tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82785965528115736152024-03-19T04:12:54.968-07:00Miss Pish Posh Says...Make the world a happier place - one bark at a time.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger92125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278596552811573615.post-9081966516863359982013-07-16T14:15:00.001-07:002013-07-16T14:15:10.548-07:00<br />
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New Home is all finished</div>
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I am now barking up a storm at:</div>
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<a href="http://www.pishposhsays.com/">www.PishPoshSays.com</a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278596552811573615.post-48755366821589900572013-03-05T16:30:00.002-08:002013-03-05T16:30:53.213-08:00Dream a Little Dream<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Diana’s work friend is allergic to dogs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sucks for her ‘cause it’s not one of those
fake “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><strong>I actually don’t like dogs but will
call it an allergy so I don’t look like a jerk</strong></i>” kind of allergy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She actually has the sneezing all over the
place, can’t breathe, face turns red and body swells kind of allergy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve seen her reaction in real life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let me tell you - not pretty.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The lady is going to have a baby soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We made this blankie for him:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6uQv12SebDU38cYEqa6SvKlsh-3uzmJDf-P62Ji8p-2xXf2X_bIKoEw9FS86wRbRrDAwUyXAyhB8IXBViIPCk-d-0xnxkCPJeroMrFkhLelpi-VOwyARe4F_yIRQGptI6YVEX2jSTVlOG/s1600/I+can+count+to+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6uQv12SebDU38cYEqa6SvKlsh-3uzmJDf-P62Ji8p-2xXf2X_bIKoEw9FS86wRbRrDAwUyXAyhB8IXBViIPCk-d-0xnxkCPJeroMrFkhLelpi-VOwyARe4F_yIRQGptI6YVEX2jSTVlOG/s320/I+can+count+to+9.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">
When I visit Diana at work, I don’t visit with that lady, I
stay by Diana’s desk, shrug my shoulders and say “oh, well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I understand.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do keep my distance and an eye on her,
though, so she doesn’t explode snot all over me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span> </div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Diana told me that today is the lady's last day at work before the
baby comes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is exciting for some
reason.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Me...well...</span>I’m actually kinda sad for
the baby.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The baby will probably never get to know the joy of sharing
their life with a dog. That warm, melty feeling when a baby smiles - just
before they trash your fur with one of their sticky paws, the excitement we both
share when we realize I will actually enjoy eating their veggies, the
fulfillment of time well spent waiting for the bus to drop him home from
school, lazy days in the summer spent exploring our neighborhood together (me
looking for kittehs or squirrels, him looking for pirates or monsters), as well
as all the cold, rainy Sundays spent sharing the sofa while napping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know, moments that make memories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">The heartbreakingly few well lived years us dogs spend on
this earth are best shared with a human companion who “gets” dogs. I told Diana
that it’s like a weaver making fabric. The human-animal interaction bond forms
the warp to balance and strengthen the human-human interaction bond that forms
the weave of the fabric of life. You can’t make fabric unless you have both. That’s
just individual strands of thread. Neither of us could withstand the difficulties
of life with a single layer of thread covering us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The strongest, most beautifully durable
fabric is lovingly made with warp threads going one direction and weave threads
the other.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I’m gonna head off now to take a little nap and dream this
hazy golden, Saturday Evening Post stylized dream of the perfect life we could all
live. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuf4kBBJYrH9iwhxNOZTGAREOIHDtetlTddioKfDaKVuQXqvLEtUIm-vG8oVvY_rRHTQ6ffhthQA47J-2rjaQYW78RyeyDkhO3nyh5T4vHHP6f9SMRGRd7Kc-kg-bZEvkovoZlUzHpcNYR/s1600/photo+(40).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuf4kBBJYrH9iwhxNOZTGAREOIHDtetlTddioKfDaKVuQXqvLEtUIm-vG8oVvY_rRHTQ6ffhthQA47J-2rjaQYW78RyeyDkhO3nyh5T4vHHP6f9SMRGRd7Kc-kg-bZEvkovoZlUzHpcNYR/s320/photo+(40).JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hey, it’s my blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I get to dream
as I wish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">P.S. I will send the baby a note after he is born (ok, maybe
after he is old enough to read) to close his eyes, whisper his golden wishes to
the heavens filled with a million little stars and dreams of making such
memories for himself. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Nice, right? Right.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">^ . . ^</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Woof!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278596552811573615.post-68261495428448700142013-03-01T12:30:00.003-08:002013-03-01T12:30:54.212-08:00Empire of the Cheese<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimPESyJFTSoenMDQFVMqalU_9xYVB8M7rp73QG7lN6A8PVY4gob1as7TIh_YgHifBzqmiMykJb06FDLFxMInpD3bUCcvXgT2BK2WXMh3K0dcaBJglGf9BfchuCi1qnpwZPclGIc_FCz1EJ/s1600/In+your+face.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimPESyJFTSoenMDQFVMqalU_9xYVB8M7rp73QG7lN6A8PVY4gob1as7TIh_YgHifBzqmiMykJb06FDLFxMInpD3bUCcvXgT2BK2WXMh3K0dcaBJglGf9BfchuCi1qnpwZPclGIc_FCz1EJ/s320/In+your+face.jpg" width="262" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waa Haaa Haaa Haaa (Evil Laugh)</td></tr>
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My <span style="color: white;">Empire of the Cheese</span> is a reality. </div>
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Ooooh, what is this all about?</div>
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Check back for updates on my take over of the world... </div>
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</div>
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Uhm...I mean...redesign of my blog</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqtmwYhWqaadMm_JnqSL-jlkX5xj9S5zZNse9ccZYHSbnI3zK13wxnNB8A_Dl6cno3ZOg52X6g_kUj54XdilDOzB2kwG2P9hpwW_21PkrIwrGTJr2CX-3kSpqYKR5I-YTSqObqf9hCT3_W/s1600/Under+Construction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqtmwYhWqaadMm_JnqSL-jlkX5xj9S5zZNse9ccZYHSbnI3zK13wxnNB8A_Dl6cno3ZOg52X6g_kUj54XdilDOzB2kwG2P9hpwW_21PkrIwrGTJr2CX-3kSpqYKR5I-YTSqObqf9hCT3_W/s320/Under+Construction.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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^ . . ^</div>
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Woof!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278596552811573615.post-14551913798697102392013-02-27T10:00:00.002-08:002013-02-27T10:00:17.031-08:00Super Powers
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Every rescued animal has a super power, a little something
extra gained from the pain of enduring terrible stories of loss and survival.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My super power is not being afraid of love. For three years
I lived 24/7 in a small, hard sided travel crate, was debarked twice then
dumped with a rescue group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could have
given up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remained open to love and am now living the
life I was born to live – warm, safe, well fed and loved beyond my wildest
dreams.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtzN4sZ_iEdRptIrcTN_duUDM73AwnKHJPmw7G9oGsb-0iSCseFlOzLd4-KY7gz3CFAM-eJMC8mx8mnP74JkndHurgk-X3I8QkesWevMKPXiyuk6yDbHPP3oZTCOdodaXUG23VBNVaTP7_/s1600/Getting+Comfortable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtzN4sZ_iEdRptIrcTN_duUDM73AwnKHJPmw7G9oGsb-0iSCseFlOzLd4-KY7gz3CFAM-eJMC8mx8mnP74JkndHurgk-X3I8QkesWevMKPXiyuk6yDbHPP3oZTCOdodaXUG23VBNVaTP7_/s320/Getting+Comfortable.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In MY bed, atop MY blanket on MY chair</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What’s your story?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Connect with me here, on my blog, on my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Miss-PishPosh/210414105642334">FB page</a> or tweet me (@MissPishPosh) if you would like to
share your story and reveal your super power.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I can’t wait to learn about all the amazing stories.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">^ . . ^</span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Woof!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278596552811573615.post-42730240349566706112012-12-18T14:21:00.000-08:002012-12-18T16:33:03.984-08:00A Morning Like No Other<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So, you won’t believe what happened on my morning walk.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I’m a reasonable pup.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I do my best and abide by my humans (stupid) rules, so it seems only
fair that my humans do their best and abide by my simple rules.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rules such as haul your lazy self out of bed
so you can feed me on time, scratch my belly when I turn over, give me two
cheese snacks when you crate me, and tell me how awesome I am at least 10 times
a day – you know - the basics. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There is one rule that cannot be broken. I must have an absolutely
quiet, audience free moment with my favorite spot (determined daily) to
accomplish my morning business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
really isn’t too much to ask…or so I thought…</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Bear with me while I support my unbreakable rule up with
facts and evidence.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">According to AmericanHumane.org<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">:</i></span></div>
<em><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></em><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 1in 0pt 1.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">It
is not instinctive for dogs to relieve themselves outside; it is only natural
for them to not go where they sleep. Everyplace else is fair game! </i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Additionally, The
Lewiston Vet Clinic, Lewiston, MN, suggests:<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 1in 0pt 1.5in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Praise the good: While your pup is doing
the right thing in the right place, PRAISE her abundantly! After she goes potty
outside, give her a treat to teach her she did the right thing. If you do catch
her going in the house, startle her, by saying “NO!” loudly, or stomping your
feet while she is in the act. At the same time, pick her up and bring her
outside. (A puppy will usually stop urinating when you pick her up.) Imagine
how uncomfortable it would be if you were constantly interrupted when you went
to the bathroom. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">They will learn that
when they go outside, they won’t be interrupted.</b></span><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;">!!! It’s right there in the Potty
Training Manual !!!</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Teach me to go outside, even though it’s not natural, and in
return I learn I can go without being interrupted. Simple, easy and a win-win
for all.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Except this morning.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ready and raring to greet the day with my morning routine, I
drag a bleary eyed Diana down the street, bark my, “Good morning to you, Mr.
