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Personalized Cheers

17 Monday Jun 2013

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photo (9)This past weekend I attended a bachelorette party and finally got rid of, I mean gifted, the last of my glass art. This also happened to be the first glass I decorated and it showed! It was a disaster of pink glitter, hearts and lace. Although to my credit, that is what it was supposed to be.

The hostess of the party sent me a link to a bride goblet she found online weeks ago and asked if I would make one for our guest of honor. Sure! I screamed. How hard could it be? This is what actually started the decorated glass gifting. I started by putting the bride’s name as well as the word “bride” on the glass but that looked horrible so I took that off (I used fingernail polish remover). This is also the point I learned that the glass marker really doesn’t mark on top of itself very well so my idea of a lovely “mixing of colors” on the stem turned into a bunch of chunky paint blobs. Once almost every inch of the goblet was covered in pink, purple or silver paint, I forced myself to set down the pens and walk away. I treated the glass the same way I did the others I have made.

I NEEDED sparkles. So I did what any intelligent person would do and took a crapload of glitter and mixed it in with some Mod Podge and sponged the beautiful concoction all over the glass yelling, “you can never have enough glitter!” The sparkles really helped class up the glass quite a bit! Once dry I realized that the glitter was on so thick it covered up my carefully constructed paint design. I stuck the glass under some hot water and scrubbed with some dish soap. This caused the Mod Podge to disintegrate (kinda) and with a few swipes of my nail it all came off. I stood over my sink and scrapped off a large amount of the glitter I had so expertly applied earlier. Oddly enough the glue/sparkle mix sticks REALLY well to my sink and it is still sparkly today. One good wash and the sparkles and glitter will come off the glass but, GOOD NEWS, the paint will (should) stay!

I had purchased a good luck charm and attached it to the glass with some appropriately frilly lace ribbon. The charm turns into a bracelet so the bride had a token of the night she could wear post party. THAT is how you make a personalized bridal wine goblet or a set of gaudy and sparkly drinkware! (The other ribbons you see in the picture each had a cowboy themed button on them and we used them to tie around our plastic wine glasses.)

image (10)For the party we took a 2 hour horseback ride through Griffith Park offered by the Sunset Ranch. At the end of the ride you sit down to a super yummy BBQ. Some of the ladies choose to skip the horses and just meet up for chow. The Sunset Ranch folks were beyond nice and took the initiative to separate our group from the bigger riding group so that we had a private horse party with a hunky male guide. We thought it was pretty clever of them to give the hottie to the bachelorette party. Honestly all the guys (and gals) who work at the ranch are hotties so it didn’t really matter who our guide was but I feel like someone somewhere had put some thought into who would lead our group out. Hottie (whose name, I think, is Douglas … but I could be wrong about that … sometimes I’m not the best listener) also played the guitar and sang during dinner which made him even dreamy-er. Hottie scolded me for playing with my phone while I was on horseback when I should have been enjoying the nature of Griffith Park but, I HAD to take pictures to document the event for you and the attendees … plus it was REALLY important for me to post to Facebook while I was up on the hill and had reception … tee hee.

The entire event was a ton of fun and I would suggest it to anyone who visits LA. They have a number of different ride options depending on how much you want to spend and image (7)how long you want to be out. They also have a ride that takes you to a local Mexican restaurant and then you ride back to the ranch. I did this a year or so ago and I like our 2 hour + BBQ ride much better. The other dinner ride is LOOOONNNNNGGGGG (at least for us non horse people) …. For the last 1/2 coming back to the ranch I was practically lying on my horse begging for the ride to be over and then at the end dismounted and laid on the ground for a bit. The 2 hour ride was the PERFECT length and there was no need for me to collapse after. I don’t even hurt today. I give credit for that to Bar Method inner thigh and but work. Thighs of steel I’m telling you!

Happy bachlorette day to our friend Emily (she is the one in the pictures with the pink tank top)!

More Crafts

14 Friday Jun 2013

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We celebrated my niece and father’s birthday today so I can tell you more about some of the crafts I’ve completed recently.  Get ready to be impressed (tee hee) …

photo (7)Papa’s day – Riggins always gives people presents.  I use to think long and hard about which gift to put his name on for fear he was the giver of the more impressive present.  Then I realized that the recipient was probably smart enough to figure out that Riggins didn’t really get on Amazon, place the item in his shopping cart, get it delivered, and wrap it.  For dad’s day I made my father a giant (really heavy — too heavy really but it was all I could find for the right $ amount I was willing to spend) tea mug.  I was lucky enough to find a silhouette online of a dog and a man who could pass for my dad and Riggins.  I used the same method I did with the glasses in my past post.  I told you more people would be receiving decorated glass gifts!

image (9)Brobee head – My niece is OBSESSED with Yo Gabba Gabba.  She loves them all and now tends to lean toward Foofa as her favorite, but for a long time Brobee was her main man.  I decided she needed a Brobee headband.  To be honest the headband itself is a little big but beggars can’t be choosers.  I took some red felt, cut it into 3 squaty triangles, sewed each triangle together, stuffed each one with felt scraps, glued them to the headband, and then sewed the bottom of the triangles together for good measure.  TADA!  BROBEE HEAD!  She liked it but was just as happy to have her Mom wear it.  Clover was nice enough to model it for you while she was here.

