Peek-a-Boo on Awww Monday

Thanks to  Comedy Plus for hosting Awww Mondays!

Xena: Fritz stayed with us yesterday. He wouldn’t leave me alone. Thankfully, he hasn’t figured out how to use the doggie door. This is me, checking on where he is and what he’s doing before I go out into the dog lot with Lucy.

You might wonder what that green thing is on my collar. Well, it’s an all natural, essential oil, flea, tick and mosquito repellant. And it works! Last weekend Mom: 2 ticks. Me, Lucy and Chia: 0 ticks. Yep, it works!

Happy Monday! Xena, Tick-less Schnauzer Princess

Xena’s Crazy Golf Poem and Thankful Thursday

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

Xena: This week I finally get to write the poem. Here goes….

Xena Ace Sports Reporter at the Golf Course by Xena

Lucy, Ace Reporter, do you hear me?
I’m at Flog Links Golf Course; look behind me.

I’m Xena, Sports Reporter of all things strange,
Chaser of sticks and squirrels that range.
But today, dear fans, as you see here
This nut golfs from a tree after drinking a beer.

He swings, hits the ball, then falls on the ground!
The crowd is silent…not even a sound.
Is there a medic or ambulance around?
Up he jumps! In the hole the ball is found!

I blinked once… then twice, just to be sure,
For no self-respecting dog could ignore
That this human, from tree instead of turf,
Had done something rare… and of great worth.

Wagging my tail I give a bark of cheer—
Lucy, reporting is my new career!

The End

Xena: It was fun, getting back into the “swing” of things. I’m thankful that my peeps brother Adam spent the holiday weekend with us. He loves me a lot! I got to sit in his lap in the car when Mommy picked him up on Friday and when she took him home on Monday.

Chia: I’m thankful that Miss Jentry spent Easter Day with me, er, I mean with us. She loves me lots; I think I’m her favorite. *big wags*.

Lucy: I’m thankful we got two walks on Easter! On the second walk we stopped at Miss Susan’s and I got to play in the front yard with Sasha!

Xexe: That’s it for today, friends. Hope you’re having a good week and have lots to be thankful for!

Epilepsy Awareness and Poetry on Thankful Thursday

Xena: First, thanks to Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the great picture every week!
Today is the 11th Annual FiveSibes #LiveGibStrong Purple Day®️ for Epilepsy Blog Hop & Social Media Share! AND it’s the day we create great poetry for the pictures Angel Sammy gives us! AND it’s Thankful Thursday. Wow, I’m getting tired just thinking about everything that’s going on. I’m gonna take a nap and will be right back.

Chia: I’m not tired! Here’s the picture for today, and my poem follows it.

Shhhh, Don’t Tell by Chia

Shhh, don’t tell anyone
You saw me fall on the ground and shake.
Shhh, I’m my father’s son,
He can’t see me writhe like a snake.

Shhh, don’t tell anyone.
I want to be just like my friends.
My life has just begun
But I can almost see how it ends.

Maybe you should tell someone.
I need help.
I need help.
I need help!

The End

Xena: *yawn* Thanks for taking over, Chia, while I took a little nap. Hey! You’re done! *reading the poem* Poor little guy. Let’s help tell everyone about Epilepsy Awareness.

(L-R) Lucy, Chia, Xena

Finally, thanks to Five Sibes for hosting this day.

Screenshot

Xena: We agreed that together we would tell you how thankful we are for all our blogging friends. You help us – especially our Mommy – get through the tough times. And from being at our church for the funeral, I realized how much love and caring our folks get from those great people, too. (And everyone was happy for me to be there!)

Love from YOUR friends, Xena, Lucy, Chia and our Mom

Chia’s Tribute to Her Brother Andrew on Thankful Thursday

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

Chia: Xena, can I do today’s poem? Did you know that I knew brother Andrew before I moved here? We both lived with Jentry (brother Andrew’s long-time girlfriend), but I had another person who was supposed to be my “owner” while I lived there. When he left and didn’t take me, brother Andrew brought me home to his Mom’s, to try to find me another home. And he did! Almost five years later, I’m still here with you and his Mom and Dad and Lucy. Of course they’re my Mom and Dad now, too! But I still really miss him.

