Tag: dog blog

Getting More Treats: Tips and Tricks

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia33 Comments

I asked my fellow Blogville residents to submit ways they pry treats out of their mostly unsuspecting hoomans, and the response has been great. Read and Learn:

RayFirst, from the pooch who started all this, my buddy Ray :

Getting treats now and then is easy as it only takes a cute look, or an offer to shake a paw etc. If, however, you want to develop treat getting to a fine art, then it will take some work…. but it is well worth the effort. Tip No.1 – Understand your humans’ routines and make sure that you are close by at all food times! The first, and most important step, is to understand (really understand) humans! They may come in all shapes and sizes, and all different personalities, but (contrary to what they believe) they all share similar traits which are useful to for us to understand and use for treat getting. They are, like us, creatures of habit! They establish routines and generally stick to them, so the obvious benefit is to note when they are involved with food. They may be snacking, or preparing food, eating from plates, but when food is on their mind… treats should be on yours! Once you know the routines regarding food, never ever try and go outside during those times because you will simply miss out. Believe me, if you are not around at that time, they will most likely not even think about you. Woof! Ray.
After thinking about this question some more, Ray has one more thing to say:
Tip No.2 – Remember what treats you are given.
This is really important because, although humans are habit driven, they often lose focus and/or forget stuff. As you may know from a recent Post, I got a treat at my usual time however, it was not the treat I usually got. Rather than be satisfied with the fact that I got a treat as usual, I decided that I still needed the treat that I was supposed to get. It worked! I had two treats instead of one!

 

CosmoMy newest friend Kosmo gives this advice:
I just go in front of Dad and start to stare at his eyes. It normally takes a half minute and I have treats on my mouth. Mom is more difficult, if I stare, she asks, are you sick or what is the problem now, but after her two questions, Dad arrives and so on… I get the treats I wanted. Have a treatfull day!
Kosmo, a cat in faraway Finland

 

 

Reilly DennyReilly and Denny, my Florida Cowspot dog friends, have this to say:

BARK BARK BARK – and bark louder – thus the peep will usually give us a treat to keep us quiet – works every time:):)

 

 

ChristmasChristmas, our youngest and very handsome Mayoral Candy Date, gives this advice, although I must warn you. I think his Mom took over his blog, so beware:

Well, here’s a tip my mom told me to share with you all. We do lots of training every day…for da dog shows and for learning new tricks and obedience stuffs. Anyway, if I’ve had enough treats for da day or if she doesn’t want me loaded with treats, she won’t feed me da breakfast and instead she’ll keep my kibbles in a bag and train me for all my daily stuff for about an hour. I am a huge eater so I treat kibbles as if they are treats. It’s a great way to treat throughout the day! Your pal who would still rather have treats than kibble, Christmas

kismet Kismet, my only fine feathered friend, gives sage advice, as usual:

Squawk softly.

Upon asking Kismet if he would add “and carry a big stick,” he replied, “Little stick. That’s all I can get into my beak.”

 

H&ZHailey and Zaphod two more new friends, say this works for them:

In our house, Lady often falls for sad eyes, especially when she is eating something. We stand and we stare until she gives us things.

 

 

SHThis, from my very first Blogville kitty friend, Purince Siddhartha Henry (whom I call S.H., he, he):

Not sure that katss have any speshell to way to signal thee Hu’manss fur treets Lexi; how efurr mee doess! Mee gets on thee counter an sittss UNDER the cupberd with mee foodabullss an treet bags inn it…mee sorta ‘chirpss’ an looks deep inn to LadyMum’ss eyess….. gets her efurry time!!!! Mew mew mew…. Oh an mee eatss Greeniess Dental Katnip flavored crunchie treetss an Greeniess Semi-Moist Chick-hen treetss….. Say it must bee time fur treetss rite???? Bee seein you! 😉  **paw patsss** Siddhartha Henry xxxxx Pee Ess: Iss amee-yow sorta chirp what LadyMum LUVS an it toe-tallee werkss fur mee 😉

 

RileyRiley (my brother) doesn’t have his own blog but still wanted to contribute. He said, “I follow my Dad Andrew around the house, around the yard, or wherever we are, right on his heels to let him know I want a treat. If Andrew sits down, I sit next to him and stare at him – you know, that thing where we plant our thoughts in their heads – until he ‘gets it.’  I don’t stop until I get what I want.”

 

Sam the poodleSam’s Mom, Monika from Tails Around the Ranch tells us about this pawsome method Sam has:

I’m sure all dogs salivate at the thought of a treat and I’ve learned to work on that natural behavior with dimwitted Sam. His claim to fame is he will sit very patiently when we’re at the hospital [Sam is a therapy dog], staring intently at the high value Zuke’s training treats I bring and when I say, “lick your chops,” he’ll lick one side all the while staring intently. Then when I say “lick the other side,” by golly, he will do it. I’ll tell him to ‘do it again!’, and right on cue, there goes the tongue on the other side again. I think it’s just a reflexive thing [sic] but he seems to have made the connection and he now does it routinely on command. The patients and nurses sure love it. It’s the only trick he does. Paws and kisses, Monika & Sam

Piper, my sweet cousin and friend. My cousin Piper doesn’t have his own blog, but he asked me to share his sure-fire method. In his words:

Simple. I use the schnauzer mind meld technique. It is similar to the Vulcan one, but I don’t have to touch Mom or Dad’s head to do it. It involves an intense stare and thoughts shooting out of my eyes into their minds.

