Adventures in Wolfhounds

Chapter 4

 The Adventures of Willow and McDugan

by Colette J Griffin

Wolfhounds in our future

  Ok now we have covered finding the right breeder and purchasing your puppy. Well as you know we purchased two very lovely Irish wolfhound puppies, our girl is Painted hounds, Griffin Willow, and our boy is Painted hounds, Griffin McDugan, call names, Willow and Dugan.

 Our breeder lives in Northern Utah and we live in Central California neither of us wanted to put the precious babies on a plane so we agreed to meet half way when they were ready to be picked up.  The excitement filled the air and our lives as the days drew nearer, as we went about our daily lives planning our trip and puppy proofing our home. I turned to our IW social net work, for some good advice from the big guys, people who have owned, bred, and showed this giant breed for years. They were all too helpful.

 Here are some of the recommendations I was given to ready ourselves for the arrival; extra large jumbo crates, several very tall sturdy baby gates, about 200 lbs of dog food for the first week, get to know, on a first name basis, the good people at our local home improvement store, call the cable company and put extra wires and remotes aside, call the cell phone store and order extra cell phones. Best of all put a new extra large sofa on order just in case. OMG! Ok I have seen a few damages from these dogs but all this has me to wonder, what are they T- rex’s or dogs…….. and that’s not all, I will need to go shoe shopping for at lease 6 new pairs, buy new eye glasses minimum 3, and lots of paper towels, steel dog dishes, jumbo water pails, a case of aspirin for headaches, and a first aid kit. All this to be done before they get here! I’m assuming the aspirin are for me!

Willow 7 weeks

   Our breeder agreed to meet us, about half way in Nevada.  Now I have to tell you, I love my IW network of friends, but after the last question, I was a bit hesitant to ask about what I should bring for the trip, but you know me! Enquiry minds have got to know! So I took my chance and asked the question of what should we be prepared for?  I just had to ask, I was told be sure to pack paper towels, leashes, paper towels, collars, paper towels, cleaning supplies, paper towels, crates, paper towels, blankets, towels, paper towels, large and small plastic bags, paper towels, ear plugs, paper towels, kibble, and more paper towels, and if there was room in the car be sure to pack  our clothes for 6 days. 6 sets for over night? And…..You got it PAPER TOWLES!  I was just bringing home 2 little puppies, not an elephant! So I thought……….

  So now that the car is packed with all our supplies and plenty of ……you got it paper towels! Hey you catch on quick J
and we were off to pick up our new wolfies.

 

McDugan 7 weeks

After 7 long hours of travel we get to the meeting place, and meet our new family members, oh they were so adorable! We walked over to say hi and these 12 week old bundles of joy stood up, and OMG, they were the biggest puppies I have ever seen! I mean I knew they were big dogs but you figure a puppy is supposed to be small. They were almost 22” tall and weighed 30 lbs each. OK maybe we were, bringing home elephants after all. Not one but two! So we played with the babies a while and then signed the paper work, mean while puppies are running in every direction, shoes are being carried off dog food dishes clanging, food flying in all directions, and tails smacking you in the face, but this did not detour me, oh no not one bit! I was so in love with these babies that the world seemed to stand still just for me. My heart melted and an instant bonding began.  So Hal and I finished the paperwork, and agreed to pick them up in the morning.  Now most normal people would have packed up and left town never to be seen again, but NOoooooo, we are not normal people, we are wolfie lovers and returned promptly in the morning as planned to pick up our new charges. We took photos of Willow and McDugan, with Tracy our breeder and her lovely daughters and bid them a safe trip loaded the puppies in the crate and we were off.

 

Hal Griffin with Willow and McDugan

The ride home another 8 hours due to stops for breaks for the pups and us went very well. They were such good babies, not one peep, no messes to clean, no need for the paper towels and totally uneventful. We were so happy and the dogs were great, we couldn’t believe how good they were. Never needed the ear plugs, or the aspirin. When we arrived home we fed them light per Tracy’s instruction, walked them and played with them for a bit and put them to bed for the night. Hal and I were very exhausted, and joined them. Thinking they would cry a bit we were prepared for a long night.

