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.

Day 13 of the #Advent4Dogs had a little problem.  Kol’s Notes had no power and so the post wasn’t up when my post went up. That should all be straightened out now, so if you had trouble entering day 13, please try again.  Thank you for your patience.

You Make Me Smile – December 14, 2014

Thank you all for the wonderful birthday wishes for D-Dog (as Monika called her.)  I think she had a great day.  She got a new stuffie, had a couple of very nice (although one of them nearly stopped MY heart) walks, and of course got lots and lots of kisses and hugs.

It’s the Woods…It’s Always the Woods

Sue said, “Really lovely. My experience is less poetic. On leash walks all three of my dogs want to head straight to the barn and corrals… horse “apples,” you know…”

Ewwww, I’m glad my dogs haven’t developed that habit yet. 🙂

Kirsten said, “I am like you Jodi–the woods make me so happy. A hike away from everything always restores me–not to mention the dogs.”

There’s something so beautiful, peaceful and soul restoring about it for me.

Jan K said, “I love the woods year round, but there is something so special about them in the winter, especially right after a fresh snow. They are just so peaceful.”

I agree.  The snow blankets the ground and muffles the sound of civilization.  There is something so very calming about it.

Kim T said, “Magical, mystical, magnetic – I’m drawn! That must be almost like meditating, walking through those woods. Sampson’s one smart boy!”

It’s truly a refuge for me.  It’s where I come up with plot ideas, blog posts, etc.

Jen Gabbard says, “Oh I love the woods so much as well. I’m so lucky to have a huge forest backing up to our yard so Laika and I can go out on our wooded adventures everyday. Well when I say everyday we do skip out during hunting season because she sort of looks like a deer.. There is something so relaxing about them. It doesn’t matter where – If I’m in a forest I’m content.”

I agree.  I also love walking on the beach, but there is something about the woods that just does it for me.

If It’s Not the Dumb Ass Dog Owners…It’s Their Guests

DZ Dogs said, “We train all our friends and family before that are allowed to walk our pups. We work hard to keep the rules consistent and dogs always under control.”

We’re pretty much the same way here.  Although our back yard is fenced, so we are usually okay with people letting them out there.

Lauranne said, “On what planet would you do that?”

BWA HA HA I have no clue.

Jan K asked, “Do you ever get to have a nice relaxing walk?”

Very seldom.  If it’s not challenges in my neighborhood, it’s my dogs.  Sampson is a real idiot sometimes.

Blueberry’s Human said, “I don’t know how you do it. I would have stopped walking them a long time ago. I don’t think my heart could take all that excitement. Or maybe I would just take to wearing Depends on the walk since there seem to be ample startling opportunities for the soiling of undergarments. “Depends – not just for the aged with incontinence issues, also for people that walk their dogs in neighborhoods like Jodi’s – pick yourself up a box today!””

Oh. My. God.  “Oops, I crapped my pants where your dog on the e-fence charged me.” 

Jan said, “My guests are not allowed to feed my dogs or let them out or even touch them. They are allowed to look at them. I am not what you would call a gracious hostess.”

Jan you crack me up.

Pamela asked about electric fences, “Even if it keeps your dog from leaving the yard, how does it keep you dog safe from someone getting into the yard?”

It doesn’t.  And that concerns me, especially in this neighborhood where there are fishers and coyotes.

Mountain Laurel…Barks and Bytes

Lauren Miller said, “I love walking the dogs in the forest in winter!! It’s so quiet and awesome!!”

I agree.  Especially when there is a fresh blanket of snow.

Lauranne said, “I have to say I do enjoying walking in the woods in winter, although not at night. I hate walking alone in the dark at night!!”

I’m not big on THAT either.  I don’t mind walking the dogs in the morning when dawn is coming, but hate doing it at night.  And I WON’T walk in the woods at dark!

Hawk aka BrownDog said, “My Human is going to be very sad to hear about the laurel and the fungus. Mountain laurel grow wild in our mountains.”

It’s upsetting to me too.  I love Mountain Laurel.