Gray Stripey Cat” at the cat on the corner house’s porch, round the corner, take
a moment to read the latest news on the tree trunk, and head straight for the
grass strip along the park. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Diana knows to stop, turn her back for privacy, and let me
pace back and forth in a tighter circle until I am satisfied and take my
moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just when I’d begun, my mind
wandering to whether I would get cheese shreds or rice on my kibble this
morning, disaster struck!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Bark…Bark…Bark”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">What the devil?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There, in mid-moment, out of the darkness sprang my archenemy (Diana
calls him a neighbor…she is more lenient in her definitions than I am…).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chi-Weenie irritant extraordinaire, the only
dog in a 2 mile radius that barks more than me…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Arthur<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Can you say embarrassed and hopping mad?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, I can and did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was done – but not finished - and really,
really mad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Diana and Arthur’s mom
casually waived hands at each other and tried not to notice each other’s
nightgowns under their coats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How can
they be so blasé? Uncaring, I tell you.</span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We moved on in a vain attempt to find another “perfect”
spot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No go – literally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was so mad I couldn’t stop barking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d walk 10 feet, stop, turn and bark my
furor at Arthur, legs so stiff with indignation that I bounced down the
street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Find your own spot, Arthur!</span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">You
attention hog!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">You stole my </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Most Proficient Barker crown!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Now you want MY SPOT!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">!!!MY SPOT!!!”<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It really think I am scarred, permanently, damaged beyond
repair, unable to ever accomplish my morning routine ever again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Diana says to relax, time will heal my furor. And
cheese.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Definitely cheese.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278596552811573615.post-50985029155013153142012-12-10T09:24:00.002-08:002012-12-10T11:02:34.564-08:00How To Deal With Being Watched<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Diana and Michael went to a neighborhood Christmas party without
me the other day. A set back in my “always go in the car with you” resolution,
but what can you do, right?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">At the party, Diana met a little girl. This beautiful little
girl is so painfully shy she was unable to speak with anyone at the party. When
the neighbors that live right behind us and across the back alley asked how I
was and started chatting about dog stuff, the little girl kept staring at Diana
and looking away when Diana saw her.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The little girl kept getting closer and closer to Diana and
eventually sat as close as she could next to her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She kept looking at Diana and looking
away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Diana kept quietly talking about
how amazing I am, how much I look forward to my evening walk, how we’ve met lots
of neighbors and how “everyone knows Sasha.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(I asked Diana to tell me that part of the
story a couple of times…)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The little girl bundled up all her courage and said, in a
near whisper, to Diana, “I know you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
are the Dog Lady.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like your dog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is funny, always barking and sniffing the
trees and wagging her tail.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Well, needless to say (but I will anyway – that’s how I do
stuff) the little girl’s Mom was surprised and pleased that her child was
actually chatting with Diana.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Diana
winked at the Mom and kept telling funny stories about me and asking gentle
questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Soon, the little girl was
happily chatting away.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Later on, the Mom came up to Diana and said that every night
they watch us walk and explore the neighborhood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The little girl waits for us to pass by their
kitchen window.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once we’ve passed she
goes back to what she is doing.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Mom said she’s been doing that for nearly a year and has
been talking about maybe one day she will rescue a dog too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a family, they have been talking about how
much responsibility it is to take care of a dog. You have to do stuff you might
not want to do – like walk them every night, even if you don’t feel well, or
you have other things you want to do, or it’s rainy or snowy.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Diana said if they decide to adopt a rescue dog she would refer
them to the groups that I bark about.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So here I am, doing my daily neighborhood check, barking at
whatever catches my fancy, sniffing my way around the park, you know, minding
my on bees-wax.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Little did I know I was making
an impact on someone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span> </div>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In a week filled with sadness and bittersweet loses of pals on Twitter, I savor the gentle sweetness of this story even more than usual. I’m sure going to
stop at their house and bark a little louder and wag my tail a little
faster just to say, “Hi.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278596552811573615.post-55408025504396094822012-12-06T16:42:00.000-08:002012-12-06T16:42:28.671-08:00Legacy for Marley Terrier
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When a pal passes, it can be so easy to say a few words of
condolence and move on. For me, each pal leaves a piece of themselves within me
for safekeeping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can not easily move
on as I was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I become forever changed by
the grace of having known them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
honor of this duty is a solemn one for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yet, I know it is important to carry on.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I don’t know if I am barking into the vast wilderness,
unheard.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I don’t know how to make a difference except by being true
to myself. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I do know it is important to stop and grieve, to remember
and to be thankful for having met.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I do know that, for me, the only way forward through grief is
a formula of </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">time + action.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p>T</o:p>ime will settle itself.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Action I can accomplish by:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Vowing to always be gentle, kind, encouraging and tireless
in my efforts to raise money for animal related charities. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Laughing when I can, giving a hug when it is needed and
sitting quietly beside those that need silent support.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Pledging to keep Marley’s legacy alive by:</span><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">accepting the duty to continue in his pawprints, not as he would, but as I can;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">be guided by the vastness of his compassion and generosity of legacy;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">guide myself, and hopefully others, in a way forward by shining a light into the darkness of the reality of animals in need.</span></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I can only do what I can do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I comfort myself with the hope that it will be enough – even for just
