The language of friendship is not words but meanings.

Came across this old photo when transferring files to new PC.

Josey & Lucas at

Kiva Beach, South Lake Tahoe.

This photo reveals many things.

What do you see?

Josey is tense, 

keeping an eye on frisbee.

Lucas is tentative, 

wondering if Josey is going to pound him should he grab frisbee.

Recently had a conversation with dogzoomies about play styles. 

Particularly play styles of border collies.

She said BCs are breed snobs.

 It is so true. 

Play is really complex behavior. 

You learn a lot watching the Glen Highland Farm 

BC rescues play in the paddocks.

Lucas and Josey are interactive. 

Making physical contact with each other 

and taking turns with

play bowing, chasing, grabbing necks, and body slamming.

They let loose and genuinely seem 

to enjoy the romps with each other.

Like very good friends.

The belly rules the mind.

What's in your dog bowl?

Been wanting to share this list of articles from The Whole Dog Journal that deserve your attention:

• 5 Steps to Upgrading Your Dog's Commercial Dog Food Diet
• 2011 Dry Dog Food Review
• An Education in Specialty Dog Foods
• Feeding People Food to Dogs is Not Harmful as Long as the Food is Healthy
• Holistic Dry Dog Foods that Missed the Mark

Information is power. We get comments all the time about the deep shine of Josey and Lucas' coat and their bright eyes. They've been eating very well lately even though we cut back on their food portions (to account for their reduced exercise regimen during these hot summer months). 4 outings reduced to just 2. They are still getting a mix of dry and wet food (either canned food, dehydrated raw, home-prepared cooked) plus supplements and a wee bit of something special like cottage cheese, fresh raw or steamed veggies, or lightly sauteed ground turkey or beef.

Thanks to a tip from dogzoomies--we got a smokin' deal recently via Hearty Pet's $6.99 flat rate shipping promotion! Competitive prices on 15 lb. ACANA dry (fish), 2 lbs. SOJOS raw (turkey), a case of EVANGERS wet (chicken) and NUPRO JOINT supplement with no sales tax and only $6.99 shipping fee regardless of weight! A 33 pound box was delivered right to our door! It was awesome! You have to sign up with Hearty Pet to receive their promotions via email. Totally worth it!

Thanks for reading and I hope you check out those dog food articles!

No matter how dark the moment, love and hope are always possible.

Have you heard about the border collies rescued from Texas?

This story is sad, heartbreaking. Several months ago a handful of rescue organizations removed almost 200 border collies from a rural property in Texas. As time goes by, each one is healing, receiving love, and learning to be a dog again. If you want to learn more about their amazing survival stories and how to help, checkout these dedicated organizations:

• Glen Highland Farm
• New England Border Collie Rescue
• Border Collie Rescue Texas

At the moment, we are not fostering any BCs but we continue to volunteer for our favorite rescue with pick-ups and transports to safety. Lucas, I know, misses having playmates and someone to chase (other than Josey). When I think of these Texas BCs, I think of Jim, Maddie, Juno, Tess, Abbey and Ian who have stayed with us; remembering their bad situations but never dwelling too long. Happily, they were all adopted into lovely BC Forever Homes and I wish the very same for the Texas BCs. 

Sorry, we've been out for so long. Josey, Lucas and I are doing well....adjusting to the warmer weather. Summer finally hit Sacramento after a lingering cold and wet spring. Our walks are restricted to the early mornings and late evenings now so we don't overheat. We'll be catching up, starting this weekend...so visit us again! Hug your dogs today and tell them how much you love them!