Thankfuls and Thursday Poetry by Chia

Chia:  I’m thankful for Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the picture every week. Let’s see what Angel Sammy has in store for us today. Oh, and you’ll notice I hopped into the picture! *whole body wags*

You Can’t Have “Be Mine” by Chia

I’m hiding out here from a schnauzer named Xena.
She thinks she’s a princess and maybe a queena.
Just me and my doxie, too pretty for words;
Up here we both sit amongst wet pigeon turds.

My Bro Drew lives here with all of his stuff
E’en though it’s too much he thinks “Never enuf!”
And so it flows over and out and around
Until none of his dumb things can ever be found.

Scaredy cat Xena won’t climb up this high
To steal my dear doxie and then justify
Her actions by saying I steal her stuffed toy.
Heck, it’s just a schnauzer that gives her no joy.

What’s that I hear? It’s the dinner bell!
It’s Mom who is calling, do you hear her yell,
“Come home my dear jackshund, bring your brother too.
You’ve got a new stuffie and fresh rabbit stew.”

The End

Xena: I don’t like your poem. I changed my mind. I want to do the poem this week.
Chia: Too late! Everyone’s read it and you’ll look like a dork if you do that.
Xena: *Trots into bedroom with a determined look on her face*

Lucy: Never mind her, Chia. It was a good poem and full of truth, too, BOL!

Chia: Yep. That’s why she didn’t like it. So whatcha got to be thankful for today, Lucy?
Lucy: I’m thankful I’m allowed to sleep in the big bed, especially with all the storms last week and this week, too.

Xena, returning from bedroom with a picture: I am thankful that I went to work with my Mommy on Monday. I greeted a lot of people (who all liked me) and I worked really hard. When Miss Nancy finally got out of my chair, I hopped up and took a well-deserved nap.

Well, that’s all for today, folks. I hope Chia’s learned that she can’t be dissin’ me. I gotta go now and chase her through the house. XOX Xena



Lucy Ace Reporter with Sad News: Griffin

Today I want to pay tribute to the terrible loss of one of our regular and favorite pups, sweet little Griffin. Here is what his loving Mom wrote to Groomer Mom.

” …I wanted to let you know, Griffin ran off scared during the [thunder] storm Friday morning and he did not survive. 😔I wanted to let you know why I won’t be reaching back out and thank you for taking care of my baby. He loved going to see Ms. Amy [Groomer Mom].”

Rest in peace, dear Griffin..

You can’t really tell from this picture, but8-year-old Griff was teeny, much smaller than my sis, Xena. He started coming to Groomer Mom in January of 2021 because his then-groomer closed because of COVID. He’s been coming to Small Dog Grooming ever since. And last month when he was here, it was the first time he let G.M. cut his nails without someone having to hold him.
If you’d like to read a little more about Griffin, you can follow this link.

This is sad Lucy signing off….

Happy Tuesday: Chia’s Walk with Gracie

Chia: Hey there friends, do you remember last Thursday when I said “Gracie’s here! I’m thankful for another chance to try to get her to be my friend and play with me!!” Well, she said she doesn’t play. She said it had nothing to do with me. She just doesn’t play. But, she said, we could take walks together.

Yes! I love to go on walks! I love to pull as hard as I can so my toenails get ground down without that awful Dremel thingie. Off leash I can run about 1 point 5 million miles a minute! But Mom can’t keep up.

We walked all the way down to the cul-de-sac and around it toward home. This time, I walked without pulling so hard…or hardly at all!

After our last walk, Mom had figured out I have always known what she wants when she tells me to walk with her, and I’m just ignoring her. She says it hurts her arthritic thumbs and sometimes her whole arm every time she walks me. (If she just took me off the leash it wouldn’t hurt, right?) Anyhoo, she took me out back to boot camp. She explained that if I didn’t start doing what I know to do someone’s boot was going to end up in my rear end. We practiced with some things she is sure I know, like “sit.” I often ignore that, too. But I suddenly felt motivated. You shoulda seen how fast my rear end hit the ground!

So I got to walk with Gracie, and Mom didn’t get upset with me. It was a pretty good day!