one.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p> </o:p>Until we meet again and thank you, Marley.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278596552811573615.post-17909381943821227932012-09-20T15:50:00.001-07:002012-09-20T15:50:45.459-07:00Did You Say "Go For A Walk?"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE0I7WmrcQe6pevIvzh-w3nCEedW3uLgxGB4Myr-3KmikSGTqBcMaYYI-92GD6gwCKbl0NoKEIUN9xUZauOWT7Uufbf9Q0apIQdUvFqJ30x3zsiQNnl7nEzlvEfkLtHwSA13j_OQ_GzYHc/s1600/Walk1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE0I7WmrcQe6pevIvzh-w3nCEedW3uLgxGB4Myr-3KmikSGTqBcMaYYI-92GD6gwCKbl0NoKEIUN9xUZauOWT7Uufbf9Q0apIQdUvFqJ30x3zsiQNnl7nEzlvEfkLtHwSA13j_OQ_GzYHc/s320/Walk1.jpg" width="269" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thought you did...was just making sure...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yo Yo Lets Go!</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278596552811573615.post-16308985336186882682012-08-24T15:44:00.002-07:002012-08-24T15:47:35.058-07:00Am I Really Asleep?<span style="font-family: inherit;">Mom took this picture a little while back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All is not what it seems… Can you find the 3 signs
that I'm faking and not really asleep?</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT9xSTANtRWjASaxHoIGIfxZk5ztXrcgDCCnbMcaPAJD9WZKruSRkBvbxzHae5_Ey_tUAaUIaEZRU86NSxQkxc2NdO7kMnSPC_2d12jI59Fg0-il-_ziTePxbcWjogcPNxgB2rCxnLtJs9/s1600/photo+(40).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT9xSTANtRWjASaxHoIGIfxZk5ztXrcgDCCnbMcaPAJD9WZKruSRkBvbxzHae5_Ey_tUAaUIaEZRU86NSxQkxc2NdO7kMnSPC_2d12jI59Fg0-il-_ziTePxbcWjogcPNxgB2rCxnLtJs9/s320/photo+(40).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1. Only one ear back</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Other ear up and listening</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2. My eyes are really scrunched together</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> I’m pretending so I don’t have to go to the vet</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">3. You can see me</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> When “really”
asleep, I’m deep under the blankets<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278596552811573615.post-84970395487578913602012-06-28T10:44:00.002-07:002012-06-28T10:48:52.178-07:00Denied A Mansion<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Diana read this article to me today:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/28/garden/luxury-doghouses-and-the-dogs-that-couldnt-care-less.html?emc=eta1"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/28/garden/luxury-doghouses-and-the-dogs-that-couldnt-care-less.html?emc=eta1</span></a></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My opinion, you ask? </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Why, of course, I’ll share it.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzgJvLx4s3Q4SSQi3YlYLjvI4QpgPNjCTRHcVvgyqQekoTixafpnPfxmBT82B7JZf_LeND5rofMtQmeM88Ahgy_w83zykY9oVSjKKltpmKMyyzv7_noceNDr2jsYyJtg6WO42d5tUz7w11/s1600/Alert2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzgJvLx4s3Q4SSQi3YlYLjvI4QpgPNjCTRHcVvgyqQekoTixafpnPfxmBT82B7JZf_LeND5rofMtQmeM88Ahgy_w83zykY9oVSjKKltpmKMyyzv7_noceNDr2jsYyJtg6WO42d5tUz7w11/s1600/Alert2.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Expensive, highly elaborate and detailed dog houses are nice
if all your taste is in your mouth and you can’t figure out any better way to
spend your money.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Deprived of my own mansion, my own diamonds and my own
custom made food, I am still:</span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Loving</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Playful</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sure of my own importance in the world<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">In excellent health (so says the vet on numerous occasions)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Happy digging in my small box of toys to find the Himilayan Chew I buried there last week</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Working hard on my leash aggression issues</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_EKWV52MT72U3lZP3BsEbF4fleh0TFOy_pSRDzu_GtAFmWVurz6XTNFhZmgSV_1OzqaenstaBALf0NwIJpXAOR7eGD4tun8_IE5KIfml42QQQ-8Ns8gAeMmQHS5e1sLhqBLjdj-hPxnxi/s1600/DSC02421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_EKWV52MT72U3lZP3BsEbF4fleh0TFOy_pSRDzu_GtAFmWVurz6XTNFhZmgSV_1OzqaenstaBALf0NwIJpXAOR7eGD4tun8_IE5KIfml42QQQ-8Ns8gAeMmQHS5e1sLhqBLjdj-hPxnxi/s320/DSC02421.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Convinced that the living room recliner chair was purchased just for me</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgduDLAfg0Iz2d8DVsgh6uAmgKo7gD3J8QekD3JtnS50QGU5Y8LmRnOcduvTskYtw62UhaaXBsLy_yoWGTpfFLEwpvC0jZxEBYxeBju5jHvv0wS0TQtecA_tXQ_6Jf8xY7PSbxns1F0J0LU/s1600/Picture+146a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgduDLAfg0Iz2d8DVsgh6uAmgKo7gD3J8QekD3JtnS50QGU5Y8LmRnOcduvTskYtw62UhaaXBsLy_yoWGTpfFLEwpvC0jZxEBYxeBju5jHvv0wS0TQtecA_tXQ_6Jf8xY7PSbxns1F0J0LU/s320/Picture+146a.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Blessed with humans who saw my potential, pulled me from a kill shelter and saved my life</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Blissfully unaware that I am deprived of such unimaginable luxuries</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Diana and Michael, after comparing our available resources
against all the ways we could help, decided that I would still be me without
all the elaborate trappings of modern dogdom. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It has also been decided that our economic and time resources
would be more beneficially spent helping selected rescue groups &
individuals with cash donations, providing handmade Sasha Snuggle blankets for
fundraising auctions and focusing on Diana’s new pet loss grief coaching business,
Four Paws Coaching.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As with most things in life, we all make decisions – some good
and some not so good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All I humbly (hmmm…this
might be the first time I’ve ever used this word…BOL) ask is that you make
decisions that help rescue animals live lives of dignity a priority.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Do what you can to emotionally support or
provide economic resources (read: money) to the angels on earth who work hard
every day so animals in need can live lives free of fear, physical and
emotional abuse, constant hunger and eliminate the shockingly high probability
of staring up at the notice of “T.B.D. Tomorrow” taped to our cage in a kill
shelter. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you need any assistance with deciding on a rescue group to help, just ask. I know a ton that are doing magnificent work and could use a helping hand.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ok, jumping off my soap box now and returning to other
pressing duties…napping...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhStCC3d-ToA292E9JRDLzYEzZxdfGm4HQ36OOjGA6Y3EkpGmrvEsudVkH6WAyPBLJRcETnp1rWOzE3AjKmeF5WbA8PMEhgtchAOgEmHqGyiXtxn2c92sKXQH2BX4ECUCWn4AGKHbfnEs4y/s1600/waiting+and+wondering.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhStCC3d-ToA292E9JRDLzYEzZxdfGm4HQ36OOjGA6Y3EkpGmrvEsudVkH6WAyPBLJRcETnp1rWOzE3AjKmeF5WbA8PMEhgtchAOgEmHqGyiXtxn2c92sKXQH2BX4ECUCWn4AGKHbfnEs4y/s320/waiting+and+wondering.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Woof!<o:p></o:p></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278596552811573615.post-15387523934478269662012-06-25T12:35:00.000-07:002012-06-27T10:47:09.923-07:00Divaness Is Not Rudeness<div style="text-align: justify;">
On my recent visit to Diana’s office in search of the noms she says come from there, I didn’t interact well and opted out of acknowledging the accolades that came my way about how cute I am, how beautiful my fur is and how wonderful it is that I have my own blog, my own <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/PishPoshSays?feature=mhee">YouTube Channel</a> and my own <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/MissPishPosh">Twitter account</a>. In fact, I wasn’t very nice. At all.</div>
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I suppose, if one only gave a cursory review of the situation, one could say I was stressed from the car ride into town. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj2DFB07Ry9NKwfcJKrTDHNTTCGg6C-nCMhSnte6nRwRtC8ybRRlOUjkPViRgxSh1GlWZOWgL3goZLc8WpsBwGqy9zSPvT8gxW_C4OCmkj_URRXuvECDAY9-IGzlq9dzWK8RRiOVy4oosx/s1600/Car+Ride.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" rca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj2DFB07Ry9NKwfcJKrTDHNTTCGg6C-nCMhSnte6nRwRtC8ybRRlOUjkPViRgxSh1GlWZOWgL3goZLc8WpsBwGqy9zSPvT8gxW_C4OCmkj_URRXuvECDAY9-IGzlq9dzWK8RRiOVy4oosx/s200/Car+Ride.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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I suppose, if one was feeling generous, one could say I was stressed by the elevator ride. </div>
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I even suppose, if one was feeling magnanimous, one could say I was stressed by entering a new space with new people and smells.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipI7SVIVl1biD-7Clt2u6DzOWlTqQj__ykzvq35vz7hT9kMVH03oXcuvVpJdPwKKfAnV0GLfgvIrGYTnR6_kJo9SLgPgMWUI5QP9emm_HNqBUzKGAZAmHPfYft0NsXcZnf_cyr2v8zjLpD/s1600/Office+Visit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" rca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipI7SVIVl1biD-7Clt2u6DzOWlTqQj__ykzvq35vz7hT9kMVH03oXcuvVpJdPwKKfAnV0GLfgvIrGYTnR6_kJo9SLgPgMWUI5QP9emm_HNqBUzKGAZAmHPfYft0NsXcZnf_cyr2v8zjLpD/s200/Office+Visit.jpg" width="189" /></a></div>
