Chia’s Birthday Month Poetry on Thankful Thursday

Chia:  A BIG thanks to Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the great picture every week!!! It’s now my birthday month. We celebrate on the 4th of July, probably cause I’m a firecracker, BOL! Even so, I’m sweet and loving and really smart. I’m even the favorite of three of Mom’s friends. Mom hosted “Girls’ Night” last Thursday, and Miss Jentry came. I was over the moon excited to see her!! I hope she comes back this week. Anyhow, those are my thankfuls, and no, Xena, I don’t have to start them by saying, “I’m thankful that…”

I get to do the picture poems this month, so here we go! *wiggling all over*

The Best Seat in the House by Chia

They say that happiness comes from things
That money cannot buy.
A comfy couch, a faithful friend,
A lazy summer sky.

Gus stretches out from end to end,
Without a care or fuss.
While Chia claims a little space
While cuddling close with Gus.

No words are shared, no plans are made,
No grand adventures start.
Just quiet trust and side-by-side—
The language of the heart.

Lord, thank You for these simple gifts,
Sometimes that’s all we need.
So hold close these friendships dear,
No matter what your breed.

Chia: This picture of me with this big red dog reminded me of snuggling with Riley. I usually slowly slipped down off the top of the couch to lay on his back. He never minded. Hmm, I just realized how much I miss that big boy. I’m thankful he was in my life for over four of my almost six years.

Xena: I’m thankful my Daddy came home from In Dee Anna last Sunday.
Chia: Me too! Me too! Me too! He’s my very favorit’me person after Miss J of my almost six entry!

Lucy: I’m thankful that the workmen found the water leak in the front yard. It was on the water pipe partway down our yard. And I heard that something strange happened. All that water made the septic line (I learned that it is where all the water coming back out of the house goes, as well as other gross things) anyhow, the septic line burst and between the two lines breaking, our whole front yard was what Mom not so fondly called a swamp. So was the street in front of our yard. This went on for about two months until a plumber finally found the problem. The plumber and his dad dug up half the yard and fixed the water leak. They’re supposed to come back next week to fix the septic line. The yard has already dried up! No wonder Mom and Dad’s every other month water bill went from under $30 to over $200! Pretty soon, after all the digging and fixing’s done, we’ll all be able to run around the front yard again!

Chia: Lots of love to everyone and Happy 250th Birthday to our country (on my birthday!!) I’m thankful that the workmen found the water leak in the front yard. It was on the water pipe partway down our yard. And I heard that something strange happened. All that water made the septic line (I learned that it is where all the water coming back out of the house goes, as well as other gross things) anyhow, the septic line burst and between the two lines breaking, our whole front yard was what Mom not so fondly called a swamp. So was the street in front of our yard. This went on for about two months until a plumber finally found the problem. The plumber and his dad dug up half the yard and fixed the water leak. They’re supposed to come back next week to fix the septic line. The yard has already dried up! No wonder Mom and Dad’s every other month water bill went from under $30 to over $200! Pretty soon, after all the digging and fixing’s done, we’ll all be able to run around the front yard again!

Chia: Lots of love to everyone and Happy 250th Birthday to our country (on my birthday!!)

Thankful Thursdays: Xena the Flight Attendant

 A BIG thanks to Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the great picture every week!

Xena: This is the last Thursday of my Birthday Month. I am so thankful that so many of you stuck with me, reading my previous birthday posts and also about me! It makes me feel loved…almost as much as when Mommy baby-holds me or gives me extra yummy food and treats!.
Today’s picture is a fun one again. Hope you like it, cause next week starts my sis Chia’s birthday month. Who knows what she’s gonna come up with on Thursdays, BOL!

Snoring Turbulence by Xena the Birthday Month Schnauzer

Excuse me sir, but you must awake.
You’re causing the whole jet to shake.
I’m being nice, don’t make me bark.
Or the guy behind you might jump and fart.

I’ll get the pilot who was once a bouncer;
His name is Yogi and he’s got brown fur.
I hope you have wings, cause you’ll soon fly
From plane to earth, through the blue sky.

Well, that didn’t work, he’s still asleep.
Try relaxing, big guy, and counting sheep.
Or hang on tight, cause we’ll soon land.
And you’ll have fun on Hawaii’s white sand.