Xena: Well…I had another poem almost ready…but sure, Chia. You go ahead.
Chia: Thanks, Xe, you won’t regret it! Here goes…

We’ll All Be Together by Chia

We hope one day we’ll see our brother
In a place like this – or perhaps another,
With whispy clouds and streams and trees,
With flowers blowing in a gentle breeze.

He loved us all; we loved him too.
But nothing more can we do.
No barks of joy, no happy whines
Until the rainbow bridge we find.

But until then perhaps we’ll find
An Air B&B where we’ll keep in mind
The joy of nature, and be assured
We’ll all be together with our Lord.

The End

Xena: *wiping away tears* You were right, Chia. I’m thankful you wrote the poem. And I’m thankful that someday – hopefully many years from now – we’ll all be together again.

Lucy: Xena, why don’t you tell our friends what you did last Saturday.

Xena: I went to brother Andrew’s funeral at Holy Cross Episcopal Church, where Mommy and Daddy go without me on Sundays. Brother Adam – who loves me a lot – held me all through the service. Afterward, I kept hearing people say how beautiful the service was and what a wonderful talk my Daddy did. I guess Mommy wrote out memories, but she knew she wouldn’t be able to stand up and read them, so Daddy did it for her. He added some of his own, and it really was pretty entertaining. A couple of folks even told him he should be a preacher! (Remember, he used to MC at Rock City’s Rocktoberfest every year, every Saturday and Sunday in October!)
Then everyone went to the Parish Hall where there was lots and lots of yummy food. They ate and visited for over an hour. And I got to run around and visit with everybody! A couple of the church members whose dogs Mommy grooms asked if she would bring their dogs home with her and teach them to behave like I do! And I heard other people telling her how pretty I am and…

Lucy: Thanks, Xena. I just wanted to add that if anyone would like to see one of our posts about Dad doing his thing at Rock City – and yes, Xena was there with him – you can click here. You’ll also see Mom and brothers Adam and Andrew there, too. For now, we want to thank all of you who sent kind words and cards. It meant a lot to my Mom, and we all love you guys.

Post-Minties Sunday Selfie by Xena

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

Me and my sisters had just finished chewing up our Minties (they’re like Greenies) when Mommy called for Sunday selfie. She walked into the front room and I immediately followed and posed. Then Chia ran through trying for a photo bomb. But Mommy said, “Let’s try again.” So I took an even better pose, and here you go!

I hope everyone is having a good Sunday.

Xena’s Treat-less Workday on Awww Monday

Thanks to  Comedy Plus for hosting Awww Mondays!

I went to work with Mommy today. It’s some stupid holiday, so Thomas the Mailman didn’t come, so I didn’t get a mailman treat. And Mr. Ted didn’t come in, so I didn’t get to sit in his lap and get pet real gently and get a treat.

Then I had to work really hard to be super nice to the few people who did come to try to get the “I did the right thing” treat. I finally retired to my doggie bed that’s under Mommy’s desk. Pretty soon I started drifting off…

…and even in my dreams the treats just marched around me, out of reach. *sigh*

Xena Schnauzer Hungry Princess

Xena’s AI Poem on Thankful Thursday

Xena: This was an easy one today. I mean, it’s just so obvious.
Chia: What’s obvious about it, Xeboo, er wait, I meant Xena?

Xeboo, er Xena: (Ignoring Chia) First, thanks to Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the great picture every week! Here’s my poem:

A Matter of Perspective byXena

They see towers chewing at the sky,
steel louder than the wind.
They call this place empty.

But I sit nose-level with a flower
brave enough to bloom anyway.

The machines look powerful from far away.
Up close, they smell like nothing.

This—
this yellow face turning toward the sun—
this is alive.

Perspective changes
when you’re small enough
to notice what survives.

