tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65069015470849730232024-02-07T11:24:26.350-06:00Following Paw PrintsIf we listen and work in concert, lives with our animals can be even better! Listening, watching, and following their lead helps me help others. The animals can be our greatest teachers. These are our stories.Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01944860093120807814noreply@blogger.comBlogger103125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6506901547084973023.post-53997079907609797062015-11-30T12:21:00.000-06:002015-11-30T12:21:11.027-06:00It is time to begin againThe wonderful thing about working with animals is there is always a chance to begin again, to build on what has been done and hold the potential for an even better future.<br />
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The same is true with this blog. It is time to grow and evolve - and to get busy writing. There will definitely be some bumps in the road, but I'm excited about making this an important part of my overall plans for the future. I will eventually link this and my website (<a href="http://www.connectionsttouch.com/">www.connectionsttouch.com</a>) together and plan for each to complement the other.<br />
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It may take a few weeks, but I'm so excited about it all. Until then, a gratuitous Carson photo.<br />
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<br />Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01944860093120807814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6506901547084973023.post-52578802278322140112014-07-16T10:06:00.003-05:002015-03-03T21:45:27.922-06:00We have been busy!<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's been forever since we wrote a blog post, but that doesn't mean we haven't been busy. I attended my fourth Tellington TTouch class in Pflugerville, Texas, in early June. And, I leave on Friday for my fifth class - at the beautiful <a href="http://www.icefarm.com/" target="_blank">Icelandic Horse Farm</a> in Vernon, British Columbia.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Since I can now work with paying clients, I have a business name - <i>All Creatures TTouch</i> - and, as of this morning, my own website, <a href="http://www.allcreaturesttouch.weebly.com/" target="_blank">All Creatures TTouch Behavior & Training</a>. The website is definitely under construction, but I hope to have basic information available in the very near future.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have also pulled together an editorial calendar so I can post here regularly. The day-to-day details tend to pull me away from the computer. And I have found that being tied to a desk (I gave up my laptop for a new Mac desktop in January) isn't nearly as convenient as I had hoped. Maybe I can supplement with another laptop very soon ...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The dogs are healthy and happy. The week I returned from my Texas training, I drove to Kansas to collect a new rescue girl, picked up as a stray in the western part of the state. I cannot thank Airedale rescue volunteers enough for helping with transport, vetting, and grooming of this little one, named Joan Jett (JJ) in honor of the little town where she was found, Jetmore. JJ has been with us for a month now and is slowly coming around. She is extremely timid and untrained in all manner of living with humans - using a leash, pottying outside, walking through doorways and on varying indoor surfaces. I'm thankful to be available to work with her this summer, to help her learn confidence and to embrace the world around her. It's a slow process, but she is teaching me, too - as have so many wonderful canine teachers - to go slowly, with presence and with an open heart. As Ram Dass says, "Be here now." She is learning and then we backslide and then we learn again. One of my teachers and mentors, Kathy Cascade, sums it up like this: "It's about moments, not minutes." So JJ and I try to focus on the moments. JJ is listed on the national Welsh Terrier rescue website, <a href="http://www.wtcares.org/" target="_blank">WTCARES</a>. She will stay here with me a while longer, but soon she will be ready for her own loving forever home.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIZeYYHSaao3aqys7ckINUW7ILgTdoryoKl1MK0LXlvn06iH68d6ybHr-F8t-UBlBtPdH66Imc1cBiQ6Ixxe8JJ-J1Exa5bSwwraZepljWJYVC5WuI5yIDAqzjx9TtF63dney471bcaMm1/s640/blogger-image-989953929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIZeYYHSaao3aqys7ckINUW7ILgTdoryoKl1MK0LXlvn06iH68d6ybHr-F8t-UBlBtPdH66Imc1cBiQ6Ixxe8JJ-J1Exa5bSwwraZepljWJYVC5WuI5yIDAqzjx9TtF63dney471bcaMm1/s320/blogger-image-989953929.jpg" width="239" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSbwwt1wgCJSMUe5a53tR8DadqOtTQRM9Ws0y7c_5SjTFCeKHWgsLFEiJnA7U90TZe16D20gZe4KDD223Yg3JIUEHFTwRVeqMLOvv_YptZWXUeYnxJ5aNPBfcPhr-RNN9xqOIwn1FjvbY6/s640/blogger-image-1063481913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSbwwt1wgCJSMUe5a53tR8DadqOtTQRM9Ws0y7c_5SjTFCeKHWgsLFEiJnA7U90TZe16D20gZe4KDD223Yg3JIUEHFTwRVeqMLOvv_YptZWXUeYnxJ5aNPBfcPhr-RNN9xqOIwn1FjvbY6/s320/blogger-image-1063481913.jpg" width="239" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The dogs and I thank you for reading our infrequent ramblings and for being our friends. We are grateful for your physical and your online place in our lives and in our hearts. And so I leave you with a couple of photos from our recent mornings outdoors. Oklahoma weather is being kind to us this summer. We have had more than a few mornings of absolute coolness and beauty in the midst of what is normally stifling temperatures 24 hours a day this time of year.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Blessings.</span><br />
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<br />Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01944860093120807814noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6506901547084973023.post-54851014543756817412014-05-20T09:20:00.001-05:002014-05-20T09:20:42.209-05:00A day for peaceThis poem hangs in my office. One day I will find a framed copy but, for now, it is typed and taped to my wall. I found my eyes searching for it this morning as I walked in, and now have read it several times. It resonates today.<br />
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The Peace of Wild Things<br />
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When despair for the world grows in me<br />
and I wake in the night at the least sound<br />
in fear of what my life and my children's lives may be,<br />
I go and lie down where the wood drake<br />
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.<br />
I come into the peace of wild things<br />
who do not tax their lives with forethought<br />
