It's a Bugg's World: The best of 'our' Dog, Happy Birthday!

Yep, today is the day our wonderful dog, friend, comforter and protector was born and yes, we do celebrate his birthday.  Bugg is three years old and as I think back over these last three years, I must admit, without him in my life, life would not be as sweet. Love ya Bugg!

A 'big' 6 months old

The Star!

This was the first photograph of Bugg I ever used in an article that I had published and at that moment, a star was born.  Bugg is loved all around the world by a good amount of folks.  No, Bugg and I's journey in publishing articles did not start out as, here is an accomplished writer, whom has raised her family and is ready to move on and upward for herself, not to mention her sidekick, the well trained Hollywood dog.

No it was a moderately trained puppy and a woman that told herself, please do something girl, your kids are grown, your mama just passed a year ago, your Boo passed away six days after Mama (May 2009) and your Max passed away a year later, (in May 2010) and you need to stop feeling sorry for yourself.  No, it was a, grab yourself up from the boot straps girl, get it together, dammit, kind of thing.

I was informed by a friend about a serious writing site, as I have always been a writer (of sorts) and an avid reader, why not, give it a try. Oh my gosh I was 'just' awful and yet some very kind accomplished writers on the site would encourage me on, offer me help and oh boy, did I take advantage of all the free education (on how to write) they were willing to bestow on me for over two years.  Do not get me wrong, I still have a ways away from being an half way decent writer, no doubt.

Bugg at 10 months old

Something was missing though and that would be photographs, I had no camera at the time, until my angel and good friend Jake sent me his camera in the mail.  He is now my son-in-law.

That was when I started to photograph the best subject around my home, Bugg.  This only expanded my artistic nature I was blessed to be born with and Bugg brought this out in me more than anyone or anything around could.

As I am now writing on my own blog and not the writing site that have learned to love Bugg over the years, I thought I would share a story of 'my' never ending doggie, so you are able to see, what so many others have had the honor to witness first hand as he grew into the three year old dog he is today.

Photo: He loves to kiss, is it always for the best, well no but, it makes him so happy, happy, happy.  

Cottonton OR Bust! 

Max

I would like to share a story about how we went about being blessed in having Bugg in our lives, that will prove the good character of my Buggah, his willingness to please, to give and in the end, even when things are at its bleakest he does not run for cover, he stands like a good dog/family member should....

 Max had lost his best friend Boo around six months before Dan and I drove to Cottonton Alabama to retrieve one of the puppies we saw listed on craigslist.  I didn't know which puppy I was going to get out of the liter, I just knew in my heart that I was going to find the perfect puppy when we arrived.  As usual, my heart did 'not' prove me wrong because, in the corner of these kind people's living room there sat the most gorgeous puppy I have ever seen, I mean picture perfect.

The soon to be Bugg was quiet, not the least bit aggressive, actually quite timid though, my eye kept going back to him, as the other two puppies tried hard to get my attention.  Of course, the other two puppies were being loved on by me but, as I played with each puppy, I was still more drawn to that corner in their livingroom.  I just had to do it, I got up and went over to him, he flinched but then, he rubbed his head against my arm and even though he was shaking I just knew, this was the one for Max and I.

The biggest bed, at 7 months old

Dan was hesitant, only because he thought the dog might be sick, sinse he was so laid back but as always, he let me have my way.  As we rode back home that night, that little guy had a strangle hold on my neck with his head, shaking like a leaf and I swear that dog grew a inch just on our way home.

Max was not that happy with the new puppy we just brought home but, nor was his daddy when we brought Max home, so I thought he would get over it.

Max had been blind for around a year at this point in time.  Max was a insulin using diabetic for the last five years of his life.  So I also had taken that into consideration, that maybe since he is not able to see the little guy, he might be a bit defensive towards him.

Bugg kept growing, oh I saw it daily, even hourly at times, I have never seen anything like it.  Bugg could take a nap, wake up and be a inch taller or heck, even a inch longer and that was when I started to call him my never ending doggie.  

Three times a day I would take Max and Bugg outside to just roam around, Max was fine he knew the yard pretty well, as his daddy Boo, was his seeing eye dog for the first month after Max went blind.  That was, until Max was comfortable enough (without hurting himself) with his surroundings.  Bugg would run around like any puppy would, getting into everything and just be happy go lucky, as Max (the old man) would lay down on the ground by my chair, after he had roamed around and taken care of his business.

Bugg would do loops around Max, as if to say "Look at me!", not knowing Max could not see him, it would so irritate Max, that at times he would growl at Bugg.  I would reprimand Max, only by saying, be nice old man, he would take it, look at me and turn his head in a huff but, he tolerated that happy go lucky puppy and I. 

The Fall

Max had a fall that left him unable to fend for himself, when we arrived at the veterinarian's office and was seen by the veterinarian, blood test were taken and his sugar was checked, as he was getting a bit aggressive and as those that love Max knows that was just not in his nature, yep, sure enough his sugar was sky high. 

Our veterinarian recommended that we up his insulin and for his injuries he just needed healing time.

We did as our veterinarian recommended and one day when my brother and I were carrying Max outside to use the bathroom.

Max started to go into a diabetic coma, I knew the minute I had looked into his eyes he was going into a diabetic coma. Sadly, I do know what those eyes do look like. 

I know this as I watched my Mama go code blue (in the hospital) while going into a diabetic coma.  The minutes it had taken the staff in the hospital to come to our rescue, as I held my Mama's neck, as her face was inches away from mine, me begging her to stay with me, the machines were going haywire all around us and no one was listening to my cries of help coming out of that hospital room. 

