Stuffie Support Group

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia29 Comments

We are joining Comedy Plus with much thanks for hosting Awww Mondays.

Shania: After meeting Lambie, and asking her for help with our tormentor, she came up with this suggestion.

What do you think, Lambie from up high? Can you help us?

We, the stuffies of Xena, have formed a support group. At one time or another, every stuffie in this post has been a victim of domestic violence. For fear of retribution, we will not name him, the perpetrator. All we will say is that he is huge and red and has lived here on and off for the past ten years. We hope by us speaking out, he will be encouraged to seek help for his violent nature against stuffies.

We have provided a forum today for our abused stuffies to speak out against the violence perpetrated on them.

#1 My name is Eleephant, and I am a victim of Stuffie Domestic Violence. I have lost my left ear and the tip of my trunk. Because of this my hearing and sense of smell have been impaired. My tail is missing, which sometimes affects my balance.

#2 My name is Oscar, and I am a victim of Stuffie Domestic Violence. I lost my nose, and now I can’t taste my food. My beard is permanently messed up, and my eyes are scratched, making it difficult to see “him” coming.

#3 My name is Ludwig, and I am the victim of Schnauzer stuffie love that turned violent. I bear the scars on my right side to remind me how much X loves me.

#4 I am Brownie Bear, and I am the victim of Stuffie Domestic Violence. I lost my nose, and I can’t smell anything. My berries no longer taste sweet. My eyes are scratched, and the distortions make me dizzy.

#5 I am Lexi’s bear. I am a long-time survivor of Stuffie Domestic Violence. I had a happy and peaceful life up until around 2009 when a large puppy – who has grown into a large dog – came to live with us.

Lexi always called him Dufus, although I don’t think that is really his name. My dear friend was helpless to protect me against multiple assaults. I lost both my ears and rely upon sign language. My right leg carries a permanent scar, and my left arm is missing. I had several surgeries and am fortunate to still be here. Rainbow Bear and several other stuffies have sworn to protect me, but there is only so much they can do against Giant Dufus. If their protection fails, I will simply lay down and go to be with Angel Lexi.

#6 I am Winter Bear and I am a survivor of Stuffie Domestic Violence. You can see that my right ear is mostly missing. Even though I like to stay awake and active with Xena and my other friends all winter, sometimes it’s just too much to keep avoiding the Big Dog and I go to hibernate with the other bears.

This is terrible! I knew there had been violence in this house, but not to what extent. I, Xena, pledge to do a better job of protecting you all.

I didn’t mean to hurt you, Ludwig. I got a bit carried away.
Oscar, thank you for not naming me, but we both know who chewed off your nose. I’m sorry.
From now on, if I see He Who Shall Not Be Named coming after any of you, I will get Mommy to help you.

Stuffies: We invite any stuffie out there with issues they need help with to join our Stuffie Support Group. Together, we can be stronger and raise awareness that stuffies have feelings, too.

Evie’s Story

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia16 Comments
Click on the picture to go to the FiveSibes website.

This is a story about a little dog and her cardiological-caused seizures. You can read about the difference between that and true epilepsy caused by neurological seizures here in this short and easy-to-understand article.

I had just lost my first miniature schnauzer, Freda, when I got word that a family needed a home for their little schnauzer. When I met them just off the interstate, the mother told me the dog was about nine months old and had a slight heart murmur. I never did get a “good” reason why they were re-homing her. I brought her home, and we renamed her from Daisy to Evie – our GSD was named Ara (short for Aragorn). I immediately made an appointment with my vet. At the exam, Dr. Sally got a worried look on her face and suggested I take her as soon as possible to UTK (University of Tennessee at Knoxville) vet school. There she was diagnosed with a class 4 heart murmur, about as far from “slight” as you can get and still have a live dog.

Evie’s professional portrait

Since little Evie didn’t have a strong ticker to pump that blood vigorously through her veins, she didn’t have much energy. She couldn’t jump up on the couch or even run through the house. Somehow Ara understood this. Sometimes when I took them out, Ara would run zoomies back and forth in front of Evie, slowing only slightly as he approached her. At that point she would grab ahold of the loose skin under his neck with her teeth and hang on while he ran around the lawn with her. Do you have the image in your head of a GSD running with a large tick swinging from his throat? Go ahead and laugh…that’s what it looked like!

