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Did you Guess? Our Family has Grown!

Something exciting is happening at The Writer's Dog...Friday I asked you to guess what it might be. Some of you guessed that I was under contract for a new series of dog books, and that my first book is being made into a movie. Wow I'd love that! Both of those would be awesome but it's not happening (yet!). Others guessed that Ernest got his TDI (therapy dog) certificate. Not yet, but he will be attending classes and  heading toward that goal. So the correct answer is....


Petey in a bucket
We got a puppy!
Can you believe it?
As you know we've been adopting senior dogs, and sadly, in March we lost both Ike and Kelly. Then two months ago we adopted 8 1/2 year old Ernest. He's an awesome sweet boy and we sure got lucky when our rescue group found him for us. Then, something totally surprising happened! We got a wonderful opportunity to bring an adorable golden retriever puppy into the family and...well, Ernest now has a little brother.
Our first day together.
Family portrait. Does Ernest look a little worried? Don't worry Ernest, it will be okay.
 After all the sadness we've gone through the last few months, we think a little puppy energy is just what we all need. Of course, we plan to keep on rescuing senior goldens, too. For sure for sure.

So please welcome Petey!

Welcome to the family, Petey!
Check back later to see how Petey is transitioning into the family, the first few days/nights, housetraining, and how Ernest is doing with the new addition.

p.s. Since no one guessed the correct answer, I will randomly draw a winner from all the guesses.

Something exciting is happening at The Writer's Dog...Friday I asked you to guess what it might be. Some of you guessed that I was under contract for a new series of dog books, and that my first book is being made into a movie. Wow I'd love that! Both of those would be awesome but it's not happening (yet!). Others guessed that Ernest got his TDI (therapy dog) certificate. Not yet, but he will be attending classes and  heading toward that goal. So the correct answer is....


Petey in a bucket
We got a puppy!
Can you believe it?
As you know we've been adopting senior dogs, and sadly, in March we lost both Ike and Kelly. Then two months ago we adopted 8 1/2 year old Ernest. He's an awesome sweet boy and we sure got lucky when our rescue group found him for us. Then, something totally surprising happened! We got a wonderful opportunity to bring an adorable golden retriever puppy into the family and...well, Ernest now has a little brother.
Our first day together.
Family portrait. Does Ernest look a little worried? Don't worry Ernest, it will be okay.
 After all the sadness we've gone through the last few months, we think a little puppy energy is just what we all need. Of course, we plan to keep on rescuing senior goldens, too. For sure for sure.

So please welcome Petey!

Welcome to the family, Petey!
Check back later to see how Petey is transitioning into the family, the first few days/nights, housetraining, and how Ernest is doing with the new addition.

p.s. Since no one guessed the correct answer, I will randomly draw a winner from all the guesses.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Can you guess my secret?

I've got a secret. Something's changed here at The Writer's Dog. Something exciting, a little bit different, a little scary, and I can't wait to tell you. But first, I thought we'd play a little game.
Can you guess my secret?

1. We're opening a retirement home for senior golden retrievers.
2.  I'm under contract for a series of exciting books about dogs.
3. My first book, Dieting with my Dog, is being made into a movie.
4. We rescued a family of cats, so I'll be blogging about cats too.
5. Ernest earned his TDI to become a therapy dog.
6. The blog is undergoing a fantastic new redesign.
7. We're moving to the country.
8. We got a new puppy.

Leave your guess in the comments.
Only one answer is right. What do you think it is? One winner will be drawn from everyone who guesses the right answer. Winner will receive this Life is Good sticker.


(Please provide an email address so I'll have a way to contact you if you win.)
**Sorry, those who already know the answer please don't tell and spoil the game! Thanks!
Have fun guessing!






I've got a secret. Something's changed here at The Writer's Dog. Something exciting, a little bit different, a little scary, and I can't wait to tell you. But first, I thought we'd play a little game.
Can you guess my secret?

1. We're opening a retirement home for senior golden retrievers.
2.  I'm under contract for a series of exciting books about dogs.
3. My first book, Dieting with my Dog, is being made into a movie.
4. We rescued a family of cats, so I'll be blogging about cats too.
5. Ernest earned his TDI to become a therapy dog.
6. The blog is undergoing a fantastic new redesign.
7. We're moving to the country.
8. We got a new puppy.

Leave your guess in the comments.
Only one answer is right. What do you think it is? One winner will be drawn from everyone who guesses the right answer. Winner will receive this Life is Good sticker.


