Great! That' the reaction I was hoping for in the middle of all this weather! It's good that you can have all your furry ones out at the same time. Looking at the Russian Sage reminds me...I need to start designing a container garden for the patio:D Thanks for joining in!

Oh, that's the perspective you were taking! I thought you were talking about how to keep a "determined to dig up the tulips" dog from jumping into the raised beds:-) That's a great idea--you know in all the years I've had dogs, I have never, oh happy days, had a digger! Not even the Lhasa or Shih Tzus! Although one did not accept the separation a closed door presented and did a number on the bottom of it... Thanks for sharing that valuable piece of information!

Hi David, and thanks for answering our questions. I am glad we got a chance to connect today! Space available wiped your direct email link, but it does give everyone stuck in this snowy weather the opportunity to hear the sounds of the ocean at your website!

Happy you liked the special area for digging. All dogs have their own talents that they are genetically predisposed to exhibit. I think if they are to have a fulfilled dog life, those talents need to be directed. It goes to your post on shy and fearful dogs...that's what made me start thinking about it again. I like the raised beds idea to keep dogs out. Of course, it won't work with all of them! I know there are scents used to keep dogs clear of areas, but unless they are cruelty free, I wouldn't try them. Hunters use such devices to lure. But yes, would be interesting to see what's on the market now Thanks!

Glad you enjoyed it...thinking about gardening helps make this weather go away for a few minutes and extends the weekend a little. Thanks!

Sorry Edie, Intense Debate hiccups. $17.99 is for a trial size 2.5 lb bag of the least expensive moderate protein level choice. The website will give you a better idea of what it would cost to feed your dog according to what you feed him now and after making the available base choices which are all priced separately per pound. They say you can feed less because it's nutrient rich but I would not count on that. Perhaps one of their company reps will see your query and chime in? We'll see...

Thanks for your comments, Amy! It's a really interesting approach isn't it? And I think you hit on what is unique--a food company that engages the customer in the process. Have a good Sunday!

Hi, Rod, yes it's kibble with no toxic preservatives, just a natural mix from vitamins and rosemary needed to stop the animal fat used in the product from becoming rancid according to the President of the company. And I thought i was pretty cool that it was fresh, not stored in a warehouse, and you can change the mix according to your dogs needs...if skin and coat problems show up, or simply as they need help with the problems associated with aging.

I could not agree more, Jim. Pets are part of our families and they are better off with a toy made by recycling socks than some soft plastic frisbee that they put their teeth through in one minute. And all this toxic junk gets thrown out ending up in our landfills, releasing their toxins over decades.

Yes, it's great that national and international animal welfare organizations are working to help animals. After all, we're all in this together and if an outbreak occurs in animal populations, people can and do suffer. Thanks Michele!