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  • Keeping Your Home Safe and Comfortable for Your Dog!

    Keeping Your Home Safe and Comfortable for Your Dog! Sharing your home with a dog is definitely a fabulous experience. They know how to brighten our days and make us smile, even when the world casts a darkened shadow. It’s easy to forget that they are animals. After all, they become such an integral part of our families. They understand our words, gestures, and even small clues we didn’t know we were giving! When they are puppies or new to the home, it can take a while to get acclimated and learn what is allowed and what is not. They soon learn what is expected of them and what they can expect from us. Just as they observe us, we watch them, too. We start learning their body language. They bark one way when they want a treat or whine a specific melody when they want to go outside. Although we technically speak a different language, that barrier is broken in time, and we can converse with them without words. That’s pretty incredible! Having a puppy or dog isn’t always easy, especially in the beginning when you are still exploring each other’s personalities, quirks, fears, requirements, and so much more. One thing that makes owning a dog a little simpler is making sure your home is safe and comfortable for your pup! Keeping Your Home Safe and Comfortable for Your Dog! Whenever I’m asked this question, I have the same response, as silly as it may seem. My response is to get on your dog’s level. You can do this simply by sitting on the floor or bending down to see what their eyes see. Next, observe what interests your dog.  For example, if you have a stuffed animal on top of a dresser, and you see your dog eyeing that stuffed animal, chances are, eventually, that stuffed animal will be theirs. If this is something you don’t want to happen, you’ll need to move that toy to a higher location. Keep in mind dogs can be crafty. If you move it higher, gauge if there’s anything your dog can jump on to get that toy! If there is, you may want to be more creative! If your dog constantly inspects your electrical outlets, you may want to babyproof those and insert an outlet cover. My dog, Ginger, used to try to chew electrical cords when it thundered. I had never seen that before, but I had to react quickly. Hence, I hid all of my wires behind the furniture. Ginger has since passed away, but I still keep the cords hidden. Better to be safe than sorry! In addition, you may want to keep the following on hand. You never know when you will need them, (or why)! Paper towels Spot cleaner Grooming supplies Medications stored in a safe location (including Benadryl)! It’s helpful to know where these things are if your pup has an accident in the house or gets stung by an insect. Your vet and Emergency vet’s phone number in plain sight. Being organized helps when an emergency arises! Some Items that Help Keep Your Home Safe for Your Dog GARBAGE PAILS If your dog is constantly going in the garbage, you may need to move it or get a different garbage pail. For instance, my dogs think every container holds their toys. So, if there’s a bathroom garbage pail on the floor, they would be more than happy to inspect it and find a new treasure. Yes, tissues are a treasure to dogs! So, as unconventional as it may seem in my bathroom, my trash pail is on top of the toilet tank. If that’s not an option, perhaps get a pedal garbage pail. Along those lines, be careful if you get a garbage pail requiring one to step on the pedal. Dogs are intelligent and will knock it over or use their snout to open it.  In the kitchen, you can either put your pail under the sink or buy one with a secure lid that isn’t easily removable. While I’d love to have a pail with a sensor that opens the lid automatically, it is not feasible for my home. My dogs would have a field day with that and constantly walk near it to open it.  I found the perfect pail for the kitchen, and I’ll put the link below. It is a step trash can that is not easily knocked over, and the lid is almost impossible to open without stepping on the pedal. I bet you never thought one could talk so highly about a garbage pail! To view, click here. BABY GATE Next, consider a baby gate. For many dogs, a simple baby gate will suffice. However, I have two extra large dogs. They are both strong, powerful, determined, and persistent! The typical baby gates you find at the pet store were mere obstacles for my dogs, but within minutes, they could knock them over with one quick push. When my dog, Henry, had Tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) surgery, I needed a way to keep my dogs separated. This was an arduous task since they had never been apart. They play, sleep, eat, and play a little more together. They are both protective of each other. So, you can imagine the challenge! In my quest to find the perfect gate, I tried many. To complicate things, I needed to section my kitchen off my living room. The width was longer than standard gates. I also needed to make sure it was high enough. My dog, standing on all fours, is up to my waist. Lastly, I needed a pressure-mounted gate because the area where I was installing it had tile on one side of the wall. Now, that was a tall order (pun intended)! You’ll be happy to know I found exactly what I was looking for.  Whew! Not only is it the perfect gate for big dogs, but if you have a smaller dog or a kitty who needs to get through, there’s a tiny gate underneath, and you can set the height for it! I don’t have a kitty or a small dog, but I thought that was a phenomenal feature! It’s extra tall at 41 inches and adjusts to fit spaces 29.75 to 52 inches wide. The door swings in one or both directions.  To view on Chewy, click here. DOG BEDS If you’re like me, you may allow your dog carte blanche to jump on whatever furniture they desire. My dogs are allowed on the couches and beds. Thankfully, they don’t sit at the dinner table, but that’s only because they wouldn’t fit in the seat!  Along that vein, my dogs want time to themselves. It’s not often, but it happens. Or, they get too hot on the furniture with Las Vegas temperatures sometimes rising more than 110 degrees.  I have always had a few dog beds in the house, allowing them to lay where they choose. I’m picky with the beds I purchase, and I want them to be comfortable enough and supportive enough for my pups. As they get older, they need comfort just as humans do! I found a brand I love. It’s called Fuhaven, an orthopedic bed 40 inches long and 32 inches wide. Both dogs can actually fit on one. However, they don’t look as comfortable squished together. So, I bought two and put them side by side. They are shaped like a chaise and have washable covers. I cover them both with a fitted sheet to make it a little easier for clean up. Another brand I love is BarksBar Snuggly Sleeper. This is also an orthopedic bed and is super comfortable! It offers a plush sleeping space for my dogs, and I will admit, I’ve sat on it, and it is almost more comfortable than my own bed. If only they made them in human size! These are 40 inches long and 30 inches wide. I found that only one dog could rest comfortably in one of these as it has padded rims, which is great for them to rest their furry heads on! To view Furhaven, click here. To view Barksbar, click here. STORAGE CONTAINERS I thought I had life all figured out when I bought an adorable container for my pet’s dog food. It was shaped like a garbage pail and was decorated beautifully. This worked great for years until last year. A bunch of moths decided to take residence. All together now…eooowww! So, I dumped the food in the trash can and washed this pail out thoroughly. Before adding any new food, I made sure the moths were gone. They weren’t. I tried again—more moths in an empty can. After a few more tries, I gave up and found a container on Amazon that seemed to do the trick. Fingers crossed! It is collapsable, so you can add as much or as little food as you want, up to 30 pounds. It has a clear, locking lid that lifts, so you can quickly get to the dog food. It is made of plastic and has proven to be durable. Also, I love that it fits nicely in my pantry and doesn’t take up much space! To view storage container, click here! Foldable Octagonal Metal Exercise Pet Play Pen I had initially bought this when Henry had the TPLO surgery. It didn’t work out in my home for that purpose. However, it has been fantastic for other purposes! Its dimensions are 60x60x42, and it folds in half, or in an octagon or a square. If you have puppies, it is a great way to keep them in a safe area. I use it to section off part of a room when I fold it in half. It’s helpful when I have guests staying at my house. Since my dogs can be a bit rambunctious, I use this to separate them for moments when I’m not there to monitor them. It’s also helpful when someone works inside the home or does maintenance. My dogs are notorious for wanting to lend a hand, but it is not such a great idea when a worker stands on a ladder. This enables them to get their job done and be safe in the process! To view the play pen, click here! Babyproof Cabinet Lock A babyproof cabinet lock is one last gadget I had never needed before but has been a priority. I have cabinets that sometimes open just by pushing on them too hard. With two big dogs, this happens daily! These locks are so easy to place on the door knobs and keep curious pups from helping themselves to a bowl of cereal or a few snacks! To view locks, click here!   I hope this has helped you with keeping your home safe and comfortable for your dog! As I come across new discoveries, I’ll be sure to add them to this post! Feel free to add any tips in the comments.  Note: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

