For the healthier alternative to our classic Alfredo, start off with getting a cup of yogurt and straining it in a sieve with a #2 coffee filter inside it. Rest the sieve over a small bowl so you don't make a mess in the fridge. You can do this overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
From there, you'll need these ingredients:
1 cup strained yogurt
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 cup evaporated skim milk
1/2 teaspoon olive oil
1 large clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
1/2 cup fat-free milk
1 tablespoon Butter Buds
1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
12 ounce box fettucine pasta or other pasta like penne
Combine the strained yogurt with the cornstarch in a medium bowl. Stir until smooth. Add the evaporated skim milk. Then set aside. We'll come back to this.
Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the garlic and saute for a minute. Don't let the garlic brown. Add the yogurt mixture to the saucepan and stir. Add the remaining ingredients (except the pasta) to the saucepan and continue to heat over medium/low heat. If it begins to boil, turn heat to low and simmer. Stir this often.
While the the sauce is on simmer, boil the pasta to the package directions to al dente.
Toss the pasta and sauce together in a large bowl and serve. Enjoy!
Monday, November 15, 2010
Caffeine's Fettucini Alfredo - Classic Style
What you'll need:
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
2 cups heavy cream
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder, or to taste (sub one clove garlic minced if desired)
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 12 box fettuccine pasta or pasta of your choice (penne is nice too)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan (I also use Romano for a bit more of a bite)
Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the cream, garlic powder, and pepper and simmer for 10-12 minutes until the sauce gets thick.
The the same time, boil the pasta to al dente (follow package instructions).
When the sauce gets to your desired consistency, stir in the Parmesan cheese.
When the pasta is cooked, drain it. Serve the pasta on plates with the Alfredo sauce poured over top. I will often serve it Southern family style where it's all mixed together in one serving dish for everyone to grab for themselves.
Enjoy!
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Tips on How to Properly Walk your Dog
***PLEASE CONSULT YOUR PERSONAL DOG TRAINER FOR SPECIFIC TIPS THAT WILL WORK BEST FOR YOU AND YOUR DOG***
This is an article from close friend, Richard Heinz, The Miami Dog Whisperer:
WHO'S WALKING WHOM? - DOG WALKING ANYONE CAN DO!
Featured in: Dogs Are OK Magazine
One of the most important things to do when you get a new puppy, or adopt an adult dog from a shelter, is learn how to properly walk your dog on a leash so that the experience for both you and your dog is both enjoyable and serves it’s purpose.
When you walk your dog on a leash, you may think you are doing it to help the dog go potty outside, or get the dog, and yourself, some exercise. All of these reasons are valid, however, there is a bigger purpose, walking your dog on a leash serves.
Dogs are pack animals. Walking your dog on a leash establishes you as the leader of the pack.
How does this happen? Well, the general public opinion is that it is okay and even natural, to allow your dog to walk ahead of you, pull you and sniff the ground in front of you.
You have seen those who if you look closely, they are not the ones walking their dog, but it is the other way around!
To the dog, when you allow them to “lead” you, they become the pack leader. Their respect for you diminishes, because now they are ahead of you on the food chain and you will find that this behavior will eventually affect the relationship in the home, as well.
If you have ever seen a pack of wild dogs, and most of us have not, but wolves are the closest we can get, you will see that the leader of the pack, always, ALWAYS, is the head of the pack and the others will be either beside them or a few steps behind. The leader of the pack has the responsibility to protect the members and to lead them.
Any time you see a dog acting aggressive or lunging at another dog, or passerby while on a leash, or simply going out of control, be it on the walk, or at home, it is telling you a story about the relationship that the owner has with their dog, what is going on inside the dog and how the dog views their place in the pack. If your dog is acting aggressive, you can almost guarantee, that it is a lack of confidence and of respect for their owner and the ability of the owners to protect and lead them. Therefore, the dog feels that they are supposed to be the leader of your pack, a position they are not prepared or able to handle, and their world goes out of balance.
Well, it is the rules of the breed, it is their nature and you can prove it easily. Learn a few dog training techniques on how to properly walk your dog, and begin doing it correctly, and you will immediately notice how it translates to every issue and relationship milestone that you are facing.
Dog Training Tips on how to walk your dog properly:
1. You need the proper equipment (training collar and 6 foot non-retractable leash) –no harnesses please, these are made for pulling.
2. When walking out the house, make sure you go first out the door and your dog follows, not the other way around.
3. Once outside, dog should be on your left side. Not in front of you, not behind you, but directly in step with you. Their nose should be in sync with your left knee (or hip or ankle depending on the size of the dog)
4. Your right hand should be in the handle, the leash should be in front of left thigh and it should make a “J” coming up to your right hand, which you place in front of your belly button.
5. You will leave your hand there the whole time. NO PULLING, TUGGING, or SHOVING your dog.
6. Simply walk and the dog will keep step with you.
7. If you see that the dog wonders off, or tries to pull, you put your whole body into it and turn the opposite direction in order to get their mind back on walking properly. Dog goes right, you go left, dog goes left you go right and so on.
8. If you do this a few times, then you will see that your dog will no longer walk away and try to pull, but will keep step with you throughout the whole walk.
9. This technique works, but it takes time to perfect it. Keep at it and practice it every time you go out on a walk.
10. When you want your dog to go potty, simply say “Okay” and allow the dog to go to the grass and sniff and potty. Once done, you regain control of the walk and keep going.
Remember, bad habits are hard to break and it takes some practice for both you and your dog to get into proper walking mode. However, once this is accomplished, you can feel confident, it will make your life and your pooches life much more balance and enjoyable.
This is an article from close friend, Richard Heinz, The Miami Dog Whisperer:
WHO'S WALKING WHOM? - DOG WALKING ANYONE CAN DO!
One of the most important things to do when you get a new puppy, or adopt an adult dog from a shelter, is learn how to properly walk your dog on a leash so that the experience for both you and your dog is both enjoyable and serves it’s purpose.
When you walk your dog on a leash, you may think you are doing it to help the dog go potty outside, or get the dog, and yourself, some exercise. All of these reasons are valid, however, there is a bigger purpose, walking your dog on a leash serves.
Dogs are pack animals. Walking your dog on a leash establishes you as the leader of the pack.
How does this happen? Well, the general public opinion is that it is okay and even natural, to allow your dog to walk ahead of you, pull you and sniff the ground in front of you.
You have seen those who if you look closely, they are not the ones walking their dog, but it is the other way around!
To the dog, when you allow them to “lead” you, they become the pack leader. Their respect for you diminishes, because now they are ahead of you on the food chain and you will find that this behavior will eventually affect the relationship in the home, as well.
If you have ever seen a pack of wild dogs, and most of us have not, but wolves are the closest we can get, you will see that the leader of the pack, always, ALWAYS, is the head of the pack and the others will be either beside them or a few steps behind. The leader of the pack has the responsibility to protect the members and to lead them.
If your dog feels they
have the responsibility
to protect and
lead you, then they
will feel off balance,
become aggressive towards
other dogs and people,
and not give you the respect
you expect from them!
They may become nervous, anxious and dysfunctional. Other behavior issues will surface and you will not realize it all stems from simply not knowing how to walk your dog properly.have the responsibility
to protect and
lead you, then they
will feel off balance,
become aggressive towards
other dogs and people,
and not give you the respect
you expect from them!
