A Canine Opines

Help Create "Caylee's Law"

2011-07-06T17:23:00.000-04:00

Dear Friends:

In the past (almost) year of blogging, I have been astonished by what we 'Pet Bloggers' can all accomplish when we work together for a cause. Whether we have participated in Blog the Change, donated to a friend's cause or even just sent a friend a gift of support, we have made a huge impact on the world around us.

I know it may be a little strange to ask pet bloggers to support a child welfare cause but I am going to do it anyway. I am sure you have all been reading about the Casey Anthony trial and verdict; many are extremely disappointed in the verdict (we are in this house) and rightfully so. A child's life is so precious...and when it is taken away and no one is held responsible, well that is just horrible.

A wonderful woman from Oklahoma has begun a crusade to create a law - Caylee's Law - that would charge parents who fail to notify the police of a missing child, in a timely fashion (not 31 days!!!) or be charged with a felony. She has created a petition at Change.org and I am asking you, if you are a friend in the U.S., to sign the petition and help create this law.

The direct link is : http://www.change.org/petitions/create-caylees-law Please visit the link and help protect the other children that could be victims of such horrible crimes. (Note: The website is slow for all the people signing the petition...and because the site was attacked recently. Please be patient and give the page time to load so you can sign!)

I want to thank you all, in advance, for helping! Let us continue to make a difference!

Sincerely,

Oz (and his human)

New Law in Effect in My County

2011-07-03T16:26:00.003-04:00

This past Friday, July 1, Palm Beach County enacted a new anti-tethering ordinance considered a victory for local animal rights groups - and a major victory for many dogs and other animals that tend to be left outside all day in the scorching Florida heat.

The ordinance prohibits the tethering of animals at any hour of the day or night if not directly supervised by their human. It also includes a new requirement for outdoor shelters, which now must be at least 80 square feet and must never exceed more than 85 degrees (F) inside. Sounds reasonable to me.

Unfortunately, there are many groups that are against this new ordinance including some local hunt clubs. The hunt clubs state that it will cost too much money for them to bring their outdoor cages up to code (since they can no longer just tether the dogs outside unattended) and thus, they believe that hunters will start abandoning their dogs. Really?!? If that is the case then the "hunters" shouldn't have so many dogs to begin with if they cannot afford to house them properly. Are you hunters or animal hoarders?

Another organization to "jump on the bandwagon" of being against the ordinance is the National Animal Interest Alliance - an organization that represents animal breeders as well as owners and their animals. This organization was very unhappy with the unanimous passage of the new ordinance stating that at times, tethering (on trolleys or runners) can be a humane way to allow dogs to roam in an un-fenced yard. They do support the outdoor cage size part of the ordinance.

So, the National Animal Interest Alliance claims the same thing as the hunt clubs - people will start abandoning pets because they cannot keep them tethered (unattended, all day) outside.

Seriously? Why can't the dog(s) stay in the house, in the air conditioning, while their owners are of gallivanting all day long? Why then even have a dog, if you are just planning on tying it up outside and never socializing with it?

I actually think it is a good ordinance; Miami-Dade County has had a similar one since 2009. If you are a responsible pet owner, you will most likely not be affected. This ordinance is for those people who don't look out for the welfare of their animals to begin with!

See what Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control has to say, courtesy of The Sun Sentinel:

Wordless Wednesday - June 29

2011-06-29T09:31:00.001-04:00

Ma, like many in her family, is a true dog person. She has grown up around dogs all her life. One of the very first dogs she ever met was her Uncle Mike's dog...Shaina.

Shaina taking a rest in the yard

Shaina was an Irish Setter - smart, playful and affectionate (at least, when she wanted to be). Anyone who has ever owned an Irish Setter knows they can be stubborn, hyper and mischievous sometimes...but boy are they pretty with that flowing red hair!

Shaina was around when Ma was still a tiny tot; Ma remembers her fondly because they grew up together.

Shaina and Ma playing with a rubber steak...BOL

Are your Irish eyes smiling?

Moody Monday

2011-06-27T14:54:00.001-04:00

“A dog that intends to bite
does not bear its teeth.”

~ Turkish Proverb

Catch the Contest at my Other Blog!

2011-06-21T17:05:00.000-04:00

Yep! I am holding a contest over at my other blog, Taste Tested by the Dog and you could win all this:

I received two packages - one for me and one for the winner - which included everything you see above! There are seven flavors of Cesar Canine Cuisine dog food, two bags of their Softies Medley treats and a t-shirt for your human!

What are you waiting for, pals?!? I cannot eat two of everything!!! Enter to win the contest by clicking HERE!

Wordless Wednesday - June 15

2011-06-15T09:50:00.000-04:00

My other cousin, and Tootsie's brofur, the elusive Wren:

Terriers are Tenacious

2011-06-09T10:26:00.000-04:00

If you're a terrier...you're tenacious.

It's the characteristic that makes us chase critters for miles, oblivious to the calls of our owners. It's why we will not let go of a toy no matter how many times we hear "Drop it!" or "Leave it!". It's also why we will dig a hole to China just to get to a critter.

Our tenacity also makes us great beggars. We can stubbornly sit and stare at our owners for the duration of a meal just to get a table scrap. I know I can lay in front of the pantry for hours until someone realizes I am there and gives me a cracker. Terriers know that persistence pays!

My terrier tenacity really paid off this past weekend! I got this toy from Baby Tyler, as seen in my Wordless Wednesday post yesterday.

However, I did not get this toy because I stared endlessly or quietly took up residence in front of it. No, I got this toy with true terrier tenacity....by parking in front of the playpen, staring at it, sniffing the playpen, pawing at the playpen and doing this (for a day and a half!!!!)....

(you may need to turn up the volume on your computer to hear me since Ma tried not to come into the room and "disturb" me...BOL)

So, after a day and a half of listening to me tell everyone in the house I wanted that toy, Baby Tyler finally gave it to me. *score 1 for Oz*

I think it was well worth it!

Wordless Wednesday: My New Toy

2011-06-08T11:24:00.000-04:00

Baby Tyler left me one of his toys....

Baby Tyler Visits: Play Time

2011-06-07T09:03:00.001-04:00

Ma's cousins Nancy and Kelly came for a long weekend vacation this past weekend and guess what?!? Cousin Kelly brought her son, Baby Tyler! *starts to zoomie but is still too tired*

Baby Tyler is 10 months old which means he is a little human. He is really great because he walks on all four paws just like me...and when he does, he is MY SIZE! I loved playing with him. Everyone said I was a very good dog all weekend. *big grin*

Let me tell you one more thing about little humans - they smell and taste delicious! I could not lick Baby Tyler enough. BOL

Anyway, Baby Tyler and I played all weekend - inside the house, in the backyard, etc. I think we played rather well. Don't you think it looks like a lot of fun?!

*whispers* Did you see me lick him at the end?!? Deee-licious!

Oz

Wordless Wednesday - Tootsie

2011-06-01T08:18:00.000-04:00

My cousin, Tootsie the Cat...

A Call for #Pawcircle

2011-05-30T18:44:00.004-04:00

Hello friends. I, along with several pals...Tucker (@bvfeyj), Ethel Mae (@ILoveEthelMae), Sprite and Finnegan (@SpriteandFinn) would like you all to join in a #pawcircle for our friend Buddy @Whyshouldntwe). Here is our pal, Buddy:

He is our very good pal and he needs a #pawcircle - STAT! *asks for moment of silence for #pawcircle* Thank you all for that.

Ma and I have been in contact with Buddy and his ma, Kathy this evening...as have Tucker, Ethel Mae, Sprite and Finnegan. There has been a lot happening over Buddy's way and we all know what it is like when sad things pile up on a pal.

On Wednesday night, the roof collapsed on Buddy's family's business due to heavy rain. They admit that it's hard to deal with, but like Kathy says in her email..."It's just things and insurance will cover it!". Thank doggness for that! Unfortunately, right before that there was an even bigger accident.

Kathy's niece was in a car accident. She pulled out (in her car) without looking and an ambulance crashed into the passenger side of her car. She is in the hospital with swelling on her brain and is in a coma. She is only 22 years old.

Kathy (and Buddy) are trying to keep some sense of humor...Kathy said in her email, "I guess when it rains (heavy enough to collapse a roof - oh! That's me, Oz interjecting!) it pours". The family is trying very hard to keep it together but everyone is a wreck. The doctors say it is a 'waiting game' for their niece. *raises a worried paw*

Kathy also said that our poor friend Buddy is, unfortunately, being ignored...what with all the waiting and worrying at the hospital and such. *sad eyes for one of my bestest pals, Buddy*

UPDATE: I have received author's permission to use this poem, which I think says what we all want to say to Buddy and his family, so without further ado:

Magic Wand

I wish I had a magic wand

To make it go away;

I'd wave my scepter over you

Until you were okay.

I'd think good thoughts; I'd send you love;

I'd transmit healing vibes;

My wand and I would surely beat

Whatever the doc prescribes.

But there is no magic scepter, so

I cannot cast a spell;

Just know you're often in my thoughts,

And I hope you'll soon be well!

By Joanna Fuchs

PoemSource

I am, along with Tucker, Sprite, Finnegan and Buddy's fiancee, Ethel Mae, beside myself! We feel we really need to do something! So, we are asking you...our 'virtual and worldwide pack' to help by:

Keeping Buddy, his ma Kathy and ALL their family in your prayers;
Commenting on this post with well wishes, prayers, thoughts, etc. so Buddy and Kathy know we are thinking about them; and
Donating a few dollars to help the family (Ethel Mae, Sprite, Finnegan, Tucker and I are coordinating what we will send - however, as this is so spur-of-the-moment, we are still coordinating what to send - gift cards, goodie basket, etc).

I have installed a Chip-In widget under my 'Oz the Terrier' logo in the right hand menu, named Buddy's Brigade (a pack of friends with one mission - to help!) which will direct your contribution to our PayPal. I have currently earned $40 on sponsored blog posts on both my blogs, which is currently sitting in our PayPal account, and I will donate all of it to Buddy and Kathy. Please consider matching my donation at whatever level you deem appropriate (and affordable to you)!

Please check back...I will continually update everyone on what is happening! And let me just thank you all for helping Buddy and his family...in any way you can!

The Waterfront Wizard of Oz Ride

2011-05-30T13:22:00.000-04:00

On Saturday, Uncle Robbie joined me, Ma and Daddy-dog for a relaxing bike ride around one of our County parks, John Prince Park in Lake Worth, FL. John Prince Park is the second-oldest park in the State of Florida and is named after the Palm Beach County commissioner who fought to create the park in 1937.

The bike paths through the park REALLY are called 'The Waterfront Wizard of Oz Ride' because of all the weird Banyan trees that grow along the path across from the lake. (What a cool ride for a Cairn Terrier to take, don't you think?!? After all, Toto was a Cairn!!)

Banyan Tree at the little bridge

We started our ride about 9:30 am, after getting everyone and everything all set. Uncle Robbie had to secure the cooler onto his bike so we would have beverages for when we got thirsty.

Don't forget my dog bowl!!

We initially headed North along Lake Osbourne, following the trail up and around the lake for about 4.5 miles. There were lots of people boating on the lake - in canoes, kayaks, motor boats and jet skis and though at first, we didn't see any Banyan trees, once we got going, there were lots of them. Some even had benches underneath them so we could stop and enjoy the scenery.

Our spot under the Banyan tree

Starting park investigations

We took a break underneath the Banyan tree and I convinced Daddy-dog to take me along the lakeshore for a good sniff around.

Following a scent...something stinky in the air

Then it was back on the bikes! The bike path ended at a main road, and though usually you would ride along the sidewalk back to the park entrance, we couldn't because there was road construction (and they removed the sidewalks)! We turned around and road back the way we came. All in all, it was approximately a 9.5 mile ride.

I grabbed some shade under the truck while everyone loaded their bikes back onto the rack.

We then headed off to Brogue's Irish Pub in downtown Lake Worth for a relaxing lunch. It is a dog-friendly pub and you can read all about our lunch here at Taste Tested by the Dog!

It was a great day! I had so much fun biking and exploring the park.

John Prince Park - Congress Avenue, Lake Worth, FL

Oz's Dog-Friendly Rating: 4 out of 4 dog bones

My Pet Store Swag

2011-05-26T14:36:00.000-04:00

As I mentioned earlier today, I have been without crackers (biscuits, as some of my pals say) and treats for THREE...count them - not 1, not 2...but 3 whole days! *faints from starvation*

I have been persistently nudging Ma to get off her a** and go to the pet store to restock the pantry for the same amount of time. It was exhausting, but this afternoon I finally got her up and out!!! I think she was feeling really guilty (as she should) so I got a LOT of swag! Check it out.

*sniff, sniff* Bag # 1 has nice aromas!

Hmmm, better check bag # 2...

Ah-ha! Here are my favorite crackers and...oh, what's this?

It seems I got three bags of my favorite crackers - each bag has a different flavor (Banana Yogurt, Whitefish and Pumpkin/Cinnamon) - as well as two bags of salmon bites (yum!) and a couple cans of Salmon & Sweet Potato canned food!

Me and my swag!

That's A LOT of treats and crackers, don't you think? Ma's guilt must have gotten the best of her because she never comes home with this much! And...just when I thought I couldn't get any more treats, I found a bully twist!!! Woof-hoo! *zoomies around the house*

Ma was getting me a cracker and when she turned to give one to me, I was already gone! I had a bully twist and I knew I immediately needed to bury it! I guess I didn't do a very good job because it seems found more than just me on her couch....

No, that's not a bully twist on your couch!

Oops! Thankfully, Ma didn't put her dirty human paws on my bully twist! It is still buried between the back of the couch and the pillow. BOL

I win!
Oz

Oh, and Ma did donate at the register to PetSmart Charities when buying my treats today so hopefully some dogs and cats affected by the tornadoes recently will be able to get some food and treats too!

Wordless Wednesday - Please

2011-05-25T09:21:00.001-04:00

Puh-leeeeeeeeeease....

Don't Miss This!

2011-05-24T11:04:00.000-04:00

What do barbecue, cheesecake and BACON have in common?

Run over to Taste Tested by the Dog to see! You don't want to miss it as there are some great doggie bag opportunities this week!

