Priscilla, you know you can’t push me out of this chair, right?
Priscilla: I don’t know until I try.
They’re coming, I just don’t know when. It’s daylight. I thought they would have been here by now. What’s taking them so long? You can keep scratching there, Prissy, that feels good.
They’re here! Let’s go welcome our best friends!
Happy Fourth of July, Achilles! *wag, wag, wag*
Hi Lucy! You look as beautiful as in my dreams, girlfriend. Hey, do you like my new camo outfilt? I wear it when I’m itchy. Do you think I look silly?
Lucy: *swooning* You look like Rambo. He’s this tough, sexy guy on TV. Only you’re much more handsome.
Does it look good from this angle, too?
Ella: Come on Lucy, let’s go play a little. I can’t play too hard, though. I’m mostly better, but I’m still recovering from surgery. I almost died, you know.
Lucy: No!! Don’t even say that. Let’s go hang out. Are you coming, Achilles?
Achilles: What do I smell on the counter? It smells sweet.
Lucy: Oh, it’s just the 4th of July cake Mom made. She doesn’t share cake with us, but you might get some fruit later. Let’s go outside with everyone.
Achilles: Hmm. I think it’s too hot out.
I’ll just lay down here near the cake on the cool floor. You girls go on.
Xena: Where’s Achilles? I don’t trust him.
To be continued…
Lucy, Ella, Achilles and Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess
I have to make this kinda’ quick, cause I just found out my bestie, Ella, and my guy, Achilles are on their way. They are visiting me for a week while their folks go somewhere else. Ella was real sick a couple of weeks back, and ended up having surgery and on heavy antibiotics. It had something to do with her gut. I am so happy she’s ok and able to make the three hour trip!
Now, to do my 4th of July post…
For those who aren’t from here: On July 4th, the Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence, which had been written largely by Thomas Jefferson. Though the vote for actual independence took place on July 2nd, from then on the 4th became the day that was celebrated as the birth of American independence.
Today, in honor of all the men and women who helped make us a free nation, I told Mom I wanted to post my video from two years ago. As a repost, we didn’t know how to delete the comments from then, so please feel free to just add some woofs, meows and howdys to them!!
Starring Lucy Directed, Edited and Produced by My Dad
After saying a prayer of thanks that all the ideas that Tyebe and Shoko of The Canadian Cats and Da Phenny, Neilson and Katty of Easyblog threw out – such as beer can chicken and squirty whip cream – really did get thrown out, we had to sit down and think up what we like to eat in the summer. Me and Xexe immediately agreed on the frozen treats Mom made for Xe’s birthday. That recipe is at the end, so that you will remember it best. Mom finally decided on the cold soup she’s been making this summer. She likes it and Dad asks for it a lot. Besides the taste, one of the things Mom likes about it is how quick and easy it is to make. So here we go…
Chilled Lemon Basil Avocado Soup
Ingredients: 2 ripe avocados, peeled and roughly chopped 1 C coconut milk 1 C vegetable broth about 1 tsp of fresh lemon zest (original recipe called for 1 Tbsp, but I thought too lemony, so adjust if you just love lemon flavor) 1 Tbsp lemon juice (adjust to taste) 1 Tbsp white wine vinegar 1 Tbsp lemon or regular basil 2 tsp minced shallots (can substitute leeks or onion if you don’t have shallots) 1 tsp kosher salt (adjust to taste)
Instructions: Add all ingredients to a blender and puree until very smooth. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavors blend. Best when made the day before. NOTE: The soup will taste very mild when first blended, so wait before adjusting seasonings. It will end up about this color, or a little darker.
It’s our turn now. Here’s the recipe for
Frozen Banana-Almond Butter (or Peanut Butter)-Cocomut Oil Dog Treats
1 C softened or melted coconut oil 1 C almond or peanut butter 1 medium very ripe banana (sorta’ ripe is ok too)
Dump everything in a bowl and use an electric mixer to get it all mixed together good. Scoop it into an ice cube tray. Makes about 1 1/2 dozen.