 

 

That’s all for this time, friends. I am waiting for a video from Easy and there are more tips I hope to get in. That will be another post. Of course, we can’t have too many ways to ask for our treats!

I am Lexi with the upset tummy. (Let’s not say the word t-r-e-a-t anymore right now, OK?.)

 

Chemo

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia66 Comments

Mom is helping me with my blog while I am getting poison chemicals pumped into my body.

Here’s the scoop: I have lumps in my right lung and they are bad. Real bad. The melanoma vaccine takes about 3 months to work. We can’t use it because I will be d-e-a-d before it can work. Yep, it’s that bad. Mom had decided I wasn’t going to get chemo or radiation because she wasn’t going to let anyone make me feel sick and miserable. When the doctor team assured Mom that very rarely do dogs get the bad side effects that people get, she said let’s get it started, then.

So Mom handed me over (traitor) and these otherwise nice people stole about half  drew enough blood to do many tests to be sure my organs are in good enough shape to withstand the chemo. I am a hearty schnauzer and my organs said, “Yes! Hit us with your best shot!” Traitors.  They were so enthusiastic that the dogtor stuck me with another needle and started “infusing” these chemicals into my system. *sigh*

I have to go to my local dogtor in a week to get more blood stolen. Then in another week for the same thing. Then in another week for that plus to get poisoned again. *sigh*

Mommy said she refuses to be “dogless” in one to three months, and that I am the only dog she wants. If determination alone (plus being filled with chemo poisons) will save me, I may live to be an old(er) dog yet!

Oh, I also wanted to let you all know that my wonderful boyfriend Noodle started a GoFundMe to help Mom and Dad with all the vet bills. I guess cancer can be expensive. If you want, you can check out his post

Coming Together for Lexi

to read how you can help – just if you want to, that is.

I am Lexi, cancer patient and Mom’s favorite schnauzer.

 

Share Your Treat Tips

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia20 Comments

Colin of meandray.com related how Ray communicated that he didn’t feel he got the usual treat at the usual time, thus scoring treat #2. It got me to thinking. Good as I am at communicating and scoring treats, many of you are just as good (no, Mom, I am not adding the usual “or better” here). Why don’t we share our tactics, thus increasing the probability of getting bigger, better treats for ourselves as well as helping those who haven’t yet acquired this skill. I am not going to announce a “tell how to get a treat” day. Just blog about your favorite treat(s) and how you convince your hooman to give it to you. Whenever you want. If you would like, send me your tip and I will publish it in a week or two with everyone else’s. I will also  include a link to your blog. Just shoot me an email to the address on my sidebar.

treats

 

Surprise Visitor

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia28 Comments

My friend Gracie came to stay with me this week. She must have heard about my illness and wanted to comfort me with her uneaten kibble  sweet presence. No one told me she was coming, so I was very pleasantly surprised when Mom and I got home from work today.

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I had to check out Gracie’s digs. (I almost got stuck cause of the cone.)
Gracie had to be sure I didn't steal anything while I was checking out her digs.
Gracie had to be sure I didn’t steal anything while I was checking out her digs.

Mayoral Debate: You asked, we answered

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia26 Comments

DebateTuesday

Ok, so the sign says every Tuesday. It sure does feel like every Tuesday with all the mind-exercise I’ve had from the great questions. Today, however, is the last debate until this fall. Unless we change our minds, of coure. You can find Christmas’ and Arty’s answers on their websites.  So here goes.

You asked:

1-Do you think we can publish some guidelines/rules/mandates on flashy beasts at naptime??

 Being realistic, I think we can publish whatever we want, the problem is going to be to get our humans who use those flashy beasts to abide by our rules. Since we are sleeping when they so rudely awaken us with it, there is not much we can do to prevent it other than hide away somewhere they can’t find us during naps.

2-Since you are vertically challenged (like me) we are wondering what your ‘platform’ of choice will be when you are at the podium?

I have already published my platform. It is also called a stage. I have called on some of my fellow thespians to appear on my platform.

My Platform
My Platform

3-What is your platform for Mayor? 

I believe that all anipals are created equal, which means that All Anipal Lives Matter (with the exception of certain insects and worms).

4-Here is a three part question regarding kitty kats:

4a-What are your opinion on cats? Friends, foes, or supreme masters??

Kali
Kali

I know that some dogs and cats see each other as enemies. 

