Penny's Pawblished Pawmotion.

Greetings, yes it's me, Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet superstar!  Note my crap notes, I mean scrap notes in my photo.

Because I'm such a kind, caring, sharing and oh so lovable dog, I'm going to pawmote a pawblished author.  I know my undeniable influence in the dogging, I mean, blogging world, will help increase awareness of this fine writer.  Here we go......

Available now.  "Treadwell" by author Dana Joy Wyzard.

The Blurb

"After living for sixty years in the cabin of her birth, Nelda Pike is as resilient and self-reliant as she needs to be. Like other residents in the backwoods town of Treadwell, she guards her anonymity with a fierce tenacity and a shotgun. When she discovers a terrified young woman stumbling beside the country road, Nelda goes against her better judgement and offers temporary sanctuary. As the only witness to her mother/s brutal murder, seventeen year old Laura is running for her life. Successfully tracking her to Nelda's secluded cabin, the killers forcibly abduct Laura and disappear into the backwoods. Enraged, Nelda reaches out to her lifelong friend, Wosie Mae - a woman as irascible and indomitable as Nelda herself, for help. Together, two old women with shotguns, and a geriatric hound, are now on the murderer's trail."

You can get information on how to purchase Dana's book here :  "Treadwell", by Dana Joy Wyzard

And here : "Treadwell", by Dana Joy Wyzard (Xlibris)

I would also highly recommend, if for some unbelievable reason you've never visited her blog site, you can find it and further info about her book and her take on life, here :  WITLESS RELOCATION PROGRAM

Okay, that it's from me, Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet superstar!  On behalf of my human, Gary, yes the human I so kindly allow to live with me, we wish Dana much success with her book.  Now, I'm going for a well deserved doggy nap......

A Dog On A Blog.

I've seen a human doing poetry
Bringing words of so much glee
A Pat in the Hatt
Is where's it at
Clink on the link
And see what you think>>>>>It's Rhyme Time

Now it's time to see
Some pawetry from me

A Dog On A Blog.

A dog on a blog
Makes you feel all agog
Dr. Seuss
Is on the loose
Mother Goose
Bullwinkle the Moose
In a caboose
Getting footloose
Humpty Dumpty
Goes bumpety bumpety
Comments on blog
Can confuse this dog
Spam-I-Am
Just a scam?
Shakespeare
It does appear
Did a book with Dr. Seuss
A book indeed you might just choose
Green Eggs and Hamlet
How strange does it get?

The Inner Puppy.

Greetings, yes it's me, Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet superstar.  Thought it's about time I did a pawsting, sorry, posting.  Let my human, Gary, yes the human I so kindly allow to live with me, take a break. The old fellow is exhausted.

He did ask me to hold off for a couple of days before I pawblished, sorry, published a posting.  I know he was hoping that a number of people might read his posting.  Let them see that through adversity, we can find inspiration.  Yes, he sought out his inner child and during such recent times of torment, I sensed that peace was beginning to embrace him in new and magical ways.

And during those times of torment, of his lingering doubt, I've been here for him, comforting him, making him realise that all will be okay.

A little while ago, he did something rather unusual, he went out the front door.  "Where are you going, Gary?"  "To the hospital", he replied.  And the next day and the day after that, I asked him the same question and got the same reply.  On the fourth straight day of him going out I said, "Let me guess, you're going to the hospital?"  "Not this time, Penny.  I've got to go to a medical assessment where I have to prove I've not been very well."  I found that most odd.

The weekend started and I noted he was tired and confused.  "Gary?"  "Yes Penny?"  "Gary, I have sensed, very deeply, that the last two months have been a huge challenge to your resilient spirit.  I am an adult dog and yet, my dear human, I rejoice in the purity that is my inner puppy.  Relax Gary, tune into your inner child and let the pure goodness immerse your environment.  You are going to be fine.  You love me and I love you."

I saw the solitary tear flow down his cheek.  A tear, of relief, of reflection, of hope, of happier times to come.  He looked at me and said, "Penny, beautiful Penny, indeed there are times when it seems that negative forces, be it external, internal, or a combination of both, tried to mess up my life.  I'm learning the lessons.  Lessons that teach me that through adversity, I gather strength, determination, inspiration.  As you embrace your inner puppy, spread joy to me, to all who are blessed to know you, Penny I have the wisdom to defy my inner critic and embrace my inner child."

"Penny, when it's dark and rainy, I do not merely see droplets of water on the window.  The raindrops, illuminated by the street lamp, become stars and the street lamp, a galaxy.  I can see the positive in what can seem the most negative of moments.  Thank you, Penny."

Here I am as a puppy.  Held lovingly in the arms of my brother, Tristan.  He was but twelve years old in the photo.  Me, a couple of months old.  Now he is twenty four and we have been together for half his life.  I am still that puppy.  The inner puppy exudes so much non-judgemental, unconditional love.  Tristan, my brother, Gary, my dad, know that their inner child will get them through the toughest of times.

