Can Wet Be Dry?

Hi Everybuddy -

I realize it's Friday and my brain is tired from an entire week's worth of thinking but I ask you - can wet ever be dry?? This may seem like a very strange question to you. Take a look at this morning's weather forecast and you'll understand why I'm asking:

Check Sunday's forecast out. I don't know about you but my experience with snow (which hasn't been much this season) has taught me that snow is always wet! This makes me wonder......just what kind of snow are they saying is possible? I'm not sure I'd like to have dry snow. Have any of you experienced dry snow? I think I might have to consult Ari. She's paw deep in snow right now and maybe she can do some experimentation to help us solve this weather mystery. Woo - this is all pretty heavy for a Friday morning. I need to ponder this some more. Wish me luck!

It's My Day!

Hi Everybuddy -

Shyla here. It's not everyday we can persuade Echo to give up his blog posting privileges but today is a most special day! It's my GOTCHA DAY! Two years ago today my Dad set eyes on me and knew I needed to be a part of their pack. Mom and Dad came to the shelter to spring me for a rescue and as soon as my eyes met Dad's - that was it. I was scared and very hungry and didn't understand why I was in that noisy place. I was very happy to find a forever home that loves me and I love them just as much. Since we don't know when my official birthday is we've decided to make this my birthday too. I'm 3 years old today! So in honor of my big day - dog cookies and cake for everyone! Woo!

Getting Ready

Psssssst - I have a secret! Tomorrow's a BIG day so I'm resting up! See ya!

It's George's Birthday!

Hi Everybuddy -

It's a big day today. It's George Washington's birthday! He was quite a notorious fella who had many accomplishments.....sort of like myself. George was the very first President of our country which is what he is probably the best known for. He had a lovely wife named Martha who I'm told like to bake cakes. I know I would have loved her. We know George was popular because of the way we remember him. He's honored in many ways. He has had many wonderful portraits painted. We like this one in particular because it has a horse that resembles our Logan in it:



George's image appears on various forms of currency....like the quarter:


and the dollar bill:



George even appears in the side of a mountain....Woo! :



I will agree that my accomplishments probably aren't considered as noteworthy as George's. I have not served as President of our country (yet). I have not led any troops into battle or had an opportunity (yet) to make any laws. My accomplishments are impressive nonetheless however. For instance, I'm a pro at emptying the dishwasher. I can grab something out of the trash can before Mom even has a chance to stop me. I relocate a glass full of a beverage from the counter to the floor without spilling a drop. I can swiftly grab somebuddy's sandwich right off the plate the minute they turn their back. I think these skills certainly qualify me for some type of national honor. I thought about it for awhile and came up with the perfect thing:

Now I need to figure out how to convince someone to carve my likeness into the side of a mountain....Woo!
Until then, take the day to appreciate all George has done for our fine country and take a little time to appreciate your own accomplishments.

Gotcha!

Hi Everybuddy -

Today's a special day....it's Meeka's Gotcha Day! He has proudly proclaimed that he's been the household Prince for 7 years as of this morning. We asked him what he planned to do to celebrate his day. He got an early start:



Looks like an appropriate celebration to me! In honor of his Gotcha Day this is what I plan to do:



Happy Gotcha Day Meeka! Treats for all!

Free Kibble Update

Hi Everybuddy -

It's time for another update on one our most favorite websites - Freekibble.com.
This is the website launched by a brilliant 12 year old girl named Mimi. It was her attempt to raise funds to feed the dogs and cats in cash strapped, overcrowded shelters in the United States. All we have to do is visit her website everyday and play a fun trivia game. Each daily click results in 10 pieces of kibble donated to the country's shelters. Take a look at the recent statistics:

Date:		Pieces of Kibble:		Additional Donations:
Year 2008		48,421,910		17,188,160
January 2009		9,683,240
February 12, 2009		292,930
February 11, 2009		359,960
February 10, 2009		361,050
February 9, 2009		363,850
February 8, 2009		268,780
February 7, 2009		262,330
February 6, 2009		343,130
February 5, 2009		388,110
February 4, 2009		353,580
February 3, 2009		359,960
February 2, 2009		336,810
February 1, 2009		241,340
Totals All Dates		62,036,980		17,188,160
TOTAL		79,225,140

Woo! This girl is on to something BIG! Since it's launch in April the site has raised over 50 tons of kibble!! Our shelters need us now, especially as many of their budgets are stretched even thinner than before. Please remember to visit this site daily to donate your 10 pieces of kibble. You can download a badge for your blog or website here to remind your friends to participate too.

