Two Hounds & A Manx

Murphy moments

2012-02-02T09:42:00.000-08:00

Well, it seems that Dogs on Thursday (For people who love their dogs and want to talk about them once a week) is no longer....too bad, I enjoyed all the doggie dish.....

Sushi Sees Something

2012-01-31T07:55:00.000-08:00

The idea of calm exists in a sitting cat. -- Jules Renard

(To see other Cats on Tuesday,
or to post some of your own, click here)

Part of the Silence

2012-01-28T11:33:00.000-08:00

Bird in the Marsh

In order to see birds it is necessary to become part of the silence - Robert Lynd

A meme which is all about photos of animals/critters; to see more, or to post one of your own, go here

a real shoe hound

2010-03-25T05:29:00.000-07:00

This post has been brought to you as my participation in this week's Dogs on Thursday; For people who love their dogs and want to talk about them once a week.

natural state

2010-03-23T07:11:00.000-07:00

Consciousness: that annoying time between naps.

(To see other Cats on Tuesday,
or to post some of your own, click here)

happy spring!!

2010-03-20T06:55:00.001-07:00

No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow.

A meme which is all about photos of animals/critters; to see more, or to post one of your own, go here

happy hounds

2010-03-18T05:55:00.000-07:00

Some people go to priests; others to poetry; I to my friends. ~ Virginia Woolf

This post has been brought to you as my participation in this week's Dogs on Thursday; For people who love their dogs and want to talk about them once a week.

digging in

2010-03-13T06:00:00.000-08:00

Be not afraid of going slowly; be afraid only of standing still. ~ Chinese Proverb

A meme which is all about photos of animals/critters; to see more, or to post one of your own, go here

spring is in the air

2010-03-11T04:00:00.000-08:00

...Hey, Dolby...do you smell that?

What?! What'ya smell??! ...

Spring's a-comin'!!
This post has been brought to you as my participation in this week's Dogs on Thursday; For people who love their dogs and want to talk about them once a week.

strike a pose

2010-03-09T04:00:00.000-08:00

The cat is above all things, a dramatist. ~ Margaret Benson

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or to post some of your own, click here)

tree toppers

2010-03-06T07:00:00.000-08:00

God loved the birds and invented trees. Man loved the birds and invented cages.
~ Jacques Deval

A meme which is all about photos of animals/critters; to see more, or to post one of your own, go here

out for a stroll

2010-03-04T07:21:00.000-08:00

This post has been brought to you as my participation in this week's Dogs on Thursday; For people who love their dogs and want to talk about them once a week.

nature's aerator

2010-02-27T05:30:00.000-08:00

If all the beasts were gone, men would die from a great loneliness of spirit, for whatever happens to the beasts also happens to the man. All things are connected. Whatever befalls the Earth befalls the sons of the Earth. ~ ~Chief Seattle of the Suquamish Tribe

A meme which is all about photos of animals/critters; to see more, or to post one of your own, go here

quiet morning

2010-02-23T07:35:00.000-08:00

There's a long, long trail a-winding into the land of my dreams. ~ Stoddard King, Jr

(To see other Cats on Tuesday,
or to post some of your own, click here)

anticipation

2010-02-18T08:30:00.000-08:00

~ Is it spring yet? ~

This post has been brought to you as my participation in this week's Dogs on Thursday; For people who love their dogs and want to talk about them once a week.

cat naps

2010-02-16T02:51:00.000-08:00

What'd ya mean "cat naps"?!

EVERYBODY's doin' it

(To see other Cats on Tuesday,
or to post some of your own, click here)

two hounds

2010-02-13T08:12:00.001-08:00

In order to really enjoy a dog, one doesn't merely try to train him to be semi human. The point of it is to open oneself to the possibility of becoming partly a dog. ~ Edward Hoagland

A meme which is all about photos of animals/critters; to see more, or to post one of your own, go here

a trail tail

2010-02-11T07:57:00.000-08:00

Atho, we are very much couch-potatoes, we do so enjoy our little strolls through the Preserve...luckily, it's at the end of our street, so we don't have to stretch our noses quite that far, so that makes it our favorite sniffing spot! Lots and lots of new smells! Every time we go we find new and exciting adventures!

...Then, we come home, and sleep on the couch...

This post has been brought to you as my participation in this week's Dogs on Thursday; For people who love their dogs and want to talk about them once a week.

my cat

2010-02-09T07:43:00.000-08:00

He lives in the halflights in secret places, free and alone - this mysterious little great being whom his mistress calls 'My cat.' - Margaret Benson

(To see other Cats on Tuesday,
or to post some of your own, click here)

symbol of freedom

2010-02-06T05:11:00.000-08:00

In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved. ~Franklin D. Roosevelt

A meme which is all about photos of animals/critters; to see more, or to post one of your own, go here

the eye of the beholder

2010-02-04T09:25:00.000-08:00

I suppose I should preface this posting by saying that absolutely NO disrespect is intended on my part - if you are a Presbyterian, or a member of this particular congregation, I mean no offense; I was forwarded this in an email some time ago, and it struck me as funny, so my immediate thought was to share it here, with my other doggy-lovin' pals (all of whom, I'm sure, already know the answer!) *wink*

This post has been brought to you as my participation in this week's Dogs on Thursday; For people who love their dogs and want to talk about them once a week.

bibliokitty

2010-02-02T09:28:00.000-08:00

Authors like cats because they are such quiet, lovable, wise creatures, and cats like authors for the same reasons. ~Robertson Davies

(To see other Cats on Tuesday,
or to post some of your own, click here)

Jack Sits

2009-06-16T08:19:00.000-07:00

The ideal of calm exists in a sitting cat. ~Jules Reynard

(To see other Cats on Tuesday,
or to post some of your own, click here)

Water Logged

2009-06-13T05:42:00.000-07:00

The only thing wrong with doing nothing is that you never know when you're finished. ~Anonymous

A meme which is all about photos of animals/critters; to see more, or to post one of your own, go here

Sushi in Repose

2009-06-09T06:57:00.000-07:00

Cats are rather delicate creatures and they are subject to a good many ailments, but I never heard of one who suffered from insomnia. ~Joseph Wood Krutch

(To see other Cats on Tuesday,
or to post some of your own, click here)

Gator Country

2009-06-06T05:49:00.000-07:00

I have been studying the traits and dispositions of the "lower animals" (so called) and contrasting them with the traits and dispositions of man. I find the result humiliating to me. ~Mark Twain

A meme which is all about photos of animals/critters; to see more, or to post one of your own, go here

Happy Bwoofday, Girls!

