I have rethought my original plan to inundate everyone with all my wonderful accomplishments and all the reasons to make me the next Mayor of Blogsville. You see, I did not know at the time I began my campaign that our election was going to coincide with the National Presidential Election in the USA. So we have time. We have lots of time. Instead of a new Vote for Lexi! post every day, I will put one out each week on Tuesdays. When we have a debate, that will take the place of my Campaign Blog. Please don’t feel too disappointed.
This picture is totally unrelated to anything in this post; however, it seemed apropos for heading into nicer weather in Tennessee, USA. Besides, I think I it is pretty.
In the meantime, please do feel free to read my older blogs and let me know what issues you would like addressed by the next Mayor of Blogsville. When elected mayor, I intend to be the voice of the anipals. The voices of everyone from Great Danes to tiny Yorkies, from furry Maramas to naked hairless cats, from Rocky the Squirrel to Franklin the Duck must be heard, their concerns considered and their opinions respected. (No fleas, mosquitoes, ticks or intestinal worms, please.)
Hello friends, Lexi here again. If you missed my Campaign Propoganda previous posts informing you why you need to vote for me for the Supreme Leader of Blogville your Mayor, you can check them out: Day 1 and Day 2. Today, we move on to reasons #4 and #5.
4. Church Dog: This is my official title at both an Episcopal and Methodist Church. I was also the Parish Dog for 7 years at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. I also have a Mother Mary night light above my bed. This should get me the religious vote.
Me and my Mother Mary Nightlight
5. Build Relationships, Not Walls: There is enough for all of us. I have seen inside the pantry, and it is good.
Hello friends, Lexi here again. If you missed my Campaign Propoganda post yesterday informing you why you need to vote for me for the Supreme Leader of Blogville your Mayor, you can check it out here. Today, we move on to reasons #2 and #3.
2. Let Them Eat Cake: I eat at the table with my people. I get McDonald’s food and real cake for my birthday. How is this relevant, you may ask. I know how to manipulate the people and I will both share my knowledge with you and fight for your rights. Like your right to eat cake.
This picture is from my 10-year-old birthday party. I had a Healthy Choice meal with my Mom and Dad and then my very own cake shaped like a dog.
3. 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.
Hello, I am Lexi. I have been nominated (by me) for Mayor of Blogsville, and I accept my nomination. I won’t go into my entire background, as you can read more about me in my posts, in my Kindle book, and in the About section of my website. I am told I need a platform. I think I will use the platform I have used in the past:
There is plenty of room on my platform for everyone.This is my platform. It is also commonly called a stage.
I possess many skills, experiences and qualities that make me uniquely qualified for this position as the Supreme Leader of Blogville your Mayor. Over the next few days I will use some of my considerable counting skills to list them for you so you don’t have to figure them out on your own. I am helpful like that. Today, besides, my platform, I will list reason #1 to vote for me, Lexi:
Proclaimed Actor: You may have noticed that my election picture shows me next to my Publicity Photo and Annie Award. My Annie is like an Oscar for people and I was the first-ever animal to receive one at the Chattanooga Theatre Centre. I received my Annie for the “Director’s Choice Award.” Quite prestigious. I went on to star two more times in other productions of the Wizard of Oz. Why is this important, you may ask. Some of our greatest politicians have been acclaimed performers. Ronald Reagan, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sonny Bono, and Jessie Ventura, to name a few.
Publicity shot 2006 for Wizard of Oz
Please be sure to check back tomorrow for reasons #2 and #3.
Getting a massage reminded me of a sister I am supposed to have somewhere in the world. Her name is Lola.
From left to right, Lola at the Coliseum in Rome, Lola at the Louvre in Paris, Lola outside the Louvre , Lola at the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Lola’s first massage, Lola and the Massage Schnauzer honeymooning in Cancun.
At first, Mom called her BHS for Big Headed Schnauzer. But little sis said she wanted to be called Lola, and has been ever since. You can see she has traveled the world, from Athens to Paris. She visited the Parthenon in Greece, and the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Somewhere along her travels she decided to get a massage from the Blue Massage Schnauzer. They fell in love, married and honeymooned in Cancun. Doesn’t Lola look happy? I would be that happy too if I was married to a massage schnauzer. I wonder if Noodle could learn to do massages??
