Paws in the Park 2011

Yesterday I walked around Lake Eola for the Paws in the Park 2011, a Central Florida SPCA fundraiser for which I raised $155. Thank you to all who donated funds to help the local pets and shelters! Heidi and I had a blast at the walk, and Heidi had WAY too many Milk Bones as we passed by all of the vendor booths. Favorite item collected: a clip/1 cup scoop thing for Heidi's dog food bag to keep the food fresh; now I can use my 1 cup scoop for baking purposes again!

Heidi and I taking a photo mid-way through the walk around the lake. Isn't she cute in her cheerleader outfit?! Everyone LOVED it! Go Purdue!

Here is Heidi sitting pretty after the walk:

And my new favorite photo with my girl:

February is Dental Health Month

Yep, it's true! One of the things February spotlights is our teeth! I am happy to have a healthy habit of brushing 3+ times a day. I am also one of those weird (read: cool) people who use a tongue scraper. I can hardly stand having all those gunky papillae and taste buds hanging out on my muscular hydrostat! I really can't go without one anymore.

If you don't see a dentist semi-annually, click here to find one near you. Your dentist is an important figure in your overall health. Regular dental cleanings and examinations will keep you happy. No one wants to get rid of a rotten tooth "Cast Away"-style (start watching at 1 minute).

"It's important to take care of your mouth and teeth starting in childhood. If you don't, you could have problems with your teeth and gums - like cavities or even tooth loss.


Here's how to keep your mouth and teeth healthy:

Brush your teeth every day with a fluoride toothpaste  (check!)
Floss your teeth every day  (working on this one... I'm doing it at least once or twice a week lately)
Snack smart – limit sugary snacks (mmm, this is why I brush my teeth 3 and 4 times a day)
Don't smoke or chew tobacco (check!)
See your dentist regularly" (check!)

(from NIH: National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research)

Not only is it Dental Health Month for humans, but pets, too! For more information on keeping your cat or dog's mouth happy, click here! I'm making this month a challenge to myself to brush Heidi's teeth 3+ times a week!

Here's to happy smiles!

17th Annual Paws in the Park

The 17th Annual Paws in the Park walk is on Saturday, 12 February 2011 at Lake Eola in downtown Orlando, Florida. Last year Heidi and I raised $70 more than my original goal! This year my goal is $100, and I’m hoping to surpass it, too!

Above is a photo the Mutts on a Mission Pack Leader, Kurt Bouwman, sent me recently – it’s a photo of me and Heidi back in February of this year at the 16th Annual Paws in the Park walk. = ) She was so teeny and fluffy! If you want to read about last year’s event and see photos, check out this blog post.

I hope you consider making a donation to make a difference in the lives of thousands of animals by sponsoring or participating in the SPCA of Central Florida's Annual "Paws In The Park.” If you can’t give, but know someone who can, please pass this on to them - it can’t hurt to ask!

To Sponsor My Fundraising:

1. Please visit my Personal Fundraising Page and consider helping me by making a secure online donation now by clicking here
2. Click "Sponsor Me"
3. Continue with donation
4. Return to my sponsor page
5. Leave a message on my fundraising wall = )
6. When you make an online donation, I will be notified by email of your support and you will automatically receive an e-tax receipt from the SPCA of Central Florida.

To Participate with My Pack in Fundraising and the Walk:

1. Navigate to this website
2. Click "Sign Up"
3. Accept the waiver
4. Join as a pack member
5. Search for the pack name "Mutts on a Mission"
6. Select "Mutts on a Mission" team name
7. Click "Join this Team"
8. Continue with registration

Please let me know if you have any questions!

Thank you for your support!

PetSmart Costume Contest

 Last Saturday was the Waterford Lakes Town Center PetSmart Puppy Howl-o-Ween Costume Contest. I made Heidi her costume; she was a beautiful Purdue University Cheerleader! Look at that golden Purdue "P" and all those shiny sequins! (She totally hated wearing the bow.)

Me with Heidi in her costume!

All good athletes know the value of stretching!

Before the contest

Onyx the Rottweiler was a Karate/Boxer and won the contest!

Hugh Hefner and the Girls Next Door

October is Adopt-a-Dog Month

October is Adopt-a-Dog Month!



