Dog days of summer

This must be what people call the "dog days of summer".  Wow its hot, and Im sure glad we don't have to work hard to earn our keep around here!

We love it when Nan's man works outside and gets tired or hot too.  He is good at hanging out with us.  Says he's earning his keep too.

Actually, he's pretty good at "hanging out" the laundry too. Nan says line-dried clothing is one of her favorite things about the dog days of summer. Hope y'all are staying cool!

Pesky Flies

We are nearing the month of August, which in our part of the country is the worst for biting black flies and the harm they can cause animals. After trying various products to heal fly bite sores on ears and legs, this has won my respect as the best all-around antiseptic that protects, heals the open area AND discourages more bites because the flies don't like it! Its available at most farm supply stores or Lee-Valley Tools.  It also works well on rough, itchy gardener's hands. Keep your fly swatters handy, August is just around the corner!     ~Nan~

Faithful

He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your DOG. You are his life, his love, his leader.   He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion.                                

Its a beautiful life

Babies, flowers, beets and carrots

Nan is off in her own world today thinking about their beautiful new grandaughter and looking at her flowers! Casey is thinking this would be the perfect time to show the little gals some fun in the veggie patch..."come on Button, Freckles and Mya; follow me...oh, look here, Ty is already enjoying his beet breakfast! Ha, carrots are better!  He just likes beets because they're the shape of a ball!"

We love gardens

The uprooted carrot row, and the not-very-guilty looking culprits. 

Freckles in Dandelion Meadow and Oakley's Puddle

''A dog at my side' comes to you following 45 years of owning, loving, raising and learning about dogs. Being an only child found a beautiful Labrador at my side, whose watchfulness and partnership could never be measured or told in words. As a teen, my Spaniel whelped 3 beautiful litters that helped fund my nursing education, and gave opportunity to apply newfound care provider and management skills. As a new bride and stranger in an unfamiliar location, there was a dog at my side. My husband and I were blessed with three children, and their pet dogs, cats, goats, cows and horses have all been part of learning about relationships and care. Through life's adventures, losses, joys, and sometimes loneliness, there has always been a dog at my side. When I listen carefully to my life, I find that companionship with a dog has touched the broader issue of relationship with all of creation and the Creator. How we interact with a pet reflects our general attitude toward God and nature, a tell-tale sign of the soul.

I hope this blog will bring mutual enjoyment for writing, reading, sharing, and advocacy for pet lovers of all kinds. Dogs of my lifetime and some of their finer moments will be posted, along with occasional little Cavachon puppies as they become available. On that note, I wish to say here that I am not a kennel breeder of dogs. Our two Cavalier Spaniels and two Cavachons are pets and companions, and are welcome in all parts of our home and lives. Our Retrievers prefer to live outdoors, and you will catch some glimpses of their beauty and the natural surroundings as well. The gardens and acreage are enjoyed by all our friends and family including those with paws, and the photos will give testament to that.

Enjoy,

Nan