Pet Blogger Challenge Recap

Last month I participated in the 2019 Pet Blogger Challenge. It took a while, but I read all fifty entries. I tried to follow links and wander through as many blogs as possible. Below are some of my favorite finds from this year's hop. I hope you'll take the time to check them out.

• Companion Animal Psychology spelled out five fun things to do to make your dog happy today. I like it so much that I shared it on the GSD club FB page.

• Doggone Destinations is a fun travel-with-your-dog blog. Many of the places mentioned are close to me including Orlando and Savannah. 

• German Shepherd Dog HQ is a brand new blog but you know I had to check it out. How to Select a German Shepherd Puppy has some great tips. There are also some nice posts about what to look for in a vet and ways to exercise your GSD.

• Gone Dog Mad shared four quick, easy and cheap DIY Brain Games to keep a dog's mind active. The blog is chock full of interesting how-to ideas and dog-friendly recipes, Enjoy!

• Life & Cats has an interesting post about cat shows. Yes, cat shows. They are completely different from dog shows and I found that fascinating. Who would have thought a cat blog would be mentioned on a dog blog?

• Oh My Dog shared a beautiful post about the echo a dog leaves behind when it dies. It's absolutely beautiful. The blog if full of interesting and often thought-provoking posts. This is definitely a blog to spend some time meandering through.

• Paw Print Pet Blog covers more than just dogs. You'll find information about fish, reptiles and rabbits too. My favorite: the did the Blogging From A to Z Challenge in 2016 and the theme was dog snacks. Everything from Apples to Zucchini was included. I loved it.

Did you see the blog hop? Did I miss any of your favorites? Let me know! -- K

2019 Pet Blogger Challenge

Oh my, where did time go? I was finally getting the hang of 2018 then -- poof -- it's 2019. And it's already time for the Pet Blogger Challenge! This annual hop is a fun way for pet bloggers worldwide to share their thoughts on blogging:

• What works?
• What doesn't?
• What would you like to do better?
• What can others do help?

What a great community! With the answers to just a few questions I learn so much about blogging and other bloggers. Sometimes I even learn something about myself. A giant thank you to Amy at Go Pet Friendly (one of my favorite pet blogs) for hosting this every year. Without further ado, the questions:

Logan

1. For those who may be visiting your blog for the first time, how long have you been blogging and what is your main topic?

I started blogging in 2012 after I lost my heart dog, Logan, as a way to work through the grief. The blog was depressing, so I don't recommend you read it. Things got better with the arrival of new puppies, Jedi and more recently, Trooper. Kelley's Dog Blog is my story: A disorganized, uncoordinated woman who tries to enter the world of dog shows/dog sports. I’m waaay out of my league, but I'm having fun. Along the way I share some of my misadventures as an animal control officer in a small beach town. I drink too much wine, eat too many carbs and may or may not have homicidal fantasies. I blog because it's cheaper than therapy. I never expected anybody to read my blog. Apparently my sarcastic, slightly neurotic thoughts are entertaining. Or maybe people just want to look at pictures of beautiful dogs.

2. What was your proudest blogging moment of 2018?

I was able to blog from the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show! I've wanted to go for decades, but never found the time, money or ability. Every February I'd watch it on TV and say "Someday . . ." In 2016 a friend told me to "piss or get off the pot" and reminded me that we're not getting any younger. That was the kick in the pants that I needed. This Florida girl researched, planned, saved and made it to NYC to see the show.

3. What was the biggest blogging challenge you faced in 2018, and how did/will you tackle it?

Apathy. Somewhere along the way I became overwhelmed with life, work and some personal issues. Stress turned to depression and I shut down. I didn't care about anything. It sucked! A new puppy helped me snap out of it. (BTW, new puppy not recommended for everyone.)

4. Which of your 2018 blog posts was your favorite and why? (Please include a link.)

Saving Elsa was a good day on the job. They're not always good.

Missing for months and found in a ravine

5. Which of your 2018 posts was most popular with your audience? Why do you think it does so well?

The post that got the most hits last year was Sniffing Again. I guess people like to see dogs working. I know I do! I'm looking forward to sharing more dogs-in-action posts this year.

Trooper's cousin before the 2018 shows

6. Did you implement a new series, feature, or practice on your blog in 2018 that you’re enjoying?

I did! I have a series about putting together a dog show. In 2017 my German Shepherd Dog Club was thrown for a loop. The women who had organized our annual dog shows for the last 8 years quit. Just. Like. That. A friend and I decided that rather than losing our AKC sanction, we'd do it. Surprisingly, we pulled it off, albeit awkwardly and on the fly. The series didn't fare well with regular readers, but I like knowing it's out there for the person who needs it. I have a page full of links for the clueless Dog Show Newbie. Nothing thrills me more than when I get a message from a DSN saying thanks.

7. As the social media landscape changes, how are you promoting your blog posts and connecting with new readers?

LOL. I'm not. (See answer #1.) I really suck at this stuff. However, I did recently join Instagram and am having fun with that. Can I even link my blog to Instagram?

