Life with the FurKids

Apollo and Mama...

2011-03-11T10:33:00.000-08:00

This is my beautiful boy Apollo. This photo was taken this past Christmas by a great friend, Jan Gibson with http://www.petstoposies.com/ .

You can't tell from the picture or even when meeting this whirlwind in person, but Apollo is 13 1/2 years young! He is amazing!!!

Tammy and Apollo

News.....

2011-03-09T09:58:00.000-08:00

Life sure does know how to throw you some loops! There has been alot going on in my life the last several months. Old things are slipping away and new situations are presenting themselves.

The Natural Pet Health Store will soon be offering Home Delivery Service in select areas!! How exciting is that! I have some wonderful friends, who have been by my side, supporting me through all of my turmoil lately. So, some new ideas are taking root for The Natural Pet....Stay tuned!!!!

-Tammy

APRIL 2010 NEWSLETTER: ARTHRITIS AND THE SENIOR PET

2010-05-19T14:49:00.000-07:00

ARTHRITIS AND THE SENIOR PET

MANY OF US HAVE SENIOR DOG’S OR CAT’S THAT SHARE OUR LIVES. BUT, DO WE KNOW WHAT IS NORMAL AS THEY AGE? DO WE KNOW HOW TO ADAPT TO THEIR INDIVIDUAL NEEDS?

BELOW ARE A NUMBER OF THINGS TO BE AWARE OF IN YOUR SENIOR PET’S, TO BETTER HELP YOU CARE FOR THEM IN THEIR “GOLDEN YEARS.”

WHAT TO WATCH FOR IN YOUR SENIOR PET:

DIFFICULTY RISING
RELUCTANCE/DIFFICULTY CLIMBING STAIRS
RELUCTANCE/DIFFICULTY CLIMBING INTO/OUT OF CAR’S
STIFF GAIT
RELUCTANCE OR DIFFICULTY EXERCISING
RELUCTANCE OR DIFFICULTY JUMPING, CLIMBING (ESP IN CAT’S)

TIPS TO HELP YOUR SENIOR PET:

· SLIP FREE FLOORS-USE AREA RUGS OVER HARDWOOD FLOOR/LAMINATE FOR A MORE SECURE FOOTING
· SOFT/WARM BEDDING-SENIOR JOINTS WILL GREATLY BENEFIT FROM A WARM, SOFTLY SUPPORTING BED. THIS IS ESPECIALLY BENEFICAL FOR THIN DOGS WITHOUT A LOT OF PADDING OVER BONEY JOINTS
· RAMPS- JUMPING INTO/OUT OF CAR’S, CLIMBING UP/DOWN STAIRS CAN BE DIFFICULT AND PAINFUL ON ARTHRITIC PET’S JOINTS. THINK OF ADDING RAMPS IN THE HOME OR ON BACK DECKS/PORCHES AND IN CAR’S FOR EASE AND LESS STRESS ON SENIOR BODIES.
· MEDICATIONS (NATURAL AND/OR CHEMICAL)-CONSIDER TALKING TO YOUR VETERINARIAN ABOUT AN ARTHRITIS SUPPLEMENT FOR YOUR PET. MANY NATURAL SUPPLEMENTS ARE ON THE MARKET NOW THAT SHOW REMARKABLE RESULTS WHEN DEALING WITH ARTHRITIS.
· CREATE A QUIET AND CALMING SPOT FOR YOUR PET-AS OUR PET’S AGE…THEY MAY BECOME MORE ANXIOUS, CRANKY OR LESS TOLERANT OF KID’S, OTHER PET’S. GIVE THEM A QUIET SPACE OF THEIR OWN WHERE THEY CAN “GET AWAY.”
· WEIGHT-KEEPING YOUR PET AT THEIR “IDEAL WEIGHT” IS CRITICAL..ESPECIALLY WHEN DEALING WITH ARTHRITIS. CONSULT WITH YOUR VETERINARIAN ON WHAT YOUR PET’S “IDEAL WEIGHT” SHOULD BE. ADDED WEIGHT PUTS MORE STRESS AND TRAUMA ON ALREADY SORE, TENDER BONES AND JOINTS.
· MASSAGE, ACUPUNCTURE, CHIROPRACTIC-CONSULT YOUR VETERIANIAN OR A LICENSED HOLISTIC VETERIANIAN ABOUT MASSAGE, ACUPUNCTURE AND/OR CHIROPRACTIC WORK FOR YOUR PET’S. SOMETIMES ALL THAT IS NEEDED IS SOME GENTLY HEALING MASSAGE WORK, CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENT OR ACUPUNCTURE TO HEAL OR CONTROL MANY HEALTH OR AGE RELATED PROBLEMS IN OURSELVES AND OUR PET’S.
· EXERCISE-JUST BECAUSE YOU HAVE AN OLDER PET WITH ARTHRITIS SHOULD NOT MEAN THEY DO NOT NEED EXERCISE. CONSULT WITH YOUR VETERIANIAN ON THE BEST EXERCISE REGIME FOR YOUR SENIOR DOG OR CAT…AND YES…CAT’S NEED EXERCISE ALSO.

