Happy Thanksgiving 2023!!

 

Stay tuned in the next week or so to learn about what Roary is sitting on!!

We are posting for Thanksgiving a day early because the humans will be attending the Lions game on Thanksgiving...and.......we know many of you will be busy!!! (if you don't see your comment posted right away it's because I use comment moderation and will be behind tomorrow and Friday but will approve them as soon as I can!! Thank you!!)

We are so grateful for each and every one of you! While I don't blog as often as I used to, I love keeping up with as many of you as I can and I deeply value the friendships I have made with so many of you!!

May you and yours be blessed with good health, happiness, peace, love, prosperity and some deliciousness on your table today!!!

If you have a second......maybe put in a good word for the Lions so they beat the Packers on Turkey Day? 

Happy Thanksgiving all!

We LOVE YOU!!!

Caren, Lenny, Roary and Levi

Happy 3rd Gotcha Day Levi!!!!!!!! (He was "Gotted" November 21st, 2020)

 Happy 3rd Gotcha Day to our super smart, super loving, super BIG, super stubborn, super cuddly and super crazy Levi “Rowdy”!! We survived 3 years !!!

In all seriousness you are the most affectionate boy we could ever hope to have, you definitely keep life exciting and keep us on our toes!!! We love you to pieces!!!!

There is a saying that goes "You don't always get the dog you want, but you get the dog that you need."(Cesar Millan) Levi has been a challenge and I guess that someone felt that my husband and I DEFINITELY needed a challenge!

LEVI DOESN'T LIKE:

• When I stir eggs
• When I add seasoning to food
• Going to the groomer (he acts like the biggest baby and tries to run after me whimpering and crying when I am dropping him off, once he has his bath and blow dry he is FINE. It is the ONLY place where he acts like that.)
• ANYONE walking in our hallway
• ANYONE walking outside that he can see from our window
• When my husband sneezes
• When my husband's phone rings
• The remote control
• Hot weather

LEVI LOVES:

• His Daddy. His Mommy. Roary.
• His beloved bully sticks!
• His girlfriend Sadie at Canine College (Sadie is a German Shepherd mix who has one ear that goes up and one that goes down. She is large and crazy like Levi lol. He follows her EVERYWHERE.)
• Canine College and all who work there
• Running in the snow
• Being noticed and fawned over
• Cuddling/Kisses
• Hamburgers (which he only gets on his Gotcha Day and his birthday)
• Playing Fetch
• Taking Walks
• His Cheese Stuffed KONG bone
• The VET!! (Yep you read that right!!)
• Riding in the Car
• Our Mail Carrier

And WE LOVE HIM!!!

HAPPY 3RD GOTCHA DAY LEVI "ROWDY", "LEVI G."(as they call him at Canine College), "Mr.Levi." and some other choice names not fit for print!!! HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!

WE LOVE YOU!!

DOG BOOK FEATURE: I AM BUNNY: How a “Talking” Dog Taught Me Everything I Need to Know About Being Human by Alexis Devine

From William Morrow

An Imprint of HarperCollins

Social media stars of @WhatAboutBunny, Alexis Devine the guardian and Bunny the “talking” dog deliver a memoir about their journey together in I AM BUNNY: How a “Talking” Dog Taught Me Everything I Need to Know About Being Human (William Morrow; on-sale 11/14/23). You likely have come across a video of Bunny, the adorable black-and-white sheepadoodle on TikTok or Instagram, where the expressive dog uses programmed buttons laid out to share relatable and philosophical thoughts such as “Love you Mom,” “Dad went poop,” and “Ugh why?” In I AM BUNNY, Devine chronicles not only how Bunny learned to “talk,” but also the profound impact their journey has had on her life. Devine covers a wide range of topics  such as:

.  How pets can help with mental health: Alexis struggled with various mental health issues including an eating disorder and anxiety, on top of a drug and alcohol addiction. Her journey to recovery has been heavily influenced by her relationship with Bunny, as she learned to analyze her own emotions and experiences by first looking at how Bunny authenticity expresses hers. 

-          Bunny’s participation in the TheyCanTalk research study: Bunny is currently a part of a study at the Comparative Cognition Lab at UCSD, where they study how much nonhumans are able to express themselves in language-like ways. While Alexis is not a cognitive scientist, she can speak to their involvement and how it’s impacted her approach when communicating with Bunny.

