ANOTHER SET OF PAWS...

Tippy's time as doggie guest host 

on the Quantum Canines blog

is finished.

Starting June 1, Corky

will be the doggie guest host.

MAGIC MONDAY: ROSE PETAL WISHES

What if rose petals are wishes that can only be used with kind and loving thoughts for someone else?

Even those who don’t deserve kindness and love—or perhaps especially for those people?

Those who have been rude or even threatening to you? Those who have been disrespectful or who have hurt you in some way?

My experiences of abuse, betrayal and violent deaths have made me wary of forgiveness. I don’t want those ugly experiences to control my actions, but I don’t want to be foolish and set myself up for further trauma. 

Rose Petal Wishes don’t have to be phony. I can simply wish the highest and greatest good for someone. What form that takes is up to the other person and the Universe. I have removed myself from the situation; from any thoughts of revenge or “I hope they get what they deserve.” 

I know the Universe has a magical way of turning even the ugliest situations into miracles that benefit everyone involved—if humans get out of the way and don’t try to micro-manage things.

As I’ve made Rose Petal Wishes, I’ve also noticed the energy of rose petals. Hard to stay angry or vengeful when love radiates in your hands.

(Posted by Tippy's human, Genene Valleau writing as Genie Gabriel)

www.GenieGabriel.com

SILLY SATURDAY: NO MORE POODLE SKIRTS

The dogs at Quantum Canines do more than snuggle with humans!

My Cocker Spaniel inspired a homeless dog named Mr. Razzles, who is featured in the romantic comedy novella, No More Poodle Skirts.

Thanks to Aunt Maddie's soft heart, he doesn't stay homeless long--plus he lends a paw to capture the bad guys who threaten a boy and his mother trying to build a new life.

Digital formats are just 99 cents!

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EXCERPT from NO MORE POODLE SKIRTS

As Keller snuggled under the blankets, Mr. Razzles hopped up on the bed next to him, turned around three times, and laid down with his furry head on Keller’s pillow.

“Can he sleep with me?” the little boy asked.

“Sure.” Maddie smiled and kissed both the little boy and the dog. “Good-night now.”

When Maddie left the room, Daphne was waiting anxiously outside the door. “I didn’t mess up Keller staying here, did I? I mean, I ruined dinner.”

“No, you didn’t mess anything up.” Maddie looked at her sister. Though almost fifty years old, she still seemed an innocent. “Give yourself a break, Daphne. You don’t have to rejoin this time period all at once. Take some time and ease back into this different life.”

“I just want to be normal.”

Maddie laughed. “That could be a challenge in this family.”

“Perhaps you’re right. I’m going to say good-night to Keller.”

As Daphne disappeared inside the little boy’s room, Ryan walked down the hall. “I came to say good-night to Keller.”

“Your mom’s doing that now. By the way, thanks for being so sweet to her and rescuing dinner.”

“I enjoy cooking. Rissa said I’d make someone a fine wife someday. Do you think I will? Not be a wife, I mean, but do you think I’ll ever get married?”

“Do you want to be married?”

“I don’t know. I mean, I like the idea sometimes, but then I’d have to act like a normal grown-up, right?”

“Your uncle Horace and I have been married a lot of years, and neither of us have ever aspired to normal. I think a big part of marrying the right person is finding someone who will accept and love you with all your quirks. And this family has plenty of those.”

(Excerpt copyright Genene Valleau, writing as Genie Gabriel.)

READ MORE AT <www.GenieGabriel.com>

GUEST POST: BECAUSE CAT

For Favorite Friday today, I'm delighted to repost a blog entry from Mollie Hunt, author of the Crazy Cat Lady mystery series.

Native Oregonian Mollie Hunt says she has always had an affinity for cats so it was a short step for her to become a cat writer. Mollie is the author of the Crazy Cat Lady mystery series, including Cat's Eyes (2013), Copy Cats (2015), and Cat’s Paw, arriving in August of 2016. She also published a non-cat mystery, Placid River Runs Deep, which delves into murder, obsession, and the challenge of Hepatitis C before the cure. Mollie lives in Portland’s eclectic Hawthorne district with her husband and a varying number of cats. Visit Mollie’s website to learn more <http://www.lecatts.wordpress.com/>.

