"Where have all the PNWers gone"

I definately think the PNW is on line for a gooooooood christmas spirit!

The utilities guys knocked over about half of one of my big rosemary bushes. Yesterday I salvaged some good big branches and stuck them in water, so this year instead of a Christmas tree, I'm having a rosemary bush, sort of.

I celebrate the winter solstice every year by making saffron brioche which I eat toasted with honey (lots of golden yellow things to remind one of the sun, which I really start to miss this time of year.)

I'm waiting (not very patiently) for all little bulb things I planted in October to start poking through.

My jade tree is blooming. My amaryllises are just beginning to poke up flower stalks, so I should have blooms some time in January. Some year I'm going to get the timing right and have blooms for Christmas!

Hi Katie, Yes I have seen skid boot truley amazing. I think cattledogs are the closest thing to humans as dogs can get. We have two that are brillant and the vet says those are the hardest because they are one step in front of you. Butter my big lady and is the smartest dog ever and is a tattle tale always letting me know who is in trouble then trying to enforce the rules. She can dish it but can't take it any little thing she comes crying to moma. My little drama queen. Labs are hyper but very simple upstairs and if you have a treat I think you can train them to do anything where Oscar and Butter arent food obsested and it makes it hard. I would love to talk to your friend they aren't the breed for everyone thats why we have 5. We love them, they need to be with you 24 hours a day and are loyal and not the most social like the ranchers who own them. Back to trees and seeds. @ days till christmas and the days are getting longer Yeah. Heidi and Dragonfly

Thanks, Heidi!! I'm glad that you've provided such a little safe haven for those busy dogs.

My friend lives in Baltimore now. She and Meeka do very well together - it's really issues with other people that Meeka has. My friend just isn't as strong a pack leader as she could be - she knows this, but it's hard for her to change her behavior. Her labs were smart and energetic, just didn't need "rules enforcement" like her cattle dog does. LOL

I love sighthounds. Most people don't think they are very smart, but they just are very independent. Not working dogs so much as professional athletes. If you can motivate them, they are pretty amazing.

Yes, the days are longer!! Woohoo!! It's definitely time for some seed sowing.

Hi Katie You need to tell your friend to be patient. Cattledogs aren't a social breed. They are like their owners in austraila out all day by themselves and the cows. Ocsar and butter aren't social either and pick and choose whom they like and don't like. I know those two don't like eye contact. Usually if you ignore them they are just fine. If you ignore Buttershe loves to be the center of attetion but not looked at or petted unless she wants to be petted. We would love cesar milan to come visit here. I have problems with mine going out the door they have this hearding blocking takeout barking out of control game happening. 5 dogs and 2 hands make it difficult. Turtle the labs mix is probably the most out of control but he wants so bad to please and hates to get into trouble all the others are so smart and they know the punishment and think if they want it or not. If meeka is shy tell her to pet her under her chin to raise her confidence this helped with Butter. I'll post some pictures sometime. or if you come by the nursery you can see my bunch. Heidi and Dragonfly

I have had 2 black labs, one was killed in a car accident in 2003 with my DH, DH was hurt, car totaled, He was the best dog very smart, 2 years later I got my Ester, the best loving dog and very loyal to me, I have no fence and never pen her, She has never left the yard. I got her from some people on the reservation and she was a kennel dog never knew what life was out side of a kennel, She hurt her back somehow getting out of the car, now she is on pain pills and gets acupuncture once a week, She will never be the same happy dog I had.

Merry Christmas (or whatever you like to hear!) to each and every one of you. I am so glad I know you.

