Sampson's Costume

I asked my roommate Sampson (the Malamute) what he was going to wear for Halloween. I showed him my fantastic costume - Count Turke-Cula! He was irritated as usual. Grrrrrrrr. Then he told me he wasn't wearing no "stink'n" costume, that he wears a mask everyday. Well, I guess he does.

Count Turke-ula

Are you ready for Halloween? I got my costume today. I'm Count Turke-ula! Are you frightened? Terrified? I have a big party next Friday and I have to be absolutely stunning. I think this will work. What do you think? What are my blog-doggie-friends going to dress up as for Halloween? Please share.....

Hannah Banana

Hannah is a foster friend from last year. She became famous because she is my friend and because she wrote a diary. She found her fur-ever, loving home (adopted), moved away and has had many, many adventures. But of course she still loves me very much and keeps in touch with me. A few weeks ago she and her new friends won an award for......uh......being wonderful. Anyway, here is a picture she sent of her from Barktobertest in Florida. Its just stunning! I wish I had a boa.

Its Finally Fall

This makes us all very happy. Cooler weather makes us all feel like playing. We go on more walks. We wish it could be like this all year!

Foster Dog Gunther

This is Gunther (left)-one of the foster dogs. He is soooo big. Gunthy is a little shy. But he has a good personality. He is such a good boy that we've actually moved him into the house and he sleeps in the bedroom with us instead of a crate or kennel. I know he may look goofy, but he's pretty cool. He doesn't try to eat the cat or get on the counter tops, or tear up the sofa, or leave stinky little surprises that the rest of us get blamed for......And as you can see the other dogs like him too.

Hi Everybody

I sure hope everyone out there in "blog-land" is having a great time. I've been busy as usual. A German Shepherd dog (strong and wonderful) such as ME has a lot to take care of. Here's the update: Boss was adopted. He was replaced with Gunther. Gunther is bigger than even ME, but I can chase him around which is so much fun. Corey and Stella are still here and waiting for their forever, loving homes. Roxy is all done with her heartworm treatment but still has bouts of anxiety. Sampson, the grouchy Malamute, had a cyst removed from his leg. So you see, I have a lot to keep my paws on. Mom found dog hair in the icemaker so I guess she found out that we've been making margaritas while she's at work. Uh-oh.........

Roxie Update

Roxie's heartworm treatment was about 3 weeks ago. The first week she slept alot. Now she's feeling better, but Mom is still trying to make her stay calm. She had injections in her back so she wears her shaved hw patch. What a terrible thing dogs have to endure all because of people's neglect.

Our Ever Changing Family

Yes, still busy. Our foster dogs (Kala, Libby, Buster, Steffi) all found their forever homes. There is a new crew here: Corey, Boss, and Stella. Corey is a huge, energetic male. Boss is a big, long-haired, puppy about a year old. Stella is a small, nosey girl. Stella is undergoing heartworm treatment so she'll be here a while. The two males intimidate me a little, but I'm still trying to make them my playmates. Of course Roxie is here and Sam the Malamute.

I Love to RIde in the Car

As you can see I've been such a busy boy lately. Monday we loaded up in the car and took new girl Roxie to start her heartworm treatment. Steffi and I rode with Mom and Rox to give them morale support. That's something I'm very good at. Just another of my incredible assets. No matter how grim or serious a situation is, I can always be counted on to be cuddly and clownish. Well, we had a two hour drive. We had to leave Roxie-girl for two whole days. We missed her. But she really missed us. We got her back today and she is sooooo tired and seems sore. Poor old girl. Enough about her. Here's a picture of ME riding in the car. I get front seat priviledges cause its so stinking hot. The back seat's ok too. But the very back is just too hot. Anyway, because Mom spoils me and cause I never try to drive, I get front seat. Look how small I can get! I weigh 80 lbs and I'm tall and lanky, but I can fold up in the front seat of a car like a yoga chick. And when those a.c. vents are pointed on me I can relax and take a well deserved nap.

