Saturday, February 8, 2014

#RecipeForMoments: I am Ma's Sunshine

There are many special moments in the life of a dog.  Some of those moments happen by chance, others you create for yourself and a few are a combination of both.  I am especially fond of the latter because in those moments, we dogs can truly shine. 

I am going to tell you about a recent moment as part of the Nature's Recipe® Recipe for Moments campaign.



Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, 
always bring your own sunshine.
--Anthony J. D'Angelo

As many of you know, the weather during my recent camping trip was nothing to brag about.  It was chilly and damp with intermittent rain for the entire four day weekend.  Everything felt wet - the ground, the clothes, the toilet paper in the restroom. 

Needless to say, Ma and Daddy-dog were disappointed.  Everybody was thinking the same things:  why does it have to rain this weekend; how can we hike or canoe in this weather; should we pack it in and head home?

The first night Ma cooked a fabulous dinner - one of her best yet - and we all went to sleep early, hoping for a bit of sunshine the next day.  Unfortunately, when daytime came it was another gray and cloudy day.  But I was undeterred!  Day 2 in camp is my favorite day - hiking day - and I was anxious to get going. 


Every dog knows that when the sky is gray, you just need to bring your own sunshine; we carry it in our hearts and you can see it in our eyes and our smiles.  That's why we love walking in all kinds of weather.  We bring our own sunshine so we can see the beauty in everything.  Unfortunately, our humans don't always have their own sunshine to bring but we dogs always have enough to share!


Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you.  
--Charlotte Whitton

I walked with Ma all day; we ended up hiking almost 5 miles.  Each time the weather would act up, I took the lead so I could get Ma's mind off the weather and on to all the natural beauty the park had to offer.  We strengthened our bond during these special moments.

From the dock, we could see wading birds across the river.  The sound of the water gently lapping against the dock was calming.  Ma and I had a quick snuggle.


After walking through the wet hardwood hammocks, we discovered a beach complete with a palm tree and fish swimming in the water.  I claimed it as our little oasis and marked our territory accordingly.


Then we found another oasis: the Tomoka Outpost which housed the camp store and the restrooms.  Everybody was happy about that.  BOL


I lead everyone to another beach which was made up of all kinds of crushed shells.  It was really pretty.  Ma found little fish in the water and pointed them out to me.  I gave them a quick sniff and got a snout full of water which made Ma laugh.


You are my sunshine, my only sunshine.

It turns out we all had a great hike that day despite the weather.  We found the one spot in all the hardwood hammock where the birds were hanging out including some pileated woodpeckers (they are so cool).  We found several other little beaches where the river waters were calm.  We even saw tracks from raccoons, deer, armadillos and bobcats!

Everyone was happy that we ventured out in the rain...even Ma.  Ma whispered to me as we high fived the whole walk back to our campsite:  "You happy dog...you are always my sunshine".


Ma says that's why she loves taking me as many places as she can.  She says I have finally taught her how to bring her own sunshine...she just needs to bring ME!

Are you somebody's sunshine?  Do you have a Recipe for Moments you would like to share?






This post is sponsored by Nature’s Recipe® on behalf of the BlogPaws Blogger Network. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Nature’s Recipe For Moments on behalf of Nature’s Recipe, but I only share information I feel is relevant to my readers. Nature’s Recipe is not responsible for the content of this article.

Our story is a part of the #RecipeForMoments blog hop hosted by BlogPaws.  Link up below to share your story of the bond you and your pet share.  What do you think your pet feels in your special moments?  Five random U.S. winners who link up their blog post will win a Nature’s Recipe® lightweight collar camera to capture special moments from their pet’s point of view. See BlogPaws for official rules and details.


63 comments:

  1. We were sorry the weather was not good but like you say you need to bring your own sunshine and enjoy it all the best way you can. Have a super Saturday Oz.
    Best wishes Molly

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    1. Everyone needs to bring their own sunshine, Molly...even if that means they are just bringing their dog. We can rock sunshine!

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  2. That is a great story Oz. If you are where you want to be, then why leave because of the weather? We are like that at my house. We are out in all weather, it doesn't matter we get in a walk. Sometimes on rainy days we dread going out but it often turns out to be so much fun. Many think we are nuts, but we love being out together and weather really doesn't matter that much except at -20 or more, then we do have to cut it real short!

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    1. I couldn't agree more, Emma. Every moment is what you make it...rain, snow, or sunny.

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  3. What a lovely surprise - I thought it was going to be a dog food review. Instead, one of the sweetest posts ever! The part about dogs bringing enough sunshine to share with the silly humans is right on! Sometimes gray days are the best hiking days (as long as the water stays in the clouds where it belongs BOL)
    Oh how I want Spring to get here so we can go camping too!

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    1. Fooled ya! BOL Thank you. And yes, sometimes the best hiking days are the gray ones...especially here in Florida because it keeps it a bit cooler.

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  4. "Our dogs brings SUNSHINE, Joy and LOVE <3" So sweet story Oz. You made your camping trip so very special with your mom (and dad). LOVE your sweater and your matching red Pawz. Golden Thanks for sharing your PAWsome moments with your mom. Golden Woofs

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  5. those are wonderful memories.....last night is started snowing here about 8.30 pm and we went out with the boys to watch it - seeing the big flakes fall in the outside lights and watching Reilly catching them and seeing that happy look in his eyes...it was magical.

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    1. It sounds completely magical! Dogs are great at showing you what is important in life...like snowflakes.

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  6. That's a great story Oz. We dogs are the best at spreading cheer and sunshine everywhere we go.

