Update

Hi all! We are still here, still alive. I figure 2.5 months is a long blogging hiatus to take for the time being. I have been active on Facebook and Instagram if you want to follow us there for more updates.

I figure it's time for an update on how things are around here.

Spring is here at the farm. Even though it is has snowed at least once a week since the official beginning of Spring last month.

Squinty faces and a drool bubble during a late season snow. 

Though none of them really act like it, I feel as if I run a senior pet retirement home. Both Juice and Noelle (my cats) are 12.

She really is 12 years old.

Bruce is 8.5, Neeko is 8, and Faolan is the young one at 6.5.

While Winter has seemed to last a while, there are some signs of Spring around. We have had some nice mild days, in which to enjoy hikes, mud, and the creek.

One sure sign of Spring (at least to a northern breed owner) is the annual blowing of the coat. As usual, Faolan is the first to start here, and so far the only one.

Over the course of two long brushing sessions, I completely brushed out his undercoat. I made another dog in the process, and he appears to have lost 10 lbs. I only wish Neeko were that easy.

The chickens are enjoying the new vegetation, bugs, and longer days.

One thing they are less thrilled about is the addition of 12 new chicks.

I got these babies about 7 weeks ago, and kept them inside with their Brinsea EcoGlow Warmer for the first 5 weeks here. I moved them outside into a small, enclosed coop setup near the regular coop. They can see the big girls, and the big girls can see them, but no mingling yet. I am hoping this acclimation system will work.

I am 99% certain one of these babies is a cockerel, so we will see how he turns out.

So that's what is going on with us. Nothing earth shattering, simple day to day life. But it's fun, and I like it.

Wordless Wednesday - A Face Only a...

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Happy Birthday Faolan!

I call today Faolan's birthday.

I don't know when it actually is. I adopted him on July 5, and the shelter guesstimated him at 9 months old. So we celebrate it October 5.

He is now 6, supposedly officially middle-aged. He hasn't received the memo, though.

He is joyful, energetic, and fun loving. He is as sweet as candy. Sometimes he is a little shit though.

I'll say it time and time again. This "little" dog has impacted me more than words can describe. I sometimes wish I had known/gotten him as a true puppy. How much more amazing he might be then he already is. He came to me slightly damaged, and maybe I love him even more for it. Because of how far he has come. Because of how far he has brought me.

Happy birthday sweet boy. Here's to so many more.

Traveling in Style - Molly Mutt Review and Giveaway

I regularly take my dogs along with me in the car. Be it on appointments for them, outings for them, or just running errands with me.

Keeping a clean car that carries three large dogs can be a challenge. They track mud, dirt, drool, and fur.

Attempting to pick fur out of my seats and/or cargo area is not something I consider a good time. It doesn't matter how good your vacuum is.

Molly Mutt is happy to help with a line of adorable cargo covers.

My favorite thing about these cargo covers is their multi-functionality. They are not only cargo covers, but also seat covers and hammocks.

With their easy portability, I think they would also make excellent picnic and outdoor event blankets!

Being used as a back seat hammock.

These covers measure 56" x 56", a very decent size. They have adjustable straps to fit over headrests and a grippy backing to hold them in place. They can remain in place as a backseat cover because they have openings for seat belts to fit through.

Derpy Faolan is all smiles about the new cover.

One of my favorite things about them - the absolutely adorable patterns. There are 8 to choose from, and I had a hard time selecting one. I ended up choosing "Amarillo by Morning."

The Giveaway

Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. One Molly Mutt cover will be given away to one winner. Must be a US resident aged 18 or older to enter. Winner will have 48 hours from initial notification to respond.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This post is sponsored by Molly Mutt. My Rotten Dogs only shares ideas and products that we feel are relevant. All words and opinions are strictly my own.

Rewarding Behaviors with #StellaandChewys

It's no secret that I am a fan of Stella & Chewy's raw food. My dogs are as well. While I haven't personally tasted it, it's apparently delicious.

So much so that my dogs are willing to work for it.

Stella & Chewy's freeze-dried raw makes a great reward or training treat!

I admit, I regularly bribe my dogs for good or desired behaviors, or for doing "tricks" that I want them to do. They typically comply, but the reward has to be worth it in their opinions at times. Stella & Chewy's is nearly always worth it to them.

My Rotten Dogs are Stella & Chewy's ambassadors. We are compensated to help spread the word about Stella & Chewy's, but all thoughts and opinions are our own. 

I am not a trainer, nor do I claim or desire to be one. But my dogs all know several behaviors and/or tricks, and I encouraged them to learn them with tasty goodies.

I haven't taught any new tricks or behaviors recently, with the exception of teaching Faolan to "crawl." However, we still do regular sessions of their known tricks and behaviors, to keep them sharp.

When I do these outdoors, there are distractions. My chickens, other birds and critters, each other my neighbors tractor, lawnmower, golfcart, etc. So have to have something very high value to keep their attention.

Stella & Chewy's is just that to them-high value.



Notice how intently (for the most part) are paying attention to me? I believe it's because of the pieces of Stella & Chewy's I was holding. Faolan in particular wanted MY attention and the treats, and was being pretty demanding (but still cute) by barking at me.

