Tag Archives: pets
365 Project Day 332: Cowboy Tells a Christmas Story
Posted on 01. Dec, 2011 by maryanne.
Story Time
Canon 5D Mark ll, 24-70 2.8L, 2.8 aperture, 1/25 shutter, 100 ISO, Alien B800 to camera left in a large soft box at 1/16 power.
Cowboy asked if he could tell a Christmas story, and since he does not have a blog of his own, I told him I would let him use this one every now and then. You may recall some of his wisdom that he shared on day 122 of this project. Anyway, I now give the floor to Cowboy (who insisted on dressing the part for his story).
“Once there was a very special family who had an amazing dog named Cow.. er, uh, Bob. His name was Bob. And he we was a golden retriever, like me. Anyway, this family got a very sparkly tree and put it up in the house. They did this every year at Christmas, and, er, Bob thought it was very special. The best part about the tree was that it had a ginormous bowl of water at the bottom of it and the water tasted like Christmas. (At least that’s what Bob told me.)”
It Tasted Like Christmas
“One day, while the family was gone for a very, very long time, Bob got very, very thirsty. Yes, he had water in his own bowl, but the sparkly-tree water was soooo refreshing to Bob. So…”
"I Like This Part!"
“Indiana, don’t interrupt me!”
“As I was saying. So, Bob thought he would have just a small drink from the refreshing bowl at the bottom of the sparkly tree. After all, it was Christmas time! So Bob nosed his way in through all the clinking toys that were hanging on the tree. There were so many of them. Just a little further… and then he was in! He lapped up the water with delight, just taking small sips, but before long, it was all gone. ‘Uh oh’, Bob thought to himself. He knew master would not like this. So, Cowboy, I mean Bob began to back out carefully.
"I Saw the Whole Thing"
“As I was SAYING, Bob began to back out very, very carefully, but his big fluffy tail got caught on a branch or something, and he heard a big noise. Bob ran very fast in reverse! You should have seen it. It was very cool! The next thing he knew the big sparkly tree was on the floor and the toys were all broken. Bob went into the corner and hid. He knew master would be very upset when he got home.”
It was Very Scary
“It seemed like hours went by. Bob could not think about anything else. He kept seeing master’s face all crinkled up. He did not like that face at all. Then he came up with a plan! When master came home, he would act extra-cute! Master loved the cute, especially mommy master. She could not resist the cute! So, he practiced making his eyes big and round and stretching his paws back and forth and making his cute noises. He felt this would work for sure! Master would not even see the tree and the broken toys.”
Practicing the Cute
"This is the Cute, Cowboy."
“Then he heard the door open and he got ready with all of his cuteness, although he was kind of nervous inside. It was mommy master! He was in luck! So, when she came in, he pretended he did not see the sparkly tree on the ground. But she saw it and began to get very loud. Her face turned very red as she picked up the broken toys. Bob got ready to show his cuteness. She yelled at Cowboy, I mean BOB, for what seemed like forever. She kept asking the same question. ‘Did YOU do this? Did YOU do this?’ Bob heard her the first time. It seemed like she was stuck. So Bob stretched out his paws, and made his cute sound, rounding out his eyes as much as possible. Her face changed a little. Then mommy master began to smile. It was working! But, then she looked at the tree again and she stopped smiling. It had only worked for a minute. Bob left the room and doesn’t know what happened after that. The End.”
"That's an Abrupt Ending"
It's my Story
Well, I guess that’s it for Cowboy’s Christmas story.
I think it may be based on a true story with the names changed to protect the innocent, or the guilty in this case.
Looking forward to a joyful and happy Christmas season, whether the tree falls this year or not. (Last year we ended up bungee-cording it to the bannister.:)
Happy Thursday, everyone!
Proverbs 17:22 ~”A joyful heart is good medicine,”
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Project 365 Day 319: The Dog with Three Names
Posted on 15. Nov, 2011 by maryanne.
Intelligent and Gentle
Canon 5D Mark ll, 50 1.2L, 2.2 aperture, 1/160 shutter, 250 ISO
When my kids were small, we read the book Three Names by Patricia MacLachlan. It is a story of a well- loved dog who is actually named Three Names. It is told in the voice of the author describing her great-grandfather and his dog. It is a sweet and peaceful story with wonderful imagery. Patricia MacLachlan continues to be one of Annie’s favorite authors.
