Them Angry Birds are BACK!!

After a stressful and depressing week, the 24 Paws of Love thought we would have some fun and do a giveaway.  Remember those Angry Birds you were all going crazy over?  Well we of a box of the four that are swearing up a storm.  They've been driving me crazy all week and we need to find them a new home.

 All you have to do is leave a comment if interested and your email address (or a way to contact you) and that's it!  

The giveaway will run from today, Nov. 30 and will end December 7 at midnight, when the dogs and I will pick a lucky winner at random.

You know you want them!!

So for all of you Angry Bird fans, this is your chance to collect all four of the Season Editions and maybe, just maybe you can let your dog play with them too!  

From now until Dec. 7 Leave us a comment to enter the contest and your email address to win.

**Sorry, US citizens only

And don't forget the Hartz Angry Bird Contest that is still going on Facebook where you can still win Angry Birds Season editions.  The contest runs for four weeks, and as Hartz finishes out the first week, there is still plenty of time to win.  The rules for the game are HERE.  

The Lone Wolf

A little weary

Mr. Bad Boy

It was a rough holiday weekend for us at the 24 Paws of Love. Brut was in a mood and was real touchy about anything he deemed was his. We had a couple of small fights, nothing serious and he corrected a couple of the dogs. No one was hurt, but it still slices me when it happens.

 Brut's aggression with dogs is a weary battle and one that must be waged very carefully. I think it is more difficult when we go for long periods of time with him content and happy. When he used to be on guard most of the time and ready to attack, my reactions were quicker as I kept a vigilant eye on every twitch of his body language. So when my guard comes down a few notches, even though I am aware of Brut's every move, I'm slower to respond when the gun goes off. I get comfortable and relaxed and sometimes even if I see the signs, it doesn't register as quickly and attack seems to come from out of nowhere.

 And sometimes I'm so very tired. And would love to shrug off this responsibility that cloaks me. Even when things are going great, you always know there will be a flick of the switch. Whether it's been a day, a week, a couple of months, at some point Brut will be Brut. I have no illusions of Brut ever being cured. It is always one step forward and two steps back with him. Change of season isn't helping as he likes to be outside and during this in between time of fall and early winter he tends to be inside more until the switch over to winter. (*Note to self-more walk time*)

 So while it still hurts my soul as I'll never get used to a dog fight, I think I will try to be more responsive to Brut and take some time to get a little more in tune with him. Maybe a little more alone time with mom will help curb that fight in him. I know it won't hurt.

Angry Bird Contest on Facebook

We were asked by Hartz to tell you about this great contest that is on Hartz Facebook for the Angry Birds' Season Edition.

The details for the game are as follows:

        There are four unique holiday Angry Birds toys that will be shown in four different holiday locations that will be slowly revealed throughout the course of 4 weeks.

        Each week (Monday-Sunday) a photo of one of the toys in a distinct setting, will be featured on the Facebook application with only a small amount of the photo visible.

        As the week progresses, more and more of the photo will become visible and ultimately be fully revealed each Sunday.

        Fans will be able to submit their guesses as to the location where the toy is hiding out as many times as they like throughout the week.  

        The campaign will kick off on Monday, 11/26/2012

Now who can resist??    The contest starts today to win yourself a set of Angry Birds Season Edition. 

So stop over to Hartz Facebook today to get your first peek!!

We received this same set of Angry Birds for promoting the contest and Hartz's new product.

To Just Be-b/w sunday

Counting our Blessings...

10 puppies...

4 Back Dogs

2 Front Dogs

2 kitty kitties

and 1 duck, who will never make it for dinner!!

Plus all of our animal loving blogging friends.

Happy Thanksgiving

From the 24 Paws of Love  :)

Heart to Heart

Walking Brut Style!

I uploaded the beginning of this video a while back not knowing that the whole thing didn't load.  So if you remember the beginning, keep watching there is more of Walking, Brut Style.  :)

on YouTube

And he seems to never run out of fluid.  

BOL!!

Anyone else have a heavy marking dog?

Focused-B/W Sunday

Hope Prevails

No. My answer to Kristine's question, " Did you ever think they would be able to come so far a few years ago?"  I never would have thought I was going to get past the first few days when we started with two packs and coming this far in a couple of years was something that I could not have even imagined.

