Tag: miniature schnauzer

Oui, Oui, Paris!

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia15 Comments

Mom: Surprise Xena! We are in Paris for Valentine’s Day!

Xena: Oh. My. Dog. So that’s why you gave me this scarf that says Paris all over it. Quick, take my picture in front of that pointy thing, or nobody is going to believe this.

Mom: Don’t you want to get closer?

Xena: Nope. This is close enough. It’s big and pointy and I’m not sure if it would hurt me.  *click*

Mom: How about this, Xena? It’s not as big and it sure isn’t pointy.

Xena: But what is it?

Mom: It’s a national monument, and it’s called the Arc de Triomphe. Napoleon, the French Emperor, had the Arc built over 200 years ago . He wanted to honor the Grande Armee, the name of the French army at that time. The Grande Armee had conquered most of Europe and was then considered invincible. In other words, no one could beat them at war.

Xena: That’s nice. Now can we go somewhere more interesting?

Mom: Sure, honey. Let’s walk around Paris for a while.

Xena: Look Mommy! It’s a pet store like the Smart Pet place back home, but it’s got my name, “Moustaches.” Let’s go in here!!

Mom: Yes, we can go in, but what do you mean? Your name is Xena, not Moustache.

Xena: My name is Xena the Schnauzer, and schnauzer means both snout and mustache in German. That’s how my breed got that name.

Mom: Huh? How do you know that, Xe Xe?

Xena: Sometimes, when I’m working on my new puter – you know, the one I got for Christmas – I talk to Mr. Google and he told me.  *whispers* But I only do that on my official breaks and at home.

Mom: If you are done browsing in Moustaches, let’s go get something to eat.

Xena: How about here? It’s real pretty and it smells good, too.

Xena: Oh goodness, my chicken salad was good. I thought le garçon was going to faint when I asked for the chicken livers raw. Et la steak tartare, oo la la! C’est magnifique!

Mom: Xena! You’re speaking French!

Xena: Really? The words just sort of came out. Did it sound ok? Could you understand me? 

Mom: Certainement! How about if we go up to montmartre. Are you ready for lots of outside stair steps, like over 300?

Xena: Race you!

Mom: *pant pant* Here is one of the most famous cathedrals in all the world. It is called *pant pant* Sacré-Cœur, or *pant pant* Sacred Heart.

Xena: Ohhhh, let’s go inside.

Mom: Well, if they’ll let us.

Xena: I’m the church puppy. Of course they will let us!

See, I told you they would let us in. My, this is so, so big! Does God live in here?

Mom: No, sweetie. God lives in you and me and all of his creatures. People come to places like this to worship God together, and to feel his love and  his presence within themselves. God is the goodness glue that holds all of the universe together.

Xena: Do you mean the Methodists, Mommy? Cause that’s the only church I’ve been to.

Mom: Not just the Methodists, Xe Xe. God loves everyone: all Christians, Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, people of all faiths, and even people who don’t have their own faith. We are all his Valentines and he loves us all.

Xena: Happy Valentine’s Day, God!!

Mom: *smile* Let’s look around, precious girl. Do you see all the little alcoves off of the nave?

Xena: What’s a nave, Mommy?

Mom: It’s another word for a sanctuary, like we have at work at St. Luke. Anyhow, two hundred years ago when France had kings and queens and other aristocracy, those families paid the Catholic Church to have their own little chapels to worship in, right there off of the main cathedral. They could also pay to have a crypt where they would be buried after they died.

Xena: Ewwww. Do you mean someone dead is in that box? Ewwww.

Mom: Uh, maybe we should look around outside some more in montemartre…

Xena: Mommy, I’m really tired. Can we go home now? Will you carry me?

Mom: Sure, Xena. I love you, my little Valentine. ❤

Xena: Happy Valentines Day, Mommy. I love you to Paris and back!

Mom’s note: Please click Xena’s postcard to find everyone else who celebrated in Paris.

