Welcome to this week’s edition of Follow-Up Friday, the post where I highlight awesome comments, answer reader’s questions and generally just wrap up my week.

You Make Me Smile – April 19, 2015

Cupcake said, “Flat-out street nap weather. Neighbors stopped to ask, “Is Cupcake on strike?” and “Is she working on her tan?” as she slept like a baby in the middle of the street. ”

LOL Cupcake you are a hoot!  I saw a picture of you napping in the street on your blog, how is that comfortable?

Jan said, “He looks like he has just melted into the earth.”

THANK YOU!  That was what I was trying to say but just couldn’t find the words.  When I saw him out there, it was like he was part of the landscape. 🙂

2 Brown Dawgs said, “Awe. I have a similar picture of Thunder. Just snoozing dead to the world.”

Isn’t it amazing, how they can just tune everything out and simply enjoy life?

Paw Patrol

I broke the comments into two sections, the comments about Sampson’s paw and the suggestions for dealing with Delilah’s gum.

Callie, Shadow and Ducky’s Mom said, “Maybe use a rubber band to hold the sock on?”

I hesitated to use a rubber band because I was concerned with it being too tight and causing more harm than good.

Genevieve said, “I wonder if a long sock would be better than a short sock. Pull it up as high as possible and then tape it.”

I haven’t tried the longer sock yet, but it’s in the back of my mind, (mostly because I only had vet tape.)

Emma said, “Mom taught us the no lick and leave it commands so we don’t bother wounds around the house when she is home at least.

He knows the leave it command and it usually works, but he still tries to sneak it when he can.  If he goes at it too much, I put the cone on.

Jen said, “I always put Sherman’s bootie on when we have a nail issue because it stays on better than a sock.”

The bootie would be a good idea, but I was afraid it would be too snug around that nail and make it feel worse.

Elaine said, “We had to use socks on Haley after foot surgery several years ago and found that kid’s socks worked best for her. I used regular surgical wrap around the top of the sock and wrapped it up her leg a little bit. It seemed to hold well and was pretty easy to remove later.”

Sherrie Petrie suggested, “Try using an infant sock with the toe cut off and some Coban top and bottom to keep it in place.”

Thank you Elaine and Sherrie, I went out to BJ’s and bought a package of toddler socks and have been working all week on tweaking them in just the right way. 🙂

Blueberry’s Human asked, “I probably would not paint the cone – but I would definitely put stickers on it. Your hubby didn’t say you couldn’t do that, did he?”

No, he did not say I couldn’t use stickers…:-)

GUM

Shannon Barnard said, “Try rubbing peanut butter on gum if it happens again. That should take it right off.”

Thanks Shannon, I did not know that, although with Delilah I’d have to record it because it would be a fight to keep her from eating that peanut butter. LOL

2 Brown Dawgs asked, “So Delilah didn’t get the gum before you did?”

I know, right? One would think she’d be all over that.

A Post About Nothing

2 Brown Dawgs said, “Pictures work for posts when you are stuck and you got some good ones.”

Thank you. I was so stuck I had trouble finding pictures and I have thousands of them. THOUSANDS.

Mary said, “My mojo is slightly on hold too. I’m not feeling very good and that doesn’t help. I scraped together a post yesterday, scheduled it for this morning, and this morning there was nothing there. POOF!”

Oh that is the worst Mary! And thanks for reminding me to hit save draft every once in a while. And I do hope you are feeling better.

Sand Spring Chesapeakes said, “Yea I wasn’t too happy with that vet either it was a WTF moment.”

Seriously a vet.  I know things are different in Texas but good lord!

Baby Come Back – Barks and Bytes

As the night wore on Sampson did feel better and better and was back to himself by morning.  He did get up a few times though and I tried to discourage him leaving the room because I was worried about him licking the bandage, but it seemed dry this morning.  But Damn am I tired!

Kari said, “I hope he’s back to his old self soon! I used to walk the dogs separately, but who has the time?”

Time is really the issue.  I’d love to walk them both individually but that would add at least another hour to my day and I don’t think I can squeeze it in. So I do try on weekends to get at least one walk in with each of them separately.

Lauren Miller said, “Isn’t it weird how when you just walk one dog they are perfect? Mine are the same way!!”

