Sunday, January 18, 2009

Friday, January 16, 2009


This was posted on The ISSR Shiloh Shepherd Forum and I just love it!

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.

Take naps.Stretch before rising.

Run, romp, and play daily.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.

On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.

When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

Be loyal.

Never pretend to be something you're not.

If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Invisible Fence


The decision was clear. We had to get an invisible fence for Mr. Nesta. An intelligent dog with emotions not unlike a human, Nesta kept running off into the woods. No temptation of biscuits, nor cheese would lure him back until HE had had enough and felt like returning.

We purchased a top of the line fence on Ebay (LOVE EBAY) from a pet supplier. The install was all on us. To be exact, me. I waited for the ground to thaw a smidge and began my day with a trip to Total Rental. The fellas at Total Rental were funny and helpful, even though they had little faith in me that I would be able to tackle the beast of a machine. But my resolve and determination would ensure that the trench would be dug that day.

The first machine pooped out on me after 3 feet of trenching. I thought that I broke the machine, cursed, and loaded it back in the car (with the help of dear old dad). Back to Total Rental.

The new machine was LARGER and more POWERFUL. Mmmmm, power tools. I found myself fighting and digging my heels in the dirt to maneuver the new beast over rocks and through the mud. My learning curve with the machine was short. I figured out how to finesse the 200 lb. steal beast and dig the 1"x 4" trench required for the cable. My victory felt great! I didn't care that the moon was rising and the temperatures were dropping. I had an invisible fence to install! (890 feet of it)

Seth made the connections and hooked the wires into the house. A success. Now Nesta would have to learn his boundaries. I put up exta flags to mark the boundary. We were now ready to show Mr. Nesta his new fence.

For two days we kept the settings on beep only. (no shock) I thought that Nesta was beginning to understand that he should turn about when he heard the beep. That was not the case. I felt a lump in my throat, turning on the shock. As we walked the perimeter, he stayed close- until he saw a rogue leaf blowing in the wind. He crossed the line- YELP!!!! Oh boy did it shock him! I felt terrible- but still a giggle surfaced. Lets just say that Nesta wants NOTHING to do with white flags or beeping noises. My fluffy boy has zero desire to take off into the woods. Hope it lasts!

Monday, January 5, 2009

Top Ten Reasons I Love My Shiloh:


10. The way my dog loves to give me a kiss right after drinking out of the toilet.

9. You can always blame the dog for flatulence.

8. Puppy Breath.

7. I no longer need an alarm clock to tell me when the sun rises.

8. When I step out of the shower, he is there to act as my personal bathmat.

6. A recycled use for all those plastic bags- pooper picker upper.

5. Nesta's uncanny ability to unroll an entire roll of toilet paper in record time.

4. The smell of puppy paws. It sends out endorphins just like the smell of a baby. A little like popcorn.

3. How can I take myself too seriously when my dog is so funny?

2. The good kharma bestowed on humans for loving and caring for an animal.

1. He loves me even when my breath is stinky and my hair is a mess!

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Shiloh Party!







Kona graciously invited Nesta for some Shiloh fun. Beautiful Kona showed Nesta that she is the queen and Nesta agreed! Then as if we could have anymore good looking dogs together- Maya the neighbor Shiloh came out to play with Nanook a gorgeuos GSD!






Years ago, we lived across the street from beautiful Everheart Park in West Chester. Our family was growing and we moved away to a bigger home with more land but often thought fondly of our little house in town.



One day at a playground, we ran into a family that had 2 dogs that often walked and played at Everheart with us. Oddly enough they now live a mile away from us- all the way out here in the country! Small world. Tirowa and Duke have passed away but Daisy and Nesta get to hang out. Daisy is a large GSD mix with some arthritis, so we decided to take the dogs swimming at a local dog pool. It was an interesting experience....Nesta has asked that we NOT return. He also asked that I not say anything bad about the owner of said pool. He is after all a gentleman. Nesta would however like to see Daisy again on dryer terms.