she stepped into it as well and she got bit or scratched. I felt really bad about the whole thing. She apologized to me for her stupid remark and we agreed to not be at the park at the same time ever again. I would do the early shift and she would do the later shift. Soon after that, I just stopped going to that park at all. It was not fenced, not available on the weekends and my dog liked to get all muddy and stinky. 

The point of this story is that this woman had projected her own viciousness onto MY dog when it was HER dog that was a BIG problem. But her dog was a Jack Russell and there are no news media stories about how mean those dogs are. She had a dog that bit and sniped at other dogs and she was very cruel to her dog. I saw her on more than one occasion trying to force and dominate the dog into submission. That is NOT how you get a dog to submit.  My dog submits at the drop of a hat. She does not have to be the top dog. She loves to play and sometimes she plays a little rough for me, but she was fine with playing with over 100 dogs over the summer (about three months) at various dog parks in different cities as well as dog trails.

When we were working at Sequoia / Kings Canyon she had a great time for ten whole days with four male (unfixed) dogs, a Great Dane, a German Shepherd, a little terrier mix and a hound dog. They explored the bushes and trees and on one occasion, the tiny little terrier was the ringleader of an escapade that scared us owners to death. He decided that my dog, the hound dog and him should go looking for his owner. The three dogs walked five miles down the road, crossing pavement where cars would drive. I could not find the dogs no matter how loud I called them. Finally, they just showed up and I found out later what they had done. A park ranger thankfully found them and the owners and told them what they had done.  All of the dogs went on immediate restriction.

Anyway, hopefully, if you have a pit bull, Doberman, rottweiler or other breed that has been discriminated against, you have to be calm, assertive, and stand up for your animal without resorting to nonsensical name-calling and adding to the attacks. There are nonviolent methods of communication available to learn, as well as healing methods.  Create peace and let your dog's friendly behavior speak loudly for itself and others.Everywhere we go, my dog is loved (most of the time). On occasion, there are ignorant people who have been taught to be afraid of her. And I generally just try to steer clear of them. Why engage a nut case? I grew up in New York city and New Yorkers just ignore the crazies, for the most part.

We should definitely stand up and be counted against breed specific legislation. It's like outlawing Chinese, Japanese, African Americans, Muslims, Jews, Catholics, or any other human being because of a few bad apples. It's bigotry, racism, and stems from fear and ignorance.

Here are some resources:

http://www.hugabull.com/

http://www.nonviolentcommunication.com/ 

http://www.WantToKnow.info/070701imsorryiloveyoujoevitale

http://hooponopono.org/

http://www.transformationteam.net/stories/hendricks.chemistryofblame1 

http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/11/21/5387/ 

Dog Bless America program and Veterans Village wants to help these wounded vets.  Prison dog programs such as Pathways to Hope has trained dogs to assist prisoners, disabled and others ...   Please help these fine organizations to Support Our Troops, welcoming them home and giving them the assistance they need.

http://www.veteransvillage.org/People_Helping_Veterans.html 

http://www.pathwaystohope.org/prison.htm

Dogs Trained to Aid Wounded

Sgt. Shaft | June 25, 2007

Dear Sgt. Shaft:

If you or your readers know of any wounded soldier who could benefit by having a dog — trained by prisoners at the California Institution for Women in Southern 

California as well as other "prison-dog programs" across the country — to assist them, please let me know.

There are prison-dog programs in all parts of the country. After the start of the first school and others after, the idea caught on. The dogs are given to the wounded 

veteran free of charge. They will be taught how to handle the dog, care for him or her and find new independence partnered with their canine friends, who can go in 

all public places.

One of the programs is known as Dog Bless America. This program is expanding the vision to include America's current veteran heroes. By combining their 

efforts with Pathways to Hope, the prison-dog program and many of the Veterans Affairs organizations across the country have created a win/win/win situation.

In 1981, Sister Pauline Quinn started the prison-dog program in Washington state, rescuing shelter dogs and bringing them into the prison, where inmates trained 

them to assist the handicapped. The inmates learned responsibility through the care and training of these special dogs.

Sister Pauline has started Pathways to Hope, a nonprofit organization that helps other prisons and service-dog groups start prison-dog programs.

