Wednesday, July 31, 2013

All Dogs are Precious - Pixel's Deep Thoughts for "Wordless Wednesday"

All dogs are precious and special. God placed each of us on earth for a unique reason, no matter how big or small that reason is. Whether born or adopted into the perfect family, or forced to live on the streets all your life, dogs are amazing and have a message to share. So whenever you meet a dog, no matter at a shelter, in a home, or out and about, greet them with respect and kindness and listen to the message they are trying to tell.

Thursday, July 25, 2013

The Joy of a Pretty Day - Pixel Dances In the Sunshine

When it's pretty outside and not too hot, I love to dance in the sunshine on the green, green grass!

First, I get up on my hind legs to see Mommy better and get into position.

Then I start twirling. I love how my ears fly as I twirl!

I get my front paws involved too, as they help me keep balanced. Then I throw my head back and enjoy it!

I always love to end my twirls with a huge smile! Tada!!

Do you like to dance in the sunshine?
Happy Wordless Wednesday!! Let's go see what my other pet blogging friends are up to...just click a link or two (or 100, BOL!) below.

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

The Joy of Being Cute - Pixel's "Puppy Dog Eyes"

As every dog knows, being cute and adorable is important. Just like the master of any fine skill, dog's have to practice some of their best techniques to stay sharp, er, I mean, cute and cuddly. This is one of my best "Puppy Dog Eyes" looks that I give Mommy sometimes. What do you think? Is it working?

Monday, July 8, 2013

The Joy of America's Independence - Pixel and Her Sisters Get Into Character

America's Independence Day, July 4th, came on a Thursday this year, but I've  been "in character" the entire weekend, reminiscing on  historic highlights of my country's early independence. In honor of one of America's founding fathers, Patrick Henry, who gave the famous "Give me Liberty or give me Death!" speech, I am channeling some of his patriotic fervor here on the front stoop of my "Colonial" Virginia home on this Independence Day weekend. Please, call me "Patricia Henry".


I have been thinking a lot about freedom, freedom of speech, and other important things that make this country of mine so great. We had some very brave and innovative gentlemen and ladies (and doggies, I have no doubt!) that helped build up this country from a small colony to the United States of America. Although we're only a few hundred years old as a country, we still have a rich history. It is well worth looking into. I wonder if Patrick Henry had a little dog like me. He was governor of my home state of Virginia...twice. Plus he has thousands of acres of land and a big family. He'd definitely have needed a dog to run around with him and do zoomies with that much land. 

My sister Peanut Pumpkin Pie is with me now dressed as a very young Lady Liberty. See? Her "points" on her hat are still round because she's so young. Isn't she a shining beam of hope and light? Lady Liberty's statue has inscribed on it the following profound statement:
"Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free. The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed, to me; 
I lift my lamp beside the golden door."
My sister Dixie Mae decided she wanted to get into character as the lovely and stoic first lady Abigail Adams, who was a great support and encouragement to her husband President John Adams. Mrs. Adams was a prolific letter writer and political advisor to her husband during the early forming of our country. I think that Dixie would make a fantastic "First Doggie" don't you?
These are just a few of the many wonderful characters that are woven into the rich tapestry that is my country's history. And as... um...
Oh goodness....
I don't believe it! I've been photo bombed by a young Lady Liberty! Well, she is a free spirit after all.
But don't worry, Lady Liberty and Patricia Henry can still defend the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence if they think danger is lurking about. We are super nice doggies when no danger is present, however we can also be the best watch dogs, just depends on the situation our country is in at the moment.
Later that day...

"It's just good to see Peanut getting into the character of sweet Lady Liberty...saying hi to all the other little flowers and communing with nature like that. She is pretty like a flower, isn't she Dixie Mae?"
"She's just as lovely as she can be Pixel."
...and as the curtain falls on our little Independence Day free for all, let us not forget that above all, freedom is not free, that we all have a part to play in keeping a great country great, and finally, we all must work together for the greater good of our great country.
So, signing off now is Patricia Henry (played by Pixel Blue Eyes), Lady Liberty (played by Peanut Pumpkin Pie) and Abigail Adams (played by Dixie Mae Doxie).
Thank you, you've been a wonderful audience!
Don't miss out on other pet blogging fun...visit some of my friends below to see what fun and mischief they've been up to!

Friday, July 5, 2013

The Joy of Freedom, Celebration & Safety - Happy Independence Day!

