Showing posts with label dogs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dogs. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 12, 2023
Wednesday, December 21, 2022
Monday, July 16, 2018
Boomer and Fern Go to the Beach
When the forecasters announced that this Sunday would be an exceptionally hot day in our area, we decided the best course of action was to head to the beach. The drive would only be an hour, so eagerly we packed the car. Boomer has enjoyed the beach many times, but as far as we know, Fern has never gone to the beach before. She is six years old now, so we felt it was time for her to learn to play in sand and surf.
The drive took a lot longer than we anticipated, as many other people had decided to head the same direction. The hour drive took close to two hours, and then it took us almost another hour to find a beach that wasn't crowded where we could let the dogs off the leash to play. Luckily we found such a beach.
The beach area we enjoyed for nearly two hours provided ample opportunity to walk, play in the water, and for Boomer and Fern to make new dog friends.
The sand was comfortable as well as the weather. The beach we found was so free of debris and rocks that I enjoyed a nice long walk in my bare feet. Meanwhile Boomer and Fern played around me, often trying to use me as the base.
After two hours Fern and Boomer were so tired they headed back to the car without me. Though I was enjoying my time, I was forced to follow them. We all were smiling.
Remember, if you do take your dogs to the beach bring them fresh drinking water and pick up after them.
 |
| Fern on the way to the beach |
 |
| Boomer on the way to the beach |
The drive took a lot longer than we anticipated, as many other people had decided to head the same direction. The hour drive took close to two hours, and then it took us almost another hour to find a beach that wasn't crowded where we could let the dogs off the leash to play. Luckily we found such a beach.
The beach area we enjoyed for nearly two hours provided ample opportunity to walk, play in the water, and for Boomer and Fern to make new dog friends.
 |
| Boomer and Fern make new friends |
The sand was comfortable as well as the weather. The beach we found was so free of debris and rocks that I enjoyed a nice long walk in my bare feet. Meanwhile Boomer and Fern played around me, often trying to use me as the base.
 |
| Boomer and Fern playing |
 |
| Boomer and Fern playing |
 |
| Boomer and Fern playing in the surf |
 |
| Fern blissfully tired from playing on the beach |
 |
| Boomer finally wearing down. |
Remember, if you do take your dogs to the beach bring them fresh drinking water and pick up after them.
Saturday, January 6, 2018
Dogs on Christmas Morning
Now that the holidays are behind us, I have uploaded my photos, though I must confess I still haven't taken down the tree.
For that fact matter, I haven't taken down any of the decorations. I had considered doing so this weekend, but I'm thinking I'll just wait until next weekend. I really enjoy looking at these special treasures I only free from their boxes once a year.
Though the best part of Christmas for me is seeing the dogs go crazy for all their new toys. They had a wonderful time playing with their new treasures, and still are enjoying themselves daily with their goodies. Some of the squeakers have even made it into the New Year!
For that fact matter, I haven't taken down any of the decorations. I had considered doing so this weekend, but I'm thinking I'll just wait until next weekend. I really enjoy looking at these special treasures I only free from their boxes once a year.
 |
| Glowing Bears and Dog (They actually ended up out all year round this last year) |
 |
| Holiday Mantel |
 |
| Reindeer formerly owned by my Great Grandmother |
Though the best part of Christmas for me is seeing the dogs go crazy for all their new toys. They had a wonderful time playing with their new treasures, and still are enjoying themselves daily with their goodies. Some of the squeakers have even made it into the New Year!
 |
| Fern-Christmas 2017 |
 |
| Boomer-Christmas 2017 |
 |
| Boomer and Fern-Christmas 2017 |
 |
| Boomer and Fern-Christmas 2017 |
Thursday, November 30, 2017
Christmas 2017 Poem
Christmas 2017
by Heather Hobson Lewis
This year’s beautiful autumn in Salem has now
transformed to glorious winter,
yielding to a warm and cozy
holiday season.
Tom lost one job on Good Friday,
only to land a prizewinning position on Labor Day.
Revolt found rebirth as a freshly printed book,
and evolved into a new form as an e-book.
The long overdue sequel, Realizations,
shall appear by spring.
Fern’s leg completely healed,
freeing her to play rough and tumble with Boomer,
thus leading to the pairs first Youtube video,
Love and Paws.
With all this now past,
we look forward to a blessed 2018
and a world of peace and joy for all,
especially you.