Happy Christmas to all!
Katie, thanks for letting me know about your contacts down Willamette way. Claire is really loving her job at Nordstrom and, evidently, is quite the saleswoman! I think she is a natural at the job but I hope that she can move to a different type of position with the company if she tires of selling or of retail hours. Time will tell. Meanwhile, we are still looking for a place for her to live. We did find out we have an extra week for her to be out of the apartment she is in now, so that helps a great deal. I think she will have to settle for something less than 'charm and character'. Tomorrow we are taking the entire extended family to celebrate her graduation from college with a dinner at the Space Needle. We've lived here for 22 years and have never eaten there. Hope I can tolerate being up that high with all those windows. Xanax, anyone?

Mauryhill, your priorities are in the right place. What a hard time for that family!!

Heidi, I love hearing about your dogs. We have two Australian shepherds. They are different than the cattle dogs, but very loyal and too smart for their own good.

Tillysrat, you are definitely in the Christmas spirit with that lawn ornament!

Here is this year's Christmas Cave, which got decorated on December 23. Better late than never.

Two of this year's amaryllis crop. White Peacock (tall) and Aphrodite (short). Now that they've bloomed once, I'm hoping I can do it right and get them to bloom again next year.

Wow. Melissa, beautiful Amaryllis. I've never seen anything like it.

Mary, I'm so sorry about your dogs - the one who was killed and the one who is injured. I know how hard it is to see them when their bodies start to fail them. My whippet, Nick, had a running injury years ago that was most likely a brain stem concussion (he was in a tall stand of grass when it happened, so I didn't see it exactly). He hasn't walked correctly since and with age (he's 10 now), it gets worse and worse. He had acupuncture and swim therapy after the accident and loved the acupuncture, but they didn't really help him get his movement back. He used to be such a wonder to watch. I really miss that.

Thanks for the encouragement, Heidi. My friend is extremely patient with her dog. Frankly, I think what they need is more routine obedience and play training. Meeka is insecure and gets more and more afraid of things (like going on a walk) and (imho) Bernie just isn't as strong a pack leader as Meeka needs. Funny, she's a very strong professional woman, but a huge loving pushover with her dogs. :-) The two are bonded for life, though, and love one another very much. I'll pass on your tip to her.

We are working on excitement issues with the door at our house, too . . . and probably will be forever. LOL

How I love all the animal stories - such love we all have for our friends.

My best friend and her husband took their dog to an animal chiropractor and the results were astounding. The dog passed away recently, but to old age. And until the end, he got around quite well thanks to those treatments.

Thanks Carol, I wonder if that would work better and maybe cheaper.

Hi Katie, I know this is a gardening section but I guess dogs are part of the garden as well at least mine. Turtle chewed off the top of a bb tree that was laying down. I would tell you friend exercise and maybe try no leash. If I even show Butter or Oscar the leash they go into the beatten dog look and take off. They mind well enough that they don't need one maybe have her carry it in her pocket for back up. Our dogs have gotten so much better. Oscar was the worst and we went to dog training which didn't help because he is terrified of other dogs and leashes and dosn't care about treates. we just tell them all the time how good they are. Praise praise praise even though it might be something small they remember and suck it in. I remember our vet saying dogs live in the now and don't have real great long term memory. Ours remember Butter got beat up by a black lab and hates them all. Then she had a best friend who was a yellow lab and loves them all. I have also heard accupunture works as well as massage. Yea we are almost in 2008. It will be a great year.

I'm thinking that Mary won't mind that we've hijacked this thread for our four-legged friends . . .

Carol and Mary, Nick just loved his acupuncture treatments. He would greet Dr. Panzer at the door and then immediately go to his dog bed in the middle of the room and lay down and go to sleep while the needles were put in. That convinced me that acupuncture really does feel good if it's done right. If (no,WHEN) I were (am) richer, we'd ('ll) all have regular treatments, LOL.