(Please provide an email address so I'll have a way to contact you if you win.)
**Sorry, those who already know the answer please don't tell and spoil the game! Thanks!
Have fun guessing!






reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Cover Dogs- Kelly and Ike Forever

Have you seen Guidepost's new All Creatures magazine? If you love--or ever have been loved by--a dog, cat or other special creature, you'll want to read this magazine. And this month, I'm especially honored that my dogs Kelly and Ike are featured on the cover (July/August issue).


Here's how it happened. A little more than 3 months ago we were preparing to say goodbye to Kelly. She was 16 years old, and had been suffering from CCD (Canine Cognitive Disorder) for quite some time. I'd written a story for All Creatures about how our 10 year old golden retriever, Ike, became her therapy dog and helped her navigate through this illness. Even more touching was that Kelly had always been the bossy one, but Ike never held it against her. He gently guided her when all her senses and cognitive functions failed.

A wonderful magazine photographer came and took photos of Kelly and Ike together. Then, 5 days later, Ike unexpectedly passed away. He had hemangiosarcoma. A mass on his spleen ruptured. Without Ike, Kelly was lost and only a week later, we lost her too.


The story in the magazine, however, is not about their passing, but instead about how I dealt with Kelly's illness and about two dogs who loved and needed each other. It really was quite beautiful to see them together. I'll never forget them. I miss them.

It's not all sad though. A month ago we adopted 8 1/2 year old Ernest and he proudly shows off the magazine cover!



I'm very happy that Kelly and Ike's story is included in the magazine. For those who get the magazine, I hope you'll enjoy it.  (You'll also find my monthly column in each issue with pet care tips.) If you're interested, here's information on where you can subscribe to All Creatures.
Have you seen Guidepost's new All Creatures magazine? If you love--or ever have been loved by--a dog, cat or other special creature, you'll want to read this magazine. And this month, I'm especially honored that my dogs Kelly and Ike are featured on the cover (July/August issue).


Here's how it happened. A little more than 3 months ago we were preparing to say goodbye to Kelly. She was 16 years old, and had been suffering from CCD (Canine Cognitive Disorder) for quite some time. I'd written a story for All Creatures about how our 10 year old golden retriever, Ike, became her therapy dog and helped her navigate through this illness. Even more touching was that Kelly had always been the bossy one, but Ike never held it against her. He gently guided her when all her senses and cognitive functions failed.

A wonderful magazine photographer came and took photos of Kelly and Ike together. Then, 5 days later, Ike unexpectedly passed away. He had hemangiosarcoma. A mass on his spleen ruptured. Without Ike, Kelly was lost and only a week later, we lost her too.


The story in the magazine, however, is not about their passing, but instead about how I dealt with Kelly's illness and about two dogs who loved and needed each other. It really was quite beautiful to see them together. I'll never forget them. I miss them.

It's not all sad though. A month ago we adopted 8 1/2 year old Ernest and he proudly shows off the magazine cover!



I'm very happy that Kelly and Ike's story is included in the magazine. For those who get the magazine, I hope you'll enjoy it.  (You'll also find my monthly column in each issue with pet care tips.) If you're interested, here's information on where you can subscribe to All Creatures.
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Old Gold in my Life- 3 Before and After

I never intended to adopt senior dogs. Never planned to have my heart broken over and over again. But then again, I wasn't prepared for the amazing joys either. I never sought out senior dogs. But they keep finding me.

First there was Brooks. He was 11 yrs old when we adopted him. Someone had apparently dumped the old guy and left him to survive on his own.
This was sad Brooks before we rescued him:

Brooks Before
This was Brooks a few months later, after a little love:

Brooks After

I thought I could never love a dog, or be loved by a dog, the way it was with Brooks. Then came Ike. Here's goofy Ike in the rescue group's photo:

Ike Before
  Here's Ike after we got him, and he became a certified therapy dog. He was so loving.

Ike After
 Recently my husband and I decided to rescue a younger dog. But a month ago Ernest found us. He's 8 1/2 years old. Here he is the day we adopted him. He was scared.

Ernest Before

And here he is one month later. He's happy, relaxed, full of energy and nonstop love.

Ernest After






Why do I love senior goldens? They fit my lifestyle. They're pretty mellow most of the time. And mostly, there is a gentle wisdom about senior dogs. They've learned about life, sometimes the hard way, and they understand what they need. Mostly, my senior goldens have just wanted to be loved. 

Other dogs may come into our life. But we'll always have a place for senior dogs. My husband told me recently that when he retires, he'd like to open a retirement home for senior goldens. I can't think of a better way to spend our golden years.
I never intended to adopt senior dogs. Never planned to have my heart broken over and over again. But then again, I wasn't prepared for the amazing joys either. I never sought out senior dogs. But they keep finding me.

