#FuelTheCure With Zuke’s Loving Life Contest & Fundraiser

Today we are joining Oz The TerrierSugar the Golden Retriever for their part in Zuke’s The Dog And Cat Cancer Fund. They are helping to spread the word by hosting a Loving Life Contest & Fundraiser. All I have to do is write a blog post about my dog loving life with #FuelTheCure in the post title. How easy is that! Very easy for me because Gambler is always loving life so it’s no problem to show him off and help raise money for the Dog and Cat Cancer Fund. Zuke’s will donate $5.00 for each blog post.

Gambler was loving life the weekend he got his first AKC Master Hunter pass. Here are some photos my friend Kim S took of him while out in the field doing what he does best, retrieving birds and loving life while doing it!

What do you think? Is Gambler loving life?

If you would like to #FuelTheCure check out the contest by stopping over to Oz’s or Sugar’s blog and join in the fun while helping raise money for a great cause.

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Nothing But Norman #92

Happy Saturday All!

Project16 - Copy - Copy - Copy

 

This coming Wednesday the 22nd of April is Earth Day.

It is also a day that I will remember forever, it is the day my dad died. Maurice Ray Bradley passed on April 22, 1994 when I was just 23 years old. So I hold Earth Day close to my heart and give back when I can. My dad’s ashes are scattered on what used to be “his property” which is now my brothers and I. We have a memorial there because besides my dad’s ashes being there my mom’s are there also. We plant tree’s there to give back to the earth for what it has given to us. My parent’s may no longer be with me but they are aiding in the growth and life of the tree’s so I find comfort in this special place.

My dad had a Chesapeake for a hunting dog when I was growing up. Trigger was the first dog that I got to go hunting with. I knew at that time there was no other breed for me.

My dad nor mom never got to meet any of our chessies in person but they met them many times when I would take the gang to this special spot to hang out with my parents. This is my go to place when I just need a moment to myself. The dogs love going to this place as it is tucked away in a back field surrounded by marshes, woodlands, cows and other wildlife so there is much to smell, see and check out without the everyday hussle and bussle of life. A place where one can go and have the memories of a life that once was and try to feel that moment again.

On 10/16/13 a couple weeks before Norman passed we paid a visit to this special place, just Norman and I. He walked over and visited with my mom and dad, he walked around the field picking up sticks and hauling them around as that was one of his favorite things to do. He sniffed the scrub oaks, sniffed the pines took in all the great smells that this earth provides. We said our goodbyes and I told him he would rest here one day when I have the strength to let a part of him go.

I have a number of pictures from this day, these are just a few, I will share more another day. These are my most favorite pictures of Norman that I look back on often. He photographed so well this day that I will remember forever and wish that I had my buddy with me again to visit this special place together again. One day buddy we will visit this place again and walk next to each other once again. Hopefully not to soon though as I have many things I need to finish up on earth.

 

 

“It’s only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth – and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up, we will then begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had.”
by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

We are joining Ruckus The Eskie and Earl’s World for Sepia Saturday.

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We are also joining The Pet Parade.

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Hosted by: Rascal and RoccoJan’s Funny FarmBasil the Bionic CatBarking From The Bayou and Love Is Being Owned By A Husky.

Furminator Dual Brush @Chewy.com

Chewy White

Ding dong Chewy.com calling. We got our monthly sample from Chewy.com. Today we are sampling something non editable for once. With shedding season upon us I thought it would be great to try out and review the Furminator Dual Brush For Dogs. It says for dogs but you will see at the end of the post I tried it out on MK also, so not just for dogs anymore.

FURminator Dual Brush For Dogs

Furminator Dual Brush For Dogs comes with 2 types of brushes and a carrying/protective outer case.

A well groomed pet is a happy, healthy pet. But, there are many reasons that frequent visits to your pet stylist aren’t always possible. With FURminator’s new line of professional quality grooming tools, you can get near professional results at home.