  • Ear Care for Dogs

    Cleaning Your Dogs' Ears Owning a dog is a big responsibility, and with responsibility comes a lot of work.  Just like children, our furry pals depend on us to do certain things for them.  The one main difference is that they'll never "grow up" and be able to do these things by themselves.  It will be a lifelong commitment, and we'll need to take care of them as long as they bless us with their presence. One of the responsibilities is cleaning their ears.  It's a five-minute job and not all dogs require this on a daily basis, but for some it is imperative.  Breeds that have floppy ears, like golden retrievers, basset hounds, Irish setters, etc. are a few that do require attention.  Yeast accumulates inside of their ears and can cause irritation and itchiness.  If this is left untreated, they can get severe damage to their ears.  First Things First.  Check With Your Vet First, check with your dog's veterinarian and have them look inside your pup's ears to make sure they don't have ear mites, yeast, or infections in their ears.  As you might have surmised, I can't stress enough how important it is to get your veterinarian's professional guidance before beginning any ear care regimen. The dog's inner ear should be a healthy pink color.  Generally, if you see your dog scratching its ears, or if there's inflammation, an awful smell, or your pup is shaking their head, they probably have some irritation.  Another sign of discomfort is seeing your dog scratching their head on the floor or carpet.  They may also walk around with their head tilted.  Some may even lose their balance. If you suspect an ear infection, their ears should be cared for and monitored by their vet. Once the veterinarian has deemed their ears healthy, or they have cured whatever infection might've existed, ask for their suggestions in an ear cleaning solution.  There are many in the market, at the vet's office, and online.  Find out which regimen works best for your pooch. Be aware that although most dogs simply love to get a nice ear scratching from their human friends and will cuddle up for one, cleaning the inside of the ears might not prompt the same reaction.  If you have the opportunity to start this habit when your dogs are young, they will get used to it and most likely won't give you a problem.  If you start when they are an adult, they may take some time to get accustomed to the idea. We buy our cleaning solution directly from our veterinarian, but you might be able to get yours either online or even ask your pet's doctor for the ingredients to make your own.  Ear Care for Dogs   How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears Look inside to see any residual debris in their ear.  If your dog responds positively to you touching their ears, squirt the recommended dosage of ear cleaner into their ear.  Hold the ear flap and then rub the base of their ear to ensure that the cleaner is in their ear, and not only at the tip. Then take a cotton ball and unravel it.  Create a long strip of cotton and slowly twist it in their ears, careful not to jab it in roughly or lose any of the cotton in there!  If your dog’s ears are clean, you’ll just see a wet cotton ball.  However, if your dog’s ears are dirty, you’ll see it on the cotton ball.  Your dog may shake their head after this.  That is perfectly normal.  Q-tips are NOT recommended! Repercussions of Not Cleaning Dog's Ears Ear care for dogs is crucial. Some dogs may not have any issues at all.  Like humans, all dogs are different.  Some, however, are prone to getting ear infections, and cleaning their ears regularly will help prevent infections, which can be very painful and uncomfortable for your pet. Another more serious issue can occur.  Dogs can get hematomas in their ears.  Hematomas look like blown-up pillows and can run the entire length of the ear flap at the base.  It is a build-up of blood inside of that flap.  If it goes untreated, it can be extremely painful for most dogs and can also run the risk of becoming infected. If it is a small hematoma, your vet may simply opt just to drain it and hope that it doesn't reoccur.  If it is a large hematoma, surgery is usually recommended.  Remember that the hematoma can reoccur even with surgery, but the chances are less likely. If you choose to get it drained, your dog may have to wear a bandage that adheres very tightly to your dog's head.  It is also uncomfortable for them.  However, your vet will make it tight so that the pressure is applied to the spot where the hematoma was in order to try and prevent it from building up again. If you do opt for the surgery, the stitches may need to stay in for up to a month and, depending on whether your dog scratches it or not, they may have to wear the e-collar.  That's the collar that many jokingly refer to as a lampshade.   After the surgery, don't be surprised when you see their ear, as it might look like a little piece of leather is on it, but it is just a protector to help keep the stitches in. It is always best to start your dog's regimen by consulting your veterinarian first.  They know your dog's history and can assist with suggesting the right products and procedures for your dog. Puppies may adapt more easily to a grooming routine than a senior, but the more it's done, the more they grow accustomed to it.  We can't prevent every illness, but we can make a continuous effort to keep our dogs as healthy and well-groomed as possible. *Note: if your dog is the type to voice their distaste for grooming by growling, it might be best to seek professional assistance.  Ear infections can be excruciating for dogs, so while they may not mean to bite you, they still may lash out to protect themselves from the pain! ~Taken from my book, Dog Book ~   Vestibular Syndrome While we are on the topic of ears, there is another ailment to talk about.  As our dogs age, we notice gradual changes in their activity levels or slight differences in their personality.  They may move slower or not want to go on long walks like usual.  With age, there is one disease or syndrome that can occur instantaneously.   Vestibular syndrome. At first, it is difficult to determine what happened.  They seem fine at first.  They might even be playing or eating.  It happens within a minute.  They may walk super slow or, worse, unable to walk at all.  They may walk in circles.  Some dogs tilt their head to one side, and their face might even be droopy.  They may even collapse.  This disease has varying intensity levels, as some dogs suffer from nausea and won't eat or drink.  They may appear like they want to but seem confused about how to do so! In addition, you will most likely notice a very distinct trait of this disease—their eyes will move back and forth rapidly.  This is called Nystagmus. Some of these symptoms mimic a stroke, so if this happens to your dog, it is best to get them examined by your veterinarian immediately for proper care in either case.  Fortunately in most instances, If they are diagnosed with vestibular, this disease goes away on its own.  The uncertain timeline can resolve itself within one day or three weeks.  It can be caused by an inner ear infection, or idiopathic reasons, and there could be a more serious issue in some cases. Vestibular is similar to vertigo in that your dog cannot make spatial judgments, and they become dizzy.  If you've ever been hungover or seasick, that might be how they feel.  If they are nauseous, they will not want to eat or drink.  In that case, your veterinarian can administer anti-nausea medicine. Also, if your pooch is dehydrated, your vet can administer fluid under your dog's skin to keep them hydrated. While there is no cure, if your vet finds that an inner ear infection is evident, they may administer medicine to cure it. During this time, it's best to keep them confined in a quiet area where they can't fall or get hurt.  Keep them away from stairs and pools.  You may need to bring them food and water if they can't make it to their feeding area alone.  When you need to take them outside, some harnesses make lifting them easier, especially if you have a larger dog. In most cases, it looks worse than it is and is very hard to watch, especially if your pup is anxious and tries to keep walking around.  If that happens, speak to your vet about sedatives to keep them calm and safe.  Note your pet's progress.  If they seem to be getting worse, let your veterinarian know. Otherwise, try to stay calm and patient.  Hopefully, within a few days, you'll see a marked improvement!   ~Taken from my book, Pet’s Medical Journal ~