2009-06-04T05:16:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday, on May 31st, the hounds had their 3rd birthday. It doesn''t seem that long ago when we first brought them home - the only differences are they now eat more, and take up more space (in both our house and our hearts)

Dolby "then" ~ Dolby "now"

Murphy "then" ~ Murphy "now"

This post has been brought to you as my participation in this week's Dogs on Thursday; For people who love their dogs and want to talk about them once a week.

Down the Lazy River

2009-05-23T04:33:00.001-07:00

Never insult an alligator until after you have crossed the river ~Cordell Hull

A meme which is all about photos of animals/critters; to see more, or to post one of your own, go here

Snake in the Grass

2009-05-16T05:57:00.000-07:00

Always carry a flagon of whiskey in case of snakebite and furthermore always carry a small snake. ~W.C.Fields

A meme which is all about photos of animals/critters; to see more, or to post one of your own, go here

Just Jack

2009-05-12T06:40:00.000-07:00

You will always be lucky if you know
how to make friends with strange cats.
(proverb)

(To see other Cats on Tuesday, or to post some of your own, click here)

What, not a good spot?!

2009-05-09T05:10:00.000-07:00

Cats can work out mathematically the exact place to sit that will cause most inconvenience. ~Pam Brown

A meme which is all about photos of animals/critters; to see more, or to post one of your own, go here

Three Little Kittens

2009-05-05T03:11:00.000-07:00

A few years back, a beautiful little stray decided she was going to have kittens under my house; unfortunately, my pet quota was full just then (I already had two dogs, two cats, a fish tank, AND I was feeding two strays at the time), but luckily my neighbor had a few vacancies at her home. While momma has since disappeared (my hope is that someone gave her a home as well), the three "kittens" still come by to visit regularly.

This was them, then:

And this is them, *now*, on just such a visit:

~ Patches ~

~ Tall-Tail ~

~ Shnook'ums ~

(To see other Cats on Tuesday, or to post some of your own, click here)

(Oh, and by the way, it's Rosie's Birthday today, so be sure to wish her a Purr-fect Day!)

Buddies

2009-04-25T04:34:00.001-07:00

My goal in life is to be as good of a person my dog already thinks I am. ~Author Unknown

A meme which is all about photos of animals/critters; to see more, or to post one of your own, go here

Loony Bug

2009-04-21T08:02:00.000-07:00

"You can't help that. We're all mad here."
- The Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland

(To see other Cats on Tuesday, or to post some of your own, click here)

For the Birds

2009-04-18T04:25:00.000-07:00

My favorite weather is bird-chirping weather. ~Loire Hartwould

A meme which is all about photos of animals/critters; to see more, or to post one of your own, go here

Hanes, OUR way

2009-04-16T06:08:00.000-07:00

This post has been brought to you as my participation in this week's Dogs on Thursday; For people who love their dogs and want to talk about them once a week.

Impressions of Sushi

2009-04-14T06:03:00.000-07:00

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Happy Easter

2009-04-11T05:00:00.000-07:00

Easter spells out beauty, the rare beauty of new life. ~S.D. Gordon

A meme which is all about photos of animals/critters; to see more, or to post one of your own, go here

Happy BwoofDay, Pappa!!

2009-04-10T04:30:00.000-07:00

We LUV you!!

Playthings

2009-04-09T07:36:00.001-07:00

Hello out there, Murphy here, comin' at ya just in time for Dogs on Thursday!! Last week, DoDo Bird -- with her mind on food, as usual -- asked you all what kind of treats you get, and why you get 'em (I guess she was looking for new angles...), and some of you seem to be really lucky dogs!

Gus and Waldo say "MMM...treats are da best!! We like all-natural treats like pumpkin or sweet potato."
(Do stop by here and wish Waldo a Happy B*woof*day!! He just turned a year old this week; and *such* a handsome fella, too!)

And Sue's crew is *really* pampered; "We get a variety of types of treats...Mom even bakes treats for us sometimes" (Momma Mo bakes, but not *specifically* for us; we still usually benefit, tho...)

And, Renna tells us "Our Min Pin loves watermelon in the summer, so we do indulge her, and diced up apple is another favorite of hers."

Me?? I like the "after-human-dinner" treats the best....you know, the stuff that's left over once the humans have had their fill; then I get the good stuff, like rice, and chicken and meaty bones and stuff...THAT is what I call a "treat". Sure, we get Beggin'Strips (yes, we know Dolby...you LUV Beggin' Strips....), and milk bones, and even "Scooby Snacks" (Alpo Liver snaps?? I dunno....MommaMo just asks if we want a Scooby snack, and we come a-runnin'), but UNlike my sister, *my* life is NOT ruled by my stomach....MY life is all about PLAY!! I luv to RUN, I luv to BARK, I LUV TO PLAY!!!

Of course, the humans, they buy us allll kinds of toys and balls and things, and I luv to play with my rubber bone and Dolby's tire, but my most-favorite toy of ALL is pappa's socks. Now, Pappa, he does give them to me when he is done playin' with them hisself, but sometimes I can't wait that long, so I have to steal them. He doesn't really like that, much, but that hasn't stopped me yet. (heehee...I especially like to sneak in to the shower room, and while he's in THERE, I steal his socks from the floor and run like the wind!! HeeHee...well, Momma Mo thinks its funny!)

So, anyways....My question to you doggies and doggie-lovers out there is: What is YOUR favorite toy?? Do you even LIKE toys? (Momma Mo says she's had doggies who didn't like to play ball, but really? I can't imagine it!!) DO you share your toys, like me & DoDo, or do you have your very own, all to yourself?! Do you have to steal *yours*, too??