Britain's Next Paw Minister.

This is a pawed pawlitical announcement on behalf of "Britain's Lovable Earnest Encouragement Pawty", also known as, "BLEEP".

Dear animal and human alike. At our recent convention in the London borough of Barking and 'Dogenham', we held an election, voted by pawty members, to decide who our leader would be in the run up to the next general election in Britain.

By a landslide decision, a Jack Russell dog, famous for her work bringing the ethos of a non-judgemental, unconditional, loving world, to the computer screens of humans and other creatures, great and small, was duly elected as our leader.

Ladies, gentleman and fellow creatures, we present to you the next Paw Minister of Britain, Penny the Jack Russell dog.

Penny will represent our ideals in the next general election. That of a nation where the "Fat Cats" at the 'Big Barks' will be penalised for getting us into such a financial mess. That of a nation where 'pawsterity' measures are not inflicted on the poor, the vulnerable, the sick, the disabled, to pay for the mistakes of the fortunate.

Those currently in power speak of, "The Big Society", that, "We are all in this together". What that really means is that the government in power, the coalition government formed by the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats aka 'ConDems', takes away essential services and benefits from the poor, the vulnerable, the sick, the disabled. Yes, in the Big Society, those who are unfortunate are expected to fend for themselves. We at BLEEP will redress the balance.

We shall ensure that those who need help, get help. And we shall ensure that those who have caused so much misery will pay for the errors of their ways. It's time for a real change. A change for a better Britain. A Britain where mankind and all beloved creatures live in a nation of peace and equality.

After the next general election, in the 'Houses of Pawliament', a new dawn will see Penny, our kind and caring leader, take her place as the next Paw Minister of Britain.

Behold!  The next Paw Minister of Britain.  Penny the Jack Russell dog.  Penny's pawlitcally pawsitive pawty platform pawmoting peace.

Making A Difference.

I had a very quiet Christmas Day.  Although, I did manage to have a fascinating conversation with the four walls who refused to give concrete answers.  I also discussed the meaning of life with Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet superstar!   Lovable son arrived in the early evening just long enough to open presents, grab his Christmas meal and proceed to his bedroom.  I have learnt that an X Box and gaming online, is a must in my young man's life.

I do have an advantage spending Christmas mostly alone.  No tolerating 'uncle Bert' who gets increasingly drunk, talks in a very loud voice about his views on politics, religion and the kids these days.  One tries to nod  their head at the right times. "Yes uncle Bert.  Ah those kids these days, eh!"  What one really wants to say to him is, "Why don't you shut the f**k up, you opinionated buffoon!"  Instead, one grins at him through gritted teeth.

'Granny Good Witch', in the meantime, continues with the theme about the kids these days, how they have no respect and are ever so rude.  At this point, Granny Good Witch makes a snarky comment about the state of the home, reaches over the table, grabs the last slice of turkey, finishes of the finest malt whiskey, lets rip with a fart that burns out nostril hairs and then falls asleep in the Christmas pudding.

Nephew Tom and niece Mary, have food fights, smash the antique grandfather clock and torment the family cat.  The night of Christmas Day ends up with a traditional family argument where uncle Bert finds out his wife, auntie Mabel, is having an affair with Bert's brother, Fred.  Fred, quickly swigs back the last drops of his home made wine and staggers out the front door.  Uncle Bert staggers after him down the street and tackles him in front of the police station.  They are both arrested and wake up on Boxing Day in a cell wondering how they got there...

Yes, I could of felt sorry about myself being mostly alone on Christmas Day.  Instead, I decided to try and make a difference.  I knew that many folks do struggle with Christmas Day and I reached out to the sad, the lonely or those who just wanted to chat, anyway.  It turned into an inspiring day and I was deeply touched by the interaction that was shared.  To direct my focus onto something positive, instead of being overwhelmed by sadness, taught me some valuable lessons.  If we do help each other, we really do help ourselves.

There are those who only look for the bad.  And thus, all they see is bad when there is goodness right in front of them.  I used to be like that.  Yet such negativity, ate me up, controlled my life.  Now I choose to see the good.  What we shared on Christmas Day was a resounding victory for the good in this world.

I looked at the warm, gentle ambience of the flickering candles.  The flickering candles, symbolic of a continued better life.  Thank you for being here and I will always be there for you.

Blog Of The Year, 2012.

Hi, yes it's me, Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet superstar!  We have been honoured with having the, "Blog Of The Year, 2012", forwarded onto to me and okay, my human, Gary.   We wish to thank Teresa and her very talented writing dog, Indy, who can be found at this site, A Likely Story.

Okay, there seems to be some kind of rules to go with this award.  So here they are.

1: Choose the blog(s) you consider to be deserving of the "Blog Of The Year, 2012", award.

2: Write a blog post and tell us about the blog(s) you have chosen and 'present' them with their award.