OMD, OMD, OMD! How could I have lived this long without knowing about professional massages? They are better than anything!
“Gracie”
Do you remember when my new friend Gracie came to stay with us? Mom wouldn’t accept any money for keeping her, so, as a thank you, her Mom and Dad gave my Mom and Dad AND ME gift certificates for massages. I’ve been waiting a long time to get mine because I am not allowed to go to the massage place because of some stupid health laws. (Can you think of anything dumber?) Anyhow, Mommy told me I was going to get a big surprise at work today, something I would like lots. Finally, mid-afternoon, sometime after Mom and I had our lunch, in came this lady named Sky. With a name like that, you would think she would be blue, but her skin was basically the same color as Mom’s. It really wouldn’t have mattered, I just thought I would mention that. Mom says I am rambling because I am still so excited, in a relaxed sort of way. He, he. She and Mom set up the massage table in the room adjoining Mom’s office. Mom and Sky started feeding me treats and put me up on this big cushy table. Sky was petting me in the nicest way imaginable, and it didn’t take me long to just relax on the table and go with the flow. I laid down and Sky kept petting me, only she was really massaging me. It felt better than anything, ever. I started yawning and stretching with pleasure. Mom had relaxation music playing on her computer. This sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? But it wasn’t. It was real, and it really happened to me today. Mommy’s desk was right through the doorway in the next office, and she stayed where I could see her in case I got anxious, but I didn’t really care where she was. I just wanted Sky to keep massaging me. My muscles all relaxed, the tension left, lots of knots got worked out. Even the hip with the dysplasia relaxed. OMD I felt so good! Someone came to Mom’s closed office door and she told them, “Not now, and I know you will think I am crazy, have lost my mind, but my dog is getting a massage.”
When we left for home today, Mom said she could see what a difference there was in how I was moving – I had a lot more spring in my step.
Ms. Sky has a small dog that needs groomed, and I heard her asked Mommy if she would like to work out a trade. I sure hope they do that and I get lots more massages. This is what I want for my birthday next month. Plus maybe some Mickey D’s.
Oh, and Mom said sorry about no pictures. She was so amazed at my reaction that she totally forgot. She promises for next time. NEXT TIME! Yay!
I have had a very unsettling couple of weeks. It all started a week ago when Mom was out late with my Auntie Jen and Auntie Jen’s fiance Bill and some more people who had come in from out of town to be in the wedding. They did something called “bowling” and something else called “shooting pool.” Dad was gone to band rehearsal, so I was home all alone, and I am not used to that anymore.
The next day Mom left again early in the afternoon and Dad left again while I was eating my supper. That night, Dad came home without Mom! He told me Mom was staying at Auntie Jen’s with “the girls” all night before the wedding. Hey, I am a girl, why wasn’t I there. Piper was there, and he’s a boy! Piper drank some of Mom’s white wine to try to fit in with the girl’s night. How lame is that?
Saturday Dad left me all alone again, sneaking out while I was eating an early supper. It was wedding day for Auntie Jen and Uncle Bill and I wasn’t invited again! You can see how this would upset me. She says I am her favorite niece. Hurumph. Finally, around bedtime, Mom and Dad pulled back in and who did they have with them, I ask you? Piper and Ella! It wasn’t bad enough that Piper and Ella were at girl’s night and Piper and Ella were in the wedding. Now they were at my house! Ella came bouncing in and asked me to play with her. I. Said. NO. Then they got to eat in front of me, since they hadn’t had their supper yet. The final blow of the day came when they piled in the bed with Mom and Dad. I got out of what used to be our bed and slept on the dog bed on the floor.
Sunday was a bit better. After everyone got fed and let out to do our bizness, Dad left for church and Mom and I jumped back into bed and slept until 1:30 in the afternoon. We were exhausted. I was in a better mood after that and asked Mom to take a picture of me and Piper since I saw Pipes still had on his bowtie from the wedding.