It's quite easy to use the food as treats. Though it is freeze-dried, it is not super crumbly. The patties easily break into smaller pieces to be used as treats.

My dogs definitely go nuts for these, and are willing to work. I need to put my thinking cap on, and come up with new tricks and behaviors to teach them using these as a reward.

Do you have any trick suggestions for me?



This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Stella & Chewy's. The opinions and text are all mine.

Embark DNA Testing a Suspected Wolfdog From a Shelter

Order an Embark DNA test by clicking HERE.

When I adopted Faolan from a local shelter five years ago, he was officially adopted out as a "husky mix." Turns out, that is true. But there are a few other breeds present in him as well.

Faolan was an owner surrender to the shelter, and they seemed to think I was going to be his third owner. The person who surrendered him gave a story that suggested they may have gotten him from out of state. The shelter staff guessed him at approximately 9 months old in July of 2012. They thought he was neutered, turns out his testicles just hadn't descended yet. One small one popped up (or popped down?) a couple of weeks after I adopted him, and he was neutered shortly after that.

A few years back, I did an earlier version of Wisdom Panel on Faolan, and I wasn't terribly impressed with the results. So I decided to do an an Embark DNA test on him.

Not only does Embark have an extensive database to test for various dog breeds, they also test for 160 genetic diseases, all of which Faolan is clear of.

Faolan came back with five breeds present, and nothing was supermutt or too mixed to tell.

Happy Gotcha Day Faolan!

Five years ago today I left work early so I could make it to a shelter in a nearby county to "look at" a dog before they closed.

Five years ago today I ended up adopting a scared, fearful, skinny older puppy who was named Dante.

Five years ago today I renamed him Faolan.

The above photo was taken about three months after I adopted him. He was still small, but his coat was a million times better, thanks to raw.

Neeko played a large role in helping him to develop some confidence, as did patience, kindness, love, and consistency.

He is now a fun adult dog who is always up for an adventure. He loves meeting other people and dogs, and will do just about anything I ask of him. He is very confident now, and very rarely fearful.

Walking out onto and balancing on a narrow fallen tree for me.

He is funny. He is smart. He is sweet. He is pushy. Sometimes he is impatient.

He has become my favorite hiking buddy, and he doesn't tire out easily. He learns quickly, and most of the time will work for food.

I love how far he has come, and how far he and I have come together.

Happy 5th Gotcha Day, sweet boy!

Raw Goodness on the Go! #StellaAndChewys

It is officially summer, and summer is travel season.  Many Americans travel with their dogs each year, to destinations near and far.

Some of these traveling dogs are bound to be raw fed...and lugging around a heavy cooler (and keeping it iced) or going to the store daily for dog food (if there is even one nearby) isn't something most would consider a good time. 

Stella & Chewy's freeze-dried raw is the perfect solution!

Who wouldn't want to go camping with Faolan?

Black & White Sunday

Summer is upon us. It's warm, some humidity, some rain. The little guy and I took advantage of early morning coolness, and enjoyed a nice long hike last week. He doesn't tire out easily, but appreciates a break in a shady spot.

Black & White Sunday

I love this "little" dog. He is always up for an adventure, and so much fun. He is lighthearted, goofy, sweet as pie, and so very brave.

I don't even know when it started, but I call him "Doodle." He responds to it, as well as his name. It's cute, much like him. A dear friend of mine thinks it's hilarious that I call him "Doodle." What's funny is that this same friend refers to him as "Peanut."

Faolan, Doodle, Peanut. Whatever you call him, he's my sweet little boy.

After the Rain

If you follow us on social media, you know that central Indiana has basically been through a monsoon. It rained for 9 days in a row. Mostly all day rains, with some heavy storms.

I was going crazy. My yard was soaked, with grass and weeds growing lush. Too soft with too much mud for me to cut. The dogs were going crazy. Too much mud to let them out in the big yard, too much rain for walks.

This weekend, we got a break.

It was 60 degrees and sunny both days. Mud be damned, I let the dogs out into the big yard.

After spending Saturday completing some much needed barn chores, I took Faolan for a nice long walk on our property Sunday.

I let him lead the way, and he led me to the creek immediately.

After all the rain, it was too deep for me to cross in my Bogs, and too cold to cross otherwise. But he had no problem going in.

After the rain, the water is brown and fast. There was still mud everywhere. But everything is green and lush, with wildflowers and beautiful weeds everywhere.

The sunshine was much needed, long overdue. The rain was cleansing, but the sun was freeing.

I could have spent Sunday doing some needed chores - cutting a ton of grass, weeding, weed eating. Instead I choose to spend my beautiful day off with my beautiful dogs.

I have no regrets. The grass could wait.

Help Senior Dogs and #StandUp4Shelters with Stella & Chewy's

Neeko, Bruce, and Faolan are hoping you will join them this month and #StandUp4Shelters.

Throughout the entire month of March, Stella & Chewy's are donating $1 of their food, up to $20,000 to The Grey Muzzle Organization, and you can help!