Oh, Heidi - your poor kids sound like they are so deep, intense and complicated!! My dogs are in the now in many ways, but they definitely learn from past experiences. I mean, how would a wolf survive if he/she didn't learn from trial and error? They have memory, all right. Thanks for all your suggestions - Bernie lets Meeka offfleash on their hikes, but lately, Meeka won't even get out of the car for them - she's spooked, but not by anything real, by something imagined, we think. Bernie knows that she needs to do some obedience work with Meeka so that Meeka's confidence in Bernie as a leader will be re-instated and she will be safe hiking, etc. when Bernie tells her it's okay. The less regular guidance (read: obedience) Meeka gets from Bernie, the worse her anxiety seems to be. I guess that does prove the adage that a dog (human) that doesn't know his place in the pack is more stressed than the dog (human) that is at the bottom.

Have you tried flower essences on your dogs at all? I have talked to people who have used them and the jury still seems to be out as to whether and how much they help.

I have tried flower essences on my cats with some success - http://www.catfaeries.com/

I know there are similar (maybe even the same?) items for dogs.

Carole - Maybe we should have a chat about the essences you've tried . . . for the most part my feline family gets along, especially as they're getting out of that crazy first couple of years' stage, but there are marking issues for a couple of the girls that are making me pretty crazy.

I'd love to hear about your success.

I talked to a gal at length about essences for my Whippet, who has separation anxiety. She recommended a couple of them to put in the dogs' water, saying that they'd benefit everybody - and she recommended them for me, as well (this was while I was stressing over being unemployed). I used them years ago, but wasn't aware of a difference and I didn't buy them from this gal simply to avoid the expense. And Nick has a Xanax prescription now that I'm going to be filling pretty soon. :-)

Carole, was the doggy chiro on the island? I'm looking for some aqua PT for Kenzie to help rehab her leg. Maybe some chiro would be good as well.

Been thinkin' 'boucha.

Gwen

Gwen, I'll get the name, etc., for you - I believe the doggy chiro is in Oak Harbor so a bit of a trek, but well worth it!!!

katie59, I'll dmail you with the ones I tried that did indeed help.

Try Bach's Rescue Remedy - it's for humans & animals. I have used it for the past 15 years or so & it works well, in my opinion.
It does not interfere with anything else they are taking - it's homeopathic, and simple to administer. I think the best way to describe it is that it has a "smoothing" effect: takes out the rough edges in the nervous system. I always have it on hand for my animals, but I use it too, when stressed.

I've used that one as well, Katye - and I think I was able to buy it at the pet store in Langley.

As far as using this tread Kathy was to get us all to start talking again and I think it worked, we are almost all here and talking again LOL.

And dogs do remember, My Tyler got it in his head that he could leave the yard when he felt like it, after being pick up by strangers and brought home a few times, we started to tie him up every time he did it. the last time he did, I got home from work and he was gone DH came home 15 min later I ask him is Tyler with you he said no. DH went looking for him, and found a note on a neighbor's door that read if you want your Corgi back call this number, so I called, they took him to Bainbrige Island. DH drove over and got him. The Neighbor the note was at was a good quarter mile away on the right we are on the left. He has not left the yard since.

oh, poor little corgi, he's been spluttered by the snow! someone hand him a towel!

I've been considering trying it with my Skipperdee, who tends toward being anxious. It works great for humans with anxiety and there is research to support using it with dogs. Here's a quote from vetmedicine.about.com:

"L-Theanine supports calming and relaxation, and reduces irritability and low mood states. The Pet Naturals formula includes the Suntheanine brand because of extensive research and documentation from more than 45 studies that suggest the brand is helpful in reducing stress and anxiety. It helps the body produce calming amino acids such as dopamine, GABA and tryptophan, and helps bring certain neurotransmitters into better balance. Studies done on L-Theanine showed that dogs exhibited reduced anxiety related behaviors without adverse effects and had no reported drowsiness. Dogs were alert, playful and calmer than expected given their situations. "

Here's a place that sells a product in chew form:
http://www.discountdogstuff.com/product/PN-0700868.021

I notice that Vitamin Water now has an l-theanine 'flavor' called 'Calm'. There's not much theanine in it, but it tastes good. I've had excellent results with clients who have both general anxiety and panic attacks using l-theanine up to three times a day. They've been able to avoid going on medication. Because it supports the manufacuture of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, it also can help people with mild depression. Don't see why that wouldn't also work for dogs. We have a resident vet, Soferdig, who may know more about this in animals.
By the way, the l-theanine you buy at a health food store is extracted from Green Tea. It's the ingredient in green tea that allows you to drink loads of it without getting a caffeine buzz, even though there is plenty of caffeine in it. I guess I'm wondering if I could just give my dogs an l-theanine capsule.