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

Xena’s Sunday Selfie: Watching for My Daddy

Lots of the time when my Mommy is sitting out on the front porch, I love to sniff all over the yard and roll in good smells and sometimes chase a bird or two.

But, sometimes, I just like to lay there near her, as you can see in this picture from last fall.

This year, the week before Easter, my Daddy went up to Indy Anna to visit his Mommy and the rest of his family. Here is the picture he sent to Mommy to prove he was there. Or maybe just so she could see him and his Mommy.

The weather was pretty all week, both there and here at home. So Mommy and me, we spent a lot of time outside when she we weren’t at work.

I got to thinking. What if Daddy never came back? What if I didn’t have him anymore… Maybe I should start sharing my love with him as much as I do with my Mommy. Yep, that’s what I’m gonna start doing.

I decided to wait right there on the porch for him until he got home, or until it was supper time…whichever came first. And that’s just what I did until dinner was served about 15 long minutes later.

Now, I don’t sleep on the other side of Mommy during the night. I sleep right between them both, with my head on one of their pillows or sometimes on my little pillow. That way Daddy knows I love him, too. (Mommy still always makes sure I’m covered up good so I don’t get cold.) I do hope Daddy knows I love him tons and tons.

I am Daddy’s Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess

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

No Dogs Allowed: A Funny Poem by Xena

We’re thankful for Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the picture every week. Let’s see what Angel Sammy has in store for us today. Oh, and you’ll notice I, Xena, hopped into the picture!

No Dogs Allowed by Xena the Schnauzer

I work at a place where the big boss says, “No.”
“No dogs allowed, nor cats, goats or pigs.”
But I got hired, you know, by a goat in a wig
Who said, “Don’t you worry, just go with the flow.”

Big Boss walked by while I was eating my lunch.
His eyes ’bout popped out as he yelled, “Out, you, get out!”
I made my eyes big and gave him my best pout.
“Don’t be mad” I whined, ” I was just having brunch.”

“Out! Out!” he kept shouting and waving his hoof.
“You’re eating my cousin or Great Uncle Dorn. “
When he lowered his head and showed me his horns
I ran for the door without even a woof.

The goat, still disguised, knew this would happen
So he’d set me up far away from the bull,
With two ‘puter’s, paw cleanser, TP and desk full.
I just need more beef liver with a real stiff Manhattan!

The end.

Chia: *rolling on ground* That’s the funniest poem I’ve ever read, Xeboo. Oh, and hey, Gracie’s here! I’m thankful for another chance to try to get her to be my friend and play with me!!

“Gracie”

Lucy: I’m also thankful for Gracie, and I’m thankful I got to go to work with Mom today. I’ll get to visit with Gracie when I get home. Oh, and I’m also thankful that the cat that attacked me yesterday didn’t hurt me worse, like scratch my eye. Instead, she bit the bottom of my ear and it bled and bled and bled. Mommy finally got it to stop bleeding but it still hurt. I didn’t know she had a teeny tiny kitten nearby or I would have stayed away.

Xena: I was there and saw it happen, Lucy. I’m sorry for you, and I’m thankful it wasn’t me. You didn’t even scream like I would have!! I’m also thankful that I get to sleep every night between Mommy and Daddy. I sleep with my head on one of their pillows and the covers up over me to keep me warm. Oh, and we’re all very grateful that Daddy bought Mommy a nice professional Dell laptop ‘puter after her last one died. We left her old one with the ‘puter repair folks. I wonder if they buried it…

We guess that’s it for today. Wishing everyone a great Thursday and weekend.

Xena Schnauzer Warrior Poetic Princess


Exploring the Bad Dream Room: Lucy, Xena and Chia

We’re thankful for Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the picture every week. Let’s see what Angel Sammy has in store for us today. Oh, and you’ll notice we hopped into the picture!

The Bad Dream Room by Lucy, Xena and Chia

Xena
We found a room made just for us
The walls are for the curious.
If you flush after you pee.
The water’s fresh to drink, you see.