We had a meeting to discuss Mimi's latest figures :

No doubt about it - Mimi deserves 2 paws up for her efforts to help homeless dogs and cats everywhere!

Let The Flirting Begin

Hi Everybuddy -

Did you know that it's International Flirting Week? I didn't either. But apparently our Shyla sure did! Take a look at what's been going on today:





You'd think she likes me or something! It's been positively exhausting. I had to pretend I was asleep to get a break!



Then I woke up to see this:



I should have known. Meeka sucks up the attention like a sponge. That'll teach a guy to take a nap!

For Those Who Suffered

Hi Everybuddy -

This is Michael Vick:



We're pretty sure most of you know who he is. For many years he struck fear in the hearts of many, many innocent dogs. Many suffered tremendously while on his property......some died horrible deaths. You can read about him here and here. We have opted not to post pictures of his dogs. It's disturbing to see them and has brought many to tears. Some of the lucky ones were rescued and are now living wonderful lives thanks to the kind hearts of many. Best Friends Society in Utah took in several that were deemed"unadoptable" with the hope that with extensive rehabilitation they could eventually be placed into loving homes. Some have - some will stay with the folks at Best Friends since their mental injuries were so severe that they cannot be overcome. You can read about the Vicktory Dogs here.

Mike Vick was found guilty and sentenced. Sadly, his sentence which consisted of several months gives him the right to be released very soon, possibly within the next 2 weeks. He will then be moved to a Halfway House where he'll serve another very modest term. The UFL has allegedly expressed great interest and is willing to negotiate (many reports state a lucrative contract has already been agreed upon) for a spot in their league immediately upon his release. He will once again have the potential to earn millions with speculation that the NFL may then consider him once the UFL's contract has expired. Although the Atlanta Falcons have stated in the past they would not be interested (we'll see), the NFL has left their options open. In the name of the dogs that have suffered we ask our friends to monitor this situation carefully. If petitions come your way which may allow you to express your feelings please consider it. The football world needs to know that we will not forget and this man does not deserve a second chance for the atrocities he has been responsible for.

Stupid Is As Stupid Does

Hi Everybuddy -

We hope all our buddies are enjoying the teaspoon of snow we were bestowed with a couple days ago. Unfortunately it rained alot afterwards which really tends to spoil our fun. We're trying to remain optimistic that one of these days we'll get some real snow. Mom still stands by the theory that we'll need to move North in order to experience that. We're thinking she just might be right. In the meantime, we've been spending some time observing the world around us. Here I am hard at work observing:



The rainy weather has offered us an opportunity to study that subject in a bit more detail than we typically do. Recently a couple very amusing recalls ended up in Mom's email box. (I've been helping her out with her email because she's been busy doing weird things like stress over paint colors for the kitchen). I should note that we've always questioned the intelligence and common sense of mankind but these two recent recalls just seems to drive that point home a little bit further. First there's the recalled home improvement book. Here it is. It doesn't look too threatening:




Why was it recalled you might ask? Despite the fact that the main topic of discussion in the book was how to safely wire your home, it was recalled for........ready for this........incorrect wiring information. Need I elaborate any further on that one??!

Now let's take a look at the next one. Ice Boots. Apparently the humans invented a boot which allows them to walk safely on ice. The point of course would be - to keep them safe.


Unfortunately these boots were recalled this week. Why? Because there's a risk of falling. ::gasp:: Of course! Why didn't I think of that??!!

All of this information left me wondering.....what does the future hold for these humans? It would seem to me they're their own worst enemies sometimes. It's so much easier to be a Sibe!

Land Of The Giants?