This is our beloved Indiana, a dog whose eyes seem as if they are reading the title page of your soul when she looks at you. Intelligent and wise Indiana. She came into our lives as a scruffy little mixed breed puppy five years ago. We had recently lost our dog of 12 years, Taylor. She was an amazingly loyal and beautiful English springer spaniel. Cowboy was lonely and needed a friend. (Okay, I wanted another dog.) We bought her from a fellow home school family. She was a mix of terrier and Welsh corgi. When we arrived, her mother, an orange (also scruffy) dog named Pumpkin, was perched on the front porch steps taking in the view of all of her puppies in the yard. Laid back but attentive , (a foreshadowing of what Indie would become). Indiana was the only female left in the litter and also the only tricolored puppy they had. I fell in love with her. I scooped her up, paid a small fee for her and placed her in my lap for the car ride home. I knew she was a perfect fit for us. When we got home, Cowboy came scampering out of the house to meet us. Happy and naive Cowboy. That is when Indiana showed her true colors. All of her hair stood straight up as she barked Cowboy back into the garage. He was 20 times her size. It Then she promptly hid under the car shaking. Chris loved her for this from the beginning. She was a dog who showed great courage even though she was terrified.
Annie was the first to name her. She called her Independent Sunshine, two names which seemed to suit her. She was content to do her own thing. Chris then got into the name game and called her Indiana Appleseed, as only my husband would. The name Indiana stuck. Now we just call her Indie.
Hand over the Squeaky
When Indie was only 6 or 7 months old, she became pregnant with a litter of puppies. We had no idea she was even ready for that. I can’t remember how many there were, but I do remember it was too many for her to carry. She had to have an emergency cesarean section. I got to watch them all be born, with our Ellie being the runt of the litter. When it came time to find homes for her puppies, several of our friends wanted one. To this day, we get to hear weekly reports on at least three of them. They are all great dogs. There was Buster, Judah, Ellie, Tootles, Ella, and several others that my kids could probably remember. I loved having puppies and cried when each one left. It reminded me of my childhood. We raised miniature poodles when I was little. The smell of puppy breath is hard to beat. So sweet!
Independent Sunshine, Indiana Appleseed, or just Indie, it doesn’t matter. She is ours and she is one of a kind. I am so glad we found her.
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365 Project Day 299: Cowboy Goes Abroad
Posted on 27. Oct, 2011 by maryanne.
Cowboy Ready
Canon 5D Mark ll, 24-70 2.8 L, focal length 59mm, 6.3 aperture, 1/160 shutter, 100 ISO, Alien B800 at 1/16 power in large soft box to Cowboy’s right.
Cowboy has been very patient this month while I traveled to Indiana and then to Virginia. He didn’t like it, but he allowed it. However, when he overheard me telling someone on the phone that I would be traveling to England to see Annie at Oxford, he took that big furry paw of his and drew a line. Before I knew it, he had gone upstairs, found his suitcase, and packed his favorite leopard print squeaky toy. He even put on some English-style clothing (all he could find) and walked around saying ”tally ho!” even though I told him that wasn’t really what English people did.
Cowboy can’t really go to England. Sadly, he doesn’t have his passport. Let’s not spoil it for him though. I thought I would let him enjoy the moment. He is such a sport.:)
What Time is the Flight?
Should I Pack More?
Cowboy Wants Fish and Chips
Cowboy is Serious about Going
Cowboy Waiting
Have a wonderful Thursday, everyone!
Psalm 68:3 ~ “But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful.”
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365 Project Day 294: A Dog Named Daisy
Posted on 21. Oct, 2011 by maryanne.
Camera Shy
Canon 5D Mark ll, 50 1.2L, 1.2 aperture, 1/125 shutter, 100 ISO
This is Daisy, a Boston bulldog who happens to be my dad’s constant companion and best friend. She is a little camera shy, as you can see in these photos, but she is full of personality and open with her affection. Those soulful eyes can convince anyone to stay just a bit longer to stroke her head or take her on a walk. Whatever she wants, really.
In the pictures I have seen of my dad when he was a little boy, he often had a dog by his side. They were part of his growing up years, and mine as well. We raised miniature poodles when I small, and I remember how excited I felt when the puppies were born. Dad has always wanted a Boston bulldog and finally realized this dream when he got Daisy. I am so glad he has her. She has stayed by his side through many health issues in her lifetime. He says she is “good company” and indeed she is. I know how much my own dogs mean to me, and I have no doubt that Daisy’s companionship has contributed greatly to his health and well-being. This is priceless to a daughter who lives so far away.
I am grateful for Daisy. The two of them make quite a pair, don’t they?
James 1:17 ~”Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
Sweet Daisy
Good Company
Are You Done?
Friendship
A Man and His Dog
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365 Project Day 289: It’s Always Nice to Share
Posted on 16. Oct, 2011 by maryanne.
Say Please...
