People say....

"Karla, how come your grass is so green"?  I tell them it is because I water the grass:

Twice a day....

And fertilize....

And spread hay over new grass seed...

Then lightly water it again, just to be sure.

Don't tempt me....

I have been known to miss. - Lily

Maybe I did. Maybe I didn't.

Exactly what kind of stuff are we talking about here? - Buddy Love

I love exercising...

How about you Maisy?  Can't you just feel the pounds dropping off the faster we go? - Buddy Love

Catch THIS cowboy!

Whoop. There it is.  (And by "it", I mean your groin). - Bea

If you give me the treat....

I will tell you who went rooting around in your newly planted grass seed.  - Sam

Maisy SCORED!

Much like our human counterparts, we like to let each individual off the leash sometimes to explore and enjoy what is important to them. And so I did.  Next thing I know, Maisy is rolling around in cat shit. It is her everything.  I call her "truffles the pig" because she snorts as she goes along, sniffing for fun stuff.  Well today Truffles Maisy found cat poo and before I could get to her, she had rolled in it, was upside down rejoicing on her back side and slitthered like a snake along the ground to scoop up all the wonderful fragrance. Luckily for HER, she got it all on her collar too.  Chunks.

You STINK baby. "You stink too momma. Just tired of smelling like lemons, soap, oatmeal and shit.  Give me cat turds for my aromatic essence." -  Maisy

Relaxing after her bath. Afraid of storms.

"Dang, even the floors smell like lemons and wax. Everything in this house stinks"! - Maisy

Who...us?

No mommy.  We did not do it.  What is that you say?  We look guilty?  No,we are just sad you don't trust us. -Samson and Buddy (dark shadow).

National Puppy Day- you can foster, adopt, donate and educate.

I have heard stats like there are 6 dogs alive per every US household. Many of them land up in shelters to be killed, or breeder farms.  Please help to educate people as this is an issue we can fix over the next few years.

Here is how:
1.  Adopt a dog if you have time and love to spare. You get more than you give.
2.  Spay and Neuter your pets. There are several low cost services if needed.
3.  Adopt from a shelter and not from a breeder (money keeps them in the cruelty business).
4.  Dogs are dogs. Love a mixed breed. They all bring joy. Mixes can have less health issues.
5.  Sponsor a dog (can pay for it while someone else fosters or adopts).
6.  Support rescue groups with time and/or money.
7. Educate your family and friends. Peer pressure to do the right thing.
8.  Sponsor/build mobile vet clinic with donations to visit indigent areas.

We are supposedly the more intelligent and thoughtful creature.  If everyone did their part, all dogs would have the loving home they needed within a few short years. Education is the key. Bob  Barker was right- SPAY AND NEUTER your pets.  It is the easiest way to end overpopulation and very simple to do.

Hi. My name is Alfie. I am a mixed breed puppy and no one wanted me.  You see, I was a little awkward looking. My tail is small and looks like a big rat tail.  My belly hangs down like puppy bellies do, and my hip bones poked out like a mule.  My front paws are huge and bend funny, and I have webbed feet- like a duck. My colors are boxer, but I am small (20 lbs) and will not get beyond 40 lbs.  I was the plain dog, the ugly duckling on adoption day.  But wait, a lady saw me, all alone, and loved me instantly. She had 2 dogs of her own so she could not take me but it broke her heart that no one wanted me, or showed me attention around the prettier dogs. She could not stop thinking about me.

So this lady reaches out to the shelter and they are kind enough to keep tabs on me for her.  Then as my kill date nears (I am 5 months old), she is worried my time has come to pass.  So she writes Karla, the dog blogger who sometimes rescues dogs and asked her to please foster me. She offered to pay for everything. My jail fee, my neutering, my monthly meds so I don't get worms or fleas.  Luckily, 2 days before the guillotine, Karla said "yes."

So I went to live with her and 4 other dogs. Like WOW.  It was great but I had so much to learn.  I lived in a home before once, but they didn't want to keep me and did not really teach me much. I felt bad for Karla.  I did not know how to "kennel up", and I wasn't house trained. But I am smart and I do love me some people. So I tried hard and learned to "Kennel Up" on my first day.  I could sit some too. Karla was worried though. While I am cute, I am an odd mix and there are soooo many dogs out there needing a home. She posted me on the blog, facebook, and sent emails to people for Alfie a home. That's me!

