tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36774516645918512362024-03-13T09:11:09.552-07:00It's a Dogs' Life...my life with one, two, three dogs.Renee Tellezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01228414057035866699noreply@blogger.comBlogger129125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3677451664591851236.post-24711585645386395502013-12-15T06:59:00.001-08:002013-12-15T06:59:32.596-08:00Dogs Having Some Snowy Day Fun<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/1nj-eze_gQQ" width="480"></iframe>Renee Tellezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01228414057035866699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3677451664591851236.post-4005785880156665442012-01-17T17:44:00.000-08:002012-01-17T17:44:54.308-08:00If you think that cats don't stick together, you're wrong!Joey was my Grandmother's cat, who came to live with us around the age of one; he's now eight years old and 20 lbs. He took about a week to feel comfortable enough to let us near him; several months to come out where the dogs were. <br />
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Mathilda was found hiding in our shed at only seven weeks old; she is now one and a half years old and less than 10 lbs. Although she still runs from my husband and I, it's still possible to pat her on the head, play string, and give out treats at close range.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/reneephotos/6389871669/" title="Best Friends by reneetellezphotography, on Flickr"><img alt="Best Friends" height="640" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6120/6389871669_1e197c9d60_z.jpg" width="512" /></a><br />
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Here's Mel, about half the size of Joey, but thinks he needs to Cercei's deputy. All three of the dogs have seen and smelled Mathilda, but since she HATES them (translate -- scared to death), I really try to keep the peace in my animal kingdom by giving them all their own spaces.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/reneephotos/6601397523/" title="Me'ls All Smiles by reneetellezphotography, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7163/6601397523_54da527c3a.jpg" width="500" height="400" alt="Me'ls All Smiles"></a><br />
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Mathilda and Joey are best friends. He allows Mathilda to lay on him, "nurse" him (yes, he's a boy), and pretty much do as she pleases. I never realized just how much of a mothering role Joey played until today...<br />
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Before I left for work, I went scoop all the litter boxes. Apparently, Mathilda didn't like all the noise I was making and decided to jump the dog blockade, past the dogs, and into a bedroom to hide on the side of the bed. Because she's running, Cercei and Mel can't help but run after her; that's when the calamity began.<br />
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So here's Mathilda, backed up against the wall, feeling trapped, and hissing her head off. Cercei's in the background, barking. Mel doesn't heed the warning signals that Mathilda is giving off; meanwhile, Joey has run into the room, jumped on top of the bed, and is now hissing his head off.<br />
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Only seconds have passed; I'm trying to shoo the dogs out of the room, and step in between Mathilda and Mel. Just as I pick Mel up off of the floor, Joey jumps in front of Mathilda and then leaps up into the air and bites the crap out of my leg, through my jeans, leaving two puncture wounds.<br />
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So there you have it, cat's do stick together!Renee Tellezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01228414057035866699noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3677451664591851236.post-28557016437306124682011-10-31T08:35:00.001-07:002011-10-31T08:35:30.669-07:00Thing 1 & Thing 2<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/reneephotos/6299143180/" title="Thing 1 & Thing 2 "><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6212/6299143180_c5b96864bd.jpg" alt="Thing 1 & Thing 2 by reneetellezphotography" /></a><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/reneephotos/6299143180/">Thing 1 & Thing 2 </a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/reneephotos/">reneetellezphotography</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>Mel and Cercei won 1st place in the Halloween costume contest at their Vet's office. Yay!</p>Renee Tellezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01228414057035866699noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3677451664591851236.post-47840374151141187892011-08-15T06:09:00.001-07:002011-08-15T06:21:05.332-07:00How could you?<div style="font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/reneephotos/3128513919/" title="Too Sad To Move"><img alt="Too Sad To Move by reneetellezphotography" height="320" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3090/3128513919_3735f137d2.