The Teacher's Pets

Three Reasons Why Daisy Loves Shopping in Dover, NH

2011-09-05T10:56:00.002-04:00

Moving to Dover, New Hampshire, was a dream come true for my treeing walker coon hound, Daisy, because so many shop keepers make sure her life is far from ruff!

For example, the shop keepers of Adelle's Coffeehouse make sure Daisy stays hydrated

and George of City Hall Market makes sure Daisy gets a good rub down and a treat at every visit 

and Daisy gets to accessorize to her heart's content inside her favorite girly-girl store at

Lucy's Art Emporium!

Moving to Dover may not be pawsible for you and your pooch but you can always shop here anytime you please!

Dogs Tails Are Waggin' At Wagon Hill Farm in Durham, NH

2011-08-31T15:28:00.002-04:00

As a new resident and pet sitter serving clients in the Dover, NH, area I am finding a lot of dog friendly areas to stroll through and Wagon Hill Farm in Durham, NH, is no exception.

The locals told me that I couldn't miss Wagon Hill Farm if I tried because, of course, there is an old wagon to greet me at the entrance but these lovely people residents have no idea I can miss just about anything put in front of me!

So for those who share my blonde roots or for those who are simply new to the area the directions from Dover to Wagon Hill Farm are as follows:

Cross the bridge on Route 4 West which brings you into Durham

From the lights at the 4 way intersection with Route 4, Black River Road, and Cedar Point Road, travel 0.5 miles

Turn left onto the access road and immediately after passing the field with the wagon perched on the hilltop

There is a lower lot on the left, about 0.05 miles in with room for about 12 cars

Or continue for another 0.05 miles to arrive at the upper parking lot on the left where there is room for about 8 cars

 This is possibly the most beautiful, well-kept preserved farm and trail in the Seacoast. There are three walking areas – one along the bay,  one through the woods and another through the fields. History buffs will  find the family cemetery plot down near the swimming area (no  lifeguard). Rural views of this 130-acre farm are sure to win your dog's paw of approval, fur sure!

Wagon Hill Farm is a 140 acre farm, which was purchased by the town of Durham to preserve this beautiful resource. Enjoy the many habitats, including a grassy field, wooded forest and salt water with your four-legged friend today!

The Dog Days Of Summer Get Better At Longhill Dog Park

2011-08-05T11:53:00.002-04:00

Have the dog days of summer gotten you down? Then I suggest you take your dog for a ride to one of the coolest summer and most inexpensive retreat ever; the local dog park. 

To keep my coon hound,Daisy,and I cool we headed to the best dog park we could find,Longhill Dog Park, a new and very lovely dog park located on the outskirts of Dover, NH. 

As soon as Daisy was released into the wild she couldn't stop talking about how much she appreciated the grassy areas for fetch and the wooded areas for shade. I was also thrilled that picnic tables were available for owners who wanted a comfortable spot to enjoy while overseeing their pooches at play.

And was thrilled that Longhill Dog Park provides kiddie swimming pools for those who need to quench their thirst

or to cool off!

As far as Daisy and I are concerned, we are going to be frequent guests at this park and we hope you will check it out FUR yourself soon!

The Longhill Dog Park is open from 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. from April 1 to Sept. 30, and is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Oct. 1 through March 31.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-06T11:58:00.000-04:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-29T20:09:00.000-04:00

Here Comes The Sun

2011-06-26T16:14:00.000-04:00

If it has been raining for days on end in your neck of the woods you will understand why Henry's dad, Amos, decided to take Henry outdoors this afternoon.

At soon as Henry's paws touched the grass he knew something was different about the day but he just couldn't define it until

he felt something warm and tingly on his face and then he realized the warmth was coming from an old familiar friend, the sunshine.

Henry stood in the yard for a long time thanking God for the sun and for his dad for showing him that the rain doesn't stay around fur-ever.

Busting Out To Blogville One Paw At A Time

2011-06-25T10:17:00.001-04:00

Our twenty pound cat, Buster, has been trying his best to fit under our bathroom radiator during the month of June and I couldn't figure out why until I conducted a purrsonal interview with him and this is how it went:

April: Buster, you've purrformed a lot of antics in your life but this one is by far the most bizarre. What *er* gives? 

Buster: Well, a cat's gotta do what a cat's gotta do when his own blog mom stopped blogging for an entire year three weeks! I'm digging my way to Blogville, that's what! 