Oz

Monday Mash-Up

2011-05-23T13:29:00.000-04:00

A mash-up recap of the weekend!

Ma and Daddy-dog went for a sail on a catamaran out of Fort Lauderdale...being the non-water dog that I am, I was glad to stay home. However, the view is quite serene...

Looking back at Fort Lauderdale beach from the catamaran

Looking out towards friends in the UK...a beautifully clear day!

Then there was the birthday party for Ma and Daddy-dog's friend at a local (dive) bar, The Blue Jay. I heard the Blues Brothers were going to be there, so I did my best Blues Brothers impression:

"What's shakin', Bacon?"

The Blue Jay is very dark inside so Ma and Daddy-dog could barely get the Blues Brothers on film!

It was a busy weekend, as I also:

barked at Daddy-dog while he was mowing the lawn;
took a nap with Daddy-dog on the couch;
took a nap with Daddy-dog on the big bed;
and begged for treats (and snagged myself a lick of ice cream!!)

Phew! I may need another nap after such a busy weekend! How was your weekend, pals?!?

Oz

I Received "Royal Mail"

2011-05-19T17:54:00.000-04:00

I received a package the other day and it was "Royal Mail". *zoomies in a circle* I know you're probably thinking, "Oz, it's too late to be invited to the Royal Wedding!" and you're right! But the package I received is way better than any invitation to a Royal Wedding, see:

In receipt of my "Royal Mail"

This package was sent from my very good friend, Hamish the Westie (@HamishtheWestie) and his very talented mum, Linda who live in Kent (that's in the UK).

I was chatting with Hamish on Twitter one day and he was showing some pictures of handmade greeting cards that his mum made - they were covered in Scottish Terriers and West Highland Terriers - and were very cool! Hamish offered up his mum's talents to friends in the UK and said his mum would make cards for them. Isn't that very nice of her to share her talents?!

I got disappointed because I don't live in the UK...I live in the US...so I knew I wouldn't be able to get any cards made. I told Hamish if there was ever a way his mum could make Cairn Terrier cards and send them across the pond, I would love to get my paws on some!

Guess what?!? They made me some Cairn Terrier cards and sent them to me...via "Royal Mail", of course. It is, after all, a very important package!!! Here are all my cards from Hamish and Linda:

Whoa! Look at all of them! Thanks pals!!!

The cards have different sayings on them like "Happy Birthday", "Thinking of You", etc.

They are Terrierific!!!

I already have certain cards picked out for certain pals of mine (and Ma's too *rolls eyes*)! I cannot wait to give out one of my handmade in the UK Cairn Terrier cards! They are just so perfect!

To my very good pal Hamish and his mum, Linda: Thank you so much for taking the time to make these beautiful cards and send them all the way across the pond to me! I appreciate it so...and I LOVE the cards! *Cairn cuddles*

America's Favorite Shelter Contest

2011-05-18T10:49:00.000-04:00

There is a fun new way for you to support your favorite animal shelter and help them win $15,000 through an online contest! *zoomies in a circle*

The online contest is called "America's Favorite Animal Shelter" and it is being sponsored by Care2.com, ASPCA and Adopt-a-Pet. The Grand Prize winning shelter will receive $15,000 but there will be weekly prizes of $500 as well, for participating shelters (chosen at random) for the duration of the contest. In addition, the second and third place shelters will each receive $10,000!!! Think of all the homeless pets that your favorite shelter can care for if they won any of these prizes!

"America's Favorite Animal Shelter" sounds like a fun and easy contest! You can vote for your favorite shelter for free, with just a click of your mouse.

*Click, click* Ooops, wrong mouse!

*Click* I voted!

You can invite friends to vote for your shelter or for a shelter they support. The top 20 people who recruit the most friends to vote will receive a $50 gift card.

The contest runs from now until July 10 (hey...that's Ma's birthday!) so you have plenty of time to vote and recruit more friends to support animal shelters across the country.

So...what are you waiting for????

Visit Care2's website and vote for your favorite shelter!! Then...blog about it, post it on facebook, tweet about it!!

Spread the word and help your favorite shelter care for homeless pets!!!

Oz

Gone Missing

2011-05-16T10:29:00.000-04:00

I know, I know...I have been missing in action this last week or so! Ma has been very busy with "work" - on the computer most days, all day - or she has been out-and-about, leaving me at home to do this all day:

My version of 'guard duty'

What's a dog to do when there is nothing to guard the house from but catch a few Zzzzzzzz's cuddling with his stuffed lamby and his stuffed NASA space shuttle?!? I mean seriously, I can only chew on my Dingo bone for so long before even that gets boring! *sighs*

Anyway, I am pretty sure I will no longer be missing in action...and boy, I am glad to be back!

Oz

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T08:39:00.001-04:00

Me and Ma

You feed me when I'm hungry,

You keep water in my dish,

You let me sleep on anything,

Or in any place I wish.

You sometimes let me lick your hands

or even lick your face,

Despite the fact I've licked myself

In every private place.

You taught me how to come when called

You taught me how to sit,

You always let me go outside

So I can take a s***.

You'll always have my loyalty

up to the bitter end,

'cause after all, it's plain to see . . .

You are a dog's best friend.
--Author Unknown

Happy Mother's Day!!!

Oz

Your Dog or Your Wife?

2011-05-06T16:01:00.000-04:00

Another Friday Funny...

If your dog is barking at the back door and your wife is yelling at the front door, who do you let in first?

The dog, of course! He'll shut up once you let him in!

BOL! Have a great weekend!

Wordless Wednesday - Do Not Disturb

2011-05-04T10:42:00.002-04:00

Shhhhhh....

I'm resting....

Gator Bites

2011-05-03T09:30:00.000-04:00

In Florida, we have a lot of 'gators. We have 'gators in our lakes, like this one:

And, we have Gators that play sports, like at the University of Florida:

University of Florida Gator

We have several kinds of 'gator bites as well. Some folks love 'gator bites and they say they "taste just like chicken", but they don't; they taste like 'gator!

Gator Bites courtesy of Food Network

Then of course, there are the real bites from 'gators. Those aren't so tasty, unless you are the alligator! It's why pets and people need to be careful when they are swimming, wading or even walking alongside water, like a lake or canal.

Here in Florida, we have people who work as wildlife trappers and they go around saving the rest of us from nuisance 'gators that come out of the waters and into our yards (and streets and sometimes homes)! The other day in Gainesville (home of the UF Gators, by the way) a real alligator was wandering around so people called the police. Once "on the scene", the police called a licensed trapper to relocate the alligator.

Well, I think the alligator was not thrilled to hear that he was to be relocated so he tried to show the police who's boss! See for yourself:

Now that's a 'gator bite!

Oz

A Taste of Nutrish

2011-05-01T00:01:00.002-04:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Nutrish for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Nutrish knows a dog is a part of the family.

And because Nutrish knows a family only wants what's best for their dog, they have offered several families (ah, dogs) to be the first to sample the new Rachael Ray Nutrish just 6® dry dog food - a limited ingredient dog food with only six simple, natural ingredients, plus vitamins and minerals for complete and balanced nutrition. Guess what? I am one of these dogs!

The package came in the mail yesterday and though it was addressed to Ma, I could tell by the smell that it was really meant for me. Once Ma opened the box, I gave the contents some inspection.

Hmmm, what smells so good?

Yep! It was the Rachael Ray Nutrish just 6® and a small dog bowl.

I received the Lamb Meal and Brown Rice recipe. *licks chops* What's really exciting is that Nutrish does not include corn, wheat or soy. That's a great thing because a lot of dogs have a food allergy or food intolerance to those ingredients. (I would be one of those dogs so I was thrilled that it did not have these ingredients!)

So, you are probably thinking, "Oz, what are the six simple, natural ingredients in the food?"

Well, in the Lamb Meal and Brown Rice recipe the first six ingredients listed on the package are: Lamb Meal, Brown Rice, Ground Rice, Dried Beet Pulp, Poultry Fat and Natural Chicken Flavor. There are more ingredients listed after those and they are vitamins and minerals like Vitamin E supplement, Niacin, Vitamin A supplement - sounds like a lot of nutrition to me! Just talking about it is making me hungry.

Our only (and slight) concern was with the ingredient Poultry Fat. Some dogs can have a food allergy to chicken and if they do, those dogs need to avoid all foods that contain chicken/poultry protein or fat. My pals, if you are one of those dogs, you will need to avoid the Rachael Ray Nutrish just 6 dry dog food to be on the safe (and healthy) side.

After all this reading of the package (by Ma, mostly) I was starting to wonder (I bet you are wondering too), "How does it taste?".

Ma gave me some to try...I gave it a good sniff, took a nibble and then I...DEVOURED what was left in the bowl! I would say it tastes pretty good. BOL Once devoured, I immediately started looking for more!

Munch, crunch, crunch

If you are interested to see if Rachael Ray Nutrish just 6 dry dog food is right for you, you can request a free sample from Rachel Ray's website. Let me know if you plan to give it a try and I will head over to your house for dinner that night!

*runs off to get some more Nutrish*

Oz

Here comes Los Banditos!

2011-04-29T16:46:00.001-04:00

Watch out squirrels of the world...there are some new sheriffs in town! Los Banditos del Escuadron de la Muerte. (For you English-only pals, that's The Bandits of the Death Squad.)

Los Banditos have banned together to chase and/or eliminate the most vile...most evil of creatures...squirrels! I know some of you are saying, "But look how cute they can be!".

Awww, cute squirrel - NOT!

Don't be fooled! Sure, they are cute when you are looking right at them, but turn your back and they will taunt you mercilessly and quite possibly, steal the food from your picnic!

There goes your lemonade!

It has come to some dogs' attentions that squirrels are even arming themselves for a full out war! What are they thinking?! *sees an armed squirrel and runs for cover*

This is what pure evil looks like!

*comes out from hiding slowly, looking for more armed squirrels* This type of hostile action moved my pals Buddy and Benson to form Los Banditos.

I have been known to chase some squirrels myself, so I said I was in! I will not let these evil critters taunt and harass us dogs any longer! Some other friends have been recruited as well:

Hey! At least he tries!

After sharing this squirrel story on my pal Gus' blog with my fellow Banditos, we all agreed that Gus should be immediately promoted to El Capitan!

El Capitan

This is how Gus likes his squirrels:

Are you ready to chase down evil squirrels and show them who's boss?

Then join us - Los Banditos del Escuadron de la Muerte!

Wordless Wednesday - What am I chasing?

2011-04-27T12:27:00.000-04:00

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T08:57:00.001-04:00

Happy Easter, pals!

Taking Care of Turtles

2011-04-23T10:05:00.004-04:00

On my walk this morning, I ran into a turtle. He was on the sidewalk near our lake. He let me walk right up to him and give him a good sniff to check him out - of course, he ducked right into his shell when I did this. Unfortunately, I was walking with Daddy-dog, who never brings his cell phone (with camera) or the camera when we are out for our 'morning constitutional' so I don't have a photo. *sighs*

When I got back from my walk, we read the newspaper and guess what!?! There was a story today about turtles! Specifically, the story was about sea turtles, not the type of turtle I saw by my lake.

Loggerhead Sea Turtle courtesy of Gumbo Limbo Nature Center

It seems two green sea turtles underwent laser surgery yesterday at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center to remove bulbous tumors on their eyes and flippers. The tumors are called fibropapilloma and they are directly related to agricultural runoff pollution in South Florida's waterways. These tumors grow on the fleshy parts of the sea turtles, a lot of times on their eyes, which obstructs their vision and movements.

Did you know that all the species of sea turtles in the world are either threatened or endangered? Here in Florida, we have some of the most important nesting beaches for loggerhead sea turtles, green sea turtles and leatherback sea turtles and sometimes even for Kemp's Ridley turtles and hawksbill turtles. Pretty cool, huh?!

The Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, where the surgeries took place yesterday, has an extensive sea turtle rehabilitation center where they rescue and treat sick and injured turtles before releasing them back into the wild. They were able to do the surgeries because the National Save the Sea Turtle Foundation donated the necessary high-powered laser for the surgery. *zoomies in a circle*

Anyway, we found the story and an accompanying video on The South Florida Sun Sentinel website. Here's the video...check out the cute sea turtle! (You will be able to see the tumors covering his eyes...so sad.)<< Sorry...the video is now unavailable! Grrrrr...Oh, and if you are celebrating Easter tomorrow....Happy Easter!

Oz

Silly Conversations

2011-04-21T10:23:00.000-04:00

I was talking with some friends the other day...we were picking on each other (in fun, of course) when the conversation took a silly turn. Has that ever happened to you and your friends? It actually was quite fun being silly...we all started using animal idioms and expressions and we tried to see who could come up with the best ones!

Oh, the whole conversation gave us all a good belly laugh and everyone needs a good belly laugh every once in a while! So I thought I would share some of it with you.

Conversation Background: Benson, Maisy and I pick on each other relentlessly, all in jest of course. During this conversation, Maisy was being a braggart...*looks around nervously for Maisy*...(whispers) and if you know MaisyDoodle, you know she thinks Doodles are the smartest dogs ever and that the rest of us just 'fall into place' beneath her. Whatever!!! (On a side note, she is also addicted to pig's ears and thus we have been teasing her about a secret shipment heading to the UK!)

Conversation:

Maisy: I am a Doodle and I am the dog's doodahs!

Benson: You can't be the dog's doodahs if you don't have doodahs. You are a girl, you know.

Oz: Maybe Maisy meant she is the bees knees

Maisy: I haven't heard that for donkey's years

Oz: I think Maisy is probably just a monkey's uncle

Benson: Yeah, even though she thinks she is the cat's meow. She is really all hat and no cattle.

Maisy: Just wait until the Ninja Doodles steal your 'secret' shipment of pig's ears. Then you won't be teasing me anymore.

Oz: Oh, horse feathers! We'll still pick on you because you will never find the shipment!

Maisy: We Doodles will ferret out your shipment and steal it right out from under your noses!

Benson: You will find it when pigs fly. Oz has out foxed even you, Maisy!

Oz: The 'secret' shipment is making Maisy as crazy as a June bug. LOL

Maisy: You both will be crying crocodile tears when I find and eat the entire shipment!

