If I Didn't Have a Dog

Author Unknown

I could walk around the yard barefoot in safety.

My house could be carpeted

instead of tiled and laminated.

All flat surfaces, clothing, furniture, and cars

would be free of hair.



When the doorbell rings,

it wouldn't sound like a kennel.

When the doorbell rings,

I could get to the door without wading
through fuzzy
bodies who beat me there.

I could sit on the couch and my bed

the way I wanted, without taking into
consideration how much space

several furry bodies
would need to get comfortable.

I would have money ...and no guilt to
go on a real vacation.


I would not be on a first-name basis

with 6 veterinarians,
as I put their yet unborn grandkids

through college.

The most used words in my vocabulary

would not be:
out, sit, down, come, no,stay,


and leave him/her/it ALONE.

My house would not be cordoned off
into zones with baby gates or barriers.


My house would not look like
a day care center, toys everywhere.



My pockets would not contain things

like poop bags, treats and an extra leash.

I would no longer have to spell the words
B-A-L-L, F-R-I-S-B-E- E, W-A-L-K,
T-R-E-A-T, B-I-K-E, G-O, R-I-D-E

I would not have as many leaves

INSIDE my house as outside.

I would not look strangely at people

who think having ONE dog/cat

ties them down too much.

I'd look forward to spring and the rainy season

instead of dreading "mud" season.
I would not have to answer the question

"Why do you have so many animals?"

from people who will never have the joy

in their lives of knowing they are
loved unconditionally by someone as close

to an angel as they will ever get.

How EMPTY my life would be!

What Color is Your Dog?

What Color is Your Dog?

Celebrity dog trainer, Joel Silverman, discusses his recently released, WHAT COLOR IS YOUR DOG? Silverman will teach you how to better bond with and train your dog based on its color personality identification system. Is your dog a Red? An Orange? A Green? A Blue?

Noting, not every training techniques works for every dog, Silverman has formulated a way to discover a dogs "color" and apply training techniques based on that.

Joel Silverman turned his childhood dream into a lifelong career of training and performing with the animals he loves so much. Starting back in the early 70's, Silverman found himself working in every theme park in Southern California. From killer whales at Sea World, dolphins at Knots Berry Farm and Magic Kingdom, to birds, cats and dogs for Universal Studios, Silverman adapted his techniques he developed to launch a successful career in training animals to star in live shows, Hollywood films, television programs and commercials for the past 25 years.

More recently, Silverman has been closely involved and has been responsible for coordinating and training of the cats and dogs in many of the IAMS national commercial and print advertising campaigns.

As a host of the popular TV series 'Good Dog U', presented by Animal Planet, for close to 10 years, Silverman has had the opportunity to showcase his unique ability to relate to and problem solve behavior issues with a wide variety of dog breeds and owners. Silverman has appeared on many national Television shows such as Live, with Regis and Kathy Lee, CNN, CNBC, and Fox News, along with hundreds of morning news programs, Silverman has offered advice on pet care and training based on his lifetime commitment to the welfare of animals and their special place they hold in our lives.

His efforts on behalf of animal rescue and welfare organizations are well known and has become Silverman's personal and professional mission.

Excerpted from an article in the New Jersey Monthly, published 5/26/09.

Big Dogs Like to Be Held Too

Tanner is rather an odd duck...er...dog. Unlike most big dogs, he loves to be held like many smaller ones. Or maybe it is simply that most humans don't hold their big dogs. That's probably it.

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko

Tanner and I Play in the Pool on a Cold Day

Tanner even enjoys being held like a toddler, as in the next two photos. Toni is his best buddy for holding like this. I'm not sure who enjoys it more, Tanner or Toni.

© photo copyright 2007 Carrie Boyko

Toni Holds Tanner

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko 2008

Tanner and Toni

Love to Snuggle Like This

My Profile Picture

Tanner and I Show Off Our Mutual Trust

I'd love to share your photos of big dogs being held. Or little dogs on your laps. Any photos that you would like to share are welcome. Send them to LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com. I'm looking forward to having a Readers' Photo Post, but I'll need your help. Send those pictures in, so I can show off your furry friends.

