Look at Poor Punxsutawney Phil, Ground Hog Day

Look at poor Punxsutawney Phil, I don't think I'd be very happy having such and...ummm...undignified picture of me published. You can see cuter ones at his website by clicking his name above.  I think this picture came from the Associated Press and I hope they don't mind a little Yorkie using the picture on her blog.

Even though P. Phil is the most popular Ground Hog today, there are other ground hogs out there who either did, or did not see their shadows, so my owner and I decided that Ground Hog Day must be a regional thing.  When Spring will come depends upon the ground hog that lives closest to you.  What do you think?

Here's what we've been able to pick up from ground hogs around the USA, at least on the Eastern part of the country:

• If you live near Punxsutawney, PA, Phil saw his shadow, so you are probably going to have 6 more weeks of winter


• The brave Ground Hog who makes his home in the Big Apple, New York City, supposedly didn't see his shadow, so just maybe in our area, Spring will come sooner.


• The Marion, Ohio ground hog DID see his shadow, so 6 more weeks of winter there.


• Down in Atlanta, Georgia, no shadow was seen, so in that region there will be an early spring....as if Spring isn't already early enough for you folks down there in the southern states:-)

All I know is I'm getting tired of barking at snow...yes, I bark whenever I look out the window and see that it's snowing,  so Spring can't come soon enough for me (or anyone who has to listen to me.)

Things Dogs Should Never Eat

My owner visits a network of other humans that like to talk about all kinds of things.  The other day a woman named Kimberlee Leonard started a discussion with a story about her dog, Chewie, and from the story you can learn a valuable lesson about what dogs should and should not eat.  Here is some of what she shared:

Being a dog owner my entire life and having Chewie for nearly 14 years, I thought I had been through most anything regarding dogs....

Over the years I have learned onions can cause issues with their white blood cell count, grapes and raisins in small quantities can cause renal failure, and chocolate is fine for my PMS but

Dog Breeds - Basset Hounds

I thought it would be fun to have posts now and then about different kinds of dogs, not just Yorkies like me.  This is the first post, but in time, if you want to find all the posts that are about different kinds of dogs, then click on "Dog Breeds" under "Categories" to the right, and you'll find them.

At the same house where I was born, the owner had a Basset Hound, he was a great big dog, I think I am smaller than his head was.  But in memory of him, because he has gone over the "Rainbow Bridge", I thought I'd start with an article we found about Basset (sometimes spelled "Bassett) Hounds.

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Although we are unable to identify the exact time period in history when the Basset Hound was created, some historians have noted that the first mention of this type of dog was found during 16th century text that made mention to “short legged dogs used for badger hunting.

We also know that comparable dwarf breeds that had short legs were used during the ancient times, but it is very difficult to focus in on exactly when and why the Basset Hound was intentionally bred.

The word “Basset” is French and is derivative from bas, which means “dwarf”. We know that short legged dogs were normally used for slow paced hunting during the French Revolution. History of this dog breed indicates a much clearer snap shot after French Revolution.

During this time period that Basset Hounds became a whole lot more common as a hunting companion. Many Hunters needed a dog that was intelligent enough with its scent ability to hunt prey and at the same time was slow enough so that they could be followed and hunted with guns. This is where this animal received its small dwarf like body; it became the perfect hunting formula for these needs.

Ultimately, there are four different variations of the short legged kind were created. One of these variations is know as the Basset Artesien Normand. The Basset Artesien Normand is what closely resembles today s Basset Hound. In the late 1800s and then again around 1930, crosses were developed with Bloodhounds to bring up their size. The first Bassett Hounds were sent to England and the United States during the late 1800s.

Personality

You will discover that the Basset Hound is one of the most calm and relaxed dog breeds alive today. They are very good natured with nearly every other animal and human they come into contact with. The Basset is enormously suited for kids and is well behaved even in the company of other strange dogs. Even though these dogs are considered high in affection levels and friendliness, do not underestimate its watchdog capabilities. In addition, these Hounds made great watchdogs.

Taking Care Of A Basset Hound

Basset Hounds need a dose of daily exercise, but not an over dose. One or two walks each day on the leash around your block will suit just fine. But, like any animal, it is always good for extra playtime and games when possible. Basset Hounds should sleep indoors with the family during the evening. During the day, having these dogs should have access to an enclosed yard. There’s no need for that much grooming. Just a little brushing and bath times throughout the week will be fine. Also, make note that these dogs tend to drool frequently.

Health Information

Basset Hounds have a live around 9 and 12 years, sometimes they live longer, it all depends on their health. Big health concerns are ectropion, vWD, CHD, gastric torsion, OCD, thrombopathy, otitis externa, and elbow dysplasia. Minor health problems may include patellar luxation. Obesity is a common issue with these animals when owners overfeed them. Make sure that you place caution on how much food you provide.

About the Author: Written by Kelly Marshall of http://Ohmydogsupplies.com, which has a huge selection of over 300 http://www.ohmydogsupplies.com/dog-supplies/grooming-tools dog grooming tools and dog grooming supplies.

Image Credit: businessgreetingcards.com

I Feel a Lot Better Now

I'm back to my old tricks again after not feeling good for a day or so.  Yesterday I started feeling pretty good, and today, I'm feeling too good...that means I'm begging for treats, begging to have my owners throw my toy bunny, begging for them to kick my ball, a whole lot of begging.

At this update, we're adding the post that came just before what is written above, because it was lost when we transferred the blog to a new site:

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Sorry that we haven't posted in a few days, I've been a little bit sick, and my owner has been busy taking care of me.

I don't want to gross you out with details, lets just say that I had a tummy ache, and had to go outside a lot, when we could make it on time.  My owner gets all worried when I get like that, because I am small, and if I lose my food and water, it's more serious than if I was a big dog.  But today, after I got all "cleaned out", my owner gave me just a very little bit of chicken cut in tiny pieces, and I love chicken so was able to eat it. Then I took a long nap, then when dinner time came, my owner was so happy to see me come to the kitchen to play ball.

Whenever she is in the kitchen, I bring my tennis ball to her, and she kicks it into the other room, then I get it and bring it back, and...well, you get the idea.

I had a little more chicken, and my usual organic healthy salmon snack tonight, and so far, so good!  We'll see how I am tomorrow.  We will go to the vet if I don't keep improving.

Hope to have something more fun to write soon!

Scottish Terrier Barney, the White House Dog

After doing a post about something Barney did that wasn't very nice, I decided I should follow up with something nice, because after all, Barney is a cute dog, and a lot of fun.  My owner is of Scottish heritage, I always wonder why she has me, a Yorkshire Terrier instead of a Scottish Terrier, but am happy she does.

Anyway, back to Barney, early on in President Bush's presidency, before people and press decided to go negative, Barney's Christmas videos were popular.  I think they are still very good.  I hope to post a few of them here for you, as we remember that this is going to be Barney's last Christmas in the White House.

First, a link to the OFFICIAL Barney page at whitehouse.gov.

And here's a few videos for you from years gone by:

Well there you are, hope you enjoy...and don't be fooled by "Barney Cam" videos that aren't the official "Barney Cams", or any websites other than whitehouse.ORG, please!