Who We Are

Monday, March 31, 2008

US Open

Hey pups, it's me ~ Zim. Dad got this cool, new hat last week and he let me try it on. It's got the 2008 US Open logo on it. It's really comfy. Here I am, trying it out:

Oh, yeah. I like this, Dad!

Pretty cool, huh? I thought I could wear it during the big tournament, only I wasn't sure when it is scheduled. That's when I made my big mistake.

"Hey Ammy? When is the US Open?"

"The US is open 24/7, Zimmie. Hee hee hee."

See what I have to put up with around here?

Play bows,
Zim

Sunday, March 30, 2008

Sunday Salute - Tasha and Her Mom!

This week, our Sunday Salute goes out to our very bee-woo-tiful friend Tasha ~ and her mom Jane! Her mom emailed our mom complimenting her on the Ram-a-Lamb Bag we made for the MaPaw Siberian Husky Rescue auction. Isn't that really sweet of her!? She does some sewing herself - look! Here's Tasha modeling a "ruff" she made!

Totally adorable! And the ruff isn't bad either - ha roo roo roo!

Anyroo, Tasha's mom Jane said she had a wolf-print fabric panel she wasn't using, and if Mom would like it, she'd be happy to send it to her! WOW! Now ... we know you're wondering how people just "happen" to have fabric laying around. The note Tasha's mom tucked into the package should give you an idea:


Ha woo! That's pretty funny! I wonder if they have a card that reads "I'm the Ao4's mom and I am a Fabricaholic!"? Anyway, Mom thought it would be cool to do something with the wolf-print panel for a rescue group auction in the future and said, "Yes, please!", so Tasha helped her mom pack the box up and they sent it. Dave got to open the package, since he's Mom's Guide Dog for the Color Blind.

Here's Dave with Tasha's daddy's business card.

Woo! It's Tasha!

Tasha's mom made her bandana, too! Here's a closer look:

Cool bandana. And the colors go really great with Tasha's fur!

I know if we were in need of remodeling or home repair in Washington state, we'd call on Tasha's dad! Any business that uses a gorgeous model like that on its business card is one we'd like to work with! Her mom (Jane) also tucked her business card in there, too. She doesn't have a picture of Tasha on it, but she DOES do some remarkable photography!

Check out this fabric, everypup!

You just may see a cool tote made from this coming to a fund-raiser near you!

For all you do, and for your kindness in donating this fabric to what will be a Sibe rescue fund-raiser..... we salute you! Jane and Tasha, too!

The Army of Four

Saturday, March 29, 2008

Don't Touch That Dial!

Woo, everypup. It's me - Dave! Our buddy Louka left a really cool comment on our blog the other day! He said, "...On another note, doesn't this look like Dave? Is it Dave?" Woo!

news anchor, funny dog, loldogs, lol dog, funny dog pictures

Hey... that DOES look like me! Only his freckles are a bit washed out. What do you think? Is that guy my look-alike?

Don't touch that dial! ... News at 5!

And, of course, Stormy taught me to spell better than that other Sibe. Woo.

They have all kinds of fun pup pix on the "I Has a Hot Dog" site Louka shared with us! Thanks, buddy!

Luv,
Dave (the one with the freckles!)

Friday, March 28, 2008

Blah

Hey pups. It's me, Zim. It's been pretty "blah" around here lately, weather-wise. Unless there's ice on the ground, though, we all go on walkies anyway. Here are some pictures from one of our recent outings. Try to ignore the basic lack of sun.

Here we are at the top of one of the hills. That's me in the distance, then Am, then Dave. We were checking the west for coyotes or birdies or anything. Ammy especially likes Killdeer for some reason, and so does Storm. I think they look like cool surfer birds, since they look like they're wearing chokers.

We didn't see anything cool, though; Dave thought we should see what Stormy was looking at.

"What's Stormy looking at, you guys?"

She saw this cool, new house. We think it would have an awesome view.