Me and my kids

We were so surprised; they actually slept until 5:00 A.M. I am thinking this is a piece of cake, they were the greatest dogs! So at 5:01 A.M.  we quickly stumbled out of bed and led the pups out side to potty, at 5:15 I returned to the house and began the regiment of feeding all our 3 dogs and the 2 new pups. Our guys aren’t very patient and wanted their breakfast, like yesterday, and the pups also hungry joined in. 5:18, all 5 dogs were jumping on me from both sides while I am preparing meals.  I open the bag of puppy chow while 2 hungry wolfhounds are jumping on my head, and Brandy our rat terrier is barking for her food as she always gets fed first. 5:20 I was placing the pups dishes on the floor only to have both of them dive face first in the dish of kibble, knocking it from my hands, food splattering every where, I pulled them away and Willow decided she would get her own and dived into the open bag. Meanwhile McDugan is sprawled on the floor scarffing up what was spilt. In the mean time Hal was trying to get Willow’s head out of the bag and I am trying to help McDugan clean up the mess on the floor. It was a freaking 3 ring circus to say the least! Finally at 5:30 we got things in control, fed the other dogs, and proceeded to give the pups water. 5:31 McDugan promptly jumps in the water dish sending water everywhere, at 5:32 as I bend over to clean up the water, both pups dive bomb me and down I went, right into this large puddle of water with my butt soaking wet, and two puppies licking my face, while Hal just stood there laughing. 5:40 breakfast over, messes cleaned, and not to mention the paper towels came in very handy. And it was time to walk them again. At 5:45 between the two they managed to somehow tie me up, trip me on my butt again, arms, legs, leashes, and fur all flying in the air, with me ending up flat on my back, with both of them sitting on top of me as if to say, Dang that was fun lets do it again! At 5:47 I lay there with a smile on my face, realizing how much I must love my dogs. I managed to take it all in stride shake my self off and get everyone back to the house.  And all this before my first cup of coffee!!!

  You always learn from your mistakes and do things just a little different the next time.  I had forgotten what it was like to live with puppies. It didn’t seem so long ago. These two were a handful, but are now calming down and accepting life as it comes; they are embracing the love that Hal and I have for them and feeling much more secure.  It’s a wolfhound thing if you never had a wolfhound you wouldn’t understand. We finally have our hounds and are committed to a long fun loving life with them. Stick with us and hear more adventures of Willow and McDugan.

 

 And that’s the tail waggin buzz On Doggie talk

 Huggies to my Doggies

 Have a joyous Holiday Season

                Colette

 

Chapter 3 Oh the Joy!

Chapter 3

Oh the Joy!



 

Colette Jordan Griffin
( boggiest and dog lover)
Thank you Tracy for your friendship and fulfilling our dream.

   Well you must know by now we have been looking endlessly for an Irish wolfhound puppy. But not just any puppy will do, oh no, we had to jump in with both feet and get a show puppy. We preferred a male as they are extremely impressive in size usually about 32 to 34 inches tall at the shoulder and extremely stunning in the ring. Brindle or a dark Wheaton, were my preferred colors making the search just a little harder.  It’s amazing how hard it is to find just what you’re looking for, Wolfhounds come in a variety of colors from black to white with many shades and variations in between, including reds, brindles and wheaten.

  

Tracy A Maccarthy with McDugan and Willow

  But first we had to find a breeder, the search was exhausting but with months of persistence, as I don’t give up easily, we settled on one who has become one of our very dear friends, Tracy A Maccarthy, from Utah.  She has been breeding showing and racing Irish wolfhounds for over 20 years. Her love for dogs was very heart warming to say the least, she was so sweet and so polite, very knowledgeable, and such a wonderful lady that I liked her right off.  She was honest with us and told us up front what she expected of her new prospective parents. She didn’t hesitate to show us the puppyfax as I would put it, on her breeding program, and pedigrees. We were able to see both sides of the sire and dam and included the health records of the puppies as well. The paperwork on her dogs was well documented and very informative.

 Tracy is very particular as to who gets her puppies, so after she did a through screening of our home life, characters, and experiences, with animals, she said she may have just what we were looking for. We were thrilled!, our heart will filled with such joy that you can't even imagine it.

 Tracy explained, as with all show prospects no guarantees can be made that it will make it to a champion, and that there are a lot of factors that goes into the mix. This goes without saying, I said: one can only work hard at it and hope for the best. Especially being a new comer to the west coast show circuit.  Good bites, nice angulations and great looking heads can quickly change with the growth of any dog. I worry about my own ability's as we, although I have done very well in the obedience ring, my dogs taking several titles in Canada and the USA, but the breed ring, is a new playing field. I have shown a bit in conformation, but have never titled a champion as of yet. I am hoping my puppies and I will learn and grow together. After all every Champion had to start at the bottom and work their way to the top.