Piper and Me
Both Piper and Ella gave out early on Sunday from all the excitement the last few days – excitement I didn’t get to have. 😦
My exhausted friends.This is Piper, not me. I guess we really do look a lot alike.
Things started looking up for me Sunday night when Mommy shut Piper and Ella out of the bedroom. She told them they could sleep anywhere else they wanted in the house, but she needed a good night’s sleep. I took advantage of the situation and slept with Mom and Dad.
Monday, they were still here when Mom got home from work and they were rested and ready to play.
My Auntie Jen came and visited after work and, when she left, took her pups with her. Whew.
Along with everything that happened with the wedding, I started having trouble with allergies. Apparently it is allergy season in Tennessee. I never knew what people were talking about until this year. My ears have itched, my eyes have itched, and the paw that I had surgery on has itched. Even with the benadryl I was licking my paw until one knuckle started to get raw, so Mom taped the baby sock back onto my paw. I just sat in the kitchen and held it up and looked at her like, “Really?” “Yes, really,” she said. So I have had to contend with that since Tuesday night.
Speaking of Tuesday, my faithful readers know that I got in some big trouble at work. I growled at someone. Mom knows she needs to work with me on this and Mr. Colin gave us some good advice. She even had the treat jar outside the office for people to get into and give me a treat as they are coming into the office. Mom said she just has had too much to do to watch my every move at work right now, so, after I growled at someone else just before we left, I got put on disciplinary leave without pay! I had to stay home the rest of the week. Of course, some of that might have been because when Mom bent over to put me in the car Tuesday night, her back went out. And not out for a good time, either. She has been going to the chiropractor all week and said she just couldn’t deal with me and my stinkin’ attitude too.
Thursday morning I figured she had forgotten and would take me. Mom shook her head and explained to me again why I had to stay home. I just stood in the kitchen and hung my head. Dad begged her to take me – isn’t he a great Dad? – but she still said, “No.” So I have been stuck at home since Tuesday night.
Mom said she will post some pictures of the wedding when she gets them. That’s right, Mom, just rub it in. I sure hope next week is better. Love you all!
I am so glad Mommy has gotten better about taking pictures, because we could only find three pictures of me under one year of age.
Me as Miss GreenMy head in Ara’s mouth
The picture on the left was taken by the lady named Becky who had my doggie mom and dad. I was about 4 weeks old here. She put different colored collars on us puppies so she could tell us apart easier, and we were all Miss or Mr (plus color). It also helped prospective buyers who got pictures of us on the internet.
The picture with the German Shepherd. Now that’ one for posterity, isn’t it? I had this silly game where I grabbed Mr. Ara’s lip and pulled it out until he screamed. It was great fun. One day I decided to do an alligator roll with his lip between my pin-like puppy teeth. He wanted me to clearly understand what would happen if I did that again. I am a quick learner, and since my head is still attached to my body, you can see I learned that lesson the first time. Mommy took this picture to help me remember.
My first toy in my new home
My peeps brother Andrew came to meet me on my first day in my furever home. He brought me this lion hand puppet. I had great fun with it for years. One of my peeps – usually Mom – would put her hand in it and I would attack it! I was only 8 weeks old in this picture.
Six month old Riley with his new toys
Bonus picture: Mommy found Riley when he was six months old – or at least that’s how old the vet said he was. She didn’t know his taste in toys, so she bought him a variety. He liked the bone best. Unfortunately, that didn’t stop him from chewing up our bedspreads, dog beds, pillows, and blankets.
The last Thursday of every month Mom takes me to T.C. Thompson Children’s Hospital where I first meet up with one of my besties, Lois. I lead her to the play room to get my “start of therapy” treat.
Next, it is time to do my job. I have so many jobs – St. Luke, St. Timothy’s, T.C. Thompson – and I always remember what I am supposed to do at each one. At this job, I smile a lot and work on making the sick and hurting kids smile. I never, ever growl at anyone. You might say I am like a marine at the children’s hospital – the best that I can be. Today, Mom asked if she could take some pictures, and Miss Lois said some of the children’s families had signed releases, so if they said yes, it was ok. I hope my visit helped everyone to feel better.