April: Buster, you can't leave me! You're my flesh and blood, sort of! Is this the thanks I get for raising you to be a furry member of society? Please stay here with me and I pawmise to be a full-fledged member of Blogville starting tomorrow! 

Buster: I will only stop digging to Blogville on TWO additional conditions: 

1) You will stop worrying about what you humans call "green papers" and start smiling again!

2) You will do what I do:  relax more, sleep more, look out the window more, and above all, eat more shrimp!

April: You've got a deal, Buster! Your advice is purrfect, as usual! Now would you please come out from under the radiator? The shrimp and I are waiting......

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-15T07:31:00.000-04:00

What Does Rainbow Bridge Mean To You & Your Pets?

2011-06-01T07:00:00.007-04:00

A pet sitting client of ours recently asked me what I thought the afterlife was like for pets because she been concerned about her aging collie's health and just wanted to be prepared for the inevitable. Because of you,  dear bloggers, I've learned more about Rainbow Bridge than I could have learned from books, lectures, or movies and I thank you for helping me find the words to comfort my client when she needed them most. 

During our conversation I was not so sure she appreciated that most my Rainbow Bridge expertise came from a place called Blogville but as I continued talking she became less skeptical and more attentive because my description of Rainbow Bridge was so poignant and comforting for her. 

I explained that  Rainbow Bridge is a beautiful bridge that her dog Rocky will cross over when he dies and while on the bridge he will be restored to full health and vitality for all eternity. My client loved learning that when her time comes she will reunite with Rocky at the Bridge and they will remain together forever.

While the idea of Rainbow Bridge seems a bit over the top (no pun intended) I choose to believe in it because even though this place seems fictional it is one that makes me feel comforted because, as a pet sitter, pet lover, and pet owner, I need a fairy tale to get me through each horrible loss. 

What about you, dear readers? What does Rainbow Bridge mean to you and pets? Do you really believe pets go to Rainbow Bridge when they die? If not, what happens to pets when they die?

And The Winner Of The Silly Saturday Photo Caption Contest Is.....

2011-05-29T20:50:00.001-04:00

After posting this precious gerbil FUR all to see I couldn't help but wonder---should I adopt a gerbil this weekend? And then I wondered --- would my gerbil appreciate wearing an assortment of hats FUR my pure enjoyment? 

Ah, but I digress, as usual (it's an ADHD thing) and I need to get to the purr-pose at paw here, right? You don't really care that I've been fantasizing about gerbil ownership at all beclaws all you want to know is --- 

"Whose CAP-tion was voted the silliest FUR this weekend's SILLY SATURDAY PHOTO CAPTION CONTEST, anyway?" 

I'm so glad you asked because the winning caption was by Carrie and her pooches, Tanner and Oliver, who wrote ---

"My name is Mary Gold." 

What a sweet name FUR a gerbil, right? 

So congratulations are at paw FUR job well done FUR all who pawticipated and FUR the winner of the "Gerbils In Hats" calender winner! Bravo!

A Silly Saturday Photo Caption Contest That Is ALMOST Too Cute Fur Words

2011-05-28T11:09:00.002-04:00

I realize this hat wearing gerbil is too adorable FUR words but please try to create a CAP-tion for her anyway because your Silly Saturday Photo Caption could help you win the cutest prize of all ---

a 2012 Gerbils in Hats calendar! So get your thinking CAPS on and start sending in your creative captions by Sunday, May 29, at noon (EST)! Can't wait to read your captions! 

PLEASE READ THE CONTEST BEFORE PLAYING ALONG:

To play along you must follow my blog. When captioning, please tell me if you are following me via GFC, e-mail, or RSS. I will follow you back too!

Caption the silly photo.

Enter as many times as you wish.

Come back to check out your silly competition throughout the day.
If you do not live in the United States you will be asked to pay for shipping of this product

Contest ends at NOON (EST) - SUNDAY, 5/29!

The silly winner will be announced tomorrow afternoon (or sooner if Daisy wakes me up on time)!

NOT GOOD AT WRITING CAPTIONS?

DRAWING A BLANK?

Then VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE CAPTION!

4 Anti-Fungal Ingredients Your Pooch's Ears Can't Live Without

2011-05-23T09:09:00.001-04:00

What happens when white vinegar, rubbing alcohol, generic betadine antiseptic solution, and powdered boric acid are in a line up?

Absolutely nothing! But when 2 ounces of white vinegar, 6 ounces of rubbing alcohol, 1/2 teaspoon of generic betadine solution, and 1/2 teaspoon of powdered boric acid are mixed up together they become a very effective anti-fungal dog ear wash. 