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.<br />
And I feel above me the day-blind stars<br />
waiting with their light. For a time<br />
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.<br />
--Wendell Berry<br />
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Thank you, Mr. Berry. Your words are balm for my heart and soul today.<br />
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Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01944860093120807814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6506901547084973023.post-81197496926744300532014-03-14T15:00:00.000-05:002014-03-14T15:00:03.274-05:00Goodbye, friendLast fall, I wrote a post about our all-too-short time with the animals in our lives. At the time, my parents' little terrier-mix had begun having seizures and coughing at any exertion. For a brief while, Sandy improved but, a week ago, the seizure frequency increased, she became frightened rather than shaking off each episode, and she could no longer control bodily functions as she seized. It was time, and she told my mom in no uncertain terms.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom and Sandy</td></tr>
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Mom said she felt at peace after she made the call to the vet. She, Sandy and my dad spent a lovely weekend together. The weather was good, I cut up steak in small chunks so her very few teeth could chew. Mom fixed her lots of scrambled eggs with cheese. They snuggled on the sofa and in their favorite chairs, with Mom massaging her for hours on end. I took some pictures on Sunday and will have one framed for Mom to keep.<br />
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When Monday morning came my dad, who was scheduled to go to the vet with Mom and Sandy, needed to go to the doctor.. So, I went instead. I used some lavender essential oil, as Sandy had had a couple of severe seizures overnight. I also began Reiki, as she was shaking almost uncontrollably, a habit that began about 18 months ago, and continued it throughout the next hour.<br />
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We both stayed with her and our vets - family friends we have known forever - were in tears, too. Sandy was most calm. Her eyes, always huge and brown, were calm as I held her. Her shaking was absolutely gone for the first time in months. She looked in my eyes the entire time the anesthesia was taking effect and she simply went to sleep. Once the second injection was administered, her heart stopped almost immediately. It was tired. It was time.<br />
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We planned to lay Sandy to rest in my parents' backyard, where she could keep watch over the neighborhood cats. But, a family friend who helps them a lot in the yard and house offered to take her to his home in the country and lay her to rest with all his animals. She is now among many friends and I know she is also sticking close to Mom, as she has mentioned hearing her footsteps coming up the stairs several times this week.<br />
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Thank you, Sandy. You were a beautiful little companion. The hole you left is huge. Keep watch over Mom and Dad and visit when you can. You are missed.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Too tired to even hold herself up for long</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Resting</td></tr>
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Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01944860093120807814noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6506901547084973023.post-33508768577089956202014-02-26T06:00:00.000-06:002014-02-26T06:00:08.221-06:00Barn Hunt fun - (Nearly) Wordless Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">How many photos needed before we can get a good group shot of four terriers? Well ...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">WHEW!</span><br />
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<br />Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01944860093120807814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6506901547084973023.post-71730631473220821042014-02-24T08:46:00.000-06:002014-02-24T09:34:14.185-06:00A fun day in the barn!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I mentioned last week that we planned to attend our first barn hunt over the weekend. We did and it was <i>so much fun</i>!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I should have packed the car Friday night. I didn't and that meant getting up early to get everything loaded - crates, treats, water, bowls, leashes, harnesses, towels, first aid kits. The dogs definitely have more stuff than the humans! We hit the road just before 7 a.m. Carson, of course, sat up for the entire drive, watching me intently with her little black eyes. Marley was calm and quiet from his position at the rear of the Outback. We arrived just in time for the judges seminar, where we learned the specifics and all the dogs were introduced to the rats - both in cages and in the tubes used during the actual hunts. Both Marley and Carson went nuts over the rats; it was hard to lower their intensity once they saw and smelled them.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I ran each of the dogs twice in the introductory event (RATN), which was allowed since it was a fun match and no ribbons were being awarded. Marley was one of the first dogs "up," and he was promptly disqualified for marking a hay bale. Oops! Carson didn't find the rat first time out either but, honestly, in both cases handler error (me!) was more to blame than anything else. In barn hunts, as opposed to earthdog trials, you can actually talk to your dog. Once I got the hang of that, both dogs did a much better job. They found the rats the second time around and had a blast doing it! They didn't have to climb or tunnel at the intro level, just release them and find the tube with the rat in it within 60 seconds. Four other terriers and their humans were there. We have known one another for years and had a great time.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx7R8CKCNPRTXRL149qs8oaMrT4PeuhHiuI4QAtbiwM7uo5MLZdOj1lPeDqoTC3-0JvycZ030Ndvr74fvJ_SE0XIn_CUX6cnBqP_akocth9wnBI8Hh8MBan9d6xUwDCMUKJw_YI9e8ipTW/s1600/1925274_10200594707828623_882988865_n-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx7R8CKCNPRTXRL149qs8oaMrT4PeuhHiuI4QAtbiwM7uo5MLZdOj1lPeDqoTC3-0JvycZ030Ndvr74fvJ_SE0XIn_CUX6cnBqP_akocth9wnBI8Hh8MBan9d6xUwDCMUKJw_YI9e8ipTW/s1600/1925274_10200594707828623_882988865_n-2.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carson works the rat after choosing the right tube!</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Barn hunts are open to dogs of all breeds and sizes. Besides our six terriers, there was a cocker spaniel, a boxer, two Rhodesian Ridgebacks, dalmatian, wire-haired dachshund, and several other breeds. Perfect way to spend a brisk Saturday morning. Carson and Marley slept most of the rest of the day. I guess all that barking and jumping wore them out. I know it did me!</span></div>
Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01944860093120807814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6506901547084973023.post-5326261090329653282014-02-19T18:44:00.003-06:002014-02-19T18:44:52.489-06:00Taming the hairy beasts!Yesterday we had the day off from school AND the weather was nice. That meant it was time to do some serious terrier grooming. After all, we will attend our first-ever <a href="http://barnhunt.com/" target="_blank">barn hunt</a> this weekend in Edmond (OK). I have never considered myself anything more than an almost-adequate groomer - and some would disagree with even <i>that</i> description! But we made it through with lots of terrier coat gone and no scrapes or blood loss. All in all, that's a pretty good day.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marley - before #1</td></tr>
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Marley was up first. His coat has never been the best. For one thing, to say he is double-coated would be an exaggeration! And his furnishings? Geez, they are super-thin.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marley - almost done!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marley - "before" #2</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Then came Little Miss Carson. She is famous for sitting down when I want her to stand and it's no different on the grooming table! Most striking is how different it is to groom her from Marley. I've never done them back-to-back before, so those differences were much more apparent.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Her coat is classic Welsh double-thick, sometimes making it a challenge to even get the clippers through. Wiry, thick, hard - and sticks to everything it touches when trimmed - that's what you get when you groom Carson!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The photo on the left is before we started and on the right is nearly done. Faces and furnishing are tough for me and I trim both more than what is done for the show ring. But it helps keep her a bit cleaner when playing in the yard or slinging water all over the kitchen.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkV_5Z0WrJb8iIlDt21DBby0wjP-w_u7nigoBJKBVuUXO_bGlX2PETGkPpLSTI4JeI1U3MvtO-0m5PzkGKy7F0C_Ed4rVIHmRJhqU66FJ99mX3DxdC6OLeufeERIGAM11SLRw6qfqqIlVC/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkV_5Z0WrJb8iIlDt21DBby0wjP-w_u7nigoBJKBVuUXO_bGlX2PETGkPpLSTI4JeI1U3MvtO-0m5PzkGKy7F0C_Ed4rVIHmRJhqU66FJ99mX3DxdC6OLeufeERIGAM11SLRw6qfqqIlVC/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="320" width="226" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvmuH2Ob5FrKW6v9_M-tmHETA-gH1BJ2Ul89Jf0Jws-qINzgRea4kcmyhl2SP0l8qDfZVgmzxubSg07-CO-fDsIVkMs8ierFSeK-2K9zoNus9wafpMzh_-mx3ghbvluSpcCOGbOVmU_oIC/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvmuH2Ob5FrKW6v9_M-tmHETA-gH1BJ2Ul89Jf0Jws-qINzgRea4kcmyhl2SP0l8qDfZVgmzxubSg07-CO-fDsIVkMs8ierFSeK-2K9zoNus9wafpMzh_-mx3ghbvluSpcCOGbOVmU_oIC/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="320" width="164" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enough fur for another WT</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My "perfect angel"!</td></tr>
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Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01944860093120807814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6506901547084973023.post-15085215367723550442014-02-05T11:01:00.000-06:002014-02-05T11:01:14.970-06:00Winter weather on (Nearly) Wordless Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01944860093120807814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6506901547084973023.post-83570638201488893482014-02-04T09:38:00.002-06:002014-02-04T10:16:01.411-06:00Celebrate the month of love with your pet!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Do you celebrate holidays with your pet? I'll be the first to admit that while my dogs are definitely spoiled, we rarely have special pet-centered celebrations. They like to chew things too much to have gifts for them to unwrap. They don't like being dressed in costumes (coats/sweaters are tough enough when the weather is cold!). Lots of folks love celebrating with their pets and have elevated it to a high art form. It this describes you, here are some special celebrations you can share with your pet this month. Be sure to fill out the survey at the end of this list and we will share how others celebrate with their pets, then you'll have even more reasons to throw a party!</span><br />
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</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">February is ... Spoil Your Pet Month. Join BlogPaws (<a href="http://www.blogpaws.com/">www.blogpaws.com</a>) for ideas on spoiling <i>your</i> pet!</span><br />
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</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">National Pet Dental Health Month (<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><a href="http://www.avma.org/anim%E2%80%8Bal_health/npdhm/default.%E2%80%8Basp">http://www.avma.org/animal_health/npdhm/default.asp</a>)</span></span><br />
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</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Responsible Pet Owners Month</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">National Wild Bird Feeding Month</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Opening of the Winter Olympics, February 6</span></span><br />
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</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Westminister Kennel Club Show, held the second Monday and Tuesday of February (this year, that is February 10-11)</span></span><br />
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</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Have A Heart for Chained Dogs Weed, February 7 - February 14 (<a href="http://advocacy.britannica.com/blog/advocacy/2007/02/have-a-heart-for-chained-dogs-week-february-7-14/">http://advocacy.britannica.com/blog/advocacy/2007/02/have-a-heart-for-chained-dogs-week-february-7-14/</a>)</span></span><br />
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</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Pet Theft Awareness Day, February 14 (</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><a href="http://www.stolenpets.com/day.htm">http://www.stolenpets.com/day.htm</a>)</span></span><br />
