Back To Ohio

Well cyber-paw pals, Dad was in a hustle yesterday and this morning. We didn't think he could move so fast. We are going on vacation to Ohio. Unfortunately there won't be any snow, but the weather promises to be much more to a Collies liking.

Instead of our temperature of 88-80 F (31-27 C), we will be going to 74-57 F (23-14 C). Not only that but the days will be a lot longer. More play time and cooler weather for a Collie. We will see our pal Clyde, plus our good friends Hattie and Cassie will be waiting for us.

What more could a Collie ask for, except for maybe a trip to "The Gathering" at Sunnybank. We will try to stay in touch. We especially will try to post on 10 June in celebration of one year blogging anniversary.

Dog Speed,

Essex & Deacon

Name Game and Awards

Cyber-paw pals, things are warm in Key West, so we have been taking it easy. We note our friends have sniffing around. We so do love having you visiting and barking at us.

Our good friend Charlie, who lives down under and across the Pacific Ocean tagged us with the Japanese name game. She is good at that, she is the one that gave us our English Titles.

When we read Dad the name game, he starting singing that old song, the one that went "Essex, Essex bo Bessex, ...." This is how is the Japanese name game. To do this name game use the following key: A - ka, B - tu, C - mi, D -te, E - ku, F - lu, G - ji, H - ri, I - ki, J - zu, K - me, L - ta, M - rin, N - to, O - mo, P - no, Q - ke, R - shi, S - ari, T - chi, U - do, V - ru, W - mei, X - na, Y - fu, Z - zi.

Then you tag a few friends. Since this is so easy to do we tag Opie & Gomer, Jake & JH, Maximillian the Valliant and Pacco.

Using the key Essex's name is Kuari Arikuna, while Deaon's name is Tekuka Mimoto.

Next Candi who lives across the Atlantic Ocean on the Emerald Isle gave us "The Good Friend Award." We are truly flattered and honored. Candi we wish you a double dose of the Collies' Blessing.

Dog Speed,

Essex & Deacon

Mini-Deacon

Clyde and his parents in Cincinnati mailed us a present. They said this facsimile Collie was so cute and reminded them of Deacon. It was so pawsome to get such a pawtastic present. Last year they sent a Dad a birthday card with a picture of Lassie on it. When Dad opened it, the card started barking and we barked back. Clyde and his parents get us neat stuff, but then Clyde's Dog Mom is our Dog Dads Sister.

If you want we will take some pictures of all the Collie stuff that Dad has. We warn you though, Dad is kind of Colliecentric. Talking about Collies, one of Dog Dad's coworkers is talking about getting a Collie puppy. They were thinking about a Golden Retriever or a Labrador Retriever, when Dad brought up that Collies are grrrreat around small children too. Well, they came to meet us at Angel Paws and Deacon sold them on Collies. It probably won't be until September until they get the puppy though. We are so looking forward to getting another Collie down here in the Keys. If we get any pictures, we'll post them.

I think we'll name Mini-Deacon, Laddie.

Pawleeze, I am much better looking

Dog Speed,

Deacon

Toad Kills Dog

Cyber-paw pals, a nine-year old Gordon Setter named Rhett crossed the Rainbow Bridge. We never met Rhett but we still feel sad for his family. Rhett was poisoned by a Bufo Toad. You might remember our post back in February about those toads.

Our cyber-paw pals living or visiting south Florida, north east Australia, the Philippines, Central America, northern South America, will want to pay close attention. Rhett's Mom wrote a good editorial that was in our Friday Paper. The editorial mentions preventive steps and what to do in case of toad poisoning.

1 – Toads are nocturnal, turn on the outdoor lights and don’t allow your dog outside alone at night.

2 – Toads are seen more often in wet weather. Accompany your dog outside when it is raining, even during daylight. Don’t leave water bowls outside.

3 – Inspect areas around plants and shrubs checking for toads before taking your dog outside during the early morning hours.

4 – If your dog has contact with a poisonous toad, place a hose along the inside of the mouth, point his mouth downward so your dog won’t swallow the water. Flush the mouth to remove all traces of the poison. While flushing, rub the gums and rub the inside of its mouth. Continue until the gums and inside of mouth no longer feel slimy, then call your vet.

5 – If you suspect toad poisoning, get prompt veterinary treatment.

Dog Speed,

Essex & Deacon

Ahoy Charlie

Ahoy, Charlie and cyber paw friends aboard the Hi-Jinx. Arrrg it is Essex, Aka Black Dog the Pirate with my First Nephew Deacon welcoming you to Key West or Cayo Hueso as the Spanish called it. Cayo Hueso means "Bone Key," which is perfect for any dog or cat. So sit down, have a bone to chew on. We have some water for the dogs and some milk for the cats or you can have some pirate-dog grog.

We hope you are enjoying your cruise around the Gulf of Mexico and the Colliebbean Sea. During the early 1800's Key West was known as the Gibraltar of the West due to its strategic position in the Florida Straights.

There are many dog friendly bars and places. As for you cats make sure to check out the polydactyl cats at the Hemingway House. They are a sight to see.

A seven-toed Hemingway Cat from Wikipedia

Argg, Pirate Dog Eyes

Dog Speed,

Essex & Deacon