The 4-H Uniform and Pledge

So, I thought  I would post the 4-H pledge and uniform requirements for members who might just bestarting with a 4-H club.

The 4-H uniform:
The 4-H uniform is a green tie for both boys and girls, short or long sleeve white button up shirt with collar, black pants (long skirts are also acceptable for girls), and a black belt. Shirts must be tucked in neatly. There shouldn't be any stains on the clothing.You should look very neat whenever you are participating in a 4-H event. Some clubs and counties dress differently so you will want to double check with your leader.
The 4-H Pledge:
I pledge
My Head to clearer thinking,
My Heart to greater loyalty,
My Hands to larger service,
My Health to better living,
 for my Club, my Community, my Country, and My World.
There are so many different clubs to join. If you like to work with, train and show animals such as dogs, horses, cats, rabbits, cavies, and more then 4-H is great for you!  If you enjoy community service, photography, legos, art, painting, shooting and much more, 4-H would be great for you.
There are different clubs in different counties across our country.
To find a 4-H club in your area visit:
http://www.4-h.org/

Roxy and I at County Fair

I thought I would put a picture of Roxy and I at last year's county fair.
This year's county fair is in August, so I will make sure that I post something about this year's fair later on.

Roxy with Her Awards

                                      Roxy with this year's ribbons from our local fun match
She won Grand Champion in Obedience, Blue ribbon in Showmanship, Reserve Grand Champion in Rally, and Reserve Grand Champion in Agility this year.





                                        Roxy with last year's ribbons.

This is Roxy with her ribbons from last year's Fun Match. She won second place and the white award last year.

Happy Birthday Roxy!

I know this is another very late post. Roxy's birthday was on March 14th. She turned 4 years old. I made her some doggie cupcakes for her birthday. They smelled awful while they were cooking but the dogs loved them. I put a treat in the middle as a candle. They ate one after another... until I made them stop that is.

Christmas Elves

I found some pictures of Wally and Boomer dressed as Christmas elves. They look so cute in these pictures.

Best Friends

Boomer looks up to Roxy and follows everything his big sister does. It's so cute when you watch them together. I snapped a few pictures of them sleeping in my bedroom the other day.

4-H Crafts Club Project

I just finished my project for the 4-H Arts & Craft Club. I sewed together an stuffed animal owl. I will be entering it in county fair. This was my first sewing project and I think it went well. It was hand sewn.

Cat Cookies

Ingredients:7 ounces of mashed sardines
1/4 cup of dry, nonfat milk
1/2 cup of wheat germ
Directions:
First, mix the ingredients. Roll into 24 small balls. Place the balls onto a greased cookie sheet. Flatten with a fork and bake at 350 degrees or until brown. Last, give the treats to your kitty and watch them enjoy!
Cat Food Recipe courtesy of I-Love-Cats.com

Salmon Snacks

This is an easy recipe to make for your kitty!Ingredients:
Cooked salmon
Cat treats
Dry cat food
1. Cut a small slice of cooked, but moist salmon.
2. Then, take a cat treat and push it into the salmon
3. Last, crush up some cat food and sprinkle it on the salmon treat and serve.
Found at:
www.simplypets.com

Fun Match Dog Show Results

So, on June 2nd we had a Fun Match Dog Show with the 4-H Dog Club. The Fun Match is to prepare for county fair. We invite the whole community(4-H and non 4-H) and people of all ages to come and compete with their dogs. I asked for and collected the donations for our raffle and I made the flyers for our show and advertised. I did a pre-sell for our raffle. We had many great prizes! Electroman started in the 4-H Dog Club this year and he is showing Boomer, our pughuahua. This is my second year in the 4-H Dog Club and I am showing Roxy the boxer mix. Electroman won a white ribbon in agility with Boomer. I won Grand Champion in obedience, Reserve Grand Champion in Rally and Agility, and a blue ribbon in showmanship with Roxy.  Roxy and I have made a huge improvement since last year. I didn't even get a ribbon for obedience last year, so Grand Champion was a huge shock for me. I almost got Grand Champion in agility, but I let the leash go at the end which knocked off points. The judge told me that I should start doing off leash, then I wouldn't have to worry about the leash. I let go of the leash when she went through the chute and she leaped over the last jump without me holding the leash.

AKC Agility Nationals

I went to the AKC Agility Nationals with the 4-H Dog Club. It was very neat watching all of the dogs run through the agility course. They were so fast and funny at times. It taught me a lot about dog agility and I know some things I need to work on with Roxy. I am thinking about showing Roxy in the AKC agility after we get some more practice. I just need to get her to run it off leash and we'll be good. Agility is a fun sport between the owner and the dog. The owner leads the dog through the course where the dog must jump over jumps, go through tunnel, jump through the tire, go on the see-saw, run up the dog walk and A- frame, go through weave poles, and through the chute. I have been competing with Roxy in 4-H. She made it around the course in 31 seconds! It was the fastest time out of all of the dogs that competed that day. I think we are ready if only I can get her to go off leash! These pictures are from Google images. I will post pictures of the show we went to later on!

