DogCast Radio Podcast: Learn about "Double Merle" and "Dapple" Dogs

Dapple dachshund

DogCast radio is a podcast out of the U.K. that has some really  interesting guests and talks about all things dog!  - I was interviewed on the show months ago, and became a listener. In this episode, the host, Julie, talks about what it means to be a "double merle" or "dapple" dog.  - Rob

"DogCast Radio - for everyone who loves dogs" 

1. Episode 162 - Keller the double Merle and making training fun
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Episode 162 - Keller the double Merle and making training fun

A merle Australian shepherd

In this show you can hear trainer Lyn Dubois explain how training can be fun, and the benefits of making it fun. Lyn also gives us an insight into the amazing behaviours she has taught her Belgian Shepherd, Tammy. Listen to Amanda Fuller talking about the dangers of double merle matings, and how her dog Keller copes with being a double merle. The consequences of double merle matings affects many breeds and the UK Kennel Club will not register double merle pups. Plus hear about the French Bulldog who had a surprising encounter with two bears.

LISTEN HERE:  www.dogcastradio.com- the PODCAST

New England Pet Expo: Spirit of a French Bulldog Sends Clear Message

Last weekend I went to the Boston area where I had a booth and talked about my book "Pets and the Afterlife" at the New England Pet Expo in Wilmington, Massachusetts. The day was very busy and I met some great people and dogs and heard some amazing stories. This blog will highlight some of both!

Donna was excited to get a message from her late dog Basil

SPIRIT OF A FRENCH BULLDOG SENDS A CLEAR  MESSAGE - It didn't take long for the first dog's spirit to send a message to his mom. A woman named Donna came to my booth and talked with me and Ruthie Larkin (the Beantown Medium) about the passing of her black french bulldog, Basil. She said that she was looking for a sign from Basil and missed him more than anything.   Donna felt comfort from learning some of the ways that dogs will communicate from the other side. No sooner than I told her that dogs will sometimes lead to their pet parents other dogs that look just like them  - than a Black French Bulldog came marching down the aisle toward Donna!
  Clearly Basil orchestrated his doppelganger's appearance while Donna was at our booth, and right after I told her about pets use doppelgangers to tell their parents that they are still with them in spirit. It was amazing!

Ruthie Larkin at the booth!

4 Ways We Found to Improve a Dog's Breath and Teeth!

Franklin and Tyler former bad breath boys!

Bad breath and tartar covered teeth are big
problem for every pet owner, but we've experimented over the years and found 4 things to do to alleviate both problems.

1) Brush your dog's teeth  (at least a couple of times a week - but daily is better)

2) Brush his tongue (that's where all the bacteria build up and cause odor -just like in people)
3) Add Naturel Promise fresh dental additive to his water - it really helps freshen breath.

Fresh Dental Gel

4) We just (accidentally) found an amazing product from Naturel promise (same company) that got rid of the dark tartar on teeth! - it's called "clean teeth" gel.
- just apply a drop and rub it into the teeth just before bedtime (or when they're not eating or drinking for an hour)
It removed the brown tartar stains from  our 2 dachshunds and weimaraner in just FIVE DAYS!
 (their website: www.naturelpromise.com/)

Dolly doesn't mind getting her teeth brushed.

 

A night of Dog Dehydration and Heat Exhaustion - Treatment

   On Wednesday night our 9 year old Weimaraner, Dolly, appeared to be dealing with heat exhaustion and  couldn't stop panting heavily when she lay down to go to sleep -and it took a good 2 hours to cool her down with a cool wet towel all over.

Cr: Healing Springs Animal Hospital

AFFECTING AGING DOGS MORE -  Dolly was at doggy day care during the day, and although she was in a shaded run with water, I've noticed that as she's aged, she doesn't like being outside much anymore when it's warmer than 85F (like humans) and Wednesday was 86F and humid. So despite the protections and available water she seemed to get a mild case of heat exhaustion. On the trip home she slept hard because she was exhausted.
QUICK PANTING -  Once home our friend's dog came over- he was spending the night, and Dolly was excited so she began panting again. She was panting through the evening, despite getting a good amount of water but it hit her when she went to bed. That's when she really panted a lot. So I watched her while I was laying in bed, thinking she's calm down- she didn't after almost an hour so I gave her the heat exhaustion treatment- wiping her down with a cold, wet towel. It took about 1 1/2 hours to get her to calm down (and she drank just  a little more water).
  Of course, if it got worse, if she was drooling, or if her gums were red I know she'd need IV and medical care, but it didn't get to that extreme. However, if YOUR dog experience those symptoms, take them to a vet ASAP.
********************************

Heat exhaustion can be dangerous, even fatal, for dogs. It can also be devastating for uninformed or unsuspecting pet owners. Fortunately, there are some simple things that you can do to protect your dog from the dangers of heat exhaustion.