Tammy Starkey
The Natural Pet Health Store
919-837-0020
goldenhalo72@aol.com
www.thenaturalpethealthstore.com

March 2010 Newsletter..The Benefit's of Pumpkin

2010-03-12T10:30:00.000-08:00

Newsletter

THE NATURAL PET HEALTH STORE
March 10, 2010, Issue #2

HEALTH BENEFITS OF PUMPKIN

Did you know?
Pumpkin is a wonder food for adding into our cat’s and dog’s diets!

Pumpkin supplies the body with Vitamin’s C, K and E, as well as Beta Carotene, Fiber, Antioxidant’s, phyto-nutrients, essential fatty acids and other specific minerals. An added benefit, most dogs and cats love the taste!

It is also a “wonder cure” for both common diarrhea and constipation. That’s right; it works wonders for both of these problems in our pets. If your pooch has eaten something that does not agree with the tummy: try giving a bland diet for a few days and add PURE, 100% pumpkin to the food. MAKE SURE YOU DO NOT USE PUMPKIN PIE FILLING, the canned pumpkin ingredient list should only contain one ingredient…100% pure pumpkin.

DOSAGE:
For my bigger guys (45-75 pounds) I use between 1-2 tbsp per meal and if the problem is more severe….I will give them several tablespoons in between meals.

For smaller dogs or cats, I would recommend between 1-2 tsp, also with a bland diet.

Cat’s who have regular hairballs may also greatly benefit from the added fiber in the pumpkin. Simply mix with their regular food or they may even lick it right from the spoon.J For hairball control, you may start with ½ tsp per day and adjust accordingly.

Please remember: With any diarrhea or constipation issue, it is best to first consult with your Veterinarian before beginning any regimen. Diarrhea or constipation accompanied by vomiting, lethargy, inappetence or blood could be a more serious issue and needs to be addressed by your Vet immediately. Always keep in mind, ongoing diarrhea can lead to dehydration, so if symptoms do not clear up within 1-2 days, please consult your Vet. Smaller pets, puppies, kittens or compromised pets should be immediately taken to your Vet BEFORE trying this remedy.

For more information on the benefits of pumpkin for our pet’s, as well as for a yummy pumpkin treat recipe, check out these sites:

http://www.nutritiondata.com/facts/vegetables-and-vegetable-products/2602/2
http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/1817/
www.all-natural-dog-treat.com/dogtreatrecipe.html

UPCOMING EVENTS AT THE NATURAL PET HEALTH STORE:

5TH ANNUAL DOGGONE EASTER EGG HUNT
SATURDAY MARCH 27TH 1PM-3PM
(raindate April 11th 1-3pm)

6 WEEK DOG TRAINING CLASSES
BEGINNING MARCH 6th WITH TRAINER LISA MAYHEW
CONTACT: Lisa Mayhew at attagirlk9@gmail.com for more information

ANNUAL HOLISTIC AWARENESS DAY
A DAY LONG HOLISTIC EVENT
COMING IN MAY . . . more details to follow

Thanks to everyone for the wonderful responses to my first
Newsletter in February entitled: “Chronic Dehydration in Cat’s.”
If at any time, you would like a copy of any of my newsletters to share, just send me an email.

goldenhalo72@aol.com
Tammy Starkey -

Snow.....

2010-03-03T09:30:00.000-08:00

YUCK! WAY too much snow and cold temps in NC this winter!!

The electricity went out at our house about 1am this morning, all the poor cat's were huddled wherever was warmest. A few were on their heated beds, wondering I am sure, why they were not warm:(

Miracle, our oldest cat at 10 yrs was huddled under the bed covers most of the night and morning.

The Goldens don't seem to mind the cold at all. Though, poor hairless Samuel is NOT amused!

Apollo and The Wart....

2010-02-16T14:35:00.000-08:00

Well, Apollo has had a small, benign, slow growing wart in the corner of his right now for about 1 1/2 years now. We had already decided that unless it really increased in size and begun affecting his vision, that we would leave it alone. Apollo is almost 12 1/2 yrs old and we do not want to put him under for something an small as this...so, we have left it.

Apparently, Apollo decided that he could easily remove it for us:) The other evening, Rob and I were in the kitchen and Rob noticed suddenly that the wart was GONE!!!! After looking closely at Apollo's eye, I remembered seeing him earlier in the evening rubbing his face with his paw and then rubbing his face on a chair. Hmmm......just call him DOCTOR APOLLO!!!

I've kept an "eye" on his eye since and you cannot even tell where the growth was.....LOL...GO FIGURE!!

FEBRUARY 2010 NEWSLETTER

2010-02-11T14:49:00.000-08:00

THE NATURAL PET HEALTH STORE
February 10, 2010

CHRONIC DEHYDRATION IN CAT’S

DID YOU KNOW, CAT’S THAT EAT DRY FOOD AS THEIR MAIN DIET HAVE A HIGHER INCIDENCE OF DEVELOPING URINARY TRACT ISSUES AND KIDNEY PROBLEMS?

CAT’S, UNLIKE DOG’S, DO NOT CONSUME LARGE QUANTITIES OF WATER ON A REGULAR BASIS. THE FACT IS: CAT’S AS A SPECIES, JUST DON’T DRINK A LOT OF WATER, PERIOD. SO, WHEN A CAT IS FED STRICTLY OR MAINLY A DRY DIET, THEIR BODIES TEND TO STAY SLIGHTLY DEHYRATED. THIS FORCES THE KIDNEYS AND BLADDER TO WORK HARDER TO RID ITSELF OF TOXINS FROM THE BODY.

A CAT THAT IS ALLOWED TO EAT RAW PREY (MICE, RODENTS, RABIBITS, ETC), A RAW DIET, COOKED DIET OR CANNED DIET HAS MORE WATER INTAKE VERSUS A DRY FED CAT. STUDIES HAVE SHOWN THAT CAT’S RECEIVE ONLY ABOUT 10% WATER WHEN EATING A DRY DIET, WHEREAS A CAT GIVEN RAW PREY, RAW FOOD, COOKED OR CANNED INCREASE THEIR WATER CONSUMPTION TO 75-85% AND A CAT THAT WAS LIVING IN THE WILD WOULD ALSO HAVE A WATER INTAKE OF AROUND 75-85%.
THIS HIGHER WATER INTAKE HELPS KEEP THE KIDNEYS AND BLADDER FLUSHED OF
HARMFUL TOXINS AND KEEPS THE URNIARY TRACT HEALTHY.

IF YOUR CAT EATS MAINLY A DRY DIET, THINGS THAT YOU CAN DO TO INCREASE WATER CONSUMPTION ARE: SWITCHING HE/SHE TO A CANNED, COOKED OR RAW DIET, ADD EXTRA WATER TO THEIR DRY DIET, CONSIDER BUYING A FREE FLOWING WATER FOUNTAIN, AND KEEP MULTIPLE FRESH WATER BOWLS THROUGHOUT THE HOUSE.

