I thought that these pictures were darling especially the first one!  Go to the following web site to see for yourself!!

 http://ihasahotdog.com/tag/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel/

 

We have lots of snow in Galena, Ohio, but nothing like my friend Roxy Hayes has in Michigan! 

TAKING CARE OF YOUR PET IN WINTER:

Monitor your pet’s outside activities in this weather. Several of the pet catalog’s offer snow booties if you have never seen them, they can be quite useful.  I have used them with my Bandi as he was losing control of his rear legs; they allowed him to grip the floor ever so much better and kept him mobile for quite awhile.

If your Cavalier is not a show dog or is not being shown anymore, you can certainly scissor the long feathering on the front of the foot to keep the hair from being loaded down with ice or snow.  I always trim the hair between the toes on the bottom of the foot so that ice balls do not form and irritate the foot.  Make sure you dry your dog’s feet well when they come in if it is snowy or icy, so that the feet do not stay wet between the toes.

MEETING OUR SNOOP

Al and I have a history of rescuing horses, cats. chickens, Emus who did not share one single brain cell among them, and, of course, dogs usually just to find wonderful homes for them.  However, when this year old black supposed Labrador Retriever needed a home, we agreed to take him for a couple of days until we could place him.  That was over eight years ago and Snoop is my constant and protective companion.  I have his heart and he has mine.  I always say that rescued dogs are grateful; I think that Snoop is grateful.  He never seems to take me for granted like my totally spoiled and often demanding Cavaliers do. He only has two bad habits:  he cleans off counter tops no matter how often he is scolded; in fact, if he isn’t caught, he still slinks away from the kitchen trying hard to avoid me seeing him.  Then there is his habit of seeking and destroying napkins and Kleenex.  I am so sick of finding the chewed remnant bits of tissue around the waste baskets; it is so annoying because he knows better and cannot break his addiction to paper chewing!  He is a grand dog!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As you can see, Snoop is no Labrador, but of mixed parentage!  We usually keep him clipped down because his coat is long and very dense.  We always leave this lovely little brush at the end of his tail so he can dust the coffee tables without any harm to his tail.

 

The new Rattlebridge our second winter here:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Remember, once again, to make sure your pets are fine in this weather. If you see any dogs out in the weather or cold without shelter, food, or water, please call the powers that be in your county.  Do not attempt to reach the Humane Society of the United States as this organization is not really a Humane Society and not affiliated with your local Humane Society.  The HSUS does no rescue and has no shelters; in fact it is only a political machine using its donated funds to push its own agenda.  This organization now feels that it will have real power in Washington with the new administration;  however, with its huge budget, it does really nothing to improve the welfare of animals as it pushes its animal rights agenda.  Animal rights and animal welfare are not synonymous. Until next time . . .

This is a heartwarming vignette and perhaps we should all adopt its message:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFz-FMj-9Ps

 

I just wanted to share this lovely sentiment with you.  Please go to the following link and enjoy. Music is great too!

http://home.att.net/~hideaway_today/t125/pet.htm

. . . a little long, but definitely worth the read! We need to do something to understand how far the animal rights movement, not the animal welfare movement, but the animal rights activists will go.  Please read the following especially the section 20/20 videos a out the seizure of dogs.  It could happen to you!!!! Hit the the line that says “front page.”

http://petdefense.wordpress.com/2008/12/22/join-the-crusade-against-hsuspass-it-forward/ml

Tiny:
http://tinyurl.com/8v2drf

Please send the above URL to as many people as possible and ask them to do the same. We need to educate about what is really happening in the land of the free:

Also please read the following:

 

I hope not, but Peta certainly thinks so. PETA is now demanding network USA not to air the Westminster Dog Show.  PETA will not stop until the ownership of animals is eliminated.  Please go look at the following link and please comment about this ridiculous demand:

Date: Tue Jan 6, 2009 8:10 am ((PST))

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/unleashed/2009/01/peta-to-usa-net.ht

 

I don’t know about you, but I am very glad that 2008 has come to a close.  The years of the present administration are almost over; hopefully, the new administration will truly initiate much needed change.  Our country is going through very tough times and the end will not be over soon.  Our county, president elect, our troops all over the world, and our fellow citizens who are have lost and are losing jobs and homes all need our prayers this following year.