  • Dog Books for Dog Lovers

    All DOG BOOKS FOR DOG LOVERS! As an author and an avid reader, I know the frustration that accompanies searching for the perfect dog book. As a dog lover, I also know we sometimes prefer to read a dog book where the dog doesn't die at the end. To streamline and facilitate your search for the dog book you are seeking, I've listed the dog books I have written and categorized them into Fiction Dog Books (including which ones are part of a series), Non-Fiction Dog Books, and a category called Other Dog Books. The ones in the 'other' category aren't fiction or non-fiction. I have compiled a medical journal for your pet and two different types of baby books for your dog or cat in two different sizes! Whew! No wonder it's easy to get confused. I'll also have a page for my books that fall under a different genre, such as Suspenseful Romances featuring a Dog, Thrillers, and Inspirational books.   NON FICTION DOG BOOKS FOR DOG LOVERS Finally Home: Lessons on Life from a Free-Spirited Dog - A Funny and Inspirational Book about my Dog, Buddy.  Don’t worry, the dog is alive and well at the end! This is book one of a two-book series. Final Journey: Buddys' Book- This is book 2 of the Finally Home series. This book is about pet loss and learning to love again. Peace, Love, Paws -This is a book on many different facets that accompany owning a dog, including the importance of pet nutrition, coping with the loss of a pet, and opening your heart to adopting a pet in need. Goldie: A Day in the Life of a Blind Dog -An uplifting book about how to help your blind dog, and emphasizes that blind dogs can thrive!   My Dog Does That!  This is a comical book about the antics our dogs entertain us with daily.  If you are a dog lover, you’ll be able to relate to it! Dog Book: It's All About the Dogs   This book can be read in order, or starting at any chapter.  It’s almost like an encyclopedia on caring for your dog.  It’s also great to give to someone who has never owned a dog!   FICTION DOG BOOKS FOR DOG LOVERS Paw Prints in the Sand-Book 1 of the Paw Prints Series.  An uplifting book that does shine a light on puppy mills.  The type of dog book that has a feel good ending.  And..the dog doesn’t die at the end! Paw Prints in the Sand: Mission Accomplished:  Book 2 of the Paw Print Series-An uplifting book that asks that common question: Who rescued who?  The type of dog book that has a feel good ending.  And..the dog doesn’t die at the end! Hearts of Gold Book 3 of the Paw Prints Series-A heartwarming book for dog lovers.  The type of dog book that has a feel good ending.  And..the dog doesn’t die at the end! Dogs Behaving Badly- This is a heartwarming book that is great for dog lovers, but for anyone as well!  The type of dog book that has a feel good ending.  And..the dog doesn’t die at the end! Reflections on Life, Love, and Dogs-  A fictional story, inspired by realistic life events.  A book about dogs, their lives, and their world.  A book for those who love them.  For those who cherish them.  And for those who enjoy the companionship and love that dogs provide to us. (The dog doesn’t die at the end)!   OTHER DOG BOOKS Bark Out Loud! An inspirational book of quotes inspired by dogs Fur-Baby's Keepsake Book -  A One-of-a-Kind, Fill-In-The-Blank Keepsake for your Dog.  6x9 In this black and white book, you'll find dozens of topics to talk about regarding your dog's first years and beyond.  A canine version of the human baby books, there's plenty of room for photographs and threaded between is a spot for you to paste an envelope with a piece of your dog's fur or old ID tags.   Dog Baby Book: A Baby Book for your Dog  8x11 In this full color, illustrated and photograph-rich book, you'll find dozens of topics to talk about regarding your dog's first years and beyond.  A canine version of the human baby books, there's plenty of room for photographs and threaded between is a spot for you to paste an envelope with a piece of your dog's fur or old ID tags. Perfect for your own dog, or as a gift to someone who just welcomed their own canine fur baby into their house.    Cat Baby Book: A Baby Book for Your Cat A One-of-a-Kind, Fill-In-The-Blank Keepsake book for your kitty or cat.  Record special moments! In this full color, illustrated book, you'll find dozens of topics to talk about regarding your cat's first years and beyond.  A feline version of the human baby books, there's plenty of room for photographs and threaded between is a spot for you to paste an envelope with a piece of your cat's fur or old ID tags.  The perfect book to capture precious memories, record milestones and attach keepsakes.  Also included is an emergency contact card to print and carry with you.   "Purr" Baby's Mementos Book In this black and white, 6x9 book, you'll find dozens of topics to talk about regarding your cat's first years and beyond.  A feline version of the human baby books, there's plenty of room for photographs and threaded between is a spot for you to paste an envelope with a piece of your cat's fur or old ID tags.   Silly Pups Coloring Book-A coloring book featuring dogs! Love of Dogs Journal – with Quotes!-A lined notebook with quotes on each page. Pet’s Medical Journal- I thought of a journal because while I've been fortunate with some of my dogs only needing to visit the vet for their annual checkup, I've also had dogs (especially my current dog) who needs to visit the vet at least once a month on a good month. I found documenting these occurrences extremely helpful. It's a great tool not only for your current pet, but if future pets develop any of the same symptoms or illnesses. I find it's so hard to keep track, especially if you have more than one pet at a time. This is an easy, detailed way to look back and see what worked and what didn't. Included, you’ll find space for twenty separate entries: Emergency Contact Numbers Vet Visits Vaccination Records Allergies Medications Symptoms should illnesses arise Notes for your Dog Sitter Feeding Instructions Helpful Tips Photos Expenses …and more!

  • Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers

    For over two decades, I have lived with golden retrievers and it has been an educational and amazing time.  Each dog has a unique personality and learning their quirks and needs has taught me a great deal!  Regardless of the dog, there is one thing that remains constant: They all love toys! For my previous dogs, I was fortunate to get away with buying many of their toys at the dollar store, enabling them to have a toy chest filled to the brim with multi-colored stuffed animals, tennis balls, bones of different shapes and sizes, and the much-loved squeaky variety. Last year, that dynamic all changed! I adopted Henry and Toby in September of last year.  Previous to their arrival, I had Lola.  I had written a book about Lola because her time here was way too short.  Prior to her passing, she had been on a mission to collect as many tennis balls as possible.  In my book, I had suggested, perhaps she knew I’d have two boys who would need them! When she passed away,  she had collected over one hundred and fifty tennis balls. Then Henry and Toby moved in.  They are two large golden retrievers with all of their teeth, lots of energy, and powerful jaws. I should mention, they also love tennis balls. I thought I wouldn’t have to buy any balls for quite some time.  However, they had other plans.  Within a month, they had chewed and destroyed each and every tennis ball.  That means they had seventy-five a piece.  A ball would typically last, at most, a half day before I’d have to lure them to drop it, pick up the pieces, and toss it in the trash before they tried to swallow any. This led me to my next mission:  Find dog toys for Aggressive Chewers.  No more Dollar-tree toys for me!  I figured Kong toys would be the best for my boys, as most are labeled, “For Aggressive Chewers.”  With trial and error, I ordered some Kong toys and toys from other brands.  I have no idea how much money I spent, but I finally found some that stood the test. If you have some aggressive chewers in your home, these may suffice! Here are Henry and Toby’s Reviews of 15 Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers! (Note, to view each item, you'll see it is underlined. Just click on the item name and you'll be brought to the page for viewing or purchasing)! Tennis balls- All Sizes/all brands Just a note here.  Most of my dogs loved tennis balls and couldn’t rip them, or if they did, it took a few days.  I’ve tried every brand I could find and every size, and my pups can tear them apart in a few hours!  So, I won’t review any here. Kong Dog Squeezz Ball- Large and Kong Dog Squeezz Ball-Medium I am listing both the large and Medium ball because both are excellent!  This ball is great for those who love to play ball all day long.  It’s made of a stronger material with a protected squeaker.  Both medium and large are great.  I found that the large lasts a little bit longer but so far, they last at least a month or more.    Kong Jumbler Ball Extra Large  and Kong Jumbler Ball Medium I can’t take the credit for this one.  My niece researched toys online and ordered the large ball for my dogs.  This is PERFECT! It is a large, very durable ball with a tennis ball in the center.  I have had the large one for six months and it is still in one piece.  However, my dogs did manage to puncture a small hole in it which broke the squeaker.  Both large and medium are super durable, with one difference.  The large has a regular size tennis ball in it.  The medium has a small tennis ball.  I was a little hesitant to buy the medium for fear that if they did manage to break it open, they could easily swallow the little ball.  To remove that worry, I just don’t let them play with it when I’m not around.  Still, they haven’t been able to chew threw it to where I’d even need to be concerned.  Just a warning- these have a very loud squeaker!  My dogs love them.  There are two handles on them.  My one dog prefers gripping the handle, the other prefers holding it from the edge. KONG Squeezz Tennis Assorted Dog Toy (Note-that's how the word squeezz is spelled for this toy)! Similar to the ones mentioned above, my dogs love these.  They are not quite as durable, as my dogs can rip these within a few hours.  However, they do last a little longer than regular tennis balls. KONG Jumbler Football Dog Toy Similar to the jumbo balls, but in the shape of a football.  It is a large, very durable ball with a tennis ball in the center.  I’ve had two of these for the past six months and both are still “living” today.  I will say my dogs didn’t love these as much, mostly because they have trouble gripping the handles, unlike the jumbo ball. Nyla bones Years ago, I used to purchase rawhide bones for my dogs. I thought it was one of the best things to keep them occupied and busy.  I believed it was great to satisfy their natural instinct to chew. These were the days before the Internet made its mark and I didn't know how bad they were for dogs! I didn't realize that not only could they choke on the bones (thankfully, they never did), but the bones themselves are made of ingredients that are far from natural, including glues and dyes!  Yikes! Fast forward a bit and I've discovered that there is a bone that curbs a dog's natural instinct to chew, but there are no dyes or glue...and I've yet to see any of my dogs be able to chew a piece of the bone off!  Including Henry and Toby. Those bones are Nyla-bones!  They are textured and flavored dog bones made out of a material that most dogs cannot break off.  There are no small pieces for a dog to choke on!  They last about two weeks to a month, depending on how often your dog uses them.  My dogs are very aggressive chewers, so I usually have to replace the bone every few weeks, otherwise the edges DO  get quite sharp, and I don't want my pups cutting their mouth! They come in a variety of flavors, sizes, and textures. Kong Extreme Dog Toy and Kong Rubber black ball While this is very durable, my dogs found this to be boring.  They were excited for the first day, but didn’t enjoy it much after that. Each dog is different! Pineapple toy Another durable toy, and my dogs were excited to play with it for about a month.  Their favorites are still the jumbler ball and squeezz ball.  They weren’t able to destroy this one though, so it might be great for your pooch and definitely worth a try! Kong Dental Ball I had high hopes for this ball, but my dogs were able to kill it within seconds.  It’s probably good for a medium-strength chewer! Kong Flyer My dogs didn't enjoy this one too much, but when they did, they were able to tear it up in a few minutes. I wouldn't consider this great for an aggressive chewer, but perfect for those who love to play fetch! Kong Extreme Goodie Bone This is great for those times when you would just like a little quiet time!  Stuff it with some treats or peanut butter, and it will keep your dog busy and happy for a little while!  Kong even sells a can of treats- almost like cheez-whiz for dogs, but peanut butter works just as well! Kong Jumbler Flinger Toy While my dogs enjoyed this toy for a little bit, they were able to chew the edges. I wouldn't suggest this one for an aggressive chewer but would be good for one who likes to fetch! Goose Toy and Duckworth While my current dogs can destroy these, they did last a little longer than regular stuffed animals.  My previous dogs loved these.  So, if your pup is like mine, it might not be a great toy.  However, if your dog chews a little softer, these are perfect! Enrichment Puzzle This is a fun puzzle game for your pup.  There are many different types available online.  This one has little compartments where you put dog treats.  Then you cover them with a lever and your dog has to figure out how to get the treats out.  When I had Lola, she figured it out quickly and loved to play with it.  Henry and Toby like it, but just want to beat it up! Rope Toys While my dogs love these, I found them chewing the strings more often than I'd like. Hopefully, these reviews help you a little bit when choosing a good toy for your pup. If they have chompers like mine, I think you'll find one that your pup will enjoy! Out of all of them, the jumbler balls and the squeezz balls are the ultimate winners! Note: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

  • Key Benefits to Adopting a Dog

    If you are a dog lover, you might have chosen the path of rescue and adoption.  If so, Kudos to you!  Over the past twenty-four years, I had made a conscious decision to adopt dogs, rather than adopt from a breeder. I’m not against getting a puppy from a reputable breeder, but that is not the path for me.  There are too many strays and abandoned animals out there who need a loving home to call their own. If you’re thinking about strolling along that same path, or if that is the journey you have already carved out for yourself, then you have made quite a positive impact on our furry friends! Years ago, before the burst of the Internet, I didn’t know much about puppy mills.  Since I was young, we had always taken in strays but my family had never been searching for a dog.  Instead, they somehow miraculously appeared on our doorstep and we opened the door! When I was in my twenties, I wanted a puppy and actually did buy one from a puppy store.  I will never regret my years with Brandi, but had I known about puppy mills, I would have never purchased her.  I didn’t realize the horrible conditions that the female dogs live in or the lack of medical attention or the numerous pregnancies they are forced to endure.  I didn’t know any of that until I read about it years later. Brandi will always hold a special place in my heart, but since then, I’ve only adopted dogs in need. To bring awareness about the deplorable living conditions in puppy mills, I created a series of books, starting with Paw Prints in the Sand .  I then added Paw Prints in the Sand: Mission Accomplished and Hearts of Gold .  While all three books are fiction, the scenarios in them are very real. In my quest to adopt, I’ve shared my heart and my home with nine other dogs.  I’ve recently adopted Henry and Toby from a rescue group in town. Once you adopt, you feel your heart begin to melt.  Each experience has been different, but all have been wonderful and extraordinarily rewarding. I wanted to write this post to dispel some myths about adoptions, as well as shine a light on the positive aspects of making such a choice. When adopting, although there is merit, there are also some drawbacks. 1.       You may never know their true age or birthday. If you’re fortunate, the person who surrendered their fur baby will provide medical records and birthdays.  However, most of the time, it’s anyone’s guess.  A veterinarian can supply an approximate age by looking at your pup’s teeth, but often, it’s a ballpark figure. 2.       You don’t know their medical history. Most rescue groups won’t put a pet up for adoption until they have been spayed or neutered.  In addition, they often have bloodwork taken for any hidden ailments or medical care to resolve any obvious conditions.  They also vaccinate and microchip the pup.  Even with the best preventative care, you may not know any medical conditions your pup may have.  They can appear healthy and vibrant, only to display signs of an ailment months or years later.  While this seems like a drawback, there is really no way to know of any condition, even with a young pup adopted from a breeder.  As a puppy, they can appear healthy, only to develop symptoms later on. 3.       You don’t know their quirks, habits, feeding schedule or fears. While this is true, with time, you’ll learn all about them, just as your pup will learn all about you.  They will adjust to your rules. It takes patience and at times, it may seem that you need to be a mind-reader, but suddenly things will “click” and you’ll understand what your dog wants. With every dog I’ve adopted, I’ve questioned why they do things a certain way or behave oddly for seemingly no apparent reason.  What I’ve learned is, there is ALWAYS a reason.  Even though it might not make much sense at the time, trust your dog when they are fearful of something, or like waking up early or going to bed late.  In their past, they may have had owners who followed a different schedule than you.  You’ll be able to discern the subtle hints from your new dog. When adopting, there is a common rule that makes sense.  It’s called the 3-3-3- rule.  What this means is:  The first three days, they need time to decompress.  They may run around sniffing everything and getting to know you. The first three weeks, they will test the waters to see what they can get away with and learn their new routine. The first three months, they will display their true personalities and will “accept” you as their new friend. During this time, it’s important to be patient.  Positive reinforcement goes a long way!  Gently enforce rules but be understanding that this is all new to them, just as it is for you. As an example, when I adopted Henry and Toby, I was still in a bit of a fog as I had only lost my sweet golden retriever, Lola, a few days prior.  Lola LOVED getting kisses on her face. I wasn’t thinking clearly and decided to smother Henry with kisses on his face and he returned that sentiment with a silent, but strong growl.  Thankfully, it never went further than that, but I learned my lesson.  We both did.  I learned to take my time with him and he learned that I was still going to kiss his furry face.  Not to worry, now he loves it!   Key Benefits to Adopting a Dog Let me count the ways… Adopting a dog is a feeling like no other.  Although, as mentioned before, the first three months may leave you wondering if you made the right decision.  But slowly you will see that you did. 1.      Safety Hopefully, your new pal wasn’t neglected or abused, but if they were, you are now providing them with a safe place to call home. In return, they will protect your heart. Seems like a fair trade! 2.       Unconditional Love There is a certain appreciation factor when adopting a dog.  It’s almost as if they understand that you “saved’ them, and are quick to return the favor.  Perhaps you’ve seen the bumper sticker that says “Who saved who?”  And there is a multitude of truth in that.  While we may save dogs from unfavorable living conditions, they also save us in the process. 3.       Second Chances When you adopt a dog, you give them a second chance at having the life they deserve.  You’ll see the joy when they wake up every morning and feel the appreciation when they cuddle up close to you at night. 4.      Saving a Life! With so many strays living on the streets, many are either hit by a car or starve to death.  Some don’t make it through the harsh winter or brutal heat of the summer.  If they are captured, some are brought to a kill shelter if they are considered “unadoptable” or if the rescue groups don’t have enough room for them.  By choosing to adopt, you remove them from those harsh conditions and ultimately save their life! 5.      A New Friend It’s nice to have friends of the human variety, but there is a special kinship between a person and their dog.  Who else will go with the flow as easily as our canine companions and be by our side during the roughest of storms.  Dogs are there to walk with you, play with you, and yes, listen to your deepest secrets and saddest woes, without judgment or disinterest.  True, they may yawn or fall asleep to the sound of your voice, but they are your friend through thick and thin. 6.      Endless Laughs! Dogs never cease to amaze me with their comical antics and silly behavior.  Throughout the years, it has been my dog or dogs who have pulled out of the depths of despair.  Dogs can sense our emotions and know how to “break the ice” during those times of stress.  They are the reason for many episodes of laughter in my life.  Every dog I have lived with has had very unique traits.  Each one has been quite the character and has added immense joy to my days. 7.      Many are Housebroken-Some are Trained! Isn’t that good news?  Although not all have mastered housebreaking training, I’ve been fortunate enough that the ones I have adopted immediately knew to go to the door when they needed to go outside to go potty!  In addition, adopting a dog has some training perks. If they were brought up inside of a house with a previous family, they may have learned some training commands.   This doesn't mean you won't have to train them, but it can make things a little easier!   In my mind, there is no greater reward than having the opportunity to save a dog’s life.  While adoption can be a little intimidating at first, the endless love and companionship makes it all worthwhile.  I have never regretted adopting a dog for a single second.  It might not always be easy and a lot of patience is required, but the end result is saving two lives in the process: the dog's life and my own! There are so many key benefits to adopting a dog, I'm sure I haven't listed them all. If you have any you'd like to add, please feel free to do so in the comments section! Labels: #Adopting #doglovers #puppymills #rescuegroups #dogtraining #booklovers #Dogrescue