Happy Independence Day America!!! As we celebrate this day, July 4th, and all through this weekend, people from all across the United States and the world spend time with family and friends at cook outs, picnics, and celebrations in towns and cities all over the place. For the next several days, people and pets are enjoying the outdoors and the joy of freedom that our country's brave forefathers fought to create.
As you know, I am an American Doggie, and a very patriotic one at that, so as I sit in front of my colonial Virginia home, I think back to my forefathers (even though I am pretty sure I only had one father) and I ponder what it means to be free. Free from chains, free from tyranny, free from living in a puppy mill. Freedom means so many things to so many people. It is a cherished gift and I salute all those who fought for my freedom, both in the past and today.
Now, with all of this patriotic celebration going on during the height of summer fun and vacation, we must always think of how to be safe, and how to keep our loved ones safe, especially with things like Fireworks and being outdoors. It's easy for us pets to get spooked, lost or hurt during this fun time of year.  A perfect example of how a dog could get lost is when fireworks are going off.
I live in the country, and some of the locals believe that recreating the original "Battle of Fort McHenry" (that inspired Sir Francis Scott Key to write "The Star Spangled Banner") with fireworks for an entire week before, during, and after Independence Day, is a grand idea. Luckily we've had heavy rain everyday for a week, so it hasn't been as bad as it could be.

My sister Dixie Mae is scared of anything that sounds even remotely like gunshots because, horrifically, she was shot when she was a forced resident of a puppy mill before she was rescued and became a part of my family. She actually still carries the bullet. She's a brave girl, but she gets so scared with loud bangs that she dashes off and hides. This actually happened to us this last night. As Dixie, Mommy and I stepped outside and off the porch onto the grass, we heard and felt "Boom, boom, boom!!" Poor Dixie literally ran and threw herself against the front door! Mommy scooped Dixie up into her arms, then more fireworks went off as Dixie dug her head into Mommy's arm and tried to "escape". We ran back inside and Dixie was shaking so bad. If Dixie had not been on a leash, we could've lost her easily if she ran off terrified. That is just a risk no one wants to make.
”Keep My good friends at PetFinders are always thinking of how to keep dogs and cats safe, and they have a great  "Summer Pet Safety Campaign" that has all kinds of tips and helpful advice on how to keep your precious furry loved ones safe at all times, and still have fun. Since PetFinders is the number one place to either look for lost or missing pets, or find a new forever best furry friend, they really have some fantastic information for keeping this summer fun and safe.
Some things you can do now to ensure your dog is safe:
1. Make sure they always wear a collar or harness with identification tags.
2. Always keep them either on a leash or in a secure fenced in area when outside. Even the most obedient dog can "catch a scent" and be gone in a a flash.
3. Keep your pet away from loud noises or Fireworks areas. Fear can be a highly motivating factor for a pet to run away.
Don't forget to visit PetFinders for more helpful hints to keep your pets safe from Independence Day festivities and other summer fun.
Speaking of  the "Star Spangled Banner" (I mentioned it earlier in this post) has really put me in a singing mood. It is such a magnificent song to sing, don't you think?
"O say can you see by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming,
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there;
O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave, O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?"
~ "Star Spangled Banner" by Francis Scott Key

Thank you everyone who fights for freedom, justice and democracy! Your service and sacrifice, wherever you may be, is greatly appreciated! And thanks to everyone who makes a special effort to keep their pets safe. May we all take a moment to be grateful for what we have and cherish our freedom and loved ones. Happy Independence Day!!!! Now, go have fun, stay safe, and remember your heritage and history.

Thursday, July 4, 2013

The Joy of Being Coy with Mommy

Mommy and I have a special language all our own, and I can tell her in a look what I am really thinking, wanting or feeling. Sometimes I try to mix it up a bit and get my way without her knowing it. This was my latest attempt....
"You sure are pretty Mommy. Have I told you lately how pretty you are? I was just walking by the kitchen here, minding my own business, when I saw you. You must be the prettiest Mommy in all the world. I'm not just saying that either. It's really true. I bet if they lined up all the Mommies in the world, you would by far be the prettiest, loveliest, most giving, generous..."
"What Mommy? ...trying to con you into getting a piece of chicken from you? I can't believe you'd even think that..."

Hahaha! So...do you think I ever got a piece of chicken from her? It sure is fun being coy with Mommy! Would you give a little piece of boiled chicken to a little dog with a face that was looking at you like this?