All Posts By

Deborah

Meg's Adventures Rescue Spotlight

Cooper

June 9, 2017

What in the world has my Mom signed me up for now? That was the thought that ran through my mind when she brought a 7 month old puppy named, Cooper into our home. Seriously… I wasn’t in the mood to deal with that thing prancing around and getting into my hula hoop space.

As I was perched on the arm of my Queen’s chair, I watched as my Mom showed the foster lady around my palace for their “home inspection”. My Mom was showing where Cooper would stay and outline the schedule he would have tomorrow. Ugh!

I wanted to follow up with he won’t be on this couch, he won’t be eating my food and he will not be lying anywhere near my Mom.  However, my Mom is always crawling around in my head. I swear that I felt her pierce my soul and told me to knock it off.

WHATEVER!

Day 1

Let the beatings begin.  Well, I tried anyways and not two seconds into that moment, I was shot down by my lovely Momma. I had to establish that I am the Puppet Master. Yeah, I have only three teeth left but that homeboy doesn’t know it.

What was so weird? He didn’t move. Cooper just stared at me like I had three heads. I think he mumbled under his breath when he went to go lay down.

Well, I must have done something right, because I had the whole living room to myself.  As 8:30 p.m. came around, I was carried to the second floor and placed into my bed for a good night’s sleep.

Day 2

As my Mom picked me up and gave me kisses, I was saying, “Good Morning, Momma! I had a weird dream and you won’t believe it.” As we took our last steps off the stairs, my eyes bulged out of my head.  Darn it!  It’s him. The nightmare continues through today. As a Southern girl, I can’t state the words that were crawling through my mind. Let’s just say that May-O-naise, Tartar SAUCE and Sugar JETS were a few choice words that are Mom approved.

Ok, I get it. He is going to be around for a while. He’s being mindful of my space and well, I am getting lots of love and food for being nice. I just have to hold my ground. He will not gain access to my living room.

Day 3

What the heck?!?! MOM!!!! He is in the living room. Excuse me! This is unacceptable. Absolutely not! Mom has no idea that he is sniffing the floor.

Ok, I can’t stop this madness, but I can create another line that will NOT be crossed. I will maintain my couch! I will maintain my COUCH!

After a brief discussion and snuggle time with my Mom, I was told that I have a job to show Cooper the whole yard.  Of course, in order to do so, I must go in and out of the house door first. Well, duh, I am the Princess.

Day 4

Did Cooper just do a bum drive by?

Seriously, I think he did. Apparently, he wants his bum kicked!

I thought he was dumb as a box of rocks but apparently, he has been playing me. I am so upping my game. Nobody does a bum drive by and gets away with it.

 

 

 

Day 5

Oh MY GOD! He is on my couch. He is so lucky that I LOVE my Mom. The moment that my mom looks away is the moment that I take him out.

Apparently, there is a rumor going around that my friend, Stella might be interested in having a baby brother. Good, she can have him.

Cooper is apparently trying to spread lies that I want him. I do not want any such thing. I am a widow to a lovely brother/husband, Trevie. I miss him dearly and nothing will replace that annoying but lovable fella.

Day 6

Ok, I have given completely up on my quest to own anything in my house while this pain in the butt is visiting my home. My Mom is allowing him to run the roost. Seriously, she has lost all control. My resting witch face is screaming my frustration. I am getting food for his very presence so I can’t deny treats. It’s my downfall.  Plus, he is growing on me. He’s being polite and hasn’t gotten too much into my hula hoop space.

Day 7

Woohoo.. It is meet and greet time! Go Stella Go. Please, Please, Please keep your fingers crossed that this girl likes Cooper. I know Stella’s family likes him but, just like me, she decides who comes into her palace. It’s the Chihuahua way.

Day 8

Winner, Winner; Chicken Dinner! Cooper is going to his new home! Woohoo! Mom says it’s a perfect match. The plus side is that we can visit. What is this we stuff? I am not interested in visiting him. He still thinks that I want him. No, Thank you! I am not interested in a May/December relationship.