Slowly in that first year with us, Evie began to develop other problems. I held her close to my heart as she experienced her first, terrifying seizure. Because her doctor was aware of her heart problems, she realized this wasn’t true epilepsy, which is caused by neurological problems. Evie’s seizures stemmed from cardiovascular problems. She was placed on anti-seizure medication, which reduced the frequency of the episodes. All we could do was hold and comfort her as these seizures continued throughout her short life.

We tried to help her have as “normal” a life as possible. She thoroughly enjoyed going boating with us.

I got to swim in the water with Ara.

She loved her big brothers.

That’s Sammy on the left. He wasn’t thrilled about another schnauzer in the house, but soon learned that Evie wouldn’t (and couldn’t) dominate him like Freda had.

And, like most pups, she loved to sprawl out in safety and comfort on the big bed.

Zzzzz

Evie had a “thing” for metal objects. Noting this, her loving grandparents bought her a set of old-fashioned metal measuring spoons that she greatly loved to chew on.

One day, shortly before we returned home from work, little Evie quietly left her kennel and her many illnesses behind as she passed over the Rainbow Bridge. She was only 19 months old. She was loved.

You can find your local Epilepsy Foundation and make a donation by clicking here.

Lambie from Up High on Thankful Thursday

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia24 Comments

Shania: I saw you sitting up here on Mommy Amy’s desk and I’ve come to find out who and what you are. I’ve never seen you here before. Are you friend or foe? Where’d you come from?

I’m Lambie. I come from God.

OK, seriously, who are you?

I’m Lambie. Back a couple of years ago there was a terrible shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, PA. A Christian church was right next to B’nai Zion Synagogue where Miss Amy works. The synagogue building is no longer usable, which is why Miss Amy has been working from home for over a year. After the shooting, but before the shul became too unsafe to work or worship in, the children at the church gave me to B’nai Zion. It was their way of reaching out in love to to say how sorry that happened to the folks up in Pennsylvania. The little ones held me and prayed over me first. They wanted everyone who encountered me to feel God’s love.

Then why haven’t I seen you here before? The office was here in our house for a long time before even I came.

The office was just recently moved upstairs. Before that, I sat up on the top of a book shelf…way up where no one saw me. Now you see me, and I hope you feel loved, too.

You know, I do, Lambie. I’m glad you’re here. Maybe you can help us with the Riley problem. He wants to rip out our guts. Maybe you can help us by helping him with his anger issues.
Xena! Come meet Lambie! Lambie, why don’t you go wait in the red chair for Xena. It’s more comfy there.

Xena: Who are you and how’d you get in my house?

*sigh* Here we go again. Miss Xena, read the message I carry with me. I think that will explain everything.

Oh my goodness! I am blessed. It worked!

I know, Miss Xena, that you worked with your Mommy when the office was downstairs. I used to watch you from up high. Sometimes some of your stuffies came with you. You were always kind to them. I know you’re the one in charge around here. I’m very pleased to be here with you.

You, you watched me from up high?! You’re a lamb, and you came from up high… *thinking* You just wait right here, Lambie, and I’ll go get you some clover or whatever you want. We’re going to be great friends.

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

A Shared Sunday Selfie (or Riley’s Revenge)

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia26 Comments

We are happy to join The Cat on My Head for Sunday Selfies.

Lucy: Mom, could I do the Sunday Selfie today? Please? I’ve been a good girl all week, and I’ll pose real pretty.

Hey, wait, what’s Riley doing there behind me?

Dagnabbit! Get outa my selfie, Riley!

Riley: You photo bombed my selfie. (See here.) Fair’s fair.

Riley: Ahhh, I finally got my selfie.

Wordless Wednesday Sisters Video

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia34 Comments

Thanks to Comedy Plus 
for hosting Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop.

Lucy: Right from the first time I met baby Xena, I was so happy to have a sister. We played a lot, inside and outside.

This video was taken when she was still a puppy in 2017. We still run together and play outside every chance we get.

Happy Saint Patricks Day, my friends! May the road rise to meet you and may the wind be always at your back…and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

XOX Lucy

Lucy in the Red Chair

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia21 Comments

I love laying here in the red chair like this, looking out the window. The sun is so warm on my furs! When I concentrate I can almost see the little buds trying to pop out on the tree branches.