image (8)Cowboy Boots – I read on Facebook that my girlfriend’s son, Gavin, had a cowboy theme day at his school/day camp today.  I LOVE dress up days.  Those are always the best.  I offered to make him some fake cowboy boots if she brought over the material.  To make these I took one square (well rectangle) of brown felt and cut it in 1/2.  I sewed the back together then used one of Gavin’s shoes to cut the top to fit.   Next, I sewed the top together.  For the “leg sleeves” I took two more pieces of felt and sewed them together then grabbed my cowboy boots as a template and cut the top in the cowboy shape.  I put velcro on the back of the “leg sleeves” for easy on and off action.  Finally I grabbed a brown sharpie and faked a cowboy boot pattern.  Of course you can put a piece of elastic under the shoe part to help it stay on and even safety-pin the sleeve to the shoe cover to keep it in place.  I think they turned out pretty sharp and I’m told Gavin was happy with them, which is really all that matters.

Just because I like you I’m going to leave you with this adorable picture of my niece and nephew safely eating their cookies in a location Riggins and Asscher couldn’t get to!   Have a wonderful weekend!image (33)

Treats in the Mail

13 Thursday Jun 2013

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rigginsYesterday and today I received fun packages in the mail.  Isn’t that just the best?  It’s always so much more fun than a crappy ol’ paper envelope with a stupid bill inside!

The package yesterday was a giant box of goodies from the DogVacay folks.  It had treats in it for the dogs and for me.  We were all pretty excited about it.

Today’s package was something I had riggins3ordered myself.  Sometimes Vistaprint bombards you with so many email deals that the only logical thing to do is to get on the site and order yourself a custom-made hat with you and your dog’s name on it.  Totally normal.  Nothing weird about that at all.  If you have never used Vistaprint before I suggest you just stay away from the site as it is horribly addicting and has really decent prices for the high quality of products.  If you *have* to go on feel free to make me another “Wendy and Riggins” hat in a different color.  I feel like I need a collection of them!

Be Badass

12 Wednesday Jun 2013

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image (4)You know when you see something on Pinterest you want to make so you have to then make up a reason why you need to do it?  That happened to me yesterday.  For awhile know I’ve seen wall hangings that had sayings written in hot glue and then painted monochrome (monochromatic … ahh I don’t know which is correct … one color).  I wanted to try making one!

I just had to think of a worthy recipient!  One of my good friends is sort of amazing maybe a little bit crazy but in an amazing way.  She is not just a marathon runner but an ultra marathon runner.  I didn’t even realize those existed until she started participating in them.  She recently told me she was going to be running a 50 mile race in Catalina.  50 MILES … ON AN MOUNTAIN FILLED ISLAND.  WHAT???????  She does a marathon every year on Catalina and last year I came with and ran a 10K.  Just over 6ish miles up and down hills.  AAAAAAHHHHHH.  She looked better after finishing her 26ish miles than I did after my “run”.  Now she is planning to almost double that distance.  That deserves some words of encouragement!

photo (6)I rushed to my craft closet(s) (which desperately needs to be organized as I found my glue gun in the first box I looked in but the glue was in the last) then to Michael’s to gather what I needed:

  • hot glue gun
  • hot glue
  • spray paint (for a canvas you only need a small can unless you want to use the rest for tagging later that day)
  • canvas (50% off at Michael’s right now)
  • pencil (harder to find in my house than you would think)

Although there are numerous examples of this craft on Pinterest I couldn’t find one with instructions.  How hard could it be?  Here is what I did:

  1. I printed out on the computer what I wanted to write so I would have something to refer to
  2. To act professional I first wrote on the canvas with pencil.  Tips to learn from my mistakes – hot glue is harder to manipulate than your pencil.  Put more space between letters and then you think you need.  After a while I pretty much ignored my pencil markings
  3. Then I grabbed my glue gun and went at it!  Tips to learn from my mistakes – treat the glue gun like a paint pen holding it perpendicular to the canvas.  Don’t touch the tip to the canvas but hold it away so you can get a nice clear 3d effect.  When writing letters act like you are teaching a kindergartener by making each line individual and picking up your “pen” after each movement.
  4. As you know hot glue dries fast (so don’t make mistakes) which makes it even more image (3)fun.  I need instant gratification!  When I was finished with my wording I used my finger to scrub off any glue “webs” between letters.  Tips to learn from my mistakes – this is a much more important step than I realized.  Do it well.  I’d suggest getting an old toothbrush or something and really scrubbing off any signs of webs.
  5. Then I grabbed some magazines to cover up the patio, told the dogs to stay away or they’d become a different color, and spray painted the top and sides.  That was pretty fun.

1/2 hour later I went back to get it and tada!  Art!

be brave

be strong

be badass

be you!

Good suggestions for all of us!

P.S. My mom asked why I didn’t center it.  I choose to be artistically off-center starting at the bottom left and working up.  To be honest I did this because I knew it would be a pain in the butt to actually center correctly.

My Underwear

10 Monday Jun 2013

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(Pictures of me in my underwear would be weird so please enjoy these pictures of cutie dogs instead.)

I had a dream last night that I went to Victoria’s Secret to have them measure my bra size.  They took the two measurements and were in shock that I was even alive.  Apparently I was all out of wack and my portions were impossible, hence my inability to find a well-fitting bra.  I was horrified.

