C.S.I. Case of Buddy Bucko Conclusion

Grissom Here-
Well the DNA results are back. Turn's out Buddy is guilty of being a little "shit". Buddy's DNA make on one side is all Cocker Spaniel. On the other side Is primarily Shih Tsu and mixed breed. According to Wisdom Panel, who performed the DNA tests, the mixed breeds that contributed to Buddy's DNA make up are 9.88% Saluki, 3.35% Finnish Spitz, 3.14% Akita, 1.48% Pekingese, and 1.34% American Eskimo. So it looks like little Buddy has a lot more cousins than orignally was thought. Should make more interesting visits to the Dog Parks

Mason Bee Time

Today I went an hung a Mason Bee Hive at the B-patch. These are our guest mason bees from Rent Mason Bees. The cost of renting the bee houses is cheaper than buying.

Hopefully, we can have Missy come and give her Bee Buzz (Talk) to our gardeners soon. Very interesting lady.
And her are some interesting facts about

Mason Bees:

• are solitary. There is only one bee per nest, not thousands.

• are native to North America whereas honeybees are not.

• rarely sting.

• are early spring bees & emerge about the time cherries bloom.

• fly at a low 54 degrees F. Honeybees fly at 57-59 degrees F.

• forage earlier in the morning and later in the afternoon than honeybees.

• use holes in wood or nesting tubes for egg laying

are low maintenance and require only a small bee house with a VERY low start up cost!
and remember mason bees do not sting! So don't be scared of them

In fact the mason bees look more like flies than bees.

Inside their home, the tubes and the holes in the wood each have one mason bee nest.

 

Romeo's 8!!!

8 years old- man time flies! Yesterday was Romeo's birthday... of course he treated himself to a new stick at the dog park. (he still loves Boom Booms, but Buddy chews their little heads off). Then it was home to indulge in:

DOGGY CUP CAKES!

1 lb. of Hamburger
1 lb. of Ground Turkey
2 cups of Brown Rice
1 cup of peas
1 cup of diced cooked carrots ( if using frozen diced carrots, don't cook them)
3 eggs

Pre-Heat oven to 350. Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Spoon into muffin tins (or form into a loaf if making a doggy meat loaf.) Bake 20-25 minutes. Top with mashed potatoes if desired- Serve to pooch.

Farewell My Valiant!

Time to put away childish things. I bought my 1966 Plymouth Valiant sedan in/about 1996. I suppose I was trying to relive my teen years, when I drove a 1964 Plymouth Valiant. I rebuilt it somewhat to a nicer car than it was. Installed "new" seats, new headliner, trim and Fender skirts.  It was a lot of work and learning for me. Now today it just sits. So I donated it to Cars Helping Veterans. I could sell it, but I would rather an organization that could use it to do some good pick it up. So good bye old paint. It's been cool knowing and driving you!

Saying goodbye is never easy!

TOOBALINK

Why is it every great toy come out after I am supposedly too old for them? Big Wheels, Furby's... and now TOOBALINK. Imagine a great toy that teaches and encourages kids to re-use a waste product (cardbaord paper towel rolls and tp rools) and play with it!!! Fantastic. Makes me wish I knew some small children to give one too. As long as they remember, I get to play with it, too!

Blue Dogs- A collaboration!

My friend, Maureen, who is the Guru of the local walking set, put a post on the WABI site (Walking and Biking) and posted this cool graphic she edited of Romeo and Buddy.

The original B&W picture

I fiddled with it on the computer, making a faux border and after much trimming, cussing, cutting, cussing (note: I said cussing twice- there was that much cussing) I framed it in a Ikea Ribba frame I just happened to have around the house. Here is the final product:

The Graphic is from a favorite photo I took of the dogs at Burien Town Square Park. Turning it into a blue "Warhol-esque" picture was entirely Maureen, I don't know what editing program she used. I am taking partial credit for the original picture and the frame job. Because that is how I roll.

Park N Bark!

We (we meaning B-TWN D.O.G.) held our first Bark and Park Community dog walk at the Lake Burien School Park on Saturday. Lots of little cuties walking around, sniffing, scratching and socializing. Here are some pics of the mayhem.

 Happy Dogs = Happy Dog Owners

 Even Daisy, the Grand Dame of the group took an interest!

 Girls and their dogs

 This little fellow had a great time exploring!

 I couldn't help but think of marching songs!

Let's PLAY!

Today a walk around the park- tomorrow OUR OWN DOG PARK!!!