-          Alexis’ autism diagnosis discovery through Bunny: Alexis had always a hard time grasping social nuances, but when it came to communicating with Bunny it was simpler—less to layers to peel back—because Bunny is always authentically herself. This sparked a realization within Alexis, which led to an official diagnosis of autism. Without Bunny’s influence she may have never come to this diagnosis.

-          Building a deeper relationship with your pet:

@whataboutbunny Its about time for a Bunny Beacher reunion😭 #reunion #bestie #dogfriends #smartdog ♬ original sound - I am Bunny

 The communication aspect between Bunny and Alexis has added a new deeper level to their relationship, but not all pet owners need buttons to connect with their pets. Our pets are constantly communicating through non-verbal cues, and when we’re patience and observant we can better understand what they’re trying to say.

-          Different approach to canine training: Alexis stresses the need to build a bond based on trust and respect with your dog to encourage your pet to work with you and not for you. Once you have established effective communication, then responsiveness and obedience will follow.

   

 FROM CAT AND DOG CHAT WITH CAREN: I Am Bunny by Alexis Devine is EXTREMELY well-written, (truth be told some of it seemed waaay over my head and had me questioning my own intellectual capabilities!) That being said, as a "Dog Mom" I am always seeking ways to better understand my dog. While I am doubtful I could ever teach Levi the way that Alexis taught Bunny, there are similarities in Bunny's reactiveness that have enabled me to better understand Levi! 

Alexis states "This is a story of reckoning, both personal and cultural, human and non human. This is what happens when curiosity and respect take precedence. When you give someone the opportunity to show you the nature of their world and can finally begin to reconcile your own. This is as much a story of me finding my voice as it is of Bunny exploring hers."

"Once you start really listening, worlds become accessible that are not limited by language or species, politics or religion. A greater empathy unfolds that changes not only how we communicate with nonhumans, but with our fellow humans as well."

To me that is a win-win scenario. Who doesn't want to connect with their pet on a deeper level 

The photographs are exquisite, there are many other animal studies, (horses, chimpanzees, dolphins etc), sprinkled throughout this book. 

Alexis has a delightful self-effacing writing style that makes the reader feel as if they can truly relate to her. There is humor mixed in as well. This is a must-read for anyone seeking to have a deeper and more fulfilling bond with their dog!

 MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Alexis Devine is an artist and entrepreneur hailing from Seattle, Washington. She was a longtime creator of wearable art before her sheepadoodle, Bunny, known as “What About Bunny” on social media, became an internet sensation in the fall of 2020. Bunny is part of an ongoing canine cognition research study at the Comparative Cognition Lab at UCSD. Alexis is a Licensed Family Dog Mediator, Fear Free Certified Professional, and Certified Canine Enrichment Tech­nician. Her goal is to further our understanding of the power of connection and importance of empathy, meeting her dogs where they are and understanding them on their terms first to facilitate trust and promote an environment that supports them as the incredible creatures they are.

I AM BUNNY: How a “Talking” Dog Taught Me Everything I Need to Know About Being Human by Alexis Devine | William Morrow | On-Sale: November 14, 2023 | $35.00 | 272 Pages Also available as an e-book and audiobook from HarperAudio  TO PURCHASE CLICK HERE.

 

Book Feature: LITTLE HOUSE LIFE HACKS, Lessons for the Modern Pioneer from Laura Ingalls Wilder's Prairie by Angie Bailey and Susie Shubert

 Today I am moving away from my normal "niche" of cats and dogs to feature an extremely special book that is much needed in our crazy and often depressing world right now. The book is LITTLE HOUSE LIFE HACKS,  Lessons for the Modern Pioneer from Laura Ingalls Wilder's Prairie by Angie Bailey and Susie Shubert. (Charmingly illustrated by Lauren Mortimer)

I was honored to be the winner of this gem when I entered a give-away that was held by Square Paws, (if you aren't familiar with the talented Mario's creations, please take a moment to click the name and prepare to be awe-stricken!). One of many reasons I was thrilled to read this book was I have known  the zany, witty, and uber-talented Angie Bailey for many years now. I first met her on her former blog Cat Lady Land and have had the pleasure of being in her company for many blogging events.