The End

Chia: That was a good last poem for your birthday month, Xena. I can’t wait to see the picture for next week. I’m gonna do a great poem. It’ll be just a coupla days before the 4th of July, so I bet there’ll be firecrackers in the picture. I’m thankful that Mom makes us special treats for our birthday. Xena’s applesauce bars were good…I wonder what kind I’ll get! And I’m glad my Dad will be back from In Dee Anna this Saturday night. I’ve had to have Mom hold me instead of my Dad. The only problem with that is I have to wait for Xena to get off of her…

Lucy: I’m thankful that Mom found me all kinds of food and treats that I can eat, now that we know my allergies…soft all natural duck from We Feed Raw, and dried treats like elk, bison and venison!

All: Hoping everyone remembers to be thankful today for the blessings in their lives! We are!!



Xena the Sitter on Thankful Thursday

A BIG thanks to Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the great picture every week! Did I mention that this is my birthday month? That’s why I’m getting to do all the poems in June! Here we go!

What Do I Do?? by Xena the sitter

I, the schnauzer, was left to care for these twins.
Their folks shut the door, and thus it begins.
I ran to their toy box and brought them some toys.
But nothing I did could please these wee boys.

I thought, hey, a cartoon! That’s just the ticket.
But which one to watch, that’s the sticky wicket.
I scrolled and I thought, I really should know…
And then I found it! The Ren & Stimpy Show.

Joshie got scared at some of the violent stunts,
But Johnny just laughed when Ren died all at once.
I finally jumped down and laid in their laps.
That’s all they needed to drift into their naps.

Next time the folks are going out on the town.
Don’t look for the schnauzer, I won’t be around!

The End

Xena: Just so y’all know, I wouldn’t really babysit. Angel Riley absolutely loved toddlers and little kids, but they scare me. I’m thankful that we don’t have any in our house.

Chia: I’m thankful that Mom’s been taking me on some car rides. I just wish I got to go to the church, too. I want to meet Jesus.
Xena: You don’t meet Jesus at church, you just…
Lucy: Give it up. Xena, Chia doesn’t understand.
Chia: You two just want Him all for yourselves!
The Mom (interceding): Chia, every time someone is kind to you, you’ve met Jesus. His Spirit lives in all of us, we just have to show it to others in our actions and our words.
Chia: Uh, can I still go to work with you?
The Mom: I’ll let you know when you can go.

Lucy: I’m thankful that Mom sent some of my spit and fur to Glacier Peak Holistics. We got the results of my Pet Intolerance Test, and now we know at least some of the stuff that was wrong with me. Among other things, I’m allergic to beef, and “sensitive” to lamb and pork. I’m also allergic to cod, mussels, salmon, shellfish and trout. I’m allergic to mushrooms and potatoes and sensitive to sweet potatoes, tomatoes, amnd turnips. There’s a few more, but those are the main ones. Oh, I can’t have any more nectarines, either. I have a few “environmental” allergies too. I’ve had to stop taking four of my supplements because of my allergies. This week I’ve experinced a big change in my diet. I’ve been getting raw chicken, some with the bone in it, and chicken liver. This week Mom’s gonna look for some bison and goat for me to eat, too. Thankfully, I can still eat the turkey Ollie’s food.

Chia: That reminds me, I’m thankful that I’ll get to eat all the Ollie’s beef and pork packets that Xena can’t eat and you can’t eat anymore. 😄(They don’t make smiley faces for dogs.)

We all are ready for our nap now, so have a good rest of the week, and eat everything you can while you can! XOXOX Lucy, Xena and Chia

The Happy Run on Thankful Thursday

Xena: A BIG thanks to Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the great picture every week! This week there were so many ways to go with the picture, it was hard to decide. Hope you like whart I finally wrote.

The Joyous Dance by Xena

I was playing in the water when these maniacs appeared.
They were running, fists clenched and screaming; toward the safe beach I veered.
I saw more pouring from the doors of Weight Watchers Anonymous.
I found out they’d all lost ten pounds or more; that caused the joyous fuss!

The End

Lucy: That sure would have scared me, too. I’m glad you did the picture poem this week, Xena.
I hope it’s OK if I share some stuff that’s been going on…I’ve not been acting like myself lately and Mom’s trying to find out what’s wrong. The good news is I HAVE STOPPED EATING STONES! But I’ve been itching and biting at myself. In the middle of the night, while sleeping in the big bed, I’ve been jumping up real fast and running across the bed like something scared me. The first night, I did that three times. Mom’s checked me good for fleas, and there’s none to be found, so it’s not something biting me. And you know how when you wake up and you think you had a bad dream but can’t remember it? Yep, if that’s it, I don’t remember. Anyhow, the bedroom closet has become my safe place. Mom put a big doggie bed with a soft blanket in there, and that’s where I sleep all night now. She leaves a dim light on so the boogey man won’t get me. It’s been working good so far. And in the morning, I get up and either I nudge the bathroom door open and and come out or Chia comes over and pushes it open for me. Oh, sorry folks for woofing on and on about this…just one more thing. I’m thankful that Mom got a sensitivity test for me. She “swabbed” my mouth (it didn’t hurt) and cut off a little bit of hair from my backside and sent it off in the mail. We’re waiting to see what it tells us. *wags*

Chia: The last day Fritzie was here, I saw Xena hold the doggie door open for him. I figured I could help you with a door too, Lucy. And it felt good to do something nice! I’m thankful you’re my big sister and I hope you’re ok.

