SHOP HERE!!!!

This kinda goes with my aforementioned apology. I have fixed the blurp that would not let you order from this site. Now you have the option of shopping HERE or via ETSY. Thank you for your patience! Just click on the button/tab above for Nose Butter and the link for etsy and SHOP!

My Apologies

First, I offer my apologies for not having updated this site in a while. In the last nine months I have lost five of my beloved animal companions. Deuce, my Newfoundland, passed over last July (one day after my birthday), then in November, as mentioned here, our EZBoy and Blissful Dig mascot died from complications following kidney stone surgery. In February CH. Jackpot! EZ Keeper Pettybull (Keeper) passed from intestional cancer. Then my adored CH. Jackpot! Money Money Money, CGC, ROM passed one week to the day after Keeper. To say I was (am) heartbroken is an understatement. Then in the latter part of June CH. Jackpot! Goodtime in Las Vegas passed away at almost 14.

I just have not had it in me to work on this site or my Jackpot! French Bulldogs site. But, I realized that my heart IS in having these delightful dogs (and all canines) live better lives. So, I am BACK!!!!

Shop Via ETSY for The Blissful Dog

My tears of frustration are blurring my vision as I type this. I have pounded my head against the WordPress wall as I have tried to get the store part of this site to work. I am waving the white flag of defeat! So, PLEASE, visit my ETSY shop which has everything that is on here and MORE for your shopping. Hopefully I will be able to get a new module that actually works. Arggghhh. Thank you for your understanding.

EZBoy May He Rest In Peace

Well, my dear friends, I have just not had it in me to blog about this, but I want to share with you the news that our EZBoy passed as a result of the bladder stone surgery. It has been a week or so, I am sure you all understand. He was such a warrior, he made it through the surgery and we picked him up the next day. He seemed a bit disoriented at the vet, but they assured me it was just the recovery phase he was in. So, Steve and I took him home and made him super comfy in a fluffy bed in his x-pen right beside the tv. He settled in and we gave him his medicine and comforted him throughout the night.

The next morning as I was getting dressed Steve came into the bathroom and told me EZBoy had passed. Steve then du his little grave next to my beloved Deuce. We put his little wheels on top of his grave for his tombstone…may he be running free on the Other Side.

Have a Blissful Thanksgiving…For Your Blissful Dog

Thanksgiving can be a holiday of too much of a good thing…for you and your blissful dog! Let””s all make 2009 the year we rein in that excess…for everyone.

Our beloved dogs are usually not accustomed to eating all kinds of people food, so it is NOT a treat for them to be given scraps from Thanksgiving dinner. It can result in uber-upsets to doggie tummies and trips to the vet, at emergency room prices for you both!

Too make things easier on yourself, your vet, your checkbook, and most importantly your pet, stay away from the following:

#1 Anything your dog does not usually eat. Yep, this means turkey, dressing, pumpkin pie and all the rest. Just don””t do it. That means anything new. Even the healthiest seeming food (like white meat turkey) can wreak havoc on an unprepared digestive tract.

#2 Anything that should go in the trash. This means if you cannot decide whether to toss it in the trash or give it to your dog, gimme a break, throw it is the trash!!!

#3 Any dessert can be bad for your dog””s belly, but especially those with a lot of cream or chocolate. Yes, it is true…chocolate can kill your dog, especially the all natural, healthy way yummy types.

#4 Onions can be especially problematic. This type of plants (of the allium genus, which includes onion, garlic, leek and chive) is actually toxic to cats”” and dogs”” red blood cells. No onions…period!

#5 Bones…DUH…what more do we need to say! No bones!

#6 Relatives and friends who feed your pet, thinking that you won””t mind. Either tell everyone that you are NOT kidding, that they are NOT to feed even one morsel to your dog without your permission OR post a sign. Tell them they will be responsible for any vet bills incurred by their feeding your dog and then stick to it. If you have people in your life who just cannot seem to listen to you on this (well, you might want to do some inner work on that issue), you might consider putting your dog safely in the bedroom away from well-intended family.

Let;s make Thanksgiving 2009 a safe, happy, healthy holiday for you and your blissful dog. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us here at The Blissful Dog!

EZBoy Made It Through Surgery!!!

EZBoy made it through the surgery. He had 40+ kidney stones and it was not an easy surgery. Thank you all for the amazing thoughts and good wishes. We pick him up tomorrow and am hoping the recovery will be good. He is a true warrior spirit and we honor that in this little dude.

WHEW!!!