Chia
The floors are hard and make us dizzy;
There’s nothing here to keep us busy.
There is no bed on which to lay
Or stuffies here with which to play.

Lucy
We wonder if this is a hallucination.
It feels like we’re in a fancy pants dungeon.
If it’s a dream please wake us now;
We’ll be good pups, to this we vow!

Chia: We did it! We worked as a team! Woo hoo! We’re the three dogateers. *big whole body wags*

Xena: Did you forget your thankful, Chia?
Chia: That was my thankful. Just ’cause I didn’t say “I’m thankful for…” doesn’t mean it wasn’t!

Xena: Oh, ok. Well, today I’m not thankful for Mr. Wholehouse Generator who is living right outside the kitchen window. It starts yelling really loud and I start shaking really hard and looking for my Mommy to hold and protect me. Last Saturday Mommy took me down to the groom room while she worked on two King Charles Spaniels. We can’t hear W. Generator yelling down there. I didn’t exactly make friends with Mr. Bernie and Miss Dixie, but we didn’t fight, either. Anyhoo, something – I don’t know what – has to be done. I just can’t live like this, never knowing when it’s gonna come after me. *shiver*

Lucy: I’m sorry it scares you Xena. I’m thankful to have a sweet little sister like you. You can always cuddle up with me and I’ll protect you.

Xena: You will? *edging closer to Lucy*

Chia: Oh, knock it off Xena. Don’t you know that — all because of you — Mom set EPB [electric power board] to turn on right after the solar. That means that unless the electric company somehow can’t get us any electricity, you will never hear the stupid monster again.

Xena: I’m thankful for you, Chia. 💕

Chia: She’s thankful for me. I never thought I’d hear that from Xena.

I Won’t Do It! by Lexi the Schnauzer

As a theater star I put my paw down about one thing….

When I visualized being Toto in the Wizard of Oz, it did NOT include being trampled by moving trees!

I won’t do it!

ORIGNINALLY PUBLISHED ON 
I keep adding things to my part as Toto, as the audience notices and responds. If they don’t respond, I never do it again. I have, however, decided to leave one thing out. Mom has finally stopped trying to make me do it, because I am not going to do it anymore. Period. End of discussion. Those trees scare me. They walk around and dance and act entirely not like trees. They got in my way as I (sort of) skipped with Dorothy and the Lion and the Tin Man and the Scarecrow across the stage. It is the third time I sort of skip down the proverbial yellow brick road during the play. The first two times went fine. Then, that third time, those trees, oh those nasty moving trees, got in my way and it scared me! I thought they were going to trample me! I will not go on the stage again when they are there. Not for treats. Not for applause. Not for love or fame. Absolutely, positively not.

LexiToto

Xena the Schnauzer: A Poem of Friendship and Fun

I’m thankful for Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the picture every week. Let’s see what Angel Sammy has in store for us today (with me added in for effect!).

Teddy and Xena by Xena

Teddy:
OMC! OMD!
A dog’s in my blog!
With those eyes and that beard
You’ve got me real scared!

Xena:
I’ve been sent by my Mom
To come play and have fun.
I’m not a mean terrier;
Just Xena Schnauzer Warrior.

Please don’t be afraid.
Let’s go hit the arcade!
Or we could chase critters
Or dine on pork fritters.

Whatever we do
I’ll defer to you
You’re my new friend
From now ’til the end.

Lucy: Bravo, Xena! It’s great to make new friends. We know that Teddy’s already our friend, so what a great poem. I’m thankful to have a sister like you.
Chia: Are you thankful to have a sister like me?
Lucy: Uh, I’m thankful for my sister.
Chia: Yay! You love me!!

Mom Amy: I also have a thankful or two. In the last two weeks, Jeff and I have gone to two big dances. One was a seven hour drive to Indianapolis. There was a live band and a huge dance floor in an amazing ballroom called the Rooftop. We even made some new dance friends with whom we sat at a front table. The other dance was much closer on Lookout Mountain, GA. After enjoying a delicious dinner, we danced to the music of Sweet Georgia Sound on another big dance floor. Jeff usually plays in that band…but he knows how to keep peace in our marriage. Which leads me to my next thankful….I’m most of all thankful for my husband, Jeff. He and I met 24 years ago while ballroom dancing and we still keep that spark alive in our marriage.



