iPod/iTunes Listing

current mood: Sleepy!


Got the tunes2html perl script working finally. You can see all of the songs in the iPod now.... have fun...

Chubby Dog

current mood: Depressed & Fat!

Okay so maybe I have an issue with weight... I am tryin to get it taken care of... in case you know of any doggies with weight issues, you can try what I am trying:

Chubby Dog by Dr. Dawn Ruben

Diet and nutritional status are crucial to your dog’s general health. Unfortunately, many pets are overweight – much like their owners. And like their owners, pets are not as healthy when they are carrying too much weight. Chubby dogs often suffer from arthritis and heart disease. If you are concerned that your pet is overweight, here are some ways you can evaluate your pet’s body condition.

Body fat.

Stand behind him and place your thumbs on the spine midway down the back. Fan out your fingers and spread them over the ribs. With your thumbs lightly pressing on the spine and fingers on the ribs, slide your hands gently up and down.

In normal dogs there is a thin layer of fat. You can feel the ribs easily, although you won’t see them. If your dog is overweight, you will not be able to readily feel the ribs, and the tissue over the ribs may feel smooth and wavy.


Appearance.

Normal dogs have an hourglass appearance. Fat dogs have abdomens protruding from the sides, as well as enlarged fatty areas on either side of the tail base and over the hips. A fatty area may also be present on the neck and front of the chest. When obese dogs walk, they may have a classic waddle.

If you feel that your dog is obese, contact your veterinarian. Tests may need to be performed to eliminate underlying disease as a cause of the obesity. In addition, your veterinarian can help you improve your dog’s body condition and overall health.


Is Your Dog Overweight? by: Ed Kane


Pet Owners May Be Too Eager to Please

In the United States, pets and their owners have one thing in common: too much food and too little exercise.

With nutritious pet food abundant and palatable, a common cause of pet obesity isn’t the food itself but the feeding. Many pet owners are too eager to please. They don’t carefully monitor their pets’ weight and succumb too often to animals that beg and whimper for more.

The solution is to control your pet’s insatiable appetite and thereby control his expanding girth. While a balanced diet and treats in proper amounts are fine, overindulgence leads to a “couch pet-tato.” At this point, a change in eating habits is in order along with increased exercise and play to help work off excess calories.

More Dogs Than Cats Are Overweight

Historically, dogs have been affected by obesity more than cats. Studies have shown that 40 to 50 percent of dogs are overweight, compared to only about 25 percent of cats. Obesity is an important health issue because it may contribute to shorter lifespan and increased risk of arthritis, cancer, diabetes and a need for surgery.

The causes of obesity are really simple: increased energy intake compared to decreased energy output. Typically, your pet is particularly effective at persuading you to indulge his bad habits. Designed to be highly palatable, pet treats are usually high in fat and calories. In households where there may be several pets, food competition increases the potential for becoming overweight. The overweight dog steals from his rival, exacerbating the problem.

Watch Your Pet's Weight

Monitor your pet’s body weight, especially if you own an older dog. A healthy pet’s body is proportional — his ribs can be felt and folds of fat aren’t easily seen. An overweight pet has a noticeable paunch, a broader conformation and ribs cannot be seen or felt easily. Fat dogs don’t have the “tuck” normally seen in front of the hindquarters.

No matter what food you give your pet, don’t overfeed and make sure your pet receives sufficient exercise to prevent obesity. Some foods are very high in fat and calories. If your pet’s becoming too fat, cut down total intake and don’t feed high-fat foods. There are special foods available both by prescription and over-the-counter that are higher in fiber and lower in caloric density.

Proper feeding is important. In general, a small six-pound dog requires 50 calories per pound, a 50-pound dog requires 30 calories per pound and a 100-pound dog requires 23 kilocalories per pound. However, there are no hard and fast rules; your pet may need less food if he’s less active or more if he’s very active.

Put Your Pet on a Diet

If your pet is overweight, work with your veterinarian to decide on and stick to a proper weight-reduction plan. Your veterinarian can help assess your pet’s obesity and weight reduction plan and determine whether there are any complicating disease concerns, such as diabetes. In some cases, a prescription type of diet may be recommended.

Weight should be lost gradually, about 15 percent over a two- to three-month period for dogs. At maximum, weight loss should occur at a rate of 1 to 1½ pounds per week for dogs. In addition to a restricted diet, you need to provide your pet with gradual increased play and exercise. Make exercise fun, not strict or stressful.

It’s important to realize that a healthier body weight for your pet is important, so don’t give in to your pet’s begging. To reduce your pet’s food intake, feed his normal diet in reduced amounts or a diet of reduced calories in prescribed amounts. Approximately one pound of fat is lost for every 3,500 calories expended. Feed smaller portions more often so that your pet doesn’t feel that he’s eating less. Praise and affection are important to offset your pet’s feeling of “punishment.” Don’t feed treats as rewards; use praise instead. Chart your pet’s progress on a weekly basis.