A Visit with My Cousins

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia27 Comments

Hi friends! I’ve been gone away all weekend with my Mommy. Did you miss me? We went to visit with Auntie Jen and Uncle Bill and my cousins Piper and Ella. Ella remembered me!

Xena! You’re here!

Ella is a great sister to Piper. Since his eyes don’t work anymore, he can get lost when he’s out in the big fenced back yard. So Ella goes out and helps him find his way back to the door. She’s Piper’s seeing eye dog! When she isn’t helping Piper, she likes to watch TV, especially the sports stuff.

I think they called that play wrong.

At first I didn’t recognize Piper. He sleeps a whole lot now (he’s 14 years old) and his beard gets all matted, so Auntie Jen cut it off. Ever wonder what a schnauzer would look like without a beard?

 I can’t tell who’s there. Say something.

Yep, well, Piper also gets cold real easy ’cause – according to Mommy – he doesn’t have any meat on his bones. Isn’t that a funny thing to say? So me and Ella went with Mommy and Auntie Jen to the Co Pet Place in search of a new sweater for Piper. I saw a dog coming out as we were going in so I started to bark and I barked the whole way going in and I barked inside, too. I was screaming “Beware! The Schnauzer Warrior Princess is here!” Soon I found out that I was to be the model, er fitter, er ummm, sir-eee-gut for Piper. How it worked was whenever Mommy found something that she thought would work well for Pipie (I like to call my cuz Pipie), she would try it on me and if it was a little big on me, she knew it would fit him. ‘For too long, Mommy and Auntie Jen found matching hoodies for Pipie and Ella and a new toy for Ella ’cause she was so good getting her nails cut at the Co Pet Place.  No, I didn’t get anything, but I really didn’t mind this time.

‘For too long, we got back to Ella’s house and my cousins got to try on their new hoodies. Since Piper can’t see anymore, I guess it didn’t matter that the hoodie fell down over his eyes.

Piper said he at least needed to hear, so his Mommy helped him out with that.

Actually, Ella’s came down over her eyes too.

I suppose that’s why she kept squeaking her new Valentine’s bear and didn’t see that it was drawing someone who wanted her stuffie.

In the meantime, my Auntie Jen was making weird beeping sounds and laughing. I think it had something to do with the new hoodies. Then this happened.

Mom! Piper has my new stuffie!

Turns out Pipie just wanted to check out what was squeaking and Ella soon had her stuffie back. We had a great time, except for one yuckie incident, which Mommy will tell you about another time.

I am Xena the Schnauzer Warrior Princess telling it like it is at the Co Pet Store.

 

 

 

Disappointments

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia24 Comments

Super Bowl Sunday

That doesn’t look like soup. Where’s our souper bowl, Mommy?

Can me and Lucy have some anyhow?

Xena: This is a gyp. That TV’s making too much racket.I wish they’d shut it off.

Lucy: I wish Riley was here.

We hope someone got some good soup on Sunday (and got to see their bestie).

Xena and Lucy

 

Spice Girl

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia25 Comments

When Mommy adopted me I appeared to be a black and silver schnauzer, just like Angel Lexi. Mommy knew I was really a “salt and pepper,” but I still had my puppy coloring. I keep getting more white in my hair just like Mommy. Now I have a 3 inch wide strip of black down my back, which keeps getting narrower. Can you see it?and

I am really showing my salt and pepper!

I am Xena the Schnauzer Spice Girl

Life’s Short, Bite Hard

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia32 Comments

One of my blogging friends told me I did the right thing putting my stink on my new bed. Once my stink is on it, it is mine! With that in mind, I decided to get as much of my stink on the bed of He-Who-No-Longer-Exists as I could. Besides, he’s been gone about 87 days and I think by law he has forfeited his right to this bed. Maybe Frankie or Ernie could tell me for sure.

Mommy found Angel Lexi’s other shirt – she only had two shirts and a hoodie because of how much she hated clothes – and tried it on me. It’s the tiniest bit too big, but I have been wearing it anyhow. Maybe I will get more inspiration from Angel Lexi that way – or maybe she is just laughing at me! Can you read it? It says Life Is Short Bite Hard. BOL!