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</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Valentine's Day, February 14</span></span><br />
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</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Great Backyard Bird Count, February 14 - February 17</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">World Whale Day, February 15</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">National Justice for Animals Week, Week of February 24 (<a href="http://advocacy.britannica.com/blog/advocacy/2011/02/national-justice-for-animals-week/">http://advocacy.britannica.com/blog/advocacy/2011/02/national-justice-for-animals-week/</a>)</span></span><br />
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</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Love Your Pet Day, February 20</span></span><br />
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</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Walking Your Dog Day, February 22</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day, February 23</span></span><br />
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</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Spay Day USA, February 25</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">World Spay Day, February 25 - <i>20th Anniversary</i>!</span></span><br />
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</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">International Polar Bear Day, February 27</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">National Polar Bear Day, February 27</span></span><br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="500" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Xk6uo4wsudGEVzIdhaIMJInbxHt60juV2cxMKaKQovQ/viewform?embedded=true" width="760">Loading...</iframe>Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01944860093120807814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6506901547084973023.post-16161538368877755082014-02-01T11:13:00.000-06:002014-02-01T11:13:17.665-06:00Lying Leopard<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It is interesting that Lying Leopard is described as being less invasive than Clouded Leopard and so many animals like it better if they are sensitive to touch. We had kind of a mixed reaction here.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lying Leopard is supposed to allow a larger area of "warm contact" with the hand. I often hold my breath when I'm working - something I try to recognize and change, but it's a work in progress. I think that probably affects how my dogs feel about it overall.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Blue liked it the most. I'm not sure that it wasn't too much like a massage for him, so I need to keep that in mind, although you do need to get through the fur to the skin. He doesn't like the circles too fast or too slow. The trick is finding his "just right"!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgv9D1KyoTGfDvttG28MiDxeFHW2wBVMegUmudwSoJJIDpz8pyPrQlQFxv3flNedMNDprHZPeCaDEP9T6Bk49qH4QkezEEh9bVVeYTymSV8R6gf51HxajJmfYsg2MA_2-veZoa7lqkzX61/s1600/IMG_0571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgv9D1KyoTGfDvttG28MiDxeFHW2wBVMegUmudwSoJJIDpz8pyPrQlQFxv3flNedMNDprHZPeCaDEP9T6Bk49qH4QkezEEh9bVVeYTymSV8R6gf51HxajJmfYsg2MA_2-veZoa7lqkzX61/s1600/IMG_0571.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This is another one of those touches that Blue really likes along his hindquarters. He totally backed up into me and wanted this experiment to continue.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marley</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The terriers weren't so sure about the whole process. Maybe because they're smaller so it seemed like I was covering a larger area? Maybe I should increase the speed of the circles, slowing down once they relax. I need to spend more time to see how they react long-term. And I think I need to make sure I'm more on the level with them rather than working from a standing position, which can always be an issue.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Beginning today, we are going to start doing mouth work. This may need a couple of weeks, as it's a slow process and I don't want to push too much or too soon. Basically, we will begin with Lying Leopard TTouches on the outside of the mouth and make tiny circles on the gums, working on both sides of the mouth. I want to do multiple short sessions to keep stress levels down. Mouth TTouch is used extensively for aggression, barking, biting, chewing, dental woe, emotional upset, fear of vet offices, hyperactivity, licking, nervousness and stress - most of the emotional issues. I have seen it used with absolutely wonderful success on dogs, and have seen it magically calm down my own Carson. My friend Cynde Van Vleet, a TTouch practitioner in California, used it to work miracles on Carson during a stressful point in a class a couple of years ago. Carson has recently started barking a lot when outside, so I hope this will ease that a bit.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsUcYFYIrFQubdXE95F3uVi6cpO2_Mc1JZgZ0a8ft2b4BqiVDubplnLQwGJXxDTVroym1hrpBnjPyC-pLb2lntgOrWcA0b4aozIAPFXXBObu0ANWlDYphBfaNpn_-b5VdpWugNhvayacSj/s1600/IMG_0572-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsUcYFYIrFQubdXE95F3uVi6cpO2_Mc1JZgZ0a8ft2b4BqiVDubplnLQwGJXxDTVroym1hrpBnjPyC-pLb2lntgOrWcA0b4aozIAPFXXBObu0ANWlDYphBfaNpn_-b5VdpWugNhvayacSj/s1600/IMG_0572-1.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In other news, the new computer purchase, migration and set-up is complete. I really didn't want to replace my laptop just yet, but it made the decision for me. After long conversations with my children and writer-friends, I opted for the Mac desktop with a 21.5" screen. I have to admit it is nice to write, edit and proofread on it, but I do miss the portability of the laptop. I'll just need to get more comfortable writing on the iPad mini. At right is a photo of the new digs in the sunroom.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The cold and grey continues in Oklahoma. The dogs and I are in desperate need of sunshine and warm breezes (not winds, but breezes would be nice).</span>Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01944860093120807814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6506901547084973023.post-48547316360252830272014-01-29T18:24:00.000-06:002014-01-29T18:24:41.734-06:00(Nearly) Wordless Wednesday (only not today!)The only kind of snow day I like (and even then, it's too cold!).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKaAc0hD77gbqxgGVG3bZWcRzhmyNeX1y0NAz4Gvhygivaj4MGRPjM2C2OOOf-1fp-Z8VGWB5EOtW-4GPsJT2l5VjvOaCeVpLmoTiUCOf8fEzZ_ifJg1Ssd0STunEN0PRjNv8TTPxNnRBJ/s640/blogger-image-387095102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKaAc0hD77gbqxgGVG3bZWcRzhmyNeX1y0NAz4Gvhygivaj4MGRPjM2C2OOOf-1fp-Z8VGWB5EOtW-4GPsJT2l5VjvOaCeVpLmoTiUCOf8fEzZ_ifJg1Ssd0STunEN0PRjNv8TTPxNnRBJ/s640/blogger-image-387095102.