Dieting Tips

A drastic reduction isn’t necessary; only a moderate reduction plan is recommended by most veterinarians, except in special cases.

Make sure that all family members stick to the plan. One person can spoil the results.

If excessive food intake was the source of your pet’s obesity, plan on feeding the proper maintenance amount.

Feed his daily portion in three or more meals, so he doesn’t feel slighted.

Eliminate all treats, especially from the table. These are typically high in fat and calories.

If dry food had previously been fed ad lib (left out free-choice), leave food out in portions instead of in unlimited quantities.

Feed some canned food to replace some of the dry food. It will be more palatable and is lower in caloric density (since it’s over 75 percent moisture).

There are many foods lower in calories. These are especially good since you can feed your pet the same “bulk amount,” while cutting back calories.

Fun, play and games help reduce weight while keeping your pet happy. They will keep his mind off the loss of food.

By keeping your pet’s weight at a normal level, he’ll be happier and healthier in a svelte condition. He’ll also run, romp and enjoy life more.

Here are the Christmas Party Pics!

current mood: Dancing!


Karla & Richard had a blast at the The Beltran's 2nd Annual Holiday Party. Here are the pictures:

Thansgiving photos...

current mood: Bored...

I finally had a chance to upload the pictures from Thanksgiving in El Paso.

I have been really lazy about it, but mostly it’s been because my allergies are just so bad. I spend more time biting my paws until they bleed. I just can't help myself. I have an appointment with a dermatologist in January, but I had to give up my drugs. (No not those kind of drugs) I was taking steroids (corticosteroids) and that was helping suppress my itching. Unfortunately, to get a good reading on the allergy test, I have to be off the steroids for 1 month, off anti-histamines for 3 weeks, and off topical creams for 1 week. Man I am going to be a little raw beagle by the day I get to got to dermatologist.

Anyways, El Paso was fun. I got to see all my extended family and play with other doggies, including another beagle named Heidi. (No! she is not my girlfriend… hehe).

Well, I will go ahead and post the pictures so you can see:

The Chronicles of Narnia

Here's a neat tidbit! The Chronicles of Narnia is coming to the silver screen! Production has begun in New Zealand. I imagine that the quality and beauty of this film should rival The Lord of the Rings!

Take a look:

Lisa & Matt's Wedding Reception

current mood: Dancing!


On Saturday the 7th, Karla & Richard went to Matt & Lisa's wedding reception at the Wyndam Garden in Las Colinas. It was a lot of fun, with food, drinks and dancing. You can see from the pictures that everyone had a great time! Especially Lisa & Matt, who were just a lil' tipsy by the end of the evening...

Brent & Katherine's Wedding

current mood: Dancing...
playing now: DJ Sammy - Heaven

Just some pictures from the wedding. I heard it was great, too bad they did not let doggies attend... oh well.. Karla & Richard enjoyed themselves, even though Richard had to go to work for 12 hours straight right after they left.

Visiting Giosué

current mood: Dancing...
playing now: Mest - I Melt With You

Just a few pictures I finally had a chance to upload when we went out to visit Giosué. And in case you were wondering, it's pronounced "Jo-sway"... its Italian, so let it roll off your tongue... Enjoy:

iPod Photo

current mood: Sleepy...
playing now: The Lion King - Hakuna Matata

It's here! The long awaited iPod Photo with 60 GB harddrive. That's 20,000 songs!

Karla, I am certain this is what Richard wants for Christmas... He will be the happiest camper you have ever seen if he gets it! Although we may have to wait until after Christmas to get it for him, since the price is sure to drop after then. OK, time to crawl under the bed and get some sleep...

Kowtown Beagles

current mood: Happy

Ever wonder where I was born? I only bring up the topic because this coming weekend there is a beagle family reunion where I was born. I am quite depressed that I am going to have to miss it, but Karla and Richard already made plans to go to a wedding, and there simply isn't enough time to do everything. I hope they have it again next year as I would dearly love to see my relatives.

Oh, so sorry, I digress... anyways... I am originally from a breeder in Granbury, TX. Just south of Fort Worth and next to Lake Granbury... the place is called Kowtown Beagles.

I have often wondered what it would have been like to have grown up being a show beagle. Of course my overbite has always prevented me from that, but heck.. braces are expensive. C'est la vie, no? Anyways, I love my family, and would not trade them for the world!

Addison WineFest

current mood: Sleepy...
playing now: Savage Garden - Two Beds and a Coffee Machine

Karla & Richard went to the The Addison WineFest on Saturday night. They both said it was a blast! Lots of great food and good wine! Everyone drank a lot, and that may be an understatement when you see the pictures... enjoy:

Giosué's Photo Album Is Up!

current mood: Sleepy...
playing now: Presuntos Implicados - Mi Pequeño Tesoro

Ofoto.com is back up! The pictures uploaded and ready for viewing! Click below to enjoy them!