Benson: On that ridiculous note, I am going to duck out. Talk to you later.

Can you think of any more animal idioms and expressions?!? Join the conversation and leave a silly comment!

Can You See It?

2011-04-18T17:02:00.001-04:00

Can you? Can you see it?!?

Can you see it now?!?

"Bark! Yap! Whine...whimper...cry..." *runs off for a chase*

Later, gators...Oz

Blog the Change April 2011

2011-04-15T09:37:00.000-04:00

Originally, I was going to post about one of the many rescue organizations doing wonderful work for pets here in South Florida but this week, in the local news, there was a story of animal cruelty and I feel strongly about the lessons that can be learned from it. So, I wrote this post instead.

You can read the actual news articles at either The Sun Sentinel or The Palm Beach Post.

Brandon Kruse/Palm Beach Post

Earlier this week, a local business owner reported his 'business neighbor' - a Pet Store. He alerted Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control to the calamity on the other side of the glass doors of the store: dead puppies. Animal Care and Control workers searched the store and found two dead dogs as well as other animals in poor health, dehydrated, starved and covered in filth and feces. Thankfully, Animal Care and Control didn't stop there - they searched the owner's apartment as well where they found more sickly animals and five dead dogs in the owner's kitchen freezer.

Like most pet store owners, this store owner bought the puppies in her store from puppy mills. She cannot deny that fact either because a "puppy supplier" in Missouri registered a complaint against her after she refused to pay a $1200 bill after one of the puppies sold to her died. (I cannot believe a "puppy supplier" would even be allowed to register a complaint considering they are abusers themselves!)

Pet Store Owner - Lannis Waters/Palm Beach Post

It is an absolute truth that when you buy a puppy from a pet store you are supporting puppy mills. If you believe that puppy mills are evil places of cruelty, if you want all puppy mills shut down...then STOP supporting your local pet store that sells puppies!

There are plenty of dogs (of all ages) languishing in shelters and rescues just waiting for YOU to provide them with a loving forever home. So what, you may want a specific breed dog - use resources like PetFinder which allows you to locate a dog of a certain breed in a shelter near your home! So what, you want a puppy - believe it or not, sometimes shelters have puppies and besides, raising a dog from puppyhood is NOT for everyone! It's a lot of work. For many people, adopting an older dog has worked out perfectly - for both human and animal.

I believe these pet store owners are just as much an abuser of animals as the "puppy suppliers" and this recent news story here proves my point. Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control seized over 25 abused and neglected animals (dogs, cats, a rabbit, a bird and a hedgehog) and 7 dead dogs from this pet store owner.

If that isn't enough to change your mind about pet stores know this: this pet store offered pet-sitting and it is possible that one of the dead dogs found in her freezer is a local man's dog which he left with the pet store while he was away. See the dog owner in the video below:

The pet store owner, who had been held in Palm Beach County Jail on a $3,000 bond, was released this past Wednesday. She faces charges of larceny and grand theft (the complaint from the "puppy supplier") as well as charges of animal cruelty.

Say "NO MORE" to puppy mills - by saying "NO SALE" at the pet store!

Oz

A Haiku for Spring

2011-04-14T12:23:00.000-04:00

Rebirth of nature,
once forgotten scents and sounds
awakens instinct.
--Oscar de Wilde

Proud Member of #destructogang

2011-04-13T14:54:00.000-04:00

The other day I received mail.

sniff*sniff Doesn't smell like treats...

When I opened it, I found this from @MissPishPosh:

"Welcome to #destructogang."

My membership letter and membership badge for the #destructogang. *zoomies in a circle*

I was quite surprised to receive it because there are so many truly talented dogs in #destructogang...dogs who can tear a toy up in a matter of seconds unlike me who generally doesn't shred toys unless they are round with green furry stuff on them (tennis, anyone?).

My talk about shredding tennis ball fluff was my "in" to #destructogang and I am a very proud member! Unfortunately, I have not had a tennis ball in my possession (for obvious reasons) for some time.

Rockin' my member badge

It is true that I rarely 'destroy' a toy 'completely' and have been known to keep my toys for a very long time. I admit, I still have the VERY FIRST toy that Ma ever gave me. It's 'my baby' and I sleep with it every night in my crate.

But you may have noticed I said "rarely destroy a toy completely". Oh, the toy may appear to be in good condition on the outside...but what about the squeaker or talk-box inside?!? Take this toy, for example:

Moo-cow still looks in good condition...

This was given to me by Aunt Linda after Christmas this year. Moo-cow used to "moo" a Christmas carol when you bit on his leg. I bit his leg once...he sang once...I then gave him a good terrier shakedown and he never mooed that song again! See:

This occurs quite frequently. Everyone thinks the 'singing' or 'talking' toys will be such fun...and they are...the first time I play with them. *evil grin* They never 'sing' or 'talk' again after round one with me...the "fun" being removed by my strong terrier jaws.

If I do not give the toy a terrier shakedown like with Moo-cow, I just use my jaws to crush the 'sing' or 'talk' box to smithereens. I love things that go "CRUNCH"! Once crunched...it's dead...and my work on that toy is done.

I currently have four 'singing' or 'talking' toys in my toy box...none of which make the slightest of sounds anymore. I should probably pass those along to be destroyed on the outside by another member...which would make more room for new 'singing' or 'talking' toys for me to "de-bark", so to speak.

*CRUNCH*
Oz

Cheese, Ice Cream and a Visit to Hogwarts

2011-04-11T12:37:00.001-04:00

Ma and Daddy-dog went away to Orlando, Florida this past weekend and did NOT take me along. They said it was NOT a 'dog-friendly' trip. I believe there is no such thing but I did get to spend the weekend with Grandma...also known as the 'Treat Lady'.

Ma and Daddy-dog left on Thursday to drive the 3 hours to Orlando and once there and checked in to their hotel, they drove a little further into Winter Park to visit @DevilOnIceSkate's establishment - The Cheese Shop on Park. You know what?!? It turns out The Cheese Shop is dog-friendly if you sit outside - and what dog wouldn't want to visit a store that sells tons of cheese?!?

I mean, seriously...look at this cheese plate Ma and Daddy-dog ordered! What dog wouldn't want that cheese plate?!? *licks chops*

Cheese Monger's Favourites plate

I cannot believe they didn't even save me some as a souvenir! (To read more about The Cheese Shop on Park, and the delicious cheeses tasted, visit the post on my other blog by clicking here)

WTD?! Where's the cheese??

Thankfully, I was with Grandma and she took me here:

The Dairy Queen in New Smyrna Beach, Florida (I went on my own, dog-friendly weekend with Grandma and Grandpa to their golf course). Jason, the owner of the New Smyrna DQ, has "Bark Sundaes" on his menu - a sundae just for dogs! It was delicious - vanilla ice cream with a milkbone biscuit on top. (So there, Ma and Daddy-dog! Grandma is still the reigning 'Treat Lady'.)

Ma and Daddy-dog spent the second day of their trip here:

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios/Orlando's Islands of Adventure.

There were Hippogriffs, Dragons, phoenixes and owls there which I think would have made for a few fun games of chase. Ma and Daddy-dog even ate at The Three Broomsticks and once again, didn't save me any food as a souvenir...not even a pint of Butterbeer!

At least they brought me back something - it wasn't cheese or food, but it's still pretty cool.

What should I name my Harry Potter owl?

My very own owl. Maybe now I can send mail directly to my friends instead of having to leave peemail everywhere. BOL

Hope you had a treat-filled weekend too!

Wordless Wednesday: Who's Out There?

2011-04-06T09:32:00.000-04:00

I can see him working outside in the front yard...and I wish he would let me out so I could help him.

My Dislike of Squirrels

2011-04-05T14:24:00.000-04:00

I don't like squirrels. Whether I see them on a walk or in MY yard, I chase them while barking ferociously (unlike when I chase bunnies and cry).

Squirrels are sneaky. Squirrels are nutty. Squirrels are a menace to dog society! And I just learned that squirrels are mean to each other...especially when free nuts are involved! Check out this video and see for yourself:

Evil creatures, those squirrels.

Oz

New Blog Announcement

2011-04-03T09:45:00.000-04:00

On Twitter, we dogs (and cats) talk a lot about food - especially bacon, cheese, tuna and sausage - and recently, I emailed several friends with one of Ma's 'secret' family recipes. *looks about nervously*

Less than a week after emailing that recipe, my good friend @kelsoterrier reported that his humans were busily cooking said recipe and he was anxiously waiting for some to 'accidentally' drop to the floor! Well, I couldn't believe it and I was nervous (on the inside) to hear if Kelso and his humans actually liked it. They did! *zoomies in a circle* On Twitter, I think they said something like this:

"Your Ma is culinary genius..." (BOL)

I wish that were actually true, but Ma's no culinary genius...however I do enjoy getting little tastes of Ma's cooking. She is a fine cook.

Since several other friends started making requests for the 'secret' recipe, I decided it would be best to start a new blog where I can post Ma's recipes (with her permission, of course - >wink, wink<), as well as the 'secret' family recipes of my friends! What better way to share a little more about ourselves than through our food?!?

So, if you are interested in trying new recipes...and/or sharing some of your own 'secret' family recipes...than please run over to my new blog - Taste Tested by the Dog - for some foodie fun! I'll be looking forward to seeing you there!

Oz

Stay-cation Saturday

2011-04-02T14:18:00.000-04:00

Today Ma, Daddy-dog and I had a staycation (a vacation at home). We went to Okeeheelee Park - a County park near our house - for a wonderful morning bike ride!

Entrance to Park courtesy of PBC Parks & Recreation

I was so excited because we haven't been on a family bike ride since our trip to Islamorada! I think that ride wore Ma out...riding into the wind with me "hanging ten" on the back of her bike in my basket (I cause a lot of 'drag' BOL).

"Hurry up and get the bikes ready!"

We rode around the park for some time before I got an extra-special surprise...a stop at the dog park in Okeeheelee Park, Pooch Pines! I got to run around, off-lead (which is a rare treat), and play frisbee with some of the other very nice doggies in the park. I also sniffed a lot of pee mail and left some of my own!

Off-lead and loving it!

I was getting quite hot zooming around the park so we stopped at the dog fountain for a bit of fresh water. It was very refreshing.

After another lap around the park and another sip of water, we were back to bike riding. We rode around the lake, checking out all the sites, then ended up right back at our car. It's only a 15 minute car ride from our house, but I was zonked-out for the ride home!

Bikes, dogs and a nap! What a great Staycation Saturday!

Oz

A Dog's List of Rules regarding Property

2011-04-01T09:27:00.000-04:00

Friday Funny:

A Dog's Property Rules

1. If I like it...it's mine.
2. If it's in my mouth...it's mine.
3. If I can take it from you...it's mine.
4. If I had it a little while ago...it's mine.
5. If I am tearing it to bits...all the pieces are mine.
6. If it just looks like mine...it's mine.
7. If I saw it first...it's mine.
8. If you had it but put it down...it's now mine.
9. If it's mine...it must NEVER appear to be yours anyway.
10. If it's broken...it's yours.

Stylish Blogger Award

2011-03-31T16:06:00.001-04:00

I am so excited because I have just received the Stylish Blogger Award! *zoomies around the room* This award was presented to me by Paris and John over at dogtipper. Thank you so much, Paris and John...it is a great honor!

A side note for dogtipper: if you haven't ever visited the site, then you are missing out! The site has over 3,000 pages that include dog tips, pet product reviews and information about dog travel (my favorite topic) as well as a blog directory! If you have a blog and you haven't joined the dogtipper directory, you should. It's a great way for others to find you and for you to find new blogs to read!

Now, back to the Stylish Blogger Award. This award comes with some responsibilities and they are:

Thank the blogger who gave the award. (I did that already but...THANK YOU Paris and John!)
Share 7 things about yourself/your pets.
Pass the award onto 15 other bloggers.

I am going to do my best to fulfill these responsibilities, however I am not sure I can find 15 other blogs that have not received this award already. Let's see what happens.

7 Things About Me

1. Daddy-dog gave me to Ma as a gift (not a surprise gift though, Ma did pick me) and so Ma thinks I am "her dog" but I think I am "Daddy-dog's dog", as I prefer to work in the garage with Daddy-dog then to be cuddled by Ma. (Sorry, but I hate cuddling.)

2. I am bilingual and I know all my commands, some tricks (and most food) in both English and Spanish. Ex: 'sit' and 'sientate', 'cracker' and 'galleta'.

3. Though I know all my commands in two languages, the command I continually ignore in either language is 'come'. Usually when someone says "Oscar, come" I walk in the opposite direction.

4. I do not know how to dig. Cairn terriers are supposed to be superb diggers but I have never figured out how to do it. (I have gone through the motions, but generally it has been when I am inside the house and on the leather furniture which does not go over well with Ma and Daddy-dog.)

5. I can hear critters moving about under the ground but can never get to them (reference answer #4). I have been known to hear them under the dirt, sniff the dirt and then run and do a face-plant into the ground to try and get them. (As you can imagine, this does not work.)

6. I am a hoarder. The more toys, chews and bones I can get in and around my crate, the better and yes, I sleep in the crate with all my stuff. When I am out on a walk and I see a toy in the grass...I pick it up and carry it home to my crate. You can never have too much stuff.

7. I cry when I chase bunnies. There, I said it. I don't bark, I don't growl...I run after them while emitting a high-pitched cry.

"And the Stylish Blogger Award goes to..." (If you already received this award from someone else, I apologize. Just let me know you are already a 'Stylish Blogger'...)

Millie Dog Blog
Benson the Husky's My Pooka
Life with Farley
Life of BaxterMan
The Teagan Times
Phoebe Rose's A Traveling Pug
Otis the Poodle
Miss Pish Posh
RaHusky
Duncan the Westie's Love Cocktails and Puppydog Tails
Brought to You by the Couch
Hamish the Westie

Oz

What's Missing?

2011-03-30T09:38:00.000-04:00

Can you tell what is missing in this photo? (And no, the answer is not "one devilishly handsome Cairn terrier named Oz"...BOL.)

If you look closely, you will see that one thing that is missing in the lake is quite a bit of water! The water is usually up to the grass line.