8. Looking forward to 2019, if you accomplish only one thing through your blog, what do you hope it is?

Humor. There's a fine line between sarcasm and surliness and I think I may have crossed it somewhere along the way. At my age I am way past brooding maiden and dangerously close to bitter old crone. Note to self: Mean ≠ funny.

9. What steps are you planning to take to ensure you reach your goal?

Booze? Brownies? Profanity? Seriously, I don't know.

10. Now it’s your turn! How can we help? Is there an area where you could use some advice, or an aspect of your blog that you’d like input on? Share it here, and we’ll answer you in comments!

My posts are irregular and the content is all over the place (much like my life) and I think I've lost many regular visitors because of it. How do those of you with successful blogs pull it off?

So there you go! Comments, questions and constructive criticisms are most welcome. I look forward to spending time with you all in 2019. But for now I'm off to see what others are sharing. Later, -- K

P.S. This is a blog hop. Click on the links below to discover some pretty cool blogs!

2018 Pet Blogger Challenge

Once again, it's time for the Pet Blogger Challenge. Pet bloggers worldwide answer the same 10 questions and share their thoughts on blogging -- What works? What doesn't? What would you like to do better? A great big thank you to Amy at Go Pet Friendly (one of my favorite pet blogs) for hosting this

Welcome new readers (please leave a comment) and welcome back regular readers (Hi Mom). Kelley's Dog Blog is a strange glimpse into the life of a crazy chick and her dogs. For those who don't know me: I'm an animal control officer, an avid reader, a wife, a mother, a dog lover and an active member of the community. I try to juggle it all and fail miserably -- making for some fun stories along the way.

Here are the questions for the 2018 Pet Blogger Challenge:

Jedi, the star of Kelley's Dog Blog

1. For those who may be visiting your blog for the first time, how long have you been blogging and what is your main topic?

I started blogging in 2012 after I lost my heart dog, Logan. The blog was pretty morose, so I don't recommend you read it. It got better with the arrival of new puppy, Jedi. I've wanted to show German Shepherd Dogs since the late 1970's. Do the math, and you'll see that this puppy might be my only chance to get in the ring. As such, I thought the blog would be a great way to chronicle our adventures. Unfortunately, I'm disorganized and somehow the blog became Kelley's Random-But-Mostly-Dog-Related-Stuff blog instead. In the beginning I never expected anybody other than my mother to read my blog. Surprise! Apparently people find my sarcastic, slightly neurotic, and sometimes homicidal thoughts amusing. And my tales-of-a-pissed-off-animal-control-officer make others feel normal in comparison.

2. What was your proudest blogging moment of 2017?

Honestly, I'm just glad that I didn't quit. 2017 was a crappy year. It started with a health crisis. (FYI: If you treat your body like crap for 30 years it will rebel. Go figure!) Shortly thereafter I made the decision to end Jedi's dog show career. It was the right decision, but it was still heartbreaking. We shifted our efforts to various dog sports (nosework, barn hunt, rally) and have had more drama there than we need. The fact that I didn't just say screw it and quit blogging completely is a big accomplishment.

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE dog shows!

3. Which of your blog posts was your favorite this year and why? (Please include a link.)

I love dog shows! My favorite posts revolve around those. I love the pictures from the 2017 German Shepherd specialty shows last April. And I'm proud of the ongoing series about putting on a dog show.

My posts with the most hits are the snarky work-related ones. This year Dear Beachgoers and More Crazy Work Stories were the most popular.

4. In terms of your blog, how do you measure success?

I feel most successful when I get feedback stating that I've helped somebody. I've gotten messages from people who've always wanted to show dogs but we're chicken (much like me). I've heard from people who found some of my tips helpful. Heck, even a "Thanks for the laugh, it made my day" makes me feel like I'm accomplishing something.

5. In what ways has your blog changed during 2017?

Nothing good, I'm afraid. This year the blog has been inconsistent. I've written entirely too many I'm Still Here posts. I'm determined that 2018 will be better!

6. What was the biggest blogging challenge you overcame in 2017, and what did you learn that could help other bloggers?

Writers block is horrible! When I'm tired or stressed out -- which was more often than not in 2017 -- the words just get stuck. Sometimes I'll start an idea but by the time the words start flowing it's too late to post. (For example, I just finished a great post on things to do with your dogs when it's too hot to go outside.)

When words fail, take pictures

My advice: write down thoughts when they come to you. I use Blogger, which is Google-based. My phone is also Google-based, so it's nothing to open up Blogger and record a sentence or drop in a picture.

Speaking of pictures, take lots. Sometimes a good picture can spark a post. For example, I saw that Lowe's was dog-friendly and snapped a picture of Jedi in front of the sign. That simple picture fleshed out into a nice post about dogs in public.

7. When things get hard, what keeps you blogging? (Question submitted by Pamela Douglas Webster of Something Wagging This Way Comes -- another one of my favorite blogs.)