We asked Mom and Dad to buy it for us, but they said, "No." Go figure. They reminded us that we have an incredible view at our house, too. Hard to argue with that. Case in point ...

My view off the deck the other day. (That's my ear in the foreground.) Can't exactly tell what I'm looking at? Try this shot:

OSWALD!

That's right. He was with us all winter, but we didn't get a good picture of him to show you. He's been all OVER the yard, leaving bunny nuggets for us. So, yeah. Great reminder. We DO have a great view from our house, too!

Play bows,
Zim

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Who?

Hey everypup! It's me - Stormy! As many of you know, I just love puppies. Imagine how delighted I was to see an email from our Aunt Janet the other day about a puppy her neighbor rescued! Well... sort of. Here's a look at the dear little pup.

Who?

Aunt Janet said he is a baby Great Horned Owl. He fell out of his nest and into the canal/creek that runs behind their house. Oh no! Poor owl-puppy! Her across-the-creek neighbor fished him out with her pool skimmer! She watched over him and made sure the owl-puppy's mama came back and took care of him. Whew! Aunt Janet said he was cute ... but really mad! I would be, too, if I fell in the canal!

We're SO glad Aunt Janet's neighbor took care of the owl-puppy! I just had to share with you! I've got to go ask Amber if she knows WHO Aunt Janet's neighbor rescued. Ha roo roo roo. This is going to be fun!

Tail wags,
Storm

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Yard Work

Hi everypuppy! It's me - Amber! For the third day in a row, Mom and Dad are going to be outside in our yard doing "yard work". Cutting, pruning, snipping, raking, bagging, bending, lifting, pulling.... it's exhausting.

I mean for us. We have to watch out all the windows to make sure they're safe and are doing everything right and all. I better take a nap before they go out to spread the mulch the big truck just dumped in the driveway.

It's going to be another rough day!

Love,
Ammy

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

New Rugs!

Hey pups! It's me - Zim!

Mom ordered some new "throw rugs" for the floor in the master bathroom; they came in last week. They're the right size and she and Dad think they're comfy under foot. Only ... they were supposed to be blue. Mom thinks they look green. Dad thinks they look closer to white. Dave, Guide Dog for the Color Blind, hasn't weighed in on them yet, but I thought I'd check them out. I think they look ....

...COMFY!

Play bows and sweet dreams!
Zim

Monday, March 24, 2008

We Are Family

Ha roo, every pup. It's me - Storms. Some of my Siberian and Malamute friends were talking about their family trees over the weekend. Our pals over at D'Azul Siberians told us about this cool website called Paw Village, a huge database that allows you to trace your pedigree. It's really interesting!

It got me thinking about my own situation. I shared this with my SiberMal friends, but thought I would blog about it, too. Like many of them ... and you ...and my brothers, I came from the shelter - so our bipeds don't know my exact "ancestry".

I do have a picture of me with my peeps, though. Seriously. Check it out.

Me and my peeps

Ha roo roo roo!

Tail wags,
Storms

PS: This post courtesy of my favorite sister and comedienne, Amber. Not only would you have seen it coming if it had been her post, but we know her peeps!

Sunday, March 23, 2008

«Христос Воскрес»

«Христос Воскрес» is the Ukrainian Easter greeting and means “Christ has risen.”


«Воїстено Воскрес!» "Indeed He has risen!"

We wish all of our readers a very happy and blessed Easter.

The Army of Four

Saturday, March 22, 2008

GDFTCB's Lament

Woo. It's me. Dave, Guide Dog for the Color Blind. Mom's been pretty busy with a couple bag orders and is now working on a baby quilt for a friend of ours. In the meantime, we got a bunch of new fabrics in.

I'm dreaming up all kinds of pretty things we can make with them. I hope Mom hurries up with the baby quilt.

Mom, please... I want to work with THESE fabs!

I'm not sure how long I can wait! Woo.

Luv,
Dave, Guide Dog for the Color Blind

Friday, March 21, 2008

Where Was I?