EZBoy At The Vet

Hey all my The Blissful Dog friends…EZBoy, the amazing little dude in the cart that is my logo is at the vet as we speak…he has kidney stones that are having to be removed surgically. We tried to handle them not surgically, but that was not to be.

So…any of those good old fashioned (or new age) healing thoughts will be greatly appreciated. Thanks to all of our Facebook Friends for their love and support.

Just Letting You Know!!!

I will be out of town from October 21st through the 30th. Any orders will be mailed as soon as I return. I would ask Steve to do it, but I think I am leaving him with enough with the dogs, the horse, the alpacas and the yak…

French Bulldog National Specialty 2009

I just returned from the FBDCA National Specialty in the Boston area. It was an eventful trip and not in a good way…I totaled my van about 20 miles from home when I hit an icy spot. Luckily, I was completely ok, not a bruise, but the poor van is at the junkyard on its way to that Nissan final resting place. Most importantly, I did not have any dogs with me or this story may not have had such a happy ending – whew! Steve tossed my stuff into the Passport (which I hate driving) and sent me on my way. He said I had looked forward to that event for too long to give up. People asked me if I called on my angels and guides to surround me as I was rolling over and I had to admit, my only thought was, “Oh, SH&#!”

So, Kelly of Pawsitive Healing and I made it to Boston and set up our booth with no further snafus. I was thrilled to help beautify lots of noses and meet a lot of people I have only met via phone or online.

Thank you for all of your support and I look forward to meeting more noses at future events!

New Eckhart Tolle book…About Dogs! Guardians of Being

What could be better than a new book by Eckhart Tolle? A new book by Eckhart with DOGS! I actually opened the box and was reading as I walked along the driveway, sat down and did not look up (except to pat my dogs), until I finished this book.

The combination of Eckhart Tolle’s gentle words and the simple, yet profound, drawings by Patrick McDonnell is absolutely perfect. Some of the other reviewers have shared tidbits of prose, I do not want to share any more, as I truly feel this perfect book needs to be explored and savored, especially in the company of your best friend.

My beloved Money also gives this book four paws up (that is all he has or he would give more paws). My holiday shopping is determined, oops, now you know what you are getting!

PS – This was shared from my Amazon.com Review

Caring For Your Senior Dog

Caring For Your Older Dog from purina.com

Even though your dog may be slowing down, there is no reason the older years can’t be some of the best years. With regular veterinary attention, daily care and proper nutrition, your older dog can still experience a happy and healthy life.

Recognizing Your Dog Is Getting Older

The most practical way to tell if your dog is getting older is by observing his behavior and appearance. Simply put, how old does your dog act, look, and feel? The following are some common signs of aging and what they may indicate about a dog’s health. Use these signs as a guideline in determining if your dog is an older dog.

Changes in Hearing

You can tell if you dog’s hearing isn’t as sharp as it used to be if he doesn’t respond to his name or verbal commands, or suddenly barks for no reason.

Changes in Urination and Housetraining Habits

Excessive thirst and frequent or uncontrolled urination are often signs of kidney problems or diabetes. Inappropriate urination may be a sign of incontinence caused by a hormone imbalance, which is most common in spayed females, or caused by other medical conditions.

Changes in Eating Habits

An older dog is more likely to develop tooth and gum conditions. And because of sore gums or loose teeth, he may let food drop out of his mouth or even refuse to eat.

Breathing Problems

Coughing, difficulty in breathing and tiredness could indicate possible cardiac problems.

Changes in Vision

A hazy, bluish cast on your aging dog’s eyes is normal and usually does not hinder the eyesight. However, the hazy, whitish growth of cataracts can lead to blindness. Your veterinarian can help you distinguish the difference.

Weight Gain or Loss

Like humans, a dog’s metabolism slows down as he gets older. And because older dogs may not be as active as they used to be, they have a tendency to gain weight. Performing a rib check can help determine if he’s overweight. Sudden weight loss or unplanned chronic weight loss should be reported to your veterinarian. This could be a sign of an internal problem.

Skin and Coat

For older dogs, you’ll notice that the skin thickens and becomes less pliable. It’s a good idea to check for large lumps on or under the skin. This could be a sign of a tumor, cyst or cancer.

Tiredness and Lameness

As a dog gets older, you’ll notice a decrease in energy level. He becomes tired more easily and likes to nap often. He can experience stiffness in his leg, hip and shoulder joints. This could just be normal wear and tear, or it could be a result of an old injury or a sign of arthritis.