I am biting hard on this bone, for sure!

Hi Daddy! Don’t worry, I won’t bite you.

Lucy: Dad! Don’t let Xena bite me any more! My face already hurts from her teeth.

I am just going to hide out here in the bedroom until that shirt comes off Xena.

 

I think I will log some more hours in MY bed. Catch ya’ll later. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Sleep Places

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia44 Comments

I’m not too picky about where I sleep. At home, I especially like the living room couch.

Lucy likes to curl up on the loveseat, across from the big couch. I think it’s ’cause that’s where Mom sits most of the time.
My next favorite place is in one of Riley’s beds. Maybe some day I will grow big enough to fill it up.
Last night Daddy was working on his computer at the kitchen counter. His coat fell on the floor, and it looked like a good place to snuggle so that I could be near him. I don’t get to see my Daddy very much ’cause we work at different places, and I miss him.

Riley likes to sleep on the orange chair in the living room. Daddy says it used to belong to my Auntie Jen, but now Riley has claimed it. They are almost the same color, te, he.


I haven’t seen Riley for a long time. Mommy said that him and Andrew are moving out. Riley will take his beds with him, so I won’t have anywhere left to sleep! Well, Mommy realized the same thing when we went to the Smart Pet Place on Lucy’s birthday. When we walked in the door, there was a great big bin with 87 dog beds, all in my exact size, and they were marked down to eight dollars. Mommy said that was a great deal and grabbed one as we were going through the line to pay for all of Lucy’s goodies. I refused to use it for a few days. I think I was in denial about losing Riley’s beds Riley moving out. But now I really like my new bed and sleep most of the night in it. A blanket and a squeaky bone toy that matches the bed all came with it. Sometimes I drag the blanket around the house with me. The bed and blanket are starting to smell like me, a good smell, not a new-from-the-store smell.

OK, I’ve got to go get ready for work now. ❤ puppy kisses

I am Xena the Schnauzer Warrior Princess with comfy beds

Snow and My New Bedtime Equipment

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia25 Comments

 

Did I tell you it did something called snow here on Tuesday? We left work early before the white stuff started falling out of the sky.

It’s time to go home already? I haven’t had my lunch!

Later, when me and Lucy went outside to potty, there was snow all over the ground. I didn’t like it much, but I did what I had to and went back in the house. Lucy had seen snow when she went to Ill in Noise with Daddy over Christmas. She didn’t seem to like it much either.

“What the dog is this stuff? Oh yeah, I remember now.”


“Let me in! It’s not supposed to do this here.”

The next morning we went to work late, so Mommy used the time to make me another shirt just like the first one, but it’s a large instead of a medium. She’s gotten faster, too. The first one took 3 1/2 hours. This one only took about 1 1/2 hours! I am wearing it in the picture of me (at the top).

Mommy didn’t want the Looster to be jealous of all my fine new clothes, but she can’t find a pattern big enough for her. Instead, she ordered her a new coat from Mrs. Amazon. It is a late birthday present, since the Smart Pet place didn’t have any to fit her, either.

It’s got snaps underneath and the big fleece collar is her hood that snaps on and off. It will keep her warm when it gets cold outside again. Maybe she will stop pulling my sweater off me now!

Finally, here’s my surprise…my new bedtime equipment:

This is what’s called a game-changer. Or steps. They used to belong to Angel Lexi, but that’s me on them now. I don’t have to wake Dad up to put me back in bed anymore. I go zoom! up and down so fast, maybe it is part of my super powers!

I am Xena the Schnauzer Princess Warrior with bed steps

My Work Week

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia36 Comments

First, before I say anything else, I want to tell you about a wonderful new device Mom gave me that has changed my life…well, at least my night. But Mom has been remiss in taking pictures, so she says I need to wait to say more. *whine* Soon, I promise.