Save A Life- Adopt a Shelter Pet!

I know I have posted many things like this. If you or your family are looking for a pet, check out your local animal shelters! You can find the perfect match! Puppies and kittens are cute, but remember that shelter dogs and cats need someone to love them and take them home also. Puppies from pet stores are a bad idea because most come from puppy mills( see my Say No to Pet Stores post). Dogs from breeders usualy find homes pretty fast and they get to live in a home until they are bought.Give them a second chance! There are so many animals at the shelters that are just waiting to leave. Some don't get a second chance. You can save a life today.You don't have to buy a purebred dog to show in the AKC. The American Kennel Club now has a program for owners and their mixed breed friends to compete called AKC Partners program. Go to http://www.akc.org/mixedbreeds/ to find out more about the AKC Partners Program! Adopt now!

The Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier is a small, toy sized dog. The tail is usually docked. They have long, glossy, silky coats.Yorkshire terriers( yorkie) love adventure. They are highly energetic, brave, loyal, and clever. They are affectionate to their owners and make great companions. They can become suspicious of strangers and aggressive towards other dogs and small animals. They can become yappy when they want to tell you what they want to do. They need someone who understands how to be their leader. They are recommended for families with older children in the home. Many people let this type of breed get away with bad behaviors because they are small. Yorkies can become demanding and need a lot of attention. They become jealous if they aren't getting enough attention. They are easy to train, but can be stubborn if the owner does not give the dog proper boundaries. They can be difficult to potty train. They are excellent watchdogs. If they are allowed to take over they will develop negative behaviors. They are active dogs who require daily walks. They enjoy being played with and running off leash in a fenced area. Their life expectancy is about 12-15 years. Regular grooming is required to keep a healthy coat. Thier coats should be clipped and needs daily brushing. They should have their teeth brushed regularly. They shed little to no hair. They belong to the AKC toy group.
Height: 6-7 inches
Weight: 7 pounds
Health Problems:
Yorkies are prone to slipped stifle, bronchitis, eye infections, early tooth decay, poor tolerance of anaesthetic, and delicate digestion.They sometimes suffer of paralysis in the hindquarters. Falls or knocks can cause fractures to their fragile bones. Females usually have trouble delivering puppies. They can develop abnormal skull formations if they measure less than 8 inches. They should be given bones and dry food to keep their teeth strong. They also should be taken to the vet to get their teeth cleaned in order to prevent their teeth from falling out and infection.
Living Conditions:
The Yorkshire Terrier make great apartment pets. They are sensitive to the cold and prefer warm temperatures.
Information found at:
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/yorkshireterrier.htm

*This information is based on opinion. All dogs are different and behaviors can not be determined by the breed.

The Miniature Schnauzer

The Miniature Schnauzer is a small, sturdy little dog. Their ears are often cropped and their tails are docked. They have a bushy beard, mustache, and eyebrows. Their coat colors are black, white, salt and pepper, and black and silver. The Miniature Schnauzer is an intelligent, loving, and happy dog. They are energetic, playful, and love to be with their owners. They are affectionate, keen, devoted, and docile. If they are socialized well they may get along with other dogs easily. They are great companions and family pets. They can be stronger minded than their owner and will not listen if this is the case. Owners need to be calm, but firm with this type of breed. They have a low, carried out howl of a voice. They are great guard dogs and vermin hunters. They are easy travel dogs. They are great with children. If they aren't socialized well enough with people, they can be reserved with strangers. The humans must be strong pack leaders and they will have obedient dogs. They need daily long or brisk walks or jogs. Dogs who do not go on walks are known to develop behavior problems. Their life expectancy is about 15 years. They don't show signs of aging until late in their life. They are not hard to groom, but do need grooming attention. Their coats should be clipped at least twice a year (spring and fall). Any mats in their coats must be cut out. The hair around the eyes and ears should be trimmed and the whiskers should be cleaned after meals. This dog sheds little to no hair and they are great for people with allergies. They belong to the AKC terrier group.
Height: 12-14 inches
Weight: 10-15 pounds
Health Problems:
They are prone to liver disease, kidney stones, diabetes, skin disorders, von Willebrand's disease, cysts, and hereditary eye problems. They gain weight very fast, so do not overfeed.
Living conditions:
Great dog for apartment life. They will be calm as long as they are exercised regularly.
Picture was found at

www.akc.org



Information found at
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/miniatureschnauzer.htm

*This information is based on opinion. All dogs are different and behaviors can not be determined by the breed.

