rain. rain. go away.

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It was raining all day, so the day was somewhat unproductive. A feeling of laziness fell upon us all. Towards the end of the evening, the rain subsided so I took each of the dogs on a little walk. However, sprinkles crept up on us, so I only got a couple quick pictures. I hate the leash, oh well. One day, hopefully they will be good dogs off lead...one day.
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Back to useless information.

I was getting a bit lovey in the last few posts. SO...back to the useless information that is so fun to know.
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Jerky Turkey

A gentle-on-the-tummy treat—grain-free and low in fat.

1 lb. raw ground turkey (or chicken)

1 Tb. extra-virgin olive oil

1 tsp. finely chopped fresh herbs such as thyme or parsley (optional)

Preheat oven to 200°. Combine all ingredients in a food processor and purée the mixture. Line a jelly roll pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper (it makes clean-up easier) and pour the mixture into it. Spread evenly.

Bake two hours with the oven door slightly ajar to allow the moisture to escape. Remove from oven and, using a pizza cutter or knife, cut into small, individual-sized portions. Place pieces back in the oven, flipped over, and bake an additional one to two hours, or until the treats are dry and leathery. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Total calories: 794; divide by the number of treats for individual calorie count.

From The Organic Dog Biscuit Cookbook by Jessica Disbrow Talley and Eric Talley © 2008 by Cider Mill Press Book Publishers, LLC/cidermillpress.com.

also this is big news the last few weeks.
...news from The Bark Blog


If your dog plays with a pimple ball with bell (pictured here) manufactured by Four Paws Inc., please remove it immediately. Then read what happened to 10-year-old Lab mix Chai, whose tongue had to be amputated after playing with the ball.

When Chai's owner first brought this to Four Paws' attention two months ago to demand a public recall of this product, he was ignored. Then he was told that all of his correspondence had been forwarded to its insurance company! Four Paws did not publicly acknowledge the defective toy and recall it until August 27, 2008. The long-time dog toy manufacturer claimed that this had never happened before.

Daniel planned to accept a financial settlement from Four Paws to cover Chai's vet bills and rehab until he learned that a 5-year-old Lab mix named Cole died from his horrific tongue injuries sustained by the ball back in 2005. Four Paws was aware of this and did NOTHING. Who knows how many other dogs suffered or died over the past THREE YEARS due to this company's negligence and greed?

thinking?

So I have been thinking...I might start a new blog, one that displays more personal thoughts as I continue along this journey. This blog started out for dog rescue and through the years has been a storage unit for many diverse thoughts. I think I want to keep this one more focused on dog stuff.
dunno...
The temp. has dropped at least 10 degrees this evening. The dogs are enjoying the feel of wind in their faces and the quietness of the night...at least until they disrupt it by seeing a bunny or something. They sound like a pack of wild beasts, but I love them despite their naughty behavior.

I have been obsessed with becoming better; I feel my photography style changing. I have always loved the photojournalist style. I love the documentary feel and emotion that it brings the viewer. However, some how I became comfortable with close-up shots and I feel it has become very boring and the same. It is challenging to keep my lens wide. I wanted to go shoot some horses this morning, but I was so tired and really just wanted to hang with the fur-kids. Maybe tomorrow, although, it is suppose to storm. I can see the storm clouds approaching already.
I do have some books I could read tonight. As I am trying to become a better photographer, I also want to become a better writer. I have a LOT to learn in this area.
I am excited for these challenges.
Here are some photos that have brought on this new photo challenge of mine.
photo by Troy Snow
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photo by Molly Wald
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photo by Molly Wald
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Photo by Troy Snow
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photo by Sarah Ause
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There are more people that inspire me that I will feature in upcoming posts.
It's good to be inspired.
Check these people out
Molly Wald
Sarah Ause
Troy Snow

life is good.

Molly stopped by last night, so we went to dinner at the the Bistro-the vegetarian pasta and garlic bread were to die for, not to mention the atmosphere. We sat outside and viewed the rolling green fields and hummingbirds as the sun was setting. Two cute little dogs, one named Cherry, were there to greet everyone as they entered the restaurant. It was truly an amazing evening! I like this place more and more thanks to my friends.

Molly has also been helping me with lighting and composition. I am fortunate to work with these amazing people. She took three hours out of her day to help me with a project, not many people would do that. I love my friends. They make me want to be better and creative. I feel myself tapping into who I use to be, the person who was always creating by painting, writing, crafting, whatever came into my heart. I am in a good place with good people.

oh! And about Mama Mia! the other night. Well...it was so bad it was good. Strangely, I can't stop thinking about the movie and singing ABBA. Dunno, I am a little weird. It was a crowd of older ladies-packed full that night. So I refrained from jumping up and singing as the movie went along. I am starting to see the charmless charm of living in a small town. I think we will be ok.

I talked to Nikki the other day and she is doing well. She is going to have a big photography show sometime soon. I will let you know, so everyone in L.A. can go. She is such a talented photographer

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"I am finding myself once again.
She is waiting with open arms."
-Swirly

(me taken at dinner by Molly)~click to see more of Molly's flickr

mama mia!

