Rocktoberfest on Happy Tuesday

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia25 Comments

Hi friends, it’s me, Xena. First, a big thanks to Miss Sandee at Comedy Plus for hosting Happy Tuesday Blog Hop!
I am the German dog in the family, so I hitched a ride with Mommy and brother Adam to Rock City to celebrate Rocktoberfest on Sunday. It’s was tons of fun, and would have been even better if I could have gotten my paws (and mouth) on one of those bratwursts! As it was, I got to listen to the Wurstbrauts, instead!

Daddy was the band leader and announcer, and once again he used me as a prop. Here’s a picture of us from a previous year.

Hmm, I had the same sweater on. It must be my Oktoberfest sweater!

Then me and Mommy “walked” Rock City. First we had to squeeze through “Fat Man’s Squeeze,” tee hee. As you can see, it was no big deal for me (or Mommy). But some of the folks behind us were having a bit of a rough time, BOL!

This picture below is from a little area off the cavern walkway. It was lit all pretty like this with the stained glass in the rock behind us.

A nice person we didn’t know took the picture for us.

Here’s a coupla more pictures of us as stopped for a photo op along the trail. Mommy’s not used to taking “ussies” or even selfies, but she did her best.

When we got back to the pavillion, brothers Andrew and Adam and almost sister Jentry were there eating and waiting for us and listening to the Oompah songs from the band. Mommy said she and I had already walked the whole trail, but, she said, “Come on, let’s all do it together!” So we did.

L-R Andrew, Mommy & me, Adam

When we finally got back to the gift shop it was time to go take Adam to his home and then head home ourselves. I sure did sleep good that night!

If you come back to visit us tomorrow on Wordless Wednesday, we’ll show you one of the poems that was in the Fairyland Caverns. We’ve dedicated it to Chia. Until then…your friend, Xena

Chia: Everyone come see it! I can’t wait to see all the nice things it says!! *wags* XOXOX Chia

Lucy’s Thankful Thursday Poetry

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia28 Comments

 Lucy: Many thanks to Brian for hosting Brian’s Thankful Thursday,  and also to  Angel Sammy for the picture this week.

It’s my turn to write a poem for the picture and I think I’ve got the perfect one. *wags*

The Pastor Is Gone by Lucy the Church Dog
Pastor went away.
I pleaded with him to stay.
Please return I pray.

Xena: Wow Lucy, you really do have a case on the pastor. Did you get AI to help you with that Haiku?
Lucy: No, Xena. AI couldn’t express my feelings like I can. I miss him so much. I haven’t seen him for a week but he’ll be back today and he’ll fuss over me and tell me he loves me
Chia: I want to meet this pastor. Grrr, why haven’t I gotten to meet him? Why won’t Mom take me to the church where she goes and works all day? Why do you and Xena get to go but not me? Grrr.
Xena: Because the first time the front door opened you’d run out onto that busy street and get flattened into a 2 dimensional dead dog.
Chia: Oh. Well, I’m thankful I’m still a 3 dimensional live dog!
Xena and Lucy: So are we!!


Chia: What’s dimensional?

Grooming with Mom: Sir

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia15 Comments

Many thanks to Miss Sandee at Comedy Plus for hosting Awww Monday! And thanks to all my readers for joining me in another episode of Grooming with Mom.

As far as new clients go, it’s been pretty quiet around here. But we, er, Groomer Mom, got a new one! Groomer Mom think it’s interesting to hear how each new client finds Small Dog Grooming. In this case, her husband was driving to a client’s home and passed the sign that’s currently leaning against a telephone pole next to the driveway.

Sir is a 5 or 6-year-old wire haired fox terrier mix. He’ a rescue who was being fostered by an elderly woman. Unfortunately, the woman is in the hospital and probably will be unable to continue to care for Sir. Another lady heard about this and offered to take him in as a foster dog. She has never had a dog or cat in her life, and never thought she would. She said she didn’t want to get attached to an animal and then mourn them when they eventually passed. But she’s changing her mind. She’s already in love with this sweet pup.