Xena: I’ll be thankful when the septic line in our front yard gets fixed. It’s been too rainy, so the fixer man couldn’t do it yet. Usually, when we come back from taking a walk, Mommy takes off my and Lucy’s leashes at the bottom of the driveway and let us run up the hill and play. We’ve not been able to do that for two or three weeks cause the first have of the hill is what Mommy calls “a swamp.”

Mom Amy: I’m thankful that my precious husband has cut back his hours at work. It gives him more time to do things he loves, like create menus and cook! I only cook cause we’re hungry and don’t want to eat out most of the time. The bonus besides relieving me of that job is Jeff is a great cook! (Of course, I still make 6 dog meals every morning!)

Xena: Hoping to see everyone again soon!

Xena’s Floating Cabin on Thankful Thursday

Xena: A BIG thanks to Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the great picture every week! Except for the week we were both having trouble with evil WordPress. Grrr. Fritz went home to his family on Tuesday, so I didn’t tell him he’s gonna miss being in this blog. I am taking back control of MY blog. Here goes!

Xena’s Cabin Adventure

I was sleeping in our cabin when the rain began to pour.
I awoke when it grew much heavier than it was before.

On a little hill our cabin sat so sturdy, safe, and sound,
Till the rain turned all the hillside to a river made of ground.

Then our house went slowly surfing on a wave of mud and clay,
And it splashed into the lake and simply floated there all day!

I could say that I was scared and wished my dear Mommy was here,
But, truth be told, I raided the fridge and drank my Mommy’s beer.

Eventually a big boat came and pulled our cabin to shore.
I’d do the whole thing over if the fridge was stocked once more.

The End

Xena: Now I’m on to my thankfuls…hmmm. I’m thankful that Fritz was here and we played together. And I’m thankful that Fritz has gone home. Oh, and I’m thankful that I get to go to my folk’s ballroom dance lesson after me and Mommy leave work today. I’m going to watch so that I can dance as good as Angel Lexi!

Chia: I sure wish I got to go all these places. *sigh* Oh, well, I’m still thankful for the same things about Fritz as my sis Xe is. And I’m thankful for the warm, sunny weather we’ve been having, with no rain.

Lucy: I’m thankful that I’vc been stone-free for over a week. And I’m thankful for all the nice people who came into the church where I get to work one day a week with my Mom. They pet me and tell me how pretty and sweet I am *big wags*. Thomas the mailman there is on vacation, and there’s a young lady delivering the mail. I went out to greet her and she pet me and pet me and gave me a treat (I think my Mom gave it to her to give me…).

Xena: That about wraps it up, friends. Oh yes, we are all thankful for all of y’all!! Happy Thursday!!!

Lucy’s Poetry and Thankful Thursday

Xena: A BIG thanks to Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the great picture every week!

My big sis didn’t feel very good for a coupla days, and I’m thankful that she is better now. I’m also thankful that it wasn’t me who got in trouble for pulling the trash out of the bathroom can and tearing up the couch seat cushion. Strangely enough, it wasn’t Chia who got in trouble, either…but I’m not gonna tell on Lucy.

Chia: I think you just did, sis. Maybe we should let her do the poem today.
Xena: Hey Lucy, if you’re up to it, try your paw at writing the picture poem!

A Book and My Best Friend by Lucy

‘Tis late in the night, at least nine o’clock,
I lay near my best friend after our walk.

He opens his book and turns on his flashlight.
We read about fairies and gremlins that fight.

There’s dragons and elves and and dwarves and fae.
Tomorrow we’ll remember the story as we play.

The End

Lucy: Today I’m thankful that my tummy is doing OK now and I’m getting solid food again. Sure, I like pumpkin, but I need more than that. No other food for one whole day? I thought I would starve to death!

Chia: I’m thankful that Dad’s been going on walks with us. Mom was threatening to not take me again. Dad says it’s the easy way to keep my nails short, cause of how I scrape them on the road while pulling as hard as I can. I’m glad I can help like that!

Xena: I guess that’s it for today, friends. We all wish you a good week and fun weekend!

