Archive for the ‘Martha Stewart’ Category
Opening Crates in the Head House
Monday, February 28th, 2011On yesterday’s blog, we Frenchies, showed you how the chickens at the farm get fed wonderful kitchen scraps from the MSLO test kitchen and the TV kitchen. Arshad drove them up from the city and helped us get the scraps to the chicken coop. You may recall that there were several cardboard cartons in the back of the car, as well. And, if you are curious as to what was in them, you can find out in today’s blog.
1 Francesca! Let’s go and see what Wilmer is unpacking in the head house.
2 Whatever is in this crate is a product of Holland.
3 Martha is always saying that Holland is famous for their fabulous flowering bulbs! Do you suppose these are special bulbs for the garden? After all, we are in the gardener’s head house.
4 Oh YAY!!! This crate contains lilies!
5 Lilies are my some of my favorite flowers.
6 If I close my eyes, I can just imagine them in the garden – so lovely and fragrant!
7 I love that the flower is pictured on each bag. This one is called Koures and is a rich shade of red.
8 This wonderful yellow-colored lily is Antequera – so bright and cheerful!
9 Candy Club is a very special lily in its color combination of deep red with yellow shades.
10 Franny, we should probably get to work and plant these in the cutting garden. The sooner they’re in the ground, the sooner they’ll be blooming!
11 Sharkey, that’s all fine and dandy, however, I think we may need some help with this project.
12 You see, there are five more crates and that’s a lot of lilies! I think we’ll just let the gardeners handle the planting.
The Daily Wag – Pets – MarthaStewart.com
Sharkey Tries to Befriend the Sheep
Thursday, January 27th, 2011You probably know from reading this blog that the Frenchies, especially Sharkey, like to bark at the donkeys, Clive, Rufus, and Billie. Where the donkeys just laugh and let the idle threat roll away, other members of the farm menagerie take matters more seriously. For example, the two Black Welsh Mountain sheep don’t know what to make of Sharkey’s behavior. I tried to explain things to the sheep, but I don’t think it did much good.
1 I need to establish a little trust with the two Black Welsh Mountain sheep, so this is my plan – I’m going to stay put right here and remain calm, collected, and quiet.
2 The sheep will see that I’m no threat and maybe, just maybe, they’ll warm up to me.
3 However, it’s getting…harder…for me…to…control…myself – DARN!!!
4 ARF!!! ARF!!! ARF!!! Look sheep! I just can’t help it!!! I can’t control myself! ARF!!! ARF!!! ARF!!!
5 Baaaa!!! Let’s get away from that noisy and threatening Frenchie!
6 Baaa!!! Don’t look back! Just keep running!
7 Baaa!! Baaa!! Oh, hi G.K. Can you please tell us what the deal is with Sharkey?
8 Instead of being friendly and nice, she just goes crazy and barks at us! It’s downright dreadful!
9 Well, Baa Baa Black Sheep – It’s like this. Sharkey wants to be friends, but she has difficulty controlling some…err… instinctual urges.
10 In fact, I, too, have similar instinctual urges. However, I am disciplined in controlling them. For example, and take no offense, when I look at you, I’m reminded of a juicy, succulent lamb chop, but I certainly don’t let that show.
11 Egads!!! Baaa!! Baaa!! Where do we hide? Let’s hope that fence holds!
The Daily Wag – Pets – MarthaStewart.com
Pet First Aid Part II
Monday, January 3rd, 2011I’m glad to hear you DW’ers found last week’s Pet First Aid Part I to be so valuable! As promised, instructor Denise Fleck is back this week offering more life-saving tips for what to do if your pet is choking. According to Denise, “The Best 911 for Your Choking Dog is YOU!”
1 There is just no substitute for getting hands-on training in a pet CPR class, like those taught by Denise Fleck.
2 The following tips are only guidelines and must be done very carefully to avoid causing further harm. Please consider taking a pet CPR course.
