What is wrong with this picture?

Yes, you guessed it . . . there is a dog missing. Much to my surprise, when I accessed my "doggy cam" yesterday morning, this is what I saw. Scared the mess out of me!

Thank goodness though, later that morning I did see Remi stroll by, gaze out the window, reach down to say "na na boggey" to Sugar, and then lay down on the dog bed there to the left. After seeing her, I was assured that she was indeed in the house and that I hadn't mistakenly left her outside for the day! Oh my, imagine if that had been the case! Anyway, apparently I had not properly closed the door on her crate or else I have a houdini in the house! :) When I arrived home, all was well!

I have checked the doggy cam today and this is what I like to see . . .

Three Greyhounds, sleeping away! Sleep soundly my girls!!

Peter Rabbit Again?

Well, I was sitting here in my home office working away on the computer when something caught my eye outside the window. I saw the back end of it go by which peaked my interest. At first I thought it must be a cat as I've seen a few wandering through my yard at times but when I got up to get a closer view, I realized it was no kitty but indeed it was Peter Rabbit. He just sat there looking at me as I looked at him, frozen in time. When I gathered my wits about me, I quickly went to get the camera, take all the caps off, put the damn lens on, put the battery in, turn it on (not quite the same as picking up a point and shoot) and luckily the bunny was still there. He had moved a few steps closer to the house on the sidewalk. I took this picture from inside the window. I stupidly but very quietly opened the front door, me already in my nightgown with camera in hand, hoping to be able to get a close up shot without any glass between us (by this time the girls had seen him through the window). Of course, that was not to be. He immediately took flight and ran faster than I could have imagined. My coursing instinct so badly wanted to let the girls loose on him just to see what might transpire but I knew better than to try that. It would have been fun though had it been inside a fenced area! Maybe another time!

Tinkering Around

I decided to get the camera out and play around a bit with what is left of blooms around my yard after Saturday's rains beat them all to death. I hope to get much better but I'm quite pleased with these shots. Look for news soon of my new Zenfolio site. Hopefully I'll have some interesting prints to put there in the next few months.

Cleveland ACoD Trip, March 28-30, 2008

Here is a video diary of my trip to ASFA's ACoD this year held March 28-30 in Cleveland, Ohio. Actually it was in Hudson, but that's close enough!

The Hotel

Blogging about this past weekend's coursing wouldn't be complete without some pictures or video from the hotel experience. We had five Greyhounds and two women in one room with two double beds for one night! Here is Sugar playing possum. She was no more asleep than I was!

And here is some pretty uncoordinated video recorded by me as we were getting back to the room after dinner (and drinks) and as we were getting attacked at the door by the dogs.

More Coursing

This past weekend we motored down to Moreland, Georgia to Bear Creek Farm for Southeastern Greyhound Club's (SEGC) Run for Rescue and the Lucy-Foxey Cup trials. Bear Creek Farm is a beautiful 2,000 acre farm nestled in the backwoods of Coweta County not far from Newnan. I wish I had some decent shots of the farm as it is spectacular. Unfortunately, the land owners (Hal and Linda Barry) were away for the weekend attending a Steeplechase in Aiken, South Carolina so we didn't get a chance to chat with them as we usually do. However, they are intrigued with the lure coursing sport and enjoy watching the dogs run and I'm sure wished they had been there! We will be back at that field in October so hopefully they will be there then.

SEGC held a regional awards dinner that evening at a local restaurant so I had decided to stay over at a local motel so that I could attend the dinner. My friend Heather and her Greyhounds Seka and Roxy also stayed with us. Yep, two women and five Greyhounds! What a party! Actually they were all very good girls. We couldn't have asked for anything more than that except maybe a ground floor room. Next time I'll remember that!

Anyhoo, coursing on Saturday was pretty interesting. The course was 920 yards I believe. And the weather was hot, the ground was dry, and the dogs were impressive. Lucy had a good morning run and a good afternoon run. I have forgotten her scores but will get those posted here this evening.

Here is a video of her morning run, I believe. I think my next toy will need to be a camcorder so that I can shoot better long distance videos! More toys and more toys - it never seems to end but I'm sure I would get terribly bored if it did!

