Funny Looking Dog

cats, pets
Kitten Alice. (There’s a fly on the window.)

Fayston, Vermont. What happens when a life-long dog person adopts a kitten? The kitten fetches better than the dogs. Well, except for golden girl Lucy, who is the top fetcher in all the land.

In June, we adopted a tiny grey meowing fuzz ball from Central Valley Humane Society. From the first day, our kitten greeted us whenever we walked in the room. We kept her in a bathroom at first, but now she has the second floor to roam. She is constantly sneaking downstairs, so I am kitten proofing. The dogs wait for admission to my bedroom so they can play together.

Eventually, we settled on the name “Alice” for the kitten but we also call her “Beans” (she has extra toes), and sometimes “Stinky.” I won’t go into detail why on that last one.

I’ve enjoyed having something tiny in the house again, but it is a little work. Not that I mind. I have extra time because of COVID restrictions. Playtime entertains me as much as her. I have become “crafty.” I cut holes in a cardboard box that arrived with my new golf shoes to create the “Expensive Cat Toy.” I saved a larger box to make a cat-stle. I also crocheted a taco cat toy from my ever multiplying yarn stash. It was with the “flying” taco that Alice the kitten learned to fetch.

I’ve made several yarn tacos. The first one went with her to the vet but didn’t make it home. So I made another, only to find the original one in her carrying case after her next trip to the vet 10 days later. They kept the toy and returned it! Our thoughtful vet’s office is Valley Animal Hospital, Dr. Roy Hadden, in Waitsfield, Vermont.

To make your own magic taco, find the free pattern on Ravelry by searching the free patterns for “cat toys.” I also found a few other cat toy patterns I want to try: A doughnut and a small fish are on my list.

While the dogs are enthusiastically trying to be best friends, I am learning to speak cat. Alice follows me around (unless she’s sleeping). Of course a dog person has a FOMO kitty – and another shadow.

Happy International Cat Day!

Front Porch Portrait, Linus, Charlie Brown, and Lucy
Lucy
Charlie Brown
Linus
Parallel ridge lines: Alice carries her taco in front of Mt. Ellen.
Alice emerges from The Expensive Cat Toy

Acts of Love

animal rescue, dogs, Joy, Valentines Day

Charlie Brown, Lucy, and Linus at sunrise.

Charlie Brown, Lucy, and Linus at sunrise

To my dear pack-mates Lucy, Linus, and Charlie Brown on Valentines Day,

I love:

  • That you are ecstatic when I come home
  • That you are so happy to see me that you like to rub your blondeness against my black pant legs
  • That you use me for a pillow and keep me warm when you snuggle
  • That you use my pillow when I’m not home
  • That you are excited to see me each morning
  • That you are so excited to see me each morning that you begin to chirp at 4:30 a.m.
  • That you are up for any adventure
  • That you think when I have to go to the bathroom is an adventure
  • That you are always by my side
  • That you lie down in obstacle course formation on the kitchen floor when I am cooking
  • That you help with the dishes and vacuuming
  • That occasionally you leave a mess for me to clean
  • That you love me, always

I love my Lucy

I love my Linus

I love my Charlie Brown

Happy Valentines Day!

XOXOXO

 

 

Resolution Revolution: Seven Habits for a Wagtastic Life

dogs, Healthy Living, Joy, Resolutions

img_7235

Charlie Brown with his band mates Linus and Lucy on a recent winter walk

Fayston, Vermont.  Perhaps you’ve made a few resolutions, and you’re still on the wagon. I didn’t make any resolutions. Nope. Can’t break a promise I didn’t make.

Except for this: I vowed to continue the healthy habits I reinstated last year. I started using the gym last fall. I work there, so I should practice what I appear to preach, I thought. I’m now more active because the elliptical machine knows my name. I’ve cut my soda consumption way down, and notice I feel better when I don’t drink it. I’ve made a few other dietary tweaks so that I look and feel better, so there’s my incentive to keep it going. I’ve lost the weight I gained over the summer when my arthritis pain dragged me down, both physically and mentally. The pain is manageable, but still there.

My dogs have helped me keep my healthy habits because they have a keen sense of time and how to live a happy life.

The Pack’s Seven Habits for a Wagtastic Life:

  • They remind me when it’s time for a walk. And that a walk at sunrise is beautiful.
  • They make time for play. They take time to explore.
  • They always know when it’s supper time, and they remind me to eat and to enjoy my food.
  • They realize a reward for good behavior is mandatory. But too much of a good thing is too much.
  • They insist that regular massages (belly rubs, head rubs, etc.) are necessary for well-being. But they also let me know that bathing and grooming can be skipped, occasionally. (So much time spent on my hair when I wash it every day – it’s o.k. to skip that once in awhile…)
  • They know sleep is key to recovery. And that a nap helps pass a rainy day.
  • They show and accept affection and gratitude with joy, every day.

If you’re looking for inspiration to make changes in the New Year, look to your furry friends. They will share their wisdom with you, if you listen.

Putting on the dog this holiday season…

animal rescue, dogs, holiday events, Uncategorized

Happy Howlidays! Lucy looks festive in her garland of candy cane lights.

Fayston, Vermont. Whether you dress your dog in a holiday outfit to match yours or you wear the reindog headband because your pooch just won’t, celebrating the holidays is not just for humans. I’ve pulled together a short list of Vermont dog-friendly holiday events plus a couple of special events that benefit dog rescue organizations. (I plan to be at the Ugly Sweater Party at Prohibition Pig to benefit Golden Huggs Rescue. All three of my dogs were adopted through GHR.) Search your area for similar events if you can’t make it to Vermont!