Mom disappeared for a while today – I mean, she left the house without me. She came back with something special just for me!
If you enlarge the picture by clicking on it and look at the red writing, you will see it says, “Live. Love. Treat.” Now that is my kind of treat!
I found the entire “bone” fit into my mouth. I tried to chew it up like that, but the task proved to be beyond even my abilities. I had to eject part of it from my mouth to swallow.
A slight break in devouring my new treat.
Mom insisted on taking my picture. I refused to look at her. That’s ok, take my picture, but never my treat!
I am sorry I have not posted lately. Mommy and I have been very busy. I hope you missed me!
Exhibit H for (my) Hair
First, grooming: Dad said, “Amy, wait until the end of March. The weather could change.” Does Mom listen to Dad? (You decide.) Mom grabbed me up early on a Tuesday morning before work and this is what happened before Dad could even sneeze.
Next, work: After I forgave Mom, I told her I would help her at work. It was a St. Luke day.
Here, do this paper first. Hey, what’s that on your computer?I think I can work this mousie thingy!
I got my computer work done and I moved into guard dog mode. One of the “Parents Day Out” workers and kids started to invade our office, so I growled. “No! Bad dog!” Mommy said. I hung my head and felt bad. Then they came back and oh my, I just couldn’t help myself, I did it again. This time Mom grabbed me by my beard (I hate it when she does that) and really scolded me. She said that lady was terrified of dogs and, after nine months, was just starting to warm up to me, and I go and act like that!
I’m sorry Mommy.
Next, decorating: Mom finally forgave me and let me help her decorate for Easter:
I can’t wait for there to be food on these plates! Can you see me sitting patiently at the head of the table?Dance, anyone?
Now, selling: Dad gave Mom a whole bunch of old videos to sell. They mostly teach how to ballroom dance, but some teach how to do yoga, how to swim, and even how to do Irish dance! It took Mom a couple of weeks to list all these on ebay and Craig’s List, while I lay around staring pitifully at her. She’s finally done and starting to ship out the ones that have already sold.
You didn’t put ME up for sale, did you, Mom?
I am Lexi, the groomed, hard working, not-really-a-bad-dog, decorating schnauzer for sale. What?! Oh, only if you can get $10 zillion for me, Mom? Well, maybe I am safe, just maybe.
This month for Memory Monday I thought I would mix it up with a picture collage. Isn’t that why we take pictures, anyhow, to remember? This one contains never before posted pictures of my first time as Toto in 2006. You can click on the collage to make it bigger and easier to see.
The top left picture is, of course, the Tin Man, the Scarecrow and the Lion. The Tin Man got mad at me once because I got away from Mom during his big scene, his solo performance, and danced back and forth across the stage with him. The audience was laughing when it wasn’t supposed to be funny. He may have forgiven me by now. I never had much interaction with the Scarecrow. A man made out of straw is liable to flop onto you at any time, so it is prudent to stay your distance. The Lion was my buddy. He carried me a lot, especially when things got a bit scary, like in the Wicked Witch’s castle. He didn’t even get mad the time I gently reached over and grabbed his nose between my teeth while I was in his arms on stage. It was just an affectionate nip, which, as a fellow animal, he seemed to understand.
In the top middle picture, that’s me in Dorothy’s arms, sandwiched between the two witches. I was fascinated by the wicked witch. She was scary mean when we were on stage, but so nice to me at other times. However, I managed to upset her once too. *sigh* She was sneaking across the back of the stage, supposedly unseen by Dorothy and company who were at the front of the stage. I ran off from Dorothy (which Toto was always doing in the movie) and started following and barking at her. She started waving her arm wildly at me to get away, which, again, got the audience laughing. I felt it was such a success that I included that in my performance every night. She never seemed to get used to it. *sigh*
The bottom left picture is of me and the costume person. I liked her because she never tried to put costumes on me. She said I was perfect the way I was. *big smile* Finally, the bottom middle picture is my brother Andrew, so proud of me after one of the performances!