Heidi & I at the Waterford Lake Dog Park, Summer 2010


If you have been bouncing around the idea of adopting a dog, I want to take this opportunity to give you a nudge in the direction of doing it! Dogs make great companions, and you will quickly find that you are very happy when your puppy is happy. Getting Heidi has been one of my life's biggest joys. She's my baby, and I love her so much. I love knowing that when I put the key in the door she will stop whatever she's doing and come to the door to give me a warm greeting.

Here are some things I thought heavily on before I got Heidi:

• Can I afford a dog? Owning a dog is expensive in the first year with all the vaccinations, health checks, puppy food, toys, etc. After the first year the costs drop considerably, but you'll need to make sure you can afford to properly support your puppy financially for the span of its life beforehand.
• Do I have time for a dog? Dogs require a lot of attention. They have specific needs and things can quickly go down-hill if these needs aren't satisfied. For example, a dog needs to be outside to relieve himself 2-3 times a day at the minimum; MANY more times a day when he is a puppy and still potty training. By the way, by about 4 months the puppy should be potty trained; at least that's how long it was until Heidi had it down pat. She's almost 11-months-old now and has had just a few accidents inside the apartment.
• Why do I want a dog? So many reasons! Not in any order, here are some reasons that made me want a dog: protection for a young, single, white female, companionship, something to nurture, tend after, and love on (Ashes is great, but dogs are so much different than cats in this respect). The biggest reason for me was companionship.
• Can my living environment handle a dog? Be sure to take into account your home and whether it would be a good fit for a dog. German Shepherds make for great apartment dogs, so that's worked out well. On top of that, I make sure to socialize and exercise Heidi a lot since her breed needs that to stay happy and healthy. If I didn't work with Heidi and just kept her holed up in the apartment, she wouldn't make for a very good apartment dog, so keep this aspect of owning a dog and breeds in mind.
• What if the dog destroys everything in my home? This is part of the deal, especially with puppies. I made sure to keep valuables out of Heidi's reach, and so she didn't have a lot of opportunity to destroy things. To date she's only ruined a yoga mat, a broom stick, a hand towel and one pair of shoes. Not always such a happy scenario for other dog owners, but it's possible if you take the time to pick up after yourself. There are a ton of techniques and sprays which help with this. Potty training is another area where you have to accept that there will be messes. Just keep reminding yourself that it doesn't last forever. Exercise and socialization are huge ways to ward off a dog's destructive chewing nature. When they are stimulated in healthy ways they won't feel the need to go relieve some stress by chomping on your Minolos.

Besides! Against the tricky questions and situations mentioned above, there are so many benefits to having a dog! The list is really endless - from health benefits to making friends at the dog parks - they have huge potential to supplement your life. Heidi is the apple of my eye! I thank God every day for her being a part of my world.

If you have any questions about owning a dog, please don't hesitate to ask me! I would love to help you in your decision about whether adopting a dog is right for you. For more information, go here!

Woof!

Amanda

amara | 86 HBC Mission Statement

Okay. This is my last task for Etsy's Holiday Boot Camp (HBC) Week 1: write a mission statement.

Thoughts: I love to be make crafts. As in sewing projects, I enjoy the process of seeing the many pieces come together. I want to share my passion with people, and don't mind making a few bucks while I'm at it! Last year I got the hang of things but my Etsy shop, amara | 86, fell to the wayside when I got Heidi. Now that she's a bit older, I can start investing time into my shop. I have a few new ideas for projects up my sleeve, too! So here's my mission statement:

Through my passion of creating hand-made goods, specifically with yarn, thread, and fabric, I will fill my Etsy shop, amara | 86, with new items for others around the world to enjoy. I will map out my days between now and 31 December 2010 to set aside time to work on my creations. I will be inventive and run with fresh ideas. I will stick to Danielle's HBC weekly check lists. I will be an Etsy Success!

Shepherd's Kitchen

If you can imagine the orange cat as a grey one...

(Thanks for sharing, Grandma!)

Pet Diaries

My grandma sent this to me, and I laughed out loud several times. If you love cats and/or dogs you will find this amusing. Enjoy!

What pets write in their diaries.

Dog:
8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 PM - Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 PM - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 PM - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 PM - Milk Bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 PM - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 PM - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 PM - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

Cat:
Day 983 of my captivity....

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets.

Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a 'good little hunter' I am.

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of 'allergies.' I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.

The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now.