3 For choking incidents, use your fingers to remove any visible obstruction, but look closely — do not blindly sweep his mouth. You could push the object farther back or tear laryngeal tissue if the object is lodged.
4 If that doesn’t work, a modified version of the Heimlich maneuver, which you can learn in a pet first-aid class, may be necessary.
5 Close your hand to make a fist, similar to the Heimlich technique commonly performed on humans.
6 Stand or kneel behind the animal and place your arms around his waist, keeping his head down.
7 Place your fist in the soft part of the stomach just behind the last rib.
8 Grasp the fist with your other hand similar to the Heimlich technique.
9 For smaller pets, instead of a fist, use just a couple fingers in the soft part of the stomach just behind the last rib.
10 Grasp the fist with your other hand and compress the abdomen by pushing up in a quick and rapid manner similar to the Heimlich technique.
11 If your pet becomes unconscious, lay him on his side and compress lungs by squeezing with the heel of your hand on the side of his chest to dislodge object.
12 For a smaller pet who loses consciousness, lay him on his side and compress lungs by squeezing with a few fingers on the side of his chest to dislodge the object.
13 Learning these life-saving techniques will help keep your pet safe and healthy like this happy guy.
One Lucky Dog’s Tale, by Denise Fleck
Nikki sat down in front of the TV for an evening snack and a scary movie with her miniature schnauzers at her feet waiting for a morsel — their eyes wide open, ears pricked high with their hot doggie breath hitting her legs. She tossed them each a kernel of popcorn, and the food-hound of the duo gulped it at the speed of lightning. Suddenly he opened his mouth, gagged and then stopped coughing altogether before going silent. Not only was the food lodged in his tiny windpipe, Nikki’s furry child had stopped breathing!
Dogs love putting things in their mouths, and anything on the floor is fair game. So I insist that people “get down on all fours” and look at their homes and yards from their pet’s perspective. But since choking can occur from food or toys, so it’s important to learn how to perform the doggie Heimlich-like maneuver and chest thrusts just in case your four-legged friend gets into trouble. A large number of my students have successfully used these techniques and saved the day for their dogs!
Fortunately for the schnauzer, his owner knew how to perform the canine Heimlich, and the popcorn kernel flew out of his doggie mouth. (In fact, the pooch quickly retrieved it before his owner could, and this time swallowed without a problem.
Whew… that was a close one! And just from a little popcorn kernel!
Needless to say, there is no substitute for getting hands-on training! To enroll in one of Denise’s upcoming classes or if you are in search of a class, contact Denise for information or to set one up!
Thanks again to Denise and all those guardians who have already gotten the training needed to help our furry friends.
Check back with me next Thursday for more great first aid information.
In kinship,
Dr. Pia Salk
The Daily Wag – Pets – MarthaStewart.com
Our Latest Visit to the Stable
Sunday, December 12th, 2010There seemed like a lot of action at the stables the other day, so Francesca, Sharkey, and I went to check it out. Linda, the farrier, was there and it’s always great to see her. Betsy was also getting ready to take Ramon out for a ride. And it seemed that Ramon had a few things to say to Franny.
1 Oh, goody! It’s Linda, the farrier! She’s the one who gives the Fiesians those great hoofi-cures.
2 And isn’t she so kind to always have a treat for us!
3 Well, hi there, Betsy! Who are we getting ready to ride? Ramon?
4 Well, lookie, lookie – if it isn’t G.K. and Frenchies! It’s been a while, furry one!
5 Betsy chose me to ride today! I’m so excited to trot and smell the fresh spring air!
6 Yup! I really do love a good adventure off the farm now and then.
7 Hmmm….Franny, where are you headed off to?
8 Don’t mind me, G.K. I just love to scratch my back and this door mat does the trick!
9 This feels so great that I could roll like this all day! Who needs to go out and explore?
10 Hey, Francesca! You’re about as exciting as a door mat! Meanwhile, here I go to explore the great outdoors. I’ll tell you all about it when I get back, speaking of backs!