YOU MAY THINK…MY CAT EATS ONLY DRY FOOD AND I SEE HE/SHE DRINKING WATER REGULARLY?? THIS MAYBE THE CASE, BUT JUST CONSIDER THIS….IF YOUR CAT WERE GETTING THEIR REQUIRED 75-85% OF WATER INTAKE IN THEIR FOOD EACH DAY, THEN THEY ACTUALLY SHOULD BE DRINKING LESS WATER, BECAUSE THEIR BODIES ALREADY HAVE CONSUMED THEIR REQUIRED AMOUNTS IN THEIR DIETS.

THOUGH A WORD OF CAUTION: IF YOUR CAT IS DRINKING EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF WATER (NO MATTER WHAT DIET THEY ARE EATING), PLEASE CONSIDER HAVING A THOROUGH PHYSCIAL EXAM AND POSSIBLY BLOODWORK AND URINALYSIS DONE. EXCESSIVE THIRST, URINATION COULD BE SIGNS OF A MORE SERIOUS HEALTH ISSUE. OF COURSE, BEFORE BEGINNING ANY DIET CHANGE, CONSULT YOUR VETERINARIAN.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON CHRONIC DEHYRATIOON IN CATS, CHECK OUT THESE SITES: WWW.CATINFO.ORG/ WWW.PROFESSORSHOUSE.COM/ WWW.CATSFROMAUSTALIA.COM
-TAMMY STARKEY (THE NATURAL PET HEALTH STORE)

Missing Our Sadie (one year later)

2010-02-06T12:32:00.000-08:00

Today is our 1 yr anniversary of losing our beloved little girl Sadie. There is not a day that goes by that we do not miss her still. We have snow (rare in central NC) last weekend. Rob and I both realized how much Sadie would have loved it. She always turned into a puppy again in the snow. Chasing the birds, squirrels, antagonizing her brothers....she was such a ham:)

Till we meet again,
Love Mama, Daddy and the boy's

Where has the time gone?

2010-01-28T13:22:00.000-08:00

Time sure does get away with you!

Rob and I had a wonderful Christmas with all our furkids and friends. The only difference, our beloved Sadie was not here with us. This was our first Christmas without her in 11 yrs and she was very truly missed and still is.

A bright note: my wonderful friend Siglinda finished Sadie's urn and it is beautiful, a fitting tribute to our beautiful girl.

Our other 11 furkid's are all doing well. Apollo is such a trooper....some day's I cannot even believe that he is almost 12 1/2 yrs old!

Apollo Health Update.....

2009-09-24T15:16:00.000-07:00

Well...Let me catch everyone up on our old man Apollo. We found out a few weeks after his surgery to remove a tumor that we thought was cancerous..that it WASN"T cancer!!! It basically was an inflammation that may be from a vaccine reaction. Though, it more than likely WOULD have become malignant at a later date. I'm just thankful that it wasn't cancer:)

We feel so blessed that we have had 2 tumors removed from Apollo in less then a year and both came back benign. The first tumor was a large growth on his spleen last October, so his tumor AND spleen were removed and sent off for a histopath and came back clean!! Attached are the pics of his spleen and tumor once they were removed. We decided to see the humor in it all and named his tumor "Butters." LOL

Apollo is doing great! We will be celebrating this amazing boy's life and 12th birthday in a few weeks with a Birthday Bash with all our closest friends! Won't Apollo be the center of attention!!!

Tammy

Playing CatchUp....

2009-07-21T13:59:00.000-07:00

Well.....It has been quite an eventful couple of months...I always INTEND to get the blog up-to-date, but LIFE get's in the way:(

Anyway, my husband and I are still dealing with missing our beautiful Sadie daily, but it helps to know that she had a wonderful life with us. My wonderful friend, Jan Gibson with http://www.petstoposies.com/ created a beautiful portrait of our Sadie to honor her memory. I will try to get it up on the blog within the next few days. Jan has an amazing talent of capturing the "essence and spirit" of all of her subjects.

We have been having a stressful time for the last 2 weeks. We found and had surgically removed a cancerous tumor on Apollo's rear leg last week. I has gotten infected and he is pretty weak in the leg, but we are hoping for a full recovery. Our local holistic vet will be injecting some Neoplesene (bloodroot) into the surrounding tissue within the next few weeks to hopefully kill any lingering cancer cells.