Tell me all about your favorite toys...MsMurphy (that's *me*) wants to know!!

This post has been brought to you as my participation in this week's Dogs on Thursday; For people who love their dogs and want to talk about them once a week.

To be worthy

2009-04-07T07:34:00.000-07:00

Cat Owner's Prayer
Author Unknown

Because I'm only human,
It's sometimes hard to be
The wise, all-knowing creature
That my cat expects of me.

And so I pray for special help
To somehow understand
The subtle implications
Of each proud meowed command.

Oh, let me not forget that chairs
Were put on earth to shred;
And what I like to call a lap
Is actually a bed.

I know it's really lots to ask
But please, oh please, take pity;
And though I'm only human,
Make me worthy of my kitty!

(To see other Cats on Tuesday, or to post some of your own, click here)

A glimpse of green

2009-04-04T05:00:00.000-07:00

April is a promise that May is bound to keep. ~Hal Borland

A meme which is all about photos of animals/critters; to see more, or to post one of your own, go here -- this is the 1 yr. anniversary of Camera Critters, so be sure to stop by and see who's joined the party! Why not grab *your* camera critters, and play along?!

All things edible

2009-04-02T08:17:00.001-07:00

Hello fellow hounds and doggy-lovers, Dolby here - just in time for another week of Dogs on Thursday; We had LOTS of different doggy dining drills discussed during last week's dilemma (HowlOutLoud...I crack me up!!):

L^2 told us that's its kibble ONLY for Willow and Stella, illness being the only "exception to the rule". Knittinwolf agrees:
"My parent's feed their dogs scraps and their dogs are sooo fat and have bad teeth. We personally don't feed our dogs scraps and they have great teeth and are at the right weight."

tnbullterrors weighed in for the "all raw" diet crowd:
"Pappy, the youngest Bull Terrier is 4th generation raw fed, and the vet tells us he's the healthiest puppy he's ever seen! They do get cottage cheese and yogurt, along with raw egg. We feed chicken, turkey, beef, gizzards, hearts, liver, venison, quail and the list goes on. All our food comes from the grocery or the meat supplier here in town. If we can't eat it, they DON'T eat it."

And, then we had several who came down somewhere in between. Allison's pups, for instance, who say "we gets high-quality doggeh kibble. Every once in a while mommee will give us some people food--but it's only meat or carrots with nothing on it." and Channon, who added "My dogs get a few human foods once in a while, either for medicinal purposes - pumpkin for Sissy's fiber issues, chicken and rice for upset tummies - or as a treat. They don't get scraps for the sake of scraps."

Some of you have a very regimented routine, like GoldenTracks;
"In determining how much food they get daily (which we weigh out), we assume their usual fare of 3 mini wheats, 2 dogs biscuits, 5 baby carrots and 3 bites of something from our dinner(....after we eat). I know it sound complicated and a bit OCD but our dog are not overweight and are very healthy"

And, Sue;
"My pack gets kibble twice a day. Different dogs get different types and it's measured out. They all get snacks of fruit and veggies. I make a special stew for them with ground turkey and barley and veggies. Once a week they get fish, either talapia or sardines on their kibble. On Fridays each one gets a Brazil nut shaved in their kibble. The vet says it's the best source of selenium. They all get yogurt at bedtime. They also each get a fish oil pill daily. Yes, they also get leftovers mixed in with their kibble, but not every day."

And, then of course, there ARE folks, like dogquilter, who think like our momma and say "at our house, it cuts down on all the prewashing before going into the dishwasher..." <- Now, that's funny right there, I don't care who ya are... So, obviously what you feed *your* pack is a personal choice; If it were up to *me*, we would eat nothin' BUT tablescraps (and Beggin' Strips - I LUV Beggin' Strips...), but, alas, our momma insists we eat other things, too. Which, when I think about it, is really okay, 'cause as long as it's edible - and, I have a very flexible definition of 'edible' - I'm pretty much satisfied to eat it. Which, brings me to this week's question for all you pampered pups out there....

What about TREATS??! What kind of treats do you get, and why do you get them? Does your mom and pop make you DO things for them?? Or, do you just "get" them, cause y'all are so dang cute and lovable?! Do you have "favorites" that you just go CRaZy for (did I mention, I luv me some Beggin Strips?!), or is one 'edible item' just as good as the next? (Murphy luvs ice cubes, and they're okay, I suppose, but I LUV me some Beggin'Strips, now...) Do grab a bone to chew on, and give us a howl-out for your favorite fun feast...DoDo (that's *me*) wants to know!

This post has been brought to you as my participation in this week's Dogs on Thursday; For people who love their dogs and want to talk about them once a week.

Meet the Neighbors

2009-03-31T05:16:00.000-07:00

Ahhh....well, Good Morning, and happy CoT to all my feline friends and fellow fans of the aforementioned; Sushi here. As is typically the case, I am confined inside on this beautiful spring morning, and am not really in the mood to amuse. Rest assured, however, that just because I am stuck inside with those two maniacal mutts, don't think that I don't have my share of fellow felines who frequent my little garden on a regular basis; I am *quite* the popular girl! I know that I've introduced you to Koala, my unrequited love interest, but today I thought I would introduce you to some of his brothers. Well, okay, so they're not *really* his "brothers, but they share ownership of Ms. Jan, our neighbor, and they come over every day just to say hello...

See, here comes Mikey, now...

Mikey's a big clown, and he's very amiable with all the other neighborhood kitties...just look at those big friendly eyes, and expressive white whiskers! Mother and I always enjoy his visits. And, usually along with Mikey, comes 'ol Hangnail Joe...

Now, Mikey and Joe really ARE brothers; they came from the same litter, and have owned Ms. Jan for about as long as we can remember...They're both very friendly fellas, and even tho they kinda look alike, Mikey has short, sleek fur, whereas Joe's hair is long and soft...But, they both have those cute, white whiskers!! They have a sister too, Mirabella, but she doesn't look anything like them...

In fact, if we didn't already know better, we would think that Bella was ol' George's kid. (Georgie was Mother's tom cat when my sister Sashi and I first took ownership of her...sadly, George has gone over the bridge, since then...)
Now, this is just a small selection of my feline friends, but enough introductions for this Tuesday...Until next time, may you enjoy a Purr-fect week ahead!

