Tuesday, February 1, 2011

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BAILEY!




Oh our Beloved Beagle! Happy 4th Birthday Bailey! We adopted you from 2nd Chance Animal Adoption in Fruitland, ID on Feb 2/10 after seeing the word 'BEAGLE' on their sign.  We adore you, love your antics and personality, your enthusiastic participation in our active, outdoor lifestyle and can't imagine life without you! I support beagle rescuing/adopting!





Last week we had a scare when riding in our neighborhood, me on my bike and Bailey attached with the Walky Dog Bike Leash, a dog leapt off its property and attacked him. Thankfully I was able to grab the dog's collar and get it off Bailey (fully expecting to be mauled while doing so, but didn't) but not without Bailey receiving a bite and a leg he couldn't put weight on.




After a Vet Exam it was determined he had soft tissue damage to the leg so he was given antibiotics and pain meds. I placed a call to Animal Control, gave a statement and the owners were given a citation. 


 (This is the Animal Control Truck parked in front of the Offending dog's house (to the left) - delivering a citation)


I have concern for others, especially the chidren/teens who walk their dogs past that house. That black dog has always lunged to the end of it's lead, barking, growling and showing teeth each time I've walked Bailey by it. Needless to say, we won't be passing near that home again. 

I didn't return him to the dog park until yesterday and by his play, it seems he's close to returning to his regular self. Yay.

So, Happy Birthday you Awesome Beagle! Hoping for many more adventurous and healthy years for you!




BAILEY'S BIRTHDAY 'STROLL IN THE PARK'

Since it was the boy's birthday and b/c I like to explore new places, we went for a drive and ended up in Auburndale; a mere 6 miles from Winter Haven. 


I really like Auburndale; it is an inviting, beautiful and quaint little town, er...city


Attractive stone walking paths and sidewalks








On our way, we walked past the Historic Baynard House







~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



Bailey enjoyed a nice stroll on those attractive brick/stone sidewalks on our way to....


Lake Stella Park [ha ha, it is said that 'Lake Stella' is another sink-hole lake created by dissolution of the under-laying limestone.] 


To me, regardless of Lake Stella's formation, I find it a beautiful, peaceful, refreshing place to walk or 'just be'.


Here is Birthday Boy Bailey, just 'being'; it was warm today with high humidity so he was panting most of the way so I think he enjoyed a short respite.





Finally! A Drink, back at the vehicle!




Sunday, August 22, 2010

Establishing Yourself As The Pack Leader

Whether you have just adopted a young pup or an adult dog, you have many things to teach your new companion. You want your dog to be loved, trained and lively, but not spoiled, a robot or uncontrollable. Dogs can be naturals at learning manners and commands, particularly when you understand a key aspect of their nature. Dogs are social, pack-oriented animals. Your dog will respect a strong, clear, fair leader. If you fail to establish this position for yourself, your dog will feel obliged to try to take the position of leader for himself.

[Read whole Article]

Monday, August 16, 2010

Monday, July 19, 2010

EXERCISE & DOGS

When exercising your dogs, be sure to monitor them at all times, provide ample water for hydration and watch that they don't become distracted in the event they take a misstep and become injured.