Notes: We get almond butter because it’s a lot healthier than peanut butter. Mom had to use a butter knife to loosen the edges to get each cube out. You might want to spray some olive oil in the tray compartments first. Also, the recipe called for filling a plastic baggie with the mixture, snipping the end, and squeezing it into a fancier mold than an ice cube tray. Really? We don’t care what they look like, just give us more! Oh, and they come out about this color.
It’s time to come inside, Xe. Mom’s made our favorite summer treats, and they’re ready!
“You two can stay out of the jungle for awhile. Enough with the hairy visits from reptiles,” scolded Sho.
Tye looked skyward and then at Sho saying, ” We were just goofing around, Sho.”
“Yes,” said Sho with a smile in her voice. “I know you were just having fun.”
“Now we have to get the magic carpet ready for the trip to Canada, Xe and Tye, so let’s pad on down to Aladdin’s Magic Carpets and talk with Gene the Genie about the thruster problem.”
“Sho, look at the new models of Magic Carpets!!” Tye’s blue eyes were wide as dinner plates as she spoke.
“Tye get off that beautiful swirled carpet! Act civilized, you’re not in the jungle now,” Sho said with a smile.
“Look at all the room for my friends, and it’s got my favorite colors! Hey Gene, our thrusters don’t work and they are making sounds like *ouff, puff….poooo-diddle…plop!!* just before they quit. Can you fix them?” asked Tye as she bounced off the new Magic Carpet. “Not the plop sound too!” Gene said with dismay. “Yep, and now they won’t work at all,” answered Sho. “My brother specializes in thrusters, let’s ask him. Gen come look at these thrusters.”
Gen leaped aboard the magic carpet. He listened, then twirled the tassels and spun the rug around twice. Out popped peanuts! Gen hollered “up, up” and the magic carpet purred to life, rising slowly.
“So your problem seems to have been a bunch of peanuts stuck in the thruster mechanism,” he explained. “There are a lot of peanuts here. A few wouldn’t bother the thrusters, but great gobs of peanuts slowly worked into them sure will. The peanuts could have been there for months until they worked down into the chamber.”
PEANUTS!! This was the work of Squash, Squish’s little sister. Sho knew Squish would be horrified if she was aware that Squash was sticking anything in the thrusters, so she decided not to tell Squish.
Sho asked Gene and Gen to check over the invisibility cloak and tune up CADA ( Canadian Activated Device Assistant) because the next trip would be to Canada, the country. “We’ll need first rate advice so Cada should be on her toes, so to speak.” “We’ll get right at it,” the muscle bound Gen stated. “Where in Canada are you heading, the east or the west?”
Sho got this happy distant look on her face and purred, “West, across the Pacific Ocean this time.” “Good choice furry face,” said Gen. “British Columbia is what they call that province. There are many forests throughout BC.”
Sho and Tye’s eyes lit up as they imagined a jungle of trees.
Meanwhile, Xe and Tye were taking turns pretending to fly the new round carpet. Xe stated she had to have a Magic Carpet all her own. “I want to get an updated model with all the bells and whistles.”
Xe was imagining herself flying around, visiting sights. She remembered Paris from when her Mommy took her as a puppy.
“Gene says it will take them a day or so to get all the extras updated and checked for a long flight,” said Sho with a sigh of resignation. “So, if you can tear yourselves away from that new carpet, lets go home and talk with Squish about renting out the house while we’re gone.”
Reaching the hut Canada, Sho put the bag of peanuts from the thruster on the backyard table. Tye leaped into her usual seat, followed by Sho.
“Xe, where’d you go? There’s something I need to tell you both,” said Sho.
“I went out front to play ball with King the Cobra. He plays so good, I told him he could be a ‘ball python,'” quipped Xe. “Hi everyone,” said King with difficulty. It’s hard to talk with your mouth full of ball.
Sho and Tye laughed so hard they fell off their seats into the sand. While they wiped themselves off – and helped King get his fangs out of the ball – Sho told them all about the peanuts and swore them to secrecy. Xe, Tye and King agreed to say nothing to Squish. The four friends sat and enjoyed some banana sundaes from the fresh banana trees close to the backyard.
“Here come Squish and Squash….remember, not a word or you’ll upset Squish and when she’s upset the earth shakes,” warned Sho.
Squish noticed the bag of peanuts right away and asked Sho why she had them cause Siamese hate nuts.
