Buddy McCluskey

Well, like all my dogs, they get various nick names so today he is Buddy McCluskey.  I love this new little guy in my life. It is amazing and fun to watch him make his way in a new house, with new dogs and new surroundings being blind.  One morning I was running around getting things done and put on my headphones to listen to my dance music to keep the pace going.  Buddy does not understand. His past owners obviously did not use headphones and sing out loud as they walked around the house.  Buddy just keeps following me and bumping into me.   I tell him I am "singing and not yelling".  He looks back at me and says "I am already blind.  You want me to go deaf too?"

What IS that? Are you howling mom and why?- Buddy

It is all a matter of perspective....

Recently I was out for my normal golf cart ride around the hood.  Like the picture below but let me paint a clearer picture of that day.  It was misty outside/ominous.  Shanti and Sam leashes where in my left hand because I hold them because they run beside the cart for exercise.  Maisy is in the floor board; I hold her with my knees and work the pedals when she lets me.  Buddy is beside me on the bench, wrapped up in a towel to keep warm as his superman cape is not enough. I have on my house slippers (after all, I am not running for god's sake) which are pink, green sweat pants and a purple jacket to keep warm. I have on a hood and gloves, and a camera around my neck. Why the camera? So as I ride around the area I can take pictures of whatever looks interesting.  

All I see is a maltese and poodle with their mom (nothing if this were a game of cards). A pair of beautiful German Shepards (royal pair).  A neighbor who tells me when I go running I really should not be out after dark as she almost hit me (she is right, but no worries folks, I never take my dogs out when I cannot see). She is the queen of hearts.  And here I come, a full house, a royal flush. Or a motley crew. All depends on how you see it.  

Football Jargon

Dog owners may understand some of these terms that sound a lot like football.....

Corner Sweep- checking for pee, where dogs mark the corners of your home.
Back Leg Hike- watch for the signals- slowing down, sniffing, lifting the leg (male), to prevent the dog from marking its territory.
Listen and Run - ears open, ready for any slight sounds to indicate trouble (peeing, chewing, growling).
Pat and Call- smack your leg and call their names to have them come.
Step and Test- walk around in bare feet and "feel" where there may be a peeing incident.
Touch and Sniff- touch your fingers to the wet spot on floor to determine its origin (pee?).
Bones Up - term used for bones, treats or toys when placed up high where dogs cannot reach them.
Lift and Push - Raise knee and push dog down when they jump in excitement.
Snap and Yell - not pretty, nor correct. Happens when you get upset.

Sam. Mr football himself.

Bunny Watcher...

Why yes, I AM taking good care of the pet bunnies on farm. I make sure nothing happens to them. I love the momma bunnies and protect them the most. Why, what seems to be the problem?- Baxter

Mustachioed father with floppy ears?

Son?  (Baxter Jr, the Bunny)

Wow, she better not catch me flirting....

While Lucy is swimming, Zoe is off being chased by another dog with a very deep dark tan (black).

All in good fun but not sure Lucy will see it that way.  

Hmmm, is that English Breakfast Tea I taste?

I know Rogan takes his black, but I prefer a spot of milk in my tea, with sugar and honey- like a proper lady.  -Abby

Is that me mom?

And why don't I get to wear my goggles when we go for a ride?- Sam

See the top ten dog breeds and items for sale to support more rescues at IfDogsTalked.com

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Enjoy, and feel free to share comments.  Keep laughing.
Dog Parent Extraordinaire and IfDogsTalked Blog Author.....
Karla

When she says "Bad dog! Stay out!" -

Which one of us do you reckon she is talking to?- Hunter, Chloe, and Lucy

This always happens....

I had to pack everything. I had to set up the tent. And YOU just play in the sand and make a mess everywhere. Can't you see that I am standing behind you?  And now my towel is all covered with sand and it is in my fur. It is all about having fun with you, isn't it?  Are you even LISTENING to me?!-  Lucy and Zoe

Oh my gawd. Is that for ME?!