Pathways to Hope identifies the programs and dogs to be matched with the veterans. Pathways receives funds from Dog Bless America , money that is then given 

to a particular prison program that can match and place a service dog to help a wounded soldier.

I am asking you and your readers to help us communicate this program to the people in need of these services.

We will attempt to match them with a special service dog.

Sister Pauline and Pathways will handle the initial contact, and each prison program has its own screening process. 

http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/ 

http://www.thepetwhisperer.com/whales.html 

Right now puppy is again transfixed by her own reflection in the door and barking at herself occasionally. Last night she was doing this and I came up to her and pointed to myself in the reflection and to her and she looked back and forth confused. This morning, she is sitting there alone wondering who that strange doggie is in the reflection again. Oh well... She got all excited listening to the whales at the petwhisperer website... she kept looking around for the whales... they sound at first a little like dogs, and then when you go to the whale page, like whales...

Apparently, this is a really good pet insurance, if I would have had it before my dog's accident, they would have paid the vet bill within three days... arggghhh... and now I'd be driving a new car...   anyway, just thought that I'd pass it on... 

http://www.petcareinsurance.com/index.asp 

Turns out that they have guidelines they follow that work if people are living back in the 1970's.  Too bad for you if you happen to be living in 2007.  A single person is considered able to support themselves on $438 a month. Unfortunately a majority of landlords happen to be living in 2007 in these parts and the average rental cost is $780 a month, without utilities, which can be another $200 on top of that easily.  So if you are making less than $1,500 a month, you are in trouble. 

According to Social Services, if a person works, they are penalized for working. They will deduct any measly amount, let's say $300 you made at the fast food joint off of the $438 and give you $138. If you are a teenager living at home, I guess that's ok, good enough. Mom and dad are paying the rent. But if you are a landlord who is charging $800 a month rent, are you going to accept $138 from your tenant for the rent?  I think not.  Good old catch 22.  

Is it any wonder that people are having a hard time these days with low wages, high rents/mortgages, exorbitant credit card fees, skyrocketing gas prices and devaluing of the dollar.Back in the 1970's, we had it pretty good and didn't know it.

Back then, I earned about $450 a month as a secretary working for the City of Los Angeles Planning Department. My rent was $150 a month, including utilities. My car payment was $50 a month. It was a new car and cost about $5,000.  And food, gas and insurance was about $150 a month. I had about $75 discretionary income. Gas prices were about 25-50 cents a gallon and food prices were a lot less than they are now. You could even buy stuff for a dime or a quarter. 

But I digress... Part of the reason that my dog got hit by a car is because there is no dedicated dog park here. There is ONE park that dog owners use to take their dogs to but it is not fenced and not available on the weekends because of dog shows and fairs. In August, I did not have a fenced yard so I resorted to taking my dog running wherever I could but given the lack of dog parks, it was a constant search. On the weekends, I would take her to the high school, because it IS fenced off, for the most part and the students and teachers are absent.

I had not planned to talk about this today. Actually, I took my dog for a walk and we ran into a horse. Or rather, we visited with a neighboring horse in a corral down the street. We didn't get too close. But my dog LOVES cavorting with other animals and she was anxious to say hello to the horse. The horse did not look very friendly so I kept our distance.  Didn't want my dog to get run over by a horse. She had a close call this past summer with two llamas who almost trampled her.

I researched horse and dog relationships and found this great site that also tells where there are various dog parks in Marin county and Oakland, CA and also suggests how to create a dog park in towns/cities that don't have them.I sent this info to the local columnist who writes about dogs and who has advocated for a dog park, as well as to the parks and recs folks who are supposedly working on it... by the time they get it together to create a dog park, I probably won't be living here anymore.  

It's clear that if/when we citizens of the world want to get ANYTHING actually DONE in this world then we have to do it and not wait for the government to do it... just take a look at the recent examples in New Orleans, Iraq, and California. Enough said about that, here is how you can advocate and create a dog park...

http://www.odogparks.org/howto.html 

Locate one or two potential sites --little used sites will be easiest for the city to approve.

Get endorsement from neighbors and other stakeholders --both dog owners and others. Petitions or letters work best. keep your own record of the e-mail, phone and other contactinformation for every person who signs. They will become dog park volunteers and supporters.