How Old is Your Dog?

Generally, larger dogs begin aging earlier than smaller breeds. For example, if your dog is a Saint Bernard, he could be considered a geriatric dog as early as six years. But medium-sized dogs don’t usually show signs of aging until nine to eleven years. And small breeds like toy poodles probably won’t show signs until they’re at least eleven. In addition to a dog’s breed, specific lifestyle factors affect a dog’s longevity. Note from Kathy: French Bulldogs seem to age more like larger breeds, due to their brachycephalic type.

To this end, Purina has teamed up with RealAge® to bring you valuable interactive pet health information on the Internet — the complete DogAge® Test.

The test evaluates factors such as health, lifestyle, breed, body condition and exercise to quantify whether a dog is younger or older than the average dog of the same breed. After taking the free test, DogAge.com provides free dog health information, weekly tips and health guides to give pet owners easy, practical ways to help improve their pets’ DogAges.

Take the test today http://www.dogage.com/index.aspx?cbr=PUR1_P

Proper Medical Care

Regular checkups are a must for older dogs. In addition to annual vaccinations and checkups, talk to your veterinarian about special geriatric screenings for your dog. You should be aware of some of the problems seen in the senior dog. It is important to keep a record of any of these warning signs and report them to your veterinarian.

Disease (most often affecting senior dogs)

Warning Signs

Diabetes or Kidney Problems Drinks excessively. Urinates excessively. Weight loss.
Hormone Imbalance Incontinence (uncontrolled urination). Especially present in spayed females.
Arthritis Stiffness and lameness, especially after napping.
Heart or Lung Conditions Frequent coughing. Trouble breathing. Tires easily.
Cataracts Hazy, whitish appearance to the eyes. Can impair vision.
Gum Conditions Bad breath. Trouble eating hard foods because of sore gums and loose teeth.
Tumors or Cysts Large lumps on or under dog’s skin.

Keeping Weight in Check

Heart conditions, joint pain, and diabetes can all be influenced by obesity. Discuss your dog’s feeding program with your veterinarian to be sure he is getting the proper nutrition for his age and activity level.

Proper Nutrition

Aside from regular veterinary care, proper nutrition is one of the most important things you can do to help your dog maintain a long, happy and healthy life. Transitioning your dog to a senior life stage food will help him maintain his weight and give him the extra nutrition he needs.

When Your Dog Has Special Dietary Needs

If your dog is experiencing medical problems, check with your veterinarian to see if he could benefit from a special diet formulated to help meet the special nutritional needs of dogs who suffer from certain heart conditions, gastrointestinal conditions, kidney problems and obesity.

Proper Exercise

Because obesity and arthritis are two of the most common problems experienced by older dogs, regular exercise is very important. However, if your dog does have arthritis, consult your veterinarian before beginning an exercise program.

Daily Routine

Being consistent with a daily routine is also important to your older dog’s physical, mental and emotional health.

Maintaining a Healthy Skin and Coat

As part of your dog’s complete home health care program, you may want to schedule a special grooming session at least once a week. Bathing your older dog regularly is also very important. This is another great opportunity to give your dog that loving attention he needs.

Maintaining Healthy Teeth and Gums

Routine dental care by your veterinarian is very important since older dogs are more prone to gum disease and tartar buildup on their teeth. In addition to regular visits with a professional, it’s always a good idea for you to check your dog’s teeth and gums regularly.

Emotional Needs

It is your responsibility to be sensitive to what your older dog is going through and understand that he’s also experiencing a lot of psychological changes. Daily care of your older dog requires a little more patience on your part.

With your special loving care and commitment, he can enjoy a quality life during these senior years.

French Bulldog National Specialty in MA

As many of you know, I judged Sweepstakes at the 2008 French Bulldog National Specialty. It was a blast and I impulsively agreed to attend the 2009 FBDCA Nationals with my dear friend, Kelly of Pawsitive Healing. Plus, I get to go this year having lost a LOT of weight and that is always a good feeling – teehee. Anyway, I batted my eyes and the Nationals are almost upon us! The Blissful Dog, creator of NOSE BUTTER, will have its very first booth at the FBDCA Nationals. So, if you are in the area…stop by and see us, plus, get to meet and greet about a bazillion Frenchies!

