It’s the first cold fall-like morning here in Virginia. While I’ve bundled up in my robe and slippers, Cannon’s also bundled up. He had cold ears, so while I sit at my computer he’s trying to nap. And yes… I have blue walls.
The author of this is unknown, but it was passed onto me and we think it’s worth sharing on a bigger level. For all of you who have ever competed with your dog on any level, we are confident you can relate!
What Is A Title Really?
Not just a brag, not just a stepping stone to a higher Title, not just an adjunct to competitive scores.
A Title is a tribute to the dog that bears it, a way to honor the dog, an ultimate memorial. It will remain in the record and in the memory for about as long as anything in this world can remain. Few humans will do as well or better in that regard. And though the dog himself doesn’t know or care that his achievements have been noted, a Title says many things in the world of humans, where such things count.
A Title says your dog was intelligent, and adaptable, and good-natured. It says that your dog loved you enough to do the things that please you, however crazy they may have sometimes seemed. And a Title says that you loved your dog, that you loved to spend time with him because he was a good dog, and that you believed in him enough to give him yet another chance when he failed, and that in the end your faith was justified.
A Title proves that your dog inspired you to have the special relationship enjoyed by so few; that in a world of disposable creatures, this dog with a Title was greatly loved, and loved greatly in return. And when that dear short life is over, the Title remains as a memorial of the finest kind, the best you can give to a deserving friend, volumes of praise in one small set of initials before or after the name.
A Title is nothing less than love and respect, given and received permanently.
AUTHOR UNKNOWN
Virginia’s State Arboretum
This weekend we strolled with the dogs around The State Arboretum of Virginia in Boyce which is about 60 miles west of Washington, DC.
Sure, it’s still early in the season so there were only a few spring flowers in bloom and many of the perennials we just poking up through the mulch. What struck me the most is how natural the entire property is. Unlike some formal arboretums with rows of English-like gardens, this one flatters the existing landscape and showcases many native species.
The other thing you will notice is the diversity and the depth of the collections. From the most extensive boxwood collection in North America to the ginkgo grove to more than half of the world’s pine species. All of this is nested in the Shenandoah Valley among rolling meadows, towering firs and Lake Georgette.
We literally just meandered around for about an hour – sometimes on a road, sometimes a path, sometimes cutting across the meadow. You could spend as much time here as you like. Be aware that you will be in the sun most of the time (weather permitting, obviously) so bring lots of water for your pooch. Karma was sporting his Kool Coat which I doused with water a few times.
My suggestion? Bring some wine and cheese and enjoy the sunset!
Facts:
- Open 365 days, free of charge.
- Dog and horse friendly – dogs must be on a leash and horses on the defined bridle path.
- There is a picnic grove available for gatherings.
- Memberships and tours available.
- No hunting and fishing should be obvious.
- More information
This past weekend Katina and I packed up Cannon and Karma and set out for our first overnight OBH trip of 2010. Our destination: Savage River Lodge in western Maryland. OBH supporter and our dear friend Jasmine also made the trek for Saturday night.
Their website does a beautiful job conveying the beauty and comfy vibe but you really have to experience it – and we did. Saying that Jan and Mike are dog friendly is an obvious understatement. Not only are dogs invited, they receive a little goody each morning when the breakfast picnic basket arrives (photo) at the door with the newspaper and daily newsletter.
Our cabin was a perfect mix of practical and luxurious. We took advantage of the refrigerator for the lunches and snacks we packed as well as the hot pot for tea and cocoa. They provide sheets to cover the bed and/or furniture in case your pup prefers to snuggle.
Saturday night we had dinner in the lodge and the food was fantastic along with the wine list. There was a fire going in the lobby and bar area, adding to the homey feel. This was in perfect contrast to the cold and rainy weather.
Sunday we had an early lunch before giving the dogs one more opportunity to play and get muddy! Dogs are allowed off leash at times so long as they are on their best behavior. The combination of melting snow, rain and mud gave me the final push to drive Karma straight to Vienna Pet Spaw for a bath on our way home.
A special thanks to Dr. Kim Danoff for suggesting this wonderful getaway! We are already planning a September return trip!