It’s amazing what taking a dog out of the equation can do.  Sampson isn’t usually too bad when he walks with Delilah, although he does have his moments. But remove him from the walk and she is totally amazing.

Cupcake said, “Hang in there, S. I hope your tummy is hungry this morning”

Thanks Cupcake, his tummy was hungry and he ate all his breakfast!

That’s it for me folks.  Have a great weekend and thanks for hanging in with me.

Welcome to this week’s edition of Follow-Up Friday, the post where I highlight reader’s comments, answer questions and generally just wrap up my week.

You Make Me Smile – April 12, 2015

Sophie said, “I think, you might just be the biggest recipient of that special bond(:”

I would have to agree with you there.  He is one special boy.

Jan K said, “Mine are way too wound up to snuggle when I first get home. We have to have treats, and then play some ball. Snuggling comes later!”

Delilah used to be like that, she’s settled down a lot though.  Now most days she greets you with a toy in her mouth and then lies down to wait for rubbies.

Is She Going to Fart And…

Callie, Shadow and Ducky’s Mom said, “OH! MY! GOD!!! I am laughing so hard that my side aches!! ”

I was hoping it would turn out to be funny.  Sometimes I feel like I think it’s funny but it’s not. LOL

Val said, ” My question is….was the bubble gum flavored and if so, did her farts smell like the bubble gum!! LOL”

As a matter of fact, it was flavored but sadly, her farts still smelled like farts.

Jan said, “If the vet’s office has Caller ID, I bet they all want to take your calls. I love how they always say “Keep an eye on her” after our hysterical calls. Like we couldn’t figure that out.”

I often times wonder if it’s the opposite, they see my name come up and do rock, scissors, paper to see who gets me. 🙂 And I agree with you, I wouldn’t be calling you if I wasn’t keeping an eye on her. LOL

Jan K said, “HAHAHAHA…..you could have been rich!!”

SO RICH. Private jets to fly us to Nashville. 😉

Sand Spring Chesapeakes said, “damn, I want to see a fart gum bubble!”

This is the best I could do. 😉

Scanning Your Pet at the Vet

Tenacious Little Terrier said, “I try to have Mr. N scanned every time we go to the vet. Two years ago, I had him scanned to discover that there was no trace of his microchip.”

Wow, it’s a good thing you had him scanned, can you imagine if you were to become separated.  It is just a little extra peace of mind.

Emma said, “Everyone but Mom is chipped at our house, Katie and I have two chips, European and US. Turns out in the US, most readers don’t pick up European chips and they are also located in a different spot. Our vet always takes a read when we go in too.”

I did not know that about the European and US readers.  It’s good to know.  Is mom resistant to the chipping, is that why you haven’t had her chipped? 😉

2 Brown Dawgs said, ” We had all of our pets chipped as puppies and without anesthesia. It was no big deal. I cannot imagine putting a dog under just to implant a chip and most puppies don’t need procedures which require anesthesia.”

Well I already told you what I’d say about it. 😉  But I will add this, it may not have been a big deal to you, but I wonder what the dog would have said if they could talk? 😉 I guess you and I will have to agree to disagree.  As for the anesthesia, if you were getting your puppy spayed or neutered, it would be a fine time to chip. IMO.

Jackie Bouchard said, “I didn’t realize it was best to do the microchipping under anesthesia. (Sorry, Rita!) ”

I don’t know if it’s best, these are just my thoughts after having seen the needle.

Kari said, ” I marvel at those stories of dogs reunited after years because of the chip. And my heart breaks, because we lost Mia for a hour a few weeks ago and that was rough!”

I’m glad you got Mia back. It is so heartbreaking.  My sister’s dog was lost for 12 days in October and there is a local woman whose home was broken into and her dogs either escaped or were stolen.  She has been following every lead for over a year. 

KB said, “I cannot believe that the hold time is 3 and 0 days for dogs and cats in Chicago. That’s outrageous. I hope, with all my heart, that none of my dogs ever gets lost.”

I agree, it is outrageous.  I hope the people of Chicago speak up and insist on change.

This Little Piggy…

Meagan & Merlin said, “I have a theory about Sampson “swimming” in the carpet after he’s been sprayed is I think its cos hes trying to smell like himself again if that makes sense.”

It makes sense to me!  Thanks for sharing that.

