Heart Like a Dog

The Good, the Bad, and the Oh My God of living with dogs!

When You're Down

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I’ve always been under the impression that dogs (as well as other animals) have a sixth kind of sense.  That they can sense things that humans may not be aware of.

I’ve heard stories of animals living in nursing homes who suddenly appeared in a patient’s room and a short time later the patient  passed.

One time when I had a terrible migraine I overdosed myself on Xanax, quite by accident I assure you, yet I somehow managed to drive myself home where I immediately fell into bed.  Sampson my sweet puppy stayed right by my side.

So when I came down with a stomach bug and had to leave work a few minutes early on Monday, I expected a bit more from the dogs.

I walked through the door practically doubled in pain and Delilah jumped into my face.  I went into the kitchen to get their dinners ready and both dogs were jumping around, under my feet, in my way.  Well you get the idea.

I went into the bedroom and sat down on the bed to take off my shoes and put my pajamas on and both dogs were jumping all over me.

I know, I know they were excited and happy to see me, and I appreciate that.  I really do.  I just felt really bad and had hopes they would sense my need for rest.

Eventually they did settle down and luckily I began to feel better pretty quickly because I ended up rubbing this one’s ears.

For a very long time.

But seriously, how can you look at this face and not want to snuggle?

Pet Blogger Challenge

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I decided to take the leap and do the Pet Blogger Challenge hosted by Will My Dog Hate Me and Go Pet Friendly.  Since I didn’t know about this challenge last year, this will be my first time participating.   The questions for repeaters are different then the questions for first timers.

When did you begin your blog?

I started my blog December 1, 2010.

What was your original purpose for starting a blog?

My original purpose was a challenge to myself to blog every day for a year. My hope was to better my writing and to generate interest in a book I had written.  I had gone to a seminar given by a literary agent at a local library, and her advice was to develop an internet presence in order to have people interested in what you have to say.

Is your current purpose the same?

Yes and no. I think  the original book I had written isn’t really the way I want to go.  I still hope to become a published author, I’m just not sure it will be a children’s book anymore. 

My ultimate goal has always been to share my sweet Sampson with the world and to let others know the joy and love experienced from being owned by a furry bundle of love.

If not, what’s different?

My goal now is to become a writer.  Whether that means I blog professionally or personally, my ultimate goal is to be able to stay home and write for a living.  Allowing me what I consider to be the best of both worlds…spending time with my dogs but still have an income.

If so, how do you feel you’ve met your goals?

Well you’re reading this right?  LOL I’ve actually developed a readership.  Granted it is not as large as I would like, but it is still people I didn’t know before I started this blog. 

Do you blog on a schedule or as the spirit moves you?

My goal is to blog every day and I do. 

If the former, how often — and what techniques do you use to stick to it?

I blog every day, and the post must be up BEFORE I go to bed, mostly I blog at night after dinner, but there are times I start the post early and work on it throughout the day.

If the latter, do you worry about… well, whatever you might worry about (e.g. losing traffic, losing momentum)?

I do worry about losing readers because that is who I am.  It still boggles my mind when I see the post was sent to 53 Word Press subscribers!

Are you generating income from your blog?

No.  So far no-one has approached me for advertising purposes.

If so, how (e.g. sponsor ads, affiliate relationships, spokesperson opportunities)?

If not currently, do you hope to in the future — and how?

I’m on the fence about it.  I’m thinking more in lines of a sponsorship, where people would pay to ‘sponsor’ the blog.  I also think I would be particular about who I chose to sponsor me.  For instance, I personally don’t use those chemical flea and tick products you put on your pet once a month.  Since I don’t believe in them I would not want them to sponsor me.

What do you like most about blogging in general and your blog in particular (bragging is good!)?

What I love about blogging is the relationships I have developed with my readers and other bloggers.  The Blogosphere is a tight-knit community and we all have each other’s backs.  If you are feeling down in the dumps or unsure you can bet a fellow blogger will be right there with their hand out, pulling you up and holding you up if necessary.

What I like most about my blog in particular is that it’s mine, no-one can dictate that they want it ‘done’ a certain way, however it turns out, it is all me.

What do you like least?

The technological side of blogging usually has me scratching my head.  I’m more of a ‘learn by doing’ kind of gal, so in order for me to learn technical stuff, I have to have the book in front of me and do it step by step.  I’m not always very good at finding those types of resources.

How do you see your blog changing/growing in 2012?

I definitely hope to really grow my readership, and develop more blogging relationships.

This is the PBC blog hop, you can get your link here.

Heavens To Murphy!

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Today’s post is about a dog named Murphy.   Murphy is a yellow lab who sometimes goes to daycare with Sampson and Delilah.

When I first met Murphy I thought she was about seven or eight years old.  Why?  Because Murphy looks like she is much older.  For one thing, she has that spread that a lot of labs get in their later years. 🙁

Murphy’s mom (K) absolutely adores Murphy, so she denies her nothing.  K told me that Murphy only gets one cup of kibble twice per day, but her problem is the treats.  When Murphy comes to K for food, K gives her treats.

K and her husband are both older folks, I can’t guess people’s ages anymore but I would say K is somewhere in her 60’s.   K has absolutely no control over Murphy because Murphy has K wrapped around her tail.

About 6 weeks ago I found out K had been cited for not keeping Murphy under control.

When I ran into K at daycare she told me what happened.  K was walking Murphy and she saw a woman with a dog approaching.  She could tell by the ‘look of the dog’ it was a pit bull, and she is terrified of pit bulls, so she froze.

The approaching woman sensed her panic and said, “Perhaps we should cross the street,” which she did.

As the woman and her dog crossed the street, K isn’t really sure what happened but Murphy took off after and bit the other dog.   So K got a ticket and was warned about Murphy’s aggression.

I always want to be respectful of other people and their dogs, so I said, “Can I be honest with you?”

“Oh yes, of course” was her response.

I outright told her that Murphy is overweight and perhaps because she is overweight she doesn’t feel well.  K acknowledged Murphy was overweight and that is when she told me her problem with treats.

We discussed K bringing Murphy to our Thursday night drop in obedience class, so K could get some help with managing Murphy.

K said she would try to get Murphy to class but they only have one car and her husband has activities on Thursday nights.

We never saw K at class.

During last week’s Thursday night obedience class I was filling Sara in on my little New Year’s Eve fall.  Sara had a story of her own to share.

K was in the hospital with a fractured skull because Murphy had knocked her down on one of their walks.  Apparently Murphy stayed right next to K on the sidewalk until someone came along and  K was able to stay conscious long enough to tell the good Samaritan where to take Murphy.

Last I heard she was expected to be released soon, and the Dr. has told her she can no longer walk Murphy.  I wonder what will happen and if this fall is enough of a wake-up call for K.

Do you have any thoughts or suggestions that might encourage K to do the right thing for Murphy?  I really think she’s a sweet dog.

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