Author Archive: Helen

About Helen

I'm a Southern California living in South Florida. I've been here for 10 years as of October 1, 2007. No matter where I live, I'm a dog lover, and my breed is the Dobermann Pinscher of the Working Group. I am also fond of the Australian Shepherd of the Herding Group. My life revolves around my dogs, which is something those family members of mine don't understand. So I'm an island in that respect, but have built friendships with those who are doggie lovers and respect the canine as much as I do. Some do rescue, some train in, compete in, and judge AKC trials. The common thread is our dogs are family.

Moody Blues

There is going to be a full moon tonight. It’s the Capricorn Moon. We went outside to find it, but didn’t spot it yet.

What a sight! Airplane in the Fort Doberdale pines Black and White Skyscape

As dusk came, so did a huge blanket of clouds. They were magnificent. Their intensity suggested a big storm. We were at the ready to run inside, but all the sky did was sneeze on us. It may have been more intense the further upwards one traveled. The airlines re-routed right over the Fort Doberdale campus.

Lovely red hibiscus Ginger under the moody blue skies

Ginger asked to show the beautiful red hibiscus that bloomed today. “It’s lovely,” she says, “lovely and red just like I am!”

Baby watching the moody blue skies

Baby was fascinated with it all. She will sleep well tonight…on 2/3 of the bed. Meanwhile, we will all go outside to see if we can locate that Capricorn moon once again.

Helen

The Aussie vs The Dobie Nest

Now that I have two lovely Aussies, I can tell you that there is a definite difference in the way Aussies and Dobies keep their nests. Pictures are worth a thousand or so words in this case.

Taylor’s Nest Annie’s Nest

Here we have Taylor and Annie in their nests. I lay the blankets down flat for them, and this is how they re-arrange them. It’s as if they are putting themselves on the little thrones that they so belong upon. These little girls are the hardest working fuzzy-butts in the FDSP and deserve their thrones.
Lilian’s Nest Leissl’s Nest

On the other paw, are the Dobies, who tend to enjoy the flat bed type of blanket. There are exceptions to that rule. Ginger likes to rumple her crate blanket up, but other than that, the rest of the Dobie den dwellers like the smooth and tidy look. It’s not that they aren’t princesses and princes, because they are. But perhaps the Aussie’s are a tad more vigilent on being “on top of things.” Plus Dobies like to stretch out, and aren’t so much the curling types. Especially at 2 a.m. when they’re on my bed and I’m on the edge of that bed. Yup.

Helen

Raffle Results, etc.

None of us at Fort Doberdale won the Max 200 raffle. It seems the three people who won all hailed from New York. Hmpf!

At lunch, and still, it was raining. I had to stand out in the rain to entice the Posse to come out to tinkle under the sprinkling heavens. Then I went inside and was followed by most. Luna loves water and was running around enough to entice Lilith to come out and play. I stuffed Kongs with bananas and peanut butter while members of the Posse watched, then I came back to work.

At least my garden is getting watered without my help.

Helen

Raffle Deadline Approaching Fast!

I just got my raffle tickets. Tomorrow is the deadline, at noon! This is where the money for the raffle goes when all is said and done:

“Canine Health Events Inc. is a diverse gathering of dog lovers from across the country who are dedicated to improving the lives and health of dogs. Using normal dog events, we seek to raise money for canine health research both through entry fees and additional fund-raisers, such as raffles, auctions and sponsorships.

CHE is as interested in understanding how to prevent canine diseases as we are in finding cures….”

Helen

Dog Talk Message: Billy Joel Ticket Raffle, Concert Benefits Canine Health

I just got an e-mail from Tracie Hotchner, host of two wonderful pet shows – Cat Chat on Sirius 112 and Dog Talk through NPR.

Here’s the scoop and it’s a delicious one.
—————

Here’s the info – and the place to go to get tickets. The last raffle tickets sold are ALWAYS the winners – I have no doubt that two lucky DOG TALK® listeners are going to win BOTH pairs of tickets!! Plus I am such a supporter of the folks at Canine Health Events and their tireless efforts to find cures for cancer and other diseases – please read below and CLICK TO BUY!

Love Billy Joel? Tried to get tickets to his NY concerts but found they were sold out in an hour? Don’t want to pay thousands for tickets to see the Piano Man?

OR need more stuff for your dog-crates, treats, toys, agility equipment, obedience jumps? Well, Canine Health Events, Inc. is here to help! Our July Raffles include tickets to Billy Joel’s “Last Play at Shea” concert on July 18 AND a gift certificate from Max 200.

First, we are raffling off TWO pairs of tickets to Billy Joel’s “Last-Play-At-Shea” Concert at 8 PM on Friday, July 18, 2008 at Shea Stadium, Queens, NY. Donated by Fred and Judy Wilpon, this prize will put you in FABULOUS seats to enjoy this exciting final concert at Shea Stadium. See “The Piano Man” himself up close and personal in Section A5, Row 15, Seats 1 & 2 or 3 & 4. This puts you on the field, in the center section, 15 rows from the stage! You might even be sitting with some very famous people.

Second, we are raffling off a $250 gift certificate that is good for anything in Max 200’s catalog. See what they have at www.max200.com

Raffle ticket prices are one ticket for $2, 3 tickets for $5, 8 tickets for $10, 20 tickets for $20 and 60 tickets for $40. Remember, each Billy Joel raffle ticket gives you two chances to win! The drawing will be held on July 14, 2008. All proceeds from this raffle will go to Canine Health Events, Inc. and canine health research. We thank you for supporting us and wish you luck.
To purchase tickets via PayPal, visit www.caninehealthevents.org/raffles.htm#billyjoel To download a flyer and raffle ticket order form, go to www.caninehealthevents.org/jul08orderform.pdf

To get full details about the raffle and concert, go to www.caninehealthevents.org/raffles.htm#billyjoel
If you have any questions, send an e-mail to rosie@caninehealthevents.org
Please help us get the word out by sending this on to anyone who might be interested-there isn’t much time left and every penny raised will go to help our dogs! Even if you can’t participate, one of your friends, co-workers, employees, family members or neighbors might be able to.

Thank you!!!

The Canine Health Events Team,
Gayle Watkins, President
Maggie Lukiewicz, Vice President
Rosie Higdon, Treasurer
Pat McKinney, Secretary