This is the lake at the end of our road...it's one of several Conservation Areas in my neighborhood but its main purpose is for water retention from rain and ground water runoff. Since we haven't had enough rain, the level of the lake has dropped to its lowest in years.

Actually, where I live, rainfall is down 15 inches from previous years. It is currently our 'dry season' but that has never stopped us from getting some rain; however this year, even when it rains it doesn't bring enough water.

'Not enough water' leads us to the second 'What's Missing?' from this photo. Water fowl. My lake always has plenty of ducks, egrets (like in this previous post), and herons...even a Great Blue Heron! They all come to feed on either the plants or fish in the lake and now, none of them are around. I assume they have moved on to 'greener pastures' somewhere in Florida.

It makes me sad that all those great anipals have moved away, at least for now. Without them, my walks have become quite boring as there is nothing for me to bark at or attempt to chase. And it makes me MAD that people in our neighborhood continue to water their lawns every day (even though we have been on water restriction for months) because the water for their sprinklers is reclaimed from the lake!

I have my paws crossed that when 'rainy season' comes in May it brings lots of rain. This way all the great water fowl will be able to come back and enjoy my lake (and put the spring back in my step during walk time)!

Oz

I'm the Host with the Most

2011-03-21T11:12:00.001-04:00

Last week was a big week around my house as we prepared for our big, annual St. Patrick's Day party. It was exhausting work to get the house and food ready for our 25+ guests but by Saturday afternoon, everything was ready to go.

The buffet table was set up:

*sigh* No food yet...

We had a pretty centerpiece:

And of course, the bar was well stocked:

As friends arrived, Ma started setting out some delicious food like CHEESE and mussels and chips and more CHEESE. I stayed busy on cheese patrol to make sure each guest received their share (and just in case any fell to the ground).

Everyone was really having a great time...enjoying snacks (and sharing them with me), talking, laughing and drinking out on the patio, when all of a sudden Ma announced "The buffet is open!"

Well, being the terrier-ific host that I am, I led everyone into the house to get some food which included corned beef-cabbage-potatoes-carrots, bangers, shepherd's pie, and Ma's 'Paddy's Mac n Cheese' (which is made with imported Irish cheddar). *licks chops*

Look at all the deliciousness!!!

I continued my rounds as host, checking to see what, and how much, everyone took for dinner - just in case they needed help finishing off the last of their food. *wink, wink* I worked the room (to look for dropped corned beef or bangers) and used my powers of persuasion, when necessary, to get myself some corned beef or bangers straight from the plates.

"You want to give Oz the banger. You want to give Oz the corned beef."

At the end of the evening, I thanked everyone for coming and making our party such a success! Everyone said their goodbyes and I went to sleep with visions of eating cheese, corned beef and bangers as leftovers on Sunday.

Erin Go...Get Me Some More Corned Beef!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2011-03-17T11:16:00.000-04:00

A little Irish humor in honor of St. Patrick's Day:

Some Guinness was spilled on the barroom floor

when the pub was shut for the night.

Out of his hole crept a wee brown mouse

and stood in the pale moonlight.

He lapped up the frothy brew from the floor

then back on his haunches he sat.

And all night long you could hear him roar,

"Bring on the gosh-dang cat!!"

Support PetFinder's Adopt the Internet Day

2011-03-14T21:21:00.001-04:00

As promised, for PetFinder's Adopt the Internet Day I have written an original 'Oscar de Wilde' poem. There were three entries to my 'The Poet Doesn't Know It (All) Contest' - where anyone could submit 'lines' about pet adoption for the poem: the winner's 'lines' would be included in the poem and the winner would get co-authorship.

However, I started thinking about how every pet that has been adopted is a winner...and so I decided that it was only fair that all three entries should be winners of the contest as well! (Read on and you will see why I thought they were all winners. I hope they don't mind sharing!) And now....the poem...

One Journey Home

You, lonely beast at the side of the road
     Wandering - sad and neglected
Oh, I wonder how many miles have you strode
     Chased, tormented, misdirected
In dire need of a helping hand
     You search with great persistence
For someone to release you from this strand
     Show compassion, lend assistance

Fear! it stops you in your tracks
     You cower from aid's embrace
A stroke, so tender - taken aback
     Lifted from this desperate place
Brought in from weather, rain and cold
     Grateful for the hope and care
Shelter, locked inside a desperate hold
     The ghosts of others no longer there

Ethereal whispers, "Don't worry friend,
     This does not have to be the end
You can find love, be set free
     Just a little luck like these dogs three":

     Marley -
     I used to be alone
     Without no proper home
     But then you came along, sweet person
     And gave me bed and bone

     Millie -
     When I was a little pup
     my_owner came and picked me up
     Ever since, we've lived together
     and I will love her now, forever

     Trixie -
     My life used to be such a sad one.
     I was so hungry, cold and alone.
     You changed all that when you gave me your love.
     Thank you for bringing me home.

You, loving dog at the door of the cage
     Waiting for one to be affected
Oh, how many had stopped and gazed
     Before you were selected
At long last to depart this gloom
     Adopted by a love you can call your own
Your happy ending leaves a vacant room
     Another soul to find a forever home.

--by Oscar de Wilde, Marley Terrier, Millie Dog and Trixie

Please join the Blog Hop and support Pet Adoption!

Terriers are Brave Hunters

2011-03-14T09:44:00.000-04:00

Terriers are brave hunters...or so they say. Do you think I am a brave hunter or not-so-brave?

The Poet, Doesn't Know It (All) Contest

2011-03-09T10:57:00.001-05:00

As you may already know from my previous post...and the many other blog posts that have been written in the past several days... March 15 is Help Petfinder Adopt the Internet Day - a day completely devoted to getting the word out there about pet adoption and helping homeless pets find homes. I have already started participating: I took the Pledge to Help Pets and I have placed the Petfinder badge on my blog!

I am currently working on my blog post for the March 15 Blog Hop - an Oscar de Wilde original poem - which will be a pet's eye view of pet adoption. I was immediately inspired when I read about the 'Adopt the Internet' day and I have been writing (and re-writing) ever since.

That said, I have come to the conclusion that this poet doesn't know it all when it comes to pet adoption! I mean, honestly, I am just one dog and there can be so many points of view on the subject of pet adoption...so, I have come up with 'The Poet, Doesn't Know It (All)' Contest.

It's a simple contest, really - and the winner gets to have their 'lines' placed in my Oscar de Wilde original poem for the March 15 blog hop and a co-author credit for the poem (there also may be some treats mailed to the winner as well - we love mailing treats!).

All you need to do is leave your original 'lines' for the poem as a pawprint (comment) on this post.

Maximum four lines per entry;
Use any meter and rhyme scheme you want (lines do not have to rhyme);
Lines can be about your adoption or pet adoption in general; and
Remember to express how you FEEL in your lines.

That's it. I know there is a LOT of talent in those little paws of yours so, I am looking forward to reading every entry and seeing which of you will win!

Ready...set...WRITE!

Oz (Oscar de Wilde) the Terrier

Anipal Book Club: New Book!

2011-03-08T17:26:00.003-05:00

Anipal Book Club members: the final vote tallies are in for our next book selection!

Although it seemed like a close vote for our next book, there was a clear winner with seven (7) votes. Here are the tallies as well as the next book selection:

Black Beauty - 3 votes
The Wind in the Willows - 3 votes
The Swiss Family Robinson - 3 votes
(see, it did seem like a close vote!!!)
Animal Farm - 1 vote

And...the winning book selection is....

White Fang by Jack London

with 7 votes!

Now that we have our book selection, it is time for everyone to run to their iPad, Kindle, Nook, their bookshelves or their local library to snag a copy of White Fang by Jack London so we can start reading!! Please let me know, by comment, when you have your book...you can start reading as soon as you have it in your little paws!

Reminder: updates for the reading schedule and the Twitter meetings and/or Blog days will be posted on my Anipal Book Club Page, so be sure to check it weekly so you can be up to date!

Reading Schedule: Part I: Chapters 1-3
First Twitter Metting will be on Wednesday, March 16 - for times, check here

First Blog Day will be on Wednesday, March 23

For the books that didn't make the 'cut' this time around...don't be disappointed if you voted for one of the other books in the selection list; they will be put back into the list rotation, so you may see them 'pop up' in a future selection process!

OK...now everyone run and get your book

and let the reading begin!!!

Oz the Terrier

A Flock of...Peacocks?

2011-03-07T09:52:00.000-05:00

My cousin Murphy, the Senegal parrot, has decided to become my roving reporter in Islamorada, Florida.

Murphy, the roving reporter

Murphy's first story in 'News from The Parrot's Perch' is about a local flock of peacocks that are roaming around his neighborhood. Yes, you read correctly...peacocks wandering about in the Florida Keys.

Peacocks crossing the street by Murphy's house

According to Murphy, the flock is quite large, which isn't much of a surprise since peahens (yes, that is what the females are called) can lay 5 to 6 eggs at one time. That can make for a lot of peafowl. BOL

I did see the flock of peafowl when I was in Islamorada last year and I must say, they are not the friendliest of birds...so I barked at them. They didn't seem to be bothered by me and just casually walked across the street. Nervy birdies!

Murphy reports that many of the peafowl are most likely escapees - either from the zoo (way back when Hurricane Andrew devastated Miami, including the Miami Metro Zoo) or from roadside farms. In addition, some are probably abandoned 'exotic pets' whose owners could not care for them or who had NOT realized how big they get (as if they never saw a peacock in a zoo before)...you know all the excuses.

Why did the peaock cross the road? BOL

The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission considers the peafowl a domestic bird and thus, just lets them roam freely. So, Murphy says he will just have to get used to waking up in the mornings to the screeching and squawking of peafowl.

I tell you...the next time I am in Islamorada I am going on the chase! A flock of peacocks could keep me busy all day!

Thank you, Murphy, for your 'bird's eye view' on this story...

Oz the Terrier

Petfinder is Staging an Internet Takeover

2011-03-03T17:10:00.000-05:00

On March 15, 2011, Petfinder is taking over the internet in honor of their 15th birthday. They have decided that Tuesday, March 15 is Help Petfinder Adopt the Internet Day, a day devoted to getting the word out about pet adoption and helping homeless pets find homes.

Our friends at Petfinder will be hosting a blog hop and they are asking websites and bloggers everywhere to do one simple thing -- talk about pet adoption. Easy enough, right?!? You can talk about what pet adoption means to you, you can feature a Petfinder Happy Tail adoption story or you can even feature a shelter that is listed on their website!

They're looking for great blogs and websites who are interested in participating to help spread the word and help some homeless pets find homes.

Pals, we are all great animal bloggers so if we all do this, we could help so many pets find homes...like this lonely girl,

Annie the Cairn Terrier!!!

I'm looking for a loving forever home...

Here's what YOU can do to help:

Add the Petfinder badge to your blog or website to show your support.
Take the Pledge to Help Pets and promise to tell one person about pet adoption on March 15. (If you pledge, you'll be entered to win one of 10 Pet Hair Eraser Vacuums by Bissell.)
Caption a Petfinder adoptable-pet photo on ICanHasCheezburger - the best captions will be featured on the ICanHasCheezburger homepage on March 15!
On March 15, donate your Facebook status and photo to an adoptable Petfinder pet.
Tweet with the hashtag #adopttheinternet on March 15.

I already took the pledge that I will tell one person...but I know by writing this I am telling all my blog followers (The Best Pack Ever!) and lots of great pals on Twitter.

I hope you all will visit the Petfinder Adopt the Internet Day landing page and enter the Blog Hop on March 15th!

Please join me in helping homeless pets find a forever home!

Thanks!

Oz the Terrier

Anipal Book Club: PNP and a New Selection

2011-03-02T12:55:00.000-05:00

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

I finished reading Pride and Prejudice some time ago and I have tried to contain myself about the end of the story so I wouldn't ruin it for everyone else! I know others have been done for a while now too...so thank you to all of you for not giving away the end to our other readers while still participating in the Twitter meetings and blog postings.

Pride and Prejudice really could have been named First Impressions as it proves that your first impression of someone may not always be a correct assumption of their character. In the beginning, I truly was upset by Mr. Darcy...he seemed cold and aloof and I could not understand why some characters in the book held him with such regard...until the end of the book, of course! You then see he is truly a caring man, concerned for his sister and who seems to take pride in helping other characters reconcile and reunite. I found my 'opinions' of other characters changed through the course of the book as well. Overall, I found the book a great read - interesting, sad, funny and warm - sometimes all at the same time.

As I am still not sure who has finished reading and who is still reading, I don't want to say much more about the end of the book. However, I would like to request each Book Club member to comment on this post with where you are in your reading - chapter number, completed, etc.

New Book Selection

Since we all are finished or coming to the end of Pride and Prejudice, I thought I would include the list of books for our next book selection. This next book selection are novels - some classics, some neo-classics - that are either about anipals or have anipals in them (since we barely saw any anipals in Pride and Prejudice and we ARE the ANIPAL Book Club after all!). You should leave a comment with your vote for our next book - remember majority wins!

Animal Farm by George Orwell
The book reflects events leading up to and during the Stalin era before World War II. It addresses not only the corruption of the revolution by its leaders but also how wickedness, indifference, ignorance, greed and myopia destroy any possibility of a Utopia.

Black Beauty by Anna Sewell
A story narrated in the first person, it is told by a horse named Black Beauty—beginning with his carefree days as a colt on an English farm, to his difficult life pulling cabs in London, to his happy retirement in the country.

Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
A classic of children's literature, the story alternately is slow moving and fast paced and it focuses on four animal characters in a pastoral version of England. The novel is notable for its mixture of mysticism, adventure, morality, and camaraderie.

The Swiss Family Robinson by John David Wyss
A story about a Swiss family who are shipwrecked in the East Indies en route to Port Jackson, Australia. The novel was intended to teach the author's four sons about family values, good husbandry, the uses of the natural world and self-reliance.

White Fang by Jack London
The story takes place in Yukon Territory, Canada, during the Klondike Gold Rush at the end of the 19th-century, and details a wild wolf dog's journey to domestication. Much of the novel is written from the view-point of the canine character, enabling London to explore how animals view their world and how they view humans.

Get ready...get set...VOTE!