We Live in a Flat said, “It doesn’t even have to be a pig does it? Yesterday, Donna got all exciting over a tub by the side of the road – -”

LOL no, it doesn’t have to be a pig.  For my dogs most of the things that pique their interest are statue type items, but they also get excited by weird looking sticks in the road too.

Emma said, “As for the bitter spray thing. Mom sprayed some of our houseplants with some yucky stuff to keep the cats from chewing on them. They still chew, didn’t phase them a bit, but Mom has tasted it many times…seems to last forever…and it is awful, can’t get it out of her mouth! Her hands sometimes touch the plants when she waters or trims them and sometimes she accidentally touches her mouth for some reason and then there are a lot of loud, not so nice words.”

Oh I agree.  I did not taste it intentionally! I put his booty on then grabbed a poop bag.  I like to open the bags before I stuff them in my pocket (so it’s easier when pick up time comes) and I wet my fingers to help grip the back and YUCK!

2 Brown Dawgs said, “Maybe at one time they wanted light in that part of their yard to deter marauding beasts?”

You go with that. I’m going with the entrance to Narnia. 🙂

Mary Hone said, “What a week you’ve had my friend. I think you should touch the pole, just for shits and giggles.”

Oh Mary, you made me laugh. If I thought I might be able to sneak up into their yard, without them wondering WTF I was doing, I would totally touch that pole!

Monika said, “Oh, what I wouldn’t give to hear what the D-dog has to say!”

YOU my friend are very brave. I imagine the D-dog has a LOT to say. LOL

Blueberry’s Human said, “Poor Sampson. Maybe if you took him to Narnia his foot could be healed miraculously over there. Don’t take Delilah though. You are right – she’d start talking and well…we both know that probably wouldn’t be a good thing.”

Maybe this weekend on our solo walk…but you are right about Delilah, I don’t think it would be a good thing.  Sampson would be all peace and love and Delilah would probably go all white witch on me.

Jan said, “Some people just take dog walks through their neighborhood. Jodi fantasizes about going into Narnia. How I wish we could walk with you.”

I’d love to have you walk with me Jan! Anytime you’re in CT…

Laura Elizabeth said, “I don’t think I’d be able to resist! Hold onto those leashes and report back!”

Okay, but if you don’t hear from me for a few weeks, you know what happened.  Remember time is different in Narnia then it is here.

Jen Gabbard said, “Why do they have that lamp post? I’m curious as well; it’s not like it’s even in a spot that you’d normally have a functioning light. It’s just there – in the middle – as an ornament.”

No idea.  It seemed a very odd thing to me as well.

Well my friends, that is it for me, thanks for joining me on this crazy adventure.  Have a great weekend.

Welcome to this week’s edition of Follow-Up Friday, the post where I highlight awesome comments, answer reader’s questions and generally just wrap up my week.

You Make Me Smile – Easter Sunday 2015

Cupcake said, “Ha! Ten or fifteen? Is that all?? Amateur. Mom usually need 500 before one looks like I’m being a good girl.”

OMG I lost my patience after about 5, which probably explains why my photos are so crappy!

Divide and Conquer

Slimdoggy said, “It is SOOO much easier to walk them separately, but finding the time is a challenge. Jack is not the challenge, it’s Maggie – she never met a straight line that she liked so she is all over the place.”

My guys zig and zag all over the place too.  Just yesterday I tried stepping over Sampson’s leash and almost fell again! LOL

Kirsten said, “Positive dog trainer friends have always told me I should walk my dogs individually, and of course that would be ideal for working with reactive dogs. But I seldom get to do it!”

I’ve found it’s much easier to work on each dog’s issues when they are alone.  My hope is the individual work will make them a better pair when they walk. It’s also hard to find the time on a daily basis, so I have to grab it when I can.

Jan K said, “Right now I only walk individually, because they all walk so differently, and walking three dogs at once is not in my skill set (my dogs don’t walk that well). I could probably handle two, since Sheba and Luke walk similarly, but I don’t want to leave one dog home alone.”

That’s another issue, which is why the weekend works better for me, if Hubby is home the other dog doesn’t mind staying home. And of course I have to walk Sampson first, or the baby sits home and barks.

Sand Spring Chesapeakes asked, “walking each dog singly you get to spend your own time with them which is rewarding. You still have that much snow?”

