Welcome to this week’s edition of Follow-Up Friday, the post where I highlight reader’s comments, answer questions and generally just wrap up my week.

You Make Me Smile – July 12, 2015

Lauren Miller said, “Mine run circles around me! They come back when I whistle and then take off again. People always ask me where they are and I say, “WAIT FOR IT!!!” and then they pop up.”

That makes me laugh…”WAIT FOR IT!!!” Dogs are so silly sometimes.

Jan K said, “Sheba is the only one ever allowed off leash, and she usually runs ahead. I’ll keep calling her back to me, so she runs back and forth a lot!”

On the rare occasions I do let Delilah off leash (at least lately) she herself has been so good at checking in that I don’t get the opportunity to call her back! Sampson thinks that every time I call him, someone is nearby. He’s such a tool.

Hailey and Zaphod said, “Hailey has to be on leash as she would run way to far away. Phod never goes to far, and if he thinks he is too far, he comes back.”

That’s sweet of Phod, Hailey is like Delilah. I can’t tell you how many times she’s taken off on me.

Jan said, “Off leash my guys mostly forget I’m the pack leader. They become feral until I call their names.”

LOL I just can’t picture your dogs as ‘feral’.

Jen Gabbard said, “Aw that’s so sweet, he looks so chill. Laika will run ahead but instead of sitting she turns around & silently barks at me.”

Does she just open and shut her mouth with no sound? That’s adorable!

Karen Dibert said, “Louie is the same! He’ll run ahead, then stop and look back as if to say, “are you even coming?” Margo, on the other hand, will keep running to find the end of the earth. She can’t be off leash.”

It seems you and I have two dogs with similar personalities. 😉

Cats, Cats and More Cats! – Blog the Change

Before we hit the comments, I want to thank all of you who shared this post. Donna updated me yesterday.  When the rescue came out to de-flea the cats, they agreed to take two more cats, and the owner is keeping one, which means they are still looking for homes for nine cats. Sadly some of the cats are too feral and they will be trapped, neutered and released.

Sue said, “I tried to take off my judgey pants, honest, but I sure wish that lady had spayed/neutered 🙁 We’ve lived in the country for years and like someone else said, we’ve fed a lot of feral cats over the years. S/N is our friends and the cats’, too.”

It is hard not to be judgey, Sue, I know. From what I know of hoarding, it appears to be a mental illness and based on some of the pictures of the house that I saw, I would say hoarding wasn’t their only problem. Don’t get me wrong, my housekeeping is far from perfect, but based on the pictures I saw, this couple was in way over their heads. (God forgive me for saying it.)

Jan said, “I saw a TV special on the number of kittens one unneutered male cat can produce and it was phenomenal. I’ve been working with our shelter to try to solve the same problem you cite where one lady fed all the feral cats in the area and when she was not able to care for them there were over 30!!”

THAT’S a lot of cats Jan! I often wonder how people get in so far over their heads.

Cathy Keisha said, “Unfortunately the best intentions can go wrong. Someone we know is in a similar situation. We’ll share and hope someone gives those kitties a place to live.”

And I do believe this woman did have good intentions, but it would seem like they really didn’t have the money to care for all those cats, never mind have them spayed and neutered. I hope the person you know can find homes for their cats.

Jan K said, “It is too bad when someone tries to do the right thing but it gets out of control. It is also sad that people are dumping cats and that the shelters are full.”

I think it’s easy to lose control and I agree, it’s sad that our society feels like animals are disposable.

Jen Gabbard said, “There’s never enough people to foster, donate, or adopt. But I have to remind myself that we can each only do so much, and when we each do something for at least one animal in need it is making the biggest difference in the world to that animal. I try not to let negativity get to me when it comes to animal advocacy, but somedays I realize how daunting it is. ”

It is so hard not to let it drag you down, but all we can do is the best we can and that is how we make a difference.

Sand Spring Chesapeakes said, “I know those people mean well but if they could just get the animals spayed and neutered it might not get out of hand. Wish there was a less expensive spay neuter clinic for people in this situation.”

I think there are places around that do low cost, but I also think a lot of folks don’t know where to find such resources.

2 Brown Dawgs said, “I hope they can find homes for those cats. It does not sound like an ideal situation for a happy outcome.”

I agree.

She Walked Away – Barks and Bytes

Lauren Miller said, “They might not hate him as much now that he’s older. Zoe doesn’t like puppies, either!”