After work Friday, Mom and I met Dad in a restaurant parking lot. I knew it was a restaurant by the smells. I thought, “Finally, the lawmakers have moved into the age of enlightenment and I can now partake of fine dining somewhere other than at home.” Sure, there’s always Mickey D’s takeout.
But no, instead of us all going in the restaurant, Dad hopped in the car with us – and I was very glad to see him, despite the aforesaid disappointment. We drove to the local Toyota dealership to see a man about a car Mom found on the internet. Apparently, our Toyota Avalon is starting to fall apart and my peeps say it is too old (13 years) with too many miles (almost 300,000) to sink over $4,000 into it. Quite frankly, I would be glad to have another car since the air conditioning has totally stopped working in it and, with temperatures in the mid and high 60’s, I have been panting. Now, before you judge me as a spoiled lover of comfort, please remember that I am a black dog still wearing a winter coat. And I go to work with Mom almost every day.
The young fellow’s name was Curry (he,he), and he fussed over me a lot. He said his lab just crossed the rainbow bridge and he misses him a lot, but he is at work too many hour each day to start with another dog right now. I am glad I could help his need for canine contact. After Mom and Dad and I took the Lexus for a test drive, Mom told Curry we would all think about it and let him know the next day. I really didn’t understand this, since I could tell during the test drive that they really, really liked and wanted this car. It had everything on their “must have” list as well as their “would like” list”, and I could feel how excited they were. While we were saying goodbye to Curry, out of the blue Mom asked, “Did you go to see the Wizard of Oz at the Theatre Centre a few years back when you were a kid?” When he said he did, Mom pointed at me and said, “Meet Toto.” His eyes got so big and he shook his head like he didn’t believe it. Mom had to reassure him it was true, and he said that explained a lot about my perfect behavior. *smiles*
So, this is Sunday, and you can see where that car is parked today (Ok, maybe not. It is in our garage at home.)
Get in Mom so we can go somewhere.You’re taking too long. Maybe I can figure out how to work this thing.
Mom wanted to name my new car Lexi the Lexus. Dad said no. So now, since it is a Toyota Lexus, she has named it T-Lex. Bwahaha. Daddy thought that was only nominally better, but she has already told the car that T-Lex is it’s new name, and it is king (or queen) of the road! Yeah. I don’t think she can take that back.
That’s what my sweet Noodle and I have today. My crew worked really hard to come up with something special enough for my fantastic guy. Well, most of them did, anyway. I finally decided that anything short of the personal touch would not be enough, so I brought on some so-called experts. They wasted no time checking out different internet sites, did a search on “love” and found that women sometimes dance for their guys… and their guys like it.
After the crew did more research, there was a massive scrubbing of computers. I’m still not sure what happened. So…
I did my own dance for you, honey. Mom helped me dance while Dad recorded it for you. There were times I was dreaming of dancing alone, just for you. I hope you enjoy my personal present to you:. (Be sure to keep watching when the butterflies appear at the end!)
Today we have all been hustling (he, he) (OK, tomorrow you will get my little joke) to prepare for the day of love. Mommy and Daddy helped me first thing this morning, and what fun we had! I sure wish I could tell you about it, but then it would ruin Noodle’s surprise. I’ve been in an extra-good mood all day from it, though. I had forgotten how much I like to d…oops, almost gave it away there!
While Dad was continuing to work on Noodle’s surprise, Mom started working on Daddy’s surprise. I helped by keeping Mom company and eating the stray apple peel.
Mommy’s love pie
We don’t know yet if it tastes good. We have to wait for Daddy to get home from his band gig, and Mommy says it will be so late that we may just eat it for breakfast!
Here’s the recipe if you want to give it a go.
I have been thinking for a while about what to do for you for our Valentine Anniversary. Yes, one year ago Sunday you asked me to be your Valentine, and I have been sweet on you ever since. Saying “yes” was a good decision. I thought and thought, and finally called on the crew to come up with some ideas. They all got on their computers to try to help me give you the best Valiversary ever.
The schnauzer team is working hard on this. No, no, not ON the computer!
I even recruited a poodle to help with the “oodle” side of you, as well as someone who looks like she is related to my friend Ella.
