Achilles

Re-Run of My Birthday Trip to Nashville on Happy Tuesday

Published on June 16, 2026June 14, 2026 by Xena, Lucy and Chia41 Comments

Hey, you guessed it. I’m continuing my birthday week throw back posts. This one is from when I turned two years old in June of 2019.

My Birthday Trip to Nashville

Hi there. Well, we’re back from our visit and I panted and shook in the car some on the way home but mostly I slept on Mommy’s lap while Daddy drove. It’s a good thing Daddy was driving ’cause Mommy was sleeping, too. We meant to leave early, but first the folks went to Sunday school and church together and then they went out to eat at Moby Dicky’s Restaurant in Hendersonville near the church they had gone to. Then, when they got back to us, everyone was sleepy, so the guys took a nap while Mom and Aunty Jen curled up on the couch with me and Morty. Ella and Lucy took turns getting on the couch with us cause there wasn’t room for everyone. Anyhow, that’s why we didn’t get home until 9:00 at night and why me and Lucy didn’t get any supper. Grrr. That’s the sound our tummy’s made all night.

Don’t Lucy and I look happy to be at our aunt and uncle’s?

Morty and I are still the same size. I think I could take him in a fair fight, but I keep getting yelled at when I chase and bark at him. Hey, he grunted at me first!

Outside, Morty always kept his nose in the grass.

What are you doing, Morty? Hey you! Answer me.

Hey, someone tell me what this pig is doing! Eating grass? Really?

I’m not allowed to fight Morty. So, you know that old saying: If you can’t lick ’em, join ’em.

My Uncle Bill held me whenever I asked him to. He’s a good schnauzer holder. And I ran and ran in their big back yard. I got Lucy to chase me, too. She got too hot and would start to chase me when I asked her to, then stand back and let me run the big circle by myself.

You know what else happened while we were gone? Why Lucy didn’t want me to blog about us being there? Like Mommy told her, “If you don’t want Xena to tell everyone, then don’t do it in front of her.” Have you guessed?

Yep! Her and Achilles played kissie face. It was pretty disgusting. They kept licking each other’s tongues and mouth and sometimes Achilles would walk past her and give her a quick kiss. I think my sister’s in love.

I am the Grossed-out Xena Schnauzer Princess Warrior

Published on June 18, 2025 by Xena, Lucy and Chia33 Comments

Amy: This Monday I went to our best friends, Bill and Jen’s home. While I was happy to see them, the reason for the trip was to be with Achilles, their 14-year-old white boxer. Not long ago he was diagnosed with cancerous tumors all throughout his body. If you’ve been reading this blog very long, you will remember that he was also Lucy’s real-life boyfriend. I couldn’t take her, however, because I was coming from an event in Indianapolis. Even so, Achilles was so very happy to see me! He bounced around like a puppy; played tug o’ war; learned how to use a treat puzzle (I brought 3 of my dogs’ puzzles.). He played a little bit of chase the ball and laid in my lap. I stayed with him all day. He coughed a lot because of the tumors pressing on his lungs and couldn’t lay down very well for the same reason.

The next morning (yesterday) he was still doing better. We all knew it was because he was so happy I was there. We also all knew it wouldn’t last.

Within an hour after I started the three hour drive home, I got a call from Jen. Achilles was down and he was unable to get up. A little later he did get up, and the rest of the day and evening he refused to lay down. His exhaustion was apparent.

He was no better today. I share this through my tears as I mourn his passing, just about an hour ago as of this writing.

Achilles was a sweet, precious, smart and loving boy. He and Lucy loved being together and exchanged mouth licks as a happy greeting. While Lucy hasn’t seen her guy in a long time, I think she will understand he is gone the next time we take her with us to their house.

Xena and Achilles

We love you, Achilles; your family, of which Jeff and I are a part, will miss you beyond words and remember you always. Run free across the Rainbow Bridge with your sister Ella.

Celebrating Valentine’s with My Furry Friends

Published on February 14, 2025 by Xena, Lucy and Chia24 Comments

I’ve been around blogville for 8 of my 9 years here one earth. I thought I’d share a few of my valentines with you, if you don’t mind.

First, MY first Valentine’s Day in my furever home, 2017:

“…Until this year, I never got to celebrate Valentine’s Day, so I didn’t know what to expect. I got a card in the mail addressed just to me!…I don’t know who Madeline Rose is, but it still made me feel good. 🙂 Amy said it was really from some good friends [Uncle Bill and Auntie Jen] I haven’t met yet. Oh boy, I can hardly wait to meet them!

