Not Just Another Cute Dog - My Name Is "Buddy"

For Dusty

2010-06-28T15:29:00.005-04:00

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-25T20:12:00.003-05:00

Abuse, Starvation & Neglect at City of Memphis Animal Shelter

2009-11-07T07:46:00.003-05:00

It is sad that any being should be in this condition, especially those that can not help themselves. Let's make sure that Ernest Alexander and the others involved are prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Most importantly that Ernest Alexander never be in a position to to deal with animals again. It is hard for me to believe that Ernest Alexander had the "proper credentials" to mananage an Animal Shelter. Hope they will make his resume public, this was a position that paid over $92,000/year.
This is from Myron Lowery, Memphis City Councilman in reply to my Email. This is what I said:

The City of Memphis, which I called home for over 20 years, before leaving 5 years ago, should be ashamed of their Animal Shelter and the treatment of those innocent souls. Please tell me there is a plan in place to make the necessary changes so the well-being of these unfortunate animals will be foremost on the minds of your shelter workers.

~A society will be judged on how it looks after it's most vulnerable members“. - William Dean ~

I pray that this will NEVER happen again, in Memphis or anywhere else.

This was the reply from Mr. Lowery:

Mayor A C Wharton said he fired Memphis Animal Services director Ernest Alexander because animal shelter employees appeared unable to complete basic tasks, such as following procedures for euthanasia animals and completing paperwork.

Wharton’s decision to fire Alexander Thursday night, nine days after law enforcement authorities raided the shelter and shut it down, came after shelter employees improperly euthanized a dog this week and preliminary results of an investigation showed poor management by Alexander at the city-owned shelter.

“You’ve got a mayor now who, perhaps to a fault, likes to be hands on,” said Wharton during a morning press conference at the shelter. “I am not an expert on (animal shelters), but I can walk in there and tell you if there is enough food or water in the bowl, or if they followed our own procedures.”

Despite allegations of mistreatment of the animals he oversaw at a shelter in Albuquerque, N.M., Alexander arrived in Memphis in the spring of 2008 after former mayor Willie Herenton launched a nationwide search for an administrator who could improve conditions at the shelter, long a source of controversy for local animal rights activists.

In addition to Alexander’s termination, three other shelter employees remain suspended with pay until the city investigation is complete.

Wharton said Darrell Eldred, the former deputy director of the General Services Division, who returned to City Hall to work for Chief Administrative Officer Jack Sammons, will serve on a temporary basis as the operations manager at the shelter until a full-time replacement can be found.

Saying animals deserve treatment that is as caring and professional as that for humans, Wharton also hired Lucy Shaw, who once ran the Regional Medical Center at Memphis, as a consultant to assess standards at the shelter and how they measure up to other shelters around the country.

“The bottom line is, where are we now and where do we want to go?” said Shaw.

Public pressure for Wharton to take dramatic action on the shelter has been building since Shelby County Sheriff’s deputies raided the facility on Wharton’s first full day as mayor, culminating in a candlelight vigil outside the shelter last night where many attendees said they wanted Alexander and other shelter staff members fired. Authorities have said at least three animals starved to death while in the shelter’s care.

“I believe in doing things right instead of doing them fast,” said Wharton. “I see (the public reaction) as a strong sign that the city cares, that we have a conscience.”

Wharton said he was stunned to learn that a dog had been euthanized this week before its owners could be contacted and surprised to see how sloppy the record keeping at the shelter was, including important documents on the drugs used to kill animals.

“If you’re lax on these records that can send you to jail, heaven forbid, what are you doing with records on how much food or water they have?” said Wharton. “That’s why it disgusted me so much that a pet was put down under questionable circumstances.”

A search warrant delivered during last week’s raid stated that authorities believed Alexander and shelter employees had violated laws. District Atty. Gen. Bill Gibbons has said criminal charges are likely.

Some Dog Facts...

2009-10-31T15:45:00.002-04:00

1. If your notice your dog scratching its ears, it doesn't necessarily have fleas. It could have any number of issues including ear mites, yeast, etc and should be seen by your vet.

2. Many dogs are mildly allergic to perfume scented shampoos. Consider using a mild oatmeal based shampoo when bathing your dog or you may end up with an itchy pup!

3. If you notice your dog having an unusually foul odor, don’t assume he or she is not clean. She may have an ear or skin infection. The smell of infection is somewhat comparable to vomit and mildew.

4. Dogs naturally like to play keep-away better than fetch. You'll need to train your dog to play fetch, but not keep-away.

5. Most dogs really don't like to play dress up. Sorry. (Though there are exceptions to this rule)

6. Some dogs need their anal glands expressed or else you will witness a “scooting” behavior where they rub their behinds on the ground. This is a simple procedure that can be done by most groomers or at your veterinarians.

7. Dogs with deep wrinkles need to be washed daily. Dirt can build up leading to odor or infection.

8. Dogs don't understand pointing. They focus on the tip of your finger, not the item you are pointing at.

9. Just like people, dogs have phobias too. Some examples of phobias we've encountered include thunder, stairs, hair dryers, water, lawn mowers, vacuums, balloons, and buses.

10. Dogs aren't really racist. When dogs bark at unknown people, it is often because they are unfamiliar with their body type or skin color.

11. Not all dogs are born swimmers. Some dogs need to be encouraged to swim. Some breeds are more natural swimmers than others.

12. Body harnesses actually encourage pulling. While they may seem like they give you more control, the pressure points on a harness make your dog respond by pulling forward.

13. Dogs dislike being bored and easily get into trouble when left to their own devices. Think of creative ways to keep your dog's mind active.

14. Dogs need mental stimulation as much as physical stimulation.

15. Dogs often react differently to human males and females.

16. Dogs can know you as much by scent as by eyesight (if not more!), and you can help them feel secure when you leave by providing a soft object that has your scent on it. (A sweatshirt or blanket you sleep with)

17. Social status is very important to dogs and many canine behaviors are determined by their attempts to establish their roles (belly up submission, standing tall/over another dog, jumping on, standing ground and not flinching)

18. Dogs can get jealous. They may try and interrupt a hugging couple or bark for attention when you are on the telephone!

19. Dogs can be trained not to beg at the table. Never feed your dog off of your plate as it only encourages begging behavior.

20. Dogs are creatures of habit. They like familiarity and form expectations and schedules.

21. Dogs like to playfully taunt to encourage play (especially keep away). The classic play stance is the “bow”. A dog puts its front paws down on the ground and its tail end up in the air.

22. Many dogs love car rides. Be sure to keep your dog secured with a seat belt or other safety device.

23. Some dogs lick their paws and then rub their paws on their head to clean themselves, much like a cat!

24. Many breeds are escape artists - if you're not careful, your dog might decide to take a swim in the neighbor's kiddie pool, or bring home a new toy. Basenjis are especially known for their ability to escape from yards.

25. An unsupervised dog will get bored in a back yard very quickly. It is never safe to leave your dog unattended in the yard.

26. Dogs bark for a large number of reasons, but often do so to get attention from other people or other dogs. Some other reasons that dogs bark include: to protect their territory, express a need or to initiate play.

27. Dogs communicate with their tail. A wag can mean many things - an aggressive dog may wag their tail, but it will be held high and moving rapidly. A playful dog will also hold his tail high, but it will be wagging in big arches from side to side. Meanwhile a dog that is afraid will hold his tail low and may wag it stiffly back and forth.

28. Most dogs don't like their own poop and will intentionally avoid it.

Trick or Treat! Happy Howl'oween

2009-10-31T07:53:00.001-04:00

The Ironton Tribune | Have a happy and safe ‘Howl’oween

2009-10-31T07:39:00.002-04:00

Halloween is a fun time for children to dress up as their favorite character and get tons of free candy, but before you put your wiener dog in a set of buns and mustard, let’s go over some basic safety.

Many dogs are scared of people wearing costumes and are easily frightened during Trick or Treat. If on a walk, the stress of all the increased activity can cause your dog to jerk away from you, so be sure to keep a tight grip on the leash.

Be sure that your dog is wearing an up-to-date I.D. tag, incase he does escape.

Unless your dog is extremely friendly and outgoing, keeping him in for the night might be best. If he is afraid of loud noises or crowds you may consider placing him in a quiet room as far from your front door as possible during the time of trick or treat.

If you do not have a room for your pup, consider a crate. This could make him feel secure and greatly reduce a chance of escape. You can provide him with his favorite toy and blanket to reduce his stress level. Play soft music or turn on the TV to further relax him.

If you want to have your dog greet your ghostly visitors, be cautious. A nervous dog is an unpredictable dog.

The extra stress of goblins asking for candy might make him feel threatened and cause him to growl, lunge, or even bite.

It is not a good idea to leave your dog loose in the yard during Halloween festivities. In addition to strange looking figures lurking the sidewalks, many people use Halloween as an excuse to tease and harm pets. Also, don’t forget your feline friends.

It is a good idea to bring them indoors too. Black cats are a definite target for Halloween tormenters.

Save the candy and chocolate for the ghouls and away from your four legged friends. Chocolate contains theobromine, which can cause nerve damage and death in dogs.

The darker the chocolate, the more concentrated it is, so do not give your pet even a small amount. Some signs of chocolate poisoning are excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and coma.

Candy wrappers are also dangerous. They can cause choking or an intestinal obstruction.

Pet costumes are cute, but can be highly annoying to Fido. But, if he does not seem to mind his festive outfit and you decided to go for it, don’t for get common sense safety.

Double check to make sure he can breathe easily, see and hear, and that it is flame retardant. If the costume has any small, dangling accessories, remove them so that they are not swallowed or choked on.

Halloween can be a time for fun for the entire family. Keeping safety as a priority will keep you home eating left over candy and out of the animal ER. Remember, every dog deserves to be treated like a show dog.

Tony Barker, The BARKer Shop

Haute Dog Howl'oween Parade Long Beach CA 2008

2009-10-30T14:40:00.003-04:00

This was the scene at last years Haute Dog Howl'oween Parade. Over 600 dogs participated in last years event and they are expecting the turnout this year will be similar!

