"Disney" for Dogs

If you asked most kids where they'd like to go for fun, Disney Land or Disney World would probably be one of their top choices. It's just a fun, happy place. If you asked my dog where he'd most like to go, he would surely answer "the dog park" for the same reason.

Toby loves the dog park! We started going to Quincy Dog Park this past summer; Toby gets so excited that he starts whining even before we turn into the drive for the park. I love it because there's always other dogs for him to run and play with. I try to take Toby there a couple times each week and I'm starting to recognize some of the other "regulars" (both dogs and owners!). We stay for about 30 minutes, just enough time to tire him out. He usually follows the same routine: sniff around first (and find some trees) and then find some other dogs to run with. I'll follow him around on the paths, sometimes walking back and forth just to keep up with him as he races around. Whenever a new dog enters the park, Toby runs back to the entrance as part of the welcoming committee.

It's so much fun to watch Toby run. He loves being chased and can make a very sharp turn to bound away from the chaser. And fast! I had no idea how fast he could run until we came to the dog park.

Anyway, I started recording him when he was running and playing because it's just so much fun to watch. So - here's Toby enjoying himself at the dog park.

The Mouse in my House

There’s a mouse in my house. Oh, what will I do?

There’s a mouse in my house. Has this ever happened to you?

It was really a mouse peeking in my living room;

dark brown and furry – he looked quite well-groomed.

But it was such a surprise when I turned to see

a very real mouse looking straight at me!

Now he left the room and went down the hall.

I’ll just ignore him and stay on the couch, after all.

Oh no, he came back – and scurried all around,

at least he’s still scurrying down on the ground!

Ignoring him won’t work; I’ll quick take a shower instead.

“This is not the way my morning should start,” I said as I fled.

I dressed in a hurry and took a peek out the door.

I couldn’t see mousie anywhere on the floor.

But just as I crossed the kitchen to leave

the mouse ran under the stove; yes – I shrieked!

I went through the day with my kids at school

with mouse thoughts constantly invading my thought-pool.

I bought several traps after asking advice,

the man at the hardware store said the old-fashioned ones worked nice.

Four traps all set, peanut butter the bait,

Now all I have to do is just wait.

I went out for supper, prayed the mouse would be caught,

but when I came back, nothing was in the traps I had bought.

I sat for a while, wondering where he might be,

then decided to spend the night elsewhere, so he wouldn’t find me!

The next day showed evidence my mouse friend was clever,

The seeds near the trap were gone, but no traps had been touched whatsoever.

I bought more remedies, including poison, for this endeaver;

anything to get this mouse out of my house forever.

This time the seeds were put on the trap,

nestled in peanut butter, underneath the flap.

As night approached I cautiously went to bed

with dreams of “dead-mouse” filling my head.

The next morning I awoke and went to see

the traps I had set, what would there be?

As I stood in the kitchen I was filled with relief

at the sight of the mouse, dead beyond belief!

But I also felt a little sorry for him,

whose life had ended so tragically grim.

After saying goodbye and disposing of the mouse,

I can thankfully say: There’s no longer a mouse in my house!

Nature on Anna Maria Island

The beauty of God's creation was truly evident:

Lots of birds ...

water ...

shells ...

sea life ...

plants ...

sunsets ...

Praise the Lord!

The Difference Between Cats and Dogs

I've seen the first part of this little video before - it's so cute - but the addition of the last part is priceless.

Although the video is funny and entertaining, it made me think: 

Am I more like the dog or the cat in my daily interactions with other people?

May we all be more encouraging and helpful.