3: Please include a link back to this page, Blog Of The Year, 2012 Award.  and include these 'rules' in your post (please don't alter the rules or the badges.)

4: Let the blog(s) you have chosen know that you have given them this award and share the 'rules' with them.

5: You can also join the Facebook Group .     

6:  As a winner of the award, please add a link back to the blog that presented you with the award.  Then proudly display the award on your blog and sidebar.  Then you can start collecting stars.

Anyway, I'm now totally confused.  I just hope that by following the above links, you can figure this all out.  I think I will finish this and go for a well deserved doggy nap.  Oh yes, I'm supposed to tell you about the blog or blogs I have chosen and tell you all about them, or something like that.  I'm also supposed to let them or one person, or animal, know I have actually bestowed this here award to them.  Excuse me while I catch my breath.  Wow, I just watched my breath float around the room and now I've caught it....

It's a very difficult choice to pass on this award.  There are so many amazing blogs and the interaction from you is warmly embraced.  You are all superstars in the blogging world.  So here's what I'm going to do.  There is one young fellow who inspires so many with his informative, wonderfully written and heartfelt postings.  Many of you will know what I mean about this remarkable young man.  Several of us put up birthday tributes for this young blogger who has touched so many hearts.

And thus, it gives me and my human, great privilege on bestowing this award to Lenny Lee.  If you've never visited Lenny, you can find him here,  Lenny's World .  I know how much it would mean to him if you went and said "hi" and wished our terrific young buddy, "A Merry Christmas".

Santa Paws Is Comin' To Town.

Hi there, yes it's me, Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet superstar!  Gary, the human I so kindly allow to live with me, has asked me if I would grace this site by doing a 'pawsting', I mean, posting.

Ah, "tis' the season to be jolly".  Goodwill to all man and animals, alike.  Yet I know that this time of the year can be even more pronounced for those in pain.  For those who only know desperation, solitude and feel like spectators peering out from tear-stained windows at the celebration of others.

Gary is sick and he knows that his sickness is not some sort of bizarre competition.  The, "I'm sicker than you", mentality does not come into the equation.  He knows it's not a contest.  Everyone's hopes, dreams, pains and concerns are just as valid as the next.

Gary has told me how humbled and inspired he has been by the interaction he receives from those who are in pain and yet their selfless, altruistic attitude is about being of support for others who are needing words of encouragement, of comfort.

On Christmas Day,  three years ago, Gary stayed online on a mental health website "chat room" for almost the entire day.   He was there for the lonely, the sad and those who just wanted to talk.  Now, with my support, we are going to be available on this Christmas Day.  If anybody wants to email us, the contact details can be found in the "About Me" section on this blog.   We will do a further reminder about this just before Christmas Day.

We want to be here for you as you have been here for us.  Oh yes, when we help each other, we help ourselves.

Pawsitive wishes, Penny.

Bedtime On Bonfire Night.

Hi, yes it's me, Penny the Jack Russell dog.  Over here in Britain, we can be subjected to a number of very loud bangs and flashing lights in the sky, from Halloween and somewhat beyond Bonfire Night, also referred to as Guy Fawkes Night.  The previous two years, I discussed my concerns about fireworks and the impact they can have on us animals.  If you wish to check it out, here is the link : Penny's Pyrotechnic Plea.  

What I will emphasise is that we ask humans to use a bit of common sense on Bonfire Night, which is on Monday, November 5.  For your safety and the safety of animals, we would ask that humans would go to an organised, controlled public display of fireworks. 

Renowned Shakespearean actor, Simon Callow, narrates the first bedtime audiobook for us dogs.  It evidently can calm stressed dogs.  Might prove ideal for me, especially on Bonfire Night.  I just had a view of the video and it sort of got my attention.  Just curious to see how my other animal friends react to this bedtime book for dogs.  Here's a link that gives further info about the bedtime story developed for us dogs : Simon Callow's Bonfire Night bedtime story for dogs

And now I must go read my human, Gary, a bedtime story.  I shall read him some extracts from the book I am writing about when I was a puppy titled, 'My First Bark'.  

Regaining The Clarity.

I was sitting there in my living room.  What had started to seem so clear, was vanishing into another dark cloud of distorted confusion.  Another moment of despair had crept into my well being.  I glanced over and there was Penny looking at me with great concern.  She could sense that something was wrong.  It was written on my face and in the dull glisten of my eyes.

"Gary, what's the matter?", asked Penny.  "Just feeling a bit down, Penny.  I have tried so hard to maintain a positive environment and yet, I keep encountering negative influences that try to destabilise our right to a peaceful life."

"Gary, let's try this.  Can you think of three examples of where you turned what started out as a negative into something positive?"  I pondered Penny's question for a few minutes and then I responded.  "Right then, Penny, this first example would be one that has impacted us most recently.  Those new anti-social neighbours have caused much distress.  Yet, even at their most abusive, I have responded with a calm politeness.  I'm hoping, because they have been much quieter over the last week that they have learnt something from my example.  And even so, they are an ironic catalyst that has made me realise that it's time for us to move on into a new home, a fresh start, a new adventure."

