Bark for Peace!

I’ve only been there twice.  And even if you’re an Austin native, like me- it’s highly likely you’ve never heard of Thorndale, the sleepy little town that time has pretty much passed by.  If you saw the 2002 film “The Rookie” starring Dennis Quaid, you saw a bit of Thorndale.  As an aside: “The Rookie” is based on a true Texas baseball story and both Quaid and director John Lee Hancock are native Texans. Thorndale is on HWy 79, past Taylor and before Rockdale, about an hour from Austin.  There’s one signal and three gas stations on the highway stop.

Steve's Place- just over the RR tracks, 1/2 block off Main Street Yes, it's a real bar (and a pretty cool hang, I hear)

My first visit was in 2005, to the pound, to meet “a high-dollar blue heeler,” aka Clementine. Although she did not deliver as advertised on the blue-blood status, she delivered more than promised in fun, laughter, frivolity, mischief, and learning.  She’s a great dog who has once again done what the dogs who find me do- rocked my world!

A dog in her natural habitat, guarding the farmhouse (and posing for a picture! she always seems to offer a profile or 3/4 angle!)

Anyway, last week we spent 5 days in a friend’s charming 100 year old Victorian Farmhouse.  (which is going on the market shortly, if you’re interested) It has been lovingly restored and was a wonderful, healing, restorative get-away from the hustle and bustle of city-life.  Windows open, fresh-air, birds singing, deck out back with rolling hill views…aaahhhhhhh…..  They don’t call it “vacation” for nothing!

100 year old restored Victorian farmhouse (dog not included)

Raggamuffin red terrier, “Murphy”, became the object of Clementine’s affection (unrequited, sadly) and my unsolicited bed warmer (appreciated on the cooler nights).

while on an afternoon walk... Initial Reaction (argh...)

At last, civility.

And poor kitties Paddy and Tigger earned their food and shelter the good ‘ol fashioned way- around the farm, since Little Miss Mischief decided that our tour of duty meant a “No Cats Allowed” claim on the farmhouse.  Funny how they came back around as I was packing up the Forester- I’m sure they were delighted to see us go.  Murphy pouted, and we felt the pangs of withdrawl as well.

Why did the Guinea Hens cross the road?

Same reason the Rooster did, the dogs were coming!

Today was the final day of a most wonderful 8 week class- “Herbs for the Chakras!”   My mind is swimming with loads of information- busily cross referencing new native herbs I’ve learned about as well as old favorites from Chinese, Native American, and Ayurvedic traditions.  Herbalist Ginger Webb’s focus is on local plants- which makes so much sense to me practically and in terms of sustainability.  We had a fun small group of wise women who laughed, shared, and drank a LOT of herbal infusions – talk about a bonding experience!

If you’re in need of delicious herbal teas, herbal tinctures made with organic herbs and organic alcohol, or interested in learning more about the wonderful healing properties of happy herbs, I highly recommend Ginger! (btw, I consider this is no way a commerical, since Ginger is a very good friend~ I’m just braggin’ on her!)  There’s also an article about her in the current issue of Edible Austin magazine! Go Ginger!! woof!woof!

Best Herbalist in Austin!

http://texasmedicinals.com/

Come join us and hang out with some of the sweetest dogs,people, coffee, music and tunes from 12 noon- 5pm TODAY to help the great folks at Austin Pets Alive.  We’ll all be hangin’ out at Jo’s Coffee on S. Congress Avenue.  Mention the Bark for Peace! blog for a free gift! woof!woof!

tried repeatedly to get the flyer to upload, but to no avail…UGH!, so, here’s the link:
http://www.austinpetsalive.org/ (upper right hand side of home page)

Well, it’s official~ Banjo is now a Lucky Mutt!

What does this mean?  Mostly that he’s now a very high profile dude!

Banjo Boy in Bandana

I’m hoping that it harkens the day when we’ll be (sadly, but happily) passing him off to his forever family.  Clementine and I are really gonna miss him!