11 Hmmm, perhaps Ramon has a point! Am I just lying doormat waiting for someone to step on me? I better get up and move!
The Daily Wag – Pets – MarthaStewart.com
The Royal Wedding: Just Married Adorableness
Wednesday, November 24th, 2010Oh Em Gee. William and Catherine are officially the cutest royals in history. They just zipped away from Buckingham Palace—with William at the wheel—in a convertible, complete with balloons and a “Just Wed” license plate. How much do you love these two?
The Bride’s Guide : Martha Stewart Weddings
Planting Chicken Salad in the Garden
Sunday, October 3rd, 2010On Martha’s blog today, she explains how we got a new delivery of baby chicks. They were brought to the farm by Traci Torres, of My Pet Chicken. Traci’s business provides everything you need to keep backyard chickens, including baby chicks, chicken coops, accessories, and books. Along with the adorable little chicks, Traci also brought several seed packets of a special mix of greens that chickens love to eat. It has the funny name of “Chicken Salad” and I thought it would be a nice gesture to help plant those seeds.
1 Ryan told me that he would be planting some of the Chicken Salad seed mix in the vegetable garden today. I think I’ll help him with that chore.
2 Ah-ha! Here are the seed packets. I think I’ll open one up with these scissors and see what the seeds look like.
3 Well, look at this nice variety! According to the package, it’s a mix of dwarf Essex rape, purple top turnip, Bracco white mustard, forage kale, and Landino clover.
4 I’ve noticed that Ryan and Shaun like to label everything in the garden. I’ll just use this label maker.
5 Perfect!!!
6 Now, it’s out to the vegetable garden.
7 Yoo-hoo, Ryan! I’m here to help plant the Chicken Salad!
8 So, I see that we start by raking the surface of the bed.
9 I’ll just sprinkle and spread some seeds here, but there are still so many in the packet!
10 What’s that, Ryan? I’m spreading them to close together? OK, I’ll be more careful with the remaining seeds.
11 Well, thanks, Ryan. I’m very happy to help. Now we just have to be patient for about six weeks before we can start picking the salad for the chickens to enjoy.
12 This is a really nice idea planting Chicken Salad for our egg-laying friends.
The Daily Wag – Pets – MarthaStewart.com
Traveling with your dog in New Mexico courtesy of Travelin’ Jack
Thursday, September 23rd, 2010By: Travelin’ Jack
Summer is just around the corner, and Travelin’ Jack, New Mexico’s pre-eminent Canine Travel Reporter is raring to get the word out to wannabe pet travelers and their people. Accordingly, we sat down with him recently to discuss good pet travel tips….and here is Travelin’ Jack’s advice…straight from the pooch’s lips!
1) What should pet parents be aware of when getting ready to travel with their pet?
Pets are people…just in furry clothes! (Ha-that’s a bulldog joke!). Seriously, here are a couple of my road trip pointers.
- Pre-vacation, take walks in different places…allowing for potty stops along the walk. This gets me used to going to the bathroom in unknown places.
- Pack my suitcase too! It should include a leash, ID tags, vaccination records, travel water & food bowls, a favorite blanket and toy…and of course yummy treats!
- Go shopping for a new wardrobe! A snazzy new bandanna, a t-shirt to show off my muscles or even a pair of Doggles…..yep, we do like our doggie accoutrements!
2) When you’re traveling, what makes the car ride easier on you?
- My doggie crate with my favorite blanket tucked inside is my ‘home away from home’ AND it’s my portable hotel bed too! I can rest comfortably and safely while cruisin’ down the highway.
- Sometimes I get to sit up front too…of course with my special doggie car restrainer.
- Mini-stops along the way! Sometimes we stop at an historical marker, check out the facts….take a potty break…stretch my legs and paws, sniff the air….. I’ve learned a lot about New Mexico at these little stops.
