Review & Discount: Calming Collar

Overall Spencer is a well-behaved, charming and easy dog. However, that does not mean he does not have his 'quirks.' He also has some anxiety and separation issues. I've tried many products to help manage those issues. I came across the Calming Collar in a magazine and reached out to see if Spencer would benefit from it.

(Image retrieved from the Calming Collar website)

In Honor of Belle, "The Great American Farm Dog"

In 1996, my father entered a contest through a farming magazine called "The Great American Farm Dog Contest." Actually, I should note that my mother 'encouraged' him to enter the contest about why he felt he could use a service dog.

Perhaps it would be best to give a little back story to why my father would enter such a contest. In June 1986, my father was involved in a motorcycle/car accident on his way home from work. A car failed to stop at a stop sign and ran directly into my father, who then flew off his motorcycle and into a nearby ditch. The accident left him a paraplegic. Never one to be told he couldn't do something or be held back from something he loved to do, he continued to farm once he got out of the hospital for the last time in February 1987. Through creating and adding various, and at first quite crude, lifts onto many of the farm machinery and equipment, he was back in the field within a year. Of course there were things he relied on other people to help him with but, for the most part, he adapted to his situation.

Chef Spencer

Buying pet costumes can be expensive and you can only use them once, maybe twice a year. Have you ever thought about buying children dress-up clothes, costumes, or outfits and use them for the your pet?

(Spencer is very upset that the pizza slices are not real...)

Mess Time

Spencer had a hard time deciding what he wanted for snack time.... 

I know that "dog shaming" was a fad months ago and, while some of the photos are kinda cute, it's not something I was totally sold on. Many of them said more about their human than about their furry selves. Some of the photos just screamed "TOO MUCH INFORMATION!" 

I guess this is the moment where you can point at me and shout "HYPOCRITE!" The photo below is what I first saw after work. The worse part was that Spencer was just so darn proud of himself. As if he was searching it for hidden poison or some toy at the bottom of the box. 

It was like he was standing on the top of a massive snow pile, banging his chest and yelling "I'M THE KING OF THE WORLD!" As if the crackers, two different kinds of cereal, peanut butter and fish batter was his Mount Everest.

In the end it makes for an interesting photo but the chances are good that he will have to be monitored for a few hours and have to have frequent trips outside if you get my drift...

Do you have any pictures of your dog getting into mischief? Or come home to a mess? Please share your pictures or stories so I don't feel quite so irresponsible!

Vaccination

Having been a nurse for almost 7 years now, I could tell you what shots you need and when you need them. But, vaccinations for you puppy or dog, I have no idea what they get and when they get them. The vet that I go to is wonderful about reminding me when Spencer is due for his next visit and which shots he needs. Below is a list of the vaccinations, what they protect and approximately when they should be given. If you are unsure or have any questions contact your veterinarian, they will ultimately be your best resource.  

(Spencer as a puppy taking a drive)

Poop Equals Pooped

Talking about poop all day sure made this dog pooped! We had a wonderful time today reading the numerous posts about being a responsible pet owner and Scooping That Poop!

(Spencer was so tired he fell asleep before he made it in our room.)

Due to poor internet connection, I hope to comment on some of the posts tomorrow. Until then, good night and sweet dreams to all the "Scooper Heroes" out there. 

#ScoopThatPoop: Being a "Scooper Hero" is Easy as 1-2-3

Poop Math

A dog drops on average poops 3/4 pounds of waste daily. That means if your town has 730 dogs that is approximately 550 pounds of dog waste is generated each day! Even if half of that was picked up daily that is still 225 pounds of poop! Yuck, that is a lot of POOP!!!

Being a Scooper Hero is Easy as 1-2-3:

1. Bring a Bag

2. Clean it up

3. Dispose of the waste

It really is that easy! 

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

This time of the year is our favorite. The weather is cooling down, time to bring out our favorite sweatshirts AND Halloween is right around the corner! Right now, we are hard at work on Spencer's costume. Every year he dresses up and enters the local pet Halloween costume contest. This is our 6th year we will be competing and we have three 1st places wins, a 2nd place and a 4th place win under our belt. Not too bad and I bet you are wondering what he is going to be. Unfortunately, this years costume will not be disclosed until October 29th - can't give our competition any ideas. :) Here is a flash back to his first ever Halloween costume. Calling Dr. Spencer! 