Saturday, November 4, 2017
Fern and Boomer's Halloween
Fern and Boomer enjoyed a fun Halloween full of dog cookies, a visit to the dog park, and dressing up in sweater costumes. For a brief time they each donned some head pieces, but it isn't something either likes, so those didn't stay on beyond photo time.
Fern really does enjoy wearing clothes and actually snuggled up in Boomer's Boo (has a ghost of the back that says Boo) sweater for two days. Boomer just prefers to hide under blankets for warmth, so as soon as the tricker-or-treaters were done for the night, he was back to just fur.
Fern really does enjoy wearing clothes and actually snuggled up in Boomer's Boo (has a ghost of the back that says Boo) sweater for two days. Boomer just prefers to hide under blankets for warmth, so as soon as the tricker-or-treaters were done for the night, he was back to just fur.
 |
| Fern as Princess Leia with buns. |
 |
| Boomer wanting another Halloween treat |
 |
| Boomer with two sets of ears. Those are Yoda ears growing out of his neck. |
Saturday, July 29, 2017
Love and Paws video starring Boomer and Fern
For a while now I've been video taping my two dogs while at play. Finally you can now see the first of a series of videos called Love and Paws starring Boomer and Fern on youtube. I hope you enjoy it.
Love and Paws 1
Love and Paws 1
 |
| Boomer 2017 |
 |
| Fern 2017 |
Tuesday, January 3, 2017
Happy Dog Christmas!
Boomer and Fern enjoyed a wonderful Christmas. Their stockings were filled with many new toys that they have happily shared with each other.
Enjoy these Christmas morning photos.
Enjoy these Christmas morning photos.
 |
| Fern, Christmas morning 2016 |
 | |
| Boomer and Fern, Christmas morning 2016 |
 |
| Fern, Christmas morning 2016 |
 |
| Boomer, Christmas morning 2016 |
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Best Friends Animal Society Fundraiser!
One of my favorite charities, Best Friends Animal Society, is having a fundraiser and asking its past supporters, like me, to host a web page for fundraising. So I am!
Here's the link:
http://www.bestfriendsgive.org/HLewis6
I have been supporting Best Friends for about 20 years, and remember when they were named Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. One of the things I love about them is they help animals nobody else will, as well as do wildlife rehab. They support all types of animals including bird, dogs, cats, horses, and pigs.
They are located in Kanab, Utah. Though I have never visited there, I plan some day to do the volunteer vacation opportunity they have.
Check them out.
Here's the link:
http://www.bestfriendsgive.org/HLewis6
I have been supporting Best Friends for about 20 years, and remember when they were named Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. One of the things I love about them is they help animals nobody else will, as well as do wildlife rehab. They support all types of animals including bird, dogs, cats, horses, and pigs.
They are located in Kanab, Utah. Though I have never visited there, I plan some day to do the volunteer vacation opportunity they have.
Check them out.
Thursday, December 25, 2014
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas, everyone! I wish you all a great holiday season and a wonderful New Year. I especially wish much health to all, as most people I know need that more than anything after this past year.
Monday, April 7, 2014
Successful Adoption: Meet Boomer
After much searching and streams of paperwork for rescues that got us no where, we finally found our new beloved family member.
Meet Boomer (named after Lt. Boomer, played by Herbert Jefferson Jr. in Battlestar Galactica-1978). He's a five month old Jack Russell mix that is growing by the day. He has gained 5 pounds in the two weeks he has lived with us.
We located our wonderful pup at Greater Rural Rescue (Grrs) in Hoopa. They were super easy to adopt from. I called them up, made an appointment, and brought Maggie down. While someone watched Maggie I went and checked out the kennels. I picked eight dogs for Maggie to meet. One by one she met the dogs. Some really liked her and she shrugged them off. Others she liked, but they ignored her. Then she met Boomer and there was a click.
Boomer was found at about a month old with his mother and sisters wandering along the Highway in Hoopa. Luckily the Greater Rural Rescue had space and took them. His sisters have been successfully adopted. I heard his mother may have been adopted this past Wednesday.
Yet, if you are looking for a dog The Greater Rural Rescue has many. They also have a very reasonable adoption fee of $35 and minimal paperwork. You can find their most of their dogs listed on Petfinder.
 |
| Boomer-Jack Russell Mix Pup |
We located our wonderful pup at Greater Rural Rescue (Grrs) in Hoopa. They were super easy to adopt from. I called them up, made an appointment, and brought Maggie down. While someone watched Maggie I went and checked out the kennels. I picked eight dogs for Maggie to meet. One by one she met the dogs. Some really liked her and she shrugged them off. Others she liked, but they ignored her. Then she met Boomer and there was a click.