Day 9

It’s nice to walk the halls of my palatial estate with no other paws in my way. Mom and I do glance through the window to see Cooper, now named Elliott playing in his luscious backyard.  Elliott is being loved by some amazing people and a girl that gets him. For that, I am grateful.

Things that I learned through fostering all of the dogs including Elliott are:

  1. When I open up my castle, I give another dog a chance of having a happy home like mine.
  2. My mom always has my back and will never let anything happen to me.
  3.  It’s so important not to shop but adopt from a shelter.

Please do your part by donating money, time or your home.

 

Fostering helps give pets a second chance on life with a family.

Elliot in his new home.

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Health & Fitness Lifestyle

Fitness Journey – Before & After

May 30, 2017

Wow… While looking at this picture, I smile because I fought for every ounce of muscle on my body. It is hard for me to gain weight. I was just 92 lbs in the “before” picture and 105 lbs in the “after” picture. You are not going to believe this, but I am 112 lbs today!

Through this process, I learned how to gain healthy weight by doing it the correct way and all the while, having a balanced life with some fun food too.  I will be the first to tell you that it was NOT easy at all. It takes a lot of planning and commitment.

With all the so-called diets or food plans out there, I didn’t fit into any of those programs. I worked with my trainer to find the foods that worked best for my body and slowly incorporated them into my food plan. I tracked my food and slowly increased my intake of those key foods in a healthy way to work with my metabolism. Everyone’s metabolism is different, so it is best to find a trainer or nutritionist that is willing to understand your body and focus on your goals.

Remember you can’t out train a bad diet. For me, good nutrition and weight lifting is the key to being successful in gaining weight the correct way and building my fit body. I have tons of goals for this coming year. I am really excited to share my journey with you.

What are your fitness goals?  Have you accomplished something outside your comfort zone? I would love to hear from ya.

 

 

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Health & Fitness Lifestyle

Fitness Journey – Beautiflexx

May 18, 2017

My fitness journey has turned into a lifestyle change. Although I haven’t signed up for another competition, I still work out 6 days a week, prep meals and surround myself with positive people.

See, I have some friends that do cross fit, cross country running, yoga, Pilates or don’t work out at all. Love, kindness and support is their commonality. Truly that is all we need, right? True. However, finding online fitness communities provides support, (for me) motivation and accountability (Amen).

One community that I just absolutely love and I mean love is Beautiflexx. Trust me, I have been on many closed fitness groups. This page was created to inspire people to love their bodies and promote fitness but what’s even better, they give back to their community by supporting our veterans.

For many of us, we don’t have access to a gym or local support groups. This closed online community is a place where members can meet daily to encourage and lift each other up. There isn’t a day that goes by that you don’t see members sharing workouts, nutritional recipes, inspirational post, progress pictures and tidbits of their lives. I have personally made some wonderful connections with people that inspire me each and every day.

JFYI, as a member, there are some rules that are strictly enforced. No body shaming at all. No underwear pictures that show your nooks and grannies or party bits. I can’t believe that I have to type that. Lastly, no selling of products or services.

So, if you are interested in finding out more information about Beautiflexx, you can find them on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube and Twitter!

“INSPIRE. MOTIVATE. REPEAT.”

http://www.Beautiflexx.com

 Youtube: Beautiflexx Channel

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Food & Drinks Health & Fitness

Fitness Journey – Food Prep

May 8, 2017

During my fitness journey, I learned that food prep is a must. So when Sunday rolls around, my husband and I plan out what we are going to eat for the week. You are probably thinking that you don’t have time for all that jazz. Well, the benefits are huge and here’s why.

Saves you ton of CASH. When your refrigerator is stocked with delicious healthy and prepared options, you are less likely to go out to grab fast food or to a restaurant. If you eat out every day of the week at a cost of $20 or $50 (couple), that is a whole lot of money that could be put towards a rainy day, house or other big adventure.

Saves you TIME! When food is already prepped, you don’t have to waste time thinking of what you are going to eat, you can stay on track with your macros and the best part, you have more time to hit the gym or spend time with family.

Saves you from CHEATING!  Y’all… You know that this is the truth! If it ain’t in your house, you can’t eat it. I can’t have certain foods in my house. The foods that are my downfalls are certain cereals, potato bread, Girl Scout cookies and Reese peanut butter cups. They are not allowed in my house, period.

