Like many others, I too made a few of them for the new Year….the usual….organize, choose to live a healthier life (better food choices, more exercise)….be kinder, more generous…understanding…most importantly, Patient. Nothing crazy that I cannot at all attain. …well maybe the organizing part. I am an unorganized individual…big time. So, the last few days has found me in my office…a very small space with a lot of stuff. To organize….well difficult to do in a tiny space for usually as the mess gets bigger and bigger I usually give up….this time hanging in there….will get this done….so that is what I am doing for the next few days. Maybe in the next few weeks I will actually even paint the room….it needs a little something. I have actually found a few things that were purchased and forgotten about…hoping I find a few more surprises for that will keep me going

Over the weekend Michael managed some time to build a pvc ladder for little Niki’s rehab and exercise. It is 10 feet long, however separates into two 5 ft. sections….right now we are just using one section. I introduced it to her yesterday and worked with her until she could run out in front of me… run the ladder, turn around and come back towards me (wanted a few shots). Would have loved a few photo’s of her running across with me on the sidelines for I would have gotten a better view of just how high she is lifting those back paws. I hope by incorporating this into her daily routine it will improve muscle memory in the hind area. This can be used just for fun….Rocky did it a couple of times….helps to teach a big dog that there is a back end. With Gemma, it can help improve her confidence. Oh….might I also add the dogs think this is fun….and wonderful exercise. In one of our upcoming On Line Dog Training classes we will be teaching Agility in a bag and I will be offering info on how to build your own agility equipment, as will I be selling a small kit. Fun way to hang out with your dogs….teach a few tricks, commands and intro agility.

                  

 

Dear Mother…

I love you and want you to know,
I think of you often wherever I go.
You lift me up; you’re like walking sunshine;
I am lucky to have a great mother like mine.

 

 

Your endless affection makes you special and rare;
I’m always amazed by how much you care.
What you’ve given to me I can never repay,
Thank you, Mom, on your birthday. ~hugs~ Michael, Dee Rocky, Niki & Gemma xxxooo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Christmas is a time for memories,
a time for recalling the scenes and happenings
that are treasured always in our hearts.
It is also a time for love and generosity of spirit,
a time for renewing family ties and friendships,
and for exchanging the thoughts, events,
kind deeds, and observances that have added
to the true meaning and happiness of life.

Last night found me baking a Coconut Cream, Dream pie for Mike’s Birthday Cake/Pie (recipe follows). This morning after breakfast he wanted a slice….on the day of your Birthday you can do just about anything you want….so if after Breakfast you want your cake…pie in this case….have at it! During the cutting of the pie I happened to look out our window and noticed a hawk just sitting on the branch. Pretty windy here this morning and s/he was not even moving. What a sight. Of course….wrong lens…always the way….not to mention those with Rheumatoid Arthritis are not very flexible first thing…and my vision is not great especially early in the day so needed to depend on the AF…but all of those branches….still better to take a few shots then not. I felt very lucky to have had the opportunity to happen to get a glimpse of this magnificent creature (can you tell I was a city girl), right in my yard. Little blessing of the day.

Happy Birthday Michael!!!!                                      Rocky wanting just a tiny lick!

Coconut Cream/Dream Pie

Crust:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon kosher or Hawaiian salt, crushed
1/4 cup cold all-vegetable shortening, chilled and cut into small pieces
1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
1/4 cup cold water

Filling:
2 cups shredded coconut, divided
8 egg yolks
1 1/4 cups sugar (I did not use all this sugar, cut it down 1/2 cup…could have cut it back more for out taste). 2/3 cup cornstarch
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 1/2 cups milk
1 cup coconut cream
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 cups heavy whipping cream, divided
3 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.Crust Preparation:
All ingredients should be cold. Combine all the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Add shortening and butter. Using a pastry blender, cut in the shortening and butter until the mixture resembles course meal. Drop by drop, add the cold water. Mix in with the fingertips, not hands, as the palms will warm the dough. Continue mixing water in until the dough begins to hold together without being sticky but not crumbly. Lightly spray a deep 9-inch pie pan or 8 1/2-inch fluted flan pan. Roll out dough and place in pie pan. allowing the excess pastry to hang over the edge. Chill in the freezer for 10 minutes.
Line the pastry shell with parchment and baking beans or beads. Bake the shell for 10 minutes. Remove the paper and beans/beads and return to the oven for 10 more minutes. Cool. Makes pastry for 9-inch single-crust pie.

