Archive for December, 2011
Happy New Year from Charlie Bear
You can be honest. I look like a garden gnome, right? Geesh….
Anyway, can you believe 2012 is almost here? I can’t. In some ways it seems like FOREVER that I’ve been living in my new home, and in some ways it seems like time has flown by. Does that ever happen to you? Feeling like that?
Mom Peep is kind of glad that 2011 is ending. Dad Peep is too. It was a tough year for them. They lost big dog Rex June 1st and then their last remaining cat, Bear, just a few weeks ago. He was an outdoor feral cat and he was almost 20 years old. Can you believe it? Now THAT’S a long time. They tried to domesticate him, but he had none of it so they fed him and cared for him in the backyard. He came for breakfast and dinner every day and at the end, he even brought friends with him: Pretty White Kitty and Smoosh Face.
I’m pretty excited for the year ahead. Mom has some cool things happening with her books and I’m even brought into the office once in a while to “work.” (I don’t do much — just climb up on Mom’s lap while she types.)
So are you happy or sad that 2011 is coming to a close? Share. : )
Dog to Dog – Do You Like Your Name?
I happen to like my name A LOT. Charlie Bear is manly yet sweet, temperamental yet cuddly. In fact, that’s what I’m doing on Dad’s lap in the picture…cuddling. Do you like your name? Here’s something Mom Peep found. Check it out.
What’s In a Name? Naming Your Dog
By: Virginia Wells
But not every dog is given a human name. The list also contains some tried-and-true oldies that are still popular, like Lady, Buster, Patches and Pepper. Let’s not forget about the dog’s personality. Names that reflect the very nature of your pet may be the way to go. After all, we probably have a pretty good picture of a dog that’s called Mayhem, Frisky, or Couch Potato.
How do you go about naming your dog? You might want to observe your new pet for a few days and see if the personality suggests a name. But, for a start, keep the following tips in mind:
- The general sound and rhythm of the name is important. You will say it and your dog will hear it over and over again. If the name is too long or too difficult to say, your pup will become confused or lose interest by the time you get to the fourth syllable.
- Choose a name that your pet will easily recognize. Some experts say the ideal name is two syllables ending with a vowel sound, like Sami or Lassie.
- Avoid names that sound too much like standard commands. For example, when you call Joe, your dog might only hear “No.”
- Pick a name that will be just as appropriate once your pet is full-grown. A pup named Damage or Havoc may eventually grow up to be a quiet, stately dog.
- Pick a name that you will be proud to call. Shadow or Molly might be less embarrassing than Ooga Booga or HeyYou. Once you have named your dog, be sure to use it often so he will learn it quickly. But remember, you want your dog to like his name. Try to use it only when you are playing with him, petting him, hugging him or trying to get his attention. Don’t use it when you are angry or reprimanding him. If you raise your voice every time you use his name, he won’t come when you call.
* * *
I’m glad I have a cool name. Rex the big dog had a cool name too. Sometimes Mom would call him Rexie or even Gray Face (when he got older). I wonder what she’ll call me later on? They already refer to me as Wild Man. But I know my real name…it’s Charlie Bear…and if you say it, I’ll listen.
So what’s YOUR name? And do you like it?
Comfort and Peace
A Nativity Scene was erected in a church yard. During the night the folks came across this scene.
An abandoned dog was looking for a comfortable, protected place to sleep. He chose baby Jesus as his comfort. No one had the heart to send him away so he was there all night.
We should all have the good sense of this dog and curl up in Jesus’ lap from time to time.
May you find peace and comfort this Christmas.
Much love and wiggles & woofs,
B.J. & Charlie Bear
P.S. Did you notice the dog breed is “shepherd?”
Merry Christmas and Woofs & Wiggles to You All!
If I could, I’d come to each of your houses and give you a wiggle and a woof. I’d lick your face if you let me and wiggle in your arms if you picked me up.
I’d bring my favorite stuffed squirrel to play with and you’d toss it and I’d run, grab it, and bring it back to you. If you have slippers lying around, I’d grab one of those and run with it. I love biting the end of a slipper, shaking it like the dickens back and forth, and then bounding up to the top of the sofa with it as my prize. Eventually, you’d get it back.
I love wearing my new little red collar and going on long walks, but not past the two reindeer on that one guy’s lawn. They have pretty white lights shimmering all over their bodies, which is cool, but they move! Can you believe it? Their heads swivel from side to side, which totally freaks me out. I lunge at them, and Mom says, “No” and pulls me away. I turn and growl a bit and then let them be.
I hear it’s like that with some families at Christmastime. There might be one or two relatives that cause a little disturbance and others want to lunge and growl and make a big noise. I think Mom has the right idea. Turn your cheek and walk away. If at all possible, of course.
This is a time of year for much family good cheer, eggnog, bacon squares, board games and laughter and fun. May your days be happy and filled with love. Whatever you do on these special days, remember the reason for the season. God loves you. God loves me too, or he wouldn’t have given me this wonderful home. I’m thankful.
