Harley is ready for some BBQ! Happy Birthday, America ! ! ! And to pay homage to our great country this Fourth of July, we are so pleased to present the first "Patriotic Pets on Parade" slideshow featuring some very beautiful and very patriotic canines from across America. Many of these are entrants in our very first "Patriotic Pets Photo Contest," but if you see some other great shots and wonder why they weren't winners, it's because they arrived after the contest deadline, but we wanted to be sure to include the pawsome pics in our virtual parade! So call your furkids, have a piece of apple pie, and turn up the volume to enjoy this Independence Day tribute! N ow, of course, I know many of you are anxiously wooing, waiting, and wagging your tails to see who placed in the "Patriotic Pets Photo Contest." Not to delay the discovery (and you can always cheat and scroll down first then backtrack to read this...but you know how anticipation ma...

This is Gibson's method of enjoying the weekend!

Please remember that this weekend there will be many Fourth of July activities going on across the country and we should be considerate of our pets and how the sights and sounds of fireworks can affect them. While our Huskies seem not to mind the fireworks, our late Chelsey had a terrifying fear of them. If your canine companion is fearful, here are a few tips we have updated from last year's post to help ease pets' anxieties during this loudly festive holiday: 1 ) Definitely do not expose them to the great fireworks show in the sky. They will not enjoy it, even if you will. 2) Do not “reward” them for scared behavior as this will only make it worse. 3) Do not scold them for their fretful behavior, it’s not their fault they feel scared. 4) Sometimes there may have been something in the dog’s past that scared him/her. Before a loud event, try positive-reinforcement by having him near you and test out different sounds – for example: a bottle opening, a drum banging, ...

Our "Bandit" a/k/a "BandaBear" intently bug watching one night under  the light on our back deck. Sky Blue Eyes by JoJo You made my world blue Its as if you made my dreams come true It all changed when I saw your eyes Your passion, your strength and your light All in those beautiful sky blue eyes... It’s a memory that I will never forget Giving you my love is something I will never regret I believe in you because I can read it in your eyes Those precious eyes that never lie My life was in the shadows but you came and made everything shine Because of you I look more up to the sky It reminds me of your blue eyes...

Sibe Sisters and cancer patients Zen and Freya "Dare to reach out your hand into the darkness, to pull another hand into the light. " ~Norman B. Rice We read a lot of wonderful stories about our love for animals, their daily antics, how much joy they bring into our lives, tips on how to keep them healthy and live longer lives, the jobs they do such as search and rescue, therapy, police work, bomb sniffing, and assisting the blind. Through these amazing animals, we also get a glimpse into the lives of the wonderful, caring folks who are their handlers, and those who run rescues and help animals in need. Then sometimes we come across stories of "pawing it forward," where the humans can actually use a little help while they are helping pets in need. And sometimes, by reaching out to ask help from others, something wonderful happens...we just may wind up helping others along the way. Such is the story of Zen and Freya.   The pet blogging network is an amazin...