  • Inspiration for All

    Virtuous Victory-An Inspirational and uplifting book. Giovanna and her family lived in a modest home in a charming and quiet town.  Her parents struggled financially and, amidst their hardships, often became disturbed by worldwide events.  They frowned upon watching, but yet, they watched it faithfully.   As a young girl, Giovanna couldn’t understand that uplifting news was never mentioned or televised, and people rarely even spoke about it.   She wanted to make a difference.  She wanted to prove that there were decent people in the world and that individuals perform good deeds daily.  The public just never hears about it or knows about it.  It’s thought of as not good enough to report.   Giovanna believed differently.  She devised a strategy that would change people’s viewpoints.  Against other’s well-meaning advice to abandon her project, she only became more determined and laughed in the face of adversity.   She set forth a plan in motion.  Little by little, she developed new ideas, found ways to inform the public and advertise her mission.  She imagined adults starting their day with their morning cup of coffee.  However, instead of watching the news, they tuned into her channel.    Her channel was different.  It broadcasted news.  That much was certain.  The difference was her channel only reported on the kindness of strangers.  She noted the good deeds that happen daily but go unnoticed.   She began to research this idea against the advice of naysayers.  She carried a notebook with her wherever she went.  What started as one or two weekly stories snowballed into at least ten per day.   Giovanna created a blog and posted every detail.  Soon, instead of having to search for stories, people came to her full of enthusiasm.   She realized humanity wasn’t dead; it had just been hiding.  Inspiration for All While she loved writing, she took her ideas to the next level.  She created a channel where she could interview people with news to report.   The heartwarming stories they told her were fascinating—strangers who went out of their way for the benefit of others.   Giovanna began to realize that the smallest good deed can significantly impact another’s life.   She loved learning all the little favors that people did but was looking for a story that would make a difference in someone’s life.  She got more than she asked for.    Her cousin in New York is a teacher in a poor neighborhood.  She teaches third grade.  The teacher across the hall discovered many children had never been on a boat.  Field trips were rare in this school, as most families had no money to pay for them.   As a treat, this teacher decided to raise money for his entire class to go on a field trip on the Circle Liner, a large sightseeing boat that circles around Manhattan.   But, he didn’t raise money the traditional way of having his students sell candy bars and cookies.  Most of the kids don’t come from families with money.  Some can’t even buy school supplies.  He didn’t want them to ask family and friends to purchase anything.   Instead, he took it upon himself to act as a handyman to neighbors or people who needed assistance with odd jobs.  He was highly knowledgeable about how to fix most household appliances and outside fixtures such as fences, cement work, and the like.   On it, the kids would get a close-up of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Yankee Stadium, and more.   It took him six months to raise over one thousand dollars, which covered the cost for each child.   His friends and family thought he was crazy.  After all, he devoted much of his life to the classroom without the reward of the compensation he deserved.   He explained it wasn’t about the money.  He didn’t mind fixing things; people were happy that their house was repaired and the money was going toward the children.   He wanted the kids to experience something new and beautiful.   They felt fortunate and cruised around Manhattan on a beautifully sunny day.  For that day, they were the wealthiest children in the neighborhood, and nothing else mattered.  The look on the kids’ faces proved that he had made the right decision.  He claimed that their joy was enough to make it all worthwhile.   Some kids never go anywhere except from home and back to school.  They would have never enjoyed that day without the teacher’s hard work and altruism.   The kids never forgot him, and he enjoyed doing it so much that he tried to do something similar for his new students every year.  That was only one story.  The rest kept flooding in faster than Giovanna could keep up.   What started as a tiny idea in a young girl’s mind flourished into a national sensation.  However, Giovanna’s crusade wasn’t finished.  She decided to write a book that became a best-seller by the time she was nineteen.   Giovanna reflected on when she first began this journey and smiled.  She had wanted to make an impact, but although it took a lot of work and perseverance, she succeeded.   It’s incredible that in this big world, where we all seem to be so diverse, people from every walk of life have affected, or have been affected positively by the kind acts of one another.  The smallest gesture can make another person’s life easier, if even for a moment.   You never know if the person standing next to you could use just a little something to brighten their day.  Tragedy and turmoil affect us all during different seasons of our lives.  Every so often, wouldn’t it be nice to lift someone’s spirits and see them walk away with a smile? Making a difference in someone's day is enough to be the inspiration for all!