 

Colette and Distance

Showing for us is secondary, we want first a dog that is happy, healthy and has a sweet temperament. A dog we could love and give a forever home to win or lose. The Show part will just have to be what it is, and hope for the best. If he doesn’t make it, oh well wouldn’t be the first time I had to pull a dog off the circuit due to a flaw that produced it’s self at a later date, my last wolfhound, Distance, sadly had to be neutered and didn’t finish his title due to a medical problems beyond anyone’s control, and we loved him until the end.  Not every dog makes it in the ring, that is a fact of life, and for me to go in thinking otherwise would only be a big disappointment later.  But I am, and always will be an optimist, so I will hope for the best and give it my all.  I have met several wonderful breeders and Judges out there and I know any of them will be there with advice and help if needed, because that’s what Wolfhound people do, they are awesome people. they believe in wishing well for everyone who owns a Wolfhound, it's like having an extended family, Tracy too will be with us all the way and we are look forward to a long wonderful friendship with her. 

Oh and by the way, we decided to get two because like potato chips, you can't have just one.

It was pure Lady luck on our part to find Tracy, we just happen to stumble upon a few pictures she had been sharing with mutual friends on our Wolfhound social network.  Like most other wolfhound breeders, Tracy doesn’t advertise in the papers or magazines she usually has a waiting list, or word of mouth, so Lady Luck, Thank you for our breeder and friend, Tracy A Maccarthy, we love you girl! J

McDugan, Willow, and litter mates

 

And that’s the Puppy Buzz on DoggieTalk   

Huggies to my doggies
Colette

chapter 2 in Persuit of a Wolfhound

                                                                       chapter 2

 

The Pursuit of a Wolfhound

 In the process of looking for our new Irish Wolfhound, all I can say is we have certainly done our homework. There are so many breeders that claim their dogs are the best and very few puppies are available. Waiting lists are a mile long and with some politics’ involved it can take some time to get one. So many things that had to be figured into the search, like color, sex, care, feeding, breeding, showing, longevity, and price.

  It seemed every breeder we talked with had similar views and stories about this breed, but price and contracts and waiting lists varied so, that it became frustrating and very confusing, and it also seemed everything bad about this breed was explained first and so abruptly at times, that it would make you want to run for the hills!

 For one, they are sight hounds, very capable of taking off on the slightest movement. Thus a need to be kept in a fenced yard is a must, because when they take off they can become lost, stolen or worse hit by car. But on the other hand, they need room to run and have lots of exercise for those long legs and big bodies. During growth spurts, they shouldn’t be allowed to run and play.  Some say running up and down hills is great and good for muscle development, others say, it can be harmful, and never take them off leash. Never chain them out side, or left to live in an out door kennel because they are house pets, yet they can destroy a home if left unattended in about 3.5 minutes. They eat a ton of food, and not just any dog food, MEAT and lots of it! And when they are done eating that ton of meat, they poop a ton.

 I think we’ll need a bigger scoop.

 They are the KING of the Dog world! Oh and lets not forget medical problems up the yang yang, and certainly not a dog for the first time dog owner or person who is faint at heart.

Good God what are we getting into?  Run, never run, Play, never play, house pets, yet never leave alone in the house, tons of food tons of poop, medical issues; like cancer, bloat, killer pneumonia some only making it to age 4?   Not to mention the average age is only 5-10 years old, OH MY. Do we really want Irish wolfhound?!

  The price was another factor, ranging from $1200 –$3500 US dollars, on the average. That’s a nice chunk of change for a just a dog! And don’t even think about refunds, not happening, unless the dog is defective with in the first year.

photo from Barbora IW

 

  Ahhh but that’s the thing, the Irish wolfhound isn’t just a dog, It is the most wonderful majestic, almost magical creature, capable of special powers that captures the love of every soul who has dared into their world of the unknown. It is by far the tallest breed in the world, and when standing on his hind legs could reach the height of 7 feet tall. The history of this breed goes back farther than the mid evil period, and was used to hunt wolves and elk. Only royalty were allowed to have them and after trying to buy one, I was beginning to think, If only my name was princess Colette of Wales or something of the sort, then perhaps I could actually buy one. I was beginning to think I may never get one.

  You see the one thing all breeders have in common is to protect this breed with their lives and devotion from all puppy mills.  You won’t find one in a pet store, and rarely ever find one in the pound, all responsible breeders require you to return the dog to them if for any reason you can not keep them.  They usually will place them in suitable forever adoptive homes they know and trust.  Most found in Pounds are quickly snatched up by the hard work of the Wolfhound rescuers, for fear they would be killed or re-homed to someone far worse surely sealing his fate.