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDD3tFAen5YimlIYDF0Sl0T0WooiVecOCQDRXwAlO5kKfEvK49sc1cDSySg_oSppyD8zH9DANQVxDUJyOf5jXCR_aGsKlgCP2VMKQvwg3kYUqyBs28gpkPcs-lbebpAm5VyJWuae6IMFri/s640/blogger-image--1486100216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDD3tFAen5YimlIYDF0Sl0T0WooiVecOCQDRXwAlO5kKfEvK49sc1cDSySg_oSppyD8zH9DANQVxDUJyOf5jXCR_aGsKlgCP2VMKQvwg3kYUqyBs28gpkPcs-lbebpAm5VyJWuae6IMFri/s320/blogger-image--1486100216.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">While not directly pet-related, I learned my love of animals - terriers, in particular - from my parents. We had any combination of dogs growing up, a couple of stray cats, fish, gerbils.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Three weeks ago, we had a setback when the doc found my dad had a bladder tumor. Fast-forward to today, and the man who, at nearly 93, had never had anesthesia or surgery sailed through and the tumor, while cancerous, was caught early and is extremely slow-growing. And so today, I am celebrating my not-so-Wordless-Wednesday with a photo of my folks, who will celebrate another anniversary together next week. Happy day!</span>Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01944860093120807814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6506901547084973023.post-14243158400374972542014-01-27T18:00:00.000-06:002014-01-27T18:00:03.482-06:00Pet holidays - January 2014<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Do you celebrate holidays with your pets? More and more people do just that, so we'll take a bit of space each month to let you know what's going on and where you can find more information.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">January is nearly done, but there is still time to celebrate together!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.trainyourdogmonth.com/" target="_blank">National Train Your Dog Month</a> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw4AvhJUueApGwxZL0VRdb5lxj6FHj6OmaAcxhZnmE97Ykyu12KLuvoE3SuCsCxIK6MzgUo9udqUMsSDloBh7WQNDm4pOWMtRHZJeW5R1q-zXkJUwsosaxSmEG9BGrmEONLJhiL9JxpbLb/s1600/johnny_automatic_walking_dog.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw4AvhJUueApGwxZL0VRdb5lxj6FHj6OmaAcxhZnmE97Ykyu12KLuvoE3SuCsCxIK6MzgUo9udqUMsSDloBh7WQNDm4pOWMtRHZJeW5R1q-zXkJUwsosaxSmEG9BGrmEONLJhiL9JxpbLb/s1600/johnny_automatic_walking_dog.png" height="140" width="200" /></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Walk Your Pet Month (although I will admit I'm not doing much about this, what with the really cold weather and all!)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">January 29, 2014: Seeing Eye guide Dog Birthday</span>Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01944860093120807814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6506901547084973023.post-82700534744682164842014-01-27T09:36:00.003-06:002014-01-27T09:36:38.960-06:00Technological interruptions<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I'm sorry to report that we will have a brief interruptions in posts as my primary computer crashed over the weekend. I hope to make a Tulsa run this afternoon to buy a new one and then will go back in a few days, after they have (hopefully!) transferred all my data. Until then, I can't access my posts and/or photos.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Keep your fingers crossed for us! We have had a lot of interesting adventures in recent days and can't wait to share them.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Stay warm and safe. It was 70F here yesterday and 0F by this morning. Oh, Oklahoma ...</span>Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01944860093120807814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6506901547084973023.post-30473196657606229292014-01-25T14:31:00.001-06:002014-01-25T14:31:04.188-06:00Belly Lifts practice<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This was definitely my biggest challenge yet as far as practicing on my own dogs. I would love to actually have photographic evidence but, since it's just the dogs and me, I don't have enough hands!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As I mentioned, Belly Lifts have a number of uses, including digestive issues, sore backs, nervousness and gait problems. It's best to use a towel with animals like dogs and cats. The idea is to gently and slowly lift the abdomen from underneath, hold for 3-5 seconds, then release very slowly (taking twice as long as the lift is recommended). Starting behind the front legs, the towel is moved along the body towards the hindquarters.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Carson was my best participant this week. She stood quietly as I worked with her, then wiggled and shook it off when we were done. She seemed to like the gentle pressure. Marley sat down after the first lift and had to be persuaded to stand again. I felt like he was tolerating me practicing on him each time I tried it, but he wasn't thrilled. Not surprisingly, Blue was definitely uncomfortable. First of all, I put something unexpected (the towel) around him. Then I lifted his abdomen - not once, but THREE times! He backed into a corner whenever possible, although her was more comfortable with having the front part of his body worked. As we moved closer to his hindquarters, he got more antsy. But that area continues to be a challenge with him, so not surprising.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This is one I need to work into the rotation fairly often so the dogs get more used to it. That way, when and if it is really needed, they may accept it more easily.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Week 4 will focus on Lying Leopard, which is a variation of the Clouded Leopard. The main difference is the curve of the hand is more flat, so there is a larger area of contact. This touch is good for animals that may be too sensitive to Clouded Leopard, as it feels less invasive.</span>Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01944860093120807814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6506901547084973023.post-47633749548336356322014-01-22T16:03:00.003-06:002014-01-22T16:05:03.081-06:00bugRIGHT, Made in Oklahoma<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">[This post first appeared on my sister blog, Pawsitive Places. But in the interests of doing less and doing it (hopefully) better, I plan to write only this blog for the time being.]