To do with your dog(s):

Snaps with Santa
Saturday, December 10; 11 am – 2 pm
Pet Food Warehouse, 2500 Williston Road, South Burlington
Bring a donation for Claus for Paws.
More info: http://www.pfwvt.com; 802-862-5514

Dog Mountain Holiday Celebration
Saturday, December 16; 10 am – 5 pm (Tree lighting @ 4, bonfire @ 5)
143 Parks Road, Saint Johnsbury, Vermont
Free!
More info: http://www.dogmt.com/Events
1-800-449-2580

8th Annual Dog Parade & Canine Costume Party
Sunday, December 31, 1 pm
Sugarbush Resort, 102 Forest Drive, Warren, Vermont
$10 cash donation to PAWSitive Pantry
More info: http://www.sugarbush.com/events/dog-parade

To benefit dog rescue organizations:

Making Spirits Bright
Thursday, December 14; 6:30 – 9 pm
The Automaster, 3328 Shelburne Road, Shelburne, Vermont
Tickets: $35 per person, http://www.passion4paws.yapsody.com
Silent Auction proceeds benefit Passion 4 Paws

Ugly Sweater Party
Thursday, December 20; 4 – 9 pm
Prohibition Pig Brewery, 2 Elm Street, Waterbury, Vermont
Half price tacos if you wear an ugly sweater and for every house draft beer purchased, ProPig will donate $1 to Golden Huggs Rescue

A final note: As always, be careful of what you feed your dog – all those rich holiday treats might make your dog’s event experience memorable not in a good way. And be careful of what you consume so that you and you loved ones arrive home safely…

Wishing you all the season’s joys and a Happy New Year!

 

Piling On The Thanks

Uncategorized

Linus on a hike at Mt. Ellen

Linus on a hike at Mt. Ellen

Fayston, Vermont.  I am thankful for Canadian television. Hockey is such a civilized alternative to American politics. Wish Wayne Gretzky had been born in the United States…

Evening couch-nesting – to watch hockey or Law & Order re-runs after an afternoon hike – is a choreographed event with my dogs. I take my place in the corner of the “L” sectional, once the domain of my son who’s away at college. Then Linus puts his head and shoulders on my lap. At about 75 pounds, he’s a big guy who likes hugs and cuddles. Lucy, who weighs a couple of pounds less than Linus, snuggles up against my lower body, her legs entwined with mine and her head on my knees. Charlie Brown, smallest of the pack at 45 pounds, takes up the spot by my feet, or on the cushion next to (and up against) Linus. I feel so lucky, every evening.

I think the dogs are thankful, too.

Market Day

Uncategorized

Meet & Greet at the Waitsfield Farmers' Market

Meet & Greet at the Waitsfield Farmers’ Market

At the Waitsfield Farmers’ Market last Saturday, Mad River Green, Waitsfield, Vermont, where dogs are welcome (if they are well-behaved).

Thank you to these wonderful dogs and their people who participated! 

Author’s Note: Thank you to everyone I met at the Waitsfield Farmers’ Market! A special “thank you” to the market managers for allowing me to photograph for wagmorevt.com. I’m really having fun meeting so many dogs in the Valley, and I hope you enjoy reading this blog.

I invite you to read my previous posts for stories of other Mad River Valley dogs. If you would like to tell your dog’s story on wagmorevt.com, please fill out the contact form, below.

You may also leave a comment (without leaving your email) in the “reply” section, also below. To subscribe to wagmorevt.com, scroll down to the “+” and fill in your email. Thank you!

Runs in the family

Uncategorized

Gwen, Odin, Zoe, and Meg at home in Waitsfield, Vermont

Gwen, Odin, Zoe, and Meg at home in Waitsfield, Vermont

Meg Lyons and her sister Gwen live in Waitsfield, Vermont with Meg’s Zoe and Gwen’s Odin.

How is this working out, with the two dogs?
Meg:
They actually get along really well. They’re a little partner-in-crime-ish, in that when we come home and trash is all over, we usually know who the guilty party is, but they can both show signs of guilt.
Gwen: They get along really well.
Meg: They’re old enough now: Zoe’s 12, Odin’s 4 and a half, they’ve been together since Gwen got Odin.
Gwen: Odin was 8 months old when I got him.
Meg: They get along with all the dogs in our family. We’ve lucked out.
Gwen: Before I lived here, every time I’d come over, I’d bring him.
Meg: They sleep next to each other, take walks together,
Gwen: Raid the neighbors’ yards together,
Meg: Take snowshoe hikes together, cuddle by the fire together.

How is Zoe like your sister?

Zoe & Meg

Zoe & Meg

Gwen: Hmmm…Zoe can be stubborn, as can Meg. Meg doesn’t have selective hearing, but Zoe definitely does.
Meg: You’re entitled to selective hearing when you get older.
Gwen: Zoe’s just very matter of fact, independent, laid back. Stubborn’s a good word.
Meg: Independent, strong-willed…
Gwen: Strong-willed is definitely a good term.

Meg, now it’s your turn.

Gwen & Odin

Gwen & Odin

Meg: How does Odin resemble his mother? They both have some OCD tendencies – in a good way. He has a lot of energy and his mother does as well. They’re both very athletic.
Gwen: He’s the team mascot.
Meg: Gwen coaches lacrosse and he goes with her… He’s very good at being loyal to his mother. He needs a lot of love. They’re both adorable.

Meg, the “big sister”, and Gwen grew up with a series of dogs. Meg recalled their names: Potsy, Toby, Brownie, Snickers, Maple. In the course of our lifetime, we’ve grown up with between four or five dogs.
Gwen: We only had two at once for a short time, though… It gets a little hectic now with three dogs when we go [to our mom’s] for an overnight.

The only downside to having two dogs in the house is the dog hair – he sheds a lot. Dog hair everywhere.

One last thing: Odin displays his awesome talent! (Click on the link to view.)