I think there were two things causing this nightmare.  One – I really do need a new bra or two.  Two – I really need some new underwear.  That night as I was brushing my teeth I grabbed a pair of nighttime undies.  How are nighttime undies different from daytime undies?  Well I’m glad you ask.  During the daytime I wear a classy thong so I don’t show any unsightly panty lines.  At night I can’t imagine sleeping well with a piece of fabric up my butt so I change to a more full fitting underwear.  A gynecologist will tell you to sleep with no undies on at all but I just can’t do it.  I need a barrier between my nether regions and the bed sheets especially if there may be one or more dogs joining me in the bed … UNDERWEAR NEEDED!

image (3)The minute I put last nights pair on I realized I knew them well.  These have a HUGE hole in the side.  HUGE.  Crazy big.  I mean to throw them away each time I find them but then I wear them, throw them in the laundry, and they get put back in rotation.  For a second I thought about taking them off and throwing them away right then, but they were already on so …. I just got into bed.  Don’t judge me.  I had a long weekend and just wanted to crawl into bed ASAP.

My problem is I don’t like shopping for underwear.  I don’t care.  I need an underwear club” where I give them my credit card and they just send me a new set every three months or so.  I’ve stormed out of Victoria’s Secret more than once.  Either because I hated one of the “helpers” or it was too annoying to find my size, or in the dressing room I wanted to cry, or I saw a price tag that made me furious.  It’s traumatizing.

Shopping for underwear falls under all the other girly things I can’t take the time to care about.  Like getting my nails done.  Sooooooooooo boring.  While shopping for clothes I’ve thrown fits in dressing rooms screaming, “Why would this stores buyer purchase such hideous clothing??!!!???”  The only reason I get my hair professionally cut and colored is because my hair lady is my friend and is a hoot to talk to.  I’m about as tom boyish as you can get without actually being a tom boy.  I’m not saying I don’t like to be fancy and girly.  I do!  If it was socially acceptable I’d live in a corset and carry around a fan for dramatic effect all day long.

photo (8)Since I’m not going to Victoria’s Secret to live out my nightmare I looked up how to measure my bra size online.  Please note I’m right now wearing a 36 C.  I figured my measurements would say I needed a D cup and that would make sense.  I’m okay with that.  Nope.  According to the internet and my tape measure I’m a 34 F.  HA HA HA HA … Bullshit.  I know I have large boobs but F … That’s bigger than a DDD.  I feel like if I got an F cup I could store a couple of the small dogs I babysit in each one for safe keeping while we are on a walk.  F.  HA HA HA HA HA HA HA.

Screw it.  I’m going to put my sports bra on and call it a day.

 

It’s The Thought That Counts

06 Thursday Jun 2013

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photo (7)June has become the month of Part-Ays!  Fun fun fun and presents needed.  Having little incoming cash my plan is to make as many gifts as possible (which reminds me I need to get back to that cross stitch I’m doing … STAT).  Something came up that required me to make a fancy wine glass for one of these occasions which opened the flood gates for everyone to receive designer glassware!  Nothing I have made so far has turned out the way it was supposed to … or at least the way I saw it in my head.

My friend Dee Dee had her birthday party last weekend.  It was a wig themed party because wigs are fun.  When my friends heard the theme there was no groaning about having to wear something silly on their head instead it was a chorus of “when and where!”  I’ve included just a small sampling of pictures from that night.  There are a zillion more and I’m afraid my sampling doesn’t include all the guests but you get the point.  It was a fun evening.

photo (4)Back to the gift.  First I made a cork hot plate.  Super easy.  Find a frame that works for you.  My frame size was determined by the number of corks I had available.  Get some mighty powerful glue and glue down the corks … TADA!  Couldn’t be easier … except I put a large art book on top to hold the corks down while the glue dried and chunks of super strength glue came spilling out the sides.  I tried to pick off as much as I could with a knife and then gave up.  My solution?  Paint.  I grabbed some black paint and went around the top of the frame (actually it’s the bottom because the corks fit better there).  It doesn’t look bad.  I was happy with it.

image (5)Then on to the glasses.  I didn’t want anything too complicated so decided animal silhouettes where my best bet.  After hours of internet searches I settled on the four I wanted and printed them out.  I cut out each and taped it to the inside of the glass so I could easily trace and then fill in with my glass paint pens.  Those paint pens are tough to work with.  First of all they dry pretty fast and you can’t really go back over anything (more about that when I post another craft gift in the future).  So you gotta like what you did the first time!  Secondly they aren’t image (4)exactly easy to draw with and even harder to keep the paint even throughout your design.  After I finished my talented drawings I stuck them in the oven for 40 minutes (once the oven is up to temperature.  I don’t remember what that temperature is but it’s on the glass paint pen instructions).  Of course glass can shatter in extreme heat to cold and visa versa so you gotta put the glasses into a cold oven so they warm slowly.  Then when the time is up open the oven door and let everything cool.  Be sure to keep all dogs out of the kitchen during cool down time as they are drawn to ovens, especially those that may have cooked on pizza goop at the bottom of them, and the last thing you need is a dog nose on hot glass.  That’s it.  That’s all there is too it.  I made a bunny, dog, squirrel, and chick.  I like the squirrel.  The others could have turned out a lot better.