  The Kennel name means so much to each breeder, as the standard of the breed hasn’t changed for centuries, and keeping the lines pure are the first priority, so if your going to buy one for breeding, forget about it, pups are only sold as pet quality, no breeding rights and for the most part you can’t get final registration papers until the animal is spayed or neutered.  If you are showing your dogs and have hopes of breeding at some point, you have to sign co ownership, and can only reproduce your finished champion with permission of the breeder and his or her approval of the dog you’re breeding to.  I fully understand why people get upset or put off by breeders, because people in general don’t want someone telling them what they can or can not do with their dog especially after paying the price of one. But I have to say I am glad that the Irish Wolfhound Community of Breeders have stood their ground on this matter, because you won’t find one in a pet store, or dog pound, with sad faces in hopes some do-gooder just walking by would impulsively take one only to dump them when they are 180 lbs and 7 feet tall, and totally out of control, only because the impulse buyer was too stupid to do his home work. “This I like a lot.” I have come to learn a lot about this wonderful breed and some really great breeders and show Judges. I have developed a mutual respect and admiration of all them and their dogs. They care about their dogs, they love them with all their heart, and the loss is devastating to all the Wolfhound communities when one of their beloved furry friends crosses the rain bow bridge. So all I have to say is paying my Dues was a very good thing and well worth the wait. I learned so much over the months of research, and I still in spite of all the negative vibes, there is so much more positives to being the proud owner of an Irish Wolfhound.

Photo by http://www.beautyirish.com/

  They are loyal, gentle loving giant creatures that capture your heart and fill your life with love and laughter. They have clown like personalities and are very devoted to their humans. They do well in packs and have hearts as big as they have bodies. They are a dog of nobility and grace, wonderful family guardians, and I now fully understand why Wolfhound owners continue never, to have with just one.

 

My personal opinions are my own. and not meant to offend.
and that's the tail wagging Buzz on Doggie-Talk
Huggies to my Doggies
Colette J Griffin

My life with fury friends

My life with fury friends 

(part 1)  

                                                     

 

 

 

                            

It seems, every step I take in life either has to do with Dogs or Horses both of which are my deepest passions. I have been recently stricken with an illness from my 45 years as a dog groomer, with thoracic outlet syndrome.  It causes sever pain, numbness, and disabling weakness in the right shoulder, arm, and hand. I am working closely with my Doctors to get this under control; the biggest problem is being able to do what I love most, ride horses and groom and have fun with my fury friends.

I’ve been off work for several weeks now and trying to figure out my life, and what to do next. Seems my life would be over if I couldn’t work with animals. I know God has a plan and is going to help me sort things out.

I have been taking full advantage of being off and trying to enjoy life while working through this pain.  In doing so my husband and I took a relaxing drive to an Irish Wolfhound Specialty Dog Show, it was so wonderful to see this magnificent breed in action.  My boy Distance passed away a bit ago and I have been dreaming about getting another one ever since. Never in a million years did I expect the reaction I got from Hal, he was so mesmerized by this breed that he hasn’t stopped talking about it since the show. Well actually neither of us has.

So what’s next, now you well know what’s next? Excuse the punt, but we are on the Hunt for a Hound!  

And that's the buzz on doggie talk.

Huggies to my doggies

 

 

                                        

The Life that makes me Smile

The Life that makes me Smile

Colette Jordan-Griffin

Animal Lover, Dog Groomer, Blogger, Mother and Grandmother



Colette

I have been in love with animals all my life, I've trained, showed, groomed, and have worked as a Vet Tech for as long as I can remember. Recently I starting blogging about my fun and exciting experiences with animals, and I love to share those experiences through my blogging here on Doggie Talk.  We would love for you to join blogger.com and share your comments and experiences with us, because there is nothing better than talking DOGS.

The candid photos of my little  Merry Band of Hairy Thieves

Miss Angelina

 Miss Angelina is the newest of our hairy clan. She was adopted last year from a local breeder looking to place her in a forever, loving home. Now 3-1/2 years old, Angelina the Princess,  (thinks) she is the total center the universe. She also thinks, just because she is a pure bred Pomeranian, that it should entitle her to the thrown of our house hold. I'm sure anyone who has more than one pet, has a Princess Angelina among them.
 I hate to say it, but it's all my fault, I spoil her rotten and give in to her every need. From rhinestone collars, bling bling charms, the best foods and treats, to sleeping in the middle of my husband and me on our King bed. Hmmm... none of the others sleep on the bed. Right...NOT.....
We love all that hair so much that we have to give her a bath every two weeks to help to maintain her long silky looking hair.  Right after the bath look where she lays, IN THE DIRT! UNDER THAT OLD DIRTY BOAT! and don't bother scolding her because, she smiles at you, turns over to expose her belly while wagging her tail a mile a minute, just so you laugh and say how cute. Don't be fooled the girl can work it!