"The Grey Muzzle Organization improves the lives of at-risk senior dogs by providing funding and resources to animal shelters, rescue organizations, sanctuaries, and other non-profit groups nationwide."

 How to participate

• Take a photo of your dog or cat "standing up."
• Post it publicly to social media - Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.
• Be sure to include #StandUp4Shelters and tag @stellaandchewys.

I lured all three of my dogs in the standing position using Stella & Chewy's Meal Mixers as treats!

If your dog or cat has physical issues that could cause pain or you have other concerns please do not encourage your dog or cat into a position that is uncomfortable for them. Instead, please take a photo with your dog or cat that you feel comfortable with and share that picture, using the same hashtag and tag.

This is a fun campaign to participate, and benefits the lives of senior dogs. Now that two of my dogs are considered seniors, I appreciate groups like this more than ever. It takes minimal time, and makes a difference!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Stella & Chewy's. The opinions and text are all mine.

Irish for a Day

Some like to say that everyone is Irish for a day on St. Patrick's Day. Faolan most certainly is.


His name is Gaelic for "little wolf."

Wordless Wednesday - Curiosity

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Working Dogs Need a Job - Kurgo Big Baxter Backpack

My dogs all have some northern breed or combination of northern breeds in them. I have ran Wisdom Panels on both Neeko and Faolan, and both indicated the presence of Alaskan Malamute. I know Bruce's background, and he is at least half Alaskan Malamute.

Alaskan Malamutes, along with many other breeds, are considered "working dogs." They are built to pull. I work hard to keep my dogs from pulling while on leash. Mushing is not a viable option for us, partly due to their general disregard for my wishes most of the time. However, there are many ways I can keep them mentally stimulated and give them a job to do.

We do trick training and active lured behaviors outdoors. Believe it or not, all of my dogs know several tricks and behaviors. Another good way to put them to work is to have them carry things with a backpack.

I have tried various backpacks in the past. When Neeko was younger, I would load up a backpack with water bottles and take her for a walk. She tired out more quickly with the load. A tired dog is a good dog.

The other backpacks I tried were typically disappointing. They didn't fit well, weren't visually attractive, and seemed to be of poor quality.

We recently received the Kurgo Big Baxter Dog Backpack.

It is very well made. Tough nylon straps with saddlebags, contoured spine support and chest plate made of durable, resistant material. It is also attractive, available in a variety of colors. I chose red, because it is a color that contrasts beautifully with all three of my dogs fur.

The Big Baxter is made for dogs 50-110 lbs. That is a broad size range, but the backpack has eight different points of size adjustment. There is a 30 lb and 4" size difference between Neeko and Faolan, but with adjustments, the backpack fit both of them very well.

It was also comfortable for them, There have been times where my dogs would not sit or lie down wearing various backpacks or harnesses, because they were uncomfortable for them. That is not the case with the Baxter Backpack.

Faolan had no problem being his normal rambunctious self while on a snowy hike wearing the Baxter Backpack.

Other things I love about the Big Baxter Backpack from Kurgo:

• It has a chest plate that connects by going between the dog's legs as opposed to just a strap across the chest.
• Their is a handle on the back, for added control.
• The saddlebags are roomy, plenty of room for other gear and goodies.
• It has a leash clip on the back, so it can also be used as a harness.
• Their is a bottle opener on the chest plate!

It has a bottle opener built in!

I love taking both Neeko and Faolan out and about. Sometimes it is a hassle to juggle a leash and a backpack (for myself) or a purse. I can put my dogs to work! They can carry their own stuff (treats, toys, etc) but also carry my stuff for me! Phone, wallet, keys and the like.

I am very happy with this product. It is well made, sharp looking, easy to adjust and apply. It can assist with giving my dogs a "job" to do, but also make my life a bit easier by having them carry my stuff for me!

Have you used a backpack for your dogs?

I was provided with complimentary product. All opinions are my own.

Dog Poetry for Valentine's Day

Roses are red

I am the queen

A dog as pretty as me

Has yet to be seen.

~Neeko

Roses are red

I am forever sweet

I will trade kisses

For a scrumptious treat.

~Faolan

Roses are red

Sometimes I drool

Please feed me dinner

Before I think you a fool.

~Bruce

How would your dog's poetry read?

Wordless Wednesday - Kisses

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Faolan Gets Some #LoveFromStella and You Can Too!

Fact - My dogs are my funny (and furry) Valentines year round. I am in love with this Valentine's Day card Stella & Chewy's made of Faolan.

For a chance to get a custom digital card of your cat or dog, follow Stella & Chewy's on Facebook and Instagram and post a photo with #LoveFromStella.

Faolan is a lover, and I likely could hashtag about him all day.

My Rotten Dogs is a Stella & Chewy's ambassador. I am compensated for helping to spread the word about Stella & Chewy's, but only support products I believe in and use for my own dogs.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Stella & Chewy's. The opinions and text are all mine.

Black & White Sunday

The guardian. Faolan really is. He guards me from other dogs at times. From people on occasion. From things that smell funny to him.

Mostly he guards me from having a bad day. This boy always makes me smile or laugh.