My online friends! There were a couple times this year where I was ready to just give up completely, but then I'd get an email from a regular reader saying "Hey, I miss you and Jedi. Are you okay?" Awww . . . I love you guys!

8. Looking forward to 2018, what are you hoping to accomplish on your blog this year?

I'd like to be more consistent. I'm also toying with the doing the Blogging From A to Z Challenge again. I did it in 2015 and absolutely loved it! It really helped me focus on where I wanted my blog to go.

9. In addition to what you’d like to accomplish, is there one specific skill you’d like to improve or master this year? (Question submitted by Jodi Chick of Kol’s Notes -- and yet another one of my favorite blogs.)

How do I get my Dog Blog to tweet?

Time management. Beside my own blog, I'd like to visit others regularly and leave comments.

10. Now it’s your turn! You have the attention of the pet blogging community – is there a question you’d like answered, or an aspect of your blog that you’d like input on? Share it here, and we’ll answer you in the comments!

I don't understand Twitter. Does anyone have a good primer on tweeting for the technologically-challenged?


OK, that's me in a nutshell. I look forward to reading everybody else's posts. Every year I find new and exciting blogs through this challenge. I hope you take the time to hop around below. Later, -- K

The Pet Blogger Challenge

It's that time of year again, time for the Pet Blogger Challenge. Pet bloggers worldwide answer 10 not-so-simple questions and share what they know with each other. This is the fourth time I've participated in the challenge. Each time I find new blogs to follow and learn a few things in the process. Thanks Amy over at Go Pet Friendly for putting this together. Without any further ado, here are this year's questions.


1. How long have you been blogging? And, for anyone who is visiting for the first time, please give a quick description of the subject of your blog.

The puppy I waited 35 years for

I've been blogging for three and a half years. Kelley's Dog Blog is my story: A sarcastic, slightly neurotic woman decided to get an AKC German Shepherd puppy at the age of 44 and tries to enter the world of dog showing and dog sports. Truth is, I suck big time -- but I'm having fun. Along the way I share some of my adventures as an animal control officer in a small beach town. I have a bad attitude and a potty mouth. I drink too much wine, eat too many brownies and may or may not have homicidal fantasies. I blog because it's cheaper than therapy. I don't know why people read my blog. Seriously.

2. What is the one thing that you accomplished during 2015, either on your blog or because of it, that made you most proud?

I completed the Blogging A to Z Challenge in April. That was more difficult than I had imagined! I chose the subject of dog shows. I learned a lot about the subject myself in the process. It helped me recommit to showing and we entered 18 dog shows in 2015. You can see the entire A to Z posts here. Surprisingly, the most visited post in that series was P -- Pedigrees and Registrations. Who would have guessed that?!

3. Which of your blog posts was your favorite this year and why? (Please include a link.)

The meme

I really put a lot of thought into If You're on the Fence, Get a Lab. Anyone who has seen my blog knows that I am a German shepherd girl. However, GSDs are not for everyone and this post was written for a woman on Google+ in hopes of dissuading her from getting a German shepherd puppy. A similar, but more tongue-in-cheek post was So You Want a GSD. That one was inspired by a silly meme a friend posted on my Facebook page.

4. What is one thing you’ve done in the past year that has brought more traffic to your blog?

Again, that would have to be the Blogging A to Z Challenge. What I really liked about the challenge was that I met so many people outside my genre of pet blogging. In fact, I sought out interesting sounding blogs that had nothing to do with dogs. (I know, gasp.) I really enjoyed it and wish I had had more time to read other blogs. Unfortunately, putting out 26 posts in 30 days was grueling and time consuming. I'm glad I completed the challenge, but I'm not going to do it again this year.

5. Which of your blog posts got the most traffic this year? Why do you think it was so popular? (Please include a link.)

The shirt says "My dog makes me happy.

You, not so much."

My most popular post this year was 8 Photos of Happiness. It was a fun and happy challenge that went around the internet. The post was probably so popular because everybody relates to fun and happy.

6. What is one blog that you read religiously – other than your own – and what makes you such a devoted reader? (Please include a link.)

There are four or five blogs that I read religiously. The one that I seek out first, though, is Let's Go Dog. The author, Leah, had two big, beautiful dogs and a wanderlust. Like me, Leah can over think things -- but she's much better at finding solutions. The blog is fun and informative. It's also beautifully done. The pictures are gorgeous, the layout is clean, and typos are nonexistent. (I have no idea how she does it.) I loved her Postcards from the Perimeter series. Leah and her dogs got a motor home and traveled the perimeter of the United States for three months, blogging about it the whole time. My favorite, favorite part was when she stopped right here in Jacksonville. I got to meet her in real life!

NOT Jedi. He's just as computer

illiterate as I am!

7. What resources do you rely on to enhance your technical, writing, photography, social media, or other skills that improve your blog?

Yeah, well, this is where I really suck. My old computer bit the dust and I'm still trying to figure out Windows 10 which came with the new one. So until then, I do most of my blogging and picture editing on my not-so-smart phone. I play around with Google+, but it's not as user friendly as I would like. I'm on Facebook all the time but I don't link my blog to Facebook very often. (I try to keep those two worlds separate.) So, skills? I don't got no skills.