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<div class="ii gt" id=":5w"><div id=":5x"><div><div><span style="color: blue;"> </span><span style="margin: 0pt;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/reneephotos/3128513919/" style="color: blue;">Too Sad To Move</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/reneephotos/" style="color: blue;">reneetellezphotography</a><span style="color: blue;"> </span>on Flickr.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">A man in Grand Rapids, Michigan incredibly took out a $7000 full page ad in the paper to present the following essay to the people of his community. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>HOW COULD YOU?</b> When I was a puppy, I entertained you with my antics and made you laugh. You called me your child, and despite a number of chewed shoes and a couple of murdered throw pillows, I became your best friend. Whenever I was "bad," you'd shake your finger at me and ask "How could you?" -- but then you'd relent and roll me over for a belly rub. My housebreaking took a little longer than expected, because you were terribly busy, but we worked on that together. I remember those nights of nuzzling you in bed and listening to your confidences and secret dreams, and I believed that life could not be any more perfect.We went for long walks and runs in the park, car rides, stops for ice cream (I only got the cone because "ice cream is bad for dogs" you said), and I took long naps in the sun waiting for you to come home at the end of the day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"> Gradually, you began spending more time at work and on your career, and more time searching for a human mate. I waited for you patiently, comforted you through heartbreaks and disappointments, never chided you about bad decisions, and romped with glee at your homecomings, and when you fell in love.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">She, now your wife, is not a "dog person" - - still I welcomed her into our home, tried to show her affection, and obeyed her. I was happy because you were happy. Then the human babies came along and I shared your excitement. I was fascinated by their pinkness, how they smelled, and I wanted to mother them, too. Only she and you worried that I might hurt them, and I spent most of my time banished to another room, or to a dog crate. Oh, how I wanted to love them, but I became a "prisoner of love." As they began to grow, I became their friend. They clung to my fur and pulled themselves up on wobbly legs, poked fingers in my eyes, investigated my ears, and gave me kisses on my nose. I loved everything about them and their touch -- because your touch was now so infrequent -- and I would've defended them with my life if need be. I would sneak into their beds and listen to their worries and secret dreams, and together we waited for the sound of your car in the driveway.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">There had been a time, when others asked you if you had a dog, that you produced a photo of me from your wallet and told them stories about me. These past few years, you just answered "yes" and changed the subject. I had gone from being "your dog" to "just a dog ," and you resented every expenditure on my behalf. Now, you have a new career opportunity in another city, and you and they will be moving to an apartment that does not allow pets.You've made the right decision for your "family," but there was a time when I was your only family. I was excited about the car ride until we arrived at the animal shelter. It smelled of dogs and cats, of fear, of hopelessness. You filled out the paperwork and said "I know you will find a good home for her."They shrugged and gave you a pained look. They understand the realities facing a middle-aged dog, even one with "papers." You had to pry your son's fingers loose from my collar as he screamed "No, Daddy! Please don't let them take my dog!" And I worried for him, and what lessons you had just taught him about friendship and loyalty, about love and responsibility, and about respect for all life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">You gave me a good-bye pat on the head, avoided my eyes, and politely refused to take my collar and leash with you. You had a deadline to meet and now I have one, too. After you left, the two nice ladies said you probably knew about your upcoming move months ago and made no attempt to find me another good home. They shook their heads and asked, "How could you?" They are as attentive to us here in the shelter as their busy schedules allow. They feed us, of course, but I lost my appetite days ago. At first, whenever anyone passed my pen, I rushed to the front, hoping it was you that you had changed your mind --that this was all a bad dream... or I hoped it would at least be someone who cared, anyone who might save me. When I realized I could not compete with the frolicking for attention of happy puppies, oblivious to their own fate, I retreated to a far corner and waited. I heard her footsteps as she came for me at the end of the day, and I padded along the aisle after her to a separate room.