Did you get a puppy for Christmas, or maybe a rescue dog? If you did, hooray! Such love and joy and licks and kisses! But this is also right around the time that some problems set in after the euphoria.

My goal, as a dog lover, is to see dogs keep their homes. Our Charlie Bear was abandoned and left to fend for himself on the streets during his formative first year and I can only wonder why. I know there are some things that for some pet owners may be a real challenge. Dogs take a lot more time and money than one may think.

Don’t give up on your pet. Diligently try to make it work. Here are some hints and tips from Dr. Jon at PetPlace:

1. House training - this can be a real challenge. It takes a lot of patience and time to housetrain some puppies to eliminate outside. Remember – puppies at 8 weeks can only hold their bladder 3 hours. So they need to go out often. By the time a puppy is 5 months old – they can hold it closer to 6 hours.

2. Time - it takes time to not only housetrain but they require frequent vet visits. They need to go to the vet every 3 to 4 weeks from the time they are 6 weeks until about 16 weeks. This takes time and also a fair amount of money.

3. Vaccines – I mentioned that puppies need visits to the vet – this is primarily for vaccinations. This is to help protect them from some very deadly diseases.

4. Medications - on top of the vet visits and vaccines – flea control and heartworm prevention medications are recommended. Ideally these should start before the pet is 6 months of age. These can be expensive.

5. Problems - puppies get into everything. They get into things, get into trash and can often suffer from problems as a results. I’m always seeing puppies with vomiting, diarrhea, or other emergencies as a result of them eating stuff they shouldn’t. This can be annoying (to clean the carpet) and expensive to treat (some pet owners just don’t have this kind of budget in mind when they adopt that cute furry ball).

This is one reason that pet insurance is a great idea. There are plans that just cover problems and emergencies and others that cover everything – including wellness.  VPI, Veterinary Pet insurance ,  provides both comprehensive and economical plans. If you have a puppy – get a quote and see if this is right for you. It can really help you deal with puppy ownership.

Until next time,
Dr. Jon

* * *

We had VPI Pet Insurance with Rex and when he had a torn ACL it helped a lot! We have insurance with Charlie Bear now too.

But that’s not why I sent around this post. Most pets are given up to shelters or abandoned when they become a “problem” of some kind…whether that be cost, time, behavior, etc. I’d like all pets to find forever homes. Wouldn’t you?

Charlie Bear joins me with his Woofs & Wiggles and wishes every pet and their family a wonderful bonding experience that lasts forever.

Hugs,
B.J.

TAYLOR’S TIPS for a more productive you…

Dear Friend,

Sometimes change is easy. Sometimes change is hard.

Sometimes we choose change. Sometimes change happens whether we like it or not.

Our lives could look like that meandering river pictured above. Our finances might take a turn to the left, or maybe a turn to the right. Our love life might look good one day and not so good the next.

Our writing world might look promising today and tomorrow not so bright.

Whatever happens in our life, there is one constant: CHANGE.

We need to embrace it, enfold it, hold it close to our chests. Why fight it?

I’ve tried fighting change. I’ve railed, I’ve cried, I’ve stomped my feet and screamed out loud. Did it do any good? Nope. Change still happened.

Maybe there are some changes you are looking forward to? Maybe there are changes in your future that you will eagerly embrace? That’s the spirit! Look for ways to love change. Make change a big part of your 2012. Institute little changes (like getting up an hour earlier to work on that manuscript), and larger changes (like sending out 4-6 manuscripts a month for possible publication), to even bigger changes (like attending a writers conference to talk to editors and agents).

You can do it! Change can be exciting and exhilarating. Breathe it in. And when good things happen to you because of changes you’ve made, pat yourself on the back. You’ve taken a step forward. Rejoice.

Happy writing and blessings on your work.

And HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Follow your dreams…

B.J.

I admit it. I didn’t get everything done that I should have over the Christmas holidays. I wanted to get my third and final Sunny Side Up e-book on Amazon and B&N but it isn’t done yet. My bad. 