First there was Brooks. He was 11 yrs old when we adopted him. Someone had apparently dumped the old guy and left him to survive on his own.
This was sad Brooks before we rescued him:

Brooks Before
This was Brooks a few months later, after a little love:

Brooks After

I thought I could never love a dog, or be loved by a dog, the way it was with Brooks. Then came Ike. Here's goofy Ike in the rescue group's photo:

Ike Before
  Here's Ike after we got him, and he became a certified therapy dog. He was so loving.

Ike After
 Recently my husband and I decided to rescue a younger dog. But a month ago Ernest found us. He's 8 1/2 years old. Here he is the day we adopted him. He was scared.

Ernest Before

And here he is one month later. He's happy, relaxed, full of energy and nonstop love.

Ernest After






Why do I love senior goldens? They fit my lifestyle. They're pretty mellow most of the time. And mostly, there is a gentle wisdom about senior dogs. They've learned about life, sometimes the hard way, and they understand what they need. Mostly, my senior goldens have just wanted to be loved. 

Other dogs may come into our life. But we'll always have a place for senior dogs. My husband told me recently that when he retires, he'd like to open a retirement home for senior goldens. I can't think of a better way to spend our golden years.
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Meet Ernest!

We have HAPPY NEWS!!--a new friend has joined our family. Meet Ernest!




Just over 2 months ago, we lost our sweet spaniel-mix Kelly (who was 16) and our loyal golden retriever Ike (who was 10). We still miss them every day, but to us a home just isn't a home without a dog. So we began our search for a new friend to love. After losing several senior dogs in a short time, we weren't exactly looking for another old-timer. But....

Our rescue group was on the lookout for just the right dog for us. They are amazing at making great matches. And they found an 8 1/2 year old golden retriever who was being surrendered and needed a forever home. He'd been kept mostly in a cage at his old home, and was a lonely boy. He was filthy, his fur felt like wire bristles, and we pulled five ticks off of him the day he arrived. He had tons of energy, wanted to be touched and patted every waking moment, barked for attention.
And we're so glad he's ours!


After two weeks he's settled into our routine, feels secure that we're not leaving him, and just loves being loved! With a bath and good nutrition, his fur is almost all soft. And he's just the most wonderful dog! I hope he lives a long and healthy life, and we're looking forward to however much time we're blessed to have with him.


I've never had nicknames for my dogs before but I also call Ernest: Ernie, Lil Bear, and Buddy Boy. Welcome to the family sweet Ernest!
We have HAPPY NEWS!!--a new friend has joined our family. Meet Ernest!




Just over 2 months ago, we lost our sweet spaniel-mix Kelly (who was 16) and our loyal golden retriever Ike (who was 10). We still miss them every day, but to us a home just isn't a home without a dog. So we began our search for a new friend to love. After losing several senior dogs in a short time, we weren't exactly looking for another old-timer. But....

Our rescue group was on the lookout for just the right dog for us. They are amazing at making great matches. And they found an 8 1/2 year old golden retriever who was being surrendered and needed a forever home. He'd been kept mostly in a cage at his old home, and was a lonely boy. He was filthy, his fur felt like wire bristles, and we pulled five ticks off of him the day he arrived. He had tons of energy, wanted to be touched and patted every waking moment, barked for attention.
And we're so glad he's ours!


After two weeks he's settled into our routine, feels secure that we're not leaving him, and just loves being loved! With a bath and good nutrition, his fur is almost all soft. And he's just the most wonderful dog! I hope he lives a long and healthy life, and we're looking forward to however much time we're blessed to have with him.


I've never had nicknames for my dogs before but I also call Ernest: Ernie, Lil Bear, and Buddy Boy. Welcome to the family sweet Ernest!
reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Peppertree Rescue's Furry Fun Run

What's the most fun you can have on the run? I think it's the Furry Fun Run. It's a great 5K to benefit Peppertree Rescue group, and the best thing about the event is that you can run with your dog. We got both Ike and Brooks from Peppertree (and maybe someday they'll find us a new furry friend.) So Mike decided to run in memory of Kelly and Ike.


I loved seeing so many different breeds of dogs represented. And they all got along.




 And the race is on!





Here they are at the finish line.






Mike made it!



We were glad to be a part and support Peppertree Rescue. We even made a new friend, Bernie.


What's the most fun you can have on the run? I think it's the Furry Fun Run. It's a great 5K to benefit Peppertree Rescue group, and the best thing about the event is that you can run with your dog. We got both Ike and Brooks from Peppertree (and maybe someday they'll find us a new furry friend.) So Mike decided to run in memory of Kelly and Ike.


