Smash and Friends

Smash has enjoyed playing with one of the neighbor dogs lately. The neighbor is a German Shepard puppy. We call him Shep Dog because for a long time we did not know that his owners call him Sarge.

It is fun to watch them play. Even with only three fully functional legs, Smash can not only run faster than Shep dog but he can also out maneuver him in the woods. It is really funny to watch Smash make a quick turn and then watch Sarge go sliding through the leaves.

Smash does not let his crooked leg slow him down at all. In fact he will often stand on it when he marks his territory.

I am very thankful that I did not have it amputated. He makes good use of it.

I have also resumed some of his training using the sit stay fetch methods. He is a little reluctant to walk beside me on the leash. He would rather go in front. However, after just a few tugs, where I reassert who is alpha dog, he gets the idea.

I think he will be back to his old ways with just a little work on my part.

So if a new puppy is on your Christmas list, be sure to get the instruction manual to go with it. Order Sit Stay Fetch today.

Interesting dog behavior

I have recently restarted my morning exercise routine with includes walking with Smash in the woods. He now plays well off leash so I let him run and explore while I exercise.

I have found that one particular movement that I do which is intended to bond my spirit with the earth always has the effect of calling the dog. Smash is not unique in this. My previous dog's responded to this movement as well.

Smash is the funniest about it however. He will be off playing and sniffing and exploring and be totally out of sight while I do the other movements but when I do this particular one which involves placing my hands on the ground in front of me, I am often greeted by a big slobbery dog nose in my face. Sometimes he sill sneak up behind me and let me know he is there by nuzzling my backside.

Today I was describing this strange dog behavior to a friend who looks at everything metaphysically to see what meaning she might find in this behavior. When I showed her the position I use for the exercise, she said it is also a yoga position called the "Downward Dog."

We both found that an interesting synchronicity that dog would be in the name of the pose that attracts the dogs.

I have just learned to be aware that I will be greeted by a happy dog every time I perform this exercise.

A Dog with two noses?

Here is an interesting article about a dog with two noses. With extra sniffiness I suppose.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6940289.stm

Why do dogs eat grass?

Smash always loves a tasty snack of the grass by the creek. I never have figured out why.

Others have asked this question as well.

read more here....

Smash's healing leg

I have not posted much about Smash lately because we have been really focused on his healing rather than his training.

His broken leg got either an infection or possibly a toxic bite and part of his foot died.

Well the wolf ancestry kicked in and he chewed off the part of his foot that bothered him before I realized what he was doing.

I knew his vet already wanted to amputate the broken leg, so I knew I was on my own to save the foot and leg.

I have really focused my attention on the fact that he has three healthy feet and legs. As I focus my attention on him, I visualize him whole and healthy and happy.

I am happy to report that he is now using his broken leg and gnawed foot. Last week he stood and lifted the opposite leg to mark his territory. And Yesterday he really surprised me by chasing a couple of raccoons up a trees and then stood on his two hind legs and barked at them in the tree.

Three cheers for Smashes healing! Thank you God, Thank you God, Thank you God.

Meditation while walking my dog

Meditation is all about being in the present moment and stilling the mind.

I find that while walking Smash, if I observe how he interacts with the environment, I can release my stress and worries and enjoy the walk as much as he does.

It amazes me how he never tires of sniffing the same tree or bush each time we walk past it. He sniffs it as if he has never sniffed it before. Or maybe he is seeking a subtle change in smell.

Some days he can't wait to splash in the water of the creek.

Other days he is more interested in seeking out just the right blade of grass to nibble on.

He loves to look up and watch the birds fly and watch the squirrels play in the trees.

He greets the turtles with a sniff and nudge with his nose before he quickly looses interest and moves on the the next thing along the trail.

When I let go and just observe the woods the same way Smash does, I see so much more that just a walk int he woods. I feel a connection to all of nature.

Training Smash to Stay

Now that Smash has gotten the hang of using his leg, I have resumed his training.

He remembered sit very well. He has a little trouble tossing that leg out and sitting for a long time gets uncomfortable for him but he does it well.

He still has a bit of trouble with stay. he wants to get up and follow me when I walk away. We have to keep repeating the procedure of sit - stay - no sit - stay- no - sit - stay - good boy - stay.

He does much better if there are two of us to work with him. If one trainer holds a hand in front of his face while the other one walks with the leash he stays just fine.

I am sure he will get the hang of stay again soon.

