All Things Dog Blog

Mutts and More Mutts:It's the Magical Mystery Mutt Tour

Posted: 03 Feb 2011 09:30 PM PST

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

Today's post is a bit of fun reminiscence about Xena, my Retriever mix that we lost to a stroke in October. I'm ready to talk about her now, having gone through the mourning period and realizing I NEED to talk about her now. I miss her.

My fellow bloggers, the folks at Will My Dog Hate Me, Peggy's Pet Place, and I Still Want More Puppies, have launched today's blog hop called the Magical Mystery Tour. This is sort of celebration of our mixed breed dogs, and Xena would never forgive me if I didn't participate. So here goes:

When I wrote a post, preparing my readers for what I assumed would be Xena's last year or so, I had no idea how soon it would creep up. Truth be told, I think I wrote this post more to prepare myself, than my readers :(. I knew she was slowing down, despite the still playful spirit inside. Her desire to snuggle with and toss around her daddy's socks will never leave the video recesses in my memory banks.

Xena was a beautiful younger dog--a mix of a Golden Retriever mom and a dad that was Labrador Retreiver/Chow Chow. Or so we were told. She was often mistaken for a Flat-Coated Retriever in your early years, even by new veterinarians. Her personality (don't tell me dogs don't have one; I simply don't buy that!) and behavior traits fit the 75% Retriever that was apparently in her DNA. She was people pleasing, loving, playful, affectionate and ever the mother.

Patches

Adopting a kitten at age 2, I allowed Xena to select her new housemate. Patches, a Heinz 57, won her over with her spunky attitude and quick left cross to her nose, assuring Xena that life would never be dull with Patches in the house. Was she every right. The two bonded instantly over a good ear-washing and back-end cleaning, provided by Xena's warm and loving tongue. Mom? Yup!

Robby

When Robby, our rabbit, arrived a few years later, she attempted to do the same with him. Robby was not as willing, but Tanner was pleased to have bathtime help, as a puppy, when he entered the picture in her 10th year. Tanner and Xena quickly became like-sized playmates that enjoyed a daily tag game, along with regular wrestling matches, right up till the week before Xena left us.

The best way to honor Xena in this post is probably with photos. When she joined us, it was before digital cameras were the norm. Pictures of her puppyhood are probably buried in a box somewhere, but I'll share a few of her later years here. Please comment; I could use the TLC right now. Thanks!

How about we announce a giveaway today, in honor of our sweet Xena. She was truly the epitome of man's best friend, so the perfect gift would be a MANKINDdog™ coffee mug. I'll give two away in a drawing next Friday. All you have to do to enter is leave a comment on this post here at the blog, or comment on this post on my Facebook page. Best wishes to all of my Mutt-loving readers!

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Pet Charity Spotlight: Best Friends Society

Posted: 03 Feb 2011 09:01 PM PST

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

You may have noticed a new ad in my sidebar. As a part of the Blogpaws initiatives to help homeless pets, a number of us are participating in an effort to help bring about a time when there are no more homeless pets. Best Friends Animal Society is more than just a friend to animals; they are making a real difference.

With Valentine's Day approaching, love is in the air. This is the time of year when we all tend to think of those we care most about. Hopefully homeless animals are on your list. Best Friends Animal Society has many ways that you can help. Visit their site and you can read about their programs. You might even decide to sponsor an animal or treat your human sweetheart to something from their store. In this way, you will be supporting homeless animals at the same time you take care of your Valentine's shopping. Handy, right?

Speaking of Valentine's Day, I announced a bracelet giveaway last week and lots of you entered the drawing. I'm sure the folks at Freaky Dog People will be glad to know you love their bracelets.

It's time to announce the winner of that drawing. I stirred and stirred the box of names from all you readers that have entered the rolling drawings. The lucky ladies that win today are Vicki R.B. and Gail (you commented here on the blog). I'll get a message to Vicki, but Gail will need to contact me with a full name and address through my email at LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com, in order to retrieve her prize. First come first serve on the design choice: heart or paw print. Congratulations!