(To see other Cats on Tuesday, or to post some of your own, click here)

Nature's treasures

2009-03-28T03:00:00.000-07:00

Nature is man's teacher. She unfolds her treasures to his search, unseals his eye, illumes his mind, and purifies his heart; an influence breathes from all the sights and sounds of her existence. ~Alfred Billings Street

A meme which is all about photos of animals/critters; to see more, or to post one of your own, go here

Thoughts of food; Food for thought

2009-03-26T07:32:00.000-07:00

It's Thursday again, time for another edition of Dogs on Thursday!!

First, let me thank all the thoughtful doggie-pals who responded to my post last week, regarding vaccination updates; as I noted, there is A LOT of conflicting information out there both pro- and con-.
Many of you, like myself, are somewhere in the middle of the road on this one;

dogyardfun says "I'm torn on this subject too. Sometimes I feel like doctors/vets just try to get you to pay for things you don't need, but who knows where the truth lies. You want your pups to be healthy but you don't want to over medicate them. Ugh. It's tough."

nancyturtle said "dogs and cats need the initial vaccines as babies and the first booster, but after that every three years is MORE than enough".

tnbullterrors agrees; "All of ours had their initial puppy vax, and one booster, after that, they only get them every 3 years. I haven't had a problem doing it that way."

Sue has a "tougher" approach: Mine get rabies every two years because it's a state law. I boost the DHLPP on the younger ones yearly. Once they get over eight or if they have any chronic illness then we vaccinate every three years or even less....I've seen too many dogs suffer with distemper and parvo to just stop vaccinating."

With this, I agree.

Also, Elizabeth Hart provided some quotes, directly from the AAHA and the AAFP, that give some great guidelines when making your own determination. For example;

"guidelines note that duration of immunity after vaccination with MLV vaccines is 7 years or longer, based on challenge and serological studies"

"vaccination reactions can occur up to 45 days later, or even longer. (Ref: Vaccination Protocols for Dogs Predisposed to Vaccine Reactions. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, May/June 2001, Vol 37, pp 211-214.)"

"The latest scientifically based guidelines state that it is not necessary for adult dogs to have these vaccinations every year of their life. It is of no benefit and actually puts the dog needlessly at risk of an adverse reaction."

Certainly a question that generates controversy, even amongst the "experts"! As I said last week, Murphy has already undergone her first set of "boosters" for Parvo, Distemper and Rabies; Dolby will go within the month to get the same. I don't know, though, how this will play out in the future. Will they be "re"boosted when next year's "friendly reminder" comes 'round? Stay tuned...

In the mean time, THIS week, I have another dilemma for DoT to ponder:

Do you feed your doggies table scrap/ "people food"?

Now, we all know that there are certain No-No's we mustn't share (cranberries, dark chocolate and onions, to name just a few) but what about the "good stuff"?

Some folks will say not only does this create unwanted behaviors - begging at the table, an unwillingness to then eat their own food, or stealing food right off the table! - but that it's also harmful health-wise, as their nutritional needs differ from our own, and their digestive tract can be upset by the "rich foods". Not to mention, it can be a leading factor in your pets weight problems.

On the flip side, folks will argue that dogs have *always* eaten scraps since their domestication; hunting dogs were often fed essentially on bread made with various grains, the quarry was often given to the hounds to strengthen "weak" dogs, and "war dogs" were readily given meat.

There is much controversy over raw food diets as well, including a debate over the use of dairy products for adult dogs, the safety of feeding bones, and the potential for illness from parasites and high fat content of raw meat.

On one hand , the commercial companies bombard owners with advertising in every media, on the other, the natural food crowd makes good use of the Internet with its network of trainers, groomers, and others who already use home-made or “all-natural” diets. The over-riding message then becomes that if pet owners don’t choose this or that brand or don’t relish the idea of preparing a diet at home, they don’t care about their dog’s health and well-being. It can be frustrating and confusing.

So, where do you come down on this issue? Does Scruffy get scraps, or is it only Pedigree for your pooch??

This post has been brought to you as my participation in this week's Dogs on Thursday; For people who love their dogs and want to talk about them once a week.

Sun Rises, Cat Naps

2009-03-24T03:44:00.000-07:00

See out there; the sun is just coming up. I luv to watch the sun rise on a brand new morning....It makes you feel like you could do anything with that day....it's just FULL of possibilities...

Be careful tho; If you look right at it, it'll make you sleepy.

But, then there's no better way to start the morning than with a good, long cat nap in the sun...

(To see other Cats on Tuesday, or to post some of your own, click here)

That's my DoDoBird!

2009-03-21T03:46:00.000-07:00

The great pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself with him and not only will he not scold you, but he will make a fool of himself too. ~Samuel Butler

A meme which is all about photos of animals/critters; to see more, or to post one of your own, go here

"Boost" or BoonDOGgle?

2009-03-19T05:22:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, we took Ms. Murphy to the vet's office for her annual exam (and, because I thought she had a cold, only to find she has developed an allergy - but that's another story...) and we went ahead and had her vaccinations 'boosted'. Or...*did* we?

See, I've been reading a lot about this particular issue, and it seems there is a LOT of conflicting opinion on this subject.

On one side, you find the vets and researchers (and manufacturers!) who fund "studies" and publish 'scientific papers' telling us that we should update ALL our dog's vaccinations each and every year. In fact, there are many vets who won't see and treat an animal, without proof of shots, first.

On the other side you will find a group, remarkably similar in their 'make-up' and agendas, that are anti-vaccination; who also produce "scientific literature' that exaggerate the risk of vaccines and the problems that result in administering them to our pets.

Personally, I don't want my pups to suffer for someone's agenda; I don't believe that pets need every vaccination, every year. Nor, however, do I think pets NEVER need shots...the trouble is, in finding unbiased information about what to administer annually and what NOT to.

So, I pose this question to all pet owners who read these words: What is YOUR experience, and where do you stand on the issue??