Jedi ate my glasses, so I need

something easy to read

8. What is the best piece of advice you can offer other bloggers?

Make it easy for the reader. Too much "clutter" slows the download (especially for those of us trying to read on a cell phone). Lots of bright colors and multiple fancy fonts are distracting. Also, make it easy to comment so readers like me can join the conversation.

9. What is your vision for your blog in 2016? Do you have specific goals?

I would like to post more regularly. I tend to write in spurts. Sometimes I can come up with five posts in three days. Other times I can go five days without a single idea. I notice I get more hits when I post regularly. However, I don't like to post unless I have something worth saying.

10. You have the attention of the pet blogging community – is there one blogging challenge you’d like help with, or one aspect of your blog that you’d like input on?

Can somebody please explain Twitter!

So that's it for the 2016 Pet Blogger Challenge. Now I'm off to read what everybody else has to share! See you tomorrow. -- K

Pet Blogger Challenge

OMG, it's that time of year again! For the fifth year in a row, Go Pet Friendly (one of my favorite blogs) is hosting the Pet Blogger Challenge. This hop is a fun way for pet bloggers worldwide to share their thoughts on blogging -- What works? What doesn't? What would you like to do better? This is my favorite hop of the year! With the answers to just a few questions I learn so much about blogging, other bloggers and sometimes I even learn something about myself. *gasp* I'll comb through all the posts over the next month. (Yes, it'll probably take that long -- last year there were 82 participants!) I'll share anything exciting I find and will hopefully incorporate some cool, new stuff into my blog. Without any further ado, here are the questions and my answers. Enjoy!

1. How long have you been blogging? And, for anyone stopping by for the first time, please give us a quick description of what your blog is about.

I started blogging in 2012 after I lost my heart dog, Logan. It was pretty morose, so read at your own risk! Then I got a new puppy, Jedi. I've wanted to show dogs since the 1970's (I know!) and since this pup was probably my only chance to do so, I thought the blog would be a great way to chronicle our adventures. Unfortunately, I am disorganized and somehow the blog became Kelley's weird dog-related blog. Honestly, I never expected anybody to read it other than my mother. Surprise! Apparently people find my sarcastic, slightly neurotic, and sometimes homicidal thoughts amusing. And my tales-of-a-pissed-off-animal-control-officer make others feel normal.
 

2. Tell us one thing that you accomplished on your blog during 2014 that made you proud.

I made a bunch of resolutions on New Year's Eve 2013. Most of them went unresolved. However, I did say that I wanted to post at least 15 times a month for the year. I fell short a couple times, but still posted 196 times in 2014.
 

3. What lessons have you learned this year – from other blogs, or through your own experience – that could help us all with our own blogs?

Don't forget to step away from the computer. I'm ashamed to say that there were times I was too busy blogging about Jedi to actually spend time with Jedi. That's not going to happen again. I love my readers -- my blogging buddies! -- but I love my dog more. He deserves my undivided attention on a regular basis.
 

4. What have you found to be the most successful way to bring traffic to your blog, other than by writing great content?

I get a lot of traffic through Google+. Sometimes I'll link a blog post to my Facebook, but I usually keep my blog and FB accounts separate. I found blog hops to be a great way to expose my blog to new people as well as to find blogs that I hadn't known about before. There are a lot of great blogs out there and it's easy to get lost in them.

5. What was your most popular blog post this year? Did it surprise you that it was your most popular?

According to Blogger my most popular post was Jedi Plays Spin the Bottle. I saw a video on Facebook and asked a friend of mine if he could make a similar toys for Jedi. He did and the dogs had fun with it. However, I don't have much faith in Blogger's statistics. My most popular post of all time is about Roxy taking a dump in Petsmart. Surely there's got to be a spam factor involved.
 

6. What was your favorite blog post to write this year?

I had fun with my crazy work stories this year. Instead of getting frustrated with the idiots I deal with on a regular basis, I decided to look at them humorously. And I think everybody enjoyed it. I giggled the entire time I was writing Freaks on the Beach. The most meaningful post -- and the most difficult to write -- was 25 Years, 47 Dead, and 1 Personal Miracle. It's also the only non-animal post on my blog.
 

7. Has your policy on product reviews and/or giveaways changed this year?

Short answer: no. Long answer: I wouldn't be opposed to giveaways. Seriously, who doesn't like free stuff? Unfortunately, rafflecopter looks confusing and I haven't found anything I just HAD to share. Any reviews I do are my own personal opinion. Typical me, I say what I want, filter not included. I am beholden to no one; if I tell you I like something, I really mean it. And if I tell you it's crap, then it's crap. I don't have to worry about hurting anyone's feelings.
 