Any time you see a dog acting aggressive or lunging at another dog, or passerby while on a leash, or simply going out of control, be it on the walk, or at home, it is telling you a story about the relationship that the owner has with their dog, what is going on inside the dog and how the dog views their place in the pack. If your dog is acting aggressive, you can almost guarantee, that it is a lack of confidence and of respect for their owner and the ability of the owners to protect and lead them. Therefore, the dog feels that they are supposed to be the leader of your pack, a position they are not prepared or able to handle, and their world goes out of balance.
Well, it is the rules of the breed, it is their nature and you can prove it easily. Learn a few dog training techniques on how to properly walk your dog, and begin doing it correctly, and you will immediately notice how it translates to every issue and relationship milestone that you are facing.
Dog Training Tips on how to walk your dog properly:
1. You need the proper equipment (training collar and 6 foot non-retractable leash) –no harnesses please, these are made for pulling.
2. When walking out the house, make sure you go first out the door and your dog follows, not the other way around.
3. Once outside, dog should be on your left side. Not in front of you, not behind you, but directly in step with you. Their nose should be in sync with your left knee (or hip or ankle depending on the size of the dog)
4. Your right hand should be in the handle, the leash should be in front of left thigh and it should make a “J” coming up to your right hand, which you place in front of your belly button.
5. You will leave your hand there the whole time. NO PULLING, TUGGING, or SHOVING your dog.
6. Simply walk and the dog will keep step with you.
7. If you see that the dog wonders off, or tries to pull, you put your whole body into it and turn the opposite direction in order to get their mind back on walking properly. Dog goes right, you go left, dog goes left you go right and so on.
8. If you do this a few times, then you will see that your dog will no longer walk away and try to pull, but will keep step with you throughout the whole walk.
9. This technique works, but it takes time to perfect it. Keep at it and practice it every time you go out on a walk.
10. When you want your dog to go potty, simply say “Okay” and allow the dog to go to the grass and sniff and potty. Once done, you regain control of the walk and keep going.
Remember, bad habits are hard to break and it takes some practice for both you and your dog to get into proper walking mode. However, once this is accomplished, you can feel confident, it will make your life and your pooches life much more balance and enjoyable.
Monday, November 1, 2010
The Structured Walk
Caffeine Central would like to start a movement throughout the Carolinas and throughout the country to END the use of retractable leashes.
***FOR SPECIFIC TRAINING TACTICS FOR YOUR DOG, PLEASE CONSULT YOUR PERSONAL DOG TRAINER***
Fact: Dogs live healthier happier lives when they are balanced with no stress. Unfortunately, we as humans place a lot of human characteristics and psychology onto our dogs. The reality is that dog psychology has not changed much from their wolf ancestors. Dog emotion and human emotion are extremely different.
A dog is balanced, easier to handle, and trouble free when we as humans be their pack leader. This means giving dog rules, boundaries and limitations. A dog becomes more stress free when they no longer have to play the leadership role because their human cannot. A dog on a retractable leash has to fulfill this role of leader.
Retractable leashes do not provide the structure necessary to mentally stimulate your dog. Nor do retractable leashes create the trust bond vital in the dog/human relationship. Structured walks are essential training tactics that make all other training and rehabilitation possible. This kind of walk forces the dog to follow you as the leader instead of you following him. If performed correctly, the leash will be loose (see video below).
If you have even the smallest issue arise (fight, flight, fear, or aggression), the structured walk, where the dog walks along side of you, stops when you stop, and turns when you turn, can easily be controlled. No dog should pull their human. The behavior that a retractable leash instills translates to all other poor behaviors. If dog has no rules or boundaries outside, I guarantee other behaviors are present when the dog is inside and off leash.
Don't look to the dog for behavioral problems (even the slightest ones). Look to the owner who has not taken the time to create structure for their dog. Why should a dog be stressed to make human decisions? Instead, the dog becomes more balanced when we say, "Hey, trust me. Follow me. Relax. I have everything under control." The dog is more apt to take our guidance (even averting a horrible dog fight) when we are paying attention to the dog's signals. Balance requires we humans to have the dog under control, relaxed, waiting for our next directions.
***FOR SPECIFIC TRAINING TACTICS FOR YOUR DOG, PLEASE CONSULT YOUR PERSONAL DOG TRAINER***
Fact: Dogs live healthier happier lives when they are balanced with no stress. Unfortunately, we as humans place a lot of human characteristics and psychology onto our dogs. The reality is that dog psychology has not changed much from their wolf ancestors. Dog emotion and human emotion are extremely different.
A dog is balanced, easier to handle, and trouble free when we as humans be their pack leader. This means giving dog rules, boundaries and limitations. A dog becomes more stress free when they no longer have to play the leadership role because their human cannot. A dog on a retractable leash has to fulfill this role of leader.
Retractable leashes do not provide the structure necessary to mentally stimulate your dog. Nor do retractable leashes create the trust bond vital in the dog/human relationship. Structured walks are essential training tactics that make all other training and rehabilitation possible. This kind of walk forces the dog to follow you as the leader instead of you following him. If performed correctly, the leash will be loose (see video below).
If you have even the smallest issue arise (fight, flight, fear, or aggression), the structured walk, where the dog walks along side of you, stops when you stop, and turns when you turn, can easily be controlled. No dog should pull their human. The behavior that a retractable leash instills translates to all other poor behaviors. If dog has no rules or boundaries outside, I guarantee other behaviors are present when the dog is inside and off leash.
Don't look to the dog for behavioral problems (even the slightest ones). Look to the owner who has not taken the time to create structure for their dog. Why should a dog be stressed to make human decisions? Instead, the dog becomes more balanced when we say, "Hey, trust me. Follow me. Relax. I have everything under control." The dog is more apt to take our guidance (even averting a horrible dog fight) when we are paying attention to the dog's signals. Balance requires we humans to have the dog under control, relaxed, waiting for our next directions.
Featured is Josie, Caffeine Central's guardian Xoloitzcuintli. Note her loose leash. Even when a car passes by, she remains calm and relaxed looking for her next instruction. This is balanced. She stops when her human stops.
Make a commitment today to take your dog out for a structured walk at least once a day. Simply throwing your dog into the back yard isn't enough. If you can do more than one walk per day, you'll notice an even quicker improvement in your dogs personality and behavior.
Caffeine wants to hear your dogs updates via commenting to this post or joining the discussion on Twitter. Click on our Contact Us page for ways to get in touch with us with any questions.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Humane Society of York County - Fundraiser
Dates: November 13-14
Time: Sat 9am-6pm
Sun 2pm-6pm
Location: Lakeside Paws & Claws
4382 Charlotte Hwy
Lake Wylie, SC 29710
803-631-4766
Friday, October 15, 2010
My Generation
Did you know that 50% of marriages end within 7-8 years? Quickly look around you (and perhaps yourself). What an amazing statistic. What has changed so dramatically over the years? I am a Nirvana listening Gen X-er. Did my generation set in motion this movement of lack of acceptance? Have we simply exposed what has been there the whole time?
I just finished watching an episode of Jerry Springer. Shows like this demonstrate what is in every crevice of our society. I'd like to point the finger at the generation that lived through the 60's - the free spirited movement - for the cause. That generation might have ignited the fire, but we have carried it to an all new level. Gen X-ers live by way of the fist (and perhaps an extension of our middle fingers).
I am a part of the statistic. While I wasn't the one that ended my relationship, I am still part of the situation. I feel freer today because of it. I feel thrilled to have the opportunity to love someone even closer to my heart than the last.