Man o man.  It is past Christmas time and look what I still got. I LOVE it. My gift is purple and it rolls and spins. What the heck do you think it IS?- Dillon the lab.

Buddy farts like a mule-

I let Buddy sleep by my bed. By my head. Little boy has big man gas. Bad gas.

One of the first nights with me, I was awakened out of a deep sleep by something that can be best described as burnt cheerios rising.  Buddy gets that look- but we all know it is him. I wish I could say his breath was a lot better.....

(Whoops. That might have been me. - Buddy)

My ball, my toy

I've got it. NO, I've got it!

MOM, tell Ellen it is MY toy and to let go!

(This couple better have a prenup).

Blind Buddy

It takes twice the energy to protect the innocent when you cannot see- lots of rest is needed.  Is it just me or does anyone else think it looks like I dressed up a small pot belly pig?

Super Buddy to the Rescue!

I told Super Buddy to get on his red cape so we could go rescuing dogs together.  He was excited to be on a mission.  I did not have the heart to tell him we were just going to the dump.

Hi there.

My name is Frankie and this big-boned gal is my Maggie.  She's my better 3/4ths you might say.  But I love my big girl except at feeding time- I sometimes have to show my teeth to keep the ole girl at bay.  And yes, that is just her collar that makes her hips look big.- Frankie

Not friends just yet, but trying hard.

Mom, what IS that on my couch?  A small black and white boxer?- Sam

This is close as I am getting, not sure I want to be friends yet with "Buddy". He is not my Buddy.  -Sam

Ok. We are sitting together now. Is this close enough. Do I have to play with him?- Sam

Smell my butt if you like me.- Buddy

I am soooo happy!

Coffee, coffee. I need more coffee!- Ellen

Rounding error

Those of you in business are familiar with this term. Today I was out picking up poop in the yard. I am used to large dogs, large piles.  As I am almost done walking the yard, I realize I haven't found any "Buddy" poop (small Boston Terrier).  Then it dawns on me that with an acre yard, big dogs, and plenty of trees/natural area- Buddy's poo is simply a rounding error....too small to matter.

I kinda feel like it is the same thing with the number of dogs.  If you have 4 big dogs, what is one more small one? Who notices? And scary, but I have left one behind on more than one occasion!    I would not be a good bus driver, counting to make sure all the children are present. Bus seems full, let's go!

 This is Super Buddy!  He secretly LOVES his new cape.

This is Sam. Looking to turn my grass yellow, or brown. Just depends.  You can trip on Sam's poops and hurt yourself.

Hmmmm

I have stared at this fence all day and I still cannot decide what color I want to paint it.

Magazine covers

Loved visiting Western Australia and was very impressed with how well they take care of their pets- exercise, animal rights, very few strays.  Here are a couple of general magazines with dogs on the cover in December.

However, I want my Aussie hat and my snorkel mask back!

You wanna piece of this?

I will "Rocky Balboa" your ass. - Tootsie

Oh, and I float like a butterfly and sting like a bee, big boy.

I am just getting all psyched up to let loose on your face. - Love Tootsie

Bitch please....

Do I LOOK like I want to golf?

Now be a sweetie and take me back home so I can go inside where it is warm.- Buddy

Pssst. Quick, call Animal Cops.

My new foster mom is a freak.  First, she makes me wear this bright blue harness. THEN, she puts me in a bright PINK kennel (yes, I have a penis). I am like color blind and I can see better than she can! Next she gives me a stuffed animal to play with- so I bite the head off and gut the insides out of it to send her a message.   Do I freakin' LOOK happy?

My name is Buddy and send help quick before she really gets crazy. I think I saw a winter dog outfit waiting for me, so I can walk with her and the heathen dogs she has now. Hell, I do not even like the cold and it is FINE by me to continue to do "my business" in the house and let little-miss-dog-rescue-freaky-poo clean it up.  Anyway, I need your help. Come get me soon, I think I hear her calling me now. Gawd please let her leave me the hell alone.  - Buddy

Treat Mesmerized.

