Mayhem in the Morning

Mayhem in the Morning

A Poem by Laurie Cushner

It’s mayhem in the morning after a three-dog night

with Midge and Tess and Katy asleep, all curled up tight.

But in the early morning, an hour after the break of dawn

there comes a shake of the ears, a wag of the tail, and then a yawn.

And suddenly three furry doggies surround me on the bed

as they playfully give warm kisses telling me it’s time to be fed.

Oh, it’s mayhem in the morning and it’s breakfast feeding time.

Three eager “pups” sit side by side like partners in crime.

Then they dance around their dish and gobble up their kibble.

They eat as fast as they can, why bother to nibble.

The day is young and they want to have fun –

they’re always in the moment -wanting to seize the day.

“Hey” their tails say, “it’s time to go hike and play.”

Oh yes, it’s mayhem in the morning as they pile in the SUV

wagging tails, happy faces, panting in harmony.

They give a little nudge to the driver to “hurry up the show”.

Obviously, they think I’m driving much too slow.

When I stop to park, they all announce their arrival

by sounding like a canine spiritual revival.

Then they run, they sniff, they meet and greet and they play.

Occasionally, they turn their heads and smile as if to say,

“Hey, for a human non-furry creature, you’re really quite okay”.

Oh, the mayhem in the morning – I wouldn’t change a thing

because these happy souls are the yin, the yang and the zing.

At nighttime, they all snuggle, cozy warm in their doggie beds

Dreaming about chasing squirrels and critters and a fox so red.

And when they awake from this dream-filled, adventurous place

they’re ready to impart unconditional love on the human race

With warm canine kisses, playful nips, and a smiling face

…they show us how to love life with nonstop embrace.

Kids & Canines Program at Freeport Public Library

Kids & Canines Program at Freeport Public Library

Love dogs and want to learn more about how to interact with them? Then Dog-Harmony’s Kids & Canines program at Freeport Public Library on Friday, March 21 at 1 pm is for YOU!

This workshop is geared toward children ages 6-12. It teaches basic canine body language and signs of stress so that children can interact more safely with dogs. The children will then practice these new skills with certified therapy dogs. 

Call the library at (850) 835-2040 to sign up for the program on March 21.

If you represent a local library, please contact Nancy Bown to get your location included in the program’s visiting schedule.

Can Fearful Fido Be Festive?

Can Fearful Fido Be Festive?

Written by Amanda Rietheimer, CDBC, CPDT-KA

The upcoming holidays bring new feelings for many families as we reconnect with our loved ones. While it can be exciting to get together in large groups with our family and friends, this often tends to be very scary for our furry four-legged friends. If Fido is nervous about any variation in his environment, adding visitors or other dogs can pose a challenge to future gatherings.

Here are a few tips to help Fido be festive, too:

  • Find enrichment toys that Fido likes to engage with when only your immediate family is present.
  • Start now, well before the holidays. Start with one guest, working your way up to multiple guests in the house.
  • Put Fido up in a room/crate before a guest arrives at the house.
  • Set up Fido’s enrichment toy, such as a snuffle mat, near his dog bed or mat about 15 to 20 feet from the guest.
  • Have the guest sit down before bringing Fido out on a leash.
  • Make sure Fido is calm when you enter the room and treat him, keeping your distance from the guest.
  • If Fido is barking, growling, lunging, or showing signs of stress do not proceed.
  • Have the guest toss treats towards Fido.
  • Check in with Fido often, if he is showing signs of stress such as growling, snapping, barking, shaking, or pulling away, end the session and put Fido back in his crate or other room and contact a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant or veterinarian for help.
  • If Fido is eating treats tossed to him, walk him on the leash to his bed and have him engage in his snuffle mat.
  • When Fido looks at you or your guest and is calm, toss treats to him. It is important that we are tossing treats and never hand-feeding him, as we want him to be comfortable staying at a distance from our guest.
  • For big gatherings, install gates for safe areas for Fido to relax. Our guests can then move around comfortably and not worry about where Fido is.
  • Advise all guests that Fido likes to be a part of the party from a distance. Being pet by guests is not enjoyable for Fido. If guests cannot listen, then put Fido back in his crate/room, where he can be safe and not escalate in fear. Give Fido an enrichment toy to enjoy while he is in his crate.
  • Have buckets full of treats that can be tossed to Fido over the gate to him.
Chillin’ for Canines: A Human Wellness Day at Ain’t Life Cool Benefiting Dog-Harmony

Chillin’ for Canines: A Human Wellness Day at Ain’t Life Cool Benefiting Dog-Harmony

Ain’t Life Cool, a cryotherapy and wellness center, is hosting its second Chillin’ for Canines benefiting Dog-Harmony on Saturday, December 7, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 8955 US-98, Suite 104 in Miramar Beach, FL.

100% of the proceeds from services booked at the center that day will be donated to Dog-Harmony, a 501(c)3 dedicated to enriching the lives of humans and their canine companions through community education and therapy dog programs.

Ain’t Life Cool offers holistic therapies on a walk-in basis, including cryotherapy utilizing the most advanced technology available, red light therapy, compression therapy, and Himalayan salt aromatherapy. These targeted or whole-body therapies can help reduce inflammation and swelling, promote healing, and diminish pain.

To participate in Chillin’ for Canines and support Dog-Harmony, visit Ain’t Life Cool in Miramar Beach on December 7. There, you can select from a variety of therapies available to the public on a walk-in basis to reduce pain, heal, and promote rejuvenation. Participants can also enjoy complimentary refreshments in between services.

Visit www.aintlifecool.com to learn more about its therapeutic services!

Family Pawtraits with Santa

Family Pawtraits with Santa

Your photo is ready! Download it from Rescue Animal Photography at

https://www.rescueanimalphotography.org/pawtraits-with-santa

Look! Look, everyone! It’s Santa! Oh my gosh, it’s Santa!!!

Register today for a fun time with your pup. Your registration per dog will get you a family pawtrait with Santa – yes, the Big Guy in Red! Your ticket includes a digital holiday photo and 1 ticket for the chance drawing of a dog swag bag.

It will be a mirthful outting for eveyone with refreshments, a fun doggie social, and Dog-Harmony is selling hand painted ornaments to make your holidays even more special. Photos are taken by Rescue Animal Photography!
Join us at Salty Paws Boutique in the Destin Commons on Nov. 30th from 11am – 2pm!

We’re still taking walk-ins!

Use the form below to purchase your one of a kind ornament or a hand-crafted card.

Hand painted Ornaments to Support Dog-Harmony

We have commissioned local artisans to hand paint ornaments to celebrate the holidays and support Dog-Harmony! You may add as many ornaments as you would like to your photo ticket purchase using the form above.

The ornaments will be ready for you to select and pick up at the Pawtraits With Santa event on November 30th at Salty Paws Boutique in the Destin Commons.

Event Sponsors

Salty Paws logo
Rescue Animal Photography logo