Well, a nice man came to Karla's house to do some wood splitting.  I hid from him under her deck in the leaves. Her other 4 dogs ran around, much less afraid but this was all new to me. The wood guy wanted a big dog, his had just died and he could not find the right one (free).  Then he spotted me. I heard something I did not know if I would ever hear (and I know my foster mom Karla and my angel financial supporter would agree).  He pointed at ME, and said "I want THAT dog." Well, I gotta laugh because I am pretty awkward looking and Karla said, "which dog?" She was sure he meant Sam her big boxer boy or Buddy, since he was her new Boston Terrier foster.  But OMG, he pointed again and said clearly, he wanted the dog hiding under the deck.  Here I am underfed, fur missing on my tail, mixed mutt lineage, scared of his wood splitter and he saw something in ME.

Well, dang, I came out when Karla called for me.  Then the man threw a soccer ball and what do you know?  I chased it and got it.  I carried it around while he worked. I did not know I could do that but I am smart, and I follow my gut.  By the end of his visit, it was agreed that man would be taking me home when he left. My new owner was all smiles. The angel donor had provided toys, leash/collar, new bed, and meds for me. Karla provided a kennel and food for me. I was free to a good home and came with a dowry (care package of goods so no money needed to be spent). Love is free anyway.

He held me in his lap, all smiling and happy, PROUD to have me. Me Alfie.  The dog no one really wanted and just about everyone was okay knowing I would likely be killed.  I am just a drop in the bucket I guess.  We rode off with all my stuff in the truck.  The nice man has a 2 year old daughter that wanted a puppy.  And I love kids. And he has a wife that loves boxer mixes. He told me I had beautiful coloring. No one ever said that before. I just knew I was funny looking.  I was happy to be headed home, and not to the dump, where they put the ashes from unwanted dogs.

I wanted a family so much.  A little kid to love me, a mom to teach me and keep me company, and a daddy to play with- learn from.  That night the phone rang and I could hear Karla on the other end. She was checking on me.  And I overheard what daddy said. "We love Alfie. He is doing fine. My wife and daughter love him.  I made him a "run" today and set up his new kennel.  We went out to get more of the same good food to get him healthy, and got him treats. Alfie is home to stay." Then I cried.

My family does not have a ton of money but they have a ton of love. I am not the big pure bred dog they were looking for, but I am ALFIE. I am an original. My dog parts are like none other.  I am special. I am loved. I hope you are too.

(This is a story how a shelter took dogs to Petsmart to market them for adoption, someone donated money to save a dog, someone else fostered a dog, and an owner was able to take a puppy with no financial outlay in these tough economic times. So on National Puppy Day- I solute ALFIE. He made us better people.)

Mama Bear

This new bed you bought for little Buddy also fits me juussst right mom.  Look- a perfect fit from all angles.  Who says I need to lose weight? I am already fitting into a smaller doggie bed.  - Maisy Moo

Sam casts a dark shadow everywhere he goes.

His new little brother Buddy looks up to Samson and mimics his actions everywhere they go. Good or bad. Furry little Batman and Robin live here.

Sam likes to quote Batman:   "I didn't need to say a word. They took one look at me, one look at my shadow and they ran".

Rest superheros, rest.

Today I just wanted to lie down on my couch.....

Please ask me how that went.

Bring it sister.....

Smack, smack, come right here to me fluffy. - Bea to Zoey

Sweet Dreams (are made of these)

Sweet dreams are made of this

Who am I to disagree?

I travel the world

And the seven seas

Everybody's looking for something.

Buddy found his something- dog heaven at my house.

He escaped for a swim on the lake yesterday. He must have swallowed a lot of water as he peed in his belly band last night, and when I took it off, he peed on by bed post, my office chair and under the dining room table when I was not looking.  Good to have the little man back in action.  I just have to figure out how to disengage his little fire hose unless he is outside.

Where did everybody go mom?

Buddy and I go outside and find the gate like this. Bungee cord undone, steel bench moved, gate opened and bent. I don't think you did all this did you Buddy?

Mom, I cannot figure out how the others got out. I will stand right here and wait for my dog pack to come back. I think I hear the neighbors screaming at them now.- Buddy McCluskey.

I LOVE my new toy!

OMG. Is that REALLY a cap to a can?  How much did this cost?  I don't see ANY other dogs with one. I must be the only one in the neighborhood with this toy. Roll it for me again. - Foxy

I am not sure

that even my shock collar will keep me awake through your story, but you can try. -Bea

In the ZONE...