“I found them,” Sho stated as she pushed the peanuts at Squish.
Squish said she didn’t like peanuts but Squash – who had stashed them all over their house – was so happy to see more.
“Can I please have these Sho?” Squash asked. Young Squash was very polite, as Squish wouldn’t put up with a rude elephant for a sister. For a chuckle, Squish asked little Squash if the peanuts were hers. Squash asked where they were found and Sho, who couldn’t lie, said,” Oh they were found in the Thruster Chamber.” Squash turned a darker shade of grey, ran to the edge of the property, and hid her face – or so she thought.
“I’m so embarrassed sis….I hid them in the chamber so I could keep more nuts. I just love ’em!” cried out Squash.
“You know that the peanuts could have caused the magic carpet to jack knife and dump the occupants out,” Squish said with a soft voice. Squish could see that Squash was indeed sorry and decided to let her little sister be. Squish and Squash hugged and Squash ran over to hear about the new Magic Carpet Tye and Xe were conspiring, er, hoping to get.
Story by Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess and Friends Tyebe and Shoko
We are joining Arty, Jakey and Rosy of the LLB Gang for Nature Friday, and thank them for hosting it.
If you missed it, my birthday was on Sunday. You can still send Happy’s and treats if you want. I won’t be upset that they’re late. *woof*
Early in the afternoon on Sunday Mommy drove me to a new-to-us park that we’d heard about that is only a mile away from our house. When we got there, the only road we could find into the tiny park was closed off at both ends. There were about seven people in the pool, and a sign that said road was closed when the pool was open. What the friggin heck? Sorry, I’m starting to pick up some bad habits like swearing now that I’m three years old. That’s legal age in dog years, you know. Speaking of which, Mommy got an adult beverage yesterday and I almost knocked it over trying to drink some and it splashed out onto the table, and Mommy made me get off her lap. What the heck? I’m adult legal now! *sigh* After she cleaned it all up, I got a belly rub instead, and that was good.
So anyhow, since we couldn’t get into this micro-park, we went on down to the greenway where the dog-park-that-we-don’t-go-to is and where there is a very long dog-on-leash walking trail. Mommy said we could go as fast or as slow as I wanted and I could stop to sniff whenever I wanted cause it was my birthday! First I went in the nice green grass on the other side of this building and bridge, and Mommy said, “Uh, Xexe, you missed the trail. Would you like to go over there so we can take a longer walk?”
Wasn’t that nice she gave me a choice? I think being given a choice shows that Mommy thinks I’m grown up now, even if she won’t let me have an adult drink. So I said yes, let’s see what’s on the other side of the bridge.
At first we walked down a gravel path, which soon became just dirt. We reached this fork in the road.
Mommy told me about a Mr. Frost writing a poem about a road that was less traveled and did I want to take that one. I thought about it and decided there must be a good reason it’s less traveled, like maybe there are lions or snakes or monsters or crocodiles down there, so I said no, let’s go down the wide path.
Soon we came to a meadow that was off to the side of the wide dirt path. I took my time and sniffed the grass and the clover.
They were the only flowers we saw on this trip, so if you were expecting flowers, sorry.
Pretty soon we came into a sunnier area with a lot of big rocks. Rocks are nature too, right? More sniffing to do. I think maybe a giant had broken a boulder over his knee and this was what was left of it.
I stopped again to sniff along the edge of the trail where there were some green plants until I heard the warning, “No, there’s poison ivy in there!” So I backed away and continued on the path. Poison ivy is nature we don’t want to experience! We passed several other walkers and joggers and some people, too, and I didn’t bark at anyone!
Next, we saw some slimy, muddy water. Guess what I did!
I know you think I went in it, BOL, but nope, I was a good girl and behaved like I was three years old. This is icky nature.
Soon we came almost to the light at the end of the (tree) tunnel.
I was busy inspecting these big tree roots when Mommy suggested we turn around and go home. I didn’t want to until she said she had a cold treat surprise waiting for me. We couldn’t make cold treat surprises wait on a hot day, could we?!
Maybe we’ll come back soon with Daddy and Lucy and try the road less traveled.
Hey! That’s Achilles, top left, giving me a kiss. And that’s Ella top right. There’s my beary best friends, and my Auntie Jen loving on me.
