Hand Leash.....Really?

This would creep me out on so many levels.
It is a hand that is attached to a leash so you can "hold" the hand and walk your dog instead of holding the effing leash. WTF is wrong with people? The sad part is.....I am sure they sold MANY. I can’t think of any better way for you to set up an insanity defense for any crime you may commit in the future. Yes, it will look that weird.

What do you think? Would you use it?

'What Dog Breed Are You' Quiz

Labrador Retriever
The Caretaker

Your family is what makes you tick, and you never "flea" from an opportunity to hang out with the whole gang. A family picnic complete with hot dogs, deviled eggs and a refreshing swim in the lake is hard for you to stray from. Your sparky temperament and dogged intelligence mean you are not only a blast to hang out with, but great to work with as well. Your close pals appreciate your patience and forgiveness, knowing you'd rather let sleeping dogs lie than dwell on the mishaps of the past. Your dashing good looks may one day lead to a modeling career, if only you can tame the unfortunate clumsiness that sometimes causes you to go flailing from the catwalk.

TiVO Afraid of His Water Dish

This is what we have to go through everyday and night! He is getting better though.

Petwalk

The Petwalk in Tempe was a lot of fun. Over whelming, but lots of fun. TiVO had a blast! I think it is good for him to get out and meet other dogs. He was intimidated by them I think, but he just wanted to check them out, then he could have cared less about them. After the first mile and half (it was a 5k walk), he was done. Just laid down in the grass. We stopped several more times. Poor guy, he was just pooped!

I am glad that several thousand people turned out for this great event. Lots of money was raise to help out animals in need.

Ryan and TiVO after the 5k. I am lingering in the background.

My grandma just adopted a dog from the Sedona Humane Society. His coloring looks a lot like TiVO. Hopefully they will start to adjust to each other soon.

Three Weeks with TiVO

TiVO and his bones. LOVES them like he LOVES the bunnies.

Daddy.....give me the ball. PLEEEEESSSSE give me the ball.

Please? I'll be good. I want the ball.

What is it going to take for you to give me the ball? Want me to dance? Here is a little dance for you. Now give me the ball! (Yes, TiVO does get on his hind legs.)

Oh, crap, the ball went into the pool. Now what?

Belly rub time!

Old photo with his cone still on and pre-groom, but I just LOVE the heart on his nose.

Wow. I can't believe it has only been three weeks with little TiVO! He has been adjusting and getting more comfortable by the day. He goes outside more without us. He goes in different rooms without us know. Ryan and I are enjoying his independence. We are learning things about him all the time. We found out that he is scared of so much! He is TERRIFIED of his water dispenser. We have to hug him and pet him and encourage him to drink his water. This is all day and night. He barks at objects, like vases, ceiling fans and our George Foreman Grill. He is slowly getting better.

TiVO has also discovered the bunnies that live in the backyard. His life's mission is to get one. He spends hours with his nose to the ground, on the hunt for bunnies. He has now eating the grass and digging holes because they are flavored "bunny".

Last week TiVO and I went to Wags for Wishes. He had a great time and I wish he was able to participate in activities, they they included him to be off the leash. Not going to happen. He also got groomed. They butchered him, but they were sweet to him. I can't wait until the hair grows out.

This week, the three of us are attending PetWalk.

We are so lucky to have TiVO apart of our lives. We love him so much!

Inaugural PetWalk

Join AAWL / SPCA for the PetWalk

You can sign up to be on team AAWL/SPCA or be an individual walker and raise money for AAWL/SPCA or another shelter of your choice. AAWL/SPCA is the oldest, no-kill shelter in Arizona. The shelter facilities provide a temporary home for nearly 2,000 dogs and cats every year, offering medical and behavioral treatment for those in need.

You can also sponsor Ryan and I by clicking here.

100% of proceeds from AAWL/SPCA designated Walkers goes to AAWL/SPCA

Click here to join the AAWL / SPCA Team

When: Sunday, January 25th
Registration begins at 1pm, the walk begins at 2:30pm
Where: Tempe Town Lake

This is the first-ever PetSmart Charities PetWalk! PetSmart Charities funds programs that assist animal welfare agencies in their life-saving work across the United States and Canada. The PetWalk will raise money for the local agencies we support and the thousands of homeless pets they help find loving homes for every year.

