Thanks for the VOTEs of Confidence.....LUCKY DOG LOTTERY PHOTO CONTEST!

The Voting for Lucky Dog Lottery Photo Contest has ended as of 12noon today.

Thanks for ALL the votes and support for li'l ol me, Travelin' Jack. We will know the Top 25 dogs on Monday, Feb. 7th. Stay tuned......

Here's what NM Lottery has to say about the contest:

Voting Ended Friday, Feb. 4, at Noon MT

Response to our contest was tremendous! Dog owners entered more than 4,700 photos. More than 100,000 votes were cast.

And the contest was a big hit in the new frontier of social media. Several dog owners and their friends used Facebook and YouTube to get out the vote.

The 25 finalist photos will be posted here on Monday, Feb. 7, by 4:30 p.m. MT.

Then the New Mexico Lottery will begin reviewing finalist photos to pick six furry faces to feature on the “Lucky Dog” Scratcher’s six tickets. Our choices will be based on a variety of criteria including, but not limited to, photo quality (sharp focus, good lighting, composition), diversity of dog breed and statewide representation.

The six dogs will be announced when the Scratcher launches in May.

Thank you for your support of the New Mexico Lottery. Since 1996, the lottery has raised $466 million for education and 68,000 college students have received Legislative Lottery Scholarships.

Winter Blizzard Warning: Don't Eat The Yellow Snow!

YEP...there's a doggone winter blizzard here in New Mexico....and while I'm havin' this ol' snow-day, thought I'd share this great article with you by none other than......

Dr. Donna Spector

Some great tips here for your pet info library...read on to see what Dog-Dr. Donna Spector has to say:

Winter is right around the corner! Does your dog love the winter wonderland or would he rather cuddle up on the couch under a cozy blanket? Either way, you must be prepared to protect him when he ventures out into the elements.