"That's most encouraging.  Keep going Gary and please give me your second example."  "Okay, Penny.  I did a lot of volunteer work for a mental health charity.  I demonstrated, kindness, caring and the power of empathy.  Instead of acknowledging me, I was exploited and my own personal recovery took a battering.  If anything, they reinforced my mental health issues.  I left disillusioned, disheartened and ready to retreat back into my reclusive world.  However, I met some decent folks through that mental health charity.  Like-minded individuals who had also felt used by the charity.  We have all remained good friends and two of them have now started up their own mental health charity where empathy, understanding, support and encouragement are vital ingredients.  I am honoured to have been asked to be an integral part of that new mental health charity."

"Brilliant.  Now then, Gary, what would be your third example?"  "Penny, here is my third example of turning what started out as a negative and turning it into something positive.  I was subjected to severe workplace bullying, physical, financial and psychological.  This went on for over eight years.  One day I could take no more and had a complete breakdown.  I left that awful, self-esteem destroying, dead-end job that had transformed me into a broken man.  Despite it costing me my marriage, despite it nearly costing me my life due to nearly drinking myself to death, I somehow picked up the remnants of this shattered man and rediscovered me.  The ending of that painful and traumatic time in my life also brought back the dreams of a young boy.  And the young boy, now a man, still a fragile man, recaptured the spark that fired his imagination.  The spark, the power of the written word, had returned and I started writing again."

"There you go, Gary.  Now how are you feeling?"  "Penny, thank you so much!  I'm feeling rejuvenated and I'm understanding that my life aint so bad.  Negative forces will never be given permission to get the better of me.  I have a choice and I choose the right to live my life the way I want to live it."

"Gary?"  "Yes Penny?"  "Gary, I have an additional example to share with you.  I could sense how concerned Tristan and yourself were when you took me to those two different places that were full of animals and people.  I also saw, when your shared sadness eased to shared relief, that you and Tristan were so close together, father and son, united in their love for me and each other."

Penny and myself are wondering if somebody reading this can think of examples of how they could or have changed a negative into a positive. You need not allude to them in a comment.  They can be for you to contemplate.  Peace and positivity, be with you.  Gary and Penny.

Hey Lenny!

Hi there, yes it's me, Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet star, or should I say, superstar!  Right then, I've taken back over my human Gary's blog to make a very special announcement.  Today, Saturday, October 20, 2012, is the birthday of one of my young buddies, Lenny Lee!  Yes, this cool young chap is now 13.  Yes, my young human friend is now a teenager.

Gary and I, or as Lenny calls him, "Mr. Gary", believe that Lenny is an inspiration to young and old alike.  Lenny is the future of blogging and an important part of the ideal that we embrace in this, the sharing, caring blogging community.

And to you Lenny, myself and Gary, indeed all those who have the great fortune to interact with you, my young human buddy, are privileged and honoured to know you.  Your passion for the written word, the wonderment that fills your young heart, is a profound and touching gift that we warmly receive.

I would kindly ask all our friends, human and animal, to go and visit Lenny and wish this amazing young man, a most happy 13th birthday.  If you have never met Lenny, you can find him here : Lenny's World 

Lenny, I'm forwarding you my very own award, "The Gold Framed Dog Blog Award".  This award has no rules, what it does is spread the unconditional, non-judgemental love that we animals share.  And Lenny, we know how much you care about us precious, fragile creatures of our world.  This, my young human friend, is my birthday gift to you.

Hey Lenny!  On behalf of my human, Gary, I, Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet star, superstar,  wish you a fantastic birthday!   Stay special and know how much we care about you! :)  Pawsitive wishes, Penny!  Arf!  Arf!

Thought I'd Drop In.

I'm most grateful to Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet star, who has somehow reached superstar status, for actually allowing me to do a pawsting, sorry, a posting on my own site!  I also want to thank Alex J. Cavanaugh for having Penny guest post on his site and declaring her to be a superstar.

Seriously, it was nice to have Penny take over the writing on here so I could take a break.  Thanks Penny and I shall try to take note of your writing advice.

So, I thought I'd drop in.  And speaking of drop in, you may have heard about that skydiver, Felix Baumgartner, who thought it would be really neat to jump out of a balloon at an altitude of about 24 miles.  Along with getting a very nice view of our planet, Felix also managed to reach a velocity that exceeded the sound barrier.  So what happened to the balloon?

Fastest man to earth - Felix Baumgartner- 833.9 mph.
Fastest man on earth - Usain Bolt - 27.78 mph.