Halloween Day, Sat., Oct. 31, 2009, 2:30 p.m. The start/finish is at Livingston Park, 4900 E. Livingston Dr. (@ Park Ave. in Belmont Shore), Long Beach, 90803. The vendor fair and pet adoption fair is in the park from noon to 5 p.m.

GhostBust'n in Savannah, GA

2009-10-30T11:06:00.006-04:00

A little GhostBust’n today in Savannah, Georgia, I am told there are lots of Ghosts in Savannah to be Busted! Anyway, I am on the lookout right now, walk’n around in Bonaventure Cemetery this morning tying to stir a few ghosts into action. I hear there are plenty of Ghosts here. They give tours of Bonaventure Cemetery; they say it takes about 4 hours to see it all. Bonaventure was featured in the movie Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Had to catch a ride out here, since it is not within walk’n distance of the Historic District of Savannah where I am stay’n! It was worth the trip!

Now it is back to the Historic District of Savannah, think I will stop first at 17-Hundred-90 Restaurant and Inn where there is a very friendly ghost named Anne Powers who in the 1800’s jumped to her death from the 3rd floor balcony or was she push, you be the judge…

Then there is The Olde Pink House was the home of James Habersham Jr. and his family. Construction on this home was begun in 1771, but was not completed until 1789, it was built of red brick covered with white plaster, and maybe the quality of the red brick or the white plaster was up to par because the home turned pink. Painted many times, the “pink” just kept coming back. There are many ghosts residing in The Olde Pink House, Habersham can be seen in many place in the home, his grandson usually seen at the bar, a couple of unknown females in the upstairs rooms, and the ghost of a servant girl in the basement. This place is really in need of some GhostBust’n!

The Kehoe House built in 1892 was home to William Kehoe and his large clan. Ten children, maybe more ran through the halls of this home. It is said that visitors to the now B& B often hear the laughter of his children at play.

At the Pirate's House Restaurant, legend has it, that many an unsuspecting man drinking in the restaurant bar in the early days of Savannah, found themselves on a ship sailing to a foreign post when they awoke. It was hard at the time to get the sailors need and the ships’ captains’ would sometimes used this method to man their ships. Poor guys never knew what happened!

Fort Pulaski was completed in 1847. The United States realized it’s vulnerability to attack after the British sailed up the Potomac River and burned the White House during the Revolutionary War. Fort Pulaski was virtually unused until the Civil War. At one time it was a prison for Confederate soldiers captured by the Union Army. The treatment these prisoners received was harsh, many died, and it is believed there are many ghosts of these Confederate prisoners and their Union captors walking the grounds at Fort Pulaski even now.

Here are some video clips of some of the places I visited as well as another Savannah Haunt!

Howl-O-Ween GhostBusting Part 1

2009-10-26T13:57:00.004-04:00

This week I will visit Haunted Houses, it is Howl-O-Ween Week, isn’t it?

Today it will be The Stranahan House in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Seems there are ghosts galore haunting this house. Frank Stranahan was a founding father in Fort Lauderdale. A man of great wealth and prominence, he committed suicide in 1929 after losing his fortune in the stock market crash in 1927 and being held in the grips of the Great Depression that followed.

Stranahan was the first Postmaster in Fort Lauderdale and he established the first banking institution there too. He was on of the largest landowners in the city at the time and donated land for Stranahan Park and for a hospital The Stranahan House began as a Trading Post on the New River and then became home to Frank & Ivy after their 1900 wedding. Ivy continued to reside at Stranahan House until her death in 1971.

It is not just Frank Stranahan who remains an unseen resident at this historic haunted home. As many as six family members have died in the house. The ghost of Ivy Cromartie Stranahan, who died in an upstairs bedroom in 1971, is reported to appear accompanied by the strong scent of an antique fragrance. The uneasy ghost of her father, Augustus Cromartie, who died in that same bedroom years before, is reported to make his presence known on occasion; other ghostly residents include Ivy’s brother and sister and the apparition of an Indian servant girl seen outside the rear of the building.

Tours of the Stranahan House, (which is now a Museum, restored to 1913) are available, so the next time you visit Fort Lauderdale and are in the mood for “haunting” a nice place, come by and meet Frank, Ivy and the rest of the ghostly gang at the Stranahan House.

Walk'n in Memphis...

2009-10-20T20:23:00.005-04:00

Walk'n with my feet ten feet off of Beale, yes I am walk'n in Memphis...

Okay, so I am back on the tourist trail. I am walk’n in Memphis, walk’n on Beale as a matter of fact. Yes, Beale Street, the Home of the Blues and the Birthplace of Rock & Roll! Historic Beale Street, where I am watching the street performer play’n the harmonica. Down the way I see the dancers, gosh, that guy just did a triple flip! Beale Street Flippers, that's what they call them!

Yes, on Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee, you can do all that and more. There are taverns, clubs, restaurants, boutiques and even a pool hall and a museum right on Beale. Did you know that cars are not allowed on Beale Street? Well, at least on the part of Beale where all the clubs and stuff are.