Recently Earth 911 had an article about 5 Materials from Your Home Repair You Should Recycle. 
Very good article on a very needed topic. But they seem to have forgotten about reuse as well

Here are some re-uses I have found in my own home DIY projects-
1 Shingles- while never have having shingles as a waste problem, it was interesting to learn that Owens Corning Roofing has an industry leading Shingle Recycling Program and has already recycled 738,605 tons since the program’s 2009 kick-off. They recycle those asphalt shingles into asphalt roads! While more roads isn't probably a cool thing, that asphalt can be used to repair roads we already have! THe other use for Shingles, maybe when a person has a few to repair/replace is use them for roofing on small projects like dog and bird houses, or build your own little Free Library!

2-DRYWALL- I must admit to never having too much left over drywall- I am pretty exact about the amount I need for a project. When I do have leftover of any amount it is usually kept in the garage for later patching or repairing- And on a side note- if you have a small drywall job that doesn't require a full 4 X 8 Sheet, you can buy 2 x 2 squares at most home hardware stores. Easier to transport, store and carry!

3- PAINT- while I agree with th article on paint, I must also add that sometimes, with a little "home work" you can find organizations that need paint for one project or another and they would welcome a donation of your leftover paint!

4- BRICK- Another item I never have too much of. Old brick not used is saved for gardening: Making new raised beds, making walkways in garden beds, etc.

5-CARPET- I re-use my old carpeting and Rugs!: Makes a great weed block for under the gravel where I park my car, and I have used it in the garden (for weed block under raised planting beds) as well. Small area rugs are great to cut up and use in pots (When you need to slow the drainage down) and baskets

Tanner and Blair

You hear about these stories all the time. I dare you to watch this video report from the ABC show 20/20, and make sure you have a box of tissues- it will make water come from your eyes.

From ABC News.com 

Watch More News Videos at ABC | Technology News | Celebrity News

Putting two dogs of different breeds and from different backgrounds together in a confined space will usually end up in a lot of bark and likely some bite.  Rarely does that pairing end up in the two pooches becoming an inseparable pair.

That latter, more unlikely scenario was just the case, however, with two young dogs in Oklahoma who not only built a friendship but also cured each other’s ills.

Blair is a 1-year-old black Labrador mix brought to the Woodland West Animal Hospital in Tulsa, Okla., after she was shot while living on the streets.  After he recovered from his wounds, Blair remained at the clinic, a timid and nervous pup whose difficult history made her hard to place with an adopted family, the hospital’s director, Dr. Mike Jones, told ABCNews.com.

Then there was Tanner, a two-year-old Golden Retriever puppy who was born blind and with a seizure disorder so severe he was sent to Woodland Hospital as a last resort after his first owner died and the Oklahoma City-based Sooner Golden Retriever Rescue organization that had assumed his care, was unable to find a family to give him the around-the-clock care he needed.

“His seizure disorder was really, really bad and nothing — no medications — seemed to be helping,” Jones said.  “Anytime he [Tanner] seizes he expresses his bowels.  It’s a nightmare anytime you have a 90-lb dog experiencing this nightly; it made living in a home very, very difficult.”

Tanner and Blair lived with their respective conditions until the two were placed together a few months ago in a chance encounter, first reported by local ABC affiliate KTUL.

“One day they were exercising in a play yard together and they got together, Jones said.  “Blair all of a sudden seemed to realize that Tanner was blind and just started to help him around.”

Recognizing the dogs’ immediate connection, hospital staff began to board Tanner and Blair together, and the results spoke for themselves.

Tanner had been seizing almost nightly, Jones said.  ”After two or three weeks, we realized Tanner wasn’t seizing anymore.  He’s not completely seizure free but it’s not constant anymore.”

“We’ve worked with a lot of different service dogs to provide these services for people,” said Jones. “But it’s the first time I’ve seen anything like this, the special relationship these two dogs have.”

The bond is so strong and instinctive that if Tanner has a leash on, Blair will pick it up and guide her friend around, according to Jones.  Likewise, he said, Tanner has had a calming influence on Blair, making the former street dog much less timid and anxious.

The next task is to find the two dogs a home together to continue their joint recovery.

Ron Finley: Gangsta Gardener

Been a while since I posted a TED talk, but I found Ron Finley so inspriational, I felt his message need to be shared...Ron plants vegetable gardens in South Central LA — in abandoned lots, traffic medians, along the curbs. Why? For fun, for defiance, for beauty and to offer some alternative to fast food in a community where “the drive-thrus are killing more people than the drive-bys.”

D.Y.I. DNA TESTING

I am a big fan of CSI but that is not the reason I got a DNA test kit to test Buddy. Or maybe it is- maybe I just wanna be CSI Gill Grissom for a few minutes... and I have my first case in years...

He just looks guilty.

