Independent Pups

Humans strive to teach their young to be independent and self sufficient. The goal is for the young human to be able to provide for himself. We dogs like our independence too, especially since we are taught not to beg!

And we will go the extra mile for those yummy foods…

Even though we may not want to own up to it! LOL
You would be amazed at what we learn by observing our humans when we are food motivated! It can make us quite independent pups!

Woofs and wags,
Bella

Winter Weather Blues!

No school again! It is unheard of for our district to call off school the night before!! But with temperatures below zero and wind chills at twenty and thirty below zero, the safety of the students is a big issue.

We are so cold that we don’t want to take our regular walks and just tiptoe on the frozen grass to do our business when we go out. Did someone say that Hell froze over?

Instead of curling of and hibernating, I know what I want Mom to do!

This, winter weather blues is disheartening! Baby, it is cold outside! Bring on the heat!!

Woofs and wags,
Bella

Elf on the Shelf

What is this “Elf on the Shelf” business? I really do not understand it. Does Santa send an elf to watch over children during December and give them extra treats if they are good? Does he disappear if they break a rule? I want an “Elf on the Shelf”, too! Is there one for dogs?
Look what he did this morning for one of my little friends!

But he left this for another set of my friends 😦

I wonder if the “Elf on the Shelf” reports to Santa for the “Naughty or Nice” list! Oh my! I am in a quandary. Do I want one or not? I think I do! How about you? Would you like an “Elf on the Shelf”?

Woofs and wags,
Bella

Flying the Friendly Skies…with Fido!

Mom has been planning a trip that may include flying. So she has been doing her research about traveling with me, her service dog, and actively participating in online discussions to obtain information regarding the best options for us. In doing so, we discovered a couple pieces of important information! Only service dogs are covered by Federal Law and fly free with their handlers but each airline has some extra rules. The ACAA (Air Carrier Access Act) governs what occurs in the air thus it has slightly different wording and each airline interprets it slightly differently but public access for individuals with SDs is supported.
This is a good reference to have on hand: ADA link
Another thing to note is that working dogs which are deployed ( federal, state or local) are allowed in the passenger cabin per state and airline guidelines. It is a complicated situation but these dogs, too, will be clearly identified and well trained. Another excellent reference for learning airline requirements is : airline guidelines
Bottom line: SDs have public access. Working dogs have limited access per state and airline guidelines when deployed, and pets NEVER have cabin access unless crated and paying a fee.

Hope you learned as much as we did!
Woofs and wags,
Bella

Time for Bed

Humans often need a calm, quiet routine to help them prepare for sleep. Taking care of chores, brushing teeth and turning off electronic devices are often part of the “winding down” process as they anticipate a good night’s rest in a comfy bed.

In a house with dogs, humans usually remember to walk the dog that “one last time” before bed. But they need to add another step into their routines if they own multiple dogs…

Yep, in our house the Mom and Dad always make sure to jump into bed first. They know Dash and I are soon to follow–LOL!

Woofs and wags,
Bella

National Dog Day

Today, August 26th is National Dog Day!

Mom and I speak frequently on the benefits of dogs as pets, as therapy dogs, as service dogs and as a variety of working dogs. Dogs are fabulous pets for the general public providing companionship, a reason to exercise (walk), stress release for blood pressure, and a link to the increase of positive endorphins. We do so much more than just wag our tails!!

Mom has told you that I was a rescue dog. I joined Mom and Dad at age three. Mom will tell you that she was looking for a Newfie with potential! She found a pet that became a therapy and service dog! Many rescues are just as awesome as I am!!

So on National Dog Day- support a rescue! Adopt, donate, give supplies, or give time to a local shelter! Your support counts!!! Thank you so much!!

Woofs and wags,
Bella

Stimulate your Dogs!

We all know that a tired dog is a good dog. Dogs need physical and mental exercise to wear them out. But what toys and games provide the mental stimulation that dogs need? Are bones, stuffies and fetch enough? Or have dogs evolved as we have? Consider this…

Do you think dogs have entered the technology age? Let me know!

Woofs and wags,
Bella

Pet Therapy at EKU

One of our favorite volunteering gigs is our college doggie de-stress day at EKU during dead week prior to exams! Teams from Pawsibilities Unleashed spend nine hours providing opportunities for students to pat, hang out and talk to “furry” therapists to release stress. Here are some pictures of our 2013 visit!

I am often surrounded by a crowd!

Some people just needed to lay on the floor with me.

This gentleman captured the historic moment he first touched a dog!

Girls always think I am sweet!

I got my belly rubbed!

Refueling with bottled water!

At the end of the day, I am very tired!

It was wonderful to visit with our friends at EKU!

Woofs and wags,
Bella

Rescue Me!

You never know about the choices humans make! We dogs often simply shake our heads as humans race to buy the first edition comic books, powerball tickets knowing that they have a snowball’s chance in %%%% to win, or watch reality tv shows about redneck toddlers with tiaras. Some dogs, those born from great lines whose parents are champions with pedigrees, may feel lost when they find themselves sold to the highest bidder. Suddenly, the gap between canine and human language is huge! These poor AKC pups may attempt to reach out for help by calling the the most logical resource: a rescue group to rescue them!
Poor pampered pooches! They are barking (errr, dialing) up the wrong tree for help!

Woofs and wags,
Bella

The Inventors of Text Slang

Abbreviating messages has always been a priority with humans, especially teenagers. But who invented text message abbreviations and chat acronyms? Not a human- but man’s best friend, his BFF, the dog! When we attempted to type using the keypads, we were not blessed with thumbs and we chose to shorten messages as much as possible. In fact, it is documented in this historical “masterpiece”…

So, dear BFFs, LOL and TTYL –

Woofs and wags,
Bella