And I realize that some cats feel they are – or at least should be – supreme masters. However, I believe we can all live at peace and be friends. Here are two of my friends from Canada. This beauty on the left is Kali of The Canadian Cats. Kali just celebrated her 14th Gotcha Day on May 12. Below is Shoko, another beauty who has a lot to say. I am proud to introduce her as an official member of Team Lexi in this Race for Mayor of Blogsville. She is an invaluable asset and will be offered an important post in my cabinet after I win the election.

Shoko
Shoko

 

4b-Are you planning anything to get our hoomans to share more of their food? Specifically of da MEATZ variety, but really anything (eggcept for vegetables which I has heard some peeples ackshually eat).

 I have a trick or two up my sleeve. Suffice it to say I sit at the dinner table every night and get portions of my Mom and Dad’s supper. I will share my secrets with you during my Tips from Lexi on Tuesdays when we are not campaigning and after I have recovered from my surgery.

Special benefits of sitting at the kitchen table.
Special benefits of sitting at the kitchen table.

4c-Do you support the idea of offishually changing Saturday to “Caturday?”

Only if we give one day of the week to dogs, and one day to birds, and one day to hamsters and one day to pigs and so on. Since this seems a bit problematic, I think it would be better to leave Caturday an “unofficial” day for the dear kitties to use as they like. This is consistent with my policy, “All anipals are created equal.”

 5-What will you do to help ensure international residents feel part of the Blogville community?

In Blogville, there are no geographical boundaries. My guy Noodle is working on a plan for double dates with Campaign button worldanyone who would like to have fun with us. We will even play matchmaker if you want. We want everyone to be as happy as us. Check out our latest date.   Isn’t he just dreamy?Noodle is also a member of Team Lexi. He will have a prestigious appointment in my cabinet after I am elected mayor. 

 

 

Taking it One Day at a Time

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia56 Comments
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Mom, where is my breakfast?

This morning we were up early, but Mom didn’t feed me.

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Me on the table at the dogtor, with my hated cone, my necrotized forehead and my new wound bandage spray.

Instead, Mom took me for a ride to the dogtor. I had managed to paw at the stitches in my forehead enough to get the incision really infected. So much so, in fact, that some stitches were missing and I now had an infected gaping wound between my eyes. Dogtor Smith said the skin had necrotized. (huh?) Mom says I look like one of those India women with a red dot on my forehead and that I am her “gorgeous worgeous.” That’s one of her nicknames for me. I think the dogtor has a sense of humor too – he said it could be much worse. Question: How do you bandage a dog’s forehead? Answer: You don’t. Instead, he told Mom she had to spray sterile wound wash on it twice a day and then spray this special sea salt liquid bandage on it 6 times a day, and it should heal up ok. In the meantime, guess what I have to wear. Grr.

I heard Mom ask if the Labs were back. Back? You mean they had been here once and gone again? Dogtor Smith disappeared for a few minutes and came back in with a paper in his hand. Apparently the Labs had delivered the paper and left. While the dogtor explained what the paper said I could feel Mom getting real upset but holding it all in. It must have been a news paper because there was very bad news on it. Dogtor Karen – who is my favorite – came in the exam room and said she is contacting the University of Knoxville, who has a great veterinary school, and an oncology place in Atlanta to see if I am a Candy Date for a Melanoma Vaccine that could erase the bad news. I hope so. I want to be a Candy Date again. Anyhow, Mom cried a lot today and I laid by her to comfort her. I must have done a good job because she asked me if I wanted to go for another ride. “Of course I want to go for a ride with you, Mom,” I answered. So we hopped in the car and guess where we went…Mickey D’s!! We shared a hamburger and a caramel sundae. I got the caramel all over my beard and I kept trying to lick it from the inside of the e-collar. It made Mom laugh. Hmm, I wonder if it is my birthday again.

This is Lexi and Mom, taking it one day at a time.

 

 

 

My Surgery Update – and Where are the Labs?

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia36 Comments

I haven’t felt much like blogging lately, but Mom insisted that I let everyone know how I am doing. By folks’ hesitation when they went to ask about me, Mom thinks there was a nasty rumor going around the Methodist church where we still work that I was…well, not alive. She thinks she has squelled  that rumor and has everyone praying the right way for me!

Speaking of work, I was right back to work the first day after surgery. Can you believe it? Not even a day to recuperate (with sick pay). I ran everything from my bed behind Mom’s desk that day. I decided to give everyone a break and not growl. That was Wednesday. Thursday I felt a bit better and did a lot of therapy, especially on the folks coming in to get food vouchers for the Food Bank. One fellow in particular seemed to need it, so I kept flipping his hand for him to pet me and standing real close so he wouldn’t have to reach. After watching this for a while, Mom finally explained to him what was going on. He smiled real big and said yes, he probably did need that.

Mom asked me to post a picture of the yummy new soft food I am eating. She said she knows there is probably still stuff in it that people wouldn’t eat, but at least it doesn’t say “meat” and she can pronounce all the natural ingredients.