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I am going to see Mama Mia! tonight with the girls. haha! We decided even though we know the movie will suck each week...we will venture out in the world of Kanab. Over the weekend we went to Navajo Lake, it was amazing. I had not been North of Best Friends and it was like we were in Colorado, with lush green fields and creeks, surrounded by horses and cows. The Lake was even better; the sound of the water is always calming. I am a fire sign, so having water around me or even the sound of a stream immediately brings relief. This week has already flown by so quickly. I had my first meeting on Tuesday, it went so great. I love my job more than anything; it is weird to love something so much. I feel like I should be suffering or something. haha! It is about to get real busy, though. I will hopefully be setting up my office here at home soon. Ummm..where to get cool vintage furniture around here. eek! I would even settle for Ikea, yes! I said it. I am falling a little behind on house duties, I still have yet to get a weed eater and finish putting up bamboo, as well as plant some flowers. But I guess that will all come with time. The days just don't seem to have enough hours these days. I also, still have to set up my crafting station. Would like to set up an etsy store before the holidays, will see.
I have been behind on posting photos, so you can check out my flickr
also check out Saussie's flickr too see photos from our Navajo Lake trip

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photo by sarah

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"Whatever coaxes us out of hiding, to write, record, and express, is a revolutionary act. It says that we believe our lives count: our lives do count." - SARK

grow.

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“Do not be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better. What if they are a little course, and you may get your coat soiled or torn? What if you do fail, and get fairly rolled in the dirt once or twice. Up again, you shall never be so afraid of a tumble.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson
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Words of Wisdom by Rev Run
What are you saying about your life? What words have you prophesied about your future... ONLY speak words that you want to manifest in your life (Remember!) The scripture says... Life and death is in the power of the tongue!

God is Love
Rev Run
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Better.

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Today was much better. Well...sort of. I woke up and Millie was much more peppy and she ate her chicken and rice; then Sally and some of the other kids were sick. It was the switch of all the dog food. So at least I know they aren't dying, their lil' tummy's just hurt. So they all got chicken and rice for dinner. whew!

but then after dinner...Evil Edi squeezed her way out of the make-shift gate and onto the road. ARG! Luckily, there was a truck with a very nice man who stopped his car to keep an eye on her and being the evil pup that she is, stood there in the middle of the road barking at him. She saw me and the food I was waving and ran back. So, through all the Cesar Millan tapes we have watched, it is time I start being the pack leader and getting them in line. It is so important to have a strong re-call and my pack tends to become hard of hearing as if they don't even have a a name and who are you? haha! no, but really! We are starting boot camp soon.
Tomorrow I am going to Old Friends again to spend some time with the grey muzzles...I just LOVE them and then throughout the week, I will be venturing out into the other houses meeting my crew. It will be fun and lots to post. So stay tuned...
Woof!
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blah~

(my girl millie)
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This week is not starting out so well, for the most part. Work is going great...it's home. It's hard keeping up with everything by myself. I wish the boy were here to help. I need help. I never say that, but I am still staring a boxes unpacked. Millie has been very sick. I have been changing their food a lot this week, just getting what I could until I could get food at work and that never sets well with her. The last couple days haven't been good and today was worse. Not knowing where to go or who to talk to; I go to my neighbor. She called the emergency clinic and the vet was so nice. I will take her in tomorrow.
On a happier note, I love my neighbor's house, it is so perfect for what I am looking for. Open and dog friendly and her yard even more amazing. She has a crew of grey muzzles that are absolutely the cutest ever. I can't wait to have our own house.
I feel extremely tired, probably from the stress of Millie today. I will feel better tomorrow. I know she will be ok.
I think it just hit me hard when Captain Kirk passed. I don't like death. Nikki told me to buck up today;she is right. I have to find a way to handle issues better. I know I will, just a lot of changes going on. We are all sensitive right now.
Woof!

Run Free Captain Kirk

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My friend Captain Kirk passed away. My heart hurts. Working in rescue I still never could embrace death; I still cry as much as ever. Nikki was always better at that, knowing the animal ended his/her years better than what he/she began. She said that it mattered more than anything, knowing that the animal went out with love. Captain Kirk, I know was loved immensely. I know that endings will come just as beginnings do, yet still...I don't know if I will ever handle it well. It makes me think of my own dogs mortality. I keep telling them they have to live forever. I need them too.
Yet, one more has passed and I know he is in a better place, where he can run free like he never could before because of neurological issues. We will miss you dearly.
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Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glint on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you wake in the morning hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starlight at night.

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there, I did not die.
Mary Frye
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One more day.