The concept for Little House Life Hacks was born during the pandemic when authors Bailey and Shubert were streaming episodes of the cult classic "Little House on the Prairie." While I am not a "Gen-X'er" I have seen many, many, many episodes of Little House, if for nothing else than to feel warm and fuzzy watching "Half Pint" (Melissa Gilbert), and feeling oh-so-hot while looking at "Pa" (Michael Landon.) Did you know the series was on for "9 YEARS!!?"

You aren't familiar with "Little House on the Prairie"?  Well, put your feet up, grab a cup of tea and read on:

FROM LITTLE HOUSE LIFE HACKS:

Little House on the Prairie, which began as a beloved book series and became a TV classic, is full of 1870s stories that offer countless gems of wisdom for living today. This book compiles the most crucial lessons from that delightfully simpler time, practical enough for pioneering stock and updated for our evolving world.

The Ingallses remain perfect reminders of what's important. In this playful homage, you'll learn everything you need to know about the nostalgia-packed pop culture sensation, as well as meaningful takeaways for creating more balance, wellness, and fun in all aspects of your life.

SOME OF MY FAVORITES IN THIS BOOK:

CHAPTER ONE: HACK YOUR FAMILY LIFE

A recipe for dill pickles! (Auntie Viv's Quickie Pickles)

CHAPTER TWO: HACK YOUR COMMUNITY LIFE

I learned that corn cobs were often used as TOILET TISSUE! I also never knew that along with the Ingallses dog "Bandit", they had a couple of cats that were never featured on the TV series. (How dare they!!)

CHAPTER SEVEN: HACK YOUR SELF CARE

You are taught to "Stop and Smell the Prairie Flowers" here are some of my favorite quotes:

A GOOD LAUGH OVERCOMES MORE DIFFICULTIES AND DISSIPATES MORE DARK CLOUDS THAN ANY OTHER ONE THING. (Laura Ingalls Wilder) from Farm Journalist:Writings from the Ozarks.

NELLIE'S POOR; SHE HAS NO HAPPINESS INSIDE (Olga Nordstrom, Season 1, Episode 7 "Town Party Country Party"

CHAPTER EIGHT: HACK YOUR RESOURCEFULLNESS

There is a recipe that sounds sooo delicious! It's called "Pa's Slow Cooker Wild Turkey Caramel Apple Butter" 

Intrigued? You SHOULD BE.  In Little House Life Hacks you will learn "the importance of family, community, faith, romance, friendships, work, self-care, resourcefulness, sustainability and how Little House on the Prairie encourages you to feel grateful for each of these areas in your life. Written as a collection of vignettes better known as "poetic slices of life." which enable us to dive deeper into this wonderful topic. You will laugh, you will learn, you will reminisce. You will be reminded that" where there is a will, there is a way". You will be reminded that there is comfort in simplicity and self-sufficiency and the importance of laughter and play. After reading this little gem I wanted to throw on my frock, run through the fields with Laura and forget my cares. Trust me, you will be returning to this nostalgia, informational and positivity filled gem again and again!   

IN OUR MAD RUSH FOR PROGRESS AND MODERN IMPROVEMENTS, LET'S BE SURE WE TAKE ALONG WITH US ALL THE OLD-FASHIONED THINGS WORTHWHILE.  (Laura Ingalls Wilder) Writings to Young Women from Volume 2: On Life as a Pioneer Woman.

TO PURCHASE CLICK HERE

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Angie Bailey

Angie Bailey is a Gen X pop-culture nerd, award-winning writer and humorist, and the author of the Texts from Mittens daily cartoon, books, and desk calendars. She shares her life with one witty husband, plus two human and two feline children. She lives in Minneapolis.

Angie-Bailey.com

Susie Shubert

Susie Shubert helps others navigate their unexpected journeys as a writer and content creator for modernprairie.com, a tarot advisor, and a former graduate of the school of rock. The basis of all that she does is her life coaching certification through Oprah’s favorite, Dr. Martha Beck, and the loving support of her husband and two kids. She lives in Minneapolis.

SusieShubert.com