Boomer was found at about a month old with his mother and sisters wandering along the Highway in Hoopa. Luckily the Greater Rural Rescue had space and took them. His sisters have been successfully adopted. I heard his mother may have been adopted this past Wednesday.
Yet, if you are looking for a dog The Greater Rural Rescue has many. They also have a very reasonable adoption fee of $35 and minimal paperwork. You can find their most of their dogs listed on Petfinder.
 |
| Boomer and Maggie with green alien eyes |
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Trying to Adopt a Dog in Humboldt County: A journey dealing with shelter and local rescue groups
I am discouraged how difficult adopting a dog in Humboldt County can be. I understand you all love animals, as I do, and I commend you for that fact, but are you aware that when you make the application process so long and tedious that you push the average person to give up and buy a dog from a breeder or a pet store that is supplied by puppy mills?
I understand our county well. I know our dogs are in danger for being used as bait dogs. I know dogs are used and bred to guard marijuana patches and exposed to dangerous chemicals. I am very aware that people still drown puppies in our rivers, as well as use dogs for target practice.
But are you aware that your four and five page applications are more personal and daunting than most job applications, including those of a classroom teacher? Are you aware that the donation “fee” most of you ask for leads people to wonder why they shouldn’t just buy a dog from a breeder?
As for our county shelter, I know they are doing the best they can under a limited budget, but they should be open at least one weekend day a month. How do they expect people who hold legitimate jobs, who can afford to pay for a pet and their medical needs, to get to them when they are only open Monday through Friday?
In addition, we live in a rural county that is spread out. With our county shelter located in McKinleyville, many of us live at least an hour away and can’t get there the two late nights a week that they are open. That is why being open at least one weekend day a month is critical for saving the lives of our dogs and cats.
This leads me to one well-meaning Rescue Group A, that is gaining a tarnished reputation. The five page application they have is a bit much, but since theirs was the first one, I filled it out. I can understand the interview too. What I can’t understand is their system for adoption. They have left my husband and me with the impression they only want to adopt dogs out to little old ladies who sit at home and do nothing.
My husband and I picked out six dogs. They said they would calls us and tell us when we could bring our dog in to meet them. We waited three weeks, and as we did so, we noted that all the dogs we were interested in were posted on Petfinder and Petharbor. So finally, we called Rescue A to be told that we were low on each dogs’ list and wouldn’t be called to meet them until many others had been.
How long does Rescue A make their dogs wait for homes? People actually would adopt them if they could. I spoke to one person who gave up on Rescue A and went and adopted his dog from the Trinity County Animal Shelter. He is a well-off individual, who owns his own business, and brings his dog to work with him. Yet, he couldn’t even manage to adopt through Rescue A.
I am going to leave this with saying that I used to donate to Rescue A several times a year. I even supported their big annual fundraiser. I won’t be doing that any more. Greenpeace can have my money.
Next there is Rescue Group B who I spoke with a representative over the phone. When she mentioned an application, I cringed. After waiting three weeks on Rescue A with not results, I wasn’t eager for more paperwork. I told her about my dealings with Rescue A, and she assured me they were nothing like that.
I downloaded their application and found it is just as lengthy and evasive as Rescue Group A’s. They also charge a $175 adoption “fee”, while Rescue A only charges $110. Why would I want to bother with this paperwork and give away my driver’s license number again when I haven’t even met a dog?
I have met one extremely helpful person, who works for Rescue Group C. We were able to rule out the dog she was promoting as not a good match for my Maggie over the phone. I appreciated that. She has also tried to explain on behalf of all these rescues that the adoption “fee” is because the above rescues are supposedly willing to take dogs back if they don’t work out in their new homes.
Yet, so will the County Shelter. They will even refund your money if you return the dog within two weeks. One just can’t get to the County Shelter because of their hours.
This now leads me to Rescues D and E.
Rescue D I filled out a reasonable application of only two pages and at least got to introduce my dog to three dogs they had at a store helping them adopt out dogs. One dog is a good possible match, but I now have to wait for a call before I can take the potential adoptee home for a two night trial. I was supposed to be called the next day and not it is five days later.