Keeps you on TRACK. You already invested so much time at the gym, money for a personal trainer, equipment and stylish clothes to have it all undone because of a bad diet. Every trainer will tell you the same thing. You can’t out train a bad diet. If you are worried about eating the same thing over and over again, Pinterest has amazing clean food recipes.

Well, you are probably wondering what is on my food list. During my prep for competitions, it is really strict with chicken, brown rice, quinoa, sweet potato, green beans and broccoli all the time. I have food sensitivities and straight up allergies to certain foods, so this is my food list at the moment.

Meat/Fish/Eggs

Chicken Breast

Turkey Breast

Tuna

White Fish

Salmon

Eggs (whole and whites)

Carbohydrates

Sweet Potatoes

Brown Rice

Quinoa

Oats

Rice Cakes

Ezekiel Muffins – Cinnamon Raisin

Fats

Avocado

Barney’s Almond Butter

Vegetables

Spinach

Asparagus (Love them)

Cucumber

Broccoli

Green beans

Zucchini

Fruits

Apples

Blueberries

Trust me, I do eat other types of food, but I track everything that I eat to ensure that I fuel my body with the right amount of protein, fats and carbs to either maintain my weight, build more muscle or lean out for a competition. All of this is done carefully so no harm is done to my body or my metabolism.

Just note, clean eating doesn’t have to be hard and it all starts with one small step forward.

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Rescue Spotlight

Susie’s Senior Dogs – Bacchus

May 3, 2017

Photo Credit: Susie’s Senior Dogs/Humane Society Naples

Bacchus is a beautiful senior dog located in Naples, Florida. This handsome boy has lived the majority of his life in a shelter environment, so let’s pass this along to find him a forever home quick.

  • Approximately 7.5 years of age, weighs 75 lbs.
  • Calm, quiet and house trained
  • Because of arthritis and sensitivity to his back end, he needs medication each day and would prefer a home without children.
  • Dog friendly
  • He has manners too! Sit, Stay, Shake, Down and Walks nicely on leash.

For more information about Bacchus or to adopt him, please email Marni at dogcare@hsnaples.org.

Humane Society Naples

370 Airport-Pulling Road North

Naples, FL

To read Bacchus’ original post, please go to http://bit.ly/2p5veqR.

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Advice Column Dog Training

Ask Ms. Deborah – How to stop dogs from jumping?

May 3, 2017

Dear Ms. Deborah,

I saw that you offer dog training advice so I am wondering if you can help me with my dog jumping on everyone. How do I get this big lug to stop jumping on me or my family? When anyone comes in the door or visits, my husband thinks it is funny and encourages it when he comes home.

 Sincerely, Frustrated Wife

Dear Frustrated Wife,

I am so sorry that you are experiencing this exuberant greeting from your dog, but it is not uncommon. Dogs jump up for many reasons. One, it is a form of greeting and if rewarded, it will continue. Two, if the dog adds in licking of the face, it is offering a peacemaking behavior and hoping someone will regurgitated their food. As gross as this sounds, it’s a win for him.

Before I begin on the steps of how to train your dog to stop jumping, you will need to express the importance to all of your family of why it shouldn’t take place. If anything was to happen to a small child or to grandma, all of you would be heart broken. You can explain to your husband that your buddy can continue to jump up but only when given permission to do so.

How to train your dog to stop jumping?

