Wednesday Wag Out!

Organic Lip Balm

Mom has lots of lip balms. I would not say she is a lip balm junkie but she likes lots of different kinds. I knew she would love this lip balm because not only is it certified organic, it's also eco friendly.

There is nothing bad in this cool lip balm. It has a score of 0, which is the best, from Skin Deep, the cosmetic safety database. No parabens, no petro-chemicals, no artifical fragrances, and no preservatives. Parabens are so bad for you; get rid of everything you have that contains them.

Each flavor of lip balm has a shea butter base. The shea butter is produced in Ghana by a community of women who gather and crack the nuts with rocks, crush them with a mortar and pestle, roast the nuts and then grind them by stages into a paste - all this by hand, and using traditions and tools that have been handed down for hundreds of years. How cool is that?

But the coolest thing about this lip balm is its bio-degradable paper eco tube. Printed with soy ink on Forest Stewardship Countil post consumer waste, it's make with an organic adhesive and glaze. Oh yeah and it doesn't contain any plastic and it's safe for home composting. Hooray!

I know that everyone is going to want at least one of these lip balms, so head on over to http://www.luckyvitamin.com/ to get them while you can.

Organic Cotton T-Shirts

Who doesn't love a soft cotton t-shirt? Even better if it's an organic one. I know that people don't buy organic cotton t-shirts because they cost more than traditional t-shirts, but I found a company that sells them at a great price that everyone can afford.

Organicinstock.com is committed to providing certified organic cotton apparel that people can afford. They use eco friendly dyes that make their fabric as soft after a year as it was when you first put it on. And of course, organic cotton is only good for you, it's also good for the environment.

Greensource is the company behind Organicinstock.com When asked why their cotton is so soft, their answer is because it's happier. Happier? How is it happier? Because it hasn't been grown with pesticides, herbicides, synthetic fertilizers, etc. According to their site, six ounces of pesticides, etc. are used to create a conventional t-shirt. Those six ounces are applied to the cotton, but they make their way to into our water, our soil, and our air. It affects all of us, not just those that live close to the cotton plantations.

You have to purchase t-shirts in packs of 6 and that's how they make them so affordable. At just over $4.00 per t-shirt, purchasing 6 will not even cost you $25.00. That's a deal that's too good to pass up, so check out the colors and sizes at http://www.organicinstock.com/.

Recycled Telephone Book Bag

This is another one of those bags that has Mom's name all over it. Not only is it recycled, it's also fair trade. What more could Mom ask for?

This neat bag is made from recycled telephone books. Way to put those unwanted books to good use! Created by Fair Trade Women's Organizations and Artisans, these bags provide jobs to underprivileged women. You help the planet and people by purchasing this bag and that will make you warm and fuzzy for sure.

I'm not sure where Mom is going to carry this bag, but even if it stays at home, it will make a great magazine holder. Multi-purpose products keep Dad out of Mom's hair. Get your bag at www.themanicorganic.com.

Bottlemania

Mom is obsessed with bottled water. Not drinking it but raising awareness about the impact it has on the environment. She is always amazed that people in the United States, most of whom have access to clean drinking water, still drink bottled water. Why? When did everyone start drinking this stuff? What happened or should I say what went wrong?

Like the cover of the book says, Bottlemania is the story of how water went on sale and why we bought it. Think about this for a minute. We buy water at the store, bring it home, refrigerate it, and then drink it when it is properly chilled. What's wrong with good old tap water? Not good enough for you?

Nearly half of all the bottled water sold in the United States comes from municipal supplies and is labeld either 'drinking water' or 'purified water'. This water is filtered, filtered, and filtered again so it is nothing like the water that comes from your tap. Is it better for you than tap water? Probably not considering that more than 89% of tap water meets or exceeds federal health and safety regulations.

Can you believe that bottled water costs 240 to 10,000 more than tap water? How crazy is that? Yet people still buy it by the case loads every day. But again I ask why?

