Mom and Dad Went to Rockport and All We Got Was

Nothing. Can you believe it????

Dad has not uploaded our new pictures so you will have to miss your Sheltie fix.

Mom said she tried to find us a treat at the dog botique store, but she has seen better selections at the dollar store. She was so disappointed. She got great deals for so many people, but nothing for us because the stuff was just not worth it. They had nothing we would have liked.

Mom did get a cool Sheltie Pewter key chain. So we know she was thinking about us. She is going to get Dad to take a picture of it later. It is formed in the shape of a Sheltie on one side and has the characteristics of a Sheltie listed on the other. The woman had no trouble selling Mama on the deal.

Mama and Papa are home tomorrow, but have plans with Grandma and Grandpa for Wednesday that depend on the weather. They will owe us big when their vacation is over.

SS Sheltie Scientists Test Human Reactions

The voyage continues. Today we decided to run experiments on reactions. Katy was working on stimulation techniques to determine how subject reacts to different Sheltie stimuli.

Bailey decided to work on toy stimulation. He wanted to see how the subjects react to toys.

Katy learned that subjects Papa and Mama do not like the paw scratch. In fact, carefully study has determined that there is a negative reaction to scratching. Tests using noses and licks have determined that cold noses get the immediate reaction. Gentle licks result in positive reactions like petting, treats, and game playing.

Bailey constantly pushed his way into my experiments, but he was focusing on what toys interested our subjects and when using these toys were most effective. He concluded that squeaking toys are only tolerated at certain tones and levels for a set amount of time.

This post was supposed to have been transmitted yesterday. However, subject Mama was distracted and hit save draft instead of post.

Sleep the Final Frontier

These are the voyages of the SS Sheltie whose only mission is to find entertainment, protect the frontier, enjoy life, and to keep Mama and Papa awake while doing it.

Our latest experiment on sleep deprivation has some rather unexpected and unwelcome results. Subjects Mama and Papa have not been happy with our late night and early morning house explorations during storm situations.

This morning subject Papa actually placed Katy in the crate after she ran wild during a test of her physical agility that required her to leap in the dark on the bed. Her landing was off and subject Papa was not pleased with the outcome.

It appears our voyage here to explore the wild weather phenomena know as thunder has had unexpected side effects that we cannot seem to control. We do notice that while we seem to have no adverse effects from these night and early morning excursions, our subjects do seem to be exhibiting crankiness, a need for more sleep, and less enthusiasm for long walks. There will be more on our research to come later faithful readers. We are looking for a shady spot for a nap.

Doggy Doggy Quite Contrary How Does Your Garden Grow?

Well the flowers and the veggies are doing well.

Mom was so excited to make her first fresh eggplant parm. Dad walked in the house and was thrilled at the smells coming from the kitchen. This is unusual since Dad is the real cook in the family.

The tomatoes are starting to come in and Dad thinks it is funny that Mom thinks they taste like tomato candy.

Dad told us we have been doing a good job with critter control that is why he and Mom have such good stuff to eat. It is nice to be appreciated.

If Dad ever stops flying, we will post some updated pictures.

Hair Explosions

Mom and Dad have been pretty good about keeping up with our hair grooming. Part of the reason for their vigilance is we have been getting attacked with flower missiles and we have to be cleaned up from those unwarranted flower attacks that leave us with sticky flower weapons (Mom calls them seeds) that stick to our fur. It is rather painful having those sticky things removed. It is only because we have such a thick coat that they do not scratch us as they do Dad’s legs.

However, the last two weeks it has been hot and rainy and we have not been patrolling the hostile flower areas as much and therefore have not triggered the automatic hair brushings. Dad has been traveling and then Mom and Dad have been taking trips with Grandma and Grandpa. When Mama caught Katy rubbing the porch rails and me scratching she asked Dad how long it had been since the last brushing. She was very upset to realize it had been two weeks.

That is when Mom went to work and got out the brushes. There was something like a hair explosion when she started with the comb. White hair puffs just took flight. Dad says I have never done anything like this before. It could be I have never hidden from the hair police that long. Mom said it was like watching kids shoot off hair fireworks into the air. The hair was flying everywhere.