Molly is Here to Help Introduce Her Favorite Charity

Tanner's Friend Molly Enjoys Her Pool

Most people I know complain about the amount of email they get each day. I have to admit something. I get excited about reading mine. Reading my email lately has become my favorite part of the day, second only to checking my posts each morning. Why? I'll give you an example.

Today I received a nice note from one of Tanner's doggie daycare friends, Molly, a chocolate lab. They met at Bow Wow Resort, and have become good buddies. Molly's mom sent the two photos in this post. Molly loves her pool as much as Tanner. Maybe we should get them together for a swimming play date.

Even more exciting, Molly's mom wanted to tell me about AnimalPantry.org in our area which helps provide pet food and other items (leashes, collars, etc.) to families in need. The goal is to help the family keep their dog during tough economic times, rather than having to give up their dog to feed their family. Great concept, huh?!!!

I've requested an interview with the people who started the project, and will bring you more information in an upcoming post. This is just a heads up from Molly and me. Clean out your drawers and pet food closets. Anything you have that isn't needed will be useful to the pantry. They have many drop off locations in the area, and I'll bring you a list of these soon. For now, just collect your pet items that are no longer needed and I'll get back to you with where to drop them off.

Molly Enjoys Swimming

with Two Balls at a Time

Hint: Even extra tennis balls or Frisbees (don't we all have extra ones in the garage?) would be welcome. There are probably lots of dogs who would love to play fetch, if they only had a ball or Frisbee. Wouldn't it make you feel good to give a family a great dog toy. There's nothing like a ball to make a dog AND the kids happy.


Oliver and I ( he climbed right into the doggie drawer!) cleaned out our stuff and came up with a collar (Xena grew out of it), a leash (used, but still useful), tug toys (I make them, so they're free. Check out my post of this at the link and the photo below), 2 funky shaped Kong toys, a couple of balls, a store-bought tug toy that didn't go over big with my guys, a dog training DVD, and a bottle of bitter apple spray. Not bad for starters. It feels good to help another dog. Hope you can too. Check back for pickup locations, or see their site at the link above.



Me and my pack wish you and yours a happy Memorial Day. We'll be out at our local dog park, playing fetch, Frisbee and doing a little pile collecting. Hope to see you there!

If you are new to dog parks, check out my 3-part series on visiting the dog park at Central Florida Green Guide. The links to each post are at the bottom of the blog. Just scroll down. You can't miss them.

Let the Swimming Begin!

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko

Xena Does Her

Pamela Anderson Imitation

The lifeguard is on duty, so let the swimming commence. Oliver is back in the pool now also, although not nearly as often as Tanner.

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko

Oliver Looks Like a Fox in the Pool!

Tanner would spend his days there, waterlogged and wrinkled, if I let him. I probably should have named him Fetch.

© copyright Carrie Boyko

Tanner Fetches Yellow

One reader asked if Xena swims. Here is a photo of her and Tanner sharing a float. While Xena's swimming is much like the old lady who doesn't want to be splashed, she does enjoy the occasional dip. Particularly if Tanner isn't around splashing like a little child.

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko 2008

Tanner and Xena Share the Float

Every summer a few fetch toys must perish. Tanner's enthusiasm for playing with them takes its toll. When a local pet store recently succumbed to the economic down turn, I hit the jackpot and bought him 3 new fetch toys. You'll be seeing them in future summer posts. Each toy has a different name, and Tanner can fetch the correct one if more than one is tossed into the pool. And they say dogs are not smart!!

Last year's favorite toy, "Yellow", died a long, slow death by loss of its furry skin. No matter, for Tanner is happy to fetch most anything that floats and can be retrieved to the pool deck for another toss.

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko 2008

Tanner's Favorite Yellow Fetch Toy

Fetch anyone?