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There is another highly probable answer, however. This picture, dug from the vast pictorial archive of my life, gives an indication. The princess from <em><strong>The Princess and the Pea</strong></em> has nothing on me…</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJcvSkP-Cjh7u5vwOEN63lIfdJ2sczToO87tJZyNbt1ie3dlNv4N7XEAnJk1miv3V8EwZS1Gzjt7pxLoM0HAdWye5rjUDMUjwZrjzFA1_nBGmArNKMQjAPMCHZfv1Nkx0FqoGwmpgKWLYS/s1600/Getting+Comfortable.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="150" rca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJcvSkP-Cjh7u5vwOEN63lIfdJ2sczToO87tJZyNbt1ie3dlNv4N7XEAnJk1miv3V8EwZS1Gzjt7pxLoM0HAdWye5rjUDMUjwZrjzFA1_nBGmArNKMQjAPMCHZfv1Nkx0FqoGwmpgKWLYS/s200/Getting+Comfortable.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Me, resting upon my bed, resting upon my blanket, resting upon my chair</span></div>
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I am a Diva – with a capital D. In a moment of true diva like self-indulgence, I did not feel like interacting with the strangers clamoring for my attention at that moment. </div>
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PERIOD. END OF STORY</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDDhqrwh7AoXzHN8Cr4nfunsmHLfRpIcrnCj8tjo60_hTRH9h20A3R1uwBx42JKPbrnTeGcHNkt8iLuyY8nCivwsHJ_MRNFTHwwCGTlouxlPs3211EpTWwCeo1m7NhMcbWxUdULFryPs9q/s1600/AeMJLWDCIAAV3fW%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" rca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDDhqrwh7AoXzHN8Cr4nfunsmHLfRpIcrnCj8tjo60_hTRH9h20A3R1uwBx42JKPbrnTeGcHNkt8iLuyY8nCivwsHJ_MRNFTHwwCGTlouxlPs3211EpTWwCeo1m7NhMcbWxUdULFryPs9q/s200/AeMJLWDCIAAV3fW%255B1%255D.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Why is Diana shaking her head up and down and agreeing with this last statement?<br />
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Woof!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278596552811573615.post-19068150883766687042012-05-14T08:41:00.002-07:002012-05-14T08:41:32.313-07:00My Mom - Pet Loss Grief Coach<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggJOqkSOUEXAsdzbYjSy29AqpCeoQL5wDMykqb7qGIToZgi_7VR3OtABoKWrNt88D_VkZE6XCewA4D21b7xD12jw-24Ts6_o8_Hiz5rPKEZxUVhA_1s8cc7N6c2fO2g1U24GHmlvVwepw9/s1600/432026_249057721852508_167478080010473_533711_1854897608_n%5B2%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" dba="true" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggJOqkSOUEXAsdzbYjSy29AqpCeoQL5wDMykqb7qGIToZgi_7VR3OtABoKWrNt88D_VkZE6XCewA4D21b7xD12jw-24Ts6_o8_Hiz5rPKEZxUVhA_1s8cc7N6c2fO2g1U24GHmlvVwepw9/s200/432026_249057721852508_167478080010473_533711_1854897608_n%5B2%5D.jpg" width="158" /></a></div>
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My name is Diana Lund. I would like to tell you why I decided to become a Pet Loss Grief Coach. </div>
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Perspective</div>
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On September 11, 2001, I lost my best friend. On one of the most tragic days in our nation’s history, I suffered my own personal tragedy. I didn’t feel I could share my story with anyone because the significance of world events dwarfed my story. Only my family knew how broken I was. </div>
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Reality</div>
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On September 10th, I rushed Miss Amanda Mousington (“Mindy”), to the vet. Mindy was having trouble breathing. I had no idea what was wrong. She was only 6 years old, extremely active and never had a bad check-up with the vet. NEVER. I left Mindy with them to keep an eye on her and run a few tests.</div>
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Late on the afternoon of September 11th, Mindy’s vet called. A heart specialist was visiting the clinic and had just completed a full exam. Mindy was near death from Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy - a condition that causes the walls of her heart to thicken. Her condition was too advanced for successful treatment. They were sorry.</div>
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Strangely, the vet hesitated at that point. She went on to say that the heart specialist would like to take Mindy to his university clinic in another state. He wanted to perform heart transplant surgery. Did I give my consent?</div>
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My horrible choices were to euthanize my best friend or subject her to a high risk, research oriented surgery that was certain to cause her extensive, long term pain, offered no guarantees for her future but promised learning benefits for the surgeon. </div>
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I said no, I did not give my consent. I was a flawed pet parent - I had missed the signs leading to her condition, but I wasn’t going to continue causing her pain. Heart replacement surgery could never in a million years be considered in Mindy’s best interest. The vet thanked me, said she was relieved by my decision and had hoped I would say no. </div>
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I drove by myself the few miles to the clinic, on completely deserted roads, and spent Mindy’s last moments before traveling to Rainbow Bridge with her on my lap. Before long her huge green eyes closed forever. </div>
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Consequences</div>
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I was emotionally frozen. I didn’t believe I could openly grieve for Mindy because of 9/11 and was gripped with fear on many levels. How had I missed that my friend was dying? Would Mindy still be alive if I’d known about or seen the subtle signs earlier? How could I ever adopt another animal if I was so bad at taking care of the one I’d just lost? Was the world safe enough for me to care for another animal friend? </div>
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Hard Work</div>
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It took me nearly nine long years to work through my grief and feel safe enough to adopt another animal family member. Nine years is a long time to live with grief and fear. Way to long. </div>
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I learned that I was aware of having made mistakes, learned that animals hide signs of illness for their own safety, found the ability to forgive myself for making mistakes and began to get excited to share my future with another pet. After months of searching for a new friend and family member that needed me as much as I needed her, I found Sasha. </div>
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There are no words to describe how wonderful Sasha is. Wonderful for me and wonderful in her own right. In November 2011, Sasha became very ill. I thought, “Oh, no, no. Not again.” It was touch and go for a month or so, but thankfully Sasha recovered.</div>
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While talking with the vet about our options if Sasha didn’t respond to treatment, I realized I was a different, perhaps stronger, person than I had been nine years ago. I realized: </div>
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<li>I responded to this crisis with more balance and awareness. </li>
<li>I’d spent years dealing with the lengthy, emotionally punishing loss of my Dad to vascular dementia.</li>
<li>I really had absorbed the information about grief recovery I’d learned after losing Mindy and my Dad.</li>
<li>I had skills and perspective I could share with others.</li>
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Sasha’s vet mentioned that some people don’t have anyone to talk with about how they are feeling and may not have the skills to move through processing grief. She said this is especially true for older people, who are often alone. She also said that vets aren’t well trained on dealing with grief, even though they are confronted with loss almost every day. </div>
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For a few months, I thought about how I might be able to help others who were dealing with loss of their animal family members. Maybe someone else wouldn’t have to struggle as much as I had if they were to work with me during such terrible times. I began training on how guide people to finding answers for themselves and positive solutions when they are feeling lost.</div>
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The loss of an animal family member -a friend – is one of life’s most difficult times. It is not easy to live through the swirling emotions of loss and it’s never going to be. </div>
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If you or anyone you know is lost and needs help, please talk with me. Let me help build a bridge from where you are and where you would like to be. The ideas, tasks & opportunities I will share as a Pet Loss Grief Coach can help successfully navigate the grief process. </div>
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I am a coach. I am not a licensed counselor or therapist. I will only be coaching people with living in a forward motion. If someone needs more specific care than am trained with, I will refer them to someone who is trained and licensed to deal with their issues in depth. </div>