Hi, it's me - Amber. I'm back! Now, where was I? Oh, yes! I was going to try a Viking joke out on Zimmie. Let's see ... he studies at the SZK School of Siberian Studies; I have to be more creative with him!

Let me see.... "Hey Zimmie! You know... I'm reading this Viking book with Mom... and there's this guy in there named Leif who finally came home from a long series of battles."

"Yeah.....?"

I may have hooked him! "Well, he was gone a long time and when he got back, he discovered that his name was missing from the town registry! His wife was upset and insisted on complaining to the local civic official. He was apologetic and said, 'I'm so sorry. I must have taken Leif off my census.' Get it, Zimmie? 'Leif off my..' "

Hee hee hee! "Leif off my census!" Hee hee hee!

"AMMY!" Zim interrupted me.

"There is NO ONE named Leif in this book, Ammy!"

It was worth a try!

Left to right: Dave (Ammy didn't tell ME about Leif!)
Me (Hee hee hee)
and Zim ("Leif off my census." Ha roo roo roo!)


Love,
Ammy

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Of Vikings and Danes

Hi everypuppy, it's me - Amber. I don't mean "Great Danes", I mean some pretty fearsome biped ones, who were known as "Vikings" when they went into battle! Well... Vikings were northmen who raided - that could be Danes or Norsemen (Norwegians). I'm kind of confused, but Mom is reading a book about them and it reminded me of something ... and I thought I'd have a little fun with my brothers. :)

I thought I'd start with Davy.

"Hey, Davy." I called him over. "Check out this book. I'm reading all about Vikings. Mom and I are learning all about how they lived and fought and everything! Do you know how they communicated with each other?" I had to turn my head, so he couldn't see me laughing.

"No, Am. How did the Vikings communicate?" Dave asked.

"Through Norse code!"

Hee hee hee...

"Oh, Ammy! Sheesh!"

Sure, he rolled his eyes, but I could tell I got him. Tune in tomorrow to see if Zimmie falls for it!

Love,
Ammy

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Sasha

Our hearts are heavy today as we mourn the loss of our fellow SiberMal Society member, Sasha.

Sasha and her family will be in our thoughts and prayers.

The Army of Four

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

What a Crock

Hey pups. It's me, Zim. Mom thinks I look like the guy in the Crocs logo.

Puh-lease.

Play bows,
Zim

Monday, March 17, 2008

The 18th Hole

The 18th hole is a bit tricky on our home course.

Find your game! Woo.

Luv,
Dave

Sunday, March 16, 2008

It's My Special Day!

Ha roo, pups! It's me ~ Stormy! Do you know what today is?

Nope, not my honorary birthday! I just (honorarily) turned 12 back in September! It's Adopt-a-Stormy Day! My 11th Storm-aversary! My Gotcha Day! Did anypup guess right!

Way to go; high 5!

Last year, I posted my whole adoption story. You're welcome to go back and read it if you'd like. This year, we're planning lots of fun again - walkies, play time and treats. AND a cold front is moving back in. What a great day!

Happy Adopt-a-Storm Day, everypup! Join in the celebration!

Tail wags,
Stormy

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Auction P-Update

Ha roo, pups! Zimmie here, with a quick p-update. The bidding is going to end today for many of the items in the MaPaw auction that Dave posted about the other day! Be sure to surf on over to the auction and place your winning bid! There are some great, new items that have been added, too ~ with more to come this weekend!

Remember, all proceeds go to help rescued pups in need and MaPaw is a 501(c)3 organization. Grab your biped's plastic card and spend, spend, spend!

Now.... who's up for zoomies?


Play bows,
Zim

Friday, March 14, 2008

Banana(nananana) Cake!

Tail wags, readers. It's me, Stormy. We've had a few requests to share some of Mom's recipes with you. Dave posted the Lemon Oat Bars recipe and Zim explained how Mom makes Baked Empanadas. Now ... what a lot of you pups have been waiting for ... the Banana(nananana) Cake!

Before I start, please understand this is food for bipeds. Not us. But as with most recipes, there will be left-over something that you'll need to help with. Like cheese from the empanadas ... or figuring out what to do with excess bananas!

