How to Find the Right Dog Breed for Your Family

April 14, 2013 / Dogs in General / By Karen Shanley / 12 Comments

You’re thinking about adding a loving addition to your family. No, not another kid; you either have enough of those or you’re not quite ready to start down that path. So what’s the perfect choice? Yep, dogs.

There are more than 400 breeds of dogs recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), United Kennel Club (UKC) and the National Kennel Club (NKC). That’s without including all the combinations of mixed breeds, which can push the selection options up into the … Read More

Riding to Nowhere

April 7, 2013 / Dog Training, My Dogs and Me / By Karen Shanley / 6 Comments

Graidy and I are in the car riding to nowhere. As we breeze down the road, I think about how it was we got here.

Anyone who’s had a rescue dog before knows to expect that there may be little quirks that show up here and there. Graidy is no exception. Graidy’s early life was a difficult one. He was found as a starving street stray in a New Jersey city. Even though all’s been well since he’s come to … Read More

Husbands and Dogs

March 7, 2013 / Funnies, My Dogs and Me / By Karen Shanley / Leave a Comment

First, I want to thank everyone for your kind, supportive words. It’s been a rough patch and your compassion and sensitivity have been much appreciated. You guys are the best!

One of my favorite dog-loving friends and I were talking about how our dogs have changed our husbands as well. I think it’s safe to say that Kiera is the first dog Andrew ever completely bonded with. And so he’s been just as deeply affected by her loss as I … Read More

Well-Lived and Well-Loved

February 24, 2013 / Life, My Dogs and Me / By Karen Shanley / 19 Comments

Oct. 22,1999 — Feb. 21, 2013

I Miss These Days…

February 14, 2013 / Cait and Me, Funnies / By Karen Shanley / 3 Comments

With a beloved dog getting ready to move on to the next world, and a beloved daughter getting ready to move on to college, I’m doing all I can to slow down time. I’ve been laughing all morning looking through an old scrapbook. Any parents out there–I thought you could relate to this one.

2 Indespensable Despensers

February 7, 2013 / Tech Tips & Product Reviews / By Karen Shanley / 2 Comments

When I come across products that really work, I love to pass these finds onto friends. The following two items pass both my form and function test. They do what they are intended to do in excellent fashion. You can find both of these at your local Bed Bath & Beyond store, or click on the photos to buy them online.(Images and description courtesy of BB&B website.) Have you made any great product discoveries lately?

Oxo Good Grips® Salad Dressing

Sick? This’ll Fix You Up Quicker Than Chicken Soup!

January 17, 2013 / My Garden / Recipes / By Karen Shanley / 1 Comment

I’ve been a little under the weather, and wanted to make myself a healing soup that wasn’t the usual boring Chicken Soup. This Seafood Curry Chowder, with its Indian spices (which helps open breathing passages) and chicken broth (general fixer-upper elixir) gives a one-two punch!

BUT…

It’s so rich and delicious and special–and SIMPLE to make–that you could serve this at any dinner party and get rave reviews. It’s my family and friends’ all time favorite soup!

1 fillet of … Read More

Great Idea for How to Find a Lost Dog

January 4, 2013 / Dog Training, Life, My Dogs and Me / By Karen Shanley / Leave a Comment

If you’ve had animals your entire life, you’ve probably had the experience of frantically searching for a lost pet somewhere along the line. And you also know how truly heart-wrenching and helpless it makes you feel. Well here’s a tip that can literally be a life saver in helping you find any lost pet.

Recently, talking with one of my more orginal-thinker dog friends, she shared this tip for how she’s found her and some of her friends’ missing animals.… Read More