schnauzer – Page 18 – Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess with Lucy and Chia

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.

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.

Taking it One Day at a Time

Published on May 16, 2016August 15, 2016 by Xena, Lucy and Chia56 Comments

0516161017 — **Mom, where is my breakfast?**

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

0516160858 — **Me on the table at the dogtor, with my hated cone, my necrotized forehead and my new wound bandage spray.**

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

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

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

Prayers for Lexi, please

Published on May 9, 2016August 15, 2016 by Xena, Lucy and Chia72 Comments

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

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

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

Teen Dog

Published on May 7, 2016 by Xena, Lucy and Chia37 Comments

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

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

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

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

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

I am a teenager today – 13 years old!

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.

What do you mean, goodbye?

Published on April 29, 2016April 29, 2016 by Xena, Lucy and Chia35 Comments

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

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

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

0429161035b-1 — Wait, there’s no treats in here.

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

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

Piper Update and Hodge Podge

Published on April 28, 2016 by Xena, Lucy and Chia31 Comments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Published on 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!

Lessons from Lexi

Published on April 25, 2016August 15, 2016 by Xena, Lucy and Chia32 Comments

If elected Mayor, I intend to give you helpful tips to make your lives better. I will start now, pre-election, with Tip #1: What to do when you don’t like what is in your food dish

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.

0423160813a — This collar thingy makes me feel like I am in jail, being punished for something I didn’t do. ~ Piper

piper with ecollar — Thanks to everyone for their POTP and prayers. I think I still need more.

Update Post Surgery

Published on April 21, 2016 by Xena, Lucy and Chia27 Comments

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

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

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

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

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

A Button Gift 4 U

Published on April 21, 2016August 15, 2016 by Xena, Lucy and Chia24 Comments

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

Update on POTP for Piper

Published on April 20, 2016 by Xena, Lucy and Chia25 Comments

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

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

An Early Morning POTP Request

Published on April 20, 2016 by Xena, Lucy and Chia29 Comments

This morning my Mom got this text from my Auntie Jen. The pictured leg belongs to my cousin Piper. We are waiting to hear what the vet says. POTP for Piper, please.

Let’s All Relax

Published on April 20, 2016August 15, 2016 by Xena, Lucy and Chia28 Comments

Dear Friends,

I have rethought my original plan to inundate everyone with all my wonderful accomplishments and all the reasons to make me the next Mayor of Blogsville. You see, I did not know at the time I began my campaign that our election was going to coincide with the National Presidential Election in the USA. So we have time. We have lots of time. Instead of a new Vote for Lexi! post every day, I will put one out each week on Tuesdays. When we have a debate, that will take the place of my Campaign Blog. Please don’t feel too disappointed.

This picture is totally unrelated to anything in this post; however, it seemed apropos for heading into nicer weather in Tennessee, USA. Besides, I think I it is pretty.

In the meantime, please do feel free to read my older blogs and let me know what issues you would like addressed by the next Mayor of Blogsville. When elected mayor, I intend to be the voice of the anipals. The voices of everyone from Great Danes to tiny Yorkies, from furry Maramas to ~~naked~~ hairless cats, from Rocky the Squirrel to Franklin the Duck must be heard, their concerns considered and their opinions respected. (No fleas, mosquitoes, ticks or intestinal worms, please.)

~~Your bestest friend~~ Peace Be with You,

Lexi the Schnauzer for ~~President~~ Mayor

Lexi for Mayor Day 3

Published on April 18, 2016August 15, 2016 by Xena, Lucy and Chia31 Comments

Hello friends, Lexi here again. If you missed my ~~Campaign Propoganda~~ previous posts informing you why you need to vote for me for ~~the Supreme Leader of Blogville~~ your Mayor, you can check them out: Day 1 and Day 2. Today, we move on to reasons #4 and #5.

4. Church Dog: This is my official title at both an Episcopal and Methodist Church. I was also the Parish Dog for 7 years at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. I also have a Mother Mary night light above my bed. This should get me the religious vote.

My and my Mother Mary Nightlight — **Me and my Mother Mary Nightlight**

5. Build Relationships, Not Walls: There is enough for all of us. I have seen inside the pantry, and it is good.

Remember, Vote Lexi.

Lexi for Mayor Day 2

Published on April 17, 2016August 15, 2016 by Xena, Lucy and Chia23 Comments

Hello friends, Lexi here again. If you missed my ~~Campaign Propoganda~~ post yesterday informing you why you need to vote for me for ~~the Supreme Leader of Blogville~~ your Mayor, you can check it out here. Today, we move on to reasons #2 and #3.

2. Let Them Eat Cake: I eat at the table with my people. I get McDonald’s food and real cake for my birthday. How is this relevant, you may ask. I know how to manipulate the people and I will both share my knowledge with you and fight for your rights. Like your right to eat cake.

This picture is from my 10-year-old birthday party. I had a Healthy Choice meal with my Mom and Dad and then my very own cake shaped like a dog. I know, kinda’ weird, but Mom meant well. Can you see the happy all over my face? — **This picture is from my 10-year-old birthday party. I had a Healthy Choice meal with my Mom and Dad and then my very own cake shaped like a dog.**

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

Lexi for Mayor

Published on April 16, 2016August 15, 2016 by Xena, Lucy and Chia16 Comments

Hello, I am Lexi. I have been nominated (by me) for Mayor of Blogsville, and I accept my nomination. I won’t go into my entire background, as you can read more about me in my posts, in my Kindle book, and in the About section of my website. I am told I need a platform. I think I will use the platform I have used in the past:

SAMSUNG — **There is plenty of room on my platform for everyone.**

I possess many skills, experiences and qualities that make me uniquely qualified for this position as ~~the Supreme Leader of Blogville~~ your Mayor. Over the next few days I will use some of my considerable counting skills to list them for you so you don’t have to figure them out on your own. I am helpful like that. Today, besides, my platform, I will list reason #1 to vote for me, Lexi:

Proclaimed Actor: You may have noticed that my election picture shows me next to my Publicity Photo and Annie Award. My Annie is like an Oscar for people and I was the first-ever animal to receive one at the Chattanooga Theatre Centre. I received my Annie for the “Director’s Choice Award.” Quite prestigious. I went on to star two more times in other productions of the Wizard of Oz. Why is this important, you may ask. Some of our greatest politicians have been acclaimed performers. Ronald Reagan, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sonny Bono, and Jessie Ventura, to name a few.
Publicity shot 2006 for Wizard of Oz

Please be sure to check back tomorrow for reasons #2 and #3.