Felix may have started a new craze.  I can see it now.  Folks trying to go even higher and go that little bit faster.  Yes indeed, if it really catches on, they could have designated 'drop-in centres' worldwide for those trying to get up there and  get down here, at an even faster speed.  Of course, this could cause problems when you hear a crash through the roof.  Looking rather startled is some dude in a pressure suit , lying on your living room floor, wondering what went wrong.  Predictably, you say, 'Glad you could drop in.  Would you like a cup of tea or coffee?'

I was wondering if Felix was listening to music inside his pressure suit.  If so, was he listening to "Jump", by Van Halen?  "Free Fallin'", by Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers?  Or  an updated version of  "8 Miles High", by The Byrds titled, '24 Miles High'?

Speaking of skydiving, you know you're having a bad day when the following situation occurs.  You are about to make your first ever parachute jump and just as you leap out of  the plane,  the guy linked up with you asks how long you have been a skydiving instructor......

Paws And Effect.

Greetings, yes it's me, Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet star!  As pawmised, sorry, as promised, I'm submitting an article on Friday, October 12.

I've noted that my human's, Gary and Tristan, are continuing to pack boxes in preparation for getting the heck out of here.  I sense how much they now want to move.  I hope our moving experience is a moving experience.  In the meantime, we wait for that day when I can start new adventures, in a new garden, with my humans and our enchanting, magical friends, the 'wee folks'.

I mentioned in my previous article that I have another special announcement to make.  Right then, here goes.  A mystery guest poster has graced the site of one of my favourite humans.  Yes, the mystery guest poster has been featured on Alex J. Cavanaugh's site.  You probably know Alex.  He seems to be everywhere.  His support, encouragement and positive interaction is much admired.  So, be amazed and please go and check out his latest article, which is full of various fascinating information and even horror movie trivia.  I've no doubt you are curious and thus, here is the link to Alex's latest article,  A Modest Internet Star Visits, Ninja News Overload, Award, and Movie Trivia

Here is a photo of me in our garden during the past British 'summer'.  Okay, just kidding.  This was me acting as a snow plough last winter.  I cleared a pathway so my humans could get to the street.  Talk about paws and effect.

A Short Paws.

Greetings, yes it's me, Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet star!  After taking a short paws to reflect a bit about life, I thought I should type out a short pawsting, sorry, posting.  I seem to be more pawlific, sorry, prolific than usual.

Bear with me, my nerves took ages to calm down today.  The nasty man below us starting banging really early in the morning.  I trembled for about half an hour.  Gary, thank goodness, hugged me until I calmed down.  Gary has been packing boxes.  I think this is symbolic of him wanting to take us away from this very stressful environment.  I feel better verbalising this.

Today, October Ten, is "World Mental Health Day".  And clever me, here is a link that tells you all about it, World Mental Health Day.   And today, October Ten, is also Gary's son Tristan's birthday.  Tristan is twenty four and I have been with him for half of his life.  I love Tristan and I know how much he loves me.  Tristan, my human brother, happy birthday.

Friday, October Twelve, I shall be making another special announcement.  I hope you will come and visit me on Friday.

My dear friend, I leave you with this.  Here is a photograph of a twelve year old Tristan and me, a wee puppy of two months old.  In peace and pawsitivity to you, Penny.

Like-Minded Hearts.

Hi there, yes it's me, Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet star!  Just want to let you know I'm doing just fine.  So fine that when Gary, the human I so kindly allow to live with me, was typing on the keyboard earlier, I snuck up to him and dropped a fart!  Although, the little squeaky noise from my butt startled me and I ran out of the room!  

A few days ago, Gary took me to this place that had other animals waiting around with their humans.  I got a bit nervy because I thought those other animals and humans might recognise me.  I was sure one of the dogs over in the corner was a member of the pesky 'puparazzi' that always hound me.  As luck would have it, I wasn't recognised.  Or maybe all the animals and humans were too starstruck to make a fuss over me.

The lady at the counter called out my name.  "Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet star!  The vet will see you now."  Okay, slight exaggeration.  She only said the name, "Penny".  I went into this small room and Gary placed me on a table with a rubber mat.  Gary started telling the vet about this lump on my chest area.  The vet squeezed the lump and I got a bit agitated by it all.  The vet then spoke to Gary and I'm not sure what was said but I could see my human was looking very worried.  The next thing I knew we were leaving that place and Gary cradled me in his arms.  I could see tears welling up in his eyes.  I wondered what was wrong.

A few days after we had gone to that place with all the animals and humans, we went to another place with animals and humans.  This time Tristan, Gary's son, came along with us.  Gary drove up to this really nice old building that was set in lovely grounds surrounded by trees.  This place looked after all sorts of animals such as dogs, cats and equine animals.  I had no idea what the heck an equine animal was.  That would be until I noticed a horse in the waiting room sitting right next to me.  My human kindly informed me that an equine was an animal relating to or resembling a horse.  Knowing this made me realise that Gary could make an ass of himself.  Yes, I was only joking about a horse being in the waiting room.  Although Gary is another matter....