Hi Everybuddy -

There's something strange going on around town. After giving it some thought and studying the photographic evidence I have come to the conclusion that the giant that hangs around the AO4's Headquarters has decided to visit us here in PA. What do you make of this? :


I don't know about you but I think that looks like a giant igloo! Here's a closer look :



Not too far away from this mysterious igloo we found this :

It's a giant paint can! And if that's not perplexing enough, take a look at THIS :



I know what you're thinking ............ this might not be a bad thing. Can you just imagine the bar-b-que we......okay - nevermind. I won't say it. I was just thinking. Look real close. Can you see the giant container of ice cream??! We just love ice cream! This cow really has our attention now!
Do you suppose there's a giant eskimo lurking around who is planning on doing some interior decorating? I'm thinking I might offer my assistance because it appears as thought there might be a party afterwards....burgers and ice cream.....mmmmm!

Official Siberian Cabinet

Hi Everybuddy -

It has been a very busy week for our country! In the spirit of our Presidential changes I decided I should appoint my own cabinet - an Official Siberian Cabinet. Without further ado I present to you some of my blogger buddies:

Secretary of Education - Stormy:


My pal Stormy of the AO4 has conducted several educational training sessions over the past year. She has successfully trained many of us on the proper photographic protocol where our humans are concerned. This made her an easy choice for the position of Secretary of Education.

Directors of Central Intelligence - Steve & Kat:

My pals Steve & Kat regularly patrol their yard looking for squirrels and other intruders. Kat's agility training will be a great asset to the position.

Secretary of the Treasury - Maverick the Pirate:


Well let's face it......Pirate/Treasure - it just goes together. His experience will be most beneficial to this position.

Attorney General - Meeshka:



Meeshka's legal advice has been utilized by many of us so we're sure her skills would be beneficial for this important position.

Secretaries of Homeland Security - The A04:

This was a no brainer! Their military precision made them the perfect pick for this very important position.

Secretaries of Commerce - Sitka & Cornelia Marie:


Who better than two sweet Southern Belles to oversee our nation's commerce?

Secretary of Health & Human Services - Holly & Khady Lynn:

Who could say no to Holly? She and her understudy (Khady Lynn) are ready and able to squish anyone who isn't interested in staying healthy!

Secretary of Housing & Urban Development - Khyra:


Our good friend Khyra (aka MFT) is the perfect pick for this job. Her Walking Wednesday segments have provided her with a solid understanding of the urban way of life.

Secretaries of State - The OP Pack:


This stealthy group is always on the lookout for any threat to our country. Who better to oversee this important position?

Secretaries of Veteran Affairs - The Kapp Pack:


Our buddies Skye, Canyon, and Meadow are the perfect blend of personalities to handle the important task of making sure our nation's veterans are taken care of.

Secretaries of Energy - Shyla & Meeka:


Clearly this pair are pros at energy conservation. What better team for this job?

Secretary of the Interior - Shadow:


Shadow's area of expertise is most certainly the interior. I can't think of a better pick for this job.

Secretary of Defense - Summit:



Ummmm - can you think of anybuddy who would defend our nation better than this big fella?

This concludes my selections. Except for me of course. I'm still thinking about that one. In the meantime now that I've gotten these important appointments out of the way I can get caught up on visiting everyone's blogs.

Sunday Snow

Hi Everybuddy -

I decided I'd dedicate today's post to snow. Amazingly, the snow gods took pity on us this morning and did bless us with a slight dusting. Just enough to keep the memory sharp in our minds. That's a good thing because it was fading fast here in our house. We've had plenty of frigidly cold temperatures but no snow. I personally think that should be illegal. Here's some photos of us enjoying our ever so slight serving of snow this morning. Here's Shyla pulling on my leg. Mom loves the expression on my face:



Here's Shyla making a general announcement to the neighborhood that everyone should come out an enjoy the ever elusive white stuff before it disappears:


Here's Meeka doing what Meeka does best:




And here's Shyla and I enjoying one of our most favorite treats - lawnmower snow:


And here we are back at it again:


We really do appreciate any snow that we get but it would be nice to have more than an inch that is measurable only by piling it up on one spot. So in an effort to give us all our snow fix until we do get that wonderful snowstorm I will provide you with a way to make your own snow! Enjoy.