Three times a week my day starts out the same as any other day – you know, out to potty, in the kitchen to eat brekkies, out to potty. But that is where it takes a turn.  I get my face – and sometimes all of me – washed. And brushed. And get one of my cuteness walking vests on. Then I get in the car and shake most of the way to the church. I’m still working on that bravery thing.

Once at work, there is the obligatory greeting people and deciding if I should wag, growl, bark or hide. Sometimes Miss Beth comes in and puppy holds me. It has become our “thing.” Have I mentioned that I love Miss Beth? I would like to take her home with me, but she says, “No thank you, I have my own home.”

Every day I carry my work equipment to the hallway outside our office. From there I can better see everyone coming and going.

By mistake I followed Mommy downstairs to the Parents’ Day Out area. There were lots of little people there, and one wanted to pet me. I tried to flee back to my office, but before I could get away, Mommy picked me up and let the girl pet my back. It didn’t hurt, but I still don’t trust them.

Sometimes Mommy moves all my work equipment back to my bed. By the end of the week I am exhausted.

I rest on the way home, and spend time with Lucy until it is time for Daddy to get home.

Sometimes we play bitey-face. And sometimes Lucy justs licks my beard.

Then I get dumped in the stupid playpen until my folks finish their supper. Before bed, I cuddle up to my Daddy.

So, if you need to talk to me on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, you can just come by St. Luke United Methodist Church or ring me up there at work. I will try to make time to visit with you.

I am Xena the working Schnauzer Warrior Princess

Lucy’s Special Day

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia37 Comments

Hi friends, this is Lucy. First, a big thank you to everyone who wished me a good birthday and Gotcha Day. Your wishes worked! We all went to the Smart Pet Store and I got petted by lots of people. One of the workers knelt down to adjust my harness and I gave her lots of sloppy kisses on her mouth. When we got home, Mom put my new collar on me and gave me my cow ear. I never had one before, but I can tell you this: no way was I sharing this yummy goodness with Xena!

Mommy got me two cow ears, yes, two, just for me. She put one away “for later.”  Can you see my pretty new collar? The brown background matches my furs and the dots are bright and cheery, just like me. Mom put extra deer meat in my bowl at supper, and my tummy was full and happy when I went to bed to sleep between my Mom and Dad.

Xena wanted to show everyone her new jammies that our Mom made. My nose is in the picture, so I said it was ok.

Mom told Xena to “say cheese,” and Xena said she never gets any cheese.

Xena has some more news that I told her will have to wait until it’s her turn to write a blog. It’s a sunny 40 degrees (4 C) outside and I am going out to play in the yard now. I think I will roll Xena in the dirt and leaves – she likes that!

Love and Wiggles, Lucy ❤

How I Got a New Shirt

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia34 Comments

I told Mommy my jammies are getting too small. Daddy said I am just getting too big. Huh? Anyhoo, Daddy went to work and Mommy shut me in the bathroom all by myself except for my bed and my bully horn and my Christmas reindeer, and went shopping. I thought that was strange since I always go to the store to try on my clothes. Except for the last sweater she bought me at a stupid store that doesn’t allow dogs, but I like my sweater.

When she got home the first thing she did after putting away our new meat and taking me and the Looster (he, he, do you like my new nickname for Lucy?) for a walk, was to open up all this paper and cloth and lay it out on the kitchen counter.

Mommy said she got something called a pattern so she could make me lots of new clothes. Woo hoo! Some of the paper pattern fell on the floor, so I tried to help.

Mommy kept wrapping the paper around my neck and body. It made funny crinkly noises, but I didn’t freak and got a cookie for being a good, brave girl.  87 hours later (Mom’s note: 3 1/2 hours), I had my first new outfit. Mommy said there is enough material to make another one for when this one gets dirty. A-a-a-and, she got some really soft, cozy, warm cloth to make me jammies for the cold nights. I think she better get busy while I work on my bully horn!

Pee S: Can you see the pretty pansies she put on the back of my new shirt?

