Xena’s Schnaturday

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia19 Comments

Xena: This is not me, just in case you were wondering. We’ve shown you a lot of schnauzers lately, so I want to be sure you’re not confused about that.

What have I been up to lately, you are probably wondering. Well, there’s always something, right?

My Daddy’s gone to somewhere else (not here) in Tennessee to pig sit Morty so that my Auntie Jen and Uncle Bill can take a few days of vacation. Lucy’s BFF Ella and boyfriend Achilles had to go to a boarding place so no pig/dog fights happened.. From there Daddy’s going on up to Fort Wayne to visit his almost 93 year old Mommy and also his sisters and cousins. The rest of us stayed here. That meant I had to find some things to do to keep busy, right?

The weather was pretty so I spent some time outside critter hunting. I can smell something down there, and I’m gonna find it!

I ran down the hill between our house and our neighbor man’s house, following a scent trail. Did you know that us schnauzers are hunters and scent dogs? OK, so technically, we’re ratters, but you gotta hunt to find the rat, right? I found the critter’s hole and then another one down by the road. But Mommy made me come back up the driveway. I had gotten my schnout (that’s a schnauzer snout) as far as I could in the hole, and that critter was lucky I didn’t have time to dig it out! I can spend hours doing this kind of thing – unless it’s near supper time, of course.

Thursday I finally got to go to work again with Mommy! I did real good. A ladies group was there, and they loved me. I remembered I’m not supposed to jump up on people so, instead, I stood on my hind legs in front of them and waved at them with both my front paws. They loved it! I got lots of petting and oohs and ahhs. (And I got treats for it, too!) Some even said that now they wanted to get a little dog, too. See, I’m an inspiration!

I got pretty worn out, but I only got a few zzzz’s in before I had to go greet more people. Jen Jen bear was there to help me. A few people did ask where Lucy was, but I’m sure they’ll forget about her soon enough.

Finally, I decided to rearrange the furniture.

I dragged my nice red doggie bed out of the bedroom into the living room, and placed it near Riley’s bed. That’s right in front of the front door. Together we can guard the house against intruders. Later, Mommy put it back in the bedroom and told me to come on in and sleep with her, so I did. I usually do what Mommy says.

Just a couple more days before I see my Daddy again. It sure does feel like a long time since he was home. In the meantime, I’ll be thinking of what else I can do with Daddy gone.

Happy Schnauterday, everyone! Xena

Lion in the Tree on Thankful Thursday

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia17 Comments

Thanks to Brian for hosting Brian’s Thankful Thursday! And thanks to Angel Sammy at Two Spoiled Cats for the fun picture this week, too.

Riley: It’s my week to make a picture poem, but Chia keeps bugging me about it, wanting to do this one. She pokes me with that long, narrow nose until I show my teeth and chase her away. I’m tired of it, so I’m gonna compromise. I told her she could also do a poem, but it would come after mine. Chia woofed that she’s thankful for that. But she’s still poking me with her nose. hmph

So here’s my poem, it’s first.

The Lion Up in That Tree by Riley

The lion up in that tree
Looks like he’s as big as me.
He even has my pot belly
From too much snacking and tellie.
I hope he stays there;
If he comes down here
There may be a rumble
And I’ll take a tumble
From the lion up in that tree.

Come on Down! by Chia

Come on down, ya old lion,
I don’t like your spyin’.
You’ve got too much gaul;
I don’t like ya at all!
I’m younger and faster
And that’s all that matters,
Y’old lion in the tree.
You’ll never catch me!

Riley: Whew, that was tiring! We make a pretty good team. Let’s take a nap together, Chia.

Xena’s New Vantage Point on Selfie-less Sunday

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia30 Comments

Lucy: We were all outside on the porch, enjoying a beautiful day.

I’ve heard both Mom and Dad say, “They only learn the bad things from each other.” Being the youngest, Chia has a habit of getting on things like tables and kitchen counters. Lately, Xena has been immulating her.

Xena: It was easy getting up here. I can tell this is where Daddy eats. I can still smell his food. He’s a messy eater.

I can see everything that’s goin’ on in the woods from up here. No wonder Chia likes to do this.

5 minutes later

How am I going to get down? Mom! Where’s Mommy? I need to do my selfie!

Oh well, it’s not supper time yet. *yawn* Zzzzzzzzzzzzz

 Thanks so much to The Cat on My Head for hosting Sunday Selfies. I guess my selfie this week is of my bee hind, BOL! XOX Xena

Poopy Thankfuls

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia28 Comments

Chia: OK, so we have some kinda weird thankfuls this week. But first we want to thank Brian for hosting Brian’s Thankful Thursday!