Our New Year’s letter- a recap of our 2008

This past year has been one of many changes in our lives. If we have not been in touch, please forgive us. We are sorry we did not send Christmas cards last year and are late sending this out this year; hopefully after reading this you may understand why. We had been thinking about downsizing and selling our farm for quite some time, but change is very hard when one is used to a certain way of life. We had our horses and our famous Rattlebridge Cavalier breeding and showing program to consider as well as Al’s “farmer mentality.” However, with our advancing years, we thought that we needed to decide the time to move rather than let the time decide for us. We accidentally happened upon our wonderful new home in Galena, Ohio, just a few days before Christmas last year and had it signed, sealed, and closed on December 28 because we felt instantly that this was “home.” Then the fun of moving horses, dogs, all of our equipment, totally crammed house and barns began. We moved into our new home on February 21, with no dog facilities completed and no idea when we would be able to move dogs so we could put the farm up for sale. However, it all took time, but with the help of friends and contractors all is fairly complete, the dogs we kept are here, our horse is being boarded but will soon be moving back to the farm as M’s niece and her husband are doing a lease/purchase and will use the property to board horses and mainly dogs as the kennel set up is great. Al and M are delighted as they are very close to Annie and Eric and their first child, baby “Fritz.” Meredith has lost much of her wanderlust which had her traveling around the world judging and showing and now just wants to be home with Al to pursue other interests besides just breeding and showing; we have really downsized our breeding program; we keep far fewer dog and have no wish to show at the present time. What the future brings with our Cavalier endeavors is unknown, but after 42 years of “doing dogs,” M is ready to be home where Al needs her now. His health is stable, but orthopedic problems plague him. At almost 80 he just refuses to admit that he cannot do all the outside work he loves to do.

Our new home has lovely gardens, but no swimming pool (thank God the farm is in family hands so Al can swim all summer!). In her totally compulsive/obsessive manner, M has driven Al crazy extending all the already lovely flower beds of our new home,, civilizing a couple of the raggedy wooded areas (he won’t let her touch the main woods), and planting trees as though the place didn’t have enough trees already! They have even gotten in the holiday spirit and actually decorated for the first time in years! M has become very active in St. Mary’s Catholic Church where she went briefly as a child and again when Al and she built their first home in Delaware, Ohio. She has also been busy writing articles for major dog magazines and fighting anti dog breeding legislation; she is pleased that the latest bill died on the Ohio Senate floor at the eleventh hour before recess. Al continues to be M’s greatest support and is very encouraging of her recent return to Columbus, Ohio, Public Schools as a substitute principal and would like her to ask for her own school full time next year just to get some peace around the house.

Al’s daughter Carolyn and her family are fine. Al delights in his grandchildren, Audrey and Darrin. Both are really good students and very active in school. Audrey is beginning to plan for college as she is in her junior year. Audrey’s dating adventures keep Carolyn intrigued for lack of a better word and Al very amused as he remembers Carolyn’s teen aged years all too well. Stuart is continues to make his life in Texas.

We do hope we can keep in touch during the following year. May you have peace and joy in 2009. We pray that God takes care of our country and all of our citizens especially our soldiers all over the world. May God bless our country and our new president elect that he may lead us wisely and justly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This past year has been one of many changes in our lives. If we have not been in touch, please forgive us. We are sorry we did not send Christmas cards last year, but now you will hopefully understand why. We had been thinking about downsizing and selling our farm for quite some time, but change is very hard when one is used to a certain way of life. We had our horses and our famous Rattlebridge Cavalier breeding and showing program to consider as well as Al’s “farmer mentality.” However, with our advancing years, we thought that we needed to decide the time to move rather than let the time decide for us. We accidentally happened upon our wonderful new home in Galena, Ohio, just a few days before Christmas last year and had it signed, sealed, and closed on December 28 because we felt instantly that this was “home.” Then the fun of moving horses, dogs, all of our equipment, totally crammed house and barns began. We moved into our new home on February 21, with no dog facilities completed and no idea when we would be able to move dogs so we could put the farm up for sale. However, it all took time, but with the help of friends and contractors all is fairly complete, the dogs we kept are here, our horse is being boarded but will soon be moving back to the farm as M’s niece and her husband are doing a lease/purchase and will use the property to board horses and mainly dogs as the kennel set up is great. Al and M are delighted as they are very close to Annie and Eric and their first child, baby “Fritz.” Meredith has lost much of her wanderlust which had her traveling around the world judging and showing and now just wants to be home with Al to pursue other interests besides just breeding and showing; we have really downsized our breeding program; we keep far fewer dog and have no wish to show at the present time. What the future brings with our Cavalier endeavors is unknown, but after 42 years of “doing dogs,” M is ready to be home where Al needs her now. His health is stable, but orthopedic problems plague him. At almost 80 he just refuses to admit that he cannot do all the outside work he loves to do.