Pee Pee S: I think Lucy is jealous.

I am Xena the Schnauzer Warrior Princess with a snazzy new outfit.

Piper’s 14th Birthday

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia25 Comments

Today, January 10, 2018, my nephew Piper turned 14 years old. Diabetes, congestive heart failure, and all, he has a strong will to keep on keeping on, and we are so glad for that. Here are some memories of his time with us.

This is his head shot from a photo shoot he was in with his Mama and his brother Milo, who is now, sadly, waiting at the rainbow bridge. It was taken almost eight years ago, and is my favorite picture of Piper. He’s such a handsome boy.

This next one also has to be one of my favorites. Piper is the skunk closest to the camera. I only know this for sure because Lexi never moved or lifted her head during the whole time they were forced to wear the humiliating costumes.

I like this one of Piper in the doggie toy store because he looks like a Scottie. It was just the camera angle, but it makes me laugh. Folks always get Schnauzers and Scotties mixed up when they don’t know much about either breed.  You’ll notice he’s a frugal boy, checking out the clearance section. Or maybe he just thinks he’ll get more that way.

The next two are from 2015, a year before Lexi left us. Isn’t it funny that Piper is on our left of Lexi in most of their pictures. Maybe she thought of him as her “right hand man.” 

Piper joined everyone in Blogville to honor her on Eat a Treat for Lexi day.

Prior to the last move to the Nashville area in 2017, Piper had started going deaf, and his eyesight was failing. I think he was wishing everyone would get unpacked and settled in. And maybe that I would give him some of what I was eating…

Piper, you are for sure our Super Dog today. Happy Birthday, sweet, precious, huggy boy. Your Aunt Amy sends tons of love your way.

Bedtime Ritual

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia31 Comments

I kinda’ worried my Mommy the first time I grabbed the blanket to make it into my bed.

Lots of our sheets and towels and blankets have holes in them from Riley, er, He Who No Longer Exists, chewing them up. So, naturally, Mommy thought I was turning into another blanket chewer. He, he.  I use my mouth to move things to where I want them, that’s all.

I use my front feet, too, and soon I get things just right.

What do you do to get ready for bed?

Everyone have a warm and cozy night.

I am Xena the domestic Schnauzer Warrior Princess

Our Portrait

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia35 Comments

I was just thinking about all the yummy food I get to eat. Besides all the meat -that is always my favorite – I eat steamed broccoli and turnip greens and kale and mustard greens and carrots. I get pickled beets and sauerkraut and tiny tomatoes and kala…, er, Mommy how do you spell those olives? k-a-l-a-m-a-t-a. Yep, that’s them. And eggs, yep don’t forget them eggs. Mmmm. And coconut oil and krill oil and sardines, too. And fresh fruit when we can get it, like berries and apples and and applesauce, too. And pumpkin and other squashes. Can you tell I like to eat? Mommy says I wouldn’t be a schnauzer if I didn’t love food.

Lucy: Xena, I thought there was something else you wanted to show our friends.

Xena: Oh, you mean the picture from when you ran off and almost missed getting our special picture made!

Lucy: No, no there’s no pictures of me running off!

Xena: But that’s what the picture always reminds me of when I look at it. That’s the day you got double grounded. Hey, are you still double grounded?

Lucy: I don’t know. *hangs head* Mom and Andrew never let me out to run around loose in the yard any more. *mumbles* I think that’s why Riley dumped me.

Xena: What are you mumbling about Lucy?

Lucy: Nothing! Just drop it, OK?

Xena. OK, it didn’t sound interesting anyhow. So, here is our family picture!

I am Xena the Schnauzer Warrior Princess.

A Lesson in Bravery

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia39 Comments

I was laying here on the couch thinking about the message my Grammy sent me. It was about sunbeams helping me find my guardian angels or them find me or us find each other. Something like that.

