What a Day

Some days are busier than others. And some are just difficult to describe. Thank goodness for cell phones. I take pictures because I don't think people would believe my stories otherwise! These were from a day a few weeks ago.

A peahen was hanging out with the crossing guard, making sure the kids got to school OK. The peahens have been here for a year and I'm still getting calls!

A young opossum refused to leave a resident's laundry room. (He was relocated to a nearby park.)

 

A pair of female mallard ducks played in a puddle outside City Hall. Yes, I got called by several "concerned citizens."

 

Did I mention that technically I don't deal with wildlife? Good thing it's Wordless Wednesday, else I'd say a few not-so-nice things right about now. TTFN, -- K

Jedi Jewelry

Hubby got me the neatest Christmas present this year. He took one of my favorite pictures of Jedi and turned it into a necklace. He even had Jedi's registered name engraved on the back. This is the original picture:

Which became this necklace:

I wore it to the Westminster Dog Show this year so that Jedi could join me in spirit. (He'll never get there with my sucky handling skills!)

For reference, the necklace is about the size of a quarter. So how cool is this? Do you want one too? Go to My Pets for more details. But first, hop around below and see what others are sharing. It's Wordless Wednesday! -- K

We Did It!

Jedi and I did Chariots of Fur again this year. In years past we've only done the mile. This year we did the whole 5K. In the cold. In the sand. My goal was to walk it in an hour. I was over by 19 seconds -- not bad!

I'd tell you all about it, but it's Wordless Wednesday! Hop around below and see what others are sharing today. -- K

Not a Puppy Anymore

A friend of mine sent me a picture she took of Jedi at the scent work workshop last week. It's a great picture, but it made me cry. Why? Take a look for yourself:

Do you see the gray around his muzzle? My Jedi isn't a baby anymore. He still acts like a goofball, but the truth is, he's five and a half years old. Jedi is a middle-aged adult. Where did the time go?

It's Wordless Wednesday, so I'm going to stop talking about gray hairs. Lucky you! Why not hop around below and see what others are sharing today? Later, -- K

Time Hop Happy Thoughts

Facebook has this thing called Time Hop, where it shows you things you posted on that day from years past. This picture popped up on my wall yesterday.

The matching shirts were a total accident!

This was taken two years ago. Blondie and I drove six hours to West Palm Beach for an NACSW Nose Work Odor Recognition Test (ORT). Jedi bombed. (You can read all about it here.)

On that trip Blondie and I did a lot of talking. I told her that I wanted to go to the Westminster Dog Show one day. She did too. We realized that we had fewer "one days" ahead of us than behind us. (Bummer, right?) When we stopped lamenting about how old we'd gotten, Blondie and I decided that we were going to the Westminster Dog Show as soon as possible. No more "one days." When we returned to Jacksonville we started saving money and researching tour companies in earnest. Guess what? That wishful thought will become a reality in 30 days. I can hardly believe it! I promise to tell you all about it when I get back. But for now I'm going to shut up because it's Wordless Wednesday! Hop around below and see what others are sharing. TTFN, -- K

Here's Your Sign

Lowes is Pet-Friendly! 

It says so right on the door.

Remember, when visiting pet-friendly establishments:

1. Be a good ambassador. If your dog isn't well-behaved, having a bad day or your business doesn't allow to you focus enough attention on him, please leave him at home. Your behavior (and that of your dog) directly affects the rest of us.
2. Say thank you. Make sure to tell the manager/owner that you are there because of the dog friendly policy. If it's a chain (like Lowes) find their corporate Webpage/Facebook/Twitter and thank them there too. A well-written thank you can make a big impact.
3. Spend money. They're businesses, not charities. These establishments need to make money to stay open, especially small Mom & Pop operations. Yes, you may be able to get something at Walmart a little cheaper. But isn't it worth a few dollars to support a dog-friendly place? Money talks my friends. Ours should be saying "We want more dog-friendly places."
4. Spread the word. We all have dog friends. And if your well-behaved, thankful, money-spending friends tell their well-behaved, thankful, money-spending friends . . . Just think of the possibilities!