At the end of the day, Lucy wound up in a three-way tie for 3rd place, 4th place, and NBQ (5th place). One dog forfeited so I decided to run her for the third time that day to determine the 3rd and 4th place winners. We really wanted to come in 3rd because of the points we would be awarded. You don't get any points after 3rd place - only a ribbon.

Here is a shot of her and her opponent after the initial release, going full-steam ahead chasing the plastic bunnies. And I believe this was the final run-off for 3rd-4th place.

This was taken with my new camera. I have a zoom lens ordered which is on the DHL truck as I type this. I can't wait to work with it! I image I'll be able to get some excellent shots.

The picture below is after Lucy had come in from the run-off and me trying to get her slip lead on her to walk her out before I took her to get some water, get her coursing blanket off and get her cooled down. BTW, she did end up in 3rd place - yeppie!

This was also the day that Heather's Seka ran a practice run. She tried to practice Roxy who would have no part of it. Seka ran beautifully, even if she is missing a toe on one of her back feet! She then entered Seka in Singles for Sunday's trial. Her total score for the day was 310 which was outstanding. Heather is definitely hooked on the sport now, even more so than Seka is, I think. I expect they will be at the May trials in Cartersville.

It truly is just plain, good, clean fun both for the humans who partake and definitely for the hounds. It does get competitive though which just adds some spice to the mix if you ask me!

Oh, I didn't run Lucy on Sunday because during the run-off on Saturday she busted the big pad on one of her back feet. I've been nursing it ever since and thank goodness that is the least serious injury that can occur on the coursing field and one that heals rather rapidly.

I've increased Lucy's training regime - with all this new up and coming talent we don't really have a choice! We'll be ready for May's trials though, so watch out!

Another Successful Day Lure Coursing

And by successful, I mean that there were no injuries. Unfortunately that is always in the back of one's head when you slip your dog and they tear off going what, like 45 miles per hour, chasing the plastic bunnies. But it's the risk you take to be able to see your dog enjoy something so much. Even more so than the marrow bones if you can believe that!

We coursed on Sunday, March 16th, because we were suppose to be in the St. Patrick's Day parade on Saturday, March 15th however due to the tornados that hit downtown Atlanta Friday night, the parade was cancelled. Bummer, for sure! My girls were all ready, outfits all prepped, and I had made a gazillion peanut butter cookies in the shape of shamrocks for the Greyhounds participating in the parade. Not to worry, they aren't going to waste!

Back to coursing . . . there were only three Open dogs that day and Lucy came in first again! She ran the course so fast, it was unbelievable. The morning preliminary run was good, however, she slipped and tumbled. I think she just lost her footing. She immediately sprang up and sighted the lure and continued on as if nothing had happened. During the fall she apparently broke the elastic neck binding to her coursing blanket. As she was coming in "for the landing" as I call it, it appeared she had no blanket on at all. In fact she did still have it attached to her waist. It was flapping in the breeze behind her and honestly, once she stopped running, it looked like a skirt. Absolutely too funny. She must have impressed the judges with her running style, skirt and all, because they scored her the highest of the three Open runs that morning.

The afternoon run was just as spectacular but thank God, no mishaps occurred. She scored the highest then as well and combined, of course, put her in First place for the day. I believe her final combined score was 310. She was eligible to run for Best in Breed against the Parker's dog Cole, but John and I decided to flip a coin instead, thus sparing the two dogs from having to run the course again. John won the toss so Cole was awarded the Best in Breed ribbon. I should have run Lucy as she certainly could have done it and could have beat Cole but then the course was so horrible for Greyhounds that I was thankful the day was over! By the way, her final score of 310 was about 6 points higher than any of the final scores of the two Field Champion dogs, including that of Cole. That Lucy is phenomenal! And fast - it scares the bageebies out of me!

Here is a shot of Lucy later that evening. Now tell me, is that a tired pup? Looking at the head shot I'd almost think it looks like my dear Lucy needs braces on her teeth! Naw, we won't go there. Been there done that myself and it ain't fun!