Key Benefits

  • Helps remove mats, tangles and loose hair
  • Features a pin brush on one side and bristle brush on the other
  • Pin brush works on long coated dogs
  • Nylon bristle brush is an excellent all round brush that can be used on almost any coat type
  • Removes debris from short coated dogs
  • Finishes the coat and creates a natural shine for long coats
  • Designed to follow the natural contours of pet’s head and body

Isn’t this suppose to be food?

Of course when the Chewy.com box came in the mail, Gambler thought it was for him and it was something edible, he was sadly mistaken when he tried to eat it and it poked him.

Nellie enjoying the brushing.

Nellie has a thick wavy coat that is shedding something fierce now. The pin brush worked great at going through her thick coat grabbing all the hair that she was shedding out.

Nellie on top and Gambler on bottom.

The pin brush really made the dogs coat stand up looking really full.

Glory loving the soft bristle part of the brush for head brushing.

The soft bristle side of the brush worked great on the smooth not so long parts of the dogs like their head and legs.

The hair easily came out.

All the shed hair came out of the pin side of the brush very easily.

Dual brush, not just for dogs.

MK couldn’t be left out. The dogs were all getting brushed so she came running to find out what the fuss was about. She didn’t mind the brush at all so it’s not just a dog brush but a cat brush too.

Right now the brush is on sale for $9.94 a 48% savings over the normal cost of $18.99. What a great price for a brush that works well on long and short hair of dogs and cats.

Why Chewy.com?

Because: Chewy.com has more than 300 brands to choose from and is ready to fetch it and ship it, direct to your doorstep, anytime of the day. Have a question regarding the best food for your pet? Call us 24/7 and our helpful customer service team at Chewy.com is ready to listen.

Chewy.com lives and breathes pets. Headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Chewy.com’s dedicated staff is committed to providing quality pet products to our customers in a fast and easy way. That’s why we have warehouses located throughout the country – so the products are delivered quickly and efficiently. Bottom line, Chewy.com delivers pet happiness – and there’s nothing really better than that. Their products are 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed (if your not happy call them and they pay for shipping the item back), they have expert pet care and product advice, over 200 of the best pet brands and 24/7 customer care. Another great benefit of Chewy.com is they have autoship for your pet food needs and orders under $49.00 are a flat rate shipping cost of $4.95.

Chewy.com 200 SW 1st Avenue Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 1-800-67-CHEWY

I was compensated (1) Furminator Dual Brush For Dogs for a honest review from Chewy.com.chewy

Canine Influenza~Causing Mischief In The Midwest

You’ve probably heard by now about the outbreak of the Canine Influenza Virus, mainly it hit the Chicago, IL area hard with over 1000 dogs sick and 5 that have died, Chicago has been the first outbreak in the US from the H3N2 strain. They are calling this a outbreak that may last several weeks. There has been one case diagnosed in Madison, WI last week, a dog that traveled to Chicago as well as cases in Indiana and Iowa. CIV is a highly contagious virus which was discovered in 2004, the CIV strains have been identified as H3N8 and H3N2. The disease also has a higher mortatlity rate in young and  older or immunosuppressed dogs.

Merck Animal Heath sent out this helpful sheet to our vet clinic.

Tips to Protect Your Dog from Dog Flu (Canine Influenza)                             

Between March 16 and April 1, 2015, Canine Influenza Virus (CIV) has been positively diagnosed in 89 dogs in the Chicago area. Canine influenza virus causes a respiratory infection in dogs that is often referred to as canine influenza or “dog flu.” Canine influenza virus was first isolated in Florida in 2004 at a Greyhound racing facility. Since then, the virus has been confirmed in dogs across 40 states and the District of Columbia. Since it is a relatively new virus, almost all dogs are susceptible to infection when they are newly exposed because they have not built up natural immunity.

Most infected dogs show only mild symptoms, but some dogs become very sick and require veterinary treatment. Most common clinical signs include lethargy, anorexia, low-grade fever, nasal discharge, and cough. Dogs with more severe disease can present with a high fever and pneumonia.