I Rescued a Human Today

~ by Anonymous

I rescued a human today

? I rescued a human today?

Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her. I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid.


As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn't want her to know that I hadn't been walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn't want her to think poorly of them.


As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone's life.


She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship.


A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well. Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. I would promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes.


I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven't walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At least I could save one.


I rescued a human today.

~ Anonymous ~

**************************

If you are a human who would like to be rescued, please see the photos of dogs who would love to rescue you. Their information is in the sidebar at right. Companionship is good therapy. Do you have room in your heart to love and be loved? They do.

The Mothering Instinct is Golden!

© AP Photo/The Daily Reporter, Rob Morgan/Scanpix

This Golden Retriever Took Over Nursing

the Youngsters of a Tiger,

when Mama Tiger Abandoned Them

This is not a current event, nor is it anything we haven't all already heard. But it is a heartwarming image that will remain with me forever. My two retrievers have always struck me as nurturing dogs. This Golden Retriever mama, Isabella, whose own puppies were just weaned, took over for a zoo tiger, when she just didn't have the instinct to take care of them. "Isabella licks them, cleans them and feeds them. Tom Harvey, the owner of Safari Zoological Park said that it's a miracle."


What can you say except Wow! Isn't adoption great? This dog didn't care if the puppies were boys girls, rabbits or monkeys; she just wanted to nurture their little cries and nuzzling mouths. This is the epitomy of motherhood, foster parenting, affection, and social action.

Want to Know Fido's Real Age?

Oliver's Adoption Day

Toni's Pride and Joy

The people who brought you Real Age now have an age calculator for your dog. I just took the quiz for Xena, my senior citizen at 12 1/2 years old. She's a retriever mix.


I have to say the test is a good 15 minutes long and very thorough. They get right down to the details of Fido's lifestyle, including whether or not he lives with a smoker. Wow! Apparently second hand smoke is not just a concern for our children.


Factors that came into the mix included weight, regular exercise, training, behavior issues, skin condition and much more. After a complete health history, you get an estimated age for your dog, and a 1 page report with their estimated age in human years.


I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Xena is a youthful 48.2. Given an approximate 7 years per human year, I expected her to be 84+. This was a big surprise and we celebrated with an extra scoop of organic dog food in her dinner bowl.




If you're interested in taking the test, either for yourself or your dog, here are the sites:


Real Age for humans



Real Age for dogs

Good luck!

Puppy Panache is not just for Toy Dogs

Doggie Accessories are no longer "all the rage" for toy dogs exclusively. Our plus size dogs can enjoy accessorizing also. Thanks to Tailored Dog, beautiful Puma, shown here, is turning the canine fashion world upside down.

Although visors are Puma's fashion accessory of choice, Rita Green, her owner, and founder of Tailored Dog, has plus size outer-wear available also, including raincoats for those finicky pups who prefer to stay dry during nature's call on a rainy day.

Green describes her apparel as Simply Commanding Big Dog Fashion. Most certainly, Puma commands attention when she walks by wearing her adorable Visor in Vogue, which is made right here in the USA. Puma has made many friends in the fashion industry, with appearances at designer shows and a multitude of celebrity introductions. You can find her visiting with the likes of Gold medal-winning gymnast, Shawn Johnson, among others, on her website at Tailored Dog.

And if you're thinking plus size fashions are only for the ladies, think again! Check out this dapper number for your canine gents:

How do you think Tanner would look in one of these? I do like the idea of protecting his eyes from the brutal Florida sun.

I couldn't possibly wrap this up without including this one. For next Winter's chilly days, the ladies will love this:

Talk about canine style; this is red hot!

Lap Dogs--Ya Gotta Love 'Em, or Maybe Not: What Do You Think?

There are dog experts out there who say dogs don't belong on our laps. Some believe this is a dominant place for a dog to be, and that they should ALWAYS be on the floor. I understand their position on this. However, as you can see from these photos, my dogs aren't exactly aware of the Dog Whisperer's rules.