Emma asked, “What, busy on Christmas? Don’t all bloggers stay home alone in a dark room with their computers and blog all day???”

Yeah, that’s it Emma. 😉

Blueberry’s Human said, “I once drove up north to a forest to walk my foster dog and I have to tell you, I was really unnerved by the whole experience. You can’t see more than 10 feet ahead of you with all those dang trees! And I went up there on a weekday, when it was super cold and snow was on the ground and we were the only ones out there…that is, until the shady looking guy on a motorcycle pulled in and was wandering around. I’m pretty sure he just stopped to use the little restroom facility, but you never know. ”

Um, that would scare me too and yeah, I get scared in my woods too.  I’ve had a couple of freaky encounters myself.  I’m going to look those up and link to them.  You’ll get a good chuckle out of it.

Jan asked, “So sad about the mountain laurel fungus. Is there some kind of spray that can control it? Would ordinary citizens get in trouble if they tried to control it?”

You know, one of our clients at work is an arborist and I’m pretty sure he talked to me about it, but I’m not sure about regular citizens applying something.  And it’s a pretty big woods too, I’m not sure how the fungus spreads either.

Daisy said, “Woodland walks are my favorites, I could live in a cabin nestled in the woods for the rest of my life and be totally happy.”

You and me both sister!

Welcome to Day 19 of the #Advent4Dogs Giveaway hosted by Kol’s Notes, Dogthusiast, Heart Like a Dog, NEPA Pets & Wag’n’Woof Pets. Today’s give away is sponsored by EarthRated. Enter now for your chance to win (what else?) POOP BAGS!!

You don’t have to be ashamed, squeamish or embarrassed to pick up that steamer with EarthRated poop bags.   They are a great size (9×11), scented (so your not smelling your dog’s business all the way home) and the best thing is you can get them in bulk (for the homes with multi-poopers.)

Today’s trivia question can be found at NEPA Pets. 

That’s it for me folks.  Thanks for hanging in there with 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.

Caption the Photo

Sophie said, “OH, Mom, “Just 5 more minutes!” ”

Sand Spring Chesapeakes said, “Awe shucks, you caught me, can’t I just sleep in today?”

Frankie and Ernie said, “P. Uie…. I gotta cut the BEANS outta my diet.”

Jen Gabbard said, “Dude – I was having a dream about Lassie, did you really have to wake me up?”

Sophie hit the nail on the head.  That is exactly what I was thinking! LOL but I so enjoyed all the comments.  When Sampson was a puppy I had to call him like a child just to get him out of bed and outside before I left for work.

Find the Beauty

Molly the Wally said, “That really is the downside of this time of year…the dark o clock mornings.”

I love that saying, “dark o clock”! LOL

Frankie and Ernie said, “Just think of this…. Dec. 21st. is the SHORTEST (DARKEST) day of the YEAR… and on the 22nd.. the days start getting LONGER… Isn’t that exciting? We love that thought. It is like a Christmas gift…”

It is exciting. You know those silly surveys that you take where they ask you what your favorite day is?  Most people list a holiday or their birthday but I always say December 21st, because after that the days get longer again!

Christmas Came Early

A quick update. Di has informed me that Charlie has discovered the oranges in the yard and likes to chase after them; although they’re a bit big for his mouth.  I think Charlie might be getting a ball for Christmas. 🙂

Sue said, “Wonderful! I needed a good news story today ”

We all need good news stories like this Sue!

Jan said, “It is hard to understand anyone being cruel to such an adorable dog, but I do love happy endings.”

It totally boggles my mind how people can be so cruel.

Sherrie Petrie said, “Two weeks ago my hubby was looking on the web page for the Municipal Shelter and found the cutest Chihuahua puppy (a deer chihuahua) who had been there over a month and was an owner surrender. We think the previous owners had small children because when we played with her tail she would snap at us and if cornered she would attack snapping but after two weeks of love and affection she has turned into a spoiled little precious angle!!!!!!! She sleeps with all of us (her other 2 “sisters”) at night and has mastered the doggie door. I’m very proud of her !!!!!!!”