Katy of course being a princess did not shoot off fireworks. She tried to turn Mom into a Sheltie. Mom was covered from head to foot in Sheltie hair. Her hair does not explode into the air it drops and clings. No bursts of black and white hair for her, she just left hair covering everything in its path.

We thought we were done Saturday, but Sunday the brushes were back. There were no hair explosions this time, but lots of more of our hair gone. Katy did not have nearly the torture I did and it has been just the same amount of time. She claims it’s her princess qualities that keep her hair controlled.

We have another session scheduled for tonight. Mom says it is one of the duties of having beautiful Sheltie hair.

Doggy Rain Dances Work

Can you believe Mom and Dad were planning on an Anniversary beach trip right after Dad got home from a business trip? Really, leave us alone to go to a non-pet friendly area again? We think not and puppy prayers were answered. It is an icky day and we have Mom and Dad all to ourselves. We did hear Dad mention something about rescheduling. Not sure what that means.

Perhaps we should have been more excited when Mom was trying to find dog friendly beaches. Just because we are not excited about water does not mean should give up trying to find a place we can go.

We are still trying to figure out what Anniversary is and why Mom and Dad would plan a special day without us. What could be more special than a day with us?

Papa's Home and Mama Gets to Sleep

We have no idea why Mama thinks she can sleep while Papa is gone. It is far too stressful to sleep. Yesterday the thunder and lightning did not improve the situation and Mama brought out the Through a Dog's Ear: Music to Calm Your Canine Companion, Volume 1 and Bailey and I finally dropped off to sleep.

While Papa falls asleep to the music, Mama does not find the music all that sleep inspiring. She was up and grumpy. She seems to think that not sleeping for two days will do that.

We all were thrilled to see Papa though. Katy finally slept through the night, letting Mama get a real night’s sleep. Mama is still pretty tired this morning, but much less cranky.

Wordless Wednesday

Contrasts in Weather

First, it was too cold and we lacked access to patrol the yard.

Now it is too hot to run around and keep things under control.

We are hoping for some fun weather soon.

This Garden Thing Has its Moments

Mom and Dad spend more time outdoors. This weekend Mom and Dad were actually on the garden swing. OK they forgot to bring the cushions out and I ended up in Mom's lap instead of sitting on my favorite comfy spot. However, despite the heat they are still outside with us.

Dad is excited because he had enough veggies to make a salad. He had cucumber, lettuce, zucchini, green onions, and peppers. The tomatoes are still green, but he was happy with the harvest. He has an eggplant close to done and Mom is thinking parmesan. What does this have to do with us? Well as Mom always tells us, happy well fed parents make for happy Shelties. When they are eating healthy, they have more energy for playing with us and you know it is all about us.

No additional critter incursions to add to my weekend report. Katy and I have been vocal this weekend. I suspect that has helped keep down the visits. Human activity also makes them less likely to wander in and attack the plants.

There Really is a Creature in the Garden Stamping on the Veggies

We are demanding Mom get a CSI team out here to take samples so the next time she blames us we can be eliminated as suspects. She found a cat in the veggie garden and it left after we barked at it.

Now the last time Dad found Katy in the garden there was not one plant touched. Katy's princess paws negotiated the rows and not one veggie was harmed. We are demanding Dad reopen the onion assault case that he has blamed on us. We think there is reasonable doubt that others are to blame. If nothing else, we want paw prints and DNA to exclude us from any further crime scene activities. This garden is a hot bed of critter crime. We are tired of being blamed for it when there are clearly other suspects with motives to pin the veggie assaults on us.

Bark in the Park

While Mom was at the park yesterday she found out the Lowell Spinners are also having a Bark in the Park night that other bloggers had told her about. This Sunday, July 24 there are limited tickets for special human and doggy seating and you have to buy a special dog pass for $5. The money goes to the Lowell Humane Society. Sadly, Mom was late to the concept and the game is this Sunday. Dogs can participate in a dog parade before the game. There are special dog events between innings. It sounds like fun. Not only do I doubt Mom could get tickets but with Dad traveling and another non-doggy outing planned for Saturday, I don't see Dad making a trip back to the park for the dog baseball game.

However, now that we know about it, we have a whole year to work on Dad. By then Katy may even want to make the trip. Perhaps I should ask Santa for baseball gear when I visit this winter.

