… That is the question!  One of the Forums I am on and a moderator of is starting the next photo competition, “Noses and Whiskers”.  I dont really have any shots of just “noses and/or whiskers” of any of my dogs.  I have been going through old shots looking for something that may work and I came up with these two of Brutus

And I just took these of Rufus – I’m not sure I like the whole abstract look though.

And there is always this one of Eris that is cute.

I am leaning more towards the second one.  What do you think? I still have a few days to decide.  Stop by and join the forum and look around.  www.ruffdogs.co.uk – my screen name is labcablady and i am sure you will recognise my everchanging signature blocks with B and R.

Fall is certainly upon us.  It seems like the change occurred while I was gone in Arizona.  The mornings are cooler but I have yet to see the dry crisp feeling I so love about fall.  Some of the trees have started to change a little bit.. only a few but once it starts the rest follow suit. I have noticed the Saint’s coats are starting to thicken and the fur on their feet and backs of their legs is starting to grow at a crazy pace. Tomorrow is going to be in the high 70′s and slightly cloudy and Tuesday is looking like rain… blah… that’s not the fall I am used to.  I am going to bed early tonight so I can take the dogs out early tomorrow for a play date.  I am so sad I missed last weekend’s bark park and there wasn’t one this weekend so we are REALLY looking forward to this coming weekend’s!  Hopefully all our friends will be there to play with.

I am finally caught up with laundry and housework so i will have more time to dedicate to the dogs and picture taking.  The Circleville Pumpkin Show starts on Oct 15th.  I am really excited.  I have taken Brutus for the past two years and this year B and R are going.  The Pet Parade is on Friday the 17th and this year I want to participate.  I ordered fancy collars from The Sew Crazy Dog Lady with pumpkins in honor of the Pumpkin Show.  She sent me photos of them and OMG I LOVE them!  They are perfect!  They are going to look so handsome and festive with them and the barrels.  I can’t wait til they get here!  I LOVE them, oh wait, I already said that.. but I doooo!

I have been waiting to catch the girls trashing one of their toys for the longest time so I could submit it to Licked Toys.  They have been really good with their things for quite some time and aside from some minor damage that I was able to repair easily I have had nothing eventful to send in.  WELL….. this morning I was on the phone and I hear the unmistakable sound of seams ripping and OMG fluff everywhere!  Viola! I have photo fodder. See this sweet little innocent, playful face?

She is the naughty queen of destruction that disemboweled Bobo the Monkey! And no that is not a cigar hanging out of her mouth… that is poor Bobo’s arm!

She didn’t even care that I was watching her!  Look how proud she is on top of her mound of destruction. We’ll see if we get chosen and I will for sure let you all know the pix did.

I must tell you how nice it is to have everything back to normal around here.  The dogs were playing and having a good old time.  I think they have now either 1) forgiven me for being gone or 2) forgotten I was ever gone. They moped around yesterday and wouldn’t let me out of their sights.  I spent the whole day doing laundry, dishes and cleaning the disaster zone after being gone for a week….. Nothing says welcome home like overflowing clothes baskets dishes everywhere and random stuff all over the floor.

I think the saints missed me the most, they lost a little weight while I was gone so I better get to baking for them to put some of it back on.  So in honor of my trip back home to Arizona I found a recipe called -

Western Cow-Dog Biscuits

• 4 c all purpose flour
• 2 c whole-wheat flour
• 1 c yellow cornmeal
• 2 c cracked wheat
• 1/2 c nonfat dry mil
• 1 c wheat germ
• 2 Tbs brewer’s yeast
• 1 large eggs
• ¼ c melted veg shortening
• ¼ c honey
• 2 ½ c beef or chicken broth or drippings

Yields 45 cookies.

Preheat to 400°F.  Lightly grease cookie or baking sheet.  In a large bowl mix the flours, cornmeal, cracked wheat, dry milk, wheat germ and yeast.  Mix with fork or whisk.  In a separate medium bowl use a whisk or mixer (on medium) the egg and shortening until smooth then add in the honey and broth.