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">A blissfully quiet room. She placed me on the table and rubbed my ears, and told me not to worry. My heart pounded in anticipation of what was to come, but there was also a sense of relief. The prisoner of love had run out of days. As is my nature, I was more concerned about her. The burden which she bears weighs heavily on her, and I know that, the same way I knew your every mood. She gently placed a tourniquet around my foreleg as a tear ran down her cheek. I licked her hand in the same way I used to comfort you so many years ago. She expertly slid the hypodermic needle into my vein. As I felt the sting and the cool liquid coursing through my body, I lay down sleepily, looked into her kind eyes and murmured, "How could you?"</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Perhaps because she understood my dog speak, she said, "I'm so sorry." She hugged me, and hurriedly explained it was her job to make sure I went to a better place, where I wouldn't be ignored or abused or abandoned, or have to fend for myself -- a place of love and light so very different from this earthly place. And with my last bit of energy, I tried to convey to her with a thump of my tail that my "How could you?" was not directed at her. It was directed at you, My Beloved Master, I was thinking of you. I will think of you and wait for you forever. May everyone in your life continue to show you so much loyalty. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>A Note from the Author:</b> If "How Could You?" brought tears to your eyes as you read it, as it did to mine as I wrote it, it is because it is the composite story of the millions of formerly "owned" pets who die each year in American & Canadian animal shelters. Please use this to help educate, on your websites, in newsletters, on animal shelter and vet office bulletin boards. Tell the public that the decision to add a pet to the family is an important one for life, that animals deserve our love and sensible care, that finding another appropriate home for your animal is your responsibility and any local humane society or animal welfare league can offer you good advice, and that all life is precious. Please do your part to stop the killing, and encourage all spay & neuter campaigns in order to prevent unwanted animals. Please pass this on to everyone, not to hurt them or make them sad, but it could save maybe, even one, unwanted pet. Remember...They love UNCONDITIONALLY. Now that the tears are rolling down your face, pass it on! Send to everyone in your address book and around the world! This IS the reality of dogs given up to shelters! <i>By Jim Willis, 2001</i></span></div></div></div></div><span style="margin: 0pt;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/reneephotos/3128513919/"><br />
</a></span></div>Renee Tellezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01228414057035866699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3677451664591851236.post-76908841111345726532011-07-25T10:39:00.001-07:002011-07-25T11:10:14.249-07:00When dogs are afraid of storms, what can you do?<div style="font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0;"><div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mel wears his new Thundershirt by reneetellezphotography" height="320" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6011/5941697658_34e958e1cb.jpg" width="400" /></div></div>Two out of my three dogs are terrified of storms and fireworks; so much so that they pace furiously, shake uncontrollably, and search for the place they feel safest (like wedged between the couch and end-table or sitting on my head).<br />
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Instead of each passing year getting better and desensitized, their stress level had reached sad proportions. No amount of comfort or treats made them feel at ease, so I thought, "What can I do?"<br />
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Thanks to many searches on the web, Twitter, and Facebook, I finally found something that made a difference --<span style="font-size: small;"><span id="btAsinTitle"> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/RESOURCES-Anti-Anxiety-Calming-Formula-Tablets/dp/B00076HSDO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1310927935&sr=8-2" style="color: blue;">RESOURCES Canine Anti-Anxiety & Calming Formula</a> tablets, which contain </span></span>Melatonin,<span style="font-size: small;"><span id="btAsinTitle"> </span></span>and this new piece of clothing called the <a href="http://www.thundershirt.com/?gclid=CJytkLKInaoCFVDCKgodXUppww" style="color: blue;">Thundershirt®</a>. <br />
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What's a <b>Thundershirt®</b>, you ask? According to the company's website, <a href="http://www.thundershirt.com/HowItWorks/" style="color: blue;">www.thundershirt.com</a>, "with its patent-pending design, Thundershirt’s gentle, constant pressure has a dramatic calming effect for most dogs if they are anxious, fearful or over-excited."<br />