Monday: October 12
Afternoon: Seminar by Dr. Jerold S. Bell DVM on Genetic Aspects of Developing a Healthy Breeding Program for the FrenchBulldog.
Evening: Welcome Party

Tuesday: October 13
Independent Specialty: Judge Kenneth M. McDermott**
Evening: Buffet & Costume Contest
(** Mr. McDermott is replacing Frank Wolter, who was originally scheduled to judge.)

Wednesday: October 14
National Specialty: Obedence and Rally – Judge Pat Scully;
Sweepstakes: Judge Dr. Dorit Fischler
AKC Judges Education Seminar 1 – 4 PM
End of judging: Annual Meeting of Membership.
Evening: CHF Art Auction

Thursday: October 15
National Specialty: Junior Showmanship, Dog & Bitch Classes – Judge Patty Sosa
During lunch break: Parades of Rescues and Veterans
1/2 hour after judging: Seminar on Breeding and Judging the French Bulldog by Luis Sosa and the FBDCA Breeders Education Committee
Evening: Top Twenty Invitational – AKC Judge: Dr. Anthony DiNardo, Breeder Judge: Joyce Haas

Friday: October 16
National Specialty: Best of Breed, Stud Dog, Brood Bitch, Brace – Judge Patty Sosa
During lunch break: Parade of Titleholders
Last event: Breeder Class
Evening: Silent Auction and Awards Banquet

EZBoy’s Wheels Got Re-Tooled!

As many of you know, I have an especially mischievous pony/mini-horse named Nyker. One of Nyker’s favorite tricks is to get loose and plunder around; tearing stuff up, eating what he cannot destroy and generally wreaking havoc. He opened the mudroom door and snatched up EZBoy’s wheels and promptly broke them! I think he was jealous, Nyker tried to blame the bear…we know better.

Thankfully Jim Luljak was here for Frenchie Fun Camp and successfully repaired the wheels and they are reinforced to withstand even Nyker attacks now. Thanks, Jim, you rock!

Nose Butter to the Rescue

Warning…BLATANT PLUG! The Blissful Dog would love to help YOUR rescue organization raise money. I can create customized labels just for your organization and I offer special rescue pricing for your rescue organization. Some ideas that are sure fire money earners are: Nose Butters with YOUR organization’s label on them, Vibrational Essences created specifically for dogs in transition with your label on them and hot off the drawing board (and not even on the store yet) space clearing sprays for your dog and you!

These items can be sold on your websites, at events, to adoptees…the ideas are endless. I can also help you brainstorm!

Please, let me help you help your rescue grow! Email me today and let’s get started!

Awareness And Prevention For Our Best Friends During Pet Cancer Awareness Month

By Dr. Mona Rosenberg, Founder and Chief of Staff, Veterinary Cancer Group

The impact of cancer on humans and pets is enormous today, and according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) the number of pets with cancer is growing each year. In fact, the AVMA states that approximately 1 in 4 dogs will develop a tumor of some kind in their lifetime, and the Veterinary Oncology and Hematology Center approximates that cancer accounts for nearly 50% of all disease related pet deaths each year.

When dealing with cancer, there is no adage truer than an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. While we may never be able to cure the world of cancer, through persistence and education we CAN reduce the number of pets that are diagnosed with cancer each year. With National Pet Cancer Awareness month upon us, there has never been a more relevant time to educate ourselves about the factors that contribute to cancer in our pet and what early warning signs to look for.

There are a number of factors that can contribute to the cause of cancer in pets: the aging process, genetics, the environment we live in, a deterioration of the immune system, and just plain bad luck! While there are some factors that cannot be controlled, like genetics and the aging process, there are some things we can do for our pets. Providing our pets with a healthy and clean environment, just as we do for ourselves, will assist in maintaining their overall health. Clean air, a good diet, and plenty of exercise will stimulate a healthy immune system in our pets, and will give our pets a ‘leg up’ when it comes to prevention or management of an illness or cancer. In addition, the AVMA reports that some cancers, such as breast cancer, appear to be largely preventable with early spaying.

Awareness is another key step in reducing the risk of death from cancer in our pets. They, of course, cannot tell us when they feel poorly, so we need to pay special attention to their behavior and physical appearance. There are ten symptoms that, if noticed early, can help identify a potential problem:

Unusual swellings that persist or grow
Sores that do not heal
Weight loss
Loss of appetite
Unusual bleeding or discharge
Offensive odor
Difficulty eating or swallowing
Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina
Persistent lameness or stiffness
Difficulty breathing, urinating, or defecating

An attentive owner will notice when something is not quite right and get it checked out quickly. Do not take the ‘wait and see’ approach. ‘Waiting and seeing’ gives cancer an opportunity to take up shop elsewhere in the body and makes successful cancer treatment that much harder. Regular health examinations with your general veterinarian will help ensure that abnormalities are noted in a timely fashion, and can help save your pets’ life.