When he first arrived with his foster Mom, he settled in Groomer Mom’s arms, belly up, and looked like he would be happy to stay here forever. Groomer Mom’s heart melted and she said if she didn’t already have four dogs…

Sir’s Foster Mom stayed and solicited and got lots of advice on dog care while she was here. Sir hadn’t been eating much, so Groomer Mom took a look at his teeth and found out why. They weren’t just covered in tartar and plaque, one was actually wobbly. Ewww. So his Foster Mom was going to make an appointment the next day to get him a dental ASAP.

Before they left, another appointment was set for six weeks away. We’re hoping to see lots more of sweet Sir!

Lucy, Ace Reporter, signing off with *wags* from another episode of Grooming with Mom.

Chloe Does Selfie Sunday

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia20 Comments

Xena: This is the first day of the Halloween month. Yesterday Miss Della brought our yorkie friend Chloe for a groom. They live less than a half mile from us “as the crow flies.”

Chia: Or “as the dog runs.” I think I passed their house last week when I escaped and stretched my legs chasing the neighbor’s black cat back to another road behind our subdivision.

Xena: Yep, that’s why there are now eight inch garden stakes all the way along the chain link fence around the dog lot.They hope you can’t squirm under the fence anymore with those holding it down.

Anyhow, Miss Della sent us a sweet picture of Chloe on her front porch, so we invited Chloe to do the Sunday selfie this week.

Thanks so much to Miss Della for the picture and The Cat on My Head, for hosting Sunday Selfies!

Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess

Thankful Thursday Poetry

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia22 Comments

Xena: Hi friends. Riley wanted this one again cause of the kid, but I said, “No! It’s my turn, and the kid’s not really here, so I’m gonna do this.” I also wanted to try my paw with this AI that Riley woofs so much about. The poem below is a blend of AI and me, Xena. You could say we wrote it in cooperation with each other. I think maybe AI is my new friend, too. Now, if I could only get it to throw me treats out of the ‘puter!

Xena Helps Nate Eat His Veggies by Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess and AI

Once there lived a young boy named Nate,
Who detested veggies on his plate.
Carrots and broccoli, oh so grim,
He’d wrinkle his nose and would not eat a whim.

His mom pleaded, “Try them, my sweet boy,
They give you strength; I’ll give you a toy!”
But Nate frowned, his face full of disdain,
“I’d rather eat cake and sugary grain.”

One fateful day, while strolling the street,
A dog approached with a wagging greet.
Curiosity sparked in Nate’s little eyes,
As the dog barked and did acrobatic tries.

With the dog’s antics, Nate forgot his plight,
Vegetables seemed dull in that moment’s light.
Then as the dog chewed on a long orange treat,
Nate’s interest piqued, a newfound feat.

“What’s that, little doggie, you munch with much glee?”
“A veggie found in yon garden for free!”
The pup replied with a wagging tail.
“A carrot, dear Nate, crunch it without fail!”

Intrigued, young Nate popped one tween his jaws,
While Xena chewed hers that she held ,tween her paws.
Nate took a bite and cried out with glee,
As the carrot’s sweetness came through suddenly!

And so, dear friends, let this tale remind,
That sometimes our taste buds can be unkind.
But just like Nate, we can give it a try,
And find joy in the things we once passed by.

For even dogs can teach us a thing or two,
About embracing those things that are healthy and new.
So let’s eat our veggies, raw or found on a plate,
And like Xena and her Nate, find a love so great.

Lucy: *applause* Good one, Xena! I think next week is my turn. I sure hope I get a good picture. Maybe one of a Pastor….

Xena: I’m thankful I don’t have an obsession with the Pastor at work. I’m thankful Mommy has started letting me go to work on Tuesdays. I’m thankful I get to eat lots of yummy veggies!

