Something I didn't anticipate about being displaced by the New Year's Flood was the loss and impact of that loss of my routines, rituals, and habits. I kept forgetting to bring stuff with me which, BF (before Flood), I would normally have had on my person or in my car. Now, all was up on the air - some still at the house, my clothes all cold weather (now salvaging warm weather clothes), and the loss of multiple dog crates...

Some of you may remember the New Year's Flood of 2015-16. Many of you were not affected. Several of us were - most able to return to their homes. I was displaced. The water came up fast and higher than I expected. Over the next few weeks, let me tell you about being displaced...

I like my dogs to have nice beds. The fact that several are not house trained means all our beds need to be very washable. It is also the reason I've not had carpeting for many years. So, I'm always on the look-out for reasonably priced, washable dog beds with enough support for my arthritic seniors. Tough...

A few years ago, I was contacted by a rescue friend about a pair of hounds needing a new home(s). Their dad recognized that his health no longer enabled him to care for and train them in the manner in which he hoped. Their dad died this past summer - he was younger than I, but suffered a long time. ...

I copied and am posting this blog entry in its entirety because I don't want you to miss clicking a link or miss sharing this information with everyone, everyone you know. Xylitol kills dogs and in much smaller quantities than dark chocolate. SHARE THIS BLOG ENTRY ON FACEBOOK AND EVERY WHERE ELSE YOU POST. Lives are at stake. Some low cost peanut butters are now using Xylitol. READ YOUR INGREDIENTS. I'm also researching Sorbitol, another "sugar alcohol."...

(This is an older post originally written in May; I find it ironic that I state Angel is digging for China, which is where her family lives and teaches.) The dogs and I haven't been inside ALL day long but a perfect storm of leaping, digging, and tree climbing dogs keeps multiples of them inside more than I would like...

During this time of thunderstorms and fireworks, we need to be even more diligent in keeping our pets safe. This is a wonderful infographic. I also use Thundershirts on those dogs who, frankly, freak! at loud, sharp noises...

I recently found a website and FB page and am learning a LOT about pet suffocation. It can happen so easily and I never thought of it! I've not had a dog get into a bag and die..., but I had a close call with Danny Quinn and a jar. So, as I continue to work on my microchips post (and don't wait for my recommendations; just DO IT), please begin cutting up your bags and those plastic rings around packs of cans. You may and most likely WILL, save a life...

Make this weekend the Memorial is is meant to be: one of recognition of service rendered and lives lost in protecting our country...

Devil Dog I think I picked up "devil dog" from this David Letterman clip. He is showcasing Bailey, a Beagle who plays dead and asks about "that devil dog," how he was in the green room. If you haven't seen this clip, here is the link and it is featured below. Bailey is a hoot. BTW, David implies that Beagles are "snarky" and "difficult." Poppycock...

Finding or Returning a Lost Dog Unfortunately, clicking the heels of our shoes, whether or not they be ruby slippers, will not bring our lost dogs home. Dogs do get lost for various reasons. We, as responsible and caring people, can and do help them get home. I'm reposting many suggestions I made a couple years ago with some modifications. The original post is Lost Dogs...

Did you turn your clocks forward for DST? I enjoyed the snow as did many of the dogs. Ellie Mae, the snow Bloodhound, kept me company each time I shoveled my driveway. Not only was I able to shovel it and de-ice my car, I drove on my road before it was plowed and on 177 when very icy. ...

The snow dogs changed this year. Minnie Chow RIP could not tolerate the cold nor ice in which she reveled last year with Annie and Monk, Beagles. After several months of working diligently with her vets, Minnie went to Heaven less than a week ago. Godspeed, Minnie...

Annie Beagle, following snow trails in the fenced in field...

I hope you enjoy the change in title of this blog, from "Perspective on Pets" to "Dodging Drool." The change reflects more of which I truly blog than my original intent, which was to include guest bloggers with different perspectives on pet species, whether cats or reptiles or horses, etc. ...

I deliberately wish Happy Holidays because there are several holidays for different traditions which occur at this time of year. Even the New Year is celebrated at different times by some traditions depending on their calendar (Hebrew, Julian, Gregorian)...

Silverwalk Hounds rescued dogs for 10 years. This past spring, though I planned to rescue for several more years, adoptions to wonderful families happened and I found I didn't have the energy to bring in new dogs. As the adoptable dog population dwindled, Silverwalk Hounds moved from a hound rescue to a foster home for others: rescues/shelters and private families. ...

Fostering pets can take many forms. Currently, the fosters I have are for families with needs for their pets in short term situations. Ginger and Buster's folks are working short term in St. Louis - the housing they found and could afford did not allow pets. ...

Of course, we want to put ID tags on our dogs' collars either as part of the collar (my favorite is Boomerang) or a hanging tag; of course, we want to microchip our dogs and cats so when/if they go AWOL, they have a much better chance of getting home. I also like PetHub - this company puts a QR code for my dog on his tag or collar tag. Shiloh got home twice because of it till he lost the entire collar. PetHub sent me a complimentary tag for him, a repeating customer. Next for Shiloh - TAGG...

I'm a fan of angels. Those Angel books out a few years ago? Read them all. I particularly appreciate Vicky's take on Angels, Pets, and their Children - the very last entry in this list sent to me by email. Too good not to share. Foster dogs back next week!...