2008s Been Doggone GREAT!

Lessons from the Fur Side

When I look back over the past 365, I COULD focus on economic issues, vicious political battles and international strife. By WHY BOTHER??? There's so much good to push to the forefront of our minds. And thanks to my fur kids Dizney, Cassie & Tracey... I have some great memories AND learned some great lessons.

Dizney's ever-passionate love affair with her beloved squeeky ball (ala the squirrel-rat's obsession with its elusive walnut in the movie Ice Age) demonstrates the power of devotion and loyalty to that which you adore. Could be an object, a person, a career, or an idea. Dizney turned 11 this year but has a zest for life (and that darned ball!) that will keep her young and vibrant forever. What or who are YOU that excited about? What or who can't you wake up each morning raring experience? If you don't know... find out! And then, like Dizney, pursue it doggedly!!!

Cassie is the ultimate love machine. If there's a human to be rubbed against, she's there... front and center, ready to bestow her special blend of Golden sugar! She's an equal opportunity bellyrub recipient because in her eyes and mind, everyone is good. She has no unfounded, unnecessary fears or prejudices. Would that we two-leggeds could be so openminded and accepting. I have learned to look to the snout to learn what humanity should be all about. Cassie's snout (she's never been wrong yet!).

Happy-go-lucky Tracey demonstrates the bliss of "gam zu l'tovah" (Hebrew for "it is all for the good). Chewing contentedly on a nylabone one minute, whipping a stuffed toy around the next, romping with her friends at daycare twice a week, independently snoozing on her Mom's bed whenever the mood strikes her. A tandem lick of the tongue and a wag of the tail is her trademark... happy at BOTH ends. She continuously displays a satisfied expression on her adorable little face that clearly indicates she lives "for the moment"... and that the combination of those moments create a wonderfully satisfying life. That all she needs will be given unto her because there is unabounded good in the Universe. Take it from Tracey... it's the ONLY way to live!

A happy, healthy and doggone wonderful 2009 to you and yours from The Top Dog and her doggy daughters! Please log into The Top Dog's Blog regularly (perhaps register as a follower?) and be sure to share your thoughts about living FURvently!

BONE-US Howliday Safety Tip

Keepin' The Tree Green...
and Your Canine Feelin' Fine!

In an effort to keep your live Christmas tree green well past the actual holiday, you may be tempted to add aspirin, sugar or commercial preservatives to its water. While they may be terrific for tree longevity, these products can create severe stomach distress, vomiting and diarrhea for tailwaggers that may stop by for a few refreshing slurps. Ditto for stagnant tree water… a breeding ground for bacteria.

Make sure your pet always has fresh water in his bowl so he doesn’t have to look under your tree for alternatives.

PSSST... just a few more days to participate in the survey in the left column of this blog! Your input may be different now that your poochy pal received his or her gifts so feel free to vote again! Hey, hound-sight is 20/20 vision!!!

HAPPY HOWLIDAYS!

As you see, I kissed up to "The Big Guy" on behalf of fur friends & family members everywhere! I'm a pretty good smoocher so hopefully they received everything they needed, wanted and deserved!

FURvent wishes to you and yours for a fabulous holiday
AND a tailwaggingly wonderful new year!

Top Dog Eileen Proctor

BONE-US POST: Christmas Sing-A-Long

A Dog's Night Before Christmas
(Original Author Unknown, Modifications by The Top Dog)

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care
With full faith that The Santa Paws soon would be there.

My dogs were nestled, all snug in MY bed,
While visions of chewy toys danced in their heads.
And I in my sweat pants and big bulky sweater,
Knew with them by my side life couldn’t be better.

When up on the roof there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my cuddling to see what was the matter!
Off to the window I flew in a flash,
Tore open the shutter and threw up the sash.

The moon on the crest of the new fallen snow
Gave a luster of midday to the objects below.
And what to my wondering eyes did appear
but a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer.

With a little old driver so lively and quick
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
With a sputter of ashes -- a flurry of soot,
He slid down the chimney with all of his loot.

My Dogs stood there so regal and proud,
Guarding their home with barks oh so loud.
St. Nick showed no fear and called them by name,
He knew in his heart they were gentle and tame.

He brought out his list, checked it once and then twice.
"Well, my beauties, all year you've been very nice.
I have in my bag toys and much more,
Just tell me what you pups really long for."

My dogs talked to each other -- then to my surprise
turned to Santa Paws with big tears in their eyes,
"We have chewies and balls and ropes to be tugged,
We are pampered and coddled and petted and hugged.

But for Christmas, dear Santa, we have but one care,
that all dogs be loved as much as WE are.
We want no dog beaten, whipped or chained,
No dog abandoned, abused or maimed.

We just want all canines, no matter what size,
to see love reflected in a dog parent's eyes."
St. Nick stopped for a moment to gather his wits,
"I have nothing to stop humans from being such twits.

All dogs are so beautiful and are such a treasure,
Living only to be loved and give people pleasure.
But I promise this message I will try to teach
So that one day your wish will be within reach."

St. Nick leaned over and kissed each furry head.
"Now you fabulous fur kids, go off to bed.
Think only good thoughts and dream good dreams
Of running and jumping and playing in streams."

St. Nick turned to me, his face wet with tears.
"Be proud of your babies, they are such dears."
In an instant St. Nick disappeared in a poof,
And I heard him give a deep sigh as he ran on the roof.

He jumped in his sleigh and to his team gave a whistle,
and off he flew like the down on a thistle.
And I heard him exclaim as the drove out of sight,
"Merry Christmas to All and To All Dogs a Good Life!"

Top 10 Howliday Safety Tips: Day 10

Shocking But True...

WOW, your Christmas tree, holiday lights and decorations look fantastic! But what you've created as a feast for the eyes may inadvertently be a danger zone for your pets. Here a a couple of bright holiday ideas to "chew on" so that your pets don't... chew on them, that is:

• Be sure to keep electrical cords hidden, out of reach or taped down to save your dog from electrical shocks.
• Plug your lights into a GFI outlet that will interrupt the flow of electricity if the cord becomes wet or chewed… perhaps in the mouth of an unsuspecting pup.

Top 10 Howliday Safety Tips: Day 9

Hair of the Dog

While alcohol may help you get into the holiday spirit, it can do just the opposite for your pet. A mere three ounces of liquor swallowed by a 10-15 pound dog can depress its nervous system enough to cause it to stop breathing. Be sure to keep all glasses up high where they cannot be lapped up or toppled over. And if you suspect your dog has sipped some champagne, wine or spirits, call your veterinarian immediately for treatment advice.

'BONE'-US POST: Hanukah Sing-A-Long

For all of our "Chewish" Friends..
and everyone else who wants to join in!

DROODLE DROODLE DROODLE
(to the tune of Dreidel-Dreidel-Dreidel)

Droodle, Droodle, Droodle
It's what we doggies do
And if you get too near us
We'll get our drool on you!

-----

Licking, Licking, Licking
It's how we doggies kiss
Some call it wet and yucky
Some call it doggy bliss!

-----

Shedding, Shedding, Shedding
Our hair gets on your clothes
But you'll still hug and love us
Guess that's just how it goes!

No matter how you spell it... Hanukah, Chanukah... The Top Dog and her "shayna madel kelevs" Dizney, Cassie & Tracey wish you a VERY happy howliday!