Re-entering the dating scene, I had to make decisions as to what I was willing to accept now in my 30 somethings. A lot of things have changed since I last dated in my early 20s. What baggage can I accept? Many of us have either been married before, have kids, don't have kids, have had tons of sex with many people, thought we had life figured out, haven't decided what we want to be when we grow up, concentrating on our careers... I can add to this list until I'm blue in the face.
The answer to this question is as individual as the person reading this. Welcome to my generation. I often wonder if we as a society have shifted our essence. We have come to the realization that life is too short to accept anything but the most out of life and to make damn sure that we are as happy as we can be.
I just finished watching an episode of Jerry Springer. Shows like this demonstrate what is in every crevice of our society. I'd like to point the finger at the generation that lived through the 60's - the free spirited movement - for the cause. That generation might have ignited the fire, but we have carried it to an all new level. Gen X-ers live by way of the fist (and perhaps an extension of our middle fingers).
I am a part of the statistic. While I wasn't the one that ended my relationship, I am still part of the situation. I feel freer today because of it. I feel thrilled to have the opportunity to love someone even closer to my heart than the last.
The answer to this question is as individual as the person reading this. Welcome to my generation. I often wonder if we as a society have shifted our essence. We have come to the realization that life is too short to accept anything but the most out of life and to make damn sure that we are as happy as we can be.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Sarah Nell's Lasting Chapter
Sarah Nell was the best "man's dog" a guy could ask for. I've had the pleasure of writing many posts about her adventure. I hope you all enjoyed them. While I could write more on her time with me, I also recognize the need to conclude her story. Having been asked by many to write this chapter, I feel encouraged to do so.
The days leading up to Sarah Nell's passing were much like her days as healthy as ever. At least to me. I spent a great deal of time admiring her goofy frolicking, her ability to push away any woman in my life so that she could have me all to herself, and the need to take a bath in the electric water fountain. I saw these traits up until the day it was time for us to say goodbye.
Sarah Nell suffered from doggy cognitive disorder. Much like Alzheimer's in humans, she drifted off into space on many occasions. Upon moving up to North Carolina, her one good eye became worse. The damaging ear infections from the day I adopted her had taken their toll. She had become completely blind, def and unaware of her surroundings. Physically she was still as healthy as a horse. Mentally she quickly deteriorated.
She sat on the sofa while I was at work. Not knowing what else to do, she lay and wait for her master to faithfully come home. She still new my scent.
It wasn't as easy for me to recognize that suffering mentally is just as real as suffering physically. I loved her so much and still do today.
My Veterinarian suggested the ultimate suffering reliever. I could not nor did not want to admit to her failing. Sadly, I knew he was right. No amount of medical science and medicine could retrieve and restore her sanity.
I envisioned myself as her third owner. This time would be the charm. I also saw myself as her third male owner. The other two having past by heart failure or a tradgic accident. I still laugh at this thought today of her connection to men being an omen for their survival. I was gifted as the man who could make her last few years the best years of her life - a caretaker of sorts. In return, she gave me her world, her loyalty, and her undying commitment of the bond between a man and his dog.
The days and weeks after Sarah Nell's passing were the hardest. I lost a close friend. I reminisced on each of our greatest memories together. Many of which I have written here. I carry to this day the memory of the day I rescued her to her crazy antics of spinning backwards onto the sofa during play time. I still feel my large 76 pound German Shorthaired Pointer sleeping in my arms while having the largest smile a guy could ever have on his face.
These things have given me a lasting impression towards my commitment of the relationship between we humans and our dogs. As I write this lasting chapter, I am accompanied by my next rescue, Josie - a 43 pound black Xoloitzcuintli Mexican Hairless. Like Sarah Nell, I continue with my commitment of rescuing animals. Like Sarah Nell, she is a Man's Dog. She is my dog. No one else can even get close to her.
Josie reminds me that while Sarah Nell can never be replaced, there are new lasting relationships that await in shelters, rescue groups and foster homes all across the world. I believe that, like Sarah Nell, Josie picked me. Like destiny, both Sarah Nell and Josie were meant for me. Separately, our lives would not be the same. Josie's life may not even be possible. Without Josie, my life could never be the same.
With this I humbly say to you: Color your world and theirs - adopt.
The days leading up to Sarah Nell's passing were much like her days as healthy as ever. At least to me. I spent a great deal of time admiring her goofy frolicking, her ability to push away any woman in my life so that she could have me all to herself, and the need to take a bath in the electric water fountain. I saw these traits up until the day it was time for us to say goodbye.
Sarah Nell suffered from doggy cognitive disorder. Much like Alzheimer's in humans, she drifted off into space on many occasions. Upon moving up to North Carolina, her one good eye became worse. The damaging ear infections from the day I adopted her had taken their toll. She had become completely blind, def and unaware of her surroundings. Physically she was still as healthy as a horse. Mentally she quickly deteriorated.
She sat on the sofa while I was at work. Not knowing what else to do, she lay and wait for her master to faithfully come home. She still new my scent.
It wasn't as easy for me to recognize that suffering mentally is just as real as suffering physically. I loved her so much and still do today.
My Veterinarian suggested the ultimate suffering reliever. I could not nor did not want to admit to her failing. Sadly, I knew he was right. No amount of medical science and medicine could retrieve and restore her sanity.
I envisioned myself as her third owner. This time would be the charm. I also saw myself as her third male owner. The other two having past by heart failure or a tradgic accident. I still laugh at this thought today of her connection to men being an omen for their survival. I was gifted as the man who could make her last few years the best years of her life - a caretaker of sorts. In return, she gave me her world, her loyalty, and her undying commitment of the bond between a man and his dog.
The days and weeks after Sarah Nell's passing were the hardest. I lost a close friend. I reminisced on each of our greatest memories together. Many of which I have written here. I carry to this day the memory of the day I rescued her to her crazy antics of spinning backwards onto the sofa during play time. I still feel my large 76 pound German Shorthaired Pointer sleeping in my arms while having the largest smile a guy could ever have on his face.
These things have given me a lasting impression towards my commitment of the relationship between we humans and our dogs. As I write this lasting chapter, I am accompanied by my next rescue, Josie - a 43 pound black Xoloitzcuintli Mexican Hairless. Like Sarah Nell, I continue with my commitment of rescuing animals. Like Sarah Nell, she is a Man's Dog. She is my dog. No one else can even get close to her.
Josie reminds me that while Sarah Nell can never be replaced, there are new lasting relationships that await in shelters, rescue groups and foster homes all across the world. I believe that, like Sarah Nell, Josie picked me. Like destiny, both Sarah Nell and Josie were meant for me. Separately, our lives would not be the same. Josie's life may not even be possible. Without Josie, my life could never be the same.
With this I humbly say to you: Color your world and theirs - adopt.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
The Joshua Tree
According to Desert USA, the Joshua Tree thrives in a barren desert environment. Sprung up through the dry hostile environment of the Mojave Desert, where life seems impossible, the Joshua Tree has developed a symbiotic relationship with a single organism - the female Pronuba Moth. Only this moth can spread the pollen from the Joshua Tree to ensure its survival and blossoming. Reciprocated by the moth, the Pronuba can only reproduce in the Joshua Tree and feed off of the Joshua Tree's pollinated seeds. Without the Joshua Tree, there would be no Pronuba and vice versa.
The Joshua Tree and the Pronuba have the perfect relationship in an extremely imperfect and challenging environment. They are an oasis of life where everything is at odds against them.
I have been through my share of relationships. I think we all seek this symbiotic relationship. Some of us have found it. Some of us are still traveling through the hostile environment seeking that one bright spot in our lives that meets all of our needs. Nature is a great teacher. I stop and look around at my surroundings for these small lessons.