Use hands or large spatula to to combine the two mixes. Blend until it forms a soft dough.  If it seems too dry, add broth one teaspoon at a time until it is soft.  Turn dough onto floured surface and roll out to ½ to ¾ thickness.  Use cookie cutter to cut out and rework scraps.  Dough becomes stiffer as it is reworked a dash of broth can be used to soften it up if desired.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the cookies appear very dry and the edges are light golden brown.  Allow to cool to room temperature and turn off oven.  Once cookies are room temp put them all on one tray and return them to the cooling oven.  Leave undisturbed with out opening the oven door for 8 to 16 hours.

I am back on the ground in Ohio!  Wow did I miss the dogs!  I had a fabulous time and the wedding was absolutely amazing.  I wish I would have had more time there, it was a wonderful trip.  I am looking forward to getting my house sorted out and getting everything back to normal now.

I never made it to the dog park to meet up with my friend and her Saint.  I am so sad.  I was so incedibly busy with getting ready for the wedding, the wedding and family functions I just got worn down and my allergies got the best of me.  So I guess it really was time to come home, my body had just had enough festivities.  Definitely next time!  I had a fantastic time taking photos and here are a few of my favorites – (Regularly scheduled dog photos will commence tomorrow ) make sure you click on them to view the full effect.  It’s so beautiful there!

Brutus is playing a little coy now and seems the most irritated at me for leaving him (even though he was the happiest to see me).  He’ll get over it I’m sure, he always does.  I can’t believe I had forgotten how soft they are.  I sure missed everyone and can’t wait to spend the day with them.

Missed you all!

Man am I going to miss them when I am gone….

Yep… it’s been restored!  I am so happy to have some semblance of normalcy back in my (and the dogs’s) life.  They didnt seem to mind the storm or the lack of power until bedtime.  We had to sleep with the windows open (of course my allergies are horrendous now) and it was dead quiet.  Fire and police sirens wailed all night long and every time they did the pack of coyotes to our left and the pack to our right went nuts.  Brutus and Rufus sat in the window and grumbled everytime the coyotes did their thing.  I didnt even know we HAD coyotes near by… omg!  I will rethink walking late at night since they are in packs.  Coyotes get pretty darn brave when they have back up.

Before the storm on Sunday I was able to make it to the dog park with Hera and Brutus.  It was a hot one, too hot for Brutus.  He panted for hours ontop of the a/c vent — until it went out!

MORE PHOTOs IN THIS GALLERY

I have read through most of everyone’s blogs, but there were almost 100 posts I had misses since power went down so I didnt make comments, sorry.  I have kept up with what you all are doing.  I am thinking about Baylee and  Sami, they have no power right now either.  I hope you guys stay safe and are able to eat ok. Eating was our biggest challenge.  Everything in the fridge and freezer went in the bin today, nothing survived.

On a sad note, my very dear friend Jen at Fuzzy Logic said goodbye to a beloved friend on Saturday.  I am saddened to announce Targ has gone to the rainbow bridge to be with the other angels that wait for their master’s return.  Run free Targ old boy… you were a light, a beacon a companion and brought your mom and I together as friends.  You will be greatly missed.

Off to Arizona tomorrow afternoon!

Hurricane Ike has reared its ugly head here in Ohio. I am posting remotely from one of the few restaurants that have power in town. We have no electricity and they do not expect it to be restored for close to a week. There are over 1 million customers in Ohio without power. I am hoping we are lucky enough to be one of the first restored.  Thank goodness no one was hurt and I am getting alot of cleaning and paperwork done… lol

I am still around, just will be incommunicado until I make it to Arizona. I am planning on meeting up with one of my friends from BDP and heading out to one of the dog parks with her Saint Bernard Dougal.

See you all soon!

When I went to bed last night I never expected we would be heading out for the park this morning.  It rained Thursday night, all day and night yesterday and the forecast called for rain most of the day today.  I was quite excited when I woke up and it was not raining – really overcast, but not raining! Whoo hooo!!!!  So Apollo, Zeus and I packed up and headed out.

The park was packed today, dogs everywhere.  Most of our friends didn’t make it so there were lots of new dogs to sniff and play with. The Franklin County Dog Shelter was there today and they had lots of guests and fosters there.  I dont think I have seen it that packed all season, even with the weather being less than ideal.  I think this Bloodhound had to be the boy’s favorite new friend.  They played with him for  quite awhile.

