Category: Chia

He’s Alive! as reported by Lucy, Ace Reporter

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia33 Comments

Lucy, Ace Reporter, back on sister station WCAH (W Crime at Home) with a surprise update on the murder case of Larry the Lemur.

Xena’s not here to tell you what should be her story because she doesn’t even know yet. She left early this morning with Dad. She was going with him to work, and then to the vet’s to get her teeth cleaned. She wanted to have a service for her friend, Larry the Lemur, who was murdered a few days ago. We all suspected Chia, but had no proof. Then, the body disappeared.

We’ve all got something to be thankful for today, especially Xena. And, for different reasons, Chia. Although, Chia might now be on the hook for “Attempted Murder of a Stuffie,” which is definitely a step down from “Homicide of a Stuffie.”

Larry suddenly appeared to a small group of stuffies who had gathered on the victrola in the front room.

Their shouts of surprise brought most of the other stuffies out of hiding to find that Larry the Lemur was healed (mostly) and back amongst them. Larry’s leg is reattached, but about 1/2 inch shorter, so he will be walking with a slight limp. His face and belly wounds are also healed. His left hand is still missing, and we think it has already been digested and discarded. He is, however, still wearing that great smile of his! Larry has now been declared their “Guru.”

With all the commotion, it didn’t take Chia long to discover that the only stuffy who could positively identify his murderer was alive again.

Riley, do you have anything to add?

I’ve been following this case with interest, Ace Reporter Lucy. While I laugh at this whole “Guru” thing, I feel Larry’s life may still be in danger. Larry needs to live long enough to point his remaining paw at Chia (or whoever murdered him, but we all know who did it). I may have to become his body guard. You know the long squirt won’t mess with me.

There you have it, folks. Be sure to stay tuned for action-filled updates on the case of “Who Murdered Larry Lemur” and “Is Larry Really a Guru?”

We are joining Comedy Plus for Happy Tuesday!

Ace Reporter with the Case of Larry Lemur

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia23 Comments

This is Lucy, Ace Reporter, with news coming to you live from sister station WCAH (Crime At Home).

Today we learned the shocking news that Detective Larry Lemur has met his demise. He was found gutted and dismembered. This is a disturbing picture, so please skip it if you are of a delicate nature.

All attempts at resuscitation were in vain. One bystander was overheard saying, “At least he died with a smile on his face.” That’s why we think the murderer struck fast with no warning. There is a slash above his nose, and his abdomen is ripped open. And, of course, his leg was torn off. It took a moment to realize that his left hand is missing, too.

Xena, it’s well-known that Larry Lemur was your friend. However, he recently questioned you in the greatly overstated death of Riley’s stuffy, Rainey. How did you feel about that?

Well, Lucy, I wasn’t planning on leaving town anyhow, so I think he was just doing his job. No hard feelings. Besides, Larry and I really were friends. I think it’s terrible that his life was cut short, right when he had started his career. We should have a service for him.

Chia, after Xena had pointed her paw at you, Detective Larry Lemur also questioned you for the same non-crime. You knew Larry had been added to the household to be Xena’s friend. There are rumors that you took out Larry in a reprisal against both him and Xena. Is that true?

Chia: No one can prove anything! Umm, I mean, I’m innocent, Your Honor!

There you have it folks. Lucy signing off with another unsolved case of W Crime At Home.

And a big thank you to Miss Sandee at Comedy Plus for hosting Awww Monday!

Detective Larry Lemur and the Case of the Murdered Stuffie

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia29 Comments

Many thanks to Comedy Plus for hosting Happy Tuesday.

Larry Lemur: *gasp* Someone suffocated Rainey!

There’s a murderer among us. I need to start bringing in suspects.

So, Xena, where were you last night and this morning?

Xena: Last night I laid on Daddy’s lap while he and Mommy watched their show on Netflix. Then I went to bed with them and slept all night in the bedroom with the door closed. Do you have any idea how upset Riley’s going to be?