We in the Ao4 get banana slices every day - here we are at a recent Banana Formation, to get you in the mood:

Daily Banana Formation
Starting with Dad and going clockwise: Dad, Dave, me, Zim and Am in the top left

Without further ado... here's the recipe!

Banana Layer Cake
By the Ao4

1/2 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs, separated
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 c. plus 1 Tbs. buttermilk*
2 cups all-purpose flour
3 large ripe bananas, mashed
1 cup chopped pecans

*Mom never has buttermilk. Here's what you can do if you don't, either. For the amount above, take 1/4 cup of milk and add a hefty 1/4 Tablespoon of lemon juice. Stir and let sit for 5 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Cream butter; gradually add sugar, beating well. Add egg YOLKS, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Leave the whites sitting in a bowl on the counter. Dissolve soda in buttermilk; add to creamed mixture alternately with the flour, beginning and ending with flour. Stir in bananas (Mom doesn't really mash hers; she just has the mixer going and cuts chunks into the bowl as it goes around) and the pecans. In a separate bowl, beat room temperature egg whites until stiff peaks form. Fold into batter.
Pour batter into 2 greased and floured (Mom uses the spray kind) 9" round cake pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool in pans 10 minutes; remove from pans, move to cooling racks and let cool completely.

To make frosting, beat together the following:
8 oz. package cream cheese, softened
1/2 stick butter (4 Tbs)
3 3/4 cups powdered sugar
2 tsp. vanilla extract

Once the cake has cooled, place first layer on plate - upside down from how you baked it. You know ... so the rounded top is on the plate. Either spread some of the frosting on that layer ... or ... spread a thin layer of melted semi-sweet chocolate on it, then top with sliced bananas. Your choice. Then top that with the other layer - right side up. Your cake will look best this way! Frost with the remaining frosting. Make it look pretty. Mom says if you mess it up, to sprinkle chopped pecans all over it and no one will ever know.
Store covered in the magic cold box.

I hope your bipeds will enjoy this. It's a great way to use up over-ripe bananas - which is another thing you can help with! Remember to take them nice, pups!


Tail wags and bon appétit!
Storms

Thursday, March 13, 2008

My Trip to the Vet's, Part 2

Ha roo, everypup! It's me again - Zim! As I said yesterday, I had quite the trip to see the vet Tuesday! Storm said I could do two posts about my big day - so now ... where was I? Oh, yeah. With Dr. Dixon and the cookies.

Thanks for all the coookies, Dr. D!

I hope all of your vets treat you as well as ours do. Ours are very smart, very kind, and do their best to make us feel comfy. They're also good with Mom. I'm glad they're teaching future vets, so we can have more bipeds like this!

Anyroo, after the cookie spree, we headed to Discharge. You've seen me there before, so I didn't take pictures this time.

Once we got home, everysibe was SO happy to see me and I was SO happy to see everysibe! Ammy came over and whispered some Siber-secrets to me.

Did you hide your bladder like I told you to, Zimmie?

I assured her I did! Ha roo roo roo! And I told her I got to meet her student Breanna from a couple weeks ago. She thought I was Amber at first! Dr. Riegel saw me and came in to say "hi", too. What a bunch of nice bipeds!

Then Am and I ran around the living room. It was hard for Mom to get a good picture of us - we were too fast. Here's the best she could do.

I did zoomies with Dave and Stormy, too. All four of us ran around and around and around - it was great. Mom decided since she couldn't get a good picture of that, she'd have us sit for a picture instead. That wasn't anywhere near as fun as doing zoomies, but hey, she had a cookie for each of us. You know how that goes!

Front row, left to right: Ammy, Storms, and me. Back row: Dave.

I'm the only one smiling at the camera. Mom says it's because I was the one doing most of the zooming. I say it's because I was happy to be home! I loved my trip to the Vet Hospital ... but wowzers, it was good to be home!