Adoptions last weekend!

Well, it was a very busy weekend. Not only did my old best-friend Hannah-Bannana come to visit me, but we had two adoptions. Two of my foster friends got their fur-ever homes. Most Excellent! Of course I will miss them, but I'm so glad they have their wonderful loving homes. Liberty (we called her Libby) and Kahla left. Both of these girls just loved me, of course! Here is a picture of Libby and her new big brother (Jack). Kahla also has a fun family with a very nice human boy to play with and a cocker spaniel. Well this all means that I will get two new foster brothers and sisters to train and play with and who will adore me endlessly. Never a dull moment. Ain't life good!!

Best Weekend!!!!

I got to see my old best friend Hannah-Bannana Sunday. Hannah was a foster friend here in December and January. She was very confused when she came here. But, I worked my magic and helped her learn that life is good and people love you. When she got here at my house she was just all wadded up in the back of a crate and frightened and shaking. But I said, "hey girl, come on and play with me and chill out." And within a couple of days we were having the best time. She was a house puppy in no time and having fun and luv'n and liv'n up BIG. I guess Mom and Dad helped a little, but hey, I was her best friend! I showed her the ropes. And she was such a smart girl. She showed me how to write. While she was fostered here she wrote a diary. WOW. And she showed me that all I had to do was get on the computer and start my own blog and here I am. So Thank You Hannah-Bannana! You started the creative spark in me. YOU ARE MY MUSE! Now you live in a wonderful fur-ever home in Florida. You play at the beach and take vacations. I'm so glad you came up here Sunday and visited with me. Kisses, slobbers, licks, and sniffs!!!!
Here's a picture of Hannah and me yesterday (Sunday -I'm the handsome one the left) at our reunion. I love you Hannah!

Fundraising

Sometimes I work as a fundraiser for my favorite charities. Here I am posing by the mailbox with my donation to send to rescue. This is very important work, because as most of us know there are so many deserving dogs (and other creatures), just like me, that need help. So if you support your local humane shelter or rescue THANK YOU so much! Consider fostering a homeless dog or cat through a rescue organization. Who knows, you might meet someone as wonderful as ME. My personal favorites are German Shepherd Rescue of Central Alabama and Shelby County (AL) Humane Society because they rescued me. But there are too many worthy rescues to mention who work tirelessly for those of us without a voice.
Hope that mailman comes soon------it's hot out here!

Puppies are Stupid

I had to babysit a puppy this weekend. They are very annoying. They get in your face and yap. They take your toys. They jump on you. They poop a lot. And WORST of ALL.....the humans think they are so cute. Its just crazy. Mom and Dad forgot all about my grace and dignity and went all goo-goo for this silly little thing.

Turke Likes This

This video is by Paw4change. Please visit their website: www.Paw4Change.com for more info about humane treatment of animals. Thank you.

Turke Likes this Video

Buster Brown

Remember Buster Brown? He's a foster dog here. We're good friends. I think he will be adopted soon. Mom and Dad are whispering. Mom is kinda sad and happy at the same time. He's been a good playmate. I've tried to teach him everything I know about barking, toy hoarding, butt sniffing, chasing lizards and flys and making "sad eyes" until you get what you want from the humans. He's young and been a good protegee. Its hard work being a Role Model for the young foster dogs. He's a handsome boy - but not as handsome as ME!!!!