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I don’t understand why Mom moved my stairs away from the bed. She mumbled something weird about me not being allowed to “jump.” Doesn’t she know I can’t get in bed with her without my stairs? Wednesday I was feeling good enough to protest this travesty, so I pawed at the side of the bed during the night and made sure Mom didn’t sleep. After work Thursday, Mom groggily pulled the mattress off the guest bed onto the floor and we slept together on it all night. That made me so happy that Mom slept there with me again last night. This is how it should be. I love Daddy, but he crowds us. I am glad Mom finally got her heart right and chose to sleep with me!

Mom has been a bit on edge lately. She says it is hard to wait for the labs.

Labs-C
I keep thinking, “Why on earth is Mom waiting for labs? Why are they coming? And why don’t they hurry up?”

Anyhow, I had to go back to the vet on Thursday because my right eye was full of pus. And the incision on my forehead was starting to seep. I got eye ointment and antibiotics. My eye is all cleared up now, but the area around the incision is swollen and still seeping. Mommy is going to take me back to the doc on Monday if the medicine doesn’t clear it up by then.

I guess that’s it for now. Catch you later.

Home from the Hospital

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia57 Comments

I’m home. It was a rough day. It started out with me not getting any breakfast. In the car, I suspected something was up.

W
Where are we REALLY going, Mom?

We ended up at the vets, in the bad room, not the good room where I get my acupuncture. Mom handed me over with empty promises and I sat in a hard cage until after lunch – which I didn’t get, either. My suspicions were then confirmed: the worst was yet to come. They made me go to sleep and cut off 4 bumps from my skin and a humongus bump from my gums. The gum invader had destroyed bone in my jaw, so 2 teeth came out with it.  Just when I had about given up on Mom, the nice lady at the vet took me out of the hard cage and carried me oh so gently out front. You will never guess who was there waiting for me…my Mom! I heard the nice lady tell Mommy what a sweet girl I am. 🙂 Oww, it hurts to smile. It hurts to do pretty much anything. I got some pain pills, and they help. Since everyone had starved me half to death all day, I couldn’t wait to get something to eat. Instead of mixing the special soft food Mom makes (pureed chicken and carrots) with my hard food, she put the puree in a bowl all by itself and warmed it. I couldn’t quite get it in my mouth without it hurting where the stitches are, so Mommy used a soft spatula and fed it all to me. Mmmm. 🙂 Oww. What Mom? This bite is from Noodle? Hi Boyfriend! 🙂 Oww.

0510161837e 0510161837aCan you see the stitches between my eyes? (You can click on the pictures to make them bigger.) I think I look like something Gentle Stitches would do. Mommy says I am still her Gorgeous Worgeous. 🙂 Oww. Daddy went to the store and you will never guess why! He came home with a whole bunch of Caesar’s dog food. OMD, it is soooo good. 🙂 Ow. Why have they been holding out on me all these years?

Anyhow, Mom says I need to tell you that at least part of the pathology report will be back in 48 hours. Depending on what it says, there may be another report from the bone that came out with the teeth a little later. I have to go back to the vet in 10 days for them to remove my stitches. Mommy promises she will stay with me for them to do that. I am not allowed to jump (ha, ha) or run or exert myself or eat anything hard or have a bath. At least there is one bright spot in all of this. 🙂 Oww.

Mommy said she got an extra day at her job at St. Luke where my friend Dave helps out since she doesn’t have the job at the church on the mountain anymore. She asked me if I want to go with her tomorrow and I am still thinking about it. I probably will. She said I don’t have to work hard, I can take it easy for a couple of weeks.

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Oh, and before I take my evening nap, I wanted to thank everyone for their love and prayers and support. Bark on! (No I am not going to smile – it hurts.)
P.S. Noodle, I heard you were naughty last night and even made yourself sick worrying about me. Stay sweet and well for me, OK? And we will go on our excellent adventures. ❤

 

 

Prayers for Lexi, please

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia72 Comments

I went to my favorite vet this afternoon to get my acupuncture. The vet tech Angela and Dr. Karen love me and I love them back. Angela is like a treat dispensing machine – what’s not to love? Dr. Karen said I am her very bestest patient on the table. She also said I am sweet and beautiful and brave and that I look years younger than I am. 🙂

Mommy hadn’t brushed my teeth for almost a week, and when she looked in my mouth this morning she put the brush down without giving me my yummy toothpaste. She saw something she thought was a big abscess on my gums. The vet said because it has a large black area on the bottom of it, she believes it is a cars in oma. No, it is in my mouth, and I am relatively sure it isn’t a car. There is a picture of it at the end of the post; however, if you are squeamish like my Dad, you can just skip right over that to the comments section. In the meantime, here is a picture of me Saturday night after I finished my birthday dinner. Mom says it is a happy picture. 0507162014a

This is Lexi’s Mom (Amy) taking over here. Lexi goes early tomorrow morning to have the tumor removed, plus three more suspicious looking  tumors on her body. Please, POTP, prayers, good thoughts, all of that for Lexi, and I could use some too. I have had my cry and am trying to not be a wreck right now. I think it is times like these that we all appreciate each other the most.  Now, scroll down fast if you don’t want to see the gross picture of her gum tumor just behind her incisor.
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Teen Dog

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia37 Comments

Thursday night, before she sat me on the bed for a talk, I watched Mom pack her bag. She told me to pay close attention because she wanted to explain something to me. She said, “Lexi, I blah, blah blah.” And, “So I will be back blah, blah, blah.” Then she picked up her bag and left without me!