Dogs’ Gourmet Meals: A Happy Tuesday Feast

It’s happy Tuesday and we are here to show you something that makes all three of us very happy…our supper! Oh, and thanks to Miss Sandee at Comedy Plus for hosting Happy Tuesday Blog Hop! 

Lucy: It’s said a picture’s worth a thousand words, so here you go…

I got chicken wings and strawberries and orange pieces and spaghetti squash (no wonder Mom and Dad like spaghetti!). There’s also our green tripe with organs and bone ground into it. I also got some of the Ollie’s brand gently cooked fresh beef with sweet potatoes, peas, spinach, and chickpeas.

Chia: Me too! I got all that too! *whole body wags* It takes me longer to chew up my chicken wing than it does Lucy. But everyone respects that and they leave me alone. Except for Mom who stands there and watches. Hmm, I wonder if she’s wanting some?

Xena: My supper is special cause I’m the Princess.

I never get any yucky chicken. Instead, I got Ollie’s gently cooked FRESH TURKEY with blueberries, kale, butternut squash, and spinach! And I also got the delicious green tripe mix, oranges, strawberries and spaghetti squash!

Yes, I’m the Supper Princess.

Mom’s Note: Xena is allergic to chicken.

This Stupid Schmuck by Chia

This Stupid Schmuck by Chia

I got this far and now I’m stuck;
It’s all ’cause of this stupid schmuck.
He has a treat in his pocket;
If he falls then I’ll eat it.

Lucy: I read your poem, Chia….I still love you.
Chia: ‘Cause I’m such a good poet?
Lucy: No. But I am thankful that you’re not really on that table. And I’m thankful I got so many pats and scritches and sweet talk from the Al Anon folks yesterday!
Xena: I’m thankful I get to go to work with Mommy today. And I’m thankful I get to cuddle up with her under the bed covers every night. I love my Mommy and she loves me (best)!
Chia: I’m thankful for the nice weather and more walks! And I’m ignoring your (best) comment. (grrrr) Oh, and I almost forgot…big thanks and tail wags to Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the picture every week.

Xena on Selfie Sunday

Thanks to The Cat on my Head for hosting Sunday Selfies!

Me and Mommy were in the car on the way home from work. We were parked outside the allergy shot office waiting on Daddy after he got his allergy shot. They make him stay there for 30 minutes to make sure he doesn’t have something called a “bad reaction.” Oh, and Mommy and Daddy ride in to work together twice a week. His work place is on the way to our work place. That’s why he was with us. OK, here’s my selfie.

I’m hoping to see the Easter bunny in a coupla weeks and get lots of non-chocolate goodies! I thought maybe if I did an Easter-themed selfie it would make the bunny come a little sooner. Lots of love to everyone and tail wags. (See, Mommy, what a good girl I am?)

Xena Schnauzer Warrior Good Girl Princess

Xena and Lucy Huddle Over History Emails

Xena: Mommy gets these “informative” emails. She says they’re pretty interesting. She let us see one she got not long ago. It was History Facts and was called “The Roman Emperor Caligula declared war on the sea.” That immediately reminded me and Lucy of someone in power in our country.

That was kinda scary…so we huddled closer…on Mommy.

Thanks to  Comedy Plus for hosting Awww Mondays!

Chia’s Baby on Poetic Thankful Thursday

Chia:  I’m thankful for Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the picture every week. Let’s see what Angel Sammy has in store for us today. Oh, and you’ll notice I hopped into the picture! *whole body wags*

CHIA JUNIOR by Chia

No, no, Chia Junior, you want people to think
You’re just a sweet baby. Then in less than a blink
You can get what you’re after with no suspicion.
The fridge will be empty but for one lone onion.

Stop wiggling those ears that belong on an elf.
Stop spraying the house with your small baby self
Stop coloring the walls! Make each naughty count
To get what you want; no, it won’t help to pout.