To learn how to train your own dog get Sit- Stay - Fetch from Animal Kingdom

Menu Foods insider trading

I can't stay quite about this any longer!

When I first heard about he Menu Foods dog food recall, I searched for info to post on this blog and send to my mailing list. All I found on the Menu Foods web site was an article about how stock prices might be impacted by the recall. Only later could I find a list of the recalled foods which by that time were circulated in the media.

Menu foods has since changed their web site and I can't find that original press release about the stock prices. I suspect it went away when news of the insider trading broke.


"Menu Foods began getting calls about sick cats around Feb. 26

CFO Mark Wiens sold 14,000 shares for $89,900 on Feb. 26 and Feb. 27. The shares are now worth about $54,000. "

See this article for more...

Also, still compare Menu Foods website with Nutro's web site. Notice any difference in tone?


All this makes me even more determined to know exactly what is going into Smash's food dish.

Update on Smash's healing process

Natural Healing

Smash is healing nicely from his injuries. The cuts on his side are hardly visible now. Most of the hair has grown back. There is still a missing stripe of fur where the bandage that held his leg that first week rubbed it raw, but you have to look close to see it.

The leg that I was told need to be amputated is doing well too. He uses it to scratch his nose although he looks funny when he does it!

Most amazingly he can balance on it while he hike the other leg to mark his territory. And as we were packing for our trip this easter weekend he showed that he wanted to go too by jumping into the back of our Suburban!

I still won't let him run loose as I keep seeing the neighbor dogs out on the road where I suspect he got hit. But he is adapting to being somewhat confined.

I give several Reiki treatments each week and I have been doing EFT on myself to calm my worries about him. He really does not seem to know he has a problem anymore.

Healthy Dog Food

With the scary pet food recalls int he news lately, I have noticed that a lot of people are looking for ways to make their own dog food.

While this is how we feed Smash, not every one has a nutritionist in the family to recommend the proper balance of foods that a dog needs to stay healthy.

So here is John Miller to the rescue. He has prepared a list of super dog food recipes that your dog will love to eat and most importantly will keep him healthy.

If you read anything about where the "raw protein" comes from that is used in most dog foods, you would not even stick you hand in the bag much less feed it to your dog.

John's recipes are easy to follow and very healthy for your dog. You won't have to buy special ingredients, just use the stuff you already have to get started.

To learn more about John's recipes and to get the peace of mind of knowing what is in your dogs food, click here now.

One Smart Dog

Check out this cute video of a very innovative dog. I guess he did not want to get in the green water. Smash would have dived right in!

Smart Dog Video

Everything I Need to Know In Life I Learned From My Dog

He trusts that the Universe, aka me, will provide for his needs. He’ll walk over to his bowl and if there’s food in it he’ll eat - if it’s empty he’ll go back to sleep until food appears..Either way works. He doesn’t pace the floor worrying about when the food will come and if it will be enough or if it will be his last meal or if it’s meeting his nutritional needs.

Read more....

Natural healing for dogs

I have recently received my Reiki atonement so I have been practicing on Smash. My wife and I have always practiced a form of hands on energy healing so Reiki is a natural extension of this for us.

I noticed the other day that we have been focusing too much energy in to his healing leg because the hair on the scar there had completely grown back while his other scars on his side and front leg are still surrounded by very short hair.

We have made a greater effort to spread out the energy all over him more.

I recently learned that dogs and horses have an extra chakra called the brachial chakra just above the shoulder area. This chakra is a balancing chakra for all the others. we have been working with this one to help balance him out.

Seems that most of our would be Reiki sessions end up being mostly just a lot of pet-the-puppy with is his favorite activity.

I have been amazed at what he has learned to do with his healing leg. He can now lift it at the appropriate times, and he can stand as it there was nothing wrong with him.

He still has trouble with the "sit" pose. He just can't get that leg to cooperate just yet.

But yesterday I got a surprise when I bent over to pick up one of his toys. I have not idea how he did it but I felt both of his front paws on my back as he somehow jumped up on me. Normally I would scold him for this behavior but I was very happy to know he had learned how to jump again.

I still intend to have a whole healthy dog.

Smash's healing leg

So far Smash is adapting to his less than functional leg better than he is adapting to his loss of freedom.

We keep him indoors at night on on a short tether outdoors during the day. We have at least released him from the crate.

I am really glad that we had trained him how to walk on a leash as a puppy, because he would be really hared to handle now.