Oh well!  It’s the thought that counts.  (Get ready everyone who will be getting gifts from me in the next few months.  There is still PLENTY of paint in those pens.)

DogVacay – Happiness for You and Your Dog

04 Tuesday Jun 2013

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photo (5)If you read my blog you know that I have been working as a dog sitter for the last couple of months.  I love it.  I’m part of the DogVacay host community.  DogVacay is a national dog sitting community with its corporate offices in Santa Monica, CA.  I’ve had such wonderful experiences with the company I wanted to make sure you know about them too.

Good customer service is extremely important to me.  I was trained as a member of the Guest Relations team at Disneyland.  These are the folks that go beyond just the normal gold standard of Disney customer service training but move on to the “when people are really pissed off because of ridiculous crap, how do you help them” training.  Ever since I am just incapable of dealing with and/or understanding companies with bad customer service.  It is just so easy.  Do you want your customers to be happy and come back or not?  That’s the only question.  If you do then empower your employees to be able to help.  To be able to help, no questions asked, and without fear of them doing something wrong and getting in trouble.  Award them for helping.  Award them for thinking out of the box in how they help.  Award them for being your brand ambassador and by doing so your company will flourish.

DogVacay has proven to be amazing at customer service.  When Riggins had the misfortunate incident during a meet and greet they were wonderfully thoughtful to both Riggins and me.  When I needed to place Bud with a new host for the weekend because he wasn’t getting along with another dog I was watching, DogVacay didn’t just help fix the problem they continued on with amazing follow-up to all parties involved.  When poor Dragon got a foxtail in his eye and I took him to his vet for treatment DogVacay CONTACTED ME immediately the next day to make sure all was well and to tell me they would be paying me back (originally Dragon’s owner and I had discussed him paying me back).   I even did it wrong and they STILL called me immediately letting me know they would pay me and to NICELY direct me on how to act in the future …. with NO JUDGEMENT AND TONS OF “THANKS FOR BEING A GOOD HOST.”

I simply can not say enough about how impressed I am at how they have handled every interaction I’ve had with them and what I’ve witnessed with how they interact with my dog guest’s mom and dads.  From what I know they are a small company that is growing.  I hope they maintain their great service as they grow bigger but I don’t see why they wouldn’t.  They have proven they have a very strong devotion to the company’s values, their clients, and the dogs.  In fact, if getting to their office wasn’t such a horrible commute for me I’d be sending over my resume every day until they hired me!  (Sadly dog sitting doesn’t make me enough money to live on so I’m still looking for a full-time gig.)

Recently a good friend of mine in NJ/NY asked me if I knew of someone in her area that could watch her dog for an upcoming vacation.  Unfortunately I didn’t, but I told her how I would act if I was looking for a host on DogVacay.  As a super protective dog mom and host myself I feel like I’m in a unique position to offer advice on this matter.  I decided to pass this on to you so if you ever plan on using DogVacay.com, as you should, you will have the inside scoop!

When looking for a host:

  • image (4)The site allows you to search around your zip code to see what hosts are available.  You can filter your search results based on a few specific needs you may have like, “ability to give oral medication,” and/or “houses without dogs.”  Go in and do a search first to see what you find.
  • The hosts bio will include information on him/her and dogs in the house, what type of living environment they have (house, apt, yard, etc.) and, hopefully, pictures.  My first tip.  Look for hosts with pictures.  There is no real good reason for this except it helps to see that they care enough to post pictures of them, any dogs they have taken care of, their dog adventures, etc.
  • Under the “Credentials” section look for hosts that have “Premium Insurance.”  This means the host has opted to purchase additional insurance above and beyond what the site offers as a default.  It is inexpensive for the host and, I think, is good for all parties involved.  My Premium Insurance is what covered Dragon’s vet visit so that his folks didn’t have to pay.
  • Also under “Credentials” look for “References Checked.”  Usually when I’m in the position of hiring manager I’d tell you references are useless.  Any blockhead can get 3 people to say he/she is a good guy.  In this case the DogVacay site is dealing with folks that they haven’t meant.  They aren’t hiring hosts but instead providing a community were hosts can hook up with customers (dogs and dog parents).  It is up to you to do any kind of interview that you feel is required with the host.  The references checked means the host cared enough to get three friends to answer DogVacay’s questions about them in writing.  There is also a notation that says whether someone at DogVacay has conducted a phone interview.  I wouldn’t hold it against someone if they don’t have that … mostly because I don’t.  The company is a bit behind in getting up to date on those.  I sent in a request for a call when I first started as a host and it hasn’t happened yet and I’m a good host … so ….
  • Finally I would make sure a host I considered had at least a couple of reviews (good ones).  I realize this isn’t fair to the new hosts who haven’t had an opportunity to earn reviews yet but I warned you I am a protective dog mom.
  • Also notice that many hosts offer other services.  Go to that tab if  you want to check it out.  Other services can include day care, baths, grooming, training, drop off/pick up, etc.  Note that all the prices, including overnights, are included but hosts can give custom rates.  As an example, I give a discount when there are multiple dogs coming from the same family.  Feel free to use the “ask the host a question” button if you want to ask about a service they provide, any costs, possible discounts, or even something that they haven’t listed.
  • Okay you have a list of hosts … now what?  Personally I’d go on a “meet and greet” with any host I was thinking of hiring.  At the meet and greet I can get any questions answered with the added benefit of meeting the host personally and seeing the space my dog will be staying in.  (Make sure dogs meet correctly … more on this later.  It’s important to note that many of my dog guests haven’t had a meet and greet before staying with me and I have never had an issue.)