Dad got back home from band practice hours later a short time later. I thought sure he would bring Mom back home with him, and I looked everywhere without success. Daddy tried to explain to me what I think Mom had already explained, but I was too distressed to listen well.

Friday came and went and no Mom. Saturday morning, I was ready to listen.

So tell me again when Mom will be home...
So tell me again when Mom will be home…

“Tonight,” he said. “She will be home for your birthday tonight, Little One.”
After feeding me supper, Dad left again with his big red saxophone case and I started watching out the front door for my Mom. It took a very long time, but I finally saw the car coming up the driveway. I was so, so happy and I kissed her all over. Mom took me into the kitchen and what did she bring me home for my birthday? Yes! Mickey D’s. We sat down at the table together and I shared halfies of my cheeseburger, fries and caramel ice cream sundae.

lexis 13th bday
I am a teenager today – 13 years old!

 

 

Candy Date Debate #3

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia22 Comments

DebateTuesday

This week Mayoral Candy Date Arty asked the debate questions.

1. If you could be a superhero who would you be and why??

Arty: I would be Captain America because he and I are both all about truth, justice and being all around good guys!!

Christmas: Hmm…that’s a tough one. Maybe I’d be Batman. He was originally Catwoman’s nemesis, right? I’m just in it to chase a cat, people.

Lexi: I think this picture says it all:

superschnauzer

A heroine fighting for justice, love, peace and (gender) equality. P.S. This is a real picture of me while in Metropolis (IL) visiting with my buddy Superman.

2. As Mayor of Blogville, how would you make all animals (not just canines) feel welcome??

Arty: I am a big fan of making new friends! I have kitty friends, donkey friends, crabby friends and even a friend that is a pig. I would keep hosting, and helping my sissy Dory host pawrties and make sure all my furiends new they were welcome!

Christmas: With a place like Blogville, I’d reach out to all of my pawsome Blogville pals and tell them about the new addition. I remember how comforted and welcome I felt when I first entered Blogville, and that’s something every new Blogville peep should experience. The support we have here is overwhelming, and I’ll do my best to keep everyone updated on new arrivals if I become mayor.

Lexi: As I wrote in a recent post: All Lives Matter: All dog lives matter. All cat lives matter. All pig lives matter. All bird lives matter. All rabbit lives matter. In short, All Lives Matter. I will not discriminate because of species, breed, age, economic status, color, or gender. Not so sure about snakes and spiders, but I am open to discussion on this.

3. Do you believe Pupparrazzi should be confined to certain hours of the day?

Arty: YES!! Being a model is hard work, and I believe the pupparazzi should only be able to take pictures between 10am and 2pm. Unless there is an specific Blogville event, in which case they should have to obtain a permit!

Christmas: Yes, but it depends the case…sometimes I like to stay up late and party like there’s no tomorrow, and that’s a good time to share treats with my pupparazzi and let them get good pictures of me for the hottest social media sites. However, some nights I’m just peacefully sleeping in my crate and I see a hound dog in my window taking me photos of me…in that case, yes, a celebrity should have his or her own privacy when he or she wants it. We might be popular and trending, but we are still normal dogs like every other dog, and we all have our limits. Luckily, now that I have a secret service squad (consisting of Zaphod, Beachnut, and Shelldon) my new team can escort crazy pupparazzi peeps away from me!

Lexi: Absolutely! Unless, of course, they come bearing pupperoni’s.

4. Along the same lines, what are your thoughts on “Payment” for work (tricks, modeling, keeping the pawrents out of trouble, etc.) performed?

Arty: I do believe a law should be passed insisting that high value Zukes treats should be given out with a 5 treat minimum! The amount of treats being increased to the degree of difficulty of the work performed!

Christmas: It depends on the pet. Some doggies like toys, some like treats, and if you go as far to teach a cat something, well, it depends the cat. But whatever that reward is THAT PET SHOULD GET A LOT OF IT! I think maybe an 87 minimum? I don’t know, us show dogs gotta keep fit. My cat bros like mousy toys, so maybe that’s a good payment. Also, I think I should get more treats for performing “sit”. I know it so well I don’t get a treat that much when I do it but lots of verbal praise…what’s with that? I might be so low to the ground I really don’t have to think about sitting, but hey, what if a human told another human to sit and they couldn’t reject the offer? Wouldn’t that be tiring? Wouldn’t you want a latte out of it every now and then?

Lexi: I always expect payment for performance. I believe it is all a matter of training our peeps correctly, from the first moment we step in the door. “Go outside to potty? What’s in it for me?” If we work for free, our value is diminished. I also believe that we all should receive payment in the form we like best whether it is treats, play-time, cuddling, Mickey D’s, etc.

