Author: Xena, Lucy and Chia

Thankful Thursday and Xena’s Muffin Heist

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia22 Comments

Xena: Muffins…yummy!

Shirley’s Spa Day by Xena

I love my at-home spa days
And how nice they make me feel.
Plus my special muffin haze
Is included in the deal.

Mmm, muffins, think I’ll try one;
Shirley seems to be asleep.
She’s always so much more fun
After one of these she eats.

The End

I couldn’t really eat one cause I’m allergic to wheat flour. So I just pretended. I’m thankful that Mommy uses other flours to make my special treats, like for my birthday and Christmas!

Lucy: Seems there was more ingredients than flour in those muffins that you shouldn’t eat!

Chia: I’m thankful that Mom caught me in time to still make it to the Blessing of the Animals last Saturday. Now I’m blessed!
Lucy: What do you mean, “caught you?”
Chia: Oh, the garage door was open when we went downstairs so I took off through the neighborhood. I wanted to explore and visit with my neighbor friends.
Xena: Oh, that’s right. I remember hearing Mommy and Daddy talking about that door, They think a neighbor got a new garage door opener and it’s opening ours, too!

Thanks to Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the great picture every week!

Xena’s Ninth Gotcha Day

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia21 Comments

This is the day nine years ago that I drove 3 hours to north Georgia to get my precious Xena. She was 13 weeks old, and had never been in a car. During the 3 hour drive back to her new home in Tennessee, she was a bit scared and wet in the kennel. That meant that her first experiene here was a bath!

I took her upstairs to meet her new Daddy and Lucy, who had only been here about 4 months, as well as our big red dog Riley. Riley had been bossed around most of his life by our schnauzer, Lexi. He took one look at the new baby schnauzer, and by the look on his face, said, “Oh sh..t,” before walking into the guest bedroom, not to be seen again until the next day.

Thankfully, Lucy wagged her tail and welcomed her little sister to her home.

Happy 9th Gotcha Day, Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess!

Xena, Chicken and Dumb Joe on Thankful Thursday

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia24 Comments

I’m waggin’ happy that Teddy is back with his picture for a poem this week! Without further woofs, here we go!

Xena, Chicken and Dumb Joe by Xena

“Hey, you stupid chicken, whatcha doin’ on that guy’s head.
He doesn’t look bright either; so have you been fed?
Or maybe you’ll start pooping down his back, he, he.
Just don’t turn around and let that poop fly on me!”

“I’m not the one who’s stupid; Joe doesn’t know I’m here.
He sells our dead bodies to Chick-fil-A’s, far and near.
So I climbed up on his noggin where he’ll never think to look.
I heard him tell his buddy that tonight he plans to cook.

I’m hiding till he leaves here, then I’ll make my getaway.
If you keep your yap shut, Schnauzer, I might live another day!”

Xena cocked her little head and said, “Now that makes sense.
But sitting on his head like that don’t seem like much defense.
Come down and follow me; I know a safer way.
If old Joe comes after us, I’ll bite him ’til he prays!”

The chicken said, “You’ve got a deal—but first, before we run
There’s something I’ve been planning that’s sure to be quite fun…
I’ve saved a little present for the man who thinks I’m meat.”
Xena yelled, “Aim for Joe, bird! Not the Schnauzer at your feet!”

The End

Lucy: Hmmm, now I’m not sure about eating all the chicken meat Mom gets me.
Xena: Well, then, just eat it for me, ’cause I’m allergic to it.
Lucy: OK, that sounds fair. I’m thankful for you, Xena. And I’m thankful that you and Chia do your best to keep Fritz busy every Monday and Tuesday when he stays with us.

Chia: Yep, and I know that Mon’s thankful that he isn’t messing on the floor anymore, too.

Xena: We’re all thankful for the cooler weather. It’s going to get to 90F today, but this morning is cool. Hmmm, I need to get off the ‘puter now and ask Mommy to take us for a walk.