It's Wordless Wednesday, so I'm going to stop talking. Hop around below and see what others are sharing. And speaking of sharing -- please let me know of any dog-friendly places you know about. Talk to you later, we have some shopping to do! -- K

Who's At The Door?

Last week I told you about the strange couple that's been seen around town. Yesterday I received this picture from the dispatcher. The peahens stood outside the police department for several minutes before moving on.

Do you think they wanted to talk to Animal Control? We'll never know because it's Wordless Wednesday! Hop around below and see what others are sharing today. -- K

Not a Peep

I hate Peeps. You know, those gross sugar-coated marshmallow things that are sold every Easter. Even worse, they're now showing up during other holiday seasons in different shapes -- Christmas trees, pumpkins, hearts, etc. I've seen different flavors too, like chocolate, strawberry and cotton candy. Doesn't matter though, they're still disgusting. (What's that saying about polishing a turd?)

I have friends who think my Peep aversion is hilarious -- and they take every advantage to Peep me. I've received multiple boxes of Peeps in the mail. One friend made an elaborate Peep tray for a potluck. Another slipped a Peep into Jedi's Easter basket at a charity egg hunt. I was opening eggs expecting dog treats and found a marshmallow monstrosity instead. Blech. No need to imagine my reaction, it was posted all over Facebook.

The worst part: during the sugar-bunny bombardment, I was given a stuffed Peep toy. Jedi found it -- and he loves it! He carries it around the house and uses it as a pillow. It's so freakin' cute! I don't have the heart to take it away from him.

I think I'll change tactics and tell my friends that I hate wine and puppies now. Think they'll shower me with shepherds and shiraz instead?

Believe or not, it's Wordless Wednesday. Yes, I've used waaay too many words for a "wordless" post, but hopefully my punny title will earn me a pass. Anyway, hop around below and see what others are sharing today. -- K

Chillin'

Jedi and I arrived at nosework class early last week. We passed the time with a photoshoot. Class meets at a doggie daycare tucked between the freeway and skeezy motel. Who would have thought I'd find this gorgeous backdrop?

I'd tell you all about it, but it's Wordless Wednesday! Hop around below and see what others are sharing today. -- K

Jumbo Shrimp

Jacksonville has a minor league baseball team. Last year the team name changed from the Jacksonville Suns to the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp. (I don't know why.)

I'm not a baseball fan, and never watch it on TV. I think most major league players are giant douche bags. However, there is something different about minor league ball . . . It's fun! I'm a big fan of the cheap seats. For $5 you can sit on the berm in left field -- right by the players. No assigned seating, just a good time. Kids run around laughing. Adults socialize, eating cheap hot dogs and drinking cheap beer. Vendors hawk their goodies. Players chat with fans and foul balls fly overhead.

Once a month dogs are allowed into the game -- for free! I don't know why more people don't take advantage of this. It's a great way to socialize your dog. On the berm so you can sit as close or as far away from others as you want. There's lots of noise and activity. Your dog must learn to settle, but you can get up and move around when you want. An added bonus: the family bathrooms are plentiful and large enough to accommodate you and several dogs. (This is especially helpful if you are drinking beer.)

Some friends and I went to the last Canines and Crustaceans night and had a blast. Here are a few pictures:

Jedi LOVES the cheap hot dogs

Jedi also loves Pepper, his 12 year old Malinois friend

Jedi's mother, Zasha, joined us too

A rainbow over Bragan Field

Zasha thinks that the new mascot, Scampi, is kinda creepy

We had a great time. Jedi had dozens of people pet him. Even more told me he was beautiful. I agreed, of course. And Jedi was serenaded on our way out of the stadium. There's a saxophone player that hangs out downtown, playing for tips. He's fun and entertaining. I asked him to play the Star Wars theme -- and he did! LOL. That was probably the best money I spent all night.

You probably can't tell, but it's Wordless Wednesday. Click around below and see what others are sharing today. Then come back tomorrow, because I've got plenty of words about annoying people on the internet! Oh yeah, I feel another rant coming on. Later, -- K

Summer Shade

I saw this on Facebook and had to laugh. I wonder if that's why I'm so cranky. (Probably not, but it's a good excuse!)