Well that is, until I yelled one word, yes I dropped the f bomb, my Mama was leaving me, no one was listening, what is a girl to do, might I ask.  Also you must know, this was in a Utah hospital.  Nothing like getting a bunch Mormons feet a moving fast, then to scream the f bomb, with a blood curling scream of "Get a f&*^% Doctor, now!", yep that caught their attention.

That look in Mama's eyes will never be erased from my memory, sadly. 

We decided to change (after 17 years) our veterinarian and go to one that was recommended to us by a friend, they tested Max and his sugar was high, even with all the extra diet changes I always did for him when his sugar was spiking.  

We Were Losing Ground...

We all tried to get Max healthier but, it was not to be so, our Max started passing away 12 hours before we decided to eventually take him to the veterinarian and have him put down.  Max was in no pain and he wanted to be right next to Dan and I.  

When a dog is passing, they usually stray from their pack and since Max wanted to stay close to us, we decided if he is in no pain, he is not having to labor when he was breathing, we would love him until his last breath, it seemed that is what he wanted.

Bugg was so worried about his friend, the old man he looked up to, Bugg would go check in on Max every thirty minutes or so, not get in his face, as Max laid on Dan and I's bed.

Bugg would just go to the door, stare at Max just to see if his buddy was okay.  Yes a few snaps (no touching of Bugg though) thrown his way, as he neared Max.  I then started to notice Bugg wanted to come into the room more and more.  It then dawned on me that Bugg might want to say goodbye to Max.

I coaxed Bugg in the room, he was not afraid, Bugg was just respecting Max's space, he just didn't want to hurt the big guy he loved so much  After the first visit in the room, Bugg would come in and out, lay down for awhile but always keeping his distance. 

When Max's breathing started to become a struggle for him, we then called our Veterinarian and informed her that we were bringing Max over to her in around five minutes, she said she would be ready for us, do not even come inside, she will be waiting outside for him.  

I gave my Me Me head all the love I could, I hugged him, yes I even kissed the guys face and said to him (through tears). "You have been a great edition to our family, I am a better person for it and I love you so much, thank you for what you have given us, I love you.".

Nearing the End

Bugg laid that pine cone down just as gently as he did with his favorite rock

I had gotten up so the other family members could take their turn in the room, so as to say their goodbyes.  I looked around to see if Bugg was around and I was not able to spot him, then Dan came to me and said "It's time".  I had to go in and say goodbye one more time, he was my baby.

I once again went in there and thanked Max for all he had given us, when all of a sudden Bugg was standing next to me.  Max's head (almost his whole body) was in my lap, he was so tired and then, all of a sudden out of that gorgeous Bugg mouth came a pine cone, it rolled close to Max's mouth.  

No sir, not your usual pine cone, only Bugg's favorite, he carried that pine cone around for 5 months, never destroying it.  Bugg would hide it because, when ever one of his treasures (pine cones) he had found outside would get close to Max, Max would demolish it, look at Bugg as if to say "Bite me!". 

Max had turned his head in an attempt to reach the pine cone and yet, he was not able to do so, he was too weak.  So much of his body was on me, I was not able to retrieve it for him.  Then as gentle as I have ever seen one dog be to another, my Bugg rolled that pine cone with his nose to 'his Max'.

Max opened up his mouth and even though he was not able to demolish that pine cone, he was able to place his mouth on it.  Bugg looked at me and was about to turn around and leave, when Max with all his might, lifted his head and licked Bugg's face.  In the end, I feel Max finally gave Bugg the acceptance he so desired and Bugg gave his friend Max, respect but also, the love that Max had always gotten from all family members.

BUGG... 

Bugg taking care of his baby

Misses his friend but he has another guy named Sweet Tee in his life now and the few things Max was able to teach Bugg, Bugg has used on Sweet Tee with some great results, might I add.

The mere fact a yellow labrador retriever has what the experts call a 'soft mouth' and Sweet Tee being part pitbull, added a huge tool in teaching Sweet Tee 'not' to bite down hard.

Do right 'young man'

Bugg has had to be a bit stern with Sweet Tee, yes he has but, I allow it as I know Bugg is just trying to get the stubborn dog to do right, just as Max did for him.

Without Bugg putting Sweet Tee in his place, I know that this rescue animal that we sought out would not adapt very well to a pack, since Sweet Tee was abandoned by folks that were operating a puppy mill.

They left him, brothers, sisters and mother in cages without food and water, not to even mention...

The mother was in one cage and the puppies were in another.  Sweet Tee had little bite marks (from the other puppies) all over his body, he was timid and very frightened, we picked him up.

Bugg to the Rescue!

There is no doubt in my mind that if not for Bugg, we would not have our very 'Sweet' Tee.  Sweet Tee would second that, I have no doubt.  This is how Bugg is, he is just a big'ol fuzzy well, yellow lab, what can I say, he is just a nice guy, bar none!

BUGG...

Not only is he as sweet as a hot buttered honey cornbread muffin, he is also gorgeous.  If a photograph of Bugg looks bad, then it is my fault.  He can 'not' take a bad photograph, what a photographers dream  he is, just the right shades no matter what light he is in, he would be a supermodel, if he was a human being, just saying.

I have made Bugg dress up in some crazy costumes for our articles and he only complained once and I think that it is all my fault.

One day Dan had taken Bugg and Sweet Tee out back, so as to do their business when all of a sudden, both of them came running up to Dan, with a rabbit in their mouths.  One had one end, the other had the other end.