Welcome Giosué Luciano Gómez

current mood: Happy Dance
playing now: Madonna - Till Death Do Us Part

Yesterday Giosué Luciano Gómez was born! How exciting... now I am going to have two play partners when he & his big sister Ivanna Luz come over to play! Here are his details:

If you're having a hard time reading that it says:

• Time: 4:53PM
• Weight: 6 lbs. 4 oz.
• Length: 18"
• Head: 13.5"
• Chest: 12"

And here is one of his first portraits:

As soon as Ofoto.com is back up, I will get all the pictures uploaded so you can view them...
In the mean time, here is a little video (sorry about the poor quality... not enough server space for better stuff) Enjoy!

The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King

current mood: Woo Hoo!!!
playing now: Taco - Putting on the Ritz

Just announced, the release date for The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (Special Extended Edition) is 12/14/04... Can't Wait!!!

Garden State

current mood: Peace Out
playing now: Coldplay - Don't Panic

Karla & Richard went to see "Garden State" tonight. They both really enjoyed the movie! If you are a fan of Scrubs on NBC, you will recognize Zach Braff, who wrote, directed & starred in "Garden State". Its a great slice of real life, and it touches close to home in many places...

One of the best things about the movie is the soundtrack! Great choice of new and upcomming bands as well as rediscovering some great older bands!

iPod Stuff

current mood: Nerdy
playing now: Maná - Angel De Amor

I am researching some iPod sync software for Richard (his dream is to get an iPod from Karla for Christmas... me... I just want some more Scooby Snacks. Yummm!). Anyways, I found following links for some good software:

• iPodSynch
• Brighthand
• iPodAgent

Anyone have experience with any of this stuff? Yeah, I know -- I'll just keep researching... what else am I gonna do? Take myself for a walk?

Kung Fu Promotion

current mood: Bring it on bee-otch!
playing now: Juanes - La Camisa Negra

Can you believe, my master has actually been involved for something for 6 months?!?!? Wow! I am amazed myself, if only he would walk me every night for 6 months!

Anyways... here are some pictures from his promotion on September 25th. Pretty cool stuff! Especially the pictures of the awesome guys at the end!

I let Richard go ahead and use my template for his webpage... you know, if he pays attention to me, he may actually learn how to code HTML someday... hehe...

The New System Is Up!

current mood: Nerdy
playing now: Maná - No Ha Parado De Llover (MTV Unplugged)

I just finished adding all the old weblog entries to the new system that I setup! I tell you, humans make things so hard on themselves. If only my master had asked me to do this in the first place it would have been much easier. I love this new system... what do y'all think? Let me know, you can add comments to each post. Pretty cool huh! Anyways, its been raining the last couple of days, and you know how I hate the water... especially bath time, but ever since Richard & Karla took me to the vet, I am supposed to get bathed (or showered) 3 times a week... sheesh... and I am taking 3 different pills up to 3 times a day... yuck... at least it gets wrapped in something nice for me (pupperronies... yummm!) Ok, I'll try to write more soon! Drop a line in the comments if it fancies ya!

A Whole New Web Log!

Hi I am Logan! I am going to be taking over the web log duties for the family. I'll tell you everything there is to know about what's going on with Karla & Richard and our friends and family! This is gonna be fun once it all is set-up correctly!

Di's Birthday & Grapefest

current mood: Nerdy
playing now: Ella Fitzgerald - Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye

Ripping some new CD's and decided to update the sight a bit...

On Friday the 10, we went to Ziziki's a greek eatery, (so very yummy!) to celebrate Diana's birthday! We had a great time eating and taking pictures... and since we had 3 bottles of wine there we decided to go across the patio to the wine bar (uggghhh... I can't remember the name...) but it was great that we got to buy wine in the shop and take it with us into the bar... they had super comfortable leather sofa's (as you will see in the pictures from Ed falling
asleep there...

Of course the 11th was the Annual Grapevine GrapeFest! Good wine and good friends with lots of great festival food! Steak on a Stake, Chicken on a stick, Corn Dogs, Beerwursts! Yummmm!!! Which reminds me -- this Friday the 17th is Oktoberfest in Addison - MORE BEERWURSTS, and lots of BEER!! Anyways... maybe there will be pictures of that too, but in the meantime, here are the pictures from the GrapeFest!

...originally published by Richard

Labor Day @ The Gaylord Texan

current mood: Happy
playing now: Anything Box - Blue Little Rose

Labor Day weekend was fun. We ate a lot (Sushi, Tapas, etc...). We went to the Gaylord Texan were we got to see the Mickeys! Celebrating Mickey: 75 InspEARations,and we got to take pictures with our favorites!

...originally published by Richard