To use this recipe simply pour a small amount of the mix into each of your dog's ears 

and then massage each ear gently with a cotton ball or tissue to distribute the mix. 

If you apply this recipe to your dog's ears twice per day for one week your tissues will be covered in "gunk" but if you are faithful with the treatment you will notice that your dog's ears are cleaner and healthier than ever. Just be sure to continue applying the recipe once per day during the following week and then once per month for maintenance.

And even if your dog shakes its head "no" to the recipe he/she will be pawsitively happy to have clean and ears once again! 

And The Winners Of 'The Silly Saturday Photo Caption Contest' Are ....

2011-05-22T19:12:00.001-04:00

 As soon as I read The Katnip Lounge's caption,"Does this chocolate chip cookie make me look fat?", I knew it described Esther's cat purrfectly, paws down! 

Congratulations, to Kona Kitty, The Baby, Grayce, Tiny Johnson, Felix, Rupert, Scouty, CC, Sweet Pea, Maui, May Ling, Salem, and Sylvester fur your pawticipation!                 

And as soon as I read Amber Mae's caption, I thought it was a winner (paws down, of course)because I never thought Ethan's cat looked like a papaya until I read --- "Who the hell turned me into a papaya mutant cat?"

As always, I want to thank everyone for pawticipating because without you the Silly Saturday Photo Caption Contest wouldn't be pawsible!

It's 'Silly Saturday Photo Caption Contest 'Time!

2011-05-21T10:42:00.000-04:00

When I substituted as an art teacher on Tuesday I had the pleasure of watching the first graders draw their version of a cat. I encouraged the children to be as creative as they pleased and boy were they ever creative!

 The only thing missing from these two Silly Saturday Photos are captions so I hope you can create a silly caption for .....

Esther's cat 

and/or  

Ethan's cat! 

If can you think of a silly caption for this photo you will --- 

receive a silly gift from me in the mail

be added to my SILLY SATURDAY HALL OF FAME on my sidebar and you'll be envied by all of the residents of Blogville.

And the details of the contest are -

To play along you must follow my blog. When captioning, please tell me if you are following me via GFC, e-mail, or RSS. I will follow you back too!

Caption the silly photo.

Enter as many times as you wish.

Come back to check out your silly competition throughout the day.

Contest ends at NOON (EST) - SUNDAY, 5/22!

The silly winner will be announced tomorrow afternoon (or sooner if Daisy wakes me up on time)!

NOT GOOD AT WRITING CAPTIONS?

DRAWING A BLANK?

Then VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE CAPTION!

Distracted By Bloggers While At Work? Guilty As Charged!

2011-05-19T06:55:00.002-04:00

Have you ever been at work and been distracted by something that reminds you of your blogger buds? I have, believe me! How could I not? I substitute in elementary classroom where there is always a book or a poster or a bulletin board that is pet related! 

For example, she had a huge dachshund sitting right beside her desk! I was amused by this bony guy because he reminded me of my blogger buds Frankie, Ruby and Penny, Puddles, Amber, and Lorenza.  Silly me started to wonder if my dachshund friends had any skills in multiplication, whether they had THAT many bones in their bellies, etc. Don't worry, no child was ignored while I was in daydream mode, people! All of my daydreaming was done while the students were eating lunch, I promise! 

After staring at the dachshund bulletin board for 87 minutes I noticed an extremely adorable photo of Baby Girl and Papita gazing at me from the side of a file cabinet. Do you see the Booker resemblance in Baby Girl? And don't you think Booker should wear that party hat during his next birthday party?

When the students filed into the classroom after lunch I read Matthew's Dream, a story about a mouse whose dream was to become a famous painter. After reading, I asked the class to illustrate and describe their dream job. Of course, many of the students choose standard careers such as education, nursing, writing, etc, but  one boy broke the trend by stating that his dream was to be a superhero! The only blogville pal I know who aspires to be a superhero is Mr. Pip and I so wished I could introduce him to Griffin.  I'm sure Mr. Pip would've given him tips on costuming, magic carpets, and so much more!   

So, as you can tell, I have my Blogville pals in mind at all times of the day and I have to wonder --- are you just as guilty?

Wordless Wednesday (Almost)

2011-05-18T07:03:00.001-04:00

Umm? Buster? If you want to help me blog you've got to turn around and face the computer!