Mollie Hunt’s Amazon Author Page:   www.amazon.com/author/molliehunt

Hope you enjoy this post from Mollie!

BECAUSE CAT.

Posted on September 11, 2015by Mollie Hunt

The other day, a friend was describing her cat’s crazy antics, and she ended with the simple sentence, “Because cat”. I instantly knew exactly what she meant – that cats do their cat thing, and that’s all there is to it – but I wondered where the term came from. Did she make it up or was it some internet meme I’d managed to miss? It was so perfect. Any cat person would instantly know she was referring to that ultra-feline edgy behavior all our kitty companions display sooner or later.

I looked it up on Google. Turns out there is an artist whose work is called “Because cats” with an “s”. Not the same. There is a movie, “Because of the Cats.” There is a website, “Because, Cat” but I can’t tell what it’s about. There is even a link to one of my own blogs where the words “because” and “cat” are used.

I still like Because cat best. Here’s how it works:

Why does my cat go crazy when I come home from a long trip?

         Because cat.

My cat is the sweetest thing until he sees the toilet paper. What’s the deal?

        Because cat.

I bought my cat a beautiful – and expensive – cat bed. Why won’t she sleep in it?

     Because cat.

Why do kittens insist on taking on the world?

     Because kitten.

My cat chases anything that moves.

     Because cat.

My cat’s giving me the evil eye; what did I do wrong?

    Because cat.

Cats: the smartest, wisest, most insightful animals on the planet.

Because! Cat!

Thanks to the person who inspired this commentary, though I can’t remember who you are. Thanks to a bunch of great photos from the internet.

OTHER FAMOUS COLLIES

Other Collies besides Lassie have also enjoyed fame.

One of those is Bobbie, the Wonder Dog. In 1923, he was separated from his owners on a road trip and lost in Indiana. After an exhaustive search, the broken-hearted family returned to their home in Oregon never expecting to see their beloved dog again. Six months later, Bobbie appeared on their doorstep mangy and scrawny with feet worn to the bone; he showed all the signs of having walked the entire way back—over 2500 miles. He was the subject of newspapers articles; played himself in a 1924 silent film, The Call of the West; and received hundreds of letters. You can find out more about Bobbie at <http://silvertonbobbie.com/Home.html>.

Other famous Collies:
— Former President Lyndon Johnson had a pet collie.
— Reveille, a Rough Collie, was official mascot of Texas A&M University. There have been a number of “Reveilles” since the first mascot in 1931.
— Lad, pet of author Albert Payson Terhune, is chronicled through several short stories, most famously in the collection Lad, A Dog.

WHAT IF WEDNESDAY: ALL THE RULES HAVE CHANGED...

WHAT IF you woke up this morning and all the rules of this world had changed?

The alarm clock jarred you out of a wonderful dream. You snuggled deeper in your warm blankets and mumbled, “Quiet…just want quiet.”

As quiet settled over your room, you drifted back to sleep, searching to return to that wonderful dream.

When you woke up an hour later and realized the time, you also realized you were going to be late for work…

(to be continued…)

TALK TUESDAY: HELP! MY DOG IS SHEDDING!

Not a shapeless dog, but
the hair from trimming my
Cocker Spaniel.

TALK TUESDAY: Help! My dog is shedding his hair all over!

ANSWER FROM TIPPY: Shedding is in celebration of spring! Don't worry, your dog won't become as bald as your uncle Joe. Humans can also use their daily pet time to brush their fur so it doesn't seem like his entire coat has fallen out overnight. You do spend quality time with your pet every day, don't you?

Here's a web site with some human tips on how to manage shedding: <http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/8-tips-to-help-manage-dog-shedding-season>

And don't worry, this will pass. As the latest quote says, "Dog hair is the new black!"

MAGIC MONDAY: WE WILL ALWAYS BE WITH YOU

SILLY SATURDAY: NATIONAL CHICKEN DANCE DAY

National Chicken Dance Day is May 14, 2016!

