Scruffy The Legend

If you remember the chapter on “Cars” in Scruffy The Legend, you will recall Karen’s ’66 Mustang that we were going to “pimp.” In 1982, (picture below), it still looked and ran well. By 2007, it had become a rusted mess. It meant so much to Karen, that rather than junk it, I decided to completely re do it as a present to her. Today, after 2 years of work, it is almost finished. It boasts a totally new paint job, new interior, new V8 small block motor and drive train. Just about every part is new, so it really has no value as a restored classic car. The picture gives you some idea of how it will look, but the Cobra-style external exhaust pipes running along the bottom of the door were not in place for the photo. They add quite a lot to the appearance, and I expect, to the sound. You will see and hear this car coming!

66 stang in 82

In Progress

Almost done

2009 March, Uncategorized

Charlie’s “sister” Nikki is living with our friends, Margaret and Dave.  Margaret took this photo of Nikki.  She looks more like a mountain goat than a Keeshond.  We do not know if Charlie and Nikki are litter mates, but they were adopted from the same owner.  If they are not litter mates, then maybe good climbing ability and balance is an overall Keeshond characteristic (see my post entitled Good dogs gone bad, below).  I never noted this trait in Scruffy, but he was a larger dog and older when we adopted him. He also had hip-joint disease (of course you already know this since you all have read my book).

2009, 2009 March

What is as beautiful as a spring day?

Charlie at play on an early spring day.

2009, 2009 March

My wife posted this on her blog. I asked her to post a copy on mine.

Ruby is a beagle.  There are only 2 states of existence for a beagle – sleeping and eating.  Ruby spends about 23 hours in the first state and would spend the remaining time with her head in the food bowl.   If you are a reader of this blog, or my husband’s blog, you are already well acquainted with our gal Ruby.

We adopted Ruby in June ‘09. She had been brought to the shelter because her owner was no longer able to afford to take care of her.  She is larger than the breed standard, so we think she has another breed mixed in. When we took her home, she was a zaftig 44 pounds.

Over the past 9 months she has been on a diet and has lost 8 pounds. Her goal weight is between 25 and 30 pounds.

Given the opportunity, Ruby would spend her waking hours eating.  Charlie is her partner in crime.  Charlie has no problem jumping on the dining room table.  Darryl caught him in the act the other night.  A few weeks ago, Charlie discovered a container of peanuts on the table and with a little effort was able to remove the plastic lid.  Being the gallant boyfriend, he rolled the can off the table and on to the floor so that Ruby could share in the feast.

The next day while I was cleaning the back yard, I came across interesting dog stools.  They were shaped normally, but they consisted of 99% undigested peanuts !

A cautionary note about dogs ingesting nuts:

Walnuts can cause gastroenteritis and are considered poisonous to dogs.  Macadamia nuts contain an unknown compound, which can cause muscle tremors, weakness and paralysis of the hindquarters – luckily these symptoms last a short time.  In general, nuts are high in phosphorus and may contribute to the formation of bladder stones.

NOTE: Peanuts are a legume and considered not harmful when used in small amounts.

There are many foods which people eat without a problem, but which may cause serious complications in dogs.  For example grapes and raisin can damage the kidneys, onions can cause anemia, and chocolate can be deadly.  Read complete list.

2009, 2009 March Ruby

Keeshond [Mix]
Large Adult Male Dog

Find out more about Dash at Petfinders.com –>
http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=13195381

The Catoosa County, GA Animal Shelter is located on 101 Almond Trail in Ringgold, GA (30736).  Shelter hours are 8-4:15 M-F, closed for lunch from
12-12:30. Phone: 706-935-2454.

2009, 2009 March Adoption