Sleep Places

Published on January 25, 2018 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 January 20, 2018January 19, 2018 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 January 18, 2018January 17, 2018 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

How I Got a New Shirt

Published on January 14, 2018January 12, 2018 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.

Our Portrait

Published on January 5, 2018 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.

Xena’s First Christmas

Published on December 25, 2017 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 December 22, 2017December 22, 2017 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 December 21, 2017December 22, 2017 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…

Grooming News

Published on December 20, 2017December 14, 2017 by Xena, Lucy and Chia20 Comments

Over the last month or so, Mom has only had a couple of new dogs come to be groomed. I’m glad I didn’t take grooming up as my profession. I would starve to death trying to make enough for my food. Anyhoo, the first new pup is a cocker spaniel. His name is Luke and even though he is almost a year old, this was his first time on the grooming table. Mom thought he would be a “wild child” but he acted like he was used to it. His mama said it is because he has three little children and a baby at home, and he’s used to anything! Mom got lots of kissies during this groom.

Here Luke is after his groom. Can you see the funky little mohawk on the top of his head? His mama asked for that, he, he. Luke has had his doggy treat and is waiting for his Mom to come up the driveway.

This is 11-year-old Roxie, a shihtzu-poodle mix. She hasn’t been groomed for a year because her Mom doesn’t get her vaccinations any more, and most groomers won’t take her. Mom said she agrees with Roxie’s Mom’s decision, and that Roxie won’t be around any other dogs while she is here, so bring her on!

This was an unusual groom because her grandma brought her and said to groom Roxie however Mom wanted, to just have fun with it. Of course, the left side is “before.” Roxie is a very sweet girl (but not sweeter than me). Her grandma texted Mom later to say that Roxie’s mom loved the groom and would be bringing her back next time.

My peeps brother Andrew kept using Mom’s grooming towels, so Mom put a sign on them.

Peyton and Slider were here getting groomed, and Peyton hopped up to where you see her. Mom couldn’t figure out if she was being defiant (of the sign) or guarding the towels or just getting comfy. What do you think?

Until next time…

Love and Wiggles, Lucy the (still) Double-Grounded

Healing a Broken Heart

Published on December 15, 2017December 15, 2017 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.

All About Xena

Published on December 12, 2017December 11, 2017 by Xena, Lucy and Chia31 Comments

Hi Friends. Do you ever look at me and say, “She’s really grown!” You’re right! I did gain over a pound in just three weeks, making me 11 pounds, seven ounces heavy. And I’ve grown taller too! I’m almost 13 inches tall!! My sister Angel Lexi was 14 inches, so I’m almost as tall as her (at the shoulder). Mommy thinks I am growing up way too fast, BOL. She also thinks she didn’t get a good measurement from squirmy me, so there may be an update on that.

I have lost all my puppy teeth and have all my big dog teeth now. I really show them off when Lucy plays bitey face with me. And they work great for tearing holes in my playpen. I have a huge hole in the back side, but I have to jump up and down a lot to get the playpen to move away from the fake glass door so I can get out. I don’t know what Mommy’s thinking, pushing it up against the wall like that. To make things easier, I made a second hole in the end, and now I can come and go as I want.

Since the playpen is no good for “containing” me, Mommy shuts me in the big bathroom when she can’t take me with her, like to the store or the dentist. I learned that it is fun to pull all the tee pee paper off the roll. And I managed to get the door open that goes from there into Andrew’s bedroom. I heard Mommy come home today, so I ran into Andrew’s room, to the door that goes to the hallway. I heard her calling me, so I didn’t understand why she wouldn’t come open the door. I didn’t know Mommy had come in behind me from the bathroom, and she scared the pee pee out of me when she touched me. The loose tee pee paper was then put to good use.

I’ve learned a lot of other things, too. If I walk under Lucy while she is walking I don’t get run over. AND I can bite her legs. I have to be careful to not stop and laugh; that’s when she reaches down and grabs me by the beard. Barking about Lucy and my beard, she has found it keeps the flavors of my food and she likes to lick it, te, he. Also barking about my beard, Mommy washes my face every day before we go to work. I don’t like it, but that hasn’t stopped her. And I get all my longer hair – I have hair, not fur – combed out real pretty then, too.