April Teaches Art For The Day!

2011-05-17T19:20:00.003-04:00

Dear friends, I've waited for ten years to do this one thing that I've always wanted to do and I finally did it today! Today I had the privilege of being an art teacher for the day and I loved every minute of it!

Of course, I had to follow the art teacher's lesson plans but when I saw that I could choose an art project for two first grade classes my heart sang, just like the chick in the picture above! I was in my glory as I taught the students how to draw a cat, an owl, and a chick and after those were completed they were asked to draw a larger picture of their favorite animal.

While the children worked on their masterpieces I was both amused and surprised by the way they portrayed their favorite animals. First of all,

this baby chick put the "W" in "Wow!"

And this picture had me wishing that chicks were born in more colors than yellow.

And when it came time to view cats, this one clearly rocked! 

And this cat was clearly the grooviest of them all!

And this cat was amazing! I'd love to meet a cat who not only picks apples for dinner but also has no fear of airplanes any day! Wouldn't you?

And when it came time to view the owls, I wondered how this poor owl managed to swallow a tennis ball!

And finally, I wondered what would make a child think of turning a wise old owl into a goofy clown, anyway?  

Of all of them, I think the peace sign cat is my favorite. Which one is yours?

Of course there were so many other pictures that made me laugh, scratch my head, sigh, and smile but the best part of all was that I had a chance to be an art teacher for the day and I enjoyed every minute of it!

Fergie Needs Another Charlotte To Spin Her Out Of The Barn

2011-05-16T11:30:00.000-04:00

I'm sure you remember Charlotte's web message, "Some Pig", when describing her beloved friend, Wilbur, in  Charlotte's Web but I bet you didn't know that I have my very own Wilbur making waves (pun intended) just miles from my Manchester home, did you?  

Black-eyed Fergie has been the talk of the town of Fremont ever since she came to live with her owner, Bob Lacroix, and his 12 year old son, Joseph, because she is such a ham (pun intended). Not only does she take mile long walks along Route 107 and throughout the town but she also amuses neighbors from her front lawn as she basks under her red beach umbrella and above ground swimming pool. 

Sadly, some neighbors have not been amused by Fergie's presence especially when her presence moves from her yard to the neighbor's yard because they feared for her safety as well as the safety of their barnyard animals.  When Fergie isn't visiting nearby neighbors she travels down the road with her chicken friends in tow which poses problems for motorists and for the animals themselves. 

After hearing repeated complaints from the neighbors and from the police, 250 pound Fergie has been moved to the barn far away from the road and from her fans, poor girl. 

While I understand the need to keep motorists and barnyard animals safe I worry about Fergie's state of mind now that she's in seclusion.

Don't you think Fergie deserves to lounge by the pool in her yard rather than being cooped up in a barn? Don't you think her owner should install an electric fence or some other form of containment so Fergie can enjoy hamming it up? If Mr. Lacroix is not up for buying an electric fence perhaps the only one to save Fergie is another Charlotte!

And The Winner Of The 'Silly Saturday Photo Caption Contest' Is ...

2011-05-15T15:23:00.001-04:00

Thank you for submitting your creative and silly captions, everyone! While I thought every caption captured the goat's mischievous personality I thought Tank's caption captured his personality best ---  

"Hey Sweetie - hows about you spring me outta here and we go check out the funnel cakes?"  

Congratulations, Tank! You are now inducted into the Silly Saturday Hall of Fame AND you are soon to see your silly prize and Silly Saturday Certificate in your mailbox! Please e-mail your mailing address to:

misskitty32504 AT yahoo DOT com

Thank you, everyone, for pawticipating!

It's 'Silly Saturday Photo Caption Contest' Time!

2011-05-14T13:28:00.001-04:00

When I visit goats at county fairs I am always amused by their long droopy ears, their unusual slit-shaped pupils, and their natural curiosity for anything that looks edible.

This Silly Saturday Photo captures my love affair with goats at its best but it is missing one thing --- a silly caption --- and I hope you can help!

If can you think of a silly caption for this photo you will --- 

receive a silly gift from me in the mail

be added to my SILLY SATURDAY HALL OF FAME on my sidebar and you'll be envied by all of the residents of Blogville.

And the details of the contest are -

To play along you must follow my blog. When captioning, please tell me if you are following me via GFC, e-mail, or RSS. I will follow you back too!

Caption the silly photo.

Enter as many times as you wish.

Come back to check out your silly competition throughout the day.