The author, Elizabeth Royte, calls bottled water an unparalleled social phenomenon. Kids today never drink tap water because they have grown up drinking bottled water. Drink tap water? No way! And drinking fountains? Cootie city! These kids are consuming bottled water at an ever alarming rate and I'm betting that most of them don't even recycle the bottles. But don't blame the kids because they are just drinking what their parents give them.

As America moved toward a faster paced society with drive thru everythings, our need for instant gratification needed to be met. The author tells us that "Bottled water fills a perceived need for convenience: hydration on the go, with bottles that fit into the palm of the hand, in a briefcase or purse." How true is that? Every car today has at least two cupholders (or bottle holders) with some minivans having more than a half dozen. Everyone is involved in perpetuating this obsession.

The heart of the book is about the author's trip to Fryeburg, Maine where she delves into the source of Poland Springs water. This tiny little town has been fighting a losing battle with Nestle, owner of Poland Springs for years and their story is told through the author. It is eye opening to read about the lives that are changed (some for the good via jobs) when Poland Springs rolled into town. There is one thing for sure about the impact they have made - the town hasn't been the same since they arrived and will never be the same again.

The real cost of the bottle water obsession can be see all around us. The environmental impacts abound when you talk about bottled water. From sinking pumps into water supplies to transporting water to stores, the carbon footprint of bottled water is huge. Just think about how much water it takes to produce a case of water. I'm talking about water that is used to make the physical bottles, caps, and packaging.

But it's not just the carbon footprint that is frightening. Local water supplies are being compromised by companies moving into communities and taking their water. Entire ecosystems are being lost by the continuous pumping of water. Millions of water bottles end up in landfills every day. What exactly are we teaching children when we hand them a bottle of water? What kind of role models are we when we drink bottled water?

What is it going to take to get people to stop drinking bottled water? When Mom and Dad were in San Francisco earlier this month, Dad got resuable water bottles for their group. It's one thing to hand someone a bottle to use and another thing to get them to use it. Mom was hopeful that everyone would do the right thing and use the bottles and she was pleasantly surprised when they did. The only trouble came when there wasn't anywhere they could refill the bottles. This was a minor problem that they overcame and soon the group was as one person put it "Michele water bottle compliant". To say this thrilled Mom would be an understatement. She finally felt like people were listening, understanding their role, and taking action.

We should be so grateful to have access to clean drinking water. We should thank our lucky stars every day that water is plentiful where most of us live. We should also be thankful that we have the knowledge to change the future. Water is a finite resource and one that we cannot live without. If we don't take action now to conserve water, there may be a time in the not so distant future when we will be forced to buy water, if there is any left.

I drink tap water and I love it. If it's good enough for me, isn't it good enough for you? Please get yourself a reusable bottle and carry it with you wherever you go. If you do this you will never be in a situation where you will 'need' to buy bottled water. Purchase reusable bottles for friends and give them as gifts. Spread the word about good old tap water. Encourage those around you to try it - they might just like it.

Why Did The Mailman Deliver This?

Oh, woe is me. What is wrong with Mom? Is she out of her mind? Again?

Mom took me out this afternoon to get the mail and this postcard was in the mailbox:

Mom: Look what the mailman brought today!
Stubby: More Popeye's coupons?
Mom: Silly Stubby! You have a one track mind. No the mailman did not deliver more Popeye's coupons. He brought this (stoops down to show me the postcard).
Stubby: Um, okay. Whatever. Can we go to the park?
Mom: This is a sign Stubby. Let's go show it to Daddy.
Stubby: Hello! I want to go to the park!
Mom: Later. We will go later. Daddy needs to see this. Maybe he has changed his mind about going there.
Stubby: Have you lost your mind woman? He's not going there. Ever. This is not a sign it's a postcard (trying to pull the leash away from the house toward the park).
Mom: Stubby let's go. In the house. Hurry!