Roxie was Spayed Yesterday

I am grand and wonderful, Turke, the GSD. But I am also a gracious host to our new girl Roxie. So I am giving her a little space on MY BLOG. Roxie has had a rough road, and as fearsome and magnificient as I am now, I certainly know about those "rough roads" and asphalt burns ("ouch"). Well, yesterday she had a big surgery. She and Mom left early and came back late and boy was Roxie dumbed out. Roxie wouldn't talk to anybody, or eat, or play. All she did last night was sleep. She smelled funny. In fact Mom wouldn't even let us bother her. Well, that's no fun!
Roxie was spayed. All of us here are spayed or neutered. Its a real important thing. Anyway, because it's such an important day Mom took pictures. Here are pictures of Rox as Mom was about to take her out of the car at the clinic and the second sad, sad picture of her as she realized Mom was leaving her (uh-oh). But she's doing better now. I hope I can play with her soon. We were having so much fun.

I'm in LOVE......

Here she is.......
I'm in love with her...the new dog. Her name is Roxie. She came from a shelter. HW positive. This is one reason we've been very busy. She starts treatment in two weeks, after spay next week.
Isn't she beautiful? She loves me too.
More later....gotta go.....

doing the unthinkable

We are doing the unthinkable at our house.....
We are adopting a mature dog. She is sort of, middle aged. She is heartworm positive, and has other illnesses (kennel cough and worms, un-neutered, etc). Yes, she will be an expensive girl. But, so sweet. But I was an unthinkable dog.....crushed by car, messed up hips, aggressive behavior, un-neutered, ugly. But someone saw that I could be a wonderful companion and saved me. So here we are again, doing the unthinkable......taking a dog into our love-circle that most people would never want because she is too old, too sick, too expensive, too, too, too.......

I've been very BUSY....

Sorry I've been away for a while but I've been oh, so busy. And so has mom.
You know I have many responsibilities here at the homestead. Its not all fun and games. For example, one of my charges is Home Security. Everyday when Mom and Dad leave they say, "Ok Turke, you're in charge." Here is a picture of me "in charge" - pretty awesome, huh?

My Sweet Look

Here's my "Sweet Look". Charming isn't it? I usually put this face on after I've done something foolish.

Dining Out

Sometimes Mom takes me out to breakfast. There aren't many places to go around here - we don't live in a very "dog-friendly" town. But Panera's Bakery is cool to canines. So we like them and go there for a bagel on Sunday mornings. Don't you think more restaurants, parks, etc should let us nice doggies go with our owners to places and just hang-out? Its very important for us to socialize and get used to other humans and other dogs. If only more people "got IT".
Well anyway, here's a lovely picture of me at PANERA'S (a great place)! And of course I'm acting like a fine dog and teaching people that German Shepherd Dogs won't eat them. I consider myself an Ambassador for GSD's and for rescued dogs.

People Crates vs. Dog Crates

This is a picture of a Miata. The other picture is of a dog airline crate. When GSD rescue foster dog Steffi first came here in February we didn't have room for her. She had to spend her nights in a crate like this. Mom says she is really, really sorry. This week Mom had to drive a Miata and she says she now knows what Steffi felt like being confined in that little crate. She promises this form of cruelty will never happen again (to either of them)!!!

That's Crazy Talk

Well yes, it's all about ME! Life's been ok lately. Mom and Dad take us out every night for the big packwalk (all 6). Then in the morning Mom's been taking me, Bruno, and Buster on an early morning workout. Its alot of fun - just us boys. Mom says its something about discipline, exercise, and correcting bad behaviors. Thats just crazy talk. I know that she really just wants to show us off to the neighborhood. I mean we are just awesome, stunning, fearsome, and magnificent beasts!!

It's been really hot lately - that's what they say. I stay inside in the cool house all day sprawled on the cool tile floor or rugs. Who cares.

My Friend Stormie

This is Stormie. Sometimes her human parents come over and let her play with us. She always acts shy at first. But once she starts playing....wow! She's rough and tough. Stormie is much faster than me. I have so many friends.

Look who got shaved...ha ha ha

Mr. Grouchey (Sampson the Malamute) gets shaved every summer. Its one of the ways Mom and Dad help big, furry dogs endure the heat. That way Sam can enjoy the cool tile floors. As you can see Sampson looks really happy (not) about showing off his shaved tummy.