Bev and our Newfie friend Misty came but her sissy Gabby had to stay home because he has hurt her leg and the vet said no activities for 10 whole days.  Poor Gabby, sending lots of good wishes your way for a speedy recovery.  Misty was more than happy to suck up all the attention for the both of them.  I absolutely love this picture… She is just sooo stunning in B & W.

I brought the infamous bumper to the park today and Apollo chased that thing into the water and around the park for almost 2 hours straight.  I tried to put it away in my dog park bag and he stood there barking at me non stop.. OMG I could have died.  He was lucky though, several park goers had no problem picking up the slack and threw it for him over and over again.  The whole time I thought of Lindsay and Ace and her ball obsession challenge… try the bumper Lindsay and see what happens

And more bumper obsession.  I think he would jump off the empire state building after that darn thing.  I actually knew it was time to go home when he stood on the bank and watched it floating around.  It took some coaxing for him to go out and get it back.

I have to show off this border collie – she played around us most of the day.  I have no idea who she belongs to, but it was the sweetest dog and absolutely enthralled in the balls and bumper being thrown.  I tossed it a few balls and it was happy as can be.  Such a sweet, expressive face.

All and all it was a great day.  I will miss next week’s Bark Park.  I will be leaving Wednesday afternoon for Arizona.  My brother is getting married and I will be gone for 6 days.  Not sure how much time I will have to get online.  I hope I get to visit the dog park while I am there.

LOTS MORE PICTURES IN TODAY’S GALLERY – HERE – STOP OVER AND TAKE A LOOK AT THE OTHER BEAUTIFUL DOGS THAT WERE AT THE PARK TODAY.

I was just wondering what everyone thought about my comment email responder.  I try and respond to all comments left on my blog and would like some feedback.  Plus I installed this nifty poll plug in and wanted to try it out

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It was a glorious balmy early morning. Much cooler than normal, in the 50′s°F & sunny.  Fall certainly is in the air. I got daring and took Brutus and Rufus to the dog park TOGETHER.  Since no one was in the small dog (SD) area and the little dogs were in the big dog (BD) area I decided to wear out some of their excited energy in the SD area before unleashing them upon the unsuspecting world…. and the rest of the dogs.  LOL

They had a wonderful time and got worn out surprisingly quickly chasing a little dog up and down the fence line.   And before I could take them to the other side, they both laid down in the grass and were done.  What a bunch of lazy butts.  It was awesome watching them run around and the little dog they were chasing, being chased by and playing with through the fence walked out to the parking lot with us.  They met and hung out for a few minutes while I talked to the owner.  Of course, they laid down in the parking lot.  I think it was still a little too hot for them.  Here’s a picture of their little buddy.  What a doll.

Watching them run was incredible.  They weren’t the most graceful looking creatures, tongues flailing, drool slinging and paws flying but they were absolutely in heaven.  And did I mention joined at the hip…. (make sure you click on the photos to activate the lightbox feature on these pix – the expressions on their faces are priceless)

They were fast…

Then they ran out of steam…

But boy were they happy.  And worn out!  They have slept almost all day.

Truly a wonderful day.  There’s a bunch more photos in this GALLERY

I dropped off my son at the golf course this afternoon and Fatty (Eris) hitched a ride with us. After I dropped my son off I decided on an impromptu trip to the Dog Park. Eris doesn’t really like the great out doors. She has had a hard life and spent the better part of her early years locked up in a wire rabbit hutch so I accommodate her wishes to be inside in the A/C.

So I took her to the park and let her wander around for awhile. (no, there’s no pictures since it was impromptu). She meandered around, smelling stuff and saying hello to a few of the people there. She got tired very quickly and wanted to go home.

Sadly, I noticed she is deteriorating physically. She has hip dysplasia and has been having trouble for about a year and a half. I have sucessfully managed her discomfort with a conservative approach up until now, but it appears she is ready for a more aggressive means of pain management. Her righ shoulder is now giving her trouble and she was limping quite badly after only 15 minutes at the park.

I am so sad for her. Today was definately not a good day for her… a stone. Her good days still out number her bad, but they are starting to catch up. Back to the vet we will go for another assessment and a new plan of attack.

Hoping for many more Diamonds and alot less stones…………

The temps were lower than normal this morning, in the low 70′s, so I packed up Rufus and Hera and we met my friend Laura and her greyhounds at the dog park.  I ended up going to 3 different parks. The first one was absolutely disgusting – covered with dog poo! Hera kept getting out under the fence and chasing after the ducks and there were a couple of tiny little dogs there that Rufus was too interested in and wouldn’t they leave him alone. I worry with his size, so we left.