Every once in a while I get to see a deer or two walk into our front yard. When that happens, I start making these high yipping noises cause I’m so excited. I want to run out and, and, well, I don’t know. I just want to go out and see and smell them. I think we could all be friends.

Mom moved her work office up from the downstairs so her and Dad could use the dance floor again. Now the office is in the front room. Even though it takes up half the room, she was careful to leave the red chair in front of the window so Xena and I could continue to keep a watch on the neighborhood.

With Mom working from home, and Dad working from home all but the two days he goes into his workplace, I’m rarely alone.

That also means shorter naps. It’s always, “Lucy, does this email I’m sending to everyone sound OK? Here, let me read it to you.” Or, “Lucy, would you shed a little more on these letters I’m getting ready to mail?” Or, “Lucy, do you want some lunch?” And sometimes, “Lucy, come help me groom this difficult dog.”

It can be tiring work.

Then there’s my little sister. She likes the red chair too. Sometimes she jumps over me to the top. Sometimes she brings one of her stuffies with her.

And every once in a while she politely asks if she can lay up here too.

I never say no. We’re good about sharing. We’re kinda like that song “Sisters” that Mom likes.

Sisters, sisters
There were never such devoted sisters
Never had to have a chaperone, no sir
I’m here to keep my eye on her
Caring, sharing
Every little thing that we are wearing
When a certain gentleman arrived from Rome
She wore the dress and I stayed home
All kinds of weather, we stick together
The same in the rain or sun
Two different faces, but in tight places
We think and we act as one, uh-huh
Those who’ve seen us
Know that not a thing can come between us
Many men who tried to split us up, but no one can
Lord help the mister who comes between me and my sister
And Lord help the sister that comes between me and my man

This is Lucy in the Red Chair, wishing you a happy Friday.

Return from Hibernation

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia31 Comments

Xena: Hey, isn’t it about time for my bears to slither out of hibernation?

Lucy: You mean you haven’t seen them? They’ve already gotten their spring baths – you know how foul they smell after sleeping cuddled up together all winter – and they’re looking for food. Go check out the kitchen.

Xena: *running to kitchen and jumping on the stool* Hey! Why didn’t y’all tell me you were awake?!

Riley: Watcha’ doin? Can I have some of those?

Xena: No! Don’t come near my bears!

Mommy, tell Riley to go away and leave my bears alone.

Shania, what are you doing up here with Rainbow and Winter Bear and Jen Jen, and Sweetheart and Lexi’s Old Bear? You’re a schnauzer, not a bear!

Shania: I saw they were all going to the bath, so I asked if I could join them. I wanted to get Riley the Terminator’s spit off my furs.

Rainbow Bear: We’re hungry. We haven’t eaten all winter. Please get us food. Now.

Did you hear Rainbow Bear, Mommy? Aren’t you going to the store? Would you get them some Bear Food?

*a little later*

Jen Jen Bear: We give thanks to the Great Bear in the sky who is the giver of all good things. And to the Mommy for going to the store.

Brownie Bear: Amen and let’s eat! Mmmm, I heard the nut course is next, then the brocolli course!

Xena: Mommy, isn’t it supper time yet?

I am Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess

Xena’s Thankful Thursday

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia38 Comments

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

Hi there friends. I wanna start by saying sometimes it may seem to you like I’m just a needy, snarky little schnauzer. OK, so sometimes I am. I can give that snarky “look” with the best of them. And I can be relentless in jumping up and down on my hind legs for what seems like the zillionth time in a day for Mommy or Daddy to pick me up and “baby hold” me (or to let me see what’s on the table or counter top or cooking on the stove).

But none of that stops me from being really thankful for what a great life I have. For instance, I am super-duper, over-the-moon thankful that big ol’ Riley hasn’t bitten my head off. I know he could, and I know he would like to sometimes, but he respects the rules, and one of them is No Biting off the Schnauzer’s Head.

This is one of our rare sniff and touch nose moments. That’s Lucy in the background wanting us to quit bonding and play with her.

This next picture is of me as a puppy, wearing that gawd-awful red plaid whatever-you-call-it.

I was only about six months old here.

I saw Mommy put it up for sale on the Nextdoor app. I am so very thankful that
1. It doesn’t fit me anymore, and
2. Mommy’g getting rid of it. No one’s bought it yet, and I can understand why. But it is still out of my life forever.

