Furry Comfort

In the wake of the horrific Newton, Conn. school shooting, this video brings a little sunshine. 

 http://cnn.com/video/data/2.0/video/crime/2012/12/18/ct-shooting-ac-tuchman-comfort-dogs.cnn.html

I am a huge proponent of the comfort that our four-legged friends can bring to us in times of trouble.  This past Friday, my parents had to put down our 9-year-old Bernese Mountain Dog, Amber, after a short but swift illness.  She provided all of us with warm, furry hugs in many times of need over the years, and she leaves a big hole in all of our hearts and lives.  

While on the phone with my parents, my two dogs, Hannah and Titan, clung to me like glue through the whole ordeal.  They knew something was up, and Titan sat in my lap while Hannah licked my face.  Life brings trials and tribulations of all shapes and sizes but dogs are loving, non-judgmental, and accept anyone who has love to give.  So take a minute and hug your dog (or cat, or horse, or rabbit or whatever) today.  I promise it will help to dissolve any troubles in your way.

Me, Ely and Amber on the Potomac River a few years ago.

Meet Simba

 Meet Simba, our new foster dog!  We picked him up in Denver on Saturday, and he has fit into our house amazingly well.  He has the funniest kind-of scrunched face, and really shows his sweet soul when he looks into your eyes.  This guy is 8 months old, about 30 pounds and came from the BARC shelter in Houston (same place as Titan) to explore wonderful Colorado.  He has lots of puppy energy and loves playing with bones and toys, but settles down at night to snuggle with us and the dogs.  

He is a really quick learner - and is already starting to understand "go potty" to go outside, and "sit" and "go to bed."  After only 5 days he is already sticking close off-leash and LOVES to play with Hannah and Titan outside in the snow.  I think he must be part herding dog, because of the way he crouches down and stalks Hannah when playing outside. He has the softest fur, and doesnt seem to shed much at all so far.

This guy is already stealing our hearts...I know he will make someone an amazing dog when he finds his forever home!  

Check him out on Petfinder.

Sweet Simba 

Stalking Hannah on the golf course.

Play time with Hannah!

Simba, taking a break from the action.

Rainy Morning Rant

For whatever reason this turned out to be one of those days where I am utterly overwhelmed by what's wrong in the world, and how little it sometimes feels like I am doing to help it.

According to the Humane Society of the United States, about four million adoptable dogs and cats are put to sleep every year.  I am most reminded of this startling statistic when I have a foster dog.  Right now I have Forest, and although I don't know whether he was officially saved from death row, just being in the over-crowded shelter put him at risk of euthanasia.  Sierra was going to be put down in Arkansas, and so was Lassiter (who is now in a different foster home since I have Forest).  It blows my mind that these wonderful, affectionate, and happy dogs would be dead.  Sierra was adopted and has made an older couple and their dog very happy, Forest is well on his way to an awesome home, and Lassiter already has multiple applicants who would love to take him home.  These wonderful dogs were SO close to their death, but instead are one step away from amazing  forever homes.  

Sometimes I am kept up at night thinking about the millions of amazing animals, like these three that I have known, who are put to sleep instead of getting the happy ending that they deserve.  Some are strays who were dumped, or never looked for.  Some are the victims of bad economic times, a divorce, or their "families" changing their mind about wanting a dog after they had an accident, or chewed up a shoe.  And even purebred dogs can come into these circumstances every day.  Almost every breed of dog has a rescue out there to adopt from.  Many of these dogs are put to sleep because there is not enough space in a shelter, or enough money to treat their ailments when sometimes all it takes is a shot, or an antibiotic.  

There is not one thing to blame, but many changes that need to be made for this problem to be overcome.  Pets need to be spayed and neutered.  People need to adopt pets for life, know the commitment they are getting into, and honor it.  When possible, pets should be adopted through humane societies and rescue groups, and NEVER bought in pet stores.  And people need to help, volunteer, foster, adopt, donate, or simply share the message.