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    1. It is, isn't it. If you take your own sunshine, then everything is coming up roses. BOL

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  8. We can tell that you and your mom have a special bond. Those pictures of the two of you snuggling and hi fiving are great!

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    1. The high five is my favorite...but Ma's favorite is on the little beach. She says I was whispering sweet nothin's to her.

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  9. That's what us dogs are here for!
    -Mister

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  10. OZ we Know that YOU are your Mom's SUNSHINE. THIS was a fabulous REVIEW of your Super Day of Camping...
    WE are still drooling over that super Supper your mom made the other night. This is so refreshing... despite the Rain... fur US.. we are still Freezing and snow and Ice covered. It is TRULY appreciated.

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    1. Oh boys, you are too sweet. I know you have a special bond with your momma too!

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  11. OMD!!! I LOVE the high paw photo!!!! High paw Oz!!! You are a furry ray of sunshine :)
    Hugs,
    Pepper

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    1. Yay!! I just knew you would love that photo, Pepper!

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  12. Aww that is so beautiful! I love the one of you guys on the dock! So adorable!!

    Rain or shine at least you guys had a good time!
    ((Husky hugz))
    Frum our pack at love is being owned by a husky

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    1. Oh, thank you. Rain or shine...everyone can have a good time!

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  13. What a wonderful story, Oz! We humans really do need you dogs to remind us that the sunshine isn't always just in the sky. We might miss out on a lot of great times if you didn't remind us to get out there and enjoy life more!
    Jan, Wag 'n Woof Pets

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    1. I know it, Miss Jan! Sometimes the best things in life are the simplest!

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  14. Oh you doll! Oz, you sould have an Oz Boot Camp for people to show them how to make the most of even the most icky weather or dire circumstances or whatever. I would sign up in a heartbeat!

    Love the high five photo too, you and your Mom are a great team.

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    1. An Oz boot camp?! BOL I probably should!

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  15. Oz, you sure are your Ma's and efuuryone's Sunshine! Woooowooooowooooo! Ku http://haikubyku.com
    p.s. Wuv the red booties!

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  16. Your special sunshine always warms the heart Oz!

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  17. Thank you for visiting me, little darling. You are sunshine and love to your family and those who know you, I feel sure. xoxoxox

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  18. You have so eloquently described what is like for mom to walk me in frigid temperatures and deep snow, seeing my joy at smelling and flying through drifts makes it all so worthwhile! Wonderful post! Love Dolly

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    1. We bring sunshine and love, Dolly...just by being happy dogs!

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  19. Aww you are your mom's sunshine that is so sweet. I glad you light up your mom's life.

    Aroo to you,
    Sully

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    1. Aw, that is so sweet to say, Sully. I am glad I light up Ma's life too.

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  20. Oz - that park looks very very lovely and it would be somewhere we would go and take the Peep Kennel on Wheels. If only it was in our country!! You do look like a ray of sunshine!!

    Tail Wuggles, Rubie xxx

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    1. It is a lovely park...when it is DRY! BOL I try to be the sunshine, Rubie...don't we all?

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  21. That story made my day brighter too. I guess you spread sunshine to everyone. Great story Oz.

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    1. Oh Carma, thank you. I am glad it brightened your day too!

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  22. Awww....... you two are so sweet. We loved your post and are so happy you're each other's sunshine.
    (that's Glogirly's favorite song...her daddy used to sing it to her and now she sings it to us)
    >^.^< ~Katie & Waffles

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    1. Thanks Katie & Waffles! How funny that is Glogirly's favorite song!

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  23. Glad you taught your mom that lesson...we always carry the sunshine around with us and if they just take the time to notice, we can make it sunny for them too! Good Lesson Oz.

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    1. Thanks SlimDoggy Jack! It is a good lesson and we dogs are great teachers.

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  24. What awesome moments! Great lesson on living life to the fullest!

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  25. You have such a great smile so it's no wonder that you are able to cheer up your peeps so easily! Too bad it was rainy, but it sounds like you guys still had fun. Glad you were there to help with that :)

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    1. *blushes* Thank you Miss Ann. Ma says I have a smile that warms the heart!

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  26. Good job on finding the sunshine even on a rainy day. Love the story and photos. :)

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  27. Sounds like it was a good job they had you with them!

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    1. Yes! They were lucky I was there to keep everyone happy and having fun!

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  28. Gering-ding-ding-ding-dingeringeding! Oz you there buddy ~ I loved your quote always bring your own sunshine.
    by Anthony J. D'Angelo. Why we have to be happy inside ourselves before we can bring happiness to other. You always light up my life Oz. You look spiffy in your red clothing gear.
    Happy Valentine's Day Friday Oz
    Sweet William The Scot


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  29. What a beautiful post Oz!! Thank you for sharing your walk with us!

    Smileys!
    Dory, Jakey, Arty & Bilbo

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  30. That was very very touching. What special moments you and your mom had. You are so right and dogs do bring their own sunshine and we need to be more like you guys. Thank you!

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  31. Oh my goodness! I love that photo of you high-fiving your mom, Oz! Too cute!! Much love, The Scottie Mom.

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  32. I haz mezzure yoo Oz and I declare yoo is one terrier full of sunshines…..

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  33. That park looks amazing. Oz, your sunshine shines bright not only for your mom but for all of us. Keep it up!

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  34. What a beautiful hike - in spite of the weather!

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  35. You are so special Oz! That hike looks like it was a lot of fun for both you and your mom!

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Thank you for stopping by and leaving a pawprint. I enjoy reading each and every one!
Cairn cuddles,
Oz the Terrier