I will keep everyone updated on how things are going.

Tammy

Our Very Saddening Loss...

2009-02-23T17:45:00.000-08:00

On the morning of Feb. 6th 2009, we unexpectedly lost our precious baby girl...Sadie. We adopted Sadie at the age of approx 6-7 months from Neuse River Golden Retriever Rescue in Nov 1997 and we were blessed to have this angel in our live's for 11 yrs.

Never let someone tell you that the loss is not the same as losing a person in your life. Sadie's loss has affected me the exact same way as when I lost my dad. Some day's the loss feels less than other's. Some day's, I can talk about her passing without shedding a single tear, some day's I can go almost an entire day without thinking of her.

I know that time will help to heal our grief. But, our family will still be missing that Sadie smile, that Sadie grin ,that happy, excited Sadie bark, that Sadie howl, that Sadie yodel and especially, that warm, furry Sadie body.

Fly free and happy Tater Tot....until we meet again.

Love,

Mama, Daddy and all your furry siblings

...more family pics...

2008-07-23T12:54:00.000-07:00

This is my sister Millie....she lives at my Mama's store during the week. My mama says that Millie has a life to envy...she lives at the store during the week and then my human friend Joy and her husband Dave, come to pick Miss Millie up and they take her home with them for the weekend, until Mama reopens the store on Tuesday! Miss Millie and I play chase and hide and seek at the store...I like her. Though, she does look pretty dumb in the pink dress!

-samuel

Family Pics...

2008-03-26T12:37:00.001-07:00

Easter is for the Dogs...and Cats! Woof/Meow

2008-03-26T12:26:00.000-07:00

Me and my brothers and sisters had a great Easter! Mama and Daddy bought us our very own stuffed duckies, lambs and bunnies. Though, I did already de-stuff one of the bunnies! My Golden brother Tristin got a HUGE stuffed yellow duckie...it's bigger than ME! But, I'm not allowed to play with it...b/c soon..Tristin would not have a duckie to play with any longer:)

-Samuel
BTW....check out some of our family pics....the cat dressed up is my mama's store kitty. Her name is Millie. My Mama says that Miss Millie is THE PERFECT store kitty. She is the official greeter and sales cat!

Samuel Has a New Friend:)

2008-02-21T13:12:00.000-08:00

I have a new friend! I like her alot....she is very pretty with her tan coat and balck muzzle and she is just my size. She lives up the road a bit from me and she comes to visit me everyday. We chase each other up and down the fence...what fun! My mama says that she feels sad for my new friend whough...because she lives outside:( My mama says that all animal's should live inside with their families, where they are warm, safe and loved. My mama also says that I could not live outside...I have almost nonexistent fur and my tummy is bare and piggy pink! Thank goodness my mama has nice warm sweaters for me to wear when I am outside..even though, my daddy doesn't like th new pink one! He thinks it's not manly for me to wear...oh well, as long as I'm warm:)

-samuel

THE LIFE AND TIMES OF AN ADOPTED PIT PUP NAMED SAMUEL

2008-02-12T14:47:00.000-08:00

THE LIFE AND TIMES OF A PIT PUP NAMED SAMUEL

IT’S BEEN ALMOST 2 YEARS EXACTLY SINCE SAMUEL CAME INTO OUR LIVES LIKE A NEWBORN KITTEN…SWEET, GENTLE AND OH SO CUTE. SINCE THEN…SAMUEL THE KITTEN HAS BECOME “SAMUEL THE MIGHTY ALPHA”…KING OF ALL CREATURES. OR SO HE THOUGHT…UNTIL MAMA GOT A BACKBONE AND SAID “ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.”