No! Get OFF the computer! (*sigh* Good help is hard to come by.)
I have to hop off here for now to review the drafts before the conference call. I can’t wait for our Valiversary! Love and kisses!
We went to work to the Church on the Mountain this morning. First things first:
Finding just the right spot.Waiting at the back door.
In case you were wondering what is on my left foot in the first picture, here’s more of a close up. Oh, just a reminder, you can always click on a picture to make it bigger Mom is now making me wear a baby sock on the foot that had surgery so that I can’t lick it.
I hurried down the hallway to see my Auntie Carrie. Since she brings me both yummy treats and my very own special lunch, I have made her my official Auntie. She packs me a lunch with chicken, broccoli, carrots, and other yummy stuff that even Mom approves.
Outside Auntie Cary’s office
I always forget Auntie Carrie doesn’t work on Fridays. I resisted entering Mom and my office – which is in the next door – until I was positive Mom wouldn’t open Auntie Carrie’s door to give me one of the treats Carrie keeps for me. Mom, I can show you where they are!
Outside Mom’s office
I finally gave in when Mom filled my water bowl with my special water.
I decided to rest my eyes, but soon left work for dream land.
I got too comfy.
I tried to stay awake after that, but it was hard with the heater on in the office and no little munchkins running through the hallway today. The day care center is just past our office but is not open on Fridays.
While I was asleep, my Auntie Jen sent this to Mommy.
This has definitely not been the best day of my life. First Dad refused to give me my brekkies. Then Mom left me at the vet office and I got stuck in a cage. Next, someone stuck a needle in my arm and stole my blood. Then the vet called my Mom. I was hoping Mom would say, “Oh, I will be right there to get my precious darling Lexi.” Nope. When the vet called her two more times, I started to get worried. That didn’t last long – it’s hard to worry when you are first sedated, then knocked out by something running into your vein. While I was asleep the doc stole five of my teeth – Five! In one of the phone calls, he had told Mom that “at my age” there could be bone loss leading to loose teeth, but he wouldn’t know until he got the plaque off. Even though they all felt firmly anchored, the plaque sometimes holds them in place. So why did he take the plaque off? Grrr. Ow, that hurt.
Remember that lump on my paw? Refresher here: https://lexitheschnauzer.wordpress.com/2016/01/31/potp-for-the-paw/ The doc found another lump between my paw pads on the same foot. Since it wasn’t directly beneath the lump on the top of my foot, he wasn’t sure if it was two separate tumors. He was concerned because the one on the top had grown so quickly. When the doc got in there with his knife he realized that the one on the bottom had pushed up the thin skin between my toes and caused the one on the top. Or something like that. When he got them off he saw that even though the skin on them was thick, the inside was filled with a creamy liquid. He told Mom on his fourth phone call that it was a good sign and didn’t recommend spending the money on a biopsy. Finally, Dad picked me up and brought me home to Mommy.
While Daddy went back out to get my pain medicine, Mommy held me and rocked me and sang me to sleep. You know I was in pain to let her do that. But it was strangely comforting. During that time, Dad sent Mom a text:
I can’t understand why he still isn’t home with my pain medicine!
My blood work was mostly good, but my liver enzymes were “off the chart” high. Mom told the doc that she had warned me not to drink. Ha, ha. Silly Mommy, I have already gone through the 4 step program for Kahlua and Cream.
Step 1: I ask for it.
Step 2: Mom says No.
Step 3: Mom and Dad start calling it “special K”, like I don’t know what they mean.
Step 4: They stop buying special K. Drat.
Mom asked for a copy of the bw:
Dr. Smith said this can be a sign of Cushings, but I had a Cushings test a year or two ago because those same levels were high then, and it came back negative. I don’t have any of what’s called “clinical signs,” either. To help my liver, Mommy bought Milk Thistle. Dr. Karen is my acupuncturist, and she said this will help bring the ALKP level down. I hope I get it in something good, like butter, or peanut butter or hamburger. Mmm.
Daddy’s home. Finally! Time to take my pain meds. I wonder what took him so long…
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 