When Riley found out about my card, he got jealous! While we were playing, he whispered in my ear.

And I whispered back…

After that, Riley taught me how to deadie my only toy.

Then came 2018…

“Just when I was feeling really low ’cause of my (ex)boyfriend skipping out on me, a very handsome kittie with a heart as big as Texas (or Canada) put a smile on my face and wag in my tail. Purrince Siddhartha Henry sent me my first ever Valentine’s Day Card.

“Yes! I will be your Valentine, Siddhartha Henry. (I think that will make me your Purrincess for the day.)”

Just a quick note here: I confess to being “bi.” I love both dogs and cats. I hope no one thinks less of me for that. OK, moving on to my 2019 valentine.

Moving on in 2019…

At some point, Big Boy and I got to be boyfriend and girlfriend…

“I got so excited about Valentine’s Day this year that I made my honey a pretty card with my picture on it and sent it to him early. Here it is. Do you see my best happy face? I hope my pose isn’t too provocative. I sure do hope BB likes my card. I made it with love.

Look what Big Boy sent me! He even put me in a heart. Don’t we look like we belong together? Yes, Big Boy! I will be your Valentine!!”

Today, 2025:

Dear Achilles, I hope you don’t mind getting the same card again this year. I realized I want to do all the same things with you. It just made sense to send it again.

Still your best (and only) girl,

Lucy

Achilles Sunday Selfies

Published on April 28, 2024April 27, 2024 by Xena, Lucy and Chia29 Comments

Lucy: My boyfriend Achilles sent me some pictures to remind me he’s still around, and still loves and misses me.

Hey Lucy, sweet, pretty girl. I’m still here waiting for you. I hope you’re waiting for me too. Just a reminder…

Here I am in profile. You know, the strong and silent look.

Do you like this picture? Do you still think I’m handsome, Lucy?

Oh shoot, I still love you Lucy. I’ve got so much to tell you! I miss you. Come visit me soon, ok?

Your guy, Achilles

Lucy: *swoon*

Xena: Guess I’ll take over here and wish everyone a good Sunday. Thanks to The Cat on My Head, for hosting Sunday Selfies!

Dr. Seuss Thankful Thursday and Poetry

Published on March 7, 2024March 7, 2024 by Xena, Lucy and Chia21 Comments

Chia: Hi friends! *whole body wags* Mom said I should do the Poem this week ’cause I’m the one who always “be who I am and say what I feel!” Yep, I’d be right there dancin’ with this fella. Anyhoo, I’m letting Dr. Seuss do the poem, cause, like, who could do it better? Am I right?

I still want to add my own poem.

Chia Weeah by Chia Weeah
I’ve got the cutest doggie,
She is my Chia Weeah.
I can’t bring her to work;
She might go peeah weeah.

BOL, Lucy, we’re never gonna let you forget what you did! Now here’s the real reason Mom won’t take me:

I can’t go into work;
I might run out the door
And get squished by the traffic.
Chia weeah’d be no more.

I’m thankful that brother Andrew is staying with all of us this weekend while Mom and Dad go do the 3 D’s in a place called Ybor City. Ybor City is part of Tampa, where Mom lived for a year when she was a very young adult. She sure has strange stories about her year there!

Xena: What’s the 3 D’s? Doggie, Doggie, Doggie?

Chia: No, oh sister of mine. It’s Dining, Drinking and Dancing!

I hope you enjoyed my silliness today. *wags* Many thanks to Angel Sammy for the fun picture this week and to Angel Brian for hosting Thankful Thursday!

Lucy’s Poetry on Valentine’s Day

Published on February 14, 2024February 12, 2024 by Xena, Lucy and Chia29 Comments

Thanks to Angel Sammy for the fun picture this week. We’re posting a day early because of what today is! I don’t think Angel Sammy will mind. *wags*

The pup on the left represents me, Lucy. Now for my Valentine poem.
My Heart Belongs to Achilles by Lucy

No, Brutus, you can’t kiss me
My heart belongs to Achilles.
I thought we were just playing
E’en though you gave me lilies.

Achilles is my boyfriend
The dog I’ve always dreamed of
If only we lived closer
All would know we’re so in love.

But Lucy, you wagged your tail.
You can’t do that to a male
And expect to walk away.
Look at me and don’t say nay.

I won’t look at you, you bad boy,
And I wasn’t being coy.
My Valentine awaits me.
I go now to mon cheri!

