"One day, we will see our animals again..."

When I was little, the movie All Dogs go to Heaven came out and briefly ruined my life. See, in it, Charlie the dog has died (this is how it opens) and, well, doesn't want to be dead and hijinks ensue. But to my seven year old self, the reality of "dying" and "dogs", though I didn't have on myself, was not a pleasant reality. It was a good movie, but the sadness of some of the details pervade my memories and color my perceptions of it. Granted, a lot of kiddie movies are like this. Arguably, Watership Down was not a movie intended for children (and I watched it as an adult anyway), but in general, the 70's and 80's could be a pretty freaky time for animated films aimed at the younger set.


I tried, but I just couldn't get Elka's halo on straight....

Why I don't like Twitter so much anymore

Note: this mostly applies to my "dog" Twitter. My writing Twitter is what I find I've been spending a lot more time on, and interacting with people on.

I don't spend a lot of time on my @TheElkaAlmanac Twitter anymore. I'll share peoples' blog posts, and look at specific peoples' accounts to interact with, retweet, whatever, but looking at my feed in general? Not as much anymore. It just kind of depresses and frustrates me.

I've done it to myself, in a way. One's Twitter feed is full of who you've opted to follow, or follow back (I do tend to follow back, my numbers permitting. It's only polite, after all). But with my interest in supporting dog rescue and boosting the signal for people and things like that, I've gotten a lot of follows and such whose tweets I don't want to read. I also don't want to go and unfollow hundreds of people. It's my choice, and I could do it, but it doesn't seem fair. But.

Product review: The Kong Air

After our success and Elka's enjoyment of the Kong Squeezz, I thought we'd give another of the Kong line a try.

The Kong Air squeaks in much the same manner as the Kong Squeezz, which is far less abrasive than some squeaky toys. That's a definite bonus! It also has a fuzzy "skin" on it like a tennis ball, a clear plus in Elka's eyes.

Doberman Assistance Network Monthly Sponsorship program

Love Dobermans? Want to help Dobermans in need?

The Doberman Assistance Network now has a monthly sponsorship program! For $5 a month, you can help Dobermans in need, and the organization that's working daily to do it. Also on that page, you can donate directly to Blaise's cause (formerly known as Manny, who I've blogged about before) with varying levels of commitment.

(logo is property of the Doberman Assistance Network)

It's the Meet & Greet Blog party Hop!

My name is Jen.  I saw a blog party going on, and thought I would join in! In college, I majored in Psychology, with a strong interest in other things like Anthropology, Philosophy, and Creative Writing. I'm working as a library clerk, which is a good thing, because I wouldn't be able to afford all of the dog books that I read! My fiance, Jim, and I got our Doberman, Elka, in 2008.  She was born in May, she came home in July, and has been a wonderful facet of our lives since.  I've learned a lot about dogs and about dog training since then, and started this blog as a result.  I also have a Twitter of the same name if you want to hop on over there, @TheElkaAlmanac