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At first I wasn't convinced, but after reading tons of positive reviews, and a little insight from my pal on Twitter, <span class="screen-name screen-name-fearfuldogs pill">@fearfuldogs, I figured that I didn't have much to lose at this point.</span><br />
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<span class="screen-name screen-name-fearfuldogs pill">We've had three loud storms since the shirts arrived, and I'm happy to report that both dogs seem more relaxed and are content to lay down and take a nap; it's almost as if they hadn't even noticed the thunder. </span><br />
<span class="screen-name screen-name-fearfuldogs pill"><br />
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<span class="screen-name screen-name-fearfuldogs pill">Now, if I could just get all three of them to calm down when ANYONE comes to my house!</span>Renee Tellezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01228414057035866699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3677451664591851236.post-782308196923771922011-03-21T17:27:00.001-07:002011-03-21T17:27:54.670-07:00The first bath of Spring 2011<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ma-nRfYwdmI?hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ma-nRfYwdmI?hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Renee Tellezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01228414057035866699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3677451664591851236.post-55981384151949782942010-11-29T16:30:00.000-08:002010-11-29T16:30:06.331-08:00Gertie™ Gear Pet Beds are Grrrrrrreat!Cercei loves her new Gertie™ Gear bed!<br />
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Michigan Made Gertie™ Gear Pet Beds: Available online at <a href="http://gertiegear.com/" style="color: #0b5394;">gertiegear.com/</a><br />
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Read more about Gertie™ Gear and the namesake on <a href="http://www.annarbor.com/pets/michigan-based-pet-air-bed-company-says-goodbye-to-its-namesake/" style="color: #0b5394;">AnnArbor.com/Pets</a>Renee Tellezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01228414057035866699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3677451664591851236.post-46004030317950870592010-10-20T16:07:00.000-07:002010-10-20T16:07:40.693-07:00Taking a Walk - Pomeranian (and Mutt) Style<object style="background-image: url("http://i4.ytimg.com/vi/sIBYZFjjIKg/hqdefault.jpg");" height="295" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/sIBYZFjjIKg?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/sIBYZFjjIKg?fs=1&hl=en_US" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="295" width="480"></embed></object>Renee Tellezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01228414057035866699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3677451664591851236.post-70665649661307864782010-10-19T16:10:00.000-07:002010-10-19T16:10:10.090-07:00Attack of the Pom<object height="340" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/7SrRcpReqrg?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/7SrRcpReqrg?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>Renee Tellezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01228414057035866699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3677451664591851236.post-44343621822046694352010-08-31T07:52:00.000-07:002010-08-31T07:52:25.313-07:00My neighbors are a bunch of dogs!What's more fun than three dogs? Four.<br />
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Yesterday I took some pictures for my neighbors and the dogs were having a grand ol' time. Running, jumping, swimming, chewing, and of course barking.<br />
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Besides the neighborhood looking quite bare, it was so sad to see all the squirrels and birds wandering aimlessly about. They were confused because their "homes" were gone, and some even lost their babies. I've never experienced anything quite like it and hope that I never do again.<br />
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Here's a slide show of the damage at my house. Pictures will never do it justice, because seeing it in person is so much more intense.<br />
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<span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/reneephotos/4636321263/">Mel shows off his Walk & Wag swag</a><br />
Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/reneephotos/">reneetellezphotography</a></span></div>This will mark the 7th year that I've participated in the Walk & Wag, although it's only Mel's 5th year. We were able to raise $210, which is very good considering Michigan's economy.<br />
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Last year I raised money, but had to miss the actual walk due to my <a href="http://www.wccnet.edu/" style="background-color: white; color: blue;">WCC</a> graduation ceremony. I thought I'd have to miss it again this year because I had tickets to (wait for it)...<br />