Awww Monday with Sophie and Achilles

Published on January 15, 2024 by Xena, Lucy and Chia23 Comments

Xena: Last Friday our folks drove away and left us all here all by ourselves. 87 minutes later one of our favorite people, Miss Christy, showed up! Well, she missed seeing Mommy and Daddy, so she decided to just stay here with us! Isn’t it funny that she had a suitcase with her clothes and stuff in it?

She fed us and cuddled with us and made me feel safe even though I missed my Mommy.

Miss Christy left on Sunday, and not long after that our pawrents got home! They didn’t seem surprised when I told them that Miss Christy was here. Me and Chia and Lucy all got to sleep with them last night.

Riley: Mom Amy stunk like Achilles. I knew right away where they’d been. They left us all here and went to visit Achilles.

Lucy: But they came home in time to celebrate my birthday. *wags* And they brought pictures of my boyfriend, Achilles! Here’s the pictures they took and the story of their visit.

Achilles: I’ve been really depressed since my sister Ella crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Then Aunt Amy came and she pet me and played with me and hugged me and played with me and kissed me and played with me and cuddles with me in the big chair and I was really happy like a puppy (I’m 10) the whole time she and Uncle Jeff were here. They promised to bring my best girl Lucy with them next time. I hope it’s soon!

Hi, I’m Sophie. I’m a whole lot smaller than both my brothers – Achilles and Morty the Original Pig. I’m only 40 pounds and not a year old yet. I got to meet my Aunt Amy and she was a nice lady. She was gentle and patient with me and scratched me really good. I won’t be afraid next time she comes.

Mom Amy: This was our annual birthday trip to celebrate both Jeff and Jen’s January birthdays. We always eat too much, drink too much, talk too much and just have a great time, as we did this year. We didn’t take the dogs because we didn’t want any “incidents” with Morty, or them scaring little Sophie. Next time Lucy will go for sure, and we’ll celebrate her birthday at the same time. I just want to add that we are wonderfully blessed with the best dog sitter in the world! Thank you Christy!!

Many thanks to Miss Sandee at Comedy Plus for hosting Awww Monday!

Lucy’s Friends on Awww Monday

Published on February 13, 2023February 13, 2023 by Xena, Lucy and Chia29 Comments

Xena: Mommy and Daddy went away Friday just before lunchtime. Daddy had some work thing in Nashville, and he and Mommy went from there to our Auntie Jen and Uncle Bill’s house for the night. In case you’ve forgotten, that’s where Lucy’s BFF Ella and her boyfriend Achilles live. They asked Mommy to show Lucy this, so come look, Luce!

Achilles: I love you Lucy. Do you still love me even in this cone of shame?

Xena: Lucy, stop drooling on the ‘puter.

Achilles: Lucy honey, will you come over my house and help me deadie this stuffie?

Look, Lucy, I’m playing tug o’ war with your Dad! My foot’s almost all better and I feel good enough to play with you, too.

Xena: Lucy, could you please stop licking the screen?

Ella: Hey girl! When ya’ gonna’ come visit me. I miss your pretty face. It makes me feel real good to just chill with you. You know you’re my BFF and I love you lots!

You could come in the kitchen and catch falling food with me while my Mom cooks!

Lucy: Awwww. I remember when Ella came to visit, just a couple of weeks ago. I sure do miss her!

Xena: I hope Ella can see how hard you’re wagging your tail, Luce. You remember, that tail you wrapped around hers while she was here. She really is a good friend to you. I know you would like to be friends with the pig, too, even though it’s unlikely that will ever happen. So just to make you smile some more, here’s a picture Mommy took of Morty.

Lucy: Awww.

Xena: Happy Valentine’s Day a day early, Sissie!

Me and Lucy and Ella and Achilles want to thank Miss Sandee at Comedy Plus for hosting Awww Monday!

Thankful Thursday X3

Published on January 26, 2023January 25, 2023 by Xena, Lucy and Chia36 Comments

Lucy: First, thank you, Brian, for hosting Thankful Thursday. We think everyone’s prayers were answered for Achilles.

Achilles got a proctoscopy (I sure hope he slept through it). The dogtor found a polyp and took most of it out. That’s what was causing the bleeding. The dogtor also sent off a culture from his foot, and he has e-coli bacteria in it. He’s on antibiotics and a special shampoo and regular dressing changes on his foot. I’m so thankfully happy it didn’t come back as the big C! And I’m triply thankful for all your prayers and good wishes.

