Category: Lucy

Grooming with Mom: Dixie and Caesar

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia26 Comments

This is Lucy, with Awww Monday’s edition of Grooming with Mom. But first, a big shout out to Miss Sandee at Comedy Plus for hosting Awww Monday!

First up today is a new pup, just 2 months old, second day in her furever home, and getting her first groom. Dixie’s Mom is the daughter of another couple who have been bringing their poodle/Shih tzu mix to Groomer Mom for several years. Dixie, a miniature poodle/Australian Shephard mix, barely weighs a pound, even with all the fluffy hair she had when she showed up. She is only about 8 inches tall to the top of her head. Of course, Groomer Mom was awing and cuddling her too much to remember to get a “before” picture. Just take a look at her and add a lot more fluffy hair everywhere.

Never mind those crazy puppy dog ears. The hair will grow longer and then be cut straight across. Dixie was surprisingly good and not afraid of the scissors or the clippers. Of course, Groomer Mom fed her treats during the groom. (I would be good too, for those yummy treats!) We hope to see her again in about 6 weeks. Eventually, her face will probably be shaved, but enough trauma for the first groom, right?

Our second featured groom is a pup who has been here before. Caesar is a 14-year-old, long-haired dachshund. Previously, his Mom wanted him groomed like this:

This time, she decided that she wanted him to look like a short-haired dachshund. In other words, “Shave him all over, everywhere!” So Groomer Mom did as she was told.

When Groomer Mom called Caesar’s Mom to say he was ready to go home, his Mom asked how he looked. Groomer Mom replied, “Old.” His Mom just said, “Well, he is old,” and laughed. However, when she showed up, she exclaimed, “Oh my, he does look old. Well, I guess we won’t be doing that again.” Now that she will have a blank slate, Groomer Mom is going to try a different cut on his face than previously. That, however, will be a few months from now.

This is Lucy, Ace Reporter, signing off and wishing y’all an awww-filled week!

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!

Sunday Selfie by Jemma

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia26 Comments

Many thanks to  The Cat on My Head  for hosting Sunday Selfies!

Hi, I’m Jemma. I think we might have met before. I’m here with my Mom, Uncle Jeff’s sister. Me and my Mom, we live in Illinois. We’re here in Tennessee so my Mom can visit her brother and also go to her conference in a city called Nashville. She’s been gone overnight, at least 87 hours, and I’ve been scared.

I have my own room, and I stayed in it all day yesterday, guarding my space, and all night too. Today I’m trying to be braver. Riley scares me. Chia kinda scares me. Xena kinda scares me, too. I like Lucy. I growled at Aunt Amy every time she came in “my” room, even when she brought me peace offerings and sat on the floor with me. This morning she lifted her lip and growled back. That scared me, too, but now I at least know who’s boss. So I finally decided to try to trust her. After all, someone has to feed me and take me outside, right? And I don’t know if my Mom is ever coming back. So I’m outa my room and trying harder to fit in. Maybe I’ll see y’all again soon, if I’m gonna be living here. (Do you like how I used the Southern “y’all?” I’m trying.)

*little wags* Jemma

From Aunt Amy: Jemma’s Mom will be back later this afternoon.

Grooming with Mom: Tucker

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia28 Comments

Lucy, Ace Reporter here on the Groom Beat.
Today, we have only half a story. The ending has not yet been determined.

I know you’re all used to seeing cute pups come in looking a mess and go out all spiffed up. Groomer Mom forgot to get an after picture–she was too upset. No, there were no accidents during the groom. But there were no grooms during the past 12 months for this poor, elderly schnauzer. This picture was taken after Groomer Mom cut a path for him to be able to see a little bit while she kept grooming.

Tucker if 14 or 15 years old. His Mom, an elderly lady, died a year ago, at which time her son took in Tucker. The son had never had a schnauzer, or any dog who needed groomed. He lives in the neighborhood and saw the grooming sign in our front yard. He was hesitant to bring Tucker because he was so embarrassed, but Groomer Mom kept telling him how glad she was that he did. Tucker’s new dad said they couldn’t stand the stink anymore.

Tucker is a good boy and was used to being on the groom table. He was not used to having his face shaved. The hair on both sides of his schnozzle was matted to the skin, so there was no saving his beard. Upon trying to shave the terribly matted left side of Tuckers face, a cauliflower-like growth was uncovered, and the shaving had to go over and around it. That was Groomer Mom’s breaking point with this schnauzer, and her tears started to leak from her eyes. Anyhow, Groomer Mom thinks it’s a papilloma, with hope that the other, smooth ones are also benign. Some are bigger, some smaller, on his back, his cheeks, and his foot. It shows red here from having to shave the thickly matted hair off it.

Groomer assistant Dad had to be called in as Groomer Mom tried – unsuccessfully – for 20 minutes to shave an oblong, hard, matted area on the other (right) side of Tuckers snout, under his eye. The little she did manage to shave and showed red, inflamed skin underneath. She finally quit when Tucker became extremely agitated. And she cried some more.

