16×11 Gallery wrap

Contact Dee for price or to Commission work.

Snow from yesterday all gone, actually it was gone within the hour. We had our fun….now just a muddy mess. Funny how the dogs know that when it is raining and muddy….lots of naps inside, they can stand it for about two days at the most. Looked over at Rocky earlier and starting painting him….wonderful model when sleeping. Still very much a works in progress…will not take long to finish it up. Check back a little later…for his hard work modeling will have to take him for a nice walk before it starts raining again.

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.

Contact Dee to Commission work.

Storms approaching so todays posting will be verrry short….must take the puppies out before it gets bad out there. Today found me working on sveral “On the Easel” Paintings….and the above. Boxers are wonderful…good looking, faithful, loyal, loving and silly…yep silly. If you do not believe me, look up kidney beaning and there you will find info on Boxers Online Classes Coming Soon.

                  

 

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.

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

Santa came early this year…how lucky am I. I was so very excited that the batteries were charged immediately. First thing this morning the dogs and I went out back and of course a little photography session. So many features to try out and learn. It must feel comfy in my hands so today was a “breaking” in day, getting used to it. I am not “getting” the many AF features and kept forgetting which was for what…in time I’ll get better acquainted with it. The images posted were all done in AP with Auto White balance. the next lesson is setting the WB manually. So far I am loving it….in having been using a Fuji S2, which I think is a wonderful camera….well the Nikon is so much faster. A day of shooting and messing with it and still the battery has a charge left…sort of anyway. Will be needing back up.

Stay tuned for future images and a write up about The Nikon D300.

Above:   The “Rock” taking time to stop and smell the flowers.

Below: Niki in Action

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.