The End

Xena: In the integrety of honesty, (and to shut up Chia who was looking over my shoulder) I had a little help from AI with this picture and this poem. I hope you still like it. Me and Mommy and Daddy are all thankful for AI!

Chia: You’re always saying we voted (when I didn’t get to) so let’s ask our friends to vote yes or no on if they think you should be allowed to use AI!

Lucy: In case you didn’t see my post on Monday, I want to let all my friends know that the doctor said, in short, I’m in perfect health! I’m still very thankful for that.

Chia: Oh yeah, thankfuls. Hmmm. I know! I’m thankful for everything! I have a great life here with great parents and great sisters and great food and a great bed and great friends!

Lots of love, Xena, Lucy and Chia

Xena in Carbee on Happy Tuesday

Monday was such a pretty day that I finally didn’t have to wear a sweater or my hoodie when I went outside. I went to work with Mommy and got my exercise following her everywhere. And I was nice to the few people who came in, too. I got some of Mommy’s hot dog at lunch along with some of my apple and pumpkin treats!

I usually ride in the backseat of our electric car. When Mommy first got the car, she called our other car “Car A” and this one “Car B.” It quickly became like a living thing with a name: Carbee. Daddy bought Carbee a big cover for the back seat. It hooks onto the back and front headrests and also hooks over the back windows. (I also know how to get into the front seat if I want to, but I don’t usually want to.)

Anyhoo, Mommy took my picture in the back seat. She knows I love to have my picture taken.

I hope you are having a good week and wish you a happy Tuesday.

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

Long Table Feast by Lucy on Thankful Thursday

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

Long Table Feast by Lucy

A river of plates stretches farther than sight,
Colors and spices bloom under lantern light.
Crowds lean in close as history is shared,
A banquet so vast it must be declared.
At table’s bright edge sits Lucy, alert and proud,
Boxer–Staffy smile winning hearts in the crowd.
Her eyes track the steam as dumplings drift by,
Certain this feast was laid out just for her—no lie!

Lucy: Wow, I sure do wish this was all for me. I’m hungry all the time. In fact Mom took me to the doctor yesterday cause she’s worried about something called Cushings. I smiled at the vet and the tech and they fell instantly in love with me. (That was my plan.) They still stole some of my blood, but it didn’t hurt much. Mom will let all my friends here know what the diagnosis is when she hears back from the nice vet. Oh, and I’m thankful for all the treats they gave me at the vet’s, too!

Xena: I’d eat all the time too, but I’m not always bugging Mommy for food. Mommy says it’s cause I’m a schnauzer. We could eat 24/7. Maybe you have schnauzer in you, Lucy.

Chia: I’m thankful that my tummy gets full at meal time and I’m not always having to ask for more. And no, you two, you can’t have my treats.

Lucy: Oh, and I almost forgot, I’m thankful that the vet was amazed at how supple my joints all are and my agility at age 11. (I didn’t tell her that Mom gives me healthy supplements to help keep them that way.) And I’m thankful that the vet left the room with the words, “I hope the rest of my patients today are as sweet and as good as you, Lucy.” *more big wags*

We’re all thankful that we have good and good-for-us food every day and for a warm house with comfy places to sleep. Hope all our friends are having a good Sunday!

Love and Licks, Lucy, Xena and Chia

Xena’s Hope for Spring

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

Xena: Yesterday Mommy made me a new shirt to wear on chilly days when the weather starts getting a bit warmer. While it’s stretchy and comfy and pretty, I’d rather wear nothing. Anyhoo, Mommy wanted me to show it off, so, being a good little girl, I posed for the phone camera. Besides, I love getting my picture taken!

Lucy, is that you behind me?

Thankful Thursday Thoughtful Poem

Xena: My sisters and I were trying to decide who should take this picture and make a poem out of it. We decided that we would all say something. But first, we want to thank Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the great picture every week! 

AGELESS by Xena, Lucy and Chia

I’m nine now, says Xena, and yet I can say
I feel so much younger when with Chia I play.