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<div style="color: blue;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cats_%28musical%29">CATS</a>.</div><br />
Even though it was raining and a storm was predicted for the morning; I decided to get Mel ready, hop in the car, and hope for the best by the time we reached the park. For some reason, it seems to rain every year on this particular day, but always seems to clear up just in the nick of time; and this year was no different.<br />
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Because of those tickets, I had to get back home before Noon to change and arrive in Detroit by 2:00, so Mel and I set out to get there early. We only got there about 15 minutes before registration was set to start, but the <a href="http://www.hshv.org/" style="color: blue;">Humane Society of Huron Valley's</a><span style="color: blue;"> </span>volunteers were set up and ready to go!<br />
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Not only did the weather clear up, Mel had a fantastic attitude. He was excited to be there, let a lady kneel down by him, smelled a few dogs, and made friend that he walked next to the entire way. She was a little, laid back, 11 year old Jack Russell named Lucy. He had such nice manners and I was very proud to be in public with him that day. We were having such a good time, that I hated having to leave. Then, after I actually saw CATS, I wished that I could have stayed at the Walk & Wag even more; but that's a whole other story for a different type of blog. :)<br />
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If you'd like to read more about the 2010 Walk & Wag, visit <a href="http://www.annarbor.com/pets/getting-wet-and-wild-at-the-hshv-walk-and-wag-2010/" style="color: blue;">AnnArbor.com/pets</a>. They have a great post with a slide show (which shows Mel's new friend, Lucy).Renee Tellezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01228414057035866699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3677451664591851236.post-54329037884327815712010-03-25T16:11:00.001-07:002010-03-27T12:49:24.003-07:00Sharing is rare<div style="margin: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/reneephotos/4279939608/" title="photo sharing"><img alt="" height="237" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2622/4279939608_17111acaf5_m.jpg" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" width="320" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/reneephotos/4279939608/">Sharing is rare</a><br />
Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/reneephotos/">reneetellezphotography</a></span><br />
<br />
</div>Today was kind of a busy day and it didn't end when I got home. It was cold, rainy and just plain yucky out. Since a walk was not going to happen today, I decided to do a little work. Even though they would rather be playing, when Mommy's working they are my little angels. So bored, but so patient. They'll even share a pillow once in a while, which almost NEVER happens.<br />
<br />
Even though they are naughty at times; they always know when it's important to be good. My sweet little fur-babies.Renee Tellezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01228414057035866699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3677451664591851236.post-30596742565734719042010-03-22T12:32:00.001-07:002010-03-22T13:09:08.212-07:00To a dog, every walk is a new adventureThrough the eyes of a dog..<br />
<div style="float: left; margin: 10px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/reneephotos/3128510015/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="photo sharing"><img alt="" height="256" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3217/3128510015_c8accd1b7e_m.jpg" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" width="320" /></a></div>Walk,<br />
run,<br />
hop<br />
or gallup –<br />
it doesn't matter how you do it,<br />
just as long as you do.<br />
<br />
Every tree,<br />
bush,<br />
flower<br />
or blade of grass contains a message.<br />
It tells me who's been there and why.<br />
<br />
Every fragment of poop<br />
or drop of pee<br />
tells me a story;<br />
if you're sick or healthy,<br />
male or female,<br />
young or old.<br />
<br />
It would only be rude if I didn't send a pee-mail back!<br />
Of course I'll have to get mine just a little higher than yours.<br />
<br />
When we see each other on the street;<br />
I may bark,<br />
growl,<br />
jump,<br />
pull,<br />
sniff<br />
and whine.<br />
Don't be offended,<br />
that's just my way.</div><div style="float: left; margin: 10px;"><br />