100k Ride for a Great Cause

2011-03-01T09:27:00.001-05:00

I am so proud of Daddy-dog because this past Sunday he rode in his first 100k!! Woof-hoo!

Daddy-dog rode in the Tour de Broward with several friends to help raise money for Joe DiMaggio's Children's Hospital in Hollywood, Florida. The riding team was sponsored by Trane - the air conditioner people - who provided the team with riding jerseys with the motto, "Its hard to stop a Trane".

Daddy-dog had been training for this ride for months and we were so excited on Sunday morning for him to get there and get going!!!

Daddy-dog with Spencer and Rob

Daddy-dog also did some fundraising and was able, with the help of family and friends, to raise over $700 for the "Dreams" unit of the Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital - a unti that cares specifically for kids diagnosed with cancer. It is a great hospital; it:

is a Center for Excellence for Cardiac Treatment and is the only hospital in Broward and Palm Beach Counties performing pediatric open heart surgery;
has a prestigious Pediatric Dialysis Program and is the only program for treatment of young patients experiencing kidney failure and end-stage renal disease in Broward and Palm Beach Counties;
is a designated Center of the National Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and provides some of the latest treatment protocols for pediatric Cystic Fibrosis patients; and
is 1 of only 13 Pediatric Trauma Centers in the State of Florida.

Daddy-dog doing his best "Lance Armstrong"

The ride started at 7:30 am and there were over 500 cyclists raring to go!!!!

And then the horn sounded and they were off!!! We lost Daddy-dog in the swarm of cyclists immediately, but we did catch Spencer and others from the team.

Kerry-Ann, Kyle, Spencer (waving) and Nelson

Then, and this is why I am so proud...3.5 hours later Daddy-dog and Spencer came through the finish line!! 100k in 3.5 hours - and this was his very first time riding such a distance. OMD! *zoomies around*

Woof-hoo!!!!

I am so proud of Daddy-dog!!!

Why Some Men Should Have Dogs & Not Wives

2011-02-25T15:19:00.000-05:00

A Friday Funny - submitted by Aunt Linda D.

1. The later you are, the more excited your dog is to see you.

So happy you are home!

2. A dog's parents never visit and overstay their welcome.

3. Dog's agree that you have to raise your voice to get your point across.

4. Dog's find you amusing when you're drunk.

5. Dogs like to go hunting and fishing.

6. If a dog has babies, you can put an ad in the paper and give them away.

7. A dog will let you put a studded collar on it without calling you a pervert.

8. If a dog smells another dog on you, they don't get mad. They just think it is interesting!

9. Dogs like to ride in the back of the pickup truck.

10. If a dog leaves, it won't take half of your stuff with it.

To test this theory:

Lock your wife and your dog in the garage for an hour. Then, open the garage and see which of the two is still happy to see you!

Have a grrrrr-eat weekend!

A Contest, A Giveaway and A Drawing

2011-02-22T11:01:00.000-05:00

Pals...is this the face of a product spokesdog or what?!?

BlogPaws 2011 just announced the newest member of their Preferred Business Partners Community, EO Products, a provider of premium natural and organic body care products. That's right, pals...I'm talking B-A-T-H products!! *watches everyfur run and hide*

EO Products has just released its first-ever pet care line that features natural and organic Lavender & Aloe shampoo and conditioner as well as Citrus & Mint groomer for dogs. EO Pet Care products are free of parabens, polysorbate, disodium EDTA, phosphates, animal bi-products, synthetic fragrances and sulfates - that's a lot of big words for you to look up, my pals!

To help promote their new line of pet products, EO is hosting a Dog Model Contest from February 22 through March 8. I know I've said this before..."I would love to be a spokesdog!"...the question is, would I love being a spokesdog for bath products when I am not particular to taking a bath?!?

Anyway, five winning dogs will be selected to receive a full set of EO’s pet care products (value $27.95) and will also have their likenesses used to help promote the pet care line on EO’s website, Facebook page, newsletter and possibly product labels. *wags tail and spins in a circle*

Here is how you can enter the contest:

1) Your human must fill out a registration form on EO’s website and

2) Your human must upload your photo to EO’s Facebook page

Your human can be in the photos too...that is, if they're interested in being a spokesdog! BOL

The five winners will be asked to send back their photo with EO’s shampoo for promotion on the EO website. Videos of the winning dogs being shampooed with EO are welcomed as well - this is the part that makes me a bit nervous, but -!

Another great opportunity...if you choose to blog about this contest and you email BlogPaws 2011 with the post url, you'll be entered into a drawing there as well!! What could you win?!? Well...a FREE registration to BlogPaws 2011!! *zoomies in a circle*

So pals, I say, if you enjoy baths...or you have been waiting your whole life to be a spokesdog...

Visit EO’s Dog Model Contest registration page for more information on entering this contest.

And don't forget to send BlogPaws 2011 an email (click here) if you decide to post about the contest on your blog for your chance to win a free registration!

Good luck!

Duck in the Pub

2011-02-18T12:34:00.000-05:00

Another Friday Funny:

A duck walks into a pub and orders a pint of beer and a ham sandwich. The barman looks at him and says, "Hang on! You're a duck."

"I see your eyes are working," replies the duck.

"And you can talk!" exclaims the barman.

"I see your ears are working, too," says the duck. "Now if you don't mind, can I have my beer and my sandwich please?"

"Certainly, sorry about that," says the barman as he pulls the duck's pint. "It's just we don't get many ducks in this pub. What are you doing round this way?"

"I'm working on the building site across the road," explains the duck. "I'm a Plasterer."

The flabbergasted barman cannot believe the duck and wants to learn more, but takes the hint when the duck pulls out a newspaper from his bag and proceeds to read it. So, the duck reads his paper, drinks his beer, eats his sandwich, bids the barman good day and leaves.

The same thing happens for two weeks. Then one day the circus comes to town. The ringmaster comes into the pub for a pint and the barman says to him, "You're with the circus, aren't you? Well, I know this duck that could be just brilliant in your circus. He talks, drinks beer, eats sandwiches, reads the newspaper and everything!"

"Sounds marvellous," says the ringmaster, handing over his business card. "Get him to give me a call." So the next day when the duck comes into the pub the barman says, "Hey Mr. Duck, I reckon I can line you up with a top job, paying really good money."

"I'm always looking for the next job," says the duck. "Where is it?"

"At the circus," says the barman.

"The circus?" repeats the duck.

"That's right," replies the barman.

"The circus?" the duck asks again. "With the big tent?"

"Yeah," the barman replies.

"With all the animals who live in cages, and performers who live in caravans?" says the duck.

"Of course," the barman replies.

"And the tent has canvas sides and a big canvas roof with a hole in the middle?" persists the duck.

"That's right!" says the barman.

The duck shakes his head in amazement, and says "What the F- would they want with a Plasterer??!"

True Lies

2011-02-16T09:54:00.000-05:00

I know I haven't been around in some time...Ma has been very sick so I have been very busy watching over her so she can get better. However, while I was away I received this award from my very good pal, Hamish the Westie. See my award?!?

To keep this award, I have to post five things about myself...and four of those things must be bold-faced lies! Can you believe that?!? These are the rules I was given by Hamish:

1. You must proudly display the graphic that Naomi created. Its presence in our award celebration is crucial to the memetastic process she is creating!

2. You must list 5 things about yourself, and 4 of them must be bold-faced LIES!!!!

3. You must pass this award on to 5 bloggers that you know (be ready, friends!).

So, here are 5 Things About Me (can you guess which one is true and which ones are LIES?!?):

1. I sometimes work at the Miami Seaquarium as a dolphin trainer for extra treats.

"Good dolphin...swim, swim..."

2. I will only eat my food if it is served at my rightful place at the dining table.

3. I celebrate #TunaTuesday with the cats and I love to eat tuna whenever Ma is making some!

4. I can be pretty ferocious and have been known to wrestle alligators.

"Bad gator! We gotcha now!"

5. My mother was a hamster and my father smelled of elderberries.

Now, for the 5 bloggers I pass this award on to! I hope you will all accept your award and post your "5 Things About Me" for all of us.

Max the Quilt Cat

Oskar

Five Sibes

Trixie, Lily & Sammy-Joe

Busy, Busy Buttons

Who Got the Bone?

2011-02-08T15:26:00.001-05:00

Well, I can tell you it wasn't me!!!

When Ma and Dad finish dinner and there is a bone left, who do you think gets the bone? My bro-feather, Corky, the blue-fronted Amazon parrot!

That leaves ME begging for scraps from the bird! How humiliating...

"Psst! Corkster...can you throw some meat this way?"

Thank doggness he shares!

Hey Diddle...Piddle?!

2011-02-04T09:44:00.000-05:00

A Friday Funny submitted by Bertie, @diamondbertie:

Hey diddle, diddle, the cat took a piddle

all over the bedside clock.

The little dog laughed to see such fun

then got zapped with an electric shock.

A Letter from Aunt Linda

2011-02-02T11:07:00.000-05:00

To all my wonderful pals here at A Canine Opines and on Twitter, I want to thank you for all your kind words, thoughts and prayers for my very good pal, Lex who went over the Rainbow Bridge earlier this week. Aunt Linda has been here to see everyone's comments and I have shared your condolence tweets with her too...so she has asked that I post this for her.

A Letter from Aunt Linda

Dearest Oscar,

Your words of kindness, sympathy and support are so much appreciated as well as the comments from many of your friends. It has been a rough last few days for Lex's surviving furry brothers and sister. They all miss Lexy so much along with me, his terribly saddened Mum.

Lex came from the Humane Society of Broward County back in February 2001. He was unique, handsome, affectionate, spirited, loving and caring. He loved everyone and never met a stranger. His love and acceptance of my friends furry friends was always quite amazing. He was trusting of the toughest animals out there and always came out ahead as their friend. He will be sorely missed yet leaves behind so many incredible and beautiful memories...Oz, we all look forward to your next visit, where the furry friends will raise a paw for their dearly departed Lexy.

Kisses, hugs, paws, licks, barks and purrs...
Linda D., Lynx, Lace, Lenox and Levi XXXOOOXXX

Aunt Linda with Levi and Lenox

Lynx

Sorry there's no photo of Lace...she likes to hide, a lot! Thank you all again for your kindnesses!

A Good Friend Goes Over the Rainbow Bridge

2011-02-01T09:33:00.000-05:00

Yesterday morning, my dear friend Lex went over the rainbow bridge.

Lex was one of my favorite cat friends who lived with Ma's friend, Linda D. Whenever I would go visit at Aunt Linda's, Lex would always play with me and the best part was...he played like a dog!

Lex had been suffering from a tumor that was right between his eyes, at the top of his nose, for some time. This past weekend, it started to affect his breathing so Aunt Linda took him to the vet...and she had to make the tough decision to end Lex's suffering. I know how much she loved Lex so I know she did the best thing for him.

I miss him already...

This is a picture of my good friend Lex, taken on Christmas Day 2010:

My Lexie-Cat!

For Lex and Aunt Linda:

The Last Battle

If it should be that I grow frail and weak

and pain should keep me from my sleep,

Then you must do what must be done,

For this--the last battle--can't be won.

You will be sad I understand,

Don't let grief then stay your hand,

For on this day, more than the rest,

Your love and friendship must stand the test.

We have had so many happy years,

What is to come can hold no fears

You'd not want me to suffer, so.

When the time comes, please let me go.

Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,

Only, stay with me til the end

And hold me firm and speak to me

Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time you will agree

it is a kindness you do to me.

Although my tail its last has waved,

From pain and suffering I have been saved.

Don't grieve that it must be you

Who has to decide this thing to do;

We've been so close--we two--these years,

Don't let your heart hold any tears.

Author Unknown

"Bark Off" Bumper Sticker Give-Away Winners

2011-01-30T16:55:00.000-05:00

It's time to announce the WINNERS of the "Bark Off" bumper stickers give-away!

Each winner, there are six of you, will receive one magnetic bumper sticker and one paper bumper sticker designed at BuildASign.com!

And now....*waits for drum roll*...the winners as chosen by me and Gus, @DevilOnIceSkate, since it is his photo on the bumper stickers. (Just so you know, it was difficult picking the winners because everybody had great responses to "What's you favorite place to go in the car and why?"! But alas, there could only be six winners.)

OK, enough...*another drum roll*....the winners:

Best Rock'n-Out Car Ride: DakotaBDog, for listening to and singing along with some metal! Rock on!

Best Non-Car Car Ride: Oskar, for getting to travel in a motor home! (So jealous!)

Best Treat at Destination: GOBros...DairyQueen, anyone!!! (FiveSibesMom, this was close competition since the Five Sibes get vanilla ice cream at McD's!!)

Best Car Ride Aerodynamics: Finnegan (and Sprite), for hanging out the window to catch the wind!

Best Destination to Meet Other Dogs: Trixie, Lily and Sammy and their visits to Petco and/or PetSmart. (I am not allowed to go there anymore, because I get too excited - i.e. barky! BOL)

Best Need for Bumper Sticker: Jan (and the Twiz), need Gus to show others what they think because the Twiz has a hard time being growlie. (BOL!)

OK, so if you are a winner I need to snail mail you your winnings! If you are on Twitter, please DM me @Oz_theTerrier with your address! If you are not on Twitter, then send me a BarkMail (address in my profile here) with your address.

Congratulations, pals!!!

Anipal Book Club Recap: Two Weeks of #PNP

2011-01-27T14:14:00.002-05:00

A look back at the first two weeks of reading Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.

What started as a little idea for a small book club has turned into an international club with 24 members who hail from several states in the US, up north to Canada, across the pond to the United Kingdom and even Romania! Even though we have been reading for two weeks, we are still adding new members who are dashing off to get the book in the hopes of catching up with us. Just pawesome!

Last week was a Blog Post week, and many members wrote wonderful posts.

@MaxTheQuiltCat wondered if this was really a book for guys to read but then took some guidance from Mr. Bennet and has come to enjoy the story.
@Missy_Moo_JRT was enjoying the way the book captures the relationships between the characters and @Millie_Dog provided many of us with the definitions of some of the 'funny' words we encountered in our reading.
We found out that @PoodleNPitBull live with an English major graduate who took a whole class on Jane Austen - they provided excellent insight into Ms. Austen's writing style as well as an interesting perspective on the story thus far.
@TrixieLilySammy wrote an outstanding summary of the first 15 chapters, which really helped others get a greater understanding of some of the story lines.
@MissPishPosh and @TheTwiglet both wrote about the main characters (that we have met so far) and gave us their perspectives on each. Very interesting!

