Mom Calls Me an Extortionist

Hi everybody! It's Penny here, and me and my mom Jean are very excited to be talking to you about Dogs on Thursday. I figured, since I'm a dog (or at least that's what they tell me anyway), I'd give you my perspective on things. (Mom's helping by typing for me -- darn this lack of opposable thumbs!)

I'm 24 weeks old today. Yay me!! And last weekend, I graduated from puppy kindergarten. Yay me again!! It was a lot of hard work. There were lots of big dogs there, but I kept up with all of them. Not so easy to do on these short little legs.Like all good puppies, I learned a command called "leave it". Now, Mom and Dad appear to be using this to their advantage, because I hear them say this when I've found a particularly interesting something, or an incredibly tasty tidbit, or some of their dirty clothes that they've left within my reach (seriously, I'm a dachshund... how hard is it to put something where I can't get it?). They say "leave it" and when I back away, they click the magic clicker and then I get a treat.

Pretty slick, eh?

Except, they didn't take into account that I'm an exceptionally smart puppy, if I say so myself. I've figured out that, if I just prop my front feet up on the coffee table and look interested in something, they'll say "leave it", click, and give me a treat. If I actually succeed in grabbing something, Mom brings out the big guns and gives me a Milk Bone Gravy Bone in trade (especially if it's something to do with the IRS. I don't know who they are, but she takes them pretty seriously).
Some days, if I sneak into Mom's office, I get a lot of Gravy Bones. *burp*

Mom calls me an extortionist. Something about holding things hostage for ransom. I think I need a dictionary. At any rate, it gets me lots of treats.

See you in a few weeks!

Health Benefits of Dog Ownership

Our perfect companions never have fewer then four feet.

-----Colette----

Let me take this opportunity, to openly confess here in front of you all, that I am...*gasp*...a dog person! I have been as far back as I can remember. Even when it wasn't cool to have a dog in the house, as a dog's place was outside in those days because well you know "dogs were dirty". My how things change!

Most people get a puppy because they are cute, their kids beg for one, companionship, or protection, etc. But did you know it has been proven in scientific studies that dogs are good for you! Really! Unless you get one like Marley, but even in that story love conquers all! I digress...

It has been proven that just by petting your pup you can reduce stress, your blood pressure and heart rate. Individuals who have been hospitalized for serious illness or surgery show a much faster recuperation time when visited by therapy dogs or being with their own dog recouping at home.

People who own dogs also get out and walk more. The increased exercise benefits the body, but also consider that it alleviates loneliness and depression by getting persons susceptible to this affliction out and about, meeting other dogs and owners. I know people who have lived in the same neighborhood for years but never spoke until they see the person out with a dog! Talk about an instant ice breaker! Take your dog to the park and see what happens! I have made many new friends walking with my pups on the bike trail, as well as acquaintances (i.e. oh yeah that is Max's or Roxie's mom!)

Having a dog also gets one's mind off of self as you now have someone else to care for. My sons are still waiting for me to get one more dog...they say each time one of my boys left home that I replaced them with a Basset Hound. There may be some truth to that as I am the nurturing type... Dogs love you unconditionally, accepting you just as you are. They just want to be cared for and loved.

They say laughter is the best medicine. I don't know about the rest of you but my pups (who are two of my best friends) crack me up several times a day with their antics and expressions. And so do yours as I faithfully read your posts!

There are a lot of good rescue groups out there and shelters are over flowing with dogs who need homes. If you are one of our readers who do not have a dog and are considering it, you will find that a lot of the participants here are blogging about dogs who have been adopted. Having a dog comes with extra responsibility but it is worth it!

Happy Dogs on Thursday!

Tina, HoneyDew and Sampson Arrrooo!

Another Introduction!

Hi and Welcome to this week's DOT post!

This week we are introducing Jean another wonderful person who stepped up to help out the DOT blog!
"I'm Jean from Georgia, currently owned by Penny Jasmine (The Princess), who is a black and tan dappled dachshund puppy. By trade I'm a CPA who works to earn dog food and dog toys for The Princess, and when I'm not amusing her, I enjoy counted thread needlework and knitting. I've been married for 25 years to Richard, who The Princess has wrapped around her little paw.
For her part, Penny enjoys rolling in the grass, chewing on bully sticks, chasing her tail, and attention from just about anyone. Her dislikes are nail trims, thunder, and not getting her way.
Waiting at the Rainbow Bridge is His Royal Lowness Oscar Worf, who left us in February at the age of 15 1/2. Oscar never considered himself to be a dog, so we're sure he didn't mind when Penny came into our lives. We miss him terribly."

Thank you Jean and I look forward to reading posts for you as well as the others who have been introduced. Jean blogs regularly at Baa Baa Knit Stitch.

Another Intro and another DOT!

Hello and Welcome to this week's Dogs on Thursday's post!

This week...another introduction!! Please go over and say hello and welcome to the team to Nicki!

A little about me...

I'm a small animal veterinarian working in southwest MO. I graduated from Univ of MO College of Vet Med in 2004. I spend most of my free time training dogs! But I also enjoy running, spending time outside, listening to country music, riding horses, and spending time with my husband-don't want him to be jealous of the dogs!

About the dogs...

Zodiac and Legend are both rescued border collies. Legend currently competes in agility and dabbles in obedience. Zodiac is retired from agility but is working toward his UD and RAE in obedience. They have over 30 performance titles between them and Zodiac is also a therapy pet-he currently visits the pediatric ward of the hospital. Already waiting at the Rainbow Bridge is Oreo-a border collie mix and my first performance dog and best friend whom I miss terribly. But he has left behing many wonderful memories and a tremendous legacy.

We also have a few cats, a rabbit, horses and 2 pot-bellied pigs (those belong to the hubby!)

Nicki
www.cruzanborders.blogspot.com

You should be hearing from them in the near future!!!