Wordless Wednesday Featuring Dogs in the Hosta

Mom and Dad are Going to a Baseball Game Without Us

Mom and Dad are off to see a minor league baseball game this week. They are taking Grandma, Grandpa, and one of our human cousins. Mom recently was talking about how family friendly this park was so we wanted to go. Mom had to explain family friendly means human kids, not fur kids.

Who are bigger baseball fans than us? We sit with Dad through every game. We would make great ball dogs. When the kids run the bases, we would be great at herding them. Yet, no dogs allowed in the park.

Can you picture us with our baseball hats and team bandanas? Well hopefully, Dad will leave the Red Sox game on so at least we can watch that while they are gone. Katy thinks we can get an extra walk out of Dad over this issue.

Doggy Story Time

I have been listening to audio books in the morning while I work on writing, crochet, and house projects. Some of the books I review for my education blog, others are just books of personal interest. This keeps me from doing what I did last night, staying up into the early hours of the morning finishing one paperback and one hardcover book that I need to return to the library.

Bailey and Katy were not sure at first about this noise coming from the stereo. However, now Katy will come and poke me if I have gotten distracted and forgotten to put her stories on when I come downstairs after my husband has left for work.

Yes, Katy now thinks that the stories are for her. Bailey will listen, and enjoy the voices, but the TV equally entertains him. There is something about the sounds coming from the stereo that Katy really enjoys.

Now Bailey will listen to anything that does not have scary sounds. He is the same way with TV. When I watch anything on TV with scary music or sounds, Bailey will leave the room and not return until it is over.

Katy on the other hand has developed a taste for books. At first, I thought it was the reader. Perhaps she appreciated a certain sound, tone in the voice of the reader. When she did not like the reader, she would demonstrate her objections by leaving. However, some of these readers read multiple series. She has liked some, disliked others. She seems to like the romantic stories. She has loved the The Frog Princess series and was very upset the other day when I did not continue the story as I had other tasks I needed to do outside the range of the stereo. She loved the Larklight series. However, she was not at all a fan of the Percy Jackson series I was reviewing. She came back for the The Red Pyramid series by the same author. I really am not sure I can trace a pattern. It has been amusing watching her get up and leave when she is just not interested.

Today she is resting by the door, listening to a new Charlie Bones series, Chronicles of the Red King. She seems interested and has yet to leave. Yes, Katy I did hear the CD player stop. I will put the next one in as soon as I finish typing.

Summer Dog Days

Summer time and the living is busy. We are having so much fun. There are so many more things to explore in the yard. Dad and Mom come out and play with us more often.

These things Mom call Hosta plants have become great caves for us. Last night Bailey and I dived in to them during our ball game with Dad. Who knew plant life could be so entertaining. You never know what you will find in there.

Katy and I have been working on our tree house, too. It is the best place to be when it gets hot and we want to be outside. It is also a great place to make contact with a certain dog next door.

Hiding my Bone

I am glad everyone liked my picture yesterday. What people missed was I was hiding my birthday bone from Bailey.

I love my crate. It is fun to go in and relax with my binky. Since Dad installed the air conditioner over my crate, it is fully air conditioned for the summer heat. One of the few places in the house Bailey does not like to go is my crate. You see this used to be Bailey's crate when he was a puppy. Unlike me, he was not a happy crate owner. He thinks crates are prisons with blankets.

Bailey was chasing me, I ducked into the crate with my bone and he stopped. After I came out and left the bone, he did not steal it from me for once. I had found a hiding place for my toy. Well for a little while. Eventually he did get the courage up to get it out. However, for a little while I had my toy all to myself.

Wordless Wednesday

Gardens are Not All Evil After All

Bailey and I have decided there are a few good uses for the gardens. The flowers in particular make wonderful hurdles and items to climb under when we play. Bailey is not as crazy about this as I am, but I love jumping over them in my zoomie phases.

Secondly, our neighbors have started a veggie garden and Dad and Mom have been giving them advice about the process. As a result, the Doggie Mom came over to our yard to visit. Bailey did the immediate meet and greet and I finally had the courage to go over and meet her. After all, if I want to meet the dog I have to charm the Mom. She really liked me and even petted my head. If this keeps up, I may finally get a chance to meet HIM. Our parents discussed some vague times for getting us together. This is the first time a play date has been discussed. I am so excited.