Dan yelled (Yes he is going to kill me for saying so) at the dogs "Get away!", I heard as I was heading towards the back door and there Bugg was with a red face, it grossed me out so bad that I would not allow him in my bedroom that night.

It hurt his feelings so bad but, in my defense, I was right in the middle of a bout of the flu.

This is the only reason why I think he didn't want anything to do with those bunny ears, there is no other explanation.  I mean he loves to play dress up for the camera.  Well maybe he learned the lesson he was taught by Max, passed down to Sweet Tee, that is, if you do bad, we ignore you.

Though I do have to admit, I was a bit hysterical at the time of the rabbit cease, I had the flu, sorry Bugg.

He looks so unhappy.  Though he has not brought another rabbit to my door since then.

Really 'he' Does... 

Bugg Wayne

Love to wear hats and play dress up, he has done so for a few years and we rarely have an unhappy set, as you are able to see with our Bugg Wayne we have here.  Bugg is a ham when it comes to the camera, he is almost as bad as my grandson is, okay he is even worse than my grandson.

'My' Bugg...

He is all you would want in a dog/friend, he is a wonderful companion, loyal, protective and he is always full of kisses.

Bug loves to be hugged, I mean a wrap both arms around his belly and just give a big squeeze kind of hug.

Now, Bugg will be doing all he can to get his mouth to your face, as to give ya a big fat wet kiss, as you hug him but, it is worth it.

Bugg will not push me when my muscles are in a bad place, he will hunker down for me.  Bugg will lay close to my legs, as to provide heat for my aching muscles.  When I am up and not able to sleep, Bugg is also up.

Bugg carried his yellow snail around in his mouth for a year, until the washing of his toy finally destroyed it.

I Wish... 

That Bugg's wishes come true, well as long as they do not involve a dead rabbit that is.  The joy Bugg has brought to our family will never be able to be measured, he is just that important to us and especially to me.  I will be celebrating this day, as this is the day one of my best friends was born.

When you take a look at your family pet, do Bugg and I a favor, look into yourself and ask yourself, am I being a good friend, I mean, they deserve it for all they give to us, for very little in return.

Well folks, this is Bugg, he is three years old today, if not for him I don't think I would of had the moxie to put pen to paper and start writing articles and oh, how sad my life would be right now.

I am off for now, as I do have to prepare Bugg's and Sweet Tee's dinners and they are having something special tonight so off to work I go.  I must go folks, as we all know...

It 'is' A Buggs World!

In Bugg's World:  There 'will' be Turkey Dog Food

Me Me Heads: Dog Biscuit Recipe

All photographs are the property of Denise O.  Do not use unless you get 'my' written permission. All written material is owned by Denise O, it will not be 'used' (sharing my article is different, it is acceptable and appreciated) without 'my' written permission.  Just keeping it real folks.:)

Buggah INC: Yearly Report & Alabama Scanner Update

Continued (LOL) Success

As CEO and fellow worker (I do 99.9% of the work) of a great crew (mostly me) it is my pleasure to be able to give you a report on just how much progress we have made in this last year.  Since our first yearly report a year ago.

We (I) have decided (no choice, he is 'the star') to name our company Buggah inc. (what we are incorporating, who knows).  We (I) feel this name (his articles gets more views) just has that certain kind of (will try 'anything' at this point) 'ring of success' for us (me) to go even higher (when down so low, up is all you have left) in our field of business.

Bugg's heart filled with pride and joy, when the board (me) members 'unanimously' voted for our (my) new company name of Buggah inc. .

Bugg meant no disrespect (Sure!) to his co (Bugg knows he does it all, well except the CEO) workers when he showed so much joy after hearing the good news of our (my) board members (me) decision on our (my) company name.

Bugg was so surprised that (this had taken them so long) the board of directors (me) would show him so much love (if the 'star' is happy, the whole household is happy <eyeroll>) and respect...

Bugg just could not help but to (put it in his co-workers (them not me) face) grin from ear to ear.

Our (my) Backers

Though we (I) have many backers (2), there is one backer I would like to put out, up front and center.  When I first called him and informed him that I was learning to be a writer but, I needed a camera to enhance my work.

He jumped at the chance (after he stopped laughing), and offered to send a camera (trash heap or me) to help our (my) production company and it was accepted (no choice, broke) with all the gratitude (<eyeroll>) I (can muster) have (he will be the father to my grandchildren, one day) in my heart.

This one backer (his wife, my daughter said "Just do it!") of Buggah inc. has been very supportive throughout this whole process.  I informed him that I was going to publish a company report once again this year and I wanted him to be part of it.

We (I) are so happy he displayed such a delightful (as if having 4 wisdom teeth pulled) response over our wonderful news, that I heard him sucking in his breath with (utter disgust) with all this excitement of Buggah inc including him, then our phone connection was lost.  Buggah inc.tried to reach him throughout the day (okay twice) but, he must have been out of my service area.

He has (since 'finally' picking up the phone) been willing to help (if mil is busy, she might not visit) me in every possible way.  My daughter so graciously (her birthday is coming up) snapped this photograph of the man that so generously (remember: trash heap or me) donated the camera that makes this all happen.

Our (my) wonderful backer we (I) have just showcased for our (my) yearly report is very shy so he would like to remain anonymous (we received the restraining order this morning) and we can (court ordered) understand (<eyeroll>) and respect (Oh yes, he is on the dammit doll list for Christmas) his decision.

