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Thursday, December 31, 2015

Where have we been? Exciting news at "How Sam Sees It"!

The better question might be...  Where are we going?
Click to see a better picture!
That's right!  We've both accepted positions out of state, and are leaving the great state of Arizona - my home for almost my whole life - and are heading north to Sedro Woolley, Washington.  I will be heading up the first week of February with the pups and Aaron will follow a few weeks after. 

We've been busy trying to tie up loose ends here, pack and sort, clean up both our property and my Mom's, make plans for the horses - the list goes on and on.  It hasn't left much time to do anything else.  ...but don't worry!  Our pups are still getting all the love and attention they have always had and we will be back to updating the blog as soon as possible.

If you are on Facebook, feel free to friend me and like Harlow's page - links on the right for both.  It won't be long until we are back to blogging full time and we are excited to be able to blog about a whole new set of adventures!

We wish all of our blogging friends and family a very Happy New Years!

Monday, November 2, 2015

Harlow's First USDAA Agility Trial - advice needed!

Good Dog Agility sponsored USDAA agility trail this past weekend and I entered Harlow.  While we didn't place we definitely had a great time and I learned a lot!
Driving to the show...
Waiting our turn...
Resting...
Making new friends...
Sleep pup!
So my question...

Harlow is EXTREMELY friendly and is easily distracted by people she wants to make friends with, which is just about everyone.  While she is getting better at practice, it really comes out in trials where she is seeing a lot of new faces.  Here is the important part:

Harlow prefers people to treats and toys.  Even if I have some tasty morsel or her favorite toy, she will always run over to people to make friends. 

Any suggestions on how I can redirect her enthusiasm?  She has a wonderful recall (except for in the ring) and just minutes before I went in with her we were practicing it.  Everyone I ask starts with "take a treat" or "grab a toy", and that just won't work with her.  Take a look at the video below - you'll see what I mean. 

If the video won't play, click on this link here.  Thanks, everyone!

Friday, October 30, 2015

Part 1 - Chewy Review

Chewy.com reached out to us earlier this month and asked if we would do a special review for them on Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets FortiFlora Probiotic Dog Supplement.  After a little research on the product, we agreed.
Why did we agree?  

As Monty has gotten a little older, his stomach has gotten a little more sensitive.  While we are careful to watch what he eats, Monty sometimes helps himself to forbidden items.  Tissues are one of his favorites.  Additionally, loud noises (fireworks, thunder) scare him and his vet-prescribed meds can give him a marvelous case of the runs afterwards.

To my amazement, on the chewy.com website, this product has received 231 comments, with 229 folks recommending this product.  I checked out a couple of other websites and saw that this product consistently brings in good reviews. 

This product is also amazingly affordable on the chewy.com website.  Right now it is going for $20.26, with it's normal price being $25.99

Per chewy.com: 
Forti-Flora is a probiotic. If you are not too familiar, probiotics are live microorganisms that, when ingested, have beneficial effect on intestinal function by promoting improved intestinal microbial balance. The probiotic used in FortiFlora is Enterococcus Faecium SF 68. Nestle Purina has been conducting research in the area of probiotics since it opened in 1987 in Lausanne, Switzerland. It was one of the first research centers in the world to look at the molecular interaction of probiotic bacteria with intestinal cells. Since then, Nestle has published over 200 articles on it probiotics research.

FortiFlora helps to re-establish a normal microflora balance in the gastrointestinal tract. The beneficial bacteria help to nourish the intestinal cells ad protect against the colonization by pathogenic bacteria, which can cause diarrhea. In general, FortiFlora should be given once a day for 30 days.

 What did we get?

This product is amazingly easy to use!  In each box, there are 30 individual packets - one for each day.  The packets are small and are meant to be sprinkled over your dog's food.  We were a little worried about Monty eating it, since our boy is picky about his food, but he has no issues at all with it.
If you notice, this is Part 1 of this review.  Chewy.com has asked us to take a month to evaluate it.  Monty has been using this product for several days now and we will be publishing Part 2 shortly.  Thank you, chewy.com for giving us an opportunity to review this product!

...and of course - our handsome Monty thanks you!
Thank you, chewy.com!

Disclaimer:  How Sam Sees It has not been compensated for this product review. We received a product to review.  We have no connection with the brand and were not influenced in our opinions. Our opinions are strictly our own.

Monday, October 19, 2015

Kitchen 56 and AZGRC

Yesterday we decided to join the folks at Arizona Golden Retriever Connection for brunch at Kitchen 56.  Since Monty is not fond of large crowds, we decided that he and Aaron would stay behind (watching a Walking Dead marathon - brrrr) and Harlow and I would head out to brunch.

Of course, Harlow couldn't wait for us to get there....  (Photo safely taken in our driveway!)
We dere yet, da Momma?
 She had special bows to wear...
Da scary ones!  Boo!
 It's always good to see everyone and their pups!
Being loved on - just like ours!
 Look at this handsome boy!  Just 9 months old!

Harlow got a little sad waiting for people to adore her.... (It was only 30 seconds!)
Nobody loves da Harlow.  Sigh...
 I told her to focus on her new friends...
Dis new puppy and da Princess get along well.