Here is a shot of Savannah, my Ragdoll kitty. She is also SEGA's official cat tester. Now, how official does she look? I love that cat. I've always referred to her as my "cat dog" because she is so "dog-like" in her mannerisms. I can call her and she'll come running. Seriously. She so badly wants to go out to potty with the Greyhounds but we all know that "Greyhounds plus kitty in the big outdoors" do not mix well. It definitely wouldn't be a pretty sight. So, she just lives out her "dog wanna be" fairytale life inside the house with her three Greyhounds whom she adores. And they adore her!

And lastly, here is a head shot of Lucy. She looks as if she is posing. See, she can do Meet and Greets, do Pet Therapy, Lure Course with the best of them, and even Model. Very versatile! Ha!

All of these pictures were taken with my new Canon Rebel XTi EOS Digital SLR Camera (10.1 MP). Wow, that's a mouthful to say! I'm quite pleased with the camera thus far but I certainly have alot to learn about it. This isn't quite like the point and shoot Kodak I've been using!

I think a photography class is in my future!

Pure Ecstasy

Nothing more needs to be said . . .

Lazy Sunday - Well, For Some!

I spent most of Saturday and a great bit of today outside enjoying the wonderful weather. Enjoying as much as I could while also doing yard work. It needed to be done and it was a great relief to get most of it done before the Spring really hits. I have to remulch the flowerbeds, put out some fertilizer, and get the garden prepped for planting. That's the garden behind Lucy (who is being lazy). I hope to plant some beans, new potatoes, broccoli, maybe some lettuce and God knows what else. I really enjoy having a garden. I can grow most anything and usually try something off the wall every year. One year I grew some cotton. Yep, the hardest thing about that was finding the seed! I had to order it off the Internet. Even the local Feed and Seed stores don't have cotton seed! You should have seen the looks I would get when I would ask! It was quite funny!

Anyway, with lure coursing and my volunteer activities it's been difficult to have a garden the past few years but I'm determined to get one going this year. I think I can do it. I have to be diligent in getting out there and getting the soil amended and then getting some seeds and plants in the ground before it's too late.

I even have this wonderful tiller - it's a Mantis. It's called "a woman's tiller" because it's so easy to handle. You just hang on and walk it around and try not to run into the fence with it! It really does an excellent job. My brother had to use it a few years back when he and my Dad built my patio for me out of a gazillon 2' x 2' pavers. He thought it was most awesome. I do, too!

While I was working my butt off (I guess hard work never hurt anyone), the dogs took the opportunity to rest and then rest some more. Sugar, shown here on the left, isn't passed out but is really sunbathing. She loves doing this. In fact, her bums are a bit sunburned now. It happens all the time because her bums aren't the furriest so it's basically bare skin there. I should have put sunscreen on her and have done this numerous times before.

Remi also enjoyed a bit of sunbathing. She doesn't get sunburned but I think she is getting "age spots" on her belly. That's what they look like to me - just dark spots. I should probably put sunscreen on her as well. At one point I looked around and Remi was roaching next to Sugar with all four legs straight in the air, using Sugar to prop her up because they were on an incline. It was too cute! Those two love each other so much. They'll lay together and can actually "touch" legs or paws and not freak about it. On the other hand, Sugar and Lucy are like that as well. Remi just deals with Lucy, I think. She likes her okay but she isn't that fond of her, not like she is of Sugar. Guess that's what time will do as Sugar and Remi have been together 4-5 years and Lucy has only been here 1 year. It'll all work itself out in the wash, I suppose.

I must say how jealous I was watching the dogs just lounge around being lazy in the sun like lizards out on rocks on a warm afternoon. I remember the days when I could also lounge around on the beach growing up, with not a care in the world. Oh how I cherish those days! I know Remi, Sugar, and Lucy are cherishing their lazy afternoons as well.

Phobias and Snow?

Yesterday morning we experienced severe thunderstorms across the metro Atlanta area. I think it was worse than the other day when there were so many tornados spotted in the area. I did hear that Carrollton did indeed get hit by at least two tornados, one an EF2 and one an EF3. The storms flattened trees, knocked out power to at least 93,000 homes and left injuries across metro Atlanta.