The second park has a separate small and large dog area but when we pulled into the parking lot there were 3 mini dogs harassing a mastiff and when she would go after them they would squeal and hide under the bench as she was trying to get them and everyone was yelling so we didn’t even bother to get out of the car. On to park #3.

The third and final park is one near my house.  I have taken the labs to many times and have always been pleased with it. There’s separate small/large dog areas and the little dogs were all in the small area so I didn’t worry about Rufus getting himself in trouble. He had fun playing with the other dogs, plodding around and stretching his legs just being a dog.

Rufus and Hera actually played with the other dogs and Rufus was enjoying himself immensely being a social butterfly. I think he managed to greet every person there and every dog as well.

He is absolutely zonked out from his adventure.  Apollo is still tired from yesterday too.. lol I am going to take both Brutus and Rufus there tomorrow morning after I drop my son off at school.

I also created a photo gallery with alot of pictures from today’s adventures.  You can check it out HERE.

We headed out for Bark Park a little later than normal today.  We wanted to avoid the early morning rush on Buckeye football day.  Seems we had the same idea as a ton of other people and it got pretty busy until 2 pm or so.  We missed most of our regular buddies since we went at a different time.  We actually ran into Jack and Greta in the parking lot as we were going in, they were going out.  But we still have loads of fun.

We brought the ruffwear bumper I bought at Pet People and it was an absolute hit!  Apollo and Hera loved it and made a ton of friends that wanted to play the fun games with them.

Mayee this little Cogie mix is available for adoption at the Madison County Humane Society. Her foster mom brought her with her chocolate lab to play.  The Humane Society was the rescue of the day.  She LOVED playing with Hera and Apollo.

Here’s a 4 yo rescued Poodle boy that snatched up the bumper and had everyone chasing him for it.  Gabby the greyhound has no idea why they are all running, but she’s up for the race.

More bumper madness.  I think my arm may fall off from throwing it all afternoon.

There are a ton of pictures in the Paws Park Gallery for September 6.  Make sure to check them out.

I drew 4 names from a jar to determine the winners of the “what breed are you” contest and the winners are, DRUM ROLL PLEASE……….

Lindsay of That Mutt
Bev and Gabby & Misty the Newfs
Marie of  Resq Tails
and our Dude Down Under…. Charlie Daniels of A Dog Named Charlie

Congratulations to all the winners and thank you all for your entries.  The winners will be contacted via email and your books will be mailed out this week.  Enjoy!

Tonight was the annual Pet Fest in Old Pickerington. Brutus and Rufus suited up in their barrels and hit the town. They were such good boys and had so much fun. The boys are absolutely exhausted. Rufus can barely lift his head to acknowledge us. A tired dog is a happy dog!

Brutus looks so much taller in these pix, but it is completely misleading. The road is sloped a bit and Rufus is slouching.

Look at the cute little yorkie.. can we keep her mom?

Wooooo Wooooo Wooooo

Brutus even met a purple pony. I totally thought of my pretty pony… The color (for what ever reason they did it) was food coloring and was coming off on everyone’s hands. He was almost as big as the pony.

This lady SLEEPS with her alligator!

It was a Berner Invasion. There were 8 there with their berner club.

This dog was hot on the campaign trail… How creative is her mom?!

There were so many dogs to sniff, people to see and treats to eat. There was a really good turn out, it was packed. There are a ton more pictures in the Pet Fest Gallery. Don’t forget to take a look at all the other cool dogs that were there.

Tomorrow is Bark Park! Whooo Hooooo!!!! We have been jonesing big time. Also this is your last chance to enter in the drawing for the What Breed are you book. You can sign up HERE. See you all tomorrow!

I just got back from a long walk with Brutus and Rufus.  They are wiped out along with Zeus and Apollo from their trip to Paws in the Pool at the Groveport Aquatic Center tonight.  For the past 4 years the Aquatic Center opens the doors to the local K-9′s for a play date in the pools after it is closed for the season and before they drain it for the winter.  We have gone the past two years and its been great. B and R went two years ago and that is where I made the decision that I had to keep them together.  I almost took them tonight and was planning on it but the timing around picking my son up from his golf match really stinks.  I basically ran out the door and the first two dogs that ran out with me got to come, Zeus and Apollo. That’s OK, there is another Paws in the Pool at the Gahanna pool on Sunday afternoon!  Perfect.  If B and R don’t go to Bark Park, they will get to go to Paws in the Pool.