</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">Even when the temperature dips well below freezing, most Oklahomans know it simply doesn't get cold enough here to kill off "critters" in our homes, yards and on pets. And now there is a new, natural solution for Oklahomans and their pets – an organic, non-poisonous bug repellent called bugRIGHT. Even better, it’s made in Oklahoma!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">bugRIGHT products are natural and safe for people, pets and the environment. The bug repellent powder utilizes natural ingredients, including essential oils, to kill bugs and discourage future infestations. According to inventor Paul Goss, essential plant oils attack the central nervous systems of insects, killing them within a few hours. These same dosage amounts are harmless to humans, birds and mammals, and the environment. bugRIGHT utilizes clove thyme and wintergreen essential oils, along with soybean oil, diatomaceous earth, sodium chloride (table salt), sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and 2-phenethyl propionate (a derivative of peanut oil).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It's tough to find a balance between a nice lawn and a safe environment for pets. Vegetable gardens are most abundant when free of pests like squash bugs. The same is true for inside spaces. No one wants to live with ants, fleas, roaches, scorpions or ticks. And bugRIGHT offers an option. It is important to note that a study presented in the January 2012 issue of the Environmental Research journal found that exposure to professionally-applied lawn pesticides was shown to a significantly higher risk – 70 percent – of canine malignant lymphoma (CML). While the study did not contain many specifics, there was enough information provided in the results to raise a red flag. And there is certainly enough concern to show a link between CML and pesticides. In reporting the study, <i>Whole Dog Journal</i> noted that dogs “can serve as sentinels for human disease because they are our close companions and are subjected to many of the same environmental influences.” The article, authored by Barbara Dobbins goes on to say that while the goal of the study was “to identify risk factors for CML from exposure to environmental chemicals … for humans,” it is important to note that canines and humans experience different exposures to lawn care products. Humans generally do not come in direct contact while dogs – their bodies and their toys – do.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Goss and his wife, Freda, developed bugRIGHT after they recognized their own need for a nontoxic alternative to garden chemicals. bugRIGHT is safe to use inside and out and even directly on pets. While made of food-grade materials, bugRIGHT should still be kept away from children and pets and should not be ingested. The dust from bugRIGHT powder could be irritating to respiratory systems and because the product contains essential plant oils, it may cause reactions in those sensitive to fragrances.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The 11-ounce shaker canister (suggested retail $15) is best for spreading evenly on gardens or carpeted areas.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Even though it seems like winter will never end, it won't be cold forever. Look for bugRIGHT today. You won't be sorry.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">bugRIGHT is available at stores throughout northeastern Oklahoma. Distribution is expanding east and into Texas. To find out where you can buy bugRIGHT and to read more about the product, it's history and plans for the future, visit <a href="http://bugright.com/" target="_blank">bugRIGHT</a></span></div>
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Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01944860093120807814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6506901547084973023.post-29309147607654763982014-01-22T11:36:00.000-06:002014-01-22T15:36:39.077-06:00(Nearly) Wordless Wednesday<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Celebrating dog beds!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We have five for three dogs, with two located on my bed and another on the floor of my bedroom, one in the living room and the big one in front of the dining room window.</span><br />
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<br />Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01944860093120807814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6506901547084973023.post-54090079194488769802014-01-17T06:00:00.000-06:002014-01-17T06:00:00.555-06:00Practicing Clouded Leopard<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As I mentioned last week, Clouded Leopard was one of the first touches I learned. I think a lot of people do something like this pretty much naturally, at least the touch part. What I believe is equally important is the intention while touching, along with simply being present. Being present is a lesson I seem to have a hard time learning, by the way! Clouded Leopard uses the pads of all five fingers. The fingers are slightly curved, but not perpendicular as with Bear. The idea is to get below the fur to the skin, but certainly not to apply enough pressure to be considered massage. It is easy for me to go too quickly with Clouded Leopard, so I consciously try to slow my breathing and stay relaxed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Blue is not nearly as fond of Clouded Leopard as he was of Bear. I will continue to work with him and try to help him reduce his stress levels. Marley and Carson both melt into this one. I use it quite a bit along Carson's neck under her chin, which is a bit of a touchy area for her. I need to find my rhythm, however, so I can flow from one circle to the next without it feeling so "jerky" to me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Week 3 will be spent on Belly Lifts. These are used not only for digestive issues, but also for sore backs, nervousness, pregnancy, hypersensitivity, timidity, poor balance, arthritis, gait problems and in helping redirect negative behavior. While I could use my hands in a pinch, it works best to use a towel for most companion animals like dogs and cats. I am particularly interested to see how Blue responds!</span><br />