That's not to say that I don't have rules, boundaries and limitations. I do. But the red couch in my family room is for everyone, unless I ask them to move. They know I'm the boss, and they don't argue the point. They just move and all is well.

To tell you the truth, snuggling with a dog is rather soothing to me. Sometimes, when I have a headache, or something heavy to think about, a puppy on my lap or lying beside me is like therapy.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. Can we retain our position as pack leaders, while still allowing the occasional pup on the lap? We certainly do it with our cats. What do you think? Take my quick poll that follows and let me know how you feel about this topic. I'd love to know. Thanks for your input.

Tanner, Our Crate-Opening, Door-Opening, Gate-Unlatching Houdini

Tanner is King of Gate Opening

at Bow Wow Resort

More than once I have heard from others that Golden Retrievers are not the brightest dogs in the park. Supposedly, they are easily trainable primarily because they are people-pleasing dogs. I beg to differ.

Case in point--Tanner. Some time ago, he mastered the art of opening my front door. We've learned that we must deadbolt it to keep him from letting himself and the rest of the dogs outside. I'm sure, at some point, he will figure out the deadbolt also.

When I go outside without him, I have to tell him to stay, or he'll simply let himself out to follow me. No problem...why not?

That's not all, though. My kitchen door has a baby gate with a child guard latch on it, for keeping Oliver near me. Most of our guests cannot operate this child guard latch, yet Tanner can open it whenever he pleases. Fortunately, a simple "Leave It" does the trick, but if I'm not there, sometimes he forgets to leave it.

On a few of those occasions, he has unlatched Oliver's crate door, releasing the juvenile into freedom, which can sometimes mean trouble. Okay, yeah, not the first time you've heard that either.

At doggie daycare, Tanner decided he wanted to play in a different section one day. He simply opened the gate and let himself and a few friends into another section. Follow the leader! Fortunately, the staff there acted quickly to put spring-loaded latches on all the gates, keeping Tanner at bay, at least for now. They actually thought it was cute, and enjoy his spirited, adventuresome nature. Notice I did not say intelligent. Good thing the exterior gates are locked up tight.

Perhaps Tanner thought he was practicing for a fire drill. I can picture it now: "Single file everyone. Good. Now, follow me this way."

Good boy, Tanner.

Now, tell me again that Golden Retrievers aren't smart. I have ammunition.

This is the gate. Tanner is available to give lessons on its use, upon request.

Central Florida Green Guide Feature Story

West Orange Dog Park

Just a quickie here to let you know that Central Florida Green Guide just posted my second article, in a series of three, regarding visiting the dog park. If you're considering a dog park visit for the first time, I would encourage you to read Part I and Part II, and come back at the end of May for Part III. I'll be sure to note it here in my blog.

See you at the park!

Toy Joy and Fetching Fun!

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko

Oliver Streaks Through the Kitchen

after Scooping Up a Favorite Toy

Puppies need playtime to burn off their excess energy. Without these activities they tend to get into more mischief and cause more trouble.

We walk or bike most every morning, and afternoons include sporadic times for training, play and swimming. Tanner's favorite game is fetch; fetch in the pool is double fun.

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko

Tanner Fetches "Yellow"

for the 15th Time!

Even Fetch training is a good disciplinary tool, and one which many dogs enjoy. Your dog doesn't have to be a "retriever" to enjoy playing fetch. Teaching your dog to fetch and return a toy to you has many distinct steps, each a skill in its own. Perhaps I'll save that for another post, but suffice it to say, that learning to Fetch is excellent mental and physical activity for an energetic dog to find focus with.