8. What’s your best piece of advice for other bloggers?

• Keep clutter to a minimum. Not only does it make the page load a lot slower, it's distracting, making the blog harder to read.
• Proofread! I make typos too, trust me, but they do stand out and distract from what you're trying to say. Stepping away from the post and proofing the next day catches a lot.
• Make it easy to comment. I WANT to interact, but I don't want to spend 10 minutes trying to figure out how to leave a reply. And my 40+ year old eyes have a hard time reading those "type the numbers above to prove you're human" codes.

9. What goals do you have for your blog in 2015?

I want to be less scatterbrained. I'd like to focus more on dog showing and dog sports. I'm contemplating doing the A to Z Challenge on dog shows. (Come back in April and see if it all pans out!) I'd also like to take better pictures. My photography skills suck.
 

10. If you could ask the pet blogging community for help with one challenge you’re having with your blog, what would it be?

Social media. What the heck is Twitter? I tried to look into it and found it very confusing. Is it really something that is worth learning? Same goes for Pinterest. I would not be offended if someone sent me a "No-Brainer Tutorial for People over 40" link.
 

So there you go! Comments, questions and constructive criticisms are welcome. And I look forward to spending time with you in 2015. But for now I'm off to see what others have written. Later, -- K

P.S. This is a blog hop. Take a look at the blogs below and discover some pretty cool things!

Zack and Zoe

Several days ago I shared Let's Go Dog, the blog I was so lucky to get in the Pet Blogger's Gift Exchange. Today on this (almost) Wordless Wednesday I'd like to show you some of the beautiful photos you'll find on the blog.

Handsome Zack at Hurricane Ridge

Zack is ready for his next adventure

Gorgeous Zoe explores Lake Crescent's East Beach

Zoe at Sequim Bay State Park

Want to see more gorgeous pictures of Zack, Zoe and the Olympic Northwest? Grab a cup of coffee and head on over to Let's Go Dog.

This is a blog hop! Click on the icons below to see what others are sharing today. -- K



Let's Go Dog!

It’s Christmas time and everybody is out looking for that “perfect gift.” Want to know what a blogger wants more than anything? Readers! We sit in front of our monitors and pour our hearts out in hopes that someone – anyone – will notice. A comment or two can make our entire day. Pamela over at Something Wagging This Way Comes (one of my favorite pet blogs) came up with a great idea: The Pet Blogger’s Gift Exchange. Pet bloggers were randomly paired up “to share compliments, encouragement, and linky love with each other” through their blogs. This year I was given Let's Go Dog and I'm not ashamed to say I'm loving the hell out of this blog! Leah is a Worst-Case-Scenario, Worry Wart, borderline Control Freak (hey, it takes one to know one!) who wants to travel more with her beautiful dogs, Zack and Zoe. Instead of being paralyzed by fear, she asks "What's the worst that can happen?" and goes from there by:

1. Identifying the problem
2. Planning a course of action
3. Preparing and/or practicing

Leah shares the process and what she learns along the way. I can't tell you how exciting this is for a Worst-Case-Scenario, Worry Wart, borderline Control Freak like me.

Zoe on the left, Zack on the right

This is a new blog and I had never seen it before. The first post was published only eight months ago, but I wouldn't have guessed that. The clean, clear, properly punctuated and grammatically correct posts (Grammar Nazis notice these things!) scream experienced, professional blogger. Let's Go Dog is well laid out and very informative. It's free of the page clutter seen on the blogs of so many newbie bloggers. Each topic is well thought out with links to even more wonderful information for info junkies like me. I strongly urge you to grab a cup of coffee, give the dogs a Kong and plan to get lost in the Let's Go Dog blog. May I suggest:

First, take a moment to read the About Us page. Leah shares a little about herself before telling Zack and Zoe's adoption stories. Zack's puppy pictures will melt your heart.

Carabiner for Dog Safety. This post had me screaming "OMG, why didn't I think of that?!" I take the dogs to Sonic regularly. The routine has always been grab collar with one hand and unhook leash with other. Using one hand, wrap leash around the table leg, thread the hook through the leash handle and rehook to the collar. Leah uses a carabiner and her dog is secured in half a second and is never unhooked from the leash. I feel like such an idiot.

DIY Dog Bottle Game -- Travel Version. Again, simple but genius! Complete with step by step instructions.

Hiking With Dogs and Snakes Part 1 and Part 2. I like to hike with my dog too, but am afraid we'll run into a snake. What if Jedi gets bit? What if I get bit? We've got all kinds of mean, creepy snakes here in Florida. Leah breaks it down, including links to fascinating videos and additional articles. Snakes are still creepy, but not so scary anymore.

Packing Lists Make Dog Trips Happen. I, too, am a list maker (I have an app for that!) and found myself agreeing with this entire post. For added fun, check out Leah's Dog Travel Checklists on Pinterest.

Leah also shares her experiences with canine medical issues including Zack's hip dysplasia and Zoe's epilepsy. Like all Leah's posts, these are full of information and ultimately take the scariness out the subject.

I am so thankful that the Pet Blogger's Gift Exchange introduced me to this blog. What a gift that was for me! I hope you take the time to see what I mean. You won't be disappointed. Promise. -- K

Love That Leash!