Some spots (like the front of the house where all the snow gets pushed) still have a lot of snow, but the woods don’t have a lot anymore.

And 2 Brown Dawgs said, “Please tell me that is an old photo of Sampson in the snow! ”

That picture was taken March 18th, just a little over three weeks ago.

The Exodus of the Worms

Sand Spring Chesapeakes said, “yes Delilah you can eat a mole but you might get worms.”

OMG I couldn’t stop laughing.

Repoleon said, “Another disgusting thing about worms – when they die and start to dry out they smell BAD – really bad for such small things. I know this because the dogs LOVE to roll on the occasional dead smelly worm.”

Yes that is one more disgusting thing to add to the worm’s ick factor. And my dogs like to rub themselves on them too.  Ewww.

Mary Hone said, “Ewww. You could have gathered them and went fishing. I can just see you skewering a worm on a hook.”

Actually no.  I don’t mind fishing, but I won’t bait the hook or touch the fish. Hehehe and I will never willingly touch a worm. 

Elaine asked, “Yuk! I would be paranoid about stepping on them too. Did you have to pick worm parts from Sampson and Delilah’s paws when you got back home?”

OMG the thought never crossed my mind!  I should have washed their feet before they went inside!

Blueberry’s Human said, “This really reminds me of those made for TV movies they used to show in the late 70s, early 80s. Remember? Things like “Ants!”, “Swarm!”, and there was even one with worms – probably called something really imaginative like, “Worms!”. ”

Holy woof woman!  Do you think I watch those shows?  NO.  I can’t even. NO. My skin would crawl for weeks.

KB said, “That used to happen to us when we lived in an area with pavement. I’d freak out because I couldn’t bear to see worms being squished by cars so I’d try to save them.”

Bless your heart. I can’t touch a worm. 

Jen Gabbard said, “I don’t know if it’s true but I feel that I can “smell” worms. ”

Oh My God! You have a super power!  Do you use it for good or evil?  Can you teach ME that super power?  Because I don’t ever want to see that many worms again.

Little Paws Boutique says, “oh, that would have grossed me out too! I know a woman who picks up the worms that end up in her driveway so she doesn’t run over them. She would have been out there for hours!”

She really might have been out there for days. LOL The pictures can’t even begin to show the magnitude of exactly how many worms there were.

#GETTOUGH

I know there are some organizations that spend a lot of the money they raise on salaries and advertisements.  I’m not sure where the ASPCA falls in that category but whether they are good or bad, dog fighting must be stopped.

2 Brown Dawgs said, “You all are scary!”

I was trying to look serious.:-)

Teach by Example

Emma said, “Looks like you have had huge success with sit and stay for the new addition. Can’t wait to see how come works out ”

He’s great at sit and stay but we are not making any progress on come. LOL

Callie, Shadow and Ducky’s mom said, “Haha! You almost had me with the new puppy part…until you said the dogs greeted him enthusiastically. Sampson possibly since he’s a lover boy but Delilah? Anyway, the puppy IS cute.”

Neither one of them liked my daughter’s puppy when she was here two Christmas’ ago. But I think Delilah would be better than Sampson

Jan said, “I was thinking “Are you and your sister out of your friggin mind?” but happy endings…”

LOL yes, I’d have to be out of my mind.  I have my hands full with the two I have. LOL

Jen Gabbard said, “Your new puppy is cute but he looks like he might be a bit rigid – have you taken him to the vet? And by the looks of things he might have some resource guarding going on.”

I’m a terrible dog owner, he still hasn’t been to the vet. 😉

Jan K said, “I knew there was no way you got a real puppy, unless it was a beagle. ”

Oh Jan.  A beagle, I so want a beagle and a springer and another lab.  Lord help me, is there a 12-Step program for me?

2 Brown Dawgs said, “Better those people should learn not to let their dog roam. I know you don’t let your dogs roam so I kind of doubt they will learn by example. I think you probably have to hit them over the head, but then that would not be positive training.”

You know a couple of years ago the dog ran off (into the woods where we walk) and came back with half his tail torn off, part of it had to be amputated. I know they don’t intentionally let him roam, but you’d think they’d try and put something in place to minimize it and find a way to get him back. And you are right, it’s not positive training, but I’d still like to clock them a couple of times. LOL

That’s it for me folks.  Thanks for reading and have a wonderful weekend!