Develop a proposed site plan--indicating fencing, signage, surfacing and vegetation. The City can provide aerial photos and other maps as a starting place for most parks.Don't perfect the plan, just give the city an idea of what is desired. There will be plenty of changes to your initial plan.

Develop a budget--from the site plan. Fencing costs about $12 per linear foot. Gates cost about $500. The city will help cost out the other items, because most work is done using thecity's contractors and suppliers.

Start fundraising--The less money the city has to provide, the easier it will be for them to approve new park facilities. Learn from other park projects in Oakland friends of Oakland parks and from other dog parks around the country caldog.org.Build coalitions--Other park users, merchants, parents, environmentalists can all help make the need for a dog park clear to the city.Meet your City Council member-- Early meetings with your council person or staff aide can help identify areas of support and area of concern.Don't reinvent the wheel--Stay in touch with other dog park advocates--not just those in your own neighborhood or city. Resources and solutions are gladly shared. Check out resources for starting a dog park at the California Dog Owners Group (link to http://www.caldog.org/off_leash_links.php)

and what to do if your dog meets a horse...

http://www.odogparks.org/partners.html 

http://www.thek9rehabcenter.com/

http://www.therapaw.net/theraPawLinks.html

http://dogpaddlewellness.com/your_pet_can_benefit_from_therapies_developed_for_you

http://www.mzjf.com/pools.html#CALIFORNIA

http://www.mzjf.com/pools.html

http://www.caminoanimalclinic.com/articles/canine_hydrotherapy.html                   Sorry but these links are not cooperating, so I am giving up, I have posted them and linked them about 10 times and they keep getting goofed up, running all together, there was a really cute photo of a dog swimming in the water, too... oh well...    see how this won't give me a paragraph... you will just have to copy the links and then paste them onto your browser.

My dog is bored and wants to run and play more than she can at this point, so part of doing this, is to help her dissipate some of the energy she has excessive amounts of, which leads to chewing up everything in sight and / or sticking her head under the bed and whining or growling or barking at me.

Speaking of barking, so funny, she saw her own reflection in the door to the laundry room and was barking at herself, thinking it was another dog, so i opened up the door so she could see that there was no dog in there... she sniffed around, looked confused, and looked at me, like what happened, where did the dog go? funny girl...

We did some training, stay and come and she did ok, but a few times, she just decided to mosy over, took her time, or she came before I told her to come... so this needs some work, she is still young...

http://www.strato.net/~crvny/sa03002.htm

dog self awareness...

http://www.dogtrain.ca/

dog training course

Countown to my birthday/Thanksgiving... got a huge turkey... so far no one to share it with... my friends are in Vegas or California or on the east coast, some in other countries, too. Dead relatives and the ones who are alive, never mind. I used to dread the holidays because it meant spending time with the family, now I've got no family to spend them with. Sad.

I would love to be at the beach, in Carmel, Monterey, Maui, Hawaii, any of the islands, in the Bay area, San Francisco, Half Moon Bay, Pacific Grove, for my birthday... have a reservation, but don't know yet how that could happen due to circumstances. Being stuck in northern Nevada is ok. It's quiet and peaceful here at least. Could be worse. Count my blessings.

Praying for a new car/SUV, silver one, good on gas mileage, a Hybrid, or efficient, low mileage used one, as well as my own home near the beach. I used to live in Bodega Bay at the beach. It was cold in winter but I loved it there, listening to the surf / waves at night, the deer would come to the lawn, there were rainbows. The stars. Sigh.

There are a lot of stars here at night, and weird animal sounds. Rumors of wild bears, coyotes, and horses.

Is this the cutest/sweetest photo ever? A friend sent it last night and I just had to post it here... Imagine what the dog is praying for? a cat to chase... some yummy treats... bones... doggie chow... a dog feast... a dog to play with... do dogs pray? fun to think about...