Is that an angel that we see? Please give us the treats.- Sam and Shanti

Father time....

I met this old boy out walking the beach with his equally aged owner.  I had to take a picture- of his grace, slow movements yet still enjoying the beauty of the walk. He was beautiful with his long hair flowing.

I felt reverence for the sweet dog making his way down the beach.  Gentle kindness.

 Respect for the old boy making his way along the gorgeous beach and I had to say "hello".

He knows to sit and rest, enjoying the wind, beach and the love he receives all around him.

It was chilly....

So I climbed under the covers.  Unfortunately for my bed mate, I fart in my sleep. Whoops about that.

I can't see back here dang it.

What the hell did we just hit? Could it be a cat?- Diego

My name is Chuck.

I am much nicer than I look so please do not be afraid.

Dog training went well today.

So if anyone reading wants my expert opinion, please contact me. I will be glad to help!

Per Shanti...."that will make mom think twice about taking my bone away."

Look Karla, I am driving!

 Let me check my mirrors. The traffic is bad today....

 No I am not really driving. LOL.  We are in Western Australia, not USA!  Ha ha ha. I love doing that to visiting Americans.

Who US? We promise to be good this winter...

Here we are, on the lookout for trouble.  Not seeing any just yet but I hear another rescue dog is coming- we can teach it "our way". -Maisy, Sam and Shanti

"Anyway, we promise to be good for 2012, scout's honor". -Maisy (leaving the discussion)

"Who is Scout"?- Samson

"I think he had to be put down".  -Shanti

Very famous "bed otter"

Found only in Western Australia (WA). Not to be confused with the river otter found in the USA.

Interesting Dog Stats-

How we get our pets:
According to an Associated Press poll, 40% of all pets are a gift making it still the #1 way people get a dog.  Secondly, new pets come into our lives via rescues/shelters.  Next is from breeders, and 10% come from a pet store.  Only 2% come from online or print ads. More than half of all pet owners have taken in a shelter animal.  Everyone knows that after Christmas the number of unwanted dogs go UP because people do not want to keep their "gifts".  Hopefully everyone can help at least one dog out there in need by fostering or adopting.

Pet Custody Battles on the Rise:
With evolving legal attitudes and closer relationships with our pets, it may be a good idea to have a pre-nuptial agreement to decide who will take the pet in a divorce/breakup, or how the pet will be cared for if you die. Be sure to leave money to cover their expenses if you can afford long-term care.  Always do the right thing for the pet, place them where they will get the best home, love, attention, and pet care.

Dogs and Worms:
I hear this a lot- "my dog doesn't have worms because I do not see any in their poo".  Not all worms can be visually detected, such as hookworms and whipworms.  Your dog should be regularly tested for worms,  and ask your vet to put them on a monthly treatment to prevent heartworms (deadly) and other infestations. Any new dog, young or old should be tested by the vet.

No Hypoallergenic Dogs:
It is saliva and dander that trigger allergies, but some dogs are much less allergenic than others, like the Bichon Frise, Portuguese Water Dogs, Afghan Hound, Airedale Terrier, Poodle, etc.  You can Google to find a long list of dogs better suited for people with allergies.  As a generalization, dogs that are smaller, and ones that have less hair -cause less issues for allergy sufferers.

Some of the best things you can do in a house with pets to help allergies is to limit carpet and drapes that trap allergens.  Use air purifiers. Bath dogs twice a week with gentle soap. Vacuum daily. Restrict dogs to certain areas of the house (do not sleep with them).

Spending for Our Dogs Increases:
In US we spend $5 billion a year on our pets.
Over 50% of us buys gifts for our dogs/cats. www.ifdogstalked.com
On average, we spend $46 per pet at Christmas/Holiday.
Spending (even with slow economy) has increased on our pets 5% each year for the past several years. I believe it is because value our pets in our homes/lives more, and are realizing animals deserve very humane treatment. It is a reflection of our growing love and understanding of animals.

They tell me...

I have a big one for my size, so why don't you get into the hot tub baby and find out for yourself?