Next thing I knew, I was engulfed in a sunbeam. My Guardian Angel Lexi appeared and told me to listen (click on the picture below):

Angel Lexi is still trying to help me have more courage, and not be so afraid. She said she is very proud of me for being such a good puppy. I never chew up anything and I listen to my Mommy and now I always potty outside. She said it was very good that I like Mommy to hold me and love on me, since that is something Mommy missed with her. My guardian angel also said that she sees some of her own traits in me, like how I have started laying by myself on whatever furniture isn’t occupied instead of with my Mommy or Daddy; or how I am so good on the grooming table, but slowly, very slowly, creep to the edge.

It all felt so peaceful, I quietly fell asleep next to my Christmas reindeer, where I dreamed of slaying dragons, flying with Angel Lexi, and riding in the car without shaking.

I am Xena the Schnauzer Warrior Princess (at least in my dreams)

A Sunbeamy New Year

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia25 Comments

 

Xena: Lucy, why do you look so funny, like you have sun stripes?

Lucy: It’s probably the same bright light right next to you, Xena.

What light? Oh!

It goes all the way down…and if I follow it…

There’s my ball on the other side. I wonder if I can cross the sunbeam. I’ve heard you’re never supposed to cross light streams.

Lucy: Since you’re a dog and not a light stream, I think it would be ok.

Xena: There’s the bully horn on this side of the light.

Lucy: He, he, now your butt looks like mine did in the light, he, he.

Xena: So how’s this for butt in the light? I’m gonna chew up your bully horn.

Lucy: *fake sniffle and sob*

Xena: Aw, Lucy, I’m not really going to chew it up. You’re the bestest sister and friend in the whole world.

Happy New Year from your friends in Chattanooga.

Lucy, Xena and peeps

 

 

Xena’s First Christmas

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia26 Comments

It’s been weird not having Lucy here to pick on play with. So I have spent a lot of time antagonizing playing keep-away with He-Who-No-Longer-Exits [Riley].

Quick Mom, help me before H.W.N.L.E. gets the bone.

Too slow! I better run into the other room with it. 

(Mom’s note: There were 3 bones, but, as usual, no one wanted the 2 that no one had.)

Then it was Christmas Eve. I was so excited! I knew I had to go to sleep before Santa would come.

Hurry, Mommy. Get my jammies and jump in bed with me. Santa’s coming!

Why aren’t you getting in bed Mommy? Where’s my jammies?

Mom: It’s only 6 o’clock, Xena.

*sigh*

It was finally Christmas morning and Santa had come. I must have been a very good puppy, ’cause I got my new V-Tech puter from G.W. Mommy helped me turn it on and it told me to choose an activity.

I chose to play with my ball and Tiger at the same time. I thought that must be a pretty advanced activity. Tiger used to belong to H.W.N.L.E., but he had to pay Tiger to me as his fine for deading Raccoon.

 

Then I opened my other present…what is this?

Hey, this paper tastes pretty good! Thanks, Mommy.

Seriously, Mommy, what is this?

A little later…mmmm, cardboard.

And later still…a bully horn! It’s kinda big, but I think I can conquer this, ’cause I am….

Xena the Schnauzer Warrior Princess, wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas.

P.S. Lucy told me that she will be home late tomorrow. And that even though she tries her best, Oscar the cat remains stubbornly hostile toward her.

P.P.S. When I asked Mommy what Santa did all day on Christmas, she said he relaxed and rested with his own babies.

Schnauzer Shopping

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia26 Comments

What? You thought Mommy was looking for another ME? He, he, she says I wear her out totally enough all by my little self.

Still no sign of Lucy or Daddy. But I did hear Mommy tell Riley that Lucy would be gone for a few days, so he might as well stop looking for her. He seemed to accept that, as he went and laid down.

Mommy did take me shopping to the Smart Pet place, where all the clothes were 40% off. I guess they needed more doggies trying on clothes to make them 100% on. I tried on a lot of clothes.


I like this one, Mommy. It shows everyone I am a Princess, but this skirt’s too long; I can’t walk right.