Contest ends at NOON (EST) - SUNDAY, 5/15!

The silly winner will be announced tomorrow afternoon (or sooner if Daisy wakes me up on time)!

NOT GOOD AT WRITING CAPTIONS?

DRAWING A BLANK?

Then VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE CAPTION!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-11T09:58:00.001-04:00

How I Met My Purrfect Match And How You Can Too!

2011-05-10T17:13:00.001-04:00

Eleven years ago, I was newly divorced and living alone in Pensacola, Florida, and I was terribly lonely until I met the love of my life,Henry. I never would've guessed that I could find unconditional love so soon after my divorce but it happened and my life with him only improves with age. For me, it was instinct that led me to believe that Henry was the right companion for me but I know that some human/cat relationships are a complete mismatch but thanks to ASPCA's Meet Your Match™ Feline-ality™ Program mismatches can be avoided entirely!

Meeting your match is as simple as completing a survey that will help you find a cat whose personality is similar to yours. After completing the survey you will know whether your “color” is—green, orange or purple. For example:

Green adopters are most successful with cats who quickly adapt to new situations like our adorable client and buddy, Mia did.

Purple adopters are perfect for kitties who need time and encouragement to adjust to their new surroundings just like our cat sitting client, Amanda, did.

Orange adopters are a good fit with the quintessential companion kitty, like our pal, Two Buck Chuck, who loves to be at the center of our attention at each visit!

While I was fortunate enough to meet my match without the aid of ASPCA's Meet Your Match Feline-ality Program but I am positive this program will work wonders for anyone who needs help finding that purrfect companion soon!

What about you, dear cat owner? Did you find your purrfect match with the help of the Feline-ality Program or did you just luck out like I did? I can't wait to read how you found your match!

A Sure Sign Of Friendship For "Daisy"

2011-05-09T18:20:00.001-04:00

Daisy's look-a-like has been happily greeting neighbors from her front lawn for the past year and a half but lately she's been a bit ~~board~~ bored so I introduced her to

a Buster look-a-like on Sunday! As you can see, Buster's look-a-like has a purrfectly charming purrsonality but just to be safe

I'll let them get acquainted from a distance! Or is too much distance a bad idea? Would it look better if "Buster" stood right next to "Daisy"? What arrangement would be best for them?

The Silly Saturday Photo Caption Contest Winner Revealed!

2011-05-08T20:29:00.000-04:00

 Before I announce the winner of the Silly Saturday Photo Caption Contest I want to congratulate you for noticing that I was looking at a very h-o-t dog in the photo above. You guessed it! I was gazing at my dear friend Sparkles The Fire Safety Dog, a hot firefighter 

who was featured in a 3 page spread in the July 2010 issue of Cesar's Way Magazine!  

And since I love Sparkles as much as I love winning contests, I posed for a picture while my mom clicked away and *voila* I won Sparkles' Photo Contest! Yeah for me! Yeah for Sparkles!

And speaking of winning a contest, let me introduce you to the cutest butt in Blogville and winner of this weekend's Silly Saturday Photo Caption Contest --- Rottrover!

This is what Ruby, Bart, and Gizmo wrote,  

"Where Was That Article on Hot Fire Dogs??"

Aren't they something? What a bunch of jokers, huh?

Please congratulate the gang and please tell them to send their mailing address to me because they have a silly prize ready to go to their house!

It's Silly Saturday Photo Caption Contest Time!

2011-05-07T09:33:00.000-04:00

Presenting --- Daisy, the reader, for today's Silly Saturday Photo Caption Contest! Isn't she something? I'm pretty sure she is a college level reader and I couldn't be prouder!

All that is missing in this picture is a silly caption and I hope you can help!

So, if can you think of a silly caption for one or both of these photos? If yours is the silliest two lucky winners will --  

receive a silly gift from me in the mail

be added to my SILLY SATURDAY HALL OF FAME on my sidebar and you'll be envied by all of the residents of Blogville.

And the details of the contest are -

To play along you must follow my blog. When captioning, please tell me if you are following me via GFC, e-mail, or RSS. I will follow you back too!

Caption the silly photo.

Enter as many times as you wish.

Come back to check out your silly competition throughout the day.

Contest ends at NOON (EST) - SUNDAY, 5/8!

The silly winner will be announced tomorrow afternoon (or sooner if Daisy wakes me up on time)!

NOT GOOD AT WRITING CAPTIONS?

DRAWING A BLANK?

Then VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE CAPTION!