There’s that crazy Ludwig and of course my own sister, Lucy.
OMD! Here’s more happy birthday wishers. That’s my peeps bro Adam holding me in the car. And Riley — he’s even smiling at me!
Look! Angel Lexi came to wish me a happy birthday, too! Hey, isn’t that my otto man she’s laying on?
Here’s some highlights of my past year as a 2-year-old.
My 1st Agility Certificate
A new pig cousin
My 3rd year at Rock City
My 1st Freestyle Title
In spite of that bad old Mr. Covid, I’ve had a great year. Now, let me show you what I got for my birthday.
I see it. It’s in Mom’s hand…
Hoof, please.
Please, please, please!
I’m hopping for a Hoof!
I’m begging-hoof!
Can you guess? Yes! A great big raw cow hoof!
Lucy got one too (so she wouldn’t try to take mine).
Here’s a short video of me enjoying my cow hoof. By now, my beard was a wreck. But it is all worth the inevitable face wash.
While Lucy and Daddy went in the bedroom to take a nap, me and Mommy went to the “greenway” and took a nice long walk. Well, long compared to the neighborhood walk, anyway. We’re going to save showing you most of that for Nature Friday with LLB & the Gang. Here’s a peek.
Mommy thought I look hot, so she added some butterflies to flap their wings and cool me off, BOL!
When we got back, I threw my cow hoof around a lot, but nobody woke up. So I asked Mommy if there were any more surprises, and she pulled this ice tray out of the freezer. She made me frozen treats, with coconut oil and almond butter, and I don’t even know what else.
Before I go take my nap, I wanted to let y’all know I did get a whole case of XKaliber for my birthday. Doesn’t it sound like a good food for a Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess?
If all birthdays are like this, I can’t wait to turn four.
Well, it turns out that I didn’t get to go anywhere with Mommy today. She left early with a cooler packed with ice bricks, and I saw Daddy packing her lunch. She said bye to me and Lucy and that she would be back, like she always does, just in case we think she is leaving for good.
Me and Lucy and Chippie played for a while until Daddy came upstairs from his basement office and asked what was going on.
By then, we all were worn out. Does that mean I’m getting old?
After we got kefirred at noon (that’s what it’s called when we get served our kefir at lunchtime), we went out on our new porch so we could hang out while we waited for Mommy to come home.
Me and Lucy played chase across the porch, not even slowing for the doggie door. We made a full circle of the yard before we slipped through the door again and onto the porch. I turned and ran back out before realizing that Luce the Deuce, er, Lucy wasn’t chasing me anymore. When I stuck my head in to peek, I realized it was a trap! Just look at Lucy’s tail! She was ready to spring on me! I turned and ran and off we went. We played so hard that once again we fell down exhausted.
87 hours later Mommy got home, and all she carried upstairs from the car was some groceries from Trader Joe’s. With my most excellent ears, I heard her ask Daddy to unload the rest into the downstairs freezer.
“I’m dreaming of a tripe birthday, Not like the ones I’ve had before. Where the innards glisten And Lucy listens To hear if we might be getting more…”
This is Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess, one day away from 3 years old, with this stupid, revised Christmas song stuck in my head.
Xena: Since it’s almost my birthday, can I lay in your Porch Bed, Lucy?
Lucy: You mean the Bed Formerly Known as Riley’s? Sure. I’m good right where I am.
Xena: Did you hear what Mommy was saying earlier about my birthday? She was talking about getting me a special treat and yummy food. She didn’t know I was cooling off behind her chair and could hear every word she said.
Me cooling off behind Mommy’s chair
Lucy: I heard some of it, but I was under the table dozing. I don’t think she saw me, either.
Xena: I also got to see what she had up on her ‘puter screen. Look at this!
(Click on picture for link to site.)
Xena: Then I heard her on the phone with someone saying she wanted the Tripe-stuffed cow hoof and two packs of the plain cow hooves and a case of the XKaliber mix like I used to eat growing up and would you be able to eat it too and I don’t know what the person answered her. Aaaand, she said she wanted to take me with her almost to Atlanta to pick it all up.
She asked if I could eat it, too?!?