The One Who Started It All

Here's a picture of Sugar (white German Shepherd) and Mom. If it weren't for Sugar I wouldn't be here. No, she isn't my dog-mom but she started Mom doing the fostering for GSD's. Over 11 years ago my human mom rescued her. She didn't mean to, but it just happened. My mom didn't have any idea what she was doing cause she didn't know much about dogs and sure didn't know what to do with a dog that had been abused and in emotional distress and highly reactive. But to make a long story short, everything worked out great. Sugar healed. They became best friends and constant companions. Through their 11 years Mom says she learned some very important lessons from Sugar: 1) the worst dogs can become the best dogs, 2) detachment from material possessions, 3) to give back to the universe. But Sugar's body wore out last August and she took the Rainbow Bridge. We are still very sad.

Can you find the Malamute?

Family picture today. But somebody wouldn't cooperate. Sampson the Malamute just didn't want to be a part of no stink'n German Shepherd pack. I think he is giving Mom "the finger".

A Tired Dog is a Good Dog

Mom says "A tired dog is a good dog." hmmmmm.
We all had a busy day: supervising the humans, going for a walk, guarding the perimeter, playing.....a dog's work is never done. Here's Buster Brown, me, and Sampson taking a snooze last night. The other three dogs are somewhere.

Buster Brown is tired

Foster dog Buster Brown had a very busy day. He's so cute when he sleeps. He's so annoying when he's awake - just a big puppy.

GSD's as supervisors

Today we helped with chores. Mom and Dad started painting the fence. Here's a picture of us helping. Thank goodness we're good supervisors. That's me in front/left (of course). Steffi and Bruno (fosters) 2nd and 3rd.

Just hanging out...

Here we are this cloudy Sunday morning. I'm in front(looking stunning) and Steffi and Buster Brown (fosters) are the others. We've been playing and had to stop to take a rest. Mom's been picking up poop. Liberty and Bruno are somewhere else in the yard. Sampson the Malamute is sleeping late (inside).

My Foster Brothers & Sisters

Here are 4 of the other dogs that live here. They are foster dogs from German Shepherd Rescue of Central Alabama. We are taking care of them until they find their forever loving home. We all play well together. Here's Steffi, Liberty, Buster Brown, and Bruno. Go to www.gsdcentralpetfinder.com for more info about them.

Me NOW and THEN

Over three years ago I had FHO (femoral head ostectomy) surgery on both of my hips. That means that my hips joints were so messed up the orthopedic vet cut off the heads of my femors and stuck them back up in the hip joints. My hips are held together now by tendons, ligaments and muscle. But the crumbled up joint is gone. Here is a picture of me a day or two after one of my surgeries. I got so messed up cause a car (or something really big) hit me. But I healed up great. My mom did physical therapy with me and took me to swimming therapy. Now I can do all the stuff other dogs can.

My Ears......

I hear everything....except what I don't want to.

Old as Dirt...

The Malamute in this picture is Sampson and he is OLD AS DIRT. I am the absolutely gorgeous one. We are the only two permanent dog residents here. There are 4 other dogs but they are fosters. Sampson is old and grouchy, willful and arrogant. He's about 12 years old. I have to do all the work here because Sampson is lazy and just sleeps. I have to do all the barking, chasing, and guard-dogging.

This is my friend Xena

This is Xena (on the right). Xena is an Angel Princess and wants everyone to know this. She had hip surgery just like I did so she's okay by me. Xena doesn't live here, she just comes over to visit sometimes. She's wants my squeeky balls. See how she admires me?

One of my friends...Buster Brown

This is Buster Brown (right). I am the handsome dog (left). Buster is one of the foster dogs that lives with me. He is very young, only a year old and has hip dysplasia so I have to play gentle with him. I'm his mentor. I am teaching him how to annoy the other dogs.

I Like Toys

I like toys....especially loud squeeky ones!