Larry: I do. So are you saying you’re innocent? If you’re innocent, why are you wearing those Big Girl Panties even though you don’t go into heat anymore? Are you trying to wear a disguise?
Xena: Well, I’m not so sure I’m exactly innocent. I mean, I did chase a lizard into Lucy’s mouth once, and I’ve tried to catch chipmunks. Mommy put these Big Girl Panties on me so I couldn’t lick and chew on my tummy because of my allergies. Did you notice they match my herbal flea collar? But no, I didn’t kill Rainey. I think it was Chia.

Larry: Fine. You’re free to go. But don’t leave town.
Larry, talking to himself: Hmmm. I know Lucy has absolutely no interest in stuffies, and she’s the least likely dog to inflict harm on anyone or anything. Although she and Ella did tear up the back of the couch cushion once when their folks were all gone. But that was a long time ago and she has promised to never do anything like that again. She’s a dog of her woof. So…

Chia, did you murder Riley’s Rainey?
Chia: I’m innocent, Your Honor.

Sure, I’ve killed my share of stuffies, but I know better than to mess with Riley. You know he’s going to make somebody pay for this, and I don’t mean with cash or treats. Nobody, but nobody, crosses Riley (except Mom the Brave). There’s going to be pain and suffering…I should run away again.

Later…

Rainey: Hey there Riley. Do you have any idea where everyone went? I can’t find any of the other woofers.

Riley: *slurp, slurp*
Rainey: I mean, I laid down on the loveseat to catch some zzzz’s, but the sun was in my eyes so I covered my head with the pillow before falling asleep. I woke up to the sound of dogs running and doors slamming. Oh well, you and me, we can still have some fun together. Umm, what’s with the Cone of Handsomeness, Big Guy?
Riley: Allergies, and bacterial and yeast infections. I’m on meds, but in the meantime, Mom Amy doesn’t want me licking and chewing on myself. Yeah, let’s go find something to do around here, like figure out where everyone went to.

Larry, peeking around the corner: Case closed!

Chia and Mr. Rat

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia26 Comments

Today we are joining Brian’s Thankful Thursday, with special thanks to Brian for hosting it!

A few days ago Riley told you about Racky-D, and his decision to keep him, not deadie him. Well, back at the beginning of the month, I got a new stuffy for my birthday, and promised to show you a better picture of him when he wasn’t being so shy.

Today’s the day! I’m thankful for my Mr. Rat on Thankful Thursday and every day
. Sometimes Xena grabs him and takes off. I know it’s so I will chase her, and it always works! Then we play tug o’ war until one of us loses interest.

Since Riley named his racoon dog Racky-D, I’ve been thinking about a new name for Mr. Rat. Something like Ratto or Ratty or something. Any thoughts? And no, Xena, we’re not having a contest, and no one’s going to win anything. Sheesh. I think she must watch the game shows on TV when Mom and Dad are at work and Lucy and I are snuggled up sleeping.

Sometimes I ask Mom to play with me and Mr. Rat.

Mom has a new game where she pretends not to notice, then grabs him up quick as lightening and throws him across the room. I leap across whoever else is on the couch, propel myself off the couch arm, and tear after Mr. Rat. Sometimes Xena fakes me out, acting like she’s going to go get him, and that makes me run even faster, like the Flash!

I’m also thankful that all y’all love me, and if you want to come visit I’ll sit in your lap or play with you and cuddle with you under the covers in the bed.

Your buddy, Chia

It’s My Birthday! by Chia

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia35 Comments

I told you there was a surprise today, didn’t I?! It’s the day we celebrate my birthday, since I couldn’t remember the actual day in July to tell my new pawrents 17 months ago. They said I am a real fire cracker, so they decided the 4th of July would be an appropriate day to celebrate. I was extra good this morning. I didn’t jump all over Mom in the bed, but curled up next to her after Dad gave me my breakfast. I didn’t growl (play) at Lucy or just cause general havoc. I’ve been on my best behavior all day!