What You Need to Know and Do

  • CIV is not the same as Bordetella and Bordetella is not the only pathogen that causes kennel cough.
  • Canine influenza is highly infectious and the virus spreads very quickly from dog to dog.
  • Canine influenza virus can be spread by direct contact with respiratory discharge from infected dogs, through the air via a cough, bark, or sneeze, and by contact with contaminated objects such as dog bowls and clothing.
  • To prevent the spread of disease, wash your hands with soap and water or disinfect them with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer after contact with dogs.
  • Dog owners whose dogs are coughing or showing other signs of respiratory disease should not participate in activities or bring their dogs to facilities where other dogs can be exposed to the virus.
  • Call your veterinarian immediately if your dog has the following symptoms:
    • Coughing
    • Discharge from the nose or eyes
    • Loss of appetite
    • Lethargy/lack of energy
  • Canine influenza can be prevented through vaccination. Talk to your veterinarian about whether or not your pet is at risk. Merck Animal Health offers a Canine influenza vaccine which is available through veterinarians.
  • Information on Merck Novibac Canine Influenza Vaccine can be viewed here.

Should you be worried and what should you do about it?

If your dog(s) don’t come in contact with other dogs especially in close confinement (dog performance events, groomer, doggy daycare, boarding, training class, dog shows) then you probably don’t have much to worry about unless you work  in any of these area’s where an infectious  dog  may be and you bring the virus home on your hands or clothing. If you work in any of these area’s or your dog(s) will be in these area’s or staying for any length of time then I suggest you talk to your Veterinarian about getting the CIV vaccine. Since I train with a training group, bring my dog’s to work when needed and participate in performance events I did vaccinate my dog’s this week. Now remember when you do get the vaccination done for your dog it doesn’t work immediately, after the first shot the body is building up immunity but until you get that second vaccination and until two weeks later your dog won’t be protected so you still need to stay away from high risk areas. The vaccine currently offers protection against the H3N8 strain, the Midwest outbreak is the H3N2 Asian strain. They are hoping there will be some crossover protection but can’t be certain.

Canine Influenza FAQ ~ AVMA

Canine Influenza ~ AVMA

Dog Flu: Canine Influenza ~ Huffington Post

Key points from this link if you don’t have a chance to view it:

Morbidity: 20-50 percent of the dogs exposed to this virus will make antibodies against this virus and will successfully clear the infection. These pets will not show overt signs of their infection.

50-80 percent of the dogs exposed to the virus will show flu like symptoms — like fever, lethargy, coughing and purulent nasal discharge. A small percentage of these pets will develop pneumonia and it is this population that is at risk for death.

Mortality: 5-8 percent.
Most pets will recover with supportive care only.

Incubation Period: 2-5 days.

Length of Infection: 2 weeks.

Immunity: Dogs that recover from Canine Influenza are believed to be protective for 2 years. A Canine Influenza (H3N8) vaccine exists and aids in reducing the shedding and severity of the infection. This vaccine does NOT prevent the disease. The vaccine is given in two doses separated by 2-3 weeks. Yearly re-vaccination is recommended for high-risk dogs.

Hopefully this outbreak will subside soon and no more dogs become sick or die. Be proactive on keeping your gang safe.

monday mischief

This is a Blog Hop. Thanks to Alfie’s BlogSnoopy’s Dog Blog , Luna, a Dog’s Life , and My Brown Newfies for setting up this hop. Please go to any of the sponsoring blogs to find out who else has been mischievous.

 

 

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Superstar! Celebration And A Giveaway~Wordy Wednesday

Today is April’s Fool’s Day with a Wordless Wordy Wednesday. There’s no joke about it the SS gang is a SUPERSTAR with a hugh celebration and giveaway. Are you dying to find out why today is so special? Has anyone figured out what could possibly have us celebrating?

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Today marks 1000 post for the Sand Spring Gang!