Lucy: You know, Xena, you could always ask Mom about it. Even if that ruins her surprise for you, I know you won’t let it go until you find out. Here she comes now.
Xena: Mommy, are we going to Atlanta to get my birthday surprise?
The Mom: No. (We’re actually going to Marietta, north of Atlanta, but I’m not telling her that.)
This is Xena the almost birthday girl, wondering if I should get my ears checked. I was sure I heard her say… *sigh*
Way, way back at the end of March, work began on our patio. Mom said, “It better be done before Memorial Day, ha, ha, ha.” With a few veiled threats from Mom, i.e. “I’m not paying you any more money until this is done, ha, ha,” it got done the Friday before Memorial Day weekend. Dad says it’s not a patio anymore; he says it’s a “porch.”
Dad bought paving stones made out of river rock. You can see in one of the pictures how he arranged them outside the door that doesn’t go into the dog lot. Mom put in the edging, and they are going to get some pebbles or something to fill in the rest of that area.
Did you notice the “sunroof?” It lets in lots of light, and even the living room has more daylight because of it.
Did you notice the aloe plant on the little table. We want to say a huge “thanks” and a few *licks* to our reader who suggested that to heal up the hot spot under my (Xena’s) ear. It worked like magic!
Right away, Mom taught us how to go through the new doggie door. We have gotten very good at it. At first I would get whacked with it when Lucy went first, but then I learned to time it just right.
Mom couldn’t mow the grass in the dog lot the whole time the guys were working on the new porch. It got so high that we played “jungle” in it and sometimes munched on the tall stocks of grass. And there’s areas where the weeds that passed for grass died because of stuff laying on them during the construction. We saw some grass seed last time we went in the shed, so we’re sure Mom will spread some around soon. We heard the mower running tonight. No more fun in the jungle, but we’ll still have lots of fun sunbathing and hunting snakes and lizards.
iley: I’ve been feeling better about being here with Lucy (and Xena). Although I still miss my Dad, I know he’ll come back for me and I might as well enjoy my time here. Right? I’ve started eating more – I really love that sauerkraut and coconut oil that Miss Amy mixes into my food – and I’ve had more energy. Lucy and I run in the big front yard while little Xena runs after us and jumps and barks and growls at me. I finally figured out she’s not trying to be mean or “take me on” but its’ her way of playing. I ignore her, as she usually just bounces off of me. In this video, me and Lucy played kinda rough, so Miss Amy kept Xena away.
Every evening between 7:00 and 8:00 I start barking at Mr. Jeff. Miss Amy always knows what I want, so at first she had to cue him, “Riley wants you to throw his ball.” Now he knows, and we play ball in the house – down the hallway and into the bedroom or the library or the living room. It’s nice to have a guy like my Dad who will play ball with me.
My bed got moved into the living room so I have somewhere other than the hard floor to lay when the family is together in the evening.
As everyone was getting ready to go to bed the other night, Miss Amy noticed that I had stretched out so that my head was hanging off my bed. She knows that I still chew up things – at least stuffies – so she went through the house looking for something she “didn’t care about”. Then she remembered the brown blanket that I had chewed big holes in years ago. She retrieved it from the closet and laid it all bunched up under my head like a pillow. I slept especially good that night.
The next day, when I got up to eat breakfast, that crazy schnauzer ran and jumped into my bed.
She and Lucy eat a lot earlier than I do, so her beard was all spiky-wild from her food. Then she acted like she had to guard my bed so I wouldn’t try to get back in it. Silly schnauzer! I spent the rest of the day in her favorite red chair. That one kinda back-fired on her, didn’t it?
The Mom: I don’t like to wear shoes in the house unless my feet are cold so I often slip them off when I sit down. One particular day, I found a present in one of my sandals.
I don’t know who left it there, but it warmed my heart.
It might have been me. Or Xena. Or Riley. We all love Mom.
Epilogue: Andrew picked up Riley and took him home with him. Riley may be coming back…or he may not. Either way, Lucy and I love having him here. And, I suspect, even the crazy little schnauzer does, even though she would never admit it.