I loved seeing so many different breeds of dogs represented. And they all got along.




 And the race is on!





Here they are at the finish line.






Mike made it!



We were glad to be a part and support Peppertree Rescue. We even made a new friend, Bernie.


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Zeke's Movie Night #MyDogsPurpose


#MyDogsPurpose
This is a sponsored post.

BY ZEKE
I was standing in the kitchen chowing down on my crunchy munchy kibble when my mind started wandering, as it tends to do because I'm only a three-year-old golden retriever, and can't concentrate on any one thing too long and I started thinking about my purpose. What is my purpose? Visions of taking my humans for walks and helping devour all that pesky bacon in the refrigerator flashed before my eyes, but before I could find an answer to that perplexing question...my humans came along and told me it was time for Family Movie Night.


Well that begged the question, what is the purpose of movie night? I think it's to bring all the family together--with me in the center of course--to share in a mutually bonding experience. We all sat around in my human grandparents' living room. I visit here often. My best friend in the whole wide world, Ike, used to live here, but he went over the rainbow bridge just five weeks ago. I miss Ike more than anything. But sadly, as much as I look for Ike in Grandma and Grandpa's house, I can't find him. I can still smell him a bit, on the sofa where he used to sleep. But for sure he's gone.

So, movie night. Universal Studios Home Entertainment asked bloggers if they'd be interested in reviewing the DVD A Dog's Purpose. My grandma sometimes reviews books, movies and even dog food (she lets me sample it--Yum!) She also likes the book's author Bruce Cameron and his work. So they sent her the DVD and some goodies for me, and Grandma said that I get to review it, and give my honest opinion. So here I am.
#ADogsPurpose  #sponsored

When I heard that this movie was about dogs, and the rainbow bridge, I wasn't too sure I wanted to watch. But Grandma told me that she'd read the book and despite the sad moments, the movie has a positive message, and that I would like it too. I was ready for Family Movie Night. I didn't think Ike would mind if I took his spot on the couch. My family gathered--the human puppy didn't stay and watch...she's too young. But the rest of us watched, even Great-Grandma.


The movie opened with some cute puppies, and pretty soon we got to see...what else, a reddish golden retriever! He was adorable, but maybe I'm partial. His name was Bailey Bailey Bailey. And best of all, the movie was told through the eyes of this Bailey. And to tell the truth, I think a lot of the same things Bailey thought in the movie.

I loved the relationship between Bailey and his boy. I could tell that Bailey would do anything for the boy, and the boy would do anything for Bailey. But life is complicated. And so is the plot...at least for an uneducated young dog like me.


It seemed that Bailey just about figured out his purpose when his time on earth was over. I noticed Dad hugged me a little closer during this scene. But there was something different about this movie. Just when everyone was sniffing and the music was swelling, things got happy again. Bailey was back! Only he didn't look the same as he did before. It made me think a lot. About Ike. I don't know where my best friend Ike is now, but sometimes I think of what happened to Bailey in this movie and wonder if that happened to Ike. Is he a puppy somewhere?





We finished watching the movie and, although there were plenty of sad parts, and some scary parts, I liked it. I liked the way the dogs and humans worked together. I liked the way the dogs ran and played and loved their humans.


Which brings me back to the question---what is my purpose? Well I'm still a youngster, I haven't figured that out yet. Maybe it's easier to figure out your purpose after you've already fulfilled it. But Mom told me something about my best friend Ike's purpose. She said that when she adopted him, his first purpose was to get along with Kelly, the bossy female spaniel in the house. And he did. His next purpose was to help my Grandpa recover from a serious illness by giving him lots of TLC. Also, his purpose was to keep Grandma company as she worked from home. And, then he became a therapy dog, and his purpose was to give unconditional love to all he met. And then, when Kelly become old, deaf, nearly blind and suffering from dementia, his purpose was to be her guide, to be her therapy dog. Ike crossed the rainbow bridge just last month. Kelly followed, just five days after. Looking back, the way Grandma and I see it, Ike's purpose was really simple. To love and be loved. #MyDogsPurpose

Maybe that's every dog's purpose. Maybe it's mine. That's what the movie meant to me. 

A Dog's Purpose is available now on Digital HD, and on Blu-Ray Tuesday May 2nd. For fans of the book, there's a special feature A Writer's Purpose, with the story behind W. Bruce Cameron's bestselling novel. #ADogsPurpose

Website: http://uni.pictures/ADogsPurpose
Trailer: http://uni.pictures/ADogsPurposeTrailer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ADogsPurposeMovie/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/a_dogs_purpose
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adogspurposemovie/






Full Disclosure: I was compensated for my honest review. This in no way influenced my opinion. Opinions expressed here are 100% my own.