On Friday nights, you can buy a Beale Street Wristband and it will get you into all of the participating clubs to see the bands with no “cover charge”. This is a great deal, since the cover charges can set you back quite a bit. Although the names of some of the clubs have changed over the years, the music is still some of the best Memphis has to offer.

The Beale Street Music Festival 2010 will take place from April 30th through May 2nd. The Beale Street Music Festival kicks off Memphis in May festivities which culminates the last weekend in May with the Sunset Symphony. Right smack dab in the middle, they will hold the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest now that is for me!

So if you have a chance to do any Walk’n in Memphis, May is a great month for the walk! If you can’t make it in May, anytime in the Spring or Fall is great, the weather is wonderful. Come stay at the Peabody Hotel and be close to the action, walk to Beale or if you don’t feel like a walk, ride the Main Street Trolley!

I ain’t nothin’ but a hounddog…

2009-10-16T15:21:00.004-04:00

I ain’t nothin’ but a hounddog…

Yes that’s right, this morning I arrived in Memphis, Tennessee at the Gates of Graceland! Elvis Presley, the King of Rock & Roll and several member of his family lived here with Elvis and are also buried here on the grounds. Graceland is pretty much preserved as it was in the 1970’s when Elvis was living here, right down to the shag carpet! Although, No Dogs Allowed in Graceland, we can walk right by the front gate and the wall, where fans have left messages for Elvis since his death at Graceland on August 16, 1977.

I will be in Memphis for the next few days visiting all of the attractions. Visit me everyday to see my featured places.

Elvis purchased Graceland Mansion in 1957 for $100,000, seems incredible in these times. The mansion sits on 13.8 acres in Whitehaven, which was located in the Memphis Reserve, allowing for future city growth. Whitehaven was annexed by the City of Memphis in 1969. Secured by a large beautiful gate and surrounding wall, Graceland gave Elvis the privacy he desired. Fans could “cruise” by the Mansion at 3734 Elvis Presley Blvd, but Elvis was a guy who pretty much liked to be out of the public eye unless he was performing.

Graceland is made up of several buildings besides the white-columned home that was built in 1939. Elvis had a building just to house his Gold Records and today this building houses those Gold Records and many of his personal items, including the suits he wore when he performed and his military clothing.

Meditation Gardens on the property of Graceland is the final resting place of Elvis, his mother Gladys, his father Vernon and his grandmother Minnie Mae. Meditation Gardens is the last stop on Graceland Tours.

So, the next time you find yourself Walk’n in Memphis, walk right on over to Graceland for a visit with "the King". You know, I was in Burger King just down the road and I saw him, I swear I did!!

The Dry Tortugas and Fort Jefferson

2009-10-15T07:12:00.001-04:00

I will continue my stay in Key West for another day so I can tell you about a great Key West side trip. About 70 miles west of Key West, Florida lies a chain of seven islands called the Dry Torgugas. These islands make up the most remote of our National Parks, Dry Torgugas National Park. Located on these unspoiled islands is Fort Jefferson.

There are Day Trips available from Key West to Dry Tortugas National Park by high speed ferry. These trips are provided by two different ferry services, Yankee Freedom II and Sunny Days Fast Cat leaving mornings from Key West. Because of the location, there is never a bad time of year to vist Dry Tortugas National Park, it is blessed with year-round warm weather.

There is very limited Primitive Camping Sites in the park, restrooms are available, but nothing else, including water. You must bring all of your provisions with you and you must remove everything you brought in when you leave, even your garbage. Lists of needed provisions are available online. The ferry services, in addition to the Day Trips, offer Campers venturing to Dry Tortugas National Park transportation for themselves, their gear and their provisions. This is on a first come, first serve basis and only a limited number of Campers can be transported each day.

Visitors to Dry Tortugas National Park will find unspoiled beauty beyond their imagination. The water surrounding the islands is crystal clear, warm and very inviting for swimmers and snorkelers alike. Visit Fort Jefferson for a look back in history or just relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the park.

By the way, there are "No Dogs Allowed" in this park, but the humans really love it.

The Florida Keys and Key West

2009-10-14T00:32:00.001-04:00

About 150 miles south of Miami-Dade County is Key West, Home to the Southern Most Point in the United States. Key West Florida is a very "Animal Friendly" place, home to the decendants of Ernest Hemmingway's 6 toed cats and to chickens that roam the city often entering the Taverns along the way. The chickens decend from the fighting cocks of the early settlers of Key West. The chickens are now locally protected and the cats live mostly in and around the Hemmingway Museum on Whitehead Street near the Southern Most Point. The Hemmingway Museum is open to the public and you will be surprised to find the cats resting in many of the rooms on your tour.

Mallory Square is the official Daily Sunset Celebration Spot. Everyday as the sun sets, hundreds converge on Mallory Square to witness this spectacular event. There is music, food, drinks and of course, places to buy souvenirs.

Great places to eat, drink, dance and party the night away abound. Perhaps, the most famous of them is Sloppy Joe's Bar, known to have been a favorite hangout for Hemmingway. Duval Street is filled with people having a great time shopping and seeing the sights and there is plenty to see in Key West. A great way to see the city is to take a ride on the Conch Train or the Old Town Trolley. You will be given a narrated tour of the entire city.