I’m only five, says Chia, the Jacksund.
I run and I play like I just turned one.

I’m eleven, says Lucy, but I still see
In Mom’s eyes a prettier and younger me.

You all, says Mom Amy, keep me young with your love,
And for you I thank our good Lord above.

The End

Xena: We did it! I’m sure thankful for that. And for my Mommy who cuddles and holds me and won’t ever let me get hurt. Even when I get afraid, I feel so safe with her.

Chia: I’m thankful for all my toys. I have fun shaking the schnauzer stuffies in Xena’s face, BOL! And I’m thankful that Mom will play with me when I ask her to.

Lucy: I’m thankful for all my friends at work and in the neighborhood, and how they all pet me and talk so nice to me. They know I like them because I smile and wag all over when I see them.

And we’re all thankful for our readers and friends. Without you, it wouldn’t be much fun to blog.

Happy Thursday, everyone!

Xena’s Dance Poem on Thankful Thursday

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

I love to dance, and sometimes I think about how Angel Lexi help Daddy and Mommy with their dance students. Maybe I could do that too.

Dance Lesson by Xena Schnauzer Princess

Arlene, keep your eyes from closing.
Watch his lead so you don’t go boing.
Arnold, your legs are too far apart.
Bring then together or you might fart.

You both, your timing is just all wrong.
You’re not listening to the song.
I give up, you’re hopeless, I’m going home.
You can pay for your lesson over the phone.

The End

Xena: I’m thankful that Miss Marie Cris rubbed my tummy every day she was here. I even started throwing myself back in the baby hold in her lap! That took a lot of trust.

Chia: I’m thankful that Mom brushes our teeth (almost) every night at 6:00. I don’t want to have to go get put to sleep while the dentist cleans them.

Lucy: I’m thankful for all the people who come into the church and talk nice to me and pet me. I smile at them and wag my tail, too.

We’re still waiting to see what happens here — the forecast keeps changing. Everything from snow with ice on it, then more snow on it, to just ice, to nothing. Guess we’ll know when it happens!
Hoping everyone has a good weekend without too much (or any) snow and ice.

Xena, Lucy and Chia


Lucy’s Dirty Poetry and Thankful Thursday

Lucy: First, thanks to Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the picture every week! I didn’t get in on the sister photo poem action last week, so I get to do the poem all by myself today. I’m not in the picture, either, but read on and you’ll find out why.

Snitched On by Lucy

My sisters found out what I did
Covered with mud playing with a kid.
So they turned to AI to snitch on me.
But it didn’t work. As you can see,
That dog looks not a bit like me!

This is me (and my little sis, Xena):

Xena: Hey Lucy, thanks for including me in your picture. You’re a good big sister and I’m thankful for you.
Chia: Are you thankful for me, too, Xeb…er, Xena?
Xena: Sometimes. But especially when we play together. And I’m thankful that our visitors from the Philippines are still here with us. Marie Cris holds me every night and rubs my tummy.
Lucy: Yes, and I’m thankful that I get to sleep with Miss Kim every night. I’m also thankful that I had a good 10-year birthday yesterday.
Xena: Yes, but Mommy’s a bit worried about you cause you ate that entire, 14 inch long braided chew stick yesterday – the one Mommy got you for your birthday and thought it would take you days to chew through. Guess she doesn’t know you that well, huh? Anyhoo, Chia’s keeping an eye on you while me and Mommy and Daddy are all at work today. Just have Miss Kim or Miss Marie Cris call us if you need us, OK?
Lucy: OK, but I feel fine. I’m gonna hang with them today. In the meantime, we hope all our friends have a good Thankful Thursday!

