When Accidents Happen

Posted by Barbara Techel

When Accidents Happen

When accidents happen it isn’t always a bad thing. I ran outside the other night to try and capture the fall trees near the athletic field to the west of our house. It was already dark out and they were lit up and glowing in such a special way from the tall lights that tower above them.

I’ve been trying to experiment more with our Canon EOS 50D camera. I didn’t get any good shots of the trees, unfortunately. But when I started walking up the sidewalk to the front door, this image of Kylie and Gidget stopped me dead in my tracks and flooded my heart with joy.

I really didn’t know if the photo would turn out, but was pleasantly surprised at this delightful accident that I just took a chance by pointing and shooting to see what my lens would capture.

Maybe it’s just me, but I just feel this abundance of love radiating from this picture. My sweet dogs watching over me and waiting my return.

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Good Neighbors

Posted by Barbara Techel

Good Neighbors

Earlier this fall we were invited to friend’s, Karen and Pete’s home in the country, about six miles from us, to pick apples. They also had home-made jams, honey and maple syrup available for purchase.

Their property has a long, winding driveway with a backdrop of trees that are in their full glory of autumnal color this time of year. So when we had recently eaten the last of the Liberty apples, which I’d never had before, and now LOVE, I was hoping they’d still have some left. When I contacted Pete he said they had just brought the last wagon up, so yes, I could get more apples.

And this is how shopping for food should be… as I put Gidget in her car seat and we headed out to the countryside today, cruising up and down the winding roads, the sun shining brightly, the trees ablaze in red, orange and yellow, past two donkeys, when I pulled into Pete and Karen’s driveway and this bicycle with summer flowers still hanging on with autumn just about to take over, greeted me.

Down the driveway I drove, the property alive with the magic that only being in the country can convey. On the front porch was double the apples I had placed an order for! After thanking Pete for the extra’s he related that we are good folks… and John helps him out with extra lumber that he has leftover at times which Pete uses to create the most gorgeous buildings out of recycled wood — a chicken coop, a building where he makes maple syrup, and a storage building among their apple trees and gardens.

Good neighbors, and yes, I consider them neighbors even though they live in the town next to us. But it was the appreciation and good feelings it brought up in the gift of giving and simple things that I say indeed they are good neighbors.

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A Book for Every Dachshund Owner Terrified of Disc Disease. Plus Enter for Chance to Win A Copy!

Posted by Barbara Techel

A Book for Every Dachshund Owner Terrified of Disc Disease. Plus Enter for Chance to Win A Copy!

I can’t say enough good about this book written by Kristin Leydig Bryant and Adam Christman, DVM.  Everyone owned by a dear little dachshund truly needs to have a copy of this book!  Education, as I’ve always said here on my blog when talking about Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), common in doxie’s, is what will save the life of your dog should this happen to him/her.

As many of you know, I’ve been  down this road. With my first doxie, Frankie, who was inflicted and became paralyzed in 2006, and that first time around – whew – it was downright scary. I didn’t have a clue about this disease – this book would have helped big time.  Though I do want to plug that I will and continue to be grateful for Dodgerslist – an organization dedicated to helping educate others about this disease also. Since Frankie, I’ve cared for two doxie’s with IVDD – first Joie and now Gidget.

While there is no cure for IVDD, there is help and hope!  Run right out and get yourself a copy of this book – it will be your IVDD bible should you be faced with this and you’ll be able to make an educated decision should this happen to your beloved doxie.

I love the fact that veterinarian Adam Christman is on board with this book sharing his story and advice – bravo! The book is filled with so much practical and helpful advice, like having a doc and those who have been through this before right beside you holding your hand should you need them. And what I loved best is the sense of humor presented throughout the book. Those of us who have been down this road know that a sense of humor is key!

I’m thrilled and honored to have provided an endorsement:

Every dachshund should come with this book attached to the collar! While we all hope our dog is never diagnosed with IVDD, education is key. Kristin Leydig Bryant and Dr. Adam Christman have done a valuable service in putting together this detailed book on how to live with, and care for, a dog with IVDD; how to be prepared ahead of time should this happen to your pup; and how a dog with IVDD can thrive! The added touch of humor in this book, I can personally attest, is the medicine that got me through when my dachshund became paralyzed. The best thing you’ll get from this book? Hope! There is always hope!  ~Barbara Techel

ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A COPY

Kristin and Dr. Adam have generously offered to give a copy of the book away to one of my blog readers!  Even if you have a copy already, do enter as it would make a great gift for a friend with a dachshund or give a copy to your favorite vet.  All you have to do is say YES or leave a comment is comment section below.

Open to US residents only. Enter by midnight cst, Friday, Oct. 21st. Winner will be notified on Oct. 22nd.

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Follow updates and information on IVDD on Kristin and Adam’s Facebook page here.

Order your copy of Honey, Have You Squeezed the Dachshund here.

***And one special note:  Not just for Dachshund owners, but for anyone with a long-backed dog such as corgis and basset hounds too – as they can be prone to this disease too.

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