Do ya believe it??? 1000 posts!

It all started back on November 17, 2011 when I started this blog to keep a diary of my last litter I had with Nellie which happened to be the litter I kept a precious girl from, The Gloryous one! I didn’t blog much in the beginning but now I am working on trying to blog once a day for the second year in a row.

If you would like to go back in time here is my very first blog post which you can read  here.

I think this is a big deal and since we are superstar’s the gang would like to have a giveaway. We are giving away 2 Easter Baskets.

The Easter Baskets will contain some Norman’s Kisses Hand To Paw Cream, Chapstick, a paracord collar and leash, some Jones Natural Chews along with some miscellaneous stuff.

The give away will be going on for one week click the rafflecopter below to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Remember to download the Pose A Pet App for your phone to help take great pictures, make flyers for animals in need and help support CRROW – Chesapeake Retriever Rescue Of Wisconsin as they will get half the proceeds from the downloads this week. Read my blog post here about this great App.

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Wordless Wednesday is a community linkup of bloggers. Visit our host, BlogPaws, and you can use the icons below the post to hop from site to site. It is a great way to discover new blogs…..or even just a convenient way to find all of your favorites in one place. When you visit each site, be sure to leave a comment and let them know you found them through Wordless Wednesday.

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Bad Mom No Biscuit~Gambler Blows A Moccasin

Bad Mom No Biscuit~Gambler Blows A Moccasin

A couple weeks ago Gamblers brother Easy from across the pond tore his toenail off you can read about it here. Gambler not wanting to have his brother feeling like he was the only one to blow a moccasin decided to blow one of his own the first day of spring training at the Sandspring ranch. On my day off I set up some blinds for G & G, we ran our blinds, set up camp for the evening and John asked why Gambler was holding his leg up…..ahhhh that would be because he broke his toenail. This would be the third toenail that Gambler has broken off. Second time while out training, the other time while attacking the vacuum.

Rut roo not good to go for a ride with mom on a work day.

This was totally my fault, I noticed over the weekend that his nails were getting long and that they needed to be trimmed but of course I ran out of time and didn’t get to it now poor Gambler had to suffer. 🙁

Broken back toenail.

He just took off the top part of the nail.

Other toenails very long. Bad Mom!

The toenail on the right is the one he broke off over a year ago, it still hasn’t decided to grow back like a regular nail. The toenail with the arrow by it is showing the quik (blood vein in the toenail- pink area) and the white tip of the toenail that is over grown and should be cut off so it doesn’t break off.

How I trim toenails.

Trimming equipment.

There are different types of nail trimmers, I like those big orange ones. You should also have on hand kwik stop to stop bleeding if you cut one too short, styptic pencils can be used too but will sting.

Gambler laying on his side.

Since I had help I had Gambler lay on his side. The holder put her elbow across his neck and used her left hand to hold his lower front leg and then put her right arm across his stomach right in front of his back legs and held his lower back leg. With those legs held if he struggles he can’t get up. I then trim the tips off the nails, I trim the skinny area right before it gets to the thick part of the nail shown above by the arrow. If they are light nails you can see the quik in the nail which is pink so you want to cut right before the quik.

Starting in the middle.

I start taking the middle of the nail off then I rotate the clippers to take some off of each side and then go back to the middle and take more off the top.

Rotating to the sides.

Opps I cut one to short.

If you happen to cut one to short, you can use kwik stop powder or corn starch to stop the bleeding. Styptic pencils can be used too but do sting so we use those on asleep animals.

Bleeding stopped.

A dremel can be used to smooth out the rough edges.

Trimmed up.

Don’t be like me and wait for your dog to break a toenail before you trim them. Granted they can still break a toenail that is trimmed up but most likely it happens when they are long. This was a minor break once it was trimmed up and cleaned up Gambler was good as new and back training. Can’t keep this hard running dog down at all.

monday mischief 

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Tuesdays Tail’s~Ben The Chessie At CRROW

BenInSnow

Pictures and information taken from CRROW’s website.