Our hostile environment includes our jobs, bosses, the world in general, and who can forget traffic. In nature, like the Pronuba and the Joshua Tree, there is drought, excessive heat, and predators.
Everything happens for a reason. The great hope that nature teaches me is that life is possible, and the person that is perfect for me is out there. The Joshua Tree and the Pronuba know exactly what they are and what they need. Being true to myself, being myself, and knowing exactly what I am looking for in my better half is the lesson learned the Joshua Tree demonstrates.
In the wasteland of challenges, the Joshua Tree thrives. The Joshua Tree exists without compromise to it's needs. Our challenge is being true to ourselves. Our goal: to navigating through adversity in order to make our lives... remarkable!
Ever Forward - Adelante!
Friday, September 24, 2010
From the Road - Ode's Story
Ode’s story begins a couple years before she was born.
 |
| Daisy |
As you might imagine Daisy started acting out, and the woman was going to put her down. A rescue organization called Animal Crusaders stepped in and we found Daisy at an adoption fair.
Daisy was the first dog my wife and I took in together, and she was a great dog. She was smart, and seemed to know what she had in us. She gave as good as she got. We loved her very much.
While my wife was on her internship out of state, Daisy became ill. A number of vets couldn’t quite figure out what was wrong, until one determined that she had cancer.
My wife had been gone for five months. On the day my wife came home for summer break, we had to let Daisy go.
I picked my wife up at the airport in Phoenix , we drove home to Tucson
Almost two years went by, and we still felt Daisy’s loss. Life moves forward. Always forward.
We just didn’t feel ready for a new dog. We talked about it a time or two, but it just didn’t feel right.
On a January day in 2007, my wife was working just outside of Phoenix
 |
| Ode |
When I met her later that day she was skin and bone and she had a pretty serious wound on the inside of her rear leg. She drank a lot of water, ate some food, and slept for the next 24 hours. Frankly, I wasn’t sure she would survive the night.
When she woke up, she was a completely different dog, playful, energetic, chasing the cats around the house. My wife and I had talked about if we could keep her. I insisted I still wasn’t ready, but when she woke up and I saw those eyes and that smile, I knew there was no way this dog would live anywhere but with us.
We weren’t ready for another dog after the heartbreak of losing Daisy, even after two years, but this little girl knew different. When we tell the story, we tell people that she found us- she decided we were ready.
Now we had to find a name, it had to fit. We talked about it, did some research, nothing seemed right.
I don’t know what Ode’s life was like before she found us. I can guess by the condition she was in that it was a hard-scrabble existence. She was thin, dehydrated, wounded. The truck stop where she found us was right next to the biggest highway in Arizona
Now as I watch her napping on our California
Just like ours.
Brian and Terra Baltosiewich relocated to Charlotte, NC in March, 2010. While they have settled into their new home, Ode' has enjoyed familiarizing herself squirrels.
Brian Baltosiewich owns Radio Exiles and Terra is a successful food industry health inspector
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Featured on NoFIZZ Charlotte WaterBLOG
Hello! My name is Joe, and I’m a sodaholic. They say that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, while expecting different results each time.How much product can I get in? This will pick me up this time. I just want the fizz between my teeth for a little while longer.
If there were a meeting for a soda addiction, you might find me there. I moved up to Charlotte
I enjoy coffee. I enjoy the pick-me-up. It can be argued that once combined, the caffeine rush with HFCS found in soda gave me the perfect peace of mind I so craved. Does this sound familiar? I will never argue to take away a good cup of coffee. What I will argue against is the experience of walking down the grocery aisle and feeling the craving of something that I would later learn can give me extreme issues with diabetes along with a myriad of other health consequences thanks to HFCS and the byproducts found within soda.
The first step was to take the challenge and admit there was a problem. Thankfully for beginning this challenge, food allergies were nothing new to me. I suffered severe migraines as a kid thanks in part to my addictively overeating a product loaded with preservatives. Still don’t think unnatural, unhealthy and processed food is bad for you?Luckily, I have outgrown most of those issues by this point in my life. The lifestyle I led as a result of those allergies has stayed with me, and forced me to make some changes. Why not turn over a new leaf and take a step against diabetes, obesity, and the bad effects of a sugary crash?
I had already begun the process of eliminating out soda from my life a few years prior. Encouraged by NoFizz Charlotte and the daily reminders via Twitter, along with the support of fellow Charlotte
The simple challenge NoFizzCLT presented to me was not a major lifestyle change. No body is asking me to remove my coffee drinking – simply the byproducts, and unnatural processed chemicals found within soda. The results are another step towards a healthier alternative to living.
There are no sugary crashes during the middle of the day. While I have no scientific proof, since the last time I cracked open a can of soda, even stress levels appear to have subsided. The impacts to my areas of life being a little less stressed have improved. I supplanted soda for water, sparkling cider, and carbonated flavored water mixed with natural juices.
Living healthier is not all or nothing. Making a healthier change is as simple as one step at a time. I encourage all to take one simple step as I did with NoFizz Charlotte and take this challenge!
About the Author: Joe, an avid dog trainer and rescuer, lives and works in Charlotte , North Carolina
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Fang Discrimination
Caffeine Central accepts all people through it's doors. I personally believe in the paranormal. I have my beliefs. Others have theirs. Originally from Coconut Grove, Florida, the village for all walks of life, I hold true to the come as your are mentality found within each of us Grove-ites.
With this being said, I want to introduce Andrew U. Long blond hair, cowboy boots, Hell's Angels Tattoos, and tortoise glasses... Remember those?
Seems normal enough right? How many people would walk up to him and start talking to him? A master carpenter. I encountered him on a job site many years ago. I'm not sure if it was his professional workmanship that intrigued me or the fact that he had fang implants and a bottle of Scope that he drank out of while working. I had to introduce myself as the PM for the site.
What I discovered, as I thought I might, was a highly intelligent guy that had a deep fascination with the unusual. The man could hold a conversation about politics, life, and history. I might add that his breath smelled incredibly minty, too!
Andrew's alternative lifestyle was none of my business, but I had to discover more. In a conversation about history, he discussed his fascination with Transylvania and the loss of his girlfriend to a monastery there. Not thinking about the stereotypical pun, I instead chose to say I was sorry his girlfriend left him. Why would she leave him?
His response? "I scared her away!" Puzzled.. I looked at him and said, "Scared her?" Andrew holds up both index fingers pointing down like fangs, snarls, and says "Yeah! I scared her away!" OHHH the FANGS! I really did completely forget about the tattoos, the fangs, and the bottle of Scope through our conversation. He was a normal guy with a terrific work ethic.
A month past. A new resource position opened for.. a lead carpenter. While I'm a PM for the site with direct contact with the client, each lead contractor must also have direct contact with the customer. The sad thought must pass through my mind - is this a good perception to demonstrate to a customer? Would this be fang discrimination? EEOC here we come. Sadly, I would never find out due to other circumstances beyond my hiring control.
Andrew was the genuine article. A deep, down-to-Earth gentleman. Would you have approached Andrew? Would you have hired him? While I might have hired him, would the clients have accepted him? My belief is that society judges a book by it's cover, and that society doesn't give good people a chance.
With this being said, I want to introduce Andrew U. Long blond hair, cowboy boots, Hell's Angels Tattoos, and tortoise glasses... Remember those?
Seems normal enough right? How many people would walk up to him and start talking to him? A master carpenter. I encountered him on a job site many years ago. I'm not sure if it was his professional workmanship that intrigued me or the fact that he had fang implants and a bottle of Scope that he drank out of while working. I had to introduce myself as the PM for the site.