I’m looking for a good place to poop.

I’m thankful I have little poops because of my raw diet. It makes it easier to…

Lucy: I’m censoring you here, Chia. Everyone knows what you’re going to say, so let’s just move on.
Chia: Grrrrrr.

Xena: I’m thankful Mommy reads a lot about things to keep us healthy. Although sometimes I think she takes it a little too far. Like this…

I’m not kidding here. She really did download this for future reference. *sigh* But she does this cause she loves us me. Or maybe us. I’m her baby girl.

Riley: I’m 13 and still pooping good. I’m really thankful for that!

Lucy: I give up. I’m trying to keep this blog “G” rated. Why does no one here comply? *tail down*
I’m thankful no one has censored us and hopefully this won’t throw us over the top or under the bus or some other unwanted direction. *sigh* Sometimes I just go hide in Dad’s office. Sometimes he’s not even in there. But it’s a peaceful place.

I’m under Mom’s desk at work watching her.

I know I’ve said this before, and I’m still thankful to be the Church Dog. It’s a great place to hang out and to meet great, new people who love me and see great people who already know and love me. And I get all the attention from Mom — and all the treats too, even stuff I don’t get at home. Shhh, don’t tell anyone.

…In Mysterious Ways

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia24 Comments

Lucy, Ace Reporter and Church Dog here to report on something that happened immediately following a groom.

Markel, aka Baby Dog, has been coming to us for almost a year now. This is Markel.

After his last groom about a week ago Groomer Mom carried him out to his Mom’s car. His Mom set him in the seat in his car and closed the door. She and Groomer Mom were looking at the calendar to schedule the next groom when they heard a “click.” Yep, our talented Markel had locked himself in. His Mom’s purse, keys and phone were all in the car with Markel. (I was hoping her didn’t start the car and drive himself home, leaving his Mom here!)

Markel’s Mom said the button to open the door was at the end of the door near the front window, much further down the car door than the first “lock” button Markel had hit that locked him in, and there was almost no chance he would hit it. Knowing Markel is a schnauzer, Groomer Mom knew he is food-driven. She went back in the grooming room and got the jar of dried liver from which he had treats during his groom. His Mom had borrowed Groomer Mom’s phone and was on a call with a locksmith while Groomer Mom shook the jar of treats near the front of the side window and prayed. Prayed hard. Markel kept edging closer and closer to the edge of the door near the front, and all of a sudden there was another “click.”

Before anything could reverse, Groomer Mom grabbed the door handle and opened it. His Mom stood there with her mouth hanging open while Groomer Mom was saying, “Praise God!” and “Good boy, Markel!” and giving him lots of treats. His Mom cancelled the locksmith.

Lucy, Ace Reporter, with a successful post-groom report! (And Lucy, Church Dog, saying “Praise God!”)

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

Grooming with Mom on Thankful Thursday

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia24 Comments

Thanks to Brian for hosting Brian’s Thankful Thursday!

Lucy here, with another episode of Grooming with Mom on Thankful Thursday. We’re all real thankful today and every day that Groomer Mom’s Small Dog Grooming business is thriving, and that she’s able to offer the kind of service that creates a less stressful environment for all the pups who come to be groomed.

Today I have a new dog to introduce and a second groom on a puppy. First, the new pup.

This is Annie, a three-year-old Berma-doodle. This is the best picture we could get of her before her groom. ( I think she was looking at me, her Zen Dog.)

Annie used to belong to a family who had a lot of health issues and related expenses. When it became too much for them to take care of her, her new Mom got her. She may be three, but she’s still very puppy-ish, and very “busy” on the table. Here she is after her groom and bath.

Oops, looks like Groomer Mom missed a little strand of hair hanging on her ear. That’s OK, she clipped it after this picture was taken. Isn’t it funny how pictures show up things that someone might miss after staring at the dog (or anything) for over an hour? See ya’ next time, Annie!

You may remember Pippa, a tiny 4-month-old yorkie who was here for the first time back in February. Oops, just remembered that we never told you about Pippa. Groomer Mom forgot to get an “after” picture and when Pippa’s Mom sent her one, she forgot to have her Ace Reporter report on it. Wonder what we can do about Groomer Mom’s memory… So, better late than never, here is Pippa from February at 4 months of age. You can figure out which one is the “before” picture, BOL!

Shortly after Pippa had been here she fell off her people sister’s lap and broke her ankle! She was diagnosed with weak bones. How awful is that!