Key West has many large well known hotels, but there are also many smaller hotels and B&B's located on or near Duval street, the main street in downtown Key West. If you can find a room in these smaller places, you be delighted by the amenities from the hot breakfast to the tropical lagoon style pools to the well appointed rooms. If you stay on or near Duval Street, you can park your car for your entire visit, you will enjoy the strolling down the streets lined with restaurants, taverns and shops.

If you want to get around the entire island, consider renting a bicycle or a scooter, you will have a great time visiting the Fort Zachary Taylor, Hemmingway's Museum, the Southern Most Point, the Key West Beaches and Mallory Square and other points of interest in beautiful historic Key West.

Actually, getting to Key West is half the fun, so on your road trip south through the Florida Keys make sure to take your time and stop along the way, there are spectacular views from almost anywhere in the Keys. You can swim with dolphins, snorkel, dive, fish, or just relax, it is up to you. As you travel US 1 south, you will be surrounded by water, the Gulf of Mexico to the West and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. The fishing from the bridges is great and so are the views. Be ready for extrordinary beauty of the Florida Keys and Key West.

2009-10-13T07:22:00.001-04:00

I arrived in Miami last night and there were so many places to spotlight, but after careful thought I decided on Vizcaya Gardens & Museum. Although this is NOT a “dog friendly” attraction, it is too beautiful to pass up on my Travels. You will see my picture at the front gate of Vizcaya and that is as far as I go, but my humans love this place.

It was built between 1914 and 1916 on 180 acres in then undeveloped Miami. An Italian Villa sitting on Biscayne Bay, it was built as a winter residence of James Deering, a Chicago agriculture industrialist who spent winter at the Vizcaya from 1916 until his death in 1925. Deering was Vice President of the International Harvester Company.

Work on the Gardens at Vizcaya continued into the 1920 as labor & materials were not readily available due to WWI. Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, as it is now called belongs Miami-Dade County, they opened it to the public in 1953 as the Dade County Art Museum. In 1994, Vizcaya Museum & Gardens was designated a Nation Historic Landmark.

2009-10-12T14:38:00.001-04:00

Today, I have left to white, sugar sand beaches of the Emerald Coast and traveled to the East Coast, The Treasure Coast to be exact. Florida’s Treasure Coast stretches from Sebastian in Indian River County south to Hobe Sound in Martin County. It was given the name Treasure Coast because so many Spanish Galleons with their treasures are ship-wrecked off the coast. Treasures have been found by many, even amateurs.

On the beaches of the Treasure Coast, you will find the sand to be a golden color and a little coarser than the sand you normally find on the Gulf Coast beaches. The waves on the Treasure Coast are also slightly bigger than on the Gulf Coast. Many of the beaches on the Treasure Coast are Dog Friendly, but make sure to inquire locally.

The Treasure Coast is comprised of three Florida counties, Indian River, St. Lucie and Martin; cities include Sebastian and Vero in Indian River County, Ft Pierce and Port St Lucie in St Lucie County and Stuart, Palm City, Jensen Beach and Hobe Sound in Martin County. The pace on the Treasure Coast is a little slower than on the Gold Coast of South Florida, but there is still much to do and wonderful restaurants for both casual and fine dining. Florida does allow dogs to dine with you on outside patios, but always call first to make sure your “furkid” is welcome.

2009-10-11T08:20:00.001-04:00

So today I am in the Florida Panhandle at Seagrove Beach. This is a beautiful wide stretch of sugar sand beach, located about half way between Panama City Beach and Destin on Route 30A. At Seagrove most either walk or ride bikes, it is small, so a car is not a necessity. I am staying in a beach house rented from the owner. There are many such houses available in Seagrove Beach. Smaller homes can accomadate a family and larger ones, a family reunion! Some of the beautiful homes are directly on the sugar sand beach and others are just across the street within an easy walk to the beach. There are several public accesses to the beach and it is public, not owned by the homeowners with homes on the beach. It is an uncrowded beach where you can really relax, as you can tell from the pictures! Winters are cool in Seagrove Beach, but summers are wonderful, warm, sunny and beautiful. There are many kayak and bicycle rentals on the beach and lots of good places to eat. Some restaurants in Florida allow dogs on patios, call the restaurant first to make sure "furkids" are welcome.

Dogs in Space!

2009-10-10T08:44:00.000-04:00

Just another day in sunny Florida! This time I am on the Atlantic Coast at the Kennedy Space Center. What a great place to see the history of our Space Travels. From the first Mercury flights to Gemini to Apollo and the moon landing and finally the Space Shuttles, Challenger, Columbia, Discovery, Atlantis and Endeavor. There were many great triumphs, along with a few disasters, but Space Travel and the wonder of the world beyond keeps us inspired to continue the exploration of space.

Many thanks to Mr_Pinkerton for bringing it to my attention about Dogs being the first astronauts and sharing the picture!