You can find the history about this dance and fun facts about competitions for the longest Chicken Dance at the National Day Calendar:

<http://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/days-2/national-dance-like-a-chicken-day-may-14/>

AND, if you don’t know how to do the Chicken Dance, there are a number of videos on YouTube, including a video from the Desert Classic Chicken Dance Championships-Kids Ballroom Dance. :)

Friday the 13th: BLACK DOG SYNDROME?

Sophie, who graces the cover of my
book, was a black dog who claimed
my love the first time I saw her.

When I was working at my local animal shelter about ten years ago, it was well accepted that black dogs and cats were harder to adopt. We even ran special promotions that touted the benefits of adopting a pet with black fur. 

Is this simply because black cats and dogs are more numerous than other colors? 

An article on Petfinder talks about Black Dog Syndrome and offers possible reasons why black dogs may face longer wait times to be adopted. 

But do statistics back up this longer wait time? A blog post from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) claims this is a myth and offers numbers to prove their point.  

Myth or not, color doesn’t matter much to me. For many years, the dogs who came into my life seemed to be mostly black. I welcomed them with open arms, loved them, and grieved them when they transitioned over the Rainbow Bridge. I still have black dogs—half of my current doggie herd are mostly black—but I also have dogs sporting fur of different colors.

On this Friday the 13th, why not visit your local animal shelter and see who might be waiting for you? Like me, you might discover love comes in many colors!

THURSDAY HISTORY LESSON: LASSIE TV SHOW

Not Lassie, but my own sweet,
beautiful Collie

Perhaps the most famous Collie of recent times is Lassie from the TV show that started in the 1950s. When I’m out with my rough-coated Collie, I still hear comments from people who say, “There’s Lassie!”

Growing up, my family had TV sporadically, so I only remember the Timmy and Lassie years. However, entries about Lassie on Wikipedia <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lassie_(1954_TV_series)> give a listing of the many changes in the seventeen-year run of the series on TV. (I usually hesitate to cite Wikipedia as a source, but this gives a good summary.)

In addition to the boy and his dog years, the TV Lassie spent time with U.S. Forest Service Rangers, then a year traveling on her own before settling at a children’s home the last two seasons. Interesting reading if you didn’t follow the TV series through its entire time. The human cast changed many times, and a half dozen Collies (all descendants of the original) played Lassie. 

Lassie is cited as the fourth longest running prime time TV series, and Lassie has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame—one of only a handful of animal actors to receive that honor. 

My Collie isn’t Lassie, but certainly seems to represent our culture’s love affair with these beautiful and sweet-tempered dogs.

WHAT IF WEDNESDAY: TALKING TO ANIMALS

WHAT IF EVERYONE COULD HEAR WHAT PETS SAY?

I stepped into a world like this for a few hours on Monday! The Executive Director of the local humane society coordinated a meeting with three animal communicators, including me. (Thanks, BJ!)

Some of my family also communicate with animals. However, I don't usually start conversations with strangers by saying, "I talk to animals and they talk back." 

If the topic comes up, I usually slide in a casual comment and make note of their reaction, which can range from cautious curiosity and interested questions to eye rolls, stepping away, changing the subject and running in the opposite direction. 

What a delight to hear someone say, "I'm an animal communicator too." 

I didn't have to speak cautiously or try to explain how talking to animals happens. We spent our time talking about our experiences, including the wonderful messages and lessons we've received from animals.

As an added bonus, on Tuesday I called a couple local businesses looking for resources for one of my dogs and discovered another animal communicator who hosted healing circles in my area.

What a wonderful feeling to know other people have discovered the delights and benefits of communicating with animals!

TALK TUESDAY: BEST DOG FOOD

QUESTION: WHAT TYPE OF FOOD IS HEALTHIEST FOR PETS?

ANSWER FROM TIPPY: Being an old farm dog, I like real food. You know--home-grown, fresh food grown naturally. Once again, this opinion may differ from that of many humans. For courageous humans, you can do a taste test with your dog. Set two bowls side by side--one fresh, real food and one whatever you're feeding now. See which your dog prefers. Woof!