- Picnics enroute are always fun too! Yummy food in an open air setting…aaahhh now this is a pup’s idea of a grand vacation!
- Tasty treats along the road…keeps my tummy from growling, ya know!
- Doggie disposal bags. Let’s leave that special place neat and clean.
3) When looking for a pet-friendly destination, what should pet parents look for?
Here are some of my favorite travel ideas.
- Outdoor adventures. No matter where you go (especially in New Mexico), there are sure to be outdoor adventures to make a dog swoon over! Like hiking trails to sniff and explore, rivers to wade and wet your paws in, overnight camping trips at our beautiful State Parks …..we dogs like to explore the great outdoors as much as you do! One of my newest most FAV things is “geo-caching”….sort of like a modern treasure hunt. This a grand adventure for 2 & 4- footed family members. A hike, a search for the treasure box, and an opportunity to leave your mark on the spot….er…..somethin’ like that!
- Tourist Attractions. Now here’s a Travelin’ Jack Tip. Most folks think pets aren’t welcome at tourist attractions…but this canine reporter has done his work…and I’ve made some grand discoveries….like riding the gondola at Ski Apache…or exploring Canyon Road in Santa Fe…or lounging pool side at the hot springs in Truth or Consequence…or gettin’ my pic taken with Train Conductors at the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad …dogcetera…most places have their own unique way of welcoming the canine visitor!
- Pooch Pamperin’. Doggie Day Spas are scattered around most of New Mexico’s tourist towns…and what pooch wouldn’t like a little pamperin’ while on vacation. Some even have doggie day camps etc….now I LIKE that kinda dog-tinerary plannin’!
- Pet-io Dining. Many restaurants allow us to come along for the meal at their outdoor patio area. And some even provide a cool bowl of water or a tasty treat too! Pretty doggone friendly in my books! Keep a dogs-eye view out for those snazzy eateries!
4) Any special tips for pet lovers on traveling this summer?
- EXPLORE NEW MEXICO! Why it’ a treasure trove of great places and things to do..tucked all over the state. I have put my paws on many a road, byway and trail….and from this road-wise pooch…New Mexico gets Travelin’ Jack’s very special and prestigious “5-Paws Rating”. And that ain’t no foolin’!
- RESORTS. Some of New Mexico’s swankiest resorts allow pets, and offer all sorts of great pet amenities. A one-stop-has-it-all vacation in a nice resort..what dog’s not gonna luv this…and his persons too!
- PET FRIENDLY HOTELS, LODGES & B&Bs. Make sure to reserve Fido’s spot too! Some hotels have limited pet-friendly rooms. And some have rooms with easy outdoor access…and some have great outdoor roaming areas….you get the idea….no concrete parking lots for this spoiled pooch!
- PARKS, MONUMENTS, SCENIC TRAILS AND BYWAYS. All these present perfect outdoor experiences. Most allow pets, but it’s always a good idea to check it out first! Go online, call ahead….just do your doggie research.
But here’s the MOST IMPORTANT TIP OF ALL: Take your canine pal with you! You’ll experience the beauty and greatness of your vacation in a way that will touch your souls….and there’ll be no sad pups left behind. It’s a win-win vacation for all…I dog-uarantee!
Travelin’ Jack
Roving Bulldog Reporter
Travelin’ Jack is considered by many to be the “SpokesDog of New Mexico tourism”. Some of his other claims to fame include:
- -Star of his own pet travel spot, “Jack’s Tracks” on the TV show, “New Mexico Travel Guide” seen Sunday mornings in New Mexico.
- Jack is the 1st dog ever to receive an award at the New Mexico Governor’s Conference on Tourism for his (award winning) creative work in Pet-Travel.
- Jack has been highlighted on national video by “Veterinary News Network” and ‘PetDocsOnCall.com’, veterinary based organizations that focus on good pet health in the veterinary world.