Jedi & Roxy -- leashed and loving life

I was on a call last week and had a guy tell me -- with pride! -- that his two Australian shepherds have never been on a leash. He was taken aback by my response: "Oh, how sad." Then he proceeded to tell me that his dogs were so well trained that they never left his property. (Mind you, the area of his front and back yard combined was probably 1600 square feet.) Guy reiterated that his dogs have never been on a leash, like it was some sort of supreme accomplishment. Or maybe leashes were for lower class dogs. For mutts. He had no clue why I thought this was such a tragedy.

 

I've mentioned the importance of leash training before in relation to animal control officers, veterinary clinics and boarding kennels -- all of which use leashes on dogs. You never know when a dog may end up at one of these places. But think of all the other things that Guy's poor dogs have missed out on because they're owner was too proud (lazy? ignorant?) to teach them how to walk on a leash:

• Long walks on the beach
• After dinner strolls around the neighborhood
• Trips to the pet stores
• Shopping at Home Depot
• Dining at pet-friendly restaurants
• Going to the Pet Expo
• Perusing the Riverside Arts Market
• Raising money with charity dog walks
• Holiday costume parades
• Nursing home visits
• Competing in dog sports like obedience, rally, nose work or barn hunts
• Hiking the Arboretum
• Attending concerts in the park
• Checking out the Artwalk
• Running the bases at a minor league baseball game
• Meeting the kids at the bus stop after school
• Jogging the track with Dad at the high school
• Running alongside a bicycle
• Becoming an AKC Canine Good Citizen

I'm not saying that every dog needs to be able to heel perfectly -- Lord knows mine can't! -- but all dogs should know how to walk on the leash if they are to be a part of today's society. Leash laws are nationwide. On a happier note, more and more establishments are opening their doors to well behaved, leashed dogs. Confining a dog to the same 1600 square feet for its entire life because you're too conceited to leash train your dog is just plain mean. And in my book, it makes you a Dumb Ass Dog Owner. "My dogs have never been on a leash" should be said with shame, not hubris. Dumb Ass.

 

Want to read about more Dumb Ass Dog Owners? Click around below to see some of the other posts in this hop. You'll laugh, you'll scream, and you'll thank God you're not "That Guy."-- K

 

P.S. What fun things do you so with your leashed dogs?

 

 

DADO-Inspired Laws

We are joining Tales from the Backroad and Heart Like a Dog in this Dumb Ass Dog Owner hop. DADOs are everywhere.

My job as animal control officer is to enforce all the animal-related laws in our city. People bitch when I write tickets, but the truth is every single one of those laws is in place because of a past Dumb Ass Dog Owner. Why else would someone go to the trouble of spelling out these "should-be-common-sense" laws in such detail? We have laws regarding:

 

Running at Large: In my city it's against the law for a dog (or cat) to be out in public by himself. So there's no confusion, the law specifies "any of the public streets, parks, playgrounds, alleys, beaches or vacant lots in the city."

 

Leashes: Our laws are very specific about this. It says no dog can be off the property of its owner without a leash. That includes all the public places listed above. Our law also specifies that the leash be "of dependable strength [and] not to exceed 12 feet in length." So no, that 20 foot clothesline doesn't count. The law also requires the leash to either be attached to an immovable object or "specifically held by a person capable of controlling the animal." Yes, people will get a ticket if their dog is dragging the leash behind him. Electronic leashes don't count either. People still argue with me. Those people are usually why this law was written in the first place. Dumb Asses.

 

Tethering: Despite my best efforts, our city still allows people to chain their dogs outside. I did, however, get the law to specify chain length (at least 10 feet with swivels on both ends) and weight (no more than 1/8 the animal's body weight). Tethered dogs must also have access to fresh water and shelter. You would think "well, duh." Unfortunately, there were several Dumb Ass Dog Owners here in town that prompted this law.

 

Poop: It should just be common courtesy to pick up after your dog. It's not. This is one of my biggest complaints. Our law says that if an animal poops anywhere other than the owner's private property it must be picked up immediately and "deposited in a trash container." If I catch the dumb asses who are leaving the bags of poo alongside the road I will write them tickets. Our city leaders were so concerned with poop that the law states that people walking a dog -- or cat -- anywhere other than their own property are required to carry "some sort of material, utensil, or suitable container with which to dispose of the defecation." Yes, I can write someone a ticket just for not having a bag. (I don't. Despite public opinion, I am not a Dog Nazi.)

 

Shelter: When I started working here there was a guy who kept his dogs in rabbit hutches. Since there was no ordinance prohibiting that, legally there was nothing I could do about it. Even more upsetting was the fact that I had to fight City Council to change the law to define a sufficient shelter as three walls, a roof and a floor, and it must be able to protect the animals from extreme temperatures and direct sunlight.