  1. Don’t make a big deal coming or going from your home. Raise your hand, come on! I know that all of you have come in the front or back door all excited, talking in that high pitched baby voice getting your buddy all worked up and BAM, the jump. For me, it is best to come in the home quietly and calmly. This type of entry reduces the excitement at the door.
  1. Ignoring the behavior you don’t want and redirecting to a behavior you do want. I highly encourage you to watch your dog closely. He will give you a cue of when he is going to jump. If he does jump up, turn your back and don’t encourage it. When he offers four paws on the floor, reward with either a small treat or your attention, calmly. Also, if you have small children coming home from school, please help them get in the door and assist them in training the correct behavior.
  1. Manage the dog and his environment. As you and your immediate family practice the new ground rules and begin to teach Fido what is expected now, it is important that friends and extended family understand the importance too. Don’t allow your dog to practice the behavior ever. Because the more he practices it, the better he will get at it. You will have people constantly trying to booger up your training by saying that they don’t mind the dog jumping up, but stay the course.
  1. Tips and Tricks. You can ask friends and family to call or text before coming over so you can manage your dog’s success. It is important to have control of your dog at all times. A leash is a great way to have that control. If you feel that your dog will be unsuccessful greeting people at the door at this stage of his training, you can place him into a secure area until all of the excitement at the door has calmed down.  At that time, you can leash and calmly walk him over to greet all of those wonderful people.
  1. What not to do! This is the part that I beg that you don’t get frustrated. Adding excitement to the situation will only make it worse. Please don’t knee him to the chest, yell, punch, push or cause any other pain to your dog. I have seen many people use alternative methods and it will make your dog become terrified of you and never really learn the behavior that you are asking for in the first place.

If you dog has any other behaviors such as growling or biting with the jumping, I highly recommend you working with a dog trainer that specializes in behavior modification.

 

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Food & Drinks

Spinach & Feta Quiche

April 27, 2017

Hey Y’all. I found the best recipe for a quiche that incorporates my favorite thing in the world, sweet potatoes! I made some small tweaks to this recipe for my taste buds, so here we go.

 Ingredients

 2 medium sweet potatoes

1 bag of baby spinach

½ cup of milk – I use almond milk.

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

4 large eggs

2 large egg whites

1.5 ounces feta cheese, crumbled

Sweet Potato Crust

  1. Slice the medium sweet potatoes into even slices and some of those slices in half for the round part of the crust.
  2. Take a glass pie dish and coat the dish with cooking spray.
  3. Line the sweet potato slices on the bottom and around the pie dish. Place the half slices round side up along the side of the dish.
  4. Bake for 20 minutes at 350˚.
  5. After removing the pie crust from the stove, set the pie crust aside for a moment and turn up your oven to 375˚.

Spinach, Onions & Filling

  1. On medium heat, put the spinach and onions and warm up for about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. Combine the milk, eggs, egg whites, salt, pepper and stir. Whisk until completely blended.
  3. Place the cooked spinach and onions on the pie crust and pour over the egg mixture.
  4. Sprinkle some feta on top.
  5. Bake pie at 375˚ for 35 minutes. Let it stand for 5 minutes to cool.

 For a video with step by step instructions from Cooking Light, press the link below:

 http://www.cookinglight.com/food/vegetarian/sweet-potato-quiche-crust

Let me know how you like it! If you have a favorite recipe, please comment below or email me. I would love to hear from ya.

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Dog Training

Digging 101

April 27, 2017

Spring has arrived! It’s time to be outside and do some of that yard work. Your dog has offered up his/her services and has provided the ultimate assistance, digging holes. Digging those large, deep holes is not what any homeowner wants but it is a must do for your dog.

Why does your pooch dig holes?

  1. It’s fun! It’s a way to let out all of that cooped up energy. Also, many breeds have those characteristics and are more likely to dig.
  2. They are hiding something! Dogs love hiding their treasures. Those treasures might be your phone, chew toy, food or for some, stolen socks and underwear.
  3. It’s hot outside. Dogs will dig holes under bushes or outdoor furniture to cool down.
  4. They are hunting something! Critters hide in holes. Trust me, if your dog sees a hole, their prey drive will kick in and the hunt is on.
  5. They have scheduled a road trip without you. Escaping from under a fence can happen a time or two. It is important to find out what type of behavior is happening at that time, such as escaping from being in a fenced or confined area or a combination of that and separation anxiety. If you have some concern with regards to this behavior or separation anxiety, please consult a professional dog trainer that specializes in behavior modification.

What can you do to stop digging?

It is important to supervise your dog at all times. With all the pets being stolen right out of their yards nowadays, it is important to keep an eye on them.

With holes that your dog has already dug, you can put chicken wire down on top of the hole and cover the hole with dirt, bark mulch or gravel. Another alternative is placing their poop in the same hole that they continue to dig and cover with dirt. Dogs don’t like playing with their own poop.