So, I know you’re just panting to know what I did today. Or maybe you’re panting ’cause it’s so doggone hot outside right now. Anyhoo, I had my very first trip to the dog park — before it got hot outside.. It was just me and Mom and Dad. Guess what happened when we got inside the huge fenced area. Mom took off my halter and leash!! I ran all around, from side to side and front to back. In the past, I’ve had to “escape” to run like that!

I saw some bigger dogs in a separate area on the other side of a fence and I wanted to go play with them, but I couldn’t get in there.

So I ran along the fence and some of those nice dogs ran along with me on the other side of the fence. What I wasn’t counting on was that my fence ran out before theirs did. Look to the right of where I am standing, at that chain link. I was running really fast, watching the other dogs, and, as they kept running, mid-leap I bounced right off that fence. It kinda gave some, then threw me back the way from where I had come. By the way, BellaDharma, I landed on my feet like a cat!

I tried to ignore Mom and Dad almost falling off the bench ’cause they were laughing so hard! Speaking of Mom and Dad, I kept coming over and jumping between them on the bench to say, “Hi! Thanks for bringing me here!” I wanted to be sure they knew I appreciated this birthday treat and was being a good girl so they would bring me back. I don’t think Dad was even upset when I got his short pants all muddy, either. After a certain dog on the other side of the fence left, Mom decided it was safe for us to go over to the Big Dog Lot. I surprised them by ignoring the other dogs and running all around this super big area looking for a way out securing the borders. After about 90 minutes I got my harness back on and pulled them to the car (no, I wasn’t worn out from running most of that time!)

When we got home I got another surprise…a birthday bath! Grrrr.

Seems like it’s a tradition around here…one that should be banned.

Next was our treat puzzles.

We all got to play. But I graduated to one of the great big ones, cause I’m two now!

Lucy used it last time, but she had some trouble figuring it out. So she and I traded and, well, I hate to admit it, but I had some trouble with it too. Mom showed me how to take the white plastic bones out and then I could move the red thingies around to get what was under them. Lucy finished hers that used to be mine and came over to help me. I said, “NO! I’ve got this!”

Then Xena showed me how to throw the white bones onto the floor and flip the tops of the red thingies. I let her have a treat or two for helping. When we were all done and Mom was picking everything up to put away, she couldn’t find two of my white bone thingies. Then she caught me in the next room with them. I figured if I destroyed them, it would be much easier to use the puzzle next time. Drat, I wasn’t quick enough!

After the folks ate a late lunch, I got my present.

You can stop singing now and give me my present, please. I know you’re holding it behind your back.

A Rat! What could be a better present for a part-Jack Russell Terrier?!

Come on, Mr. Rat, I’ll show you around.

I took Mr. Rat to the dog lot and showed him all around, like the best places to poop and the best places to dig up stones. Then, to everyone’s surprise, I brought him back in.

Thanks, Mom and Dad, for the best birthday ever!

You can stop mooning everyone now, Mr. Rat.
Hmmm, he seems a bit shy, but I’ll get him to pose for a picture next time.

And a big thank you to Miss Sandee at Comedy Plus for hosting Awww Monday!

*Wags and Wiggles and Love* Birthday Girl Chia

Too Busy for Sunday Selfie

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia12 Comments

 Thanks to The Kitties Blue for hosting Sunday Selfies every week!

Xena: What did you say, Mom? It’s time for a Sunday selfie?

OK, will this work?

I can do better? Sorry, I’m in the middle of playing, and trying to ignore the thunder.

Chia: Hey XeBoo, do you see this thing on the carpet?

Xena: How can I see anything on the carpet when I’m laying on my back, LongBoo?

Xena: I’m not seeing anything, but there’s a good smell here I think I’ll roll in.

Chia: You don’t see it because…

…because it’s in my mouth!

Happy Sunday and a service announcement from Chia: Besides being the 4th of July, tomorrow’s another special day for me! I’ll letcha’all know what kind of fun we have…maybe tomorrow, maybe the next day. OK? Luv ya!