 

Sadly, in the past 10 years we've also had to write or change the laws making it illegal to:

• Leave a dog in a hot car
• Allow a dog to ride in the open bed of a pickup truck untethered
• Fail to seek medical attention for sick or injured animals
• Abandon an animal
• Fail to provide sufficient, wholesome food and clean, potable water
• Participate in dog fighting
• Beat, torture or overburden an animal
• Engage in sexual activity with an animal

I've learned that laws are written for the lowest common denominator. Unfortunately, sometimes these laws infringe upon the rights and sensibility of everybody else. So the next time you see a stupid law ask yourself "Which Dumb Ass inspired this one?"

 

Want more Dumb Ass Dog Owner stories? Want to share your own stories? Hop on! -- K

 

Dumb Ass Dog Owners

When I saw the title of this hop I laughed so hard I couldn't breathe. As an animal control officer I deal with dumb ass dog owners (DADOs) on a daily basis. (To be fair, there are quite a few dumb ass cat owners as well.) With a little more time -- and a lot more talent -- I could write a book on this stuff! But because stupid people (indirectly) pay my mortgage, I have to be careful what I say. Piss off the wrong person in this overly litigious society and I'm out of a job. So with that in mind here's my disclaimer: All of these stories are true. However, names have been changed and identifying facts have been omitted to protect me.

• Our ordinance allows dogs off leash in the surf as long as the owner is in the water too. I watched one woman unleash her dog and then stand on the shore while her dog frolicked in the water. When I confronted her she actually told me that she paid $150 for the shoes and there was no way she was going to get them wet. I wrote her a $30 citation. (Yes, one fifth of what she paid for the shoes.) She was so outraged that she wrote a letter to the editor and contested the ticket. In her letter, titled Animal Control Out of Control, she said that she couldn't believe she got a ticket when she "was only 30 feet from the water." (I saved that paper!) She put on quite a show in court too. On cross-examination I asked her "did you write this letter to the editor?" When she indignantly answered yes the judge ruled the newspaper as admissible evidence as well as an admittance of guilt. I won. 

• A woman call to complain about her neighbors. (I later discovered it was in retaliation because she thought the neighbors had reported her to code enforcement. They hadn't.) As I was talking to the woman on the front porch her Chihuahua came outside and bit me on the ankle. Since the dog had never been to the vet it was impounded and quarantined, and the woman received a citation. All in all it cost this woman over $200 in animal control fees. The code enforcement board also fined her for all the garbage in her yard. You know what they say about Karma.

• A mangy sharpei mix had been terrorizing a neighborhood. He would chase cars, growl at people, pick fights with other dogs and poop in everybody's lawn. All the complainants said the dog lived in the dilapidated trailer on the corner. When I spoke with the residents, they were just as pleasant as the dog. I was greeted with "F"*** you, bitch, get off our property." Several weeks later I saw the dog running at large and followed it home. I told the residents that I was writing a ticket and asked who owned the dog. One guy spoke up saying "It's my dog, bitch. What are you going to do about it? Are you going to write a ticket to a blind guy?" The answer was yes. I wrote a ticket to a blind guy. He was right, I am a bitch.

There are two nasty women here in the city that remind me of Cinderella's stepsisters. They are that pleasant and attractive. All the neighbors hate them. I've written seven running at large tickets to "Anastasia" because her dog "won't defecate while on leash." She lets it run loose in the park across the street instead. And I've written five running at large tickets to "Drizella" her next door neighbor. She told me that she pays so much in taxes that the park is really an extension of her front yard. By the way, I continue to catch these women because their neighbors call the police station every time the dogs are out! The lesson here: if you're going to intentionally break the rules, don't be ugly to your neighbors.

• We have a beautiful, controlled-access dog park. To join, people must prove that their dogs have been sterilized and are up to date on shots. The city charges an annual fee to use the park. The money is funneled back into park maintenance and improvements. Several months ago I wrote a $55 ticket to a woman who was letting her dog run off leash in the church lot next to the dog park. Why? Because she didn't want to pay $50 to join the dog park.

• Last week I was dispatched to a house on Bonehead Boulevard. (Seriously, the entire neighborhood couldn't collectively find their way out of a paper bag.) A woman was terrified of her own dog. Her 9 month old, intact pit bull had suddenly become aggressive and she had no idea why. She led me to a room where the dog was sitting next to a travel crate. Apparently the female dog inside the crate was "not spaded" and "had blood dripping from her coochie." Then the light bulb came on, albeit a 30 watt bulb at best. "Is she in heat? Do you think that's why he's acting weird? Is this normal? Are we going to have to do this every month?!" I took a deep breath. "Yes. Yes. Yes." (I think I use the phrase cock block). "No, dogs only go into heat twice a year." I educated her on hormone-driven behaviors, told her about pet over-population, stressed why she should not let them breed and gave her some information on a low cost spay/neuter program. If she calls me in 6 months to unload a litter of puppies we'll know that she didn't pay attention.