Andrew's alternative lifestyle was none of my business, but I had to discover more. In a conversation about history, he discussed his fascination with Transylvania and the loss of his girlfriend to a monastery there. Not thinking about the stereotypical pun, I instead chose to say I was sorry his girlfriend left him. Why would she leave him?
His response? "I scared her away!" Puzzled.. I looked at him and said, "Scared her?" Andrew holds up both index fingers pointing down like fangs, snarls, and says "Yeah! I scared her away!" OHHH the FANGS! I really did completely forget about the tattoos, the fangs, and the bottle of Scope through our conversation. He was a normal guy with a terrific work ethic.
A month past. A new resource position opened for.. a lead carpenter. While I'm a PM for the site with direct contact with the client, each lead contractor must also have direct contact with the customer. The sad thought must pass through my mind - is this a good perception to demonstrate to a customer? Would this be fang discrimination? EEOC here we come. Sadly, I would never find out due to other circumstances beyond my hiring control.
Andrew was the genuine article. A deep, down-to-Earth gentleman. Would you have approached Andrew? Would you have hired him? While I might have hired him, would the clients have accepted him? My belief is that society judges a book by it's cover, and that society doesn't give good people a chance.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Carrot Soup with Cilantro
What you'll need:
1 tbs unsalted butter
.5 tsp fennel seeds
.25 tsp cayenne pepper (or to taste)
1.5 lbs carrots sliced
.5 lb sweet potatoes peeled and cubed
2 tbs brown basmati or other long grain rice
.25 tsp. curry powder or to taste (I use more)
5.5 cups chicken stock (or vegetable stock for my vegetarian friends)
1 cup white wine
1 bay leaf
salt and freshly grown black pepper
1 cube chicken bouillon cube for extra depth
2 tbs fresh cilantro
sour cream or creme fraiche for serving
In a large pot, heat .5 tbs butter over medium heat. Toast the fennel seeds until darkened about 2-3 minutes. Add the apple, carrots and sweet potatoes and cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Deglaze with wine. Add the rice, and curry powder, cayenne if desired, chicken stock, bouillon, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, lower the heat and cover and simmer until the rice and vegetables are tender (30 minutes or so). Drain, RESERVING THE BROTH, remove and discard the bay leaf.
Transfer the mixture and small amounts of the reserved broth in batches to a food processor and puree until smooth. When dealing with hot soups in a processor, really lean on the lid. You don't know pain until a food processor lid blows off the top splattering you and the kitchen with molten lava! Only fill your processor half way or less at a time. Return the pureed soup and any remaining reserved broth to the soup pot. Simmer for five minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
To serve, drizzle the top of the soup with remaining melted buttor and sprinkle with cilantro, creme fraiche and a dash of cayenne for extra heat.
Serve a nice rustic bread toasted on the side.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Maple Nut Crunch! - Caffeine's Tribute to Denis Leary
Coffee doesn't need a menu! It needs a cup! Maybe a saucer underneath the cup! THAT'S IT! www dot What the Fuck dot com.
Caffeine Central believes in Coffee Flavored Coffee! We drink for the effect!!! Right? Some flavors are ok. But let's face it. Give us a good old cup of coffee, shot of espresso, or Cuban coffee.
Caffeine now presents you with 8 minutes of absolute tear jerking comedy..
Denis Leary, Lock N Load - Coffee [Explicit - of course]
Enjoy!
Caffeine Central believes in Coffee Flavored Coffee! We drink for the effect!!! Right? Some flavors are ok. But let's face it. Give us a good old cup of coffee, shot of espresso, or Cuban coffee.
Caffeine now presents you with 8 minutes of absolute tear jerking comedy..
Denis Leary, Lock N Load - Coffee [Explicit - of course]
Enjoy!
Virtual Meets Actual - Doh!
We have all taken actions that we wish we could have done better in. I call this life experience. Yeah we human's sure can fuck things up some times. I'm a man about town. I'm single at the moment. I come and go as I choose. I have a wonderful dog. I have awesome friends around me. Life is good. But just like in personal relationships, we can mess up with our friends too.
I'm sitting in a well know coffee shop. Everyone who knows me understands I'm high energy and I love to laugh (This is Caffeine Central after all). I'm busily having conversations with my smart phone. Twitter, Facebook, Text message, even on the phone. The look of death from the surrounding people when I answer the phone calls reminds me of sitting in a library. I want to say, "Look we all know you're here not to actually work, but to be seen instead!" I make the comment of feeling like I'm in a depressed library online. All hell breaks loose from two close friends. If I was in a library, I was in the wrong place.
I decided that the best course of action was to leave. I really did need to get things done prior to needing to pick up Josie from Charlotte's own Dogtopia doggy day care. I live at the North end of town. Dogtopia is at the South end.
I prepare to walk out and realize those two good friend were sitting in the same "library" as me! I simply say, "It's a library in here because I say it is." Wish them a great day and leave. Not the smartest decision. Text messages and Twitter replies start flying. I honestly didn't want to bother these two awesome people when I know they are truly working. One sided.. I know everyone in there was probably honestly working (and trying to be seen I'm sure) - I don't care and sit all the way in the back.
Needless to say, I turned my pickup truck around and came back. I spent a great hour with two wonderful people to me.
Sometimes in life we make the best decisions we think are right in that very moment.. It is amazing how our friends can quickly correct that thought process. I'm glad I got to spend time with them and share some of my bad influence.
ADELANTE! (Spanish for Ever Forward - to live!)
-Joe
How do you say that?!
Josie is too adorable for words!
The website www.dogbreedinfo.com says that the Aztecs enjoyed the hairless dogs as pets, but also found them useful. They would even use the toy version of the breed as ancient hot-water bottles to relieving stomach pains and rheumatic joints, or simply for warming beds during cold nights. Extreme cold made for a “Three Dog Night.” I know that’s something to make me sing “Joy to the World!”
Whatever her ancient history, we’re so glad that Josie is here to help keep our playrooms warm now that summer is ending!
Originally featured on Dogtopia of Charlotte's Doggy Blog
Thank you Nicole Pennell of DOGTOPIA for featuring Josie!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
What Caffeine is all about
In the heart of Historic Downtown Gastonia and down a short flight of stairs, you will find GasPump Coffee Co. I was gravitated to the smell of fresh local coffee being brewed up by owner/operator Ella Childe. Almost transformed, I was feeling more awake with each step down to the sub-basement establishment.I'm a huge fan of popular coffee houses as many of you already know. However, I'm a huge supporter of buying local when I can. GasPump is a gem to our revitalizing local community. Just as the coffee vapors invigorate my blood, so too does establishments like this one to our historic district. The beat of hammers and construction equipment surrounding Main Ave. let me know just how much our community is finding new purpose. GasPump Coffee Co. is in the center of it all. Situated just behind GasPump lies another piece of our Gaston County history - the empty shell of one of Gaston's largest Southern textile manufacturing plants. I can feel this rich history in the original brick walls and tile floors lining this coffee house.
I can't go into any establishment, let alone a coffee house, without striking up a conversation with the people around me. I was fortunate to have owner Ella Childe there to talk with. Like the same old story, she and her husband are transplants like me. We have a common love of dogs (of course - I find all the animal lovers like a magnet). We also have a great vision and passion for what our Gaston County community will become. Like Cramerton's town motto states that we have: Pride in our past. Faith in our future. If you need your morning fix, visit the good folks at GasPump Coffee Co.
