Domestic Geek

Someone on a forum I frequent posted a link to a site called abc distributing. While looking around over there, I saw this novelty toilet dog bowl that I absolutely must have once I get another dog. Since every single dog I've ever had in my life has been determined to drink out of the toilet, this thing would be perfect.

On a related note, my friend Amy found a great dog brush called a FURminator for her dog Grace. It's supposed to be absolutely amazing at getting those thick undercoats out. I know that was one of the biggest problems I had brushing Ursa and since I'd like to get another Malamute, I wanted to make note of this product before I forget about it. She got hers on eBay, but they sell them at PetSmart and Petco, too.

It's long been known that pet owners have less stress in general that non-pet owners. There's something therapeutic in stroking a big, fuzzy creature.

I want another dog. While we still have bunnies, it's just not the same as having a dog, you know?

I've been reading a fellow 'thonner and Colorado resident over at Tucker Talks Back (blogging for Max Fund). Tucker is a Siberian Husky. Made me think of my old beloved dog Ursa that was an Alaskan Malamute.

EDIT: If you haven't been around the last few years, I wanted to share a picture of my beloved dogs. We lost Skippy this last January (the brown Shepherd mutt). We lost Ursa (the Alaskan Malamute) back in August 2002. I miss them.

For many people, their pets hold a special place in their hearts. Finding unique gifts for those people and their pets is easy when you visit Big Paw Designs. Founded in 2002, they specialize in quality, hand-crafted, made in the USA charms, accessories and gifts for pampered pets and their owners. They have a little bit of everything for dogs, cats & humans: pearl collars, pewter charms, keychains, earrings, magnets, frames, treats, toys and so much more. I'm thinking of purchasing a book to make homemade dog treats.

What is truly special about this place is the line of items geared towards "resuce" animals and their parents. I'm a strong proponent of rescue groups and admire those whose utmost concern is the wellbeing of animals and finding them a loving home.

They also get involved in various charity and relief efforts. They currently are offering a special pewter charm or keychain called the "Woof Fleur de Lis," a part of the whose proceeds benefit a very worthy cause — animal rescue efforts in New Orleans.

The site is more than just a store, it's a community. There are contests, links to rescue organizations, a blog and even a pet birthday club. Add them to your list of places to go for information, gifts and supplies for your pets or those who love them.

Marcus and I lost our third pet in less than two months early this morning. Brittney died sometime after Marcus went to bed and when I got up. I didn't write about Christina's death, but she died on the 10th. Something is wrong with Trinity and we're not sure how much longer she'll be with us. Pile all of that on top of losing Skippy and I've been a little bit of a mess. Actually, looking at those old web pages I made in my Into to HTML class make me really sad. Out of the 10 pets I had then, only 4 are left—three rabbits and the lovebird. Anyway, if I'm not around much the next few days, it's just that I am a little depressed and this whole blogging thing seems a little pointless right now.

When we lived in Colorado Springs, the owner of the pizza place we had worked at gave Marcus his fish because he couldn't keep them anymore. The were two huge Oscars (part of the cichlid family) that Marcus named Bob and Steve (after two local radio personalities). Marcus had wanted Oscars because he liked how they eat goldfish (he had a strong hatred of goldfish, I think). We ended up getting another couple of Oscars that someone had given to a pet store and they were letting them go cheap. It was cool watching those big fish swim around. One was albino and the tank lights made it look so pretty. What is great about Oscars is that have very distinct personalities. I couldn't handle watching during feeding time, though, so I always left the room until the goldfish were safely in the Oscar's bellies. When those eventually died, Marcus purchased some African Cichlids. They're significantly smaller than Oscars, so we got several. One of them was really aggressive and ended up killing the rest. It was so sad.