One man was injured in Carroll County when a tree fell on his vehicle, impaling him. He was taken to Tanner Medical Center. There's no word on his condition. The wind that ripped through Carroll County picked up Linda Bryant, 64, and blew her into some nearby woods as she walked from her house to her car. She is listed in serious condition at Tanner Medical Center. Two Lassiter High School students were injured in Cobb County when a tree fell on their car. The tree was a direct hit and neighbors and firefighters feared the worst. But the two went to the hospital with only cuts and bruises. Three people were trapped in their beds by falling trees and all sustained injuries requiring hospitalization.

Before the fast moving storm was near us, dear Lucy began her panting and shaking and barking. You see, she is phobic of storms. The hard driving rain, the thunder, and the lightening all scare the mess out of her. I had given her a few droppers of some holistic stuff called Relieve de Stress. It's mostly flower essences and does seem to help. I also wiped her down with a dryer sheet. They say this eliminates static electricity thus relieving the dog of some of the symptoms of the phobia. It also seems to help.

However, I think we might try some Melatonin next time. This is basically a sleep aid for humans. Given at a 3 mg. dosage for dogs, Lucy's doctor advised it may help but certainly wouldn't hurt. So, we will try that. I worry about her and wish I knew what she was thinking and wish I could help. I've never had a phobic dog, however, Savannah (the Ragdoll cat) is also phobic. She just cowers under the bed until it's all said and done.

I can sympathize with Lucy and Savannah as I, myself, am quite frightened of really bad storms. During my childhood in Florida, we experienced many bad storms but we always left town when a hurricane was approaching therefore I never really experienced that sort of weather until I was way into my 20's. However, the tornados we endure in Atlanta cannot ever be compared to hurricanes because they are unpredictable and can crop up out of nowhere. Therein lies the fear. And there is no basement in my home. Many times I have gathered the animals and have hunkered down in the guest bathroom which is the most central room in the entire house. That, in and of itself, is scary - 3 dogs, 1 cat and me all in the guest bathroom! :)

And if the recent stormy weather wasn't weird enough, this morning most of Atlanta received a dusting of snow. Yes, snow again. That is three (or is it four?) times this winter! What is up with that? At my house we didn't see any of the white stuff, however Accuweather did forecast flurries in my area during the morning hours. WOW is all I can say!

The Oscars and Tradition

Well, last night the 80th Academy Awards show was broadcast on ABC, straight from rainy southern California! Whew what a night. Ever since I was a little girl I've enjoyed watching the Oscars. The biggest thrill is seeing who wore what and then trying to speculate who will be on the best dressed list and who will be on the worst dressed list. Last night was almost a no brainer. Katherine Heigl definitely hit it right on the head with the beautiful silk georgette Escada column gown she wore. She looked smashing and definitely bought back fond memories of past starlets like Elizabeth Taylor or Natalie Wood who had such style and grace when walking the red carpet.

Of the worst dressed, oh my, there were many. Top of the list was the wife of Daniel Day Lewis. And he with his brown shoes with a black tux with brown trim. And then there was Jennifer Hudson. That dress absolutely did nothing for her figure. I'm certain another choice would have been much better. And then there is Tilda Swinton in her black one-shoulder "croaker sack", as my Dad would have called it. Absolutely horrid! In the famous words of Jay Leno, "What the heck were you thinking?" Don't these people have stylists?

I know I'm no fashionista but I feel certain I would not have made some of those choices. C'est la vie, I suppose. It was still a very classy and wonderful evening. And doesn't George Clooney get more handsome and more debonair every time you see him? I am not even going to comment on what his date (Sarah Jane Larson) was wearing. OK, yes I am. It looked like someone's drapes made over into a strapless dress. I think even Scarlett's forest green velvet drape-made dress in Gone with the Wind was more becoming than the one Sarah was wearing. But, oh, I digress.

The highlight for me was the traditional lobster dinner that I always make in honor of the Oscars. I also enjoyed a stuffed baked potato, corn on the cob, and plenty of Mojitos! For dessert, some of that wonderful chocolate ice cream I made on Saturday. Oh, and because I couldn't finish my entire lobster tail, what do you think I did with the remaining uneaten half? No, I didn't save it for later but instead decided to share it with "the girls"! Yes, and they loved it! I've also discovered they are quite fond of shrimp. Thank God they aren't allergic to shellfish!