Now, three months later, Pippa came back for a “full” groom. Previously, Groomer Mom just did some touch-up, what she calls a “mini-groom.” This time Pippa’s Mom wanted “the works!” Her nails had gotten really long but were no bigger around than a tiny pin. And her hair had gotten long, too. Pippa was extremely good on the table, just like was used to it. Groomer Mom kept showing her the tools she was using and talking sweetly to her, and Pippa just let her do what needed done! And you can bet that Groomer Mom was extremely careful that Pippa didn’t fall or jump off the table! Here she is, seven months old, before and after having her “second-ever” groom.

You can probably see that she’s grown some, but she’s still really tiny, probably not more that a couple of pounds. We hope she stays well and comes back to see us soon!

What are you thankful for today?

Lucy, Ace Reporter, signing off with *wags* and *smiles*.

This Memorial Day, We Remember

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia15 Comments

Lucy: Mom never met her Uncle Paul. He lost his life in England for our country shortly before the end of WWII.
Mom asked us to be quiet for a moment to honor all who have served our country and who have given their lives for this great nation. That was asking a lot of 4 dogs, especially a schnauzer, but we agreed it was a small price to pay. Mom also explained that this was one of the reasons I have the freedom to be a church dog. *silence*

Thankful Thursday with Xena (again)

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia23 Comments

Lucy: I’m so thankful for the sunshine and a yard to lay in it. I’m told my furs glow, and that’s why my official Hebrew name is Ora when I got Barkmitzvahed.

Riley: I’m thankful for the great food I get. I never was much interested in eating, but now I’m right there with the peanut gallery telling Mom Amy it’s supper time…even when it isn’t!

Chia: I’m thankful that once in a while I get to slip out and run like The Flash through the neighborhood. I run and run and run and run and then I come home. Mom says that’s not a good thankful, but hey, I’m just bein’ honest here.

Xena: I’m really thankful that Mommy has let me host our thankful Thursdays as well as create the poetry all of May. And I’ve gotten to do all the posts all week! I think she feels guilty replacing me with Lucy as the church dog. First a big thanks to Brian for hosting Brian’s Thankful Thursday! And I am thankful to  Angel Sammy for the fun picture this week, too.  Here’s the picture and my poem.

I Came for the Ball by Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess

I came for the ball
But there’s no ball at all.
Nothing that bounces
Or even announces
That no balls are here
I really do fear.

A dance is a ball?
Oh, no, not for all!
I have no dance partner
To Freestyle real proper
He can’t be too tall
Cause I am so small.

But if there’s no ball
And I can’t dance at all
I’m goin’ home!

Thankful and Poetry Thursday

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia25 Comments

Xena: First, thanks to  Brian for hosting Brian’s Thankful Thursday! And I am thankful to  Angel Sammy for the fun picture this week, too. 

My thankful this week is that Lucy is the new church dog.

Chia, Riley: *stares at Xena in silence while Lucy goes to find Mom*

Lucy: *returning* You’re either sick or being disingenuous, Xena.

Xena, Riley and Chia: *stares at Lucy in silence*

Xena: No I’m not, and you made that word up.

Lucy: No, I asked Mom how to say in one word that you were pretending that something didn’t matter to you that really did.

Xena: OK, so maybe that’s true, but I’m thankful that I don’t get as my baths, so maybe I don’t care!

Chia: I’m thankful I haven’t gotten in (much) trouble lately. I think all that good CeeBeeDee oil is helping!

Lucy: I’m also thankful that you haven’t gotten in (much) trouble lately cause that means you’re being nicer to me.

Xena: Enough with the thankfuls, let’s get to the poem. I got to do it again this week. Do you like how I jumped into the picture?

Eating Chocolate Haiku by Xena the Disingenuous Schnauzer

Eating chocolate.
Every child needs a helper.
A schnauzer is best.

Happy Thursday, friends! Xena, Lucy, Chia and Riley

Who’s the Church Dog Now? Lucy’s Happy Tuesday

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia33 Comments

Monday, a week ago Xena: It’s time to go, Mommy. I’ve got JenJen Bear, we’re at the door, and we’re ready to go home and get our supper.

Yes, it’s time to go, and you may want to say goodbye to the church for a while. Over the weekend you showed me you didn’t want to work at doing Freestyle, so we’re not going to Cleveland, Ohio to try to get your Title 4. Now you left turds for the Building and Grounds guy to find…who, by the way, wasn’t too fond of you to begin with. Then you growled and barked at people as they came in. When you figured out you weren’t getting any treats for doing that, you started running up to them, wiggling and wagging your tail just long enough for you to turn around and run back to me to get a treat. I’m not sure this “church dog” thing is working out so well for you.