If not for this camera we (I) would have never of been able to share (do this or go crazy, empty nest folks) this knowledge that seems to permeate around our (my) wonderful writing staff (me) that helps to (me or nothing) put out such great (grate) work that so many (1 or 2 a day) of my readers hold their breath (that my computer gets a virus) just waiting for our (my) next installment.

B N B Mailroom

We (I) have always encouraged our employees to branch (get off their butts!) out and be all they (some one has to get the mail) can be.

Two of our (my) employees have branched out (they know this road leads nowhere) and have started the 'planning' stages of a new (finally doing 'their' job) business.  B&B (Bad & Broke) Mail Room will (doubt it) open their doors (every time they go get the mail) and we (I) wish them all the luck (in 'not' making me too mad) on their new adventure.

Bugg and Uncle Billy have been working very hard (the walk takes 15 seconds) in making their up and coming business a success.  They have been practicing here in our (my) mail room on how to improve (really folks, it can 'not' get any worse) their delivery system.

Uncle Billy, walks to the mail box, grabs the mail, delivers the mail to Bugg and Bugg is always eager (yellow lab + 'anything' = insert mouth) to help Uncle Billy out.  Their team work is remarkable (if you have no other options) and helps keep their business afloat (as a screen porch lined fishing boat) and they just might (not!) be a real success (mail comes daily folks) in the postal field.


OOPS

It has come to our (my) attention (walked into the bedroom) a few of our documents have been shredded by accident (okay, sure... remember, yellow lab + insert 'all' in mouth = bad lab chew) and I must say Bugg (was having a ball) seemed so upset over this mishap.  It 'might' cost (never got my publishers clearing house sweepstakes letter) our (my) company (up to) a million dollars.

As a new and up and coming company ourselves, we (I) feel that we (I) must give them (I don't want to get the mail) the time for adjustments.  As we (I) expect our (my) clientele (3 views today) to also have a little bit of (mercy on my soul, my kids are gone) patience so we (I) are able to work our (my) kinks out.

Also, we (I) stay with BnB Mail Room because (no choice), they are a well oiled (if I yell, get the mail!) machine, that we (I) just can not do without.

For now!

Improvements

As we (I) get older (49 this year, help!) we (I) need a bit more (from head to toe) work on ourselves to keep us (me) up and about, as does our (my) equipment.

Our equipment manager (me) has been working very hard to keep this operation up with the times.

Our equipment manager (me) decided that we could use a update on our Alabama scanner.


Our equipment manager (me) called the head office (my head) and informed them (still me), we (I) need to upgrade a few pieces in our (my) Alabama Scanner so we (I) are able to (not have to buy an 'actual' scanner) keep up with production.

Our head office (my head) went on a hunt for a solution and after one hour (Some one has to sit and watch 'the star') the head office (me folks) then came up with some new and improved (found more stickers) parts for the Alabama Scanner.

Now our photo lab technicians (me) can now scan (bend over and have a better chance of taking a 'clean' 'photograph' of a 'photograph') our photographs with so much more efficiency.

We Believe in this Team

Our board members (me) have decided to promote from within.

We (I) have found that with our limited (0) budget, we should give each employee (ran out of family members) a chance to move up and have a bit more responsibility.

We (I) have decided (no choice) to let our hairstylist/financial backer (0 in the till) Dan, have a bit more responsibility around Buggah incorporated.

This new position will also allow Dan to put (me 'not' take out) a bit more money in his wallet (I'm working, I spend less) and play an even bigger (like he does a thing now) role in our (mostly me, tyvm) company's operations.

Dan did this so (I would shut the pie hole) we could keep this operation in tip top (of a sinking ship) shape. 

Move it!

Since Billy and Bugg are in their learning period of how to deliver/handle the mail (and 'actually' keep customers) and Billy is the head of our (my) moving division, we (I) have decided to take the load off of Billy for a few.

Trial Period

Billy was so pleased (now he doesn't have to do this) to show Dan all he could, to (pass this off) help Dan have a bigger role in our (my) company.

Uncle Billy starts off (grown man, can't throw) by showing Dan/hair stylist/financial backer (another grown man, can't throw), the ropes on how to plant your feet and aim for the target.

Uncle Billy explains to the new trainee that he must place it just so, so the photographer (me) can snap the perfect (as good as this shoddy camera will allow) photograph of 'the star' catching the Alabama frissbie.

Billy was so proud (Dan could at least get it up in the air) that Dan was more than eager (if the wife is not happy, no one is happy, including 'the star') to work hard (as a 61 year old can with a bum knee) and make a success (keep me from complaining) of this new opportunity.

Trial Period, Over!

After 15 minutes of Billy showing Dan how to (still throw like a girl) master the Alabama frizzbie, Billy allowed (I told him, to get!) Dan to take the reins.

Dan was doing just fine (The photographer was hit in the leg, twice!) as our photographer (Me) was about to take the perfect shot of Bugg, jumping up to catch the Alabama frizzbie, disaster happened (<eyeroll>).

Stitches were not (he is 'so' lucky!) needed.

The photographer (Me) complained to the head office (my head) about the dangerous working conditions.

The head office had to re-think (fire his butt) about Dan's role in the props department.

Generosity is Buggah inc.

We (I) have always been very generous to our employees (they get to eat!) and this holiday season is no exception.

Our (my) company had taken (made the hair dresser/no longer in props/financial backer give me a few bucks) out a loan and we (I) gave each employee a wonderful (one dollar mega millions lottery ticket) bonus this year.