The inaugural PetWalk will be held on Sunday, January 25, 2009, at Tempe Town Lake in Tempe, Arizona. This event is more than a walk; it is a festival to celebrate the love we have for pets as well! It will be a fun-packed day with lots of activities for children, adults and pets.

Click here for more information on the walk, including registration forms and donation forms.

Wags for Wishes

Wags for Wishes is a 3 day event, raising money for Arizona's Make a Wish Foundation. The event is held at Sahuaro Ranch Park. (59th Avenue and Mountain View Road). The dates are Friday, January 16th through Sunday the 18th. It is a $5 admission price, but it goes to a great cause.

Click Here for Website

Some of the Competition Events Scheduled:

• Agility
• Fly Ball
• Disc Dogs
• Splash Dogs Dock Diving
• Obedience, Rally

Activities Scheduled:

• Chasing a Coyote tail around a fenced “circuit” at LURE FOR THE CURE $6 per run
• Test your dog’s skills to find a “hidden treasure” at the BARN HUNT $5 per run
• Preserve your dog’s PAW PRINT…Makes a GREAT wall hanging
• Visit the VENDOR VILLAGE for lots of dog-related products
• Watch MANY demonstrations on the MAIN PROGRAM STAGE (see the schedule)
• Test your dog’s manners and get the Canine Good Citizen Certification $10
• Certify your dog at the Therapy Dog International Testing station $10
• Showcase your dog’s talents at the AMERICAN FIDO competition Saturday AM
• Learn to throw a Frisbee for your dog at the Disc Dog clinics (fees)
• Test your dog’s herding instinct $20 per run

Meet TiVO!

Ryan and I adopted this ADORABLE dog this weekend named TiVO! We really lucked out. He is a cocker spaniel, around a year old. We think he is pure bred. We found him at the Maricopa County Animal Shelter, he was a stray. I can't believe no body came looking for him! We know he had a family, he was semi groomed and he is very well behaved. Especially for a one year old.

He has been a great dog so far. Only a few accidents in the house. He very intelligent. He picked up fetch right away. He wasn't bringing back the ball, but working with him just a little, he now has the hang of it. He LOVES to be loved. He wants to be hugged and petted constantly, so it is a red flag that he will have major separation anxiety. I can't blame him.....in just a few days, he lost his family, out on the streets for god knows how long. Then taken to the shelter for a few days then neutered. Now he has to wear a cone around his neck, shots, diet change. Very traumatic for a doggie! Overall, he is just the sweetest thing. TiVO will be very loved.

My Boys sleeping together

Yay! No cone for a few minutes!

TiVO getting to know the backyard

To Adopt or Not Adopt....

Ryan and I have been debating for months now if we should adopt a dog or not. We both really want one, but in the bigger picture, are we ready? There are several reasons why we should not get a dog.

1. What do we do when we go out of town?
2. Is it ok to leave a dog home alone for 8+ hours a day?
3. We have to install a doggy door.
4. Training.
5. Licking. I don't like dogs that lick. It drives me nuts. It also grosses me out when dogs lick people's mouths.
6. My allergy's. Yes, I am allergic, but not nearly as bad as they are around cats.

All these questions have legitimate answers and solutions. Dogs are a HUGE responsibility. I just want to make the right decision. Since we are adopting.....I don't want to relocate them again. They have been through a lot and don't need to be re-housed yet again or worse, sent back to the pound.

The four breeds that I like:

Beagle: I have been wanting one for 1o years now. They have been on my top list now for as long as I have known. I like them for their social behavior, as well as size, shedding and grooming. As well as they are super cute. I want a tri colored beagle.




Caviler King Charles Spaniel: Ok, I probably wont find one at the pound.....but you never know! I started to research them about a year ago. I seen a puppy in a pet store and never heard of them before. All that I have read, they seem very loveable and well mannered. They are also very trainable.
Or another type of Spaniel. A Springer or a Brittney would be our best choice. Ryan had one as a child and left an amazing impression on him. They are smart, adorable and very loyal. Great with pets and kids.

Dachshund mix: I LOVE Doxies, but I love it when they are mixed with another breed. Very lovable and intelligent.





Yorkie: LOVE them as well. They are the 2nd most popular dog for good reason. Very loyal and intelligent.






All the negatives in owning a dog, I feel the rewards are worth more. I would love the opportunity for a lifetime companion. We have plenty of space and lots of love for a adopted dog.

Please give us your feed back. We would love to make and educated decision on this. After all, the dog will be apart of our family for a very long time.