Recognize the Signs of Heat Exhaustion in Your Dog
Dogs suffering from heat stroke will normally exhibit some or all of the following symptoms:
• Restlessness
• Panting
• Increased respiratory rate
• Increased heart rate
• Excess salivation
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
As the symptoms progress and the dog’s body temperature increases, signs become even more serious.
• Weakness
• Staggering
• Gasping
• Gum color may become brick red, then purple or blue (cyanosis)
• Seizures
• Coma
• Death

Treatment of Heat Exhaustion
If you believe your dog is suffering from heat exhaustion, seek veterinary care immediately even if your dog’s condition does not seem serious. Cool water can be used to begin to decrease his body temperature during the trip to the veterinarian. Towels can be soaked in cool water and used to cover your dog. You can also place the towels between his legs and across his neck. Do not use cold water or ice. This may make the situation worse.
- See more at: http://www.austindogzone.com/all_things_dog/know-the-signs-of-heat-exhaustion-in-dogs/#sthash.SQZAvn6y.dpuf

WHAT IS HEAT EXHAUSTION? -  Heat exhaustion can be dangerous, even fatal, for dogs. It can also be devastating for uninformed or unsuspecting pet owners. Fortunately, there are some simple things that you can do to protect your dog from the dangers of heat exhaustion. (Source: AustinDogZone.com).  HEAT STROKE is worse and dogs need immediate medical care.

 Recognize the Signs of Heat Exhaustion in Your Dog

 Dogs suffering from heat stroke will normally exhibit some or all of the following symptoms:

 • Restlessness  • Panting  • Increased respiratory rate • Increased heart rate • Excess salivation

• Vomiting • Diarrhea

   As the symptoms progress and the dog’s body temperature increases, signs become even more serious.

 • Weakness  • Staggering • Gasping • Gum color may become brick red, then purple or blue (cyanosis) • Seizures  • Coma • Death

Treatment of Heat Exhaustion

 If you believe your dog is suffering from heat exhaustion, seek veterinary care immediately even if your dog’s condition does not seem serious. Cool water can be used to begin to decrease his body temperature during the trip to the veterinarian. Towels can be soaked in cool water and used to cover your dog. You can also place the towels between his legs and across his neck. Do not use cold water or ice. This may make the situation worse.

- See more at: http://www.austindogzone.com/all_things_dog/know-the-signs-of-heat-exhaustion-in-dogs/#sthash.SQZAvn6y.dpuf 

Heat exhaustion can be dangerous, even fatal, for dogs. It can also be devastating for uninformed or unsuspecting pet owners. Fortunately, there are some simple things that you can do to protect your dog from the dangers of heat exhaustion.

Recognize the Signs of Heat Exhaustion in Your Dog
Dogs suffering from heat stroke will normally exhibit some or all of the following symptoms:
• Restlessness
• Panting
• Increased respiratory rate
• Increased heart rate
• Excess salivation
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
As the symptoms progress and the dog’s body temperature increases, signs become even more serious.
• Weakness
• Staggering
• Gasping
• Gum color may become brick red, then purple or blue (cyanosis)
• Seizures
• Coma
• Death

Treatment of Heat Exhaustion
If you believe your dog is suffering from heat exhaustion, seek veterinary care immediately even if your dog’s condition does not seem serious. Cool water can be used to begin to decrease his body temperature during the trip to the veterinarian. Towels can be soaked in cool water and used to cover your dog. You can also place the towels between his legs and across his neck. Do not use cold water or ice. This may make the situation worse.
- See more at: http://www.austindogzone.com/all_things_dog/know-the-signs-of-heat-exhaustion-in-dogs/#sthash.SQZAvn6y.dpuf

Heat exhaustion can be dangerous, even fatal, for dogs. It can also be devastating for uninformed or unsuspecting pet owners. Fortunately, there are some simple things that you can do to protect your dog from the dangers of heat exhaustion.