MAGIC MONDAY: VETS USING ALTERNATIVE MODALITIES

Through the Hay House Summit (a free online event) I'm so pleased to have discovered an interview with Dr. Dennis Thomas, a veterinarian practicing in Spokane, Washington. 

i just finished reading his book, Whole-Pet Healing: A Heart-to-Heart Guide to Connecting with and Caring for Your Animal Companion, which details how he uses alternative and complementary modalities in addition to Western medicine his practice. He also explains the role of energy in healing and the pet-human connection. So encouraging to see this!

SILLY SUNDAY--NO SOCKS DAY!

Sunday, May 8 is No Socks Day! 

Perhaps because your dog has claimed all your socks?

Originated by Wellcat.com <http://www.wellcat.com/may/no_socks_day.htm>

More silly info at Days of the Year <https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/no-socks-day/>

FRIDAY FAVORITES: ADOPTABLE DOGS AT WHS!

I'm a former staff member and volunteer at Willamette Humane Society, and still have a special place in my heart (and my home!) for shelter dogs. Martha Bidlock Russell posts a fantastic blog each week about dogs waiting for adoption at WHS, and I'm delighted to share the link to Adopt an Oregon Dog.

My Stewart was an alumni of WHS.
This picture of him is featured in a
couple of this week's QC blog posts.

THURSDAY'S HISTORY LESSON: COLLIES

The Collie Club of America <http://www.collieclubofamerica.org> states the origins of the Collie are shrouded in obscurity, although most sources agree the Collie’s natural home was in the highlands of Scotland, where they were used for herding sheep.

The CCA goes on to say “the true popularity of the breed came about during the 1860’s when Queen Victoria visited the Scottish Highlands and fell in love with the breed. From that point on Collies became very fashionable.” In the 1950s, the TV series “Lassie” further romanticized Collies and portrayed them as the ideal family companion. The Collies I’ve known are very protective of children and women (in that order).

Collie varieties can be smooth (short hair) or rough-coated (long hair that seems to flow when they run). I’ve had three rough-coated Collies in this lifetime, and one smooth-coated Collie who was crossed with another breed. All that hair takes less maintenance than might be imagined, but may mat in some places. Though most of my Collies have been rough-coated, their fur is actually amazingly soft, inviting me to bury my face against them and deeply breath in their Collie scent.

The American Kennel Club <http://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/collie/detail/> says Collies are “elegant,” and that’s certainly the case with the Collies who have been my companions. They are breathtakingly beautiful when they run, and the reaction of other people is usually “What a gorgeous dog!” or “Lassie!”

Tippy was so right when he told me “Collies will carry a special message for you…and you will be drawn to them.”

WHAT IF WEDNESDAY: "PERFECT"

For humans: What if you could design the "perfect dog"? Describe this dog.

Would you consider breed? Whether they were well-trained and could do cute tricks? If they were noisy, messy or required a lot of brushing? The color or softness of his/her fur? Whether they were playful or a couch potato? If they had the characteristics of a dog you currently have or who has passed over the Rainbow Bridge? 


Now, let's ask a dog. What if you could design the "perfect human"? Describe this human.

TALK TUESDAY Q&A: SHOULD I LET MY DOG ONTO THE FURNITURE?

Question from Human: Should I allow my dog on the bed, couch and other furniture?

ANSWER FROM TIPPY (DOG HOST OF THE MONTH): Back in my day, I wouldn't even consider going in the house, let alone getting on the furniture. Doggies nowadays aren't just allowed on the bed and couch, they have their own furniture. Could this become an issue? Not as long as the dogs let the human think they are still in charge. (Please note my response might differ from human perspectives.)

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THE FIRST PIECE OF MY HEART: TIPPY

Photos of me are over 60 years old
and grainy, so this guy is a stand-in--
just like in the movies!

I was just a puppy when I joined my family. They lived on acres of land with trees and grass to romp through. And kids! My connection to the little girl was special. When I grew up, she was still a toddler. She laid her head on my belly and I curled around her; protecting her from those who arrived in noisy, smelly cars. 

I stayed outside, but I had thick Collie fur to keep me warm in the winter and a blanket in the woodshed attached to the house. In the summer when the door was open, I sometimes laid down with my paws on the threshold of the door and watched my family inside the house.

It appeared to be an idyllic life…

Visit us at <www.QuantumCanines.com>!