</div><div style="float: left; margin: 10px;"></div>Renee Tellezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01228414057035866699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3677451664591851236.post-50027602303778694132010-03-19T15:51:00.000-07:002010-03-19T15:55:22.822-07:00Mel checks out his LOL Dogs book<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vj41eZGysOk/S6P_O7_kM9I/AAAAAAAAAYk/yIOJXHM0aSg/s1600-h/DidYouSeeMe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vj41eZGysOk/S6P_O7_kM9I/AAAAAAAAAYk/yIOJXHM0aSg/s400/DidYouSeeMe.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vj41eZGysOk/S6P_0CNYFpI/AAAAAAAAAY8/ZK2fKjk_ETo/s1600-h/lolROFL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vj41eZGysOk/S6P_0CNYFpI/AAAAAAAAAY8/ZK2fKjk_ETo/s400/lolROFL.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vj41eZGysOk/S6P_sy8ZE2I/AAAAAAAAAY0/xfGnSlEC96U/s1600-h/ThatsNotWhatISaid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vj41eZGysOk/S6P_sy8ZE2I/AAAAAAAAAY0/xfGnSlEC96U/s400/ThatsNotWhatISaid.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vj41eZGysOk/S6P_k6KFC1I/AAAAAAAAAYs/hlw0GeEdurs/s1600-h/ThatsMe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vj41eZGysOk/S6P_k6KFC1I/AAAAAAAAAYs/hlw0GeEdurs/s400/ThatsMe.jpg" width="400" /></a>Renee Tellezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01228414057035866699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3677451664591851236.post-24023170473530937142010-03-03T12:12:00.001-08:002010-03-03T12:14:10.241-08:00Mel's in the LOL Dogs Book!<span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/reneephotos/4404057677/"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/reneephotos/"></a></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/reneephotos/4404057677/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="photo sharing"><img alt="" height="400" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4004/4404057677_acf2eb9fae_m.jpg" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" width="345" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">You can order the books from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1569757364/bpo01-20">Amazon.com</a></div>Renee Tellezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01228414057035866699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3677451664591851236.post-32348205706059728672010-02-27T14:29:00.000-08:002010-02-27T14:29:24.046-08:00Snowspeeder<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vj41eZGysOk/S4mcwQMrMBI/AAAAAAAAAYM/L48R39NjWIs/s1600-h/Flickr.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vj41eZGysOk/S4mcwQMrMBI/AAAAAAAAAYM/L48R39NjWIs/s320/Flickr.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><div style='clear:both; text-align:NONE'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Renee Tellezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01228414057035866699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3677451664591851236.post-62679879572799428732010-02-24T11:05:00.001-08:002010-02-24T11:49:57.938-08:00Mel hates everything<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vj41eZGysOk/S4V5hZEU9aI/AAAAAAAAAYE/kJn2dsfwiq0/s1600-h/MelBites.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vj41eZGysOk/S4V5hZEU9aI/AAAAAAAAAYE/kJn2dsfwiq0/s400/MelBites.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I have the worst behaved dog on the planet.<br />
<br />
That may an exaggeration, but I bet he's in the top group. I didn't make him this way, he was given to me like that.<br />
<br />
For those of you who don't know, here's a little back story – Mel first arrived at my door around 8 p.m., about five years ago. The woman next door begged me to take him off her hands because she couldn't take it. I grabbed him out of her arms and he immediately decided I belonged to him, because he tried to mark his territory (i.e. pee on me). <br />
<br />
This little sweetie had already lived in four homes before he even turned a year old... no shots, not neutered, horrible care and major abuse. Needless to say, my heart melted and I took him in.<br />
<br />
The first sign of trouble was when he caught fleas. He's allergic, like most dogs are, and broke out in a rash. Apparently, he would rather be itchy because when I tried to put cream on him, he tried to bite me.<br />
<br />
<br />
I've tried everything: watching dog training shows, reading books, positive reinforcement, treats, behavior specialists and private lessons. I would have continued with regular classes, but was told by the instrutor that we would need an "in-home" trainer. Don't get me wrong, he is MUCH better than he was when I first got him.<br />
<br />
With all that being said, little Mel can be the sweetest little guy ever. He loves to sit on your lap, is great in the car, loves his doggy bag... but, do something he doesn't approve of and you better be faster than he is!<br />
<br />
As seen in the photo: This is the look right before the bite comes. <br />
<br />
Things Mel hates:<br />
• Baths<br />
• Grooming, especially the hair dryer and nail clippers<br />
• Being moved from "his seat"<br />
• People other than his "mom and dad"<br />
• Anyone being too close to his "mommy"<br />
• Other animals<br />
• Loud noises or sudden movements<br />
• Crawling on the floor<br />
• Getting a check-up<br />
• His sister's getting "his attention"<br />
• Anything<br />
