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.:)

Our Dog Bugg: Yellow Labrador Retriever/American White Shepherd

Bugg aka Buggah

In my opinion, a yellow labrador retriever/American white shepherd makes for a wonderful mix when it comes to dogs. Bugg has been a joy to us ever since 'I' first picked him out. 

Bugg would never fit the requirements in any dog show, to fit in the category of either of the two breeds his parents are. 

Bugg is bigger than most yellow labrador retrievers or an even the American white shepherd. Both in height, length and weight.. 

For the last three years I have called Bugg, my never ending doggie.  He just never seemed to stop growing.  At three years old I am sure he is done growing and he did turn out to be a big boy.

Bugg has an American white shepherd backside, for the most part. The hind legs resemble an American white shepherd, as does his the fur on his hind legs. His tail is big and strong as a yellow labrador and yet fuller, as a American white shepherd's tail would be.


                     See Me Coming!

Or Heads

Other than a longer muzzle, Bugg looks like any yellow labrador retriever walking towards you. Bugg is built with a strong frame, as a yellow labrador retriever and yet, he has a narrow, sleek like body of a American white shepherd, as you look down his backside.

Bugg has the webbed feet of a yellow labrador retriever and he just loves to play in the water. The yellow labrador retriever was breed with webbed paws/strudy built, to help the fisherman, so the dog was better able to swim out and grab the nets full of fish.


                       Shepherd Behind

Take Care of Those Hips

Oh Yes, Bugg has the typical American white shepherd backside. This means, we must do what we can to lessen the load on those hips.

As with the German shepherds, an American white shepherd, will more than likely be hit with hip issues later on in life.  Our mixed breed dog that we had named 'Boo' that also had an American white shepherd mother, had a awful time with arthritis when he was around 12 years old. 

Yes Bugg is only 3 years old but, you must think ahead and take your dog's health into consideration for the long run.

I will keep Bugg at a healthy weight, this is key for lessening the pain that 'might' come later. 

Yellow labrador retrievers are notorious for over eating, that is, if you allow it. Remember, when it comes to 'labs', open mouth, 'just' insert!  Keeping your dog at a healthy weight, will put less pressure on his hips and lessen any joint pain as he gets older.   

Even though Bugg is showing no signs of his dad's side (Yellow Labrador Retriever) as far as, over eating.  It could change in time, so I will keep a eye on this.

Prevention is key to helping your dog live a full, healthy and fun life, to the end.


                             Do All You Can

My Husband built this ramp some years back when our dogs named Max and Boo were still with us.  Max had been a diabetic (insulin using) since he was 5 years old and when he turned 11 years old, he went blind.  It also helped his Dad Boo, since Boo was then 12 years old and suffering from arthritis in his hips.  

After Boo passed away in 2009 and Max in 2010 we had decided to keep it up for Bugg, in the hopes that it might help Bugg with any hip problems he might have to deal with later on in life.  I don't know if it will help Bugg but, I do not see where it will hurt him.


                             Grooming


With both a yellow labrador retriever and a American white shepherd, shedding is a 'huge' problem! I brush Bugg's coat at least 3 times a week and I never seem to get it all.

We wash Bugg only once every few months but, a lot of water time play and with me wiping his face and body off after he comes inside from playing outdoors, as he also suffers from pollen allergies.  


Also, with us brushing his coat out as much as we do, this helps in bringing out the natural oils of Bugg's coat and helping his skin.  Also, it gets rid of any dander (and what ever Bugg has rolled in while playing outside) keeping him clean and using less soap that can irritate his skin.  

A dog that has bad skin, will shed more often than most, so keep good care of their skin and this will help you combat the shedding problem, you 'will' have with a bread that sheds.


                             Those Ears

Keep those ears clean

Yes Bugg was blessed with the (cute as they come) floppy ears of a yellow labrador retriever but, they are also one thing you must maintain. 

At least once a day, I take two damp paper towels and wash out his ears. 

I make sure I do it later in the afternoon, after he has been playing outside and lord only knows what he has been into and what is hiding in those ears.

Be mindful of knots in their hair, just around their ears.  Their hair seems to get matted around this area very easily. 

When brushing lift those ears right up and brush the hair that surrounds their ears. Make sure you brush them once a day, this will stop the knots from forming.

We use a ear wash once a week we obtained from our veterinarian.  It is easy to use, just pour it in their ears and rub their ears around to distribute the solution. This will help bring up anything that has made it deep down inside their ear canal. 

