For the longest time, I believed that dogs saw in black and white.  I'm sure that's what I was told when I was young.  Maybe that's what everyone believed.  Maybe scientists just weren't able to perform the research needed.  

But it's not true!  Dogs DO see in colors.  They don't see quite the same way humans do and I'm sure they're not looking at your clothes and noticing certain colors aren't right for you, but they are seeing colors.

Scientists believe that dogs are only able to see in shades of yellow, blue and grey.  Dogs have only two types of color-sensitive "cone" cells whereas humans have three.  It's awesome that dogs can see in color, but still, sad that they are clueless about my favorite color...red.

Dogs also have blurrier vision than humans with 20/20 vision since they have four to eight times less visual accuity.  A dog's vision is believed to be 20/75 which means that they lose sight of patterns 20 feet away that most people can see at 75 feet away.  Good thing they have a great sense of smell!

So, the next time you buy a colorful toy for your dog, make it a blue or yellow one.  It just might be easier for them to find in your green grass as opposed to a red or orange toy.

A puppy's ears are sealed at birth and they are unable to hear for the first couple weeks of life.  During this period, they rely on scent and vibrations to guide them.  Once their hearing has developed, they can hear about 4 times the distance of a person with normal hearing.  They can also hear much higher pitched sounds (range 67-45,000 Hz) than humans (range 64-23,000 Hz) can.  Their ear flap, or pinna, has more than 20 muscles allowing them 180 degrees of movement helping them to capture sounds.  Not to mention the many adorable ways a puppy holds his ears to express himself.

Puppies and dogs have so much love to give and bring tremendous joy to the humans in their lives.  I love the smile on this boy's face as this puppy attempts to lick him.  I also love puppy breath.  I think someone should make dog treats that smell like puppy breath so all dogs can smell that way!

Did you know:

Dogs are good for your heart?  Cuddling with your dog helps you to relax and can lower your blood pressure.  

Dogs can help you get motivated?  Every dog enjoys and needs to go for a walk.  Taking your pooch out for a stroll benefits you as well because it gets you up and moving....which is ALWAYS a good thing.

Dogs help you socialize?  In this day and age, it seems as though people are afraid to talk to one another.  Privacy fences surround so many homes now, and people passing on the street don't even look each other in the eye.  Dogs are great ice breakers.  Most people smile when they see a happy dog, tongue hanging out and tail wagging, and almost always will ask about your dog making it easy to start a conversation.  

Dogs are helpful in so many ways.  I grew up with dogs and have had dogs most of my adult life.  I can remember sitting out on the back patio and hugging our dog, Tiny, and singing the "nobody loves me" song to him.  He would just sit there beside me and listen to all my worries, giving me a lick now and then to let me know that he loved me.  In those moments, I felt like no one else in the world understood me and it was a great relief to know that at least Tiny did.  He was my best friend!

Now, go give your dog a hug!  You'll feel better!
 

Yes, our Australian Labradoodles are uber intelligent!  They can even drive!  It only took about three 1/2 hour lessons and then Moose was able to drive the other doodles to the vet.  I cringe every time he comes to me with his paw out, eyes begging and expecting me to hand him the keys.  I don't fully trust him.  I think they stop at the dog parks or the pet stores while they're out, searching for other doodles, playing with toys in the toy aisle, trying out the different doggie beds.  Who knows what they do when I'm not around to supervise. I'm always relieved when they pull in the drive, jump out of the car and run to the door with tails and tongues wagging.  At least they're happy to see me!

Okay, well it really wasn't Christmas morning, but it sure felt like it.  Coco gave us 7 beautiful babies this past weekend and with the birth of each puppy came the excitement of receiving a gift, a present, a precious package.  You never know what your carefully wrapped gift will be.  Well, you have an idea.  At least you KNOW it will be a puppy.  But will it be a girl or boy?  What color will it be?  Big or small?  It really is exciting and such a miracle.  I feel blessed to be a part of this miracle and so happy for healthy babies and a healthy mama.  Way to go Coco!

It's no secret that I love to take pictures of our dogs and puppies.  Whether sleeping or at play, the images I capture bring an immense amount of joy to my life.  Thank goodness for digital cameras.  It's worth shooting 100 pictures just to get that one awesome shot.  The picture above is one of my all time favorites.  I smile every time I see this picture of a pup named Mumford!

Do you take pictures of your pets?  What's your favorite, action or just lying around?

I love watching our doodles sleep.  I really love the look on their faces after the first flash goes off!  I'm sure they must feel the same way I feel when I'm sleeping and suddenly a wet nose is pressed against my face, or worse yet, I get a good tongue lashing on my cheeks!  But I wouldn't change it for anything.  It's a wonderful feeling to wake up and know that you are loved!