It's also a heat that forces you to slow down -- whether you want to our not. Jedi doesn't mind. Our walks have slowed down to saunters, giving him more opportunities to sniff and pee. Jedi and I found this giant live oak on one of our early morning walks. 

It was H-U-G-E. I didn't trust Jedi's down stay enough to get the full tree in the picture. No matter, he would have been a tiny brown spot if I had.

It's Wordless Wednesday! Hop around below and see what others are sharing today. -- K

Dock Diving Dogs

When I'm not doing things with my dogs, I like to watch other people do things with their dogs. (Dog nerd? Probably.) I have a friend who has recently discovered Dock Diving. Saturday was her first trial and I went to support her. OMG, it was awesome! Look:

Good thing it's Wordless Wednesday because I am speechless! Click around below and see what others are sharing today. Later, -- K

Tuesday Training Crew

A couple months ago I told you that I was finally able to reinstate the German Shepherd Dog Club's weekly training. The good news is that it's still going, despite the afternoon downpours of late. We have a few dedicated members of "The Tuesday Training Crew." And we have a couple more that show up sporadically. I'm disappointed (though not surprised) that we don't have more participants. Any ideas on how to impress upon club members that they should take advantage of this free opportunity to work their dogs and make friends?

Here are a few pictures from Tuesday nights. Don't mind the goofy chick, just look at the beautiful German shepherd.

Working automatic sits. The shirt is Teddy the Dog

and says "Come to the Bark Side." LOVE it!

Jedi's front positions are getting better. The shirt says

"Leave me alone, I'm only talking to my dog today."

Our trainer is a 5 foot tall, 75 year old woman who knows more about training

dogs than I ever will. It's amazing to see her work.

Believe it or not, it's Wordless Wednesday. One of these days the Moderator is going to give me a stern talking to about my overly wordy posts. But for now, just enjoy! Don't forget to click around below and see what others are sharing today! -- K

P.S. No rain last night, so Tuesday Training went on as planned. Yippie!

Peek-a-Boo

German shepherds are herders. Not only is it in their name, it's in their DNA. Seriously, don't get one if you like personal space! It's important for Jedi to know where I am and what I'm doing. Sometimes it's amusing (he's currently laying in the doorway of my office). Sometimes it's annoying (I can't close the bathroom door else he sits outside and whines). However, it's always comforting to know that he's there. With just a look -- this look -- I know I'll never be alone.

It's Wordless Wednesday! Click around below and see what others have to share today. -- K

Early Morning Walks

Summer has come to North Florida. With temperatures in the 80's, 90% humidity and afternoon showers, it's tough to find time to walk. And no walks makes Jedi restless and annoying. On my days off I try to get out early before it gets too hot. I stick to shady parks. Last Saturday we found this out of the way spot. Pretty nice, hunh?

It's Wordless Wednesday! Click around below and see what others are sharing today! -- K

2nd Annual Dog Walk

I KNOW it's Wordless Wednesday, so I'll try to make this brief. Last year my German shepherd dog club got together with a local German shepherd rescue group to walk our dogs through historic St. Augustine. The weather was perfect. We saw old friends and made many new ones. It went so well that we decided to do it again this year. And I think we outdid ourselves! Imagine 50+ German shepherds (and the occasional Shih Tzu) walking down the street. Yep, we stopped traffic and turned heads. Take a look!

Breathtaking, hunh? But don't stop here. It's Wordless Wednesday! Click around below and see what others are sharing today. -- K

So God Made a Dog

Wordless 

Wordier 

Lots of Words

(They will make you cry.)

It's Wordless Wednesday. Hop around below and see what others are sharing today. -- K

Wordless Sunset

It's February. Some friends are posting Winter Wonderland pics. All I've got is this:

BTW, I'm not complaining. -- K

P.S. It's Wordless Wednesday! Click around below and see what others are sharing today.

The Road Less Traveled

Jedi and I are back after a three month hiatus and we have stories to tell! Too bad they'll have to wait -- it's Wordless Wednesday!

Want to see what others are sharing? Click around below. -- K