• Don't overfeed your dog during the winter. Although dogs are in need of an extra layer during the winter season…make sure it comes from a coat, and not a fat layer. Unless your dog lives outdoors during the winter, he or she often needs no additional calories during the winter chill. Cold temperatures often bring on lazy behaviors and actually the need for LESS calories. Be attentive to your dog's activity level and adjust his calories accordingly. Always feed your dog a high quality natural dog food to insure a healthy coat and good energy for the cold winter months.
• Keep your dog hydrated. Dogs can dehydrate just as quickly in the winter as summer. Although many dogs eat snow, it is not an adequate substitute for fresh water. If your dog has a water bowl outdoors, check it often and break ice that may form on top.
• Let's talk temperature! If it is too cold for you to stand at the door without your coat, it is probably too cold for your dog to be out without a coat. Some dog breeds have dense undercoats that help protect them against very cold temperatures…but most dogs should have a coat to help them deal with Jack Frost. If getting your dog a coat makes you think about poodles in pink fur, don't distress! Coats are not just about fashion; there are many functional, non-couture coats available! Coats will not prevent frostbite on the ears, feet or tail…so don't keep your dog out too long in freezing temperatures.
• Take precaution when playing. Although your dog is likely to be having a great time outdoors, take frequent indoor breaks for water and warming up and don't ever stay out too long. If you are walking or playing in unfamiliar areas, keep your dog close. It is easy for them to venture onto unsafe ground….for example, some ponds and lakes are small and can be hidden by snow and ice and pose hazards to unsuspecting frolicking dogs.
• Provide extra bedding and warmth for your dog. In addition to limiting your dog's time outdoors on cold days, you must also provide warm indoor shelter. Place your dog's bed in a warm spot; away from drafts, cold tile or uncarpeted floors.
• Protect your dog from burns. Dogs will often seek heat during the cold winter weather by snuggling too close to heating sources. Avoid space heaters and lamps and place baseboard radiator covers to avoid unnecessary burns. Fireplaces also pose a major threat and a pet-proof system should be used to keep your heat-seeking pal out of harms way! \Groom your dog. Your dog needs a clean, well-groomed coat to keep him properly insulated. This is especially important if your dog lives outdoors. It is important to choose natural, detergent-free grooming products that will not strip your dog's skin and coat of essential oils that help protect them against the winter elements. After bathing, dry your dog adequately, especially before allowing him outdoors.
• Protect your dog's feet. Dogs walk through snow, slush, salt and chemicals and are very likely to sustain an injury to their foot pads unless protected. Although doggie booties may sound a little corny, they can prevent painful injuries. If you don't want to invest in booties, place thick socks on each paw and connect the top of each sock with a mitten keeper over the dogs shoulder and hips. If booties absolutely don't work for your dog, clean your dog's feet every time he comes into the house. Use warm water and clean between the toes to remove all debris and salt. Apply a small amount of a natural moisturizer or salve every day to keep the pads from cracking. Avoid using any chemical ice-melting compounds or rock salt on your sidewalks or driveways that your dog may contact.
• Shovel and clear the snow! Snow can be a lot of fun but also dangerous for your dog. Snow piled near fences pose escape hazards that even well trained dogs often can't resist. Keep snow cleared away from fences to prevent your dog from climbing over. Snow and ice often accumulate on rooftops and if the sun is out or as temperatures rise, this accumulation can fall and injure your dog. If you are unable to clear the snow from the roof, keep your dog away from the roof overhang to prevent injury.
• Avoid toxin exposure. With winter comes antifreeze from automobiles. Antifreeze is sweet in taste and dogs will readily lick or drink it. Antifreeze is extremely toxic and just a small amount can be fatal for dogs. Keep your dog out of the garage and off the driveway where they may encounter antifreeze or other harmful chemicals.
• Dogs should NEVER be left in cars unattended, no matter what the season. Freezing cold temperatures are the main concern during the winter. If the car is left running during the winter (especially in the garage), carbon monoxide poisoning is a real threat.
• Special medical needs. Cold weather will often aggravate existing medical conditions in dogs, particularly arthritis. It is very important to maintain an exercise regimen with your arthritic dog, but be mindful of slippery surfaces and make sure your dog has a warm soft resting area to recuperate after activity. Try the addition of a natural glucosamine supplement to lubricate the joints and ease the discomfort of arthritis. Just like people, dogs are more susceptible to other illnesses during the winter weather. Contact your veterinarian if you detect any unusual symptoms in your dog. Remember, never use over the counter medication without the advice of your veterinarian.

Paying special attention to your dog's well-being during the winter season will insure that you both enjoy the Winter Wonderland to its fullest.

::

Donna Spector, DVM, DACVIM, is a renowned, board-certified Veterinary Internal Medicine Specialist, an active AVMA and AVHMA member, and leading speaker and writer on pet health and nutrition. She is widely recognized for her role as consulting veterinarian to HALO, Purely for Pets and her TV appearances with Halo co-owner Ellen DeGeneres. Dr. Donna performs medical, nutrition and weight loss consultations for dogs and cats through her web-based veterinary consulting service, www.SpectorDVM.com.

OH....AND HERE IS ONE VERY IMPORTANT TIP FROM TRAVELIN' JACK............"DON'T EAT THE YELLOW SNOW!!!!!!!!

Doggie hugs and Slurpy Kisses.

Woo-Hoo! I am the BIONIC BullDogge!

Well, whether it is dog-ficial...or just my dog-pinion, I am THE Bionic BullDogge of New Mexico!

And how did I come up with that dog-nalysis, you ask? Well...it's all because of my favorite surgeon, Dr. Peter Schwarz.

I just went back to the Doc to get my 2 week post-op checkup from my recent CCL surgery on my back leg! And he gave me a good report....WHEW!!!!! Don't want any more of this surgery stuff, ya know!