Recognize the Signs of Heat Exhaustion in Your Dog
Dogs suffering from heat stroke will normally exhibit some or all of the following symptoms:
• Restlessness
• Panting
• Increased respiratory rate
• Increased heart rate
• Excess salivation
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
As the symptoms progress and the dog’s body temperature increases, signs become even more serious.
• Weakness
• Staggering
• Gasping
• Gum color may become brick red, then purple or blue (cyanosis)
• Seizures
• Coma
• Death

Treatment of Heat Exhaustion
If you believe your dog is suffering from heat exhaustion, seek veterinary care immediately even if your dog’s condition does not seem serious. Cool water can be used to begin to decrease his body temperature during the trip to the veterinarian. Towels can be soaked in cool water and used to cover your dog. You can also place the towels between his legs and across his neck. Do not use cold water or ice. This may make the situation worse.
- See more at: http://www.austindogzone.com/all_things_dog/know-the-signs-of-heat-exhaustion-in-dogs/#sthash.SQZAvn6y.dpuf

Heat exhaustion can be dangerous, even fatal, for dogs. It can also be devastating for uninformed or unsuspecting pet owners. Fortunately, there are some simple things that you can do to protect your dog from the dangers of heat exhaustion.

Recognize the Signs of Heat Exhaustion in Your Dog
Dogs suffering from heat stroke will normally exhibit some or all of the following symptoms:
• Restlessness
• Panting
• Increased respiratory rate
• Increased heart rate
• Excess salivation
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
As the symptoms progress and the dog’s body temperature increases, signs become even more serious.
• Weakness
• Staggering
• Gasping
• Gum color may become brick red, then purple or blue (cyanosis)
• Seizures
• Coma
• Death

Treatment of Heat Exhaustion
If you believe your dog is suffering from heat exhaustion, seek veterinary care immediately even if your dog’s condition does not seem serious. Cool water can be used to begin to decrease his body temperature during the trip to the veterinarian. Towels can be soaked in cool water and used to cover your dog. You can also place the towels between his legs and across his neck. Do not use cold water or ice. This may make the situation worse.
- See more at: http://www.austindogzone.com/all_things_dog/know-the-signs-of-heat-exhaustion-in-dogs/#sthash.SQZAvn6y.dpuf

A Musical Message of Love to Shelley from Webster the Dachshund

On April 5, I was responding to an email from my good friend Shelley, who is also a dachshund

Webster

rescue volunteer. She just lost her beloved dog, Webster. As I wrote in my new book, Pets and the Afterlife" - losing a dog is the same as losing a child. My heart hurts for Shelley and everyone who loses a pet (as I've lost several dogs).
 
As I was writing to Shelley, her dog Webster's spirit came through to me immediately. I happened to log onto Pandora.com radio, and one of the stations I listen to is music from the 1980s. As soon as the music started to play, I wrote to Shelley and said "Webster JUST sent me a song for you. I've never heard it come up on Pandora and I instantly knew it was a message from him. It's Somewhere Out There by Linda Rondstat and James Ingram. I'm sitting here all teared up. This song is from Webster with love: http://youtu.be/RkI-B2JWSZI

PETS AND THE AFTERLIFE: The loss of a pet is like the loss of a child to pet owners. The love we share with our pets never dies, and in a new book called "Pets and the Afterlife" by Rob Gutro, the author provides proof that our pets do communicate with us from the other side.    Available in paperback and E-book, on Amazon.com and other outlets at: To order paperback of Kindle- click here

DC Weim Rescue Event Part 2: GRAYSON'S HEART-WRENCHING STORY

GRAYSON'S HEART-WRENCHING STORY - Grayson is a senior Weimaraner who will be 12 years old in May, 2014. I met him during the DC Area

Senior dog Grayson seeking a forever home

Weimaraner Adoption event on Saturday, March 8 at the Pet Valu in Gambrills, Md. and walked around with him for about 3 hours. He was very gentle, peaceful and kept nuzzling up to me and all of the people he met. 
  Karin Bakken, the manager and and coordinator for the rescue (who has a network of volunteers including us) managers all the dogs (there are 12 needing permanent homes this week), took Grayson in. She brought him and 2 other weims needing adoption to the event. 