I am thankful for my very best friend, my sister Lucy. She’s the best sister in the whole world. She understands me, and that takes a lot for a bully breed to understand a terrier breed. But she’s super good at it and never ever gets mad at me for acting like, well, acting like a little sister, I guess. She plays with me and hangs out with me and eats and barks and runs with me, and all that good stuff. We get a bit jealous of each other once in a while, but our folks always make sure we both get lots of attention and the same amount of treats.

I’m thankful for a lot of other stuff too, but I think this is enough for today. There will be more Thankful Thursdays…

I am the blessed Xena Schnazuer Warrior Princess

Purrsuit of Flavors – Instant Pot Chili

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia29 Comments

Thanks to Shoko and Tyebe of the Canadian Cats and Nelly and Phenny of Easy Blog for hosting this yummy day.

Lucy: We were thinking about what recipe we could help Mom post, and the weather was so nice that we sat outside with her at lunchtime.

Xena: Mommy and Daddy had their lunch. We just got some measly snacks.

Lucy: Right. Anyhow, they were eating chili even though it was warm, so we thought, hmm, Mom made this all in one pot, and there is a sort of a sauce in it, so why not!? (We know this because we watch her cook. You never know when something’s gonna hit the floor or get tossed your way.)

Our friend John, who comes every Sunday to help Dad with the Zoom service for the church, gave us this recipe. We sure miss him. He got awful, awful sick with that awful flu thing and has been in the hospital for a month. We put our paws together a lot for him. No one knew if he was gonna live, but he’s finally off the respirator and getting ready to go home. We hope he comes back to our house and pets us some more. Umm, I mean,and helps Dad on Sundays.

We’re sad Mr. John got so sick. But he’s gonna be ok.

The recipe is called Kim’s Kickin’ Chili and this is an honest to goodness picture of it in Mom’s bowl. (We wish it was in our bowls… mmm)

That’s sour cream and guacamola on top. And there’s 100% grass-fed ground beef and four different kinds of beans in it, along with tomatoes cooked in the instant pot and 2 cans of chili tomatoes. The beans were cooked in the instant pot, too! We think our Mom is in love with her new instant pot!

Xena: We coudn’t come up with a one pan recipe with sauce for me and Lucy, so we’re going to pass on ours until next month. We’ll have an Easter treat recipe for all our four-legged friends.

Love, wiggles and licks from Lucy and Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess

XOX Lucy and Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess

Fun on Dr. Seuss Day

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia36 Comments
https://comedy-plus.com/dr-seuss-day/

Thanks to Timmy of Tomcat Commentary, Ranger of The Adventures of Ranger, and Emmy of 15andmeowing for hosting a super fun Dr. Seuss Day blog hop!

Xena: Did you know this is Dr. Seuss Day, Lucy? All kinds of weird and fun things can happen today. Let’s pose for a fun picture.

Don’t look so freaked out. Here, I got us some Dr. Seuss Cat in the Hat hats. Let’s put them on and try another picture.

That’s lots better, Lucy. Lucy? Are you there? Are we here? I’m, I’m starting to feel weird. What’s happening? Do you feel it?

What the? Where are we? What happened? I don’t feel like myself.

We’re not at home anymore, Xexe. (And we’re not in Kansas, either.) It’s like these hats are magical. Don’t look back, but there’s a transparent cat behind us on the couch. I think it’s the REAL Cat in the Hat.

So you wanna chase him?

No! Anyhow he’s gone now. What do you think we should do?

Look! When I get on the couch, the Dr. Seuss saying changes to be just for me!

Oops, there goes my hat.

Yep, that sure is you, little sis. Hop down and let me try it!

Dr. Seuss must know I love to get my teeth brushed and I want to keep them all, so they all get brushed! Say, did you hear that noise? I think someone’s coming…they’re getting closer…and closer…*shudder*

Let’s make a run for it!

Riley: What are y’all doin’ with those silly hats on? Come play with me, Lucy.

Our Angel Lexi lived by many of Dr. Seuss’ sayings. Here she is with one of her favorites.

Xena’s Sunday Selfie

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia41 Comments

We want to thank The Cat on My Head for hosting Sunday Selfies.

Xena: Here’s my selfie. Did it turn out good? I’m kinda’ all paws at this.

Mom: Mmm, it really doesn’t show off your beauty, Xena. Want some help?

Xena: How’s this?

