We are happy to join The Cat on My Head for Sunday Selfies.
Riley: It’s finally my turn to do a Sunday Selfie.
I can’t believe you photo bombed my first selfie, Lucy.
Sunday Selfie with Riley
Tag: dog blog
Lucy in the Red Chair
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.
Wordless Wednesday Playing
Thanks to Comedy Plus
for hosting the Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop.
Don’t worry, Mom turned our video into a silent film for “Wordless Wednesday.”
Awww Monday with Riley
Return from Hibernation
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
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 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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Happy Lucy Tuesday
Valentines
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
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.
Awww Monday on Video
We are joining Comedy Plus with much thanks for hosting Awww Mondays.
Grooming with Mom: Lilly and Master Chief
Lucy, ace reporter here on the groom beat.
First in the news today is Master Chief, a 5 1/2 year old yorkie poo. Chief’s last groom was here in May of last year. You’ve met Chief before; perhaps I should say before he looked like this!
His dad said they had a death in the family, from which they are just now recovering and catching up on some things. He asked for Chief to be shaved down. (That’s a grooming term.) We understand and are here to help. Chief is a nice dog who doesn’t want groomed. Even so, Mr. All Over the Table Wiggle Butt could not outwit Groomer Mom.
Chief got a football scarf to wear with his goofy smile. We think he feels lots better. His dad got some advice on weight control for Chief. He said he already switched Chief to a low-cal food, but will also start adding some green beans in place of some of the kibble.
Next up is a new-to-us Havanese (mix?) girl. Lilly lives in Cincinnati with her mom and dad. We also know them as “the in-laws.” Their daughter is married to our Episcopal priest, and they have a baby due on Easter! So Lilly has been here in Chattanooga with her pawrents a lot and not near her regular groomer. Mom failed to get a “before” picture, but believe me, Lilly was not in terrible shape. Although we aren’t sure she could see anything… Here’s her after picture.
Lilly is a very good girl and used to being groomed. Groomer Mom told Lilly’s mom to bring her back any time they’re in town.
That winds it up for this week’s edition of Grooming with Mom. Hope all your treats and grooms are good.
XOX from Lucy Ace Reporter
New Puppy Cousin on Awww Monday
We are joining Comedy Plus with much thanks for hosting Awww Mondays.
We have a new cousin. Her name is Jemma and she lives in Apple River, Illinois, way, way up north, almost to Wisconsin. Her pawrents are my Daddy’s sister Jen and his niece Josie. Jemma is a Border Collie mix.
Jemma is growing really, really fast. I think she was born last summer in July. We haven’t gotten to meet her yet since she is an eleven hour drive away from us. But, since she’s part of the family, I wanted to share the good news with all my friends.
Our Grandma loves to have Lucy to come visit and sleep with her. I’ve never been allowed to go. *pout* I have to stay home with Mommy while Daddy makes the long drive. But Jemma lives only a few minutes from Grandma’s, so Jemma fills up her love tank. In the last picture you can see how big Jemma has gotten. I hear rumours that me and Lucy are going to get to go visit them this summer. We sure hope so!
XOX from Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess
Friday Freestyle
Hi everyone! Guess what I’ve been doing on the weekends…Freestyle training! I even got a new kennel to use when I’m at the Obedience Club of Chattanooga (OCC). I think Mommy laid it down on it’s side, he, he, but it still worked. Don’t I look pretty in purple?
Mommy said I get to stay in it for a while every time we are at training – and each time further away from her – so I don’t bark and carry on when we get to the Trial in May. Mmm hmm. sure Mommy, I’ll let you keep thinking that. Then surprise!
In our club there’s just me and Mommy and the little pug mix Nina and her Mom Julia. Julia is officially Mommy’s trainer. When she gets Mommy to do it right, everything works better…even me! This video is from the last time we were there rehearsing and learning better ways to do things. Please remember we are what’s called a work in progress. Heck, even the music is. Mommy edited the music and Daddy hasn’t gotten around to smoothing it out yet, so please don’t judge. I’ll have enough of that up in Cleveland, Ohio in May.
We hope you have a real good weekend with lots of together time.
Love and hops, Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess
Reindeer Love on Wordless Wedneday
Thanks to Comedy Plus
for hosting the
Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop.
Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess with Lucy and Chia 