5. When you attend a social gathering are you the social butterfly, the wallflower or the pawty animal. Explain how??

Arty: I am a Pawty Animal!! I am the first at any pawty to play BOOM!,  Ear biteys or bitey face. Mama says she is not sure this is a good thing, but I just love to play!! 

Christmas: Hmm…this is also sort of tough. Let’s see…well, I like to stick close to my mom, but I love to meet new peeps and I love busting out some dance moves…I wouldn’t say I’m any of these…maybe a mix of them all?

Lexi: This is a tough one, as I spend much more time with the peeps, where I enjoy listening to intellectual conversation while being fed bites of their special party foods. I guess with other anipals I am more of an organizer, you know, the one in charge.

Well, friends, that finishes this round of debates. Next week we will be answering questions from YOU!  You can e-mail me your questions by clicking on the picture below, and I will share your questions with Christmas and Arty.contact form pic
Finally, if you have already come to the correct conclusion that I am the best Candy Date for mayor, please grab one of my campaign badges from my sidebar and proudly display it on your own blog! *licks and wiggles* Lexi

 

 

Riley’s Birthday

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia34 Comments

Today is my big younger brother Riley’s special day – the day we all celebrate his birthday. He is now officially 6 years old. Mommy made him his very favorite cookies: Tomutto and Cheese.

0501161345a Combine 1/2 C tomato paste, 1/2 C water, 2 Tbsps olive oil, 3 Tbsps parmesan, 1 Tbsps oregano. Slowly mix in 2 C whole wheat flour. Knead until smooth, then roll out to about 1/4 inch thick and cut with cookie cutter. Bake on ungreased cookie sheets. Mom found if you bake at 350 degrees F for 25. min., you get softer, chewier cookies. If you bake at 325 F for 2 hrs you get crispier, harder cookies.

Still warm from the oven, we packed them, wrapped them and headed to Riley’s house. (No, he doesn’t have his very own house, he, he. He lives with my brother Andrew and Jentry and The Boy.) We had a pawty and a good time was had by awl.

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Riley! I am NOT hiding a cookie in my ear.

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What do you mean, goodbye?

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia35 Comments

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Here I am in my Auntie Cary’s office at work at the church on the mountain. I said, “What’s that, Mom? I need to say goodbye to my Auntie Cary? I might not ever see her again? I don’t understand.”

 

 

 

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“Auntie Cary, I have loved our lunches together, especially the eating part. You always bring me good treats. You have been a good friend. Where are you going? Please don’t look so sad.”

 

 

That was Wednesday at my work at St. Timothy’s. Today, Mom told me we didn’t have a job anymore. Our position had been eliminated. How can they possibly eliminate Church Dog? Mom said no, technically they only eliminated Parish Administrator, but the Church Dog position was critically linked to it. *hurumph* Well. it wouldn’t be the same without Mom there, anyhow. Mom had only told a few parishioners that today was our last day, and one of our special friends came by with a present.

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For me? It smells nice.

 

 

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Wait, there’s no treats in here.

Mom is feeling sad today, so I reminded her that this leaves her more time to work on my Campaign for Mayor. Me and Mom, we can’t wait to find out where we will be needed next. This is going to be an adventure!

I am Lexi, the hopeful Church Dog and the next Mayor of Blogville (I hope).

Piper Update and Hodge Podge

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia31 Comments

Great news from the vet! We got he results from the biopsy on the tumor removed from Piper’s leg. Piper had a histeocytoma, which is bee nine. That means he does not have cancer. *happy dance* It fooled the vet because it is usually only very young dogs, like under the age of 2, who get these. They said it could grow back, but not to worry if it does. Whew! Piper and his folks and me and my Mom thank everyone for their happy thoughts, prayers POTP, well-wishes and concern. Auntie Jen is back to calling my cousin “the punk,” (as in “Hey, Punk, whatcha want for dinner?”)  so I know he is feeling good again.

It has been busy on the home front. Last weekend the boy stayed with us all weekend. Mommy always knew it was him running in the front doounspecifiedr because I would bark and he would smile and pet me. He’s a good kid, and understands it is just my job to bark at him. Then my peeps brother Adam came on Sunday and took over the room where the boy had been sleeping. I love Adam tons and he loves me tons too. I am his very favorite anipal, which is as it should be. I got to see my other peeps brother Andrew too! After everybody left, I got bored, so I barked at Dad until he agreed to be in a picture with me.

Last night I heard Mom ask Dad if he had people and anipals come stay with him before he met her. He gave a resounding, “No!” Mom said this has happened with her for most of her adult life, and she enjoys it. Mom then got quiet for a moment, and said, “This had to be a big adjustment for you – I love you soooo much!” Aw. To put this in perspective, Auntie Jen lived with us all for a year, brother Andrew, Jentry and The Boy lived with us for two years, my schnauzer cousins Piper and Milo lived with us for a year after Auntie Jen moved out, and there have been plenty of drop ins in between. That is just since Mom and Dad got married in 2008, BOL! Because Dad loves all the peeps and anipals who have also called our house home, he hasn’t minded a bit.