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When you have worked through your grief with me hopefully you will be more capable of Loving Forward because you will be:</div>
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A. aware of your options;<br />
B. able to have another companion animal in your life; <br />
C. excited about your future.<br />
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If you know anyone that could use my services, please consider referring me. I can be found at: <br />
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<a href="http://www.fourpawscoaching.com/">http://www.fourpawscoaching.com/</a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278596552811573615.post-5251084523701628882012-03-13T12:44:00.000-07:002012-03-13T12:44:38.490-07:00Puppy Service Announcement #3<div style="text-align: center;">Today's PSA asks you to consider the following:</div><div style="text-align: center;">Admit your mistakes before someone exaggerates the story!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">My previous home and life was filled with extreme rules to control me and my behavior. I was forced to live 24/7 inside a cat sized travel crate. </div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo297phg7uy1AmT6SDS4quCysX7a4Kqzt4TU2gE1Hc1WX28CA51dQfUAhp8DfvjplNunAYi2NFnA30llfCvnvFLYLvVvBAYmz9DIZkrer8kbF_BqoNn4z24zOuUPzHTV-Qem_ILo6m94Om/s1600/Travel+Crate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo297phg7uy1AmT6SDS4quCysX7a4Kqzt4TU2gE1Hc1WX28CA51dQfUAhp8DfvjplNunAYi2NFnA30llfCvnvFLYLvVvBAYmz9DIZkrer8kbF_BqoNn4z24zOuUPzHTV-Qem_ILo6m94Om/s1600/Travel+Crate.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hi, Kitteh!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <div style="text-align: justify;">Yes, I agree, this mode of crating is humane if you intend it for traveling or for trips to the vet and back – not 24/7). I also had to endure surgical adjustments (twice because I have two scars on my neck) made to accommodate the humans desire to not hear me bark (Google devocalization here <a href="https://www.google.com/#hl=en&sclient=psy-ab&q=devocalization+surgery&oq=devocal&aq=3&aqi=g4&aql=&gs_sm=1&gs_upl=0l0l2l686l0l0l0l0l0l0l0l0ll0l0&gs_l=hp.1.3.0l4.0l0l2l686l0l0l0l0l0l0l0l0ll0l0.llsin&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.,cf.osb&fp=5bcca3627bd7e282&biw=1024&bih=563">Google (Devocalization Surgery)</a> – go ahead – I’ll wait...) rather than invest in appropriate and positive behavior retraining. I live with the consequences of their choices every day.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Yes, yes, I know – you know all that stuff about me…so, having said that:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">I admit it may have been a mistake to try to bury my Himalayan Dog Chew </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHixchXAzdhyN43doeamouFsXmy7VuOnlxiDAraO6gVfMaQbU1nQ6RSw_-Xb98ZsQouwui__M_gB8gV-Zh8H70HQyKepRQdDPYYAA1nrCErTnb757latqY5IX4urDoOneA-gCV-MTt_kgN/s1600/Himalayan+Dog+Chew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHixchXAzdhyN43doeamouFsXmy7VuOnlxiDAraO6gVfMaQbU1nQ6RSw_-Xb98ZsQouwui__M_gB8gV-Zh8H70HQyKepRQdDPYYAA1nrCErTnb757latqY5IX4urDoOneA-gCV-MTt_kgN/s1600/Himalayan+Dog+Chew.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> under the box in the closet, thus causing injury to my nose and removal of the above mentioned chew from my presence.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG0OxV3IiIhqbvJ8pQRKaqPDTTV-NqMyMCi2lgy2dt_e6csKQa79ecEOuQcn-tPtJx4YOwYIPEcXCJg6B6cEX6LKBp_kVp1RiGcYeF6_UPqy7IWsXCBoXiq6RJN-AlH17r-L6kCap2lhUd/s1600/Sasha+Nose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG0OxV3IiIhqbvJ8pQRKaqPDTTV-NqMyMCi2lgy2dt_e6csKQa79ecEOuQcn-tPtJx4YOwYIPEcXCJg6B6cEX6LKBp_kVp1RiGcYeF6_UPqy7IWsXCBoXiq6RJN-AlH17r-L6kCap2lhUd/s200/Sasha+Nose.jpg" width="200" /></a> </div><div> Now, please, don’t anyone (read Diana or Michael) exaggerate the story and research the following:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder (OCD)</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">An anxiety disorder characterized by intrusive thoughts that produce uneasiness, apprehension, fear, or worry, by repetitive behaviors aimed at reducing the associated anxiety, or by a combination of such obsessions and compulsions.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Symptoms of the disorder include…repeated checking; extreme hoarding…and nervous rituals. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">These symptoms can be alienating and time-consuming, and often cause severe emotional and financial distress. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The acts of those who have OCD may appear paranoid and potentially psychotic. However, OCD sufferers generally recognize their obsessions and compulsions as irrational…</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Finally, OCD…is diagnosed nearly as often as asthma and diabetes. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div> </div><div>…Ahem…well…yes…there may be a few similarities between my behavior regarding my Himalayan Dog Chew and with the symptoms for OCD. There may also have been a few times when the outcome of the symptoms may have manifested economically, such as Diana bought me more treats when I couldn’t remember where I buried the ones she’d recently given me…</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">However, I avoid a more complex diagnosis of my behaviors by admitting just how irrational it is to attempt to bury my Himalyan Dog Chew under a box in the closet.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">As we will never actually know the root cause of my anxiety and OCD tendencies, I am left with coping with the resultant behavior as best I can, with Diana and Michael’s help.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Thus, I firmly believe that the availability of an overabundance of Himalyan Dog Chews will go a long way to curbing my anxiety and OCD tendencies.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Who’s with me on this?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div> </div><span style="font-size: x-small;">P.S. - While this post may seem lightlearted and could possible appear as if I'm making fun of OCD and those that suffer from it, I am not. Diana and Michael, with the help of an animal trainer, are working with me to reduce the symptoms of this condition and reduce my anxiety in general. We are making some progress. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278596552811573615.post-80024967329309929412012-03-01T09:05:00.000-08:002012-03-01T09:05:09.388-08:00Are Real Life Pals Better than Twitter Pals?<div>Please meet my pal Stanley (doing his best sad eyed - look how cute I am impression).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNGPNEgTQL2Q7RAt2DWwSjNqqmXYSqmM53v5YgFZ2FTrDCoVdL4-Xp5q_bq5UHH4UeadEF794R01eAN3TiIhvmQAWvnAqJD7tBj1qQyP3p3cjowSfqS1JbzeJFa-qQtlSoWyNQqObEPzuX/s1600/photo%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNGPNEgTQL2Q7RAt2DWwSjNqqmXYSqmM53v5YgFZ2FTrDCoVdL4-Xp5q_bq5UHH4UeadEF794R01eAN3TiIhvmQAWvnAqJD7tBj1qQyP3p3cjowSfqS1JbzeJFa-qQtlSoWyNQqObEPzuX/s320/photo%5B1%5D.JPG" uda="true" width="320" /></a></div>Stanley visited with me for a long weekend recently. During that visit, it "may" have been brought to my attention that I have issues (human code for neutotic). <br />
<br />
Hmmm....Well, after much careful consideration, I have come to the realization that I "may" have some issues all right...with territory (all mine), food (Stanley tried to push me out of the way and eat my dinner the first night. We discussed his incorrect assumption loudly until Diana "ahemed" us and put us each in our corner of the kitchn to finish), possesive opinions about my toys (I repeat, mine) and the overwhelming desire to sleep in the big bed with Diana and Michael alone (again, all mine).<br />
<br />
All this questioning of my right of ownership to space, noms and laps got me wondering and debating the relative merits of Real Life Pals v. Twitter pals. </div><div><br />
So, in the spirit of fun, I came up with the following Pro/Con lists:</div><br />
<div> <strong><u>Real Life Pals - Pro</u></strong></div><ol><li>You visit with them in the fur</li>
<li>You get treats from them </li>
<li>You get gifts on your Gotcha Day & Christmas</li>
<li>You can bark at them when you want</li>
</ol><strong><u>Real Life Pals - Con</u></strong> <br />
<ol><li>They visit you in the fur</li>
<li>They eat your treats</li>
<li>They eat your stuffed toy treats</li>
<li>They can bark back when they want</li>
<li>Rare, but not unusual, to be friends with a kitty</li>
<li>Not likely to friends with a zombie bear</li>
<li>Not recommended to chat with a real bear</li>
<li>They want to sit with Diana in my chair</li>
<li>They want to sleep in my bed </li>
</ol><div></div><strong><u>Twitter Pals - Pro</u></strong><br />
<ol><li>You can virtual visit with them anytime </li>
<li>They can virtual visit with you anytime </li>
<li>You get to enjoy many success stories </li>
<li>You can chat with a bear, or two, or three </li>
<li>You get treats and cards from them in the mail</li>
<li>You taste test treats to send to them</li>
<li>You can block them </li>
<li>Can be friends with bears, a rabbit or a finger puppet</li>
<li>When something bad happens there is a whole community to help you feel better </li>
<li>All the amazing pictures </li>
<li>You get more Christmas Cards than Diana & Michael do</li>