We Celebrated Mom's Birthday

We started the day by warning Mom and Dad of dangerous thunderstorms around 4AM. Since it was Mom's birthday, Dad took us downstairs and put our favorite CD, Through a Dog's Ear: Music to Calm Your Canine Companion, Volume 1 and we all fell asleep on the couch. Mom woke up around seven just in time for the second storm and Dad gave her birthday presents before going back to bed. I thought he got a pretty good night’s sleep with us on the couch.

Since it was rainy, Mom and Dad decided to spend the day doing some shopping and spending the rest of it with us. We got to play with our Nina Ottosson Dog Brick Interactive Dog Toy. Mom and Dad seem to have as much fun setting it up and watching us play as we do finding the treats. They even brought it out when Grandma and Grandpa came to visit on Sunday. As shy as Katy was, she refused to miss her chance to play and boldly walked into the room to take her place in the game. Mom and Dad were not sure if she would even play with Grandma and Grandpa in the room.

As part of Mama's birthday weekend we did get to see Grandma and Grandpa and that was fun. Katy was shy, but she spent dinner wrapped around Grandpa's chair much to everyone's surprise. She even touched Grandma's foot before she left which seems to be her new sign of acceptance into the tribe.

Grandma and Grandpa are going to be coming up for the concerts on the common. Dad always takes me, but he was worried about Katy. Mom thinks she and Katy might stay home together. It is going to be a fun summer.

Pictures may not be used without written permission.

Special Weekend Ahead

Bailey and I think there will be bones and celebrations tomorrow as there is another birthday in the family. Dad is taking the day off from work. However, he says it is likely to have more to do with those funny toys Mom makes. We cannot understand why anyone would want paper when she could have a nice bone.

We will be back on Monday to tell you all about it. Any extra day with Dad has got to be a good one.

Grandma and Grandpa are Coming

Grandma and Grandpa will be in Massachusetts tomorrow! They have not been to visit since Christmas. Katy has only met them once, but I got to spend lots of time before they moved to Florida. We used to go to their house all the time and play. Then they left and we only get to see them twice a year.

Grandma and Mom's sister buy the best toys. The cow in the picture is one of Grandma's picks and Katy and I play with it all the time.

We Survived the Fireworks

We had a great day with family. Katy snuck under the kitchen table almost close enough to sleep on one of the young adults visiting. She was so close that she was breathing on the toes, but would not quite get close enough to touch. It is progress though.

Bailey spent the day on the couch snuggled with the same guest who was resting after a shift at work before dinner. I have wondered if Bailey's close relationship is what makes Katy want to get so close.

After reading about Nala's adventures with thunder and fireworks over at Bailey be Good I decided to try picking up Bailey and wrapping him in one of his favorite fleeces to hold him during the worst of the fireworks. He normally does not like to be held when there are noises, but he settled down in my lap and watched most of the Boston Pops concert with me before deciding he wanted to get down and sleep on the floor. I will need to try more experiments before convincing my husband of the possibilities of using the Thundershirt that Nala is trying over at Bailey be Good. I am content that Bailey relaxed.

Happy 4th of July

Mom and Dad went out to see fireworks on Saturday. We got to play ball with their guests before they left. That was fun. Katy even participated and that was a great surprise. They had a great time at the concert and fireworks. They were gone a REALLY long time. Dad said lots of other people were there and it took a while to get home. Other people were setting them off around here, but we have managed to survive so far. We hope everyone else stays calm through the loud booms.

They are off to a parade and then we are having some of our favorite people visit. We hope all of you have some fun today despite the loud noises.


Photo Credit: dantada

Holiday Plans

Well we know we will be scheduling some of this time in after we enjoy some of the stuff Mom and Dad have planned.

We have guests coming Saturday with a kid who loves to play ball. When she is done, we usually look like that picture up there, exhausted.

Dad and Mom decided we are going to stay home while they go to the parade on July 4th this year. Bailey has had a harder time with loud noises. Sure, blame me Katy, the real reason is they know you do not like crowds and they do not want to leave you home alone. Either way we are not going to the parade.

However, two of our FAVORITE people are coming over for an afternoon cookout after the parade so we are very excited. We have not seen either of them in a while and they are always willing to give us endless attention.