Myles AKA the Ding Bat

And then there in Myles AKA the Ding Bat he
He was adopted in 2008, Myles was a result of the economic fall out.

One of our residents of our community, family pet had puppies, and couldn't afford to keep them. Myles was on his way to the pound to be destroyed along with his two sisters. When I saw the lady walking down the street with the pups, she told me there was no other alternative, she was on her way to the pound to give up the pups. Two of the puppies looked a very sickly and weak, they didn't look like they were going to make it.  But this little tri colored mouse, looked very lively and she seemed desperate to find him a home. 

We just couldn't resist that cute little face with these big bat like ears, so he became Myles, the #2 hairy thief in the house hold.  Myles to say the lease in a ding bat! He is very well trained, right............Why because he understands two things, FOOD! The reason I say two is because Food comes in Spanish and English, food is food no matter who has it, and he never goes with out his share, or everyone elses for that fact! I think he is part Rat,  because he IS a little rat! Part Super Springer, because he springs off all 4 feet, and can almost reach the height of 4 feet, in a single bound.  Part Bat, just look at those ears! and he literally flies off the couch, bouncing off anyone who dares to sit next to him, when food is served.

 He's just a ding bat! He will not listen to anyone, barks at everything that dares to cross his 7 senses. I say 7 because of the ding bat part, and lastly part squirrel. The dog can climb the oak tree out back and eats so many acorns that it gives him hives.  I give up trying to stop him and keep plenty of benadril on hand.  Non the less in spite of his pesky nature life just wouldn't be the same with out him, only because, he adds the spice to the mix, in our little marry band of hairy thieves. 

Tito and friend

Meet Tito the Cat (the center). This little kitty was adopted 2009, I'm telling you I need to stay away from the neighbors and their sob stories, need I say more! I pick up the strangest animals! Tito thinks his best friend is the statue of the Boston Terrier. I am thinking its, because it was a safe place, away from the ding bat!, most likely, and the only dog in the house that didn't chase him. Oh did I mention he is the one who started the chase to begin with!

Tito is convinced he is a dog. He comes on command, better than Myles, and responds to the dog whistle. His favorite place to sleep is on the TV with his tail hanging in front of the tube, during Animal Planet. When you ask him to move, you get that I'm positive you weren't talking to me looks. Cat lovers, YOU KNOW WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT! 

 Tito loves the great out doors and prefers it that way. My husband will call...Tito Come! and in he comes, and out the doggie door he goes. I really have no idea why he comes to begin with, perhaps it's to give my husband that false sense of, Oh I love you Dad, or to give me a good laugh. He is the perrrrrfect pet, no littler pans needed in the house, and washes himself.

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

Then there is Ozzie, the Boston Terrier, purchased in earlier 2004 after the death of our sadly departed Roxanna, she was our first Boston. Ozzie was named the Wonderful Wizard of Oz because of the way he magically healed my heart after Roxanna's passing. He is the Big Boss of the band of hairy thieves. Every one knows that he is boss and if they don't he is sure to let them know the moment they get in his personal space. He love basket balls, bubbles, and anything that remotely looks like food, or fun to chase. We keep a steady supply of bubbles for entertainment purposes, out on the patio at all times. All you have to say is; Ozzie Bubbles! As old as he is, he comes flying out the doggie door to catch bubbles blowing in mid air.
 He will chase that basket ball until his feet bleed, and it's a blast to watch him in action. He loves it so much, but he gets too excited, we have to hide the thing from him because his feet bleed from running and we believe he will drop dead from all the excitement. Poor old guy but still of power pack of energy and love that keeps me smiling.