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This week has flown by, keeping busy at work, keeping busy at home. Today my sinus's KILLED me. Was not pleasant, so needless to say...I didn't pick the weeds today. Oh well, better off I clean the house before the boy comes anyways. We are putting the fence up this weekend, YAH!!! so excited. The kids love getting to play outside! The air is getting colder at night and early morning. I love those times, makes me want to knit and drink hot chocolate. However, I will wait...it is still only August. I am still loving the sanctuary, although, I really couldn't ever seeing myself not. This place is so amazing and the town is growing on me. It is cute but charmless, but it is home. I just walked outside and the moon is almost full, they say when it is full you can read a book outside it is so bright. I am excited to see it, the nights here are already just amazing.

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oops! behind.

Jake

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Tipper

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I am behind on pictures and posting. I have been obsessed with the weeds in my yard, so after work for about 2 hours before it gets dark, I pull weeds while the dogs play in the make-shift yard. Hence, the lack of posting.

side note: Do any of your animals just stare at you for hours? My Ansli has done that since she was a baby and still nine years later(it's her b-day this month) she still STARES at me. creepy!

anyways...The dogs are tuckered which makes me happy, they didn't sleep last night, nor did I. eek! T.V is missed very badly! My intense obsession with TNT...yes, charmed, Angel and law and order almost 24 hours a day when we weren't watching Animal planet. I will get direct t.v soon, it just doesn't seem there are enough hours in the day anymore. I will figure out a schedule and hopefully when the boy gets here it will be easier.

These photos are from a few days ago. I JUST LOVE!! older animals and these are some on the sponsorship program, except for Cactus. He was just rooming with Tipper and they are super cute.
So sponsor an animal or sponsor one for someone else. It's good karma and it helps the animals too. AND you can get super yummy updates on your animal too! can't beat that..

SPONSOR ME

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Captain Kirk

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Guardian

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Cactus

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settling in.

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It was a great weekend. The boy came up, although I had to meet him halfway in St. George late Friday night and take him back again on Sunday. I guess the drive wasn't so bad, but I just don't like being in the car that long. But we found our new favourite hang out, haha! an interesting type coffee shop. Not the usual that I am used to but beggars can't be choosers. Just happy to have one. This morning we took all the dogs for a long walk, it was amazing...yes, at 6:30 on a Sunday morning. That is what happens when one doesn't have a fence, but it felt great. I am just wondering if I will be able to keep it up before and after work. Will see. We are working a fence next weekend to make life a little easier, although we will still continue our walks. Like Cesar says exercise is one of the most important things you can do for your animal. We also went to an art opening on Friday night, we went early...so I didn't really know anyone there but the photography was amazing.
Truly impressed, makes me want to work harder to be better.

Oh! and the best part, the dog's aunt Nikki called, which just made our day. We miss her, but things seem to be going better for them which is good.
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woof.

Dog Tired.

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Here are some photos from today...
more here

monday.monday...

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My first day went smoothly, still getting things and equipment set up...so I got to hang with saussie all day and I finally got to meet molly the other amazing photographer. I have so much to learn from them, they are beyond incredibly talented and I am so greatful to be around people where your talents can only get better and there are things to learn. My dogs were less than thrilled today as our morning did not start as planned and I went to dinner, so coming home for a batroom break and then leaving did not make happy campers...especially with a storm brewing. However, I am not a socialite...tonight was the exception of going out and they will get their evening walks. The boy is coming in this Friday night until sunday, I will drive to st. george to pick him up. They say grocery shopping is a little better over there, so maybe I should take advantage. I am hoping we will be able to put some type of fencing up, but it is supposed to rain, my yard still has weeds and I am not sure the cost...so will see. I desperately want an area for them to sun and potty.
Woof.
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a house full of juicy.

edi, originally uploaded by mutts and such.

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"Invent your world; surround yourself with people, color, sounds and work that nourish you." — SARK, Living Juicy
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Sark is one of my most favourite authors, she teaches us to live a juicy, creative life...to stop worrying and embrace the colors of the world we live in. I am one that can tend to be WAY to serious, thinking everything is life and death. Even the start of my dream job tomorrow. Now, though...I am embracing what the universe has offered me, what I have worked so hard for. I am ready to live life freely and raw to learn and make mistakes but to become better in all I do. Like both Sark and The dog whisperer say...yes, two people from two different worlds.."LIVE IN THE NOW"!
Be happy.
Woof.

coming along.

Things are getting easier as the days pass, learning where places are in town...somewhat and getting the dogs on some kind of a schedule. I need to get a bike to exercise edi, so much energy and ansli was NOT happy. Today we put on a halti and she was not having it AT ALL, but so much easier to walk when she wasn't clawing her face off. I need to try and walk more than one dog at a time and this seems to be the answer as I am not Cesar Millan quite yet. haha! yes, we are still watching the videos. We have watched them so many times the tape is starting to shake on the tv. But lots to do before the big day tomorrow, I guess. More like lots to clean up. aRG!
So, I am still liking it here, still some big adjustments as it is a very small town, but I think once I am busy working and at the sanctuary it will be great and once I have my little yard and garden put together for the dogs...even better!
Sally, Edi and Conrad just loves to lay outside and sun and I feel bad because they can't do that right now. The are crazy nutfangs off the leash...we don't want our neighbors hating us quite yet. bwhaha!
Woof.
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