• Everything<br />
• You name it, Mel hates it<br />
<br />
<br />
The truth is, that many of his "hates" come from fear. It took me about a month to convince him that belts weren't scary. It's actually very sad, but also a little frustrating. He's much better than he used to be and doesn't even have to get muzzled at the vet's office anymore.<br />
<br />
<br />
Mel's a little stinker, but I love him.Renee Tellezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01228414057035866699noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3677451664591851236.post-37954553468587888652010-02-17T14:44:00.000-08:002010-02-17T14:46:43.568-08:00Snuggies only look cute on dogs<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/reneephotos/4363054717/" title="She's not cold, because she's wearing her Snuggie by reneetellezphotography, on Flickr"><img alt="She's not cold, because she's wearing her Snuggie" height="256" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4056/4363054717_3b77dbf427.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/reneephotos/4363055575/" title="Getting her seat ready by reneetellezphotography, on Flickr"><img alt="Getting her seat ready" height="200" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2768/4363055575_a1cf85b9e5.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/reneephotos/4363057563/" title="Snuggie for Dogs by reneetellezphotography, on Flickr"><img alt="Snuggie for Dogs" height="215" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4063/4363057563_fa7bc8c889.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/reneephotos/4363798714/" title="Cercei wearing her new Snuggie by reneetellezphotography, on Flickr"><img alt="Cercei wearing her new Snuggie" height="200" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4046/4363798714_08b9d6ca0c.jpg" width="300" /></a>Renee Tellezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01228414057035866699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3677451664591851236.post-24744780775093980622010-02-10T15:04:00.002-08:002010-02-10T15:05:27.221-08:00Mel flies through snow drifts<div style="float: right; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/reneephotos/4346661325/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="photo sharing"><img alt="" height="256" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2706/4346661325_7e930ee8a0_m.jpg" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" width="320" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/reneephotos/4346661325/">Mel flies through snow drifts</a><br />
Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/reneephotos/">reneetellezphotography</a></span></div><br clear="all" />Renee Tellezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01228414057035866699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3677451664591851236.post-30427437535992084472010-01-12T12:25:00.001-08:002010-01-12T12:56:38.613-08:00There could be hope for dogs with cancer after all<div style="float: left; margin: 5px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/statelibraryofnsw/3211518494/" title="photo sharing"><img alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3425/3211518494_03b156807a_m.jpg" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br />
</div><b><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/jan/12/vical-partner-gets-approval-market-dog-cancer-vacc/" style="color: #0b5394;">Vical partner gets approval to market dog cancer vaccine</a></span></b><span style="font-size: small; margin-top: 0px;">, </span><span style="font-size: small;">which is for melanoma in dogs, </span><span style="font-size: small; margin-top: 0px;">The San Diego Union-Tribune reported this morning</span><span style="font-size: small; margin-top: 0px;">. </span><span style="font-size: small;">The company said its vaccine <b>Oncept</b>, given after disease onset, significantly extends survival time after tumor removal.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small; margin-top: 0px;">What exactly is melanonma, you ask? Melanoma is a common form of skin cancer, which show up as either dark or unpigmented tumors. Most tumors found on the skin are benign, but the risk that they are malignant is greater when found on the mouth, toes or under the eyes. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small; margin-top: 0px;">Unlike people, dogs don't get cancer from sun exposure. Instead, experts believe that they could be caused by excessive scratching or licking, which causes skin cells to divide and </span><span style="font-size: small;">multiply frequently. Older dogs (9+ years) and males tend to be at higher risk. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Certain breeds tend to be more susceptible to developing this type of cancer, although any breed can be affected. You can read more about Melanoma in dogs by visiting the <a href="http://www.natural-dog-health-remedies.com/melanoma-in-dogs.html" style="color: #0b5394;">Natural Dog Health Remedies website</a>.</span><br />
