Rose Cottage Ltd

Words seem unnecessary…

Dogs on the brain this week but it’s also time for hot weather and dogs suffer from heat as much as if not more than humans.

Whether you are traveling with your pet this year or not, here are a few products to ensure your pet has a happy and safe Summer 2012…

I notice CoCo pulls towards certain types of grasses when we walk. Apparently his search for “salad” does have a nutritious purpose!

This Bow-Wow Barley Grass For Dogs organic barley grass (hordeum vulgare) is easy to grow, and it’s an all-natural treat for your pet, providing essential vitamins. It’s also rich in chlorophyll, a natural antioxidant.

Just “cut” the grass and feed to your pet by hand or sprinkle on dog food. The grass will continue to grow and can be enjoyed over and over. Comes packaged in a reusable steel dog bowl – Size: 2-3/4″H x 8-1/4″ diameter.

NOTE: Ordered some of this Barley Grass for CoCo – will let you know what he thinks about it!

Dogs love to travel. Make your pet travel adventures easier on both of you with this Pet To Go Bowl.

The Pet To Go Bowl fits into your car’s cup holder for easy-to reach convenience. The bottom compartment that fits into the cup holder can hold food or treats, while the water bowl secures on top for multipurpose refreshment. The unique design allows dogs to drink water while in the car. A spashguard and lid prevent spills. Can also be used on the ground by removing the cup.

Available in 8 “fashionable” colors. Size: 4″ high

You’re on the move this summer and so is your dog? Make sure you both stay well-hydrated!

This BPA-Free, Stainless Steel Dog Water Bottle with Carabiner Clip takes the muss-and-fuss out of water needs. Simply invert filled bottle; water releases when dog licks the rollerball. Made of all-”green” BPA-free, stainless steel. Carabiner Clip attaches to belt for easy carrying. Size: 10 1/2″H x 2-3/4″ Diameter

Dogs can have a LOT of accessories all their own. For travel, how about this compact solution, the Store N Feed To Go?

The convenient unit features a shoulder strap and side handles for easy transport. A roomy mesh pocket is perfect for toys. Open the zippered lid and you’ll find a feeding station with two stainless bowls for food and water. Underneath is storage for up to 20 lbs. of food, or any combination of your dog’s traveling essentials.

Available in Beige/Black. Size: 19″L x 11″H x 11″W

If you read my Memorial Day weekend post you’ll know a stray dog showed up on my property Sunday, May 27th. Although we tried to find a way to fit him in to the Rose Cottage Ltd environment, it just wouldn’t work.

The dog, a Blue Tick Coonhound about 18 months old, needs a lot more time and exercise than I have time to give. He also proved a threat to the current environment which has given a safe haven for geese and their goslings for the last 5 years.

Even though efforts were made to find either the owner or a good home for the dog, he is, with much regret, being turned over to the local animal shelter today. His foot and hip seem healed after a few days rest and he’s no longer limping. I am hoping that the right kind of person will find this dog in time and will appreciate his gentle nature and his obvious “hound” capabilities.

If anyone can provide a home for this dog please call the Chatham County North Carolina Animal Control Center at 919-542-7203

I’m running a tad behind on my Happy Memorial Day greetings – had an unexpected visitor arrive at Rose Cottage early Sunday morning.

This dog, identified as a Blue Tick Coonhound, has apparently been abandoned in my rural area – those idiots who do this with dogs and cats “assuming” that the animal will suddenly and without warning, be able to fend for itself.

Most can’t.

This dog was relatively clean and healthy although is favoring his right leg. He arrived with no collar and no tags. Upon inspection, his footpad was found to be badly scraped and I’m not so sure that he wasn’t bounced off a vehicle sometime before finding his way to my property. He was probably drawn here by the lake and its water – since he was first seen guzzling lake water near the house. He’s now been here resting for over 48 hours. No one has come down the drive looking for him, notices on local bulletin boards have received no response, and the animal shelter is closed for the holiday.

This puts me in an impossible situation.

The dog has an extremely nice temperament. Yes, he howls once and awhile which I am not used to since my dog CoCo would not be caught dead howling – thinking it’s just not dignified.

He is a rather large, gangly dog I’m guessing is 18 months old or less. Looking at the size of his feet – he will NOT be a small dog but will probably top out at around 70 pounds – same size as my dog CoCo. He’s gotten along with CoCo just fine so far. But CoCo is a predominantly “inside” versus “outside” dog. Keeping this dog will require a bit of extra strategy and scheduling. CoCo is 10 years old and needs a lot less exercise than he used to. This dog will require lots of (supervised) room to run. He will also impact the goslings and other animals that live on this lake.

The dog has not been “fixed” which will have to be done. He’ll also need all the other standard vet trips, inoculations, and exams.