This week was TweetUp week and many members came out of their dens to join us on Twitter and boy, did we have a lot to talk about!

Top characters discussed were Mr. Bennet, Mrs. Bennet, Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Mr. Darcy, Mr. Wickham, Mr. Collins and Mr. Bingley.
Discussions also included how marriages were arranged back then, why Mr. Collins inherits the Bennet home, how people talked 'around' topics instead of just saying what's on their mind, dialogue vs. narration in writing style, and which characters are really responsible for moving the story forward.

A very successful two weeks, if I do say so myself!

Now, for those new to Anipal Book Club, just read as much as you can...and for those who have fallen behind in reading, you read as much as you can too! I know there are some members who have already finished reading the entire book, but I do hope you will continue to participate in the blog and twitter discussions!

Remember, next Wednesday, February 2 is a Blog Post Day

so keep that in mind while you are reading!

Fun Give-Away

2011-01-25T17:54:00.004-05:00

"Bark Off" Magnetic Bumper Stickers from BuildASign - how I, and now you, can get your paws on them!

Late last week I received the first of two packages in the mail. I was so excited because I rarely get mail and I just love to tear open things, like envelopes!

Package No. 1 from BuildASign

These packages were from a nice lady, Megan, at BuildASign.com. She contacted me to see if I would be interested in "terrier testing" one of the many products from her company like a window cling, a yard sign or...what I eventually ended up choosing...a magnetic bumper sticker.

What's really cool about BuildASign.com is that they have all these templates for all different kinds of signs, but you can customize everything yourself! That was the really fun part because you can add text and even pictures.

That's when the idea hit for my magnetic bumper sticker and I contacted Gus (@DevilOnIceSkate) to ask him if I could use his photo. (If you know Gus from Twitter, then you know his growlie photo!) He said yes and my magnetic bumper stickers were designed!

"Bark Off" buddy!

Megan liked my design so much that she sent me several magnetic bumper stickers and several regular bumper stickers - my second package in the mail.

*Sniff* "They finally arrived!"

I did go around and try out the magnetic bumper sticker right away! It is made really well - it is thick and sturdy - and it definitely sticks to cars. I know, because I stuck it on Ma's car!

Looks good...looks real good!

Ma thought she was funny and stuck one on the front of the refrigerator. Who does she think she is kidding? I know there are pawesome foodies in there...I am in no way, shape or form "Barking Off" the refrigerator.

"Keep dreaming...this sticker is coming down!"

I sent Gus his share of both the magnetic and sticker bumper stickers plus his "royalty" payment (which unfortunately is not bacon, but there is still something delicious in there as payment). Anyway, I still have some left so...

I am going to hold a give-away and several winners will get these great bumper stickers.

Magnetic & Sticker Bumper Stickers

All you have to do is comment on this post and tell me about your most favorite place to go in the car and why!

Good luck!

Look Who Came to Visit

2011-01-24T10:43:00.000-05:00

I don't know if I mentioned it when I wrote past posts about my trips to Islamorada, but Ma's sister (my hu-Aunt) lives there and it is at her house that we stay when we head down to the upper or middle Florida Keys.

Her house is located on the Florida Bay side (west side) of Islamorada and the bay is just a short walk from her house. Many of the houses there, including my Aunt's, are on stilts - just in case a hurricane decides to flood the island - and, at my Aunt's there is a patio under the house where you can sit, walk, etc. Usually, there aren't any anipals under there; at least, not when I am there and I have checked often!

Anyway, my Aunt sent us this photo the other night when she arrived home and was walking under the house:

Hermit Crab

Yep, a hermit crab! I saw lots of these anipals at the beach the last time I was in Islamorada. They were everywhere - deep in the water, in shallow puddles in the coral lining the beach - and they came in all sizes, from tiny babies to fairly big adults. Hermit crabs are pretty cool because when you get too close they hide away and just look like an ordinary shell. Great camouflage!

I was curious because I thought this hermit crab was a bit far from his "home" in the water. I mean, it's a short walk for me to the bay but this guy's legs are way smaller than mine!

You can't really tell how big he is from the first photo so my Aunt took a second one, this time putting her size 9 foot next to the hermit crab. See:

Isn't he gigantic?!? I have not seen one this big in person but I hope next time I go to visit I get to see this hermit crab! Hopefully he will be back for another visit...something to look forward to...

The Athiest and The Bear

2011-01-21T13:32:00.000-05:00

An atheist was walking through the woods one day in Alaska, admiring all that evolution had created. "What majestic trees! What a powerful river! What beautiful animals!" he said to himself.

As he was walking alongside the river, he heard a rustling in the bushes behind him. Turning to look, he saw a 13-foot Kodiak brown bear beginning to charge towards him. He ran as fast as he could down the path.

He looked over his shoulder and saw that the bear was rapidly closing on him. Somehow, he ran even faster, so scared that tears came to his eyes! He looked again and the bear was even closer. His heart pounding in his chest, he tried to run faster yet.

But alas, he tripped and fell to the ground. As he rolled over to pick himself up, the bear was right over him, reaching for him with its left paw and raising its right paw to strike him. "OH MY GOD! ..."

Time stopped. The bear froze. The forest was silent. Even the river stopped moving ... as a brilliant light shone upon the man, a thunderous voice came from all around...

"YOU DENY MY EXISTENCE FOR ALL THESE YEARS, TEACH OTHERS THAT I DON'T EXIST AND EVEN CREDIT CREATION TO SOME COSMIC ACCIDENT. DO YOU EXPECT ME TO HELP YOU OUT OF THIS PREDICAMENT? AM I TO COUNT YOU AS A BELIEVER?"

Difficult as it was, the atheist looked directly into the light and said, "It would be hypocritical to ask to be a Christian after all these years, but perhaps you could make the bear a Christian?"

"VERY WELL." Said God.

The light went out. The river ran. The sounds of the forest resumed... and the bear dropped down on his knees, brought both paws together, bowed his head and spoke:

"Lord, thank you for this food which I am about to receive."

Pride and Prejudice: Post 1, Chapters 1-15

2011-01-19T09:35:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone has enjoyed our first read, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, so far. I have visited several members blogs already this morning and I must say, everyone has their own unique point of view about what is going on - I can't wait to see if those views, as well as my own, change as we read further!

I would like to start by saying if this book was NOT titled Pride and Prejudice, I don't know what Miss Austen would have called it. In just reading the first pages, I could see why Miss Austen chose the title - the prideful talk of all the people who are filled of pride - makes one think you may need a pair of wellies to wade through it all.

I did hope, in my reading, that I would see the Bennet family in possession of a mirror in their home but I have not read as such yet. I would think that if they did own one, they may see how full of pride they themselves are as they discuss the pride of every other character in the book. Maybe in further reading, we may find that someone or some people will get a good look at themselves and their behavior - what a turning point that would be!

I have decided (for the moment anyway) that my favorite character so far is Elizabeth Bennet. I do love the way she can 'hold her own' during conversation however, I wonder if maybe at times she should be 'holding her tongue' instead. I guess I need to keep reading to find out.

I would like to say that Pride and Prejudice is turning out to be a wonderful first choice for our book club. I cannot wait to get back to reading - I just need to find my wellies first!

Anipal Book Club: Update

2011-01-16T09:24:00.000-05:00

Since writing my original blog post asking if anyone was interested in joining me in reading the 'classics', things have become really exciting. So many friends were interested in joining (what I thought would be) my small Anipal Book Club, that we are currently up to 22 members! Woof-hoo! *tail won't stop wagging*

Please be sure to check the Anipal Book Club page here on my blog to make sure 1) I have posted your Twitter handle, so everyone can follow each other and join in the discussions and 2) you have entered your blog URL into the 'Member Blogs' linky list, so everyone can find each other easily to read blog updates.

Remember, if you have a blog, our first blog post is coming up this week so start thinking about what you want to write about! For those of you who may need a little writing 'spark', consider these ideas:

How does the book's setting (place, time period) contribute to the story?
Who is your favorite and/or least favorite character in the book? Why?
How would you describe the relationship between Mr. and Mrs. Bennet?
How would you describe the Bennet sisters? Who is currently your favorite sister? Why?
Pride and Prejudice's first title was First Impressions. From what you have read so far, do you think Pride and Prejudice is more fitting?
Does the use of language help "set the story"? Is the language difficult to understand? How so?
Have you had to look up certain words or phrases (like when we chatted on Twitter about "trimming a hat")?
Do you have any questions about the book for other members? What are they.

I am looking forward to reading and hearing everyone's thoughts!

Thank you all for joining me for the Anipal Book Club! How fun is it to read with friends??

xxx Oz

A Walk Paused for a 'Moment of Silence'

2011-01-13T10:54:00.000-05:00

So, do you remember the other day when I posted this photo?

I said it was a 'clue' left for me by the flock of White Ibis so I could hunt them down on my morning walk. It was a great clue and I eventually found the birds. Well, today on my walk I came across this:

This is not a clue. This, if you are a small bird, is a warning to fly far, far away...and to everyone else, it is a murder scene.

From what we could surmise, this was once a mockingbird. We have tons of mockingbirds in our neighborhood - they are the Florida state bird, after all - and during Spring they are vicious little birds! I have, on more than one occasion, experienced their wrath of dive-bombing when they are protecting their nest.

The 'murder scene' tells me (and all the birds in the area) that our neighborhood Cooper's Hawk is back again. The Cooper's Hawk mainly eats medium-sized birds - like doves, pigeons and jays - although they also will eat rabbits, mice and squirrels.

Our neighborhood hawk is so fast that most of the time you don't even see him until he is flying away with his prey! However, a few months ago the hawk was here and he did set up shop on our neighbor's fence; Ma was quick to catch a photo, through the sliding glass door, before he flew away.

Anyway, when we came upon the 'scene' this morning, Ma and I paused in our walk for a moment of silence. I hope the poor little bird didn't suffer too much in the end. It is always sad to lose an anipal.

Anipal Book Club: Book Selection

2011-01-11T16:19:00.000-05:00

Well, we have seven plus members in our Anipal Book Club so I am guessing we can get started and to do that, we need to pick our first book!!!

Now if you haven't visited the Anipal Book Club page (*hint-hint*), you won't know that I am offering five (5) reading options for everyone to vote on (and you can only vote for one book, just in case anyone thinks they are going to be a stinker). The book that gets the majority vote wins. Easy, right?!

So, here are the options for our first Anipal Book Club read:

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Tess of the d'Ubervilles by Thomas Hardy

Moby Dick by Herman Melville

Frankenstein by Mary W. Shelley

Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift

Not sure which one to vote for??? You can use the Internet to find summaries and/or synopses for all these books. Give them a perusal to see which one catches your fancy!

My vote will have to be for Moby Dick. I feel it is only fitting that I vote for the book that is about an anipal, especially if it's to be the first book of the Anipal Book Club!

Vote away, Clubbers!!!

If you are reading this post and are not a member of the Anipal Book Club, but you think you want to become a member...leave a comment with your Twitter handle and your blog URL so we know where to sniff you out!

Anipal Book Club?

2011-01-10T14:11:00.001-05:00

I have decided to start reading books like I once did. Ma says we used to be voracious readers (I like the sound of that word - voracious!), which is really important if you are a writer, but over the last several months we started to slack off...until we stopped reading completely. So now I am making the decision to get back into reading!

I can read like this...BOL!...zzzzzzzzz

Maybe it was all the recent commotion over the "re-writing" of the classic Twain novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, that has sparked my interest in not only reading a good book, but to re-read some of the classics. It has been a long time since I have read any of them so I wonder...

Will my perceptions and/or understanding of the novels be different now that I am a more mature dog?

I say, "possibly, yes" and that got me excited to start reading right away! Then I started to think about who I would share my newly-found understandings with and YAP!...how about a book club?

But I don't want to be a part of just any book club; I would love to be in a book club with my anipals (and human pals) from my blog and from Twitter. Even though we all live well, everywhere, we could do an online book club through the magic of Twitter and our blogs!

Now, I have looked through iBooks (on the iPad, iPod Touch and even on the iPhone) and wouldn't you know it, most of the classic novels are FREE! Who doesn't love free?!? I bet some of the other readers, like Kindle or Nook, may have them for free too. Some authors that we found in our FREE list include:

Louisa May Alcott, Dante Alighieri, Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, Thomas Hardy, Homer, James Joyce, Herman Melville, Thomas Paine, Mary W. Shelley, Bram Stoker, Jonathan Swift, Walt Whitman....the list goes on!

So, before I pick my first classic to read I want to know:

Does anyone want to join me in the Anipal Book Club?

Please leave a comment if you do and include your Twitter handle and your blog URL, so we can all find each other! If we get even a small group together, the first order of business will be to pick our first classic to read! *zoomies around the room*

I'm ready!! How about you?

Yesterday: My Busy Day

2011-01-07T12:30:00.001-05:00

Yesterday was a very busy day for this dog so I didn't get to write about the great walk/stalk/hunt I went on with Ma yesterday morning. But more on that walk/stalk/hunt in a minute, because what kept me so busy was quite a lot of fun!

I had been on Twitter talking with some of my good pals when I told one pal, Benson (@bensonthehusky) I thought his nickname should be 'Naughty by Nature' - because he does swear that he is really, really naughty! Guess what?! He loved it! I then asked Mr. 'Naughty by Nature' if he was 'down with O.P.P.' but you know what - Benson didn't know that song! Can you believe that?! He did, however find the music video on YouTube which then made him BOL.

My pal, Benson

I was trying to think how Benson would be 'down with O.P.P.' (Other Puppies...) and I got some help from another good Twitter pal, Gus (@DevilOnIceSkate). We started playing MadLibs (remember that game?!?) to fill in the blank.

Here, give it a try: Other Puppies' P______

Gus came up with some good ones: Pork chops, Pull-toys, People, Pussycats and of course, Poop. So then...I decided to re-write the lyrics for Benson, which is what kept me really busy for most of the afternoon! Benson did write a post about it on his blog My Pooka - you can listen to the original song and see the re-write here.

