New Year's Eve Day

Who needs a man when you have.....

FOG!!!!

This is where Fog is each morning. He is snoring away. Thankfully, he is so snugly!

Her first time in the snow!

A Christmas Tradition

Each year since we moved here, Hermione and I have made it to the beach during winter break. The last couple of winters we even made it on Christmas day. Here are a few pictures of Hermione enjoying her Christmas gift.

As you can see she utterly enjoys the ultimate gift of running free like her ancestors of the past.

Happy Holidays!

Here is our picture from the hospital. Hermione and I didn't do rounds, we dropped off gifts to our friends.

Baby, it's cold outside...

Paws to Read

She got her share, too.

One spoiled mutt!!!!

Thanksgiving Snoopy style...

Hermione's day at school!

Hermione spent the entire day at school. She visited the pre-school SDC class. She was a hit. There was 5 kids. The hugged on her and enjoyed her. I even read them a story

Hermione hung out with Bird during Principal's recess. Bird claims Hermione is his best friend. I believe that is true. She got to eat 3 snack size bags of carrots for lunch. Turbo told me that morning we needed "carrots for Mighty."

Mione passed out after school. It was an exhausting day, though the staff seemed less stressed today... Wonder why???

Our mission!

I have become a bit ambitious these day. Since Hermione and I have ventured into the world of volunteer, I am trying to find ways to include her in my regular school day activities. With this summer's experience of volunteering at a couple of local libraries, I asked my principal if Hermione and I could volunteer at school in a reading program. But of course, the principal was overjoyed and really helpful with the whole idea.

I was lucky enough to present my idea to the staff at school. It seemed that the teachers were more then willing to participate. The principal and I did our end of the leg work. Getting permission from the district, getting in the appropriate paper work, making permission slips, you get it.

Well, this week, we (Hermione and I) launched our mission: Paws to Read. Hermione and I go in to classroom for an hour on normally on Fridays, but we try other days too. We can do it one of 2 ways: individual readings or group reading with a story at the end from Hermione (OK, I read, but you get the point.) Both worked well.

We managed to get in 2 classes this week. Each worked out well. Hermione and I got a very BIG compliment from the teacher today. Mrs. H was thrilled and said she really enjoyed being able to work 1:1 with students and she got a bit of time to tidy up while Hermione and I read to the kids.

That made my heart happy! Hermione was in heaven. I would love to share the pictures, but again it is a school thing, alas I can not share. UGH!

Next Thursday, Hermione and I are headed to Charlotte's Mom's class. Hermione just loves her.

I am excited. I really am. I believe Hermione is also excited!

Halloween Dog style

Flori & Windsor, Mindy & Jackson, Shelley & Orbit, and me & Hermione.
Hermione's costume (or lack of)


The Gang
Windsor, Jackson, Hermione, and Orbit

A day full on nothings...part 2

While not getting much as much done as I wanted to... though, I managed to bake Halloween treats for Hermione's friends - Pumpkin treats (wheat free for Windsor) and Peanut butter cookies stamped out in fun dog approved shapes. Hermione did get to sample all the tasty treats. To follow with the Halloween spirit, I made treat baggies for each of our friends we do hospital rounds with: Windsor, Jackson, Wish, Orbit, and George. I also made baggies for Duke and Sadie friends from our other job.

There are some more treats for the next couple of weeks. Hmmm, Hermione didn't have to dress up and to "Trick or Treating" to get a bunch of yummy treats... (honestly, I won't be raiding her bag of treats)

Snuggling.... awwwww!

You want me to WHAT?!?!?!?!!?

Halloween is coming in a few days. At the hospital, the team that Hermione and I do rounds with is planning to DRESS UP in costume and parade around. I am like "@&)&*^&%^ NO!" I can not stomach the thought of my poor dog being forced to walk around in some costume. UGH!!!! I was never one who dressed my pets when I was little. I know we have all seen those pictures of the wiener dogs dressed like hot dogs or those dogs dressed like Star Wars characters. I am politely told my team mates Hermione will wear her Gryffindor bandanna (which Lynn made for her.) That is about as dressed up my pooch is gonna get.

One lazy Sunday...

Enough said!

Summerland Beach

Walk and Wag 2008

Making new friends...

