The News & An Award

Thanks for tuning in again. I suppose we shall start with the not so good news and go on to the best news.

A few weeks ago, Mamma was trimming my nails and since I hate that I put my mouth on her hand. APPARENTLY, McIver thought I was biting her so he tried to KILL ME and I tried to kill him back! Mamma tried to break us up but we were too much for her and she got bit 3 times- forearm, wrist and knee. We didn't mean to bite her! She got in the way! She finally broke us up with a broom. She was crying and talking about her hands being numb and her forearm possibly broken from my powerful, manly jaws. Anyways, it was REAL bad. Mamma called the DFA program director where we got McIver, you know. She came rushing over. Mamma said she couldn't handle us both since she's alone now and Julie agreed, after pointing out the bloody handprint on the broom closet. So Julie decided she would take McIver back and he would be the "protection dog" for her 10 acre farm. The previous "protection dog" was McIver's Mom but she's like 12 now and needs to retire. So, in summary, the bad news is McIver doesn't live with us anymore. Mamma is real sad because she loves him to pieces and now she doesn't have a running partner. She will get to see him anytime she wants though. Of course, I don't see why it is that sad because I am the center of Mamma's world again! Yay!

So I guess I'll turn it over to Ma for the rest of the post...

Wiggles,
Calhoun

Hi everyone! Mamma Heartbeat here for...

the GOOD NEWS...

We were given an award by Jill's Life. We've been following Jill's Life for quite some time. She is an amazing artist and animal lover. She lives in the beautiful NC mountains just a bit up the road from our house. Her dogs, Zippy and Smudge, are always entertaining. Sadly, she lost her beloved Bumble this year. She has a special love for Bully breeds and we are suckers for jowls and wrinkles too! We want to thank Jill for this special award.

The responsibilities of the Liebster Blog award are (1) To thank the person that gave you the award and link back to their blog.  (2) reveal your top five picks, with less than 200 readers, and let them know (3) copy and paste the award on your blog.  (4) Hope that the person giving it to you will keep it moving forward. 

I've been thinking about you to pass this award on to and frankly we aren't sure. We love all the blogs we read. Everyone contributes positively to Blogville in their own way. I think that we must share this award with Rottrover. They lost their beloved Gizmo in October and they, too, have an affection for the jowls and wrinkles. In a way, we feel this is to honor Bumble and Gizmo and all the families that have lost one of their beloved fur kids. Of course, most recently, Blogville has endured some losses. 

So on a more positive note, we'd like to say Happy New Year to everyone! 

As a tribute to my furkids, I want everyone to know that this has been an incredibly tough year for me personally and I NEVER could've gotten through it without my cats and dogs. They provided comfort when I didn't even realize I needed it. So here is a little video of me & Calhoun "making out"! 

Let's hope that 2012 proves to be much better than 2011. 

Velcro Dog and a Sucker

Tomorrow's post will be serious as we have something a couple of announcements. One is happy and one is maybe not so happy. To entertain you in the meantime, we've some pictures and yet another video for you!

Lucy sits here every morning while I am in the shower & drying my hair.  

Calhoun likes to suck on his stuffies. As you can see, he loves his football & his sock monkey. 

Here he is in action...

Merry Christmas to all!!!

Hey everybody! Mamma took a video of me and Lucy and her on the couch the other day! We thought we'd share it for Christmas! Just so you know, Mamma was playin' with my jowls to get me to wake up. Alas it takes much more than that to awaken me! 

If you can't play it,let us know. Mamma ain't no tech savy person!

Grace in the Face of Tragedy

I am humbled by the outpouring of support for our friends at Kissa-Bull. I think, for many of us, this is one of our biggest fears. My house can burn to ashes as long as I can get my dogs and cats to safety.

To Sandra, I say, your 5 angels were so lucky to have you in their life. Their last days were much better than their first. They died as loved beings.

To Blogville, I say, you are amazing. I am humble by your love and kindness. Most of all I am humbled by your friendship. Not long ago, I wrote a post about Grace. And, my friends, YOU are Grace.

You humble me to tears.

Our condolences also go to El'bow's family. He was a big love bug and we love the big one's here for sure.

If you want to donate to the Kissa-Bull cause, check out Mayzie's blog.

Why I love Dogs For Autism, a service dog program...