He still wants to go visit the neighbor dogs, but we keep him on a short leash when we walk to the mail box.

I have been studying Reiki so he gets lots of practice sessions from me. I have also been doing EFT with him as well.

He is so full of alternative energy treatments there is no telling what kind of a light creature he will evolve into!

Thanks to all those who have sent prayers and energy treatments his way. And if any of you would like the opportunity to contribute to his veterinary bills and other costs associate with the injury you may make a donation at this link. Just make a note that the donation is for Smash.

Or make a purchase of the Sit Stay Fetch course from the site and a portion of your purchase price will go to Smash's recovery fund.

Black Lab saves climbers!

The dog probably saved their lives" by lying across them during the cold night, said Erik Brom, a member of the Portland Mountain Rescue team. He described the wind in the canyon as "hellacious."
The two women left the snow vehicle first, followed by Bryant and the dog. The three climbers boarded the ambulance, and Velvet leapt in after them.
In addition to the dog, who provided warmth and comfort,....

Read more.

Telepathic Dogs?

Have you ever noticed that dogs seem to know exactly what you are thinking?
Smash knows when I am ready to head back home during a walk even before I pull the leash that direction.

Do dogs really know what you are thinking? Do they pick up on body language, smells or do they really read thoughts?

This book describes an experiment where dogs were monitored by cameras while their owners were away. The dogs went to the door to wait for them when their owners simply had an intention about coming home.

Amazing stuff.

An Update on Smash

Canine Injury

Smash is doing much better. He has he appetite back with abundance!

He is finally getting the hang of peeing and pooping while balancing on only one back leg. He would still like it better if I would let him run free to go where he wants but I am keeping him on the leash for now.

He has done pretty well and re learning how to walk on a leash. He will balk on me when I think about returning to the house before he has finished sniffing the puppy trail.

I let him sleep in the garage and he has rearranged the furniture to suit him. He found a bag of stuffed animals that was destined for disposal and arranged them into a colorful sleeping area. But he would rather be back outdoors.

Thanks to all who have sent support and prayers and healing energy to Smash. I no longer refer to him as having a broken leg but a healing leg.

I have added the animal Reiki book to my

Dog vs Man

If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you; that is the principal difference between a dog and a man. -Mark Twain

Follow up on the Smash's injuries

Canine health treatment

Smash went back to the vet today for a followup. She removed his bandage from his leg and decided to leave it off because he had some swelling in his hip.

Thankfully there was no talk of amputation today. Everyone at Appalachian Clinic was smiling and telling Smash what a pretty and happy dog he was. He may have bruised my leg with his wagging tail!

In my Reiki session with Laurie, she told me I had to release my feelings of guilt for allowing Smash to get hurt. I have been releasing them. However, I am not yet quite to the point where I can say I am thankful that he got hurt. But I am seeing some good things come about as a result of the injury.

I have renewed my interest in energy healing processes and have spent much time reading and researching the different aspects of energy healing.

I am continuing to hold my intention to have Smash to be a whole happy and healthy dog. I expect the universe to deliver as I take action toward that desire.

Animal Reiki

canine health

One of the actions I am taking to manifest my intention to heal smash is obtaining the help of an Animal Reiki therapist, Laurie Filsinger.

Her website is www.animalenergyhealer.com

I found it interesting that Smash and I have the same energy blockages in our bodies. Laurie tells me this is not unusual and that her treatment will help us both.

To learn more about Reiki in general click here.

Smash's injuries

canine health problems

Smash is doing relatively well for what he has been through.

We are keeping him confined to a crate. Click here for crate training tips.

His cuts are healing quickly. And he is getting stronger every day.

His biggest challenge is the broken femur bone in his right rear leg. This bone is very tricky to work with because the muscles are so strong that they can tear he bone back apart even under good circumstances. In Smash's case, the bone is not a clean break here.

I spoke with the folks at OrthoPets.com about making a brace for him. They can make the brace but there are some other concerns that I will have to discuss with Smash's vet concerning infection and other canine health problems and complications that could risk his overall health.

Please continue to pray for Smash's complete healing.

A tragic end to a fun day

Injured Dog Behavior.

Last night, after a fun day of playing and hiking in the snow, Smash was late returning from his evening potty break.

When he did return, he was cut and broken. It looks like he was hit by a car.

Since we live at the end of a long driveway off a dead end road, we have never concerned ourselves with his getting hit before. We still don't know how it happened or where.