Including...
What's dat, da Momma?

Jasper - the incredibly cute puppy!
 Harlow gave him a crash course in being a prince...
Demand da treats at all times, little Princeling...
 Seriously, cute!

Harlow got lots of loving too!  (Despite the 30 second earlier when no one petted her!)
Dat's da spot!

Yessss, da chin....
 You can tell she was relaxed...
Frogger!
 ....and the smile returned!
 Have you ever seen a happier pup?
 Showing off her bows...
Love my happy girl!

Simon - Harlow really likes him!
 AZGRC recently rescued some lucky pups from Taiwan.  Just look at this smoochable face!

Of course, even the Princess gets tired - this is always a sure sign to wrap it up.  Our temps are still hovering around 90.  Brunch was wrapping up and Harlow was telling me it was time.
Need nap....
 I can always tell when she has had a good day.  Take a look in the backseat...
Still smiling!

Monday, October 12, 2015

The skeleton in our closet, part 2....

The Thin Man has returned to our house, and Monty has made a startling discovery....
He's missing a leg.  Dis is the work of Harlow!
 Harlow claims she didn't do it...
Da Harlow has not done dis!
 She knows something has to be done!
Monty! We has to find it!
 But who has it?
We is stumped!
 The real culprit will soon turn up.  I'm sure of it!
Hehehe....

Sunday, September 20, 2015

Sam

I miss my boy...  It's been two years, and it still feels like yesterday.
October 2002 - September 2013

He took my heart and ran with it, and I hope he's running still, fast and strong, a piece of my heart bound up with his forever. - Patricia McConnell, For The Love of A Dog

Sunday, September 13, 2015

Black n White Sunday

We decided to participate in Black n White Sunday, co-hosted by Sugar and Nola this week.  My Mom went into the hospital on Thursday with further issues caused by her DVT and our poor pups are not having any adventures right now!

We are currently watching her little Chihuahua, Rosie, and hopefully will have a photo or two for Wordless Wednesday!

Have a wonderful Sunday!


Thursday, September 10, 2015

Meet our new friend, Fenway Belle!

As you all know, Golden Retrievers are my passion.  So when I met a new friend on Facebook and learned that this sweet little girl was fighting cancer and needed a little help, I asked her people if I could share her on our blog.  They said yes! 

I would like to introduce you to the impossibly sweet, Fenway Belle!
All together now - SQUEEEEEE!
Per Fenway's page:

My name is Fenway Belle! I was diagnosed at 9 weeks old with a mast cell tumor that turned out to be an aggressive high grade 2. I had the tumor removed at 11 weeks old and am now undergoing oral chemotherapy treatment with a drug called Kinavet that I will have to take for at least 6 months. I know I have had hundreds of people praying for me because I don't feel sick at all! I feel just like a normal, healthy puppy! My mommy and daddy found out this week that my pet insurance will not cover anything related to my cancer because they are calling it a pre-existing condition! So we are asking for your help for my medical bills so I have the best chance to beat this cancer thing! Thank you all so much for all you prayers and support! Puppy kisses to you all!

 If you would like to help Fenway fight this disease, Fenway's folks have provided a couple of ways to do so!

First of all, they have made these adorable shirts available through Booster!  Get yours now - they are only available for another two days!  (...and yes, we purchased one!)

Additionally, a GoFundMe page has been set up.  Please click here to donate directly to her cause. 
Seriously - too cute!
If you remember, our Angel Sam was diagnosed with cancer at 9 months.  He was able to beat his cancer and we know that with a little bit of help, Fenway Belle will be able to beat hers. 

She's lucky that she has a family that is giving her every chance imaginable!
Fenway Belle and her awesome family!
Please share Fenway Belle's story!    She really is #toocuteforcancer

Friday, September 4, 2015

Chewy.com review - Blue Buffalo Halloween Boo Bars

We decided to get a jump start on the holidays here at How Sam Sees It, by reviewing Blue Buffalo's Halloween Boo Bars, offered to us from Chewy.com.  ...and yes, we are seriously ready for summer to be over!

Of course, the pups are well trained - they know that when a chewy.com box arrives, there is something yummy in there!
Dese for us, right da Momma?
 I have to tell you, when I opened the bag, I almost didn't want to share.  They smelled that good!
Pumpkin and cinnamon - cookies!
I noticed their little quote at the top as I was opening the bag.
How true is this?
 Harlow couldn't wait for hers....  (On a side note, the treats are crumbly/soft enough to break into smaller pieces!)
I iz good puppy, da Momma.  Can da Harlow have two?
Monty was a little more cautious.  He still remembers the time I slipped him a bit of broccoli...
Broccoli?
Not broccoli!
If you are looking for something fun, corn and wheat free, and made in America, these delicious little treats are just the thing.  They will definitely get you in the holiday spirit!
Boo!
Thank you, chew.com for letting us review this great product.  Our pups give it 8 paws up!

Disclaimer:  How Sam Sees It has not been compensated for this product review. We received a product to review.  We have no connection with the brand and were not influenced in our opinions. Our opinions are strictly our own.