 

I like that pink one better, Mommy. It has bone pictures on it and is real soft and pretty. I could feel it was too big, though. Can you find a smaller size?

 

OK, so the smaller one with bone pictures is too small. I know this one with the knit flowers is your favorite, Mommy, but it doesn’t feel like it fits me right, especially around my front legs.

 

I am beginning to understand how Angel Lexi felt about clothes…please make the people stop laughing.

We went home empty-pawed. Then Mommy went to a non-Smart Pet store where the prices were half as much as even the 40% off (I don’t understand any of this) and…


No! That isn’t pink and doesn’t have any bows or crowns or skirts or sheep ears and tails…wait…no sheep ears and tails!

 

Yep, this one fits good, Mommy, and it is warm and comfy. This is the one I want! Is this my 6 month birthday pressie? Can I keep it? Do you think Lucy will like how I look in it? Where’s Lucy?

This is Xena the Schnauzer Warrior Princess with only my own ears and tail and no idea where my sister and Daddy are.

Where’s Lucy?

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia21 Comments

Today was really different than most of my Thursdays. My big sister Lucy jumped into the back seat of the car and went to work with me and Mommy. Strangely enough, just knowing Lucy was in the car made me feel braver. I didn’t shake on the way like usual. Lucy told me she was almost the church dog, but it didn’t really work out. Sure enough, everyone knew her name and seemed happy to see her. I kept feeling braver. Whenever I heard someone come in, I barked and barked. Mommy kept telling me to stop barking. “Be quiet!” she said over and over. I thought she wanted me to be brave. “Well, I do,” Mommy said. “But that’s not brave – that’s obnoxious.”

When I showed Lucy my bed, she said it was her bed, too, when she was here. “It’s mine, now,” I said. “And do you see all these toys? Big Bear, Rope Chew, Blue Bone, and Hedgehog? They are all mine, too.”

After I made sure Lucy knew the boundaries, we played and argued over who should get pet every time someone came in our my office.

Mostly we played. Pretty soon it was time to go home.  When we went outside, I got another surprise. Daddy was there, and he put Lucy in the car and left me and Mommy the truck. There was so much stuff in the car that Lucy barely fit in the back seat.

“Mommy, where’s Lucy and Daddy? Shouldn’t they be home by now?”

To be continued…

Xena’s 1st Sunday Selfie

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia29 Comments

 

Hi. Watcha’ doin?

It’s been a fun Sunday. Riley, er, He-Who-No-Longer-Exits came home today and I got to growl and yell at him. After I had my lunch, me and Lucy went out in the dog lot and ran along our side of the fence while HWNLE ran along his side of the fence in the big wide world. I barked and ran and ran and barked. Mommy was just inside the door cooking so she didn’t notice that it had started to rain. It was great! Parts of the dog lot turned to mud and Lucy had fun rolling me around in it. I don’t know why she didn’t roll in it too…

Anyhoo, when Mom called us in, she didn’t know ahead of time about the rain and mud and it was so much fun leaving muddy pawprints through the house. Rosy, who is a month younger than me, did the same thing not too long ago.

I think this is where I’m supposed to say that I’m joining The Cat on My Head for Sunday Selfies Blog Hop. OK, consider it said.

I am Xena the Schnauzer Warrior Princess with my First Selfie Blog Hop.

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Healing a Broken Heart

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia42 Comments

Angel Lexi here, taking my blog back for just a little while. I’ve seen my Mom tilt her head in that way that I know she is thinking hard and she’s looking at little Xena when she does it. Let’s start from the beginning so this will make sense.

I knew it would be terrible for Mom when I had to leave, so I hung on for two more months than the docs said I would. Then I had no choice but to go on back to my Creator. After four months I could see how sad Mom still was, so I asked the Big Guy to send someone to help her. I figured He would send her another schnauzer, maybe even let me pick out the right one. At first I didn’t understand why He sent her Lucy. When I asked, He said to wait and watch. I could tell she was still very sad, but the break in her heart seemed to be starting to heal, at least a little.  As the months continued to pass, I saw stitch after stitch forming, creating a heart that could once again hold love. Lucy was accomplishing the job He sent her to do.