#MyDogsPurpose
This is a sponsored post.

BY ZEKE
I was standing in the kitchen chowing down on my crunchy munchy kibble when my mind started wandering, as it tends to do because I'm only a three-year-old golden retriever, and can't concentrate on any one thing too long and I started thinking about my purpose. What is my purpose? Visions of taking my humans for walks and helping devour all that pesky bacon in the refrigerator flashed before my eyes, but before I could find an answer to that perplexing question...my humans came along and told me it was time for Family Movie Night.


Well that begged the question, what is the purpose of movie night? I think it's to bring all the family together--with me in the center of course--to share in a mutually bonding experience. We all sat around in my human grandparents' living room. I visit here often. My best friend in the whole wide world, Ike, used to live here, but he went over the rainbow bridge just five weeks ago. I miss Ike more than anything. But sadly, as much as I look for Ike in Grandma and Grandpa's house, I can't find him. I can still smell him a bit, on the sofa where he used to sleep. But for sure he's gone.

So, movie night. Universal Studios Home Entertainment asked bloggers if they'd be interested in reviewing the DVD A Dog's Purpose. My grandma sometimes reviews books, movies and even dog food (she lets me sample it--Yum!) She also likes the book's author Bruce Cameron and his work. So they sent her the DVD and some goodies for me, and Grandma said that I get to review it, and give my honest opinion. So here I am.
#ADogsPurpose  #sponsored

When I heard that this movie was about dogs, and the rainbow bridge, I wasn't too sure I wanted to watch. But Grandma told me that she'd read the book and despite the sad moments, the movie has a positive message, and that I would like it too. I was ready for Family Movie Night. I didn't think Ike would mind if I took his spot on the couch. My family gathered--the human puppy didn't stay and watch...she's too young. But the rest of us watched, even Great-Grandma.


The movie opened with some cute puppies, and pretty soon we got to see...what else, a reddish golden retriever! He was adorable, but maybe I'm partial. His name was Bailey Bailey Bailey. And best of all, the movie was told through the eyes of this Bailey. And to tell the truth, I think a lot of the same things Bailey thought in the movie.

I loved the relationship between Bailey and his boy. I could tell that Bailey would do anything for the boy, and the boy would do anything for Bailey. But life is complicated. And so is the plot...at least for an uneducated young dog like me.


It seemed that Bailey just about figured out his purpose when his time on earth was over. I noticed Dad hugged me a little closer during this scene. But there was something different about this movie. Just when everyone was sniffing and the music was swelling, things got happy again. Bailey was back! Only he didn't look the same as he did before. It made me think a lot. About Ike. I don't know where my best friend Ike is now, but sometimes I think of what happened to Bailey in this movie and wonder if that happened to Ike. Is he a puppy somewhere?





We finished watching the movie and, although there were plenty of sad parts, and some scary parts, I liked it. I liked the way the dogs and humans worked together. I liked the way the dogs ran and played and loved their humans.


Which brings me back to the question---what is my purpose? Well I'm still a youngster, I haven't figured that out yet. Maybe it's easier to figure out your purpose after you've already fulfilled it. But Mom told me something about my best friend Ike's purpose. She said that when she adopted him, his first purpose was to get along with Kelly, the bossy female spaniel in the house. And he did. His next purpose was to help my Grandpa recover from a serious illness by giving him lots of TLC. Also, his purpose was to keep Grandma company as she worked from home. And, then he became a therapy dog, and his purpose was to give unconditional love to all he met. And then, when Kelly become old, deaf, nearly blind and suffering from dementia, his purpose was to be her guide, to be her therapy dog. Ike crossed the rainbow bridge just last month. Kelly followed, just five days after. Looking back, the way Grandma and I see it, Ike's purpose was really simple. To love and be loved. #MyDogsPurpose

Maybe that's every dog's purpose. Maybe it's mine. That's what the movie meant to me. 

A Dog's Purpose is available now on Digital HD, and on Blu-Ray Tuesday May 2nd. For fans of the book, there's a special feature A Writer's Purpose, with the story behind W. Bruce Cameron's bestselling novel. #ADogsPurpose

Website: http://uni.pictures/ADogsPurpose
Trailer: http://uni.pictures/ADogsPurposeTrailer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ADogsPurposeMovie/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/a_dogs_purpose
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adogspurposemovie/






Full Disclosure: I was compensated for my honest review. This in no way influenced my opinion. Opinions expressed here are 100% my own.
reade more... Résuméabuiyad