dog friends – Page 21 – Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess with Lucy and Chia

Lexi for Mayor Reason #11

Published on July 12, 2016August 15, 2016 by Xena, Lucy and Chia33 Comments

11. Small government and no taxes

I’ve been thinking. There is so little crime in Blogille that Frank and Ernie’s prestigious law firm can easily handle the cases that come their way. As an aside, I do encourage anyone who is suffering an egregious wrong to contact them. I have watched them in action in my boyfriend Noodle’s case Noodle vs Jamison, and they get justice done.

So where is this leading? Well, I guess it is just that we don’t really need a police force (sorry Sarge) or a lot of rules. You know, that one about treating other anipals like you would want to be treated works just fine. And taxes? Nope. You keep your bones and nip and all the other treats you love. They are yours to enjoy and share with your friends, if you want. I know first-hand that when one of us has a need, their friends – both old and new – jump in to help. Yep, no need for taxes; just friendship and kindness and working together to help make Blogville a great place to be.

I also want to send a special thanks to all of you who prayed for me, sent healing thoughts, and/or helped financially. It is all appreciated so much. Mom asks that you continue lifting me up in your thoughts. Now, I think I will go out in the heat to take a quick roll in the grass. It feels so good!

roll in grass — **Take time to enjoy life.**

Are We There Yet?

Published on July 4, 2016August 9, 2018 by Xena, Lucy and Chia36 Comments

My cousins Piper and his housemate Ella came to stay with us last Wednesday while their peeps moved and got settled in.

Then, early Friday morning, Mom packed the car, kissed Dad goodbye, and took me and Piper for a ride. Ella stayed home to keep Dad company.

Wake me when we get there. (nnon) — **Wake me when we get there. (11:00 a.m.)**

Finally, 87 hours later (no, Lexi, it was 10 1/2 hours later~Mom) we got there. Where’s there? Pee A. Also known as Pencil Vain Ya. There were a lot of women there eating and laughing and they were all very nice to us, even if they couldn’t keep straight who was Piper and who was me. After a couple of hours they all left and we have been visiting with Mommy’s friend Rhonda and my friend Paisana, who everyone calls Pai (pronounced Pie). Pai

Yesterday, Piper made a new friend. Rhonda’s brother dropped by and we sat outside and visited. I remembered John Paul from when we all vacationed together at the Outer Banks in North Carolina. Piper sat in J.P.’s lap for at least 87 minutes and got a back rub. J.P. liked Piper a lot and thought all the noises he makes are really funny.

Later that evening, everything was going just fine…then… Piper got in a lot of trouble for trying to attack Claud (short for Claudia) while Claud was in her Mommy’s lap. Piper got scolded and sent to his room. That upset Pipe so much that he has been pretending Claud doesn’t exist, which is better than scaring her.

The Moms have been having way too much fun going out during the day and leaving us all alone. We aren’t telling them about any parties that may or may not have happened while they were gone. *burp* Here is all three of us outside with Ms. Rhonda:

0702161602a — **Mom finally got us all to look the same direction, even if it wasn’t at the camera.**

Firecrackers have been making lots of noise all weekend, which bothers Pai; however, her Mom said she hasn’t been as freaked out as usual, and she thinks it is because we are here, ignoring all the noise. Glad to be of service, Ms. Rhonda. I AM a service dog, you know. Well, therapy dog, anyhow.

We are getting back in the car tomorrow and going home. Mom and I wish all our American friends a happy and safe Independence Day.

Health, Friends and Flowers

Published on June 28, 2016August 15, 2016 by Xena, Lucy and Chia38 Comments

First, an update on my health, because inquiring minds want to know, right?

Saturday Mommy and I went to see Dr. Smith, who is another dogtor where my beloved Dr. Karen works. I’ve developed another tumor under my left ear. It’s odd, almost like a cyst, but not. It doesn’t bother me any, though, and the decision was to leave it alone unless it gets much bigger or starts seeping anything. Then there was the matter of the strange, splinter-like thing sticking out right next to one of my front toenails. Dr. Smith said it was like a hangnail on a person, and that it can be cut short and it wouldn’t hurt me. I think Mom forgot ’cause she hasn’t done that yet. Finally, Mom told Dr. Smith I had kept her up most of Friday night with the squirts. He got me some of that paste medicine that Mom squirts in my mouth to soothe my gut. I am glad it doesn’t taste too bad.

Unfortunately for all of us, the paste didn’t work. Mommy says Saturday and Sunday nights were an exercise in patience and stamina for her. When Mom called back on Monday and said the paste wasn’t working, Dr. Smith said to give me Imodium. It is mint flavored and not too bad to swallow. After it started working, I noticed that my tummy was upset, so I needed to go out a lot during the night to eat clover. Mommy is walking around looking kind of like those zombie things you see on TV. I can’t help it if it all happens for about 12 hours, starting at bedtime. I heard I am to sleep in our bedroom with Dad tonight and Mom is sleeping by herself in the guest room. I don’t guess Dad is going to get much sleep tonight. He will be zombie daddy tomorrow.