Now I just have to rest, recuperate and be good for the next 6-8 weeks...that means NO jumping, NO climbing, NO running......doggone it...those are all the FUN things for a pupparoo to do...besides EAT of course. And wouldn't ya know it....they even put me on a dog-diet! WoW.....now this is a tuff role for a 'meaty' dog...but I DO know that Dr. Schwarz of the Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Services of New Mexico is THE man...and he is taking grand care of me...so guess I'll just mind the doc for now.

But.....bein' the goofy kinda dog I am.....I'm takin' this new title all the way to the BANK! (well I can dream anyway, can't I?) And here we go...let's add this to my already fat resume......

Travelin' Jack....New Mexico's Bionic BullDogge extraordinaire! Ready to hit the road with all my great hardware keepin' my knees runnin' down the highway, reporting to you....on New Mexico pet adventures!

So...if you see a Big B after my name...and a T-shirt with a Big B on it....and maybe a big blobby blur of a dog with a Big D on his chest flying high up in the sky.....

...YOU'LL know that it is I---- "Travelin' Jack---BIONIC BullDogge-Man"----ready to take on my SUPERDOG role!

Watch Out! Here I come.....

Travelin' Jack Needs Your Vote for NM's LUCKY DOG Lottery Contest.

Today the race starts...New Mexico is looking for 6 LUCKY DOG Lottery dogs....who will be showcased on a summer lottery card promotion.

Now can't you JUST see me...Travelin' Jack as one of the 6 dog models in this BIG DEAL? Yup...me too.

But listen up.....it's a long road to wander before I get there. You see, it all revolves around VOTES.....yup votes. And that means YOU can help. There are almost 5000 dogs a-wantin' this honor....so my work's cut out for this pupparoo. But I do have my heart set on being one of the six.

Voting starts today. Just click on this link and vote EVERY day from today through Feb. 4th.

http://www.nmlottery.com/

Click on the Lucky Dog Photo Contest Box
Click on VOTE
Then type in Travelin' Jack (must be TRAVELIN' JACK)
Fill in the VOTE dot
Save the Vote.

and that's it!
Then do that again on Tuesday...Wednesday etc...you get the drift.

Thanks a dog-zillion for your votes....I DO dog-preciate your support and your VoteS.

Dog-Intelligence Test.....Check Out your IQ from this TOP DOG!

THIS IS INCREDIBLE... Read all the Letters....
Slowly and in Order!!
Be Careful not to MISS ANY......

A B C D E F G

H I J K L M N O P

Q R S T U V W

X Y Z..........


Now repeat one more time..........maybe two more times.......




TOMORROW I WILL SEND YOU
THE Top 10 list of NUMBERS!!!


HA-HA! Gotcha! It's SO easy to amuse old people.

Ugh OH.....2nd time around!

Harumph.....the snow fall in Chama was just grand....18 inches of pure powder to romp in and jump through.....and then it happened! Doggone It! My other back leg started to hurt. Well, to make a long tail...er tale...short, I tore my OTHER CCL.

If you recall, last March I tore my right ligament in my back leg...sorta like when skiers blow their knee.....and I went under the knife. Now, it's always good when you have the BEST surgeon anywhere takin' care of you...and that's just what I had.


Dr. Peter Schwarz of VESCNM here in Albuquerque took doggone GRAND care of me and my bad leg...and he is JUST THE BEST, let me tell you. And he did warn me at the time...that maybe, just maybe I would mess up my other leg too. You know those ODDS they always talk about. He said that more than 60% of dogs that tear one CCL end up tearing the other one too.

Well, I was dog-termined NOT to be in that dog-stat number, so we partnered up with Dr. Schaffer of PALL Corporation in New York...a canine research facility. We put one of their pilot programs to the test to see if it would help me escape the 2nd surgery.....and it DID for over 6 months....but then the snow and fate caught up with me.

So here I am back again at VESCNM....for Round 2 surgery on my Left Leg this time. And of Course!....I had my very BEST surgeon, Dr. Schwarz do the dog-honors once again. Yep, we went into the Operatin' Room together again last Thursday.....and I'm home now recuperatin...and feelin' better by the day. So once again...I say THANKS, DR. SCHWARZ! for the fab work you do on my bones and body! LUV YA!

