Roxy

This weekend I stayed at the Kimpton Seafire Resort, and I was happy to discover  that they are pet friendly! Meaning, as long as your pet can fit through the elevator door they are welcome to stay there (do you think a baby elephant fit could fit through the door?).  I decided to take Roxy because it isn't often that you can bring your dog to a hotel. As far as I know there are no other hotels in Grand Cayman that allow dogs. This is a review of my experience: To view the hotel or book  a room check out their website here: Kimpton Seafire Resort             From the moment we arrived we (including Roxy) were greeted with enthusiasm. Roxy was getting a lot of attention from the door men and the lobby workers. Everyone was asking her name, and petting her. Dogs are allowed to be in the lobby, the room, and the beach. The only place they don't allow dogs is the pool area (understandably). They only reserve two floors for dogs (I suppose ...

How did you choose your pet's name? Choosing just the right name for your pet can be a tricky thing. It has to be easy for them to respond to (so Rumpelstiltskin is most likely out) , it also should "suit" your pet's looks and personality. My dog Roxy was originally going to be named Pebbles (because of her markings). For some reason that name just didn't seem right. It was suggested that she be called "Rocky" because of the rock-like markings on her back. I wanted something more feminine, so we adapted it to Roxy. It matches her personality, and it's an easy name for a dog to learn (short and sweet). My mission is to get my dog in a Roxy surf advertisement or commercial, she would be perfect for it!  Couldn't you just picture Roxy running around in the field during this commercial? Roxy Commercial or how about walking next to this girl in the ad? I mean come on! How could you not cast this dog!  According to the American Kenne...

Last Friday was Remembrance day, November 11th. This is a day set aside for the British and Commonwealth countries to pay our respects to the brave women and men that fought and died for our freedom in both World Wars. This got me thinking about the brave dogs that have also fought in battle. Below is a little background knowledge about dogs in warfare. Believe it or not, dogs have been used in battle as far back as the mid 7th century B.C.  Since then they have been used by dozens of civilizations.  Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Russians and Americans are just a few of the civilizations that used canines for various roles in warfare. They have been used for several purposes, some relatively safe such as sending messages back and forth between battalions. Some purposes were much more cruel and heartless such as  having bombs strapped to their backs and sending them into enemy territory. Sadly, approximately one million dogs were killed in action during WWI alone....

So last weekend I got married in a ceremony on the beach, followed by a reception poolside at a private residence called Tranquility Cove here in Grand Cayman. I really wanted to have my dog Roxy at the ceremony, and Dillon (my now husband) didn't. We went through the pros and cons of having our little fur baby present at the wedding. Here's our lists:  Pros: How cute would the wedding pictures be with Roxy in them?  Dog as a ringer bearer? Yes Please!!!! Roxy is a member of our family, so it only makes sense that she share in the celebration. She loves people and would greet each guest with utter enthusiasm. Who wouldn't love a wagging tail, and a sloppy dog kiss greeting? Cons: All the excitement would probably be a little overwhelming for her. With over 70 guests, it would be almost an overload on an already over-excitable dog.  Who would be in charge of handling her? We're certainly too busy on the day to watch her. We have to reme...

As I celebrated Canadian Thanksgiving today it got me thinking about all the things I'm grateful for. It's nice to stop and express gratitude for everything we have in life. I'm not talking about material possessions, but family, friends, pets, health, and general well being. I thought I'd express my thankfulness in a poem.   Ode To My Gratitude Easy to complain Easy to explain Why we are unhappy Why we feel crappy Hard to express feelings of stress Feeling locked in trapped in our skin Start to realize look to the skies life is a gift Why choose to rift? Share how you feel your love will reveal it's easy to show how gratitude grows One expression at a time you will easily find We all want connection We all want affection So today I will share express how I care For those who are dear take my words as sincere. Thank you sweet life I still have some strife but I wouldn't change a thing Excited for what the future will bring. ...

My dog loves food. Especially food that is not in her food bowl. If I'm eating something, she wants it. She'll try anything. However, did you know that there are many common foods that we eat regularly that can be harmful, even toxic to your dog? Here's a quick list of some of them for you:  Chocolate- Okay, most of us know about this one, but I thought I'd better include it anyway. Dogs, just like humans often have a sweet tooth, but it's the caffeine and theobromine that can spell big trouble for dogs. Garlic and Onions: On top of stinky breath (no one wants a dog with garlic and onion breath!), these veggies are actually toxic for your dog. Apparently raw onions and garlic are even worse than cooked ones. Apparently it can take a few days to show its affects as well. Warning signs in your dog include dark red or orange urine and lethargy.  Avocado: This one was a complete shocker to me. How can one of my "super foods" that can be  s...

Here's a few of my favorite doggie "click picks" from the net. Some will make you laugh, some will make your heart melt, and maybe some will make you shed a tear. But all of them are sure to please. Hope you enjoy! Click #1: Puppy learns to go down the stairs Warning: This is a heart melting awwww video. I remember when my dog was a puppy, she was deathly afraid of going down stairs. Many times we had to end of carrying her down till she finally got the hang of it.  If only she had a good teacher, like this puppy did.  Puppy Learns How To Go Down Stairs Click #2: Cheeky Whippets  This is one of those jaw dropping, bad dog videos. Three bored dogs, home all day with too much energy = this video. Enjoy, and be glad this isn't you. My dog destroyed a few pairs of shoes, and a few sets of living room blinds (that story is for another post), but that is nothing compared to what these Whippets did.  Cheeky Whippets Click #3: Clever Dog Plays Ca...

  Yesterday was August 26th, International Dog Day, (which is kinda everyday in my house) and as I was walking my dog last night a revelation struck me. I have learned so much from my dog. I've only had Roxy for a little over two years, but I cannot imagine my life without her. She brings so much joy, excitement, and energy to my everyday life. Sometimes I think that dogs really have figured out the key to life, and here's five reasons why: 1. They know how to celebrate the little things.  From walks, to cars rides, to a tasty snack, my dog acts like these things are the greatest rewards in the world! Most of us take the little pleasures in life for granted. We're too concerned with making money to buy  a new car, the latest iphone, or even just preoccupied with what we're doing this weekend to enjoy the every day moments of life. My dog sniffs the grass like she is sniffing a fine wine. She treats car rides like kids treat a trip to Disney World, with unabashed exc...

Think your dog doesn’t need to go to daycare? Well maybe this article just might change your mind… I’ve never had a dog before. Well, that’s not entirely true. When I was in grade 4 my big brother convinced my parents to get a dog. We had him (Scout) for about 6 months till he bit the newspaper boy and he “got sent to live on a farm”. But that’s a story for another time (or another post). I’ve had plenty of cats, at least 5. I always thought I was a “cat person” until I got a dog. Now I realize I’m just an animal person; small, large, short hair, long hair, no hair, I pretty much love them all! I realized very quickly that taking care of a dog is a lot different than taking care of a cat (in some ways easier, some ways harder). Like for instance dogs needs exercise and LOTS of it!!!! I walk my dog five times a day, that’s right I said five! This is how the schedule works: I wake up most weekdays at 6 am  and walk her immediately (everyone needs a morning pee). Then we go ins...