Seven Dogs And A Rooster Over Memorial Day Weekend

Some Fun Photos from Memorial Day Weekend of  7 Dogs, a Rooster and a new take on a Cairn Terrier Hood Ornament.

Before leaving Portland we met these adorable French Bulldogs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Black Lab, "Jet" relaxing on deck after a picnic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Silkey Terrier, "Maggie" relaxes after the same picnic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Smooth Collie "Finney" and Border Collie "Roosevelt" at the Old Orchard Beach Memorial Day Parade (thanks for the photo Nancy)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An unexpected Rooster on an early morning walk...and yes he was Cock a Doodleing (is that a word?)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A new take on a Cairn Terrier Hood Ornament...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Schnauzer on the streets of Camden, Maine...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yes, I am the guy with a camera taking photos of dogs...and roosters...

--Gray

Following Atticus. A Wonderful Story....

About seven months ago in October I read a wonderful book called: Following Atticus by author Tom Ryan. I loved it. OK I love most "dog books" I've read but this memoir/adventure book inspired me and reminded me of why I love dogs so much and further helped me underdstand what "friendship" truly means. I wrote a blog post about Following Atticus on October 27, 2011 (my novice attempt at a book review- no The New York Times has not called).

Atticus is a Miniature Schnauzer who instantly works his way in to Mr. Ryan's heart and together they hiked the White Mountains raising money for various charities including the Jimmy Fund and Angell Animal Medical Center. They were later inducted into the Massachsetts Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Hall of Fame for their efforts.

Since my post about Atticus I have been following their life adventure on their facebook page. Over the past few months Mr. Ryan and Atticus have shown up at many public events to share their story. They have hosted multiple book signings and their inspiring story has been recognized by many organizations around the country.

They recently welcomed Will into their life- An elder Schnauzer statesman with health issues. Will was in need of a new home and Tom and Atticus opened their door...

An excerpt on Will from The Adventures of Tom & Atticus Blog: Will has added so much to our home.  We've had to adjust to his arrival but our lives are richer because of him.  He teaches us lessons we need to know, he offers love, he has added to the quality of our lives.  Sure he's come with some physical challenges, and that was even before last weekend's 'episode' that had tears flowing and hearts aching, but what it has cost us is minimal compared to what he's added.  We're so fortunate to have Will in our lives.

And yesterday Mr. Ryan shared this good news announcement: Nicole Martella, Special Sales Representative at HarperCollinsPublishers, sent out this very exciting announcement regarding Following Atticus.  I've included it below...

I’m very pleased to share that Scholastic Book Fairs will include FOLLOWING ATTICUS (paperback - 9780061997112) in their fall book fairs. Their order of 12,996 copies will be shipped in July. We are excited they chose this inspirational story and feel that it will sell well to their adult customers.

Following Atticus is a great read and will bring a smile to your face and at times a tear to your eye. Follow their blog and like them on facebook and at times you'll be smiling and other times overcome with emotion...but always inspired.

Feeling good about seeing good things happen to a good guy + 2 dogs...

--Gray

 

Following Atticus

I really enjoyed reading Following Atticus. Tom Ryan wrote a book about his relationship with his friend, Atticus. Atticus is a Miniature Schnauzer of "distinctive character and strong will and great spirit". Mr. Ryan never refers to Atticus as "his dog". He's his "friend". This subtle change in words shows the respect Tom has for Atticus. He is not a "possession". 

Atticus changed every aspect of Mr. Ryan's life.  He opened the door for Mr. Ryan to develop stronger friendships with people, have a less cynical view of the world and by following Atticus up the many peaks of the White Mountains- including the magnificent Presidential Range- he got in much better physical shape and became much healthier.

Together they hiked the White Mountains raising money for various charities including the Jimmy Fund and Angell Animal Medical Center. They were later inducted into the Massachsetts Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Hall of Fame for their efforts. While raising money they attempted to be the first person and dog to hike the forty eight 4,000 foot peaks twice during the winter months. The narrative describing the adventures of the two of them hiking these peaks in the cold of winter (often in the dark) is worth purchasing the book for. But my favorite subplot of Following Atticus wasn't  the hiking, fund raising or even their relationship. It was the relationship between Mr. Ryan and his father.