Riley: I’m thankful My Person Andrew has been coming to visit with me almost every Sunday, even if he sometimes gives me a bath when he’s here.

Chia: I’m thankful the strangulation collar that Julia in Ft. Wayne gave Mom for me finally broke and the new one Mom bought doesn’t work as well.

Mom Amy: I’m thankful I can return that new collar for a full refund!

And we’re all thankful to to both Brian for hosting Brian’s Thankful Thursday and to  Angel Sammy for the fun picture this week.

Chia’s Happy Tuesday Pose

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia20 Comments

Dad, do you remember when you and Mom went to the Knoxville zoo and all of us got our zoo animal look-alikes, but you didn’t get a picture of mine cause it was an otter and it was swimming underwater and the pictures wouldn’t turn out? Well, I don’t think Riley’s the gorilla, I think I am.

See, I even sit just like her. I think I could even make the same noises if I tried. I’ll try that later tonight when we all go to bed, OK?

A big thanks to Miss Sandee at Comedy Plus for hosting Happy Tuesday Blog Hop!

Riley’s Poetry Thursday

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia23 Comments

Riley: Hey Brian, thanks for hosting Brian’s Thankful Thursday! You’re a righteous dude. And also to  Angel Sammy for the weird picture this week.

I got stuck with this totally off the wall picture. Seriously? So I looked up my buddy AI and asked for some help. Here we go.

Stairs Up, Lift Down by Riley and my AI

Stairs up a steep mountain, oh my! A climb that’s sure to make you sigh. But don’t you fret, don’t you fear, For the air lift at the top is near.

The stairs are steep, the climb is tough, But the view from the top is more than enough. The air lift awaits, to take you high, and show you the world from the sky.

So step by step, and stair by stair, You’ll reach the top without a care. And when you do, you’ll see it all, The mountains, the valleys, and the waterfall.

So don’t be afraid of the climb ahead, For there’s an air lift waiting instead. Just take it slow, and step with care, and soon enough, you’ll be up there.

The End

Anyhoo, not my best work, but hey, it’s not my work, BOL!!

Xena: Thanks Riley. Maybe next time you’ll make your own poem like I do!
I’m so thankful my Mommy’s home, and my Daddy too. I love Miss Christy and she takes super good care of us and all, but she’s not my Mommy (or my Daddy). I sure hope they don’t go away again anytime soon. But I’m gonna get to go to work with Mommy on Friday! And I’m gonna be good and get lots of treats.

Mom Amy: I’m unbelievably grateful to have such a wonderful, trustworthy and loving dog sitter, as well as an absolutely great neighbor who filled in when needed. She even came over at noon to give everyone a potty break and let then spend some time outdoors. And I’m also grateful beyond words to have a wonderful husband who loves me and loves to take me to my favorite places (especially beaches) for several days over my birthday. He’s one in a million!

Lucy: I’m thankful I finally got to go to work again today and see the Pastor. He kisses me and tells me he loves me and always treats me wonderful.

Chia: I’m happy Miss Pam came over so many times to see me and feed me and play with me!

Talk Like a Pirate Day

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia21 Comments

Once upon a time, in the heart of the Chattanooga Valley, there lived four dogs named Captain Riley, Blackbeard Xena, Long John Chia, and Brindle Lucy. They were pirates who sailed the high seas of the mountains and were feared by all who knew them.

As they sailed through the valley, they encountered many obstacles. They had to navigate treacherous waters, avoid dangerous wildlife, and outsmart rival pirate crews. But they were determined to find the treasure and nothing could stop them.

The treasure was more magnificent than they could have ever imagined. It was a chest filled with gold coins, precious jewels, and rare artifacts. They knew that they had struck it rich and that their lives would never be the same again.

With their treasure safely aboard The Salty Dog, they set sail back home to the Chattanooga Valley. They were hailed as heroes by all who knew them and their legend grew with each passing day.