One of my favorite awareness ads.

In no way do I expect everyone to care about what I care about.  But we all have to help in the best way we can and through what touches us the most.  For some people that may be feeding the hungry in Africa, or aiding in disease prevention, or saving the rain forest.  And others may help without ever seeing or touching the cause they care about, but by donating money to that end.  Anything, even sharing a Facebook post can make a world of difference and takes so little time. I need to do more.

Travelling with Dogs

Our Mid-West Tour

We just returned from a 10 day road-trip through the Midwest.  Fritz, Hannah, Titan and I all packed into my Ford Escape to make the trek from Colorado to Rochester, Minnesota.  We then headed up to Northern Wisconsin to my family's cabin, down to Madison, Wisconsin to visit my grandparents, and then east to Northern Michigan to see Fritz's family and hang out at his lake house for a wedding.

All in all, it turned out to be a great trip.  Hannah and Titan are such good travelers (with one exception) and petting a dog can really help pass the time when driving through corn country.  Below are a few pictures from along the way, and a list of my official doggie road-trip must-haves!

Clockwise from top left:  Hannah taking a short break after swimming across the lake. / "MOM, are we THERE yet??" / Titan contemplating how one year has taken him from the euthanasia list in Houston, to Colorado, and then to doggie heaven in Wisconsin  / Fritz and Titan sharing the dog bed while Hannah helps co-pilot.

Dog Travel Must-Haves

• Collapsible dog bowls - They save room compared to big plastic bowls and for some reason I think they are really fun.  I have Mountainsmith brand bowls and they have lasted for years and years.
• Gentle Leader - Hannah pulls terribly on the leash when there is anything exciting going on or when we are anywhere new...which is pretty much at every stop we make.  This alternative to a collar is extremely effective.
• Flat dog bed - Comfortable dogs are quiet dogs.  On past trips I have made the mistake of forgetting to bring anything soft for them to lay on.  Since my seats are very hard when folded down they tend to squirm and become restless when they have nothing to lay on.  It also brings a little bit of familiarity along on the ride.
• Dog Treats - To bribe the dogs with of course.  Zukes are my favorite - all natural and healthy.
• Dog Toys - After multiple hours in the car, dogs get bored.  A frisbee to throw at a rest stop (check rules!) or a bone to chew in the car can make all the difference!

Wild Raspberries

This video is of Hannah eating wild raspberries during our hike this past Sunday on Cross Creek Trail our of Minturn, CO.  Summer is full of wild raspberries up here in the mountains and Hannah absolutely loves them.  Fritz will hold out the branches for her and she picks them off with her little front teeth.  I find it hilarious how she gets so excited when she sees them and I swear her energy level ramps back up after she eats them!  Makes me laugh every time.

(Lack of) Fostering

Lately life has gotten CRAZY.  I have barely had time to exercise and grocery shop much less foster any new dogs.  When I started out fostering I knew it wouldn't be something I could do constantly, for several reasons.  As much of a sport as Fritz is, he does take on a lot of the dog care, especially when I am busy.  It isn't fair to throw another dog on him (although he would never say no) when he is going to be doing most of the work and is busy himself.  Hannah loves having multiple dogs around, but Titan gets a little sad and jealous when we have to spread ourselves out.


This summer has been filled with house guests, dogs that we are dog-sitting, work events, other events, and trips out-of-town. I cant complain - it has been a great summer so far.  There just are moments when I lie awake at night thinking about what I haven't been doing to help.


Hopefully I can help out Mountain Dog Rescue after our August road-trip through the Mid-West by fostering another dog.  In the meantime, if anyone out there wants to foster please visit http://www.mountaindogrescue.org/ and check out all the amazing dogs who need help and temporary homes.  It truly is one of the most gratifying things I have done in my life, and I cannot wait to be able to help out again.


Dogs that currently need fosters:

Hank - needs a foster in CO

Lake - sweet girl in CO

St. Bernard girl who was saved just before being euthanized in Idaho.
Hopefully making her way to CO very soon!