By Riley, Lucy, the Mom and the Crazy Little Schnauzer Warrior Princess
Lucy, Ace Reporter here to tell you about a new groom who came to us as a result of COVID-19. Our client, Angela – who has the schnauzers Sophie and Dexter – recommended us Mom when her friend asked if she knew anyone who was grooming right now.
This is Master Chief – Chiefly for short – before his groom. Mom forgot to get a picture until after she had started, so that’s why you see hair on the table.
Chiefly is a 5-year-old yorkie-poo. He definitely has the tight, curly, poodle hair. He was pretty stressed, as you can see, with his tongue hanging out.
Mom called me to come help calm him down.
Xena ran in the room first and they growled at each other. Then Chiefly growled at me. I knew it was just because he was scared, so I started sending zen thoughts his way. Mom told him that’s what I was doing, and that he should be a good boy and let me help him. He did, and I did. I helped so much that when Xena came running back in and put her front paws on the table to look at him, they touched noses and called a truce. Good boy, Chiefly!
Chiefly’s Mom, Maryanne, said to shave him from his head to the end of his tail. Mom called her to be sure she got it right, cause who gets pretty ears like that shaved, right? The conversation went sorta like this:
Mom: Hi, everything’s good, I just want to check, do you want his ears shaved. Maryanne: Yes, shave his ears please. Mom: You really want his tail shaved? Maryanne: Yes. Mom: What about his face? Maryanne: Shave it. Mom: Shave the whole face, short, like his body? No mustache? No beard? Maryanne: Right. I want him to be cool for the summer Mom: OK, bye.
Chiefly: I look pretty, don’t I?
Yes, Chiefly, you look pretty, or handsome, as the case may be.
Chiefly: Is my Mom coming now? I’m ready to go home.
You can’t see from the pictures, but Mom left a bobble of hair on the end of his tail, almost like a poodle. His Mom and sister loved it, as well as his cool summer cut.
Lucy, Ace Reporter, signing off with another success story.
Where we left off was with a beautiful, 3-point landing of Sho’s magic carpet, right in front of the hut Canada in Tyeland, Shortly afterward, Sho drifted into a deep sleep (probably from exhaustion, although Xe drove all the way there from Tennessee, so Sho shouldn’t have been that tired). If you missed that, you can go read about it here at the Canadian Cats. As Sho lay snoring…
Tye: Are you getting bored, Xe?
Xe: Yes. We need an adventure. *thinking* Hey! Do you remember how we wanted to try stuffing a mouse down a cobra’s throat, but your big sister Sho was always around so we couldn’t do it?
Tye: Yep, and she’s sound asleep in our hut Canada now.
The friends, about to embark on an adventure, take off through the jungle, looking for a mouse and a cobra.
Tye: Hold the snake still! Xe: I’m trying. Maybe there’s a stick or rock that could help. Tye: No!! Don’t let it go! Mouse: Help!! Help!! I don’t want to die! Xe: That mouse screaming for help isn’t helping. And you went up too high in the palm. Cobra: *gurgle* You’re choking me! Tye: I’m hanging down as low as I can without falling. Xe: There’s a little stick I could wedge in the snake’s mouth. Cobra: When I get loose *gurgle* I’m gonna kill you, *gag* you stupid schnauzer. Tye: Forget it, he’ll get you while your back is turned. On the count of 3, we both let go and run as fast as we can. One, two, run!
A short while later…
Sho: *yawn* I had a good nap. Did you two do anything interesting while I was asleep.
Xe: You mean like shove a mouse down a cobra’s throat? Woof, woof! Tye: Yeah, or almost fall out of a palm? Meow, meow, meow. Xe: We waited on you to take a nice walk with us. Sho: You two are so funny. Let’s stroll down the jungle lane to see if there’s anything interesting going on. Some pretty flowers should be blooming this time of year.
Xe, whispering to Tye: Do you think the cobra’s gone? Remember, he threatened to kill me! Tye, whispering to Xe: Maybe, but let’s wear sunglasses or hats just in case, so he doesn’t recognize us. We’ll have to keep a watchout. And “flowers” will be our code word for cobra.
Tye: Do you see any flowers? Xe: Nope, nothing. Sho: Look, I see a flower over here. Tye and Xe: Eeeeek!
At that, Tye and Xe turned and ran (again) all the way back to the hut Canada.