Chia: We never got to show our friends our Christmas presents. Among other great things, I got a new stuffie. I know that’s not like dodging the Big C, but it still made me happy.

I haven’t named him – although I’m thinking about “Smiley.” Right now we’re all just calling him the squid. Riley chewed off some of the little tentacles sticking out of his funny hat, so I’m thankful that I got the squid for Christmas and that Riley didn’t deadie him! Oh, and that’s my new blanket hanging beside me on the couch. It is so, so, soft, and I love to wrap myself up in it!

Mom Amy: Every day I have more in my life to be thankful for than I can count. Today I want to say I’m thankful for my son Adam.

He’s a blessing, and I know he would do anything for me…well, except scoop dog poop. And I can forgive him for that! Every other week I drive about 45 minutes to spend some time with him, shopping, eating, visiting. Here, we were waiting on our meals at Captain D’s. He loves Xena, so if I bring her, we sit in the car and eat! I am thankful for my Adam.

Xena: I’m thankful I get to make the poem today about the picture! Do you see me there trying to decide which Teddy to grab?

Teddy Bear Car by Xena

A Teddy Bear car.
A dog trap or a present?
I’ll follow it far.

I hope you like my haiku!

Love and wags and thankfuls for you, our friends! Lucy, Chia and Xena

Lucy’s Prayers for Achilles on Thankful Thursday

Published on January 19, 2023January 18, 2023 by Xena, Lucy and Chia37 Comments

Y’all know that my BFF Ella was here last weekend for my birthday. A coupla days after she got back home, her Mom found an area on her brother Achilles’ foot that looked like it was swollen. The next day it looked like Achilles had licked it until it burst and he cleaned it out real good. We got a picture, but it’s not for anyone with a weak tummy, so I decided not to post it. The picture shows two deep holes between two of his front foot toes. Instead, here is a nice picture of my precious boyfriend Achilles. I’m so thankful he’s my guy.

Aunty Jen and Uncle Bill took him to the dogtor the next day and he got a diagnoses: paraneo plastic syndrome. It’s cancer, with something that makes his immune system go wild. He’s had some other symptoms that something was wrong, like bleeding a lot out of his behind. No one could figure out what was wrong. None of the tests showed anything. But it’s very likely that it’s connected to what is going on with his paw.

My aunt and uncle are devastated, and so are me and Mom. The last time I saw him, I was upset with him for watching Xena get a bath. Now I feel bad and I want to go see him and give him lots of kisses. The only good thing is he isn’t in any pain.

He’s such a sweet, funny, goofy boy.

Please send up woofs, meows, prayers and good health into the universe for my Achilles. *sob* Lucy, hoping for a miracle.

And thank you, Brian, for hosting Thankful Thursday.

We’re leaving in a fast car…don’t know when we’ll be back again.*

Published on June 3, 2022June 4, 2022 by Xena, Lucy and Chia27 Comments

Xena: It’s been quite a visit. I learned a few things, like what it’s like to have unwanted attention, how to let someone down easy, how good pig poop tastes…speaking of which…

three days ago in Auntie Jen’s back yard

Mom: Xena, stop eating that grass and come on in the house….Xena….do you hear me?? Xena!
Mommy walks toward me and sees this (WARNING: The next picture contains a poop image and may not be appropriate for all readers)

Mommy: OMG, you’re eating pig poop!
Xena: Don’t freak, Mommy. Wait, why are you texting Auntie Jen? No, please don’t make me vomit, I won’t do it again (paws crossed).
As it ended up, I wasn’t forced to vomit and my tummy never even got upset! However, a couple of days later, Lucy also discovered these delectable morsels. Mommy suspected Lucy had eaten some, but since I didn’t get sick, she didn’t do anything about/to Lucy. Then at 2:58 a.m. Mommy woke up to a retching sound. One of the big dogs jumped off the bed and there was a vomiting sound. The culprit jumped back in the bed and acted like nothing had happened. Mommy finally got up and turned on the bedroom light. She saw a pile of fresh-ish meat, apple, broccoli, and some unidentifiable matter. . yep, it was Lucy’s. After that, she began cleaning the yard up every day and following us around outside.

Xena: Yesterday when Mommy opened Morty’s Bathroom Apartment door for him to come out for supper, she found this:

That’s Morty’s Teddy facedown in Morty’s used litter. Did Teddy need to go potty? Or maybe he was hungry!

