We've Moved

We're now blogging over at Linda's website, where all kinds of stuff will be appearing on her blog.

Linda is a fervent supporter of animal rescue and loves to hear about your animals and pets, so please visit her at http://lindafaulkner.com/blog.

Celenie's nephew, Delaney

Celenie's nephew, Delaney, is living with her for a while. She wants the world to see what a handsome fellow he is--even if he does have a problem walking on her new floors...

Dieting with My Dog

Yes, you can do everything with your dog, including improve your health. Author and pet columnist, Peggy Frezon, took the time to visit with me recently to share her writerly thoughts on Author Exchange Blog. She's sharing her "animal" side with us here on Forever Friends today.

Which do you like better, dogs or cats, and why?

I love all animals, I’ve shared my home with dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, gerbils, goldfish, turtles, even a hermit crab. If I had to say, I’m really more of a dog person because I’ve always developed more of a relationship with my dogs, and I think I understand dogs better than I understand cats.

Which do you like better, dogs or people, and why?

Honestly, both. I think we all need both dogs and people in our lives. One cannot completely substitute for the other.

How did you come to share your home with Kelly, the dog with whom you dieted?

While I was going through the empty next, I found myself spending countless hours on the Petfinders website, visiting the homeless dogs. Then one day I saw Kelly’s adorable furry face, and I knew she would join our family. She came from a rescue home in New York, and she was about 1 year old when we got her. She immediately put our yellow lab in his place, letting him—and us—know that she was top dog.

Do you think there's an intrinsic difference between people who have pets and those who don't have (and don't want) pets? If so, share your philosophy.

There are many people who don’t have, and don’t want, pets. Maybe it’s allergies or lack of time and space. The difference is people who don’t like pets. That is something I would wonder about. I always feel more comfortable with people who love animals.

Peggy Frezon, author of Dieting with my Dog (Hubble & Hattie, 2011), is an award-winning writer, regularly published in Guideposts and Angels on Earth magazines, and a contributor to more than a dozen Chicken Soup for the Soul books. Other publishing credits include stories in The Ultimate Dog Lover, Miracles and Animals, Animals and the Kids Who Love Them, Chicken Soup for the Soul; My Dog's Life, and more. Peggy writes a twice-monthly web column, Pawsitively Pets, is a staff writer for Be the Change for Animals, and blogs at Peggy’s Pet Place. She has two grown children, and lives with her wonderful husband Mike and lovable spaniel-dachshund mix, Kelly.

Connect with her on Peggy’s Pet Place blog (http://peggyfrezon.blogspot.com/), website (http://www.peggyfrezon.com/), Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/peggyfrezon) and Twitter (http://twitter.com/peggyfrezon)

From lambs to saddle blankets and rugs ... River Run Weaving

Pepper's twins, born Feb 2011

These little guys are the twins Pepper gave birth to last month. Pepper is just one of the flock of sheep owned by Sharon and Will Hamilton of River Run Weaving in Huson, MT.

Pepper (as a baby) and Sugar

The Hamiltons raise their sheep, shear the wool, and then Sharon sets to work spinning the wool, dyeing it, and creating the most marvelous handwoven items, including rugs and saddle blankets.

In addition to raising sheep and chickens on their 10-acre spread, River Run Weaving is also the home of Magic and Bowtie, the two guard-llamas who keep the flocks safe from coyotes and other wildlife in rural western Montana. I, personally, own a handknitted scarf Sharon designed and made from the wool of Magic, the dark brown llama shown below.



Bowtie & Magic



Here is a list of the types of items you can find at River Run Weaving: Rugs, Saddle blankets, tapestries, socks, bags and purses, and custom items.

For more information, photos, or ordering information, visit River Run Weaving online:

• website
• on Etsy

Happy Birthday, Vinny! Love, Mom



Vinny

 Today is Vinny's birthday and his mom, Danielle,  wants everyone to know how terrific he is.

Vinny is a 6 year old fawn Italian Greyhound (IG). He loves to be chanced by other dogs and young children. He loves to play with stuffed animals, dance, boss around his brother, and cuddle under a blanket. Vinny is very curious and smart. He knows how to ring a small bell (dangling at the door) to let us know he needs to go out. Like a typical IG, his eyes speak to me! After 6 years, that face still steals my heart. Vinny is full of personality just like his brother from another mother, Frank.



Vinny's brother, Frank

Frank is a 5 year old seal IG. Frank was a spunky puppy, but Alpha Vinny trained him....literally. Frank listens to Vinny's commands. If only I knew what he was saying so I could use the magic! Frank is large for an IG, weighing in at 26lbs. I think his large size has made his heart larger too. Frank LOVES kisses on his forehead and giving hugs. Yes, he wraps his arms around your neck for a big hug when you arrive at home or he thinks he hasn't seen you in a while. A bundle of love!

Many visitors to my house say how luck my dogs are to have parents that "spoil" them (allowed on the furniture, sleep in our bed, heck we bought a house away from family because it was best for the dogs!). I think they are mistaken, because we are lucky to have such wonderful dogs in our lives. No matter how bad the day or the situation these two knuckle heads can put a smile on our faces with their big eyes and personality. We are the ones being spoiled.