</span>Renee Tellezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01228414057035866699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3677451664591851236.post-9924907745985451232010-01-07T15:47:00.001-08:002010-01-07T15:50:13.737-08:00Dogs love snow!<object width="300" height="115"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/wMOMzuhMyJM&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/wMOMzuhMyJM&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object>Renee Tellezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01228414057035866699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3677451664591851236.post-72667986892432672192010-01-05T14:42:00.001-08:002010-01-05T15:07:25.655-08:00Please stop smoking Mommy<div style="float: right; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/reneephotos/4231348976/" title="photo sharing"><img alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2571/4231348976_442581c5f0_m.jpg" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/reneephotos/"></a></span><br />
</div>At the beginning of every new year, you get to wipe the slate clean and start over. There's no better time than NOW to do something that's good for you, your loved ones and the environment.<br />
<br />
This month marks my 2 year anniversary of being a non-smoker. Yes, I decided to quit when I landed in the hospital. But making myself healthier was not something I did for myself. I mean I really, REALLY enjoyed smoking. I had already stopped smoking at the workplace, had cut it down to an average of 5 a day and there was no smoking allowed in the house. And even though I have a "smell phobia" – I don't want to be the smelly guy and don't like people who are – the stink factor also didn't curb my urge.<br />
<br />
Even though I try to eat good, exercise and love my family; the main reason I quit smoking... my dogs. If I die tomorrow, who would take care of my fur-babies? Yes, I have a husband who would probably do just fine. But I just couldn't stand the thought of them being left without me.<br />
<br />
Here are some tips to help you put those butts out for good – <a href="http://dogblog.dogster.com/2009/12/30/8-ways-your-dog-can-help-you-quit-smoking/?utm_source=dogster%2Bnewsletter&utm_medium=inline%2Btext&utm_campaign=100105" style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394;">Dogster's - for the love of the dog blog</a><span style="background-color: white;"> <br />
</span><span style="background-color: black;"></span><br />
<br />
Tip 1 - Do it for your dog<br />
Tip 2 - Inhale the facts<br />
Tip 3 - Make your dog your exercise partner<br />
Tip 4 - Take advantage of your dog's job title<br />
Tip 5 - Make your dog an anti-smoking billboard<br />
TIp 6 - Train your dog as a smoke alarm<br />
Tip 7 - Share your financial windfall with Fido<br />
Tip 8 - Get hypnotized by a dog<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: black;"></span><br />
For a more in depth look at their tips, visit their website at <a href="http://dogblog.dogster.com/2009/12/30/8-ways-your-dog-can-help-you-quit-smoking/?utm_source=dogster%2Bnewsletter&utm_medium=inline%2Btext&utm_campaign=100105" style="color: #0b5394;">dogblog.dogster.com</a><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"></span>Renee Tellezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01228414057035866699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3677451664591851236.post-50377147919876416542009-12-26T12:55:00.000-08:002009-12-26T12:57:11.186-08:00Doggie Christmas 2009<object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2QBv04szNpg&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2QBv04szNpg&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object><br /><br />This is what makes Christmas so fun!Renee Tellezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01228414057035866699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3677451664591851236.post-8269536205658204502009-12-24T04:26:00.001-08:002009-12-24T04:27:57.145-08:00Sasha Waits For Santa<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/reneephotos/4201281650/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2803/4201281650_b99feed10b_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/reneephotos/4201281650/">Sasha Waits For Santa</a><br /></span></div>It's Christmas Eve and I'm not sure that you can ever say "not a creature was stirring" at my house. With 3 cats and 3 dogs, there is never a dull moment... much less a silent one!<br /><br />Wishing everyone Happy Howl-i-days – May you and yours have safe travels, good times with family and/or friends, good health, plenty of food to eat and a warm place to rest your head for the night.<br /><br />2009 has been a roller coaster ride for many of us, but let's be thankful that we made it! 2010 is just around the corner and will hopefully be a more prosperous year for all.<br /><br />Merry Christmas from our house to yours,<br />Renee and the Fur-Babies<br clear="all" />Renee Tellezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01228414057035866699noreply@blogger.com0