image (3)Huge rule during meet and greet and/or any pre discussions with hosts.  BE HONEST.  If you have ANY concerns and/or your dog has any “issues” make it clear to the hosts so she/he knows what to expect.  Holding back only makes the hosts job harder and can possibly put your dog in danger.  Don’t feel like “letting it all hang out” is going to stop the host from accepting the job and frankly if it does consider it a bullet dodged.  If your dog has separation anxiety and may destroy things if left alone … SAY THAT.  If your dog doesn’t do well around strangers … SAY THAT.  If your dog doesn’t eat when you leave him alone … SAY THAT.  If you are anxious having your dog off leash even in off leash approved areas … SAY THAT.  Any and all information is helpful and needed!  Don’t be afraid to let your dog crazy show.  More than likely you aren’t the weirdest dog person the host has dealt with.   The fact that you care enough to find the best sitter for your dog proves that he/she is part of the family.  Not a dog but your baby.  You are allowed to be a little bonkers.

You have chosen and booked your dog’s vacay!  What to do now?  Get him packed and ready to go!  Here is what you should bring:

  • Food.  More than enough for the amount of time your dog will be on vacay.
  • Treats.  Double what you think you should pack.  Assume the treats will be eaten by the house dog and yours.  It is just easier and less fighting if everyone gets the same treat at the same time … just like human kids.  Remember your dog is in a foreign place and his favorite treats can be used by the host to help him remain calm and happy and to connect with his vacay family!  More than likely your dog will be getting plenty of house dog treats too.  It all evens out!
  • If your dog has a food allergy be sure to let the host know.
  • Emergency numbers and medical info including your dog’s weight.  Copy of licence and rabies vaccination isn’t necessary but good to have.  Honestly only one of my dog folks has brought it and I have never needed it … but since I’m telling you want to bring I’m adding this to the list for good measure!
  • A non-retractable leash.  In general I say always use a lead vs. retractable leash but when handing  your dog over to the sitter definitely stick with the lead.  It’s very difficult to walk multiple dogs with a retractable leash and due to the way the leash works it isn’t really safe for any dog/human involved.
  • Dog seat belt …. if you have one.
  • Walking harness …. if you have one.
  • If you think it will help your dog feel at home, and it is possible, bring his bed.  Personally my ugly plush carpet makes my house one big giant bed with a sprinkling of actual dog beds here and there.  Many of my dog guests have slept on one of Riggins bed, the floor, or up in bed with me (or us, if Riggins feels he needs to be there too).  Still anyone who has brought a bed with him has used it.  It becomes their safe zone in the house … their personal real estate.
  • Crate and pee pads if needed.
  • Skip the toys and chews.  Unless you are sending your dog to a house with no other pets  keep toys and chews at home.  The host dog is probably used to sharing his toys while your dog is use to having his favorite all to himself.  Whenever a mom/dad brings a toy or chew with their dog I end up having to take it away and only let the guest dog have it when the dog’s are separated for eating.

Saying hi and goodbye.

  • image (1)The DogVacay site does give hosts tips on how dogs should meet.  You should know them too so that you make sure they are followed for any first (or even second) greeting.  Dogs should meet on neutral ground.  When I have a dog come I ask his folks to take him immediately to the backyard.  I then let the guest dog get the lay of the land while I talk to his folks and ask all my questions.  When it seems the guest dog is settled into his new environment I’ll let Riggins (and any other dog I’m watching at that time) come to the backyard.  Once all are happy with each other than we will go inside and take a tour of the house.  Since Riggins and dogs I watch, tend to be protective of me I don’t sit down but instead stay standing and keep the dogs in open areas as they get to know each other.  This cuts back on any possible protective growls and fights.  The DogVacay site suggests the next step should be taking the dogs for a walk together.  Personally I’d want this done during meet and greet.  If you do this step my suggestion is to let the host take the house dog and your dog out around the block without you.  Dogs, like kids, act different when they are away from their folks … usually better.  To be honest I’ve only done this once and it was the one time I had an issue and a dog attacked Riggins … grrrr.  Just goes to show you there really is no fool-proof way to make everything work out.  Normally I’ll wait until after my guests folks are gone THEN take the dogs on a walk or, if they are doing well and have no problems, pack them up and take them for a hike.   A longer walk and/or hike doesn’t just help the dogs get to know each other and work together but also poops them out.  Remember a pooped out dog is a happy dog!
  • Just like a child when you leave your dog don’t make a fuss.  Just leave.  Extra hugs, kisses, cuddling, etc is just going to cause your dog to take longer to settle in.  I won’t lie to you … I’d totally be bad at this if I was leaving Riggins.
  • Your guest will automatically have the phone number you included on your DogVacay profile but if you have others that you can receive picture texts on let them know.  The DogVacay site will prompt the host to send you pictures via email (it goes through their system) if you want lots of pictures and/or want it more directly via text just tell the host.  You will notice an extra number on the texts.  That’s just the DogVacay site folks to make sure they are in the loop.