That would be nice, since she is more than likely going to be staying with us for a couple of weeks while we work on removing a tenant.

Emma said, “We learned early on that other dogs get to play with us in the yard and then come into the house too, so we always let them in. Mom is happy our lives started this way so we don’t have any issues. No, Mom isn’t super clever or smart, it just happened because in Germany dogs are everywhere, go everywhere and most of our friends had dogs so it just happened and turned out to be a good thing.”

I think that’s awesome, I wish the states were more like Germany in that respect.

Taryn said, “LOL! Isn’t it annoying when the dogs don’t do their park and provide blog fodder?!”

And all this time I thought I was the one who lost my mojo…maybe it’s her. 😉 LOL

Mary said, “I suppose you just need to be proud of Delilah for keeping her shit together.”

Honestly Mary, these days she keeps her shit together better than I do. 🙂

We Live in a Flat said, “I thought this was rather humorous. 🙂 And aren’t you glad Delilah was so chill?”

Thank you. Humor seems to be harder for me to come by these days, and yes, I’m so glad she was so chill!

Repoleon said, “They are a mystery aren’t they…. I can’t count the times I have expected things to be fine and they have gone terribly wrong or the times I expected the worst and it was all good.”

Yes, exactly! Although I have to say, I tend to lean towards things going badly and end up pleasantly surprised.

Flea said, “I do believe Beau is the cutest bulldog I’ve ever seen.”

He is pretty damn cute. 

That’s it for me folks! Have a wonderful weekend!

Welcome to this week’s edition of Follow-Up Friday, the post where I highlight awesome comments, answer reader’s questions and generally just wrap up my week.

You Make Me Smile – July 5, 2015

 

Emma said, “Lots of us are nervous around those walker thingys as the people who use us seem to have a knack for running over dogs with them. I would sleep with one eye open around one too.”

This Grandma is very good about watching for four-leggers, (Sampson and Delilah trained her well.) Delilah’s eyes are open because she heard the phone snap on. LOL

Jan said, “She just needs a little metal cage to protect herself from any evil forces that might crop up when she is out of her comfort zone. I love the eyes.”

It has taken her a very long time to feel comfortable at Grandma’s, I was so proud of her and wanted to snap a photo, but she heard the camera app turn on. 🙁

Jan K said, “Even our beagle Kobi was restless when we went to other people’s houses, and he was our most easy going dog. I don’t think he liked being away from his food, and worried we wouldn’t get home in time for his next meal.:-)”

LOL You have to love a dog that loves his food!

Jen Gabbard said, “It’s amazing to me how long it can take dogs to finally settle in and relax. ”

It is surprising. Some dogs seem to do it with ease, while others struggle. I think her inability to relax stems from whatever went on with her before she came to us. I’m glad she’s finally doing it, just sad it’s taken so long.

Honey, I Lost the Dog

Phew, I don’t feel so bad. Almost every one of you has lost their dog or cat in their house at some point. Some of the stories are hysterical so I recommend you go back and read those comments!

Paved by Paw Prints said, “When I started reading your post, I was like ‘oh no, please have a happy ending!’ ”

I’m sorry, I should have begun the post letting you know he was okay.

Lauren Miller (ZoePhee) asked, “What is it with husbands that go, “What do you mean X is lost? Are you sure?” ”

No idea. Like we wouldn’t have looked everywhere we could possibly look before involving them!

Jen Gabbard asked, “Well your mothers dog is certainly living the good life now, isn’t he?”

He sure seems to be. LOL

Lauranne said, “I have done it more times than I care to admit. It’s awful isn’t it! It’s when you check the usual spots, and they aren’t there so you check them again, and again! Each time feeling the panic rising!”

The first time through I thought I must have missed him, then I thought he’d slipped outside while I wasn’t looking, then I panicked. It’s a terrible feeling.

Monika said, “Totally and more than once. I laughed out loud throughout your entire post because I have been there, done that, bought the tee-shirt to prove it. ”

Oh my. I’m so glad I’m not the only one.

Jenna, Mark “HuskyCrazed” Drady said, “That reminds me of a time when my hubby was driving home, and he called me. He had asked if my one dog Koda was here, I said ummm yea, duh, of course he is here, where else would he be? He said because I swear I just saw him walking around with some guy. I literally had to get up and look for him because I didn’t see him laying where he usually does. Luckily he was laying out in front of the air conditioner, but it did scare me for a moment hahaha!”