Most of you know how much Dogs for Autism means to me. We had our annual holiday fundraiser last night where we debut this video.

Please take 10 minutes to watch so you will know what we do and why it means so very much to me. You can see McIver and Nikki and me in the video too, which is kinda fun. Dennis Quaid the actor is in it. You can see lots of training, temperament testing, interaction with children and tons of dogs (and people) having fun doing very important work.

Mamma Heartbeat

Where in the WORLD is Puddles??

Lots of people and furiends have asked about my fur real neighbor Puddles. We don't have much to report. Mamma saw them a bit in the summer and even met Puddles in the fur. We think all is well but you know Puddles girl is getting older and probably busier.

This is from Mamma's cell phone. 

So we figure we'll just be real patient and hope that Puddles comes back real soon!

Meanwhile back at the ranch...

We've been doing well here. I scratched my eye though so Mamma's puttin' 87 drops in my eye every 87 seconds. As you see in the crappy quality picture above, Lilly is wearing a cone. She scratched a hot spot on her chin. Since she can't see too well, the cone is especially no fun for her. She runs into walls and stuff. She looks like pinball running down the hallway. Mamma says she doesn't know whether to laugh or cry. Since she HAS to wear it, I say we should laugh at the kitteh!!

Okay, naptime again.

Wiggles,
Calhoun

Puppy Rescued After Trip On Top Of Train - Greenville News Story - WYFF Greenville

This is in our county! Way to go Parker Family!

I am certain this train passed right behind Puddles house and through our 'hood!

Puppy Rescued After Trip On Top Of Train - Greenville News Story - WYFF Greenville

Nikki Update and a Fundraiser

My sweet girl, Nikki went to her new home yesterday. She will watch over a 9 year old girl. 

We think they both look pretty happy. No?

Because I know that Blogville is full of the MOST generous people and animals, I wanted to share this with you...

Dogs for Autism has an online fundraiser in progress. If you would like to read about our dogs and the good they do everyday or donate to the cause, please click here. 

Of course, McIver has a page that I am still working on but please read all of the fundraiser pages. They are touching and creative and entertaining!

Thanks Blogville!

FINALLY... a new post

It's been a while but we've been reading. Things are definitely settling down. Mamma took this picture of the whole Heartbeat crew except Harry. Harry is a diva and he was sleeping on clean laundry on top of the washing machine and declined to participate in this photo shoot. Just for the record, from the left- McIver, Lucy, Lilly and Calhoun. Those red pillows are Mamma's. She leans back on them and put her cold feet on ME!! She says I am her foot warmer. I don't really mind. 

We are happy to report that Nikki is in the process of interviewing around 60 families to work with. The family with 2 boys is still contemplating the commitment of a service dog. Sometimes people forget that a service dog is a living, breathing thing that needs love, attention, noms, and training. DFA is super conscious of this tendency and we deeply respect people who are thoughtful enough to say they just can't do it. Plus I mean, I wouldn't want to go live with somebody that would treat me like an object like say, for instance, a footstool... hey wait...

Anyways, Mamma says that DFA is gonna launch a new web-based fundraiser soon and it should be really fun. We hope you will consider participating with us. It fits in nicely with the concept of dog blogs so we are very excited.

See you soon!
Calhoun

With a Heavy Heart and Mixed Emotions...

Nikki and Mamma at the Lake

Last Friday, Nikki was placed back in the care of Dogs for Autism. She'd fully recovered from her spay surgery and it was time for her to head to boot camp. Originally, the plan was for her to become a DFA "Mommy-dog" but upon much consideration and DFA staff hearing what I had to say about her, it was decided that she should probably be working.

I always knew she had amazing drive, energy and instincts. When we went to events she watched children like a hawk and she'd only just met them. I've never seen this girl tired. Additionally, now that it's just me, I don't have the time to give her the training she needs. Working long hours 30 mins from home doesn't allow for much training time.

There are several families who might be perfect for her. One is a family with 2 autistic boys. Can you even imagine what a blessing Nikki would be for this family? Mom is a teacher and runs 4 miles in the morning. I would run 3 miles with Nikki and she'd want MORE!!!

In the end, I am so excited for the things that I know Nikki can do for this family. I know she will be adored and loved. She was a blessing to me. She was a part of my life during a very difficult time. Nikki taught me so much about training and canine neurosis!! She is incredibly intelligent and needs to be challenged by working everyday. I also rest easy in the fact that she still belongs to Dogs for Autism so I know she will ALWAYS be cared for like the princess she is!