After the first anniversary of my leaving had passed, The Big Guy called me to Him to let me know that my Mom was ready for another schnauzer, and that I could help Him find just the right one. I knew exactly what Mom needed. She needed another little girl who looked a bit like me, but not too much. She had to be spunky and smart like me, and ready to be Mom’s partner in lots of activities, including being the church dog. I always loved Mom to the moon and back, but I wasn’t a “touch” dog except for when I was therapizing. Even though that is something she wanted when she adopted me, she never held it against me that it wasn’t in my personality. This time, I wanted Mom to get a cuddly girl, too. I knew the puppy couldn’t be too far away, like in China, or Mom wouldn’t get her, so I started searching in my home state of Georgia. Of course, The Big Guy knew I would find just the right one ’cause He had already picked her out. Boy, I can’t get up early enough to outsmart Him!

When the time was right Mom contacted my breeder, Becky, who understood what Mom wanted. The litter that would be ready to go in October were from a mom and dad who had puppies with temperaments more like mine, but they were all black and all males. Nope. The litter Becky expected to get in the spring would be from a mom and dad who usually had puppies that looked like me but were all cuddly love bugs with no “attitude.” Nope. So Becky told Mom about another great breeder named Toni. Toni was three hours away, and I knew that wouldn’t be a problem since Mom had driven that far to get me.  When Mom went to see these 15 week old puppies, Toni had already picked out the one she thought would be the best match for Mom. You see, I had whispered in Toni’s ear which one to choose, and of course, it was the girl who would soon be named Xena. Even though Xena’s only been in the family for a little over two months, Mom’s heart is healing much faster so it can hold all the love welling up inside it.  And Lucy’s new job is to help raise Xena and to be a wonderful big sister to her. She sure is acing that one, too.

Next thing I know, The Big Guy informs me that I am in charge of watching over Xena. Well, I’ll tell you, that really cut down time with my friend Spike. Puppies take a lot of watching. I made sure she didn’t chew everything up like I used to do as a puppy. Yep, checked that one off my list. Other than the potty training, everything has been going along beautifully, and she is almost there with that, too. Just as I was trying to pat myself on my back, Mom sends up a prayer to The Big Guy, asking for me to give Xena some of my bravery. It seems that every morning when Mom and Xena go to work, Xena is shaking in the car for at least half of the way there. She has other fears, too. I know, I know, she is supposed to be the Schnauzer Warrior Princess, but that’s for later. Even little princes and princesses have to grow into their titles, right? I started walking around thinking about this dilemma.

While it’s true that I have always had enough bravery to share, I didn’t know just how to go about this. I was walking and thinking and not paying much attention to where I was going. When I looked up I saw that I was in a different part of over the rainbow. I had wandered into the Land of Oz, and you will never believe who I found there…My Dorothy!

After getting caught up on the latest Oz news, I asked My Dorothy if she had any ideas. She asked me if I remembered the Cowardly Lion. Of course I did! He was one of my favorites. My Dorothy reminded me that he hadn’t always been brave; it was after he met her and the Tin Man and the Scarecrow that he learned to love and found his courage. Even then, he didn’t realize he had courage until the Wizard gave him a medal with the word Courage on it.

Suddenly, I knew what to do. For now, I am going to let little Xena grow and experience life and build her courage. I will keep en”courage”ing her and do my best to instill some of my extra bravery into her. Do you remember when the little warrior princess went after the big dogs in the house because they tore up her favorite toy? Who do you think helped her?  The more she learns to love and trust, the braver she will be. Some day she will get her own medal and be the superstar she was born to be.

So back to the beginning. When Mom tilts her head in thought, it is because she sees me in Xena, and wonders. Now you know why.

I think I will take a break from puppy watching and go running with Spike for a while.

I am Angel Lexi, the Brave Guardian.