A Weekend with Ernie Banks

This weekend we dog-sat for our friends Mandi and Cory.  They went on an awesome camping trip at a mountain reservoir and we offered to watch Chester and Ernie Banks.  

Ernie Banks acting cute.

Ernie Banks is a spitfire little chihuahua/corgi/dachshund mix of some sort.  Your guess is as good as ours!  He thinks he weighs a hundred pounds, not ten, and is constantly challenging the other dogs to some sort of doggie battle.  He is named after a famous Chicago Cubs player and definitely thinks he rules the world.

Chester trying to ignore Ernie Banks.

Chester is laid-back and has a pointer personality altough he is half pointer and half setter.  He thinks that he is above all the nonsense of the other dogs, and tries his best to ignore all the commotion.

We had a fun relaxing day with all the dogs despite the rainy weather.  Needless to say they all had a great time together.   I took a few pictures, and wanted to share.  I hope you enjoy!  

Would you have 4 dogs for a weekend?

Bird's Eye view of all the chaos.

Funny faces.  

So Fresh and So Clean

With family coming into town tomorrow, and all the hiking and swimming the dogs have done lately Hannah and Titan are LONG overdue for a bath! 

Hannah shaking it off.

Sunday is my "get shit done" day and since it was already almost 80 degrees by 11:00am, it was a perfect time to give the dogs a bath. Our hose water is freeeezing up here in the mountains and I usually feel a little bad about soaking the dogs in it, but I think they actually (almost) enjoyed it today.  Both Hannah and Titan waited patiently while I scrubbed them clean and rid them of dirt and shedding hair.  

Titan, with his favorite Shea Pet Shea Butter shampoo.

My favorite pet shampoo is Shea Butter Shampoo by Shea Pet.  It smells great, leaves my dogs' hair shiny and soft, and is great for their skin.  Both Hannah and Titan get really dry skin in the summer from daily swimming trips to the dog pond and the extremely arid climate.  I have been dying to try Shea Pet's Skin Repair and Dander Care product but cant find it anywhere up here!

After their baths are done, my dogs run around like complete fools.  Hannah felt so good, she even ran out on to the golf course behind our house and stole a ball from some guy!  The cold water must make them frisky.  It's hilarious!

Do your dogs love baths, or hate them? 

Titan all frisky, and rolling in the grass after his bath.

Happy boy.  So fresh and so clean!

World's Best Dog Toy

West Paw Design: Dog Toy Product Review

Hannah and Titan playing with their Hurley toys.

  Almost three months ago, Hannah impaled herself in the mouth while playing outside with a large stick.  The stick stuck in the ground while she was running with it and it caught her mouth, creating a laceration under her tongue a few inches long.  Multiple stitches later she was recovering, but we realized that we needed to step up our game when it came to dog toys.  Clearly we live in the mountains and keeping our dogs away from sticks is impossible, but we thought that if we had a great toy it would be easier to distract her from the sticks of death.  I didnt have much hope as we have bought every kind of dog toy and NONE of them have lasted more than a week.  Literally...whether it is stuffed, or rubber, or rope or whatever, Hannah finds a way to mutilate and destroy each one within days. 

Foster puppy Sitka trying to figure out the Hurley.

Once my mom had heard what happened to Hannah she immediately knew what to do, and sent us three Hurley toys from West Paw Design.  They didnt look much different from other toys that have since passed through our house and on to doggie toy heaven, but my skepticism was soon squelched!   Hannah and Titan LOVE the Hurley from West Paw Design, and two months later there isn't so much as one tooth mark in it.  I don't understand how they work, but these toys are amazing.  They have lived through one foster dog, two foster puppies, and most importantly Hannah the toy destroyer!  I love that they are also extremely affordable and considering they have lasted this long, I would be willing to pay twice as much!  As if I hadn't given you enough reasons already, everything from West Paw Design is made in the USA, eco-friendly and they fully guarantee their products.  