We hope all of you have a happy, safe, and treat filled Fourth of July.

Katy the Sentry

Mom has called me a stalker and Bailey says that is not a complimentary term. However, I am a sentry. It is my job to patrol the wall. On the other side of the wall is a friend I never get to play with, but we do meet nose to nose from time to time. We share information about the state of the neighborhood. One time I was very surprised when a beagle head popped almost completely out from under the fence. I learned the beagle was just visiting.

Mom has been using treats to train me to stay away from the fence. She does not want to create problems with the neighbors who so far have not been interested in a play date. I love my treats, but it is so hard to resist checking on my friend.

So just to clear the record I am not a stalker, no matter what Mom says.

Wordless Wednesday

Meet My Fuzzy Bone

Birthdays are so cool.

This is my new fuzzy bone. Mom said something about replacing the old fuzzy bone, but this is my bone. It works well as a squeeky, chew toy.

It also can be used as a pillow when chewing on a real bone.

Bone also provides some protection from bone stealing brothers. Two fuzzy bones can be distracting and give me a chance to get away with the real prize.

My New Birthday Ball

I got a new ball for my birthday. I just started playing with it when...

Bailey took my new ball!!!

After some discussions, I got it back.

Party Games

Bailey did not mention there would be party games. Dad and Mom were excited about this present. Bailey said he saw the box, but was not that interested because he could not tell what was in it. It did not smell like anything but plastic and cardboard so he did not think it was likely to be very interesting. He was so wrong.

Mom and Dad bought me the Nina Ottosson Dog Brick Interactive Dog Toy and they taught Bailey and I how to play with it at my birthday party. Mom said she was not sure how we would react to the toy. We had looked at it in the store and been casually interested. Once Mom added the treats Bailey and I were having a hard time waiting for our turn to try to find the treats hidden under the sliding panels.

I love that I can use my nose and my paws to find the treats. Bailey is quick at it and wanted to "help" me when it was my turn. Mom held him so I could have a chance to do it all by myself. Mom has promised we can play again soon.

Happy Birthday Katy!

While it is here, I am finally three. I am celebrating my birthday the first time! Bailey and I had the zoomies this morning. We kept leaping on the bed to get Mommy up. Daddy had to leave early so Mom said we would be celebrating tonight. Imagine having to go to work early for a meeting on my birthday! Dad and Mom did sing some silly birthday song though.

Bailey says he has seen my presents and there are some great gifts. It is not fair I have to wait until Daddy comes home. Mom promises there will be some special treats and fun during the day. It is raining so we will not be playing much outside. Bailey says the place we are going walking this weekend is fun. There are woods and many wonderful things to smell. I hope the weather is good so we can go.

I am not sure I can make it until Dad gets home. I feel a zoomie coming on.

Wordless Wednesday

Birthday Suggestions

I am going to be three on Thursday. I have never celebrated birthdays before. I never even knew how old I was until Mom and Dad started talking about age and birthdays. I learned about birthday presents when I saw the stack Bailey got and got to share his bones and play with his new toys. Mom and Dad then realized they needed to plan for my birthday, too. Bailey said this year was pretty low key as birthday's go.

So, what suggestions do you guys have for my birthday. Bailey says Mom and Dad have some cool presents tucked away. He thinks I should ask for a trip to a local park to go walking this weekend since I am not crazy about lots of visitors and crowds.

My dream would be a visit next door, but that is not happening. I am not sure I will ever have my dream play date, although we have met on-leash and we do sniff noses under the fence.

Any ideas?

Blogger Award

Opie Mom's Blog gave us the Versatile Blog Award and we wanted to say thank you for considering us. We have really enjoyed the chance to become part of the pet blogging community and meet so many interesting pet bloggers. We also wanted to thank you for inspiring Mom to tell more stories about us.

A few months ago, a craft blogging colleague wrote a painful blog that she was harshly criticized for passing on similar awards without knowing if people wanted to play so it has made me more careful about how I approach these awards.

I have decided on a non-traditional approach. I am going to provide a link for those who want the original rules of the award here .Then I am going to use this time for my "award speech" to thank the people who have really helped me since I started this pet blog, these can be my award nominees for anyone who would like to participate. They can choose to participate or just accept my heartfelt gratitude for their kindness in this blogging journey. In that way people who want to continue the award to do so and anyone who wants to opt out can, too.