I know “sit” and do it faster than lightening! I’m still working on “down” which means to lay clear down with my belly on the floor. I know what it means; I just don’t like doing it, and I get back up right away. I know I am supposed to potty outside All. The. Time. Sometimes I don’t know how to tell Mommy, and sometimes it hits so fast that I don’t have time to tell Mommy. So now there is a jingly thing hanging down low on the back door handle where I can reach it. Mommy keeps hitting it with her finger and sometimes takes my paw and hits it before she takes me out. I think this might have something to do with me going out to potty. I will think more about that later.

I am learning how to type. I learned the thing on the desk is called a mouse, and when Mommy moves it around I can see the very tip of its tail on the puter picture place. I watch it run all over that picture place. Daddy said if I am a good girl, Santa might bring my very own puter from a special company called Mattel. Or maybe one from Playschool. Anyhow, it’s going to be a great puter from one of the big puter companies. Then maybe I can get my own desk and chair from a great company like Mattel, too.

Every night before I go to sleep in the big bed, I put on my jammies. OK, Mommy helps me some. I love my jammies and always wag my tail and try to help. I get to wear them for my first and second outie in the early morning, too, when it is still cold outside.

Lucy is my very bestest friend. We share everything. Sometimes we even stick our heads in a food bowl at the same time and share what is in it.

We don’t fight or argue. At least not since she promised to never help He-Who-No-Longer-Exists [Riley], be mean to me.But sometimes Lucy gets up on the bed without me. I think she must forget that I can’t jump that high yet. She should stay on the couch, where I can jump up.

I hope you have liked reading all about me. I will be sure to come visit and ask Mommy to read to me, all about you!

Christmassy love from me, Xena, the Schnauzer Warrior Princess ❤

A Thankful Get-Together

Published on December 2, 2017November 30, 2017 by Xena, Lucy and Chia22 Comments

Xena: Mommy, Mommy, where’s my breakfast? Mommy, Mommy, when am I going to meet my new friends?

Mom: I’m fixing your breakfast the same as I do first thing every morning, Xena, then we’ll be seeing your Auntie Jen, Uncle Bill and cousins Piper and Ella.

Xena: Have they seen my latest cuteness picture? Are they going to love me?

Lucy: *sigh* I got this one, Mom. Yes Xena, they will love you. I met Auntie Jen and she is a lot like Mom. She’ll fuss over you and hold you and give you kisses. Piper has gotten to be a senior schnauzer, and he has recently gone blind, so take it easy on him, will you? And Ella is going to be MY friend, so paws off.

Mom: Lucy….

Lucy: Ok…she can be your friend too, but mostly mine.

(a few hours later)

Piper: Hi Lucy and Xena. I’m Piper. I used to live here before you did. I knew your sister, Angel Lexi, 87 years before she was an angel. We were BFF’s. We hung together all the time.

And this time, when Mom leaves, I’m goin’ with her. We’re a team, ya’ know.

Hi Lucy, I’m Ella. Look at pretty you! Me and you, we’re the same size! We could be friends. Wanna’ play?

Piper: Excuse me…how did I end up in this play pen? Let me out. There’s nothing wrong with my nose and I smell food.

Piper: That’s better! Oh, hi Aunt Amy. Got anything good there I can have?

So, the humans ate and drank and laughed and talked and enjoyed the day with family and friends who are also family. No one remembered to take pictures of Lucy and Ella playing. They played all day long and became the best friends we all hoped they would be. In fact, we even discussed them going back and forth between our homes in Chattanooga and Nashville each month, but no one was willing to give up their half of the duo for a month at a time.

Piper mostly tried to stay out of their way. Xena tried to keep up with them and did a lot of obnoxious schnauzer puppy yapping. Thank goodness she finally wore herself out.

Tired smiles and wiggles and snores from Lucy and Xena the Schnauzer Warrior Princess

Lap Time at Work

Published on November 27, 2017November 24, 2017 by Xena, Lucy and Chia22 Comments

At work, I get lots of ~~nap~~ lap time. I love when Ms. Beth comes by to see me. She holds me like a baby and says I am growing so much that I barely fit in her lap.