One day, they decided to embark on a new adventure. They had heard rumors of a treasure hidden deep in the valley and were determined to find it. They set sail on their trusty ship, The Salty Dog, and began their journey.

Finally, after many long weeks at sea, they arrived at their destination. They docked their ship and set out on foot to find the treasure. They searched high and low, through dense forests and rocky terrain, until they finally stumbled upon it.

A place they could raid for all the treats their ship could hold!

And so ends the tale of Captain Riley, Blackbeard Xena, Long John Chia, and Brindle Lucy- four dogs who dared to dream big and became legends in their own time.

Our Animal Doubles at Knoxville Zoo

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia17 Comments

Xena: OK, so I finally found a ‘puter to work on.

Mommy sent us pictures of her time at the zoo yesterday She said some of the animals reminded her of us. So instead of selfies, here are our (almost) doubles.

Lucy, Mommy said this first one reminded her and Daddy of you. You aren’t this big or anything, but she says you’re this gentle and sweet. Not only that, but this giraffe has your name!

Chia, yours is easy. None! She didn’t find any animals there that were long like a hot dot and fast like The Flash and and a combination of sweet and sour sauce. So, sorry, you don’t get an animal.
Chia: Grrrrrrrrrrrr

Xena: Well, there were the otters that looked a lot like you, but they were swimming under water all the time, so Mommy couldn’t get a picture.

Riley, Mommy found several animals that reminded her of you.

The lion is the quiet king of the jungle but can roar really loud, and also keeps everyone in his pride in line. You don’t bark much, but when you do, wow. It’s deep and the whole neighborhood can hear it.
The gorilla is smart and can be a clown like you were before I knew you, when you were much younger.
And the bear, well, he does his own thing, takes his time and walks a lot like you.
Wow. Mommy must really think about you a lot. I’ve never really given you much thought other than as the grumpy grandpa who I kinda stay away from except when I bark at you once in a while (when you’re laying down and can’t get up fast to get me!). But I’ve watched you play with Chia like you were a young pup, and I’ve seen you running through the yard and rolling in the grass. Maybe there’s a lot more to you that I realized.

I think this must be the one that Mommy and Daddy picked for me. Fierce and also loving.

Riley: Barharharharhar! So today you’re a comic, Xena. Come on, show everyone the real picture of the one Mom Amy picked.
Xena: Oh…OK. Uh, but what is it?

Riley: It’s a red panda, curled up taking a nap. She said you look that precious when you’re napping like that. *gag*

Xena: Oh, well, maybe it does look a bit like me. *grin*
I hope you enjoyed seeing our doubles at the zoo. And thanks so much to The Cat on My Head for hosting Sunday Selfies!

A Dog Staycation on Thankful Thursday

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia19 Comments

Chia: We’ve only been back from our vacation in In Dee Anna a few days and we’re leaving again. That’s a lot of travel, but hey, I like to ride in the car as long as you don’t shoot out liquid poop all over our travel pillow in our kennel, XeBe.

Xena: It’s been over a week, Chia, and no, we’re not going. So I won’t be shooting out anything from anywhere on your whatever.

Chia: Wait…we’re not going? They’re not leaving us all alone for 87 days, are they? Wait! Does that mean…

Xena: Yep, Daddy’s taking Mommy to the beach again for her birthday. He’s been doing that for several years now, in case you haven’t noticed. But it means Miss Christy is coming, and when she can’t be here for a day or so, Miss Pam, our favorite neighbor will be feeding us and spending time with us.

Chia: Woo hoo! How soon are Mom and Dad leaving? Tomorrow, maybe? Or tonight??? Why didn’t Miss Pam tell us that when she was here?

Xena: Maybe because you were so busy attacking Lucy and jumping all over Miss Pam. You did get to spend more time in your kennel while she was here learning how to feed us than since we got back from our In Dee Anna trip. Anyhow, it also means we won’t get to blog unless Miss Christy helps us, or we do it remote with Mommy.

