Taking Down Our Christmas Tree With Nitro

Today I decided I needed to get my house under control and take down all the Christmas decorations. Since we got our rescue pup Nitro, we have crates, pens, toys, blankets and of course all the Christmas decorations scattered throughout the house. This place was a total is mess! It looks like Toto and Dorthy were here! Because of the Nitro coming to live with us, I only had enough energy to put up about 1/4 of my Christmas decorations. The good news is because I limited how much I put up this year, it didn't take me  long to take it all down.  Unfortunately every time I took an ornament off the tree and set it down, Nitro would grab it and run. Below are photos I took this afternoon of my favorite dog ornaments and also photos of Nitro steeling those ornaments. Enjoy!

 Happy New Year from Lexi, Nitro, Tallulah, Bailey, and Christina

PS: I decided I better add at least one photo of Miss Lexi with her new Christmas toy Rocky Raccoon

Merry Christmas From Bluebird Farm!

(Photos around Bluebird Farm have been taken by Chris and Christina Lee - all rights reserved)

All of us at The World According To Lexi and Bluebird Farm would like to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas.

And remember Christmas is forever, not just for one day, for loving, sharing, giving, are not to put away like bells and lights and tinsel, in some box upon a shelf. The good you do for others is good you do yourself. ~ Norman Wesley Brooks

Photo Of The Week 12-20-2010

This is Maggie Moo and she is a Tri-Color Collie. She is a Sassy Lass (just like her mommy Tigger). As you can see, Maggie Moo is ready for the Christmas Holiday Season. This photo was submitted by her human mommy Tatiana "Tigger" Siccardi. Thanks Tigger for sharing Maggie Moo with us!

According to the AKC Meet The Breeds - Collie  Although a large, active dog, the Collie is both elegant and graceful, appearing to float over the ground as it runs. Loyal and affectionate, the breed is naturally responsive to humans. Marked characteristics include the beautiful coat of the rough variety and the breed’s lean wedge-shaped head. The coat can be rough or smooth and the four accepted colors are sable and white, tri-color, blue merle and white. The best-known Collie is, of course, the famous Lassie.

A Look Back
The exact origin of the Collie is uncertain, but they have existed for centuries as herding dogs of Scotland and England. They were used primarily as a drover dog, guiding cows and sheep to market. The true popularity of the breed came about during the 1860’s when Queen Victoria visited the Scottish Highlands and fell in love with the breed - from that point on Collies became very fashionable.

Right Breed for You?
The Collie is a devoted family dog, especially with children. Although they require daily walks, they can also be couch potatoes. Despite the Rough Collie’s immense coat, they only need to be brushed about once a week, although the need for brushing may increase in shedding season. Collies are also a very clean breed and are noted for not having a doggie odor.

Getting Ready for Santa

Lexi's cousin Jack is ready for Santa, are you and your puppies?

We Have A Winner!

This is what it looked like before I wrapped it all up pretty!

Congratulations USCG Wifey! Your name was drawn in The World According To Lexi's Christmas Prize Pack Contest (also part of the Pet Blog Hop). You have 48 hours to send me your shipping information and confirmation. Send it to Christina Lee at dakotagirl403@gmail.com so we can put this great prize pack in the mail for you. According to my dog Lexi, if we don't hear from you in 48 hours, we will draw another winner so be sure to send us your information. Christina and Lexi

Big Snow Storm Heading This Way!

Since we are under a Winter Storm Watch here in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, I thought I would take this opportunity to have some fun and edit one of my favorite photos of my rescue pup Nitro. How cool is this photo? I love everything about it. Here is Nitro in his little winter sweater, with his one blue eye, his little tag with his name on it, and then his big dark shadow in the background. Add a little snow and frost to the photo (from the picnik software) and waaalaaa...I have a perfect Christmas card!

Twas The Night Before Christmas And All Through The Town, Every Shelter was Full

                 

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the town, every shelter was full - we were lost, but not found
Our numbers are hung on our kennels so bare, we hope every minute that someone will care,
They'll come to adopt us and give us the call, "Come here, Max and Sparkie - come fetch your new ball!!
But now we sit here and think of the days we were treated so fondly - we had cute baby ways,
Once we were little, then we grew and we grew now we're no longer young and we're no longer new.
So out the back door we were thrown like the trash, they reacted so quickly - why were they so rash?
We "jump on the children:, "didn't come when they called", we "bark when they leave us", climb over the wall.

We should have been neutered, we should have been spayed, now we suffer the consequence of the errors THEY made.If only they'd trained us, if only we knew...we'd have done what they asked us and worshiped them too.We were left in the backyard, or worse let to roam - now we're tired and lonely and out of a home.