Mom rushes us into the house and calls Dad into the kitchen to look at the postcard. She tells him that it's a sign. What does Dad do? He laughs.

Mom has dreamed of going to Antarctica forever. It's really the one cold place she wants to go. Everytime she brings it up, Dad reminds her how she hates the cold. Not this cold she says.

Just look at the back of this postcard "Spectacular savings on the best itinerary to Antarctica!" This sounds like Mom wrote it.

This is a 21 day trip! Mom is out of her mind if she thinks I'm letting her leave me for that long. I'll go crazy. I'll have to be committed. I'll die without her. Help!

Mom points to the unprecedented savings bullets. Save $6,000 per cabin! What? Do you know what I could do with $6,000? Besides eating Popeye's every day for the rest of my life, I could fly all my blogging friends to Chicago for a party and still have money left over.

There is absolutely no way Dad is going to Antarctica. There is also no way Dad is paying for Mom to go either. Dad has not and will never change his mind about this trip. He is convinced that there is nothing to see or do there and he will not go. Mom will either: a) have to win the lottery, b) get a real job, or c) get a new husband if she wants to go to Antarctica. I wouldn't bet on any of these options because none of them are going to happen. Mom will just have to dream up a vacation that Dad will go on. Hmmm. Where will Dad go? Maybe I can talk him into going back to Barkwells!

Wednesday Wag Out!

Acai Wrap Bracelet

You guys know how much Mom loves anything recycled or upcycled because she doesn't like to see anything go to waste. She also loves unique jewelry and she's really hard to shop for. When I found this bracelet last week I thought about getting it for her for Halloween.

This handmade bracelet is made from acai seeds that are sustainably harvested from the rainforests and lowlands of South America. By using natural elements, artisans handcraft and sell beautiful jewelry to provide for their families. Commercializing the seeds helps to ensure the survival of the rainforests since the artisans need the seeds that grow in the rainforest. Instead of selling precious land to logging companies or other non-sustainable businesses, the artisans promote their local heritage and save their local communities one seed at a time.

The Andean Collection was started by Amanda Judge in the fall of 2008. She was in Ecuador doing research for her master thesis when she decided to do something about the situation she was writing about. By helping local people improve their lives through employment, Amanda is making a huge difference in the communities. Being paid fair wages is just one of the benefits the artisans receive because they also share in the profits of the company as partial owners.

This bracelet comes in other colors so maybe Mom will get one for Christmas too. They also have lots of other types of jewelry so go check them at http://www.theandeancollection.com/

Recycled Bag

Mom doesn't think she has a lot of bags but Dad would tell you she does. She changes bags all the time and tells me that she likes to switch things up. This is a bag she will definitely want since it is a zero waste creation.

Made from reclaimed yoga mat scrap, this bag features a reclaimed Chaco sandal strap webbing handle. The manufacture, OLovesM, is of course located in Colorado. There are so many eco-friendly companies in Colorado that I'm feeling a road trip out there really soon. Hey Emmitt - can I stay at your place?

Even if you don't practice yoga this bag is great for every day use. Mom is ordering hers today - shh, don't tell Dad - at http://www.bayinghound.com/.

Recycled Toothbrush

For those of you trying to cut down on the plastic in your life, this toothbrush is right up your alley. Lucky for me that I don't brush my teeth or else I would be ordering one of these cool toothbrushes.

Made from recycled materials, the handles of these toothbrushes are made from dollar bills, flax, and/or wood. Who knew they even made these things?

Blended with recycled polypropylene, the toothbrushes are a bio-plastic that is 100% renewable or recycled. The best part about them? The handle lasts forever because you replace the head as needed. No more disposable toothbrushes for you. How cool is that?

This eco-friendly product is sure to find its way into your home instead. Keep plastic out of landfills is one of the best things you can do today, so gets yourself a dollar bill toothbrush at http://www.radiustoothbrush.com/.