The American Pit Bull Terrier

The American Pit Bull Terrier strikes many as a dog of power, passion, and willingness. The ears are usually cropped, but this is an option of the owner/breeder. The American Pit Bull Terrier has a pleasure to please their owners. These dogs are NOT people haters or people eaters. Their natural aggressive tendencies are towards other animals and dogs, but not people. Although, if they are socialized in their puppyhood then they may not be aggresive towards other animals and dogs. They need to be socialized with a firm, confident, calm , and consistent pack leader. They can be willful with an owner who is weak, so they must have a firm owner. They are good natured, amusing, extremely loyal, and affectionate dogs. They make great family pets. They have a high pain tolerance and will put up with rough child play.  They are very intelligent and obedient. They want to always please their owners. They are courageous guard dogs.  They are highly protective over their owners and their property and will fight an enemy.  They are generally okay with family pets if they are raised with them from puppyhood. They are very friendly, but are not recommended for people who don't know how to properly raise and treat a dog. Problems will start if one does not understand dog psychology and they end up with a dog who thinks he's the boss of the house. This is a very powerful dog and one should not allow it to take control of the house. As with every dog, training, exercise, and a firm pack leader will produce an obedient dog. Make sure to socialize your pit bull with other dogs while they are young. Always keep the dog under control when other dogs are present. Their life expectancy is about 12 years. They are easy to groom and are average shedders. They belong to the AKC Terrier group.
Height: 14-24 inches
Weight: 22-78 pounds
Health Problems:
They are prone to hip displaysia, hereditary cataracts, allergies to grass, and congenital heart disease.
Living Conditions:
Pit bulls will do well in apartment living if exercised regularly. They are highly active indoors. They prefer warm climates. They must be taken on long daily walks even if they don't live in an apartment.

This information was found at:
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/americanpitbull.htm

*This information is based on opinion. All dogs are different and behaviors can not be determined by the breed.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a long, but short dog. The dog is sometimes born without a tail. Otherwise, their tails are docked as soon as possible.  They are highly intelligent, loyal, and willing to please their owners. They are active and are good with children as long as the dog knows it's place in the pack. They are protective, which makes them great guard dogs. They make excellent show and obedience dogs. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi are known to "herd" their humans by nipping at the heels, they can and should be trained no to do this at a young age. They tend to bark a lot, this behavior may be corrected as well. Their life expectancy is 12-15 years. They are easy to groom. Their coat is shed twice a year. They are in the AKC herding group.
Height-
Males: 10-12 inches
Females: 10-12 inches
Weight-
Males: 25-30 pounds
Females: 24- 28 pounds
Health Problems:
They are prone to PRA, glaucoma, and back disorders. They gain weight easily. If they become overwieght, they can develop back disorders.
Living Conditions:
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi can be kept in an apartment if they are exercised regularly. If they aren't exercised then they will be very active. They can also live without a yard if exercised.

Information found at : http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/pembrokecorgi.htm
The picture was found at:
http://www.google.com/imgres?q=pembroke+welsh+corgi&um=1&hl=en&sa=N&qscrl=1&nord=1&rlz=1T4DKUS_enUS300US301&biw=1280&bih=661&tbm=isch&tbnid=OC9KXhclSgAuVM:&imgrefurl=http://dogbreedtrainings.com/welsh-corgi-pembroke/welsh-corgi-pembroke-puppies/&docid=Ex-ayCZd779BNM&imgurl=http://dogbreedtrainings.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Welsh-Corgi-Pembroke-puppies-5.jpg&w=429&h=367&ei=sXYEUJ2bCaec2AW20MmTBQ&zoom=1

*This information is based on opinion. All dogs are different and behaviors can not be determined by the breed.

A Stray Cat's Thoughts

I sit beneath the bushes as she fills my dish each day,
I only venture out to eat when she has gone away,
I know it will upset her when I turn away and hide,
As every day she tries her best to get me by her side.
I wish I could let her know that I don’t want to run,
And hope that she will understand it is nothing she’s done.
I’d like to have her stroke me and pat my weary head,
But fear will overcome and I’ll run and hide instead.
For all the kindly people who feed the strays each day,
I pray the Lord will care for them as they have cared for me today.
~Annette Eason

A Pet's Ten Commandments

1.My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.
2. Give me the time to understand what you want of me.
3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.
4. Don’t be angry with me for long and don’t lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.
5. Talk to me. Even if I don’t understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.
8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I’m not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be growing old or weak.
9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.
10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can’t bear to watch. Don’t make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.
Please love your pets and thank God for our wonderful creatures!