These two are still available. The first is SUNNY SIDE UP: Inspiring Stories for WOMEN, where you’ll find uplifting and encouraging narratives about life as a mom, wife, sister, friend, and more. In SUNNY SIDE UP: Inspiring Stories for TOUGH TIMES, you’ll discover how others have tackled their problems head-on with faith and hope.

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

Did you get an e-reader for Christmas? GREAT ! If you didn’t, you can still 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

If you’d like to write a review after reading any of my books, I would absolutely love that! Thank you!

What’s Happening…

Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference March 30 – April 3, 2012. This premier conference has been geared for writers at all levels: freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior. Rachel, the conference director, has made it easy to find just the right classes to help you to better your craft. Come to Mount Hermon to meet, to learn, to refresh, to pray. http://mounthermon.org/adult/professionals/writers-conference 

Southern California’s BEST:

Antelope Valley Writers’ Conference May 4-5, 2012 Guess who’s the keynote speaker? Cec Murphey! You won’t want to miss this one! Put it on your calendar and plan to attend. Learn more than you thought possible about the writing world, mingle with others who share your passion, come away rejuvenated and refreshed. Join us. www.avwriters.com

Orange County Christian Writers Conference May 18-20, 2012 This conference has tons of learning opportunities, from intensive workshops, faculty panels, dining with faculty, consultations with those in-the-know, and much, much more. You get to meet these people up close and personal. They’ll share with you their knowledge and expertise. Come with an open mind and learn, learn, learn. www.occwf.org

See you at one, or maybe all three!

Blog: www.bjtaylorblog.wordpress.com 
Website: www.bjtayloronline.com

Before we brought home our adorable Golden Lab, Rex, I walked through a large pet store with a shopping cart and loaded up to the tune of $161. I thought I had it all, but I ended up back at the store a week later for a few more things. When Charlie Bear came to live with us we already had many supplies, but a small dog has needs that are different from a large breed dog, so back to the pet store for me.

Dr. Jon of PetPlace has this to say about supplies:

You’re getting a new puppy (or a new dog), and you’ve read all the information about taking care of your dog, the breed of your dog, and training. The next step is to purchase supplies. Do you know what to get?

The amount of information available on the net can be overwhelming. So I always suggest that future puppy owners gather a “puppy preparation kit” with the following items:

• Food and water bowls: These should be made of a heavy material like ceramic to prevent tipping. If you already have a pet, your puppy should not have to share bowls. That’s a sure way to spread possible health problems, and envy!
• Collar and leash: The collar should be adjustable so it can grow with your puppy. A flea collar is recommended, just in case.
• Dog shampoo: Puppies love to run around and explore, and it’s almost inevitable that your puppy will get himself dirty! Regular baths are necessary as well, so dog shampoo is a must. Only purchase shampoo specifically made for dogs, because some chemicals in human shampoo can be harmful for your puppy.
• A doggie toothbrush: Tooth brushing is a regular part of your life, and it should be a regular part of your dog’s life as well.
• A good vet: Many times people get a puppy without finding a good vet first, then if the puppy gets sick they end up making a quick decision. Knowing a good vet is a part of owning a puppy, and I suggest future dog owners choose their vet before you even choose your puppy. Puppies need regular vet visits, as well as a series of shots.
• Toys! There are plenty of toys to choose from, from specially made dog toys to a simple tennis ball. You never know which toy your dog will like, so sometimes it’s better to let our dog choose. Just make sure the toy is large enough that your dog won’t accidentally swallow it.
• Treats: Treats can make training your puppy much easier. Choose a treat that is not sugary. There are many healthy (but good-tasting) treats you can choose from.
• Good puppy food: I specified good because there are so many puppy foods on the market, and not all of them are good. Puppy food should provide your puppy with all the necessary nutrients and protein he needs to keep him healthy and energetic. Choose a brand you trust. An excellent choice is Eukanuba puppy food. Eukanuba is a trusted dog food that many vets recommend, and there’s a large selection of puppy food to choose from.