Xena: Did this one show off my beauty? Wait, don’t answer, I can tell by the look on your face it didn’t turn out good. This blanket will show off my nice colors. Take my picture here on our bed, Mommy.

How’s this, Mommy?

Mom: I think we can still do better. Let’s try some more.

Lucy: Hey, what are you guys doing? Did you want to take my picture, Mom?

Xena: We are creating art for Selfie Sunday. It’s my turn, so scram!

Lucy: Well, you don’t have to be so hateful about it. You hurt my feelings.

Mom: I think there’s room here for a selfie of my beautiful, sweet, big girl, too. Come on into the kitchen.

Lucy: Thank you Mom, I love you.

We are Lucy and Xena the cheated out of my Sunday Selfie Schnauzer

Wordless Wednesday Lucy Look-Alike

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia35 Comments


Thanks to Comedy Plus 
for hosting the
Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop.

I saw this pup who looked and moved just like Lucy as I was leaving the grocery. Although I never condone leaving a dog in a car, the weather was perfect for her not to be in danger.

Lucy: Hey, I have a doppleganger!

Xena: Sounds like you need to get help for that condition.

Stinky Warrior Princess

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia26 Comments

It was a cold and cloudy night with a promise of snow to come. We were all tucked into bed — Lucy and Riley in Andrew’s bed and me between Mommy and Daddy in the big bed. Suddenly…

Mommy holding nose: Ewww, do you thmell that? I’m pretty sure it’th Thena’th anal glandth.
Daddy: Ewww, they really stink!
Mommy letting go of her nothe, er, nose: I sure hope they haven’t expressed all over our sheets.

The next morning…

Mommy talking to herself: Ewww, they expressed all over the bottom sheet. *pulls down blankets, removes sheets and throws all in washer with other washables.*
After that load is washed and dried…
Oh no! It’s gone through to the mattress pad. *removes pad and throws in washer with more washables*

Mommy texting Daddy at his work…
“It’s snowing, It’s snowing,
Xe’s anal glands are blowing.
It’s on the sheets, It’s on the pad,
And in the wash they’re going.”

That night I laid under the covers with Mommy’s arm around me. My tail end was facing her nose when…
Mommy: OMG! A fart just blew up my nose! Aghh!
Daddy: Well, at least it wasn’t her anal glands. Eww, I’m getting it now too!


I got my revenge for that embarrassing poem.

You can get away with a lot when you’re a cute Xena Stinky Schnauzer Warrior Princess

Xena the Allergic-holic on Wordless Wednesday

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia38 Comments

Thanks to Comedy Plus 
for hosting the
Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop.

Lucy: I know you’ve got a lot to say today, but try to keep it short. It’s supposed to be Wordless.

Xena: It’s my turn for Wordless Wednesday and I’ll do what I want, Lucy. Stop bossing me around. When have you ever seen me respond to anyone telling me to be quiet? I’m a schnauzer for goodness sake. What do folks expect? Besides, I have a confession to make…

Hi, I’m Xena and I’m an allergic-holic.

In the past, I’ve taken benadryl until I became Zombie Dog. Mommy thought I’d become a boring old lady at three years old, not realizing she’d been sedating me for several months!
I’ve been tested at an allergist for dogs (you can read about that here and see the picture below).

Mommy gave me my special sea rum allergy shots from the allergist every week for two years. I didn’t mind. I always got a good treat before and after the shot. Here I want to give a shout-out to my breeder, Granny, for paying for it all!

Then, when Mommy questioned why the sea rum shots weren’t working, the allergist fired us (you can read about that here).

I’ve taken Zyrtec, and that doesn’t help much. Lavender EO doesn’t help. Sea Beady oil doesn’t help.

You might wonder why Mommy doesn’t get me “allergy” shots, which are steroids. Her first schnauzer, Freda, had allergies and the vet gave her lots of those shots. Mommy didn’t know steroid shots can cause Cushing’s Disease until Freda got it. The vet knew that could happen but didn’t say anything before giving them. Mommy says she believes in something called “informed consent.” If that’s true, I don’t know why she doesn’t ask for my consent when she informs me that I’m going to get a bath.

Then there’s the new “miracle drug” for allergies. It’s called Apoquel. My ex-allergy dogtor said to never, ever use it. Everyone loves it because it hides the allergies so well that the pup doesn’t seem to be suffering from them anymore. But like in *Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, the allergies come back with a vengeance, many times worse than before the sly Apoquel.