 Grayson was turned into the DC Area Weimaraner Rescue on Thursday, March 6 and was scared and confused about what had happened.
   So, why after 12 years with a family would a married couple give up a dog in a breed that usually only lives to be 14 or 15? In short, cruelty.

Rob and Grayson

Grayson's Plea for Adoption

  I learned that Grayson grew up with another dog for his entire life, and the dog recently passed. So, Grayson was grieving, and in his grief I assume he was whining and crying, and vying for attention. I do understand that he started barking, which apparently was just too much for an intolerant, impatient husband in the relationship.
   His family has "issues" and he barked the night before he was taken to the DC Area Weimaraner Rescue. Apparently or the husband threatened to take him to him to the shelter, so the wife drove Grayson to the rescue. Tom and I feel that she should've driven the husband to a homeless shelter and kept the dog.  People are idiots.

FOR INFORMATION ON GRAYSON AND OTHER DOGS NEEDING FOSTER HOMES OR ADOPTIONS, VISIT: http://rescue.dcweimclub.org/

Please help find this Stolen Dog in California!

Our friend Scott's friend Karen has been desperately searching for her stolen 4 year old Maltese since November in California, and needs help. **Please spread the word on Social Media through sharing the FACEBOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/HelpFindJackTheMaltese?ref=profile  
   Jack is a 6 1/2 year old teacup Maltese who was taken from his owner's apartment in Studio City, California when it was burglarized on November 11, 2013. This page has been set up to help coordinate search efforts and reunite this little family as quickly as possible.
There is a $5000 reward for Jack's safe return, no questions asked.  Please call (818) 452-8722!
Jack is a very tiny guy, only weighs about 4lbs. He is a "cobby" body teacup - he has a shorter body than the norm.
When he was taken, he had recently had a "puppy" cut.
He is missing his upper right fang and often sticks his tongue out on that side.
The top half of his nose is pink.
He is neutered.
Jack is microchipped through HomeAgain. They have been notified and a pet Amber alert has been filed.
Thank you for your help in bringing Jack home!

Tyler the Gift Thief!!

Tyler the thief gloating with his new toy

I (Rob) was working at home last week and working downstairs when I noticed our 3 year old black and tan dachshund, "Tyler the Terror" disappear. I figured he went into another room to get a toy he dropped, which is something he does. 
   Well, the night before I had put a couple of bags full of dog toys and dog presents upstairs in our TV room to wrap. I closed the bags and put them in a corner and when we were watching TV the night before and all the dogs were upstairs with us, no one paid attention to the bags... THEN.
   As I continued to work from home the next day, I heard Tyler coming down the stairs and looked over at him. He had one of the dog toys in his mouth and had torn the cardboard attachment off of it!  He stole the toy from the gift bag upstairs!! - So, I removed the rest of the cardboard and let him have it. I then went upstairs and closed the bags and put them in the corner of the room, and barricaded them with boxes (that I'll use for shipping).

Tearing into the gift he stole!

   It doesn't end there. I continued working and a couple of hours later I didn't realize that he disappeared again to the upstairs level. I did notice him when he came back with yet ANOTHER unstuffed dog toy (we buy them unstuffed toys so we don't have to pick up the stuffing all the time). The little thief!!  He tore the cardboard off that toy, too... SO, whoever says dogs can't think, can't reason, can't plot and don't know when you're n
ot looking, obviously doesn't have a dog. Tyler did all of the above and is now gloating with his new toys.

Signs from Spirits: Coins: My Dad and Sprite

Sprite: 12-23-96 to 7-8-13

  In last week's blog, we shared an amazing sign of a butterfly that came from our late dog Sprite who passed. This week, we got two more signs of reassurance from someone else that let us know Sprite is okay on the other side.

     On July 8, 2013 at 5:50 p.m. we had to say goodbye to our elder dachshund, Sprite. He was 16 1/2 years old and he was in failing health. For the year before I had to carry him up and downstairs, and the last several months I usually had to pick him up and carry him outside to do his business. Late in the mornings he would find the strength in his legs, but they were very weak. He had a bad heart murmur, kidney failure for over a year, suffered from a bad nosebleed the night before and wound up in the emergency room, and he had pretty much stopped eating for the week before. We knew it was time, although it tore at our hearts.