I remember feeling the need to be able to blend the two packs right now.  Ya know, like you see on the dog shows.  In an instant everybody was one happy family again.  And I couldn't do it.  I was expecting my husband and I to do this in a week or two.  All the internal pressure I felt and the failure that followed when I couldn't seem to push things along faster and fix this "problem" I thought I had.  If you would have told me back in the beginning it was going to take a couple years just to get to this point I would have lost my mind.

I remember things going well, when the fence tarp ripped open the first time.  It was OK, but things were still so unstable and then it got worse.  And my fears took over when I had to cover it back up.  There was just no way to be able to bring them together.  The dogs and I have changed since then and I can see and feel such a difference from that first time.  The dogs are more centered in themselves and their packs and I have a good feeling about them being able to see each other and that it's going to be OK.

My husband and I both agree that both packs are established enough that the dogs while they will reach a point (hopefully) of being able to be together (supervised, of course) and do things together, they will probably still have their separated side of house and yard.  Like they will be able to visit for a while and then go home.  This is our predication based on the dynamics of the two packs and their unique qualities.  I think it's an honest assessment and a reasonable goal to attain and one we would both be quite content with.

As I breathe with a sigh of relief.  We have found our peace.  :)

Correction:  My apologizes to Collie222 and savannahspawtracks for not adding their links to yesterday post.  If you get a chance check out both blogs, we really love them both.  :) 

24 Paws Revolution!!

Collie222 and savannahspawtracks asked a couple of questions from Monday's post and since the answers make a good post I thought we share with everyone some of the progress between the Front Dogs and the Back Dogs.

savannahspawtracks asked, "So, where are the other two guys?"

The two packs.  Front dogs on top.  Back dogs on bottom.

For those of you who don't know, our dogs are divided into two packs.  Long story short, they didn't get along and we keep them separated in the house and yard.  They each have their own sides, the front and the back, which is we call them the Front Dogs (Chance and Blaze) and the Back Dogs (Brut, Silver, Zappa and Fiona).  And because Brut is aggressive with other dogs and has issues was having major issues with the other three of the Back  Dogs our progress has been extremely slow.  We struck out with trainers and behaviorist and ended up doing it on our own as the dogs guide us at their pace.  I know most people wouldn't do it this way, but it is working for us.  Since both Front Dogs are part of the litter we had and were  returned to us abused and neglected we've some cautionary road blocks in their healing as well. It took a while for the ruckus to settle down and for everyone to feel comfortable with all the new living arrangements, but I'd say for the last year that what started out as a roar has turned into a purring machine.

So, on the Collie222 question, who asked, "How are you doing with getting the front dogs and back dogs together?"

There are two major changes that have occurred in the last couple of months.  One was a decision by Mother Nature and has been open dialogue between a Front and Back dog.

What is SHE doing over there with THEM??

During a couple of strong wind storms in early fall, Mother Nature started tearing down the tarp that was the privacy fence between the two dogs.  There are two fences between where the Back Dogs and Front Dogs yards come together and before they couldn't see each other.  Now they can in one section.  This happened once before a couple of years ago, but there was too much aggression between the dogs and we had to board it back up.  But this time, the dogs are very calm and I think a little curious, they aren't as hateful with each other as they were before.  So this has been a very cool and quite comfortable.  They are all so relaxed, just watching each other, talking a bit, or ignoring each other.  And we didn't have a thing to do with the decision.  It just came at the right time.  We'll see how long it goes and if it keeps going well.  If not, then we'll board it back up and let Mother Nature try again.

Look at that smile...Zappa knows!

The other exciting news is Zappa (Back dog) and Blaze (Front dog) are talking, I mean really talking when they are trying to get everyone riled up about something.  It used to be that it was Zappa that would get all the dogs going which usually leads to a howling session, but now it is Blaze and him together that really gets things going.  Since they are the biggest talkers of the group, this shouldn't be a surprise, but it is so cool that they are talking and getting everyone involved.

( Zappa and Blaze became close friends before Chance came back and was the only dog we could introduce to Blaze at that time, so wouldn't it be natural that they are finally coming back "together" in a sense?)

These all may sound like very minor things but to watch it happen in action has been such a huge thrill.  Not to mention the journey we have taken so far and keep plowing through.

It's like a revolution here at the 24 Paws of Love!!  And just think you are all a part of it!!  :)  
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For something different check out 36 Claws of Attitude new post!

Look at our Progress!