Last week: Tuesday and Thursday Lucy: Is Pastor coming today? I love pastor, he’s so nice and he wants to get me a new bed for me to lay in his office when he’s here. I wonder if he’ll pet me a lot. He always tells everyone who comes in that I’m a good dog. This time when he kisses me on the nose, I’ll kiss him back. Are the church ladies coming today? They all ask to pet me, and it makes me so happy I wiggle and smile at them.

Yes, Lucy. Pastor is going to visit shut-ins, but he said since you are here, he will come by the church first to see you.

Note: No dogs on Wednesday simply because of how many folks come in for meetings that day. The church is closed on Fridays. So, Lucy now has every available opening for a “church dog.”

Xena: Mommy, if I’m a good girl, can I come back to work?

We’ll see.

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

Happy Mother’s Day, Mom!

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia22 Comments

Today we thank  The Cat on My Head for helping us to say Happy Mother’s Day with our Selfies! To settle the argument of who got to go first, then next, then next, Riley declared we shall go in age order, starting with the oldest. Here we go, and this one’s for you, Mom!

Mom Amy: Y’all make it a great Mother’s Day, my dear girls and sweet boy. I’m so happy everyone is healthy and happy. I love you too!

Xena: Why are you all dressed up in this picture, Mom? Are you going somewhere?
Mom: No, this is a picture from last night just before your Dad and I went out ballroom dancing.
Chia: You mean when you left us alone with no food or anyone to bug,umm, I mean, pet us?
Lucy: I was afraid you wouldn’t come back!
Riley: Happy Mother’s Day!

Thankful Thursday Poetry by Xena

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia24 Comments

Xena: First, I’m thankful to Brian for hosting Brian’s Thankful Thursday! And I am thankful to  Angel Sammy for the fun picture this week. I can’t wait to see what all my friends have come up with, too!
Here’s the picture:

Fatherly Advice by Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess

I love you lots, my little son, but hear now what I say.
You must to be mindful when you want to go outside to play.
No messing with orangutangs or fooling with the chimps!
They’re not like us…hear me now! You treat them with contempt.

The lions, we know, all think that they are kings of the jungle.
But they’re just cats…not like us…they’re just some monkey’s uncle.
We’re smarter, bigger, stronger, tall; we are full of power.
We use our arms, our fists, our brains, we don’t need gun powder!

Remember, Prince Abinawah, on you I will depend…
“But Dad,” Abinawah exclaimed, “you haven’t met my friend!”
A gorgeous girl, so sweet and fun, I call her Clementine.
I have her picture cause some day she’ll be a wife of mine!

Abinawah’s father faints. The end.

I hope you like my poem!

Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess

Chia, Xena and Their Dad on Awww Monday

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia29 Comments

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

Xena: I was just laying here, just me and Daddy, minding my own busy-ness, when…

Chia: I love you Dad, look at me. Am I your girl?

Xena: I had that whole leg, then Chia pushed me over. I use passive resistance. That way I don’t get in trouble…or bit.

Chia: Why is your hand on me? Why aren’t you scritching me? Why is your hand just laying there like it’s dead?

Xena: She’s never satisfied. I wish she’d get down if she’s not happy with what’s going on up here.

Chia: Mom, why won’t Dad look at me. He keeps staring at that stupid TV. I think I’m more interesting than the stupid TV.

Xena: *to herself* Think again, hotdog.

Chia: Hey, there’s Lucy, what’s Lucy doin’? Lucy, whatcha doin’? Wanna play?

Xena: That’s right, long one, go bother Lucy. I’m stayin’ here with my Daddy. *singing to herself* “There ain’t no mountain high enough, ain’t no valley low enough, ain’t no Chia wide enough, to push me away from you, Daddy.”

Grooming with Mom on Thankful Thursday: Kylo and Sunshine

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia30 Comments

Ace Reporter Lucy here again with another episode of Grooming with Mom. First, a big thanks to Brian’s Thankful Thursday, with special thanks to Brian for hosting it!
Today I am featuring two pups who have been coming to Groomer Mom for a while, but got very different grooms…at Groomer Mom’s suggestion. Both their Moms loved the new look. Let’s see what you think.

First up is Kylo, the Standard Brindle Poodle. He is the biggest dog that Mom grooms, and his owners bathe him the night before and stay during the groom to help with lifting, etc. Mom suggested shaving his face and his Mom readily agreed.