Last Night

Well, last night my good friend Kim and her husband, Guy, came to dinner along with their three greyhounds, Rosie, Lindsey, and Bella. They really love coming over and the girls enjoy seeing each other as they are also the best of friends. The original idea was to grill Bubba burgers and sit outside so all the girls could enjoy being outside with their very filled Kongs. Well, the temperature never rose to the predicted 65 degrees (in fact it was darn cold) so we had to hang inside which was just as much fun. We did grill burgers and along with that had baked fries and boiled corn on the cob. Here's a little video I took right after dinner. Remi had left the room for some peace and quite, I guess, so there are only five dogs in the video. Oh, notice who is sitting on the sofa and love seat. Well, there is one human there but the dogs have the run of the place as you can see. Sugar, there on the left on the sofa looks as if she's had way too much to drink and can't get up! Don't worry, this is normal behavior for her!

And after dinner while we were enjoying the movie Forrest Gump, we took a break to make our ice cream sundaes I had planned for dessert. I had made homemade chocolate ice cream with homemade whipped cream! Yummy, it was delicious. You can see the girls had nothing else on their minds! There were 6 dogs in the kitchen but by the time I picked up the Flip, 3 had left the room! I guess they knew they were not going to get any dessert while the 3 who remained apparently believed we would indeed, give in, which we did not!! What a night. We all had a wonderful time!

Lure Coursing

This certainly isn't Lucy's best run, but this will show you what it's all about. Hopefully I'll get a better video at the next trial.

Lure Coursing

We coursed this past Saturday at the Chase trial at Old Mill Farm in Cartersville. All three girls attended, however, only Lucy coursed. She ended up taking a 2nd place out of 3! We were hoping for a first placement but that's okay. I've learned throughout the years that it's better to have a safe and healthy hound at the end of the day than a ribbon or points although the latter is always welcome! From the three trials Lucy has run in where she could earn points toward her Field Champion title, she has earned 57 points thus far. That isn't too shabby for three trials! The points are based on placement plus the number of hounds she beat in her category. Right now she is still running in Open, until she acquires 100 points and then we move to Field Champion. She is looking forward to that where she can "run with the big dogs"!

I have a video that a friend shot of her first course on Saturday. As soon as I get it, I'll load it here for your viewing pleasure.

Our next trial is the Chase trial March 15-16 at Gang Park in Calhoun and then the weekend after that is the SEGC trial March 22-23 at Bear Creek Farm in Moreland.

We have alot of conditioning to do between now and then but we are definitely up for the challenge!

Happy Birthday Sugar!

In my near death illness this week (not really but I have been terribly sick), I failed to even remember my Sugar's birthday which was Tuesday, the 12th. She turned 7 years old! What a joy she has been every day since coming into my home back in 2004.

Sugar was picked up by the Henry County Humane Society back in the spring of that year. She had been seen wandering around I-75 but I think was picked up while rummaging in someone's garbage, if I have the story correct. Research was done and no one claimed her nor did her owner on record know anything about her - it's a mystery. She had not been spayed. I picked her up from HCHS to foster her. What a sweetie even then. The Human Society began calling her Shuggie which I shortened to Sugar. Her registered name is PB's Honey Fritz. Anyway, she was adopted out to a family South of Atlanta who had some acreage, loads of children, and Emu's as well (and other farm type animals). After a few months it became apparent to the new adopters that she was NOT Emu tolerant nor did she care for the children so they returned her. Filthy, I might add and with a flea collar on! Of course, I was appalled and immediately cut that flea collar off and when I got home with her gave her a good scrubbing!

Come to find out, she does like children she just doesn't like to be chased (who does?) and I can't vouch for the Emu tolerance but I do know she has nabbed a few squirrels in the backyard so I am guessing that part is accurate.

Well, in 2005 I began lure coursing Sugar. She had an excellent lure coursing year winning Best in Breed for Greyhounds at the International Invitational that year as well as the Texas Trophy, presented to the most accomplished SEGC Greyhound in his/her rookie year of lure coursing.