Our Trip and Company

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia24 Comments

Xena: Wow, there is so much to tell! My most exciting news is that I finally lived up to my name, Xena Schnauzer WARRIOR Princess, (I had the Schnauzer and Princess parts perfected already). You see, Aunt Bobbi brought her dog Daisy, who is the size of like a cattle dog or something. I barked at her and chased her back into her kennel. After that, I chased her back there every time I saw her. Then my Aunt Jenny (NOT Auntie Jen) brought her Australian Shepherd type dog over, and guess what! She was scared of me too!! I am The Dominator!

I reigned from this chair.

Lucy: I spent a lot of time with my Aunt Bobbi and Uncle Dennis. And my Grandma. She loves me.

Everyone was tense and there was some raised voices over major (and minor) decisions that had to be made. I don’t like that, it’s scary. But I tried to put some of my Zen energy to work for my family.

Chia: I already told you my story of my Runabout while I was at home with our new sitter. I was good for her after that And she made sure I didn’t “escape” again. I played with Riley and took naps, dreaming up more ways to get to run the neighborhood.

Then I heard about how stressed I made everyone while I was gone on my adventure, so I decided to stay home. Or at least come right back if I got a chance to “stretch my legs.” The same night my pawrents got home, we had a visitor. Her name is Kim and she lives in the Philippines. I could tell she didn’t take to me immediately, so I made sure she knew I wanted her to hold me a lot. When she started taking just me on leashed runs around the neighborhood, I knew I had my new best friend. She “baby held” me like Mom holds Xena, and rubbed my belly and talked to me and explained why some things I growled were not nice and I shouldn’t be talking like that. Last night I put my new “come right back when I get loose” strategy to a test, and came right back when Kim called me. She left today. I may have to go looking for her…

Xena: Something sad happened, too, while I was at my Grandma’s house. I was walking around the house with my family and came across a poor chippie who had passed away.

I came up to her and sniffed her and gently nudged her, then stared for a while in case she was “playing possum,” but she had already crossed the bridge. I don’t know what happened to her…there was no sign of foul play. Mommy was assigned the task of burying her, but Uncle Dennis did it. When he came in and said he had taken care of the chippie, we asked if he had said the mourner’s Kaddish over her. He said he did. Then we asked if he gave a eulogy for her. He said he did. Then we asked if he gave her a proper burial. He said he did. May the chippie’s soul rest in peace.

Riley: I really liked our new sitter, even if she let my friend Chia get away and stopped searching for her when it got dark. She missed work that day, but hey, who let Chia get loose, right? I liked Kim who came to visit, too. She pets good. I slept with her every night. She says I snore…all night long.

Then we had another surprise. Artie, who stayed with us one other time, came over on Tuesday night to stay a few days while his folks were out of town. There sure has been a lot of shuffling dogs around. I’m glad I just got to stay here at home.

We all like Arty; he’s a good dog and a really funny boy. He came walking out of the bedroom with my Rainey Reindeer. Mom caught him and took Rainey before Arty got into major trouble with me. Instead, she gave him Winter Bear and Oscar, who was almost done-for already. He took them back to MY bed in Mom’s bedroom and played with them for a while. The next morning I finished deading Oscar. May he rest in peace.

Xena: That’s all we can think of to tell you right now. But we’re sure there will be something else soon…there always is!

XOXOX Love and licks and wags and wiggles from Riley, Lucy, Xena and Chia

Chia’s Runabout

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia33 Comments

Hi, this is Chia. First, don’t worry, I’m OK. But I did have a fun/harrowing experience. I heard that I scared my Mom and Dad and made them cry and not sleep. And that half the neighborhood was looking for me, and my dog sitter went to every house and knocked on the door and missed work that day. And that my brother Andrew tramped through the woods and all over creation and got poison ivy and mosquito bit, and so did Riley. And that Mom contacted all her neighborhood friends and groom friends and posted me missing on our Nexdoor App, and asked everyone to watch for me and to pray I came home safely. Gee, I didn’t know everyone loved me that much. Maybe I should quit running off…

See, what happened was this. Mom and Dad left at o’dark-thirty on Thursday morning – taking Lucy and Xena with them – after feeding us all our usual good breakfast. In a few hours our sitter showed up. She harnessed Riley and put my pinch collar on me and headed out the front door with us. She didn’t know that 1. I am stronger than Superman and 2. I am faster than the Flash.