5 Weeks with Heidi

Wow! I can hardly believe I've had Heidi in my life for 5 weeks! My, how time flies when one is enjoying life! Here are some some week-by-week notes I've taken, as well as some favorite photos of me and Heidi so far. Do enjoy and leave a comment!

31 January 2010 - 9.5 weeks old - 7.8 pounds
---I picked Heidi up from von Lotta Kennels in Atlanta, Georgia
---First bath
---First visit to the vet; great health minus a minor ear infection





7 February 2010 - 10.5 weeks old - 12.8 pounds
---SPCA of Central Florida Paws in the Park walk downtown at Lake Eola with the Lockheed Martin "Mutts on a Mission" team and Matt
---Command "sit" learned
---Command "stay" learned





14 February 2010 - 11.5 weeks old - 16.0 pounds
---Puppy Valentine's Day Party at Joel's house
---Command "come" learned (includes sitting when she's directly in front of me
---Second visit to the vet; perfect health





21 February 2010 - 12.5 weeks old - 18.1 pounds
---Stayed with Beth, Karli & Richard and their dog, Maggie, for a weekend while I was in Indiana
---Learning to play fetch with toys
---Lost a lot of her coat's fuzziness
---Started barking for fun
---Ate two small asphalt pebbles and freaked me out a little; everything came out okay!
---Biting my ankles a little less
---Ears are starting to stand up!
---Comfortable on a leash
---Learned to go up and down slatted stairways
---First week of puppy classes





28 February 2010 - 13.5 weeks old - 22.3 pounds
---Command "watch me" learned
---Potty training going very well, finally!
---First good brushing
---First time to have nails clipped
---Even less ankle biting!
---Well-coordinated with the slatted stairways





I'm going to make it a weekly thing to post the latest on Heidi. My Facebook photos include the latest of Heidi. I'm working on the latest videos. Next big thing: I'm getting very excited for Heidi to meet my family when they visit for Spring Break!

I love you, Heidi!!!

Cheers,

Amanda

Dharma Sports St. Patty's Day Puppy Hanky

As a token of my appreciation for all my grandparents have done for me I sent home a St. Patty's Day puppy hanky for their Whippet, Dharma. Isn't she adorable?!






Want a St. Patty's Day Puppy Hanky for your canine friends? Only $7 and free shipping! Click here!

Cheers,

Amanda

Pupcakes

I received this in an email from my dear mother. Any puppy owner, dog-lover or sucker for cute animals will appreciate this photo.

"Until one has loved an animal, part of their soul remains unawakened." -Unknown



In searching for the author of the above quote, I came across this super cute website called "Dear God: From the Dog."

Cheers,

Amanda

Paws in the Park

Another belated blog post. Please forgive me! Here it is:

From the Lockheed Martin article:

"With biting wind, overcast skies, and temperatures hovering around 40, Saturday, February 13 went to the dogs…literally! The spirit of the 16th annual Paws in the Park Pet Walk at Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando was not shuttered by the wind or cold temperatures. Over 2000 people turned out for the event to raise money for the Central Florida SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals).

The 45+ person Mutts on a Mission team comprised of Lockheed Martin employees from STS and MFC and their family members (furry and not) raised over $9,000, putting the “pack” in the third highest fundraising team. The entire event raised more than $160,000."



Kurt Bouwman with Cassie and Julie Bolyard display the Lockheed Martin banner during the Paws in the Park fundraiser. The Mutts on a Mission “pack” included over 45 Lockheed Martin employees and their family members.



LM Mutts on a Mission group shot

First of all, thank you to everyone who sponsored me and Heidi to participate! We thoroughly enjoyed it and are happy you joined us in helping the animals in the central Florida area through this event!

My friend, Matt, joined me and Heidi for the walk, and it was a ton of fun! When me and Heidi first arrived she was very shy and huddled around my legs at the sight and sound of so many other dogs, many of them larger than her. I had parked on the far side of the lake from where the LM group was meeting, so I had to go .3 miles with Heidi, and it would have taken ages had I not decided to just carry her!

Matt arrived just in time for the group photo and for the walk to being. Heidi did wonderfully after the photo! She observed the other dogs, then all she wanted to do was play! This walk banished her fear of the larger dogs, and she got some great puppy socialization! Everyone thought she was super cute, and, of course, she is! I thought she'd tire out and force me to carry her after walking half way around the lake, but she was full of energy and didn't pass out until we returned to the car! I'm so proud of my Heidi Jo!