Oh, I almost forgot. On the way home from the dogtor on Saturday, just as Mommy was driving over the Chickamauga Dam, I went into a seizure. There wasn’t anything she could do without risking having a car accident, so she just reached over and stroked me to help me stay calm. It didn’t last more than a few minutes and really wasn’t too bad. I wasn’t scared, but I was kinda’ ticked off that my right side went all weird. My right legs got stiff and my head kept pulling to the right. As soon as possible, Mom pulled off the road and held me and within a couple of minutes I was ok and ready to help navigate us back home. When Mom told the dogtor, he confirmed what she thought. The melanoma tumors have probably moved to my brain. I don’t really understand what that means. Mom said to not worry about it, just try to eat what I like and enjoy my life.

Speaking of enjoying, my cousins Piper and Ella came to stay with me.

That's me in the front. — **That’s me in the front. I’m the boss.**

AND I found out today that Mommy is driving up to Pee A this Friday and she is taking me and Piper with her! Yay! I will get to visit my friend Rhonda and my friends Pai and Claud. It will take 10 or 11 hours each way, but I don’t mind the drive. Ella is staying home with my Dad.

Finally, lookie what Dad surprised Mommy with. He also bought her sweets, but they didn’t last long enough to take any pictures, BOL. Can you believe she didn’t share her cream horn tonight?

Lexi’s Campaign Tuesday

Published on June 21, 2016August 15, 2016 by Xena, Lucy and Chia29 Comments

Last week, Kismet pushed me to think of more reasons that I should be elected ~~Supreme Leader~~ Mayor of Blogville. Chemo has made my brain a bit foggy at times, so I had to call on some of my peers to help me out. Hooch and Rin were the only ones available on short notice, so we planned late into the night. I think their strategy is brilliant: WIN.

Here is Reason #10 to Vote 4 Lexi:

A Working Lunch with a Working Dog — **My food’s gone. Is this meeting over?**

10. I am a working dog. The above picture is from one of my previous employments. We were wasting no time, having a working lunch. I understand the challenges of all us working class anipals and peeps and can form a ~~labor~~ party (woo hoo!) to help you.

I am Lexi, the future ~~Supreme Leader~~ Mayor of Blogville.

Pee S: Special thanks to my BFF Sweet William the Scott for working tirelessly to help me track down my famous peers and making sure they felt appreciated with the special pictures he took.

An Overnighter

Published on June 19, 2016 by Xena, Lucy and Chia35 Comments

This weekend Mom and I packed up and went across town to visit my bestest friend, Auntie Jen, along with Piper and Ella. My Uncle Bill had to go away overnight so we went to keep them company and help with some stuff. It is sad that they are moving away; however, it is great that it is only about a four hour drive, which means more road trips and overnight stays!

Auntie Jen is the only one – besides the hospital kids – that I let hug me. Hmm, I wish people would let me know when I have something stuck between my teeth!

**Auntie Jen loves me, and I love her too!**

Piper and I played hide and seek in the back yard while our moms worked in the house.

**Can you find Piper? You may have to enlarge the pic.**

Later, Mom and Auntie Jen sat down together in front of the computer to research houses for rent in the new city. I took that opportunity to rest.

A realtor came over this afternoon to talk about selling their house. I know Piper and I can be pretty loud when someone comes in the door, and this time it worked to our advantage. Before the realtor lady got there Mom packed me and Piper in the car and took us riding around. Look where we ended up.

**Baskin Robbins: heaven on earth. We shared a scoop of sugar-free coconut and pineapple ice cream**

Christmas, Oreo and Lexi’s Pawsome Adventure

Published on June 17, 2016 by Xena, Lucy and Chia24 Comments

Have you checked out Christmas’ blog today? If not, go take a look at the great time the three of us had while Christmas and Oreo visited me here in the Choo Choo City! They came by themselves in Christmas’ snazzy new wheels and we met at the Walnut Street Bridge. It is the longest walking bridge in the world at 2,374 feet, and connects downtown Chattanooga with the North Shore, across the Tennessee River. It can be pricey to eat out downtown, so I brought food. Can you guess what? Hot dogs and Oreo Cookies, what else! So glad they have a sense of humor. We went on to other major tourist attractions, including the Hunter Museum and Rock City where I am the German dog every October for Rocktober Fest. There is really nothing going on there this time of year so we ran the trails and did some climbing and hide and seek, being careful not to fall off Lookout Mountain. After avoiding being eaten by a shark at the Chattanooga Aquarium, Christmas actually won him over to be a part of his campaign for mayor. What a weiner dog! At the end of the day I wanted to go camping with them, so Chris let me use his mobile phone to call home, but Mom said, no, I had to come home and take my pills and rest. Now, be sure to go see all the pictures and read Chris’ account of our visit!