Chia: I don’t care. I get to be with Miss Christy and Miss Pam without Mom correcting me! I can beat up on Lucy all I…

Uh, ummm, hi Mom. Love ya.

The Mom: I’m so thankful that your Dad takes me to the beach, even though he’d rather be in the mountains. And I’m thankful beyond words that you’re all over your bouts with diarrhea. I’m also extremely thankful for our wonderful dog sitter, Christy, and that Pam is thrilled to spend time with all of you! And you’re right, Xena, I may not be helping y’all blog again for about a week or so, and I’m thankful that you understand. We’ll just have to wait and see how that works out.

We’re all thankful to Brian for hosting Brian’s Thankful Thursday!

Riley Goes to Work, Good News, and a Mixed Bag on Happy Tuesday

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia32 Comments

A big thanks to Miss Sandee at Comedy Plus for hosting Happy Tuesday Blog Hop!

Riley: I got loaded in the car and forced to ride with Mom Amy. We ended up at her work church. When she let me out of the car, I stopped shaking. Then she took me into the church and I started shaking again. I’m set in my ways and I don’t like new things (unless it’s a toy). I got a bowl of water and some dried meat treats, and eventually I settled down.

A couple of people came in and the mailman came, and I greeted them like I’ve heard Lucy does…but I didn’t smile like her; I just wagged my tail. Then it was time to leave and I had to get back in that d..mn car, but instead of going home I went to my vet. That was good. I love going to my vet. I met a nice lady who pet me while we waited. A vet tech came out and weighed me, then took me to the back and stole a little of my blood, but that was ok, I’ve got plenty more.

Dad Jeff showed up with all three of my sisters and waited in the car. Later they told me they were at their vet and got blood stolen from them, too. Lucy said that Chia yelled, “Me first,” so she went first while Xena cowered under a chair.

Anyhoo, when I was done at my vet, I got in the car with them and Mom Amy took me home while Dad Jeff went to the FedEx place with all our stolen blood.

A few days later Mom Amy got an email from the lab in Canada, who had apparently run DNA heartworm tests on the blood. Everyone was “negative.” I do believe that’s a good thing, cause it made the peeps happy.

I’m happy cause I don’t have to have another DNA heartworm test for almost 6 months.

Mom Amy, however, was not happy when she looked at the bill for drawing blood from the girls. The CHAI vet place had doubled their price. She called the practice manager and was told that she had to raise the price because of all the difficult dogs that came there, and all the time it took to steal their blood, and she couldn’t make any exceptions even though all three of my sisters were in and out in a total of of 20 minutes. After Mom Amy had already told her that less than 6 months ago it was half that price, and she should have been told, the woman said she couldn’t make any exceptions. Then, when Mom Amy told her my blood draw was only $15.50 (as opposed to their $39 each), she had the stupid nerve to ask why on earth Mom Amy hadn’t taken my sisters to that place instead? Then she asked if the email address was the same and said she’d send their records over to Mom Amy so she could go to the other place. Now there are decisions to be made. I’m glad I’m not the one making them, cause I would just say, no more blood theft! Now it’s time for a good nap.

Mom Amy: I’ve recommended Chai (Chattanooga Holistic Animal Institute) to many of my grooming clients, some of whom I know read my posts here. I still recommend Dr. Colleen Smith, but if the office is going to be run like this, I don’t know if I can keep going there. Just a heads up. Be sure to ask for a cost if you decide you want to try them, because I have a feeling that blood draws aren’t the only thing that has doubled in price. I may still go for the vet visits, but will always get an estimate first. Still trying to decide for sure what to do after this extremely upsetting encounter. I have, however, already established Xena at Riley’s vet so I can take her there for the $15.50 blood draw in another 5 1/2 months. And I plan on doing the same with Chia and Lucy, too. Thanks for reading!