Now fetch me a steak. It’s best done bloody rare.
And while you’re at it comb down that crazy hair.
We can chew on a bone or play tug o’ war.
Then, when no one is watching we’ll run off and explore!
The End

Xena: Wow, Chia, I sure hope that was all just made up. You wouldn’t really do all that stuff with a baby, would you?
Chia: Of course not! What do you thing I am, a baby advisor? I don’t even like little kids. *whispering* They’re scary.
Xena: Whew, you had me worried there for a minute. *whispering* Little kids are scary

Chia: Time for thankfuls! Mom and Dad are going to Indy Anna this weekend to that huge ballroom. They have a big band and everything! My Andrew will be staying with us, woohoo! I’ll get to sleep in his bed and cuddle up with him. Oh, and I’m also thankful that I wasn’t told to go to my kennel even one time this week!
Lucy: I’m thankful that you didn’t try to do anything to me that caused Mom to make you go to your kennel this week! I’m also thankful that although we had a lot of wind, we also had a lot of sunshine. I love to lay in the sun.
Mom Amy: I’m thankful, Lucy, that you were an extra special good girl this week. You asked to go out, so I let you out front. You know, so you don’t start eating pebbles or anything else from the dog lot. I didn’t know there was a cat standing in the road in front of our house until saw you stiffen. But you immediately turned around and came back in when I asked you to.
Xena: I’m still thankful I get to go to the church. But Mom’s gotta remember to bring more treats!

Chia: Well, that’s it for this Thankful Thursday, friends. Hoping everyone has a great rest of the week. I will!!

Chia, Lucy and Xena: The Ultimate Comfort Showdown

Hey Lucy, look at me. I’m the Princess of the Princess and the Pea. I’m on a big comforter and a blanket, too. The guest room is getting painted, so they got piled in this chair. Now I’m the Princess of Comfort.

Lucy: I’ll show you comfy, Chia. When we woke up this morning, Mom covered me up with my soft bed blanket. The bed quilt was partly over me, too.

So who’s the princess now?

Xena: Me, I’m Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess. And I’m the Princess of comfort too!
Soon my royal attendant (Mommy) will brush my princess hair, wash my princess face, brush my princess teeth and take me somewhere in my royal carriage.

Who do you think is the Princess, folks? (I even have my very own pillow and red blanket to match my bed!)

A big thanks to  Comedy Plus for hosting Awww Mondays!

Grooming with Mom: Rhett’s Tail

Lucy, Ace Reporter, here on the Groom Beat.

Today I have a “funny” to report to you. Rhett is a shih tzu who comes to Groomer Mom on a more or less – irregular basis. It had been about four months since last we saw him. Here he is in his “before” picture.

If you look closely at his tail, you will see some type of paper stuck in it. G. Mom laughed out loud when she saw what it was.

We can’t tell if it says he was “manufactured” in China. Being a shih tzu, he or his ancestors probably were!

Catch ya’ in a few months, Rhett.

Lucy, Ace Reporter, signing off.

Xena’s Poem for Freedom on Thankful Thursday

Xena: I’m thankful for Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the picture every week. Let’s see what Angel Sammy has in store for us today. I didn’t add my picture today ’cause it just wouldn’t have worked. Here we go!

I Love You, Dear by Xena

I love you, my dear,
I’m sorry you’re here.
You should be home with me.
Don’t shed a tear
‘Cause please never fear,
Soon you’ll be home, you’ll see.

I’ll tell the children
You’ll soon be a civilian
Of this messed up country.
I swear by my four paws,
My tail and my dewclaws,
You won’t be deported, sweet pea.
*ROAR*

Chia: For once in my life I have nothing bad to say. Good job Xena. I’m thankful you’re my sister and we still have our freedom.
Xena: Me too, Chia me too.
Lucy: *sniffle* I’m thankful that there a good people who will help those who are different from us, who come from other places, who just want a good life like ours.

Xena, Chia and Lucy with our paws together for our country.

Catch a Leprechaun: Our St. Patrick’s Day Adventure

First we want to give our Thanks to  Comedy Plus for hosting Awww Mondays! Second, HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY!!