(oh, and just FYI; we 'boosted' her for Distemper, Parvo, Parainfluenza, Hepatitis and Rabies. Dolby will get the same, once the income tax arrives!
Edited to add: these were her first set of "boosters", since her puppy series in '06)

This post has been brought to you as my participation in this week's Dogs on Thursday; For people who love their dogs and want to talk about them once a week.

Erin Grrrr..Br-eeeow

2009-03-17T09:46:00.000-07:00

A Purr-fect Ode

2009-03-17T06:30:00.001-07:00

Cats are Wonderful Friends
Author Unknown

Gentle eyes that see so much,
paws that have the quiet touch,
Purrs to signal "all is well"
and show more love than words could tell.

Graceful movements touched with pride,
a calming presence by our side --
A friendship that takes time to grow --
Small wonder why we love them so.

(To see other Cats on Tuesday, or to post some of your own, click here)

Butterflies and Sunshine

2009-03-14T03:59:00.000-07:00

Beautiful and graceful, varied and enchanting, small but approachable, butterflies lead you to the sunny side of life. And everyone deserves a little sunshine. ~Jeffrey Glassberg

A meme which is all about photos of animals/critters; to see more, or to post one of your own, go here

A Puppy Poem

2009-03-12T08:22:00.001-07:00

I PITY THE MAN.
Author Unknown

I pity the man who has never known
The pleasure of owning a pup;
Who never has watched his funny ways
In the business of growing up.

I pity the man who enters his gate
Alone and unnoticed at night,
No dog to welcome him joyously home
With his frantic yelps of delight.

I pity the man who never receives,
In hours of bitterest woe,
Sympathy shown by a faithful dog
In a way only he seems to know.

I pity the man with a hatred of dogs;
He is missing from life something fine;
For the friendship between a man and his dog
Is a feeling almost divine.

This post is my participation in this week's Dogs on Thursday; For people who love their dogs and want to talk about them once a week.

Say 'hello' to my little friend

2009-03-10T10:00:00.000-07:00

Last year, we found this poor 'ol guy hangin' out in our fern bed...when he was first noticed, he was tore up pretty bad (from fighting with other strays, I imagine), and unfortunately, he had lost one eye in his battles. At first, I couldn't even get him to come out of the brush for food, let alone get close enough to tend his wounds. But, as time wore on, and I remained persistent, FINALLY he would come out of hiding to grab food or water, but still remained leery of every one and every thing, including me.

Well, it's been almost 2 years now, I guess (or, it will be in August) and altho the eye couldn't be 'saved', he was. He still lives outside - he simply will NOT come in with the hounds, and Sushi isn't fond of him, either - but now, he comes out when he hears the food bag rustle, he "rulz" our little area, and he even hangs around for a scratch on the head, or a click of the camera...So, with out further adieu, meet Jack:

(To see other Cats on Tuesday, or to post some of your own, click here)

Leaf n' Lizards

2009-03-07T04:30:00.000-08:00

The worst sin toward our fellow creatures is not to hate them, but to be indifferent to them: that's the essence of inhumanity. ~ George Bernard Shaw

A meme which is all about photos of animals/critters; to see more, or to post one of your own, go here

The Mighty Ms. Murphy Brown

2009-03-05T04:54:00.000-08:00

Ms. Murphy Brown is the smaller of the two hounds, weighing in at a mere 50 pounds; Murphy was pretty docile when we first brought her home, unsure of the new "digs", but she DID seem to remember Dolby after nearly two weeks apart, and she adjusted herself to her new home very quickly. Now, nearly three years later, she thinks she runs the place!

Murphy likes to PLAY!! Murphy likes to RUN!! Murphy likes to BARK!!

Murphy really, *really* likes to play. From the minute she gets up in the morning until she goes to bed at night, Murphy wants to play.Her favorite toy is an old knotted up sock that she can pull on with her sister or throw at the unsuspecting television viewer.

Murphy is our protector; she barks at anyone and anything that comes in her "territory", which to her means anywhere within view of our house. That is, *IF* she's inside; if she's OUTside, then we're back in PLAY mode.

She luvs to be chased around the house by her sister; and while Dolby has her by a good 15 lbs (I underestimated Dolby's weight; she is actually more near to 70 lbs. than 60) Murphy is quicker and much more agile than the Bird, and she takes full advantage of that fact - for instance, she can run under tables where her sister can't, or turn a corner on a dime. If it were a football game, Murphy would be our little running-back, whereas Dolbster is more of a lineman.

Ms.Murph is a morning kinda gal - she wakes up every morning with a smile on her face (literally), and a prance in her step. She, too, luvs Beggin'Strips; she luvs to have her belly rubbed, and she luvs the Sushi (cat) whom she'll snuggle with and 'bathe' - unlike Dolby, who wants to chew on the cat!

Murphy is also addicted to ice cubes.

This post has been brought to you as my participation in this week's Dogs on Thursday; For people who love their dogs and want to talk about them once a week.

Early signs of Spring

2009-02-28T02:30:00.000-08:00

You would not think that birds who have no brain at all could become so friendly. I swear some of them are more intelligent than many humans, but that says more about our fellow beings than it does about the birds. ~ Elizabeth Aston

A meme which is all about photos of animals/critters; to see more, or to post one of your own, go here

Story of the DoDoBird

2009-02-26T05:05:00.000-08:00

Well, as I told you all last week, Dolby was the first of the hounds to arrive on the scene. Long and lanky when we got her, she quite quickly grew into those ears & legs, and now weighs in at a whopping 57 lbs.

Dolby is our attention hound. Well, they *both* like the attention, but DoDoBird is our "lover" dog; she wants to be held and petted and paid attention, 24 hours a day, 8 days a week! Truly, I believe she thinks she's a lapdog, but I understand that's an 'issue' with a lot of 'big' dogs. She is also the "talker" of the pair; while Murphy *BARKS*, Dolbs does the "bloodhound bay" - Dolby likes to SING!!

Some might say that she's maybe *not* the sharpest crayon in the box, but really...she's NOT stupid; she's just...stubborn. And, spoiled.