A Greener Way To Search

I'm always looking for ways to help the Earth. I spend a good portion of my days (between naps) searching for ideas, campaigns, products, etc. that promote green living. I do a lot of web searching and while I love using Good Search, I have been looking for other ways to do the right thing.

I found Echcho the other day and it is my new favorite search engine. It is different from other search engines because it is trying to make a difference in addressing the issues of climate change. They make it possible to search the web and save the planet at the same time. How cool is that?

Started by a small group of people in Sydney, Australia, they run the business as a carbon-neutral entity. Ecocho uses the Yahoo search engine technology and for every 1,000 searches users make on Echcho, they "offset" a ton of greenhouse gases. How do they do this? By sponsoring to plant two trees via advertising on their site. The trees are grown via approved government projects and they are currently planting them in Australia. You can click on trees on their map to see the tree plantations.

How will planting trees offset greenhouse gases? Trees are the most important species in aiding the growing climate change problems. We are putting CO2 into the atmosphere at alarming rates. According to the EPA, in 2005, global atmospheric concentrations of CO2 were 35% higher than they were before the Industrial Revolution. The CO2 creates a barrier around the Earth, trapping the CO2, thus heating up our planet. This is not a good thing and in fact it is very, very bad. Trees, like all plants, use CO2 from the atmosphere. They remove it before it does harm. Since forests everywhere are being clear cut at ever alarming rates, planting trees is not only good for today, it is also good for the future.

While I am not promoting continued overuse of fossil fuels, I believe that using Ecocho will raise awareness of climate change and will hopefully encourage people to green their lifestyle. There is so much work to be done to fully address the climate changes we face, so by making this one simple change you are part of the solution instead of part of the problem. Changing the way we think and do one step at a time is the easiest way to make changes.

Using Ecocho is truly one of the easiest ways to make a positive impact on the environment. Kudos to Yahoo for supporting this business. Get your new search engine today at www.ecocho.com.

Save 90 a Day!

Does this look familiar? Is this you? If so, the Eco Dentistry Association's campaign "Save 90 A Day" is for you!

Did you know that the average person wastes at least 90 glasses of water every day by leaving the tap running while brushing their teeth? 90 glasses! Running the water - wasting water - is a big no-no. Why run the water when you aren't using it?

These 90 glasses a day translate to 27 billion glasses of water every day. Wow! We are talking about perfectly clean, drinkable, water. Water that some people would kill for is going right now the drain. Shame on us!

The "Save 90 a Day" campaign's goals are to raise awareness about how much water is wasted when left on while brushing your teeth and to get people to break this bad habit. Water is our most precious resource and wasting it should be a crime. Simply put - don't run the water unless you are using it and use it wisely.

If you are guilty of this "eco-crime", please take the "Save 90 a Day" pledge here. By taking the pledge you are committing to not only your oral health but also to the health of the planet. Water is a finite resource and one that we must preserve. This is an easy way to make a difference and one that is easy to make.

I am committed to my oral health and to the health of our planet.
I agree to follow the advice of my dental professionals to brush my teeth twice a day and conserve ninety glasses of water every day by:

(1) Wetting my toothbrush under the water
(2) Turning off the tap
(3) Applying toothpaste
(4) Brushing my teeth for 2 minutes
(5) Filling a small glass with water
(6) Rinsing and swishing with water from the glass.
(7) Smiling!

Fishing For Energy

I found this trash to treasure story last week and I have to say that I am amazed by the creative endeavors of people around the world.

Marine debris is a huge problem. Animals get tangled up in debris and even eat it. It also gets into our drinking water, thus affecting all of us. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is growing every day and yet people continue to throw debris in the ocean. This issue is more serious than most people realize. But what can we do about? How can we get people to stop polluting our oceans?