Pretty sure that Lucy will NOT miss her...

PLUS I know I will get plenty of updates and Nikki stories!! There are ALWAYS Nikki stories- trust me!

Godspeed Nikki-snack! Mamma loves you!!

P.S. It's been a LONG HOT summer and we are looking forward to blogging more regularly as it cools down...

Lucy Goose

This post is for my Lucy Goosey! She is the smallest of our pack which means two things. She either gets overlooked and lost in the shuffle or she very often gets alone time with Mamma. She takes this time to enjoy her numerous toys and bones without the big kids trying to take them away. She often takes time to sleep in Mamma's lap or lick Mamma until she's sopping wet!!

Lucy protects her booty!!

Look at that SMILE!!

Yummy bone!

PLEASE don't take my bone!

Do we haveta let 'em back in?

Exhausted!

Thanks ForPetsSake for this award. Mamma will post about it later this week. She says she's gotta think thru this one... oh brother!

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY CALHOUN!!!

As some of you know, we've been adjusting to a different life around here. We are "making it work" because that's life. I, Mamma Heartbeat, am so VERY thankful that through thick and thin, I always have my dogs and cats. 

I swear to you they know I am stressed. 

Every night I look forward to our cuddle time. No more unhappiness around here!!

AND to prove that, TODAY, I celebrate and honor my sweet Calhoun on his 5th birthday. 

He is my heart dog. 

No matter what, he will always be there for me and me for him. 

I tried to get some good photos of Calhoun's "parts" but they are blurry because he moves too much!

I took these pictures one night because I was afraid that one day I would forget my favorite parts of Calhoun. I don't ever want to forget any part of him. 

Sweet wrinkly muzzle. Too many grays for my baby.

Always with that nose and smile! He rubs his chin raw from chewing bones and stuff!

Those big paws that dance when he sees me. Yes he broke a toe once.  The vet said there wasn't much to do for him. 

Those soulful eyes. He's seen so much.

My lovebug, Calhoun

Therapy Dog work is way too hard for Calhoun. He needs a nap!

more napping...

Who could resist that wiggle butt? Lucy and Calhoun playing with a puppy-sized McIver  (laser  beam eyes!). 

Gratuitous shot of McIver for tha ladiiieesssssss! (ANNA & MORGAN)

A McIver puppy shot! Good thing he grew into those ears, huh, ladies?

Back in the Swing

Hi everyone!

Mamma's getttin' back in the swing of things. She said her camera needs to see some action. Hopefully, we'll be back this week. We are all starting to feel a bit normal again! Well as "normal" as we can be anyway!

Wiggles,
Calhoun

Good News and Bad News

The good news is...

Mamma's got a new niece!! Her brother's wife gave birth Friday to 8lbs 4oz Piper Ann. This is her and her brother Liam meeting for the first time on Mother's Day! Liam is 18 months old. Mamma pretty much spent the weekend helping her parents care for Liam while Piper was getting used to life in the hospital. Mamma came home and slept like a log!! She said he was fun and hilarious but exhausting.

Aaaaannnndddd.....

The bad news is Mamma and Daddy are getting a De-vorce. She didn't really want to share this but she feels like you all should know. She doesn't want to air all the dirty laundry so we'll be discreet. We are all staying with Mamma 'cuz we are taking very good care of her. She is REALLY mad at Daddy. As in, like, "he pooped the floor for the fun of it" mad... REEEEAAALLLLLL mad. She's also real sad but there ain't no 3 and 4 chances in this house! No sir, you hurt my Mamma's heart, you get out Mr. Man!

I will soon rightfully take my place in the bed just to make sure she's okay you know...

Mamma Heartbeat here, I don't want to air the dirty laundry but if my blog posts are glaringly missing someone, you might be curious. Also, my creative juices are pretty much null and void right now. Reading your posts makes me laugh though and really appreciate my dogs and truly appreciate the fact that they would NEVER betray my trust. I love them more now than I EVER have if that's possible! And I am angry because Lucy runs up and down the hall looking for her Daddy. I cannot imagine going through this with 2-legger children.

Some pictures for you!

