Big Paws Only Dog Forums

I am so sorry to inform everyone here that voted for and entered their pooches into the contest this year, but I have made a few mistakes and will be making a change in the final look of the calendar.

I am not really sure why I didn't pay closer attention to the numbers as things were happening but I really do apologize to the following people:

- Angus's Dad for not including him in the original 24   from the first day of voting

- Talon & Hawk's mom for not including them in the top 12. To fix this mistake, I am going to take Bear out of the calendar and place these two babies where they should go.

Again, my sincerest apologies to you both. It was just an error on my part and I am glad that I was alerted to these mistakes.

Normally I don't say that something is a "must see" but you must check out this video. I swear this is the cutest puppy ever!!

www.bigpawsonly.com/dog-blog/video-of-the-most-adorable-little-puppy-trying-not-to-go-to-sleep

Today was so much fun because we got to meet fellow BPOers and  LA neighbors Lucah & his parents Paul and Akiko. They were so nice and have raised such a great puppy. Although Bear was not as into Lucah as he was into the little dogs, he was really sweet to Lucah when they did play. Lucah was all about the kissing Bear and trying win him over with love. 

Attached is also a small movie that was taken today.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zocE-rlLbc

We're so happy to announce that you two are our BPO Thanksgiving Winners! I hope that you got some extra turkey on Thursday since you were tormented by your parents into looking so darling! 

I don't think that anyone from BPO or Tiny Tracks was there but you should have been. This event was so much fun that I can't wait for the next one.  We went in expecting Bear to be the only big dog, I mean, it is LA and we know this is the land of designer dogs.  Surprisingly, there were some big dogs there who were simply beautiful.

I got to meet my first celebrity dog, Yampa, the first winner of "Off the Leash" and his mom, a model. They were so sweet and she confirmed that yes indeed, it was her who posted here on that thread a while back. I also met my first Anatolian Shepherd. Man, talk about a big dog! There were 2 other Danes, 3 Saint Bernards, a German Shepherd, a Collie, and large-ish many mixes.

The fashion show was cool and I included some pics of the models with their doggy accessories.  You can also see the roof top view of the city in one pic. In the future, I highly suggest that more of us go there...especi ally since it now going to be monthly thing.

Dear BPO Members,

On behalf of the administration, we would like to let you know how much we enjoy your time and appreciate all that you bring to the board. Your love of dogs, friendship and support in times of need, means more than anyone anywhere else could ever hope to have in their lives. You all are a special breed of people (no punn intended) who have hearts of gold! We all feel really lucky to have such a great bunch of people coming to BPO who have the same values of ideals as we do. 

Thanks again!

XOXO,
Your Administration
 

12:00 p.m.- Yesterday Bear & I worked at the Shriner's Hospital for Children for the first time. I thought seeing the sad, hurting kids would be really hard but surprisingly it wasn't. Even in pain, just seeing Bear made them so happy. I have never heard so many kids laugh as loud as I did yesterday either. Every time they gave Bear a treat and he took it, slobbering their little hands no less, they would laugh and laugh. He did a great job taking their minds off of their illnesses and made them happy if only for a bit.

On the downside, I was exhausted! The organization we're with is great but boy, does it take a lot of stamina to do. Not only do I have the largest, longest, heaviest dog in the program but ha makes every aspect of the job that much harder. Here's why:
1. Enter the room and greet the child.
2. Wipe drool.
3. Position Bear so that the child can touch him. If they can't move much then it mean making Bear get on a chair, sofa, bed, etc so they can reach.
4. Wipe drool again.
5. Let child feed Bear a treat.
6. Wipe drool and hand child a wet nap to clean their soggy palms.
7. Try to get Bear to stay in whatever uncomfortable position he is in long enough to snap a Poloroid pic. Make sure all family members are in it that want to be included. Wipe drool again. Reposition Bear.
8. Get Bear's attention. Make sure he is staying. *click*
9. Get Bear. Wipe drool. Give him a treat for doing a great job. Make him stay. Get label out of bag to put on picture. (It says "My visit with Bear" so they remember who he is.)
10. Hand picture to child. Do a trick with Bear quickly. Say bye.
11. Repeat with new child.

Whew! Reliving that was tiring.  It was really fun though and I am so happy that they encourage child/dog interaction via brushing, treats, etc. The pictures mean so much to them too.

3:30 p.m.-Then, we went home and got Michael. He had to finish up some work and so did I so we went to office in Malibu. Once there Bear slept and snored like a mack truck.  I've enclosed some pics of he & Michael from the balcony off of Michael's office so you can see the gorgeous view he has everyday.

7:00 p.m.-Afterwards, we met my dad for dinner. Bear has Chinese food then slept the entire car ride home.

10:15- got home and all went to bed. My little boy is still sleeping. 

Enclosed are a few pics. One of Bear & I in our uniform for work. And yes, I had to make him wear his new bib for the kids.    They loved it. The others are of he & Michael from the balcony off of Michael's office so you can see the gorgeous view he has everyday.