Sho: Those two are so funny together. I’m glad they’re having a good time.
Sho never suspected that the “pretend” story of a cobra and a palm could be true, and she continues to sleep well because of it.
This concludes part 3, but stay tuned for part 4, coming to a blog near you.
The Mom: Why are you staring at me, Riley? What do you want?
Riley: I just ate and I need to go out.
*a few minutes later*
Lucy: Where’d you go, Riley? I saw you go into the woods and thought you had run off.
Riley: Nah, I just had to do my business and I don’t like anyone watching. Besides, why would I mess in my own yard, or in my family’s yard? That’s just nasty. And why would you think I ran off?
Lucy: It’s cause Mom told me she had a dream about you and me running off together through the woods like we used to do a couple of years ago. In her dream, she found you near her old neighborhood and brought you home. But she never found me. She said it was a terrible dream. It woke her up and she never went back to sleep that night. So I am staying out of the woods.
Now, where did Xena go? It’s so hard being the responsible one, trying to keep track of every body.
Xena: I found a hole; two holes, actually. I can smell a critter.
Lucy: What’s in the hole? Don’t you have to go potty?
Xena: I don’t know yet, and I already went. Now will you please be quiet? I need silence. Absolute. Silence.
Xena’s viewpoint: Why, oh why, oh why is he living here with us again?
Riley won’t listen to anything I woof. He watches when I get my food and I’m afraid he’s going to eat it. Even my schnauzer warrior moves wouldn’t prevail against this 70 pound behemoth. Mommy threw my ball for me and Riley got it. When I tried to get it back from him, he hit me in the head with his tooth, and now there’s a hole where my ear meets the top of my head. I screamed and wouldn’t go near him for a few days. I even got behind Mommy every time he came near. And he has taken over my chair, so I can’t lay on the top of it and watch outside. I wish he would just go home.
Riley: Is that my Dad coming?
Lucy’s viewpoint: My buddy is back. He’s 20 pounds bigger than me, but I’m almost as tall as him. Sometimes we run and play in the front yard like we used to do. I love having Riley here. Did I mention he’s my friend?
Riley’s viewpoint: My Dad Andrew brought me over to Lucy’s to visit. Or at least I thought I was just visiting. But then he said he had to stay with friends for a while and I could stay here with his Mom. It’s true that she takes real good care of me and feeds me things I like and gives me pills for itching and pets and scritches me. But I miss my Dad Andrew…a lot.
I’ve had some fun times playing with balls and bones (I didn’t mean to hurt that silly schnauzer). And Lucy is a sweet girl and fun to play with. I’ve been real good. I’ve gone into the woods to potty and not run off. I always wag hello when I see the neighbors on our walks, especially the little kids. I love little kids. The guy working on the patio brought his teeny tiny 3 month old chihuahua and I was very, very careful not to hurt or scare him. We could even be friends if he wants.
I was even sorta, kinda good for my bath and nail trim. OK, so Mr. Jeff had to hold me for the nails, but at least they got cut, right? I even let Lucy have everyone’s favorite red chair this afternoon.
I just miss my Dad Andrew so much. He’s my heart-person. Every time I see the other patio worker guy drive his white truck up the driveway, I think it’s my Dad coming to get me. I get excited and start to bark. Then there’s the let-down.
When are you coming to get me, Dad? I’m OK, but I miss you so much.
I’ve been itching. It’s that time of year, I’m told. At first, Mommy had high hopes that my allergy serum injections would finally keep me from itching this year. I think I’m doing better, but I’m still itchy. My ears itch, so I scratch right under them. Then I always get something called a hot spot. Mommy started treating the new hot spot with some Tea Tree Essential Oil mixed in coconut oil. Then, this morning, Mommy found another hot spot under my other ear. I had been scratching during the night, and no one knew because “dogs aren’t allowed to sleep in the bedroom” anymore. Something about the peeps not getting any rest with us there. So now, Mommy is mixing Oregano Essential Oil in coconut oil and putting it on both hot spots. And I have to wear the cone.
At least I can see the ‘puter and still help Mommy in her home office.