The more aware we all are of our pets’ health, the better and longer our relationships will be with these four legged family members of ours. Our goal in veterinary cancer medicine is to improve the quality of our pets’ lives through excellent and innovative medicine and compassionate care.

Dr. Mona Rosenberg is the Founder and Chief of Staff at Veterinary Cancer Group. She is a Board Certified Veterinary Oncologist, with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from UC Davis. Since 1992, Veterinary Cancer Group has been committed to taking the fear out of cancer diagnoses, and replacing it with hope. With three offices located in Southern California and a team of nine caring doctors dedicated to cancer care, VCG is the largest private oncology practice in the country, serving Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, Riverside, and Ventura Counties from three premier locations: Culver City, Tustin, and their newest facility in San Diego, California. For 17 years, Veterinary Cancer Group has remained committed to continuing the mission of providing hope and help to pets and their families that love them. For more information on Veterinary Cancer Group please visit www.vetcancergroup.com.

What a GREAT Week – Frenchie Fun Camp was a HOOT!

I will admit here at the beginning, that this year we kinda played more with our Frenchies. There were no obedience classes, no CGC tests, no lessons on conformation…nope, none of that. Just as our Frenchies are getting a bit older, so are WE, and in dog years that makes us even older…hmmm, I don’t think I want to go down that particular stretch! It was fulfilling to work on our arts and crafts, chat, listen to each others tales/tails about life and just enjoy the company of friends.

The dogs enjoyed meeting new faces (and butts) and just be-ing outside. The weather was absolutely perfect, never could I have imagined that every single day was more picture perfect than the day before. Perfect weather for people and French Bulldogs.

Just be-ing with others who completely adore their dog companions; no reservations, no excuses, no shame, was delightful and heart swelling. To see the looks on my dear friends faces as they played with their dogs, or just sat with them on their laps (and there was plenty of that), made all the years of stress and anxiety that is part of having bred dogs for so many years worth it. The sleepless nights, the sorrows inherent in breeding dogs, and the snarkiness that can be a part of the sport of purebred dogs drifted even further into the recesses of my memory (hopefully one day soon, I will remember only the good parts). The sheer love that my friends here had for their dogs makes my eyes tear and my throat tighten…

The bond between humans and dogs is a treasure, something to be held close to our hearts and protected.

Ahhhhhh…counting the days until next year’s Frenchie Fun Camp.

Frenchie Fun Camp starts Tomorrow!

The culmination of the French Bulldog calendar, at least here at Dancing Bear Resort, begins tomorrow! Hordes of Frenchies, and their adoring owners, descend upon far northwest Minnesota for heaps o’ Frenchie Fun!

Actually, there will be a lot of relaxing, telling of tales of Frenchie escapades around the campfire and well, probably more relaxing. We will keep you posted on the festivities as they progress….

What Exactly ARE Vibrational Essences?

Vibrational Essences – What are they? How do they work? How can they help you?

I will be the first to admit that the very idea of the dew shaken from a flower, or water that sat in the moon on a glacier, being able to help me tackle emotional issues is pretty ridiculous. At first thought there is nothing about it that makes sense. But at first thought, who would have ever thought that injecting a virulent into wrinkles would be as prevalent as it is. So, Botox aside, I have decided that I do not care how or why something works, as long as it works and does no harm…hey, I am all for it! THAT is why I believe so strongly in the efficacy of Vibrational Essences, especially for our pets, as they have no mental blocks…it wither works or NOT for them! So, let us look a bit more closely at just HOW they do work.

Essences are based on plants, gems or minerals. Each essence has a particular vibration or resonance characteristic of the matter it is made from and that resonance corresponds with particular emotional, physical and spiritual attributes. Whew, I know…but think about it. Sunflower essence is used for brightening up and allowing light into our lives. Duh.

Essences use very subtle “healing” that works on the energy centers of the body, balancing the energy flow. They are effective in removing negative ideas, blocks, negative emotions and releasing past (and past-life) traumas. Essences are also effective in supporting and assisting people to move forward in more positive ways.

Dr Edward Bach discovered flower essences in the 1930′s. His essences are the Bach Flower essences, but many other essences have been discovered and developed since then. The essences I use are the Alaskan Project Essences and Isha Lerner’s Essences. I adore the Alaskan ones, as the growing season is so short it condenses more energy into the flowers, plus, I feel as there is more connection between the triad of flower, mineral and environmental essences.