  • RESOURCE GUARDING

    Resource Guarding and Aggression (Scroll down for Video) You might have come across this term if you’ve been around dogs for a while.  It’s a term that describes what we humans perceive as negative behavior. Your pup might appear friendly most of the time until they grab hold of a particular toy, bone, biscuit, food bowl, or even a person!  If they could speak, all they would need is one word.  MINE! That’s when you’ll see them raise their jowls and expose their pearly whites.  Their eyes are fixated and their bodies are tense. The first time you witness it, you’re bound to be shocked.  Your otherwise jovial and happy-go-lucky pooch has a dark side.  Yikes! However, in truth, we think of this as a negative behavior, but our pets’ ancestors used this method of resource aggression to survive.  Those who weren’t afraid to show a toothy grin usually kept any of their prized possessions.  Those who cowered, hung their heads in shame and walked away into the wilderness without dinner for the night. In basic terms, in the wild, it’s survival of the fittest and a good trait to have. Now, take our domesticated pups with their floppy ears and propelling tails, and the story changes slightly.  We don’t want our beloved pets to be vicious.  We want them to learn how to share and to obey us, God forbid they have a thorn bush in their mouths!  (Yes, Henry has tried to do that).  We need to be able to command them to drop it for our safety and theirs. Most commands we teach our dogs are easy to learn.  I should say easier.  Some dogs take a little longer to understand. Since resource aggression is an inborn trait passed down from generations, it’s one of the most challenging habits to break.  Sometimes it is only possible with the help of a trained professional.  In fact, many times, a behavioral expert needs to step in.  The good news is, it’s not impossible.  It just takes longer to break them of this habit than having them sit or shake their paws! In addition, it takes a lot of patience and observance.  It’s not something to be taken lightly because even though your pup loves you more than anything, they feel they have to protect what’s theirs.  This is especially difficult if there is another pet in the home or a child.  Another pet can usually pick up on your dog's subtle cues: the low growl, the sideways glance, the rigid back and tail.  A child might not understand as they attempt to grab their bottle from your dog’s mouth! I’ve had to deal with this behavior one and a half times.  I’ll explain. Years ago, when I adopted my dog, Toffee, she was very possessive of certain items.  I worked with her constantly and will admit I was fearful to a point.  The only reason I wasn’t terrified, was that Toffee didn’t have many teeth and she only weighed forty pounds.  Her body language scared me more than anything, but I didn’t think she could actually hurt me too badly.  Still, I was careful.  I took my time.  First and foremost, I gained her trust slowly but surely. I then allowed her to have her most precious toy, but only if I had an extra delicious treat to give her as a trade.  We did this for months.  Slowly. I can’t stress that enough. I then let her have her treasure, but only when she was on a leash.  And only when she was by my side.  The purpose of this was to let her know she was safe with me and didn’t have to run to a corner to eat her bones or play with her toys. At first, she wasn’t thrilled with the concept. Neither was I to be honest!  But we worked at it.  Gradually, she trusted me more.  Soon, I didn’t need to coax her with a leash.  She sat by my side on her own when she had her treasure.  It took time to make her “release” it, but a yummy treat always did the trick. *Note, some dogs aren’t food-motivated.  It helps to find something that is better than their treasure to introduce a trade.  Think of it as paying them to drop the item.  Another note is, don’t think just because they dropped it, that it’s yours.  A dog’s reflexes are way faster than ours.  You’ll be surprised at how quickly they can go for that item or your arm.  Remember, they  are resorting back to their roots- survival of the fittest.   At the time, there weren’t any books on Resource Aggression.  Believe me, I searched everywhere.  I found one, appropriately named “Mine!”  I liked the tips there, and many of them worked with Toffee. I found another book by someone who proposed becoming the alpha.  I can’t tell you how much I hated that suggestion.  I tried it once out of desperation initially, which made Toffee afraid of me.  A fear aggressive and resource guarding dog is a deadly combination.  Needless to say, I never have and never will try that again.  There are more logical ways to train a dog. With time, I got to the point where Toffee dropped her cherished items and had fun doing so.  She trusted me implicitly and I never had to worry about it again.  I watched her around others and didn’t let them try to grab anything from Toffee, just to be on the safe side.  But patience was the key ingredient in the recipe for success. Now, I said one and a half because when I adopted Toby and Henry, I had grown complacent in training.  It had been years since any of my dogs required training, and I had forgotten the golden rule: Trust! Thankfully, it came back to me quickly, and no harm was done.  During the first few months, however, Henry and Toby wouldn’t release a thing out of their mouths.  Now I didn’t just have one dog to train.  I had two boys who had grown up together!  They were six and seven years old and I had just met them. I say “a half” because they really didn’t exhibit fierce signs of resource guarding.  They simply wouldn’t let me take anything out of their mouths.  I used a command I used with other dogs: "leave it.”  They stared at me with a blank stare.  Finally, I thought of a command they might obey: "drop it.” To my surprise, Toby dropped it immediately. Dogs are very literal! I went to grab it and he beat me to it.  You know what they say "keep your eye on the ball." And dogs do just that! Thankfully, he only went for his ball, and not my arm.  I then incorporated “Leave it.”  Henry and Toby were not food-motivated, so to reward Toby, I returned his ball to him.  He is an excitable dog so he grabbed his ball with vigor.  Hence, a new command came into play, “Easy.”  I followed this up with “Good boy.”  Then Henry caught on when he saw his brother getting praise. I wish I could tell you that I didn’t spend HOURS following this routine with both of them sitting next to me, but, I did.  “Drop it.  Leave it.  Eassssy.  Good boy!!!!”  “Drop it.  Leave it.  Eassssy.  Good boy!!!!” “Drop it.  Leave it.  Eassssy.  Good boy!!!!” Catch my drift?  Consistency is another key ingredient.  I’ve now lived with these two sweet angels for six months.  We are still training and most likely will be for time to come.  But we’ve made progress, which is better than going the opposite direction. Unlike Toffee, Henry and Toby have very healthy teeth and weigh about one hundred pounds each! As you can see, Toby and Henry love their toys! Important: If you have a dog with resource aggression, calling in a pro is a good idea.  They have the experience, the knowledge, and the proper training tools to ensure that no one gets hurt. This is especially helpful if you don't know your dog's background. They could have had to fight for food or someone might have constantly teased them. There might be a reason they are territorial. The most important thing is your safety and your dog’s safety, as well.  With help, every training session can be a positive experience and your pup will thank you for it later!

  • Review of Dazzber Martingale Collar

    The Dazzber Martingale Collar With all of my other dogs, I had only used standard collars in the past. When I adopted Henry and Toby, I tried walking them simultaneously and quickly discovered that was a big mistake. The two of them could pull a sled together, and one day, I was the sled. Needless to say, after getting dragged down the street horizontally, I never made that mistake again!  A friend visited and showed me the collar he used on his dog. I didn't even know such a thing existed, and once I saw how it worked, I knew I had to have it. Unlike standard collars, the Dazzber Martingale Collar is basically a collar with an extra loop. When you receive the collar, adjust it to fit comfortably off and on your dog's neck. Make sure that it isn't too tight. Then simply slip over your dog's head. Notice when you walk them, it will remain loose until your dog begins to pull. Then, the extra loop causes it to tighten again, giving you more control. I haven't needed their customer service team, so can't review them, but the collar is durable and still looks brand new. The pricing may seem a bit high, but if your pup is rambunctious and powerful, it's well worth the extra few dollars! The price drops quite a bit for smaller-sized dogs. The Kurgo Harness (see additional post) and this Martingale Collar have become two necessities in my home. They have enabled me to walk my dogs (separately) with confidence.  I will point out I use both on Henry, complete with two leashes. The leashes I use are about six feet long. I had tried the shorter leash and found that the theory of a shorter leash being better isn't always true. Yes, it is short, but you have zero seconds to pull back when a dog begins to pull. It's more like an extension of your arm, and I found it to be dangerous. Also, I'm not too fond of retractable leashes. I had used that years ago on my dog, Brandi, who wasn't even hyper. She pulled for one second, and the leash broke in two and snapped against the palm of my hand. Thankfully, Brandi was obedient, but had she been a vicious dog, that incident wouldn't have ended well. I'm happy to say that Toby "graduated" to only need this wonderful Martingale collar without a harness when we walk. However, while Henry is calm in the car, Toby is a menace! Needless to say, they both wear their own harness in the car whenever we take a road trip, even if that trip is only down the block. If you have a rambunctious dog who is reactive or gets distracted easily, this collar is a great tool to use. It comes in all different sizes. Henry is over one hundred pounds of muscle and Toby is eighty-five pounds. I got the Extra Large size for them both. It comes in different colors, so if you have more than one dog, getting different colors helps differentiate which dog gets which collar! If you'd like to view or purchase the Martingale Collar, click here!   Please watch the video below that shows both the Harness and the Martingale collar. Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

  • Awake from the Pandemic

    A Bit of Gratitude The Pandemic. Wow. Did that really happen? We all have our interpretation of how we dealt with the chaotic world during that time. From running out of essential items to nurses and doctors being overworked and hospitals being filled to capacity. Some of us lost jobs during the pandemic, while some of us worked even more. Many lost loved ones or became very ill, as well .One thing was for certain, and that is that everything was uncertain!  Initially, we didn’t know how serious it was. I remember speaking to a friend at first, and both of us were in agreement that it was nothing more than the flu. Then, with our eyes glued to the news, realized how wrong we were! Living in Las Vegas, the one big eye-opener was hearing that all shows, all casinos, and all that Vegas had to offer were closing their doors. Vegas?! I don’t think the casino doors had ever been closed, no less locked.  How strange that we no longer saw movie trailers when we watched television. No new shows were broadcast, and sadly, some good shows were taken off the air.  In a sense, the world in its entirety closed its doors. Not just Vegas. Everywhere! During that time, I was fortunate not to lose my job. However, without a social life for a period of time, it would have been the perfect opportunity to write, write and write some more. I don’t know what happened. The thrill of writing lost its luster. Or, maybe I had nothing to say. Nothing seemed appropriate. Write a thriller? Nothing I could have written would have been scarier than the world during that time.  Then things calmed down.   People could socialize with masks. Then came the vaccines. We could see friends and family we hadn’t seen in months.  Did we lose the ability to socialize? I remember thinking that our lives were running parallel to the show “The Walking Dead.” No, we didn’t have zombies. But the state of disarray was quite similar to the drama series! People were frantic. Before I even knew that the stores were closing their doors, I recall seeing a man at Costco dragging two big carts full of cases of water. Then it hit me. It was each man (or woman) for themselves. Thankfully, humanity raised its head now and then. There were still good people aiming to help others. Before the pandemic, I wrote at least a book, if not two, per year. Then, from 2019 to 2023, I didn’t type a word. I barely even went on social media. It was only August of 2023 when I began to pop on Facebook now and then. I realized how many people I had lost touch with. I was glad to see old friends, some who I knew personally and some who I met online. I am glad to see we are all awake from the pandemic! Some, I still haven’t seen.  Awake From the Pandemic Slowly, the itch to write became strong again. I finished a book I started to write before the pandemic. Then another. Then…another. The thoughts must have been bottled up for so long they had to jump out onto paper. I saw other author friends do a bit of the same. I can only wonder if they “closed their doors” with the pandemic, too. Let’s hope the pandemic weasels its way out of our lives and into the darkness so that we never have to live in frenzied panic! Well, a long, overdue thank you to those who picked up where we left off without question. It is nice to come out of the fog and into a bright array of smiling faces.   I'm glad to see people are slowly becoming awake from the pandemic! So my question to you is, did you stop doing something you love because of the pandemic?

  • Thrillers, Suspenseful Romance and Inspirational Books

    When I started writing in 2010, I chose to write about the things I am most passionate about and have working knowledge of, and something for which I could provide dozens of examples and tips to help others. If you've read any of my previous books, you probably guessed it. I wrote books for dog lovers. However, I also have other interests, contrary to popular belief! I have been reading and watching thrillers and true crime ever since I can remember, but I know I was probably too young. I found a way.  Like most readers, I don't stick to one genre. I hop around depending on my mood. It's the same when I write.  Sometimes, I want to breathe life into a fictitious dog and describe everything we love about them: their loyalty, antics, habits, quirks, fears, and unique personalities. Other times, I need a little more excitement and need to create characters with delightful personalities, some sinister ones. I also love writing light-hearted but suspenseful romance novels for those days when you just want to put aside your troubles, delve into the life of an unknown character, and see how they shine…or fade away. I've written a separate blog that explains my books for dog lovers. I categorized them into fiction, non-fiction, and other categories. I've also added which ones are part of a series. It makes it a bit easier when searching for the perfect genre to match your current mood. I've done the same here. You'll find a light description of each book. For a more detailed description, visit www.elizabeth-parker.com  and click on the book you wish to learn more about. You can also click on each title here, which will bring you to Amazon. You'll find three categories here, which are: Thrillers, Suspenseful Romance, and Inspirational books. Thrillers, Suspenseful Romance and Inspirational Books If you love thrillers, Suspenseful romance, or inspirational books, you've come to the right place. Find a broad list of all three genres here! I'll start with my Thrillers: Thrillers: Unwanted Dreams This was the first thriller I had written back in 2010. It stems from a collection of nightmares I kept a log about! It's one of my favorites as it isn't only scary, but lightly touches on each emotion. The type of thriller with twists and turns that leave you wondering and thinking about it way after you've read the last word. If you're looking for a thriller about a different type of evil twin, or a domestic thriller, you'll appreciate this book! Phobia I wonder if other authors get the chills when they write a thriller. I know I did when I wrote this book. The protagonist is at his most vulnerable when the antagonist is like a lion on a gazelle. This is a psychological thriller. Evil's Door Have you ever been curious about someone or someplace? And if so, did you dare investigate what lurked behind those walls? Hopefully not, or hopefully, if you are thinking about it, you won't explore the unknown after reading this book! Faces of Deception We all know that the past can come back to haunt us. The question is: what would you do if you were in the same situation as Jaqueline? Although she tries to escape a crowd she used to call friends, she finds herself tangled in a web of deception. How do you know who to trust?  Occupational Hazard-Perfect Lies A place of employment is supposed to be safe. When Ellie lands her dream job, working for a man she respects, her dreams are slowly shattered when she discovers who and what he truly is! Blaze of Fury Women are vanishing and the tension is high. The police have no leads or suspects and are running out of hope. Each encounter with the murderer is a means to an end, and the end of one's life. In a game of cat and mouse, will they find the killer in time to save the next victim? Silent Redemption Vivienne, a woman of strength and resilience, suddenly vanishes from her ordinary life, only to awaken in the confines of a secluded cabin. The only way to escape is to do something she would never have done otherwise. What if you were given a grim choice to survive that would change the rest of your life? Would you fight for what you believe in, or succumb to demands?     Suspenseful Romance Books for Dog Lovers Cypress Cove A suspenseful romance book featuring a dog.   If you love adventure, suspense, romance and dogs, you'll find tidbits of each in this heartwarming book! The perfect book to escape daily life and take a thrilling journey! Enchanted A heartwarming, suspenseful romance book for dog lovers.   Inspirational Books The Light at the End of the Tunnel While this book is fiction, weaved within the pages is a story about a man suffering from depression and anxiety. Inside, you'll not only find his story but also some tips about how to cope with mental illness. An uplifting and powerful book. Virtuous Victory A cute story about a girl who has a dream to bring cheer to the world, instead of the horrific news we see daily. She has a goal to report on only good deeds and her idea hits heights she never thought possible. An uplifting and thought-provoking book! Passionate An inspirational book with motivational stories. Not quite like Chicken Soup for the Soul, but just as inspirational. "Difficult Doesn't Mean Impossible!" Bark Out Loud This is a happy book of quotes inspired by our furry friends! It's the perfect book to open in the morning and read a few quotes and affirmations to put you on the right track.