Weeki Wachee "The City of Mermaids"

2009-10-09T00:28:00.007-04:00

Today I am in Weeki Wachee, Florida, "The City of Mermaids" at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. This park has been a Florida Roadside Attraction for many years, but was only recently added to the Florida State Park System. They offer "live mermaid shows" several times a day and also host a water park called "Buccaneer Bay". You can rent a canoe or kayak and paddle the Weeki Wachee River. The water is crystal clear and 72 degrees year-round. There are many pretty homes on the banks of the river and it flows into the Gulf of Mexico. You will see many birds, maybe even an Eagle or two and lots of fish. You will also most likely encounter a Manatee or maybe even a Manatee Family along the way. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is a must see if you are visiting the Central Florida Area.

My Virtual Travels: Day 1 at Walt Disney World

2009-10-08T12:33:00.003-04:00

Well, it is Day 1 of my Virtual Traveling. I am off to a great start, there is so much to do at Disney World in Orlando, Florida. You can spend many days enjoying all there is to see.

2009-08-05T15:07:00.001-04:00

Happy 4th of July

2008-07-02T17:50:00.002-04:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Memorial Day Monday May 26, 2008

2008-05-19T22:59:00.005-04:00

We will never forget...

Support Our Troops!

Dog of the Day Slideshow

2007-11-02T14:58:00.004-04:00

Does This Seem Right?

2007-11-01T11:16:00.000-04:00

I thought Thanksgiving meant TURKEY, not more PUMPKINS!

My Ride!!

2007-11-01T10:50:00.000-04:00

Now this is the life!

Howl-o-ween on Sesame Street

2007-11-01T10:45:00.000-04:00

This is it the REAL Halloween Costume! Can you tell by my face I don't much care for it?

Happy Halloween

2007-10-16T21:13:00.000-04:00

"Virtual Costumes" are the best! My real going "Trick-or-Treating" costume is not near as comfortable as this one!!

From "Detective Buddy"

Doggy in the "Soup"

2007-10-12T13:19:00.000-04:00

Hey nothing to this "surfing" thing!

I'm getting good!
Watch me "surf"
Hey now, waves, not so ruff!!
Thank goodness for the leash!!

These pictures were taken at the Beach In Hobe Sound, Florida on October 4, 2006. The Atlantic was a little rough that day, the waves were quite large for Florida and there were lots of "real" surfers out there!!

Fun Fun Fun

2007-10-12T13:09:00.000-04:00

Lunch at Archie's a wonderful "Doggy Friendly" patio bar & grill in Fort Pierce, Florida.

The playground at Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Jupiter, Florida

A Day At The Beach In Hudson, Florida

2007-09-22T01:04:00.001-04:00

Help the "Paws Cause"

2007-08-18T09:22:00.000-04:00

Click to place a Ribbon for you and your pet.

CAN YOU HELP??????

Show your support for animals in need through the Paws to Save Pets program. When you place a ribbon on the map, Merial will donate* $0.25 (up to a total of $100,000) to fund disaster relief and preparedness to help displaced pets. I placed a ribbon. Why don't you? Visit www.pawsribbonrally. org. *Funds donated by Merial through the Paws to Save Pets program will be divided equally between the Petfinder.com Foundation and the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF).

I'm All Shook Up

2007-08-17T10:51:00.000-04:00

I am so excited about my Guest Book. All of my pawsome friends have been coming by and signing, thanks to you all. There are doggy visitors, kitty visitors and a visit from my favorite singer, "The King", Elvis Presley. He must have saw the place where I signed his WALL at Graceland. (See my Graceland/Memphis Slide Show ) I look forward to each morning when Mom and I look to see new visitors, so keep leaving you paw prints!! If you have a Guest Book, please let me know so I can come by and sign.

The Vacation Begins...

2007-08-08T14:50:00.000-04:00

After the drive through Georgia and the Carolinas, we arrived in Roanoke Virginia. For a couple of days, "the dogs" got to go everywhere with Mom and Dad, then came Saturday, the wedding, big party, lots of fun, for humans only!!! No dogs allowed they told me and Coopie. I guess they don't think "the dogs" know how to party and have fun. Well, they are just plain wrong, and we don't think it was fair that we missed all of the fun and don't forget the great food that we missed. They made it up to us on Sunday, well made it mostly up, there were still a few places they didn't let us go to, but we did get to go up in the mountains and run around. There is a log cabin up in the mountains that we always visit when we come to Virginia. Very fun, lots of room to run and a big fish pond, too. At the cabin there are deer and rabbits to chase (not as much fun to play with as Kitty Boy) but a little something to do. As usual, Coopie got in trouble for not coming back when called, I just don't know what her problem is!! We went to a couple of parks on the Blue Ridge Parkway, then we came back home to sleep, we sure were tired. Monday we had a lot of visitors at the house so we didn't go any place. Today it is raining, but Dad said in a little while we will go to Mill Mountain and look out over the city of Roanoke. There is a Big Star that they light up every night on Mill Mountain you can see it from anywhere in the city, there is also a Zoo up on the mountain, but no dogs allowed. Just when I was thinking how much easier it was be to chase the animals if the are fenced in. Mom said they have big animals at the Zoo that can eat small dogs such as myself and Coopie. Just as well that they do not allow dogs!!! Wednesday morning we are leaving for Tennessee, that's Coopie's old stomping ground and she has promised to show me around. More adventures to come... The first pic is at the Roanoke Star at Mill Mountain Zoo in Roanoke Virginia... The second and third pics were taken at my friend JD's log cabin (I love to go there, lots of woods to play in and a fish pond)

Here are some pictures of the bride and groom at the great wedding that we (my sister Coopie and me) were not allowed to attend and the great wedding cake which we did get a little taste of once Mom and Dad Got back home. Still I hate it that they did not invite "the dogs.