She really *is* quite spoiled, and also a big camera hound! Her favorite sleeping spot is the middle of our bed. She is a BIG fan of paper, and will shred any bits of it she can get her big 'ol paws on; she will even try to chew on the cover of any book you might be reading, because obviously, it is taking away from HER attentions!!

Some of Dolby's favorite things - besides being the center of attention - include chasing her sister (who she hasn't a chance of catching!), chasing the cat (whom she does catch, quite regularly), Beggin' Strips (ya know, dogs really DO act like they show you in the commercials; I gotta wonder what kind of 'doggy drug' is IN those things...), ice cubes, and spaghetti nights.

oh, and she luvs her tire.

This post has been brought to you as my participation in this week's Dogs on Thursday; For people who love their dogs and want to talk about them once a week.

An award for us (honest!)

2009-02-24T09:08:00.000-08:00

Hello fur-persons; Sushi here. This passed weekend, we were given this award, from the ever-so-handsome Bruce the Cat:

"When accepting this auspicious award, you must write a post bragging about it, including the name of the misguided soul who thinks you deserve such acclaim, and link back to said person so everyone knows he or she is real. Choose a minimum of 7 blogs that you find brilliant in content or design. Or improvise by including bloggers who have no idea who you are because you don’t have 7 friends. Show the 7 random victims’ names and links and leave a harassing comment informing them that they were prized with “Honest Weblog”. Well, there’s no prize, but they can keep the nifty icon. List at least ten honest things about yourself. Then, pass it on!"

Technically, it was given to ALL of us here, but since I can think of no reason why a handsome, self-respecting cat like Bruce would care two licks about these pesky hounds of mine, I deduced with my brilliant kitty-mind that it MUST have been sent for me!! So, as the rules state, I must list ten truths about myself before passing this along to seven deserving folks. So, about ME:

1. I am a stumpy manx. Manx have an *incomplete dominant “tailless” gene, so a Manx kitten can be born with any of the following: full tail (tailed), short tail (stumpy), a small rise instead of a tail (riser or rumpy riser), or no tail at all (dimple rumpy or rumpy). Breeders have reported all tail lengths even within the same litter *also called a "variable expression" gene

2. I'm a short haired variety, but we can be long-haired, too, and we ALL have a double-layered coat.

3. The Manx gene does not impact the spine above the pelvis. The gene causes us to have fewer caudal vertebrae, causing a shorter tail, but we have the same number of vertebrae in the upper spine as any other cat.

4. I am *not* fat!! My hind legs are longer than my front legs, creating a continuous arch from shoulders to rump, giving me that rounded appearance; I'm just "fluffy".

5. Even though Manx cats cease to be kittens after one year, it takes up to five years for any Manx cat to be fully grown. Manx have been known to live into their mid- to high-teens and are no less healthy than other cat breeds. (so there!)

6. The Manx breed is also a highly intelligent cat breed. We are sometimes referred to as "the man's cat" because we are very social felines, and we LUV our humans! We can even be trained to do simple tricks, like "fetch" or coming when called. When mother whistles, I come a'runnin'!

7 . We manx are very chatty, and luv to "talk" to you. We have a wide range of vocalization, and will reply to our people's verbalizations as well...I'm especially chatty in the mornings.

8. While I luv my fishy-flavored treats and cat-food, I turn my nose up at real, fresh fish. I am what mother calls a "picky eater". .. But, I LUUUUVs me some milk, now, and THAT's the TRUTH!!

9. I was one of a pair, originally, when mother found us under her porch; unfortunately, someone made off with my sister, Sashimi, and now *I* must pay the price, as mother won't allow me out in the yard ANY more!! Big, bad people out there, dont'cha know?!

10. And, even tho I give them grief, I suppose I really *do* like those crazy hounds (if only Dolby would stop using me as her own personal squeak-toy, I would like them all the better!)

And there ya have it, ten truths about the Nub-Bug!! Now, for the next seven unsuspecting FURrific bloggers who will get this award:

~ CatSynth ~ Kids in Dog Suits ~ The Bumpass Hounds (and kitties) ~ Gattina's Cats & Funny Stories ~ Kat's Cradle ~ It's a Dog's Life ~ My Dogs Keep Me Sane ~
Have Fun!!

Cat Naps?

2009-02-24T07:27:00.001-08:00

(To see other Cats on Tuesday, or to post some of your own, click here)

A Rainy Day Visitor

2009-02-21T02:29:00.000-08:00

If all the beasts were gone, men would die from a great loneliness of spirit, for whatever happens to the beasts also happens to the man. All things are connected. Whatever befalls the Earth befalls the sons of the Earth. ~Chief Seattle of the Suquamish Tribe

A meme which is all about photos of animals/critters; to see more, or to post one of your own, go here

For the Love of Dogs

2009-02-19T09:51:00.000-08:00

Well, since we already post our critter pics on Saturday's, and a fun little meme to post about our kitties on Tuesday's...when I came across Dogs on Thursday, I just could *not* resist playing along. So, since this will be our first participation, I thought it a good opportunity to talk about how we acquired the hounds...

Truth is, we have long been a two-dog family, and had been blessed with the company of a mother/daughter muttley pair for 15 years, previously (Perhaps I'll tell the story of Kali and Oona on another day). In July of '06 my Oona went to the rainbow bridge, and since we are a family that believes no house is a home without at least one dog in it, we set in search to the local humane societies for a puppy. While we searched, I came across an ad in the local paper advertising 7 week old "bloodhound/bulldog" puppies for sale. Well, I have long been a fan of the hound dogs, so I just had to see 'em! Being the soft-hearted (wonderful!) guy he is, the mister took me to meet them, and we came home that day with our Dolby girl...

Well, as you can see, she was just as cute as a button, and the most playful, loving little doggy you can imagine! In fact, she was *sooo* much fun (and, she asked sooo nicely)...

That we went back 10 days later, and brought home her little sister, Ms. Murphy Brown...

They were both teeny-tiny little gals then, prob'ly no more than 40 lbs between 'em; Now, two-and-a-half years later, weighing in at 55 lbs & 47 lbs respectively, they are STILL like two-peas-in-a-pod!