Thanks to Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the great picture every week!

Lucy’s Toebean Sunday Selfie

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia28 Comments

Surprisingly, Lucy volunteered for a selfie today. And…she asked me to post it with no help from AI. I honored her wishes.

Lucy: Could we take some more pictures?
Mom Amy: No, sweetie, I know what you’re trying to avoid, but you really do have to get your nails cut now.
Lucy: *thinking* OK Mom, but I’d rather stay here and have my picture taken…

We are happy to join The Cat on My Head for Sunday Selfies.

Angels Talking Like a Pirate

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia17 Comments

Angel Riley: “Arrr, Lexi! How in the seven seas did we end up sailin’ the skies in a pirate ship, jabberin’ like a pair o’ salty sea dogs?”

Angel Lexi: “Arrr, Riley, ’tis a privilege and an honor! The Big Guy be countin’ on us to do it proper!”

Angel Lexi: “Arrr, ’tis time t’ bring this ship down out o’ the clouds and set her in the water! I know just the place! I used t’ sail there with me Mom on me pontoon boat. Take a sharp starboard turn and head fer the Tennessee River!”

Angel Riley: “Arrr, ye bossy little sea dog! Who died and made ye captain? Fine, fine—sharp starboard and off to the Tennessee River!”

“Well done, Ri-boy! Avast—look yonder! Me Mom and Dad be sailin’ their land ship across the bridge! Let loose yer mightiest bark, matey, so they know we’re here!”

Mom Amy: Jeff! Look, it’s Angel Lexi and Angel Riley driving a pirate boat and all dressed up like pirates!!
Dad Jeff: Uh Amy, how many margaritas did you drink at the restaurant?

“Arrr, mission accomplished, Ri-boy! Set a course fer home. Let’s see what the Big Guy has fer us next!”

Aye, aye, Lexi! Homeward we sail. But before the Big Guy hands us another mission… surely it be supper time by now?” 🏴‍☠️🐾❤️

Mom Amy: Goodbye, my sweet pups. And Riley, watch where you’re going in that pirate boat.

Dad Jeff: Yep, we’d better get home and get you to bed. *whispering* Way too many margarita’s.

Grooming Rocky

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia15 Comments

Lucy, Ace Reporter here to woof to you about another new groom.

Rocky is a four-year-old Miniature Poodle. Once again, Groomer Mom didn’t get “before” pictures, probably because it had only been four weeks since his last groom. Rocky lives across the street from Groomer Mom’s friend Janice, who has Jazzman (another sweet pup that G.M. grooms). So Jazzman’s Mom “referred” her.

Anyhoo, here is Rocky post-groom: (We asked AI to clean up the background and just leave Rocky on the grooning table.)

Hi, I’m Rocky, and I want to go home now.

Rocky’s Mom told G.M.’s friend that she loved the groom and really liked G.M., so she will be back with Rocky in a few weeks!

Lucy, Ace Reporter, wrapping up my report on another new groom. Hope to see y’all again soon!

Riding Home on Happy Tuesday

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia20 Comments

Xena: Me and Chia rode in the big rental car with Mommy and Daddy all the way home from Inn Dee Anna two days ago. We even got to eat our supper while riding in the car! Then we took a nap…

We got home at 10:00 at night…way past our bedtime. Good thing we had that nap!

Thanks to Miss Sandee at Comedy Plus for hosting Happy Tuesday Blog Hop! 

Xena on Vacation on Selfie Sunday

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia20 Comments

Hi friends, it’s me, Xena, on vacation in Fort Wayne, In Dee Anna. First, here is my selfie at our Air B&B:

Mom and me and Chia have been going for walks every morning. Yesterday we got to go to visit our grandma in the nursing home. She was real happy to see us both. And Chia was real good with her this time. In fact, a lot of the ladies that live there pet us both and smiled a lot.