I immediately yanked the leash out of her hand (Superman strength) and took off (with Flash speed). She and Riley tried to stop me, BOL, BOL, BOL! Anyhow, when I didn’t come back after a half hour, she texted Mom, who was well on her way to visit relatives in a sick, noisy state. I think she called it Ill in Noise. Then, as I already described, the dog hunt began in earnest.

The hunt ended on Friday morning when the man across the street saw me going up my driveway, dragging my red leash. He grabbed his mobile phone and headed my way. After verifying I was who he thought I was, he opened the back porch door and let me in. I heard my Mom on the phone crying and saying thank you over and over again. Suddenly the lock on the door opened and I saw Riley standing on the other side wagging his tail as fast as he could. I wonder if he knows how to unlock the door…

I had spent Thursday night out on my own. Mom and Dad say they will never know where I was or what I did all night, and I don’t really want to bark about it. It sure was nice getting to eat again, and to curl up in the bed with my new sitter.

I do want to tell Mom and Dad I’m sorry; I only meant to run around the neighborhood for a few minutes, and I didn’t mean to make you feel so bad. I will give you lots of love and wiggles and tail wags and licky kisses when you come home from that sick state.

Lots of love, Chia

How to Defeat a Big Dog by Chia

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia31 Comments

We are joining Brian’s Thankful Thursday, with special thanks to Brian for hosting it!

Chia: Hi friends! You never know who you’re gonna run into out there in your own yard or on a walk or even on a runabout. So you’ve gotta be ready! Here’s what you do when you run into a big dog.

First, you grab them by the neck.

Then, you wrestle them to the ground:

Next, you make them say woof, woof, you win!

Finally, you run like H. E. Double hockey sticks when they rise from their defeat!

Xena: That was some performance, sis. So where you goin’ now?

Chia: Lookin’ for my next big dog to dominate.

Xena: Sometimes I’m just plain thankful I’m a small dog.

Blount Mansion Nature Friday with Selfies

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia17 Comments

We are joining Angel Arty, Jakey, Rosy and Sunny of the LLB Gang with much thanks for hosting Nature Friday.

At the beginning of the year, our Mom and Dad took a trip to Knoxville, where they danced and visited restaurants and old houses. Us and our sitter, Miss Christy, told y’all about it here.

Today, for Nature Friday, we want to show you the gardens at the Blount Mansion that they visited on that trip.

Sundial
Cold Meat Storage

We didn’t think one of our blog posts would be complete without pictures of us, too!

XOX Riley, Lucy, Xena and Chia

Rain, Rain, Go Away Almost W.W.

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia21 Comments

Thanks to Comedy Plus for hosting (Almost) Wordless Wednesday!

Chia: I want this rain to go away so Lucy will go out in the yard and play with me.

But in the meantime, I’ve got this boss shirt that used to be Angel Lexi’s. It says, “Life’s Short, Bite Hard.”

Lucy: Mom, please make the rain go away so I can lay out in the yard in the sunshine!

Chia: Never mind the rain, Lucy, let’s play right here!

Love and wags and wiggles from the rainy day dogs, Lucy and Chia

Why Is Shania Home?

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia25 Comments

Shania: Hey guys, I’m back.