NOWADAYS…YOU MAY SEE SAMUEL AND I WALKING AT OUR LOCAL PARK WITH THE SENIOR CITIZEN’S WHO CALL OUT TO HIM BY NAME AND ONE ELDERLY GENTLEMAN IN PARTICULAR IS ALWAYS RAGGING SAMUEL ABOUT HIS CAROLINA BLUE COAT….IN RESPECT FOR HIM…WE WORE OUR RED COAT TODAY..LOL

SAMUEL AND I HAVE COME ALONG WAY IN OUR TRAINING AND UNDERSTANDING OF EACH OTHER. HIS MAMA ESPECIALLY…HAS COME A LONG WAY IN DEALING WITH MR SAMUEL’S TEMPER TANTRUMS. SAMUEL KNOWS TO SIT WHEN SOMEONE WALKS BY DURING OUR MORNING JAUNTS, HE SITS AND DOWNS BEFORE MAMA WILL THROW HIS TENNIS BALL FOR HIM, HE SPINS, HE TWIRLS, HE BACKS UP (WORKING ON THIS ONE), HE SHAKES WITH LEFT PAW OR RIGHT PAW, HE JUMPS ON HIS TREADMILL FOR HIS NIGHTLY RUN, HE TOUCHES ITEMS WITH HIS NOSE ON COMMAND (STILL WORKING ON THIS ONE.) NEEDLESS TO SAY…WE BOTH ARE A WORK IN PROGRESS. WE TRAIN EVERYDAY AND OUR SOCIAL SKILLS WITH OTHER DOGS HAS BEEN GETTING BETTER EVERYDAY!

ONE THING THAT HIS MAMA IS VERY PROUD OF HERSELF FOR: NAILTRIMS! MAMA IS NOW ABLE TO DO NAILTRIMS WITHOUT TAKING HIM TO THE VET TO BE SEDATED…HOORAY! A HUGE HURDLE! BABY STEPS..BABY STEPS AND MORE BABY STEPS!!

SAMUEL HAS A NEW FRIEND!
3 DAYS AGO..I LOOK OUTSIDE AND I BELIEVE THAT MY EYES ARE DECEIVING ME! SAMUEL AND A YOUNG, FEMALE? SHEPHERD MIX ARE PLAY BOWING AND CHASING EACHOTHER THROUGH OUR FENCE! HOW AMAZING! IF YOU KNOW SAMUEL…YOU KNOW JUST HOW PARTICULAR HE IS IN HIS TASTE OF FRIEND’S. HE IS VERY SELECTIVE: 1 GOLDEN RETRIEVER NAMED TRISTIN (SAMUEL’S BROTHER) GRACIE AND EMERYS THE 2 GREYHOUND’S AND 1 EXTREMELY LARGE SHEPHERD BOY NAMED CLAYTON HAVE BEEN HIS ONLY FRIEND’S,,,TILL NOW. (SIGH)

MAMA’S GOALS FOR HER BOY
1. PASS CGC TEST (CANINE GOOD CITIZEN TEST)
2. ABLE TO WALK ON LEASH ANYWHERE..ESP. AROUND STRANGE DOGS.

Happy, Happy BOY!

2007-08-24T21:24:00.000-07:00

WOW...My mama sure has been busy lately...but guess what?? My foster mama and dad "officially" adopted me into their family in JUNE. I had a great party, with lots of people, presents,cake and even a few doggy friends. My mama tells me that no other home could be better for me then where I already am. I love my family and am trying to be a good boy everyday. Me and my mama walk almost every morning at the park and everyone there comments what a good, welll mannered boy I am...and so HANDSOME!

-Samuel...one happy pup

Busy Mama

2007-03-28T19:22:00.000-07:00

It's been quite awhile since my foster mama has updated my adventures. She has been VERY busy lately. I have been having a wonderful time with all of the warm weather...yip yip hooray! I am over a year old now and still an Itty Bitty Pitty at only 42 pounds. Such a little guy with so much attitude! I LOVE the water and cannot wait until I go to the lake....my Golden foster siblings love the water too...so, I guess that I have to share it with them...bummer:(
Life has been great...I am now running up to 5 mph on my treadmill..my foster mama promises to put a pic of me on my treadmill up soon! According to my foster mama...the treadmill works great at getting me worn out..LOL

Later,
Samuel

I'm ready to go....