Xena’s Thankful Thursday Poetry

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia27 Comments

As always, we’re thankful to both Brian for hosting Brian’s Thankful Thursday and to  Angel Sammy for the fun picture this week.

It’s me, Xena, here on my blog. I get to do the poem again this week ’cause I’m the only one of the pups here who ever got to ride a horse. It was at my Auntie Jen’s. Mom got a picture of it too. I tried to be brave.

This week’s picture from Angel Sammy features a small panda bear on a horse!

Giddy Up Horsie by Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess

Giddy Up horsie, let’s go for a ride.
Better be careful, on this snow we’ll slide!
Brother’s behinds us, he’s nudging your tail.
“Cause right now your speed is just like a snail.

My schnauzer friend Xena says she rode a horse
Good tales she tells; I believe her, of course!
They went far and wide and then returned home.
She said home’s the best, ne’er more will she roam.
(at least until next time)

The End

Lucy: Thanks, Xena, good poem! I wanted to give the thankful today. The nice lady dog trainer, Julia, from next door came over again after her first time teaching Chia to walk nicely on a leash. She worked with Chia and Mom and Dad and taught Mom and Dad how to teach Chia to stop attacking me. Did you get that, BOL? I’m so thankful for that, and that she hasn’t done it since! She’s smart. It doesn’t take too long when you know what to do. I’ll let you know if it “sticks”.

Love y’all, and thanks for reading! Xexe and Lucy

Nature Friday in Fort Wayne

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia24 Comments

Hi, it’s me, Xena. Yesterday me and Chia rode together in the car kennel for 87 hours. We do really well at that! A bonus was that we got to eat breakfast before 5:00 in the morning…woo hoo! Lucy rode in the back seat next to us, and slowly wormed her way up between the front seats so that she was mostly laying on the divider thingie between Mommy and Daddy. She pretty much panted the whole 87 hour drive, so we didn’t begrudge her that comfort. Riley? Oh, he stayed home with His Person Andrew, who came to stay at our house with him. Anyhoo, we went especially to spend time with my Grandma who turned 93 on Thursday.

From all the stress of the drive, Lucy’s had the squirts and…

Lucy: No, Xena, you don’t need to tell everyone about that, please!

Xena: Oh, ok Luce. So this morning Lucy went to the nursing home to visit with our Grandma. While she was there, she did some unofficial therapy work with other residents who wanted to pet her. It was nice that she made people smile and have a little bit better day.

Lucy: (Looking grateful) Thanks, Xena.

Xena: It was nice and cool here in In Dee Anna, and Mommy took us all for a long walk. We walked down to a pretty place called Forest Park. Here’s me and Lucy in front of some pretty roses and something called a pergola. There was also a very small lake and more pergola thingies and lots of paved walkways.

The temperature was in the mid-60’s but the sun was warm.

And here’s Chia in front of some other flowers. Speaking of Chia..

Chia: Xena, don’t!
Xena: Speaking of Chia, for three years, no matter what Mommy has tried, Chia’s been a terror to take on a walk. She pulls so hard on the leash the whole time that Mommy hates to even walk her (but she does anyhow ’cause Chia needs so much exercise). So we get here, and Julia — who owns the Air B&B where we are staying, not my friend and Freestyle trainer Julia — lives next door. She was outside when we arrived and she and Mommy and Daddy started talking. They found out that Julia is a dog trainer. (I wonder if all dog trainers are called Julia??) Mommy begged her to take Chia and leash train her, saying she would pay her whatever she wanted if she could do that. Julia went in her house and came back out with a thin metal collar that she slipped over Chia’s head. (If you biggify the picture you can see the collar.) She put the leash on it and walked down the block and back with Chia. The whole time Mommy and Daddy’s mouths were hanging open cause Chia didn’t even try to pull. OMD! Then Mommy tried it and the same thing happened. Julia gave Mommy the collar! And that made for a much nicer walk this morning.