And the final leg of this little adventure (HA-LEG...get it! Just a little bulldog humor there....and I KNOW you're glad to see I am still the same ol' goofy Jack I was before all this surgery!) I get to take it easy at home for awhile. Doc's Orders....NO running...NO jumping...NO climbing steps.....HARUMPH....what's a dog to do anyway?

Well, I guess I'll just be a good little dog...and rest away the days till I CAN do those things again. And in the meantime...I've been logging onto Wintertime Adventures in New Mexico that let the doggy get some good little R&R in order to stay on the Job dog-scovering great doggie getaways in New Mexico!

So stay tuned....we're just another adventure away...coming soon!

Doggie Hugs and Slurpy Kisses!

PHOENIX Sunrise....SEDONA Sunset!

What better way to start off the new year than with a ROAD TRIP, eh? And this pupparoo and travelin' partner Jill took to the highways and headed West out of New Mexico to Arizona. First Stop...and a VERY important one.......Potty Stop at Arizona's Rest Area just over the state line. Check out the snow on the ground....cold on the old tootsies.....Ahhh well we're headin' to warmer country next...PHOENIX- the REAL vacation!
Sunshine and Swimmin' Pools. While SOME of you two-feeted folks might like swimmin'....not sure it's my cup o' tea! After all, I am a bit heavy in the derriere...and might just sink. NO thank you....I'll pass on the swimmin' this go-round! BUT I did have a grand time visitin' my canine cousin KIP, the Cairn Terrier. He and I shared stories about how we were both rescued by our Persons...and He (just like me) has a VERY happy ending to his story, livin' the good life in Phoenix!

Back on the road again...headin' to Sedona. I hear through the dog-vine that Arizona has Red Rocks...just like in our state. I've visited the Red Rocks at Abiquiu and Jemez Mountains....so let's just go check out these Sedona Red Rocks.
WoW....take in that view wouldja!? This is where I spent my Sedona Sojourn....not bad, eh? Visited with a star-studded Country Song-writer-Producer......got to hear some croonin' while there...BUT the most important part of the trip?
Why the Kanine Kids OF COURSE! Take a look at these high class Cattle Dogs wouldja! That's Leah, Abel and Luke. And we are NOW BEST OF FRIENDS! We had some grand times rompin' around the Ranch there in Sedona.....but the bad news is THEY HAVE SPRINGS IN THEIR LEGS...and I Don't! So whenever they got to feelin' frisky...up on a wall they would leap....or even right over me! Hey You Guys! No fair! Bulldogs didn't get spring legs when God was a-handin' out parts.
But not to worry....You are tops in my Book...what with the grand dog-spitality that you and your Papa showed me. Yep, Sedona is one fab Get-Away when you need to cross the border.
And after all the playin' was over....It was Back on the Road again, Jill and I, home again to New Mexico! As we crossed the State Line, we spied New Mexico's newest....and most bee-u-tiful too!......Visitor Information Center in Manuelito just outside of Gallup. The SUPER Supervisor, Sherry welcomed me into the VIC in Grand Style! Thanks Sherry....both you and Calvin are just doggone grand in this dog's pup-pinion! And you have one dog-dandy Information Center there too! And Hey...I give a Two-Paws up rating of your Dog Walkin' Trails too!

Now, finally....here's the travel tip of the day from your rovin' bulldog reporter.......While on the Road, check out your awaitin' adventures at ANY ofNew Mexico's 9 Visitor Centers...for Lots o' good info on your next New Mexico Adventure!

Yep, Fun on the Road and in Arizona...why I might just go back there again!!!....but as Toto's person, Dorothy once said...."There's No Place Like Home"....and New Mexico is MY home! Glad to get back!

Doggie Hugs and Slurpy Kisses!