I am an avid fan of the "free" section on Craigslist and the local Oly Freecycle and Oly Reusables website. I have gotten lots of great stuff from all three.

I was raised with Australian cattle dogs and have always adored them. We have an 11 year old lab mix- Cinder, 11+ Manx - Georgia, 8 year old Calico- May, 8 month old domestic (gray and white tuxedo) Cleo and two bunnies- Chai and Stormy. All our fur babies are rescues. A week and a half ago I found Scrappy on the Oly Freecycle website. A young lady had recieved him as an early xmas present and then found out that the landlord did not allow dogs. We adore him, so do Cinder and Cleo. Georgia and May could care less. He and Carl (my hubby) start Kinderpuppy class in January. I am going to take the agility classes with him (Scrappy) at Fido Farms. His mom is a blue heeler and dad is a red. Looks like Scrappy if going to be red. Here is a pic.

oh, what a cute puppy! How did you decide on his name?

I haven't been saying much, but this thread has gotten really interesting with the homeopathic and pet-soothing things. I've got all sorts of new things to think about between this and Laurie's thread. DH's little sister is horribly prone to anxiety issues, so hearing about the l-theanine is also very interesting to me.

Rachel, he is adorable!!! Absolutely fabulous!! I'm so glad you got him! And it goes to show why puppies should not be Christmas presents. I'm sure the young lady who had to give him up was so sad.

Here is a link to a place that sells l-theanine in powder form, just right for adding to dog's water:
http://www.americannutrition.com/store/amino_acids_theanine.html
I've ordered from them frequently.
I also get theanine, as well as 5-htp, from this website:
www.vitacost.com

There is research to support the use of l-theanine with anxiety issues in humans as well as dogs. In my experience (which is considerable on this topic) l-theanine makes a big difference for people with anxiety, even panic attacks. My own daughter started to have panic attacks at school and they were stopped with l-theanine. I take 400 mg at night if I have trouble quieting my mind to go to sleep. There are no side effects to it, but you do have to take it about every 8 hours for the best benefit.

I think I better order the powdered form and put it in Skippy's water. He can be a bit intense, even for an aussie.

Susy- He was already named when we got him. He was already familiar with his name and comes when you call him, so we stuck with it. We also thought it was pretty cute, fits his personality! He's sleeping on his bed right now, just got done playing with his dad and is all worn out.

Rachier - I was trying to count up: I came up with 5 dogs and two rabbits - that is a houseful and that's before the people are added in! And you volunteer to dig out muddy farms! Work and garden too - do you want to borrow my wonderwoman outfit - I don't think I need it right now!

This is making me a little anxious in all the talk about herbal remedies. May I just put in one point about herbal remedies - like the rest of you, I too am very convinced about their efficacy! BUT they are still medicinal, and very strong. Please check for all contraindications before using - if you, or your children, or your pets are on any medication, you need to make sure any herbals are compatible with the particular medication the person or pet is taking - there are a lot of unexpected contraindications.

Laurie,
Georgia, May, and Cleo are cats. So the count stands:
2 dogs
3 cats
2 rabbits
1 husband
Tons of wild rabbits
Plenty of squirrels
Hundreds of birds
Several neighbor cats that like our yard
and me!
Oh, and we plan to add a couple of goats, chickens and ducks this spring and a few of our own offspring in the next few years!