And here I am at a great park in Roanoke, Virginia. There were no human kids at the park that day so Mom let me go on the Slide, at first I didn't get it but after I went down one time, I ran back up to go again. It was just the slide for the very small kids Mom didn't let me go on the big kids slide.

My Summer Vacation

2007-07-17T13:48:00.000-04:00

I will be leaving to go on vacation, on July 18th, we will be touring the South. Leaving from our home in Spring Hill, Florida, through Georgia and the Carloinas to Roanoke Virginia where will visit with Dad's family, attend a wedding and a memorial service for Dad's mom. Then it's on to Tennessee, Knoxville, Crossville, Nashville and on to Memphis where we will visit with friends for a few days and maybe do a little boating (you know that's one of my favorite things to do) on Pickwick Lake. I have never been boating on a lake, but mom says I will like it, different from the Gulf, no salt, she says I can even drink from this lake. I am looking forward to it. My sister Coopie was born in Memphis and she wants to get back to see what's new there. The last leg of our trip will take us through Mississippi and Alabama and back through the Florida panhandle. I will be posting pics (taken with my borrowed camera, if you didn't hear about my camera see my earlier post) for all to see. I will be taking pictures where ever we go and posting them. I hope by the time I get back to be able to put together a slide show, maybe I will call it "What I Did On My Summer Vacation" or maybe not, but we will with a little luck have a good slide show. All of this will come to past if the borrowed camera works properly, if not then I will just be posting without my pics. Not as much fun but still I will be able to document where my travels have taken me. Coopie and I will be having a tail wagging good time. Kitty Boy will be staying home as he does not like to travel. The neighbors will be taking care of him. Look for updates real soon!!!

A Day on the Gulf

2007-07-11T10:49:00.000-04:00

It was Saturday July 8th and we loaded up to take the boat out on the Gulf of Mexico for the day. The car ride to the boat was exhilirating as usual, my favorite saying is "let's ride", and the trip out to the swimming area on the boat was pretty unenventful. We had been out at the swimming area for a little while and I was tired of sunbathing (I use lots of sunscreen) so I decided it was time for a swim. I "woofed" for Mom to come get me, I do not like to jump off the boat unless Mom or Dad are there to help. Mom was standing in knee deep water a few feet from the boat and she came right over to help. When I got in the water Mom notice that our digital camera was also in the water, the case strap was wrapped around my back leg and it just came in with me. Mom rescued the camera and dried it out but it would not work, so no pics from the boat that day. (The pics in this enrty were taken over Memorial Day Weekend.) Anyway the day was still fun and I did a lot of swimming. The camera is in for repairs and will cost $60, not as bad as Dad thought. He was sure the camera was a total loss. Anyway this is where we go swimming in the Gulf of Mexico of Hernando Beach, Florida.

Having A Brewski With Dad

2007-06-09T14:34:00.000-04:00

At Crossroads Bar & Grill...

If it's one thing I really like it's dining al fresco. There is nothing like sitting on the patio of one of my favorite spots enjoying the breeze and the smell of the great 1/2 lb burgers and chicken wings they serve. Where is this great place for both friendly dogs, such as myself and friendly people like my Dad. It is Crossroads Bar & Grill in Brooksville, Florida. If you don't know where it is, just ask anybody in Brooksville and they will gladly give you directions. Dad says their burgers are one of the best around and I certainly have to agree with him. I like mine plain but Dad has his with all the "fixin's". Dad usually has fries, but I save myself for the real thing, burgers, burgers, burgers. If you are in the Brooksville area and want a good burger then Crossroads Bar & Grill is the place. If you are thinking of moving to Brooksville, Florida, probably because you want to try a burger at Crossroads, just contact my Dad. His name is Karl and his phone number is 352-650-6823. His last name is just like mine Hosp, 'cause he's my Dad you know. His email is karlhosp@gmail.com and he is a realtor with ERA Pearson Realty here in Hernando County Florida. Remember, Brooksville will be a great place to live the weather is beautiful and the Crossroads burgers are the best! Just give Dad a call and tell him you found him on Buddy's Blog, www.buddysays.blogspot.com By the way Dad has a very informative website, too, Spring Hill Real Estate , check it out, there lots more about Hernando County including Spring Hill, Hernando Beach, Weeki Wachee, and Brooksville her on the Nature Coast of Florida.