  On the day we brought our dog Sprite to the vet to say our final goodbye, I asked three spirits to come into the room and help Sprite cross over. One of them was my dad who died on August 2, 2008. When I was in the room I did feel my dad and the other two spirits (who I will write about in a long story later). All three took Sprite into the light and crossed him over that evening.

Message from my dad - 2008 Penny

CONFIRMATION FROM MY DAD -   On July 15, one week later, I received a confirmation from my dad that Sprite was happy, healthy and with him and the others. I was getting out of my car at Dunkin' Donuts to get a morning coffee and sitting on the ground right outside of the driver's side door was a shiny penny. I mentioned last week that coins are one sign that spirits use to let you know they're around and with you.

Sprite's butterfly visits Jill

One surefire way to know which spirit it is who sent you the message is to check the year on the penny. If it has a significance with a spirit, that's who it belongs to. The year on this shiny penny was "2008." The year my dad passed away. As soon as I picked up the penny, I heard my dad say "Sprite is here with me, and he's happy. You don't have to worry about him."  

CONFIRMATION FROM OUR FRIEND JILL - On July 22, we received this email from our friend Jill. She also got a visit from Sprite's spirit in the form of the same kind of buttlerfly that Sprite communicated with us. Jill wrote: "Just had to tell you that I was sitting out back on a lounge chair on Saturday. Not 5 minutes after reading your blog on Sprite, a yellow and black butterfly rested on my abdomen. Unfortunately, I didn’t realize what it was at first and I moved, sending it away.  But, I have seen it multiple times between our yard our neighbors yard over the weekend!

A Sign from Sprite: A Butterfly!

Recently, we watched the TV show "Long Island Medium" and a woman said that 2 butterflies followed her one week. The woman had lost both her husband and her son. Theresa Caputo (the Long Island Medium) said they were using the butterflies to give the woman a message. Many others experienced the same thing. They've seen butterflies after someone passed, or perhaps on the anniversary of their passing, or the late person's birthday.  This month, we experienced it first hand.
        On July 8, 2013 at 5:50 p.m. we had to say goodbye to our elder dachshund, Sprite. He was 16 1/2 years old and he was in failing health. For the year before I had to carry him up and downstairs, and the last several months I usually had to pick him up and carry him outside to do his business. Late in the mornings he would find the strength in his legs, but they were very weak. He had a bad heart murmur, kidney failure for over a year, suffered from a bad nosebleed the night before and wound up in the emergency room, and he had pretty much stopped eating for the week before. We knew it was time, although it tore at our hearts.

Sprite's butterfly

   The day after he passed and the second day after he passed, he came to three mediums we know, who are friends of ours, but they don't know each other. In fact, a couple of them didn't even know Sprite, but they received similar messages that confirmed each other. They also each had special messages that Sprite gave to help prove it was him. I'll share those in a later post.
   This post focuses on the use of butterflies to convey that a spirit is trying to get us a message that they're around and they're fine. 
   When Tom and I were walking our dogs three days after Sprite passed we got a sign from him. Toward the end of the walk (of our other two dachshunds and our weimaraner) a yellow and black butterfly flew right near all three dogs.

Sprite 12-23-96 to 7-8-13

   First, it's unusual for a butterfly to fly near dogs. Secondly, the dogs didn't go after it. They just watched it. It was as if they heard Sprite telling them "I'm here." Our three dogs and we just watched that butterfly and I took several pictures of it. The butterfly just stayed there on the grass. It was a message from Sprite that he is fine and regained 100% health as a spirit. We were all happy to see this wonderful sign from Sprite.
   Because my grief was blocking messages from Sprite he found another way to get through to me. If you recently lost someone or lost them awhile ago and are still grieving, grief will block out their signs. However, some spirits are very strong and persistent, like Sprite, and will give visible signs they're okay. 

   Sometimes spirits will use butterflies, birds, feathers, flowers, pennies or other signs to convey that they're around us and thinking of us.