The lighting is different…he’s actually more the color on the left. But these pics still show the huge difference the shaved face made in his looks. Everyone loved the new look! Which groom do you like better? And yes, he’s every bit as sweet as he looks. If I was a few years younger… uh, I mean, moving on…

Sunshine is a long-haired cairn terrier/beagle mix. She has been coming to Small Dog Grooming since October of 2020 and is now 14 and a half years old. Her Mom has always let her hair grow long. She has a ton of undercoat (that was hyperbole, a method us reporters use to overstate a fact). Her hair was more and more matted (a grooming term) each time she came. So this time Groomer Mom suggested that it was time for Sunshine to get shaved. Not too short, and not too long. Her Mom had to think about it a moment, then hesitantly agreed. Here she is from a previous groom and then after this one.

Her Mom was crazy about how she looked and said, “Why didn’t we do this years ago!?”

Sunshine’s big greyhound sister, Ruthie, was a bit curious about this “new” dog that just got in the car.

Ruthie sniffed her (did she really wonder if this was her sister?) and then gave her a little kiss. We know that their Mom will have a much easier time maintaining this cut, and we hope that Sunshine will be more comfortable in it too. Which one do you like better?

Lucy, Ace Reporter, signing off with two more successful grooms.

It’s a Vodka Day by Chia on Happy Tuesday

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia26 Comments

I haven’t been to the church where Mom works, but some stuff has come to me. I heard that the pastor went to a morning-long meeting and they were giving out a bunch of goodies from a vodka company rep that was there. Mom came home with a large collar, a medium collar (all too big for me, rats!), 2 scarves (also too big for me), and 2 squeaky toys. They all have the vodka company logo and picture on them. Lucy’s wearing her new (medium) collar, Riley’s got one of the scarves, and I’ve got a new squeaky toy!

It’s my Vodka bottle from Tito’s. Their motto is “Vodka for Dog People.” Riley keeps stealing it. He chewed a hole in the corner. I wonder if any vodka came out. I wonder what “vodka” is??

Riley: I was trying to smell like something other than the bath I just had.

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

Awww Monday’s Birthday Boy!

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia37 Comments

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

Hi! It’s me, Riley! I’m RiBoy, the BDay boy today! And I’m 13 years young. Mom Amy’s got a special treat for all my friends…13 pictures of me! She’s gonna start with when I was just a whippersnapper, and work her way up to now. I hope you enjoy them!

Clockwise (Mom Amy told me how to do clockwise)
1. My first week in my new home, November 2010
2. My first birthday, May 1, 2011
3. Me with my girlfriend Maebe in 2012. We’d been working on our joint Freestyle routine. A few days later when we got to the venue where we were to perform, Maebe dumped me and wouldn’t even do our routine. (She found out I’d been making eyes at a gorgeous white standard poodle.)
4. Me with my boy. He and his Mom and my person Andrew lived with us for 2 years. I moved out with them when they left. I’ve been back to stay several time since then, and I’m pretty sure this is my real home again.

Here we go with years 2014 through 2017
1. Me and Lucy were great friends (and still are) and played together and sometimes even ran away together. Mom always found us.
2. That’s me and My Person Andrew up at Rock City for Rocktoberfest.
3. 2016 is the year Lexi crossed the bridge. We’re at My Person Andrew’s house. I was telling her everything was going to be ok.
4. Me and my Little Buddy Piper in 2017. He joined Lexi the next year.

  1. Me, Lucy and Xena. I think Xena’s a bit afraid of me, so that would be why she doesn’t bother me much. Here, taken in 2020 we’re the 3 amigos!
  2. Chia appeared on the scene, as they say, and brought out the puppy in all of us.
  3. This is from Christmas last year (2022). I got my Racky D, and he’s only the second stuffie who I haven’t deadied. Right now he’s soaking up some sun in a lawn chair in the dog lot. I might go out and play with him.
  4. Chia can be braver than she is smart. Earlier this year she slid off the top of the couch onto my back, pulled the blanket down to make a bed and settled in for a nap. On me! I decided to let this travesty go and save my energy for bigger fish, as they say.

I hope you enjoyed my meander down memory lane in pictures. I hear My Person Andrew is coming over after work today, and I think there may be an order in for pizza. I love my raw diet…I’ve never had such a good appetite as for that food. I come running every morning and evening when I hear it being prepared. But pizza…*drool*

Hoping to see you again in May 2024 and lots of times in between!

Big wags! Riley the Birthday Boy