Moving on… Yesterday Dad took me for another acupuncture treat mint because my hip was starting to bother me again. I love going to see Dr. Karen, and I love my treat mints – they make me feel so much better. I get to go back next Friday.

Hallway ceiling at children's hospital
Hallway ceiling at children’s hospital

Today Mom took me to the children’s hospital to therapize the sick and hurting kids. There weren’t as many today, which is good. I was sitting in the bed with one 5 year old boy and he said, “Look Mommy, the doggy likes me. It is smiling at me.” Now, I don’t like being called an “it” but I am glad I made it, er him, happy! Mommy took a picture of the ceiling at the hospital – yes, she claims she meant to do that, BOL! Pretty cool, huh?

 

Blogsville Mayoral Candy Date Debate #2 – Bring It On!

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia34 Comments

DebateTuesday

Here we are again with Debate Tuesday, Week 2. I, Lexi, asked the questions this week and am hoping for some revealing answers to help you make an informed decision (to vote for me) in November. Be sure and grab one of the badges in my sidebar and display it prominently on your blog page to show your support!

For more information on us, the Candy Dates, you are invited to visit our blogs:

Lexi at Lexi the Schnauzer

Arty at Dory’s Backyard

Christmas at Paw Province

Now, let the debate begin!

1. If you could wish for any one thing for Blogville and have it come true, what would it be?

Lexi: There’s been a lot of medical problems lately. I would wish for perfect health for everyone throughout their lives.

Arty: My wish for Blogville and every-ville is that all our friends in shelters and roaming the streets find furr-ever homes real soon!!

Christmas: I know it isn’t possible, but I wish EVERY SINGLE Blogville peep could be in the same place all in one time and everyone would get a chance to talk about their experiences and meet the people and pets who they’ve loved from a distance for so many years.

2. Blogville includes anipals and peeps from all around the world. What experience do you have with foreign dignitaries that would help in your role as mayor, if elected?

Lexi: Let’s see. I had the French to my house one evening for an American meal served in the French tradition. Then I took them all for a walk around my neighborhood to observe and admire our American way of life. I hope they returned to France with stories of our American hospitality. Before a stressful production of Home for the Holidays I offered my therapy services backstage to the Chattanooga Symphony Director Kayoko Dan, originally from Japan. I went on to do therapy with several of the performers. Miss Dan was so appreciative that she sent me a Christmas card. I hope she lets the Japanese know of the kindness of Americans.

Arty: Hmmmm, well I love french fries and would love to try Chinese food someday. Other than that, I will be meeting with dogs from all over the world (well, from the USA and Canada) in June, when I attend the B.A.R. and hope to use this time to help refine my foreign policy!

Christmas: Well, because dog shows are full with top dogs from all over the world, I’ve met dogs from all sorts of places. I’ve met a Standard Schnauzer from Croatia and some other dogs I’ve met have probably been from 87 different places, too. Us Dachshunds are German dogs (wiener schnitzel, anyone?) so I’m part German! I am actually very fluent in German, but it’s a shame that my mommy is a human and can’t understand my German.

3. What is, or would be, your choice for a volunteer service and why?

Lexi: Since 2007 I have been doing monthly therapy with children of all ages at the local children’s hospital. My times onstage at the theatre were also volunteer work, besides being my very favorite thing in the whole world. Putting a smile on a sick or hurting child’s face and making people happy keeps me in touch with my purpose in life, to bring joy to others.

Arty: If given the chance, I would love to be a spokesdog for our anipals that need homes. Coming off the streets myself (when I was only 7 months old), I feel I would do a great job telling the humans out there Rescue Doggies Rock!!

Christmas: My mommy is thinking of training me specifically to be a therapy dog within the next couple of years. I love peeps and I’m very sweet and well behaved. I work well in public and I love to make peeps happy. My long body and longing eyes usually earn me lots of attention on my walks.

4. What is the hardest decision you ever had to make and how did it turn out?

Lexi: Mom and I play the “Leave It, Find It” game with treats. She puts a treat down, says, “Leave it,” and I have to ignore the treat while we go to the next spot in the house where she does it again. Eventually, Mom says, “Find it!” and I get to use my excellent memory to find all the treats and eat them. If I grab and eat one while Mommy is still in the first part of the game, the game is over. So the hardest decision is to leave the treat so that I can have more or satisfy my immediate desire to eat it right then. Things always go better when I listen.

Arty: Hmmm, being just 4 years old, I haven’t had to make many hard decisions except for deciding to resign myself to being an “Alpha in Training” under Dory. After living here for only a few months,  I decided she is the best girl for the job. Now I listen to (almost) everything she has to say! This has helped to give me the patience needed to be a good Blogville Mayor, and the ability to listen to others!