- Jack was elected (by animal voters) in Nov, 2010 as New Mexico’s 1st ever Dog-Governor. He ran as ‘New Mexico’s Independent Dog-ernatorial Canine-didate for Dog-Governor’. He garnered 798 write-in votes on his PET-ition!
Check out Travelin Jack’s Guide to traveling in Mexico with Fido!
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Did you know your dog’s coat equates to good health?
Monday, August 30th, 2010From the Editors of Exceptional Canine
The next time your son or daughter needs a gross fact for show-and-tell, send him to school with a baggie of dog hair and this information: Some dogs grow 100 feet of fur per day — the equivalent of the length of six SUVs! (That’s adding up all the new strands covering the entire animal end-to-end, including the fluff between your dog’s toes.)
So if it seems your four-legged best friend sheds a lot on your blue velvet sofa, well, it’s probably true. In fact, your dog expends so much energy growing its coat that nearly 30 percent of its protein requirement is dedicated solely for that purpose.
And your dog isn’t growing all that fur just to look pretty. Consider that dog fur:
- Is eight times warmer than wool
- Is fire-resistant
- Wards off dirt
- Repels static
- Protects from parasites
In addition to these amazing traits, your dog’s coat is a good indicator of its overall health. So even if you don’t show your Maltese on the breeder’s circuit, it’s critical you keep an eye on your dog’s fur to ensure it’s in top condition.
Maintaining a Healthy Coat
One of the best ways to help your dog maintain a full and healthy coat is to ensure your dog is eating right. A high-quality commercial dog food should be:
- Rich in protein. If your dog lacks this essential building block, its body will dedicate the nutrients to muscle first, leaving its fur and skin dry and dull.
- Balanced in omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. These essential fat building blocks keep your dog’s coat healthy, thick and lustrous. They may also help reduce itching, dandruff and allergy-related skin problems.
Talk with your vet to determine your dog’s daily nutritional needs. By feeding your dog the right food and practicing regular grooming, you’ll keep your dog safe from the elements — and its coat will gleam with good health.
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A Springtime Venture Into the Woods
Wednesday, August 25th, 2010We, Frenchies, decided to wander out into the woods for a little adventure. There is always so much to see in the spring and we wanted to explore a bit out of our usual bounds. Just footsteps into the wooded area, there are rushing brooks and all sorts of new vegetation to behold. And you know that it’s always fun to let your imagination run wild.
1 Sharkey! On our trek through the woods, we have encountered an obstacle – a shimmering mighty river!!!
2 The river is flanked on either side by the most brutal and foul-smelling plants!
3 Sharkey, shall we allow this to impede our journey, or shall we be brave and ford this river?
4 OMG, Franny! This isn’t exactly a mighty river. In fact, it looks pretty narrow to me. And those nefarious plants that you spoke of are just some harmless skunk cabbage!
5 Well then! Into the treacherous current I venture!
6 You know, while I’m at it, I think I’ll partake in a little refreshment. This water is nice and cold.
7 In fact, it’s too cold for my little paws! They’re numb!
8 Franny, while you retreat, I’ll look for another way across this hurdle. Come here! I think we can handle this crossing.
9 One, two, three JUMP!!! You did it, Francesca!!!
10 Well, let me bow down and give thanks for dry land!
11 Come on, Sharkey! The view is pretty nice over on this bank!
The Daily Wag – Pets – MarthaStewart.com
The Royal Wedding: The Groom as Clotheshorse?
Friday, August 20th, 2010Well, I once speculated which uniform William would wear–but I never thought he’d wear all of them! (No, not all at once.)
But for their getaway in the blue Aston Martin Volante, William is wearing the uniform of the Blues and Royals (his first military commision). And Kate is still in her gown.
We were sure (and still are) that Kate will wear something different for the evening, but we never thought William would be the clotheshorse.
I wonder if he’ll make a public appearance in his RAF uniform?
The Bride’s Guide : Martha Stewart Weddings