While I’m thinking about these possibilities and trying not to – the alternative keeps popping up. I turn him into animal control, no one comes to adopt him, and this time next week he may be dead. A nice dog, through no fault of his own, will be killed because some human somewhere didn’t take care of this dog in a responsible manner. Roaming, lost, and forlorn animals are to be seen quite frequently in rural areas. City dwellers will sometimes visit the “country” leaving their animal THEY took responsibility for, behind when they leave. I guess I should not be surprised since some people treat their human “children” with not much more regard.

The jury is still out at the moment on what will happen with this dog. He’s a hunting dog and apparently quite prized in some areas. I can either attempt to find him a good home, turn him over to animal control and hate myself for life, or keep him.

More later…

Busy times for those who like and appreciate the outdoors and coming up is a nice, long weekend to enjoy it! Please take a moment to remember all those who have and do sacrifice for the sake of the citizens of the United States.

Here are a few photos from the last week to get you into the “outdoors” frame of mind. The first two thanks to my sister – who is just as wacky as I am about nature and wildlife. Just goes to show you – there are “photo ops” everywhere…

This bug was spotted leaving the birdbath. His identity is as yet unknown. I’ve noticed that as the weather gets warmer, other bugs – some very beneficial to the environment – will stop by a local birdbath for a drink of fresh water. If you start a birdbath in your yard, please keep it fresh and clean during warm weather months. Birds, (and others) will learn they can depend on this source of water to be there for them.

Here’s a image I hope most of you will be able to see outside for the coming holiday weekend. If you’re in luck, bright blue skies and warm temperatures, without too much heat and humidity, will be available.

I’ll be home this weekend – no doubt tending the goose “drive-in window.” I have to wonder if this particular adult goose has figured out pretty quickly that tapping on that window is almost guaranteed to get my attention. She’s now showing the “children” how it is done!

If you’re a NASCAR fan, this item may well be a “no brainer.” I remember my Father sitting in our backyard in the summertime, listening to the Motor Racing Network on a small radio – with aluminum foil on the antennae. If he was lucky and weather conditions were good – he could HEAR most of the race. Not sure how much we’d have seen of him if outdoor televisions had been available in the 1960s and 1970′s!

One of the top desired outdoor products for 2011 was a high quality and high definition outdoor TV. For 2012, we are about 2 months away from the start of the Summer Olympics in London – you’ll want to be ready to catch all the action – anywhere!

Think of this product as another weapon in your arsenal for those rare moments when a good book is not available, your chores are completed, and you just want to sit for awhile, be entertained, and just enjoy being outside.

Here are a few good outdoor TV options you might want to consider…

We’ll start with this top-of-the-line 55″ HD All-Weather Outdoor LCD TV.

Designed with a durable All-weather Environmental Feature-Set, SunBriteTV engineers their televisions for permanent outdoor installation.

The bright 55-inch full-HD 1080p LCD screen with 120 Hz frame rate is integrated into an all weather exterior that protects the internal components from rain, dirt, insects and scratches. Quad-fan Airflow system keeps the unit cool and dry in temperatures up to 122 degrees F. Internal thermostatically-Controlled Heater protects TV in temperatures as low as -24 degrees F. Innovative Water-tight Cable Entry System with pass-through design keeps cables dry and allows for easy hook-ups. Anti-Reflective Window reduces glare, increases contrast and protects the LCD screen.

Note: You can still get this TV delivered in time to see if “I’ll Have Another” takes the Triple Crown at Belmont in June!

This TV is on sale right now and is eligible for free shipping!

Slightly smaller for smaller outdoor space, this 46″ HD All-Weather Outdoor LCD TV is also on sale and is eligible for free shipping.

The innovative watertight cable entry system with pass-through design keeps cables dry and allows for easy hook up. An internal thermostatic heater is activated automatically when internal temperature sensor reads 32 degrees F or lower and protects TV in temperatures as low as 24 degrees F. A contrast-enhancing, anti-reflective and scratch resistant window protects the LCD screen from rain, dirt and the elements. Includes water-resistant remote control and tabletop stand. Compatible with nearly all video sources including off-the-air antenna, cable TV, satellite TV, DVD players and PCs (S-Video and composite video).

Need a smaller TV but want the same superior quality, AND free shipping?

The 32″ HD All-Weather Outdoor LCD TV (Powder-Coated Aluminum Exterior) also comes with a ASA Plastic Resin Exterior option.

Features:

+ HDTV compatible
+ Three color options: Platinum, Black or Marine White
+ Resolution 1366 x 768
+ Standard VESA 75/100 mounting hole pattern
+ Incl. Tabletop Stand & Water-resistant remote control
+ RS232 Serial Control
+ Discreet IR Control
+ Concealed IR window inside water tight cable door
+ Detachable speakers

Look for these and thousands of other products to make your summer and your garden more enjoyable…

Think human babies grow quickly? The lake’s 2012 model goslings have returned for a visit. One group is now 3 weeks old, the other, 4 weeks old. Major changes happen to them at this time of their life.