Fishing for Energy launched in 2008 through a partnership of Covanta Energy Corporation, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Schnitzer Steel Industries. The goal of the project is to provide a cost-free solution to fishermen to dispose of old or unusable fishing gear. By providing an outlet for this gear, the gear can do some good instead of ending up in the ocean or in landfills. How cool is that?

The project works closely with state and local agencies, community and fisherman groups, and local ports by installing bins at convenient and strategic locations for fishermen to deposit their gear. By providing the bins, the project elinimates any incentive to dump the gear illegally. But what happens to the gear?

Once the gear has been collected, it is transported to a Schnitzer Steel facility where metals are removed from crab pots and lobster traps, and nets and ropes are sheared for easier disposal. The gear is then sent to a Covanta waste-to-energy facility where the waste is converted to electricity. Each ton of fishing gear is able to generate enough electricity to power one home for 25 days. That is so awesome!

To date, the ports participating in the program on the east and west coasts have collected over 188 tons of gear. That's 377,326 pounds of gear! The program is now available on the Oregon coast and let's keep our fingers and paws crossed that the response from the fishing community will be positive. This win-win for the fishing industry is also a win-win for the environment. Proper disposal of trash is the not only the right thing to do, it is a must do. We are all in this together.

The Last Beekeeper

Mom and I watched this documentary tonight on Planet Green. The film is part of the Reel Impact eco documentary series that premiered tonight. Some of the movies in the series are making their television premiere and I am so excited that these films are finally reaching a wider audience.

The Last Beekeeper follows the lives of three commerical beekeepers in 2008. Each beekeeper travels with their bees to California to pollinate the almond orchards. This pollination is the biggest beekeeping event of the year and 75% of all beekeepers take their hives to California to participate. The beekeepers in the film travel from Washington, Montana, and South Carolina, and their pilmgrimage is remarkable.

The beekeepers' biggest challenge is that their bees are dying. The film documents how the beekeepers deal with the Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) and how it personally affects them. All the beekeepers are so different and it's very interesting to watch how and why they care for their bees.

CCD has devasted bees to the point that if the current rates of decline continue, there will be no more honeybees in the U.S. by 2035. This may seem like a long way off, but Mom always tells me that time flies when you're having fun. When you realize that no more bees means no more food, the shock of this disorder really hits home. This is a problem for everyone; not just the beekeepers.

You can watch the trailer for the film here. The film repeats again tomorrow. Check your local listings for the time. Hopefully it won't conflict with all the football games. If there is a conflict, please TIVO or DVR the film because it is so worth watching.

If you read my honeybee book review last month, you know how concerned I am about the bees. We need them and without them we are doomed. Please learn about the honeybee and do your part to protect them.

What Are You Doing To Remember?

This is a day we all remember, will never forget, and never want repeated. All of us remember where we were when we heard that the first plane hit the North Tower. The lives of too many were cut short that day and as we remember them today, let us do something to show our remembrance.

On April 21, 2009 President Barack Obama signed federal legislation that for the first time officially recognizes September 11 as a federally observed National Day of Service and Rememberance. I don't think this movement has been advertised or marketed to its full potential, so I am taking it upon myself to promote it.

The mission of the National Day of Service and Rememberance is to honor the victims of 9/11 and those who rose to service in response to the attacks by encouraging all Americans and others throughout the world to pledge to voluntarily perform at least one good deed, or another service activity on 9/11 each year. By doing this, we will create a legacy of service that unifies us and the world.

So how does it work? It really couldn't be more simple. Just set aside a little time today to perform a good deed that helps someone else who may need assistance, or to support a cause that you care about. Once you've decided what to do, log onto http://911dayofservice.org/ and share your plans with the world. Your plan could inspire another person's plan or you may just find inspiration in a current plan. Either way, the idea is to do something in the same spirit that brought millions of Americans in the wake of 9/11.

Can't think of anything to do on such short notice? So many people have posted great ideas, but if you don't find inspiration in any of them, click on the "Things You Can Do Right Now" link. Maybe you can donate blood. I can't because there isn't a pet blood bank around here that I'm aware of. Perhaps I could start a one.