My thanks go to the staff of the Bradley McMinn Pet emergency clinic. They received my broken and bleeding dog with care and professionalism.

They made sure he was breathing properly and stabilized before working with his cuts.

This morning, I transfered him to his regular vet at Appalachian animal clinic. He is resting there now. Now I have to struggle with the decision on how to best care for his mangled leg. Amputation has been suggested as the most viable option.

Please pray for Smash as I have now reason to doubt that he can have a second miracle in his life. It was about this same time last year that he suffered a life threatening injury. Through a miracle of faith he survived that one when no one thought he could.

I believe that his leg can be healed and I reamin open to that option.

Funny Dog Behavior in the snow

Dog Behavior



It is always fun for me to watch a dog the first time the experience snow. Smash saw his first snowfall today.

He ran around sniffing and biting at the snow for a while. Then, when we got out our makeshift sled, he loved chasing us down the hill.

I am not sure what he enjoys more, playing in the snow or having everyone outside with him.

Either way, is really fun to just sit back and enjoy his funny behavior.

Energy Work with Dogs

Carol Tuttle has posted an audio on her site about the increasing level of energy we an expect in 2007.

She makes comment about how one of her children responds more to her thoughts and emotional state than to her words.

I have seen the same in Smash. He responds way better when my words and my feeling are congruent.

My friend Sherri has a Labrador that responds the same way. Her dog Duke seems to read my thoughts just like my dog Smash.

In fact, they both pick up on anyone feeling agitated or apprehensive very quickly.

Click here to hear Carol Tuttle's podcast

Labrador Retriever's Behavior Problems?

If you enjoyed Marley and Me and because you have experienced your own Labrador Retriever's Behavior Problems, you want to check out Sit Stay Fetch's tips for Labs.

Labrador Retriever Behavior Problems

Labradors are high spirited dogs with their own unique behavior problems. If you have trouble with your dog barking, biting, pulling on a leash, then this is your solution.

Or maybe you just want to train your Labrador to walk on a leash so you can enjoy his company in public. Did you laugh your heart out at the story of Marley's failing dog obedience training class? I is a good thing they did not have this course or we would not have had such an entertaining story to read.

Cure you bad dog behavior today by visiting Labrador Retriever Behavior Problems

More on "Marley and Me"

I just finished reading "Marley and Me." This book is the story of a large Labrador retriever that became a household pet for the Grogan family.

I had a lot of trouble reading the book because the pages must have been dusted with onions or something that made my eyes water every chapter.

Marley reminded me a lot of our dog Buster. Buster was a mutt but sort of a lab Shepard mix so he had a lot of the physical qualities of Marley.

Just like Marley, Buster was fiercely loyal. He was a great protector and he always positioned himself between us and any perceived danger.

We too moved from a subdivision to a place where our dog could run and play without restrictions. Like my dog Smash, we referred to Buster as an Ogre and we fondly referred to our place in the country as Ogre Acres.

I could not read all of the chapter about Marley's passing because it reminded me too much of Buster's last day. I still walk by his grave on the hill above the creek and remember how he used to love to run in the woods and play in the water. He would fetch sticks until I could not throw them anymore.

So if you don't mind a couple of days of puffy watery eyes, read Marley and Me. I laughed cried and throughly enjoyed every bit of this book.

Marley an Me

My friend Sherri loaned me the book Marley and Me by John Grogan. The dog pictured in the book looks just like her dog Duke.

I have read only the preface so far but it looks like it will be a good read.

Sherri assures me I will enjoy it.

When do puppies open their eyes?

Puppy facts

Puppies are born with their eyes closed.

When do puppies open their eyes? Usually in the second week.

Puppies open their eyes in 7 to 14 days after birth.

Dog lost in Colorado found in Tennessee

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - Seven months after disappearing from her yard in Colorado, a rat terrier named Daisy walked into the arms of Tracie Crass in Knoxville, some 1,300 miles away. Thanks to Crass, Daisy got an airplane ride home.

Crass spotted 2-year-old Daisy wandering down her sidewalk on Christmas night. She assumed the 12-pound dog had slipped out of its home amid holiday festivities, so she brought the pooch on her porch and waited for its owner to come looking for it.

When no one showed up by the next day, Crass telephoned the number on Daisy's rabies tag. She reached Daisy's veterinarian, who contacted Daisy's owner, Vonda Lundstrom of Aurora, Colo.

Read more...