Groomer Mom used a medicated shampoo with Chlorhexidine and Ketoconazole. Unfortunately, he still had an odor to him when he dried.

When Tucker’s dad came to get him, Groomer Mom showed him this 3/4″ thick, half dollar-size lump of hair on his face. She told him to take Tucker to the vet soon for him to be lightly sedated and have the vet’s office remove that mat. It is notable that in all the years she has been grooming, Groomer Mom has never before met a mat she couldn’t conquer. Then she showed him all the tumors for the vet to look at while he’s there. She was emphatic that he do this soon! He told her that Tucker had missed his spring annual checkup so he would get it all done at once. At that, Groomer Mom again emphatically told him to not allow the vet to give this elderly dog vaccinations, and explained why. She ended by telling him that she had a product called Anti-Vaccinosis to be given right after vaccinations to help counter the heavy metals and other not-good things mixed into the vaccinations, and said she would let him use it if he decided to get the vaccinations for Tucker anyway.

He left with Tucker, promising to bring him back before he gets looking too bad. If he doesn’t, Groomer Mom knows where he lives, only two houses away, and told us we could all poop in his yard.

This is Lucy, Ace Reporter, signing off with hopes of giving you a successful “after-picture” in about six weeks.

Sunday Guest Selfie: Markel

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia18 Comments

Many thanks to  The Cat on My Head  for hosting Selfie Sunday!

Lucy: Originally, Groomer Mom said I could do a Grooming with Mom feature on our newest pup who came for a groom. But she was so excited about finally having another schnauzer on the table that she forgot to get his “before” picture. Markel is the only schnauzer Mom has ever seen whose hair is like our Angel Lexi’s. Xena’s breeder said that there was poodle somewhere in Lexi’s family tree. Her hair — especially her leggings — had a tight, thick curl. Markel’s hair is almost as curly! Anyhow, take it away, Markel!

Hi, I’m Markel, but everyone calls me Baby Dog. My last groomer shaved all the hair off the top of my schnout, but my new groomer said something like, “Uh, uh, homey don’t do dat.” OK, BOL, maybe not in those words, but she said that is NOT how a schnauzer is groomed! So it’s growing out nicely. The rest of me was groomed like a Scottie, but my new groomer fixed that, too.

I don’t really like getting groomed, especially my feet and ears, but I do like looking handsome for my girl Peaches. She was super sweet to me after my 1st groom at this new place, so I guess I’ll keep coming. Groomer Mom has good treats, too.

Can you tell I love posing for pictures? I think it’s a “thing” with us schnauzers. Anyhoo, nice meeting y’all, and maybe I’ll see ya next time. *wags* Baby Dog

Grooming with Mom: Teddy

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia29 Comments

I am Lucy, Ace Reporter, coming to you on the Groom Beat! Today we are joining Brian’s Thankful Thursday, with special thanks to Brian for hosting it!

Once again one of Groomer Mom’s regular clients sent us a referral. Teddy is a six year old Maltese. He was adopted as an adult, and has sired several litters of Maltese puppies. He has a good home and is a Velcro dog with his Mom. Even so, he is very unsure of himself and afraid.

With his Dad’s permission, Groomer Mom gave Teddy a dropperful of valerian liquid to calm him. It didn’t work. He continued to shake throughout the time he was visiting. But Teddy is a good little boy, and Groomer Mom enjoyed having him “on the table.” (That’s a grooming term.) The last groomer had cut his hair short all the way around his ears. There’s wasn’t much could be done there except even up the bottoms and let them grow out more. And boy oh boy, under all that long hair he was matted to the skin like felt.

When Teddy was finished with his groom, he got a nautical bow on his collar and sat in Groomer Mom’s lap waiting for his Dad to pick him up.

His Dad came and told Groomer Mom, “We won’t wait so long next time to get him groomed,” and left her a $10 tip.

Lucy, Ace Reporter, hoping for a good treat tip for reporting on another episode of Grooming with Mom!

Lucy and Xena on Selfie Sunday

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia20 Comments

Many thanks to  The Cat on My Head  for hosting Selfie Sunday!

Xena: This week it’s Lucy’s turn to do a selfie. She hates having her picture taken, so I selflessly volunteered to be in the picture with her, making it an “ussie.”

OK, Lucy, look at Mommy. She’s got two fish oil pills in her hand, and you get one of them if you look at her. You know you want one!

Good girl, Lucy! You did great! I’ll help you every time it’s your turn. Now, for that fish oil…

Have a great Sunday, everyone! XOX Lucy and Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess

Grooming Kylo on Thankful Thursday

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia24 Comments

Hi folks. The first thing I am thankful for today – or maybe I should say first person I am thankful for today – is Ann Adamus who created my new Ace Reporter logo! Thanks, Ann!!

I am Lucy, Ace Reporter, coming to you on the Groom Beat! Today we are joining Brian’s Thankful Thursday, with special thanks to Brian for hosting it!

Today I would like to introduce a young standard poodle by the name of Kylo, who turned one year old this month. He is a service dog to a special needs young lady who comes with her Mom to get Kylo groomed. At first, Groomer Mom said, “Sorry, he is too big. I only groom small dogs.”

