Welcome Autumn!

Fall arrived last night at 11:09 p.m., but I was already getting my beauty sleep...so welcome to the first full day of fall!

With the temperatures in the upper 80s it's a little difficult to get in the mood, but I'm shedding more than usual, so I know it's autumn.

TeTe's Post

Okay, TeTe here. I saw yesterday's post by Rose and although I was mentioned, I wonder if anyone noticed that I was the only one whose picture was not included. Well, I complained, so here I am in my very own post...

Before you ask, of course I know it's not a real bird. What do you think I am, a dog?...

I enjoy watching Animal Planet, even when they show penguins...

You can't even nap at our house without having your picture taken, but I am still beautiful even when I am asleep...

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This is me and my sister Silver who died in December. We were only about 7-days-old when one of our human's Dobermans found our litter and our mother in a construction site debris pile and took us home. Silver is the only person in our house with whom I would have my picture taken...

Happy Anniversary, Rose!

Today I am HNJJ's guest poster - Rose. One year ago today I left a dog pound in north Jersey - these days called an animal control facility - and came home to my family in Hillsborough.

Before that happy day, I spent three months with the nice people at animal control after being turned in to the animal control officer with my step-brother (we were supposed to have been wandering around a neighborhood). They arranged for some surgery that I needed for a large bladder stone, helped me to recover, and then put my picture up on Petfinder.

I don't know why it took so long for someone to come and adopt me, but the animal people were adamant that my new parents had to understand my special diet.

One Friday a couple from Hillsborough who had seen my picture on Petfinder brought their dog Sweet Lady up so we could all meet. Things went very well, so they arranged to pick me up on Monday after I made one more trip to the vet for some final shots.

We had a nice trip home and I settled in with Sweet Lady and the two cats Silver and TeTe.

There were a few minor glitches. A few housebreaking problems after three months in a kennel and bladder stone surgery. A habit of emptying garbage cans, unrolling toilet paper, and emptying all the items out of unzipped gym bags. Removing wallets from pants pockets and then emptying the wallets; luckily I didn't chew up any of the paper that I took from the wallets.

The second week of December Silver, one of the cats, and Sweet Lady both died. They were each thirteen-years-old and had been sick. I helped the rest of the family to get through that. We gained another cat, Toonces.

I spent this past year going to a lot of stuff around Hillsborough - concerts, the bank, Somerville Cruise. the tow path - and lots of walks. I made a lot of friends.

I have contributed a lot to the HNJJ blog by posing for photographs. Valentines' Day, Christmas, rabies clinic, Labor Day. I am very photogenic and pretty much willing to pose most of the time - although it takes a while sometimes.

Well, I hope to see you more as the years pass and, please, consider adopting someone like me if you are looking for a dog. (or like Toonces if you want a cat).

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This is in remembrance of Silver...


...and Sweet Lady...

Ag in Action 2010

Yesterday was drizzly which apparently discouraged a lot of people from attending this year's Somerset County Agriculture in Action Day, which is a shame. The activities were interesting and those who attended had a great time.

And the hamburgers were great.

I guess we need to be reminded that farming happens every day, no matter what the weather.
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Enjoy these pictures, courtesy of Susan Gulliford.

Today's Ag in Action Day

Today is the Somerset County Board of Agriculture's Agriculture in Action Day with this year's activities being held in Hillsborough at Rainbow Run Farm and Laine Farms from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

According to Rainbow Run's website, the farm specializes in cutting horses and cattle, while Laine Farms is a hay and grain farm.

Rainbow Run Farm is located at 86 Rainbow Hill Road (off Amwell Road in the Clover Hill section of Hillsborough). There is a suggested $2. per car parking donation.

For more information telephone (908)526-6293 X3 or go here.
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The photographs below, courtesy of Susan Gulliford, were taken at two previous Agriculture in Action days held in Hillsborough: 2004 at Norz-Hill Farm and 2006 at Duke Farms...

Somerville's September 11th Memorial

Dog Lover's Heaven

Central Jersey dog lovers have an opportunity to indulge their doggie devotion this weekend with some of the largest dog shows in the tri-state area being held right here at the 4-H Fairgrounds on Milltown Road in Bridgewater.

Today (sorry, too late) the Tuxedo Park Kennel Club Show was held with 1,400 dogs registered [see above slide-show]. Tomorrow, Saturday, is the Somerset Hills Kennel Club Show with 2,000 dogs entered. Sunday the Westchester Kennel Club Show will be held with about 1,600 dogs.

This is an opportunity to see the breeds that may interest you and, when they aren't showing, talk to the owners, handlers, and groomers working with the dogs.

Don't only watch the breed competitions (sometimes called the beauty shows), but take time to see the obedience dogs do their thing.

There are also a number of vendors there. Although they aren't likely to be the cheapest around, they will probably have that one odd item that you have been trying to find. Food is available for purchase, although, once again, not the cheapest around.

Also, notice how quiet the show grounds are with thousands of dogs there.

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Just a few dog show etiquette tips:
*Don't try to talk to handlers who are waiting to go into the ring; they are working at that moment. The same with the groomers.
*Don't distract dogs who are in the ring by hanging on the fences, calling the dogs, or offering them treats. It isn't fair to distract them after all the hard work they put in to get that far.
*Keep your children well-behaved and under control. This isn't a playground.
*If you dog is well-behaved, under control, and up-to-date with all shots, you may take them onto the show grounds at these shows. [This is not true at all shows.]
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I don't know why they had to go to a dog show to see other dogs when they have me...

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For more information on the Somerset Hills Kennel Club show schedule, go here.

For information on the Westchester Kennel Club Show go here.