Filling Preparation:
Lightly toast 1 cup of shredded coconut in oven, about 7 minutes. Remove and cool. Set aside. Combine egg yolks and sugar. Beat with electric mixer until pale yellow and fluffy. Add cornstarch and melted butter. Blend well and set aside. Heat milk but do not boil. Stir in coconut cream. Gradually add egg and cornstarch mixture, stirring constantly over medium-low heat until filling begins to thicken. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla.
Remove filling from heat and let cool. In a mixing bowl, whisk or beat 1 cup of heavy cream on high until it begins to thicken and forms stiff peaks. Set aside. Strain cooled filling through fine mesh sieve to remove lumps. Fold in whipped cream and 1 cup of shredded coconut with pie filling and pour into prepared piecrust. Whisk or beat remaining heavy cream on high until it begins to thicken. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar and remaining teaspoon of vanilla. Continue until stiff peaks form. Fold in toasted coconut and spread over top of pie. Refrigerate until mixture has cooled and set.

It has almost been a year since little Nik-Nak injured her spine. In the early days I often wondered if I had made the right decision by going ahead with the surgery. Now of course the thought does not even enter my mind. What a wonderful “Little” dog she is and what a fighting spirit. No…her gait…well still a bit on the wobbly side and still, there are the good, the bad days. Going Potty is not always perfect and yep, I still must help her to empty her bladder. We must exercise and massage her.

Her tale is pretty remarkable due to the fact of just how she came to be part of our pack… she literally washed up in the creek behind the house when she was about three months old….on a very cold stormy day….two goofy Goldens coming to her rescue. Very true story…fast forward a few years and those two Goldens have since died….that was so very tough for little Niki (& the reminder of the pack).

Now….a year after her spinal injury and surgery she is happy…running, doing agility (with me VERRRRY close by). We worked hard and I must say that we have had so many folks cheering us on….the prayers, well wishes helped so much and we will forever be grateful to all those that helped us along the way.

 

 I have only purchased one dog in my lifetime…Rocky is 19 months old now….he is a little immature for his age, but that is ok He was purchased from a breeder in N. Ga….I had inquired about breeders, in purchasing a dog you really must do research on the breed and breeder. Even at that, there are never any guarantees as far as health, you just do the best you can and always learn life’s many little lessons. In Rocky’s case…it was important that he be from outgoing, friendly parents….of course health was important. The breeder…well let me just state that Rocky will be the first and only dog that was purchased. Rescue is the way to go for me. Rocky has had various health issues since bringing him home….now the pano…and in true Golden form….allergies. He is a bit shy…stand offish….not at all as the breeder described him to be…but then it is my opinion there were just too many puppies for her to keep track of…..if she even did that at all. I had been told by my breeder when she was informed of his health issues….oh wow….in the 19 years of breeding I have never had any puppies with health issues….none of my puppies had ever had any ear problems, allergies etc. If I had heard that before purchasing him I would have run…without a pup and not looked back. Not at all even sure how such a statement can be made for I have not ever heard from her….just the above reply to my email regarding his health.

What I am trying to say….if in the market for a puppy…be picky about where s/he comes from. I had passed up on several breeders for they had only one puppy…the best breeders will have a list and puppies will be sold so best to be placed on a waiting list if you believe a particular breeder is the one you want to deal with. Know that there are some wonderful dogs in rescue….but there also… one must be careful. Deal with organizations that will ask you a few questions, even do a home visit. Do not be insulted that they are checking into you, family and home….they want what is best for the dog….as do they not want the dog to come back due to the fact s/he is not fitting into your families lifestyle. Temperament testing….some breeders and rescue organizations poo-poo this….very important. If the breeder is breeding several breeds at the same time….walk away….if breeding several dogs at the same time…sorry it is a breeders job to care, socialize and start potty training those puppies…yes hard work indeed. Just a few of the many things that make a breeder a reputable breeder While I wish many of the rescue organizations would not take soooo many dogs in….rather, focus on introducing training, exercise and overall good manners during the dogs time in that organization…in other words for the dgs sake….deal with less dogs. That is just my opinion…sadly with rescue it is a numbers game for so many reasons….it all comes down to life and death….so many dogs homeless, in shelters. It is very difficult to say no to a dog that is about to be killed for the simple reason his/her people no longer wanted him’her. Sadly…we are a society that dumps puppies that mature, rather then working to teach, exercise many just get rid of…..we are a society that kills our pets that we no longer want.