We (I) did this because of all the hard work they have (avoided at all cost) accomplished throughout the year and I am sure (they will do the same shoddy work next year) this will let them know that Buggah inc. thinks of them as nothing but (duh, because they are) family to us (me).

As you can see, Dan our hairstylist/no longer in props/financial backer, was so excited (he was just fixing to leave the house) and pleased with his (in the state of Alabama, I get half) Christmas bonus this year.

Dan could hardly (run out the door fast enough) contain himself.

Our (my) Crew (<eyeroll>)

We (I) have a few more employees that have been more than happy (better to just do it) to join our team since our (mine tyvm) last company report.

Marcus has offered (no choice, I gave birth to him) to help out as much as he can.

Tristan my grandson (he can't walk, let alone run away), has also been a tremendous help.

Dan, Billy and Bugg have all decided (I control the TV remote) to stay with the company and help make Buggah inc. into the best production company (on our street) that is out there.

All 'work' & No Play...

Our end of the year (I must feed them) party was a great (no one was arrested) success.  Our kitchen staff (me) served a lovely punch (red kool-aid) and our (my) company CEO (me) even made sure our (my) employees had the best vintage (Shine, supplied by Bubba, on collard green lane) of (none) bubbly we could find.

For our Christmas party Dan (could be making up to the photographer), supplied us all with a box of freshly (brought home from his morning meeting at the car lot) made dunk'in donuts.

We will cut no expenses at Buggah inc. (There's none to cut) for our (mostly me) employees.

When I snapped this lovely (finally got them away from the punch bowl) photograph of our crew, Bugg looked (ashamed) adoringly at his crew.

Bugg knows without them (we would have a better chance at success) he could not shine as brightly as this 'star' does.

In Closing...

Our (mine!) company is committed in doing all we can to make Buggah inc. even stronger (we have no place to go, but up!) in this next year.  We (I) know (fingers crossed) Buggah inc. will grow much bigger (if my kids have more kids) and become a more (that one is easy to top) successful company in the future.

Bugg has since signed (he wants to eat) a new contract with our production company.

I rarely like to be photographed (I like to give my crew the credit) but, Part of Bugg's new contract states: I will (I also want to eat) promote (pimp) Bugg's and Uncle Billy's new company BnB Mail Room.  I do this willingly (as long as my face is covered) for the good of our (mostly me) company.  As we all know (<eyeroll>) ...

It is a Bugg's World!

The Alabama Scanner

I will admit, this is a company report that was written December 2010 and even though (yes I did improve it tyvm) I tightened it up a bit, I can not (heck I know I will get found out, just my luck) tell a lie.  Not much has changed, I am still the boss/talent/99.9% of the workforce, they still listen to me (once again, I cook for them) and Bugg is still 'the star' (<eyeroll>).

All photographs are the property of Denise O.  Do not use unless you get 'my' written permission. All written material is owned by Denise O, it will not be 'used' (sharing my article is different and acceptable) without 'my' written permission.  Just keeping it real folks.:)

MeMe Heads: Homemade Dog Biscuits

I must give my guy Max credit for this recipe.  While trying to get him on a better diet as to control his blood sugar, I came up with this recipe. 

Max was diagnosed with diabetes when he was five years old.  Max did well with his new diet.  Maybe a few times a week he would bag his bowl against the wall, as if to say "I want more, food!".

Max was around ten years old when his sugar was getting harder to control after he ate.  I could not cut back on any more of the amount of slop I was giving him, so I had to find another solution.

Just as it is with us humans, so goes it for (most) dogs, a high protein, less carb diet, with a lot of fiber.  Biscuits came to mind but, I was hesitant to start buying him biscuits after that pet food recall.  The one that caused so many deaths of Folks pets.

I went to the best (no not, next to) source, me and I came up with a great biscuit that would add what he needed, so he was not banging his bowl against the wall wanting more as much and he was a more contented guy.  Because our Max aka Memehead just loved to eat.

.

Ingredients
12 Ryvita crackers
2 cups old fashion oats
1/2 olive oil
1 cup water
1 cup brown rice flour
2 eggs
1/4 cup peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla

Do not use the ryvita crackers with sesame seeds, sesame seeds are not good for your dog.  Also, use natural peanut butter, no sugar added stuff.  Even if your dog is not a diabetic, why even give them sugar, no reason.

MeMe Heads

Place your ryvita crackers in your mixing bowl, I crumble them as I add them to the bowl. Then with the bottom of a coffee cup and also using your cup.

I mean,why take the food processor out and dirty it and actually, this would be a great task to have your kids do.  Also in having them help, they will learn how to take care of 'their' pet.

Once the ryvita crackers are broken down in a course flour, add your one cup of water and allow the crackers and water to sit for 30 minutes.

Adding the water and allowing it to sit, will help break up the crackers a bit more and make for a better texture with your dog biscuits.

Add & Mix

To your Ryvita and water mixture, add your eggs, peanut butter, olive oil and vanilla, mix well.

While keeping your mixer on low, add your rice flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until the rice flour is incorporated.

Then start adding your oats.  At this time, if your dough is a little dry, then you need to add more moisture, I go for the olive oil, instead of the water. One tablespoon at a time.  Olive oil is great for their skins and overall health.

You want your dough to resemble playdoh but, a bit on the oily side.  You should be able to pick up a handful and form a ball that will hold together.

So Kid Friendly

Section your biscuit batter out into twelve balls of dough.

Place the balls of dough on your cookie sheets.

Press the dough down with the heel of your hand to flatten and then form them into round cookies.

