Hey Everyone! Just got home about 3:30, am totally wiped out, wanted to post about my package before I fall asleep standing up! Jayeanne sent a really nice package, two packages actually, she forgot to put the dog treats in the first one! I got what I think is a leash holder, shaped like a dog bone, with 3 hooks on it; it says "good dog" but that can easily be changed to "good Kitties"! Pink also sent a cinnamon pumpkin candle, a backpack size hand sanitizer (I use these ALOT), and a very sweet note, with baby Pugs on the front. And then there were the seeds she sent. I AM SO EXCITED! There were Coleus, sweet peas, California poppies and acorn squash. AND THEN, there was Broom Corn, Fleabane and Bishops Flower, all three of which great for attracting Butterflies!! I have one lonely little patch of Fleabane show up in a different spot every year, Now I'll have it where I want it! All three of these are new to me and I can't wait to get them planted! Jayeanne, thank you very much for a great "Dog Days" package. Loved it! If I didn't think I would wake up at 3 am and be awake for the rest of the day, I would go to bed NOW! Tabs and MyrnD were really good for me, but now I know why Chris sounds so tired sometimes, when I call. Gonna miss them, tho! Jeanne, thanks for hosting a great swap! Take care of yourself, please! Shirley!

She is pink! I wondered about the name, thought she was naked after the singer. (Your Pink is a lot cuter than the other Pink!). She is darling. Beagles, very funny post about dog rules. Our dog rules are, Dogs Rule! We have three very different dogs with different personalities and needs.....all were rescued. The largest one is about 22 lbs, Mr. Fluffy, the sweetest, kindest dog ever. We also have a crazy peppy spunky dog and a recent arrival not-quite-sure-of-anything dog who was removed from an abusive home and tries to bite any man with facial hair :-( We think he is going to need a year or so of unconditional love to get over his frightful beginning. Thankful for all dog lovers and rescuers....dogs are God's answer to loneliness, horrid relatives, challenging adolescents, and exhausting coworkers!

Oh, justterrilynn! Those photos just make me want to cry. They are poignantly heartbreaking. I am so very sorry that you had to say goodbye to your precious little one. I hope you find comfort in many years of happy memories. Not that my cats understand, but I've found some comfort in telling them that Tiger is in heaven, waiting for us there. OK, actually the comfort comes from the fact that I truly believe that. God makes each little creature so very unique -- how could He not have a place for them too? (((((Hugs)))))

Be the "alpha" dog. It's really the same advice as above regarding consistent training, but I think it's the hardest thing in the world for us ppor humans to do. Dogs actually love having a clear idea about who is the boss. Unlike cats ... and I love them, too ... dogs are genetically wired to figure out who is boss in their group. If it isn't clear, then there will be a constant battle of wills going on. It can look like play, but the serious object is who is in charge and what can I get away with. Humans who are constantly erratic about what is and isn't okay help to create neurotic, anxious dogs who will tend to take advantage. The inconsistencies we telegraph mean that the dog(s) aren't clear about who is in charge of the "pack". If you are sending the message that your dog is really in charge of you, then don't be surprised when they make an executive decision. In addition to the above, creating habits and schedules also seem to be helpful for many dogs. No dog needs 24/7 access to food. Feeding twice a day -- best from the person who is most able to send the "alpha" vibe -- is a daily reminder of who provides. It's a simple way to reinforce your role. Other chewing problems definitely have to do with seperation anxiety and/or boredom. A little harder to fix sometimes, and often requires trying several approaches before finding one that suits the particular dog. My beautifully trained golden sometimes didn't like it when I was gone. Since all my dogs can go anywhere in public (Guide Dogs for the Blind) he wasn't used to it the few times he had to stay home. He would go to the trash can if, and only if, there was citrus peal in it. (Had this dog in student housing and first apartment. no disposal.) He'd carefully remove the peel and chew on it. Turns out he was raised with a small orange tree orchard in the backyard. His puppy raiser would throw the oranges as a fetch toy. So Cruiser was remembering his puppy days to alleviate the boredom and stress. Just like with humans, I find my dogs have been much better able to handle me going out without them, if they have had adequate interaction and exercise. Again, they're social, pack-oriented creatures. A dog that has had adequate exercise v a dog that hasn't will tend to do better when left alone. Daily grooming, if you have the time for it, can also go along way toward reducing the shedding problem. I'm not good at this one, and the kind of daily grooming the Guide Dog school recommends takes a minimum of 30 minutes per dog. Finger massage to loosen hair; rubber curry brush to continue the process; switch to hard bristle brush; final combing. It can truly make a difference, but in winter it's impossible to do outside. For me, I tend to worry less about hair ... Unavoidable, inevitable ... and focus on the "manners" I expect. Dogs should not go where they have no permission to go. Dogs should not do what they have no permission to do. They will have bad days, and they will occasionally make poor decisions, but it's their behaviors I can have some control over. I can't control the shedding ... even with baths, grooming, etc. Not sure any of this is helpful. Wellspring