Now for those of you who don't know, the Back Pack has been an on going challenge to get a picture of all four of them together.  With Brut being such a bossy pack leader and major issues with food it has been a slow work in progress.  The three dogs, Fiona, Silver and Zappa are all cautious when food and Brut are together, but especially Zappa.  So getting him in close is pretty difficult.  I started by working with them in pairs in the house over the spring and summer for our yogurt breakfast, then gradually let them mesh at their own comfort levels all together.  We still practice this and the results are getting amazing!

So I decided to up the ante a bit and try it outside.  Here's the results of three different days at least 2-3 days apart.  The first two days I used dry kibble and the third day with yogurt.   

Day 1

First shot, everyone w-i-d-e spread.  So wide even Zappa (by lawn chair) was in shot.

Now were coming together.

Brut is so relaxed he decided to lay down.

Then so does Fiona and Silver 

and Zappa.  And this is the closest he will get for this day.

Final shot for this day:  all a little bit closer.

Day 2:

Zappa is still far out, but look, everyone else is closer to him!

Day 3

All four dogs lined up!!

It's been a pretty amazing journey so far and I really hoping to get some good shots for Christmas cards.  :)  We'll see!

The Healing Powers of Dogs

A phrase we are always using and talking about in our home.  The constant healing power our canines radiate for our hearts-body-mind-and souls.  Whenever we are down or ill or just feeling lost and alone we seek each other out.  I can not count the number of times they have been so in tune with my moods and how intuitive they are about it.  When my husband comes home from a stressful day at work he lays down with a dog or two and immediately begins to relax physically, emotionally and mentally.  Just hugging all that fur and the love that is saturated inside, heals the wounds of the day or the brain.  Taking those rough edges of demands, the curt words, the ignorance and stupidity of the world so that he just melts into the dog's love.  Here my husband is safe and secure and can be true to himself and fully accept and give the love that is usually depleted when he comes home.  The dogs become a source of restoration and rejuvenation for what makes him who he is.  A loving husband, a doting father, and a healer himself for me.  For I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for him and the dogs and that just makes more love to go around.  :)     

I can not judge

My first dog Jep lived on a chain for two years, this is our story made possible by http://www.wooddogcrate.com/

Going through a transitional period in my life, I had 2 cats and a dog and we all needed a place to live.  The odds were already against me trying to find an apartment I could afford with three animals.  I realized before I started hunting that my only choice to find a place was to advertise that my dog, Jep was an outside dog.  I didn’t know how else I was going to keep him otherwise and never tried.

I finally found an apartment in a house in a small village with a good size yard where I could keep all three of my animals.  I invested in a insulated dog house, straw and a double flap for the dog house door.  It was still early fall which gave Jep enough time to work in a good winter coat.  My biggest concern was his warmth and comfort.

There was no fence and I couldn’t put one up, so Jep was tied to the tree next to his dog house with a small, lengthy chain where he had plenty of room to move around.  It worked out great.  If nothing else he was with me and that was all that mattered.

So at least once or twice a day we spent time playing fetch, something he could do non-stop.   He ran free in the yard without any notions of taking off.  I’ll admit there were some days that were tough to get out there with him, but I always at least fed him and gave him water.  If nothing else we would just visit for a few minutes, before I would leave or go inside.  I wasn’t happy that he was tied up and that it was my only option, but it was still better that he was with me and I with him.  Jep was my first dog and my best friend.  He could always make me laugh and I still play the games I made up with him with my dogs today.  Our favorite was hide-n-go seek.  I would throw a pop bottle in one direction then run and hide in the other.  It was a challenge finding a spot before he stopped chasing the pop bottle mid-stride and come running after me.  Then the game would turn into who could find the bottle first.  We spent many a time chasing pop bottles, going for walks and just hanging out.  I’ll also admit how tired I would get sometimes of playing non-stop fetch, bol, but Jep couldn’t stop himself.

This was all before I heard all the sins of tying up your dog, I just did what I had to because it was the only way I could keep Jep.  There was no other way during that time period of my life.  I didn’t know I was committing a horrible crime and I don’t think Jep thought so either.  It definitely propelled me to get out there every day as much as I could to see and be with him, no matter how long it was for.  All I knew is I loved that dog and he loved me and we were in it together.  I tried every which way to make his life better, because it wasn’t quite my ideal at the time and I just did what I had to, to keep my furry friend with me.  Giving him up wasn’t an option and if that meant tying him up than that’s what it had to be.  And even if I could go back, I don’t think I would do anything differently.  There was a lot of sacrificing during that time period, but never when it came to my animals.  And every time I remember Jep, I remember fun and love and all the things that make the world go round.  And I still smile every time I think of him.