They're ignoring me — **Happy but exhausted!**

Vote Lexi for Mayor Reasons 9 and 10

Published on June 14, 2016August 15, 2016 by Xena, Lucy and Chia44 Comments

Hello friends, Lexi here again. If you missed my past ~~Campaign Propoganda~~ posts informing you why you need to vote for me for ~~the Supreme Leader of Blogville~~ your Mayor, you can check it out at the bottom of this page. Today, we move on to reasons #9 and #10, which are the last two reasons I can think of right now. I might come up with some more later.

9. A Dog of Many Sorrows: I Understand Affliction. Among other things, I have suffered with and overcome hip dysplasia. I bravely allowed the new vet to stick lots of needles in me and over time it removed the affects of the dysplasia. I also recently survived a round of chemotherapy, the infusion of poison into my bloodstream.

Lexi the Pin Cuhion — **Lexi the Pin Cushion**

I have also lived through the sorrow of the death of my sisters and housemates, Lily and Ivy.

How is this relevant, you may ask? Not only can I empathize with you, but I am able to come up with new and daring solutions to your problems. I am willing to be a role-model of bravery and fortitude and empathize with you during times of sorrow.

10. “What’s in it for me?” I know that to vote for someone, the biggest question is, “What do I get out of this?” Right? So, if you tell me you voted for me, and send me your e-mail address, I will send you back via e-mail your very own “I Voted for Lexi!” button, similar to the ones you can now feel free to grab and use from my side bar. Second, you will feel good knowing you made the right choice for your ~~Supreme Leader~~ Mayor. And, reasons 1 through 8 answer that question quite well, I believe. In case you missed them or just want a refresher, here they are.

Reason 1: Proclaimed Actor

Reasons 2 & 3: Let Them Eat Cake and All Lives matter

Reasons 4 & 5: Church Dog and Build Relationships, Not Walls

Reasons 7 & 8: Volunteer Service and Spokesdog for a Major Multi-National Company

Tips from Lexi: Say Cheese!

Published on May 31, 2016August 15, 2016 by Xena, Lucy and Chia33 Comments

If you love cheese, raise your paw. Or hoof. Or claw. Or fin. We all love cheese. Today’s Tip from Lexi is “How to get (more) cheese.”

Choose a medium bodied whine, perhaps from California — **Choose a medium bodied whine, perhap from California**

Whine
Your peep says, “Do you want a little cheese with that whine?”
Say, “Yes, please.”
cheese
Enjoy

That’s how I started getting my cheese on a regular basis.

Valued Employee

Published on May 28, 2016August 15, 2016 by Xena, Lucy and Chia46 Comments

I was featured in St Luke’s June Happenings Newsletter as the Church Dog. I am a valued employee. Below is the main picture. Just click the link and scroll down to page 2 to read the whole article. 🙂

Lexi featured

For those who might be wondering, I feel much better today. I have been eating well, and the “urge to go” has finally gone. I decided to enjoy life today. Even though it is too hot to stay outside for long, I have been spending a few minutes throughout the day lazing in the sunshine, smelling the flowers and rolling in the grass.

From Lexi’s Mom: Thank you to everyone for your prayers and POTP. Please continue; the battle isn’t over yet. It’s just great to finally see Lexi feeling good again.

Back to Work, Back to Vet, Get Well Cards

Published on May 27, 2016August 9, 2016 by Xena, Lucy and Chia39 Comments

It’s been a rough kind of week. As many of you know, I had my first chemo treatment last Thursday. Being the good employee that I am (and not eligible for sick pay) I went on in to work at St. Luke last Friday. Here is me getting everything done so I can go home when Mom is ready:

Some of my friends sent me get well cards. First, Noodle, Macy and Molly e-mailed me the cutest cards.

My boyfriend Noodle also sent me a video card:

Then I got some real live cards from the mail person. They were actually from Noodle and his family (he wrote he loves me on the back of the envelope!) as well as the beautiful goldens, Bonny, Belle and Bess and their family. They both had slips of paper in them that made Mom get all teary-eyed. I wonder what they were…

0526161943a-1 — I like my cards, but where are the treats?

I have been taking two different pill for nausea, a pill to stimulate my appetite, and a pill to stop the squirts. I’ve been getting up lots during the night ’cause I keep feeling like I have to go out, but all I do is strain and dribble from the back end. All I want to eat is steak and sometimes chicken, and sometimes I can’t even eat that. Today I ate chicken, and Mom made me pumpkin and oatmeal cookies from a healthy dog cookie cook book. I ate most of one.

sick Lexi in car — I don’t feel good, Mommy.