When you get home and pick up your pooch be ready to get smothered in licks and snuggles because no matter how much fun your doggie has on his vacay there is no place like home and no one like mom!

(If you follow my blog you’ve seen oodles of pictures of most of my dog guests.  I’ve included a sampling here for you to ooh and aah over.)

Cheerios – Insert Ridiculous Negativity Here

03 Monday Jun 2013

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SO MUCH TO TALK ABOUT I DON’T KNOW WHERE TO START.  This weekend has been a doozy of activity and my brain is on overdrive.  Last night’s episode of Game of Thrones could really be the daily topic for the rest of the week!  Sat night I attended a fun-filled wig party which means you NEED to see pictures.  Poor adorable Dragon had to go to the vet today to get a foxtail out of his eye leading me to an anger against nature, which should be discussed.  For some reason I got on a tangent about corporate America and how much more efficient and decent it would be if it wasn’t for the expected and bullshit ass kissing …. one of my favorite topics.  The news about a Cheerios commercial being “controversial” due to an interracial marriage has me fuming about some people’s use of the internet.  Finally, adorable Bandit was free to go home to his mom after 3+ years of unfair incarceration but sweet Phineas is still fighting for his life and being mistreated by brainless humans in power.

BREATHE

For today why don’t I focus on the interaction of the internet and then leave you with some cutie pictures of Dragon to help cleanse your palate.  Deal?  DEAL!

Although I am currently a brilliant dog sitter my background is in market research, media intelligence, and social media consulting/research.  This gives me the knowledge to be a whole other type of angry at the whole Cheerios ridiculousness (Don’t know what I’m talking about?  Read this.)  By the time I heard of this story General Mills had disabled the comment section on their YouTube channel so I really can’t find any comments that are negative, racist, or hurtful anymore.  Oh I’m sure if I tried hard enough, I could find someone somewhere with a webpage spewing hatred but that isn’t what comes up when I search for the story.  General Mills did a good job of shutting the whole thing down.  That should have been the end of it.  But noooooooooooooo.  The internet went BONKERS, as it sometimes tends to do and what, sadly, can be considered a normal reaction to an Internet posting spiraled into so many “discussions” that the traditional media picked it up.  Then doing what it does best, the media made a story out of something that isn’t really much of a story.  Is it really shocking that people are hateful?  Does it really surprise you that there are folks that can still be labeled as “racist” living among us?  I am in NO WAY saying any of the negativity was right or should be tolerated.  I heart Cheerios and I think that little girl on the commercial is cute as a button!  Most brands do AND SHOULD have rules in place as part of their social media strategy, on any of the internet real estate they are using to support the brand, that specifically tells readers certain types of feedback and comments will not be tolerated and will be taken down.

What I am saying is that you can find that level of human stupidity on almost EVERY posting on the internet, YouTube, news articles, blogs, forums, microblogs, all of it.  The story, for me, isn’t “Cheerios was attacked” but more “the Internet is a place to attack.”  Sadly people feel safe as faceless users behind their computer screen and become braver than you would expect (BTW good example of why online focus groups can be more “honest” than in person).  I read a lovely post about Patrick Stewart’s very personal work he does with women’s groups specifically to support stopping abuse against women.  THAT POSTING HAD MORE NEGATIVE COMMENTS THAN POSITIVE.  Can you imagine?  A few of the posts were suggesting Patrick Stewart (aka the best of all the captains) was being unfair to his father.  He wasn’t, in fact he was very level-headed and empathetic to not only his mother but her abuser, his father.  Any 1/2 wit with a brain could see that.  There were comments about how the idea of supporting an end of abuse against women is sexist because there is violence against men and women.  Okay … true enough … but THIS POST IS ABOUT VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN YOU TWATS!   A N D there … I just illustrated the other problem for you.  Anger has become our go to emotion on the internet.  It isn’t nice productive, “let’s discuss our difference in opinion” type unhappiness its name calling, hair pulling, all out screaming hatefulness.

I’ve read sites (like Phineas’ Facebook page) where the owner of the site has to keep reminding its emotional readers that what the goal of the site is, to help save a life, and that the community will not threaten those involved in any way.  You see the same reminders when anything about religion and/or equal rights is being reported on or discussed.  Isn’t that a given?  Why do we have to be reminded not to be assholes?  When did name calling back and forth EVER solve anything?

I often refuse to read comments to an article that I’ve read on-line.  Other times I’m drawn to the comment section like it’s a train wreck I can’t look away from.  I know that by the time I get to the fourth message I will be furious at someone.  When selling social media research and/or listening the sales person will focus on how important it is that you control and drive the “discussion.”  That you “listen and respond appropriately” and be “open and honest in your communications.”  Sadly a “discussion” rarely seems to happen.  Instead it is thoughtless outbursts of hatred and meanness with no way of being held accountable for what you have done.   Words do hurt.  They hurt humans and they hurt brands and entire companies.  Thumbs up to the digital/social media team at General Mills.  Killing the ability for folks to give feedback without taking down the actual “controversial” video was the right thing to do.  I really hope that’s where they stopped and they weren’t behind making this an even bigger story.  I want to believe that they weren’t and that instead they have handled and responded to the media stories with style and grace.  After all there HAS to a protagonist somewhere in this story right?  We need someone to cheer on.