I like to sit on Mommy’s lap, too, and look at the thing that is like a silent TV and type on her ‘puter keyboard. And I like wearing my cuteness walking vest. It keeps me from being chilly in our office, and besides, if I have to go outside in a hurry, I already have my walking vest on.

Pretty soon I start to get sleepy…

…so I rest my head on the edge of the desk and take a little nap.

That’s when Mommy gently lays me in my bed ~~so she can work~~ so I am more comfy.

A growing girl needs her sleep.

Xena the Lap Schnauzer Princess Warrior

My New Sweater

Published on November 25, 2017November 25, 2017 by Xena, Lucy and Chia31 Comments

Mom took me to the smart pet place and I tried on lots of clothes. She finally decided on this sweater to keep me warm this winter. I think I look quite pretty in it. I got to wear it for the first time today because it was 32 degrees (that’s 0 degrees centigrade, says Mom) cold out this morning.

Here comes Xena. We are getting along great now. We are playing all the time. She makes ahrahrahr noises at me and I make them back at her while we play bitey face. Sometimes we play chase, too. It’s a modified bully breed kind of playing. I know now I have to be gentle with her, because 1. She is not a bully breed and 1. She is still a baby and 1. I don’t want to get into any more trouble. And besides, now I have clothes, just like her.

I love you, little sister. *licky kisses* Mmmm, your beard tastes good.

Love, Licks and wiggles,

Lucy

Sleepy Saturday

Published on November 11, 2017November 9, 2017 by Xena, Lucy and Chia27 Comments

I slept on Giant Duckie.

I slept on Teddie.

I slept on Racoon.

But the best place of all to sleep…

…is on my Mommy’s lap, surrounded by my pack.

Xena, the sleepy Schnauzer Warrior Princess

A Walk with My Mom

Published on November 8, 2017November 6, 2017 by Xena, Lucy and Chia22 Comments

Mom and I went for a walk all by ourselves today, ’cause Lucy and Riley were napping with Andrew. It was 75F/22C degrees warm and partly sunny, as the weatherman would say. I got to wear my second brand new, not from Goodwill, cuteness vest. It’s soft and comfy on me, and may give me a “buy” for my next ax ee dent.

We successfully made it to the bottom of the driveway. Now, who decides which way to go? We could go that away…

Or this away.

We decided to go this away. Oooo, good smells on the road.

I’m being good and not doing bunny hops or twirls. Lucy would be proud.

Wait, what’s that in the grass?

I see you Mr. Bug. Come on out of there.

We turned around and the other way, so it was almost like I had two walks. At the corner I found the Neighborhood Central Pee Mail Station. Before heading home, we spent some time there getting caught up on what is going on in the local news.

We’re home, Mommy and I was good! I was good! Are you gonna’ tell Lucy? Huh? Huh?

Oh. You said, “Sit.”

I am Xena, the good walking Schnauzer Warrior Princess

Sisterly Love

Published on November 6, 2017 by Xena, Lucy and Chia21 Comments

AND

Lucy: OK, so first, I want to thank everyone for their support. No one told me I was a bad dog for running off. Ya’ll just told me how pretty I am and to be patient and don’t make my Mom worry about me ’cause she loves me very much.

Xena: Well, it’s true, except for the part of not being a bad dog for running off.

Lucy: I wasn’t talking to you, Xena. I was talking to all my friends who love me. Some day you will love me, too, because I am going to be a wonderful big sister to you. I remember now what it was like coming to a place – even a good place – that was all new and trying to learn what to do.

Xena: You rolled me in the dog lot today. That wasn’t nice. You scared me.

Lucy: I was trying to play with you. I will be more careful next time.

Xena: Mommy got a brand new toy just for me. His name is Racoon. I love Racoon.

Lucy: I am glad you love Racoon, Xena. Mom spent Saturday going to the half off sale at all the area Goodwills. The toys are for all of us. And I got a “new” collar.

Xena: What about my tennis ball?

