Happy Dog Land

Calling all dog lovers! Watch for "Happy Dog: Caring for Your Dog's Body, Mind & Spirit" published by NAL/Penquin and to be released in September 2009. The book is co-authored by Billy Rafferty and Jill Cahr. Billy has been Cosette's groomer and friend for 10 years. We are hoping we do not lose him to fame and fortune.

For the past few months I have been following Billy and Jill's blog which has covered a variety of valuable information...some humorous and some important for the care of your pet. You might want to check it out for yourself.

And be sure to take a few minutes and watch this awesome Happy Dog trailer. (No, Cosette did not make the cut.) Enjoy!

I am FINALLY there!

I am just too too excited!!! I have started my professional blog.

I have spent hours on the first two postings but it was due to a different platform. It seemed every time I tried to do something I had to call tech support. I think I have covered all bases with those two postings so I should be good for awhile and be able to significantly reduce time spent.

The plan is to pre-write the blogs so I have some in reserve for those exceedingly busy days. Of course as I write this I realize I don't know how to date the material. I know it is not the same as on this platform. Oh well...that is for another day. I have come far and I am pleased with my progress.

Take a look for yourself...but remember...this is still a new venture.

Watch the Puppy Whistle

Yes, I said whistle. On wimp.com, a website that updates daily with "best internet videos", I found several interesting videos but what I am going to share here all relate to animals. Those of you that know me know that I love animals...particularly dogs. None of these videos run more than three minutes so hope you take some time and enjoy.

Puppy that whistles.

Puppy trying to walk. I want one of these.

Very smart dog. You will be amazed!



Cat in the Box
Maru has many videos on Wimp.com.

Cute Kitty I want one of these, too!


Now for the more exotic.

Very Cute Tiger Cub...Very!

A Pet Bear? Can you imagine picking up after him?

Okay...for the most unusual...a Pet Hippo. This is really unbelievable.

Hope you enjoyed!

Free Hugs

Image via Wikipedia

Have you heard about the Free Hugs campaign? If not, check out this website. It will give you the background of how it started and video. The video is amazing to watch and I think it will bring a smile to your face even on a bad day.

After watching the video I wondered if I would ever have the courage to hug someone carrying a sign saying "Free Hugs". In Chicago wouldn't most of us thing there is something wrong with this person? Yes, I think so. Too bad as it might be a good experience.

My D-O-G

Today I am writing a simple post. It is about Cosette, my dear companion. Yes, she is a d-o-g...but she doesn't know it. She doesn't really like those four legged animals. Actually, she doesn't pay any attention to any animals. She walks right past the ducks and geese at North Pond and she could care less about squirrels. She does have one d-o-g trait...sniffing. Yes, she likes her nose to the ground.

I tried "socializing" her. We had a few play dates with other toy poodles. They liked her but she didn't like them. She would come to me wanting me to rescue her. No such luck. I believed she needed to learn to play. Well, the other dogs would continue to try to get her to play and finally she would have enough and turn around and snarl at them. Well, that was the end. They had no more interest in her. Of course, then she was interested in them...only until they resumed interest in her. Go figure!

When we are out walking sometimes and she is distracted and when I see a big dog I might say, "Cosette, big puppy!". She will stop what she is doing and do a 360 to find the dog. When she sees it she scurries over by me and is ready to move on...or be picked up. Yes, she can be a wimp.

One night (some time ago) it was late and I was working on the computer. I had the dog show on TV and Cosette was sleeping on the couch. I was working diligently when I heard a little grrrrr. Pretty soon up she was standing on her hind legs in front of the TV barking at the dogs in the show. After that every time she saw a dog on TV she would do that. I started telling her no so she doesn't do it anymore...well, seldom does it anymore. That behavior has given me many smiles.

I could go on and on with little stories about how she brightens my day but I am probably boring you now. The bottom line is she makes me happy. I don't know how anyone can live without a d-o-g. They are such loyal loving companions.

Don't Worry...Be Happy!

In my neighborhood newspaper, Skyline, journalist Felicia Dechter wrote an article "The Art of Being Happy". She is making reference to a book, "Megamorphosis: How to be Happier Right Now", written by Chicaogoan Michael Yergin. Read Felicia's article and if you want to give a boost to your happiness level perhaps you'll decide to read the book. It's going to be my next read. Who can't use more happiness?