From there we went to our Aunt Bobbi’s and Uncle Dennis’. The plan was for Daddy to drop us and Mommy off at their house, then take Aunt Bobbi with him to where a lot of the family were meeting at a Mexican restaurant. (Uncle Dennis had already left, cause we stayed too long at Grandma’s and were running late.)

Anyhoo, about 5 minutes after they left us, Aunt Bobbi called and said the rental car’s back tire had “blown out.” They needed Mommy’s help. Mommy and me, we left in Aunt Bobbi’s car to find them in the “middle of nowhere” and after about 87 minutes the tow truck came, Daddy rode to the tire place with the tow truck crew, and Mommy and me, we drove home. (Uncle Dennis already came and picked up Aunt Bobbi.)

By that time, everyone had already come back to the house for dessert and to visit.

By the time I got back there after helping with the tow truck, everyone had already gotten real attached to Chia, so I mostly kept to myself next to Mommy. And she had a plate of food, too.

Now we’re in Inn Dee Ann Apple Is. We stayed all night in another Air B&B called a “Tiny Home.” And wow, is it ever tiny. We were all tired and went to bed on a pull-out couch. Chia woke us all up two times during the night wanting to sleep where I was sleeping. The first time I moved for her. The second time Mommy said, “No! Go lay down or you’ll be sleeping in the car.” (Chia believed her, he, he.)

Daddy had something he had to do here today, and then we were going to spend another night and leave after breakfast tomorrow. Now, we voted…

Chia: You know we didn’t vote, Xena!

Xena: …and we decided to leave early this afternoon and drive home. Maybe I’ll get to lay in Mommy’s lap the whole way home.

Me and Chia and Mommy just got back from a very long sidewalk walk and us pups are going to lay down and rest now. Have a Happy Selfie Sunday!

Thanks to The Cat on My Head  for hosting Sunday selfies!

Xena and Chia’s Poetry on Thankful Thursday

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia15 Comments

Xena: Today we’re doing something called collabrolating. (Is that spelled right?)

Gondalier Schnoozes by Xena and Chia

Xe: Why’d we come with Gramp and Granny on this weird boat ride?
Chia: I guess it’s cause they asked us and you quickly chose your side.
Xe: But now our Gran is sleeping and our Gramp will soon be too.
Chia: Maybe we should stay awake and watch the sights for two!
Xe: But Gran looks awful comfy, and Gramp is nodding slow.
Chia: If both of them start snoring, who’ll tell this boat where to go?
Xe: That fellow in the back will—he’s been steering all the way.
Chia: Well, good! Then scoot a little close. I think I’ll nap today.
Xe: I knew that’s where this headed—you’re as sleepy as the rest!
Chia: A gondola with family makes a mighty comfy nest.

Chia *jumping up and down* We did it! We worked together and did it!
Xena: Yep, we sure did. Good thing Mommy helped us yesterday before we left town early this morning. I can’t wait to see my Grandma again. We’re gonna celebrate her 96th birthday. I hope there’s cake for dogs.

Chia: I’ve been wanting to ride in the car, so I’m getting my wish. And I can nap in the back if I get tired. Hey, where’s Lucy?
Xena: She hates riding in the car…remember how she pants the whole way? So she stayed with Miss Susan and her pups, Sasha and Oliver.

Chia: Where are we going again to see our Grandma? Oh wait, it’s In Dee Anna.
Xena: Yep, in a Fort, called Fort Wayne. Funny, it just looks like a regular city to me. Well, we are both thankful for working together on our poem today, a trip with our folks, and that Lucy will be happy visiting Miss Susan.

Also, thanks to Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the great picture every week.

Keepaway Happy Tuesday

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia28 Comments

Xena: Hi friends! Sometimes me and Mommy play keep-away. And Chia joins in when she feels like it. Here’s how it works: Mommy throws a toy. I run after it and bring it back. Mommy says, “I’m gonna get that!” I dare her to try while gripping it harder in my mouth. Eventually I let her have it so we can do it again. But she always knows it’s ME who always wins!