I let Hermione out the other morning. She and the neighbor dogs were having barking FITS!!! I head out. I don't wish to have the police at my door with a complaint about the excessive barking.

I open the back door to see Hermione jumping at the fence. She is in a fit and will not come when I call her. I step out to see what the issues it and on top of the fence is a baby or teen aged possum. UGH!!!! (Flash back to stench of dead possum Lisa and Greg had to come over and remove).

I call and call Hermione but she is possessed. I am sort of freaked out but head out to get 'Mione in the house. I have to literally set in between her and this possum. I can hear the neighbor yelling at his pooches too.

Once I get her in the house, I rush out again to take these lovely pictures. Possums are one ugly creature. I would not wish to tangle with one EVER!!!!!!!!!


After a little I peeked outside and the little ugly creature was gone. I sure hope it learned its lesson to not mess with out fence...

Heimliching a cat....

As you all know I have a cat with asthma. So, there is some coughing going on now and again. nothing to really stress over. Though, a few nights ago, the coughing started. I looked to check, only to discover Fog standing in the door way with his tongue out coughing. I got scared. Fog coughed and coughed. His poor tongue out, I have never seen anything like it. I immediately opened his mouth his tongue went back in. Then I placed my hands on his sides when he exhaled I heimliched him. That seemed to be the trick. He had one little cough then all was good.

We passed our GOAL!

This year's goal for our Walk n Wag donations was to make at least $200.

but THANKS to

Mindy,

Faneesha,

Shelley,

Debbie,

Sherrie,

Lauri,

Julie,

Flori,

Pat,

&

Angie

We not only met our goal, but passed it!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for your support we appreciate all your donations!

Time is still left to donate. Just click on the above banner.

THANKS!

We have been naughty...

Hermione and I have missed our last 2 volunteer sessions at the hospital. Oh well, but I think Hermione needs an outing. She seems restless.

I finally got stuff going at the other hospital. Physical and TB test done! Now, to get our badges (Hermione gets one, too.) and a few other things.

The Walk n Wag is around the corner. I am excited. I believe we have reached our goal of $200 this year! Thanks to every one who donated!

A Mother's Pride

Here is the article with the color picture of Hermione and I. I believe it turned out wonderful!!!

Maiden voyage

Hermione and I headed out this evening for our walk. She hasn't been limping, thus I tried. I monitored her closely. I saw no issues. She seemed more then over joyed to be out and about walking with me. It did make it all easier to handle. I am glad to have her back!

Surprises...

Hermione seems to be walking on all fours without limping. There may be a good chance that we will volunteer on Monday. Gosh, I hope so...

Update on Hermione

It appears that 'Mione pulled something in her leg. She is on Vit A & Vit C with flavonoids as well as her glucosamine . She is actually walking on it more often now. Though she still pulls her leg up after she does something stupid, such as chase vermin in the yard. I don't know if we are going to make it to the hospital next Monday. It all depends on how the weekend goes with her. I will keep ya posted.

Still a limp, but in better spirits

Hermione has been using her left paw more and more. Though she does do stupid things such as chase the vermin in the back yard. I can't stop her but I can slow her down. I emailed a friend who worked at a vet's office she gave some very sound advice, which helped settled my mind some. So if in 2 weeks she is not 90% better or still limping, we will do a vet visit. UGH!

one day @ a time

It was a tough night for me to watch Hermione limp around and not act like herself.

Though, she is walking a bit on her left back leg extending and trying to now stand on it. That is a good thing.

It was difficult to see her face as I left for my walk. I will give her a week before I slowly reintroduce her back to our exercise routine.

It is gonna be a long week.

Fear of GOD!!!!!!!! part II

Hermione has rested much of the day. Thought, I just took her to be bathed. When I called her she was limping. Her left back leg was pulled up. However, she did walk normally on it. OMG!!! What did I do???

Since it is Saturday, our vet is not working and I don't trust any one else. Hermione is on rest and relaxation until Monday. I will watch her carefully, monitoring her every move. She is very quit and sleeping lots.

Just pray, this isn't something really scary. I am freaking out inside and hoping rest will do her good.

Fear of GOD!!!!!!!!

We have been walking each day, a couple of times of day. Hermione and I venture to the arroyo. I have been allowing her to go unleashed.