Do you have all the items on the puppy preparation list? Great, you’re ready for your new puppy!

Until next time,
Dr. Jon

* * *

Great thoughts on supplies, but can you add to this list? Besides lots and lots of love for our furry friends, what specifically did YOUR dog need?

Charlie Bear says hi again and hopes you like this second post in the series. The next one will be about what keeps dogs healthy and the last one will be a surprise.

Woofs & wiggles from the little guy, and hugs from me,
Charlie Bear and B.J.

When my husband and I decided to rescue Charlie Bear, we talked about whether we were ready to bring another dog into our lives, especially a fourteen-month-old whippersnapper. Our big dog Rex was already ten, and puppies are a lot of work! But they are also a ton of fun.

Whenever you adopt a dog, a young one like Charlie Bear, or an older dog, there are certain things to consider. Charlie Bear and I have scheduled a four-part series of posts. This first one deals with being prepared. Maybe you have a new puppy. Congratulations! Maybe you’ve adopted from a shelter or rescue site to give a dog a second chance. Kudos to you. And if you’re settled in your household with your furry friends, well, maybe these thoughts will help you with your own pooches.

Dr. Jon focuses on puppies in his post, but truly, anyone bringing a new dog into the home can benefit from his thoughts because really, aren’t all dogs mischievous when bored or stressed? And a shelter or rescue dog has the same needs as puppies in many ways.

Dr. Jon, from PetPlace, shares this about Preparation:

Puppies are little bundles of joy! They’re playful and mischievous, which is why they can easily get themselves into trouble. If you’re getting a new puppy, it’s important to make your home safe before bringing the little guy home.

The best way to pet-proof your home is to see the world from your puppy’s point of view. That’s right, get down on the floor and you’d be amazed at how many things you notice! Here are a couple of ways you can make your home safe for your puppy:

• Electrical cords are extremely dangerous and easy to chew through. Hide them in plastic cord keepers and cover outlets with plastic plugs to keep your puppy safe from an accidental shock.
• Some plants are poisonous to dogs. Get to know which plants those are, and if you have any, keep them out of your puppy’s reach. As a matter of fact, it’s a good idea to keep all houseplants away from your puppy until he can be trusted not to knock them over or dig in them.
• Put away anything that holds sentimental value. If it’s breakable or chewable, there’s a good chance your puppy would love to get at it!
• Put away all household chemicals like cleaners and antifreeze. Puppies love to explore and get into things, and the chemicals found in most homes can be dangerous and even deadly to puppies.
• If you have an outdoor kennel, check the path of the sun. If the kennel receives full sunlight exposure at any point, make sure your puppy has shelter available to hide in.
• If you plan on letting your dog go out in your yard, ensure that he can’t get past your fence.
• Whether you plan on letting your dog outside on his own or not, it’s always important to put an ID on him. A collar is usually enough, but if you are worried about your puppy ever getting lost, you can have a microchip implanted under your dog’s skin so if he ever gets lost, you will have a better chance of finding him again.

Until next time,
Dr. Jon

* * *

Great thoughts from Dr. Jon and I’m happy to share them with you today. Did anything pop out at you? Sometimes, it’s the things we don’t think anything about that our dog gets into (like my books that Charlie Bear chewed on).

In the next few posts in the series we’ll talk about supplies, what keeps dogs healthy, and a final one that will be a surprise.

Charlie Bear sends his woofs & wiggles to you all.
And I say thanks for following our blog.
Hugs,
B.J.

Yup, it had to happen. If you’re a small-ish dog, and you have long hair like me, then you’ve had that dreaded H A I R C U T that makes us look dopey. Okay, nothing could make me look too dopey, hey, I am really cute and I know it, just don’t look past my face on this one.

See, the thing is, Mom and Dad Peep have never had a dog like me. Well, that’s an understatement. I’m pretty unique. In many ways. But when it comes to grooming needs for me, they’re clueless.