The Nominees:

In alphabetical order as not to offend:

Bailey be Good

Bailey be Good is the story of Bailey and Nala. Bailey is a remarkable storyteller. Her countdown to her first birthday was delightful to follow. Bailey's Mom has contributed to my blogger education dramatically. Her hard work and dedication to keeping us updated is greatly appreciated.

BZ Training

This blog follows the author's daily training shoots with her dogs. I find it challenging to comment because each day is an amazingly beautiful selection of photographs. I lack the ability to add much with my comments. I have learned a great deal by reading her commentary. I am impressed with her ability to analyze and discuss the assignments and her attempts in an honest and insightful manner. While I did not think I was capable of learning much about the differences she discusses, in the time I have been reading I am starting to understand some of the items she is pointing out as areas to be worked on in future shots. Not that I could ever attempt the shot, but it is interesting to realize after reading her blog I am just barely starting to see some of what she is talking about in her shots. I celebrate my personal growth.

Dakota's Den

While she is most know for her cat blog, we Sheltie families stick together. I love the pictures on Dakota's Den. I learned to add Word Press blogs to my Blogger follow so I could follow Dakota's Den. We know cats are big, but we think Shelties need a voice, too.

Dog Foster Mom

Bailey and Katy were both blessed in being part of a rescue that uses foster parents. Bailey came to us as a four-month puppy fully house broken. That was nothing short of miraculous in my mind.

I found Foster Mom's blog on one of the pet blog sites and started following. Her stories of rescue work and the pets needing homes are inspiring. Blogs like hers continue to educate and inform the public about the work involved with rescue and fostering pets.

Eva the Sheltie:


Eva was one of our first followers. She never fails to leave a supportive kind comment every day. She takes the most wonderful Sheltie photographs and tells beautiful stories of her life as a Sheltie princess. Katy finds that particularly inspiring.

Key West Collies

I recently started following Key West Collies after reading about the blog on another blogger’s website. I followed the story through the loss of a beloved collie to the beginning of a relationship with a new puppy. The updates have been wonderful and I look forward to watching this dog grow.

Kohl's Notes

Kohl's Notes was discovered after joining a few pet blogging communities. This story of Kolchak Puggle combines humor and education. I have learned a great deal by reading of Kolchak's Mom's efforts to cook and bake for this most cared for Puggle.

My Brown Newfies

This is another blog I discovered during my blog community explorations. I have never met a Newfoundland. The pictures on this blog are amazing. The stories told in the pictures almost do not need words they are so well done. I realized as I was making a list, that this blog was not on my follow list so I corrected that.

Sara's Blog

Who can resist Chewy and Oreo's antics? I have to visit daily to see my favorite puppy and watch Oreo learning to interact with the pup. Chewy has given me that Auntie experience. I can enjoy the puppy from afar knowing our next rescue is likely to be Katy's age. We will not be doing the puppy thing again. I also have loved watching the training videos. They have given me some great ideas for working with Katy and Bailey.

Two Grad Students and a Pittie

I really have not known too many Pitt bulls. Sadly, the few I have met have not been well trained. I have really enjoyed meeting responsible Pitt bull bloggers who can share their experiences and explain what they have done differently. This blog is a great advocate for Pitt ownership.

I must say I love the stories they tell. They make living in the city an adventure and I look forward to reading the adventures of the dental and law student as Havi waits for them to be free to play.

I am grateful for all of your support and encouragement, as I have started this Sheltie blog. It has been a fun journey so far and I am hopeful that it will continue to be even more rewarding.

Happy Doggy Daddy's Day

Dear Dad,

We take this occasion to thank you for all the wonderful doggy Daddy things you do.

You dig snow paths so we go out back in the winter.

The grass is kept short in the summer.

There are always bones and treats in the doggy cabinet.

You like long walks and understand the need to respond to dog messages.

There is never a time when a ball does not trigger interest in playing.

There are so many things we could say, but we would much rather spend the time playing than having you read. We just want you to know we love you and want you to have another wonderful year with us.

Love,

-Katy & Bailey

Picture Thiefs

Bailey be Good was kind enough to inform the pet community of an attack on our personal property yesterday. I wish I could say this is the first time I have had Internet property stolen. Sadly, it is not.