            

Facebook? Never!!

Up until Angel died I wouldn't give Facebook a chance.  I wanted nothing to do with it and couldn't care less about it.  I had no desire to ever go to that place.  

When Angel was just missing, the first thing readers said was that nasty word Facebook.  When flyers were out circulating on the infamous FB and people I never knew or ever will know were reading about our dear sweet Angel and hoping for her safe return, there was a lot of power swirling in the hopes of finding her.  In desperation my husband signed up for what seemed to be our only hope to save Angel.   

And honestly in the end FB and all of you did help find her.  Even if it wasn't the results we were all hoping for.  When I told Angel's parents about the flyers that were out and about on FB, we got together pictures and made paper ones for around town.  The person who accidentally  hit Angel on that foggy morning saw them, called and Angel's body was found.  The four of us, Angel's parents and my husband and I were able to have a proper burial and have all important closure.

Maybe FB isn't as bad as I once thought.

And now as we venture into a new and foreign land of FB, I am asking for your help again for those of you already there.  The 24 Paws of Love has their own page and we are asking you to like us.  Since we are just getting started and trying to navigate our way around, our page is a little bare bones, but if you could spare a minute, we will return the favor back.

We don't know how to thank all of you for your help in finding Angel, sad as it was that she was dead, at least her body could be laid to rest so that she could run with all of her friends, here and around the world.  Thank you for being a part of that.

Here's our Facebook Page:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/24-Paws-of-Love/464962466888819  

Beautiful Inside and Out

Words are still hard right now...

But watching these two angels made my day.

Critter Gazing with Blaze (B/W Sundays)

"A Brut Moment" Chanllenge

Welcome to "A Brut Moment" Challenge.  We are sharing that moment that sticks out in your head that changed the course of your relationship with your dog.  We are having others share their post on their blog by linking to our blog hop.  We have extended the challenge for tomorrow Nov. 2 for those who would still like to join.  

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This has been tougher than I thought it would be to write while dealing with Angel's death.  I've been lost for words since she died.  I'm going to hand the reins over to Brut to share in Our Brut Moment together.

Brut here:  

I was still a young pup of a year and half old, even though I was already a father and two of the mongrel pups were here to stay. Now Zappa has a way of pushing my buttons and pressing his limits with me and was always in need of a correction.  I've gotten carried away more than once with him and Mom was scared of me.  This particular afternoon, Zappa pushed me one too many times and I gave him a short correction.  As I sat dazed for a moment at the surge that came over me, I heard Mom call my name.  Her voice was calm and gentle, unlike others times when it is angry and frantic after I attack another dog.  I came to her.  She was stunned.  Then firmly but gently she told me to lay down and I did.  I could feel the relief whoosh out of her.  She looked into my eyes, those aggressive ones that I have kept hidden during the fights and let her really see me.  It was in that moment that I gave here all of me, the good and bad and everything in between.  In that moment there was no hiding what I was and she looked deep into my eyes and saw the emotional pain that was thrashing inside of me.

 It was also the moment she earned my respect.  Right then and there.  Now she will tell you she didn't deserve it, but she went way above and beyond for me to give it to her.  When I gave her my respect that she so rightfully earn and our relationship started shifting in a different direction.  You see, I've been so difficult to live with because of my bad qualities, I know there were many times she hated the part of me.  I know I felt it.  But I also know she loved me, more than anything and that we were connected.  It wasn't her fault for my bad upbringing and she tried so hard to help me that she never felt like she was getting anywhere.  But she did, because she always touched my heart in a way it had never been touched before with her.  Just as I did with her.  Because it was in that moment when we were looking into each others eyes that she finally understood.  And I knew she understood.  She had the same pain in her eyes.  And that's when we both knew, we had earned each other's respect.

There have been many of these moments in the course of our relationship, but this is the one that holds the total truth that we are building on and continues to change the course of our relationship.  It is Our Moment.

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Enter on the blog hop where stated at bottom of this linky list.  Fill out info to join.  Find the code also at bottom of linky list (Get code here) then copy and paste to bottom of HTML page of your post and that's it.  Make sure you are in HTML when posting code.  

Enjoy in the sharing!!