Needless to say, I am very proud of her. Happy belated birthday sweetie, and many, many more! (I promise something special tonight in your food dish!)

PS - I have since found out it was more like an Emu massacre! Oh my!

This Is Hysterical!

Not Your Typical Saturday Night

Nope, not at all. I have to say though, many fond memories flooded my head as I was preparing for our first ever Greyhound pajama party! Yep, you read that right! Remi, Sugar, and Lucy invited their Greyhound buddies Rosie, Lindsey, and Bella over for an old-fashioned pajama party.

It was great! Just as I remember those I attended as a teenager. We didn't have a seaonce nor did we make prank phone calls but the Greyhounds were just as happy to jump into their jammies for their version, while we all enjoyed the movie "Pretty Woman" and some great food, if I say so myself.

The problem with having a Greyhound pajama party is this - all they want to do is sleep! Check it out!

Perhaps next time we'll invite some boys over and have a co-ed pajama party. Don't you think that would excite the girls a bit? Maybe they would get off the couch or off their dog beds long enough for the popcorn! And they totally missed the ice cream!

Silly dogs, we'll just have to keep them up to midnight the next time so they can truly experience a real pajama party with all the necessities (perhaps I'll make some Frosty Paws for them). Just like the ones I remember so well!

I must put in a plug for the jammies. I purchased them from http://www.greyhoundlove.com/ . All proceeds benefit greyhound adoption groups. If you decide to order from them, check with Polly, greylove@ptd.net, before placing an order to see what prints she has available and what sizes. She can send you a PayPal bill as well so you don't have to snail mail your order. Well worth it, I say, and much as I hate to say it, I hope we have a few more cold nights so the girls can enjoy their jammies before the season is over.

Last Weekend

I've been remiss in mentioning our field trip to the Birmingham Race Course last Saturday. We, Southeastern Greyhound Club, go over once a year usually the 2nd or 3rd weekend in January. This year we had 68 people signed up to go. We met at Cumberland Mall and then met the West-side folks at the first Alabama Rest Center on I-20. Unfortunately I overshot the reststop and had to drive about 20 extra miles to get off and get on exits to turn around. OMG, I won't be doing that again!

Anyway, we then took our caravan from the Rest Center to the track getting there right on time to start our tour of the Adoption Kennel and then the one of the Racing Kennels. Then, on to watch weigh in and then up to our Skybox to watch a few races.

The highlight, of course, is getting to see the dogs race. Oh, and that they did. Here are a few pictures. Just an awesome time watching the Greyhounds do what they love doing!

Oops, It Did It Again!!

Snow again! Twice in one week - who would have thunk it? The girls really aren't all that thrilled about it. Actually, Remi and Lucy love it but Sugar could do without it. She'd rather be inside where it's warm!

Here Remi and Sugar are smurfing the snow. They are really eating it. Brr, it's got to be cold! But they didn't seem to mind all that much!

Here Lucy is just being Lucy!



It's almost all gone now but now they are forecasting freezing rain for in the morning! This is Accuweather's forecast for Tuesday:

High: 47°F RealFeel®: 46°F

A bit of rain or drizzle, freezing on surfaces early; mostly cloudy

Ergh!! I've got Spring fever something fierce! Come on Spring, hurry!!

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow!

It finally snowed! Yeah!!!! And the girls enjoyed it so much. Well, I say that and I think they did but check out this shot. They aren't dummies - they were under cover and weren't getting wet by those big bad white very wet snowflakes!

It really was quite beautiful as you can see by this picture. Unfortunately I had a meeting to get to so I didn't get to stay home and enjoy it. Instead, I was driving in it. Not so bad, not like others were thinking it was going to be. There were only 6 people at the meeting! I should have stayed home!

Here the girls are way back in the back corner (you can't even see them it's so dark) sniffing and playing. It was really nice that they were able to see snow. Sugar grew up in Colorado and raced there as well so she has seen it but Remi is an Alabama dog and Lucy a Florida dog, so they were due to see some of the white stuff. Maybe we'll get some more this winter! I'm keeping my fingers crossed!