So it goes….bottom line….think before acquiring that bundle of joy for the Holidays. Research….take your time. Know that getting a live gift for someone is not always the best gift…the recipient of the gift should know about it and help with the search….for the animals sake really think about what your doing and try your best to not be part of the problem. Oh….most importantly….please know and understand that all puppies grow up
As for Rocky…well we adore him….health issues and all

It happens to all of us…so much to do with so little time to do it. Get your gifts early….better yet I think the best gifts are those made with thought. These are a few of the things I will be doing this year…
Baked goods make lovely gifts and is something that you can do with your family. Photo gifts are another family craft project that can be fun and done together….homemade facial scrubs, body scrubs all make wonderful gifts. Make a wonderful basket filled with yummy treats, or one filled with yummy homemade scrubs with a wonderful scented candle….a photo calendar, photo mug and photo tee shirt….with treats and coffee beans or tea bags.
Of course….It is not too late to book an appointment with a professional photographer, but do so now for time is running out….a little too late for a Painted Portrait, please remember that Gift Certificates also make a lovely gift to add to your gift list for someone special.

Often times throughout the busy times, especially around the Holidays we often forget about our four legged family members. So….get the dog, get the children and start going for daily walks…it will take a half an hour to hour out of your busy day. I think of this time as family time….great exercise for the entire family….no TV, radio….just you and family going for a lovely walk. If your dog is not well behaved on leash….start training the dog to walk nicely….they need your time as does your family…more important then shopping and parties

Of Course, if baking, do not forget your furry friends. I do this around the Holidays and my pups love them….no, not healthy but once a year will not hurt them!

Pumpkin Bar Doggie Treats
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
4 tablespoons butter-flavored Crisco
1 whole egg
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup canned pumpkin

Heat oven to 400 degrees F.

Combine flour, cinnamon and nutmeg; cut in shortening.

Beat egg with milk and pumpkin and combine with flour, mixing well. Stir until soft dough forms. Drop by tablespoons onto un greased cookie sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Let cool and serve.

If you bake these yummy treats please do drop us a line and let us know how many “Paws” up your pup gave them. If you have a yummy recipe to share, feel free to do so in the comments area!

 

I have been so very busy with painting a few portraits, teaching dog obedience that I have not had the time to update the blog. Took a day to get a few chores done, and of course hung out with the puppies. I have not photographed them since my last posting….so early this afternoon found us out and about. It is a beautiful fall day here in the Atlanta area. Still in a very severe drought so while we are enjoying this pretty weather….we really need the rain. Manged a few action shots and of course a few close ups of the puppies….they really are too cute!!!! Due to the lack of  rain I found little else to photograph for I have not planted any of the fall flowers.

Niki and Gemma striking a pose.

 

****Halloween, not one of my favorite days. I did not even like it when I was young…it was not fun to me. Not sure why folks still allow the kids out and about knocking on doors and ringing the bell of strangers. It would seem to me, more fun if the parents allowed the kids to have a party. Halloween Safety…please keep your pets inside, especially your cats. Also, tell the little ones no sharing their candy with your furry friends, especially chocolate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our pets each have their most favorite games to play and their most favorite treats…add them together and fun will be had by all.
Just some of the things my dogs enjoy doing through the course of the day…every day. They never get bored…too bad we cannot be more like our furry friends! If you have not gotten any wonderful photographs of your pets doing the things they enjoy most…..do. It is easy if your patient….have camera in hand, make sure your settings are for action and proper lighting ISO set 400 or higher (my images were shot at 1600 on a very overcast day).  Then throw some toys….I was kneeling down so that I was more on their level.

If you are not getting the results that you would like know that there are Professional Pet Photographers that will come have some fun with you and your pets….if in the Atlanta area do contact Paw Prints Studio.

Remember, this will make a wonderful Holiday Gift….Gift certificates also available.

 

***Please note…Carnations, although lovely are poisonous to our pets. In the original he is holding a stick….this is a digitally manipulated image.

A dear friend is spending a few days with us. I met Sammy many years ago when I worked for a Boarding facility….my job was to implement a training program for them, train a few other trainers. During my stay there one of the dogs that was boarded there for two weeks was also a Board and Train. I remember going to get little Sammy out of his run….he was curled up in ball…shaking and just not wanting to be there. He so looked forward to my daily visits….we would walk, train. I always brought my female Golden Jas to work with me….after training I would give him some play time with Jas….they too became fast friends. When I left the facility his Mama kept in touch with me and each year Sammy comes to visit. He and Jas so enjoyed one another….at the time I had a six pack and while he could be around the two females….the males he could do without. Over the years a few of the older dogs had gotten ill and died.
I remember the first time he came after Jas had died….he pined for her. While he could be around the males…..running, chasing one another was not to be. Slowly each year my pack got smaller and smaller….then two more females joined the pack….now Sammy’s visits are a bit more enjoyable. They LOVE to chase and tease him. .I love to sit and watch there crazy play sessions…Nik and Gemma get the best of him each and every time. All are quiet and resting for the time being….time for me to get some work done for they will soon be ready for another round. Notice the Roc missing in action….they presently do not like one another….in time I have no doubt that they will learn to get along.