Here are some more photos from the walk:



Heidi and an adult German Shepherd




Heidi conked out on the ride home after the morning's excitement




Matt, Heidi & I with a German Shepherd and their owner




Matt walking Heidi




Heidi & I

Found a GSD Breeder!

Thanks to my friend, Aaron, from the book club and his colleague, I've found a German Shepherd Dog breeder: Kennels von Lotta! I couldn't be more pleased with all the information on their website. They've met all my requirements as a breeder.



I spoke with Yuliya on the phone earlier this evening, and she is very pleased with me as a potential owner! She especially liked the fact that I wanted to run with the dog when training for my half and full marathons. She is holding the puppy for me, and I have just a few details to iron out. I very well may have a puppy in two weekends!

Here is a photo of the beautiful little female pup I may bring into my life and home:





Isn't she adorable?!

I am so excited that I'm jittery! I better go burn off some of this excitement with a run before I burst!

-Amanda

Researching the GSD

This week kicked off my extensive research into the German Shepherd Dog (GSD)! I have been acting as a sponge and soaking up heaps of information from books like "The Everything German Shepherd Book" and from friends who own dogs. I grew up with dogs, and that helps prepare one, but I am certain that growing up with a dog and owning a dog are two very different things. Now it won't be my parents caring for the dog, but me, etc. But it'll be worth every moment of owning a sweet little German Shepherd pup like one of these:



Which I know will eventually get quite large and look gorgeous like this one:



Why a GSD? Many reasons! A few of the top reasons (not necessarily in order):

1. companionship (I live alone with my cat who, while wonderful, doesn't provide the companionship I could have with a dog).

2. man's best friend (I've always wanted a dog of my own, and now I'm finally able to provide a healthy environment for one; I look forward to working with the pup, training it and taking it to obedience classes!)

3. protection (Living alone in a big city can be scary sometimes, especially at night. While I live in a safe area and a nice apartment complex, one can never be too sure; a dog, especially a GSD, would provide protection.)

4. running buddy (After the pup is a year old I can begin taking it on runs with me!)

I have a lot to prepare for in getting a puppy. Mentally I'm pretty much there. The biggest hurdle was realizing and coming to terms with the fact that during puppyhood I'll have to sacrifice my lunch hour daily to come home to care for the pup. I've realized that this will be very worthwhile in the end, though. In fact, I'm kind of excited about coming home midday through the work week; it'll make for a nice lift in my day, seeing the pup.

I also know it will be expensive to not only acquire but also to own the pet. I'm budgeting $1000 in expenses for the first year, not including the price of the puppy, which I'm not sure about as I've not yet began contacting potential breeders. I'm hoping everything will fall into place (financially and time-wise with the breeder) such that I'll have a puppy by late Summer 2010 or early Fall 2010.

I'm very interested in bringing a GSD into a home where there is already a cat (as in my situation). I know GSDs are have strong herding tendencies, but I also know that they are highly trainable. My plan is to teach the pup early on that Ashes is not to be herded into a corner, etc. Also, while it's a pup, I'll be keeping a constant eye, so I can definitely watch, monitor and control how things develop between the pup and Ashes. I'm still reading up on what experts have to say about GSDs and a cat(s) mixing in the home.

If you have any tips on owning a dog in general or owning a German Shepherd specifically, please send them my way! I look forward to hearing your advice!

Amanda

PS - I want a female!

Mom's Spring Break Visit

A few weeks ago my mom visited me! It was wonderful to see a member of the family! I'd missed her so much! We had a great week and a half together. We ate at Urban Flats (tradition), had make-overs at Merle Norman (also tradition), canoed with an alligator down a river in Wekiva, furnished my apartment, started a potted garden, ran a 5K, played at the beach and in the ocean and met up with Aunt Joan. I can't wait until she visits again this summer! Here are some photos of her stay:


the finished looks from the Merle Norman make-overs


about to begin our "adventure" canoe trip


the gator we canoed by while less than a meter away (seriously)


pre-race photo with the OWR at the Windermere Run Among the Lakes 5K


Mom looking hot in the cool ocean (5 more minutes, please!)


Great Aunt Joan Golden, Mom & I

-Amanda

Me + Pets

Me and my pets! Cali is the big, beautiful, black Newfoundland. Creasy is the fluffy Havanese, and Ashes is my grey tabby cat. = ) These furry friends make me smile!

-Amanda