One day last week I started the game by grabbig my pillow and shaking it and running with it. Mommy knew it was our gane when I laid on it and looked at her like, I dare you! BOL!!!

Thanks to Miss Sandee at Comedy Plus for hosting Happy Tuesday Blog Hop! 

Fritz on Sunday Selfie

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia26 Comments

Xena: I invited Fritz to come over on Friday and spend the night…
Chia: You didn’t invite Fritz! He just showed…
Xena: As I was saying, he came over and spent the night with us. He didn’t try anything “inappropriate” this time, either. Since he was such a good boy, I told him he could do the Sunday selfie.

Fritz: Thanks Xena! I had a great time playing with you. And I played extra hard with Chia. She’s a blast! Aunt Amy said I could sleep with her and the pups, but I thought my folks were picking me back up Friday night. So I wanted to sleep in the big kennel with the big doggie bed right next to the back door. That way I could watch for my folks. Next thing I knew, it was morning and breakfast was being served. Wow, do my cousins ever eat good!! I had a big bowl full of yummies and I licked it clean. I guess that’s all for now. Oh, and Xena said to wish everybody a Happy Sunday! XOXOXO Fritz

Thanks to The Cat on My Head  for hosting Sunday selfies!

Angel Lexi’s the Leader on Thankful Thurday

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia21 Comments

Xena: Today I turn the poetry over to Angel Lexi. She was always good at it when she was here on earth, and I know she hasn’t changed. Besides, I owe her for helping find my new home here with my Mommy and Daddy.

THE LEADER by Angel Lexi

When I was here I led a troupe of ballet dancers onto stage.
I also led the downtown Chattanooga Christmas parade.
I played with Scarecrows and Tin Men lots of times when I was in Oz.
So now I’m leading little Munchkins here; why should that be so odd?

The End

Xena: *appause, appause* Perfect, Angel Lexi. Thank you for leading the Munchkins as they pull that plane. But, why are they pulling that plane?

Angel Lexi: Xena, you need to understand that some things just can’t be explained. Things I’ve pondered long and hard, such as why can you only get ground beef in the grocery store.

Xena: Oh. Well, I’ll try to remember that. And today I’m so thankful that you helped me get to my furever home with my Mommy and Daddy and sisters. And that you’re still watching over me.

Chia: I’m thankful that after Dad feeds us breakfast, I can run back to the bedroom and cuddle up with Mom for a while. I couldn’t do that when she had to get up for work. And I’m thankful that when Mom and I get up, we all go for a walk together!

Lucy: I’m thankful that I have a home with cool air blowing in it. I’ve heard that some dogs have to stay outside in this terrible heat. I do like laying in the sun, but I have to come inside to get cooled off.

We’re all thankful for our wonderful blogging friends. Y’all make it worthwhile!

Thanks to Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the great picture every week.

Almost Wordless Wednesday Correction

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia22 Comments

I am embarrassed to have to submit a retraction or correction or both. I mistakenly said Jema is a maltese, when she is obviously a Yorkie. *hangs head*

Here, again, is Jema, the YORKSHIRE TERRIER (YORKIE)

Lucy, the embarrassed Reporter, with thanks to Miss Monika and Wilson from Tails Around the Ranch for so sweetly suggesting that I may have made a mistake.

Groomer Mom: Lucy, dear, as your typist and proof-reader, I take full responsibility. You are cleared of any mis-reporting. Why don’t you go out in the cool morning air and lay in the sun for a while? I know you love to do that.
Lucy: Ok, thanks, Mom. *wags*

Grooming Jema and Annie on Awww Monday

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia31 Comments

Lucy, Ace Reporter here to woof to you about the latest two grooms.