Steps in Teaching Fetch:

1. Pick a toy which your dog is enthusiastic about playing with, and which is suitable for a fetch game. It must have enough weight that you will be able to throw it a fair distance.
2. Dog must master a brief "Sit, Stay". Give verbal praise.
3. Owner throws the toy and with eye contact, gives the "fetch" command.
4. Dog runs to get the toy. If he runs toward the toy, give verbal praise and encouragement. If he picks up the toy, get even more boisterous with your praise.
5. Goal is to get the dog to return the toy and drop it at owners feet. Praise and a treat are earned when this occurs.
6. Eventually, fetch games can move into advanced disciplinary tools like:

• "Leave it" command asks dog to stay until you give fetch command, even after toy is thrown.
• Multiple toys can be learned by name and thrown. Dog is asked to fetch the correct toy by name. This game is lots of fun when your dog has an audience. He gets a chance to show off; He knows the names of his toys!

I'll bring you another post with more detail later. If you want to get started now, write to me at LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com and I'll help you out.

Dog Parks Are Not Our Whole Life: Just Three Days a Week!

Now that I have been a regular at my local dog park for two years, I don't have to introduce myself around much. Tanner, Xena and Oliver don't either. (Oh yeah, it's them again.) But this visit was different. This cute boxer was here for the first time and she was enjoying a game of Frisbee with her owner. Her mom had quite an arm. I should have asked her for lessons. I throw like a girl!

I have begun to share dog park photos and experiences with you in occasional posts for several reasons. One is that I think it is educational to see and hear about other's experiences at the dog park. Rumors abound, and they sometimes get out of hand.

The one disadvantage I have is that with Tanner and Xena along, I cannot spend time in the small dog area. I suppose I'll have to give Oliver a one on one visit to bring you some small dog park stories. I have done this a few times in the past, and these experiences are considerably different. No paws on my shoulders or powerful dogs that look intimidating. In the small dog area I have found more of the "Napoleon Syndrome" or "Little Dog Syndrome", which is often found in small breeds who have taken ownership of their owner, house, car and are running the show. Surprisingly, these dogs are more common than aggressive bully breeds in the big dog park.

I guess I shouldn't be surprised, as little dogs rarely get the same amount of training as bigger dogs for obvious reasons. Owners believe that they can control the little dog easily because of their own larger size. But controlling a dog doesn't always come down to size. It's more about leadership and confident assumption that your dog will follow your lead....discipline. Have you ever watched Cesar Millan roller blade with a pack of 10 big dogs? Only a confident leader can get a whole pack of Rottweilers, Pit Bulls and other big dogs to cooperate that way.

Speaking of Rottweilers, Oliver and this Rottie seemed to have the same ideas about what smelled good--each other. It was rather cute to watch him try to get his blocky head under Oliver's tummy for a side sniff. Oliver had the easier job, walking underneath and raising his nose to do the proper doggie hello. Oliver's confidence never wanes when greeting big dogs, which always thrills me. I realize that if he were to show anxiety or fear, he might be toast.

On a recent visit to the park, Oliver was greeted by a large group of Pit Bulls who had met there for a play date. Oliver greeted them as if he were a Doberman and there was nothing to it. They returned the favor and the whole play date continued with Oliver running in the mix. He didn't seem to have a clue that at 8.2 pounds, he was not much more than a snack for a 60 pound breed of this type.

Thank goodness for owners who care enough to train and supervise their dogs. Seeing to it that they get adequate exercise coupled with early and continued socialization all, most certainly, played a part in the success of this "party." To an onlooker, it may have appeared that Oliver, the only mini dog in the group, was the guest of honor. Yet Oliver had no idea that he was different. Should I worry? I guess the answer to that is "Not if Oliver doesn't."

That's the approach I always took with my children and fears. If it scared them, they were more likely to get hurt. Activities that they felt confident about were safer than might have otherwise been expected, simply because the kids took part with a feeling of confidence that allowed them to follow through safely. Oliver just taught me something. Dogs are a lot like kids.

My kids always loved the Carl books. I haven't seen this one yet, but I trust it is also a heart tugger. If you're a dog park lover and would like to learn more about helping to assure that our precious parks stay open during these uncertain economic times, check out Adopt a Dog Park. I hope you'll join me.