Nothing worse than that is there? Your story reminded me of a story from when I was a kid. My mom had this orange cat named Thomas. She absolutely adored this cat. Well one day my father called her from wherever he was to tell her that the cat had been hit by a car and killed.  He told her he had buried Thomas in the backyard.

My mother looked over at her sleeping cat and had to tell my father that he had buried someone else’s cat in our backyard!

Pamela said, “It’s always the good ones that get you the most scared. Because when they disappear, you know it’s gotta be something terrible.”

My mind automatically thought he was hurt somewhere. Or worse.

Elaine said, “Oh my gosh, that’s kind of like when you put your purse somewhere different in the car than you normally do and suddenly you panic thinking that you left it somewhere, lol!”

Oh yeah! Or you put your credit/debit card in the wrong place and freak out thinking someone will be raiding your accounts.

2 Brown Dawgs said, “I haven’t lost the dog in the house, but one morning (I think it was a Saturday) I got up and did my normal morning stuff. Eventually I noticed no Thunder. Thunder Thunder where could he be? I called hubby. He decided to take him to work with him and left before I got up. Yes there was momentary panic.”

HOLY SMACK! I think I would have freaked out! Did he not even leave a note?

Fuggin’ Cats

Lauren Miller (ZoePhee) asked, “So what happened next!?! I’m dying to know if you were able to get the special present and get away!”

Callie, Shadow and Ducky’s Mom asked, “So, how DID you manage to clean up after Sampson with him, Delilah, and the “fuggin’ cat” all ready to lunge at any moment?”

I’m sorry you guys! I shouldn’t have left you hanging like that. I ended up getting them both to sit, told them to stay, picked up the ‘goodies’ and then took out the camera. And would you believe that Fuggin’ Cat that stared down my dogs, couldn’t be bothered to even look at the camera? LOL

Lauranne said, “Mity used to love cats, he wanted to be their friends and would try and lick them. One day he rounded a corner and a cat was sat there. He licked the cat. The cat just had a WTF look on it’s face, while Mity continued happily on his walk. It was soooo funny!”

OH MY GOD. I laughed so hard when I read this. I can only imagine the look on the cat’s face!

Jan K said, “I ass-ume everything came out OK? Sorry, couldn’t help myself.”

There’s one in every crowd. 😉 LOL yes, everything came out just fine!

Well folks, that’s it for me. Have a great weekend!

 

 

Welcome to this week’s edition of Follow-Up Friday, the post where I highlight reader’s comments, answer questions and generally just wrap up my week.

You Make Me Smile – June 28, 2015

Taryn said, “We don’t do Kongs but my guys (and especially Jimmy) ask for help with stuff all the time. Just yesterday, Jimmy woofed at me with an expectant look on his face. I asked “What’s wrong?” and he turned and pointed at a spot on his back leg with his nose. I could see the fur was messy and wet. OK, let me check….sure enough, he had a tick (yuck!) embedded!”

Yuck on the tick, but the rest is adorable. I love how they find ways to communicate!

Callie, Shadow and Ducky’s mom said, ”   I love the look on Delilah’s face! She has you well trained in the art of holding her Kong! BTW, is that a PURPLE Kong? ”

It IS a purple Kong. It’s the only purple Kong I have and I make sure that one is Delilah’s.

Monika said, “Oh Jodi, your dogs always make me smile too. I don’t get a present, just that ‘look.’ Hard stare at the empty treat delivery system switching over to a hard look straight at me, repeated over and over again.”

Awe, thanks Monika! Poor, sweet Sam, I bet that tugs on your heart. Delilah gives me the Lab Death Stare until I give her what she wants. Sampson just lies there patiently staring at me with sad eyes until I realize he’s looking at me. LOL

Hailey and Zaphod said, “Our angel pups use to like us to hold the rawhide. They would get really annoyed if you didn’t hold it right. The habits they develop crack me up!”

I’m sorry about your pups, but what a really sweet memory. And you are right about the habits, they really do have a mind of their own.

Jan said, “My dogs have learned what “Take it in the kitchen” means when they bring us empty Kongs.”

Very impressive Jan! Delilah cracks me up because she knows what it means when I say, lift it up (so I can slide a towel under it) and the other night she had her Kong on the floor and I said, “Delilah put it on the towel” and sure enough, she picked up that Kong and moved it to the towel! 