This entire mess doesn’t just highlight the darkness of humans but it is a landmine for companies and brands.  Woowee … if you don’t have a CLO (Chief Listening Officer) I suggest you get one STAT.  If you are in LA I’m happy to send over my resume!

P.S.  When I worked in Guest Services at Disneyland ions ago it was known that you really weren’t an expert at City Hall (the shift that put you in the front line of angry guests as this was where people were sent to complain) until someone made you cry.  I feel the same way about blogging.  You haven’t made it as a blogger until the ugly and ridiculous comments start rolling in.  I SO WANT THAT TO HAPPEN TO ME.  Maybe today is the day I make it!  Perhaps THIS is the post that will make me a real blogger … fingers crossed!

P.P.S.  Adorable pictures of Dragon as promised!

image (3) photo (3)

 

Hiking Safety Gear

29 Wednesday May 2013

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Yesterday in my Griffith Park hiking post I promised to tell you what I bring with me when I’m going hiking with the dogs. Some would say what I bring is overkill but I do not want to end up stranded out in the middle of nowhere without the necessary equipment to survive! Remember all those stories of folks getting lost while going for a casual hike? I don’t want to end up a headline!

Inspiration Point (note no pack)

Inspiration Point (note no pack)

Riggins and I have hiked up to Inspiration point above Echo Mountain in the Los Angeles forest only twice. It’s about a 10 1/2 mile loop that leads you up to the best views of LA you can ever imagine! The second time I went with a friend and I wasn’t thinking. We started off too late in the morning. It was late March but a hot day and Riggins did not do well. It was one of the worse experiences I’ve ever had. Coming down he was overheating (which is very easy for dogs to do and can be lethal fast) and showing obvious signs that the ground was too hot for his paws. I had run out of water and was a mess. An attempt at carrying him failed and I was ready to spend the entire day camped out in a small patch of shade to wait until sundown to finish the trail. We eventually got down and Riggins was okay but I swore I’d never ever put him (or me) in that position again.

If I’m headed out on a trail I am familiar with and will be gone less than an 1 1/2 hours I stick with my small pack. It’s a fanny pack I purchased at a sporting goods store years ago. It’s light, easy to get in and out of, and doesn’t bug me when hiking. It’s just big enough to hold two regular size SIGG water bottles, a collapsible dog bowl, nitroglycerin (I haven’t need this in years but I’m not getting stuck on a mountain without it.), cell phone, and keys. It’s a great small hiking pack.

ry=400If I don’t know the trial I will be on, I know I will be out longer than 1 1/2 hours, and/or I have more than one dog and it is a warm day I will take my hiking backpack. After the Inspiration Pt episode I invested in a GoLite woman’s pack (the one I have is no longer made but I like it a lot and would purchase equipment from this company again). Inside I have everything but the kitchen sink! My fully stocked pack includes:

  • matches
  • knife
  • tick puller outer (ticks are gross and scare me to death)
  • bear bell
  • insect repellent
  • nitroglycerin tablets (in waterproof container)
  • bright orange cap (if hiking in the cold)
  • 2 large SIGG water bottles
  • LUNA bars
  • collapsible dog bowl
  • Medical Kit (it says “adventure medical kit” on it but really it just has medical stuff inside)
  • Adventure Kit (fishing kit, whistle, survival blanket, signal mirror, etc.)
  • cell phone
  • keys

photo (2) image (2)

When hiking I don’t listen to music instead I keep my eyes and ears open for critters I want to avoid, like rattlesnakes. If I know I’m going to be gone through a meal (like lunch) I pack a pb&j sandwich for me, some bones for Riggins, trail mix or nut mix of some sort, and an apple to share. Someone told me it’s good to pack non-meat food (like a turkey sandwich) so you don’t smell like a snack to animals. Seemed smart so I stick with that.

Isn’t that pack heavy? — you ask. Kinda. Not really. It gets lighter as you drink the water and I’d much rather have it and not use it then need it and not have it! After all I’m hiking to work-out whats an extra pound or two strapped to my back????

If you go hiking stay safe. Remember the rules you learned as a scout. Carry out what you bring in, don’t screw up nature by trashing it or taking things (like flower) from her, and be prepared. Happy hiking!

Hiking LA’s Big Park

28 Tuesday May 2013

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image (31)I’ve lived in LA my entire life. I grew up in Whittier (45 minutes-ish from the city) and went to Whittier College. After college I moved closer to the “city” into West Hollywood. I hopped around that area for a while with a short stint on the West Side (aka doucheville. Did I say that out loud? I’m sorry people who live out there. You are not a douche. I’m sorry I suggested you were. For non-LA-ians the “West Side” is the side of the city that hits the ocean.). 7 (or was it 8) years ago Riggins and I ditched what I consider the “fun” side of LA to act more grown up and come to the “valley.” Now we live about 5 minutes from Griffith Park. Although I’ve never lived further than an hour from the giant chunk of wilderness (or as wilderness-y as we get here) I have never, until this weekend, been on the park’s hiking trails.