Lastly, you can compromise by creating a specific area for your dog to dig. You can fence off a suitable area and replace the topsoil with a heavy sand to make digging easier. You can teach your dog that this is his/her play area and place this behavior on a cue.

Want to make it fun? Each week, you can hide a variety of treats and toys. For example, while your dog is in the house, you can place some toys or treats under the sand in a variety of places. Let your dog out, lead him to his area and say, “Dig”.

For some really cool ideas on how to create a dog-friendly landscape with a little pop of fun, log onto Pinterest. They have really creative ways to make your backyard fun and safe for your dog.

Do you have a designated area for your dog to dig? Please share your photos and ideas. I would love to hear from ya.

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Rescue Spotlight

Goose

April 21, 2017

Photo Credit: Found My Animal.com

I am so excited to share this rescue spotlight. Lisa Letson of True and Faithful Pet Rescue Mission works around the clock for her rescues. She uses her grace and charm to network with many other organizations to find these dogs forever homes.

This weekend, 4/22 – 4/23, True and Faithful Pet Rescue Mission is working with a wonderful company, Found My Animal, a pet accessory store, located in Brooklyn, NY. Found My Animal gives back to their community by encouraging and promoting pet adoption. For more information on this adoption event hosted by Found My Animal, please go to their Facebook page for their locations and times.

Now, Goose is a rock star. He was found as a stray in Miami and is looking for that special someone to love.

  • 10 years of age.
  • Good with other dogs.
  • Well mannered.
  • Fully vetted, heartworm negative and has zero teeth.
  • Loves baths, dressing up and car rides.
If you’re interested in adopting or meeting Goose, please email Found My Animal at found@foundmyanimal.com.
  

  Found My Animal

Pet Accessory Store

Great Collar, Leashes, Harnesses & More

  http://www.foundmyanimal.com/about.html

  True and Faithful Pet Rescue Mission

3063 Kennedy Drive

Venice, Florida 34285

941-234-6531

   https://www.trueandfaithfulpetrescuemission.org/about-us

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Dog Training

Capturing a Behavior

April 14, 2017

When I was training my big boy, Bear, I learned a little trick from my mentors in dog training. Anytime I saw something that Bear did that I liked and wanted to keep in his repertoire, I was told immediately to click and treat for it.  See, training is happening every second of the day, so why not “capture” that desired behavior.

The concept is based on operant conditioning. It’s an association between a dog’s behavior and a consequence. Of course, the consequence is the reward. My reward is based on what drives my dog. At that time, Bear was very food motivated. I used small, high value, smelly and delicious treats.

For example, I had a hard time teaching Bear the down cue. Well, eventually he would lay down on his own because he was tired. I had my clicker ready to go at a moment’s notice to click and toss that treat right between his legs in the down position.

Finally, he did lay down and boom, click and treat. His expression of “what the heck just happen” lit up the whole room. From there, I built my training sessions around that moment.

How can you capture a behavior?

  1. Treats. Have small delicious treats on you and ready to go. Another trick that I learned was to have small Tupperware containers with Zukes training treats all around the house just in case Bear presented something else that I absolutely loved.
  2. Watch. This is time to be quietly watching your baby for that behavior that you have been looking so desperately for.
  3. Click and Reward. Woohoo, it happened. The behavior has presented itself and now you must click and treat. If you don’t have a clicker, a verbal marker of yes will do. Also, you must be careful of what you mark. Timing is everything. If you clicked or verbal marked at the wrong time, you still must treat. You can fix your mistake the next time.

What are some behaviors that you might want to capture?

  • Sit
  • Down
  • Look at me or checking in
  • Bow
  • Come
  • Heel
  • Going to the bathroom
  • Any natural behaviors that you can turn into tricks!

When do you add the cue or command word to the capture behavior?

Once you have captured the desired behavior and your baby is consistently performing it clean and with no other behaviors attached, that is when you add the cue.  Remember, you only reward for what you want and ignore what you don’t want. Your training sessions should be no longer than 5 to 10 minutes and always end on a good note.

How are your training sessions going?  I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to comment below or message me privately.

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