Meet My Brother - Kitty Boy

2007-06-09T10:24:00.000-04:00

Kitty Boy is my older brother, even though he is of the feline persuasion, I still love him. He really loves to play with me although he can sometimes play a little too "ruff". Since he still has all of his claws, I have to be carefully to know when he is not in the playing mood and when he is ready to quit playing! He makes a lot of noise with all that "meowing" but for a cat he can't be beat. Kitty Boy is five years old and he also moved to sunny Spring Hill, Florida from Memphis, Tennessee. Kitty Boy was born in September 2001, Dad was installing a flag pole for some patriotic Memphians and they had a litter of kittens and Kitty Boy just caught his eye as he was hiding in his toolbox and he said he couldn't leave without the playful little kitten. Mom wanted to name him Cisco, but he just never would pay attention to her unless she call him Kitty Boy. He always comes running when she calls, while I on the hand like to keep her waiting, makes her appreciate me more? Maybe not, but she always comes looking for me if I don't answer the call. Am I "bad"? Well,

back to Kitty Boy, yes he is a "Tom Cat", he really likes to go outside but Mom doesn't let him (she says too many diseases and fleas), but sometimes if the humans don't close the door and latch it Kitty Boy makes a break for it and runs for cover under the car. That's when I come into the picture, it is my job to go under the car and chase him back in the house. Yes, that's my job and I love to help out if needed. Kitty Boy just needs to understand that it's a tough world for cats out there in the big unknown! Having no experience with the outdoors, he just needs to learn to keep his furry self inside where it is safe. By the way did I tell you he is really just a "walking hairball", he actually sheds in hairballs according to Mom and I think I have seen some of these hairballs fall off of him. Got to go, Kitty Boy wants to play "chase the dog"!

Meet My Sister - Coopie

2007-06-08T14:49:00.000-04:00

Coopie is a miniture pincher that Mom and Dad found in the front yard of their home in Memphis, Tennessee. Poor little Coopie had been hit by a car, a very big deal when you only weigh about 5lbs. Mom and Dad nursed her back to health and posted her description with animal control, all the vets in the area, the Humane Society and every place else they could think of including handing out flyers. After all of that they did not receive even one call about the little dog. All of that was back before the turn of the century, you know, way back in 1999. Coopie moved here from Tennessee back in January 2005 and she loves her new life in sunny Spring Hill, Florida. Mom and Dad think Coopie might have been a breeder dog as she seems to have had several litters of puppies and had recently had puppies when she was found back in 1999. The vet told Mom and Dad that Coopie was about 4 years old when they found her, how about that same age as I am now. So you see she is my big sister! Mom told me that in 2003 Coopie almost died because she ate something that was not good for her and it damaged her liver. Thank goodness, the vet was able to save her or I wouldn't have a big sister today. Coopie is very afraid of thunder and I think she has panic attacks during the storms. All she wants to do is whine and shake and sit on Mom or Dad's lap. I think she is kind of a whimp, I'm not afraid of a little old thunder, but I still feel sorry for her. Anyway she sure does provide me with a lot of company when Mom and Dad have to leave us at home alone. Coopie does not like to go riding in the car like I do and she does not like boating, I think she must be pretty bored but she seem happy, so what do I know.

My Adoption! My New Family! My New Life! The First Year!

2007-05-26T12:31:00.000-04:00

Just about one year ago I was adopted by my human Mom and Dad (Gail & Karl) from the Humane Society in Pasco County Florida. (Picture of me straight from the Humane Society) I'm a good dog, so I'm not sure why my old family left me, but it doesn't matter anymore because now I live the "good life" with Mom & Dad, my canine, older sister Coopie, she's a min-pin (black & tan) and my feline, older brother Kitty Boy, a domestic short hair american cat (black & white). I will be posting my family pictures soon, so please check back and see what a great family I have. I love to go on long walks with Mom, Dad & Coopie, Kitty Boy can't go because he won't walk on a leash (we do have leash laws in Spring Hill Florida). I think that I just may be the luckiest dog in the world to get such a great adoptive family! They take me out on the boat when the weather is nice. I love sitting in the sun but Mom sprays me with sunscreen and I don't care much for the smell or the taste. That is why I like to get in the water it washes off the sunscreen, a little. I am not too fond of swimming and I always wear my life preserver on the boat and in the water, but I do like to ride on the raft if I can get Mom or Dad to pull me around to visit friends, both human and canine (no felines out on the Gulf) . Since we mostly boat in the Gulf of Mexico, I can't drink the water (I tried, way too salty) so I eat ice cubes (doggysicles) to keep me hydrated, and there are usually good treats to be eaten throughout to day. Sometimes, the humans B-B-Q out on the water and then the food is really good. I like it when the humans tie the boats together, then I can travel from boat to boat and not even get my feet wet! And, oh yes, I forgot to mention that I love riding in the car, Mom & Dad wish that we lived on the water in Hernando Beach, so we could go out on the boat more often, but for me the ride to Hernando Beach in the car is almost as much fun as the boat ride. I for one like where we live now! Since I have long hair, when I come in off the boat, I must be groomed, a nice bath, brushing and blow dry, boy do I live a pampered life!