The next morning, I will wash his ears out with paper towels.  If you have more than one dog, do not allow the other dog to lick around the other dog's ears (until you paper towel them), it might cause them to have a stomach ache.  


                              Ice, Ice, Baby

Ever since Bugg was a puppy, I would give Bugg 'ice' and not water. I noticed it helped a lot with his teething and it also can help your dog from becoming bloated. 

I will not allow Bugg to play hard one hour before he eats and one hour after he eats. This too can help your dog from becoming bloated. 

I am not going to say these few measures will stop your dog from bloating but, it 'might' help them from doing so. 

I also keep in consideration the amount of food I feed him at one time.  Very important!

                                 Big Boy

Bugg's personality is more on the yellow labrador retriever side of things, he is a gentle and fun loving guy.  This is why people state they do not make good watch dogs.  I tend to agree but... 

This is where Bugg's American white shepherd part of his personality comes in, Bugg is territorial, as most shepherds are.  

Bugg is 'on guard' when he is on the front porch or in the back yard.  Heck let a car drive by when he is inside or heaven forbid someone pulls up in the driveway, then he really struts his stuff, big bad Bugg. 

I find, having a dog that 'looks like' they will tear you apart, will deter most criminals.  If that line of protection does not work, then I have Bugg's back but, at least he warned me in time to be prepared. 

Though the Lab in him might want to go up and lick their faces and play.  I have found throughout the years that, if you treat any dog with love and respect, they will just naturally protect you, when needed.


                            Train Them!


For different reasons, depending on which breed is poking its head out, you must gain control of this big and strong dog. 

Train your dog from the get go, from the fun loving (at times could get them in trouble) yellow labrador retriever side, to the working mindset of an American white shepherd side, you must have control of this animal. 

Bugg was housebroken and was able to sit, within 3 days of us having him. It was tiring, it was a 24/7 job but, after a little time and effort and within a month, I had a darn good start on training him... 

At this point Bugg was able to sit, stay, go down on command, leave it and walk backwards when told. 

Bugg is a big guy and you must never forget, they are animals, you must train them!


                             Include the Kids

Not only should you put yourself as the alpha in your pack, you must make sure you make all humans in your family higher in the pack order over your dog/dogs. 

This includes the kids! 

Our grandson Tristan (2 1/2), already knows the command sit, leave it and come and he uses it on Bugg (also Tee) and yes, Bugg (and Tee) listens to Tristan. You must make your child the leader, especially in the dogs eyes. 

I must say though, these two just love each other and I know that Bugg would never hurt him but, why take the chance.  Your child should have the control over your dog, just as much as you do.  

As with any leader of the pack, Tristan will walk out of any doorway first, then the dog. This will show your animal who is who in the pack order and yes, Bugg is below, even the children.

Tristan at his age knows the commands for the dogs, I 'now' wish the other members in the family would do the same.  You 'must' make everyone use the 'same' command words, why confuse them.


                              Mouthing

Yep, Bugg sure was pegged with the Yellow Labrador retriever genes when it comes to this one trait, mouthing. Even though Bugg is a big guy, he has the softest touch with his mouth. 

Like with most yellow labrador retrievers, Bugg can grab a pea from my grandson's hand and the only evidence he would leave is a bit of slobber.

Now, I said Bugg could grab a pea from Tristan but, unless Bugg is being given the treat by Tristan, he has been taught to keep his distance, if he gets too close, Tristan will say "Leave it.". 

We have decided we have to 'somewhat' live with Bugg's (Yellow labrador retriever side) kisses, he just loves to give them.  If we allow Bugg to give us kisses every now and then (few times a day, at least) this  has helped to curve his 'mouthing', especially as he has gotten older.  

I mean come on, look at that face, I just can not say no, all the time.  Having been a mother to two teenagers, I know you must pick and choose your battles, he wins on this one.


                             We All love Bugg!

I have never owned a full blooded dog and I am fine with that, actually I like the spice the mixed breed adds to my life. Yes, I feel Bugg has the best of both worlds and we are all better for it. Just ask Bugg's little brother Sweet 'Tee' and I am sure Sweet 'Tee' would agree, Bugg is the best!


Yes dogs 'do' have Allergies, sadly! 

It's a Bugg's World & Bugg Wants turkey Dog food

Dog Bloating:  It 'could' Be Deadly

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.:)