Dating in the Information Age
I'm on Facebook and Twitter. I've met quite a few people this way. I'd even venture to say that some of my closest friends come from one of these two sources. We're doing good so far, right? What about in terms of matters of the heart? There's nothing new about doing personals. We've all giggled at some of the personal ads we've seen in the paper. Wanted: someone passionate about love and not afraid to get rug burns on their knees. Call XXX-XXXX. Gotcha. Or something like this:
I think I might have spoken to her the other day actually!!! Perhaps it was all in her head....
Today, we use formats like Match.com and e-Harmony... In a discussion with one of my closest friends, the current thought is that 1:5 relationships were found online. Is there a real benefit to this? Does it work like my other relationships where we're a bit more comfortable seeing each other because we've already built up a huge relationship virtually before taking the plunge in physically meeting?
We can take the time to get to know each other much better over multiple messages instead of having one shot at getting a news clipping's worth of information out there in order to get that phone call.
In a recent investigation, the online sites still require you to get a news clipping's worth of attraction out there so that people email you or wink at you. Why not just get the information out there? Tell the people exactly what you're looking for in a single blip. I'm sure the person who fits you most will come knocking... And I'm sure a good case of some itchy STD
With that being said... I'll see you online on a popular dating site. My investigation must penetrate deeper into the inner reaching of cyber space.
Today, we use formats like Match.com and e-Harmony... In a discussion with one of my closest friends, the current thought is that 1:5 relationships were found online. Is there a real benefit to this? Does it work like my other relationships where we're a bit more comfortable seeing each other because we've already built up a huge relationship virtually before taking the plunge in physically meeting?
We can take the time to get to know each other much better over multiple messages instead of having one shot at getting a news clipping's worth of information out there in order to get that phone call.
In a recent investigation, the online sites still require you to get a news clipping's worth of attraction out there so that people email you or wink at you. Why not just get the information out there? Tell the people exactly what you're looking for in a single blip. I'm sure the person who fits you most will come knocking... And I'm sure a good case of some itchy STD
With that being said... I'll see you online on a popular dating site. My investigation must penetrate deeper into the inner reaching of cyber space.
Sarah Nell - The Adventure Continues
Sarah Nell's story is much like the millions of other stories I've heard over the years from fellow rescuers. What makes Sarah's adventure so special is that her time with me would be her third lease on life. Each story is as unique as the next. What I didn't realize when I stared into her eye when we met on that fateful day was that I was her only shot at finally living a happy life. I didn't realize that I was in the presence of a stately celebrity. Thus, she had an estate. However, like we see in many of the gossip magazines, coming from a great background does not equal a happy life. This was Sarah's past.
There are two different kinds of dog people in the world: those that see dogs as animals serving a purpose like a tool and those that believe in anthropomorphism. Anthropomorphism is the personification or giving human characteristics to non-humans. This would be me. I speak for my dogs: "Look at me! Hey! Hey! Play with me! Down here!" I envision them doing natural human behaviors. They are like my kids. I can hear the Miami Dog Whisperer, Richard Heinz, all over me now for this thought process. I can't help it. I've raised and trained many dogs in this form of behavior with great success. It almost fulfills a dogs natural freedom to some degree and builds trust between the dog and owner.
Sarah's bad luck with owners did not end there. Sarah's and my paths would never have crossed if it hadn't been for Johnson tragically being killed in a car accident in the islands.Amongst many of the running jokes that Sarah brought to my life, I was to become Sarah's third male owner. It was quite possible that any male she came across would come to a violent or tragic ending. What I soon discovered was that Sarah was a slow witted slobber of a lover for men. She was the ultimate man's dog!
Sarah was left in the Johnson backyard forgotten and unwanted. A relative, who came to settle Johnson's estate, discovered Sarah Nell. Doing the best he could, not knowing much about animals, dumped a bag of dog food on the ground for her so that she would not starve. Left in the environment, Sarah had filed down her teeth and became terribly infected on numerous fronts. Not only did her former owners lie about her being spayed to avoid paying fees to the State, but now she had a massive uterine infection, pseudomonas in her floppy ears, and a massive skin infection that caused her to scratch violently. She was a walking medical nightmare.
Sarah's estate included any and all medical expenses. Sarah was quickly spayed and her internal infection cleaned up in the process. Besides the pseudomonas super germ in her ear and her blind eye, Sarah was as healthy as a puppy. It is hard to believe that infection and sickness can cause such a dramatic attitude change in a dog, but it can. To prove herself feeling better than ever, Sarah would bolt around our small condo discovering all the glories of being free and knock everything over in the process. It was clear she never was given the ability to even play with toys. Sarah was goofy and a bit slow witted. When something new was discovered, I could almost hear the choirs sing from the heavens. She would smile at me approvingly saying, "That was awesome, Daddy! What's next!"
When I first rescued Sarah Nell, I thought I would be giving an old dog a comfortable bed for the next six months until the inevitable came to pass. Just like an ancient relic dug from the Earth, once cleaned and restored I discovered a priceless piece of my heart. Those six months turned into the best four years I have ever had in a relationship with a dog.
The Abstract Collage
What truly goes through the mind of a dog? We can only hypothesize. Some of the greatest minds in Veterinary medicine have tested numerous theories on the subject matter. I'm here to say that all of those theories might hold true for the average dog, but they don't hold true in the case of my Sarah Nell. The dogs mind is relatively complex. If there was spirituality involved, dogs practice perfect nirvana of living in the now. They comprehend and react to what's around them. They have wants and desires. It is my experience that dogs exhibit the ability to retain both positive and negative. Some behaviors are instinctive while other behaviors are learned through repetition, praise and loyalty.
Pit Bulls are great examples. I can tell you first hand that the majority of people don't understand the breed or have assumptions of the breed that are simply not true. As a matter of fact, Pits are perhaps the most loyal dogs I've owned. The greatest difficulty with them is that they have the uncanny ability to remember the bad often times resulting in the need for serious rehabilitation. I believe this is why they can be easily turned into vicious dogs that people dread and fear. They don't want to be abused and are more apt to fight rather than flight. They fight out of loyalty to their owners and out of the reaction to the bad. Simple abuse by owners. Don't blame the dog; blame the person. Anyone who abuses a dog is lower than dirt and should be treated no less than a child abuser. It is a statistical fact that you have a greater chance of being hit in the head by a coconut than ever being attacked by a Pit Bull. Also, there are more bites annually from little dogs like Chihuahuas than Pits. Talk about a misconception of a breed!
In Sarah Nell's case, however, she seemed to retain only a couple of things. First, she needed her man... Me. She would wait anxiously all day until I got home so that she and I could sit on the sofa together and watch the evening news. We were inseparable. She would actually knock Susie Q, my first love and original Pointer, out of the way just to get to me when I walked in at nights. I could tell from the first moment we met that she had always been handled by a man. I'm pretty sure that she wanted me all to herself. The running joke was that she plotted feverishly to snub out my girlfriend at the time so that I would be all hers.
I discovered her passion to accomplish this as she sat on my ex while she slept in the middle of the night possibly looking to make it look like an accidental suffocation. Who would suspect the old senile dog? That's my theory at least. The second thing she remembered was that she got more alone time with Daddy (her man) every night by begging to be walked by herself promptly at 8:00 p.m. She would jump up at the door then come running over to me. Then back again. Our ritual was to take a nice stroll around our long block to work out the day's energy. Sarah was always in the lead pulling as usual. It was our moment; it was just the two of us.