Beware the foliage

2009-02-17T02:00:00.000-08:00

See that plant, there? Is that a leaf, or a lizard?

Watch...

Did you see *that*??!

The best defense, is a good offense!!

(To see other Cats on Tuesday, or to post some of your own, click here)

Purr-dy Profiles

2009-02-14T04:33:00.000-08:00

All animals except man know that the ultimate of life is to enjoy it.
~ Samuel Butler

A meme which is all about photos of animals/critters; to see more, or to post one of your own, go here

the boy next door

2009-02-10T05:35:00.000-08:00

This is the neighbor boy, Koala; he and his brothers own the neighbor lady, Miss Jan.

I notice all the other kitties outside playin' - mother *never* let's me out to play 'cause she's a big Scaredy-Kat (*that's* a story for another day...) - but, I especially take notice when Koala strolls by....

Isn't he handsome?! He's like ME, in that he doesn't have a tail either, but mother says that he's a "rumpy" manx, and I'm a "stumpy"(that just means he has an even shorter nub!)

(To see other Cats on Tuesday, or to post some of your own, click here)

Cuddlin' on the Couch ('cause its cold!)

2009-02-07T02:30:00.000-08:00

"I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for being alive."
~ Gilda Radner

A meme which is all about photos of animals/critters; to see more, or to post one of your own, go here

Together Again (a game of "tag")

2009-02-04T12:50:00.000-08:00

Okay, so we was "tagged" by Groomer Ang...the rulz: post the 4th pic in the 4th file of your pictures folder on your computer and explain it.

So, this fuzzy pic is actually the first picture of Murphy (that's her foot being chewed on) & Dolby (that's her, doing the chewing!) together again, here at their "forever" home. We actually picked out Dolby 10 days earlier, when we decided to go back for another one. Dolby "picked" her, really, and they have been two peas-in-a-pod ever since! They were 8 weeks old there; they are 4 months shy of three years, now.

(We's supposed to tag four more folks for this...if you have read this little ~~tail~~ tale of ours, consider yourself *tagged*)

My multiple personalities

2009-02-03T02:00:00.000-08:00

Cats On Tuesday

Curious Bug

Scary Bug

BiblioBug

LuvBug

2009-02-01T11:19:00.000-08:00

Aint I A Purdy-Grrl?!

2009-01-31T02:00:00.000-08:00

A meme which is all about photos of animals/critters; to see more, or to post one of your own, go here.

Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole. ~ Roger Caras

The Justice of Murphy's Law

2009-01-28T10:28:00.000-08:00

HeeHee; I got the whole couch to myself!!

But, wait!...Wha' was 'at?!

Wha'waz wha'??!

THAT!!

Someone is getting attention, and its Not Meee-eeee!!

eh-hem...excuse me, papa - hey! you got room there for me?!

Ahhhh...

...All is right in Murphy's World.

Spoiled rotten, ain't she?!

A meme just for ME!!

2009-01-27T02:30:00.000-08:00

Cats On Tuesday

And don't I look excited to be here?!

Really?...Another one, huh?!

For the Luv of Labs

2009-01-24T12:27:00.000-08:00

Labrador Retrievers are the peoples choice of purebred pooches for the 18th year in a row, according to the American Kennel Association, who *are* the nose in the knows about these kinda things, ya knows?! Other breeds that made the top 10 list:

2. Yorkshire terriers
3. German shepherds
4. golden retrievers
5. beagles
6. boxers
7. dachshunds
8. bulldogs (who re-appeared at #10 last year, after a 70 year absence - that's a decade in dog years!!)
9. poodles
10. shih tzus

AKC, which observes its 125th anniversary this year, began with nine breeds in 1884, and today recognizes 161! (Mogley's right - the DDW *is* working!!) The pointer, who was the winner of the first survey, comes in this year at number 111.

Daydreamin'

2009-01-24T05:00:00.000-08:00

A meme which is all about photos of animals/critters

It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.
~ J. K. Rowling, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone"

If you want to see other critter photos, or to submit one of your own, click here

Furry Friends for FREE!!

2009-01-23T02:30:00.000-08:00

Hill's Pet Nutrition has declared tomorrow, January 24th, "Change a Pet's Life Day", in an effort to promote adoption of homeless pets across the country. For their part, Hills' has offered to pay for the first ten adoptions at 300 of its partner animal shelters across the United States, along with a bag of free Science Diet dog food for each of them!!

Now, we know that the notion of essentially giving away animals to adopters is a controversial one; that people may place less value on animals they have gotten for free, or that they may not be able to afford vet care if they can't afford adoption fees...but, rest assured that the shelters will be using their normal screening processes" on Jan. 24 to filter out inappropriate adopters, and the emphasis won't be on the heightened adoption numbers, but on making solid adoption matches.

Are *YOU* ready for a new furry companion in your life? If so, please consider adopting a homeless pet. There are some great friends in those shelters (who are prob'ly already spayed/neutered and vaccinated) just waiting for a loving home....maybe, just waiting for you.

One Manx Musing

2009-01-22T07:32:00.000-08:00

Ahhh...well, Good Afternoon, pet-people. Since those pesky pups are sound asleep, I thought this the purr-fect opportunity to introduce myself...I am the Manx portion of this blog, the senior member, if you will; my name is Sushi, but everybody calls me 'Bug'.

Altho I am nearly a year older than those two mongrel-ly mutts (I will be four in August), THEY tend to forget that it is by my good graces that they are allowed to reside in my kingdom. Actually, Mother never *did* consult me in this matter; very shortly after my companion Oona crossed the Bridge, Mother saw an ad in the local paper advertising "bloodhound bulldog" puppies for sale....well, she is a *sucker* for those hounds, and so silly that she pictured Bloodhounds and ENGLISH bulldogs instead of American ones, and would not be swayed from looking at what she imagined to be dogs "so ugly they have to be cute!". Well, needless to say, Father humored her, and she came back with one in tow. (Big, gangly goofy thing!) And, while I, too, thought we should allow Mother her dalliances, I had NO IDEA she would return for ANOTHER one!!!