I grew up on a 12 acre farm and showed goats in 4-H. So the # that I have now is nothing in comparision. On average we had 2 or 3 horses, 10-12 cats, 3-5 dogs, 20+head of goats, 8-10 sheep, 10-15 chickens, a few geese, guinea hens, 10-20 cows and whatever else wandered in! As you can see I have shoveled alot of sh#$ in my lifetime! I truly am an animal lover through and through, so is my hubby.

I'll let you know when I need the wonderwoman get-up!

Sheesh, skip wonderwoman - I doubt she ever even made it through 4-H!! If I remember correctly she didn't even have a love interest let alone a husband, goats or any hope of offspring!

Adorable puppy and I love his name! I am thinking about getting a new puppy, a golden. If not a puppy, then I'll apply with the local golden rescue (which is where we got Tag). But my youngest wants a puppy. We'll see. Big difference in cost! And I personally prefer the older dogs, but gotta admit puppies are fun. Except for all that training. Someday I'd like to do therapy work with a dog. I wanted to do therapy work with Kenzie (our lab) but she doesn't have the right temperament.

I'm jealous of you having all those animals! I'd love to have more animals and am still hoping for chickens, 2 ducks, and 2 geese one day, but hubby is not an animal lover to the extent he wants to own them and also the taking care of them out in the cold doesn't thrill me either. But I always am envious when I see others with lots of farm animals!

Gwen

Gwen-
It does take true love and dedication. The more animals you have the more work it is. But I grew up with it and would be lost without my four legged family members. Hubby and I just came back in from playing outiside with the dogs and bunnies while it wasn't raining. Time for lunch. Have a great afternoon all. Rachel

Rachel, I can't beleive you got a heeler. You'll have to come by and visit this spring. One of ours Boo is a red heeler. he is great. My friend lynn has a red one kokie and she is great. I hope this is a great dog for you. If you have any questions I am the heeler girl. Love the name scrappy. Heidi and Dragonfly

Great info, guys!! Lots of food for thought.

Congrats on your new puppy, Rachie!! I have 5 dogs, 12 cats and 2 parakeets, so I'm right up there with you in the number of daily chores I have (except for the husband part). LOL

I'm 1/2way through Bringing Light to Shadow. What a great book about conditioning. It's basically the journal of a dog trainer who rescued a border collie with aggression issues. Totally worth the read - shows you that everything can be broken up into tiny steps; patience, consistency and repetition are key, and regression a big part of success, so don't ever give up. I highly recommend it - it's much more interesting than your standard dog training books.

Sahara and I are going to take agaility this spring. I think, because of her intensity and food focus (so unusual for a sighthound) that she'll do well.

And for those of you who are in the mood for puppy pictures:

http://www.talismanhounds.com/architectureweek1.html

She'll be updating the pictures weekly. IMHO they are just good for the spirit. I can just smell the puppy breath and the puppy feet :-)

OOOOH ! Puppy pictures! I just love them!The only thing is, they grow even faster than human babies! If they would only stay little longer.
Rachel, more Scrappy pictures, please!

I do agree, M. If only they'd stay little longer!!

I'm feeling that way about my kids lately, too. This whole 'kid leaving home thing' is so hard!! It's so hard to maintain being so proud and so sad all at the same time. Claire is extremely loyal and she really loves her job (and evidently is really good at it) so she's likely to be at Nordstrom in Salem for a long time. And no school holidays to look forward to anymore.

Pixy, I'm having a very hard time with the growing up thing. I really want them to be toddlers and babies again! I have been struggling with this for the past year.

Gwen

Oh, I can't even think about it... I'm going to be terrible at adjusting to that - they are still kinda little, but the time just goes by so fast. Faster every year.

It makes sense we crave puppies when our kids grow up. : )

Here is a picture of Scrappy chillin out on a chilly Sunday morning. Do you think he could be any more content? :0)