Big dog Rex was a Golden Lab. He had one of those wash ‘n wear coats. After a bath, he shook himself and he was done. He didn’t need a thing done to him except ear cleanings and Mom took care of those all the time (Rex was prone to ear infections with those big floppy things on top of his head).

Me, it’s not my ears. It’s my fur. It grows long, shaggy, and gets matted. Yup, that’s the problem. Dad tries to keep me clipped, especially around my face so he can see my eyes (he loves my eyes), but I give him a hard time when he works with me with the scissors. He can only go so far, and by that I mean the first one-third of me is trimmed nicely, but the back two-thirds of me became long and matted.

So off to the groomer Mom took me and after much discussion and consideration, the lady there worked on me all afternoon. They double teamed me with the groomer girl I’m used to (baths and nail clippings and stuff) and then this girl who gives haircuts. She’s used to rescue dogs, and she’s not afraid.

So here I am post-haircut. See how short my fur is on my back end? That’s because I was so matted they had to get all that out. It’ll grow back though — probably faster than we all think.

So have you had one of these H A I R C U T S? What did you think and how long did it take to grow back?

I’m still wiggling and woofing, short hair and all!
Love,
Charlie Bear

Mom Peep says it’s time. I agree because I absolutely love me, and pictures of me. But I know how hard it is for her.

She’s getting ready to change the little picture of the puppy that comes up when the posts come to your inbox via email. I think she’s going to go with a picture of me for a couple of reasons.

First, big dog Rex has been gone since June 1st. He’s over the Rainbow Bridge and frolicking with Diamond and Red and now even Bear, the three cats that lived here before me. But Mom will always have Rex in her heart. He’s a big, big part of her life. Always will be.

I can’t deny that. She had a special relationship with Rex, and she even put it in the book that we wrote together about my life and coming here to live. It’s the story of a year in the life of a headstrong rescue dog (that would be me) and Mom’s struggles with love. If I had to give it from a one to a ten in paws up, I’d give it a ten. But that’s just me.

So here we go with change. She’s going to start with this tiny one. She also wants to change the banner that runs across the top of the blog but she loves it. It represents the ocean, and fun, and meshes with her website look, so she’s not ready to change that yet. But it’s coming down the pipeline.

Even this one little photo change is going to be hard for her and I’ll give her lots of extra licks and kisses as she goes through the adjustment time. Everything takes adjustment time, don’t you think? Even something as small as this (don’t tell Mom this isn’t a really big thing on the radar of big things — to her it is).

So Happy New Year to all. And we hope you like the changes coming soon.

Wiggles & Woofs,
Charlie Bear

One of my New Year’s Resolutions is to keep a watchful eye on the backyard at all times for those pesky possums that run along the high wall.

Mom Peep found this on the internet. See what you think. I have another resolution to share with you at the end.

If Dogs Could Talk: A Dog’s Top Ten New Year’s Resolution List
Courtesy of American Kennel Club 

This New Years – the American Kennel Club published a clever article on dogs New Years Resolutions.

 

Top 10 Resolutions by Dogs include: 

10. Owner on floor, dog in bed.
9. Stop begging and actually get a seat at the dinner table.
8. Give up the dream of ever catching my tail.
7. Bark like a big dog but still get cuddled on lap like a little dog.
6. Get back at cat for litter box incident.
5. Find every bone I ever buried.
4. No more haircuts! (Come fall, I can go as a Komondor for Halloween).
3. Become alpha dog in my house. Well, at least stop letting the cat push me around.
2. Invent goggles that allow me to see the electric fence.
1. Finally pass that darn AKC Canine Good Citizen test.

* * *

I personally have to work on #8. And I work really hard on #7, doing my best to bark like a REALLY big dog, especially at possums. But I’m never going to give up the cuddling part.

 

But my biggest resolution is to never do this to Mom’s books again:

 

 

What resolutions do YOU agree, or disagree, with?

 

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.  : )

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

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?”