Lucy, Ace Reporter here, with another episode of Grooming with Mom. Today I am featuring Benny, a 2-year-old Cockapoo. Mom first groomed Benny when he was three months old.
Mom hated didn’t like how his face looked in this groom, but it matched the picture his Mom asked for him to look like. Kinda crazy, huh?
We didn’t see him again for a couple of years, and today learned that his Mom had gotten married and moved across town. With the Shelter in Place order, it has been a long time since Benny was groomed anywhere. His Mom remembered bringing him here for his first groom, and called, hoping my Mom was open for business.
Benny has grown into a sweet and loving dog (kind of like me, he, he). He also was a very matted dog from missing all those appointments. His Mom expressed her desire to have him groomed like last time, in a scissor cut, but, if that wasn’t possible because of the mats, ok’d a shave-down. Although Mom did her best to work through the mats, his ears were matted like felt, and the only thing to do was to shave them.
After, that, the rest (of his hair) was history. That also gave Mom the liberty to groom his face and head how she thought looked good. Benny’s Mom was pleased. We may have just saved him from a life-time of ridicule by his peers.
Roxie was one special Cairn Terrier girl. She lived with her Mom and Dad within a short walking distance of us, and her Mom brought her here to be groomed about every 3 months. First, though, Roxie would take a dose of something to calm her nerves about getting groomed, especially having her nails cut. I would often sit next to the grooming table and send Zen thoughts her way. Roxie started coming to us way back in 2013, when she was six.
This picture is when she was about 10. She was so happy to be going home, and had already gotten her beard wet from getting a drink of water.
Mom always gave her a scissor cut, which takes longer and left more time for her and Roxie’s Mom to visit. Roxie’s Mom always had lots of good stories to share, and sometimes brought homemade goodies for them to eat. (I never got any.)
Roxie’s almost 12 in this picture.
Sometimes Roxie would be out in the front yard when Mom took me and Xena for a walk past her house. She would always come over, wagging her tail to say hello and wassup? After a few minutes of visiting she would return to her house and we would return to ours.
We could see her going downhill. She lost a lot of weight and just looked old. In this last picture, her Mom had said to just trim everything short so Roxie didn’t have to keep getting her face washed (like Xena does).
We loved Roxie, and are so sad she had to leave us. POTP for her Mom and Dad.
“A house without a dog is not a home.”
Rest in peace, sweet girl, and please give Angel Lexi our love when you get to the other side of the bridge. She’s probably in the “Oz” section.
Mom never ever makes bread. Or anything else like that. Not from scratch. Daddy is gluten-intolerant, so she says it just isn’t worth it. So today, we’re going to cheat a little bit and give you a recipe that involves something bread-y. Mom says it’s yummy. We wouldn’t know. Neither would Dad. None of us ever get any of it. It’s called Chicken and Biscuit Casserole and it’s easy-peasy. Be sure to check out Mom’s notes after the recipe.
This is a stock photo and the closest we could find for this recipe.
You can use a couple of teaspoons of sugar if you don’t have Stevia. And you can buy those jars of chicken gravy, or make some from scratch if you boiled your chicken. Mom said to be sure to let you know that the 350 degrees is Fahrenheit. If you’re using Centigrade, just use the most common temp that you bake casseroles or cakes on.
Sho: Well, if we had to be stuck somewhere other than Canada during this pandemic, I’m glad it was here with you and Xe. And Tye had the right idea with this spa tub. I – being a cat – didn’t think I would like it. But it’s so relaxing.
Lu: It’s true, Sho. And this inoculation of Corona tastes pretty good. Do you think it would work better if we had it in “shots”?
Both: BOL, MOL, ha, ha, ha, *hic*
Xe: Hey, what are you two doing?
Tye: OMC, I can’t look. I think they’re naked!
Lu: Of course we are, silly cat. None of us wears clothes. Well, except when you put on that strange-looking hula skirt. The real question is, what have you two been up to?
Tye: I flipped Xe the bird. Xe: And then I shot Tye the bird. Both: Yep, we kept flipping each other the bird and it was lots of fun.
*earlier that day*
Tye: I’m so glad we found these old rackets up in your attic. *whack*
Xe: *whack* Me too, Tye. Shoot that angry bird back to me and I’ll flip this one right back atcha.
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 