Dog Tails: The Diary of a Golden Life
A Golden Life is a dog blog and diary written by a Golden Retriever named Farley. Not only will I share little glimpses into my daily canine adventures with my humans, I will also offer dog product reviews, photos, videos and updates on the 1000 Goldens Project.My New Widget
Sunday, March 7, 2010 at 07:49AM 
My Mom didn't know we could have a Google Friend Connect Widget, since our blog isn't hosted by Blogger. She was clicking around yesterday and found out the widget can be used on any website, so she added it to mine (see right sidebar of our site). Will you join my Friend Connect?
My New Favorite Spot
Saturday, March 6, 2010 at 06:43PM Dad and I recently did a ceramic tile project in the bathroom. When we got started I didn't know how to break the news to Dad.

He called this stuff Hardiebacker board and asked me to trust him. Once we put the tile down, it ended up looking much better. In fact, this has now become one of my new favorite spots to take a snooze. P.S. there is a heating vent behind my back, so it's kinda cozy.

Free Templates - Dog Blog Calling Cards
Saturday, March 6, 2010 at 10:31AM Awhile back my Mom posted about the Dog Blog business cards she made me. I had said she would post some templates, if other dog bloggers wanted to make and order their own, but needed some graphics help. She finally got around to it and below are some samples, links to download the Photoshop templates designed for the size specifications of this online printer, instructions for how to edit them, and some helpful links.
Examples of Free Samples



Downloads & Instructions
These templates are for Adobe Photoshop CS. I don't have Photoshop Elements, so I can't say if it will work with that or not? The dimensions of these cards are made specifically to match those of OvernightPrints.com. Please use at your own risk. Meaning - when you upload the file to place your order, you need to be sure your text fits within the trim lines prior to ordering. You will get a "preview" screen prior to placing your order. It's a WYSIWYG system - so if your text doesn't fit within the crop lines you will need to adjust the template accordingly.
Dots Template file download
Dots Instructions: You will see layers for each part of the dog blog calling card. Select the layer titled "Place Photo Here" then click File->Place to insert your photo. You will likely need to resize the image first. Using your text tool, you can update the text layers to match your blog title, web address, etc.
Red Paw Print Template file download
Red Paw Instructions: You will see layers for each part of the business card. Select the layer titled "Place Photo Here" then click File->Place to insert your photo. You will likely need to resize the image first. Using your text tool, you can update the text layers to match your blog title, web address, etc.
Brown Stripes Template file download
Brown Stripes Instructions: You will see layers for each part of the business card. Your photo will need to be resized to approximately 1.60 x 1.08 to fit the square. Select the layer titled "Place Photo Here" then click File->Place to insert your photo. You will likely need to resize the image first. Using your text tool, you can update the text layers to match your blog title, web address, etc.
Helpful Links
- If you don't have Photoshop and are looking into the software, you can find Adobe Special Offers
here.
- Through March 31, 2010 the printer we use is having a sale. The OvernightPrints 10% OFF Everything Sale. Use code TENOFFOP at checkout. Expires 03/31/2010
.
- Another online printing company we have used is called PS Print. I don't know if my templates are sized to their specifications, but here is a link to the details of their sale. 60% OFF Full Color Business Cards
.
- If you want to order a custom designed dog blog business card, we will create one for your for a small fee. Simply contact us for the details.
Mental Health Day
Friday, March 5, 2010 at 12:38PM Rather than taking long vacations, my Mom likes to take one vacation day per month so there is always something to look forward too. She calls them "Mental Health Days" and finds it the best way to manage workplace stress. I prefer to call them Mom and Me days!
Today is our day, so I took her outside to demonstrate my prescription for stress management. Pull up a snow bank and take a breather! Mmm... life is good!

Mud on my Melon
Monday, March 1, 2010 at 09:17PM Like any good retriever, when Mom gets home from work I greet her with a toy. Today I was outside with Dad so I ran up to the van to greet her with my favorite ball. It rolled under her filthy van, and I attempted to cram my body underneath and rescue my treasure. You can see how far I got by the mud mark on my head!


My solution was to give Dad a big hug, and wipe it off on his coat. Thanks Dad!

Training Your Humans: Lesson 12
Sunday, February 28, 2010 at 10:53AM Lesson 12: How to Throw a Ball
The only problem with my Mom is that she's a girl. And unfortunately...she throw's like one. It is both embarrassing and disappointing for dogs such as myself who love to play fetch. For this tutorial I had no choice but to call in an expert. Thank you Adrian Arceo! Mom, I love you but please watch this video. Repeatedly! Remember, practice makes perfect.
I'm Bringing Sexy Back!
Saturday, February 27, 2010 at 06:21AM On Thursday night I went to the vet. Mom was worried about me because I have been drinking water like it's going out of style and she read that could be a sign of diabetes or kidney issues. Any-whoo, my blood work showed that I am healthy as a horse, and was subjected to the torture chamber for absolutely nothing. As the humans say, better safe than sorry.
What does that have to do with sexy? Well, a trip to the vet means I get to sit on the scale. I have been on the dreaded "light" dog food for longer than I care to mention. I weighed in at 76.8 pounds!! This is a major accomplishment for me (Mom is too ashamed to post my starting weight). So yes my friends, Farley is bringing sexy back!
On Mom's lunch break yesterday she went to PetSmart and got me regular dog food. The humans have begun slowly mixing it in to my light food (the way they sprinkle cheese on a salad). It is sooooo delicious!
Note from Mom: This is an older photo of Farley, but I love his smile in it -- so I'm using it again for his glamour shot.