If you know of anyone with a big heart who wants a kind, fun, funny, happy, and faithful canine companion- please tell them about this very special boy. And look at this form- wow, what a jumper!

Jumping is just one of his many talents!

There was a dog with lots of spots and Banjo was his name-o, B-A-N-J-O, B-A-N-J-O, B-A-N-J-O, and Banjo was his name-o!

Well, it’s not Sustain-a-Ball (we’re sad, but we sure understand the difficulty of an all volunteer event!) but it’s the Green Holiday Shopping Festival at the Sunset Valley Farmer’s Market!  9am-1pm

We’ll still have all our great fair-trade and handmade wool toys, soaps, shampoos, balm, recycled cotton & hemp collars and leashes, organic t-shirts, tote bags, and more!

Mention the B4P blog and get a FREE Pet Sitting Instructions Notepad- kinda like MadLibs for the one who takes care of your beloved companion animals while you’re away (on recycled paper, of course!) woof!woof!

Busy-ness is the typical business of the holiday season (more on that at a later date)  If you’re up and about this Thursday we’d love to see you at one or both of the following fantastic events:

Event #1: SUYG- Show Us Your Goods!

Grab those back-of-the-closet “oh, why did I ever buy that, color’s rotten on me but it was such a great price, suit?” and your happiest hour mood for a sleek shopping fest at West Sixth Street’s cool, comfy & hip Molotov Lounge from 5:30-8:30pm.  Bark for Peace! is proud to join 11 other awesome women owned businesses at this benefit for Dress for Success.

SUYG

In case you didn’t know- The mission of Dress for Success is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. We’ll be there with lots of toys, tags, collars, tote bags, and of course treats!  Bring a friend, some professional wear to donate and support women in transition- in the end, that’s all of us in different times and places and we’ve got to stick together!

Event # 2: Fine Food Art Gallery Night

Join Bark for Peace! and others from Small Bites of Austin in sampling some of the most delectable and spectacularly original food in Austin at the Wally Workman Gallery this Thursday night, December 11th.   This is just one of a week full of events sponsored by our good friends at Edible Austin magazine as a part of Eat Local Week.

Edible Austin Magazine presents Eat Local Week

Celebrate fine local food and fine local art in a great gallery setting as you remember just a couple of things that make it really great to be in ATX, especially when it’s snow-sleeting outside!

Usually when I hear a honk, I panic a bit thinking either “oh, no the light must have turned green and I was daydreaming again,” or “great, what’s on top of my car that just fell off?”  But this weekend I was pleasantly surprised that not once, but twice, when I heard honking I turned to be greeted with “woof!woof!woof!woof!woof!”  Of course, I broke out into laughter both times! What luck that Clementine was with me on Friday, and Banjo on Saturday, so they both got to join in the silliness!

Clementine Kissing for Peace!

Just barkin' for peace with Elissa

Cheerleaders bark for peace with me and Banjo

These gorgeous young women were up from Sugarland, Texas (which is near Houston) for a cheerleading competition where their squads won 1st and 2nd places.  They were such smart, engaging, and energetic young women with thoughtful questions about health, food, Bark for Peace!, vegetarianism, and Banjo.  We shared jerky chews, stories, and hope!

Of course I’m wondering, like pretty much everyone else is, how to navigate these troubling times.  What shape will Bark for Peace! take as it continues to be birthed?  How will we manage to survive, and hopefully thrive, in a difficult economic climate for established businesses, much less for fledgling ones?  But thanks to some very vocal young women, with a lot of moxy, I was delightfully reminded that no matter what the future holds, we’ll never bark alone!   Thanks gals, you sure cheered me up!