They dropped us off here and they kissed us good-bye..."Maybe someone else will give you a try."
So now here we are, all confused and alone...in a shelter with others who long for a "forever" home.
The kind workers come through with a meal and a pat, with so many to care for, they can't stay to chat,
They move to the next kennel, giving each of us cheer...we know that they wonder how long we'll be here.
We lay down to sleep and sweet dreams fill our heads...of a home filled with love and our own cozy beds.
Then we wake to see sad eyes, brimming with tears - our friends filled with emptiness, worry, and fear.
If you can't adopt us and there's no room at the Inn - could you help with the bills and fill our food bin?

We count on your kindness each day of the year - can you give more than hope to everyone here?
Please make a donation to pay for the heat...and help get us something special to eat.
The shelter that cares for us wants us to live, and more of us will, if more people will give.
-Author Unknown

This is Jake and he found a home when Lexi posted his need for a forever home about a week or so ago. Congratulations Jake!

(my sweet Tallulah Lee)

Will you please consider giving a dog or puppy (or kitty cat) a forever home for the holidays? According to Lexi, there is a lot of her friends out there that could really use a helping hand. If you don't have room in your home for another pet you can make a donation in honor of someone you love for Christmas. xoxoxox Lexi

Salem Animal Shelter

Roanoke Valley SPCA

Roanoke Valley Horse Rescue

Photo Of The Week 12-13-2010

This photo is called "sisters" submitted by Laura Nese Bair.

These are her two sweet long haired Dachshunds waiting for company to arrive.

Dachshund, meaning "badger dog" in German, is a lively breed with a friendly personality and keen sense of smell. Known for their long and low bodies, they are eager hunters that excel in both above- and below-ground work. One of the most popular breeds according to AKC® Registration Statistics, they come in three different coat varieties (Smooth, Wirehaired or Longhaired) and can be miniature or standard size.

Read more about Dachshund

Fun Christmas Edit's With Nitro

Here are some fun ways you can add a little Christmas cheer on your pet photos.

I use Picasa but about a week ago I decided to sign up for Picasa's new upgrade editing software called Picnic. Picnic offers really cool editing options for only $ 2 a month or in my case $ 24 a year. If you do several blogs like I do, then this is a great tool to take advantage of.

Here are some examples of what Picnic has to offer. I took a regular photo of Nitro and cropped it to the size below and also used an editing button which can focus a little bit of color in the middle of a black and white photo effect. In this case I left a little color on Nitro's face. In photo number two I used 4 different options under the Picnic Holiday options button. As you can see in photo number two, I used the frost effect, the Christmas lights frame, added antlers, and last but not least, I added a big red Rudolph the red nosed reindeer nose to Nitro's cute little face. On photo number three I just used the frost frame effect with the color white as my frost color (they give 6 color options for the frost frame). It sure was fun playing aournd with all this fun editing software and I think Nitro looks very festive for the Holidays.  Merry Christmas from my little red nosed dog Nitro, Lexi, Bailey, Tallulah and myself!

Photo 1.

Photo 2

Photo 3

Here is one last photo I took in which I used more of the Holiday options from Picasa Picnic. In this photo is my big dog Bailey and my puppy Nitro. They are so cute together!

7 Reasons to Give Thanks For Pets

Photo by Chris Lee for http://www.theworldaccordingtolexi.com/

According to my dog Lexi, there is at least "6 Reasons to Give Thanks For Pets" 

 By: Zootoo Pet News Staff http://www.zootoo.com/wdgt/gadzoo_gadzoo8/textnews-1732

1. Pets inspire us. Even in the face of past adversities or physical limitations, animals stay strong and keep their hearts open to love.

2. Pets make us laugh! Whether they’re chasing a laser light toy or barking back at the television set, our pets surprise us and make us smile every day.

3. Pets comfort us. When we’re feeling under the weather or blue, pets lift our spirits with a warm nuzzle.

4. Pets help us live longer. Research conducted around the world shows the health benefits of life with pets — from lowering the risk of heart disease to helping humans heal faster after surgery.

5. Pets keep us active. Whether by taking a long walk with our pets or trying out “dog-a,” we also benefit from giving our four-legged friends exercise.

6. Pets protect us. Even if they’re just barking at the wind or raising their fur at shadows, pets instinctively try to keep us safe from harm.

****According to my dog Lexi, all the above is true but she wanted me to add one more thing to the list. According to Lexi pets also push us out of our comfort zones to socialize with other pet/dog lovers.

This Sunday Get Your Photos Taken With Santa at the Roanoke Valley SPCA

Stop by the Roanoke Valley SPCA this Sunday December 12, 2010 from 12Noon to 3PM to get your pets portraits with Santa Clause. The cost is only $ 10 RVSPCA will also be holding their Holiday Open House that day from 12 Noon to 3PM. Stop by for refreshments adn activities for the kids. Visit with the loving pets waiting for "forever" homes. Maybe, just maybe you will see your next best friend just waiting for you to show up.

According to my sweet little dog Lexi, there is nothing better then bringing home a new furry family member for Christmas!

Be Sure To Send Lexi Your Doggie Christmas Photos!