It’s a little ridiculous of me but my excuse is, I hike to go out with Riggins and if I’m going to do that I want to go somewhere that he can be off leash without me being yelled at by other hikers. That means Runyon. This past weekend Bud was back with us. Bud has become a fickle fellow and has decided not to like any other canines. That really cuts down on where I can take him to poop him out and he NEEDS to get pooped out or he will spend his time beating up poor Riggins. So minutes after he was dropped off I leashed him up and set off for Griffith Park. I knew there was a trail head behind the Observatory so decided to give it a shot!

imageQuick lesson on Griffith Park history (as told by Wikipedia). Mining investor, Colonel Griffith J. Griffith (seriously) purchased Rancho Los Feliz in 1882 to start an ostrich farm. He donated 3,015 acres to the city of LA in 1896. In 1903 the Colonel was tried and convicted for shooting and severely wounding his wife … oops. After that his plans for the land went to hell in a handbag since his reputation was kinda shot (No pun intended. I’m paraphrasing Wikipedia at this point). Obviously it eventually all got built giving you the Griffith Park you know and love. Today’s park covers 4,310 acres of land and is the second largest city park in CA and one of the largest in the US. (Now quoting Wikipedia so none of my NY friends get angry with me …) “It [Griffith Park] has also been referred to as the Central Park of Los Angeles but is much larger and more untamed and rugged than its New York City counterpart.”

The park is very large so let me give you the Wendy tips on what is where. The entrance off of Forest Lawn using Zoo Drive is the north most way into the park. This road (when not under construction) will take you to Travel Town (train museum – a hit with young boys everywhere), the steam train (which is rarely open so look it up open day/hours first if you wanna go), the golf course, the Los Angeles Zoo, and the Gene Autry Museum. There is also a camp tucked away up there. It’s a good place to see horses as there is a horse ring thing and the equestrian center is just a tunnel away on the other side of the LA River and 134 freeway.

There are 3 main entrances on the south side of the park off of Los Feliz Blvd. Starting from the 5 and heading west, the first is Crystal Springs. This will take you immediately to the Wendy Train (named by my nephew Logan since it is a train and he gets to go there when he visits me) and pony rides. Keep driving and you will hit thecarousel and the best (in my opinion) playgrounds in the park. This is the “kids” entrance and Crystal Springs will eventually link up with Zoo Drive (honestly all the roads link up so when they are open you can keep driving in loops if you want). The next entrance is on Hillhurst. It will take you to the Greek Theatre and to the Observatory. The final entrance (well official entrance) is further down Los Feliz on Fern Dell. This road will take you to the Ferndell trail (known to Californians because of Huell Howser) and the Trails Cafe.

Bud and I parked near the observatory and headed off. It was hot and being a short snout breed I was a little worried about Bud overheating. He’s a ball of energy, so it was no problem (I was suited up and prepared for a long hike. Later this week I’ll post what I bring with me in my backpack while going out with the dogs.). The path is wide with an easy grade. We found a magical little spot called, Dante’s View. Named for the gentleman who started the garden, it is a sweet oasis on a mountain with wonderful views. It has a number of steps making it tri-level with benches to sit down and chill at. In addition there is water available for both dogs and humans. We went a little further until I figured Bud had chilled out and then we headed home.

image (1)Since Bud isn’t great off leash and isn’t great around other dogs the Griffith Park hike was PERFECT for him. Although a popular path (which I like … I won’t go on paths that aren’t well-traveled unless I’m hiking with another human) it thins out the higher you go and there aren’t a ton of other dogs around. When we drove home I took the other road looping around and coming down Fern Dell. I noticed that this was a very popular place to park so I assumed it was a good place to hike! I decided Bud and I should try it the next day.

After waking and suiting up with stocked backpack and leash, Bud and I said goodbye to Riggins and headed off. This trail was adorable. The first part is a man-made trail that includes a fun garden and stream (sadly the cute path was closed when we were heading back to the car … a tree had fallen down across the path and Fern Dell … it was a bit of a traffic mess). After you pass through the cute little fairy land you can keep hiking. The two roads available will circle around, merging together and eventually take you up to the Griffith Observatory. Bud and I took our time heading up and hanging out at the top forcing us to have to run down to get home in time for his folks to pick him up.

I had a feeling Riggins would love the Fern Dell trail so I decided to take him the next day. It won’t be something he can do when it gets hotter. None of the Griffith Park trails (and there are miles and miles of them … I’ve just scratched the surface) have much shade and the dirt can get hot on paws very quickly with the direct So. Cal. sun. Much to Riggin’s dismay photoI slapped on his cooling vest (it always takes him a few minutes to get use to the fact that it isn’t coming off) and took him up the mountain. He was in HEAVEN. I did unleash him so he could go at his own pace (which was usually faster than me). I was waiting to get yelled at by fellow hikers … which would be allowed as they would be in the right and I was in the wrong … but you know my theory on hiking on leash. Riggins thought he was the king of the mountain strutting up to humans to get love and attention, head held high as he passed dogs on leash, and policing the folks that thought they could go off the path. When we got close to the top I put his leash back on. The Observatory is always busy but being a holiday weekend it was packed. Unlike Bud, Riggins was willing to “sit and stay” so I could take more pictures of him. In fact people gathered around and stared to watch the dog sit and not move as I would say, “Look at me … stay …. ” walk away from him and snap some photos. He was a pure gentleman and oddly well-behaved doing exactly what I asked. Honestly I think he liked putting on a show and was happy people were watching him.

I’m so excited to have discovered the fun paths just minutes from my house and I’m kicking myself for not being open to checking them out earlier!

Please enjoy the video below of Riggins on the Ferndell trail ….