</ol> <strong><u>Twitter Pals - Con</u></strong><br />
<ol><li>Rarely visit or get visited by them in real life</li>
<li>Spam Bots and naughty girls will want to be “friends”</li>
<li>You can’t thank them in person for thinking of you and sending cards</li>
<li>You can get blocked</li>
<li>The more pals you have the greater the odds of something bad happening to one of them</li>
<li>Diana learned she’s a terrible photographer</li>
</ol>Hmmm....Yap....so, after reviewing the data, I've come to a few conclusions. <br />
<ol><li>Better is not the right word after all - fullfilled is</li>
<li>Judging between the two is arbitrary and adds nothing of value to life </li>
<li>What can seem like a pro can actually have a flip side con </li>
<li>I'm an a-ok puppy blessed with many wonderful friends</li>
</ol> Life is grander for all of us by having pals of all kinds in your life. Having Twitter Pals feels more like the whipped cream on top of my rescue life strawberry sundae. What do you guys think?<br />
<br />
<div> </div><div style="text-align: center;">^ . . ^</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div> </div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Woof!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278596552811573615.post-30721594201257837472012-02-17T11:44:00.000-08:002012-02-17T11:44:04.762-08:003 Signs Car Ride Is A Fake-Out<div style="text-align: justify;">For many pups, a car ride is just about the best thing on earth. A car ride is the gateway to adventures, special treats and visiting with friends. For me, a car ride is on my top 5 list of favorite things to do. As you can see, it can be a valuable job too. In this picture, I am the navigator. We were going to the beach and I seriously knew the way. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYXgRXwyujwyF3XOyEruOZ8fekfc-gtcS8Rsli30ndM2izxNKoJGdr-_wlnFkzjoy2Df-3br5QHtCns_kIoiNZfOsTUbdunokoXgdAlIxsIFFMJfO2DaUllKYISX_aO2rj34kVIauN690I/s1600/P1010689_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYXgRXwyujwyF3XOyEruOZ8fekfc-gtcS8Rsli30ndM2izxNKoJGdr-_wlnFkzjoy2Df-3br5QHtCns_kIoiNZfOsTUbdunokoXgdAlIxsIFFMJfO2DaUllKYISX_aO2rj34kVIauN690I/s200/P1010689_2.JPG" width="200" yda="true" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: white;">Yes, you are right. I should have been buckled into my seatbelt harness in the backseat. I had been while we were driving. We’d made it to the beach (after a few wrong turns and back and forth along the beach road…sheesh…wouldn’t have happened if I had been actually navigating.). Michael let me loose to help select the right parking spot.</span></div><br />
All is not rosy though. For this installment in my Public Service Announcement series, I present to you the following warning signs that an invitation to ride in the car may not be all you hope it will be…<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Warning Sign #1</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Invited into car but garage door doesnt open</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Uhm…yeah, sorry to say but I’ve been victimized by this little trick. End result: You will get stuck in the car so human can do stuff in garage without you getting “into trouble” in the house by yourself or in the garage while they are occupied searching for their useless stuff in the big clear boxes on the shelves. Phew, long sentence but you get the point. Ask questions first.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Warning Sign #2</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Human doesn't put on their coat, yet its cold outside</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">This is a subtle sign to be sure. What does it mean? Most likely the car ride will only be to the mail box or, if lucky, the drive through. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFal8ED7MrJfQBA1vqWlLZQIeGtVwPVYtDW6ztd8LexrIjHa2dqaLabRLg1ufpVMi1WC2tHNO-GgSRue9OooBnlhhZ_Xcs29c6SB_vGxqdls7dvMOVYAQj_13N2wRnvL1vIOel1bDUurVw/s1600/images%5B7%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFal8ED7MrJfQBA1vqWlLZQIeGtVwPVYtDW6ztd8LexrIjHa2dqaLabRLg1ufpVMi1WC2tHNO-GgSRue9OooBnlhhZ_Xcs29c6SB_vGxqdls7dvMOVYAQj_13N2wRnvL1vIOel1bDUurVw/s200/images%5B7%5D.jpg" width="144" yda="true" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">Now, there can be benefits to going through the drive through such as a fries or your own ice cream cone from DQ, but it pays to be aware that it could be a dead-end, around the block fake out just to the stupid mailbox. Require trips to be at least 1 mile so you get enough energizing “car time”. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Warning Sign #3</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Not allowed to visit the facilities prior to getting in car</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">This is a biggie and one I just learned about myself. Tough answer: You are going to the vet. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZbOsXTtglqU37bVkQV6ILXvJw_4bJ6hyphenhyphen8dcTlU5EBb7Jhzsj4fUsL3Hw7KPFGdI0vZoirYQMr5jJQB85uQ4qwgRbO15H-KZf63_Ylj7tKiNNCTB_FNM4aGMO_wC7OuYODPh6MLoPDhMgz/s1600/NAH1%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZbOsXTtglqU37bVkQV6ILXvJw_4bJ6hyphenhyphen8dcTlU5EBb7Jhzsj4fUsL3Hw7KPFGdI0vZoirYQMr5jJQB85uQ4qwgRbO15H-KZf63_Ylj7tKiNNCTB_FNM4aGMO_wC7OuYODPh6MLoPDhMgz/s320/NAH1%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Biggest fun killer out there. A trip to the vet is the worst Fake Out known! Don’t fall for it. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Resist and make them show their hand before you jump in the car. If you can’t persuade them to not go to the vet, bark at everyone and everything you see all the way there, threaten to wet in the backseat - or if those don’t work - make them drag you out of the car and into the vet’s office when you get there. Humans hate it when you make them look mean.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I hope these tips come in handy for you and good luck getting only car rides filled with adventures, treats and visits.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">If you have any other tips and suggestions, please share them with us. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278596552811573615.post-78164231260557805752012-02-16T16:20:00.000-08:002012-02-16T16:20:45.999-08:002nd Gotcha Day Celebration<div style="text-align: justify;">Last year I made a big deal over my 1st Gotcha Day. Diana and Michael had the family over, along with my doggie pals, Katey and Hank. The house was decorated with balloons and we all shared cake. Real vanilla birthday cake with sprinkles!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBQcRFTU_PBFMyQo9Cqg1sANufTBgc2BuZRlKMij1cfvGSk-HZ8J1hpRLtDpMsolr6b-nhbWAqj8zVpNc9nBeW-5lFgVf002NqZgKaoQmpDC6myIZat61ZoSQcsHZ74W8Mh3BceOpCF_rR/s1600/DSC00440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBQcRFTU_PBFMyQo9Cqg1sANufTBgc2BuZRlKMij1cfvGSk-HZ8J1hpRLtDpMsolr6b-nhbWAqj8zVpNc9nBeW-5lFgVf002NqZgKaoQmpDC6myIZat61ZoSQcsHZ74W8Mh3BceOpCF_rR/s200/DSC00440.JPG" width="110" yda="true" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvfyg64oiNqs5QJEZUkzYGb4Jurp8ZpnZcRZ08pfPNSq0UPPrD4a3U8EH5xojfK9mUrmmRiW7ACIj52moZ2zqeu80AAoqErv51rNIbZVj_vbjxK3sjROB1Bb3IM9kZXrmoS32ufHLLfTMg/s1600/DSC00466_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvfyg64oiNqs5QJEZUkzYGb4Jurp8ZpnZcRZ08pfPNSq0UPPrD4a3U8EH5xojfK9mUrmmRiW7ACIj52moZ2zqeu80AAoqErv51rNIbZVj_vbjxK3sjROB1Bb3IM9kZXrmoS32ufHLLfTMg/s200/DSC00466_2.JPG" width="200" yda="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Really, wouldn’t you throw yourself a great big, barkingly wonderful party if you’d just spent 365 days recovering from being thrown out of your home into a horrifying shelter during the holidays, had the date of your death marked on a calendar, then miraculously rescued by angels on earth from <a href="http://members.petfinder.com/~WA427/index.htm">Northwest International Pet Rescue</a>? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Darn betcha you would</div><div style="text-align: center;">Yeah, I thought so</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">A Gotcha Day is an extremely important day for a rescue dog. I can’t tell anyone what my real birthday is so a Gotcha Day is all we have to celebrate with.<br />
<br />
This year I celebrated more on the down low with those who made transitioning from the rejected, unloved mixed breed into the wanted, loved unique MinscherHuahua success story you see before you today. <br />
<br />