The remainder of Sarah's mental state, as we soon diagnosed as cognitive dysfunction - much like Alzheimer's in humans - was an abstract collage of randomness. She would lie on the sofa and stare out towards the wall as if to be holding some kind of conversation with an invisible person or watching the clouds roll by on an afternoon Summer day. She was unsure of the front door at times. Startled by its existence, she would leap backwards knocking over the water bowl. I've never seen a water bowl dumped over with more grace and passion.
Some dogs are great communicators. They'll cry at the door to let you know that they need to use the bathroom. Not Sarah Nell. Unlike the little foster Pointer puppy peeing all over the condo, we had Lake Sarah all over the kitchen floor. I was thankful we had the carpet removed and tile put down prior to moving in. Sarah didn't know how to play well, but was quickly discovering that she could spin around in circles (most times she spun backwards mind you) and bark loudly to gain affection and attention from the other dogs and me. If she had a Native American name, it would have been "Spins in Circles." Always backwards. None of the rest of our pack knew exactly what to do with her or how to play safely with her. Except for me. I knew her limits and would quickly get her into a game of tug of war... Her favorite.
Some dogs have a great sense of reason. Some dogs remember the good and the bad. They can demonstrate incredible abilities. Sarah Nell's ability was to love, to be compassionate, to be silly and to be the best man's companion in the world. I laugh at the zany antics including her homicidal tendencies. She wouldn't have been Sarah Nell without them.
Pit Bulls are great examples. I can tell you first hand that the majority of people don't understand the breed or have assumptions of the breed that are simply not true. As a matter of fact, Pits are perhaps the most loyal dogs I've owned. The greatest difficulty with them is that they have the uncanny ability to remember the bad often times resulting in the need for serious rehabilitation. I believe this is why they can be easily turned into vicious dogs that people dread and fear. They don't want to be abused and are more apt to fight rather than flight. They fight out of loyalty to their owners and out of the reaction to the bad. Simple abuse by owners. Don't blame the dog; blame the person. Anyone who abuses a dog is lower than dirt and should be treated no less than a child abuser. It is a statistical fact that you have a greater chance of being hit in the head by a coconut than ever being attacked by a Pit Bull. Also, there are more bites annually from little dogs like Chihuahuas than Pits. Talk about a misconception of a breed!
In Sarah Nell's case, however, she seemed to retain only a couple of things. First, she needed her man... Me. She would wait anxiously all day until I got home so that she and I could sit on the sofa together and watch the evening news. We were inseparable. She would actually knock Susie Q, my first love and original Pointer, out of the way just to get to me when I walked in at nights. I could tell from the first moment we met that she had always been handled by a man. I'm pretty sure that she wanted me all to herself. The running joke was that she plotted feverishly to snub out my girlfriend at the time so that I would be all hers.
I discovered her passion to accomplish this as she sat on my ex while she slept in the middle of the night possibly looking to make it look like an accidental suffocation. Who would suspect the old senile dog? That's my theory at least. The second thing she remembered was that she got more alone time with Daddy (her man) every night by begging to be walked by herself promptly at 8:00 p.m. She would jump up at the door then come running over to me. Then back again. Our ritual was to take a nice stroll around our long block to work out the day's energy. Sarah was always in the lead pulling as usual. It was our moment; it was just the two of us.
The remainder of Sarah's mental state, as we soon diagnosed as cognitive dysfunction - much like Alzheimer's in humans - was an abstract collage of randomness. She would lie on the sofa and stare out towards the wall as if to be holding some kind of conversation with an invisible person or watching the clouds roll by on an afternoon Summer day. She was unsure of the front door at times. Startled by its existence, she would leap backwards knocking over the water bowl. I've never seen a water bowl dumped over with more grace and passion.
Some dogs are great communicators. They'll cry at the door to let you know that they need to use the bathroom. Not Sarah Nell. Unlike the little foster Pointer puppy peeing all over the condo, we had Lake Sarah all over the kitchen floor. I was thankful we had the carpet removed and tile put down prior to moving in. Sarah didn't know how to play well, but was quickly discovering that she could spin around in circles (most times she spun backwards mind you) and bark loudly to gain affection and attention from the other dogs and me. If she had a Native American name, it would have been "Spins in Circles." Always backwards. None of the rest of our pack knew exactly what to do with her or how to play safely with her. Except for me. I knew her limits and would quickly get her into a game of tug of war... Her favorite.
Some dogs have a great sense of reason. Some dogs remember the good and the bad. They can demonstrate incredible abilities. Sarah Nell's ability was to love, to be compassionate, to be silly and to be the best man's companion in the world. I laugh at the zany antics including her homicidal tendencies. She wouldn't have been Sarah Nell without them.
Dirty Pick Up Lines
DIRTY?! I like it! Here are a few choice pickup lines...
- How much does a Polar Bear weigh? ... Enough to break the ice! Hi! I'm <insert name>
- Do you wash your clothes in Windex? Because I can see myself in your pants.
- Do you want to go back to my place for pizza and to fuck? *Wait for Gasp* WHAT? You don't like pizza????
- The word of the day is legs; why don't you come to my house and spread the word.
- Fuck playing doctor! You wanna play gynecologist?
- Are you free tonight or will it cost me?
- I'm fighting the urge to make you the happiest woman on Earth tonight.
- If it's true that we are what we eat, I could be you by morning!
- Let's play 68! You do me and I'll owe you one.
- Gee that's a nice set of legs. What time do they open?
The Perfect Fit
How should you decide what type of dog is right for you? What kind of dog is a perfect fit for you and your family? I have spoken with many people over the years, and I have asked this very question. I receive responses such as:- I grew up with this breed.
- I researched the breed.
- I saw him/her at the adoption event and fell in love.
- The dog spoke to me and I knew I had to have him/her.
- I don't know. Ask my wife!
I recently attended the Mount Holly, NC hearing on the banning of Pit Bull types of breeds from the city. Having handled so many breeds over the years I can say that Pit Bulls receive a bad perception by many. I feel that there is a real reason for this too. In the case of the Pit Bull, a non-specific mix of breeds, people typically own them simply so that they can say they own one not realizing the amount of responsibility, training, exercise and effort this terrier based breed requires in order for the dog to be happy, balanced, and sociable. In the hands of the wrong person, a Pit can be trained to be aggressive and dangerous to society.
I pictured Sarah Nell, my German Shorthaired Pointer - a 70 pound dog mind you - coming out of a crate suitable for a puppy. It's a great picture. How in the world she squeezed herself into that crate is beyond me. Sometimes, this is exactly what we expect out of our pets as humans. Guilty as charged, I treat animals like my children. I place human traits onto them and speak to them on a regular basis. The point of the matter is that I try to keep in mind that each of the breeds I've handled in my life require a specific set of rules, boundaries, limitations and training tactics so that they are balanced as a breed. Dogs cannot be merely placed in our homes without any expectations, rules, boundaries, exercise, and mental foundation. The result of failing to provide these things to ANY breed creates an animal that is destructive, hyper, and dangerous.
When I go to a dog park, my first instinct is to watch the behaviors of the dogs within the park. Some dogs' energy levels are too much for another dog within the park. What can erupt is too hard rough housing and sometimes a fight. I have seen people bitten and dogs bloodied in the process. None of these dogs were Pit Bulls. The offending dogs are probably angels at home, but not in a social environment with other dogs. Sadly, this is the fault of the human owners - not the dogs. Lack of socialization, training, and structure causes theses these bad behaviors. It can happen with any breed on multiple levels. Left unchecked by humans, this creates a ticking time bomb for not only the world around the owner/pet, but also to the owner themselves.