Gary talked to this very friendly man up at reception.  A few minutes later, Tristan and Gary took me into this room and placed me on a table with a rubber mat.   The very friendly man from reception started to check me out.  Gently and lovingly, Tristan and Gary got me to lie on my side.  The nice man stuck a needle into my lump twice.  I just lay there and wagged my tail.   We then left and Tristan took me for a wonderful walk through the park.  Half an hour later I was back in my home.

The very next day, I noticed that Tristan and Gary seemed calmer, more relaxed.  Everything changed after Gary had been talking on the phone.  I don't know who had phoned, but Gary was smiling and he gave me a great bid cuddle.  Tristan and Gary have been in a most cheerful and invigorated mood since that phone call.

What I do know is this.  That first place Gary took me to didn't feel right and the second place they both took me to I sensed was so much better.  Whatever happened, something very profound,  positive and heart warming has come of this.  Two humans who had been drifting apart through turmoil in such daunting times, showed a new and wondrous resolve.  For I saw Gary and Tristan, father and son, teaming together in like-minded hearts, united in their love for me.

A Second Opinion.

I've been rather in the background as of late.  Too distraught to get involved.  Last Friday, September 21, I took Penny the Jack Russell to our veterinary clinic.  We had noticed a small lump on her chest cavity.  To air on the side of caution, we thought it best to get the lump checked out.

The vet we saw was not the usual vet.  He made a physical inspection of the lump and drew the following conclusion.  He told me that what she had was a tumorous lump and to rid her of it would involve a high risk operation that could actually shorten her life.  I was told the procedure would produce significant scarring.  He recommended that we just let it be and the vet concluded that Penny had about a year to live.

Stunned, devastated, I cradled her in my arms and carried her back to the car.  Later on that Friday, I broke the news to my son, Tristan.  As you can imagine, he was deeply saddened by the diagnosis.  We got to talking about what the vet had said and realised something was very wrong.  In my state of shock, I had not queried the vet as to why he didn't do a biopsy to test the tumorous growth.  Indeed, how could he make such conclusions from just touching the lump.

On Tuesday afternoon, Tristan and I took Penny to another veterinary clinic.  We registered right there and then and explained we would like a second opinion.  Luckily, we got to see a vet within a few minutes.  This time, calmer and with my son posing questions, this vet did a biopsy test using a fine needle aspirate.  Further information can be found here : Fine Needle Aspiration

The vet inserted the fine needle into Penny's lump twice.  Penny, bless her, wagged her tail.  Feeling better in knowing we would be getting test results back on Wednesday, we took Penny home.  On Wednesday afternoon, the vet phoned back with the biopsy test results.  The test results determined that the lump was benign.  No hostile cells and the cells within the lump were uniform in nature.  We were told to observe if the lump got bigger and if required, a relatively straight forward operation, lasting about ten minutes, could be performed.

So, this is a cautionary tale.  If you have a similar situation and you are puzzled by a diagnosis, don't hesitate to ask for a definitive test.   Don't make the mistake I made and assume that a first initial diagnosis is correct.  Although we have been experiencing mixed emotions over this, I'm glad that we had the foresight to get a second opinion.

This posting is to bring further awareness and thus, turning what seemed to be a negative into a positive.  I must go now and give our beloved dog, a great big cuddle.

Penny's Pawmoting Pawsitivity.

Hi there, yes it's me, Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet star!  I wasn't going to post for about another week.  I had other things to do like snooze, go out into the garden, chew on grass, come back inside and puke up a green slimy lump onto my human Gary's freshly washed bed sheets.

However, I have been listening to Gary go on and on, in a rather cynical fashion, about all those self-obsessed, self-promoting, egotistical bloggers with like a zillion followers.  "Look at this one, Penny!  Their writing is absolute crap and they have a zillion followers!   Heck Penny, even my crap writing is better than that!"  "Calm down old dude!  Calm down!" I responded to my human.  "Not all those bloggers with loads of followers are self-obsessed, self-promoting and egotistical!"  

I then proceeded to show Gary an example of what I meant.  "Here Gary, check this blog site out."   "Good grief, look at that!  This guy has over 1600 followers" , noted Gary.  "Heck Penny,  I have been, along with your good self,  actively interacting with other bloggers for five and a half years.   Of course I'm not jealous Penny, but excuse me while I go sob uncontrollably in a darkened room."

"Gary!   Have a good look through this site.  This blogger promotes, brings further awareness of others, writes up about movies and loves music.  Most notably, one of your favourite Canadian bands, "Rush".  Heck Gary, the guy even has two science fiction books published, "CassaStar" and "CassaFire".   And Gary,  in embracing the ethos of a sharing, caring blogging community, he has made mention of me, yes me, Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet star!  Heck Gary, even mentions you!"