Christmas: My hardest decision? In my short life (I’m 2!) I haven’t had many hard decisions to make, except for one EXTREMELY DIFFICULT ONE!!! It was to decide if I wanted chicken canned dog food or beef canned dog food for dinner one day. Can’t you feel my pain? It was a very difficult choice, but I eventually chose the chicken. Where’s the beef?

5. A good mayor has to use empathy and common sense. Give an example of when you have done either one or both.

Lexi: Empathy: I do that every time I stay home with Dad when he feels bad and give him therapy instead of making demands. I do that when I give up my front car seat to Piper because he gets car sick in the back. Common sense: Sometimes when I come out of work the sun is shining in my eyes. So, instead of walking out into the parking lot without being able to see, I wait for Mommy to leash me or pick me up. Mommy says that is smart; I think it is just common sense.

Arty: I always feel when my Mama or Daddy are upset and am right there fighting for attention to soothe them! Also, as a member of a pack of four, I have the common sense to get to our food bowls first! Can’t have my brothers and Dory eating my dinner!!

Christmas: For empathy? Well, I always look out for my mommy. I make sure she’s happy and I have lots of fun taking walks with her. In the show ring, once I got very nervous. I tried to back off the table in the ring where my mom stacked me for the judge (a stack is a way a show dog stands in the ring). I don’t really know why, I was just nervous. Dog shows can be overwhelming sometimes. So she picked me up and talked to me and made me feel better, and when she put me back on the table, I was calm and happy and let the nice judge look at my teeth and pet me. The judge chose us for first place because my mommy put her dog’s needs first. I do the same for her. If my mommy is sometimes nervous in the ring or just in casual life, I like to lick her face or do one of my tricks to lighten her up!

Sleepover

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia28 Comments

 

Piper: At my house and still not feeling good.
Piper: At my house and still not feeling good.

Yesterday after we were done at work we met up with Auntie Jen and Piper. Piper took my spot in the front seat of our car – the T-Lex – and came home with us. Mom said we are having a sleep over because his Mom had to work last night and this morning. He sure does have lots of pills to take and even a shot. His leg that had the surgery does seem to hurt, as he tries to not put much weight on it.

 

 

 

 

He was licking it last night, and when he started trying to nibble on the stitches Mom had that Magic Collar on him faster than he could blink out SOS. At bedtime I ran and laid in my bed so he couldn’t have it like he did my spot in T-Lex  let Piper sleep in the bed with Mom and Dad. I make sacrifices for my cousin.

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This collar thingy makes me feel like I am in jail, being punished for something I didn’t do. ~ Piper
piper with ecollar
Thanks to everyone for their POTP and prayers. I think I still need more.

 

Update Post Surgery

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia27 Comments
Piper and Auntie Jen
                  Piper and Auntie Jen

Piper is home after getting the tumor removed from his right back leg. Mom said some words like round cells and vascular, whatever that means. He is in pain, which makes my Auntie Jen also hurt.

Mommy went over and held Pipes and sang to him this evening, the same way she did me after my paw surgery early this spring. She said it calmed Pipe-Pipe, just like it did me. His Momma had to go back to work, so Mom stayed with him until his Dad got home tonight.

Even though Piper gets two shots a day for diabetes, his “sugar” is all over the charts, so he will have to go back to get an all day glucose test done. The doc should have his biopsy results by then.

And they aren’t sure if Piper’s heart medicine is doing the trick for his heart murmur.

His Momma and Daddy really appreciate all the POTP, prayers, and healing thoughts.

A Button Gift 4 U

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia24 Comments

So many of my old and new friends have already expressed their desire for me to be their next Blogsville Mayor that I wanted to make it easy for you to show your support. Below are my official campaign buttons. Or, if you prefer, you can think of them as my friendship buttons. Please feel free to copy the one (or more) that you would like to use to encourage your friends and acquaintances to vote for me and proudly display prominently on your blog. You can see how they look on my sidebar. I thank you, and Blogsville thanks you.

LEXI 4 MAYOR BLUE BUTTON VOTE 4 LEXII LUV LEXI BUTTON

Update on POTP for Piper

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia25 Comments

Piper’s vet appointment today was at 2:00. The doc did a skin cell scraping (that doesn’t hurt) and said they were flat cells. She explained that those are very fast growing cells – we knew that lump wasn’t there April 2 when Piper’s Mom got married – and the cells might be cancer, or might not. The only way to know for sure is to remove the lump and send it off for biopsy. My sweet cousin is spending the night at the vet clinic and is having his surgery tomorrow. Please continue the POTP for Piper, and also for his mother, my Auntie Jen. She is worried and will be an absolute basket case if anything happens to Piper – just like my Mom would be for me. We love Piper lots and lots. Thank you to everyone who responded to my first post today with prayers and well wishes and healing thoughts. And thanks to those who didn’t respond but are keeping a good outcome in mind for Piper. We are believing for the best.

Piper, my sweet cousin and friend.
Piper.  Isn’t he handsome?