This holiday season, in addition to being thankful for my amazing life, I am thankful to my friend and vet, Dr. Kim Danoff of Paws to Heal Veterinary Clinic in Vienna, Virginia. In her newsletter this month she shares some great reminders and I couldn’t have said it better myself! So thanks, Dr. Danoff, for reminding us – and teaching us – about foods that may be toxic to our best friends!
Chocolate
Most of us know that chocolate is bad for our pets. 95% of chocolate ingestion calls to animal poison control are for dogs. Dark chocolate and less sweet chocolate tend to be more toxic because they have higher cocoa contents.
Xylitol
Xylitol is a popular, natural, sugar free sweetener that is often in gum and desserts. Xylitol when ingested by pets very quickly lowers the blood sugar and can cause liver failure with in 24 hours.
Raisins, Grapes and even Currants
Whether they are yogurt covered, in granola, or by themselves raisins, grapes, and currants can be bad news. Raisins, grapes, currants can cause very rapid onset of kidney failure that is often fatal.
Non-Stick Cooking Spray
Depending on the formulation, these aerosol sprays contain hydrocarbons, which are volatile substances. Some of the early signs of ingestion in your pet include an upset stomach. A high amount can lead to respiratory tract problems and a condition known as aspiration pneumonia.
Birds are very sensitive to cooking sprays because they have a unique respiratory tract that makes them very susceptible to irritation, so be really careful not only with cooking sprays but anything coming from an aerosol container when around birds.
Yeast Dough
If yeast dough is ingested it can expand, rise in the stomach, and can present a dangerous risk to your pet’s intestinal system, such as an intestinal rupture. Also, alcohol fermentation may take place in your pet’s stomach and if there’s enough ingested it can lead to alcohol poisoning. Any pet is at risk. Keep an eye out for signs of gastrointestinal irritation – vomiting, diarrhea and drooling.
Coffee Grounds
The harmful substances like theobromine and the caffeine found in coffee grounds are very similar to those in chocolate and often produce the same side effects. Look out for vomiting and diarrhea. In addition your pet may experience hyperactivity, increased heart rate, seizures, tremors and possibly even death, depending on the amount ingested.
Macadamia Nuts
We’ve only seen a negative reaction from these nuts in dogs and we don’t know all that much about why they are dangerous, but we would recommend keeping them away from all pets. It’s an interesting phenomenon – if enough are ingested (and as little as a handful can be seen as dangerous), we see weakness in hind legs and can see the gastrointestinal effects – vomiting, diarrhea and drooling. These nuts can also affect the central nervous system and cause depression and muscle tremors. Generally signs resolve in 48 hours with proper care and treatment.
Onions & Onion Powder
Onions, garlic and chives are all part of the allium species. Any of plants can produce similar effects. Look for the common gastrointestinal effects and trouble breathing. In addition, these substances can see significant damage to a pet’s red blood cells. Cats can be particularly sensitive but it is dangerous to cats, dogs and birds.
If you think your pet has ingested a toxic food, please contact a veterinarian or the Animal Poison Control Center.
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435
Last week Katina and I decided to do something more civilized – ha. We took the dogs to Barrel Oak Winery (BOW) in Delaplane, Virginia.
We went after work on a Friday and unfortunately rain was heading our way so we didn’t really get any playtime with the dogs outside before going in for our tasting. However, on the “heels” (pun intended) of Katina’s last “tune-up” post, we were in the mindset of having the dogs be well-behaved guests.
The winery prides itself on being both dog and family friendly and they are! They are also content if you bring your own snacks though they do offer cheese plates and other goodies that go well with their varied selection of wines.
Katina and I belied up to the wine bar for our tastings as the dogs greeted everyone that would look their way. The tasting was a mix of BOW wines and other wines from both near and far. Because the owners are such dog fans, their bottles have photos of their dogs and their dessert wine – which I bought – is named “Chocolate Lab.”
The atmosphere was really great - complete with wonderful live music after 6p – and after the tasting we sat down to chat over a glass of wine as the dogs practiced behaving and calmly saying hello to all who came their way. It was both a good socializing exercise for the dogs and a lovely evening for us!
We were told that on nice days there are dozens of dogs roaming off leash on the property and they welcome any dog that plays well with others! We look forward to going back soon and highly recommend it!