NEXT BLOG: UK Trip #22: Meeting Old Friends / Barker Tower

A Moving Video Tribute to a Very Special Dog

Our friends Lynn, Steve and Michael lost one of their best friends last week - their faithful dog, Duncan.  
This is a beautiful tribute that Lynn put together about Duncan's life that any dog lover will enjoy. Duncan certainly knows that he was one very, very loved dog!
 

Letter to Dr. Fox: Dog Understood Master's Death

Our friend Maureen forwarded this letter that appeared in a syndicated newspaper column: Animal Doctor, Dr. Michael Fox:about an amazing dog. 

Dear Dr. Fox — I'm writing in response to your recent column about how a "dog's devotion to master can lead to the grave." It is similar to what occurred with our golden retriever more than 20 years ago when my husband died at 46 after a four-year battle with cancer. During my husband's illness, Friday laid beside his bed, provided support when my husband walked, and never left his side. He obviously knew something was wrong and was devoted to his master.


Before my husband was ill, he was a senior sports-and-news cameraman for a major TV station. Owing to the nature of his assignments, my husband's work hours were unpredictable. Regardless of the hour, Friday always knew when my husband was headed home and ran to the front door, wagging his tail and sitting patiently until my husband's car pulled into the driveway.

After my husband's death (in the hospital), Friday sat at the front door all day, every day, whining and waiting for my husband's return. He stopped eating and wouldn't leave the front hallway. He refused to play with our children whom he loved because "guard duty" was his only purpose. He left his post only when he needed to be waked. My heart was breaking for this dog.

After one week of watching Friday's vigil, I decided to help him understand what happened. Hesitantly, Friday left his post and got into the car with me. His car behavior was unusual: He paced from window to window, looking everywhere for my husband. I drove to the cemetery, and we walked together toward my husband's gravesite. As we got closer, Friday pulled away from me and ran directly to my husband's grave. He lay down on the grave, closed his eyes, and just stayed there, quietly. I didn't try to talk to Friday or to disturb him — he needed to grieve, too. After an hour, Friday got up and walked over to me, using his mouth to hand me his leash. He was ready to go home.

On the way back home, Friday laid down quietly in the backseat. After we arrived home, he kept kissing my hands as if to say "thank you" and never again sat by the front door waiting for my husband to return home. He now understood. Although obviously sad, his behavior returned to normal around the children and he began eating again. In time, he healed as we did. — L.B.J., Lake Worth, Fla.

Dear L.B.J. — Many readers will join me in thanking you for this remarkable example of giving a dog closure with regard to your husband whom Friday thought was perhaps still alive. Your devoted dog clearly advances our understanding of how much some dogs really do know and feel. We should never underestimate their ability to comprehend and make every effort, as you did, during such difficult times of bereavement to help them when they are grieving. www.twobitdog.com/DrFox
Dr. Fox, c/o "Animal Doctor," United Features Syndicate, 200 Madison Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10016

Our Foster Dog Recovering from Surgeries

Our sweet little foster Dachshund "Sprite" came out of surgeries this week. Because he was neglected, he hadn't see a veterinarian in the last 4 years) and he hadn't been neutered, he had surgeries. Oddly, the vet said that she could only find one testicle in him, and spent 1 1/2 hours looking for the other one that wasn't there. Hide the ball is a weird game for a dog to play. :)                     He also had 7 teeth removed that came right out when pulled. The doctor said that there were some that were really rotted (which gave him horrendous breath). The antibiotics and teeth pulling cleaned up his breath tremendously! - It is SO IMPORTANT to brush your dog's teeth, even just a couple of days a week, and give him dental chews. (Our Weimaraner is 6 and never had to have her teeth cleaned and has great breath as a result of brushing and dental chews, so it works!).

  Sprite also had a fatty lump on his throat about the size of a quarter that had to be removed and biopsied. In addition, he had a small growth on his lip removed (our Dachshund, Franklin had the same thing).

  So, Sprite is sleeping a lot and is chock-full of pain killers and antibiotics. He's also on a soft food diet for the next 2 weeks as his mouth heals. 

  We have been carrying him upstairs in his little bed whenever we watch TV. We're keeping a close eye on him as he recovers from all his stitches.  



Happy 6th Birthday, Dolly!

Dolly looking at a squirrel.