Ah, today was a beautiful day. I left my gorgeous babies in the house to rest while I went for a run. I put on my new running shoes;  they felt like a million bucks on my feet. I put my cool running glasses on.  I had my iPod playing Rihanna Birthday Cake as I took off up the long driveway from my house.

I gain steam as I head up the hill. I have the road all to myself, feeling bold and confident, full of life.

As the superior being in my house, I left the furry ones behind so I could go for a "real run".  And it felt great.

I am in the zone. At one with nature, trees, light, wind, grass, and squirrels as I run by it all. I am taking it in, smiling, marveling at my own speed. I feel great.  This was a perfect idea, to sneak away for some "me" time.

Just as I am reaching my runner's high, I felt something breeze past me. It was Sam. What the...?  He was naked, not even his necklace was on. He (boxer) ripples like a horse when he runs and effortlessly leaves me in his rear view mirror.  He is out for a sprint and oh so happy.   Next I see Buddy. He is running past me now too, as if I am barely moving. He runs like he is playing leap frog at full speed, one leg flies off to one side, the other does the same thing.  Odd little screwed up run, all 21 lbs of him, and he is kicking my ass.  Snorting the whole way as Boston Terriers do.

Shanti is on her own mission. She chooses not to run with mom. So she blazes past me, to show that she can, and off she goes into the woods to play "hide and you will never catch me again'.  I collect the two boys after a moment of despair, and run back home.  As I get there, Maisy has gotten out too, but chose not to embarrass me on my "run of superiority".  Seems they knew I left and they opened the gate.  I have witnessed this before when I do not lock, barricade and bungee cord the gate.  They lift the lock in place and hit the gate, flinging it wide open.The four of them go out flying like the start of a horse race. Elated to be out running free.

Smiles on their faces. I swear.

I get everyone back in, Shanti came back for a neighbor. I am not good enough for her to return to, you see.

I shut and locked the gate. My high was interrupted and not to be repeated this day. No one seemed sorry, only glad to have momma home with them.  The horses are back inside the gate, and all is well.

Sweet, aren't they?

Mother and adopted son.....

Security is on high alert.  Guard stance is assumed.  No one dares to enter the boxer dog zone.

"Don't worry mom. We got this place covered....unless it gets ugly." - Sam and Maisy.

If they do get frightened, they will fly through the doggie door and come hide behind me.  I know I will never be attacked alone- my babies will be right behind me, rooting for me all the way!

The alarm code is....

Uh, WOW. Thanks for the treats stranger.  My humans aren't home yet, but you can go ahead inside and have a look around. Let me know if you need to know where anything is hidden. Otherwise I will be out here enjoying the snacks you brought. -  Dixie

Come here. I want to smell your butt!

You know I have to do it, so hold still please. - Bea to Zoey

When Buddy met the wheel barrow for the first time....

I thought I would write a little about a sweet Boston Terrier that came to me blind, lived here for 2 months in a strange place....and then got his eyesight back with lens replacement for cataract surgery.  His name is Buddy Love.

First, blind dogs adjust very well and do not feel sorry for themselves.  As their humans, we should not feel sorry for them, but help them as needed.  I taught Buddy to leash walk by leading him between Shanti and Sam. It was so cute, he would bump into Sam to the right, and Shanti to the left and this is how we "kept it between the ditches".    When he roamed the yard, he would have Sam beside him to help guide. Sam became a big brother and a seeing eye dog without ever knowing.

On his first days here, Buddy would take one day to explore a room or a portion of the yard. I would see him walk slowly to avoid injury over a fraction of my yard and I guess he was learning it/getting comfortable with everything.  Soon, he knew his way around the house and yard, and all the objects. Fortunately for Buddy, I am a creature of habit and move nothing in my yard or house. Furniture sits in the same spot. Same as last year. Same as next year.  You know the type. So I was good for Blind Buddy.

While he could not see, he loved rides. He would stick his nose out the window and take in all the smells. He would feel his way around the inside of the truck and smell the other dogs when close.  Now that he can see, when we go for rides or walks, I have to be much more careful as he can see other dogs, squirrels and deer to chase.  He is tempted to jump off the golf cart or whatever is moving, excited at the new visual world.

This is Buddy riding beside me in the cart with Maisy (too old to run). The other two dogs are off to the left, running along side us riders.