I am committing to learning more about protecting myself and fighting back. If you want pictures, there are legitimate sites that offer free pictures. Morgue Files is one place to go for free pictures. There are others if you do not wish to take your own or pay for use. You do not just go to random blogs and websites and steal from others.

I have written about people stealing on my craft blog. Sadly, I did not anticipate the need to write about it on my dog blog. I own the pictures, they are not free to use just because you happen to like them. It is called STEALING.

There is a completely new skill set I need to learn to protect my blogs from people who cannot understand the idea of property rights. Not that I had other plans for this week I needed a new project. Thankfully, there are wonderful people in the blogging community willing to share their knowledge. Unfortunately, all acknowledge no system is safe against people willing to steal the work of others. However, we can make it as challenging as possible.

UPDATE

After following Bailey be Good's lead I contacted the publisher yesterday and while I am reviewing the only pictures still showing on the site are the ones with Blog Paws URL's. While all of them have my name, not all of them are my pictures or were on my page there which confuses me. I also am not sure if these can be removed without Blog Paws complaining. I have not been able to find any Sheltie Times URL's on the page.

Wordless Wednesday

Pictures may not be used without written permission.

CMDART Central MA Disaster Animal Response Team

Last week the dogs promised I would write a blog about the emergency group that sponsored the agility training booth at the Whisker Walk. I wanted a chance to find their website so others could learn more and perhaps find out what resources are available in their area.

CMDART is short for Central Massachusetts Disaster Animal Response Team. They are not an emergency shelter in the way most people think of animals in harm’s way needing immediate help. This group deploys during emergencies in the way the Red Cross deploys for humans in disasters or emergencies that require evacuations, etc. Since many human shelters do not accept pets, this group fills that gap providing safe havens for pets during those emergencies so pet and owners can be safely reunited.

The booth we visited had checklists and kits for people to purchase to help them get their pets ready for evacuation. They emphasized the need to have accurate vet records, medication, and picture identification with pet and owner easily accessible in an emergency. I had never thought of the photograph with you and the animal. They emphasized that it was far easier to prove ownership if you could show a picture with the animals. Having your pet's food and crate is also something worth having ready to put in your car if headed to an emergency pet shelter. The website also provided a list of pet friendly hotels in the area they cover.

Prior to visiting this booth, I was not aware that any group existed like this in our state. I would be interested to know what others know about emergency evacuation options are available in their states.

To be clear I am not associated in any way with this group. I do not want anyone to think I speak for the team. I do not. My first encounter with the group was at the Whisker Walk. Lately, I have become more concerned with emergency preparations. I know others share this interest. I plan to share reliable resources and information when I find it.

We Warned You about the Evils of Veggie Gardens

Mom and Dad keep talking about their veggie gardens. Fellow bloggers keep blogging about their veggie gardens and nobody discusses that they infringe on our play space and are just too tempting to resist.

Last week Katy and I were playing and just "happened" to wander into the back veggie gardens. No veggies were killed in our wanderings, although I must admit I was not paying much attention. I told Katy we might be able to get out of it by making Mom prove they were our paw prints, but Mom saw one small and one larger size dog prints and was not willing to provide us with legal counsel. Instead, Dad built a small enclosure so now we cannot get near the back corner. This is the best place to track squirrels and now it is off limits for the growing season.

Therefore, my fellow dogs beware of these veggies. Oh, they say they are harmless. They even will tell you how good they are for our humans. However, the first sign of a dog print and you will learn of the evil veggie plot to take over your territory. When I get some photographs I will demonstrate the encroachment.

Looking at the Agility Course

Mom and Dad took us to a booth hosted by a group trying to raise money for emergency pet shelters. The man at the booth said animals are not allowed in human shelters during emergencies so his group provides a place for animals to go. Mom says she is going to blog about this group next week. Mom and Dad decided we should have a chance to look at the field.

Bailey treated this as if it was a doggy playground. He thought the obstacles were fun. The woman led him around the obstacles. With treats, he tried each one. I did not mind the jumps. Those were OK. However, I just could not understand the point and I did not like strangers. Mom ended up leading me around.

I was sorry to disappoint Mom, but I just did not understand why she wanted me to go through all these exercises. Dad says we might do better next year.