Check out the full selection of toy and pet products, including the Hurley, from West Paw Design.

Lazy Saturday

The Perfect Saturday

I had a totally lazy weekend and I feel great about it!  Fritz had to work two 14 hour days because of an event at Beaver Creek and the dogs and I had the house and backyard all to ourselves.  We were dog-sitting a wonderful Lab named Zuma, who was recently adopted through Mountain Dog Rescue and needed a place to hang while her family went on vacation.  She was a breeze to take care of, and got along with Hannah and Titan famously. 

After a decently long run, we all retreated to the sun-drenched backyard and decidedly fell asleep for a few hours.  There is nothing quite as content as a tired dog sun-bathing!  The fact that it is now Monday, has me day-dreaming of my lazy Saturday.  Only 4 more days to the weekend, everybody :)

Dock Dogs

Hannah Does Dock Dogs

This past weekend was the Summer Teva Mountain Games, at Vail Mountain.  Hands down Teva Games is always my favorite weekend of the year.  The town is buzzing after the quiet off-season, the weather is gorgeous and the multitude of sporting events make for an exciting array of spectating choices.


Ever since we got Hannah (going on two year's ago) I have wanted to try Dock Dogs with her.  She pretty much flies off of any available platform into the water, and I thought it would be fun to see how she compared to the pros.  We signed up on Friday, got two practice jumps in, and were slotted for the 11:00am Wave in the Big Air competition on Sunday.  I ended up making Fritz take her up there and do it.  For one, if she was going to choke I wanted it to be him and not me.  Second, I hate attention and being in front of lots of people makes me nervous.  Third, I wanted to take some pictures and take some notes for a work assignment, which would easier as a spectator.  Fritz probably would have rather I done it, but he was a saint and put up with it none-the-less.  


After posting a video on Facebook of her practice round, the news spread and several friends planned on coming to watch.  It turned out to be a "hurry up and wait" kind of a day, with delays and lots of sitting around.  You are put into groups (amateur, semi-pro, and pro) based on how far the dog jumps, and the jump is measured by where the base of the tail enters the water.


Her first round went well, but she jumped kind of sideways and was recorded at around 15 feet (cant remember how many inches).  Her second jump was better, and recorded at 16 feet 1 inch.  We were pretty impressed with how far she ended up going, and a couple different people came up to ask if it was really our first time.  Turns out Hannah was only a few inches away from making it to the finals.  While we were guiltily relieved that we didn't have to wait around any longer, we were pretty impressed with her skills!  


There is another Dock Dogs competition scheduled for early August at the Mountain Dog Canine Carnival in Eagle, CO.  I think with a little strategy and some more practice, we just might be in the running for the finals!

Hannah's first jump in Dock Dogs.

Two Black Mutts

Animals have been a way of life in my family.  Cats, dogs, horses, and even a rabbit somehow weaseled their way into our lives and never left, and strategically at that.  I think at some point word on the street got out that living at the Buse house was a pretty sweet gig.  My mom has always been this way, and whether through genetics or environment has passed this insatiable desire to help animals on to me.  It followed me to college (stories for another time), and eventually to Vail where I adopted my first dog

Every single animal that shared our home was given love, shelter and stability until the day that they died.  Even the evil rabbit, who drew blood from my ankles on several occasions, died with a two-story cage and a lengthy vet bill from trying to save him.


My wonderful fiance, Fritz, has accepted his fate with a life full of animals.  We now have two black mutts, who are goofy, loving, and of course trying at times.  Hannah, the first picture is some sort of setter/retriever mix.  She is a bit too smart for her own good and crazy athletic.  Titan, the second picture, kind of reminds me of a panda bear.  Not the brightest crayon in the box, but you wont find a more affectionate dog on the planet. The four of us live as much of life outside as possible from hiking, to biking, camping, and swimming.  Every day is an adventure in one way or another!