2007-02-04T18:31:00.000-08:00

Hello, according to my foster mama...I have been with her my my foster dad and siblings for almost a year! WOW!! My mama tells me that she loves me and that she will miss me when I find my FOrever Home, but that I DO need a home and family of my very own, where I do not have to share any attention with any other fur kids. I would rather have all the attention for myself. My foster mama got a treadmill for me to use in the evenings and I am now doing about 8 minutes each night on it. It still makes me nervous, but I get a yummy treat when I'm done each night:) Paperback's comment about having a new fenced in yard sounds wonderful! My foster mama and dad have been talking about building an agility course in the backyard for all of us to play with. Paperbacks mama could add a sandbox to her new fenced yard...I LOVE sandboxes...my mama puts toys, treats under the sand and I DIG, DIG, DIG for them...what fun and my mama says that it burns alot of my crazed energy! How about a tether ball set up??? Hmmm....this may be an idea for me to plant into mama's head. Tristin and I were both unlucky to have baths today. Neither of us like them, but we get extra hugs and treats when we are done and mama loves to smell us afterward. I get cold easily, so after my bath I snuggled until some blankies on the sofa with the warm, toasty fire burning in the fireplace...Mmmmm. Kisses and hugs, SAMUEL

My Very First Christmas!

2007-01-06T18:33:00.000-08:00

I had my very first Christmas with my foster family this year and boy....did I have fun! I got to open so many presents, I was pooped out after a bit! Of course, I have to share the toys and treats with my 3 foster siblings, but that's ok...there is plenty to go around! My foster siblings are used to all the fun during Christmas...the tree and lights, the presents wrapped with bows on them , stockings hung with goodies in them...but Oh Boy...I was in Doggy Heaven! And still am!!
My foster Mama is looking for something called a treadmill for me...I heard her telling someone that I needed to get rid of some of my excess energy in the evening, so she is hoping that I would enjoy using the treadmill and that I would show my foster siblings how to use it. I guess I will have to wait and see what this treadmill thingamabob is....hmmm......

2006-12-08T22:10:00.000-08:00

My foster Mama told me that someone is interested in visiting with me soon and that I needed to be on my very best behavior, because this could possibly be my new Forever Home. I love my life here with my foster family, but it sure would be nice to have a family and home of my very own. A home and family that I did not have to share with brothers or sisters...just me and my family. Mama took me to the Vet yesterday and I saw my friend Stephanie, Stephanie is my second Mama...she was the one who found me and took me home with her when I was lost. While I was at the Vet, I was fitted with my Gentle Leader collar and Mama is hoping that I will adjust to it quickly...it's kind of itchy and scratchy (we'll see). My 3 Golden foster siblings and I are going to Mama's store tomorrow to have our Holiday Portraits done...boy, I LOVE to go to the store with Mama...what fun! I get yummy treats and plenty of attention from everyone that visits! Well, time for bed...I get to sleep with Mama and Daddy tonight! YIPPEEE!

2006-11-30T21:36:00.000-08:00

Today was an eventful day. I do believe that Samuel escaped his crate sometime today and snuck into my bag of P-nut Butter cups and ate the entire bag and ran back to his crate...but, I don't understand how he relatched the door!! Oh wait, maybe "I" ate the PB cups and tried to blame it on a poor, defenseless, crated Pit Bull:) The pups were excited when I got home from work tonight....mama came bearing GIFTS and not just any 'ol gift...but, RAW HAM BONES! The 3 Goldens snatched those up in a hurry. Tristan was the first to "pull up a rug" and commence the assault, Sadie was second and after Apollo carried the raw, frozen bone around in his mouth for about 10 minutes, he finally settled down with his! Samuel was outside causing mayhem with his lamb bone on the front porch. Ahhh...a few minutes of peace!

A Day in the Life of a Pit Bull Pup in Need of a Forever Home

2006-11-28T16:35:00.000-08:00

Hello, my name is Samuel. I am a 9 month old Pit Bull Terrier and my foster mama is helping me look for my Forever Home. Today I went to my mama's store with her. I enjoy going with her, because I get plenty of attention all day long. We began our day by walking 2 miles at the park and then I rode with my mama in the truck so that she could run some errands on the way to work. Once we got to there, we played frisbee and I chased the tennis ball for an hour or so. Boy, do I love my tennis ball's! I chewed on my raw beef bone while I was crated at the store today...yummy..yum! Well, gotta go...time to eat dinner!