It's that time of year again! Christmas is almost here so we need your Christmas photos! We ran over to Fields Of Dreams Dog Training today for their Christmas Open House. We took Nitro over to meet some of the trainers and we also met a lot of new doggie friends. While we were there, Santa stopped by for a visit so we got a photo of Nitro with Santa. Here is the photo of Nitro and Santa from today's Open House and also a photo of a cute pair of Bostons on Santa's lap. I decided to sign up for the new Picasa editing software so I went ahead and took some regular photographs of our pups and turned them into Christmas photos for your viewing pleasure.

Be sure to go to Lexi's FB page and upload your favorte photos. We might pick out a few to feature on our website! Here is the link: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/TheWorldAccordingToLexi
               Nitro sitting on Santa's lap.

 Nitro framed in big pink snowflakes.2 Bostons with Santa - so cute!

Lexi wishing you all a Happy Holiday!

Tallulah excited about Christmas.

Bailey ready to pull a sleigh.

Dog Hitches Ride From Oklahoma To Texas

(Diesel getting cleaned up after his long journey. Photo courtesy of Kurth Memorial Animal Shelter)

Story provided by ktre.com   Story by: Holley Nees - Dec 3, 2010

LUFKIN, TX (KTRE) – He traveled from Oklahoma to Texas underneath an 18-wheeler truck.

A truck driver stopped at the Brookshire Brother's warehouse in Lufkin when a Jack Russell terrior mix jumped off the truck. He was covered in grease and road dirt after riding under the truck for nearly six hours.
They called animal control and he's been bathed every day this week and affectionately named Diesel.

"I like his determination that he was staying on there no matter what until the truck stopped and the driver got out and turned off the truck and I guess he decided he was at his destination, so I think he's a pretty cool little dog," said Lufkin Animal Control Director Rhonda McLendon. McLendon said they wanted to find out what city he was from, but he wasn't wearing a collar or tag.

(After photo of Diesel after being bathed everyday this week. Photo courtesy of the Kurth Memorial Animal Shelter)
According to Lexi if this pup had been microchipped, he would be on his way back home. Please microchip your furry babies.

These Pups Were Found At The Dumpster At The Salem Walmart!

Hey everyone! I think the Cavalier King Charles is getting adopted today at 3:00 (thanks Kathy!). Yesterday when I was at the Salem Shelter I heard this story of puppies being found at the dumpster at the Salem Walmart. I know, I know, what kind of person dumps puppies at a dumpster? They are already weaned and are available for adoption. The adoption fee is only $ 30.00. What a great time for a Christmas puppy! One of the officers named the little brown pup "Rollback" as in Walmart Rollback. They look like they are little beagle/lab mixes but I am just guessing. Here is the contact info to the Salem Animal Shelter

According to Lexi, she thinks these pups would make great early Christmas presents.

More Photos of Our New Rescue Pup Nitro

These are photos I took on Thanksgiving Day. Nitro is doing great. He is getting many of his "signs" down but you do have to get his attention before you can sign to him. He has gotten the sign "go potty" down pat. It helps that he hates the cold so he does his business right away. We've only had two accidents since Saturday and none in the past two days. His crate training is going so well. I wrenched my left shoulder yesterday so that forced me to leash train him last night with treats to get him to walk out of his crate and straight to the door to go potty (I had been carrying him because I was worried he would stop and squat in the house before we reached the door). So by hurting my shoulder it forced me to go to the next step in his training and he passed with flying colors. This morning he even went back to bed after breakfast. I got up at 2AM, 5AM for potty breaks and breakfast and we all went back to bed until 7AM. I feel like a new person to finally get some sleep! We will take him everywhere we go for the next month or so to get him socialized. He is such a good boy! I love my little Nitro!

Update: 12-17-2010

We took Nitro to Field Of Dreams Pet Training Center for their Christmas Open House to look at their facility, meet the trainers and also get a photo of Nitro with Santa. We had a great time and we met a lot of other people who go to F.O.D's and their dogs. It ended up being a great opportunity for Nitro to start meeting other people and socializing with new dogs. Below is a photo of Nitro sitting on Santa's lap.

Update on Nitro 12-23-2010

Nitro had his first training session at Field Of Dreams Pet Training and Agility Center and he did very well. We worked on eye contact, coming, sitting, and recall for Nitro to go back and fourth between two people. I was so proud of how well he paid attention. I have high hopes for his future. He is fitting in nicely here at Bluebird Farm and he has especially taken to the couch. He is 100% couch potatoe which is very good because it means he has a very "laid back" personality. Merry Christmas from Lexi, Tallulah, Bailey and Nitro!

Nitro's latest "Winter Wonderland Christmas Greeting Card" ...Merry Christmas everyone!

Update: 12-24-2010

Below is a photo of Nitro taken today. He has gone from 14 pounds (when we got him) to 25 pounds in just 3 weeks. He is going to be a big boy!

Be sure to check out our "Twas The Night Before Christmas" Click Here for the "Twas The Night Before Christmas" Doggie version