After Christmas

After Christmas is always a bummer isn't it? Maybe not so much for Africa. She was sharing a house with 3 other dogs and competing for all of the comfy spots. Fortunately Santa brought a new dog bed and a new toy to make Africa's year. She probably won't move from this spot for the next 10 days. How was your Christmas?

Confessions of an Elephant owner

I am the author and owner of a dog blog, and yet out of everyone in my household, I am the least in love with our dog.  It's true. It's crazy, but it's true. I became a mom at the exact same time I became a dog owner and so my loyalty and frustration was not shared, but skewed and misplaced at times. The house breaking and crate training almost did me in on top of caring for a newborn.

When I am most humble, most grateful to my husband for all that he does, and most kind, I confess that I like her a lot. I wish I carried this attitude with me all of the time as I should, but alas I do not. I like having a clean house and true cream colored carpet. When you have a horse living in your house, the clean house prospect disappears. Thus you see my selfish frustration.

However, today I had a moment of enlightenment as we hurried out the door to run various errands as a family. I observed as Africa anxiously saw us all to the door, obviously concerned that we were leaving. She would inevitably go back to her bed and sleep while we were away, but as soon as she heard us return, she waited by the door as she always does excited for us to come back in.

We are EVERYTHING to her. Even me! She wants to be a part of our lives in every way. She is there to protect, to watch out, and to wait. When I put myself aside, I am pretty impressed with not just my dog, but all dogs in general. While I am pretty selfish, it is clear that they are the most unselfish creatures.  I don't deserve a dog like Africa. My husband surely does and thank goodness for him. Love is selfish, love is blind, but when it comes to dogs, they freely give it to whomever is willing to feel. I feel it today, and I am most grateful.

My name is Kasha. I own a dog blog that is all about our dog, Africa, and yet sometimes don't like her. I complain a lot about the business of owning an elephant for a dog, but today... I love her. The end.

My What Big Ears You Have

The newest baby has begun to notice our largest baby. I can't ever say enough about the perfect demeanor a Boerboel has around children. Africa may not be too welcoming to random visitors, especially the adult, male variety, but she loves kids anytime.  The one thing she and I can agree on, is our love for cute, squishy, mini humans. Happy Fall!

Big

Objects in mirror are closer than they appear. Object in this picture is very much bigger than she appears.

The one thing that surprises me with this breed is the fact that despite coming from the Continent of Africa, she really doesn't handle the heat here in Az. I understand that the temperature is higher here, but I would think it would not be quite as tragic to our little lady as it really seems to be.

So here we are just trying to survive one more summer with lots of water and thank goodness--an Air Conditioner! It was supposed to break in the spring of this year it is so old, but knock on wood it just keeps chuggin.

If you are still with me and reading this, big hugs to you my friend. I have been a wee bit absent from the blogging world for two little cute reasons and also to help the other boss around here create a brilliant business making and selling longboards. I hope to give you a peak to the site soon. With this economy it sounds like a bad idea, but can it really get any worse? I hope you are doing well. What are you looking forward to this Fall?

Africa Waits

Africa waits for the temperature to return to something more tolerable than the 114 degrees we have been having.

Africa waits for a soft pat on the head or a tickle behind the ears.

Africa waits for breakfast and dinner and some cool water in between.

Africa waits for a trip back to her home land.

Africa waits for Elections 2012 (oh wait, no that's me.)

Africa waits because she is the most patient creature I know.

Just say no to Puppy Mills

If you have never heard of puppy mills, you have probably never watched Oprah. Congratulations on your ability to avoid Oprah and her magical powers, but hopefully you have still been able to avoid accidentally purchasing a puppy from a puppy mill despite missing the puppy mill episode.

I myself rarely watch Oprah, but one fine day like 3 years ago I watched, learned, and became apalled. It turns out some breeders want lots of money for their puppies while putting little money and care into the process. The dogs are kept in really small cages often so neglected their collars are embedded in their necks. The females are bred way too much and spend the majority of their life cramped and pregnant without the right nutrition and help. From what I saw on the Oprah show it doesn't look good and these people should not be allowed to breed dogs.

I thought that episode shut all the puppy mills down, but apparently there is a puppy store right here in my little neck of the woods still supporting such horrific places. I was happy to see so many people caring and protesting on this day where I snagged a few shots. The best place to get a dog is from your local dog shelter, the second best place is from a good breeder of whom you can actually meet, see where their dogs are kept, and know that they take really good care of their pets. That is what we did, it is a shame we didn't rescue a dog, but boerboels don't end up in the humane society very often if ever.

There you have it, puppy mills are bad, good breeders are best!

Everybody Still Here?

With the all of the "End of the World" talk I just wanted to do a quick roll call? Everybody doing good? At least we know that all dogs go to heaven!

Busy Me Hasn't Forgotten Thee

Hello furry friends. We welcomed our baby girl to the litter a wee month ago. She is perfect and healthy and we couldn't be more thrilled. Thankfully these two have each other while I figure out how to divide my attention to a busy toddler and needy infant. We are getting there. In the meantime there are always naps on the floor with the loyal dog who always has time and love to give.

Have You Heard?

Have you heard? Gas prices are going up, up, up! Inflation is causing dairy, meat, and grain prices to go up, but also natural disasters in different parts of the world will cause shortages in fresh vegetables and fruit in the near future. Then of course there is Libya, Egypt, and several other places with political unrest. My personal favorite is a mother in Florida who was recently arrested for a D.U.I. Who was she? Oh just the president of M.A.D.D (Mothers Against Drunk Driving).

It is 7 a.m. at my house and everyone is asleep, but me. We are safe, we are healthy, and truly all is well despite the terrible news you may hear. Take a deep breath in and let it out slowly. See? You are doing awesome too! We can be still and take each day at a time. Come what may, we will be fine. Have a great week my little furry and non-furry friends!

Almost Wordless Wednesday

(In case the picture isn't clear enough, they each have a stick that they are chewing on)