My name is Ben the Chessie  and I am an active Chesapeake Bay Retriever who is approximately 2 years old. I was a stray in central Illinois and came into rescue at the end of December, 2014  Here are some of the facts:

  • I love people! I love adults and older children. I’m so excited to see them and be pet! I should not be around small children or infants because I am too energetic.
  • I have so much energy that I can go for a 2 mile run and I only look slightly winded when we are done!
  • I am fine with cats and dogs.
  • I walk well on a leash and do not react to noise or odd things happening around me.
  • I will require a fenced yard since I was found as a stray.

I need some work on my manners as I am a bit of a grabber. I love to play fetch but am over zealous and try to get the toy before it is thrown. I am not good at dropping my toys or my treasurers. I am learning that “finder, keeper” does not always apply. My house manners are not great. I am very curious and like to get into everything so I am learning how to behave and what is appropriate. I am a quick learner but I need a patient and consistent teacher.

I am the happiest sweetest boy who would be happy with an active family!

Please contact CRROW and help find this boy his forever home.

CRROW logo

Chesapeake Retriever Rescue of WI.
1318 S. Kernan Ave
Appleton, WI 54915

Office hours are

  • Monday thru Friday 8 am to 8 pm Central time.
  • Saturday  and Sunday 8 am to 5 pm.
  • Please call, email or fax us your request for communication and we will return your call as soon as we possibly can.
  • Even though we appreciate you giving us a little free time we will of course take emergency calls after hours.

Email: Sue
Phone 920-954-0796

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Thanks to Dogs N Pawz for hosting and Talking Dog’s Blog for co-hosting this blog hop!

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Wordless Wednesday~A Good Luck Kiss For Miss Glory

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Wordless Wednesday is a community linkup of bloggers. Visit our host, BlogPaws, and you can use the icons below the post to hop from site to site. It is a great way to discover new blogs…..or even just a convenient way to find all of your favorites in one place. When you visit each site, be sure to leave a comment and let them know you found them through Wordless Wednesday.

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Printcopia Canvas Print Right To Your Door

Looking for  Canvas Print to add to your home’s decor? I have just the place for you, a place that delivers quality photo Canvas Print’s right to your door in a timely manner, with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Printcopia is the place for you.

Printcopia’s website is user friendly, it’s crisp clean and easy to follow. From start to finish it took me less than 10 minutes to build my Canvas Print from start to shopping cart. It took me longer to decide on what photo to use for my masterpiece.

I then went to www.printcopia.com to start my project. There are many selections that you can choose from to make masterpieces. You can choose Canvas, Basic Photo, Acrylic, Framed Prints, Panoramic and Decals.

For my project I chose Canvas and here is the photo I chose to use.

First you need to choose a size, the sizes range from 8 x 8 up to 30 x 40 with a total of 9 different sizes. I chose their most popular size of 16 x 20.

 

Second you need to choose an image, you can upload a photo right from your computer or you can import from Instagram or Facebook.

Having different options makes it so easy to get your photo on the canvas.

Third you choose a style. The styles are mirror image, image wrap and border color. I chose mirror image for my project.

You then choose standard wall hanger or you can add a wall mount for $1.49. I chose the standard wall hanger.

Fourth you choose options, which are optional color finishing of none, B&W or Sepia for additional $11.49. You can then choose optional image retouching of none, minor for additional $22.50 or major for $75.00. I didn’t choose any additional options.

Fifth is add to cart and checkout.

Printcopia has a production and shipping time frame of 10-12 business days. I received my project in 11 business days. You can also track your shipment to follow along the shipment and know right when it is going to be delivered.

Glory thinks this package might just be for her. It isn’t for her but it is of her. Here is the final project.

This is where I hung the masterpiece.