Well, that has changed!

This morning about an hour into the walk, Hermione jaunted off down a steep rocking hill after a Cotton tail rabbit. Suddenly, she went head over heel and yelped loudly. I was in shock! I didn't know what to do. I was so scared. Hermione stood up holding her left leg up. I had to slide down the hill. I checked her leg off. No break, maybe a severe sprain. I carried her half way up the hill, but she had to walk the rest of the way. She hobbled up the hill favoring her leg a bit.

We managed to get home. Hermione was no worse for wear, but now leashed!

Hermione at the beach (yet again!)

This one took 3 tries to get but I love it!

She is a STAR!

Hermione and I ended up in the Ventura Star!!! This is exciting!

Newberry Park Library

We had our last visit at the libraries. Though, this visit was not as organized as the others. Us, big dog people were somewhat overshadowed by these little rat dogs. There was a photographer from the Ventura Sun taking pics. Hermione may be in the paper. Who knows, the photographer took a lot of photos of the rats...

Windsor & Hermione

Hermione seeking some serious attention.
Reading with our new friend.
Reading to Orbit.
Windsor enjoying the tale.

SH*T happens!

This morning, Hermione woke me up at 6 to go out. I got up to take her out. I had the spare room open. I looked in only to find Hermione had SH*T A LOT! There were 2 huge piles and a place where she peed.

I was initially upset, but that is what happens. I was so asleep, Hermione probably could not wake me. Thus she spent a time out outside.

Ah, well... sh*t happens!

Hermione the protector!

As a result of my trip to Phoenix, Hermione stayed overnight with my friend, Theresa.

Rosa stayed with us on Monday night, due to scheduling issues. It was OK. I left Tuesday morning leaving both dogs in the house.

Later that day, T and her son arrived to pick up the children. Hermione was scared by Theresa's son. She loved T. Hermione was stuck to T like glue. Hermione decided to relax in the living room.

T's husband arrived Tuesday night around midnight, Hermione started barking which scared him. T found her husband with his back against the door. She called Hermione off and all was right with the world.

(One the side note: T sent me a text asking what time of day Hermione took a sh*t. My friend and I laughed. Honestly, she does it when ever she does it. I really no clue.)

Puppy Slumber Party with Rosa

This here is Rosa (aka Rosie). She is currently our house guest. Yes, she is of the "rat dog" variety. Also as spoiled as Hermione. Though she has all ready christened the rug with a small pile of poop.

Hermione isn't too interested in her at this time, which is a good thing.

On thing is for sure, I know if I make cookies she will not climb on the counter and eat them.

Walk and Wag 2008

Hermione and I participated last year and will be doing it again this year. To make a donation, in my name, click on the picture. THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!

Another fave of Hermione's

Brownies for your Pooch



1/2 cup shortening

3 Tbsp. honey

4 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

1 cup whole wheat flour

1/4 cup carob powder

1/2 tsp. baking powder

Cream shortening and honey together thoroughly.

Add remaining ingredients.

Beat well. Bake in a greased cookie sheet (10x15") for 25 minutes at 350 degrees.

Cool completely.


Frosting:

12 ounces non-fat cream cheese

2 tsp. honey

Blend together.

Spread frosting over cool brownies.

Cut into 3 inch or 1 1/2 inch squares.
Yield: 12 - 24 pieces

A new habit

The last few days Hermione and I have been taking walks in the neighborhood. On 2 occasions, she pestered me enough to head out, like she did today. My head is achy, but we did a simple walk around the block. She is now content.

The walks are a great thing. My only worry is when I return to work, how do I fit them in especially when it get darker earlier and colder. Hmmmm, she likes them; they are good from me we will just have to wait and see...

Frozen Yumminess

Frozen Peanut Butter Yogurt Treats

1-32oz. container of vanilla yogurt

1 cup of peanut butter

1. Put the peanut butter in a microwave safe dish and microwave until melted, approx 3 minutes.

2. Mix the yogurt and the melted peanut butter in a bowl.

3. Pour mixture into cupcake papers and freeze.

Cupcake papers tend to stick to the treat so leave out a bit to thaw before serving.

Makes 24 frozen treats.

Hermione loves them any time, but she is limited to one after our walk in the evenings.

Library time