I think my dog is praying to be able to run and play again like she used to do ... she keeps running around the yard now and every time we go outside, she wants to take a walk... she is definitely praying for a good run, a dog to play and wrestle with (or two), a belly rub, and a swim at the beach, chasing the birds...

or maybe she's praying for a doggie spa... someone had this on their website, am happy to post the site, just noticed that the website is on the photo, upper right hand corner.... see below...

just had to add this link... animals comments about the oil spill in San Francisco... pretty funny... and a friend posted that there is a group of people who have been cleaning up the oil spill using hair mats, yes, mats made from human hair, and it apparently sponges up the oil, and some of these volunteers were chased away... but what a great and noble group of people coming together to clean up the mess that they did not make...

http://www.markfiore.com/ 

http://www.truthout.org/issues_06/111407EB.shtml 

As a pet owner, I don't want my dog ignored. She had to go outside on a number of occasions and was ignored. When I was there I took her myself. There is no excuse for this kind of attitude especially when you are paying good money to have your dog boarded.

This is one of the reasons, I offer pet owners who's animals I take care of the option of having their pet stay at home, and I will come to their home or stay at their home, to ensure that their animal is safe, healthy, comfortable and given extra special care... brushing, walks, lots of playtime and belly rubs. Dogs need love, too. And Kongs with treats inside and peanut butter on the outside... yum yum.

Here are some tips to ensure a happy pet sitting experience. With the holidays coming up, you might consider having a pet sitter stay at your home rather than taking your dog to the vet boarding facility. You might be surprised at how much happier they will be and it is not as expensive as you might think. In fact, I paid $30 a day for the privilege of having my dog ignored. I charge about the same to take care of your pet at home.

Pet Sitting Tips

1. Make sure that the pet sitter can accommodate both your pet's daily feeding and walking schedule during your desired vacation schedule
2) Does the sitter offer regular progress reports and telephone and email availability?
3) Meet the sitter ahead of time with your pet(s) present to establish that it's a fit for both you and the pet(s)
4) Be clear about the schedule you would like them to keep and give clear instructions about your pet's needs, medicines, walking, playing, feeding, cleaning, favorite toys and other habits, quirks and idiosyncrasies of your pet
5) Provide medical and behavioral history about your pet(s) as well as veterinary and other emergency contact information, and gather all necessary supplies, including food, vitamins, toys, medicine, and treats in one central location... there is a really handy ceramic erasable babysitter tile that you can get that can be used for the same purpose.... at http://www.placetile.com

I would like to do pet / house sitting in southern and/or northern California over the holidays (beach areas such as Monterey area, south bay, north bay, peninsula, Half Moon Bay, Solvang, Santa Barbara, LA, Malibu and so on)… Thanksgiving and… so if you’re interested, please visit my website at:

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

Here's a cool video that tells how to make chicken strip treats for your dog... it also has a ton of tips on pet care...

Click here for more on "Baked Chicken Strips : Homemade Dog Food Recipe"

http://www.dogfriendlydirectory.com/

http://www.bigdogswelcome.com/travelnews.html

http://www.bigdogswelcome.com/parks.html

http://www.bigdogswelcome.com/lodging/index.html

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

Meanwhile, my dog, who is 53 pounds, is snoozing... we are now allowed to walk together for 5 minutes twice a day... up until 30 minutes twice a day for the next three weeks, so then she will be all good as new again... she's still hopping but she is loving being able to go out and walk and explore the neighborhood again... although am keeping her on a short leash, these are supposed to be controlled walks... no shenanigans, hah... tell that to her... she's got a taste of freedom and is raring to gooooooo...

I gave her a chew bone but no, she almost ate a push pin, and when we went out, she tried to chase the birds, big rabbits around here, too... barking, growling, head underneath the bed, this is an old favorite that she has just brought out again, she lies down by the bed, sticks her head underneath the bed and growls or barks or woofs, why she has to stick her head under the bed, I have no idea... sometimes she does it straight out, but other times, the head is underneath the bed... go figure... I probably should not give her attention then, but she does get my attention... sometimes belly rubs, and kisses... poor boo boo...

she still has ringworm, not much sign of it abating... tenactin seems to work the best, for now...

anyone, want a cone/collar? I called the vet yesterday after I saw that they charged me twice for it, no matter, they had a very good excuse/reason... unbelievable... she wore one after the first surgery and they neglected to give it to me, so then after the second surgery, they gave me one to take home, hence, two charges because they had to throw the first one away... puhlease...