Rescue E seems to be the most accommodating, but perhaps that is because I am a little familiar with them through dealings of another dog. At least they are willing to drive the potential adoptee to my house and do the meet and greet and home inspection at the same time, and before I have filled out any paperwork. When one lives in a rural area of the county as I do, that is a blessing. Unfortunately the visit I was eagerly awaiting at the end of this week has been postponed to the middle of next week.
I have two more rescues to check out if neither Rescue D or Rescue E works out. At least I have rescues F and G in the wings.
This has been a five week nightmare in trying to find a dog friend for my 12 ½ year old black lab/corgi mix. Meanwhile she is at home alone, missing having a friend (her former friend passed away from cancer), and other dogs are sitting in cages desperate for homes, but trapped by limited hours, daunting paperwork, high adoption fees, and other restrictions.
You have all awaken my eyes to why puppy mills are still thriving in this country, and why backyard breeders are successful. Buying a dog is easer than adopting one.
P.S. Some of you reading this will probably connect me to my applications, and that is fine. I write this to educate you, not to shame you. We all love dogs and are in this for them, but sometimes one must step out of his or her organization and examine the larger picture.
I understand our county well. I know our dogs are in danger for being used as bait dogs. I know dogs are used and bred to guard marijuana patches and exposed to dangerous chemicals. I am very aware that people still drown puppies in our rivers, as well as use dogs for target practice.
But are you aware that your four and five page applications are more personal and daunting than most job applications, including those of a classroom teacher? Are you aware that the donation “fee” most of you ask for leads people to wonder why they shouldn’t just buy a dog from a breeder?
As for our county shelter, I know they are doing the best they can under a limited budget, but they should be open at least one weekend day a month. How do they expect people who hold legitimate jobs, who can afford to pay for a pet and their medical needs, to get to them when they are only open Monday through Friday?
In addition, we live in a rural county that is spread out. With our county shelter located in McKinleyville, many of us live at least an hour away and can’t get there the two late nights a week that they are open. That is why being open at least one weekend day a month is critical for saving the lives of our dogs and cats.
This leads me to one well-meaning Rescue Group A, that is gaining a tarnished reputation. The five page application they have is a bit much, but since theirs was the first one, I filled it out. I can understand the interview too. What I can’t understand is their system for adoption. They have left my husband and me with the impression they only want to adopt dogs out to little old ladies who sit at home and do nothing.
My husband and I picked out six dogs. They said they would calls us and tell us when we could bring our dog in to meet them. We waited three weeks, and as we did so, we noted that all the dogs we were interested in were posted on Petfinder and Petharbor. So finally, we called Rescue A to be told that we were low on each dogs’ list and wouldn’t be called to meet them until many others had been.
How long does Rescue A make their dogs wait for homes? People actually would adopt them if they could. I spoke to one person who gave up on Rescue A and went and adopted his dog from the Trinity County Animal Shelter. He is a well-off individual, who owns his own business, and brings his dog to work with him. Yet, he couldn’t even manage to adopt through Rescue A.
I am going to leave this with saying that I used to donate to Rescue A several times a year. I even supported their big annual fundraiser. I won’t be doing that any more. Greenpeace can have my money.
Next there is Rescue Group B who I spoke with a representative over the phone. When she mentioned an application, I cringed. After waiting three weeks on Rescue A with not results, I wasn’t eager for more paperwork. I told her about my dealings with Rescue A, and she assured me they were nothing like that.
I downloaded their application and found it is just as lengthy and evasive as Rescue Group A’s. They also charge a $175 adoption “fee”, while Rescue A only charges $110. Why would I want to bother with this paperwork and give away my driver’s license number again when I haven’t even met a dog?
I have met one extremely helpful person, who works for Rescue Group C. We were able to rule out the dog she was promoting as not a good match for my Maggie over the phone. I appreciated that. She has also tried to explain on behalf of all these rescues that the adoption “fee” is because the above rescues are supposedly willing to take dogs back if they don’t work out in their new homes.
Yet, so will the County Shelter. They will even refund your money if you return the dog within two weeks. One just can’t get to the County Shelter because of their hours.
This now leads me to Rescues D and E.
Rescue D I filled out a reasonable application of only two pages and at least got to introduce my dog to three dogs they had at a store helping them adopt out dogs. One dog is a good possible match, but I now have to wait for a call before I can take the potential adoptee home for a two night trial. I was supposed to be called the next day and not it is five days later.