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<br />Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01944860093120807814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6506901547084973023.post-40889637528483822302014-01-15T20:23:00.000-06:002014-01-15T20:23:21.365-06:00(Nearly) Wordless Wednesday<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sorry! The day almost got away from me. Here are a few bits of the natural world to share from our little corner of the globe. Offered with love from Blue, Carson and Marley.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A tiny nest made from the native grasses <br />in the back yard. Recent winds blew it down.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sun through the clouds as I left for work this morning.<br />It was even more red 30 minutes earlier!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01944860093120807814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6506901547084973023.post-72779089075516089282014-01-13T20:59:00.003-06:002014-01-13T20:59:29.682-06:00Post-holiday letdownThe holidays are gone and now the college-age children gone, as well. My son left on Thursday for a four-month internship in Florida. As he does each time he leaves, he spent some quality time with Blue before he headed out, talking and telling him to "take care of the terriers and the girls." Then, yesterday, my daughter headed out for her second semester at college.<br />
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The dogs played all afternoon, taking advantage of sunshine and warm temperatures. I left the back door open so they could come and go and they got plenty of exercise. But it was much more quiet that it had been in recent weeks - no voices, no guitar and singing, no television.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyCWivge9N0RlQu86LwOjSu2CJ0v6dX9i_ZV0sNfzinIcsFVUZY0cFkDJWRAVG-vNQLBxJb31fV-7tj3l-BS-s8LbAhyphenhyphen8anCjBBtIMLPu6EKPoHzz1jTtrQeBh5JMOB7N4y1-t-PwunTpC/s1600/Marley_11214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyCWivge9N0RlQu86LwOjSu2CJ0v6dX9i_ZV0sNfzinIcsFVUZY0cFkDJWRAVG-vNQLBxJb31fV-7tj3l-BS-s8LbAhyphenhyphen8anCjBBtIMLPu6EKPoHzz1jTtrQeBh5JMOB7N4y1-t-PwunTpC/s200/Marley_11214.JPG" width="195" /></a>We were all a little blue. Marley couldn't get close enough, as this picture shows. It will take everyone a bit of time to find our middle ground again. Of course, by then, the kids will probably be back home!<br />
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<br />Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01944860093120807814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6506901547084973023.post-35234105981629441472014-01-10T06:00:00.000-06:002014-01-10T06:00:02.301-06:00Hibernating with Bear TTouch<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My apologies in advance if these experiments aren't as interesting as they seem to me! This week we worked with Bear, which means using the fingertips at a 90 degree angle to the skin/coat. I realized I use it pretty often and without realizing that's what I'm doing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A huge (for us) cold front moved in on Saturday night, so I had a lot of forced hibernation time with the dogs - and the kids. It gave me plenty of chances to get my hands on the dogs, as the temperature dropped and the winds howled.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Bear TTouch puts Carson into a zen state pretty much every time. Her eyelids slowly close and she sinks into me, the bed, the sofa - wherever. I consciously try to slow down the circles, as I find myself going too fast much of the time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Blue is much bigger, with a ton of coat. For him, the circle moves his fur around more. He will even back up to have the area around his tail touched with Bear, which is nearly unheard of with him.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As for Marley, well, he's pretty easy. He loves almost all touch.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Week 2 focus is on Clouded Leopard, one of the first touches I learned. Founder Linda Tellington-Jones wrote that this touch got its name from a Clouded Leopard at the Los Angeles Zoo who was worked on with TTouch. It's a very light touch to help reduce all kinds of stress and stress-related reactions and to increase self-confidence.</span>Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01944860093120807814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6506901547084973023.post-77681084448579508392014-01-08T09:15:00.002-06:002014-01-08T09:15:28.036-06:00(Nearly) Wordless Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Celebrating the holidays, time together, rest and relaxation - and trying to keep the cold away!</span></div>
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<br />Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01944860093120807814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6506901547084973023.post-29096944962772310672014-01-06T10:06:00.000-06:002014-01-06T10:06:03.137-06:00Baby, it's cold outside!<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Much of the country has been dealing with winter storms and bitterly cold temperatures. Here in Oklahoma, the thermometer plummeted on Saturday afternoon, taking with it the ability to spend very much time outside - at all. As I hustled the dogs in and out - always a challenge since Carson gets distracted and doesn't take care of "business" - I watched the cows across the road. They huddled together, braving the elements stoically. They seem so passive, well, except for at dinner time, when Rosie the red cow always gets very vocal and moves right up to the fence!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A quick online research adventure revealed that cows in good coat and with adequate body mass can survive bitterly cold temperatures pretty easily. It is harder for calves, who haven't had the chance to fatten up. There are four calves across the way. The articles I found mentioned windbreaks and plenty of water as important to survival. Luckily we haven't had rain, as wet coats, combined with wind and cold, increase the odds of hypothermia in cattle.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The herd across the way is well-cared-for, so I am certain they will be fine during this cold spell. And I have to say I'm glad I'm not the one feeding and watering a couple of times a day. Thankfully, I can watch them from my sunroom and stay warm!</span>Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01944860093120807814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6506901547084973023.post-32682925384707861232014-01-03T10:59:00.000-06:002014-01-03T11:01:22.749-06:00New year, new goals<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I hope everyone had just the kind of holiday season they hoped to have - and now it's time to create the best year ever. At least that's my plan. My writings here will (hopefully!) be a bit more organized and regular. Friday's posts will follow my journey in learning and practicing Tellington TTouch. I have three sessions under my belt and hope to finish the remaining three for my level one in the next 12-14 months. Each week, I plan to focus on one touch and use it on myself and the dogs throughout the week. Then, on Friday, I will share my experiences and let you know which touch I'll be using the following week.