Using vibrational essences can be a gentle, yet effective way of bringing balance into your body healing issues and patterns that are often below consciousness to bring lasting change. Working on a subtle level essences assist in removing negative emotional and mental habits clearing the way for a more positive relationship with your body. All this with NO drugs or chemicals.

“The Alaskan Flower Essence Project is the only essence company in the world that has designed a system of vibrational healing based on the co-creative relationship that exists between the plant, mineral, and elemental kingdoms. This threefold system derives its effectiveness from the special qualities of healing energy that each kingdom has to offer, and from the synergy that is created when these essences are used together. Following is a brief introduction to the three different types of essences in our system (further information is available on the pages introducing each group of essences).

Flower Essences – The plant kingdom occupies the central role in this co-creative relationship, bringing the gift of spiritual consciousness to the earth. Essences made from flowers awaken dormant qualities of consciousness within us and stimulate the release of blockages that prevent us from fully integrating this higher consciousness into our daily lives.

Gem Elixirs – The mineral kingdom helps us fully anchor and embody changes in consciousness that are catalyzed by the use of flower essences. Just as the rocks and soil of this planet provide structure and stability for the growth of the plant kingdom, gem elixirs stabilize and restructure our energy systems so that our physical bodies can maintain their balance as the consciousness within us grows and expands.

Environmental Essences – The gift of the elemental kingdom is energy for change. The environment, through the elements of air, earth, fire, and water, supplies vital nourishment for all living things. Essences made from the environment provide the potent qualities of energy we need to create and sustain change at the core level of our beings.” This bit of info from The Alaskan Essence Project website.

Foot Licking Blues…

Recently, a frustrated Frenchie owner emailed me about her dog’s incessant “foot-licking.” Her question “got me to thinking” and I felt moved to share my reply to her below. Official Disclaimer: I am not a vet, never played one on tv, this is just info I share to help you make good choices and be informed.

MY RESPONSE: You know, actually I think it can even have a couple more causes…some dogs get into a habit of “foot-licking” like an OCD behavior. The foot may not even itch any more, but they are so used to sucking their foot…they keep doing it! It can even be a form of “self-soothing’, like some of us who overeat to soothe our emotions.

It can also be a way in which they cool themselves. Have you ever seen the Discovery Channel shows where foxes, etc. lick their feet to keep cool. The evaporative action cools them.

It can also be fungal, like an athlete’s foot, but in dogs. Or even bacterial. In either of those cases, antibiotics and steroids would have no effect on the licking. Maybe your vet could do a scraping and see if it is bacterial or fungal. If so, there are many excellent medicines available to help that.

All of these are somewhat unconventional ideas, but I have seen it and know it to be so. I wish you the very best of luck and hope this helps…

Yaks, and Bears and Dogs, Oh My!

I feel moved to share this exciting episode, but first, allow me to assure you that this was a very unique event here at Dancing Bear Resort…no need to fear visiting us!

Yesterday morning I was out feeding Kundun, my nine week old yak his am bottle, just enjoying the moment when something caught my attention. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a big, fat, ugly dog tearing along beside the fence, just a few feet away from us. Right on his heels was Zoe, my big, fluffy Great Pyrenees dog. You know how thoughts flicker through your mind…I was thinking, “That is one fat, ugly dog,” “Did my neighbors get a new dog?”, “That dog runs funny.” Then my brain kicked in and I knew…BEAR! From his size, I estimated him to be in the 250-300 pound range, probably a year or so old…

I looked over and all the alpacas had scurried to the fence line and were very curiously watching the scenario unfold. Zoe was chasing him, but not in a frantic way…more like she was just “shooshing” him away from HER property.

Then some neighbors pulled up and yelled out, asking if I had seen the bear. They told me he was standing at the end of our driveway, standing up on his hind legs, beside our Dancing Bear Resort sign, which pictures a bear, well, dancing. Of course, they fumbled with cell phones, trying to get a picture…but the scene only lasted a moment! We laughed about it and they went on their way.

I looked down and realized that throughout all of this Kundun, in true Yak fashion, had not missed a beat and was finishing off his six pints of breakfast. I guess that pretty much showed where his priorities were!

Zoe strutted around all day…she knew she had, yet again, done what the Great Pyrenees was bred to do for thousands of years…guard people, property and her animal charges.

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