 No hair, but plenty of feathers

Joey

 Last but not least Joey the Congo African Grey Parrot. Joey is a New Yorker, A dang Yankee Bird! purchased for resale in my pet store in 1994. He was only 10 days old and had to be hand fed. His first word was Hello at 8 weeks old. No one would believe me so we had it put on the tape recorder just to prove it! He was a keeper, and has been with me ever since. He still has all his feathers and is as beautiful and smart as any bird can be.  He speaks two languages, Spanish and English and has a vocabulary of a 7 year old. Maybe more, with his sounds and words.  Talking to Joey is like talking to another human. He responds to questions, and answers at the most inopportune times. Answers the phone and carries on a full one sided conversations. Gives kisses and does a few tricks of his own. He whistles the Andy Griffin show and the Marine March. Sings, Twinkle Little Star, and songs he has made up all his own. He is quite the little entertainer. Problem is, don't dare try to handle him because, he bites. He bites so bad that he will draw blood every time.
I personally have never been bitten, because Joey thinks I am his Mom, and we have this very special bond, a trust that no one else has ever been able to match. Even my husband can't touch him. In fact, Joey has him trained to respond to his bell, Joey rings it, and he feeds him. How cool is that! Works every time! One day Hal said,  Joey's my friend and as he put his finger to the cage, CHOMP!!.  Hal now thinks better and loves him with a respectable distance.
 I have had to put a warning signs on the cage to ward off fingers. Some people just never learn!

Well now that you have gotten the Buzz on my Marry Band of Hairy Thieves, use the comment section and tell me a little about your pets. We love hearing your stories too.

And that's the Buzz on Doggie Talk
{{{{Huggies to My Doggies}}}}
             Colette

BiPiGis-Doggie Talk: Things I Think About

BiPiGis-Doggie Talk: Things I Think About:              Things I think about       It's three AM and I am wide awake thinking about the events of the day.   I can't sleep becau...

Things I Think About

 

           Things I think about   

   It's three AM and I am wide awake thinking about the events of the day.  I can't sleep because I am laying awake thinking about my past, my future, and things I have absolutely no control over. I think about how I acted or reacted to situations that had taken place in my day or what I need to order for the shop. But mostly I think about my furry friends, and hope they left me, happy and healthy. I think about the little ones I do that are young and so puppy who couldn't hold still long enough to tie a simple Bow in their hair. Were they treated kindly enough, did I leave a lasting impression on them so they would want to come back with their little tail wagging. Did I give them enough praise, did I remember to reward them for good behavior, or did I hurt them while pulling out some of those nasty tangles they get.

    I think about how many dogs I have groomed in the 40 years of grooming and begin to remember little puppies who came in for the first time, or those who were scared, Old timers who just didn't give a hoot anymore, and all of the rest in-between. Some left lasting impressions on my heart, and some left them on my arm or leg............. non the less a bond of trust was built between us.

   Those little puppies who come trusting and happy, full of love and life and all they want is to be played with. I understand this, so I do my happy dance with them, and then it's training time. A lot a patience goes into that first groom. The biggest concern is using the clippers or scissors safely as to not hurt them in anyway. Sometimes I have to call for help to hold the pup so I don't have any accidents. At times it can be stressful for baby, and being held onto causes fear and sometimes a little pain mostly caused from nail trimming or detangling as they try hard to excape it all. Trying to clip around a puppy's face for the first time, is very frighting, to them and me. But when it's done and that scary thing stopped it's back to the happy dance. Love and hugs and building a bond of trust that will last for years to come.

   I think about the friendships we make with our human clients, we become family and develop close bonds with you as well as your pets. We laugh and joke and sometimes cry with you. We get the updates of your world and you get ours. I think you would call that a friend. You are an important part of our lives, not just for business, it's because we share a common love for your pet and we become part of your extended family. I just love it when people tell me I am on speed dial! How much closer can you get than that!

   Then I think about the sad parting of good friends, and this is what makes me sad. I have lost several dogs over the years that has brought me to tears more than once. Most of them older pets that had given me years of pleasure to know and groom.  Then in the midst of a busy day you get that ever dreaded phone call that just stops your heart. But your so busy you can't let yourself think about it, then the night comes, and I lay in bed and begin to grieve for you and your little beloved dog that has just passed away and I remember all the things that made both of us smile, and I cry right along with you.

   I hurt as you do, and I want all my clients to know your loved and appreciated and I too suffer your loss. This week alone we lost 3 members of our extended family,  Skully Belly, Daisy, and Yoshi. All part of my love and my life and I will truly miss them. I pray God gives them rest and their old tired bodies will be as new and they can now run the golden meadows of heaven till we meet again.

May God give peace and love to the families, and know you have our deepest sympathies.

and that's the Buzz on Doggie talk

{{{Huggies to my Doggies}}}

Love Colette