Snow Folk Soon Gone by Xena and Chia on Thankful Thursday

Xena: First, thanks to Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the picture every week!
This was a bit of a scary scene to jump into, so I asked Chia to help me. There was no way I was dragging puppy Fritz into this mess.
Chia: You just didn’t want him on our blog again, Xepoo.
Xepoo: I’m not Xepoo, I’m Xeboo, er I mean I’m Xena. And stop calling me that!
Chia: Sure, Xeboo. Hey, folks, here’s our poem! *wags*

Snow Folk Soon Gone by Xena and Chia

Xena: Look at them all—snow-folk standing still,
a thousand quiet noses sniffing winter’s will.
Chia: They stand like a crowd that forgot how to move,
each one shaped by gloom, gloves, and grooves.
Xena:  They don’t chase, they don’t bark, they don’t run—
are these statues dreaming of sun?
Chia: Each face is different, yet frozen the same,
a crowd of friends who never woof our name.
Xena: Some wear words on paper, some wear crooked smiles,
each one here for just a little while.
Xena: Do you think they know they won’t stay long?
Chia: Everything melts, sister—that’s the song.
Xena: They’ll vanish softly when the weather turns kind.
Chia: Soon gone like footprints, like breath, like time.

The End

Chia: Hi four, Xeb..umm, Xena! We made a great team! Let’s do it again!!
Xena: Hi four, Chia. Yes, we did, and no, once is enough, BOL. I’m thankful for the fun pictures Angel Sammy sends us every week. I think it helps make us a better team, too. And I’m thankful for the pretty weather here and my Mommy and Daddy and all our good friends and our great food.

Chia: Can I just say ditto? I’m thankful for the same things, Xe. And I’m real thankful that Connor, who you know lives downstairs right now, always agrees to go walking with Mom and to take me! (For our friends who don’t know Connor, he is the son of our brother Andrew’s long-time girlfriend, Jentry, and he lived here with them for a few years as a child.) (I didn’t know him then cause I wasn’t born yet.)

Lucy: I have to say, you two did a fantastic job with your poem and your thankfuls. I’m thankful I got to go to Sasha and Oliver’s house and visit with them for a couple of hours last Sunday. THey live just right around the corner. Mom went there to visit Miss Susan and took me! I hope we can get together again real soon. Me and Sasha are tight. *big wags*

Chia: I almost forgot! Miss Kim, who lives in the Phillipines, is coming to stay with us tomorrow for 10 whole days! Maybe she’ll take me running in the mornings again!!

Wishing everyone love and happiness,
Xena, Chia and Lucy

Thankful New Year: A Poem from Xena and Sisters

Xena: As a gesture of my thankfulness for my sisters I’ve invited them to write a poem with me today. But first, we want to thank Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the great picture every week!

The End

Xena: Great job, girls! I’m thankful that you’re both my sisters and I know I don’t tell you often but, well, I love you.

Lucy: I love you too, Xe. And I’m thankful for our wonderful pet sitters. Let’s see, there’s Miss Christy, Miss Clare, and I get to go stay with Miss Susan and Oliver and Sasha!

Chia: Don’t you love me, too, Lucy? You didn’t woof that you do…

Lucy: Of course I do, Chia. I mean, I haven’t hurt you yet, right? Even with you acting ugly with me?

Chia: Oh…yeah, well…I love you too, Luce, and I’m thankful for you. And I’m thankful for a new year where I’ll try to be a good girl. Maybe then I’ll get to go to work with Mom, too, and also go to sleepovers like you do, Lucy!

HAPPY 2026, EVERYONE!!

Christmas Eve and Day Miracle, Hopes and Presents

Xena: Merry Christmas to all my friends. I hope everyone is happy and your tummies full.

Christmas Eve Miracle:

I want to tell you the back story, and I’ll try to keep it kinda short. You probably already know we love our neighbor kids and they love us, especially Miss Clare and her little sister Lucy (yes, like our Lucy), so we all call her Lucia – which is her real name so there’s no mix up. I, Xena, am the reason 15-year-old Miss Clare fell in love with schnauzers. Then, this fall, the family’s friend’s schnauzer had five baby puppies. Clare had been trying to get her follk to let her have one since before they were born. They were a dogless family – sad, I know. My Mommy tried helping by tellling them how great us schnauzers are and stuff like that. They finally told her no, and she gave up. Then some circumstances changed. Guess what she got on Christmas Eve…

This is 12-week-old Fritz in Miss Clare’s arms.