You could drop some food off at a local food bank. There are more people using food banks now than ever before. Even pets are in need these days, so don't forget about food for them. How about donating some gently used clothes to the Salvation Army or Goodwill? What about cleaning up a local park? Dropping off used books at the library?

Making an online donation to one of your favorite charities is another great thing to do today. I know that everyone has several charities they donate to but by making a special donation today and every September 11, your donation have additional significance.

I love the 9/11 Commemorative Tribute Pin that you can get with a donation of $9.11 or more. By wearing this pin you tell the world that you have performed your good deed for 9/11. With the 10th anniversary of 9/11 just two years away, the vision of MyGoodDeed is to organize the single largest day of service in U.S. history in honor of the victims and those who rose in service.

So what am I doing today? Dad is in Miami on business and Mom is at the zoo doing her good deed. Mom won't tell me what she has planned for my good deed, so I will just have to wait and wonder. Whatever she tells me to do I will do. I will remember those who lost their lives, reflect on the wonders of those who served, and inspire those who can and will serve. Please spread the word about National Day of Service and Rememberance because a thousand voices are better than one.

The Women's Bean Project

Mom does a lot of shopping when she is on vacation, but she hardly buys anything. She loves to stroll through grocery stores and find new and unique products. Last week when she was in San Francisco, she went to the Ferry Building Marketplace. She was there with Dad to have dinner at a Peruvian restaurant next door called La Mar. Coco's mom would love it there and she's probably been to the location in Lima.

The Village Market, located in the Ferry Building Marketplace, was just the type of store loves. She was drawn into it like a magnet to metal and Dad reluctantly followed her in, knowing that she would buy something. Mom loved the store and most everything in it. There was one item in particular that caught Mom's eye and when she brought it home and showed me, I knew I had to tell you guys about it.

This Mediterranean Onion Dip is from the Women's Bean Project. Mom loves onion dip and loves buying products that support people in need.

This is the back of the card that was attached to the package. Mom loves how it is personalized by the woman who assembled it. This is what it says beneath "Thank You":

"for supporting the Women's Bean Project. This product has been assembled by participants in the Women's Bean Project. This non-profit business employs women who have experienced chronic unemployment, poverty, or difficult life situations. When you purchase from the Women's Bean Project, you are helping to break the cycle of poverty and build a stronger community."

The Women's Bean Project, based in Denver, CO, started in 1989 and has been dedicated to helping women ever since. Their mission is to change women's lives by providing stepping stones to self-sufficiency through social enterprise. I love it! Empowering women and providing products that people need. What a great idea! But how do they do it?

The Women's Bean Project helps women find their talents and develop their skills by offereing job readiness training opportunities. Most women who find themselves in these situations simply need encouragement and purpose. The Project helps them to find themselves and better their life at the same time. By securing a future for themselves, the women are not only able to support themselves, but become role models for their children.

Jossy Eyre started the Project after working at a day shelter for homeless women. While the shelter provided a safe place for the women, it didn't provide opportunities for women to get back on their feet. By purchasing $500 worth of beans and enlisting the help of two homeless women at the shelter, the Women's Bean Project was born.

The transitional job of gourmet food manufacturing provides immediate income and skills the women need to get permanent jobs. The most important thing to note about the Project is that they do not hire women to make and sell bean products. They make and sell bean products to hire women. This is what makes this project a win-win. It also makes me smile knowing that these women are leaving bad situations behind and moving on to great futures. By making the women stronger, the community becomes stronger. Isn't that what it's really all about?

Please check out the great products at http://www.womensbeanproject.com/. There are lots of items that would make great gifts and awesome stocking stuffers. Giving a gift from these women gives the women a chance, gives the recipient a great product, and spreads the word about the Project. Gifts that give back are the best gifts ever.

Poodle Overload!