Breed Specific Legislation will never solve the errs of humans. If we leave our pets, our furry family, in a home with no training, no exercise, no place to run, no socialization training, and no understanding of the breed(s) mental structure and instincts, then aren't we asking our 70 pound dog to fit into a crate only big enough for a 15 pound puppy?
My response to you when thinking about getting a dog is this: take the time to read up on the breed and what specific responsibilities the breed(s) require. Terriers for example need a great amount energy released. They are a working breed. If their mind isn't focused on contributing to a task or job, the energy will need to be released somehow. A trip to the dog park is not the right answer for this. It must be focused training to work out the mental stimulation the dog requires. The dog park and play time are post training rewards after both physical and mental stimulation. Teach your dog how to walk/run on a treadmill or heel along side of a bike. Then proceed with a formal training session. Lastly, take him/her to the dog park or a run outside as the reward.
Lastly, not every training technique will work with your specific breed. I mention this because of the amounts of publicity TV celebrity dog trainers receive. We as owners must remain committed to carrying out the training in its fullest. It is up to you to find the method and the trainer that has the best response with your dog. Dog psychology varies with each breed. When dealing with a mix, like a Pit Bull or another cuddly rescue we see at the shelter, the psychology can become more complex then what we are capable of working with. Don't give up. Seek help from a professional. Create the rules. Be consistent. I guarantee your dog will be healthy, happy and balanced.
I pictured Sarah Nell, my German Shorthaired Pointer - a 70 pound dog mind you - coming out of a crate suitable for a puppy. It's a great picture. How in the world she squeezed herself into that crate is beyond me. Sometimes, this is exactly what we expect out of our pets as humans. Guilty as charged, I treat animals like my children. I place human traits onto them and speak to them on a regular basis. The point of the matter is that I try to keep in mind that each of the breeds I've handled in my life require a specific set of rules, boundaries, limitations and training tactics so that they are balanced as a breed. Dogs cannot be merely placed in our homes without any expectations, rules, boundaries, exercise, and mental foundation. The result of failing to provide these things to ANY breed creates an animal that is destructive, hyper, and dangerous.
When I go to a dog park, my first instinct is to watch the behaviors of the dogs within the park. Some dogs' energy levels are too much for another dog within the park. What can erupt is too hard rough housing and sometimes a fight. I have seen people bitten and dogs bloodied in the process. None of these dogs were Pit Bulls. The offending dogs are probably angels at home, but not in a social environment with other dogs. Sadly, this is the fault of the human owners - not the dogs. Lack of socialization, training, and structure causes theses these bad behaviors. It can happen with any breed on multiple levels. Left unchecked by humans, this creates a ticking time bomb for not only the world around the owner/pet, but also to the owner themselves.
Breed Specific Legislation will never solve the errs of humans. If we leave our pets, our furry family, in a home with no training, no exercise, no place to run, no socialization training, and no understanding of the breed(s) mental structure and instincts, then aren't we asking our 70 pound dog to fit into a crate only big enough for a 15 pound puppy?
My response to you when thinking about getting a dog is this: take the time to read up on the breed and what specific responsibilities the breed(s) require. Terriers for example need a great amount energy released. They are a working breed. If their mind isn't focused on contributing to a task or job, the energy will need to be released somehow. A trip to the dog park is not the right answer for this. It must be focused training to work out the mental stimulation the dog requires. The dog park and play time are post training rewards after both physical and mental stimulation. Teach your dog how to walk/run on a treadmill or heel along side of a bike. Then proceed with a formal training session. Lastly, take him/her to the dog park or a run outside as the reward.
Lastly, not every training technique will work with your specific breed. I mention this because of the amounts of publicity TV celebrity dog trainers receive. We as owners must remain committed to carrying out the training in its fullest. It is up to you to find the method and the trainer that has the best response with your dog. Dog psychology varies with each breed. When dealing with a mix, like a Pit Bull or another cuddly rescue we see at the shelter, the psychology can become more complex then what we are capable of working with. Don't give up. Seek help from a professional. Create the rules. Be consistent. I guarantee your dog will be healthy, happy and balanced.
COLOR THEIR WORLD - ADOPT!
-Joe
Sofa So Good
Sarah Nell past away a few years ago. I have yet to find that "shade tree" perfect spot to lay her to final rest. Many years ago, another avid German Shorthaired Pointer owner gave me a tractor trailer hood ornament of a GSP on point which rests on top of the box. She sits next to my other recent loss of Pride, my rip-wrap English Pointer. Pride's final destination belongs with her mother back in Florida. A garden was built in Susie Q's honor (Pride's mother). There's a beautiful bird bath there to constantly attract the many song birds and hopefully a quail or two so that even in her passing she can continue to point the birds in spirit.
In speaking with many psychologists who specialize in the loss of pets, holding on to your best friend's mementos serve as a great reminder of the special times and connections we had with our beloved pets. However, without that final step of putting your past friends remains in the ground, the last step of grieving will not be complete. The completion of grieving also serves best if we change out the toys and any thing else that we view with a large connection between our former best friend and the object.
This is especially true if we own multiple pets or bring in a new dog into our lives after the passing of our last one. The connection with the new family member will suffer as a result, including our ability to train our new pet and build the bond and trust that training requires. Our new family member can't speak to say, "Hey! I'm your new best bud! Lets play! I'm sure you miss him/her, but we're going to have good times too!!!" Or at least so I thought.
Sarah Nell was a loony at times. She learned how to play with the other pack members a little less than gracefully. She would spin in circles backwards and jump up onto our leather sofa. She would bark and play bow at the excitement taking place in the play rough housing going on. In one instance, she left me a hole in our leather sofa going right into the foam core underneath. I'm guessing she bit down, a single canine tooth hole, in frustration over her wanting to rough house too.
All of the money on a leather set only to have it destroyed by our dog. I laughed and rubbed my finger over the hole many times trying to figure out what was going through her mind. The hole and the sofa outlived Sarah Nell. When company came over, we put a slip cover over the sofa so that our guests wouldn't see the pencil sized hole. I thought it was hilarious that we tried to cover up for a dog!
In this recent past year, I adopted a big Black Lab/Great Dane mix by the name of Patch. Patch Farnsworth to be exact. I never thought a dog would prove to me that a dog wanted me to move on from my former best friend's memory, directly or indirectly. All I can say is that Patch loves foam. Within a couple of months of rescuing him, he discovered the small pencil sized canine tooth hole going through the leather sofa seat. It was underneath a leather slip cover mind you. What was a small pencil hole turned into a softball sized hole with stuffing removed. It couldn't happen again right? I let the picture speak for itself:
Please note: completely eaten cushion, slip cover nicely pulled off onto the floor, and the foam once neatly packed inside said cushion now all over the floor! The cushion that Sarah Nell had so nicely left me something to remember her by now laid strewn over the floor of our house, and the remainder firmly sitting like a brick inside of Patch's stomach.
In a way, it was sad. The good times that Sarah had on that sofa, including her primary sleeping place at night, were gone. Instead of being upset, I was completely in a state of laughter. The sofa was replaced and so too were the memories of the great times Sarah Nell and I had spent rough housing together with the other pack members. While the memories of my best friend were not gone, I awakened to the supplanted new ones still in the process. Life moves on. We must not forget. However, we cannot overlook what is right in front of us. My reply to Patch, "Hey! You're right. We will have good times together!"
Enjoy the Adventure!
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