He had a fun day of playing with the kids and chewing on stuff and peeing in the house. My Mommy is now his official Aunt Amy … and she got to hold him too. By the way, Miss Clare’s Mommy let my Mommy know she was making the hour drive to get a puppy for Miss Clare while Mommy was grooming me yesterday. My Mommy was so happy she started crying. Weird, I know. Then Miss Clare started crying when her Mommy walked in with the as yet unnamed puppy! Miss Clare named him Fritz. I’m sure we’ll all be seeing much more of Fritz!

Christmas Eve Bedtime:

Xena: Mommy, is Santa Paws coming tonight?
Mommy: Yes, sweet baby. Go to sleep now so he will come.

Christmas Day:

Two of us waited patiently….finally…

I got Wiggles and Wags Fruit Slices: Apple & Pumpkin. And besides the taste, the best part is the ingredients: Apple, Pumpkin. That’s all! And I’m not allergic to either of those!!

Lucy: I got a bag of them, too! And I also got Wiggles & Wags Meaty Patties with beef and chicken and a coupla other OK things.

Chia: I got a bag of Wiggles & Wags Chewy Bones made with chicken and cheese (yummy). They’re soft and chewy.

Xena: Mommy opened our bags and we got to stick our heads in them and “stuff our faces” until she picked up the bags, saying, “Let’s save some for later. You just had breakfast.”

That was three hours ago. We’ve gotta go now to see if we can have some more yet. Lots of love and wishes for a good Christmas.

Xena, Lucy and Chia

It Wasn’t Me by Xena and Thankful Thursday

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

Xena: I’m very thankful today that Daddy helped my Mommy get some internet connection from the boat, uh, ship they’re still on in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. I’ve been able to catch up a little bit on what’s going on and I’m happy to say Mommy misses me as much as I miss her! Other than that, they danced in the ballroom with good music from a band the first night and had a lot of fun. The second night the boat was on the “high seas” and they tried to dance, but I guess that’s hard when the boat, I mean ship, is rocking. Guess that’s what “Don’t rock the boat” means! Hey, isnt’ that a song?

Anyhow, the third night was a don’t even try to dance night, cause the things called waves and swells were much worse. The good news is they didn’t get sick and were still able to eat as much as they could fit in their tummies. (I could fit a lot in my tummy!) So I’m also thankful that I wasn’t on that rocking boat and maybe getting sick, and that my folks didn’t get sick, too.

They’ve also met some nice people from the UK and Germany and Queens, Ireland and the U.S., too. That was all over meals while they were eating.

So now here’s my poem (thank you, Mommy, for helping me.)

It Wasn’t Me (or The Ghosts Did It) by Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess

Look at this mess! It sure wasn’t me.
I was sound asleep next to the tree.
I only woke when I heard you yell,
“Just look at this mess! What the h…ll!?”

The ghost of Christmas past appeared,
Our friend, the lab, woofed with much fear.
He ripped the wrappings oh so fast
And took our presents to the past.

The ghost of Christmas present came,
My sis Lucy sincerely explained.
It said others needed these more,
Then left to take them to the poor.
Then came the ghost of Christmas to come
Saying we’d need these more in years to come.

My other sis looked at the floor.
From her eyes guilty tears did pour.
I did all this and made up the story.
For all of it, I’m very sorry.

Our Mum sat down and said so sweet,
Come and sit here by my feet.
I love you all! Let’s get the broom
And clean up the living room.
I have only one thing to say…
Where are your gifts I wrapped today?

We looked around and saw nothing,
No toys nor treats, not a single thing.
Perhaps the ghosts really did appear…
We’ll watch for those gifts in a future year!

The End

Lucy and Chia: Hi Mom!! Hi Dad!! We miss you too, and we’re still having a good time with Miss Christy. We’re so thankful that she was able to come be our dog-sitter while you’re gone. And we’re thankful we’re not on a rocking ship on the big ocean, too! Lots of love to you and to all our friends.