But Kylo’s Mom has a special Super Power of Persuasion, and the rest is history. Kylo gets his bath at home the day before he comes, all ready for Groomer Mom’s magic scissors. Even at one he is a very wiggly puppy, so his special girl helps Mom by holding onto him and distracting him when it is needed, and she does a very good job!

After losing a sack full of hair to the clippers and scissors, Kylo was ready to go home.

Groomer Mom told this reporter that she is thankful she ended up saying “yes,” because this Mom, daughter and loving pooch are all very special!

This ends today’s edition of Grooming with Mom. Lucy, Ace Reporter, signing off.

Hot Day Frozen Banana Basil Towers by Lucy

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia21 Comments

It’s sure been hot around here lately, and I’ve been seeing on your posts that most of you have been having heat waves, too. I wish the heat would wave, cause that would at least cause a breeze, right? So what’s good to help with the heat? Cold snacks! Now that’s something to be happy about!

Most of us dogs love fresh turkey and chicken, and you can jazz things up a bit by pairing either (or both!) with fresh basil and green banana slices, creating a delicious and nutritious frozen snack for furry family members (primarily dogs, since it’s doubtful many cats will find bananas enticing).

These are nutrient-packed, bite-sized pinwheel treats for warm summer days, or anytime, with absolutely no fillers, additives, or byproducts — and loaded with nutrition! Mom was happy she got to use some of her own basil plant leaves for our treats. If you aren’t into eating raw meat, you can ask your Mom or Dad to gently cook the little meatballs before using them in the recipe.

Frozen Banana Basil Towers

Ingredients

  • Unripe (green) bananas
  • Fresh basil
  • Fresh ground free-range chicken or turkey

Directions

  1. Slice banana.
  2. Place a fresh basil leaf on each slice.
  3. Top with a small ground turkey or chicken meatball.
  4. Freeze for 3 hours on a cookie sheet or freezer-safe pan.

Our treats are done now, and we suggest greasing the pan or putting that non-stick paper stuff under the banana, as ours stuck to the pan. Anyhoo, our treats came out looking like this.

I suggested to Mom that next time (and we sure do hope there is a next time) to slice the banana thinner so that we get more treats. She took my suggestion under advisement. I think that meant OK.

I don’t want to close without letting you know that my little sis Xena is turning five years old today. She wants to do her own post about it on Wednesday, so I won’t say anything more, except happy birthday, Xena!

With many thanks to Comedy Plus for hosting Happy Tuesday, *wiggles and wags* Lucy

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

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

Published on 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)

Yep, real, fresh pig poop. Mmmmm

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.

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.

Hard Time Helpers

Published on 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.

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

Grooming with Mom: Murphy & Maggie

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia18 Comments

Lucy, Ace Reporter here with another episode of Grooming with (my) Mom. Thanks, Miss Sandee at Comedy Plus, for hosting Awww Monday!

Today we have two new grooms, referred to Small Dog Grooming by Rhett’s Mom. First up is Murphy. Murphy is supposed to be a Morkie, but we agree with his Mom who thinks he has more poodle in him than Maltese or Yorkie. Here are a couple of “before” pictures:

Murphy just turned one year old, so naturally still has a lot of puppy ways. He gave kisses and wanted to climb on Groomer Mom’s shoulders and sit on her lap. He tried so hard to jump out of the grooming sink that Groomer Mom dropped the sprayer (twice), which caused water to fly everywhere. Among thing soaked were the Groomer from head to knees, the grooming table, and the floor. During the bath, Groomer Mom kept wondering if Murphy had chewed up styrofoam at home because of the little, round bits of puffy white things she kept finding in his fur and on the bottom of the sink. Then she saw the white film on her smock, the grooming table and the top and outside of the sink. After getting Murphy rinsed, toweled and under the dryer, she looked up. Sure enough, the water had reached the ceiling and removed about a foot portion of the popcorn ceiling! Another first! Anyhow, Murphy is still welcome back. Here he is, finished and cleaned of all the ceiling popcorn:

Next is Murphy’s sweet sister, Maggie. Maggie is also supposed to be a Morkie. You be the judge. No before pictures, and no funny stories.

Lucy, Ace Reporter, signing off with wags and wiggles and the wrap-up of two more successful grooms.

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.

Grooming with Mom: Brinkley

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia23 Comments

Lucy, Ace Reporter, with another episode of Grooming with (my) Mom. We are joining Brian’s Thankful Thursday, with special thanks to Brian for hosting it!

Today I would like to introduce a new pup on the grooming table. Brinkley is a 5 1/2 month old Maltese/Lhasa Apso mix. We see lots more Lhasa than Maltese in him. He’s a precious boy who is not fond of having his nails trimmed. Once again, Groomer Assistant Dad to the rescue! Here is Brinkley before his groom.

Ninety minutes later, Brinkley was groomed, washed and dried, brushed out, and ready to go home.

This is Lucy, Ace Reporter signing off with smiles and *wags* until next time.