CSI investigation #867-5309
Suspect- Buddy "Bucko" Johnson
Crime- None as of yet,  possible impersonation of a Cockapoo; and possible suspicion of pooping on the rug, and the occasional garbage invasion, eating food wrappers and packaging. And his brother, Romeo (adopted) says to add destroying all the boom booms. (Stuffed toy animals)

Reason For DNA Sample: Suspect is of mixed breed make up. Need to take DNA to establish his genetic make up, in the case of Buddy getting older, knowing his breed sill help in the instance and curtailing certain breed specific diseases, helping him to be a happier healthier dog, enabling him to commit far more heinous crimes in the future
I recieved a Canine DNA kit from Wisompanel. In the kit there are two swabs for taking a saliva samples from suspect's cheek and gums. The sample is then sealed and sent to the main lab in Lincoln, Nebraska. And then I wait patiently for Buddy's results. Allowing me time to fly home to Las Vegas, Nevada and give my wife, CSI Sarah Sidle, a little pickle tickle and a bouquet of flowers. And maybe some blowfly larvae.

Respectfully Submitted-
Gil Grissom
3rd shift Supervisor, LVPD Crime Lab

TO BE CONTINUED

If a dog was your Teacher

I found this on the internet, something I truly believe:

If a dog was the teacher you would learn stuff like: 

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

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride; 

Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy; 

When it's in your best interest, practice obedience; 

Let others know when they've invaded your territory; 

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;

No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout...run right back and make friends; 
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk; 

Eat with gusto and enthusiasm; 

Stop when you have had enough; 

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.

 ♥ Love & Affection Always! ♥

Welcome B-TOWN DOG

Or How I get myself into this stuff

Don't worry... I really like it. I am not complaining. Anyway- here is the story... awhile back I was perusing the interwebs... as I do... and one of the local blogs had a story about this gal, Kellie, who wanted to start a group to get a local off leash dog park in the area. So I attended a meeting, because the one thing Romeo and Buddy really enjoy more than life itself is a day at the dog park where they are welcome to sniff butts for old time sakes (hey they're neutered!)  chase run and do the things that make them dogs.
 But unfortunately, the nearest dog park is just far enough away to make it inconvenient when I have and hour or so. So the boys have to wait for my day off to have a day. So a local dog park is just what we need in these here parts. But I digress...
So I attend this meeting, and meet a great group of dog owners, who, like me want a local fun land for their four footed children. And it starts from there. First you need a strong leader, which we have in Kellie, strong vision, which we have in all of us, civic minded dog owners, (again all of us), someone with mad computer skills (or me!) and what you come up with is a group that is willing to do the work to get our park. And it looks like it is coming into fruition, soon. Anyway, the reason I am telling you all this is, our group, B-TWN D.O.G., has a new website. So do me a favor and go over to B-ToWN DOG and take a gander and let me know what y'all think. I have to go walk my dogs know...

Stuff I do not need (but would really like)

Every now and then I like to go window shopping online to find Shit I do not need, but secretly want...

I ask you... Who wouldn't want a shiny red Hot Dog Toaster???

A Thumb Piano... Don't know how to play one, but I could learn...

A Glacier "Ball Of Ice" mold

A "3rd Rock Fire Pit" cool/hot, but at $1490, I don't think so.

Cigar Ashtray... I don't even smoke cigars!

Home Pet First Aid Kit

I am currently reading "Eco Dog: Healthy Living for Your Pet" by Corbett Marshall and Jim Deskevich. One thing the authors suggest to do for your dog (s) is make a first aid kit.To make it use an old totebag, shoe box in good condition, or a large plastic lunch box. I chose an old tool box. In it you should keep the following-

• A card that lists you vet's number, and also the nearest 24 hour emergency vet or vet hospital (and I would add the card should probably be laminated)
• Gauze
• Cotton balls
• cotton tipped applicators (Q-Tips)
• Low Tack adhesive bandage tape
• Ace Bandages (self adhesive)
• Small scissors
• Tweezers
• Antibacterial ointment
• Aloe Vera gel
• Hydrocortisone cream
• Cornstarch (to aid in stopping bleeding)
• Latex Gloves
• Rectal Thermometer
• Towels
• Blanket
• plus I added a nottle of Benadryl.

It is so easy to put these items together- You might find you have most of them already. I had cornstarch, antibacterial ointment, Cotton balls, q-tips, ace bandages, tweezers here already as well as towels and a small dog blanket; Everything else I was able to get at the dollar store, all I had to search out was a rectal thermometer(I just put in a regular thermometor that I marked "Rectal" with a marker. (Hopefully I don't confuse it with my oral thermomete!)