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Okay. Ready? Here goes! Beginning today, I am going to work with Bear TTouch. Bear is described as having "an activating effect and is soothing for itching hot spots from fleas or skin allergies." Bear is also useful for "large, well-muscled dogs who lack focus or are hyperactive."</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marley is always ready to snuggle and help out <br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here is one of my pack, Jacob Marley, waiting his turn for the week. From all of us here, stay safe and warm on this first weekend in January.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Blessings!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01944860093120807814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6506901547084973023.post-24954499032399797292013-12-27T11:31:00.001-06:002014-01-03T11:00:39.009-06:00Planning for 2014A wise woman and fellow pet blogger recently made me realize I am writing too much. Not too often - obviously - but simply too much.<br />
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And so today I will start planning my 2014 blogging calendar. My plan is to post on Mondays and Fridays, with a (Nearly) Wordless Wednesday. But my goal is also to shorten posts so no one has to slog through them. I will be assisted, of course, by the pups. </div>
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Wish us luck!</div>
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Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01944860093120807814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6506901547084973023.post-49858052201684521132013-11-25T16:04:00.001-06:002013-11-25T16:04:11.270-06:00Cold weather tips from the dogs<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I realized this weekend that the dogs are masters of how to be truly successful in cold weather. Here are how the dogs at my house deal with cold weather:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1. Drink plenty of water. I tend to forget to drink anything. So, when I get up to move around (see how I remember to do that, below), I heat some water for tea. I try to make it herbal so it counts for my total glasses of water for the day. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">2. Keep moving. It may be too cold to walk those 10,000 daily steps outside. If that's the case, get up from the desk, sofa, chair every hour or so. I have an alarm set on my FitBit (<a href="http://www.fitbit.com/">www.fitbit.com</a>) to remind me to move around.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">3. Get outside, but don't spend a lot of time out there when it's really cold. Even in the winter, we need a certain amount of sunshine to stay healthy and keep our bones strong.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTIGAKwo2kCbwmTUnm3xFEl5u5pd_azHT8tYEpFk9r4S73kvPYPwtz9PN_yCVPagM_3WOa7RstXKoCfPNNVBECcOEn8gKYqvQXWlE_1wZzHngpJuLeVYeg2ha9DYWEsFPNRLr80H5UFMqo/s1600/PetrJ_snow_flake2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTIGAKwo2kCbwmTUnm3xFEl5u5pd_azHT8tYEpFk9r4S73kvPYPwtz9PN_yCVPagM_3WOa7RstXKoCfPNNVBECcOEn8gKYqvQXWlE_1wZzHngpJuLeVYeg2ha9DYWEsFPNRLr80H5UFMqo/s200/PetrJ_snow_flake2.png" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">4. Nap. Yep, that's right. If I'm tired and I have the time, I curl up for a nap - usually on the sofa with a book and a dog to provided added heat. I always say I would make a good bear when the days are short and the temperatures are in the "It's too cold for me" range!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkv3T5gXmaEMC0X8JOboA5ejwIfsxnJhohUDwtocFdjqQSsc1o27qW41kNtY6LUBvlVAFd0MmThylcjO8FpJwn9PMCOQdDYTp3qgoWCXKBMDTOH9_3jJpSmf7GU-_GJ8C7kUVjI-ghcSm4/s1600/SteveLambert_Sleeping_Reader.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkv3T5gXmaEMC0X8JOboA5ejwIfsxnJhohUDwtocFdjqQSsc1o27qW41kNtY6LUBvlVAFd0MmThylcjO8FpJwn9PMCOQdDYTp3qgoWCXKBMDTOH9_3jJpSmf7GU-_GJ8C7kUVjI-ghcSm4/s200/SteveLambert_Sleeping_Reader.png" width="104" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">5. Eat lightly. I can't give in to those urges to eat lots of heavy food during the colder months. It makes me feel awful - kind of like the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man. And I dislike that feeling more than I like heavy food.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-aUDlBnku_YLueNrXdcY_5AlctBpEPRsUwsCCIEboccvCUrymI6JZfGMwic5FU8NOQMfEvKVs1GIWm3pRgXd5PpT1V0R9lDITq2nLA1nthCFLguZhJwWrdwy9P7Vv8B-xyrSzOddOPG-I/s1600/bowl_of_steaming_soup_01.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-aUDlBnku_YLueNrXdcY_5AlctBpEPRsUwsCCIEboccvCUrymI6JZfGMwic5FU8NOQMfEvKVs1GIWm3pRgXd5PpT1V0R9lDITq2nLA1nthCFLguZhJwWrdwy9P7Vv8B-xyrSzOddOPG-I/s200/bowl_of_steaming_soup_01.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">6. Play. Even if it's only for a few minutes, I try to throw a ball for the dogs and just breathe. It elevates my heart rate just a bit and gives my soul a chance to soar.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcVzpuGmBpqMko_1z67_rM1w_7TEe0i1wOcP7VpFG3Jn_ZlKNEyuH_dEcdM3r4GSoWOvWrr80v2OI6mU5Hcp1nGCHsFqW-cSnuj2XRYOXG64Nlb3Qsa6_f10aDkrT3IN0dpaGrKEbeTxoS/s1600/girl_playing_with_dogs.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcVzpuGmBpqMko_1z67_rM1w_7TEe0i1wOcP7VpFG3Jn_ZlKNEyuH_dEcdM3r4GSoWOvWrr80v2OI6mU5Hcp1nGCHsFqW-cSnuj2XRYOXG64Nlb3Qsa6_f10aDkrT3IN0dpaGrKEbeTxoS/s200/girl_playing_with_dogs.png" width="136" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">7. Bundle up. I have come to realize that, living in Oklahoma, we often don't have the best clothes to brave the cold weather. I'm going to try to add some thin layers to my wardrobe in the next couple of years so I can face the cold a little more positively. But, as I mentioned before, I really hate that stuffed feeling that comes with lots of bulky clothes (or too much food!), so I am going to take my time and buy carefully.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2oWVGhhdI2vS5_Og6TpnmMd_rNJ-MN59V9FPGvQZy1c_0aAFAXzkHuw9AjZ9ux2ieW6IfNdNiMlErELdDtgDMjnf6gYoEZRCa66stXGZpKk0mJ-WME-8Q9gNrV7k28ncKXvidEAVQT9zb/s1600/johnny_automatic_snow_child.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2oWVGhhdI2vS5_Og6TpnmMd_rNJ-MN59V9FPGvQZy1c_0aAFAXzkHuw9AjZ9ux2ieW6IfNdNiMlErELdDtgDMjnf6gYoEZRCa66stXGZpKk0mJ-WME-8Q9gNrV7k28ncKXvidEAVQT9zb/s200/johnny_automatic_snow_child.png" width="174" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">8. Smile anyway. My Airedale, Mattie Rae, always lived her life with joy. This winter, I am going to try to channel her philosophy of appreciating the little things and remembering to smile.</span>Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01944860093120807814noreply@blogger.com0