Alex J.Cavanaugh, we are most flattered and grateful that you would make note of us amongst that fine list of bloggers you mentioned in your latest posting.  You know, for a human, you rock!  If you have never had the pleasure of visiting Alex's site and witnessed an ideal Gary and I adhere to, here is the link to his site and his latest posting :   Alex J. Cavanaugh 

And speaking of 'followers', the 'puparazzi', once again, have been following me and hounding me.  Pawsitive wishes and doggy kisses, Penny xx

Blog Air Charter Flight.

Ah yes, 'Blog Air', in its latest attempt to diversify, to try new markets in the blogging sky, has come up with the charter flight.  All seats are in the same class.  No distinction, just a no-frills experience where all bloggers are treated the same.

  

And so, what happened next on the inaugural flight of  Blog Air charter?  Thought you'd never ask.  Due to some misunderstanding, some bloggers were caught unaware and had no idea that it was a charter flight.  Chaos and confusion ensued.

   

A self-obsessed, self-promoting blogger ended up sitting beside a shy, humble and oh so unassuming blogger.  The self-obsessed, self-promoting blogger went on and on and on...about how great they were and how important it was to check out the links on their blog that linked back to all their other fabulous, must read postings.  The shy, humble and oh so unassuming blogger, fell asleep.  This was an outrage!  How dare anybody not pay attention to them!

An alleged comedy blogger ended up sitting beside a sarcastic blogger.  The alleged comedy blogger proceeded to bore the hell out of the sarcastic blogger with their so-called comedy.  'Hey friend!  My comedy has been compared to that comedy 'genius', Russell Brand!'  'Oh?' replied the sarcastic blogger, I'm thrilled for you to be compared to Russell Brand, a comedy genius who looks like a reject from a "Pirates of the Caribbean" audition.   Well done, you!'

And horror of horrors.  A crude dude blogger who insisted that almost every other word was some sort of Anglo-Saxon derivative, was sitting beside one of those most exciting of bloggers.  Yes, the crude dude blogger was sitting beside a lady blogger who wrote such incredibly riveting stuff about how she, the hubby and the kids went to McDonald's and had an extra portion of fries!  She starting telling the crude dude blogger about the thrilling, adventurous life she led.  She even mentioned that her next posting was about how she put some extra chocolate chips in the cookies!   The crude dude blogger said, 'That's f**king awesome!  F**king fantasy!  I bet you and that hubby of yours had some right f**king orgies in your kitchen!'  To which she replied, 'No, not really, but he just loves to add to some extra cream to my coffee.'

  

And then there was the 'extremely popular' blogger with well over a zillion followers, sitting beside a blogger with very few followers.  Now then, the blogger with over a zillion followers had only a couple of comments on their latest posting.  This same blogger's icon could be seen all over the blogging world and they would leave token comments stating, 'Great post!  Thanks for sharing.  I follow your blog.!'  The blogger with very few followers had several comments on their site.  This might just tell you something.

  

Anyway, the blogger with over a zillion followers discovered that the blogger beside them had only a few followers.  The zillion followers blogger yelled over at the flight attendant.  'Excuse me, this must be a mistake! Get me a seat next to somebody who is popular like me!'  'Sorry sir', stated the flight attendant, 'this is a charter flight and all are seated equally.  However, the exit door can be found just over there.'  

Aha!  Look who's the pawlet, sorry, who's the pilot of Blog Air Charter Flight.  Yes indeed, it's Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest airline pilot!

'Hello bloggers, this is your captain speaking.  Captain Penny.  Welcome to this charter flight on the blogger's favourite airline, Blog Air.  We are cruising at an altitude of 37,000 feet and expect to arrive at 'Blogland' international airport at approximately six P.M., local time

.  

Please enjoy your flight and remember to rejoice in the diversity of blogging.  All different, all equal in a sharing, caring community.  Thank you for flying Blog Air.'  

That Ribbon Would Be Perfect For My Rhythmic Gymnastics Routine.

Hi, yes it's me, Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet star.  I realise you've been anxiously waiting for another must read article from me.  I noted that a few bloggers have said they cannot think of anything to write about.  The solution, if you have a dog, or a budgie, or a rabbit, or an iguana, or even, heaven forbid, a cat, is let them take over the peeboard, I mean keyboard and share to an expectant world, their words about unconditional, non judgemental love.
Besides, with me taking over this site, it lets Gary, the human I so kindly allow to live with me, take a bit of a break so he can reflect upon all the writing tips I've tried to teach him.

Arf! Arf!  Yes indeed, I have received the "Fabulous Blog Ribbon" award from a human who recognises what a marvel, what a talent I am.  Thus, I wish to thank that lovable Canadian human, Joylene Nowell Butler for the award.  Joylene, who writes an amazing blog and is a published author, can be discovered, if for some strange reason you've never visited her site, right here  >>>>> Joylene Nowell Butler, Suspense Author .

That ribbon would be perfect for my rhythmic gymnastics routine.

Oh my, here are the rules in accordance with this award.

1 : Post the rules on your blog.
2 : Name five of your most fabulous moments, either in real life or in the blogosphere.
3 : Name five things you love.
4 : Name five things you hate.
5 : Pass the award onto five other bloggers.