Priscilla: Where were you? We looked everywhere.
Shania: You know the Mom’s office got moved out of our house, right?
*Everyone nodding*
So Lambie had to go, too, since she was actually given to the synagogue, not to us.
*Everyone nodding*
Xena thought it would be safer for me to go keep Lambie company for a while than to stay here. Chia had her “deadie the stuffie” eyes on me, and Riley was unpredictable.
Ludwig: I sent out a search party, but no one could find you. And the squirrels never came back, either.
Chippie: You sent squirrels? Squirrels?!
Sweetheart: Never mind that. Sometimes Ludwig gets into the bottom shelf of the pantry. What we want to know is if you’re ok and why you’re back now?
Shania: All the Mom told me before putting me in her carry bag to come home was that we were leaving and not coming back, so tell Lambie goodbye. Oh look, there’s Lucy! She’s the sweetest pup! Aghh, I’m falling!

Xena: Welcome home, Shania. You can ride in my kennel with me again and get magically transported to other places!
Chia: Gotcha!

You’re mine now.
Shania: HELP!!
Riley: Chia! Drop it!

Riley: So, you’re back, Shania.
Shania: *pant, pant* Yes, Riley, thanks for saving me from Chia.

Riley: No problem! Hmm, you might have a flea here…and here…and…
Lucy: Riley, my friend, can I please have Shania? She’s really not worth your time. I know you’re in charge here, and you have much more important things to do, like keeping Chia from swiping your bone, right?

Shania: Thanks, Lucy. One big gulp and I woulda been gone. No wonder the Mom sent me away!

Lucy: Well, you’re back now, Shania, so stay safe, little girl. Maybe you’ll go again when my Mom gets another job. I sure hope I can go, too! And, uh, you might want to wash your ear.

A Dog and Her Bone

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia27 Comments

Chia: Xena thinks that’s her bone. It’s not!

I got it!

Where’d she go?

Uh oh, I think I hear Riley coming. He always wants my bones.

He passed right by the couch and so did everyone else, heading for the door.

Now I can safely lay in a sun puddle with my stuffies, my blanket and my bone!

Many thanks to Comedy Plus for hosting Happy Tuesday!

Psycho Weather Selfie Sunday

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia25 Comments

Xena: Friday we had a good walk around the neighborhood. It was what Mommy calls “Sweater Weather.” Some of the neighbors’ road-front spring flowers were even blooming.

Mommy wanted to “feature” me and Lucy in front of this little roadside garden area, but we were both too busy sniffing stuff on the road. I know, I know, I’m always the “take my picture” pup, but I swear, promise, there used to be something dead here on the road, and I was too engrossed in figuring out what it was.

Then came Saturday morning. It was still o’dark-thirty when we finished our breakfast and asked to go out, as usual. While we were in the dog lot out back, Mommy took these pictures (without a flash) from the front porch.

Somehow the newly fallen snow reflected enough light (we don’t know where from) that it was like daylight outside. The orange specks in the second and third pictures were lights on houses, not the sun. Believe it or not, these are full color pictures. No one shoveled the walk or drive or road. They were just still too warm for the snow to stick to them. So, if I stood outside in a snowstorm, does that mean the snow wouldn’t stick to me, either?

Chia: The white stuff was just spotty in the dog lot and we just navigated around it. It was my first snow! So Mom clipped a long leash on my collar and let me and my pack out there in the front to really see it. At first I just stood there and looked at it like everyone else. Then I ran into it and turned around and ran right back out of it! Yowzers! No one ‘splained to me what it was or that it was wet and cold. So we all spent the rest of the day snoozin’ and hangin’ out in the house.

Until the snow goes away, I’m hangin’ out with my sister and best friend, Lucy.
Except for when I’m nappin’ with my sister and second best friend, Xena.

Since I stopped being mean to Xena, she’s started playing with me again every morning after breakfast. That’s much more fun than getting stuck in my kennel.

Today’s really cold, but the sky’s clear and most of the white stuff is gone and it’s gonna warm up, so it’s gonna be a good day. Here’s hoping y’all have a good day, too! Oh, and many thanks to  The Cat on My Head  for hosting Sunday Selfies! 

XOXOX Lucy, Xena and Chia