Now, back to my walk/stalk/hunt from yesterday. Ma and I did go for a nice big walk around the neighborhood when we came across this clue:

"It's a clue! Let the hunt begin!"

Yep, a feather. You know, where there are feathers there are usually birds...and this feather was from a White Ibis. They are wading birds and they are about two feet tall with white feathers and reddish-orange bills (and sometimes reddish-orange legs). Here is a close-up of one:

After scenting the feather, I was determined to find the flock of White Ibis. I did look everywhere: along the sidewalk, under the bushes, behind trees...

"I don't see or smell them under here..."

Until at last, I found them! They were in the field back near the school by our house.

"Found 'em!!"

This is about as close as I can get before I start barking my fool-head off and scare the birds away. Do you see the brown one? That's a young white ibis...they are a bit silly looking when they are young. Anyway, we did get closer and the flock flew away, but boy it was a great walk/stalk/hunt while it lasted!

To Re-Write 'Huck Finn' and possibly history itself?!

2011-01-05T15:49:00.002-05:00

As an educated dog who loves to write and would prefer to never be censored, I need to have my say on the hot topic of the day. You may agree or disagree and you may leave a comment stating as such, but please refrain from using foul or derogatory language or YOU will be censored!

I have read many articles today regarding the replacement of the 'N-word' with the word 'slave' in Mark Twain's classic novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and it has me quite upset. I am not upset because I think the 'N-word' is an appropriate word to throw around (it is definitely not in my 'vernacular', but more on that in a moment); I am upset that people continue to think censorship is a more acceptable recourse than education in counteracting ignorance and racism.

Yes, the 'N-word' appears in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn a whopping 219 times. However, that language depicts America's past - a past before the Civil War where slavery and ignorance were the norm. Twain wrote The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from the perspective of Huck, in the vernacular of the day - not in literary language! - meaning Huck speaks to the reader using the language or dialect native to a region (in this case, the pre-Civil War Southern United States).

If you think the way Huck speaks is inappropriate and derogatory, you're right, it is...but if you think the "good ole boys" in the pre-Civil War Southern U.S. didn't speak that way, you would be wrong. I am fairly certain that if you were to travel to the Deep South of the U.S. today, you may still find folks speaking in a similar derogatory and ignorant fashion!

So, how does one combat this ignorance? Surely not by censoring words from a classic novel. Yes, the 'N-word' is offensive but to just erase it...? How can you tell people a word is 'bad' or forbidden without educating them as to why it is bad?

Censorship just stifles discussion (it's a racist novel/it's not a racist novel) and maintains the status quo whereas education (reading while placing the novel in its historical context) may have a formative effect on the minds and characters of future generations.

In The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, the reader is transported back in history to look at the perpetrators of slavery and racism and find they are looking at a kind, gentle, good-hearted Aunt Sally. In reality, the villains who made slavery work were ordinary folks, like Aunt Sally, who did nothing more than fail to question the set of circumstances that surrounded them. Yes, they failed to judge that slavery was evil and they deluded themselves into thinking they were doing the right thing. Yes, they were racist and their language was derogatory. Yes, that is American history.

I think @peterflom said (tweeted) it best today:
"It's not Huckleberry Finn that's offensive, it's American history that's offensive, and accurately portrayed in the book."

Replacing the 'N-word' with "slave" in an effort not to offend readers is just brushing our history aside. A better solution to dealing with the legacy of this period in American history may be to use the novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn to explore slavery and racism, lest history repeats itself.

They say only 'ignorance is bliss' and unfortunately, the 'truth does hurt'...but there is also the saying, 'in truth lies victory'. And...victory over racism can only be achieved through education based on truth not through censorship or a re-write of novels or history itself.

A Dog and A Ball

2011-01-04T16:58:00.000-05:00

For my good pal, @Rebus_Scottie:

There is a dog, Rebus the Scot
who plays with his balls a lot.
As soon as they're tossed,
they tend to get lost,
so new ones appear in their spot.

--Oscar de Wilde

Boo-Boo Belly, Bye-Bye!

2011-01-03T15:48:00.001-05:00

Are you a dog with a 'Boo-Boo Belly'?

"I have boo-boo belly"

You know, do you get the grumblies (indigestion), or the soupy-poopies (diarrhea) a lot more often than other dogs? Do you sometimes up-chuck (vomit) for what your human would consider 'no apparent reason'? Maybe you just toot a lot?!? Well, you are not alone. Many dogs, including me, suffer from what I like to say is 'Boo-Boo Belly'.

Ma says I have had 'Boo-Boo Belly' since I was a young pup. Sometimes, everything would be quite normal and then, all of sudden I would either have trouble doing my business or have 'urgent' business to deal with (like a corporate CEO but without the briefcase). In addition, I would sometimes up-chuck for really no reason at all - whether I had food in my stomach or not. And when I felt sick, I would refuse to eat any or all of my food (can you imagine NOT eating?).

I can't eat a thing...sigh.

I have been to the vet for my 'Boo-Boo Belly' as well as my 'itchies' (skin allergies) many times. I do like my vet, Dr. D, a lot; he is very nice and is always concerned with my well-being and he does give me medicine (yuck!) to help make me better. Unfortunately, a lot of medicines bother my 'Boo-Boo Belly' and so Ma started doing research on canine irritable bowel, immune systems (for the allergies) and ways to strengthen a dogs immune system (she is very resourceful and understands all that medical speak).

Around that time, I was contacted by a company about their new probiotic supplement for dogs. ProActiveBalance TM said their supplement would introduce the health benefits of both probiotics and prebiotics into my diet to help prevent intestinal disorders and to boost immune system health. Since Ma had already been researching both probiotics and prebiotics for dogs' digestive health and immune systems it seemed like a perfect opportunity to see if they would work for me.

What are Probiotics? They are the "friendly bacteria" that live in the intestines that help maintain a natural balance and promote a healthy digestive system.
What are Prebiotics? Dietary fiber that helps stimulate growth of friendly bacteria (the probiotics) in the digestive system that are beneficial to your health.

Let me just say that the supplement is in granular form and the first time Ma put it on my food, I knew something was up! However, upon further inspection of my food I could find no scent of anything 'medicinal'; thus, I reluctantly ate my entire dinner. Now, I watch Ma to make sure she sprinkles the 'special seasoning' (ProActiveBalance TM) on my dinner before I eat it.

Ma has been adding this Probiotics for Dogs to my dinner every night for more than one month and since then I have noticed that:

I no longer have the grumblies
I have regular 'business' every day - no more soupy-poopie or constipation
I haven't up-chucked at all
I still have some 'itchies' but not nearly as many patches.

So basically, I have said "bye-bye" to 'Boo-Boo Belly'! Isn't that terrierific?!

I would say that if you are a dog who suffers from 'Boo-Boo Belly', you should try the ProActiveBalance all-natural supplement to see if it works for you. If you are interested, you can visit their website here to learn more about it.

It's a New Year!

2011-01-01T12:15:00.000-05:00

As I started to wake this morning, I was so grateful for the New Year that I said this prayer of 'Thanks':

Sleeping it off!

Good morning God,

Happy 2011! So far this year, I have done well.

I haven't barked my fool-head off, I haven't growled at an empty yard, I haven't begged for food, I haven't chased bunnies, birds or squirrels, and I haven't pawed at the pantry. I am very thankful and proud of all of that. But, in a few minutes God, I'm going to wake up and from then on, I am most likely going to need a lot more help.

Amen

I think this says it all...

2010 in Review: Yaps, Howls, Barks and Growls

2010-12-29T14:33:00.003-05:00

With 2011 fast approaching, I've been trying to remember all the stuff that happened in 2010 and it hasn't been easy. So much has happened...

I started this blog and joined Twitter where I met lots of new and absolutely wonderful friends (you know who you are) from all over the world! There was a Twitter Mini Challenge (see Martha the Westie's blog here) which ended up with some of us visiting Da'Griff and Ollie in Canada. That trip sparked us boys to form a band - Da Pet Shoppe Boies - and we sung about our Westie Girls.

I was invited to Ollie's stag pawty, where I invited some not so good girls to join us, and thankfully Annie Bella still invited me to their Twitter wedding.

Scenes from Ollie's Stag Pawty (the 'not-so-good' girl)

I, along with many anipals and animal lovers, joined in the fight to free Tony, the tiger being held captive at a Tiger Truck Stop in Louisiana. Unfortunately, the State of Louisiana renewed Tony's owner's permit to keep Tony locked in his concrete-and-wire fencing cell at the gas station, despite the out-pouring of support to free him and an offer from Big Cat Rescue in Tampa to provide him with proper care and living quarters. I am sure the fight will not end here.

Who could forget Mary Bale, the lady caught on a surveillance camera putting a cat in a garbage bin? I am still waiting to leave peemail on her leg! What about you?!?

And while we are on the subject of complete idiots, there is the ongoing absurdity of Michael Vick. The dog fighting investigation discovered many dogs on his property showing signs of injuries (due to fighting) and local, state and federal authorities seized the dogs (who are now being cared for by Bad Rap Rescue).

Michael Prick...oooops, I mean Vick

Vick and three others were convicted of federal offense conspiracy charges and imprisoned. The quarterback is now out and back to playing football and talking about getting a dog to "help in his rehabilitation". Really?!? How many online polls did you participate in to let your voice be heard on this insanity?! One...five...ten? There were so many and I hope 'someone' gets the message that he doesn't deserve to own another dog, cat...any animal!

Many wild anipals lives were turned upside down (or destroyed) when an oil spill from the Deepwater Horizon flowed for three months in the Gulf of Mexico. Terns, Reddish Egrets, Kemp Ridley Turtles, Loggerhead Turtles, Bottlenose Dolphins, Sperm Whales, Blue Crabs, Brown Pelicans and other marine life (including coral reefs) were, and continue to be, affected despite the well being capped.

See the NASA Satellite View of Oil Spill

There was the great story of Target, a stray dog in Afghanistan that made friends with U.S. soldiers and subsequently became their hero when he attacked a suicide bomber attempting to enter the soldiers' tent. The bomber blew himself up before he could get into the tent, saving the 50 soldiers inside! One soldier, upon returning home, started a petition to bring Target and another dog back to the U.S. and eventually both made it and received a 'hero's welcome'. Target went to live in Arizona in a forever home and we all thought 'what a great ending to this story'! But unfortunately the heartwarming story ended tragically when Target escaped from his owner’s yard and was euthanized by local animal control. What happened with the three day holding rule here?

There were many other courageous and heroic animals this year and The Daily Beast has collected the Top 10 Most Heroic Animals of 2010 here on their site. Do you know of any other heroic anipals from this year?

Dogs, cats and other animals were stars on the big screens this year, making us laugh and cry in movies like Marmaduke, Secretariat and Cats and Dogs: Revenge of Kitty Galore. Pets were also unwitting stars of the new Animal Planet series, Confessions: Animal Hoarding. A show that many find hard to watch, believe me...animals in crowded and unsanitary conditions, animals sick, dying or dead...but it is shining a huge spotlight on some people's compulsive need to possess and control animals. The show's main stated goal is "to help improve the lives of everyone involved - human and animal". Many pets have been rescued from horrible conditions, cleaned and brought back to health and adopted into new homes. Thank you, Animal Planet!

Oh yeah, I almost forgot some stuff...I was a foster brofur for the first time this year. I was so good at teaching puppy Dora (now Lexie) how to be a good dog that Ma's friend KP adopted her after only one week. I learned new turns-of-phrases, like being 'knackered' or 'cream crackered' (that was only yesterday so I remember it - BOL) and I finally figured out that my friends in Australia and New Zealand are a day ahead of me here in Florida! I got to see wonderful pictures of snow, from all over, and how friends decorate for the holidays at their houses.

Phew! (wipes paw across forehead) That's a lot to remember and I am sure I missed something! What do you remember? Good or bad, happy or sad - let us know! One dog cannot remember everything...BOL!

Thank you Twitter-world and Blogosphere for letting me in and helping me meet new friends! Here's wishing you and your family a very happy and healthy 2011!

My Terrier-ific Christmas

2010-12-26T10:01:00.000-05:00

Were you good this year? I think I was because Santa Paws did leave me gifts under the Christmas tree and in my stocking!

I woke up early on Christmas Day and immediately went to the tree to see if Santa Paws left anything under there for me. It was quite crowded under the tree; there was lots of presents under there but I did my best to sniff out any gifts with my name on them.

I did sniff out two gifts that had my name on them and I dragged them out from under the Christmas tree.

And I started opening one of them up (this one had the aroma of something delicious).

Ma and Daddy-Dog started coming closer to see what I was opening. I thought maybe they smelled the delicious aroma and wanted my gift for themselves so I grabbed up my gift and ran! I then gave it my best terrier tear-up to get it open.

Then, I remembered my stocking! I took it to 'safety' to see what was inside!

In all, Santa Paws left me two gifts under the tree - the sweet potato flavored rawhide bone (shaped like a candy cane) and a penguin - as well as two gifts in my stocking, a chipmunk and a pig's ear! Here I am with all my gifts!

Meanwhile, on Christmas morning Ma was cooking up one of my (and Daddy-Dog's) favorite breakfasts: pigs (breakfast sausage) in blankets (crescent rolls). They were delicious!

Once we cleaned up the house (yes, I did leave bits of wrapping paper everywhere!), we packed up the car and went over to Grandma's house for Christmas dinner. We brought everyone gifts, including my Uncle Bailey, the Bichon Frise. Uncle Bailey loves bags - Christmas bags, garbage bags, shopping bags - so I put his gift in a Christmas bag. He dove right in there to get his gift!