Xena: That takes us to today, and boyfriend drama. *sigh*

heard very early this morning…

Achilles: I wish you wouldn’t keep your back to me, Lucy

Lucy: I wish you wouldn’t flirt with my little sister.

Later in the morning:

Ella: Hey girl. I hear you’re leaving soon. Love you, friend.

Lucy: Hey girl. I love you too, friend.

Xena: I’m sorry, Achilles, that I hurt your feelings. I want you to know it’s not you, it’s me. I just want to stay single and close to my Mommy.

Why are you looking over my shoulder, Achilles?

Achilles: Lucy! I’m so glad to see you! Ignore her. You’re my girlfriend, remember?

Lucy: Goodbye, Achilles. I’ll see you next time. I’m going to have to think about our relationship.

Achilles: Why do girl dogs have to make it all so difficult? I’m a good boy. Everyone says so. Xena is just…different. She looks and acts so different than me or Lucy. That’s why I keep looking at her. Maybe next time I can just look at Lucy and she’ll be happy.

Xena: Uh, Mommy, after my shampoo and blow dry and pedicure, I’m ready to go home and cuddle in my daddy’s lap. I’m even ready to play with Chia. I hear she and Riley have been playing a lot while we’ve been gone. I also heard she managed to get the porch screen door open and had a bit of a runabout.

Are you packed? Are we ready to go? I call dibs on the backseat kennel!

*John Denver, I’m Leaving on a Jet Plane lyrics:

All my bags are packed I’m ready to go I’m standin’ here outside your door I hate to wake you up to say goodbye But the dawn is breakin’ It’s early morn The taxi’s waitin’ He’s blowin’ his horn Already I’m so lonesome I could die So kiss me and smile for me Tell me that you’ll wait for me Hold me like you’ll never let me go ‘Cause I’m leavin’ on a jet plane Don’t know when I’ll be back again Oh babe, I hate to go There’s so many times I’ve let you down So many times I’ve played around I tell you now, they don’t mean a thing Every place I go, I’ll think of you Every song I sing, I’ll sing for you When I come back, I’ll bring your wedding ring So kiss me and smile for me Tell me that you’ll wait for me Hold me like you’ll never let me go ‘Cause I’m leavin’ on a jet plane Don’t know when I’ll be back again Oh babe, I hate to go Now the time has come to leave you One more time Let me kiss you Then close your eyes And I’ll be on my way Dream about the days to come When I won’t have to leave alone About the times, I won’t have to say Kiss me and smile for me Tell me that you’ll wait for me Hold me like you’ll never let me go ‘Cause I’m leavin’ on a jet plane Don’t know when I’ll be back again Oh babe, I hate to go But, I’m leavin’ on a jet plane Don’t know when I’ll be back again Oh babe, I hate to go.

Morty vs Achilles

Published on May 31, 2022May 31, 2022 by Xena, Lucy and Chia23 Comments

Hi people. It’s me, Sir Mortimer. But you can call me Morty. Did you hear what happened to me? Achilles tried to kill me. No, really!

Here’s what happened: It was nice outside, and we were all – and by all I mean me, Ella, Achilles, Lucy and Xebe, or Xela, or something like that. Aunt Amy was there too…she was brushing Achilles. She was brushing him hard and fast and hair was flying and he was loving it. I came over to see what all was going on, not knowing he was “in the zone.” He jumped at me and grabbed my ear and bit down. I screamed, and that just fueled his fire. He scraped the skin off the top of my ear; he punctured the side of my face; he scratched the top of my neck and head. I just kept screaming. It hurt, and I was scared. *squeal!* I am a prey animal after all, and he’s a predator. Did you know he’s bigger than me? I’m just a poor little 150 pound pig with a waddle. To make things even worse, the other dogs started closing in on me. It’s something called pack behavior. Aunt Amy kept screaming at them to stay back while she worked on getting Achilles off of me. I sure do wish I had a pack to protect me.

Aunt Amy – I’ve just started calling her that – saved me. I was bleeding and really freaked out. I could tell she was too – freaked out that is, not bleeding. She took me to my bathroom apartment so I could calm down. Afterwards, she shut all the dogs in another room and let me come in the kitchen with her. She sat on the floor and kept talking real nice and soft to me, and I decided I could trust her, that she is my protector. So I laid down in front of her. She pet me until I got back up and moved next to her. Then I laid down and got pet some more. Finally, I moved onto my side and let her rub my belly. We’re friends now. And Achilles had to sleep in his kennel the last two nights.