My son had the camera and even though I told him not to mess around with the settings, he did!  So most of the pictures did not turn out and I am really sad.  Here’s a couple that did turn out.

Those two were jumping fools!  They dove in after the bumper over and over and over again!  At one point a 1 yo chocolate Newfie pup hooked up with them and they were running around playing.  Zeus and Apollo jumped in and the pup went in after them having no idea the water was well, water.  He ran right after them, plopped in and sunk!  He couldn’t get himself out so I had to grab his collar and drag him out.  What a silly goofy boy!

There are lots of fun dog activities we can attend this weekend so we will no doubt be busy.  I am sure the dogs will be happy since they haven’t had much to do lately and are getting a bit stir crazy.

I am eagarly awaing my newest collar purchase!  Karma Charms is having a 10% off sale so I broke down and bought this gorgeous martingale collar for Hera.  I think she is going to look absolutely stunning and so girly looking too.  Karma Charms specializes in big dog goodies!  You can check it out at Karma Charms.

(psssst… I think I am going to encorporate this into my new header)

Oh Rufus how could you?! I know its my fault for leaving the 5 pound bag of dog treats on the counter and leaving the house, but did you really have to eat them all while I was gone?!

I left the house in a hurry yesterday, not even thinking about the brand new bag of dog treats I left sitting at nose level on the counter.  Rufus, as you must be well aware will help himself to items left on the counter and in the sink whenever I am gone.  I have to be extra vigilant to make sure I put every thing, espeically dirty dishes, away before I leave the house or it is fair game in his eyes.  Last month alone (in a span of 3 days) he broke 5 dinner plates pulling them out of the sink! I have to get another set of dishes now, UGGG! Serving spoons are another of his vices.  But I digress….

I knew he had been up to no good as soon as I walked in and they all ran and hid around corners and furniture.  No ecstatic greetings like usual.  Then I spotted the carnage – the empty treat bag shredded to bits in front of the TV and not a crumb in sight.  I’m not sure how many of the treats he shared with the other dogs because nobody else had a dodgy tummy.  But OMG the gas that came out of him about an hour before bed was toxic.

I kept letting him out to do his business and nothing.  He wasn’t “uncomfortable” just gassy so I wasn’t overly concerned about bloat.  I took him for a short walk around 1:00am and he had some “success” and so it began.  Every two hours or so he would wake me up and desperately race outside.  Of course in between each of those trips out he had a mess on the carpet in my bathroom.  GROSS! I am absolutely wiped out today.  Grrrrrr!

Poor baby felt so sorry for himself. Do you think he learned his lesson?

Happy Labor Day!!!

Hubby and I traveled to Pennsylvania yesterday for a Labor Day BBQ at my dear friend Angela’s house. We had a wonderful time meeting new people and eating some of the best BBQ foods ever. Tasty venison, beef and fresh veggie dishes galore. Can I just tell you how incredible her tomatoes and plums were! It certainly is not the typical blah Ohio BBQ fare.  We were in heaven.  The best part of the trip was getting to see one of my old foster Saints, Duke and his pal Duchess.

Angela and I met early last year when she adopted my foster Duke.  We became friends through the dogs and have developed a close friendship and talk to one another several times a week. A few months back Angela and her husband made mention that Duke was in need of a friend so I scoured Petfinder to help her find Duchess.  They are a perfect pair.

Duke looks absolutely gorgeous!  He has absolutely flourished in his new home which I might add is an absolute Doggie nirvana!  Angela has done such a great job with him.

This is Duchess.  She has come a long way from in the shelter, heartworm positive under weight.

It was so nice going to a party and the dogs were part of it.  They roamed around and visited the guests and got loves and pats.  Most people I know would lock the dogs away and would not allow them to be part of their festivities – I hate that! I am even guilty when it comes to my husband’s family and that is only because hubby puts his foot down.  I truly believe if you cant accept me (all of me and the dogs are a big part of me) for who I am, don’t come around (family is a touchy situation though around here).