(Dr. Spencer Halloween 2008)

Picture Perfect

I took advantage of the beautiful weather and the wonderful sunset while we are on the farm. Which got me thinking, what props do you like to use with your dog when taking their picture?

Down on the Farm

Down on the Farm

(Louie and Spencer watching the cat Spencer chased up a tree.)

Spencer loves going out to my parents' farm. What more could a dog ask for than wide open spaces, the ability to chase cats AND endless amount of squeaky toys. Not to mention my parents have 3 dogs of their very own. 

(Abbey hiding from Spencer and the Puppies trying to take a nap) 

Scoop That Poop Campaign

The Scoop That Poop is a campaign to bring awareness of the importance of scooping dog poop. On Monday, September 23rd is the 2nd annual Scoop That Poop Campaign Blog Hop with a theme of "Be A Scooper Hero." One of the nice things about this campaign is that it isn't just for one day. Yeah, blogs around the country are celebrating it on the 23rd, but it is so much more then that. The campaigns is about:

• Being a responsible pet owner.
• Paying it forward and picking up after others.
• Setting a good example for others .
• Leaving the trails, parts or town cleaner then you found it.
• Making sure dogs in the future are still welcomed with open arms.

Remember, as a dog owner it is your responsibly to 

SCOOP THAT POOP! 

Renaissance Festival

What a wonderful, much needed Sunday fun day. Every couple of months we - as in my mom, sister and aunt (also my mom's sister) - try to have a girls day/weekend, which I like to call, "Our mother, daughter, sister, aunt day." In the past we have gone to a Murder Mystery Dinner, participated in the Polar Plunge, spent the weekend in the Cities shopping, and spent the day making lefse. A month ago at a farm festival I won four Renaissance tickets. And who else would I take than my girls?!

"Animals in War"

Long before Spencer inspired this blog, he was hard at work helping, encouraging and supporting a website called History By Zim. 

History By Zim's purpose is to explore the many people and events that were left out of your history classes. 

(Spencer and Callie helping Zim with her website)

Re-purpose In Style

Re-purpose In Style

The best part of being a dog owner is that they don't care what their toy box looks like or what kind of container holds their treats, food, or water. So take a look in your garage, basement or attic for old wire baskets, cookie jars, big mason jars or bowls and put them to good use again. I went to my parents' farm and found the old wire egg basket. Through re-purposing you can get that "country feel" without spending the big bucks!

You could also use crates, barrels, tins, or trunks that will give you a cool and hip vibe. Be creative my fellow dog lovers. But most importantly, have fun with it! And always remember - the money you save can be used to fill up your containers with toys, treats and other goodness. You'll be the best dog mommy on the block!

Diary of a Sad Dog & Cat

Diary of a Sad Dog & Cat

I came across this video on YouTube a couple of weeks ago and it reminded me of Spencer.  

If you thought the diary of a sad dog was funny, check out the diary of a sad cat. It is a purrrrrfect video that represents our cat, Callie's personality. 

I know, I know you all think I'm a nerd, but so is Spencer. Here he is showing off his new set of Yoda ears he got for free from Petco! Now we can be one big happy nerd family. 

Picture Perfect

Picture Perfect 

(We rubbed peanut butter on a stick to capture this pic of Spencer and 5 of his litter mates. From the Left: Spencer, Gideon, Sebastian, Abby, Kraelyn, and Leia )

If you are like me, I take tons of pictures of Spencer all the time. He is so use to me taking his picture that he is currently more photogenic then my husband. I don't know much about taking a good picture, I mean, I just take keep snapping away hoping that I got at least on good one in the bunch. 

Getting to know Spencer

Getting to know Spencer

(Spencer only a couple of days old, 2008)

Parents: Mom (Reno)-Golden Retriever, Dad-Standard Poodle 
Birthday: January 2008
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Golden with natural wave 
Height: 2 feet 6 inches tall on all fours
Weight: 65 lbs of pure muscle and fluff
Interest: He likes long walks anywhere, loves belly rubs, and is obsessed with his toys.
Dislikes: His gentle leader, going to the groomer and watching dogs on tv who he can't play with. 
Goals in Life: To bring a smile to everyone he meets.  

Welcome everyone to Spencer's blog!

Welcome everyone to Spencer's blog! 

Throughout my entire life I don't think there was one year that we did not have a dog on our farm. Even though I have forgotten some of their names, their memories still live on. And some of them are still touching my heart as we speak. So 6 years ago after I bought my first house, I was thrilled to get my very own 4 legged fur butt.