Merry Christmas to each and every one of you!
Wiggles & Woofs,
Charlie Bear
Backing Up – Taylor’s Tips Newsletter
TAYLOR’S TIPS for a more productive you…
Dear Friend,
Beep, beep, beep, beep….. you hear the sound of a truck backing up…
Beep, beep….you don’t want to get run over, so you stop, pay attention, and get out of the way, right?
There are two reasons I want to talk about backing up. First, when we hear little warning bells going off in our head during this hectic holiday season, we need to stop, pay attention, and often back up. Things like being tired, or overworked, or money being tight, or no time to shop and wrap and ship all create stress when added into an already overstuffed life. Picture yourself taking a few steps backward and breathing deeply. The stress will pass. Everything will get done. Christmas will be merry and bright.
The second reason I want to talk about backing up is the computer kind. I know, it’s not a glamorous topic and it’s rather dull to talk about, but about six years ago my computer died. It had been making noises, not the beep, beep variety, but more of a clunk, clunk, churn, churn. I’d smack the side of the tower (not smart I know) and the churning and clunking would subside. Until the day it just died.
Photos, documents, emails…everything was lost. Unrestorable. I never thought it would happen to me. After I recreated everything, I began to use one of these to back up:
That was good for a while, until my data took up more than one, so I went to this:
And that was good. It held lots more. Then a friend told me about this:
External hard drives back up everything you tell it to. And that was good.
One day I looked at the post-it note stuck on it and the date said six months prior. Yikes. I plugged it in, ready to back up all my stuff, and….it wouldn’t work. Not only was I not able to run a back up of new data, but the old data I saved was not accessible.
Geez.
Coincidentally, I’d just heard some writers talk about what they do to back up their systems. And I heard the word “online.” Could that be for me? Was it safe? I found all sorts of online backup systems: Mozy, IBackup, Carbonite, and others.
I chose Carbonite because many people said they liked it. I also liked the price. For $5.00 a month (the price of one cup of coffee at Starbucks) I could have all my data backed up automatically. No need to remember to do it. The technology was secure. The files were offsite in case of a fire or theft. It’s fast and simple to recover a file.
I’m not a techno wizard. This was super easy. Just install, let it back up everything (which took a long time during the initial run), and then watch it work its magic. It backs up all my files (email, documents, photos, everything) in the background while I’m working.
I don’t have to remember to plug it in, drop files into it, or do anything at all. If my computer crashes, I can restore everything to a new PC. How’s that for peace of mind?
Happy writing and blessings on your work. And MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Follow your dreams…
B.J.
Want some inspiration with that Christmas shopping? The second of three e-books filled with stories of hope and faith is available now.
In the follow-up to SUNNY SIDE UP: Inspiring Stories for TOUGH TIMES, you’ll find uplifting and encouraging narratives in this second book just for WOMEN.
WOMEN on Kindle: http://amzn.to/tchBTI
WOMEN on Nook: http://bit.ly/uNwVSC
Tough Times on Kindle: http://amzn.to/oWyIIO
Tough Times on Nook: http://bit.ly/q7bNTG
And if you don’t have an e-reader, you can read e-books on your computer with Kindle for PC: http://amzn.to/dk8GIF
Also still available:
“The Complete Guide to Writers Groups That Work”
Kindle http://amzn.to/qDh28y
Nook http://bit.ly/qZTHIX
In Print through Amazon: http://amzn.to/n3wS5D
I would love it if you’d write a review on any of my books. Amazon readers dig those. Thank you!
What’s Happening…
Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference March 30 – April 3, 2012. This PREMIER conference is for writers at all levels, whether you are a freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior to the craft. Come one, come all, to the greatest place to meet, to learn, to refresh, to pray. Ask for this as a Christmas gift, and do yourself, and your writing career, a big favor. http://mounthermon.org/adult/professionals/writers-conference
26th Annual Southern California Writers’ Conference (and Retreat) February 17-20, 2012. Another great conference to check out. www.WritersConference.com
See you there!
Blog: www.bjtaylorblog.wordpress.com
Website: www.bjtayloronline.com
No More Homeless Pets – Like Me, says Charlie Bear
Five years.
Bunny love.
Caring for Duke.
Dogs to good homes.
These are the things the people at Best Friends Animal Society share in their video on what they are thankful for. Me? I’m VERY thankful I’m not homeless anymore. I was rescued and then fostered and then placed in my forever home, but many are not so lucky.
The animals at Best Friends (and there are more than dogs and cats there) are given a chance to find their own forever home. I hope every one of them do. Don’t you?
P.S. Mom Peep only knows how to cut and paste a link, not how to make it show up super cool, but here it is. The two-minute utube video. Feel the love. I did.
Charlie Bear
A New Dog Blog by a Really Cool Chick (and her dog)
I met Kimi Yokota at a Canine Companions for Independence graduation ceremony. Her smiling face belied the sadness she felt at having to turn in her latest puppy for more advanced training.