Cruel Chicken Factories

Billions of chickens are raised in factories each year in the U.S. Hundreds of millions of chickens never go outdoors. They live in dark, rank smelling egg factories. They are jammed together in tiny cages. They can't even stretch a wing. This is very sad. They are covered in sores and the eggs they lay go right onto a conveyor belt. They are never raised by their mothers, as a matter of the fact they never even knew them. They aren't allowed to live naturally. When we eat chickens we sometimes get the stomach flu because they lived in factories where they were not living healthily. So keeping them in these factories is not doing us any good. Turkeys, geese and ducks also live in these conditions. Thousands of chickens are being killed right now as you're reading this. Don't buy anything with real feathers. Chickens and other birds died for those items. Go to www.goveg.com to learn more about chickens. Also for information on factory farmed chickens go to: www.fawn.me.uk/ , Farm Animal Welfare Network 's (FAWN) website. You can write to FAWN @ P.O box 40, Holmfirth HD9 3YY,UK. I know they are just chickens, but they are also a life. God created them to live a happy life on earth and He created us to care for them, not kill them. So please help the chickens today!!!
I found this information in the book: 50 Awesome Ways Kids Can Help Animals( Fun and Easy Ways to be a Kind Kid) by Ingrid Newkirk.

Help Fight Dog Fighting App "Dog Wars"

The ASPCA is strongly against the dog fighting app "Dog Wars". It glorifies dog fighting which is illegal in real life. Players inject their dogs with steroids, bet virtual money and shoot cops during a bust. The ASPCA needs OUR help to get rid of this app. I personally think it is wrong and I don't know why soemone would want to play this game. At the same time though, people play violent games and enjoy it for some reason. Go to www.aspca.org to sign the petition to fight the dog wars app. It should be under news at the top of the page. The ASPCA needs YOUR help.
www.aspca.org

Puppies in a Wheelbarrow

Boomer and Wally together in the wheelbarrow.

Boomer by himself in the wheelbarrow.


The pug head tilt.

I was outside the other day and we were working on the gardens when I had the chance to take a few pictures of the puppies in a wheelbarrow. Wally and Boomer like to go for rides in the wheelbarrow,when there's nothing in it of course. Here's some cute pictures of Wally and Boomer in the wheelbarrow.I don't know if I have mentioned this yet, but Boomer is our new puppy. He's a pughuahua(pug/chihuahua mix).

The Maltese

Maltese
Maltese Puppy

The Maltese in in the toy group. They're are hardy dogs. They usually have a silky coat. Their hair can grow to 81/2 inches, if not cut. They are loving, playful, intelligent, and loyal to their masters. They do well with other pets. They may be difficult to housebreak, but they love to be outside. If they get fed from the table, they will become picky about what they eat. Male Maltese get to 8-10 inches in height. Females get to 8-9 inches in height. They both weigh 61/2 to 9 pounds. They can have teeth and digestion problems. They also can get sunburn, eye , and respiratory problems. They don't do well in hot weather. They are good for urban living. They live about 15-18 years. They need daily exercise and grooming. They originated from Italy. Do you think the Maltese is the right dog for you?
This info was found @ http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/

The Pug

Adult Pug
Pug puppy

The pug is in the toy group.It has a short muzzled face. Their colors are fawn,apricot black and silver. They came to the United States from China. They are strong- willed and are suitable for a family with children. They are happy- go lucky and loving. They are easy to train. They are playful and rambunctious. They get along with other dogs and people. You have to be sure to be the leader, because if you're not they will become the leader themselves. They make good watchdogs, because they are always alert. They suffer from hip dysplesia, inflammation of the brain and meninges, hemivertebrae, Pharyngeal Gag Reflex, Demodectic mange, eye injuries,obesity and overheating. Males get to 12-14 inches in height and 13-20 pounds in weight. Females get 10-12 inches in height and 13-18 pounds in weight. They are good for urban living. They need walks daily. The more exercise the better health the dog will be in when he/she gets older.They live 12-15 years old. The pug is one of the oldest breeds known today. I used to have a purebred pug and I have a pug mix toady. They are awesome dogs and are little clowns at times. They are great family pets, but need to be socialized at young age as any dog. If you think this would be your perfect pup, go look for one today!!!
Information found@ http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/ and http://www.en.wikepedia.org/

Three Dogs

So, now we have three dogs:Roxy, Wally and the new puppy, Boomer. You may think we're crazy, THREE DOGS!!We now have a pack!! They are all great dogs. Roxy will be my project dog and Wally will be Eectroman's project dog. Boomer is too young to be a project dog, but he is a fast learner. Here are some pictures of the three pups.

Nevada Sky

I thought I would share some pictures of the sky at the end of the day.