  • What to Expect When Moving Away

    As many as you may or may not know, I have lived on Long Island my entire life up until a few years ago.  In March of 2006, I made the move all the way across the country to Las Vegas, Nevada.  If you’re read my book, Finally Home: Lessons on Life from a Free-Spirited Dog, then you’ll remember the horrific car-ride that I described and somehow, lived to tell about! Have you ever moved far away from your comfort zone?  I wonder if you had felt the same shock that I did. I didn't know what to expect when moving away! The move wasn’t a bad change; it was just a different change.  When you are used to a way certain things are done or how certain people act, it takes some time to get acclimated to new surroundings.  In addition, I had never been the new kid in town, so the New Yorker in me was skeptical about meeting new people, weeding out the scam artists and those looking to take advantage, as well as keeping the "good" people.   I'm not a trusting person by nature so when people got too chummy too fast, promising the sun, the moon and the stars, I bailed.  Needless to say, it took a while to make friends, but the ones who were low-key and unassuming turned out to be wonderful people.  I suppose the skepticism comes from reading tons of true-crime books over the years, but that's an entirely different story. Aside from the people, however, there are other differences that took some getting used to. What to Expect When Moving Away     Food: While Las Vegas is filled to the brim with restaurants of every kind, there’s one thing that just cannot be emulated: NY Pizza and NY bagels.  For New Yorkers, you’ll be nodding your head in agreement.  If you never had New York pizza or bagels, you’re probably wondering “what is the big deal?”  All I can say is visit New York and you’ll see! Weather: Here’s the one main reason I moved.  Ahhh- almost year round beautiful weather.  New York has four seasons of very diverse climates. New Yorkers are no strangers to snow, rain, hail, and humidity. Though this is no surprise to anyone, Las Vegas is rarely humid and it rarely rains or snows.  Well, unless it is the year 2008 when it snowed eight inches here while New Yorkers enjoyed a fairly mild winter!  The rest of the year—aside from two or three months of a hot summer— is beautiful.  The sky here is the bluest I have ever seen and at night, you can see almost every star, or though it seems! Of course, you can’t beat the Long Island beaches and east end wineries, but that’s a good enough reason to visit a few times a year!   Culture: Visit Manhattan and you’ll experience amazing art and history museums, exquisite cuisine and historic buildings; everything that would be considered antiquated and knocked down in Vegas.  In Vegas, everything is neatly manicured, pretty and for the most part, new.  For me, sometimes that is refreshing, other times, I miss the old buildings! One thing I miss is actual New Yorkers.  I’ve heard people stereotype New Yorkers as “rude.” I see it very differently. I never perceive myself or any other New Yorker as rude- just upfront and honest without the sugar-coating.  It’s not a bad thing. Really.  I guess we are always in such a rush to get things done, we don’t have the time to beat around the bush!   I have found myself finishing sentences for people when I am in a rush, oops, though it is something I have made a point to stop doing (although I do slip up every once in a while)!   Stability: One very odd thing I have noticed since I have moved here is that it is a very transient city, at least from the people I have met.  One day they are here and the next day they are gone, either to move back to their hometown or to greener pastures. For that reason, it can get quite lonely when the good friend or neighbor that you hung around with has suddenly left town! There is, however, a great sense of community.  Well, at least amongst animal lovers.  There are many animal rescue groups in the valley and a dog park on almost every corner.   Some restaurants allow dogs to sit on the patio and dine with their owners.  I didn’t find that to be the case in New York and that was one of my biggest complaints. Nightlife!  I laugh every time I get on a plane traveling from anywhere back to Vegas.  More times than not, you’ll encounter the partiers screaming “Vegas!”  Then, if they find out I live here, they act surprised as if no one could possibly live here. It’s funny because there is so much more to do here than just visit the strip, gamble and drink.  Vegas has some of the best hiking trails and outdoor activities I have ever encountered!  Mount Charleston even has skiing and seems like a world away.    Red Rock is absolutely beautiful and serene.   Want to visit the Hoover Dam?  Why not take the boat ride on Lake Mead?    Wildlife: Is that a coyote?  Brace yourself Long Islanders.  The coyotes will cross your path in a pack and howl as if they are auditioning for the next horror movie.  Bats are common, as are scorpions, lizards, roaches and crickets.  I have yet to encounter a snake (nor do I want to), but they do exist here, as well.  In summary, if you are ever thinking of making a move, realize the type of place that you are moving to and be prepared to make adjustments to your lifestyle.  It will help you adapt that much quicker. Have you ever moved away from home?  If so, what new things did you encounter?

  • Ten Tips To Save Money

    With the current economy the way it is, many people are rubbing nickels together to pay their rent, mortgage, or simply to put gasoline in their cars.  The cost of a tank of gas for a compact car tips the scales way over the forty and fifty dollar mark.  Is there any relief in sight?  For those who can pay their daily bills, saving money in a bank account is not always an option when you are just getting by.  There are, however, other ways to save.  Here are Ten Tips To Save Money and Keep Expenses Down! 1. Household Items: You can buy the no-frills brand for certain things and never notice a difference.  When shopping at the supermarket, look for the cheapest items and give them a try.  You may find that you even like them better!  Buy your house cleaners and detergents at the discount retailers and take note of how much you’ll save.  Some have a section where you can buy food, saving anywhere from a few pennies to a few bucks on certain products.  Don’t forget to clip coupons.  The savings add up!  Also, be sure to get a store card from your supermarket.   Many grocery stores also have digital coupons which help you save even more.  Find out which ones are linked to gas stations and help save at the pump.  Or, join Costco or Sam’s Club.  They also will help you save money at their gas stations. 2. Entertainment:  How much do you spend on your cable bill each month?  If you have hit a rough patch and are having difficulty paying your bills, how about downsizing to a fundamental package until you get back on your feet?  Better yet, switch to an antenna.  This can save anywhere from twenty to over one hundred dollars per month, depending on your current plan.  Or, if you need to have something on television, try the Internet-based companies that stream movies and television shows for under $10/per month!  You can still go out and have fun!  However, to save a little extra, look for deals online.  Las Vegas has a great membership if you enjoy shows.  It’s called LV.houseseats.com .  You have access to shows all year long for a small annual fee.  One membership fee is for you and a guest, or upgrade to get four tickets to each show.  I’ve taken advantage of this and have seen almost every show in town for free! Check if your city/state has similar offers! Instead of joining a gym, spend time in nature! There's something to be said about being outside and surrounding yourself with beautiful scenery while you take a walk! 3. Books:  You can even save money on books.  EBooks have been the most current hype and the best part is twofold: You don’t need to BUY the Kindle.  You can download their free program onto your computer or smartphone.  Then all you need to do is buy the books, which brings me to my second point: kindle books (and many eBooks) are often MUCH cheaper than paperbacks or hardcovers.  Some paperbacks may sell for over $10.00, while the eBook version may only cost $3.99(or less)!  You can also borrow books from your local library, including Kindle and audiobooks!  Once you get a membership from your library, you can download the Libby app.  Link this to your library account and read for free, including kindles and audiobooks!  4. ebay and Other Online Sales Platforms: Have old items or items that you do not use anymore?  Why not go on eBay, create an account, and sell them there?  You can sell anything from old albums, CDs, DVDs, books, clothes, shoes, purses, jewelry…the list is endless. 5. Etsy:   Do you have a particular craft you enjoy?  You can sell those crafts on Etsy!  You don’t need a physical store location; you can sign up in minutes.  You’ll need to take good pictures of your items and upload them, add a description, and set a price.  Etsy does take a small percentage from the sale of your items, but it’s nice to have a little extra income for all of your hard work! 6. Meal Prep:   This may sound redundant, but many people spend up to $800 a month dining out.  That’s a car payment or two!  You may want to think about planning your meals on a day you have time to make them, and then freeze them until you’re ready.  You can save boatloads of money this way and learn some new recipes in the process! 7. Shop Around:    If you haven’t looked at your car insurance, home insurance, or health insurance policy in a while, take a look and check prices elsewhere.  The same holds true for utility bills and cell phone plans.  Think about all your features, and then compare them to the features you need.  You may find that you can eliminate some “extras” you don’t need! 8. Create a Budget (and Stick to it):  If you haven’t already done so, keep a list of your monthly expenditures.  Seeing it in front of you helps you decide if there’s anything you can eliminate.  It also gives you a benchmark on how much money to put aside for each item.  You can do this in a simple Excel Spreadsheet or search online for free budgeting apps.   9. Save Your Change!  There’s something to be said for a piggy bank.  Each time you get change or a little extra cash you don’t need, simply put it in your bank and “forget” it’s there until next time you can add to it.  When it gets full, deposit into your savings account.  You’ll be surprised how much money you’ll be able to save, even if it’s little by little.   10. Conserve Energy:  You may not realize how many items are running even when not in use.  If you have a computer you use sparingly, perhaps turn the surge protector off until you’re ready to power it on.  Is your house a little too cool?  Even adjusting the temperature a few degrees will help save money.  The same is true for your heating bill.  Check around your house and see what items are unnecessarily plugged in.  I.e. the toaster, a printer, a lamp that’s not often used, televisions, etc. Hopefully, these ten tips to save money will give you some ideas of things you can do to curb spending. You would be surprised how a few small changes to your budget can make a big difference in your wallet.  I’m sure there are other people out there with great ideas on how to cut back as well.  If so, feel free to comment!  In what ways do you save money?

2024 Elizabeth Parker- LAS VEGAS-  Dog Lover Books - Books for Dog Lovers-Thriller Books

 

“A dog is not a thing. A thing is replaceable. A dog is not.

A thing is disposable. A dog is not.

A thing doesn’t have a heart.

A dog’s heart is bigger than any “thing” you can ever own.” 
- Paw Prints in the Sand-

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