Our new home has lovely gardens, but no swimming pool (thank God the farm is in family hands so Al can swim all summer!). In her totally compulsive/obsessive manner, M has driven Al crazy extending all the already lovely flower beds of our new home,, civilizing a couple of the raggedy wooded areas (he won’t let her touch the main woods), and planting trees as though the place didn’t have enough trees already! They have even gotten in the holiday spirit and actually decorated for the first time in years! M has become very active in St. Mary’s Catholic Church where she went briefly as a child and again when Al and she built their first home in Delaware, Ohio. She has also been busy writing articles for major dog magazines and fighting anti dog breeding legislation; she is pleased that the latest bill died on the Ohio Senate floor at the eleventh hour before recess. Al continues to be M’s greatest support and is very encouraging of her recent return to Columbus, Ohio, Public Schools as a substitute principal and would like her to ask for her own school full time next year just to get some peace around the house.

Al’s daughter Carolyn and her family are fine. Al delights in his grandchildren, Audrey and Darrin. Both are really good students and very active in school. Audrey is beginning to plan for college as she is in her junior year. Audrey’s dating adventures keep Carolyn intrigued for lack of a better word and Al very amused as he remembers Carolyn’s teen aged years all too well. Stuart is continues to make his life in Texas.

We wish you a blessed holiday season and a blessed New Year!

Al and Meredith,

email: meredith@rattlebridge.com

 

WARNING: THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE VERY DANGEROUS TO PET

DIMPLE BALLS

The below dimple ball has a vacuum effect that can trap the tongue of a dog, cutting off the blood supply, so that the tongue horribly swells and cannot be easily removed.  The Labrador pictured below had to have his tongue amputated and had to learn to eat and drink without a tongue. Please tell your local pet stores and perhaps write the corporate office of pet store chains asking them to remove the dimple ball from the shelves.  Please protect your beloved pets!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

POTPOURRI

A fellow Cavalier breeder lost two of her beloved Cavaliers quite tragically.  They ate Potpourri which is evidently poisonous to dogs.  Despite major efforts to save these beloved pets, the Cavaliers died.  Potpourri is toxic to pets.  The breeder involved is having tests run on the Potpourri to determine the poison but it is thought to be the die in the potpourri.  Please safeguard your pets as they can die a horrible death after ingesting Potpourri.  I cannot warn you strongly enough!!!!!!!

 

From a Dog to His Crabby Owner:

When you first brought me home with you,
You used to like to play.
You promised me that in your heart
Forever I would stay.

Something’s happened lately
And I don’t know what to do.
It’s time that I remind you
Of why God sent me to you.

Your voice is loud and angry
When you’re talking on the phone.
You growl a lot and say
That I should just leave you alone.

You know that I can’t do that,
It’s the crime of canine crimes,
I will be right there by your side
In both good and bad times.

I know there’s human things
That I will never understand,
But I think that I am helping
When I lick your tired hand.

I hope I make you happy
When I fetch my favorite toy,
It used to be a lot of fun
It used to bring you joy.

You used to like to talk to me
And look into my eyes,
You knew there was a great spirit
Behind a canine disguise.

I love you even though you’re mad
Your voice I will obey,
I hope that you still love me, too,
Although you will not say.

I’ll remind you now
Of why I came here from above,
To give to you and teach you
All about pure selfless love.

So remember this about those things
That make you seem so sad,
You’d realize, if you’d play with me,
That nothing’s quite that bad.

Love always,
Your dog.