I must say that my Christmas was terrier-ific this year! I hope it was the same for all my furry friends all over the world. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Twas the Nite Before Christmas

2010-12-22T19:22:00.004-05:00

'Twas the night before Christmas, and I was guarding the house
Not a soul was stirring, except me and the mouse;
(and I have been trying to catch that mouse for a week;
get it in my terrier jaw and
give it a terrier shakedown but
it keeps hiding in the smallest of places…
then I try to dig it out but
get in trouble for scratching the furniture,
the woodwork, grrrrrrr….but anyway,
as I was saying…)

Not a soul was stirring except me and the *&%$! mouse;

The stockings were hung and as I lay by the chair,

I waited for Santa Paws to enter my lair;

The owners were asleep all snug in their bed,

Then I growled at the mouse and away he fled;

While waiting I chewed on a leftover scrap,

But it was quite cold and tasted like crap;

Then on the front lawn I heard such a clatter,

I jumped from the floor to see what was the matter;

Off to the window I ran in a dash,

Tore open the shutters and my teeth I did gnash;

The neighbor’s Christmas lights gave outside such a glow,

And I waited to hear a familiar ‘Hello’;

But what to my wandering eyes should appear,

A man on a sleigh pulled by eight small reindeer,

I started to growl but discontinued because,

I knew in that moment it was Santa Paws.

Faster than Greyhounds his reindeer they came,

And he whistled, and barked, and called them by name;

"Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!

On, Comet! on Cupid! on, Donner and Blitzen!

To the top of the porch with this great haul!

Now dart away! dart away! dart away all!"

He hadn’t come in and I was wondering why,

As off went the sleigh, way up in the sky,

But up to the house-top the reindeer they flew,

With the sleigh full of treats and Santa Paws too.

And then, in an instant, I heard on the roof

The plodding and pawing of each little hoof.

As I cocked my head and started turning around,

Down the chimney, Santa Paws came with a bound!

His suit made of fur, with some velveteen sashes,

His clothes were quite dirty and covered with ashes;

A shipment of treats he had flung in his sack,

One just for me and the rest for my pack.

His eyes, they twinkled and his dimples were merry!

His cheeks were like apples, his nose like a cherry!

His cute little smile made him seem quite zesty,

And the beard of his chin was as white as a Westie;

A corn-cob pipe he held tight in his lips,

And the smoke plumed out like the tail of a Spitz;

He had a round belly and was ever so jolly,

As he ran to the tree, as fast as a Collie.

He was chubby but swift, a cheerful old elf,

And I howled when I saw him, in spite of myself;

A wink of his eye was all that was ‘said’,

Which gave me to know there was nothing to dread;
He nibbled a cookie then went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,

A finger to his nose, which was crooked and bent,

He tooted and laughed, then away he went;

He jumped in his sleigh, and with a crack of his whip,

Away they all flew at a mighty fast clip.

He yelled back “Be a good dog, keep guarding the house,

Merry Christmas too, but for dog’s sakes get that !*&$ mouse!”

---Rewrite by Oscar De Wilde

Blog Hop! Holidays Around My House

2010-12-17T10:28:00.001-05:00

I am such a lucky dog to have so many friends - here in Florida, all around the country and even around the world! We are all excited about the holidays; we have been chatting and tweeting about how good we've been, what our tree and decorations look like, what we asked Santa Paws to bring us, whether it is snowing by our houses, what the temperature is...and it got me thinking.

What do decorations look like covered in snow? I don't know because in Florida, we don't get snow. I bet some pals wonder how we decorate palm trees and make it look like Christmas! So, I decided I would take pictures while I was on my walk last night to show everyone what Christmas looks like in Florida. Even better, I thought if I made my post a Blog Hop!, then I could see what Christmas looks like in Canada, the U.K., New Zealand, and many of the United States!

So please, join the Holidays Around My House Blog Hop! and share your holidays with the world! Here are my photos:

Dean's house, our next-door neighbor

You only put lights on the palm tree's trunk!

You can't tell, but the animals move their heads

A snowman among the palm trees

My Xmas stocking; no fireplace to hang from so it is on the pass-through

My poor, misshapen Xmas tree all decorated!

It's Beginning to Look a Lot like Xmas

2010-12-13T13:00:00.000-05:00

It's beginning to look, smell and sound like Christmas everywhere! There are Christmas lights on all the neighbors houses, the house smells like Christmas tree and Christmas music is playing on every radio station (okay, ALMOST every radio station). So, what better time for me and 'the boies' to promote our new Xmas album and our new single release, "It's Beginning 2 Look a Lot like Xmas"...right?!?

So, here is our new album:

And our new single, "It's Beginning 2 Look a Lot like Xmas"...hit it, Boies!

It's beginning to smell a lot like Christmas

Ev'rywhere you go;

Sniff the treats in the stocking, gently or it goes a’rocking

With biscuits, chews and a few bones by Dingo.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas,

Toys in the pet store,

But the pawesomest sight to see, are the gifts that will be

Under the tree on the floor.

A squirrel to stalk and a new leash for a walk

Is the hope of Baxter and Bridie;

Two pairs of paw boots and a stuffie that toots

Is the wish of Finn and Farley;

And Mom and Dad completely believe with the cat we are in cahoots.

It's beginning to sound a lot like Christmas

Ev'rywhere you go;

The music and carols are quite swell, the crinkle of wrapping is as well,

But don’t get caught unwrapping before Christmas though.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas;

Let the merriment start,

We will bark and howl and sing and to our humans we will bring

The love that’s in our heart.

---New lyrics by Oscar De Wilde

(Original lyrics by Meredith Wilson)

Dogs are like Christmas

2010-12-10T13:06:00.000-05:00

A Christmas Eve when I was young
I slept by the fire where the stockings were hung
Then along came Santa down the flue
In a whisper he said, “I have a secret for you.”

Dogs are like Christmas every day of the year
Bringing joy to their loved ones, always being sincere
Quickly back up the flue and onto his sleigh
“On Dasher, on Dancer…” Santa was gone and away.

I sat and I pondered what the jolly man said
While symbols of Christmas danced in my head
At last I saw it from Santa’s point of view
Dogs ARE symbols of Christmas all the year through!

Like the shining star ever so bright
That faithfully guided on the cold winter’s night
A dog will lead you through life’s bad and life’s good
As any devoted companion should.

Like the bell that chimes for the sheep as they roam
Helping the shepherd call his flock home
A dog’s love and trust you will immediately earn
And to your side, he will always return.

Like the candle, a beacon in the dark
A dog will inspire or warn with a bark
And like the wreath, a symbol that love has no end
A dog will always remain man’s best friend.

--- Oscar De Wilde

Waiting for Santa Paws

2010-12-06T15:33:00.000-05:00

The weather here in South Florida is getting cooler (Ma would say colder)…today is only 60F! This cool weather reminded me that I haven’t checked in on Santa Paws and all his elves up at the North Pole to see how busy they are getting all our presents ready for Christmas.

I know many anipals have already sent a letter to Santa Paws, telling him how good they have been all year (and they have been very good!), promising they will continue to be good and asking for special toys and treats for Christmas. But have you all been sneaking a peek of what is busily going on up at the North Pole? If not, you should check because you may just see elves working on treats and toys that may come your way on Christmas!

Our good friends at the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) have once again set up spy cameras around Santa’s Village at the North Pole, allowing all of us to see just what is going on up there (like if they are working on @farthewestie’s bike basket)! I checked today and the elves seem pretty busy! I do hope they are working on all my friends’ treats and toys. If you want to see what’s happening for yourself, you can by visiting the NORAD Santa Tracking Center – click HERE.

Oh, and don’t forget that on Christmas Eve, NORAD tracks Santa Paws as he flies in his sleigh all over the world! You can watch to see when he is almost at your house…just remember to give yourself time to fall asleep before he gets there. I wouldn’t want any of my pals to miss out on getting their deserved treats and toys! You can track Santa Paws on Christmas Eve by clicking HERE.

This is NORAD tracking Santa Paws last year. Maybe you can see him fly by your house!

Well, I better get started on my letter to Santa Paws…I think I have been a good boy this year so I hope to get toys and treats too!

Let's Help Tony the Tiger

2010-11-27T10:50:00.000-05:00

For Tony the Tiger, life in Louisiana is anything but “Grrrrrrrrrreat”!

Tony is a tiger being held captive at the Tiger Truck Stop in Louisiana. He lives in a tiny chain link and concrete cell and has lived there for 10 years. This cell is no larger than a couple of parking spaces and is next to gas pumps where truckers pump fuel around the clock. Tony is exposed to harassment as people (tourists) surround his cell and taunt him daily. He never gets to escape the noise, the flood lights, the noxious fumes and the boredom as he paces around in circles.

Tigers are magnificent animals!

There is an alternative. A peaceful sanctuary, Big Cat Rescue of Tampa, Florida, has offered Tony a place to live out the rest of his life - enjoying the grass, the ponds, relishing enrichment, the best that can be offered for a captive tiger….but his owner refuses to do what is truly best for him and has stated that he will not give Tony up!

Tony deserves grass under his feet, not concrete!

Big Cat Rescue is a non-profit educational sanctuary (right here in my home State of Florida) and is devoted to rescuing and providing a permanent home for exotic (i.e. wild, not domestic) cats who have been abused, abandoned, bred to be pets, retired from performing acts, or saved from being slaughtered for fur coats, and to educating the public about these animals and the issues facing them in captivity and in the wild.

Though Tony’s current existence may be technically legal, it is absolutely not right! Tony needs our voices to help him escape this prison!

Please help by letting the USDA, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and the US Fish and Wildlife Service know that you believe that Tony lives in inhumane conditions. Please TAKE ACTION NOW by signing and sending a letter to let Louisiana know that you "believe" they will do the right thing and deny a renewal of the permit that keeps Tony locked up!

You can find this information as well as additional information and sample letters at the following sites:

CapWiz: Big Cat Rescue

Big Cat Rescue of Tampa, FL

Free Tony the Tiger Blog

You can also follow @freetonytiger on Twitter as well as on Facebook!

Let's join together to make the rest of Tony the Tiger's life "grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreat"!!!

Fun Florida Keys: The Hungry Tarpon & Robbie's Marina

2010-11-22T15:08:00.001-05:00

I am a bit late writing this post, since I have been back from Islamorada for almost a month, but I did want to tell you about all the fun I had going to The Hungry Tarpon and Robbie's Marina.

We stopped here halfway through our bike ride along The Scenic Seashore Ride. We biked right into the parking lot and locked up our bikes under some shade trees. There are lots of outdoor shops to walk in and we did do some 'window shopping'...however our main reason to stop was lunch!

Riding up to The Hungry Tarpon & Robbie's Marina

We walked to The Hungry Tarpon and sat down waterside in the shade. The view here is of the Florida Bay and the marina. See the big boats?!?

There are many scrumptious treats on the menu and I convinced Ma to order the fish basket, since I love fried fish...while Daddy-dog ordered the Ahi Tuna Tacos. Here I am placing my order with Ma:

"Get the fish basket...I will help you finish it!"

Lunch was delicious and how could it not be?!? We enjoyed our fresh-caught fish lunch bayside! I even got a dog biscuit from one of the nice waitresses...talk about service!

Anyway, after lunch we headed next door to Robbie's Marina to feed the tarpon. Daddy-dog bought a bucket of baitfish, we walked out onto the docks and I immediately noticed some rather large fishes swimming around in the water below.

There are tarpon everywhere at Robbie's!

When Ma threw some baitfish into the water - Holy Moly! - those giant tarpon leapt right out of the water to grab up their food! Thinking they were on the attack, I growled and barked at them to remain in the water.

"Stand down crazy tarpon!"

Once I figured out that the tarpon were not coming on the dock I was much calmer. I then wandered the whole dock looking at the tarpon.

Those are giant fishes!

If you want to see some really cool photos of the tarpon, you should visit Robbie's photo album on the website. And...if you are ever in Islamorada, you defintely need to stop into Robbie's Marina to feed the tarpon and grab a bite at The Hungry Tarpon. Both are a true Florida Keys experience and are extremely dog-friendly!

Robbie's Marina & The Hungry Tarpon
Mile Marker 78, Overseas Highway, Lower Matecumbe Key, Bayside
Oz's Dog-Friendly Rating: 4 out of 4 dog bones

Fostering a Puppy

2010-11-18T09:46:00.001-05:00

I know I haven't been around for a couple of weeks: not here on the blog nor on Twitter! I have missed being here so I need to get everyone caught up on what's been going on! I still have one more post to write about my wonderful vacation in the Florida Keys; there are some more great photos and you won't believe your eyes when you see them!

Anyway, on to this post which is about fostering a puppy because....*drum rolls*...I am now a foster brofur! Ma and Dad did decide to take in this 9 week old puppy, Dora, when they heard her story from the rescue organization, Save A Death Row Dog. Poor Dora...some humans adopted her, only to return her to the rescue organization a couple days later, disappointed that she was not part Labrador Retriever!

Seriously, what is wrong with some people?!? Don't these humans know that there is more to a dog than just its breed?!? All dogs are special and make great, life-long anipals! Grrrrrrrr....!

So, here is a photo of Dora:

Isn't she cute? She is currently teething (and using my tail and ears as a chew toy, grrrrrr...) but she is almost completely house-trained (already! We did have a few accidents, but poop happens. BOL!) and she is very friendly.

You know, if you and your family has been looking for a dog, Dora may be the girl for you! You could give Dora the gift of a forever home this holiday season...she would also be a great gift to you and your family as she is a very loving girl.

To my many great anipals, on Blogger and Twitter...if you could help spread the word by giving a "howl out" to your followers, I would REALLY appreciate it! This little girl, like many dogs in shelters and foster homes, deserves a loving, forever home!

Thanx!
Oz

Fun Florida Keys: The Scenic Seashore Bike Ride

2010-11-02T15:14:00.000-04:00

We took our bicycles on vacation so we could ride the Islamorada/Lower Matecumbe Key Bike Trail, also known as The Scenic Seashore Ride. Ma has a dog-bed-like basket for me on the back of her bicycle so I got to go along for the ride.

I like to "hang ten" and catch the wind in my face!

The beginning of this trail is really just a bike lane on the side of the Overseas Highway, which has lots of car and truck traffic, so Ma and Daddy-Dog decided to put the bicycles on the truck and drive to where the trail actually separated from the road. Even then, we had to join traffic to go over three bridges during our 12 mile journey!

Cars are zoomin' past over on the Highway...

The Scenic Seashore Ride is the perfect nickname for this stretch of bike trail. There were plenty of places to stop, get off the bikes and go exploring along the Florida Bay!

Are there fishes in there?

Much better view of the fishes from up here!