I’ve been on a raw diet to help keep my gut healthy ever since I adopted Mommy and Daddy. A healthy gut means I shouldn’t be an allergic-holic. More changes had to be made. Now I’m only getting organic, grass-fed meat and organic veggies and no chicken or pork, but I’m still getting organic, free-range, grain-free eggs and egg shells. Maybe I shouldn’t be…we don’t know. And now, while it’s still only February, I’ve scratched another sore place under my ear. I guess I’m just addicted to allergies…

Mommy hasn’t given up being my AA (Allergies Anonymous) group leader. We’re trying something new: tumeric paste. It’s yummy and it stains Mommy’s fingers and counter tops and sink yellow. She doesn’t care about that if it helps. I get 1/4 teaspoon spread out several times a day because it doesn’t stay in my system long. She just found out she can also put it on my ouchie under my ear. It’s safe for me, and I like it, so we’re going to give it some time to help. (I hope Lucy doesn’t lick it off my ouchie.)

While “researching” tumeric, we also found out it’s supposed to help with lots of other conditions, too.

  • Can help with weight management
  • Kills parasites such as fleas and ticks
  • Can elevate mood and treat depression
  • Relieves allergies
  • Alleviate joint pain
  • Remedy for diarrhea due to it being a binding agent
  • Prevents cataracts
  • Can help treat epilepsy
  • High in fiber, vitamins, and minerals
  • Clinical trial shows that curcumin helps aid in Alzheimer Disease

So we want to share this information with you. The article also tells us how to make a paste (it’s easy) and how to use it and lots more.

Live long and prosper,*
Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess, the recovering Allergic-holic

* We’ve been watching a lot of Star Trek lately.

Valentines

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia26 Comments

Xena: My Daddy is my only Valentine, so Mommy helped me and Lucy make him a card.

We’re going to print it to give it to him, maybe with one of the cookies Mommy made for us and our friends.

Lucy: Xena, I know you mean well, and even though the cookies are made with yummy stuff that he could eat, I really don’t think Dad wants dog cookies.

Xena: Phtthh.
Anyhow, Mommy made cookies to send to Achilles, Ella, and Morty the pig — if they want to share with the pig. One broke, so we got to taste test them. Mmmmm. Cheesy goodness. We heard that Ella loves cheese. Well, who doesn’t, right? Then we made a card to go in the package with the cookies that we’re mailing. I wrote a note on the back, too.

Lucy: I made a special card just for my special guy, Achilles, that’s going in with the cookies too. I sure hope he likes it. I wrote a note on the back of mine to Achilles, too.

We hope you have a good Valentine’s Day and get lots of love and treats.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO from Lucy and Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess

My Friend Riley

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia36 Comments

Many thanks to Brian’s Home for hosting Thankful Thursday.

Lucy: I’m so thankful for my buddy Riley. He’s been with us for about three months. Sometimes his dad stays here too, and sometimes he disappears for a while. Riley gets a little anxious when his dad leaves, so I keep near him to help him know everything is OK.

When Riley is chewing a bone I lay down next to him and share his sunpuddle. (He’s not too keen on sharing the bone.) He likes to play with his Christmas reindeer in the evening, and he wants someone to play with him. I don’t like to play with stuffies, so he barks at Dad and Mom to throw the reindeer and then to play tug-o-war. He’s got a really loud bark! Sometimes Mom grabs the reindeer and starts running through the house with Riley chasing her. They go round and round and round until she finally throws the reindeer for Ri-boy to catch, and that’s the end of that.

He likes to wear the sweater I gave him for Christmas. I think he knows he looks good in it. When it’s extra cold out and his dad isn’t here he wears it to bed like a nightshirt. I’ve been sleeping in the bed with him. When his dad’s here Riley and I sandwich him. When he isn’t, we sleep however we want.

Unike us, Riley likes to sleep in. Xena and I want our breakfast at 6:00 a.m on the dot, and then we go back to bed for our first morning nap. Lots of times Mom has to call Riley to come and eat before she goes down to her basement office at 9:00. If he won’t come, then he has to wait until lunchtime to eat.

Xena: Daddy, Mommy, Lucy’s sleeping with Riley.
Daddy: It’s OK, Little One. That means you get us and the bed all to yourself.
Xena: Oh. OK then, I won’t tell Achilles.