Diana and Michael made me a pup sized grilled cheese sandwich, granted my wish to sit on the sofa (just once, please, I won't beg anymore, please, please, please), showered me with treats and most importantly, love and respect.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg4PBAYZK1PHIovtlIayktKrGFhNaix-OlHXBLR-zuDbkkUlnM4QnAE-1xJzYH3lm_Vyqy_X0hSzCSojXmlGfU4Jk-nbBJxuuj-w3B7B3bdFhoBd0yRVP0PT1mXqgrohPcLOwaZFuu1TBS/s1600/Sofa+Sasha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg4PBAYZK1PHIovtlIayktKrGFhNaix-OlHXBLR-zuDbkkUlnM4QnAE-1xJzYH3lm_Vyqy_X0hSzCSojXmlGfU4Jk-nbBJxuuj-w3B7B3bdFhoBd0yRVP0PT1mXqgrohPcLOwaZFuu1TBS/s200/Sofa+Sasha.jpg" width="152" yda="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaepDT80cKPoqFeprU4pO8ZXqYaL343e9PXpYC70ClpBQsvjMm_8RcKZvqej-Yc1M2bWaOsKVqE6aEVuPOE309o2DuEveal-daMFBKk4GjarFcLZvDKmfeeQ7MYQUUBSyTsi60P-AlFvfu/s1600/Party.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaepDT80cKPoqFeprU4pO8ZXqYaL343e9PXpYC70ClpBQsvjMm_8RcKZvqej-Yc1M2bWaOsKVqE6aEVuPOE309o2DuEveal-daMFBKk4GjarFcLZvDKmfeeQ7MYQUUBSyTsi60P-AlFvfu/s200/Party.jpg" width="145" yda="true" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Celebrating success and love never goes out of style.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Hat’s off to all the styling rescue pups working their magic in the world and a hopeful prayer for those waiting their turn to be rescued so they can shine as brightly as they should.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHMPdn94DVNCP7HJHyQEuzWy5KcK0gcGL0rRJ-h5zW_ArTNtM5ZoltlX9SfGBUEfYO-E9VaRRCwtD31MdEFUz4Qp_vgOd_joNFyuUPri_77y4uX7ZwrNmpoTW9HB-qxjV8FoEK-fRowHYP/s1600/Hats+off.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHMPdn94DVNCP7HJHyQEuzWy5KcK0gcGL0rRJ-h5zW_ArTNtM5ZoltlX9SfGBUEfYO-E9VaRRCwtD31MdEFUz4Qp_vgOd_joNFyuUPri_77y4uX7ZwrNmpoTW9HB-qxjV8FoEK-fRowHYP/s200/Hats+off.jpg" width="150" yda="true" /></a></div> <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">^ . . ^ </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Woof!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278596552811573615.post-12631130520090756322012-02-15T09:31:00.000-08:002012-02-15T09:31:05.363-08:00Almost Wordless Wednesday<div style="text-align: center;">Nom Nom - Peanut Butter Chew - Nom Nom</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpK7hcIGEr-FimUKz9YFWqyZDJCE1UQZ8ZgM22bqZ1pp_C9WW5v3-qQLuG_-Dnv0emVNI-rln2yqJacWp93S3cNLG3MkMP9i2ivoqJu4m8opIeeXmKSYsBDafEpKFO-4rEFYHEYToiLbyg/s1600/Gotcha+Day+Snack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpK7hcIGEr-FimUKz9YFWqyZDJCE1UQZ8ZgM22bqZ1pp_C9WW5v3-qQLuG_-Dnv0emVNI-rln2yqJacWp93S3cNLG3MkMP9i2ivoqJu4m8opIeeXmKSYsBDafEpKFO-4rEFYHEYToiLbyg/s320/Gotcha+Day+Snack.jpg" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">^ . . ^</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Woof!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278596552811573615.post-53404167151016316382012-02-08T14:23:00.000-08:002012-02-08T14:23:34.876-08:00Almost Wordless Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is wrong - wrong - wrong!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcynlOjHoWGT43DHHiYiD76us0gDwzFIDtsKparI_LLFBHTdW7sJd_C_bHeMoRq7EtnuMjaQBENdNpE1z3nTaRBkVqrwQZ0eaukdvPjYk6LmlTStKzVJmENseE06GLB4U64zydhb48g1J3/s1600/photo+%25287%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcynlOjHoWGT43DHHiYiD76us0gDwzFIDtsKparI_LLFBHTdW7sJd_C_bHeMoRq7EtnuMjaQBENdNpE1z3nTaRBkVqrwQZ0eaukdvPjYk6LmlTStKzVJmENseE06GLB4U64zydhb48g1J3/s320/photo+%25287%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">^ . . ^ </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Woof!</div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278596552811573615.post-5256493475409085572012-01-10T16:23:00.000-08:002012-01-10T16:23:27.892-08:00Open Letter to @Cricket1230<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Diana asked to use my blog to post the following letter she mailed to the Dad of a Twitter pal that passed away in June of 2011. I am happy to allow Diana this forum to share her letter.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Dear Cricket's Dad:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We’ve never met. I, however, had the great pleasure of tweeting with Cricket's Mom many, many times through our dogs. I can only simply say how sorry I am for your family’s loss. It was a blessing for me to meet her through darling Cricket.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Cricket's Mom had one of the best voices I’ve seen on Twitter. With just a few words she could make anyone feel welcome and happy. I am not alone when I say that I miss her and her brilliant voice as Cricket. I often wondered why her account had gone silent last spring/summer and was heartbroken to hear of her passing. @NoCrybabyDoGs/Daffy let us know as soon as she heard from you. Thank you for connecting with her for us.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">@Cricket1230 was one of my first followers when I started on Twitter. Following @Cricket1230 and watching her Mom charm their followers will stay with me forever. She showed us all how to do things right – how to be caring, genuine, silly and valuable. If there was a way to thank her, I would. Since I am not able to thank her directly, I will thank you and hope that it helps you as you recover from your loss.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">With love,</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Diana & @MissPishPosh</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278596552811573615.post-70591486758344178672012-01-04T22:04:00.000-08:002012-01-04T22:04:49.082-08:00Wordless Wednesday - 1/2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-56Bu4f4zwzs/TwU9CH4PYoI/AAAAAAAAAVY/z1NjKcwcIcw/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-56Bu4f4zwzs/TwU9CH4PYoI/AAAAAAAAAVY/z1NjKcwcIcw/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278596552811573615.post-64123912623250638102012-01-03T09:20:00.001-08:002012-01-03T09:21:21.549-08:00Quote of 2011<div style="text-align: center;">This is my favorite quote from last year. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's not a big, it's not written by a grand person or someone special, and it's not earth shattering.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">None of that matters anyway. What matters, to me anyway, is I think it's true.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vxbOLVxgLF4/Tv5BZgcljRI/AAAAAAAAAVM/TNLsPin-wP0/s1600/Favorite+quote+of+year.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vxbOLVxgLF4/Tv5BZgcljRI/AAAAAAAAAVM/TNLsPin-wP0/s1600/Favorite+quote+of+year.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Be Strong when you can...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cry when you need to...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Love, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sasha</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278596552811573615.post-9416558940771475262011-12-30T14:06:00.000-08:002011-12-30T14:06:19.753-08:002011 In Review<div style="text-align: justify;">I had a fabulous year, filled with <strong>Great Moments</strong> and <strong>Not So Great Moments</strong>. A recap of the Top 5 for each side of the ledger is highlighted below. Given that I am unfailingly optimistic, loving and joyous of life, I will start with the Not-So-Great so I can end with greatness!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Top 5 Not So Great Moments</span></u></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">1) Hurt my paw when I landed on the door thingy;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--kraQ-fJU0M/Tv4p8f8UEkI/AAAAAAAAAUc/Jk8yccKp4PU/s1600/BooBoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--kraQ-fJU0M/Tv4p8f8UEkI/AAAAAAAAAUc/Jk8yccKp4PU/s320/BooBoo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">2) Lost some Twitter pals, including one of my best friends, and learned that the Mom for two others passed away. I use, with a nod and wistful smile the *giggles* expression on Twitter in memory of Rhonda Welch as Tweeting for @Cricket1230. Also, with lasting love, travel well Dear Yoda.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">3) Realized who are my real friends are and to avoid popularity contests;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">4) Did not get to go to the beach this summer but did get to go on some awesome walks;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUA1gVflZ5RBOwYqLM6uZiJ5bKgITEBoFoMcz2qM1KBVELqQn2LWXRtU8a7t-Aip6QVDU9aOxvJyilFy5iMBzGN_azoUKaYK4sOh4CLy5XGFmRKdzPZ8YnP4BxFA1lv1xVp_ib8bbJtj3K/s1600/Smiley+Sasha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUA1gVflZ5RBOwYqLM6uZiJ5bKgITEBoFoMcz2qM1KBVELqQn2LWXRtU8a7t-Aip6QVDU9aOxvJyilFy5iMBzGN_azoUKaYK4sOh4CLy5XGFmRKdzPZ8YnP4BxFA1lv1xVp_ib8bbJtj3K/s320/Smiley+Sasha.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">5) Contracted a drug-resistant bacterial infection that has yet to be resolved and may not have a positive outcome. This is me feeling sorry for myself...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DqEMh6kthoc/Tv4zRhR7c5I/AAAAAAAAAVA/UY8QxZYOB9Q/s1600/AgvX9x6CMAAsf58%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DqEMh6kthoc/Tv4zRhR7c5I/AAAAAAAAAVA/UY8QxZYOB9Q/s1600/AgvX9x6CMAAsf58%255B1%255D.jpg" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Top 5 Great Moments</span></u></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">1) Learned a new trick:<br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/hVAnK-s6I6Q?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">2) Discovered I love beef gravy almost as much as I love cheese;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">3) Made new friends that make my life full;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mage5aTIULo/Tv4yz8JuvBI/AAAAAAAAAU0/2Q5o4YmsNjA/s1600/hh2im.th%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" rea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mage5aTIULo/Tv4yz8JuvBI/AAAAAAAAAU0/2Q5o4YmsNjA/s320/hh2im.th%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6qEF8lrScyDzd3UweQ7JWHZrmRLjz8vt5SreMZ1M3TAdptnoYAi2hA6QA_RJl_aPvtBv3cHoC6FBHoed269uphNbvkFFqaOt5A_Fy9pLIL04C9xOSZrjz0bT9VCyTotvoqIyo1Oc4xstn/s1600/Ropey+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6qEF8lrScyDzd3UweQ7JWHZrmRLjz8vt5SreMZ1M3TAdptnoYAi2hA6QA_RJl_aPvtBv3cHoC6FBHoed269uphNbvkFFqaOt5A_Fy9pLIL04C9xOSZrjz0bT9VCyTotvoqIyo1Oc4xstn/s320/Ropey+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uu9dJ9d4nHQ/Tv4yf90qsYI/AAAAAAAAAUo/QLXGBJ4tOvE/s1600/New+Buddies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uu9dJ9d4nHQ/Tv4yf90qsYI/AAAAAAAAAUo/QLXGBJ4tOvE/s320/New+Buddies.