My Favorite Things About Saturday Evenings

Posted by Barbara Techel

Before I share my favorite things about Saturday evenings, I wanted to make another announcement of the winner of the book giveaway for Animals and the Kids Who Love Them. The winner is Robin- and Robin, if you could email me, I’d love to mail you your book.

MY FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT SATURDAY EVENINGS

Weekends at home are one of my favorite things. No matter the season. I tend to be a homebody and love being home. With fall in full swing and the days getting shorter, I love snuggling in for the night… along with some of my favorite things.

Saturday nights at home are some of my greatest “Joyful Paws”(pause) moments that refresh my soul… and make me grateful for all the simple abundance of life.

 

We don’t have a “real” fireplace, but for fun we bought a DVD of a fireplace that we pop in our TV. It even makes crackle sounds… and if you visualize really hard you actually can feel yourself warming up!  ha!

 

Sorry for the sideways shot, but this photo would not let me edit it.  Hmph!  But John and I love having Yahtzee tournaments just between the two of us on the weekends.

 

Before the Yahtzee tournament begins I grab some home magazines and a favorite “adult beverage.” With Frankie beside me, I snuggle into my favorite over-sized red chair and get lost in another world perusing through magazines like Cottages and Bungalows, Country Living, and Martha Stewart.

 

Candles lit throughout our living room and kitchen is a must for that oh-so cozy feeling!

 

As I peruse my magazines, sipping my adult beverage, and petting Frankie, I look up to see Kylie in her favorite spot in front of the front door.

 

Once the yahtzee game begins Kylie and Frankie drift off to sleep to the sound of the fireplace crackling, dice cup hitting the kitchen table, music playing in the background, and laughter between John and I. Kylie also always finds a toy to snuggle in with… her newest is a pink piggy!

Dieting with Your Dog- Interview with Author Peggy Frezon

Posted by Barbara Techel

 

Today I have the honor of hosting popular pet columnist, Peggy Frezon, and author of her new book, Dieting with My Dog, One Full Life, Two Figures…and Unconditional Love.

I asked Peggy five different questions about her book and dieting with her dog and here is what she had to say:

1.  What was your favorite thing about dieting with your dog, Kelly?

Spending more time together. We used to pretty much laze around the house, me working at the computer and Kelly sleeping at my feet. Now I make it a priority to get out and get some exercise, take a walk together. It helps to know I’m doing something healthy for both of us. And it’s fun.

2.  What was your least favorite thing about dieting with your dog?

Sometimes she pesters me for food. She seems to get hungry late every evening. She’s quite persistant at nudging me, jumping up on the chair besie me, and even barking until I get her something to eat. Fortunately, ususally baby carrots will do the trick, and they’re good for her.

3.  What, if anything, did your dog teach you about dieting?

Kelly taught me that dieting is easier if you do it with a friend!

4.  Do you think dieting with your dog made it easier for you to stay on track?

Definetely. I’ve gone on diets before, and always gain the weight back. Kelly depends on me to keep her healthy… and to keep myself healthy too, so that we can keep sharing good times together. She even nudges me to get up and go out for walks when I’ve been working at the computer too long.

5.  What would you recommend to other dog owners who want to lose weight? What is the best way to start?

If you aren’t sure if your dog is overweight or not, have your dog evaluated by your veterinarian. Sometimes it’s difficult to see it on your own dog. Kelly is really furry, and I didn’t really think she weighed too much at first. If your dog needs to lose weight, the most important thing I learned is to measure her good. I was giving Kelly “one scoop” twice a day, but that scoop contained four times more food than she needed. Also, be sure you are giving your dog the highest quality nutrition you can afford. If you aren’t sure, your veterinarian can guide you. And finally, get active together. You can walk, run, jog, swim, fetch and play, according to your dog’s needs and stamina. It’s great for both of you!

 

Follow along on Peggy’s Weight Loss with a Wag Blog Tour to learn more about her new book!

 

Purchase Peggy’s book on Amazon, or Barnes and Noble

 

I Witnessed True Love Today

Posted by Barbara Techel

Laverne and Suzie’s first Christmas together

This afternoon I helped a dear sweet lady, Laverne, who is 85 years old, say goodbye to her Dalmatian, Suzie.

I used to belong to a Pet Support Group helping others in their grief when they lose a pet. That is where I met Laverne. At the time, she had just lost her 6th Dalmatian and she needed help getting through her grief. Laverne loves Dalmatian’s and it is the only breed she has ever had.

Laverne came to the meetings each month for the next 3 months and announced at the third meeting that she’d really like another Dalmatian, but didn’t know if she should. She was 80 years old at the time and feared she may not out live another Dalmatian… but oh, how she wanted another one to love.

So the wheels were set in motion and with the help another friend, I was able to find an older Dalmatian for Laverne from Save Our Spots Dalmatian Rescue. They were not 100% sure, but thought Suzie was around 5 years old.

It was one of the best feelings knowing Laverne now had another dog in her life to care for and love. I went to visit her and Suzie a few weeks later to see how they were doing. All was well and happy. We then went on with our lives.

Two days ago Laverne called me to tell me she would be putting Suzie to sleep today. Suzie was not doing well and it was time, she told me. She said, “You were so kind to find Suzie for me and I wonder if you could be there for me when I say goodbye.” I told her I would.

I drove to the vet today thinking about Laverne and all the Dalmatian’s she has loved. I smiled thinking of all the “spots” she will see when she gets to heaven some day. But still my heart ached for her soon to be loss.

When I arrived Laverne was already in the exam room with Suzie and her good friend, Lloyd. She met him three years ago after his wife had passed away. They became friends.

Laverne cried when she saw me and we hugged. She thanked me again for finding Suzie for her and told me how much it meant to her. I said, “You are so welcome, Laverne. Suzie was so lucky to have you.”

I knelt down by Suzie and pet her and thanked her for being so good to Laverne.

Laverne did not want to be in the room when the vet euthanized her, so Lloyd stayed with Suzie. Laverne and I waited in the waiting room.

Laverne shared with me that if it was not for Lloyd it was likely she could not have had Suzie as long because Suzie had been declining in health for quite a few months. It was hard for her to go up steps, so Lloyd helped her get in and out of the house often. She told me how wonderful Lloyd was and how glad she was that he lived with her.

To lighten the mood a bit I said with a slight smile, “Laverne, you mean to tell me you are shacking up with him?”  She laughed.

She talked some more about Suzie as I held her hand and just let her talk. She said she didn’t know how to thank me for getting her Suzie and for being there for her. But I said, “I know how much it means to you, Laverne and I was happy to help you and happy to be here for you today.”

A few moments later Lloyd walked into the waiting area. He held Suzie’s leash and collar in his hands. His face looked so sad. He looked at Laverne and without saying a word they both started to cry and hug each other. Though I felt at such a loss for their pain, I also saw in that moment true love… and it was deeply touching.

I felt better knowing Laverne has Lloyd to help her in her grief as she mourns the loss of Suzie. And what an honor it was to have been a part of Suzie’s new life at the beginning, placing her with Laverne, and now at the end.

Rest in peace sweet Suzie….