Why am I always in trouble? I hope I get to sleep in the bed tonight.

Anyhow, with a lot of treats to bribe me, I let Aunt Amy wash my boo boos and put medicine on them. That was two days ago, and it’s not hurting anymore and it’s all starting to heal.

None of the dogs (except Lucy) are allowed out when I’m grazing and playing in my swimming pool. I’m a happy piggy again.

Love, grunts, oinks and squeals, Morty

Hard Time Helpers

Published on May 28, 2022 by Xena, Lucy and Chia18 Comments

Hi, this is Lucy, and since I’m the Ace Reporter in the family, I was asked to let y’all know where we are. Our Auntie Jen and Uncle Bill have to be out of town for a very difficult situation in the family involving someone they love very much. I’m not at liberty to give details. But I can tell you that Mom brought me and Xena with her on a three hour drive to take care of my BFF Ella, my boyfriend Achilles, and the pig Mortimer, aka Morty. Let’s see how it’s goings…

Lucy: When we arrived last evening around supper time, Ella was super excited to see me and I was grinning from ear to ear. It was past our supper time (we had driven to where it was an hour earlier than where we live) so Mom got right on with fixing everyone their meals. She read the instructions Auntie Jen left and had just scooped Achille’s food into his bowl when Morty the pig threw his nose up against the bottom of her hand that was holding the bowl. Kibble flew everywhere and we stood back while the race was on between Mom and Morty. Who would get the most kibble from the floor!? The kitchen floor is slick for someone who walks on hooves, so Mom was able to keep pushing Morty back, but he was determined. In the end, we think it was a tie.

After breakfast today, we all got to go outside for a while.

Mom knew to shake the treat bag when she called Morty to come in. He came running!

He got a treat for coming, then some more when he followed her back to his “bathroom apartment.”

Then Mom checked on the rest of us…

Mom: Ella, what are you doing?

Xena: She’s hunting chippies, like I do, Mommy.
Ella: Mmph, mmph.
Mom: Ella, please get your head out of there.
Lucy: After Mom made Ella move her head, it appeared that Ella had been licking dirt and stones. (Sounds more like a Chia move.) So Mom put something over the hole. That’s when Ella decided she wanted to go back in the house, too.

Lucy: I spent the whole day outside enjoying the sunshine and the grass and the big yard.

I rolled and watched birds and shared the yard with Morty and sometimes Xena and Mom, too. Achilles had to stay inside most of the time because of his allergies.

But when he was out here, he had a good time. Mom threw his toys for him to chase and he played keep away with her.

After Xena snoopervized Mom “cleaning” the yard, they both went inside, too.

Mom: Come on Xe, let’s get all those allergens off you with a nice bath. Wait, what are you doing?

Xena: I’m practicing my “back” for Freestyle. See how fast I can do it?

Mom: *catching Xena* I know you had a bath yesterday, but (and here comes those dreaded words) it’ll be good for you.

Achilles: What’s goin’ on? Xena, you gettin’ a bath?

Xena: What’s it look like, Achilles? Did you think I was running the 500 or something? Sheesh, you can be almost as big a dufus as Angel Lexi used to say Riley was.

Xena: Why do you keep staring at me?
Achilles: I like to watch.

*meanwhile*

Ella: Lucy, you might want to check out what’s going on in the bathroom.

Lucy: Achilles! What are you doing?

Why are you in here with Xena when she’s taking a bath?

Xena: He said he likes…

Achilles: *interrupting Xena* Uh, well, you see, she’s your little sister, and I like to make sure she’s OK. Looks like your Mom has everything under control and I can leave now.

Lucy: Mom, when are we going home?

Mom: Well, friends, it seems my Ace Reporter is done reporting today, so I’ll help her sign off with wags and hopes that Achilles and Lucy make up tonight.

Lovesick

Published on December 19, 2021December 18, 2021 by Xena, Lucy and Chia18 Comments

We are joining The Cat on My Head for Sunday Selfies.

Achilles: Is that a Christmas present for me from Lucy?

Dad: No, Achilles, it’s my birthday present from your Mom.
Achilles: Are we going to visit Lucy over Christmas? We missed Thanksgiving, you know.
Dad: I’m sorry Achilles. Right now, it doesn’t look like we’ll be able to because of your Mom’s work schedule.

Later…

Achilles: I miss my girl so much. It’s seems like 87 months since she was here.

