Kiss and Tell

This is our Stormy giving Mrs Cochran a kiss.  Can you feel the love?

Now, they have composed themselves and are smiling for the camera - you could say a "Kodak moment".

Okay - here's the story.  You know I have been thrilled that Ivy found the best home ever with Kathy and Royce.  This picture is Royce with Ivy on the right and now Stormy on the left.  Kathy and Royce made an emergency call looking for a cocker to live with Kathy's mom, Mrs. Cochran.  Mrs. Cochran lost her dog of 14 years.  They were frantic to find a dog who could take on the job - a puppy wouldn't work.  Mrs Cochran is a very active 89 years young.  She also lives next door to Kathy and Royce.  She needed a mature, loving pet to be her companion. 

Our Stormy stepped up to the plate.  She was clipped, bathed and packed her bags to go to the rescue. I think the pictures tell the rest of the story.  They sit on the couch, watch t.v. and just keep each other company.  These are all activities that Stormy excels at!  The other really cool part of the story is that Mrs. Cochran and Stormy visit Royce, Kathy and Ivy every evening.  After all, Ivy is Storm's granddaughter - it's a family affair! 

Just an average day - Comfortable chair - cocker in your lap!

Clancy -- sent an e-mail

Dear Ralph and Lois,



I've thought of you hundreds of times, hoped you are doing well, wanted to tell you that we love Clancy so much and thankyou for raising a great dog.


When I ever get my camera, I promise to send you a picture. Clancy has a fun, friendly, endearing disposition. He thinks for a while before doing what you ask except when its for in sight food. He has a good memory, remembers where he last left his favorite toy. I am so thankful we found you and your darling dogs.


Take care,


Judy and Dave and of course Clancy

The cutest Easter Bunny - ever!

This is Joker and John.  It looks like they are bestfriends.  Every boy needs a puppy.  Joker is Mercedes' very first puppy, and he's Willow's brother.  I can't believe what a beautiful boy he has grown into!  Thanks for sharing the picture! 

Happy Easter from Pebbles

We heard from Pebbles.  She had a great Easter playing with her cousins.  She is being a very good girl and manages to give everyone a laugh.

Undoubtedly, you have heard the expression, "Shop till you drop!" - well - this is play until you drop!  Sweet dreams . . .

Have a Blessed Easter

If you know me -or - if you have have never viewed our blog befpre, you still probably can guess that I love and breed Cocker Spaniels.  I love puppies - from sitting through hours of labor to watching the pup leave with his new family. It's something I truly enjoy and strive to be better at.  Does this define who I am?

 This is not my purpose on earth.  I am a Christian.  I have done nothing to deserve this.  I'm saved by Grace, not good intentions, not deeds.  I'm saved by the death, resurrection and promise of Jesus Christ.  This blog may not be the forum to acknowledge that, but I have to share that today.  I cannot fully describe Him, but He is my King.

Please take a moment on follow the link  turn your speakers on- My Easter gift to you.        Love you all,  Lois

Easter is coming - wanted to share

Here's our Willow - these pictures are from last Easter - I bet she needs a bigger basket this year.  She's still the cutest bunny you'll find!

Keep your pets safe this spring

With a taste of warm weather, our thoughts have turned to Spring Clean-up - inside and out.  Our friend, Renee (Willow's mom) forwarded this e-mail.  Just a note of caution to everyone.

Please tell every dog or cat owner you know. Even if you don't have a pet, please pass this to those who do.




Over the weekend, the doting owner of two young lab mixes purchased Cocoa Mulch from Target to use in their garden. The dogs loved the way it smelled and it was advertised to keep cats away from their garden. Their dog (Calypso) decided the mulc h smelled good enough to eat and devoured a large helping. She vomited a few times which was typical when she eats something new but wasn't acting lethargic in any way. The next day, Mom woke up and took Calypso out for her morning walk . Half way through the walk, she had a seizure and died instantly.



Although the mulch had NO warnings printed on the label, upon further investigation on the company's website, this product is HIGHLY toxic to dogs and cats.



Cocoa Mulch is manufactured by Hershey's, and they claim that "It is true that studies have shown that 50% of the dogs that eat Cocoa Mulch can suffer physical harm to a variety of degrees (depending on each individual dog). However, 98% of all dogs won't eat it."
Cocoa Mulch, which is sold by Home Depot, Foreman's Garden Supply and other Garden supply stores contains a lethal ingredient called 'Theobromine'. It is lethal to dogs and cats. It smells like chocolate and it really attracts dogs. They will ingest this stuff and die. Several deaths already occurred in the last 2-3 weeks.




Theobromine is in all chocolate, especially dark or baker's chocolate which is toxic to dogs. Cocoa bean shells contain potentially toxic quantities of theobromine, a xanthine compound similar in effects to caffeine and theophylline. A dog that ingested a lethal quantity of garden mulch made from cacao bean shells developed severe convulsions and died 17 hours later. Analysis of the stomach contents and the ingested cacao bean shell revealed the presence of lethal amounts of theobromine.