When It’s Over

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia34 Comments

This week, Andrew brought Riley over to spend the day with me. I think Andrew saw what I wrote about missing Riley, so he left him for the afternoon and evening to visit. I was pretty excited to see my guy.

Riley didn’t seem as happy to see me, though. All he wanted to do was chew on my bully horn…the one I got for Christmas.

 

When it got to be bedtime, I didn’t stay in the library with him like I usually do. I lifted my head and went to bed with Mom and Dad.

When it’s over, it’s over. Dad gives Mom red wine and chocolate when she’s sad or upset. Maybe I can get in on that program. For now, I think I’ll just stand in this sunbeam.

Love and wiggles, Lucy

Disappointments

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia24 Comments

Super Bowl Sunday

That doesn’t look like soup. Where’s our souper bowl, Mommy?

Can me and Lucy have some anyhow?

Xena: This is a gyp. That TV’s making too much racket.I wish they’d shut it off.

Lucy: I wish Riley was here.

We hope someone got some good soup on Sunday (and got to see their bestie).

Xena and Lucy

 

Hopeful Lucy

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia33 Comments

I’ve had what Mom calls the doldrums since my Riley left. I haven’t seen or heard from him for at least 87 days. Him and Andrew went away and their room is cleaned out and I can’t even smell him anymore. This is the last I saw of him, walking away from me.

I sure do miss my Riley, but Mom says I need to move on. She says there’s plenty more dogs where he came from.  In other words, she explained, he’s not the only dog on the block. I think she’s trying to tell me that I could have another boyfriend if I wanted.

I’m feeling pretty low, and I know Valentine’s Day is next week. (I’m available).

A little bit about me:

I don’t hunt cause the guns would scare me but I sure can chase a squirrel faster than lightening. I’ve never had a chance to go fishing but I bet I would like it ’cause I love to splash in puddles. I’m a play puppy and a cuddler. I never want to fight or have anyone mad at me. I am OK sharing my food and water. I am a svelt 56 pounds (and large chested). All I really need is love and attention and to be treated well, and I will be yours forever. So, does anyone want to be my boyfriend? At least for this month?

Love and half-wiggles,

A hopeful Lucy

 

 

Spice Girl

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia25 Comments

When Mommy adopted me I appeared to be a black and silver schnauzer, just like Angel Lexi. Mommy knew I was really a “salt and pepper,” but I still had my puppy coloring. I keep getting more white in my hair just like Mommy. Now I have a 3 inch wide strip of black down my back, which keeps getting narrower. Can you see it?and

I am really showing my salt and pepper!

I am Xena the Schnauzer Spice Girl

Life’s Short, Bite Hard

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia32 Comments

One of my blogging friends told me I did the right thing putting my stink on my new bed. Once my stink is on it, it is mine! With that in mind, I decided to get as much of my stink on the bed of He-Who-No-Longer-Exists as I could. Besides, he’s been gone about 87 days and I think by law he has forfeited his right to this bed. Maybe Frankie or Ernie could tell me for sure.

Mommy found Angel Lexi’s other shirt – she only had two shirts and a hoodie because of how much she hated clothes – and tried it on me. It’s the tiniest bit too big, but I have been wearing it anyhow. Maybe I will get more inspiration from Angel Lexi that way – or maybe she is just laughing at me! Can you read it? It says Life Is Short Bite Hard. BOL!

I am biting hard on this bone, for sure!

Hi Daddy! Don’t worry, I won’t bite you.

Lucy: Dad! Don’t let Xena bite me any more! My face already hurts from her teeth.

I am just going to hide out here in the bedroom until that shirt comes off Xena.

 

I think I will log some more hours in MY bed. Catch ya’ll later. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Sleep Places

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia44 Comments

I’m not too picky about where I sleep. At home, I especially like the living room couch.

Lucy likes to curl up on the loveseat, across from the big couch. I think it’s ’cause that’s where Mom sits most of the time.
My next favorite place is in one of Riley’s beds. Maybe some day I will grow big enough to fill it up.
Last night Daddy was working on his computer at the kitchen counter. His coat fell on the floor, and it looked like a good place to snuggle so that I could be near him. I don’t get to see my Daddy very much ’cause we work at different places, and I miss him.

Riley likes to sleep on the orange chair in the living room. Daddy says it used to belong to my Auntie Jen, but now Riley has claimed it. They are almost the same color, te, he.


I haven’t seen Riley for a long time. Mommy said that him and Andrew are moving out. Riley will take his beds with him, so I won’t have anywhere left to sleep! Well, Mommy realized the same thing when we went to the Smart Pet Place on Lucy’s birthday. When we walked in the door, there was a great big bin with 87 dog beds, all in my exact size, and they were marked down to eight dollars. Mommy said that was a great deal and grabbed one as we were going through the line to pay for all of Lucy’s goodies. I refused to use it for a few days. I think I was in denial about losing Riley’s beds Riley moving out. But now I really like my new bed and sleep most of the night in it. A blanket and a squeaky bone toy that matches the bed all came with it. Sometimes I drag the blanket around the house with me. The bed and blanket are starting to smell like me, a good smell, not a new-from-the-store smell.

OK, I’ve got to go get ready for work now. ❤ puppy kisses

I am Xena the Schnauzer Warrior Princess with comfy beds

Snow and My New Bedtime Equipment

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia25 Comments

 

Did I tell you it did something called snow here on Tuesday? We left work early before the white stuff started falling out of the sky.

It’s time to go home already? I haven’t had my lunch!

Later, when me and Lucy went outside to potty, there was snow all over the ground. I didn’t like it much, but I did what I had to and went back in the house. Lucy had seen snow when she went to Ill in Noise with Daddy over Christmas. She didn’t seem to like it much either.

“What the dog is this stuff? Oh yeah, I remember now.”


“Let me in! It’s not supposed to do this here.”

The next morning we went to work late, so Mommy used the time to make me another shirt just like the first one, but it’s a large instead of a medium. She’s gotten faster, too. The first one took 3 1/2 hours. This one only took about 1 1/2 hours! I am wearing it in the picture of me (at the top).

Mommy didn’t want the Looster to be jealous of all my fine new clothes, but she can’t find a pattern big enough for her. Instead, she ordered her a new coat from Mrs. Amazon. It is a late birthday present, since the Smart Pet place didn’t have any to fit her, either.

It’s got snaps underneath and the big fleece collar is her hood that snaps on and off. It will keep her warm when it gets cold outside again. Maybe she will stop pulling my sweater off me now!

Finally, here’s my surprise…my new bedtime equipment:

This is what’s called a game-changer. Or steps. They used to belong to Angel Lexi, but that’s me on them now. I don’t have to wake Dad up to put me back in bed anymore. I go zoom! up and down so fast, maybe it is part of my super powers!

I am Xena the Schnauzer Princess Warrior with bed steps

My Work Week

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia36 Comments

First, before I say anything else, I want to tell you about a wonderful new device Mom gave me that has changed my life…well, at least my night. But Mom has been remiss in taking pictures, so she says I need to wait to say more. *whine* Soon, I promise.

Three times a week my day starts out the same as any other day – you know, out to potty, in the kitchen to eat brekkies, out to potty. But that is where it takes a turn.  I get my face – and sometimes all of me – washed. And brushed. And get one of my cuteness walking vests on. Then I get in the car and shake most of the way to the church. I’m still working on that bravery thing.

Once at work, there is the obligatory greeting people and deciding if I should wag, growl, bark or hide. Sometimes Miss Beth comes in and puppy holds me. It has become our “thing.” Have I mentioned that I love Miss Beth? I would like to take her home with me, but she says, “No thank you, I have my own home.”

Every day I carry my work equipment to the hallway outside our office. From there I can better see everyone coming and going.

By mistake I followed Mommy downstairs to the Parents’ Day Out area. There were lots of little people there, and one wanted to pet me. I tried to flee back to my office, but before I could get away, Mommy picked me up and let the girl pet my back. It didn’t hurt, but I still don’t trust them.

Sometimes Mommy moves all my work equipment back to my bed. By the end of the week I am exhausted.

I rest on the way home, and spend time with Lucy until it is time for Daddy to get home.

Sometimes we play bitey-face. And sometimes Lucy justs licks my beard.

Then I get dumped in the stupid playpen until my folks finish their supper. Before bed, I cuddle up to my Daddy.

So, if you need to talk to me on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, you can just come by St. Luke United Methodist Church or ring me up there at work. I will try to make time to visit with you.

I am Xena the working Schnauzer Warrior Princess

Lucy’s Special Day

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia37 Comments

Hi friends, this is Lucy. First, a big thank you to everyone who wished me a good birthday and Gotcha Day. Your wishes worked! We all went to the Smart Pet Store and I got petted by lots of people. One of the workers knelt down to adjust my harness and I gave her lots of sloppy kisses on her mouth. When we got home, Mom put my new collar on me and gave me my cow ear. I never had one before, but I can tell you this: no way was I sharing this yummy goodness with Xena!

Mommy got me two cow ears, yes, two, just for me. She put one away “for later.”  Can you see my pretty new collar? The brown background matches my furs and the dots are bright and cheery, just like me. Mom put extra deer meat in my bowl at supper, and my tummy was full and happy when I went to bed to sleep between my Mom and Dad.

Xena wanted to show everyone her new jammies that our Mom made. My nose is in the picture, so I said it was ok.

Mom told Xena to “say cheese,” and Xena said she never gets any cheese.

Xena has some more news that I told her will have to wait until it’s her turn to write a blog. It’s a sunny 40 degrees (4 C) outside and I am going out to play in the yard now. I think I will roll Xena in the dirt and leaves – she likes that!

Love and Wiggles, Lucy ❤

Lucy’s Gotcha Day

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia28 Comments

Today is my Gotcha Day! I’ve been here with my Mom and Dad for one whole year. It’s also the day Mom and Dad are celebrating my birthday. So far all I’ve gotten is a late breakfast and left home alone. Hey, maybe they went out to get me something special!

When Mom brought me home from Food City Grocery that first day in the truck, Dad asked if I she found me in the  dog food isle. Mom said, “Don’t worry, we’re not keeping her.” And Dad laughed and said, “Where have I heard that before?” (meaning when Mom brought home Riley). Dad’s birthday is tomorrow and he says I’m the best birthday present she could have given him.  Anyhoo, if you want to read more about me and about my first gotcha day just click this link that is also at the top of our blog. Since I’m only two years old today, the page you go to isn’t very long. I’ll be adding more later, I hope.

Love and wiggles, Lucy

How I Got a New Shirt

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia34 Comments

I told Mommy my jammies are getting too small. Daddy said I am just getting too big. Huh? Anyhoo, Daddy went to work and Mommy shut me in the bathroom all by myself except for my bed and my bully horn and my Christmas reindeer, and went shopping. I thought that was strange since I always go to the store to try on my clothes. Except for the last sweater she bought me at a stupid store that doesn’t allow dogs, but I like my sweater.

When she got home the first thing she did after putting away our new meat and taking me and the Looster (he, he, do you like my new nickname for Lucy?) for a walk, was to open up all this paper and cloth and lay it out on the kitchen counter.

Mommy said she got something called a pattern so she could make me lots of new clothes. Woo hoo! Some of the paper pattern fell on the floor, so I tried to help.

Mommy kept wrapping the paper around my neck and body. It made funny crinkly noises, but I didn’t freak and got a cookie for being a good, brave girl.  87 hours later (Mom’s note: 3 1/2 hours), I had my first new outfit. Mommy said there is enough material to make another one for when this one gets dirty. A-a-a-and, she got some really soft, cozy, warm cloth to make me jammies for the cold nights. I think she better get busy while I work on my bully horn!

Pee S: Can you see the pretty pansies she put on the back of my new shirt?

Pee Pee S: I think Lucy is jealous.

I am Xena the Schnauzer Warrior Princess with a snazzy new outfit.

Friday Food for Thought …

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia28 Comments

…and health.


This chart comes from a full article in dogsnaturallymagazine. I try to feed as many of these different foods as possible. For us, palm fruit oil translates into coconut oil. I buy it in the biggest container I can find from Amazon.

I also avoid corn and other grains and starches in my dogs’ diet. And while feeding fish is great, the smaller the fish, the less mercury poisoning.

I recently learned that fish in dog food is not protected by the national ban on a particular preservative used in dog and cat food . This cancer-causing preservative is added right on the boat to fish destined for pet consumption.

Finally, I just found out that even my “natural, sugar-free, nothing but peanuts” peanut butter is not a good thing to feed. *sigh* Go ahead, read the article. *sigh*

So no more PB for me or Lucy or Xena. Guess I’ll check out cashew butter and almond butter. The hubby eats those because of a peanut allergy. And yes, the dogs eat healthier than I do, but I am going to try to make small changes in my diet, too. I’ve already dropped sugar (again) and have almost dropped dairy (again). There are those few pieces of leftover pizza in the fridge calling my name. I feel the physical affects of both these food types, so it’s not so hard to justify banning them from my life. Maybe I should make a policy of “if it doesn’t go in my dogs’ bowl, it doesn’t go onto my plate,” the difference being that my meat will be cooked.

So, no New Year’s Resolutions in this household…just some thoughtful changes that may be coming my way.

Wishing everyone good health and long life, Amy

Piper’s 14th Birthday

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia25 Comments

Today, January 10, 2018, my nephew Piper turned 14 years old. Diabetes, congestive heart failure, and all, he has a strong will to keep on keeping on, and we are so glad for that. Here are some memories of his time with us.

This is his head shot from a photo shoot he was in with his Mama and his brother Milo, who is now, sadly, waiting at the rainbow bridge. It was taken almost eight years ago, and is my favorite picture of Piper. He’s such a handsome boy.

This next one also has to be one of my favorites. Piper is the skunk closest to the camera. I only know this for sure because Lexi never moved or lifted her head during the whole time they were forced to wear the humiliating costumes.

I like this one of Piper in the doggie toy store because he looks like a Scottie. It was just the camera angle, but it makes me laugh. Folks always get Schnauzers and Scotties mixed up when they don’t know much about either breed.  You’ll notice he’s a frugal boy, checking out the clearance section. Or maybe he just thinks he’ll get more that way.

The next two are from 2015, a year before Lexi left us. Isn’t it funny that Piper is on our left of Lexi in most of their pictures. Maybe she thought of him as her “right hand man.” 

Piper joined everyone in Blogville to honor her on Eat a Treat for Lexi day.

Prior to the last move to the Nashville area in 2017, Piper had started going deaf, and his eyesight was failing. I think he was wishing everyone would get unpacked and settled in. And maybe that I would give him some of what I was eating…

Piper, you are for sure our Super Dog today. Happy Birthday, sweet, precious, huggy boy. Your Aunt Amy sends tons of love your way.

Bedtime Ritual

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia31 Comments

I kinda’ worried my Mommy the first time I grabbed the blanket to make it into my bed.

Lots of our sheets and towels and blankets have holes in them from Riley, er, He Who No Longer Exists, chewing them up. So, naturally, Mommy thought I was turning into another blanket chewer. He, he.  I use my mouth to move things to where I want them, that’s all.

I use my front feet, too, and soon I get things just right.

What do you do to get ready for bed?

Everyone have a warm and cozy night.

I am Xena the domestic Schnauzer Warrior Princess

Our Portrait

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia35 Comments

I was just thinking about all the yummy food I get to eat. Besides all the meat -that is always my favorite – I eat steamed broccoli and turnip greens and kale and mustard greens and carrots. I get pickled beets and sauerkraut and tiny tomatoes and kala…, er, Mommy how do you spell those olives? k-a-l-a-m-a-t-a. Yep, that’s them. And eggs, yep don’t forget them eggs. Mmmm. And coconut oil and krill oil and sardines, too. And fresh fruit when we can get it, like berries and apples and and applesauce, too. And pumpkin and other squashes. Can you tell I like to eat? Mommy says I wouldn’t be a schnauzer if I didn’t love food.

Lucy: Xena, I thought there was something else you wanted to show our friends.

Xena: Oh, you mean the picture from when you ran off and almost missed getting our special picture made!

Lucy: No, no there’s no pictures of me running off!

Xena: But that’s what the picture always reminds me of when I look at it. That’s the day you got double grounded. Hey, are you still double grounded?

Lucy: I don’t know. *hangs head* Mom and Andrew never let me out to run around loose in the yard any more. *mumbles* I think that’s why Riley dumped me.

Xena: What are you mumbling about Lucy?

Lucy: Nothing! Just drop it, OK?

Xena. OK, it didn’t sound interesting anyhow. So, here is our family picture!

I am Xena the Schnauzer Warrior Princess.

A Lesson in Bravery

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia39 Comments

I was laying here on the couch thinking about the message my Grammy sent me. It was about sunbeams helping me find my guardian angels or them find me or us find each other. Something like that.

Next thing I knew, I was engulfed in a sunbeam. My Guardian Angel Lexi appeared and told me to listen (click on the picture below):

Angel Lexi is still trying to help me have more courage, and not be so afraid. She said she is very proud of me for being such a good puppy. I never chew up anything and I listen to my Mommy and now I always potty outside. She said it was very good that I like Mommy to hold me and love on me, since that is something Mommy missed with her. My guardian angel also said that she sees some of her own traits in me, like how I have started laying by myself on whatever furniture isn’t occupied instead of with my Mommy or Daddy; or how I am so good on the grooming table, but slowly, very slowly, creep to the edge.

It all felt so peaceful, I quietly fell asleep next to my Christmas reindeer, where I dreamed of slaying dragons, flying with Angel Lexi, and riding in the car without shaking.

I am Xena the Schnauzer Warrior Princess (at least in my dreams)

A Sunbeamy New Year

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia25 Comments

 

Xena: Lucy, why do you look so funny, like you have sun stripes?

Lucy: It’s probably the same bright light right next to you, Xena.

What light? Oh!

It goes all the way down…and if I follow it…

There’s my ball on the other side. I wonder if I can cross the sunbeam. I’ve heard you’re never supposed to cross light streams.

Lucy: Since you’re a dog and not a light stream, I think it would be ok.

Xena: There’s the bully horn on this side of the light.

Lucy: He, he, now your butt looks like mine did in the light, he, he.

Xena: So how’s this for butt in the light? I’m gonna chew up your bully horn.

Lucy: *fake sniffle and sob*

Xena: Aw, Lucy, I’m not really going to chew it up. You’re the bestest sister and friend in the whole world.

Happy New Year from your friends in Chattanooga.

Lucy, Xena and peeps

 

 

Lucy’s Home

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia29 Comments

 

Lucy header

 

Lucy in sweater Dec 2017

I’m home! I didn’t think me and Dad would ever get home. We left Ill in noise at 5:30 in the morning with the temperature at 6 degrees below zero. That’s minus 21 sell see us, per Mom. I never understood why Mom made me get that sweater from the smart pet place until I went to Ill in noise. It was so cold there that I thought my furs were going to freeze up and fall off.  I started grabbing my sweater from the couch and taking it to Dad when I needed to go out. That, plus running a lot, helped.

Oscar never did warm up to me. And I bet he would have been warm to cuddle up to. On Christmas night, Dad’s sister and her husband and Daisy the Aussie mix dog came to stay. Do you know what Oscar did? He played with Daisy! I. Am. So. Mad.

On the drive home we had to wait to get through traffic with two axy dents. Plus, it took me forever to find a good place to poop. What Mom? TMI? But it did! OK, sorry. Now, where was I? We didn’t get home until almost 9 o’clock at night. Dad was sick so he went to bed. I pretty much fell over from exhaustion.

Lucy sleeping in library dec 2017

I felt better this morning, but Dad missed work and spent the whole day in bed. Come to think of it, he’s still there. Good thing Mom came home from work and gave me my supper. I thought maybe Xena would stay home with me today, but she said she had too much to do at work. I’ll let her tell you about that…

Xena on her puter at St Luke

Hi, this is Xena! You see, I had to get my new super puter set up at work. The one I got for Christmas. Then I had to learn how to use it and get to work. You can see here that I am figuring out how to turn it on.

Xena on her puter at St Luke 2

I finally got it turned on. There was a squirrel on the screen, but I was trying to find the mouse. Later Mommy told me the mouse was hiding underneath my puter. I did the best I could with a squirrel instead of a mouse, and got a lot of work done today.

Lucy: Thanks, Xena, I’ll take it from here.

Lucy-Riley on couch 12-17-17

It was good to see my guy Riley again. We pretty much just hung out. Then Xena got home from work.

Lucy-Riley on couch 12-17-17 #2Xena: Hey, what are you guys doing? Anyone want to chase me? Play keep-away? Tug-of-war? Anything?

Lucy-Riley on couch 12-17-17 #3We ignored her until she got bored and went away. It’s gotten to be bedtime, so I’ll sign off for now.

Love and wiggles, Lucy the travelling bully

Pee S: The weather person said it is supposed to get even colder up in the north, so, friends, stay in and stay warm and be sure to wear your sweater when you go out to potty.

Xena’s First Christmas

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia26 Comments

It’s been weird not having Lucy here to pick on play with. So I have spent a lot of time antagonizing playing keep-away with He-Who-No-Longer-Exits [Riley].

Quick Mom, help me before H.W.N.L.E. gets the bone.

Too slow! I better run into the other room with it. 

(Mom’s note: There were 3 bones, but, as usual, no one wanted the 2 that no one had.)

Then it was Christmas Eve. I was so excited! I knew I had to go to sleep before Santa would come.

Hurry, Mommy. Get my jammies and jump in bed with me. Santa’s coming!

Why aren’t you getting in bed Mommy? Where’s my jammies?

Mom: It’s only 6 o’clock, Xena.

*sigh*

It was finally Christmas morning and Santa had come. I must have been a very good puppy, ’cause I got my new V-Tech puter from G.W. Mommy helped me turn it on and it told me to choose an activity.

I chose to play with my ball and Tiger at the same time. I thought that must be a pretty advanced activity. Tiger used to belong to H.W.N.L.E., but he had to pay Tiger to me as his fine for deading Raccoon.

 

Then I opened my other present…what is this?

Hey, this paper tastes pretty good! Thanks, Mommy.

Seriously, Mommy, what is this?

A little later…mmmm, cardboard.

And later still…a bully horn! It’s kinda big, but I think I can conquer this, ’cause I am….

Xena the Schnauzer Warrior Princess, wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas.

P.S. Lucy told me that she will be home late tomorrow. And that even though she tries her best, Oscar the cat remains stubbornly hostile toward her.

P.P.S. When I asked Mommy what Santa did all day on Christmas, she said he relaxed and rested with his own babies.

Mystery Solved

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia30 Comments

Woof to all my friends! I didn’t mean to leave everyone in suspense. It’s just that I didn’t know any more than Xena did about where Dad and I were going. We drove for a long time before stopping for the night. We had a huge bed, sized for a king, so I slept right in the middle, up against my Dad. I wanted him to feel warm and safe, you know. Mom had packed my raw diet in portions for Dad to feed me breakfast in the hotel. I know that ’cause I had watched her weigh, package and label it all. So the next morning Dad dumped my breckies food into my bowl. Dad didn’t know how fast I always eat that yummy meat, so he thought I didn’t get enough and gave me another package! Woo hoo! Score! (Later Mom told him not to do that, and that he would have to come up with another meal for me!)

We piled back into the car and kept going into colder weather. Finally, we ended up at my grandma’s house in Illinois, where there was another surprise waiting. A cat had moved in. I tried to give a friendly greeting to Oscar, my grandma’s new cat. After sniffing me, he swatted my nose! Ow!! How rude!

I decided to leave Oscar alone the rest of the night and see if he felt any friendlier in the morning.

The next morning, after my first outie with my Dad, I wanted to go downstairs to my bedroom. Oscar growled, “Thou shalt not pass.” Huh?

I took this to mean I should run really fast down the stairs.

Speaking of running, Dad has been letting me run off-leash during the day when we go outside together. I run really, really fast and always come right back to him when he calls.

I spend time with my grandma during the day but I can’t sleep with her at night because of Oscar. Darn cat. Well, I’m still trying to win him over, and then we can both sleep with grandma.

Mom, be sure and tell Riley and Xena where I am and that I will be coming home after Christmas.

Love and wiggles, Lucy the un-grounded