Ella: I miss Lucy too, but I try to not think about it.

Meanwhile…

I sure do miss Achilles. Maybe he can hitch a ride with Santa Paws in his sleigh to come visit me. I think I’ll go to sleep now and dream about my dreamy guy.

We are Achilles and Lucy, the lovesick pups.

Awww Monday: Final Chapter of Our Visit

Published on October 18, 2021October 17, 2021 by Xena, Lucy and Chia31 Comments

We are joining Comedy Plus with much thanks for hosting Awww Mondays.

Xena: Thanks for holding me Auntie Jen. You’ve had a busy day and I’m glad to be here for you. Uh, where’s my Uncle Bill? Did Mommy leave my comb so I could look pretty for him?

Lucy: Mmph, mm, mmph. *pushes up head* Ah, I couldn’t talk with you laying on my head, sister. I want to be next to you, Auntie Jen, and cuddle and let you know I love you, too.

Xena: Is it time to eat yet? Where’s my Uncle Bill? Mommy gave him the instructions for feeding me, um, I mean feeding me and Lucy.

*Later*

Achilles: Ella? Don’t you wanna play with me and Lucy? What’s wrong?

Ella: My back legs hurt. You know, the ones I had surgery on. Mom warned me about running and playing too hard, but I was just so excited that you’re here, Lucy.

*meanwhile*

Xena: I’m rested and ready to help you with quotes again, Uncle Bill. I think I got us a lot of liver treats yesterday!

Uncle Bill: Yes, well, about that…uh, I think we’re all set with liver treats, and I’ll have them sent to you when they arrive. How about if you just cuddle here on my lap while I work?

*later*

Achilles: I love you, Lucy. I want you to live here.

Lucy: I love you too, Achilles. I would stay here with you and your sister Ella, but I can’t ’cause it would break my Dad’s heart. Why don’t you and Ella come home with me? You’d have fun playing with Chia – if you didn’t mind her hanging off your cheek – and we could be together forever.

Achilles: I can’t, my love. Riley and I don’t get along. I can’t stand the thought that he used to be your boyfriend. Grrr.

Lucy: But I never loved him like I love you, honey.

Both: *sigh*

Lucy: Mom and Dad will be here soon. Please ask Auntie Jen and Uncle Bill to bring you to visit me. And take good care of my BFF Ella, please. Bye bye until next time. *smooch*

I’m So Excited!

Published on October 17, 2021October 17, 2021 by Xena, Lucy and Chia31 Comments

Lucy: Are we there yet?

Five minutes later...

Xena: I heard Mommy ‘splainin to Uncle Bill all about how to feed me and Lucy. That’s when I realized I was gonna get left! Aghh! After her and Daddy left, I laid by the back door for 87 minutes waiting for her to come back, while the three “biggies” got all the excitement out of themselves.

Uncle Bill works from home, and everyone collapsed in his office. Since I hadn’t been running around like a crazy dog, I was able to help Uncle Bill with his work.

Uncle Bill even texted Mommy to let her know how great I was helping him with quotes on Dell products. Let’s see, I think this one could sell for about a gazilion liver treats. I love my Uncle Bill. Hmmm. Maybe it won’t be so bad being here for a few days after all…as long as I get to cuddle with him all night.

To be continued…

Dog Bed War

Published on January 9, 2021July 11, 2021 by Xena, Lucy and Chia21 Comments

I’m Shania, and I like sleeping in the big bed.

Riley isn’t always here, so if I want to use his bed, I will.

I knew Angel Lexi and deserve to use this bed that was hers after all the crap she put me through.

This is MY bed. I inherited it from Angel Lexi. It’s a schnauzer bed.

This is the bed Mommy bought just for me. Sometimes I let my stuffies sleep in it with me.

I made a bed out of the dirty laundry pile. *phtt* What do you mean, my beard needs washed again? Aghh!

Recap of Our 2020 in Pictures

Published on January 1, 2021January 1, 2021 by Xena, Lucy and Chia32 Comments

Our friend, Miss Monika from Tails Around the Ranch posted this picture, and gave us permission to show it to all our friends. It says so much about how we all feel.

A few of my favorite pictures/moments of 2020. ..

January 2020 (below) We were at our friends’ house in Nashville, blissfully unaware of how the year was going to play out.

February 2020 (below) We actually got some snow!

March 2020 (below) just before our world changed. We got pictures sent to us of Morty celebrating his first birthday.