So we've been absent. Thanks to our Mamma and her busy-ness. Oh well, she's bringin' home noms I guess... Anyway, we thought we'd share these pics from a couple of years ago.

This was a 12 mile hike that I did with Mamma and Daddy at Raven Cliffs Falls area- near Caesars Head. This was the craziest hike EVER cuz it rained and stormed while we hiked. We could hear trees falling around us. And the trail was super hard- like rock climbing scary stuff. I totally did it best. Mamma and Daddy were both really scared but they didn't say anything until we got back to the car!

The fact that they worked together to get us safely through this hike helped them realize they should get married!!! I thought me and Mamma were already married but apparently this means more than snuggling on the couch. Oh how I long for those days of being Mamma's only true love...but I digress.

Enjoy the pics and I am totally keeping an eye out for the Charcoals. I hear they committed a recent A Salt and Bunnery...

Log..

with mushroom things...

This spider is scary.

Mamma is scary too!

Mamma took these pics...

This place is called the Cathedral & was totally freaky.

SHAWNEE- this is me on a bridge...

THIS bridge!!

that looks out at this!!!

and this...

AND here is our trail friend...is GEICO hiring?

LOOK what Nikki did!!!

She got her AKC Canine Good Citizen Certification!!!!

While this in itself isn't that shocking, the fact that we did it on a whim and didn't practice at all is AMAZING!! She is always taking an obedience class or learning something new so I just thought we'd give it a whirl and see where we were. Calhoun received his a couple of years back so I knew what to expect.

Nikki and her VERY proud Mamma!

ELEVEN of Dogs for Autism's dogs passed!

One female was in-season, therefore, insane and didn't pass- which is to be expected. This is the first of many tests-evaluated by professionals not associated with DFA- that our dogs have to pass.

Many of our dogs also took their public access test this weekend. Lowe's allows us to use their stores for this test. Thank you Lowe's Home Improvement! 

It was a beautiful day with dogs, horses and great people!

Group photo. You can see a couple of the dogs have already been placed with families and are working hard!

These photos were taken by Dogs for Autism.

We're Reading

Just an FYI-

The Heartbeats are all well and good! Mamma gots a new job and started this week so we haven't posted but we've been reading. We know all about the gotcha days, new siblings, electrical issues, sicknesses, and silly antics! Even though we might not comment, just know that we are thinking about you and we miss you very much!

Hopefully Mamma can get her life together this weekend. We really need to have a talk about priorities...

Wiggles,
Calhoun

McIver's New Friend

Many of you know McIver and his story. He had 5 human friends and when one passed away, that left him with 4. McIver loves us and has no use for anyone else. When we have friends over, their STRICT instructions are to ignore McIver. Our dear friend J has known McIver since we first became his puppy raisers when he was 12 weeks old. As you'll recall, McIver turned 2 in October. I am PLEASED to announce that McIver suddenly accepted J as his newest human friend.

Daddy and J have been friends since high school where they were wrestlers. Now they train together as kickboxers and as mixed-martial-artists. The UFC had a fight Saturday night so J came over to watch and ended up sleeping on the couch. Sunday morning I let the dogs back in after their morning potty break and McIver made a beeline for J!! He proceeded to snuggle and KISS J! Despite all of our shock, I managed to get a few pictures!!

Belly scratches from J!

Gimme that chin!

It just proves that McIver really is the dog I think he is!

Definitely one of those moments that makes me glad to be McIver's Mamma!

J must be good people if he passed McIver's 2 year test!!

Somebody Shouldn't Play Poker...

This is a totally hilarious video. Since I've seen several posts about good doggies being bad with muddy paws and stuff, I thought this wouldbe appropriate!! Poor Denver!

For Our Sibe Friends...

The Iditarod 2011 has been won by a native Alaskan. How exciting!

Mamma and I watched a show on Animal Planet about this insanity. We are very curious about the preparation of such a race and all the logistics of dropping dogs and caring for dogs during the race. We saw the mushers making beds of hay at check points during rests. And the dogs appear to be well-cared for and enjoying their task.

So our question is very open and general... HOW in the world do you care for a team of dogs on the go?

AND are the dogs comfy and warm?

Maybe some of our Sibe friends can help us learn more.

This is for The Thundering Herd

AWWW!

THAT is a bed!

I hope no one mistakes me for an agile sled dog.

'cuz I HAVE been working out...