 Today, our Weimaraner Dolly turns 6 years old. She was adopted from the Wolf Creek Weimaraner Rescue of Knoxville, TN back in March, 2005. She's an affectionate, loving, obedient girl, who loves her brother Franklin the Dachshund (who turned 6 in March of this year). Dolly and Franklin go everywhere together and can't be apart.They sleep together, play together, eat together, clean each other's ears and eyes, and obviously love each other very much. Dolly loves playing rope toss in the backyard, enjoys chomping on her nylabone Dinosaurs, and loves treats!  She likes to stand up on the side of our bed in the mornings and give us kisses to get us out of bed!
  Here are some of our favorite photos of Dolly from this year (and her
birthday party photo from a couple of years ago with Franklin).

As a Coffee cup this Halloween, 

and Franklin a donut.

Giving Jane a kiss, with Steve and Franklin 

at Ft. McHenry

Dolly Loves chewing sticks!

Playing with one of her fav. toys!

Geared up with Franklin for the Rain!

Franklin, Dolly and friend Emma walking

Waiting for dinner time!

Dolly and Franklin ready for Birthday treats (2007)

Dolly having a very tough day...

Franklin and Dolly running! 

Family Photo at Baltimore's Ft. McHenry!

Video Hello from our Dog Walk!

Our friend Ed made this video of our family at the Parade of Paws event this weekend, Sept. 25. Ed used his high-tech phone and acted as director, producer and cameraman. Thanks, Ed!

Smiling on a Sunday

Our Dachshund Franklin and Weimaraner Dolly love the weekends when we're around all the time. They like following us outside, too and sniffing the perimeter of the yard to keep the evil squirrels and bunnies from invading their turf. We thought these pictures of them with goofy smiles would make you smile!

Doggy Guest!

Our friend Amy adopted an adorable little dog that's a Yorkie mix, and she named her "Emma." Because I work at home 3 days a week, and Emma is just a pup, Amy brings her over on the way to work, and Dolly, Franklin and I watch her during the day. She's such a pleasure to have, and doesn't bark, wet the floor or cause trouble, just sits there acting adorable. Here's a photo of Emma with Dolly (the Weimaraner) and Franklin (the dachshund). One of the fun things we all enjoy is an early morning walk with Amy and Emma before the day gets started.

SPCA Dog Walk/Fun Lunch!

Sunday was another warm day, so we started early to get in a fund-raising dog walk. Rob's mom decided to forego it because of the heat, so we took Dolly and Franklin and drove to the local county SPCA fund-raising dog walk in Annapolis. We walked 3.5 miles and were pretty warm by the end of it! We saw hundreds of dogs, including about 15 Dachshunds and 2 Weimaraners, one of which was a rare "blue Weimaraner" (actually more like dark blue). Here are some photos from the dog event. Because the Weimaraner breed of dog comes from Pointers I took a photo of a Pointer. There were also several big dogs, some of which were as large as ponies!






After the dog walk, we cleaned up, picked Rob's mom up and met our friend Jill, her daughter Kelli and her brother's boyfriend Allen at Friendly's for a really fun lunch. We all posed for some pictures outside in the heat. Kelli is such an awesome girl, and Rob's Godchild. She just one a full scholarship and we're so proud and excited for her!! Here's a photo of Tom and I cutting up with Kelli.

"God and Dog" Video Song

Here's a perfect little song for anyone that loves or knows a dog. Great song!

The writer of this song has a website with related material to the video - t-shirts, mugs, etc.
http://www.wendyfrancisco.com/

A Very "HAPPY" Ending!

This afternoon at lunchtime I received a phone call from Mrs. Lee. She owns the local dry cleaner business, and we've been trying to help find her dog, a Cocker Spaniel named "Happy" who wandered away from the store this past Saturday. Mrs. Lee told me that a married couple brought HAPPY back to the store today!!! They found the dog wandering around the neighborhood and kept her until they saw one of the signs Mrs. Lee posted in the neighborhood. Tom and I are elated that little "Happy" has been found. - Now I need to contact the rescues, shelters and remove the ad from Craigslist. An ad is still going to appear in tomorrow's local newspaper, though - I missed the deadline, but I'm SO happy that "Happy" has come home.
I told Mrs. Lee she needs to get Happy MICROCHIPPED! - I urge everyone to do that for their dog. Microchipping puts a tiny computer chip in the back of a dog's neck that contains the owner's name, address, phone and even email.