Tribute to Tashie

The bandage on Claire's left wrist was quite the conversation starter on our first date. A piece of chicken that had been accidentally dropped on the floor became a trip to the emergency room. Claire assured me that Tashie was a loving, gentle dog... just don't get in the way of her food. And thus began the relationship between Claire, myself and two little dachshunds named Tashie and Roxie.
The dogs weren't initially excited to see me the first time I visited Claire's house. It was as though I was the enemy invading their territory. But after several hours of playing ball and dispensing treats, I was accepted into the family. Roxie would gravitate to Claire for attention and Tashie would become a "Daddy's girl." She would spend long periods of time chasing her squeaky, orange ball, then paw at my leg when she wanted a treat. Tashie would often be the first one up in the morning, rubbing her face against mine, letting me know it was time to eat.
Tashie was also a tough little dog, going through two cancer surgeries and a back operation. After one of the surgeries, when we brought her home, she was still woozy from the medication. I let her outside to take care of business, and when I looked out the window, Tashie was standing on the back porch with a rabbit in her mouth.
Unfortunately time passes. Old age would zap her of energy and disease would take away any quality of life she had left. Tashie had trouble walking and food was no longer an interest for her. It was a difficult decision to make, but thankfully we able to spend plenty of time with her. So now, Tashie is in a better place, running and barking with Roxie, maybe even playing ball. Hopefully no one has dropped any food between the two of them.

Dotte Days

Okay... I admit it... we've been slacking with the blog lately. Sometimes we get so caught up in what's going on around us, we forget about other things. So here is a series of photos from Alan's trip to Wyandotte for Dotte Days.

It took three judges to decide the winners in the following catagories: pies, cakes, cookies, breads and kids division. These ladies tabulated the scores, handed out prizes and stopped the judges from going back for more.


This was the winner in the pie division. It was a caramel apple pie that was still warm. The winner had just taken it out of the oven and rushed it to the contest. Note for next year, bring ice cream.


There were plenty of things to do, but this youngster found his own source of entertainment.

Obviously a little confusion, as this visitor was looking for Doxie Days.


Bill brought a wonderful piece into Good Morning Four States that he had carved. During Dotte Days, he not only displayed his work, but gave a demonstration on how his pieces were created. He has a lot more patience than I do.

Tribute to Roxie

Our home got a little quieter; a little lonelier over the weekend as one of our dachshunds, Roxie, passed away Sunday. If you're a viewer of the show, you know Shannon talks about her cats and I talk about my dogs in great detail. The dogs have been a part of my life since Claire and I began dating several years ago. As long as there's been a Claire and Alan, there's been a Roxie and Tashie. I often get into conversations with pet owners, exchanging stories about our animals and sharing the joy they bring into our lives.
Since we don't have children, Roxie was one of our "kids in fur coats." We fed her, walked her, bought her the occasional toy and provided her a place to sleep, usually next to us, sometimes taking more real estate than necessary. In return, we received unconditional love. If it had been a long day, we knew the moment the door would open at home, Roxie would greet us with a wagging tail. Granted, pet ownership isn't all fun and games as there were moments of frustration. The various accidents, repeated trips outside late at night and a few fights with our other dog. But there were plenty of good times as a reward... walks in the park, a game of ball, a kiss to the face. Roxie would spend many evenings on the couch with us, watching television, burrowed under a blanket.
Unfortunately Roxie had a heart condition, and had almost passed two previous times in the last year and a half. Her breathing was becoming labored, yet her personality remained. In times of illness, she still enjoyed getting our attention.
So thank you Roxie for the joy and happiness you gave us for the last nine years. May the squirrel chasing be good in your next stop.

Cow Appreciation Day

A big thanks to all who participated in our broadcast at Chick-fil-A for Cow Appreciation Day. Several people were nice enough to get up early and dress like cows for the sake of the show (and some Chick-fil-A food). One young woman was even celebrating her birthday that day. I've included a few photos from the fun... too bad I had to give the cow hat back.

Tulsa Contest

We are giving our Facebook fans and blog readers a chance to register early for our July Tulsa contest. The link is listed under "Favorite Websites" to the right. This month's trip includes passes to the zoo, aquarium and Tulsa Drillers as well as hotel and shoppping. The trip is worth about $350, so you'll definitely want to sign up. The entry deadline is July 23 with the winner announced on Good Morning Four States Friday, July 24. Good luck!

Dachshunds Still Cute Even When Sick

If you are a regular viewer of Good Morning Four States, you know we are both animal lovers. Shannon is the proud owner of two cats while Alan has two dachshunds. Alan's dogs have had their share of health problems over the years, with the older dog having cancer surgery (twice) and back surgery, while the younger dog has a heart problem. Health issues struck the younger dog earlier in the week when she collapsed in the backyard. Fluid has built up in her lungs, making it difficult for her to breath. At one point, the vet didn't think she would pull through. However, after a couple rounds of medicine and time spent in an oxygen tent, she is back at home, running around the yard and chasing squirrels. Alan thought he would share a picture of her resting in the oxygen tent. She's a little fighter. A big thanks to the people at Banfield.

Delicious Pot Pie

This morning on the show, part of our discussion was on pot pies. Granted, the off-air discussion lasted a little longer than what you, the viewer, got to see. I ate plenty of pot pies in college and really didn't have much of a desire to have one ever again. However, one of our viewers may have changed my mind. This photo was taken in New Orleans, while the sender was vacationing. It's a pork pot pie that was enjoyed at an outdoor cafe on Canal Street. Looks delicious.