Lucy: Again, the toys belong to all of us, little sister. Mom threw the ball for you a lot, and you learned it is called “ball.” That was good, Xena.

Then, Mom made sure I had a turn to play, too. She wanted me to remember that she loves me just as much as she loves you, and that we can still have fun together.

Did you know that we stood and watched you play by yourself and do zoomies? I bet you didn’t see Mom look over and smile and wink at me. Do you know what I did then, Xena?

Xena: Did you ask for a treat?

Lucy: No, I winked back!

Xena: No way! I think you’re fibbing, Lucy.

Lucy: Way! You should have seen her mouth drop open before she grinned real big.

Xena: Then Mommy and Daddy took us all – even Riley who mostly ignores me – for a walk. Mommy forgot to bring the camera phone to take my picture. She didn’t realize she needed that picture until after we got home and she went into the bathroom.

Lucy: Xena! You didn’t!

Xena: At least I went to the bathroom in the bathroom. Hey did you see my new cuteness collar? That must have been what kept me out of trouble.

Lucy: The way you acted on the walk, she probably couldn’t have gotten your picture anyhow. You bunny hopped down the road and barked and barked and zigged and zagged and totally wore yourself out.

Xena: *yawn* No I didn’t.

Lucy: Shhh. Goodnight, little sister.

Love and wiggles, Lucy

Lucy Confesses

Published on November 4, 2017November 3, 2017 by Xena, Lucy and Chia29 Comments

Hi. My name is Lucy and I am a runaway. It’s because I have a problem. Her name is Xena.

There, I have admitted it. That is the first step, right? You see, I never ran off from my home until Mommy brought home the cute puppy. Yep, that’s what everyone calls her. Oh, what a cute puppy. Do you have any idea how much I want to stop up my ears every time I hear that? She has ruined my life. I never get time with my Mom and Dad. Well…almost never.

One day not long ago Andrew took me and Riley outside to play. The first thing I did when Andrew looked away was to run off through the woods with Riley, and let Riley take the fall for it. It was easy to get him blamed for corrupting me. After all, I had never run off before.

Sure, they let me sleep in the bed with them now, but I know it’s just because they feel guilty about letting the cute puppy sleep there. They don’t have me fooled.

I was cold, so Mom covered me up and I slept with my head on her pillow.

But ~~the brat~~ the cute puppy got her spot on the bed too!

I just get so sick of Xena taking all my stuff. And she never gets in trouble for it, either.

Mom was with us the next time that we were all in the back yard, outside the fence. I saw her look down at her phone and I took my chance. Riley had just gotten a lecture about not running off, and he told me he was staying put. So I took off into the woods behind the house by myself and Xena followed me. I didn’t really mean to take her. I didn’t want her around me at all. So I sent her back and she was waiting by the fence when Mom came running from scouring the front yard and the woods looking for us. I waited just a bit to see if Mom even cared that I was still gone. When I saw her running around asking everybody if they had seen me, I decided to come back home too.

Yesterday I saw a rabbit and sped off after it. Is it my fault that Riley followed me? Andrew came running after us, but we just kept going. After running and running, we wandered into the yard of a nice family with little kids, and we had a great time playing with them. I had managed to shed my collar with all ID, but Riley still had his on. Two hours later, while Mom was at work, she got a call from the mail lady saying she had seen us in a neighborhood on the other side of a very busy two lane highway. Mom left right away and had gotten as far as our subdivision when she got a call from the man whose house we were at. I wouldn’t go to her. I figured I was in trouble and this would be a nice family to stay with. I mean, why does she need me anymore, anyhow? She has the cute puppy now. Right? Well, she got me into the truck and I jumped back out. The nice man helped Mom by lifting me back into the truck, then lifting in Riley. Then he had to take the cute puppy off of Mom’s back – yes, really, the little thing is like a monkey – before Mom could stand up.

I think the next step is to believe that a power greater than ourselves can restore us to sanity. I sure hope so. In the meantime, I am grounded. No more off-leash time outside of the fence or house. Oh, and did I already mention that yesterday I lost my pretty red collar with my rabies and name tags? *sigh*