Dumb ass dog owners are probably the most frustrating group of people I deal with. Ignorant owners can be educated. Cruel owners can be prosecuted. DADOs are just annoying. Since bitch-slapping them is illegal and tolerating them is difficult, I'm glad there are forums and blog hops like this to vent. It's nice to know that I'm not the only one trying really really hard not to hit people with my truck. (There are others who want to hit people with a truck, right?)

Want to read about more Dumb Ass Dog Owner Hall of Fame candidates? Hop around below. Thanks to Heart Like a Dog and Tales from the Backroad for hosting this cathartic hop. -- K

Happy Halloween!

We usually go all out at Halloween. Hubby spends weeks decorating the yard, compete with stage lighting, hidden speakers and a fog machine. These pictures are from last year:

If you look closely, you can see Son #2 rising from the grave in a morph suit.
The whole family gets into the holiday.

Our pumpkins have stopped traffic.
Click here for last year's GSD jack-o-lantern patterns.

 

But this year our house is dark. We live in a cul-de-sac at the end of a long street. It use to be filled with kids, but over the past 10 years all children have grown up and moved away. Last year we only had a dozen trick-or-treaters. It's sad. Hubby has decided to forgo the decorations and spend the evening volunteering at the American Legion instead. I'm going to sit in the dark and watch the last season of Dexter.

 

I couldn't completely ignore the holiday, however. I dressed the dogs up and did a photo-shoot earlier. Aren't they precious?

 

It's not easy finding costumes for large dogs. They didn't care much for those hoods either.

Jedi is a handsome devil

And Roxy is a beautiful bumble bee

I'm not sure how I feel about not celebrating Halloween with costumes, spooky decorations and LOTS of chocolate. I think this is the first time in 40+ years that I haven't done something. We didn't even carve pumpkins!

OK, enough pouting. I'm going to order a pizza and check out the Pet Parade. Animals in hats always make me feel better (much to Jedi's dismay). Tomorrow I'm going to get as much discounted Halloween candy as possible. And maybe a pumpkin. Seriously, what were we thinking?!

 

How about you? What are your plans for this evening? -- K

#DogWalkingWeek -- OUCH!

Last week I shared on the Walk Your Dog Week Celebration Hop. I pledged to walk Jedi for at least 15 minutes every day. Did we succeed? No. We walked seven miles for charity over the course of six days -- even walking in the rain -- but on the 7th day I developed trochanteric (hip) bursitis. Again.

What is trochanteric bursitis? In layman's terms, it's inflammation of the small, jelly-like sacs, called bursae (singular: bursa), around the hip. (It can also happen in the knee, shoulder, elbow or heel.) Bursae act as cushions between bone and soft tissue. Injury or repetitive stress (aka overuse) can cause painful inflammation. All my research indicates that trochanteric bursitis is more prevalent in older, overweight, out-of-shape women (like me). My experience says it hurts like crazy! Ice, rest, anti-inflammatory meds and/or steroids help. There are also stretching exercises that can help prevent it, as well as losing weight and getting into shape.

But for now Jedi and I have put away the walking shoes. Son has been taking him for short runs and Hubby has been throwing the ball in the back yard so Jedi is still getting some exercise. I've tried to break out a few puzzle toys to work his brain some too. (A bored Jedi is a bad Jedi.) Meanwhile, I'm laid up on the couch trying not to move. No walking, no celebrating, no hopping.

This is a blog hop. Click around below and see how successful other walkers were this week. -- K

P.S. Don't worry about us, we'll be out walking again soon enough! The weather is slowly cooling down and I'm looking forward to after dinner strolls.

Luckee Dog

I scream,
You scream,
We all scream for ice cream!

 

Some of my most vivid childhood memories are chasing the ice cream truck with a couple quarters in hand. The ice cream man was the embodiment of summer vacation. I loved the ice cream man. I'll tell you who else loves the ice cream man -- Jedi!

 

Dogs in Jacksonville have their own ice cream man complete with an ice cream truck. Cool hunh? Guy Leblanc and his dog Luckee can be seen at various dog-friendly events around town serving homemade frozen treats for dogs out of the super cool truck. They're proud of the fact that Luckee Dog K9 Kool Treats have no preservatives, no added sugar, no artificial flavoring/color, and no milk/milk by-products. Jedi couldn't care less about any of that, he just likes the fact that it tastes good. (Peanut Butter Bacon is his favorite.)

Me and the Doggie Ice Cream Man

Last week I discovered something really exciting. Several stores around town are now carrying Luckee Dog. Now Jedi and I don't have to comb the internet to figure out which event the truck is at to get our ice cream fix. Even better, a store in my tiny beach town is carrying it too! We saw the truck outside Salty Paws Healthy Pet Market while on routine patrol. I was so excited. My new partner was confused by my enthusiasm, especially when I handed her my phone and said "Take my picture!" New Girl isn't a dog nut like me -- yet -- but I just had to share the ice cream man with you all. (BTW, who else is humming the Van Halen song right now?)

 

 

It's Tasty Tuesday, where Kol's Notes and Sugar the Golden Retriever host all kinds of yummy stuff. Hop around and see what I mean. -- K