Xena: Our Mommy was raised right across the street from her grandma, May Elizabeth Hanley. My Great Grandma was born in Kilbarry, County Rosscommon, Ireland in September 1888. That was 87 years ago times a bunch! That means our Mommy is half Irish!
We’ve been busy building a leprechaun trap. If we catch one he has to grant us three wishes. Or he can tell us where his pot of gold is located so that we’ll let him go free.

Chia: OK, that’s the last shamrock. I think we’re ready.
Xena: I smell one of them. They were here.
Lucy: I see some leprechauns in the tree line. We’d better go hide.

Chia: Oh no! Look what’s happening!! How’s that scandal getting our “fake” gold?

Lucy: It’s that pipe he’s playing. It’s making the rainbow pull everything in our trap into his pot o’ gold!

Xena: *shake* Is he gonna come after us when he realizes it’s just chocolate covered in gold foil?
Lucy: Nah. I heard that leprechauns love chocolate almost as much as they love gold. This is a not-very-well-know fact.
Chia: Race y’all home to see who can find the rest of the stash of “gold!”

Chia’s Poem on Thankful Thursday

Chia: I’m thankful for Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the fun picture every week. Let’s see what Angel Sammy has in store for us today. Of course my poem – and picture – are added.

Office Cake by Chia

Sheri’s hoping that old guy, Bob, her boss,
Won’t try to reach over and grab her arse.
Connor is thinking this party is lame;
He wants to go play his video game.

Office dog Chia is eyeing the cake,
Planning the fast move she’s going to take.
Boss Bob is lost in his thoughts, diddle dee
And realizes he really must pee.

As Sheri decides to make a quick break
She sees bringing Chia was a big mistake.
Chia’s muzzle deep in the boss’s cake,
Boss Bob reaches over, a quick feel to take.

Now Bob’s in the ER, Sheri has no job.
Chi’s in the shelter with more office dogs.
This story’s lesson is easy to see:
Taking your dog to work doesn’t mean me!

Xena: Yep, we all knew that lesson, Chi girl, although that’s not the reason Mommy doesn’t take you to work. I’m still feeling thankful that Mommy is taking me! And I’m thankful for the 100% grass fed beef I got in my food dish today. And for the strawberries and butternut squash and cauliflower. *drool*

Lucy: I’m thankful I got to go to work on Wednesday this week. The Al Anon folks come in at noon. They all love me and pet me and tell me how special and how pretty and how sweet I am. *smiles*

Chia: I know, Xeboo, Mom doesn’t want me to run out the door when it opens. There’s a real busy street out there. I guess I’m thankful that Mom loves me so much… *whole body wags*
Well, thanks, everyone, for reading my poem and our thankfuls today. Don’t worry, be happy! (I heard that on a song.)

Grooming with Mom: Gracie

Hi folks, Lucy, Ace Reporter here, with another episode of Grooming with Mom. Here here we are today with Gracie, an 8 month old Goldendoodle. Before we go any further, a shout out to Miss Sandee at Comedy Plus for hosting Happy Tuesday Blog Hop!

These folks have been coming regularly to Groomer Mom since 2021. First they came with Sophie, who passed last year at age 16. Then they added Sammy, who is now 15 1/2 years old!

Miss Gracie was one of a litter of Golden doodles bred by an Amish family. She was six months old when he wonderful new family adopted her. And she is terrified of her new dad. He is a great guy, and it’s obvious that his other pups have always loved him. The only thing that anyone can figure is how the Amish man treated Gracie and her litter mates. We know that most of the Amish view their animals as, well, as animals. They are only sources of food or money. *sigh*

Back to the groom. G. Mom forgot (again) to take a “before” picture. Think of her hair down in her eyes and he rest of her hair a couple of inches longer. Here is Gracie, groomed.

Gracie was extra good on the table. She did try to jump off once, but the strap G. Mom used on her surprised her when she got pulled back. She didn’t try again. She didn’t even mind having her nails cut! Uh, oh. I hope I didn’t just remind Mom that mine are getting a tad long…

Ace Reporter, Lucy, signing off with another successful groom (and going to hide on the bed).