Mountaineer Mastiffs

November 16th, 2006

Well I haven't been online much the past few weeks.  I'm still "under the weather" from the bronchitis that I mentioned in my Halloween blog entry.  But I'm certainly feeling better than I did when I wrote that.  So at least I'm improving a little.  I did a little work to the site today.  Nothing fancy, just some header upgrades, and threw a couple new pictures in. 

I put up a different photo of Layla on the home page.  God I miss her so much.  But I know she is waiting for me on the other side. 

November 19th, 2006

Drs. Foster & Smith and Petsafe are presenting "My Pet Idea", a pet product invention contest.  Categories include products to eliminate a pet's separation anxiety; training ideas for puppies; and health and well-being products, etc.  for dogs and cats.  The grand prize winner will receive $25,000.  The contest ends November 30th, 2006 so if you've got an idea, send it in, you just might win.  For more details, visit www.mypetidea.com

November 22nd, 2006

I hope everyone is getting prepared for a lovely Thanksgiving holiday. 

Safety Tip - Sharing turkey leftovers with our furry family members is great.  Just do not share cooked bones!   And be sure not to leave cooked bones where your dogs can get to them.

November 23rd, 2006

Just wanted to wish everyone a wonderful day with their families.  Today I think of the many things that I am thankful for, and say a prayer of Thanksgiving.  I am thankful for so many things.  Far too many, and too personal to list them all here.  But I do want to tell you all how thankful that I am for you guys, and for your support of me, this site, and what I have always tried to do here.  And a special thank-you to all of the wonderful families who have given my puppies and my rescues loving homes over the years.  I love you all. 

November 26th, 2006

Today we lost a dear friend.  Polly left this world today.  She was 18 years old.  I rescued her 17 years ago and she re-paid me with a lifetime of love and devotion.

She was a wonderful dog.  Faithful, protective, and loving all of her life with me.  My heart is broken today.  Logically I know that 18 years is a great run for a dog, but that doesn't really make it hurt much less.  I've cried a lot of tears today and I'm sure there are more to come. 

In recent years she had been showing her age.  Becoming very grey, arthritic, a little deaf, and lost some of the control of her bladder and bowels.  But she was still very much enjoying life.  Just at a slower pace than usual.  Yesterday was an unseasonably warm day and she had a great time outside in the sun, we all did. 

We found her first thing this morning.  My best guess would be that she had a heart attack.  I'm thankful that she went peacefully and thankful to have been able to share so much of my life with her. 

I feel so blessed to have been able to call her my own.  I'll probably write more when I can, right now it's just too hard. 

To Polly,  one of the best dogs ever.  I will love you forever.  Rest in Peace my dear dear friend. 
Until we meet again. 

Polly at 14 years old.

November 30th, 2006

I just want to thank everyone that has sent us their thoughts and sympathies about Polly.  It means a great deal.  She was a wonderful dog and our family misses her very much.