WORDLESS WEDNESDAY: Wolves at The Mall

Last weekend we headed to one of the many outdoor malls here in Phoenix to do some shopping.  In the grassy plaza area we saw these two gorgeous wolves.  Beautiful, aren't they?



Two beautiful wolves, a male and a female hanging out at the Mall!

The male seemed a little protective of his "woman", the female wolf.  Although he permitted people to take pictures of them, the owner advised people not to get too close to the male wolf, and not to crowch down next to him.



One of the owners said they were "mostly wolf".  I'm not sure what that means exactly.  Lots of people were asking questions so I didn't want to badger them with direct questions on that.



Look!  One of the wolves is hiding in the trees.  JUST KIDDING!!  This is my Husky, Isis, but tell me she doesn't look like a Wolf in this photo!  LOL!

In the U.S. there are laws and restrictions around ownership of wolf-dogs and of course wolves.  The rules vary state to state, but wolves and wolf-dogs are illegal in more than 10 states.  If you are thinking of owning one, please do your research and be very cautious about understanding the laws regarding ownership of these animals.

My friend Jenna, from the blog Love Is Being Owned By a Husky had done an interview about wolf-dogs with Rebekah, from the blog My Rotten Dogs.  Check it out!

If you saw wolves at the mall, would it Freak you out, or Delight you?  Leave us a comment, we always want to know what you think!

THIS IS A BLOGPAWS WORDLESS WEDNESDAY BLOG HOP!!

Thinking of Joining a Gym? Work Out With Your Dog Instead!

Let’s see, just how many gym memberships have fallen by the wayside because I never used them?  I hate working out at a gym.  It’s expensive.  I have to drive there, find a parking spot, secure a locker - Darn ! Did I forget my gym lock again?  I have to then wait for a machine and wipe the sweat off it 'cause the last person didn't.  And why is everyone  at the gym always infinitely thinner than I could ever aspire to be??  As if that wasn't reason enough not to go to the gym, don't you feel like it’s a giant petri dish of plague?  Why not ditch all that unpleasantness in favor of working out with your dog!

Incorporate your dog into your New Year’s fitness goals.  Your dog is always a willing exercise partner and will motivate you to get out & exercise, and stick to your program.  He'll never say "Ah, the heck with the gym, let's go out for chocolate martinis!" Think about your health, exercise and weight loss goals as you formulate how you can get yourself and your dog up and moving more. 
 
There are many ways to incorporate your dog into a workout.   Your dog is pretty much always willing, so just pick the days of the week and boom!  Instant workout plan, Instant workout partner!  My favorite activity to do with my dogs is Hiking or Walking.  We try to do these activities together at least 3 times a week for 40 minutes to around 2 hours for longer hikes. 

Walking, Running, jogging, biking, hiking, and Yoga with your dog (Doga) are all things you can do with your dog that burn calories, work your muscles, make you sweat and make you feel great!  Isn't that all anyone really needs from a gym?  And the cost?  Nada!   

Here's a rough estimate of calories burned by performing various activities:

• WALKING 30 mins at 3mph: approximately  115 – 200 calories, depending on your weight

• HIKING 30 mins : approximately 200-350 calories, depending on your weight

• RUNNING 30 mins at 6mph: approximately 350-625 calories, depending on your weight

 

• BIKING 30 mins at 10mph: approximately 215-325 calories, depending on your weight

 

YOGA burns calories as well, but I think the bigger benefit is improved muscle tone and flexibility.

So grab your dog and get moving!  You'll both get in better shape, which could even lead to less costly medical expenses in the long run for both of you.

One of the blogs I follow that has a lot of information on fitness for your dog is Slimdoggy. Check it out!


Do you exercise with your dog?  What other activities do you engage in with your dog that promote health benefits for both of you?  We love to hear what you think, so please leave us a comment!

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Can You Afford Your Dog? Financial Peace of Mind

I recently read a great post on my friend Kimberly Dickerson's blog SAVING MORE THAN ME.  Her post was about what gives people financial peace of mind.  She discussed the need for a financial Emergency Fund as a cushion for life's unexpected blows.  If you are a Suze Orman fan as I am, you know exactly what that means!  When Kim was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2008 she had to abruptly leave her job.  Her emergency fund helped sustain her in the initial months.  Kimberly writes beautifully not only about how she deals with the challenges of MS, but about various Health and Wellness topics, her Pets, Travel, and other interesting topics.

Phoebe sometimes gets chilly at night so I bought her this fleece jacket

After 20+ years in the financial industry, I'm always drawn to topics about money.  While most people are watching American Idol or The Bachelor, I am watching the Suze Orman Show, Mad Money, and American Greed. I'm always touting the importance of having an emergency fund for financial peace of mind, so Kim's post really struck a chord with me.

What does this have to do with dogs, you ask?  This is still a dog blog right??   After reading Kimberly's wonderful post, it got me thinking about the cost of dog ownership and how much I spend on my own dogs.  Phoebe has a wardrobe almost as extensive as mine and Isis probably has more bling than Princess Kate!  The pet industry is a nearly $60 Billion dollar industry, but for many people the cost of pet ownership is daunting and can be a deterrent to adding a Furbaby to their family.  But there is a way they can add a dog to the family and still have peace of mind!

Phoebe sporting her new Winter coat, which I bought for a trip to Sedona

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY: Pets Need a Friend!

This YouTube video is so hilarious.  Some of you may have seen it before, but every time I see it, I can't stop laughing! I like the point it makes at the end, pets really do need a friend.  If your Furkid is an only child, think about adding a new Furkid to your family.

THIS IS A BLOGPAWS WORDLESS WEDNESDAY BLOG HOP!!

 





8 Ways To Show You're NOT Appreciating Volunteers

If volunteers feel appreciated and feel like they are making a real difference, they'll continue volunteering for your charitable organization and will give their very best each day.  If you fail to show your volunteers that they are valued, you will lose them.

My little Angel Paws

Volunteers want to feel valued.  They want to feel like they've made a difference to those the charitable organization is there to help. I've compiled a list of things charitable organizations do that make volunteers feel very UN-appreciated.

Black and White Sunday: Hungry Like the Wolf!

Hope you all had a very Happy New Year!  This is my first Black & White Sunday, I finally figured out how to convert a photo to black & white - I know, pathetic, right?!

HUNGRY LIKE THE WOLF!

Tell me Isis doesn't look like a wolfie!?

THIS IS A BLACK AND WHITE SUNDAY BLOG HOP!

Happy New Year; My Dogs' Resollutions

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

We've said goodbye to 2014 and it's officially a brand new year, a fresh start filled with possibilities! I've been thinking about my New Years resolutions, which usually extend to my dogs as well.  One of the things I'd like to do with my dogs in 2015 is teach them at least 3 new tricks.  Here's a short video of one of my favorite tricks, which I do with Isis, "Where's My Dog?"  I learned this cute trick in a Tricks training class I took at PetSmart.  I hope it makes you smile, maybe even laugh!

One of my 2015 New Years resolutions is to learn some new tricks and spend more time doing tricks with both my dogs because: