Lucy: For those of you who don’t know Ella, she’s my BFF. Her folks are Mom and Dad’s BFF’s so that works out good. But she lives 3 hours away and we don’t get to see each other much. This is Ella from several years ago.
We love each other. We’re always so happy to be together.
But everyone just found out on Wednesday that she’s dying. Cancer.
We were hoping she would at least make it through the weekend. Me and Mom packed to leave after work on Thursday to go see her and tell her we love her and say goodby before she crosses the Rainbow Bridge. Then, we got the texts from her Mom. She wouldn’t eat or drink. She wouldn’t potty. She could barely walk. She was struggling to breath. She was in pain. The joy in her life was completely gone. They had a final vet appointment for 3:30 on Thursday, the day we would have gone to say goodbye and give her all our love. Now she’s gone. We just came home instead of making the three hour trip there. Nothing will ever be the same without my BFF. I hope her brother, my boyfriend, Achilles is OK.
Ella’s Mom made this memorial for her.
Goodbye Ella. We hope you find your little schnauzer brother Piper and chase the bunnies with him again. You will be always in our hearts.
Hi folks, it’s Chia week around here. It started with me going to Mom and Dad’s church last Saturday where the priest “blessed” me. Dad said Father Robert would have to drive the demons out first, but the priest just laughed and said the blessing would take care of it. Then Mom took me to a place called The Greenway where there’s a huge dog park and lots of trails to walk. What was even better was that I got to walk the trails twice cause the first time Mom lost her glasses and we had to go try to find them. I walked really nice, too, probably cause I had just gotten blessed! In fact, I’ve been a very good girl all week (so far), so maybe the blessing did help make me a better girl! In fact, I’ve been so good that Mom said I could do the poem today. With lots of wags and thanks to Angel Sammy for the picture this week and for Brian’s Home Blog for Thankful Thursday, here’s my poem.
I’m Blessed and Not a Stinker by Chia
I’m tired of being a bad girl, tired of being a stinker, Tired of wearing this costume, so now I’ll be a sinker. I’ll just jump in the river and go to doggie heaven. But what are those folks doing? They’re yelling, “No! That is a sin!”
“Hang on, dear poochie,” said they. “We’re here to save and love you! You’re blessed and good (and pretty.) We promise we won’t eat you. They carried me back to safety. I ran on home to Mommy. I really love my Lucy. I’m blessed and not a skunkie.
Thankfuls, hmmm. I’m really thankful that I get to sleep in the big bed with Mom and Dad every night. I’m thankful that I get to eat the best food ever. I’m thankful for my sister Lucy…well, and for Xena too. She’s funny, she keeps grabbing toys to get me to play with her. And sometimes she even drags her bed into the living room like it is a stuffed animal to get me to play. And I’m thankful for Riley, too. He’s not so bad, ya know? OK, I’m gonna go cuddle up with Lucy now and take my nap.
Gracie was one of Angel Lexi’s only dog friends. She’s a very smart little shih tzu, and fun to be around. She came and stayed with our folks for a couple of weeks to try to help them right after Lexi crossed the bridge. She came back regularly as her folks went out of town to visit, and often made trips with our folks. This is the 3rd time in the last two or three months that Gracie’s spent a week with us. We all like Gracie and we think she likes us too.
Me and Gracie, we went for a special walk today around the neighborhood, just us two with Mommy. And with our neighbor Miss Pam. She walked with us too. And with our shadows. **humming “Me and My Shadow”**
Happy Tuesday! From Xena and Miss Sandee at Comedy Plus, who is hosting Happy Tuesday Blog Hop!
Thanks to The Cat on My Head, for hosting Sunday Selfies! Jentry and My Person Andrew just left. That’s why I’m late posting this. They come almost every Sunday for a family dinner and visiting. I’m happy Dad Jeff came up with that idea. He must have known what I wanted.
Mom Amy moved my bed and pillow to the guest room. It’s so much quieter and out of the way of traffic. I get really good snoozes here. Happy Sunday, my friends. *wags* Riley
Well, since I’m the male of our 4-legged pack, I said I would investigate the house in this picture and write the poem. If you look closely, you’ll see that’s not a tree behind the house, it’s a monster. When I realized this, I high-tailed it out of there as fast as my legs could carry me! But I’ve still got a poem for you.
The Scary Goon Behind the Castle by Riley
Wednesday, are you going home to your scary castle? Morticia’s there with Dad Gomez and Lurch, your trusted vassal. But who’s that goon in your backyard, with him I wouldn’t wrassle! I’m outa here, I’m headin’ home, to my less scary passel.
That experience has made me thankful there’s nothing scarier than the vacula in our house. And lately I’ve been taking it on when Mom Amy starts pushing it around the floor. Oh yeah, I’ve attacked it once or twice. Mom Amy just laughs and tells me to go somewhere it isn’t.
Mom Amy: I’m thankful our Riley, at the ripe old age of 13, is still with us, going on walks, attacking the vacuum, and even occasionally playing with Chia. I’m also thankful the insurance company is paying for the new roof we got this week. It seems every time the wind blew another piece of our old roof flew off onto the ground.
Daddy, isn’t Mommy coming out to take my selfie on your lap? She needs to hurry. I just ate and I’m getting sleepy.
A few minutes later…
Jeff: Amy, I think it’s too late for a selfie. Amy: I’ll catch her or maybe Chia wanting their pictures taken a little later.
“A little later”….sleeping with stuffies…
Xena with Riley’s Racky DChia with Brownie Bear
Many thanks to Miss Sandee at Comedy Plus for hosting Awww Monday, and to The Cat on My Head, for hosting Sunday Selfies (even if we are a day late and not much of a selfie!)
Thanks to Angel Sammy for the picture this week and Angel Brian’s Thankful Thursday. I wrote this poem before Brian made his trip to the Rainbow Bridge. *wipes eyes* So after debating whether to publish it or not, I decided that Brian would have wanted me to. Here it is, in honor of my friend Brian.
Keep Tryingby Chia
Ever have that thought Almost impossible to do, Hoping to not get caught While folks stick to you like glue?
I want to be in charge here Of all that’s said and done. I want to be the alpha; It sure does sound like fun!
I want to run the neighborhood Without any restraints; Daily checking along the fence And always both the gates.
I want to be the one most loved By both my Mom and Dad, Not the one told, “Bad dog!” I’m not usually so bad!
I may never be in charge Or alpha of my pack. I may never run the neighborhood (with permission) Or the favorite of my pack.
But I’m not a quitter!
Seriously, I’m really thankful for my home and my family and my yummy food and my walks and everything else that goes with being the youngest one of the pack. I know my folks love me a lot. Daddy holds me and rubs my belly in the evening, and Mommy kisses me and scritches me and lets me cuddle up to her back in bed and make sure I’ve got a blanket to burrow under. And she doesn’t even complain when I kick her in bed ’cause I’m having a wild running dream. And I love my pack. I just wanna be in charge, ya know? *sigh*
Pee Ess: True confession…this morning Mom walked away from all 4 of our dog bowls on the counter that she was filling with veggies and meat for our supper tonight. So while she went to the bedroom for something, I ate all the meat (except Riley’s, cause his bowl didn’t have any in it yet). I’m a Bad Dog again, but I have a happy tummy. For now. Except it’s starting to not feel quite as good. Oops, gotta go!
We’re all thankful for the time we had getting to know Brian and his siblings. We love you, Angel Brian!
Xena: This is the poem we promised y’all yesterday. It was one of many nursery rhymes in Rock City’s Fairyland Cavern. Mommy re-wrote it underneath, too, in case it was hard to read in the picture.
THERE WAS A LITTLE GIRL Who had a little curl right in the middle of her forehead, and when she was good, she was very, very good, and when she was bad, she was horrid.
Chia: That’s the poem????
Xena: I want to thank Comedy Plus for helping me publish this post so all our friends can read the poem we’ve dedicated to Chia!!
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
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!!
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.
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!
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: 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 Downby 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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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”.
I'm Dalton, a Rat terrier mix and I came here in Sept, 2017, I was rescued from Hurricane Harvey. My birthday is 8-20-2016. My Gotcha Day is 8-27-2017. And I am Benji, a terrier mix of unknown origin. MY Birthday is June 6, 2018, and my Gotcha Day is Dec 28, 2018. I also was a rescue from a different part of Texas. We also have Angel MrJackFreckles, (2-5-2018); and also we have Angel Minko, (6-18-2017); and Angel Pipo, (11-3-2020);There are also Angels Groucho, Simba, Suki, & Toki. We meezers used to be known as WeBeesSiameezers. We'e all from Michigan, Dalton and Benji both came here from Texas, as rescues..
Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess with Lucy and Chia 