Whoo Hoo!! Good for you Sherrie!!  Another feel good story.  Bless you.

#Advent4Dogs Day 10

Emma said, “Mom is terrified that we could take off some day, so we always carry our info on our collars and we have chips too. ”

It scares me too Emma.  Because Delilah is after all a runner.

Two French Bulldogs said, “People like stealing French Bulldogs. Mom keeps her eye out for us.”

That worries me too Lily and Edward.  Not Delilah so much….I think they’d bring her back. 😉

2 Brown Dawgs said, “Delilah would never take off on you!”

BWA HA HA right.  From your lips.

Oh the Weather Outside is Frightful

Sophie said, “What a day you had! I laughed all the way through your post. I could picture every step of your day. I know why you can’t stay mad at Delilah. She has the sweetest expression! She smiles sweetly with her eyes. She is a love.”

I’m glad, I meant it to be funny.  And you are right, I can’t usually stay mad at her.

Molly the Wally said, “Sorry we laughed too and specially at the bit about well how many times can a dog shake themselves dry in the rain?…….never too many times in our book.”

Yay, I wanted you to laugh.  Really?  You can’t shake enough? It sure felt like enough to me. LOL

Emma said, “Ice sucks, but we walk in all weather, so we take Mom out in ice storms too. She usually ends up falling and we then jump all over her thinking she wants to get down to our level and play. She seems to put on a bad mood after that happens and we end up skating back home. She bought something called yak traks for under her shoes for ice which help a bit, but we just enjoy dragging her along with us wherever we decide to go. ”

Oh Emma, you crack me up.  I do have a knock off set of Yaks, Hubby tells me they’re in my car.  I suppose it’s time to take them out.

Hawk a.k.a. Brown Dog said, “My Human got me a set of Pawz,…Course, visualizing you trying to get 8 boots on 8 Lab feet…WOW! WHAT A POST THAT WOULD MAKE! BOL!!!

I keep saying I’m going to get them booties or shoes, I just haven’t done it yet  But you can be when I do, I’ll be writing a post about it. 🙂

Jan K said, “I won’t usually walk when it’s really icy, but sometimes you just have to.”

Since Sampson had his surgery the dogs have become accustomed to doing their morning business on their walk.   I figured I have better control of them if I’m walking them and they’re not out in the yard taking chances.

Blueberry’s Human said, “I love your various nicknames for them! I’m glad we don’t have ice issues here; I can barely walk on dry surfaces.”

LOL I’m sure you walk just fine!  Glad you liked the names.

Beth said, “Careful on that ice! After falling twice in 2 years (not on ice but from an elevation) and breaking each arm, I’m EXTREMELY nervous of slipping.”

Oh my gosh!  That’s awful, I hope you’ve had no lasting injuries!  Yes, I try to be careful, I’ve fallen before and hurt myself, so I’m extra careful.

Monika said, ” Stay warm and don’t be too hard on the ‘Evil One’; she’s so adorably cute and clever and the topic of so many delightful stories that make the rest of us smile with our morning coffee. ”

Thank you, what would I write about with her?

Jan said, “Love your varying nicknames for your dogs. I knew which was which. Do they have any nicknames for you after they return from these icy walks?”

Oh I’m sure they do Jan.  I’m just glad they can’t articulate it. 😉

And finally, it’s day 12 of #Advent4Dogs, check out the awesome prize. 

 

Welcome to Day 12 of the #Advent4Dogs Giveaway hosted by Kol’s Notes, Dogthusiast, Heart Like a Dog, NEPA Pets & Wag’n’Woof Pets. Today’s give away is sponsored by For the Love of a Dog. Enter now for your chance to win a pair of dog lover earrings.  I personally have a custom pair of earrings by Sue and I can tell you, they are absolutely beautiful, with excellent craftsmanship.

Contest open to US/Canada

Today’s trivia question can be found at Wag ‘N Woof Pets.  Enter at Kol’s Notes for your chance to win.