Then, a little later, everything I ate came up all at once. I felt like I was going to die! Obviously, I didn’t. Mom called the oncology vet at UTK, Dr. Walters, and she said I had to go to the hospital here in Chattanooga, and that she was going to call the doctor there herself. Mom took me right away, and of course they stuck a glass stick up my poor patootie. The vet tech took my pulse, too. It was odd, no one has ever taken my pulse before. At least it wasn’t invasive like that awful stick. She said my temp and my pulse were normal. Dr. Smith came in and checked me and did what Dr Walters had suggested. He stuck another needle in me (this is really getting old) and started fluid running sub q. That is short for under my skin. Then he gave me a shot to help with the nausea. Mommy told me I was going to get that shot and that it would burn a lot and that I had to be brave. The dogtor said I keep having the squirts because my intestines are very irritated from the chemo and it makes me feel like I have to go potty all the time. I now have more medicine to take with all the other medicine I have. This one is to sooth my intestines and help with that almost constant feeling of urgency, if you know what I mean.

After they were all done and ~~had finished taking all Mom’s money~~ Mom had paid them, I got to go home. I was sooo glad to see Mom! I felt some better when we got home, so I helped Mom eat her pan fried hamburger, then I ate some more of that store broiled chicken, then some of my homemade cookies. I have still been running outside with the feeling that I have to “go” but all my food has stayed down. That is very important to me.

Hoping for a more restful night and no more urgent potty misery!

I am Lexi the miserable with the tired Mommy.

Dressing (Up) for Whitley

Published on May 23, 2016 by Xena, Lucy and Chia45 Comments

This one’s for you, Whitley.

spoiled rotten

How’s Lexi – Glad you asked

Published on May 21, 2016August 15, 2016 by Xena, Lucy and Chia55 Comments

Yesterday I had a very upset tummy most of the day, even to the point of throwing up a bit. Mom talked to the local vet who called my oncologist in Knoxville, who told her what drug to call in to the pharmacy to help with this chemo sickness. We went and got it on the way home and about 30 minute after Mommy forced it down my throat I was feeling lots better. Mommy was happy when I ate a good supper of homemade chicken and rice. I felt so good that I went into the play position and Gracie and Mom and I played for almost a half hour. I did most of the barking and Gracie did most of the running. It felt good to feel good again.

The weird thing is, the oncology doctor said with this particular poison they used on me, if I was going to get sick it would be in one to two weeks. She said dogs don’t usually get sick from it, but if they do, it is never in the first week. Mom and Dad say I have always been an over-achiever.

When I woke up this morning – still on the mattress on the floor with Mommy – my tummy was a bit upset again, so I refused food. Yes, very un-schnauzer-like. Mom understood and didn’t insist. Instead, she said, “Let’s go for a ride!” and we jumped in the car – yes, I actually jumped in the car, something I haven’t done for a long time – and headed to the local vet. Two nice girls came in the exam room and sat down on the floor with me while they cut and pulled out the stitches from my forehead, the back of my neck and my upper leg. They said I behaved the best of any dog they have done that for. Then Dr. Smith came in and said the gaping hole in my forehead has scabbed over and seems to be healing nicely. He said Mom doesn’t have to spray the liquid bandage on my forehead any more and that I don’t have to wear the dreaded cone any more. HIGH FOUR! When we got home later this morning I was ready to eat some homemade chicken and white rice. Since I gobbled that all down, Mom cooked me more chicken for supper, along with brown rice which is supposed to be healthier. I am not nearly as fond of that nutty taste and ate more chicken than rice. Even so, my tummy is happy and full and I am ready for a nap with my friend Gracie.

0520162116-1

Getting More Treats: Tips and Tricks

Published on May 20, 2016November 30, 2016 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:

First, 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!

My 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 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

Christmas, 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, 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.”

Hailey 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.

This, 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 😉

Riley (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’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

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?.)

Share Your Treat Tips

Published on May 18, 2016August 15, 2016 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.

Surprise Visitor

Published on May 17, 2016May 17, 2016 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.

0517162038 — **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 May 17, 2016August 15, 2016 by Xena, Lucy and Chia26 Comments

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.

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??

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.

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.**

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 anyone 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.

Candy Date Debate #3

Published on May 3, 2016August 15, 2016 by Xena, Lucy and Chia22 Comments

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:

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.
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 May 1, 2016 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.

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.

0501161454a-1 — Riley! I am NOT hiding a cookie in my ear.

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

Published on April 26, 2016August 15, 2016 by Xena, Lucy and Chia34 Comments

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 April 23, 2016 by Xena, Lucy and Chia28 Comments

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.