TWO!! Two of them! Now, it is true there were two of *them* when I got here, but those two were grown; they were...well-mannered; low-key...purr-fect furry companions. THESE two....meeee-ow!! The ruckus they cause! The messes they make! (But, I will admit, they are starting to grow on me....if only they would stop using me as a squeak toy!)

Well...it seems that the monster-mutts have awakened, and I spent allllll my time meeeu-sing over them! Next time, maybe I'll have more d'tails of de tail-less to tell...

Until then, may ALL your days be PURRRR-fect!

Camera Time

2009-01-17T05:00:00.000-08:00

A meme which is all about photos of animals/critters

The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity. ~Dorothy Parker

If you want to see other critter photos, or to submit one of your own, click here

We luv our mutts!

2009-01-15T15:38:00.000-08:00

According to a poll conducted by Petside.com and the Associated Press, American pet owners favor the Obama's chosing a mutt over a pure bred puppy as the First Dog by a 2-1 margin (non-pet owners didn't care, either way)

The survey also found more than half of pet owners and 43% of all Americans said it was important to them that the Obamas dog be from an animal shelter.

Obama has stated that the choice has been narrowed to two: A Labradoodle, or a Portuguese Water Dog.

We're howlin' for the Labradoodles!!...

Rainy Day Hounds

2009-01-14T01:14:00.000-08:00

It's been rainin' ALLLL day. We don't like the rain. It keeps us from going outside. And, we *especially* don't like thunder! (Luckily, its been a quiet storm, this week)

A meme for US!

2009-01-10T04:40:00.001-08:00

A meme which is all about photos of animals/critters.

*Always* smile pretty for the camera

A great big Howl-lo

2009-01-09T07:17:00.000-08:00

*sniff* *sniff* *sniff*

Well, Helllloooo ououout there! I am the Dolby Dog!!....If you is here, then you must know my human mama from her other space....she sometimeses talks about us over der, but she says we is SOO special that we should have a place all of our owns.....she maded this spot for us some long time agoes, but says she still doesn't know how she wants to uses it; but, ME...I is SOOO excited to have a place that is ALLL Dolby, ALLLL the time, and you gots to starts SOMEwheres, so....

NOOOOO!!! EVERYthing is NOT *always* about YOU, Dolby....Momma says this place is for ALL of us, momma says you gots to SHARE.....

MEEeeee too!.....Don't forget Meeeeee......

*aurghf*....That's my little sister, Murphy. (Momma says she's "neurotic"; I thinks that meanses she is LOUD, cause she barks. Alot.)

Hey! I heard that! And, just because one is paranoid, doesn't mean that *no one* is out to get them!
And besides THAT, you and I are from the same litter; we were born on the same day; The humans only call me the "little" sister, cause of your big, fat butt!!

Nuh-uh!! It is not just my butt that is fat!....uhhh...I means, I is bigger than you all overs!! (last time we was weighed, I was 55 lbs, and Murphy was 45 lbs.) Momma says that is 'cause I got to come here to our forever home a whole 10 days before YOU, so I didn't have to compete for food, so I is bigger and stronger...

(And, dumber! They don't call her the Do-Do Bird for nothin'!)

I isn't DUMB; I is Bea-U-ti-ful...plus, I Luuvs to sing - I Luuvs to SING (It's the hound in me!), and *that* is why they calls me The Bird.

(yeah...whatever helps you sleep at nite....)

Meeeeee-ow.....Don't forget Meeee-oow!!

*sniff* *sniff*

Oh, yeah....that is the Sushi; she is the pretty kitty that was here when I camed; she is little, and perty, and lots of fun to chase! (If you can catch her, she makes a kewl squeaky toy!) But...I think somethin' might have stole her tail !!

Nooo.....I am a Manx. I have told you again, and again - I never HAD a tail. ...silly dawgs...

*Aurghf*....well, it's weird anyways....

Okay, so that's enuff abouts us fer todays....we's been sniffin' out udder puppy blogs, and we hope to make some furry friends here, alongs the way....Momma says she will prob'lys be puttin' stuffs here, too...but, only FURRY stuffs; stuffs that is IMPORTANT...like how to dig holes, maybe? or 2 easy steps to opening that box o' treats!

Do come back and sniff around; We luvs to play, we luvs new friends, and we looks ahead to making friends with YOU!!

Two Hounds & A Manx

Murphy moments

Sushi Sees Something

Part of the Silence

a real shoe hound

natural state

happy spring!!

happy hounds

digging in

spring is in the air

strike a pose

tree toppers

out for a stroll

nature's aerator

quiet morning

anticipation

cat naps

two hounds

a trail tail

my cat

symbol of freedom

the eye of the beholder

bibliokitty

Jack Sits

Water Logged

Sushi in Repose

Gator Country

Happy B*woof*day, Girls!

Down the Lazy River

Snake in the Grass

Just Jack

What, not a good spot?!

Three Little Kittens

Buddies

Loony Bug

For the Birds

Hanes, OUR way

Impressions of Sushi

Happy Easter

Happy B*woof*Day, Pappa!!

Playthings

To be worthy

A glimpse of green

All things edible

Meet the Neighbors

Nature's treasures

Thoughts of food; Food for thought

Sun Rises, Cat Naps

That's my DoDoBird!

"Boost" or BoonDOGgle?

Erin Grrrr..Br-eeeow

A Purr-fect Ode

Butterflies and Sunshine

A Puppy Poem

Say 'hello' to my little friend

Leaf n' Lizards

The Mighty Ms. Murphy Brown

Early signs of Spring

Story of the DoDoBird

An award for us (honest!)

Cat Naps?

A Rainy Day Visitor

For the Love of Dogs

Beware the foliage

Purr-dy Profiles

the boy next door

Cuddlin' on the Couch ('cause its cold!)

Together Again (a game of "tag")

My multiple personalities

Aint I A Purdy-Grrl?!

The Justice of Murphy's Law

A meme just for ME!!

For the Luv of Labs

Daydreamin'

Furry Friends for FREE!!

One Manx Musing

Camera Time

We luv our mutts!

Rainy Day Hounds

A meme for US!

Happy Bwoofday, Girls!

Happy BwoofDay, Pappa!!