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVksyWEC2Wl-tb9Olo_CQ_Ow3OSeL6_vDLvJ4lxZTDxrB84j7RmpWwK0MiMVHkTL2dl4PGgVaeTYi-ahSek-EbHOqzfjzphgugCR04DZgMXtkxkhGYUcXgrepQvKv3OyFL0ZkiGfiUnWwm/s1600/DSC01198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVksyWEC2Wl-tb9Olo_CQ_Ow3OSeL6_vDLvJ4lxZTDxrB84j7RmpWwK0MiMVHkTL2dl4PGgVaeTYi-ahSek-EbHOqzfjzphgugCR04DZgMXtkxkhGYUcXgrepQvKv3OyFL0ZkiGfiUnWwm/s320/DSC01198.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRTrT2dlYle1lAU_C9TOIgtb-fztRClKm79iBvDRoJegyVAYr5YDsmyD_l-ijIRvamAam4-e5EfB7kvnY-t62jgrJEurVPNSH07M7KIRksm2EVeoDJWRdkYhu2wxQ9_dfDZkRpvJWxsUd/s1600/Corrine+Trickster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRTrT2dlYle1lAU_C9TOIgtb-fztRClKm79iBvDRoJegyVAYr5YDsmyD_l-ijIRvamAam4-e5EfB7kvnY-t62jgrJEurVPNSH07M7KIRksm2EVeoDJWRdkYhu2wxQ9_dfDZkRpvJWxsUd/s320/Corrine+Trickster.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">4) Cheated death by slipping my harness, running across the street, attacking a GSD, realizing that was a not my best decision of the year, running back across the street, getting rolled by the now really, really mad GSD, watching Diana run awkwardly fast, with a weird, gray green look on her face, then coming to a complete flat-on-the-ground stop when Diana’s cry of “Sasha” finally lowered enough to be heard by humans again;</div><br />
5) Enjoyed glorious afternoons on my new favorite chair;<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wbt_yrLjV0s/Tv0KDwbs1cI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/ZzCVtBixF4Q/s1600/106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wbt_yrLjV0s/Tv0KDwbs1cI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/ZzCVtBixF4Q/s320/106.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I can’t wait to see what is in store for all of us in 2012! </div><div style="text-align: center;">I’m sure it will be wonderful.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy New Year</div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Love, Sasha</div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278596552811573615.post-39244784765692894262011-12-09T09:27:00.000-08:002011-12-09T09:27:25.998-08:00Working With Uncertainty<div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG8FkVSwf-QoUs8UfwsasO0_fDZZyrWGUEWyXKdZ5gISBA5PJsRbgxN_tKDhamuKv7e5VN28btGiL6rD3T4-Rlo2hW2ZPBY89ckG_IdRZHtGLBQzUU3d4-E9swmTdae_bZBrglCO1iWaXV/s1600/Flat+Eared+Sasha2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG8FkVSwf-QoUs8UfwsasO0_fDZZyrWGUEWyXKdZ5gISBA5PJsRbgxN_tKDhamuKv7e5VN28btGiL6rD3T4-Rlo2hW2ZPBY89ckG_IdRZHtGLBQzUU3d4-E9swmTdae_bZBrglCO1iWaXV/s1600/Flat+Eared+Sasha2.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">My recent illness starkly points out the grand bargain I made with Diana and Michael. The bargain we made together that wonderful Saturday nearly two years ago. You know the one...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Rescue me and I will rescue you. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">This grand bargain has worked its magic simply, elegantly, joyfully and flawlessly without any concerns for all of us – for a while.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">My Vet is reasonably optimistic that this drug resistant infection can be cured. Not 100% sure. With no specific reason for contracting it and no underlying medical issue feeding it, the whys and hows are many and apparently not answerable. So I take my medicine daily, hidden in cheese (found my silver lining), make changes in my daily routine to reduce risk via western medical options and holistic choices, and wait. We will work really hard to inch the percentage of full recovery higher.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I undoubtedly won’t outlive either of them or live as long as they would like or need. Knowing Diana, she will then experience tremendous grief, self-doubt and loneliness when I am gone. She will work through these emotions with Michael and alone. She will eventually be able to think of me without profound sadness and even, as I hope, be able to share the deep well of love she has to share with another.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Is this bargain a bargain with the devil then?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">No, it is not.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It is a bargain of faith, love, loyalty, responsibility and undying friendship.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It is a bargain worthy of the risks.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And really, what more can we ask of each other?</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278596552811573615.post-12350795763828117822011-11-30T09:27:00.000-08:002011-11-30T09:27:56.307-08:00Poetry SlamDuring one of our post-turkey naps together last weekend, Diana and I decided to have a friendly poetry slam. We each wrote a haiku and a 2/4/6/8/2 Cinquain. See if you can figure out the poet for each. Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<u>Haiku 1</u><br />
<br />
barking together<br />
rescues rejoice and demand<br />
cheese for us all<br />
<br />
<u>Haiku 2</u><br />
<br />
gathered 'round<br />
hereditary ghosts abide<br />
within and without<br />
<br />
<u>Cinquain 1</u><br />
<br />
kibble<br />
filling my bowl<br />
generously topped off<br />
lovingly mixed in with heavy hand<br />
cheddar<br />
<br />
<u>Cinquain 2</u><br />
<br />
thankful<br />
dining as one<br />
genetic ghosts caution<br />
within and without our transience<br />
kindnessUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278596552811573615.post-11612565019410305392011-11-22T08:35:00.000-08:002011-11-22T08:35:06.337-08:00BlogPaws Donation & NWIPR<div style="text-align: justify;">Diana had grand plans of attending BlogPaws in the D.C. area back in August. Well, life happened and she just couldn't afford to go in person. The wonderful people who organized the annual conference made 4 donations of $2,500 each to rescue groups or shelters designated by paid attendees. Diana nominated NWIPR, of course, because it is the wonderful group that rescued MEEEEE!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">NWIPR won!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'm very excited to tell you about how the money was used. Below is the email Diana received from NWIPR. I'll let them tell us what they decided to do. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We couldn't be more pleased and wish them all the best in their rescue efforts all across the state now.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Hello Diana:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Well after many meetings and discussions, we determined the best use for the money and how to help the most dogs now and in the future!!!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We had been saving for a rescue vehicle for transports (especially in the winter months) and the $2500 from Sasha and Blog Paws gave us what we needed to make the purchase. We found a used all wheel drive MiniVan/SUV cross over that is a 4 cylinder (gas money savings but still enough get up and go for the transports as it is a large 4 cylinder) and it is an extended version so 18 more inches of cargo room. This vehicle is allowing us to do transports to the central and eastern parts of the states that many other rescues are unable to do, which is allowing us to help save the dogs there that face an unfortunate future due to the over crowding of the shelters and just not enough space and resources. While we are small we can not save them all, but the ones we do save will be able to find wonderful homes and and make room for the others that come in.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This weekend is our first snow trip. We are picking up the mom of the pups that arrived by flight and maybe a couple other small dogs and while we are doing this helping some others get out to other rescues. 2 border collies for another rescue group, a senior great dane/great pyrenese and pit pup for another group (list is not yet complete. All dogs that face uncertain futures in the shelters due to breed, age, and space.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We cannot thank you enough for thinking of us for the blog paws award money and after many discussions we felt this was the best use of the money as it will help MANY dogs get into rescue that otherwise do not have a ride. So when we make a trip of our own we fill up with others for other groups to ensure we can help as many dogs as possible!!!!!!! We felt this was a GREAT use of the money that would have the best benefit to the many dogs that need help!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Thank you so so so so much!!!!!!!!!</span></div><span style="color: white;"><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">~~NWIPR Team</span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Northwest International Pet Rescue</span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">An ALL volunteer run organization </span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">NWIPR is a 501c3 Non-Profit Organization and a registered WA Charity</span><br />
<a href="http://www.nwipr.org/"><span style="color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">www.nwipr.org</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2