Splish, splash!!

While Iris was busy at reform school, I got to go on a short road excursion to the beach!! The surf was kind of rough, so I stayed close to shore, but it shore was fun!!

 

 From Iris: REFORM SCHOOL? I have been busy with a very cool trainer all week having FUN with a pack of dogs who will at least PLAY with me!

Saturday Blog Hop - Join in!!

The woods are lovely, dark and deep....

......and I have miles to go before I sleep.
We had an awesome walk in a new place this morning. The folks drove us to West Neck Creek Natural Area in Virginia Beach. I had been there once before but not off the paved trail and it was the first time there for Iris. It seems there are a few miles of hiking trails back behind the paved area. We passed an old abandoned house (very spooky) and walked about a mile and a half in the woods. They are nice, kind of deep woods, so you don't want to leave the trail or you might get lost! There were all kinds of smells around.....I recognized the smell of horses! Iris was very interested in their dung.....she is such a goofball! Good thing we did not see any horses or other critters cuz Iris goes kinda nuts when we do. She REALLY needs to get a grip!
From Iris: Of course I know horses! I played tag with the wild ones in Corova Beach, NC, a few years back! You call ME a goofball?! I just wanted to smell their dung, YOU wanted to ROLL in it!

Write a post, feed a dog.........this is a blog hop!

For every blog post (written between today and September 19th) about their Adoption Drive, Pedigree will donate a 20 pound bag of their new Healthy Longevity Food for Dogs to shelters nationwide. This is a special program being done for Blogpaws West.
Each year, more than 4 million dogs end up in shelters and breed rescue organizations. Pedigree created The PEDIGREE Adoption Drive to help shine a spotlight on the plight of these homeless dogs.
This year the PEDIGREE Adoption Drive is raising awareness for homeless dogs by donating a bowl of food to shelter dogs for everyone who becomes a “Fan” or “Likes” the PEDIGREE Adoption Drive on Facebook. So far more than 1 million bowls have been donated.
So, please, take a few minutes and write about this drive on your Blog and become a fan of Pedigree on Facebook. Please lend a paw to homeless dogs.

House check for Lab Rescue

Thank goodness for every sad story there is usually a good story! Mom and Dad went on a house check for Lab Rescue. We didn't go cuz Iris is still in training and her dog manners still need a little work. But, Mom says that the rescued dog, Zoe, has got some really cool new digs. She has a very cool new lady owner who already had an older dog (like us!!!). Well, the older dog just loves having Zoe as his new, baby sister. He even shares his toys with her!! They have a huge, fenced backyard AND......GET THIS......they live on the beach!!! Zoe is in obedience school (like Iris) and is doing really well so the lady wants to keep going to class. Zoe gets to swim and play everyday...she is one lucky dog!!! Thanks to Lab Rescue of LRCP for matching Zoe up with the best dog mom ever...well almost!

The humans are very sad tonight

My human Mom told me this sad story: Rembrandt was a French Mastiff, who was turned into the SPCA a few weeks ago. He was just 4 years old and one big dude, weighing over 100 pounds! Remmy was brought to the shelter by his owners, who told the staff they were moving and could not take him with them. Right. Remmy had a bad ear infection, an eye infection, and skin problems. The vets at the SPCA had gotten those concerns under control. Remmy also had an old cruciate injury. It was pretty obvious   that Remmy was simply discarded by these heartless people because of these health issues. Cruciate injury is repairable though pretty expensive (I know this...I have had two TPLO's). Many hours were spent trying to find a surgeon to comp the surgery, or a rescue to help him. But, weeks in a shelter takes its toll on the animals, and after consultation between vet specialists and SPCA staff, Rembrandt was euthanized this morning, surrounded by the loving staff at the shelter.
Godspeed, Rembrandt. Until we meet again at the Rainbow Bridge.

"Grow old with me, the best is yet to come"

Ten great reasons to adopt a senior dog

1.  House-trained - Senior dogs are usually house-trained. You won't have to go through teaching a puppy house manners and cleaning up after accidents.
2.  Won't chew inappropriate items - Senior dogs are not teething puppies, and won't chew your shoes and furniture.
3.  Focus to learn - Senior dogs can focus well because they've mellowed. Therefore, they learn quickly.
4. Know what "no" means - Senior dogs have learned what "no" means. If they hadn't learned it, they wouldn't have gotten to be "senior" dogs.
5.  Settle in with the "pack" - Senior dogs settle in easily, because they've learned what it takes to get along with others and become part of a pack.
6.  Good at giving love - Senior dogs are good at giving love, once they get into their new, loving home. They are ever so grateful for the second chance they've been given.
7.  What You See Is What You Get - Senior dogs have grown into their shape and personality. Puppies can grow up to be quite different from what they seemed at first.
8.  Instant companions - Senior dogs are instant companions, ready for walking, car trips, and other things you like to do.
9.  Time for yourself - Senior dogs leave you time for yourself, because they don't make the kinds of demands on your time and attention that puppies and young dogs do.
10.  A good night's sleep - Senior dogs let you get a good night's sleep because they're accustomed to human schedules and don't generally need nighttime feedings, comforting, or bathroom breaks.
      ~Adapted from Labrador Retriever Rescue