Since Mom retired at the end of last month, she has gotten four new pups in to groom. Today I’m reporting on the last two. They are sisters, and older girls…like me. Oh, and Groomer Mom forgot to get “before” pictures. I think she was a bit overwhelmed. They hadn’t been groomed for 6 months. Their Mom explained that they’ve both had lots of medical issues and they’ve spent a small fortune at the vet. Mostly, they’ve been afraid to leave them with a groomer because of health and behavior issures.

This is Jema. She’s a 13-year-old maltese. She’s really tiny and really sweet.

Because of awful matting, she had to be shaved everywhere except the top of her head and ears. Speaking of ears, she kept rolling over on her right side and jerking away and even rolling onto her side when G. Mom tried to do anything with that ear. It was totally full of …well, of something. G. Mom showed Jema’s Mom when she came back. She said that Jema had already been to the vet once with that ear, and G. Mom said she needed to go again.

Next up is Annie the 14-year-old Maltese. She was an even bigger challenge.You can see where she had licked and chewed all the hair off the tops of her front feet. She has lots of allergies. She also had lots of really big mats, close to her skin.

Because of her white hair, G. Mom couldn’t use a short blade or Annie would have been bald, nothing but pink skin. So the struggle with a longer blade ensued. Oh, did I mention that Annie barked the entire time she was being groomed? She only stopped long enough to reassess her situation when G. Mom put her in the tub. Yes, it was “Bark.” pause “Bark.” pause “Bark” pause for almost an hour and a half.

G. Mom also experienced a “first” with Annie. She let her entire, full bladder loose on the grooming table. It took two grooming towels to sop it up and then clean the table. After a bit, Jema pooped on the table. No problem. G. Mom scooped it into a bag for disposal. After her bath, Jema managed to finish emptying her bladder on the table. *sigh* Wow did G. Mom grab her up fast so she wouldn’t step in it right after her bath. At that point, I thought my good mother G. Mom would loose it. But no. She gently took Jema’s face in her hands and said she would rather her mess on the table and bark than try to bite her. So I guess they were still on good terms when Jema’s groom was through.

Her pawrents returned and were very pleased. G. Mom told them about the health problems she found. Then she laughed and told them about Jema. They said she barked the whole time no matter where they took her, and also messed in the car and anywhere else she went. Well, at least it wasn’t a statement of hating to be here!

After all that, they rewarded (paid) G. Mom well, and are planning on coming back in ahout 6 weeks. We’ll have the ear plugs and clean-up crew on stand by!

Lucy, Ace Reporter, wrapping up my report on another set of new grooms. Hope to see y’all again soon!

Thanks to  Comedy Plus for hosting Awww Mondays!

Thursday Thankfuls with Chia’s Poem

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia16 Comments

Chia: Xena is curled up in my kennel, so I’m gonna grab this chance to write the poem today. Well, actually, my Mom types it, I just tell her what to type.

I Ain’t No Child-Sitter Pup by Chia

Don’t leave me with this screaming kid!
Was it something that I did?
His sister’s going; take him too.
What ever did I do to you?

I’m going to run out the door,
Then you won’t see me no more (no more, no more).
I ain’t no child-sitter pup.
If you have plans, then give them up!

The End

Chia: I like our neighbor kids. But they’re the only kids I like. I’m not mean, I just don’t wanna be around them. I’m real thankful I’m never asked to kid-sit. And I’m thankul that Mom’s been taking me on walks early every morning.

Lucy: I love our neighbor kids and am thankful they love me, too.

Xena: I’m always thankful for my yummy meals. This morning I got cube steak, cantelope, strawberries, kale and broccoli! I also had green tripe with innards and bone meal. It was all so delicious!

The Mom: I’m thankful that (almost) all of our windows got replaced. Now, when Chia lays on the back of the red chair to watch out front, her little nose hits the screen and I don’t have windows to wash every week. She is still a bit discombobulated over the whole thing!

Chia, Lucy, Mom Amy and Xena (who just realized Chia did the picture poem): We’re all very thankful for all of you, our friends!

Thanks to Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the great picture every week.