Finally, something beautiful happened while we were at the park. Mommy took a picture of us and it looked like there was a halo outlining me.

Can you see it?
Then she took this picture.

Lucy: It looks like laser beams like in Star Wars.
Xena: It does, but it’s not. I think it’s Angel Lexi letting us know she is with us.

That’s all for today, except to thank Rosy and Sunny of The LLB Life for hosting Nature Friday!

Riley on Awww Monday

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia33 Comments

Thanks to Miss Sandee at Comedy Plus for hosting Awww Monday!

Riley: What Mom Amy? Stop licking my paw and come outside with everyone?

Well, you know how much I like laying on this rug you put in front of the couch. It’s nicer than laying on the floor when I want to be with everyone… Oh, OK, if you insist.

First, would you get a picture of me in my nifty new leather collar to show all my friends?

It’s got my name on it so everyone knows who I am and two phone numbers on it so folks can call for a ride home for me when I’m done playing with their little kids!

Hey, Lucy! I didn’t know you were out here. Whatcha up to?

Lucy: Hey Ri, just tryin’ to avoid Chia…you know what that’s like.

Riley: C’mere Chia. Stop lookin’ at Lucy. Don’t you want to play in the big league?

Chia: Big league? Yep, yep, yep, yep!! Count me in!!!

I want to play, I want to be the ump; no, wait, I want to chase the ball. Yep, that’s it, I want to be the ball chaser. What are you gonna do? I wanna do what you’re gonna do. Can I? Can I? You wanna wrestle, too?
Lucy: Can I play, too?

later….

Chia: Thanks, Riley, I had a great day. Let me know when you’re ready to play some more!

Riley: Someone remind me to never again spend a day (or part of a day) playing with Chia.

Xena’s Poem on Thankful Thursday

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia23 Comments

As always, we’re thankful to both Brian for hosting Brian’s Thankful Thursday and to  Angel Sammy for the fun picture this week.

Hi, it’s me, Xena, the rightful owner of this blog. And no comments from the peanut gallery, Chia. There’s another reason why I get to do the poem for this week’s picture…I’m the only pup in this family who has been to Paris. See, here’s proof!

With that, let’s move on to today’ picture and poem, where I’m back in gay Paris!

Montmartre…Again by Xena the Schnauzer (Warrior Princess)

Is that a pic of my last time here?
Everything new in my first year,
Oh what a puppy I was back then!
The joy of Montmartre had me smitten.

Again I’ll visit  Sacré-Cœur
But of Moulin Rouge I will stay clear.
Then I’ll visit Van Gogh’s house,
Moving quietly as a mouse.

So soon it’s time to fly back home,
Landing in Georgia, I’ll ne’er more roam!
In my pocket the picture I found,
I bend my head to kiss the ground.

Now for my thankful: I’m thankful to be able to translate my poem into French!

Montmartre…encore par Xena the Schnauzer (Warrior Princess)

Est-ce une photo de ma dernière visite ici ?
Tout est nouveau dans ma première année,
Oh, quel chiot j’étais à l’époque !
La joie de Montmartre m’a fait craquer.

Je visiterai à nouveau le Sacré-Cœur
Mais je resterai à l’écart du Moulin Rouge.
Puis je visiterai la maison de Van Gogh,
en me déplaçant tranquillement comme une souris.

Bientôt, il sera temps de prendre l’avion pour rentrer à la maison,
J’atterris en Géorgie, je n’errerai plus jamais !
Dans ma poche, j’ai trouvé le tableau,
Je penche la tête pour embrasser le sol.

Hmmm. I think it sounds better in English, don’t you?

Thanks to all my friends who come by to visit me here. Y’all are the best!!

Grooming with Mom: Plus One, Minus Two

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia29 Comments

Thanks for joining us for another episode of Grooming with Mom. I’m here to tell you about a new groom, a pup who is moving, and a senior citizen who will soon cross the rainbow bridge.
Let’s start off with the Happy News.