Rescue E seems to be the most accommodating, but perhaps that is because I am a little familiar with them through dealings of another dog. At least they are willing to drive the potential adoptee to my house and do the meet and greet and home inspection at the same time, and before I have filled out any paperwork. When one lives in a rural area of the county as I do, that is a blessing. Unfortunately the visit I was eagerly awaiting at the end of this week has been postponed to the middle of next week.
I have two more rescues to check out if neither Rescue D or Rescue E works out. At least I have rescues F and G in the wings.
This has been a five week nightmare in trying to find a dog friend for my 12 ½ year old black lab/corgi mix. Meanwhile she is at home alone, missing having a friend (her former friend passed away from cancer), and other dogs are sitting in cages desperate for homes, but trapped by limited hours, daunting paperwork, high adoption fees, and other restrictions.
You have all awaken my eyes to why puppy mills are still thriving in this country, and why backyard breeders are successful. Buying a dog is easer than adopting one.
P.S. Some of you reading this will probably connect me to my applications, and that is fine. I write this to educate you, not to shame you. We all love dogs and are in this for them, but sometimes one must step out of his or her organization and examine the larger picture.
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Happy New Year! Health and Wealth and Love to all!
 |
| Indigo as a Butterfly |
Happy New Year!
I hope everyone had a lot of fun and is ready for a fresh start. My wish for everyone this year is more health and wealth.
This last year ended with my sweet Indigo needing to be put to sleep. The battle with cancer she had been fighting was too much for her. She and I did put up a valiant fight with herbs, prayers, and walks. Dr. Nickerson had told us 2 to 3 months, and she made it a full 6. When she could no longer drink on her own and collapsed every 5 steps, it was time for her to give up the ghost and journey over the Rainbow Bridge.
We are sad for our loss, but soon we will bring a new rescue into our home.
Happy New Year to all!
I hope everyone had a lot of fun and is ready for a fresh start. My wish for everyone this year is more health and wealth.
This last year ended with my sweet Indigo needing to be put to sleep. The battle with cancer she had been fighting was too much for her. She and I did put up a valiant fight with herbs, prayers, and walks. Dr. Nickerson had told us 2 to 3 months, and she made it a full 6. When she could no longer drink on her own and collapsed every 5 steps, it was time for her to give up the ghost and journey over the Rainbow Bridge.
We are sad for our loss, but soon we will bring a new rescue into our home.
Happy New Year to all!
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Indigo, the vacuum cleaner loving dog!
My husband and I created a video of our dog, Indigo. She has a unique quality, especially for her breed (blue heeler). She loves to be vacuumed. Check it out for your self on my first You-Tube video. It's less than 30 seconds long.
Enjoy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwThxqgl2vQ
Enjoy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwThxqgl2vQ
Friday, October 12, 2012
Rex needs a good home now
Now that Rex has healed up enough, we are looking for a forever home for this wonderful dog.
His injuries are not proving to be a hindrance, though his remaining teeth will need to be brushed and such to make sure he keeps them. His tongue works, though it is now a little shorter than it was before. He can eat normally.
Karin has discovered that he likes to chase cats, so he wouldn't be good in a home with cats. He is house broken. He would need some basic obedience training, since he has never had any. He also would need a yard with a good fence, since he was an abandoned dog and is used to wandering.
So if you are interested, send me an e-mail through my blog. I'll put you in touch with Karin and you can arrange a visit and meet Rex yourself.
If Rex isn't the dog for you, but you still want to save a dog from the horrors of the reservation, please contact Greater Rural Rescue, GRRS. Their phone number is listed two or three posts before this one.
His injuries are not proving to be a hindrance, though his remaining teeth will need to be brushed and such to make sure he keeps them. His tongue works, though it is now a little shorter than it was before. He can eat normally.
Karin has discovered that he likes to chase cats, so he wouldn't be good in a home with cats. He is house broken. He would need some basic obedience training, since he has never had any. He also would need a yard with a good fence, since he was an abandoned dog and is used to wandering.
So if you are interested, send me an e-mail through my blog. I'll put you in touch with Karin and you can arrange a visit and meet Rex yourself.
If Rex isn't the dog for you, but you still want to save a dog from the horrors of the reservation, please contact Greater Rural Rescue, GRRS. Their phone number is listed two or three posts before this one.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)