When he slowly started to regain his vision after surgery, I was touched. This was a first for me....a blind dog regaining his sight.  The second day back from the vet, I saw him LOOKING around my kitchen for the first time. He was taking it all in, very slowly and deliberately, staring at the cabinets and dog bowls (or maybe my dirty floors). Before he got his sight back, I would tap the dog bowl and water bowl so he knew where they were placed.  I was learning with him, to be a better dog leader.  I would tap objects as I would walk by so he would know to go around them. I would kick things out of his way so he would not step on them and get frightened like sticks, pine cones, etc.

After about a week, I was working in the yard and had the wheel barrow out.  Buddy came running up to me (still could not see that great), saw the wheel barrow and backed off, as if to say "WTF is THAT"?  He could now see things that he liked and did not like. And he had to once again adjust to all the new things at my house (foster home).  He was so cute and did so many funny things when blind. I sometimes wonder if I am going to hell for making fun of a blind dog.  Nah. We laughed together.

I smile when I think of how he learned to maneuver up and down the steps. I think he had them counted.  And how he would run to me when I called, and run right PAST me, so happy to be out running at all.  He could hear his ball, but could not find it. He would bump into the other dogs all the time. They did not know Buddy was blind and would move all over the place.  And they remained patient when he jumped out of a chair and on them, or bumped into them to get his bearings when walking.

Now that he sees close to normal, he plays more. He is more confident. And I am glad modern medicine could give him his sight back at such a young age. He is a proud, sweet dog. Same as before.

Today he runs on his own. along side his brother and sister, often leading, since he can see the way.

Woman, can't you see how tired I am after my long play date?

Please just let me sit in my favorite chair without you hassling me.  And while you are up, bring me my dinner and a drink. - Buddy

PS- Your clocks are wrong. You need to fix those too.

You've got to ask yourself one question:

“Do I feel lucky?” Well do ya, punk?"- Della

Good Morning Neighbor!

Aren't you glad this is not in your yard?  -Belle

New dog tags available!

Custom made by artist Erica Holt. Your purchase is used to rescue/foster/provide medical care to more dogs.
LOVE these new copper tags. Shop at www.ifdogstalked.com. Rock something unique for your pet.

Oh, now that I can see.....you are going DOWN.

OMG.  I see a purple monster dancing in front of me.  I want it. I want it.

I plan to rip you from mom's tiny little hands. And love all the stuffing right out of you. - Buddy Love

Whatzup? I have been SPRUNG from dog jail.

 Alfie is READY for YOU!

Alfie needs a foster or permanent home. He is one lucky guy as an ANGEL SUPPORTER saw Alfie, and while she could not take him in, she is covering all his expenses to save his life (his kill date is this week) and put him with me.


Alfie’s dob is Sept. 23, 2011, he was brought to the shelter on Jan 23^rd by the owner who said they did not want him. He has a microchip, rabies shot, has had 2 sets of shots, and neutered. He is a boxer mix and should be a mid size dog when full grown.  He is very cute with long legs.  I will be putting him through "Meador Bootcamp" to train him on all the basics.  There is no fee for Alfie, just need a great home for a great dog.


Feel free to ask me any questions. If you live in the USA, we can find a way to get Alfie to YOU.  What a great dog he will make for someone.

Hook this little fella up won't you?

Take time along the way to smell the flowers....

Like I do. (I cannot say what I am planning on doing with them...)

And then let me, your damn dog off the enclosed deck so I can live a little.-Ms. Ellen

It's ok.

Mom let's me eat off the table all the time. You okay with me licking your plate? -Sam

Well well, what have we here?

Maisy, 75 lbs, has crammed her body into the NEW little dog bed. It will not be the first one she has "broken in".  And little Buddy, weighing in at 21 lbs, is on the biggest dog bed, laying diagonal with his body stretched out so the others cannot get on "his" bed.  The grass can look greener....even in  the dog world. Hey, as long as they are not up on MY bed this morning. Rumor has it, human beds fit all size dogs.

Shake shake shake

Give ME the treat!

I am the prettiest one. - Buddy

Ah, did mom fall down and get a boo boo?

I went mountain bike riding, and let Shanti run along with me. Who knew she would insist on being in the lead on the trail. We get to the footbridge and she cuts me off.  I hit the brakes and take a dive. She cares not, and runs on, smiling.  All in good fun.

Whoops. Did mommie hurt herself trying to race me?- Shanti the sympathetic.