Marr

One of our current clients got a new four-month-old puppy. Brinkley, shown below, is still figuring out how this whole not-the-only-dog-anymore thing is going to work.

While Brinley was home waiting to see if Marr was coming back, Marr was here getting his first haircut. Here he is at his home before he was groomed.

Marr is a Multipoo. He came to us with a lot of fleas hidden down under all that soft, fluffy hair, and a lot of hair and crusty dirt in both ears. Per his Dad’s instructions, Groomer Mom did not trim his crazy ears or his tail. She used the choppers (a funny kind of scissors) to remove a lot of that hair and trimmed his face. He came out looking like this.

Yep, crazy ears. And a little bit of hair still sticking up under his eyes, cause Groomer Mom said it was more important for him to keep his eyes than for her to get all the hair, BOL! Except for that, for a puppy, he was very calm and good on the table. We look forward to seeing both Marr and Brinkley back in the months to come.

Dora

Next to come visit was Dora. She and her schnauzer sister Maggie have been coming to get groomed since May of 2013. Maggie crossed the Bridge a year ago last April.

When Dora showed up last Saturday, her Mom said, “I’ve got to talk to you first.” She had been trying to get up the nerve to take Dora to the vet one last time. Her husband suggested that she go ahead with the grooming appointment and talk to Groomer Mom about it. She explained that Dora was blind and deaf, was incontinent, and ever since losing her sister Maggie, has had absolutely nothing to do with either of her pawrents.

Dora (L) and Maggie 2018

Looking down at Dora in her lap where Groomer Mom had set her, Dora’s Mom said this was the first time Dora was even sitting with her. With a heavy heart, Groomer Mom tried to give her the affirmation she needed to put this 17-year-old shih tzu at peace. Groomer Mom said there was no sense putting Dora through the stress of a groom, so with Dora in her Mom’s lap, she only clipped the hair covering Dora’s eyes so her Mom could see her better. Tuesday, Dora will be reunited with her sister Maggie on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge. Our hearts are heavy.

Markel

Sunday, Markel aka Baby Dog, came to get groomed. As his Mom held him in the nail sling, she told Groomer Mom that she had accepted a job about 2 hours from here and would be leaving in 2 weeks. She said she felt like she had only just found Groomer Mom (read about it here) and didn’t know what she was going to do for a groomer there. She had previously experience terrible haircuts for her boy.

Baby Dog ‘s first groom here in June of 2022. Letting hair on top of nose grow out where previous groomer had shaved it.

Groomer Mom scissored his legs quite a bit shorter and also his beard some shorter to help it last a bit longer if needed. She told his Mom that if she was back in town with him and he needed a groom, just give her a call. We’re going to miss Baby Dog.

Groomer Mom has been grooming dogs from her home since 1993, taking a 10 year break (except for grooming her own schnauzer, Lexi) after she moved. She resumed grooming in 2013 with Maggie and Dora as her first clients. It feels like an end of an era. And perhaps, with the new puppies showing up, it is the beginning of a new era!

This is Lucy signing off on Awww Monday, with thanks to Miss Sandee at Comedy Plus for hosting it.

Thankful Thursday Picture Poem

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia23 Comments

Hangin’ Round by Chia
Mom, there’s a boy hangin’ round.
Wish he’d do it without sound.
Please come get him down
And then take him to the pound.

I don’t want no kids around. They might mess with my toys.

Chia: I’m thankful that we don’t really have any little kids hangin’ round. They get on my nerves.
Xena: I’m thankful that Mommy has designated me as the Tuesday Church Dog. I just have to remember to 1. Don’t bark, 2. Don’t growl, 3. Wag a lot and then run to get a treat!

And, as always, we’re thankful to both Brian for hosting Brian’s Thankful Thursday and to  Angel Sammy for the fun picture this week.