Jackie Bouchard said, “Rita doesn’t bring me her Kong for help (but we only fill it w/ Kong easy-cheese, so it’s easy to get out on her own). But she does look to me for help with other things – like the ball just barely under the sofa (so annoying – I swear she kicks it under there on purpose) and help with food puzzles.”

I’m curious Jackie. Do you freeze the cheese filled Kong or do you just fill it and give it to her?

Last week I asked Jackie if she ever tried to give Rita pineapple. Would you believe she actually did and made a blog post about it? So do you think Rita ate it or not?

My Mom Has a Dog and I Call Him…

Lauren Miller said, “LOL! Isn’t it funny how those things happen?”

 

I’m glad he is happy and comfortable, but I do feel a bit badly for Delilah.

Clowie asked, “I think most dogs would take that as a compliment! And what do you call your mom?”

LOL Clowie, are you asking what I call her to her face, or in my head? 

Callie, Shadow and Ducky’s mom said, “Aw, how can you call Sampson “Asshole” when he’s your heart dog? Oh wait, that’s a “term of endearment” for you! ”

LOL Sue, you know me too well. Once I had a problem with something I ordered and I called the guy a dickhead. He got so pissed and I was like, “But I call my husband that all the time and it doesn’t bother him.”  I honestly didn’t get what tweaked him off so much.

Beth said, “He’s one smart dog! I wonder if he calls you “Sucker!””

I’m often glad they can’t talk. After listening to me, I can only imagines what they’d call me. LOL

Pamela said, “Bwa ha ha! This is such a classic Jodi post. Love it….BTW, does your mom read your blog? Does Sampson?”

Thanks Pamela. Yes my mom does read the blog (Hi Mom!) but unless she’s reading it to Sampson, he would be a no. 😉

Jenna, Mark, “Husky-Crazed” Drady said, “Thats ok, I call mine assholes every day! hahaha”

LOL sometimes I call them far worse!

Houndstooth asked, “How did you end up with that deal?!”

KimT said, “I had that situation with a dog my daughter brought home. I call her CindyLu 😉”

OMG you stole her dog?! If my mother renames my dog, the fur will really fly in this house. Do you hear that mother?

Keeping Your Pets Safe on 4th of July

Paved by Paw Prints said, “I really like the idea of having the TV or music on to muffle the noise. I will try it next time!”

There is also a CD you can order called “Through a Dog’s Ear” it is music designed to help sooth your pooch.

Emma said, “Bailie started to be a bit scared this year, so Mom got right on it with treats for every bang and she seems to be fine with it now as long as she is in the house.”

That’s a smart Mom you have there Emma. Desensitizing is also an option. It’s what I did with Delilah when she first came to us and she barked at the microwave making popcorn. A few nights of redirecting her and treating her and she stopped doing it.

Flea said, “Our dogs will be inside. In fact, Patches will be in the tub. It’s her safe place.”

That’s awesome that she has a safe place. Do you line it with blankets or is she content to climb into the cool tub?

Kimberley Gauthier said, “We have a huge industrial fan that we place in front of our french doors in the morning and evening to cool the house off. This will also help decrease some of the fireworks (but not the ones next door).”

Fans are a great option, but as you said, the ones right next door can be troublesome.

Taryn said, “Both Jimmy and Wilson hate/fear fireworks, but my first corgi LOVED them. He would go with us to the fireworks shows and watch them launch from the ground and them explode overhead. You could see the wonder in his eyes. The only problem was he would cheer them on quite loudly to the annoyance of the crowd.”

LOL that would not bother me, I would think it was adorable!

Monika asked, “Excellent advice! Are these the same neighbors who don’t pick up poop off their deck by any chance? :-)”

NO. Those people are across the street. The firecracker guy is two houses up.

Ronda said, “Socks really hates loud noises. We give her a 3mg Melitonin and we have a Thunder shirt for her. You can get them lots of places but the best place is Bed Bath & Beyond because you can use a 20% off coupon. They really work good. They hold them real tight and press on certain nerves to calm them. I got my first one from the vet.”

Thank you for sharing that Ronda, I forgot about the Melitonin and I did not low you could get the Thunder Shirt at Bed Bath & Beyond! They almost always have a coupon too, right?

Well that’s it for me folks, have a safe and happy 4th of July!