Max was a big dog so I made big biscuits, you can make them the size you want.  This is a very easy dough to work with.

Also, unlike their human family members, they are not so particular with their food, they do not care if the dough might be a bit tough.  Actually, they prefer it.

If you have a smaller dog and want to make smaller biscuits, no problem, just make them smaller.  You might have to adjust your cooking time but remember, you want them to be cooked all the way through.

Place in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes.  400 degrees.

MeMeHeads

Well this is the biscuit recipe I came up with for our diabetic dog Max aka MemeHead.  Max was also allergic to wheat, so this recipe was perfect for him.  I have also found through my research, corn is not good for dogs either, diabetic or not.  It has been stated that, 70% of dogs are allergic to wheat and/or corn.

I basically used the same formula (high protein/high fiber/low carb) as mama used, she also was a diabetic.  Yes I treated Max basically as if he was a human, when it came to his diet, keeping in mind though,'not all' people food is good for our pets.  Max eating smaller meals throughout the day, also helped with controlling his sugar, as it also did for Mama.

Max lived past his life expectancy, even though he was an insulin dependent dog for the last 7 years of his life.  Even though Max did go blind when he was 10 years old, this guy loved his life to the very end.

Next Generation

I have served these biscuits to my dogs ever since and I have also came up with other varieties, those you will just have to wait for.  Bugg was 7 months old when I shot this photograph, we had just lost our friend Max just a few weeks before.  Though I miss this guy, this recipe and Max's aka Memehead's memory will live on, in more ways than one.

Other than these treats, I also make my dogs food, we call it slop.  For my slop recipe please visit...

Bugg's Dog Slop


Yellow Labs are Not Just a Handful:  They're a Mouth full!


All photographs are the property of Denise O.  Do not use unless you get 'my' written permission. All written material is owned by Denise O, it will not be 'used' (sharing my article is different, it is acceptable and appreciated) without 'my' written permission.  Just keeping it real folks.:)

The Alabama 'Green' Way: Bugg & his Dog Toy

Just A Pup

Just how great it would be if there were puppies that did not eat your shoes, the television remote or 'another' pair of your socks. 

In our Bugg's case, this would also include, all things that will fit in his pie hole and that would even include, pie.

Remember Yellow Labs: If it fits or not, insert in mouth.


I can not even count how many times I have heard 'the experts' say "you must walk your dog, an hour a day.".  I said they are full of it.  Most of us do not have the time and also, some of us that think out of the box, can find a better solution on how to exercise our dogs.

All you need is, some land, a dog, a bit of Alabama ingenuity and you too can have a puppy that is as exhausted and as well content as our Bugg.

This games requires very little effort on your part.  The cost will matter how many extra of these Alabama frizzbie's you have.  I can tell you by experience that:  Your dog will look at you with pride, in how smart you really are, after you add this new game to their (keep the puppy from eating every thing) arsenal.


Alabama Frizzbie

Since I'm the photographer, I have asked Uncle Billy to assist me in this demonstration.


First off:  We collect all our old plastic lids that have been accumulating over the years and we go outside with Bugg.

Next:  Grab your lawn chair and place your lids or better known in these parts as, Alabama frizzbies.

Also dress for the weather. Uncle Billy had to run in and change into some long pants, as it was a cool morning here in Southern Alabama.

Now both Bugg and Uncle Billy were ready to go!


Ready?!?!

Just one tip before the games does begin: Do not forget to bring out a bowl of water or in Bugg's case, a bowl of ice. 

Your dog will be exerting themselves and they need to replenish their bodies every now and then with water/ice. 

This games does require you to have to at least exert yourself to a certain extent but, remember.  You are not walking the dog for an hour..

You must make your dog sit and pay attention. Not only are you taking this time to exercise your dog, you should also take these opportunities to teach your dog their commands.

You must have control, of your dog, at all times!

Once Uncle Billy has established that he has complete control of Bugg's attention.

Uncle Billy throws the first Alabama frizzbie.


He's Off!

Bugg just knows he will catch this one!

Bugg lines it up..

Bugg Leaps!

Bugg is bound and determined, that he will catch it.

Bugg jumps higher 

and...

Heck!

Bugg Misses it.

That is okay. This is a new game for Bugg.

Bugg might be big but, he is still just a young puppy.

Bugg will be 11 months old this Sunday.

We must have patience with Bugg. 

We know Bugg will get better at this game, as time goes by.

Always the Gentleman

Even though Bugg did not catch his Alabama frizzbie and as we all know, he is such a gentleman.

Bugg still picks up his Alabama frizzbie.

Bugg runs the Alabama frizzbie back towards Uncle Billy.

Uncle Billy waits patiently.

Fooled You!

As Bugg gets closer to Uncle Billy. 

Uncle Billy smiles, Bugg is going to be the nice guy we know he is and run his Alabama frizzbie straight back to Uncle Billy.

Nope, Bugg runs right past Uncle Billy.

I don't think Bugg is really getting the gist of this game.

But yes, I too have to remember, Bugg is just a puppy and he is learning.

Re-Group 

We have gotten to the point (we always do) where Bugg is wanting Uncle Billy to chase him and Uncle Billy knows this is a losing situation.

Uncle Billy sits down.

Uncle Billy grabs his drink and Bugg's Alabama frizzbies.

Uncle Billy then just kicks back and relaxes.

Now, some work still needs to be done. 

As in, you throw (from a sitting position) the Alabama frizzbie.