Five Fabulous Moments.  

1 : The day I first met Gary's son, Tristan.  I knew, right then and there, that I would go and live with him.
2 : The day I realised that I could "Google" myself .  I typed in "Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet star" and wow, there is loads of stuff about me, yes me, modest me.
3 : The time I went out wearing sunglasses and fooled the 'puparazzi'.  Nice not to be hounded, for a change.
4 : The realisation that whenever I do a pawsting, sorry, posting, the number of visits on this site go through the ruff, I mean roof.
5 :  The wonderful feeling I had that my very own award, "The Gold Framed Dog Blog Award", spread joy and wonder around the world.

Five Things I Love.

1 : I love Tristan.
2 : I love Gary.
3 : I love humans who treat us animals with the same love and affection we show them.
4 : I love the sun shining through the window.
5 : I love to go for walks and observe the magic of the great outdoors.

Five Things I Hate.

1 : Thunder and lightning.
2 : Fireworks being set off outside my home.
3 : Seeing my humans sad.
4 : Watching other animals on television and finding I cannot be with them.
5 : People who are cruel to animals.

The Five Bloggers.

1 : Ten lives and second chances  
2 : CindyLu'sMuse  
3 : BrownDogCBR  
4 : Four Legged Views 
5 : Inside the chicken coop  

I would ask you kindly, if you have never visited the above blogging links, to check them out.  And you might of guessed they all have some sort of animal theme.  All of them passionate about demonstrating the unconditional, non-judgemental love that we animals so freely share.
Pawsitive wishes and doggy kisses, Penny xx

Interview With The Star Of This Site.

I've noticed that on a number of blog sites that fellow writers have been interviewed.  So I thought it would be interesting if Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet star, would possibly share her thoughts about writing.  You may be aware that Penny does the occasional  guest posting on this site.  To my delight, Penny agreed to let me interview her and get an insight into her fascinating writing ideas.

Thank you Penny for allowing me to interview you.

Question 1 :  Before you settle down in front of the keyboard, do you have any rituals you like to follow?

Answer :  "Before I get settled down in front of the keyboard I go outside in the garden and have a ceremonial crap.  Then I come back inside, roll around on the carpet, wag my tail, go to the kitchen, check out the food before finally heading to the keyboard to paw out my must read articles."

Question 2 :  Why do you write?

  

Answer :  "Ah Gary, the reasons I write are numerous.  I write because I wanted to help you with your writing skills.  I write because I consider it most therapeutic.  Indeed, my human, I write to teach humans that we animals are an example of unconditional, non-judgemental love."  

Question 3 :  What inspires your writing?

Answer :  "When Tristan or you take me for walks, I observe, I listen, I sniff.  And with my senses full of the magic of the great outdoors, I find myself inspired to write about the simple goodness that's all around.  And I'm very sensitive to your son and yourself.  I write to try and bring you both comfort through these daunting times."

Question 4 : Do you have any writing suggestions for aspiring authors?

Answer :  "Write from the heart.  Make your writing intimate.  Write in such a way that your reader really feels like you're 'talking' directly to them.  Make your reader care about the story.  Most importantly, grab and hold onto the reader's attention from the very first sentence.  Never give up and pursue your dream.  Do your best to make your dream a reality."

Question 5 :  I can see you're getting tired, Penny.  Thus, just one more question.  You are known as Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet star.  Does this fame come at a price?

Answer :  "As you know and I will share this with the person or animal reading this, I'm forever being hounded by the pesky 'puparazzi'.  You might not see them, Gary, but they are always lurking in bushes, around corners and trying to get that exclusive photo of me.  Oh, before I go and piddle on your bed, Gary, I'm writing a book titled, "My Previous Bark", which recalls my days of when I was a puppy and the day I chose the humans I would live with.  I shall never forget the day when little Tristan and I first saw each other...."

Thank you very much, Penny.   "You're welcome and with that I shall now sneak off and piddle on your bed!"

"From Bonavista To Vancouver Island..."

Greetings, yes it's me, Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet star!  On behalf of my human Gary, who I so kindly allow to live with me, we wish all the animals and humans of Canada, a peaceful, positive and safe, "Canada Day".  

I would kindly ask the Canadian humans to be very careful with fireworks and ideally, please go to a controlled public display.  All the loud bangs and bright lights can be very frightening to some of us animals and the next week in North America can be a most worrying time for the more timid of your precious wildlife..  

Anyway, enjoy, have fun, rejoice in living in one of the most beautiful and diverse lands on the planet.  

The above video has one of my Canadian dog superheroes, "Hosehead".  You may also note those legends of Canada, "Bob and Doug McKenzie".  They did a song with the vocalist from that great Canadian band, "Rush".   "Geddy Lee" of Rush did a collaboration song with them titled, "Take Off".

And here is the song. "Take Off", eh!  Good day eh , Canada!