Kimi has been raising CCI dogs for what seems like forever. It started as a project for school and has become much, much more.
Bowen is an assistance puppy in program for Canine Companions for Independence (CCI). “CCI is a non-profit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained assistance dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships” (www.cci.org).
Bowen is in the puppy raising phase of his journey to become an assistance dog. He will live with Kimi (his puppy raiser) for the next year and a half. She will teach him basic obedience, house manners, and socialize him. He is Kimi’s 8th puppy to raise for CCI.
This is a picture of Bowen and his housemates. Titian (on the left) is Kimi’s change of career dog, and queen of their house. She’s the first puppy Kimi raised for CCI. They now do therapy work together. The dog on the right in the other orange bandana is Kimi’s other puppy in training, Hadara. She’s Kimi’s 7th puppy, and she just turned a year old.
Kimi posts about Bowen’s experiences and life as a puppy in program for CCI. Check it out! http://bowensdogblog.wordpress.com/
3 Common Dog Questions
I must be a poster dog for Common Dog Questions. I’ve been through every one of these! Dr. Jon from PetPlace sends out this great newsletter and today, Mom Peep and I want to share with you the great articles he highlights.
First - Why do dogs chase their tails?
I’d like to know why in the heck I do that. My Mom calls it spin cycles and in the beginning when I came here they were incredibly nasty. I ferociously snapped and bit and growled at my tail. This article might help you understand it a bit. It helped Mom a lot.
Read Dr. Jon’s answer here: http://www.petplace.com/dogs/tail-chasing-in-dogs/page1.aspx
Second - How do I crate-train my dog (and why should I)?
I like my crate. It’s my den, my retreat, my safe place to curl up and be by myself, so I totally agree with crate training. It’s a good thing. Dogs love it. Humans have to get over it.
Learn more at: http://www.petplace.com/dogs/crate-training-your-puppy-2/page1.aspx
Third - How should I introduce a new dog into my household?
When I was introduced to big dog Rex we had a squabble. It freaked Mom out. It’s normal though, for dogs to posture for position in the household. That’s all I was doing, and we eventually got along.
There’s a really good article at: http://www.petplace.com/dogs/introducing-a-new-dog-into-your-household/page1.aspx
Thanks, Dr. Jon for these great articles to help keep pets safe and healthy. A safe dog is a happy dog!
Woofs & wiggles to you all,
Charlie Bear
A Good Dog by Charlie Bear
Dad asked Mom the other day if she’d bought me a stocking to hang in the house this Christmas.
“I already did,” Mom Peep replied.
“Yeah? When?”
“Last year. It has his name on it and everything,” Mom said.
I think Dad forgot I was here last Christmas. Maybe because December last year was a really weird one.
First, I was trying to adjust to my life here in this house with my new peeps and the big dog. Mom and Dad got me right after they lost their cat Red. He was a love bug and I was a terror, spinning and snapping at my tail.
Second, Mom lost her own Mom five days before Christmas, which sent her into a tailspin (no pun intended).
They got through it all and I did too. See? I’m better now. They even call me a GOOD DOG. Can you imagine? Me, a good dog? But it’s true. With patience, and time, and understanding, and a whole lot of love, I’ve turned out okay.
Oh, I still have a few spin cycles, and Mom Peep has her days of missing her mom and all the other furbabies they’ve had over the years, but we’re both doing good.
How about you? Are you missing someone special this holiday season? Mom says it’s okay to be sad and to miss them and to make new memories to layer on top of older ones that bring tears. And that it’s still okay to cry. With all the happy songs and the merry this and merry that, there are still moments of sadness in our lives…and that is perfectly all right.
So Merry Christmas season to all of you, and may your moments of sadness be short and your happiness be long.
Wiggles & woofs,
Charlie Bear
Love Heels – Book Review/Comments
Look at that awesome dog on the front of this full color book. There are many more photographs in this 10 x 10 tome of 224 pages. I devoured every heart-tugging story and feasted my eyes on the beauty of these magnificent animals.
Love Heels: Tales from Canine Companions for Independence contains a foreword by Dean Koontz and stories about Puppy Raisers, Facility Teams, Skilled Companion Teams, Service Teams, Hearing Teams, and Volunteers.
This beautifully designed and illustrated book celebrates people and dogs. Canine Companions For Independence (CCI) is a not-for-profit organization that — with the help of so many volunteers– breeds, raises, trains, and then places it’s exceptional canine graduates with disabled children and adults who are in need of their assistance.
The stories and photos in LOVE HEELS bring the Canine Companions for Independence experience to life. From the joyful hours when litters are born, through the playful months of puppyhood, these team members cherish their canine charges until the day they tearfully, yet proudly, pass them on to those who need them most.
As a gift, or for yourself, this is a gorgeous reminder of how dogs love us, and we love them.
December 19, 2011 at 8:04 am 4 comments