Social Media~ Just how social is it?

Today I'd like to discuss social media.  Now you may already be wondering, how much can a pup like me actually know about a subject such as this?  Although I'm not much of a talker, I am a keen observer of humans, other animals, the weather, flowers and the interaction between all of these subjects.  Here's how social media has effected me~

During our morning jaunts, Mom and I always greet our fellow walkers.  We make eye contact, smile and wish them a good day.  Quite often not only do these folks say hi but they even stop to pet me, spend a few minutes chatting, making a short connection and then are on their way with hopes of running into each other again some day.  One family even refers to me as The Happiest Dog in the World.  However... there is a certain species of humans that never return our greetings, never stop to say hi and don't even acknowledge our existance.  These folks seem to have one thing in common, they are talking on their phones or have earbuds in, listening to something or someone other than us.  My own mom is even guilty at times.  Sometimes I have to sneak up behind her ipad and take my little paw and slap that thing right down in order to remind her I'm here and need some attention.  If she's on her laptop, I've found the quickest way to get her to put it away is to "help' her type. See... I'm no dummy.
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I have noticed families having dinner with one another but without any mealtime conversations, no "how was your day" or "what did you learn today" just each member busy talking, texting or playing games on their cell phones.  How can whoever is on the other end of that line be more important than the folks right in front of them?  I don't get that.  Mom tells me about past times when everyone talked to strangers while waiting in lines, or at the doctors office or wherever they might be.  She said that's how you made new friends.  That sounds wonderful to me!

I'd like to start a national, no, make that worldwide rule that everyone try unplugging, look their family, friends or strangers right smack dab in the eye and start a real exchange of words and ideas.  Just think, we might not only learn something but we will certainly make those folks feel much more important and might even add a new friend or two to our lives.  So, make a little black puppy giddy with excitement over all of the possibilities and just give it a try.  It doesn't cost a thing and just might turn out to be extremely valuable.

Loves & Licks,
Stella

The Chronicles of Stella: Is there a doctor in the house?

The Chronicles of Stella: Is there a doctor in the house?: My mom is sick... she says she has a cold, a very bad cold that has her nose dripping, her throat burning and her left ear aching.  I think...

Is there a doctor in the house?

My mom is sick... she says she has a cold, a very bad cold that has her nose dripping, her throat burning and her left ear aching.  I think she's so sick, she's confused.  I've snuggled up to her several times this morning and not once did she feel cold and in fact she felt toasty warm to me, kinda hot even.  Humans are so confusing.

Mom doesn't feel up to taking me on our walk today so I've been doing my best to burn off some excess energy here in the house.  From the tone of Moms voice, I'm not sure she is fully appreciating my efforts.  It started when I stole some of her used kleenex and did my best to make it into festive confetti.... yea, that didn't go over well.  She then began placing her used tissues into an empty kleenex box.  I thought that was a brilliant idea but it turns out she'd seen it on Facebook.  I'm keeping an eagles eye on that box because it would be a treasure trove if I could snatch it away.

 Next  I stole her jar of Vicks Vapo Rub and headed under the bed to figure out how to remove the lid.  I emerged so proud of myself that the cap was no longer attached to the jar, only to find Mom with a frown on her face.  A frown?  And here I thought she'd be so happy to not have to unscrew it herself and pleased that I was spending my time being helpful.  Nope, nada, just another frown.

Things I've learned about sick humans~

1)  Having a cold doesn't make you prettier and in fact, it makes you look kinda ruff.  Red, swollen eyes, drippy nose.... of course she still looks lovely to me.

2)  If you run under a queen-size bed to the very center, its hard for your sick  human to reach whatever treasures you've stashed there.

3) All they want to do is nap and nap and nap.  That's not easy for a pup like me to do but I'm trying to appease her by taking little cat naps off and on.

4)  When humans run out of kleenex, they use a roll of toilet paper.  Isn't that hilarious?  It just cracks me up and makes me giggle.

5)  Colds seem to suck the joy out of life.  There's a real shortage of humor at Casa de la Risa today.

I sure hope she feels better by tomorrow.  Her cold is taking a real toll on a certain little pup.

Love & Licks,
Stella

The Chronicles of Stella: The Beautiful Pacific Northwest

The Chronicles of Stella: The Beautiful Pacific Northwest: Today was one of those perfect summer days that you wish would go on forever.  I am so fortunate to live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest,...

The Beautiful Pacific Northwest

Today was one of those perfect summer days that you wish would go on forever.  I am so fortunate to live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, just an hour north of Portland, Oregon and two hours south of Seattle, Washington.  We can find ourselves at the beach in about an hour and a half or up to the mountain in about two.  Pretty darn perfect if you ask me.

Mom said we were going on an adventure today and while I watched her pack her water bottle and my water dish, my mind started wondering where we were headed.  I could hardly wait to get started. 

After buckling me safely in my car seat, we took off!  Our first stop was high up on the Kalama River.  Mom found a little trail that led us down to the water, not to the actual river but to a sweet little creek where we got to get our toes wet and filled our noses with all kinds of wild smells.  We were all by ourselves and just enjoyed the gurgling sound of the water and watched the little winged creatures skittering across the surface of the water.  It looked like they were having a grand time and I tried to strike up a conversation but they were just too busy having fun.  I get that because sometimes I'm too busy playing to hear Mom call my name.

Next we stopped by a new park we had heard about and were looking forward to exploring but were met with some not very friendly signs.  No Dogs Allowed.  I don't understand that.  I mean I understand they don't want any canines there but honestly, I've never seen a dog leave a mess anywhere near as bad as some people do.  I've never seen anyone from my tribe play with matches, spray paint or destroy public bathrooms or leave garbage all over.  I'd like to see a sign that says No Bad People Allowed instead. 

On our way back down the river we spotted the most adorable little baby deer.  She was playing in the dappled sunshine, just outside the gates of a home along the road.  She was jumping with joy and I wished I could join her but was told her momma, who was nearby, probably wouldn't approve.  We weren't able to get a picture of the baby but we did get one of her mom.  I have a special place in my little heart for deer so this was a wonderful treat.

I was itching to feel some sand under my paws so next we were off to the Mighty Columbia River.  I had discovered at an early age the difference in the feel of the sand between the river and the ocean.  Have you ever noticed?  The river sand is much courser against my paw-pads and the smell is completely different too.  Luckily I love both!  We walked, we visited with some other families and we enjoyed feeling the sun on our fur and the breeze tickling our ears. 

After some good long slurps of water and a couple of treats, it was time to head home.  I often wonder if my feline brother and sisters feel slighted because they never get to go.  They seem happy enough to sniff me when I return and listen intently while I wind tales of our travels.  Occasionally I embellish just a tad but mostly, my life is so good I don't even need to.   I'm thankful I'm a dog and not a cat.

As another pretty much perfect summer day comes to an end I hope you found time to enjoy it too.  If you didn't, tomorrow will be here shortly and you'll have another opportunity so make it count.

Loves & Licks,
Stella