Saturday was a fun day with running enthusiasts, dog crazed peeps, and a cozy open fire with homemade black beans, brown rice, and pico de gallo.  Banjo got some socialization, we helped out a great cause, got to see some old friends, and make some new ones.  Plus, the weather was amazing and we were outdoors in a gorgeous setting the whole time.  How did I manage to take so few photos???

PeeJay (aka Piggy) with a small Fuzzee he picked out himself!

This porcine looking puppy is being fostered by our friends at Lucky Mutts.  Several weeks ago he was found running down the street with an electrical cord around his neck.  Hard to believe he’s all dog sincehe looks, walks, talks like a pig- maybe he’s a hybrid!  Anyway, he LOVED his fair-trade boiled wool fuzzee!!

an exhausted Piggy crashes on his beloved toy

Inke and her dog

Why drink it when you can stand in it?

Walking the Run Like the Wind course (some people ran 6-12 hours!)

this sweet rescue boy was only too happy to wave for B4P! treats

His dog loved playing with the Frizzee, but he pointed out that it also makes quite the stylish chapeau

very good dogs sitting pretty for B4P! treats

Banjo couldn't bear it when I was talking mother-ease to Piggy (he also couldn't really figure out how to get the table cloth off his face!)

Come out to the Lee Mannix Center for Canine Behavior- with or without your dog- and help us raise money for the Schrodi Memorial Training Fund tomorrow (Sat Dec 6th) morning.  Schrodi was dog trainer/vet tech Shari Elkins “FORD”- (aka her greatest teacher) and is the reason that Shari got into dog training- uh, she HAD to get into dog training!

Schrodi

From the website, Shari Elkins, CPDT writes:

Schrodi was my first dog as an adult.  From day one, she was my “problem child.”  It took me years to find a trainer, such as Lee Mannix, who could truly understand and help in a compassionate way.   If not for Schrodi and her rowdy behavior, I would never have found my own passion for dog training nor would I have the four other wonderful dogs I have now (or for that matter I wouldn’t have the man I love).  Schrodi was a profound dog whose name and legacy deserve to be carried on and I feel offering rehabilitation training is a perfect remembrance of the best dog in the world.  Please consider helping other dogs and keep Schrodi’s memory alive.

There are loads of options to run, stroll, jog, walk- either with or without your dog on the rustic and lovely grounds of the Lee Mannix Center.  Should be gorgeous weather- a great day for a great cause, come join us! woof!woof!

Friday was cold, for Austin anyway- I think the high was in the 40’s and we absolutely loved it! After Clementine and I ran around town to the kitchen, FedEx, CAF drop off, etc., our reward was hiking!  Since we hadn’t been out to Turkey Creek in awhile (it’s a bit of a drive and the road is pretty windy and kinda scary with traffic) I decided we’d head out.  This trail has special sentimental significance since FORD and I also hiked it years ago, and we just marked the first anniversary of her death.

Perfect for a heeler- there's a job to do! Gingersnap would be great at this since she loves to carry rocks

Austin has received roughly half the annual average rainfall in 2008- we’ve only had 15″.  Verysupercool Sue said she thinks Turkey Creek is always MIA in winter, I can’t remember.  I just know it made me sad.  I wanted to splash and I know Clementine wanted to swim!

Turkey (no) Creek

C'mon, C'mon I wanna go get it!

Where's Clementine?

I had not noticed before, maybe it’s because last Fall was spent traveling back and forth to the Texas State Fair and there wasn’t much hiking going on, that Clementine blends into the Fall backdrop rather seamlessly.  I need to remember to clip her bear bell on, just in case I lose her!

with her spots and autumal coloring, she does camoflage quite naturally

Last year this mixed use trail was in danger of being made off-limits to both people and well behaved dogs.  Bark for Peace! donated treats to the Friends of Turkey Creek and Therese at Petsit USA helped us get the word out.  Thankfully the Austin City Council agreed that responsible people and their dogs could share the trail with the warblers.  We’re so grateful!

Colors of Turkey Creek

Changing Leaves Reflect Changing Times