April 2020 (below)

May 2020 (below)

June 2020 (below) Xena enjoyed turning 3 years old.

July 2020 (below) We got a baby in the home office and dogsat while our friends went on a trip.

August 2020 (below). We travelled to be with family in Indiana to celebrate Jeff’s Mom’s 90th birthday.

September 2020 (below). Still working in my home office with the help of Xena and Lucy. Our new back, enclosed porch was finally finished, and Xena found a way onto the table.

October 2020 (below) Lucy and Xena joined the Zoom service with B’nai Zion and became BarkMitzvah-ed. Lucy’s new Hebrew name is Ora (light or shiny), while Xena’s is Grrvurah (warrior, sort of). We took a trip to an Air B&B in Kentucky for our 12th wedding anniversary, and the pups stayed with our frineds in Nashville.

November 2020 (below) The weather was unseasonably warm and sunny. Our Nashville friends joined us for thanksgiving, and then we leftall four pups home with the dogsitter while we spent a long Thanksgiving weekend at an Air B&B in North Carolina.

December 2020 (below) OK, so the first one is still from November, but just had to include it. Riley is back with us for a while, and so is his Dad Andrew.

Have a very good 2021, from Lucy, Xena, Achilles, Ella, Morty, Riley and Amy

A Long Weekend without Our Folks

Published on November 28, 2020August 16, 2021 by Xena, Lucy and Chia27 Comments

It sure is a long weekend without our Mommy and Daddy here. Our cousins are here and so is our dog and house sitter, Miss Christy. She’s really nice, but I still don’t like her much because it means my Mommy won’t be back for a while. But at least Miss Christy feeds me.

I keep looking for my Mommy. No one else seems to care.

Ella has stolen my chair. She has taken over my place as the official neighborhood lookout. Actually, I think she is watching for her Mom and Dad to come back, too.

Ella: “Look, Achilles, is that their car?”

Then there’s big, goofy Achilles. Him and Lucy, they keep licking each other in the mouth. It’s so gross. Hey, you two, get a room! Miss Christy thought it was too private of a moment to take pictures of them playing smoochie face. When Achilles isn’t playing house with Lucy he helps watch for all our folks to come back.

Achilles: “What, Lucy? You want me to sleep in the sun with you? OK, I’ll be there in a moment.”

Then there’s my very own sister Lucy, who only cares about her stupid boyfriend and her BFF and hogging Miss Christy’s lap.

Lucy: I’ll try to not fall asleep before you get over here, Achilles, honey.

I get mad when I come into the living room needing a little attention and there’s Lucy, in the person’s lap. Grr. I give them both a dirty look and lay down in the living room dog bed to wait them out. As soon as Lucy jumps down I forgive Miss Christy and get in her lap. She’s actually a really good petter, but shhh, don’t tell anyone I said that.

Does anyone know where my foks went and if when they’ll be home?

Xena Grruvah Schnauzer Warrior Princess

Where Oh Where Did Mommy Go Part 2

Published on October 21, 2020August 21, 2021 by Xena, Lucy and Chia25 Comments

Xena: Days and nights passed in a fog. It seemed like I was waiting for years.

I passed the time running in their really huge back yard, faster and faster, trying to make time run faster too. (It was really fun.) I spent my nights cuddled between my Uncle Bill and Auntie Jen, pretending they were my folks. At least Mommy loved me enough to make up my meals ahead of time for Uncle Bill to put together and feed me.
Each day was much like the one before it.

I found it amusing to run up to that pig called Morty, bark, and run away. I’m too fast for him, so he would go after Lucy, who isn’t as fast in tight places. To get back at me, Lucy kept reminding me that she is now an engaged dog. (Like I care!) This started even before they left.

Meanwhile, my folks were off somewhere walking around neighborhoods where they saw scary plastic ghosts and witches.

They walked a mile to a restaurant where they ate Hawaiian pizza and glazed salmon and veggies while they watched students from Murray State University walk their dogs and ride their bikes. They went to a state park and walked a couple more miles until it was almost dark. And before all that they walked to the downtown farmer’s market and got me and Lucy almost a ton of frozen chicken necks! So they were thinking about me.

After almost two whole ~~years~~ days when I had about given up, I heard our car pull into the driveway. We all spent one more night at my Auntie Jen and Uncle Bill’s before it was time to go home. I saw the suitcases being packed and put by the back door. So did Lucy, who kept asking if she could stay, at least until Thanksgiving when everyone is coming to our house.