I was sound asleep when Mom and Dad got back late last night/early this morning. They knew not to come and get me, so when Dad heard Beamish barking like a crazy dog this morning, he figured it was time to bring me home.

I had a great time hanging out with my harem of poodles. Here I am hanging out with Tom and Truffles. Truffles is so mellow and let's face it - she loves having me around. She asked me to stay a little longer but I had to get back home because I missed sleeping in my bed.

As you can see Truffles rules the roost. She is the senior (at 6!) poodle and she keeps everyone in line. The best place to be boss is always on the sofa.

Truffles is a true lady. While the rest of the poodles were running crazy, Truffles would just jump on the sofa and chill. I cannot jump on the sofa so Tom would put me up there next to Truffles and we would laugh at the other dogs.

This is Beamish. She is such a hoot. Beamish and Truffles are sisters and Beamish is crazy loud. I like hanging with her but she is a little much for me. She likes to bark and run around the yard. She scares people who walk by the yard, but she is really harmless.

This little chick terrorized me non-stop. Sunshine a.k.a. Sunny, is a barker. Yap, yap, yap - yikes! She has the most high pitched bark ever and even Tom and Dorothy were at their wits end. When Sunny was not terrorizing me, barking, and annoying everyone, she was flirting with me. Don't worry Pearly Poo, you have nothing to worry about.

Sunny is really cute but she doesn't have an off button. I tried my best to find it because my head hurt from all the barking, but no luck. Dorothy had to hold Sunny still so Mom could get a decent picture of her.

Don't I look relaxed? I love vacations!

Shadow is Sunny's sister. She is mellow like Truffles so I spent a lot of time hanging out with her. She doesn't bark like her sister, but once Sunny starts barking, Shadow just has to join her.

Mom called Sunny and Shadow the tiny terrors. So we have the party girls and the tiny terrors. And me. They called me the king. How appropriate, don't you think?

Even though I had a great time hanging with my harem, I'm so glad that Mom and Dad are back from wine country. They did more than just drink wine while they were away. They went to an aquarium to see some sharks, took a city tour, and ate a lot of food.

Can you believe that Mom is already planning her next vacation? I told her that if she doesn't take me with then she has to take me to Salinger's house so that I can have a real vacation. That dude is a party animal and I know that we could get into lots of trouble together.

Dad leaves for Miami on Thursday and then has to go back to San Francisco next week. Mom must stay with me 24/7 for the next week or else I'm going on strike!

Whine or Wine Time?

It's both. I am whining because Mom is leaving tomorrow to join Dad in San Francisco. Dad is there on business and they are going to Napa Valley for the holiday weekend. They will be drinking wine, acting silly, having a great time, partying like rock stars, etc. You get the picture. I was not invited, not that I wanted to go. I don't like wine and I don't think I would like to fly in an airplane. Lucky for me I am going somewhere even better than wine country.

My favorite "party girls" have invited me to spend the weekend with them while Mom and Dad get drunk on grapes. I stayed with them when Mom and Dad went to Hawaii last November. I had such a great time with them that when they said "Come on over!" I couldn't stop doing my happy dance.

Truffles and Beamish are standard poodles and they are a blast. They live just a couple doors down and they have the second best parents in the world. As an added bonus, their cousins Shadow and Sunshine (toy poodles) are also staying with them, so I will have a real live harem. Yep, four chicks and little ole me. I have to remind Mom to bring extra medicine with just in case.

Truffles and Beamish's parents are going to have their hands full with all of us running wild, so I don't think I will have time to blog. I will catch up with you guys next Tuesday, so have a great holiday weekend!

Your Pet's 10 Commandments

My good buddy Tony e-mailed this to Mom today. Mom teared up while reading it to me so I just had to share it with you. All of you know that your pets are special creatures and this just reaffirms it. I couldn't have said these any better myself so thank you Tony.

Your pet's 10 commandments:

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.

5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.

10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.