After your dog has retrieved his/her Alabama Frizzbie, allow them to make a few laps around the yard.

Then toss another Alabama frizzbie, your dog will not be able to contain themselves seeing that Alabama frizzbie in the air and they will drop the one in their mouth and chase after the one in the air.

See, very little effort on your part.

Bugg, You did it!

Uncle Billy throws another Alabama frizzbie.

Bugg sees Uncle Billy throwing the Alabama frizzbie in the air.

Bugg just Can not resist himself. 

Bugg drops his Alabama frizzbie (The one that he has been running around with) and tries to catch the one Uncle Billy just tossed in the air.

Bugg jumps and

Bugg catches it.

Here I Come!

Bugg turns and looks at Uncle Billy.

Bugg starts to run back towards Uncle Billy with the Alabama frizzbie in his mouth.

Uncle Billy hopes, that maybe, just this time! Bugg will actually bring the Alabama frizzbie back to him. Bugg doesn't.

So Uncle Billy throws another. 

Bugg will drop the Alabama frizzbie he has in his mouth and once again, run and try to catch the next Alabama frizzbie flying through the air.

He just can not help himself!

There is just some thing about those big blue things floating in the air, that Bugg just can not resist. 

This will be repeated until Uncle Billy runs out of Alabama frizzbies.

Okay Bugg

I know in the picture to your right, Bugg looks as if he is posing for a cute picture but, this is not the case.

You see, just as when Bugg plays sticks, he also plays Alabama frizzbie in the same manner.

Bugg will grab his Alabama frizzbie and not return the Alabama frizzbie back to me.

Bugg just runs by me, as if to say "Come and get it, if you can."

I have learned not to fall for this and so that just means one thing.

We end up with this...

All Mine!

Bugg's way of playing this game is unconventional, to say the least.  I admit that but, in my defense. Bugg is a very well trained pup. Bugg has been trained the command 'come' since he was 2 months old. 

It's just, I 'allow' Bugg to play 'this' game, his way. 

Bugg's Alabama frizzbie game is: I must catch all these blue things, unload them at my fort and after I have captured all the Alabama frizzbies. The game is over.

I'm okay with that.


Please take the time to enjoy more Bugg stories...
Our Dog Bugg: Explained!
Yellow Labs are a mouth full
Bugg, 'The star" and the Alabama scanner


All photographs are the property of Denise O.  Do not use unless you get 'my' written permission. All written material is owned by Denise O, it will not be 'used' (sharing my article is different and acceptable) without 'my' written permission.  Just keeping it real folks.:)

Yellow Labs Are Not just a Handful: They're a Mouth full!

Bugg's Yellow Labrador Side...

Bugg came into our lives at the end of January 2010, he is a absolute joy. Bugg's dad is a yellow labrador retriever and his mother is a American white shepherd but, he seems to have inherited a lot of the yellow lab traits. As with most Yellow Labradors, Bugg is full of energy, gets bored easily, will eat before he tastes and always, has to have something in his mouth. 

He must have the attention and demands it, that is why we call him Bugg aka (you must say this with a British accent), Buggah. 

I told my daughter a few weeks back, you have not lived a full life, unless you have raised a yellow labrador retriever. I have had a few dogs (of other breeds) before and I love them all but, the love a yellow labrador retriever brings to the deal, is above and beyond far greater than I have ever witnessed. 

Though they 'must' be trained.

I have been thinking of adding two puppies from the same litter to our family but, after Bugg and I's experience with Khloe and Sandy, I have decided it is not for me. I am sure many people have found it to be a wonderful experience.

I found it to be a exhausting experience for all of us, including the puppies.

Khloe and Sandy were visiting our family here in Alabama from Texas. Their family left them with us, so they could (as a new family) go sight seeing around Georgia and Alabama. 

Khloe and Sandy are 13 week old yellow labrador retriever puppies. They're cute that is for sure but, there were some drawbacks.  Having them the same age and having been from the same litter is two of them. 

I have found with those two things in common, it can only bring on bad behavior, if not addressed early on. Khloe and Sandy sure came to us full of (as we say in the south) piss and vinegar.

My Jackie gave birth to 9 puppies October 6, 1995. The one thing I had noticed is that, the mother keeps them in line to a certain degree but, it is still not enough once they become a member of their new human being pack.

Bugg is a Big Guy

Khloe and Sandy never left their dog pack mind set and have yet too be trained to live with their new non-furry family pack. 

I noticed one puppy led the other and that always seemed to be trouble in the end. 

At first, I had no control what so ever with them, and then add Bugg (7 1/2 months old) into the mix. That left me with 2 untrained puppies and 1 trained but, anxious puppy, whom is already in the 100 pound range.

When they first arrived here on Monday, they would do the 'sit' command half of the time but, they would get bored easily then start to play with each other, not giving me no mind and doing as they pleased. 

So yes, I needed to establish that, 'I am' the alpha in this pack. 

At first I worked with each puppy in a separate environment. When the puppies were together, they had strength in numbers and you will never win in this situation. 

So first make it clear that you are the pack leader and the best way to do this, is for you to be in control. 

You give the commands and they obey.
                
Teach Human & Animal

Your first command to teach your dog, happens to be the easiest to conquer and that would be, sit.

Walk over to your puppy, cupping a piece of chicken (or any treat they like) in your hand and as you say "sit.", in a firm (not mean) voice.  

Bring the chicken above their nose, in a forward motion. As you say "sit" and as they start to go into a sit position, make sure you then say "Good sit, atta girl/boy!", while giving them their treat. 