Play bows, everypup! And special thanks to Dr. Dixon and Beth and my student Michelle for treating me so well!
Zim

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

My Trip to the Vet's, Part 1

Ha roo, pups! It's me - Zim! Guess where I went yesterday? Yep, to the big vet place to see Dr. Dixon. I've been experiencing some changes and Mom and Dad thought they should have me checked out. Stormy thought I should post pictures of my trip so everypup could see how wonderful the people are there and how great they treat us. I wish all of you had vets as wonderful, kind, and skilled as ours! I'll post Part 1 today and Part 2 tomorrow. Then, by special request, one of us will post Mom's famous Banana Cake recipe on Friday!

When we first come in to the Vet Hospital, the first thing we always do is schmooze with the nice ladies at the front desk. Mom signs some stuff and they get a weight check on me. Yesterday was no different. Here I am on the scale:

One of the ladies who works there was going through the lobby, and stopped to comment on how handsome I am. I stuck that pose just for her. Pretty good one, don't you think? I was 50.0 pounds exactly. I thought that was cool.

The nice student took me in the back right away to run a cystocentesis on me. I came with a very full bladder, so it was nice that they did that first. Unfortunately for them, Amber had warned me about this (just having had one herself), so I decided to hide my bladder. They had to settle for a "free catch" sample, which I was happy to go outside and provide.

After that, we did a general exam and they wanted some of my blood. I'm not sure why - I would think they had plenty of their own - but, hey, who am I to argue? My very favorite Vet Tech Beth came in to hug me. I love Beth and feel comfortable around her. Here are Beth, my student and me.

I had just told Beth a joke, that's why she's smiling. Ha roo roo roo! Check out this snooter shot:

Is this a snooter worth smooching?

The student was really good getting the blood. I didn't feel a thing. Same with the r-e-c-t-a-l exam she did. (I know that freaks some of you pups out; that's why I spelled it!) Both the student and Dr. Dixon were really gentle.

They wanted to try to do another cysto, so they brought me some water to drink, to fill my bladder back up. Knowing they wanted me to drink, I refused.

No, thanks.

Besides, there was a VERY vocal kitty in the back area. I wanted to go help him. Or perhaps just to stare at him. I only speak a little Cat, but you all know Storms is fairly fluent. The kitty was saying, "Mow! MOW! MrOW! Row." According to Storm, I had it figured out right - he was saying, "Let me OUT of this place NOW! I want to go HOME!" Poor fella; he was just scared. I think we can all relate.

So... where was I? Mom asked if I could have a little snack, since they'd already taken the blood they wanted. Once Dr. Dixon gave that the green light, I had a cookie. Yum! Very nice, since I had to skip lunch. THEN she got more cookies... but broke them up and put them in the water bowl, so I'd have to drink some water to get to them. Oh, like I'm going to fall for that one, Mom!

Bobbing for biscuits

Well, OK. Maybe I did. But like I said, I missed lunch.

After a while, they tried another cysto. First with me on my back, but that didn't work, then with me standing up. Dr. D gave that a try, but even she couldn't find my bladder!

They decided to use an ultrasound to help find my bladder and guide their needle. JACKPOT! I just have an itty-bitty bladder.

A lot of the tests had come back by this time - and the big stuff looked pretty good. It'll take the Labs a few days to do some of the other tests. Amber said Labs aren't as fast as Sibes, then she giggled; Storm said they have to grow cultures. Whatever. We were on to my favorite part of the visit - COOKIE TIME!

Beth and Dr. Dixon, rewarding me!

I had some special one-on-one time with Dr. Dixon then.

Thanks, Dr. D!

She gave me more cookies and said I was so gentle and so nice not to hold a grudge after all the needles and stuff. Grudge? I'm a Siberian Husky. We don't hold grudges!

Here's the last picture for today:

Me and Dr. Dixon

I know you're wondering. Did I give her one gentle smooch on her nose or didn't I? That's between us! Ha roo roo roo!

Tune back in tomorrow for Part 2!

Play bows,
Zim