For a recap…otherwise known as the never-ending “Rose Cottage Goose Chronicles”!

Here is the group of 6 born on their lake nest April 18, 2012. By the time this picture was taken on April 19th, one had already gone missing. You’ll see them again in the third picture. 4 of the original 6 goslings remain.

Two Days Old

The 3 week old group left for their normal two-week or so walkabout with 4 goslings and returned with only 3. This is a better percentage than last year when the group born on the lake originally had 5 goslings and by the 2 month point, were down to one lone gosling.

Three weeks old.

The second group shown below is at the 4 weeks old stage and you can see massive differences between them and those shown above. This group left with 5 geese and returned with 4.

Four weeks old

There are some trying times left for them – turtles, snakes, foxes, and I hear rumors of coyotes and bobcats in the vicinity. Fingers crossed.

I like to create what I call “points of interest” on my property. I have a lot to work with on 7 acres and don’t expect to ever have it all “managed” but here are a few products that might help you create a point of interest in your yard or garden. Don’t worry – no pink Flamingos…

I’ve seen these offered at a price of around $300 but this Sun and Moon Sundial is more reasonably priced at just under $70.

Each piece is crafted from rust-free recycled aluminum and carefully finished with weather-resistant paints to withstand any climate. A centerpiece for any garden, the Sun and Moon Sun Dial rests inside a half moon to add dimension to your garden paradise.

The sundial mounts on an optional pedestal or stakes into the ground (stake not included). Item Specifications: Dimensions: 12″L x 8.75″W x 15.5″H Material: 100% recycled, sand case aluminum. Country of Origin: Made in the USA.

I have a few too many turtles around and in my lake already but these garden turtles look pretty harmless.

This Moss Covered Turtle Topiary is highly detailed and uniquely handcrafted and will add elegance and charm to your yard or garden.

The frame, constructed of high quality metal and finished in an elegant matt black powder coating, resists the elements. The Sphagnum Moss is the “soil” you can use for additional plants or you may leave it as is for a more natural design. With every frame being handmade and hand-filled, it makes each topiary an almost one of a kind sculpture.

If you could use a good bell to ring to get the kids inside for dinner, here’s a decorative choice!

The Whitehall Black Country Bell adds a touch of flair and originality to any home. These decorative all-weather products can be used indoors or out.

Bell measures 8 inches in diameter and the bracket is 13 inches.

Okay, I promised no Flamingos…but I do like this particular garden gnome!

This little garden-greeter Gnome is just lying on a log enjoying the garden.

This piece is sure to bring the spirit of adventure to your garden. Made of weather resistant cast-stone resin, this gnome is bound to enchant all who set foot in your garden or yard.

I like this gnome because it is big enough to see! Many small garden ornaments just get lost in a larger yard. Measures 10″ Long x 4.5″ Wide x 19″ High.

+ Memorial Day Sale – $10 off orders $100 or More OR $20 off orders $150 and More at Garden.com! Now through 5/28.

May is a beautiful month to spend time in North Carolina – even better for those of us lucky enough to live here!

The weather is often sunny but not yet too hot and humid, trees and shrubs are at or near full foliage for the year, and flowers of all varieties are blooming everywhere.

I’m lucky to live on a lake with its own fountain – yesterday I was even able to generate my own rainbow!

In the last few weeks, plants have been blooming – sometimes I forget what I planted where so this can end up being a nice surprise!

This Gardenia – planted in 2011 has decided to “show” itself this year with some very fragrant blooms. Flowers and the blooming season for this plant are relatively short – but worth it. I have a second variety Gardenia that should pick up the slack and start blooming later this week.

Even naturalized plants do their best this time of year.

What better way to hide a rather unsightly fence than a fragrant and untamed Honeysuckle?

The Elephant Ear bulbs I planted last year did not do well at all. In fact, none of them made it. This was possibly do to moles or voles – the little underground thieves who will steal anything bulb-like they can get.

This year I planted more Elephant Ears in two different locations and it looks like there is some sign of success – at least in one location. I’m glad these are thriving since I love the tropical look and feel they add to the yard and garden.

In the last week or so tomato plants, sweet basil, and sweet oregano have been planted. I may be ready for some real homemade spaghetti sauce this year!

Friday, May 18, 2012 is Endangered Species Day.

For some info on how the Endangered Species Act is keeping animals from extinction, read:

110 Success Stories for Endangered Species Day 2012

You might be surprised at how many animals are protected under this act. For a full list click here.