With the temperatures finally dipping below the triple "H" category…Hot, Humid, and Horrible…I was able to let the Sibes run free and wild in the backyard this afternoon. As any Sibe owner can attest to, watching them is truly a glorious site to behold. Okay, well, at first it’s crazy, wild, and on the side of mayhem as they pile down off the deck almost riding each other piggy-back style to get to the "other side." First I need to explain the "normal side." The Sibes own not only our deck, which has had a roof constructed over it just for them, but they also have their own yard to chase yard trespassers (a/k/a squirrels, birds, possums, groundhogs, etc.),  dig, gather tree branches, and, well, do their personal business. That’s their typical run. Then there is the "other side." Oh, yes, that is the fun play side of the yard where they can run like the wind, wrestle, fly, fetch, spin, and just be free-spirited Siberian Huskies. When it’s the c...

Today is National Homeless Pets Day. It's sad to think of how many pets are left homeless each day whether it is from losing their Hu-parent, having the Hu-family moving to where pets are not allowed, runaway pets, abandoned pets, etc. For whatever reason, too many animals wind up in shelters and rescues in numbers so large it can be mind-blowing. While many of us pet parents, Sibe owners and owners of other breeds, have obtained our "kids" from breeders, let us not forget the large number who go into homes as pups and then wind up later on at rescues and shelters, and are wonderful, loving dogs in need of an equally loving Hu-family. Case in point: last October my mother lost her 15-year furry companion "Joy," a toy black Poodle. Two weeks ago my Mom adopted an adorable senior white Poodle who had lived in South Carolina with her longtime Hu-mom. Sadly, the owner entered a nursing home and her furbaby, at age 8, was left homeless. The Poodle made the trek cross...

The FiveSibes are very happy it's almost the weekend when they get to spend lots of time with the Hu-Family; so happy that they are singing about it. Note during this evening performance of "Wolfsong," some of the Sibes are all tuckered out from all the howling and singing rehearsals, with one boy in his favorite paws-to-heaven position! Such silly Sibes!

The late Bear-Bear Many have now heard the story of Bear-Bear, the three-year-old  Siberian Husky who was recently shot in a public dog park by a visitor who happened to be a federal police officer. Bear-Bear went into surgery, and as a result of the vast extent of the injuries inflicted by the bullet, the heart-wrenching decision was made to put Bear-Bear to sleep. It’s a sad and tragic tale that raises many, many questions even beyond the canine world. For an interview with Bear-Bear's owners, please check out the amazingly heartfelt blog story by Meeshka's World , and have the tissues handy. My focus here, though, will remain on the canine aspect. First, I am not here to bash law enforcement. I have the utmost respect for them and the jobs they do on a daily basis. This is not about dog owners versus the police. This is, however, a story that has no happy ending. We have to ask ourselves how can we prevent this from ever happening again? I do not personally use dog ...

"Stop eating what log, Hu-Mom?" Wolf, feigning his most innocent look, seems to be asking. "Oh, that log? That's not mine..."

As much as my Sibes love ice cream, they give equal love to yogurt. An occasional treat, they love it by spoon, right out of the carton, or yogurt chips melted as a bone dip, then set to dry for a nice safe "sweet" treat. On our vet's advice, Activia brand yogurt is also good for them as it helps to maintain healthy digestion and keep our furry "kids" regular. But mostly, it is a yummy treat for both the Sibes and their Hu-Mom. Our alpha queen takes the first taste while her pack minions await her OK to join in. Eagerly, all FiveSibes enjoy some tongue licking, snout-smacking yumminess! And then they ask for seconds... ...and thirds... ...and, uh-oh...the queen looks up as if to say, "Whaaat?" What do you mean there's no more???!" Mmmmm....this Hu-Mom is heading to the fridge to get a container for herself. But, shhhhh, don't tell the Sibes!

Happy National Dog House Repair Month! Seriously. It was for the month of July. Now, I know we are all asking, "Who makes up these holidays and are they real?" And there really is an answer – well, two actually. One is non-canine related. It was established by a female florist who was promoting her business and has to do with repairing relationships and trying to "stay out of the dog house." Very clever. Okay, enough about humans. The canine version of the holiday is a time to check out your pet’s dog house and see if it…yes, you guess it…needs any repairs.  To left is our boy Gibson doing his best Snoopy imitation in what used to be his favorite perch up on the dog house. Here, little sis Chloe, a mere pup at the time, stretches up to see if she can join big brother atop the dog house. Note the chewed trim for later. (There will be a test - just kidding).   First, let me back track a little. Here is a photo of the cool, log cabin-style dog house my daughter and I...