Canon 5D Mark ll, 50 1.2L, 2.2 aperture, 1/800 shutter, 100 ISO
Chris really was intending to give him some of the apple. In fact, he went to the back to house while we were on our walk just to get it for him. However, I think he enjoyed Gunsmoke’s intensity and longing for this delectable treat, and so he made it last as long as possible. There were indeed things spoken such as “Oh, did you want this?” and “This apple is soooo good.” Well, you’ll be happy to know Gunsmoke finally got his apple, and Chris, well Chris got a horsey kiss. Just what he wanted!
Sometimes it’s just better to go ahead and share. 
You Mean This Apple?
So Good!
Getting Closer
Score!
And, If I hadn’t been laughing so hard, I would have gotten one with Gunsmoke smiling with the apple in his mouth, and Chris with slobber on his face.
Happy Monday, Everyone.
Proverbs 17:22 ~”A joyful heart is good medicine…”
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Project 365 Day 193: Old Friend
Posted on 12. Jul, 2011 by maryanne.
Old Friend
Canon 5D Mark ll, 24-70 2.8L, 3.2 aperture, 62mm focal length, 1/40 shutter, 1250 ISO
This is Sam. I have only owned him for a short time, but I have known him much longer than that. He once belonged to my very dear friend, RM, and was given to me by RM ‘s wife when he passed away, four years ago. RM was like a second daddy to me. I miss him so deeply. When I go out to ride, sometimes I will just talk to him. I tell him I miss him and wish he were with me on my ride that day. He was such a unique and wonderful person. He had a way of making everyone feel valuable and loved. He did that for me. He would take me riding and talk to me the whole time, encouraging me. I don’t think he was afraid of anything. He used to cut trails on his horse, carrying a chain saw as he rode. I admired and loved him very much. When I met him, almost 15 years ago, he was riding Sam, or Sammy as I call him.
Now Sammy lives with me, and I am so grateful. He is an old man now, 26 to be exact. In horse years, that is getting up there. He is an American Saddlebred, and his proper title is Raven’s Flashing Fancy. I don’t think he wants anyone to know that. His face now shows his age, and his hind quarters are beginning to lose their youthful shape. He has trouble eating because his teeth are worn down, and he gets ornery from time to time. But, he carries an air of gentleness and dignity that is so soothing and sweet. I respect him. Like an older person, he has been around the block a few times, and I see the wisdom in his eyes. I always try to speak gently to him. When he acts crotchety, I often ask him if RM would approve of his behavior. I think he believes he would, and that makes me laugh. Yes, he probably would. He, also having lived a lot of years, knew what it was like to just feel tired.
Guilty
Yesterday this old man got out of the pasture and into the barn. I am not sure if he was trying to escape the heat or get into the bag of oats, but he did both. He ate nearly 3/4 of the bag. (What he could chew.) Therefore, today, he is not feeling so well. Instead of being frustrated with him, I felt compassion for him. He is old, he is tired, and now his feet hurt, which is what sometimes happens when a horse gets into too much feed. It is called laminitis or founder. I put soft shavings in a stall, added a fan and fresh water and brought him in. He seemed to be grateful.
Gentle One
I know my time with Sammy is limited. I can feel it. It hurts to think about losing him. I have lost three horses before him. It is very painful lose any friend, but losing a horse friend leaves an impression I cannot describe. I have had whole conversations with my horses without ever saying a word. They are one of the most intuitive creatures on earth. They know so much about matters of the heart. I wouldn’t trade the time I have had with him to forego that pain, however. It will be all right. I feel like loving and taking care of him has been a continuation of my friendship with RM. Therefore, it is an honor to care for Sam, as he is aging and in need of a gentle hand and voice.
Not Feeling Well
Here is a photo of Sammy modeling last fall with one of my favorite couples. Isn’t he handsome? Ashleigh and Jason are pretty stunning as well!
Born to Model
Here’s to as much time the Lord gives me with my Sammy. I look forward to riding with RM again on the beaches of paradise. What a ride that will be!
Proverbs 12:10 ~ “The righteous care for the needs of their animals-”
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Favorite Photo of the week 8
Posted on 09. Jun, 2010 by maryanne.
Had to choose this for my favorite photo this week. Meet Indiana, aka Indiana Appleseed, Independent Sunshine, or just Indie. She will answer to them all. We got her shortly after my sweet Taylor of 12 years died. Taylor was an English Springer Spaniel and dearly loved by the family. I knew we could not replace her, but we wanted another dog, and our Golden Retriever Cowboy was lonely. We found Indie advertised online by a local homeschool family. She was the last available female. I loved her immediately. As you can tell, she is very smart, and sometimes we think she can look into our souls with those eyes. She is so much fun. She had a litter of puppies in her first year, and many of our friends benefitted! We get to keep up on their progress in their new families, and they are also dearly loved. Our other puppy, Ellie, was the runt of the litter. She “wears the pants” as Johnny so aptly puts it. Demure looking, she really runs the show, as most little dogs do.:)