Fit’s right in with our decor don’t you think? When my canvas print came in the mail I let John open it up and told him it was for him (I think I only have one picture of John on our walls and none of him with “his dog Glory”). John was surprise to see this canvas print and thought it turned out really nice. He right away said what day that was hunting last year. I had to work the next day and when I came home he told me he took the print up to his parents house to show them and then our friend came over and he had to show it to them right away. It takes a lot to impress John and he defiantly was impressed and so happy to show off our masterpiece. Thank you Printcopia, we couldn’t be happier with the results. I give this canvas print 4 Glory paws up!

So why Printcopia? Printcopia because:

1. Their art team ensures great results every time.

2. They use non-toxic, eco-friendly inks.

3. All canvas prints are made in the USA.

4. You can print directly from social networks.

5. They have the lowest prices and fast, free delivery.

6. 100% satisfaction guarantee.

You can follow Printcopia on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest

I was compensated one 16 x 20 canvas print for a honest review of Printcopia.

Monday Mischief~Solvit Bag Takes A Lickin Cuz Of The Jones Chews

Solvit Bag Takes A Lickin Cuz Of The Jones Chews

Mischief???? Not me?????

As you may know I work out of town on Monday and Tuesdays. I come home Tuesday nights and Wednesdays are one of my day’s off. Now after the gang has been kenneled for 2 days while we’re away working by Wednesday Gambler is wound tight (as most of my mischief stuff happens on Wednesday’s) he also knows Wednesday’s are for hunt test training. I was having one of those mornings…..when I had so much going on in my head I forgot what I was doing and once again  the mischief happened.

I didn’t leave my Solvit bag here.

I was packing up my stuff to go train, talking on the phone walked out the house with all my bags (all four of them) when I realized I needed to go back in the house and draw a picture of last weekend test so I can so the training group. I set my 4 bags down on the high porch chairs and table that are on my deck and went back inside to draw the picture. I was still talking on the phone, drawing the picture and headed back outside. I walked across the lawn and saw……….guess who……..standing over my Solvit bag with stuff pulled out of it! My friend proceeded to listen to me scream at GAMBLER!

Stuff pulled out through the side opening.

The Solvit bag holds dog treats, my video camera, my camera and it’s extra lens as well as other dog items. The item near the top of my photo is my video camera, the item in the middle is a poop bag the item in the front is my extra camera lens. Everything was covered in cut grass, it was a mess.

What a mess.

Now what might make a dog go stark raving mad and pull this heavy bag off of the table carry it to the middle of the lawn and rip stuff out of it to get to the good stuff…..the good stuff being Jones Natural Chews knee caps! Yup that’s right my gang loves Jones Knee Caps! Gambler loves them so much he thought he should help himself since I was tied up doing 5 things at once.

Jones Natural Chews knee caps are nummy! They make dogs go stark raving mad!

Now I must say, that Solvit bag is built Gambler tough on the outside. I was really cringing when I saw what he did, I thought he wrecked my nice bag. At first inspection it looked like nothing happened to it. I then opened it up and there was one little puncture hole in the lining of the flap and he tore the inside liner a bit. It could of been much worse and those things I can fit. The outside is made of some really rugged material.

The rip in the lining.

Good as new.

I took a broom to the outside of the bag and got all the grass off, I had to get all the grass off my camera and the other stuff that was in the bag. Have a slight repair to do but all in all this is one Gambler tough bag!

Thanks Solvit for making a rugged bag and thank you Jones for making tasty treats.

On a side note….poor Gambler didn’t get a knee cap that day nor has he gotten one yet. And like a dummy the knee caps are still in that bag and the bag is sitting on a chair in the house. Gambler did this all before he was a Canine Good Citizen so now that he passed his test I recon he won’t be getting into anymore mischief…..what do you all think? Should I not hold my breath??????

I’m a Canine Good Citizen now, I don’t do mischief.

monday mischief

This is a Blog Hop. Thanks to Alfie’s BlogSnoopy’s Dog Blog , Luna, a Dog’s Life , and My Brown Newfies for setting up this hop. Please go to any of the sponsoring blogs to find out who else has been mischievous.

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