Puppies have short attention spans and if you do not tell them right away, why they get this treat. The command will go out the window in a matter of seconds.

If you have one that wont sit, go to your knees (or sit at their level), put the piece of chicken above their nose and gently push their butt down and at the same time, saying "sit.". Give them their treat and praise, as soon as their bottom hits the ground.

You should have one person do the initial training and then they train the rest of those that will be around your dog.

Especially the children: they also need to be looked at, as higher in the pack than the animal.


Stay!

Make them sit and then walk back with your hand in front of you, while saying "stay.".

If your puppy does not want to stay.

Start them over with sit, praise them and walk away again, saying "stay.".

Do not make the puppy 'stay' too long when you first start, remember, they have short attention spans.

I would give them about 2 seconds of staying in the same place, then give them a treat, while praising them for doing good.

One Bowl Please!

One of Khloe and Sandy's biggest problem was, they were being fed in the same bowl. I was against those two being fed in the same bowl from the start but, they were only staying for 6 days.  The owners wanted me to do so, so I tried it.  It had taken me one time of feeding them this way, before I changed this. 

The first time I placed their food down on the floor, I was attacked by both of the puppies and they were out for blood.  In their minds they were still having to fight for their food, as they did while in the litter.  My hand ended up all scratched up. 

After I went through this painful first feeding, I decided to feed them using their own bowls and not a community bowl. 

Our dog Jackie had a litter and yes, we did feed all puppies out of two community bowls for the first few weeks but then, they all received their own bowls of food.  It is just like weening, you must break them of this habit and have them go it alone.

Both puppies were then feed in two rooms, they were told to sit and after they sat, they were given their food.  If they didn't sit then I would turn my back to them for a fee seconds, turn back and give them the command 'sit' again.  We will repeat it until the puppy/dog gets it right.

If you want a good puppy, then you must do the hard work.

Humans First!

After I taught Khloe and Sandy, to sit and stay for their meals, I then made them sit (As Bugg does) at every door opening, so I am able to go out first. 

If you go first, then they see you as the leader of the pack. Doing this one step will also give them more confidence.  

They can stop fighting to be the lead dog, since you have already established that.

Make your dog sit & stay and then you go out the door, turn to them and say "Come.".  If your dog gets up and they do not 'stay', then enter the house, close the door and repeat.

Do this until they stay in the sitting position and you have time to say "Come.".   Then as they get better at it, make them stay longer and longer.

This might take 100 times or just once but, no matter how long, this is key to you becoming their leader. 

Remember: A 6 week old puppy is still just a baby and they too need naps or they get overworked and then they will do destructive things.  Just imagine a tired child, they get cranky and want to lash out because, they need to rest their body and their minds. A puppy is exactly like a child.

When the puppies would finally fall asleep, Bugg and I would take this time to go outside and I would allow Bugg to get all of my attention. He has been a tremendous help with the girls and he deserves to just have one on one time with his mommy.  Bugg really seemed to enjoy this time.

One Command, Different Word

Bugg will 'not' go for the cracker by his foot

I have also found that when you have more than one dog, you can use different commands for the same tasks, so you don't confuse the dogs.

We found this out while using our normal command of 'off', when we didn't want Bugg to touch some thing.  

The problem with that is our blind dog Max would think we were talking to him and he would act like his feelings were hurt.  

I mean, he wasn't doing anything wrong and yet he was being scolded. You see, this had been Max's command for 11 years, so that was when we came up with 'leave it' for Bugg.

Bottom line is: Work with your puppy daily and remember they're like children, they will forget, they have a short attention span.  So have some patience.

Play, Yes, Rough, No!

This picture is of Khloe and Sandy resting while driving back to Texas. These are two well contented puppies.  I find that if their owners give them some guidance and a lot of love, they will be just fine.

I must tell you, Bugg and I were downright exhausted after these girls left.  Bugg and I then followed their lead and we also had taken a nap when they left.

I do want to add another dog to our family right now but, I think having Bugg is enough for me right now, maybe one day..

If you do decide to get two dogs from the same litter, then I suggest that you have a lot of energy because you will need it.  Make sure you start training them 'separately' from day one.

Also one of the most important things to remember is...

A puppy loves to play rough but, as cute as it might seem, it could also hurt you or even worse, a child.

Stop this behavior if it already exist or just do not rough house with them from the start.

A Mouth Full

Remember: Yellow Labrador Retriever's, open mouth, insert everything. Especially when they're teething. to combat this issue, ice cubes work great plus, the puppies enjoy playing with the ice cube. 

When your puppy starts to chew on your hand (because they will), say "Ouch, no bite!", This should stop them in their tracks, if it does not work, then dab a little bit of toothpaste (mint flavored) on the backside of your hand. As they go to bite your hand, still say "Ouch, no bite!", then allow them to get a little bit of the toothpaste.

Between you reprimanding the puppy and the toothpaste, this problem should be solved in no time.

Also, yellow labs are prone to mouthing, it is their nature, so we have supplied Bugg with a lot of toys he is able to carry around in his mouth and he does this all day. 

The girls were a pleasure to have but, I am glad it was a short visit. We will eventually get another dog but, Bugg and I must rest up from this last adventure, as we are dog tired.


More Bugg...

Bugg Wants Food!

MeMe Head:  Dog Biscuits

All photographs are the property of Denise O.  Do not use unless you get 'my' written permission. All written material is owned by Denise O, it will not be 'used' (sharing my article is different and acceptable) without 'my' written permission.  Just keeping it real folks.:)