Xena’s Scary Ride on Thankful Thursday

Xena: Hey friends *wags*. I would never ever ride a roller coaster now, but maybe, just maybe when I was a puppy I would have tried it… like me in this picture! Anyhow, thanks to Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the great picture every week!

Is This What They Call Fun? by Xena

My grandma and grandpa said, “Let’s go have fun!”
I jumped up and down and started to run.
I was just a pup then and I didn’t know
My grandma and grandpa were not “status quo!”

The fair looked like fun; there were clowns and sweet treats.
We flew towards the sky, then plunged toward the streets.
“I want my Mommy,” was all I could think,
For the coaster had stopped as we hung on the brink.

These dayse I stay with my Mom and my Dad.
They threaten a coaster whenever I’m bad.

The End

Chia: You don’t think our Mom and Dad would ever put me, umm, I mean us on one of those roller coasters, do you?
Xena: Nope. Mommy used to love them, but she’s given them up. And Daddy doesn’t like that kind of stuff.

Chia: Today my thankful is that Mom and Dad would [try to] never let me do anything that would hurt me. Now, if I can just remember that when I try to slip out the door or off the leash!

Lucy: Little sister, you know how good you have it here with us. There’s nothing better out there. I’m thankful that the times you have gotten out and ran the neighborhood, you didn’t get hurt. And you didn’t get lost, either.

Xena: And I’m thankful that you are like you are, Chichi, cause it makes me look soooo good! I guess that’s it for today.

Love and wags, Xena, Lucy and Chia


Xena’s Perspective on Flying Lessons on Thankful Thursday

Thanks to Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the great picture every week!

Xena: This week’s picture kept putting me to sleep…as you can see.

Learning to Fly by Xena

I went to a lecture to learn how to fly.
I thought I’d get wings to fly in the sky.
But it was about piloting a plane.
The lecture was boring. (I hate to complain.)

As he droned on, one by one our heads nodded.
And yet without break, onward he plodded.
Soon there was left just one candidate.
When we woke, we applauded and said, “That was great!”

by Xena Schnauzer Flying Princess

Xena: *yawn* What a wasted day, except for the food afterward.

Chia: That was all make believe. You didn’t get any food, Xebo..er, Xena.

Xena: A girl can dream, can’t she? Anyhow, Mommy took me with her on Monday after work to get bags of mulch at the Lowe’s store. The big bags were on sale for $2 each, and she said that was a great price. When she pulled up to have the bags loaded in the car, the young fella saw me on her lap and asked if he could pet me. (I think he wanted to take me home with him.) He said he had a schnauzer once, and we’re wonderful dogs. He kept coming back to Mommy’s window and petting me more. Finally, I gave him gentle licks on his hand, and that made him even happier. When he had finished loading the 10 bags Mommy bought, he said, “Here’s an extra one, just for making my day!” Mommy says that from now on, she’s always going to take me to Lowe’s with her!

Chia: I bet we’d of got two extra bags if I’d been there! Anyhow, I’m thankful that the rain has stopped and Mom’s back stopped hurting and she’s taking me, uh, I mean us, for walks again.

Lucy: We’ve had some thunderstorms during the night. I’m thankful that I can crawl right up next to my Mom in bed and feel safe with her arm around me.

Xena, Lucy and Chia: We’re thankful for all our faithful blogging friends, and hope all y’all have a great rest of the week!

My Polar Pal by Xena on Thankful Thursday

Thanks to Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the great picture every week!

My Polar Pal by Lexi the Schnauzer

I leaned too far to see the bear and in her den I fell.
She looked at me quizically. I thought, “I am in hell!
“Do you want to be my friend?” the big bear asked of me.
I’m loney here and have no one; I wish that I was free.

I smelled the truth of Lila’s words (I learned that is her name).
I tried to stop my shaking and think of a good game.
“Let’s play hide and seek,” I woofed. “I’ll hide, you look for me.”
I looked for a good place to hide and wished that I was free.

Lila found me quickly; she touched my nose with hers.
Then she cuddled close with me and gently groomed my furs.
My heart went out to this big bear; I wish she could be free.
Our wish came true! My next time there she’d been returned to her own family.

The End

Xena: I’m thankful that I’m not on display at some zoo, all by myself.
Chia: I don’t think you have to worry about that, Xe. I mean, who would want to pay to come look at you?
Xena: Grrrrr.
Lucy: Girls, please be nice. I’m thankful it cooled off some today. And that we got our much-needed rain overnight.
Chia: I’m thankful that we’ve gotten lots more walks. What, Mom? Yes, I’m ready to go walking now!

Xena: Looks like we’ve gotta go. Happy Thursday, and happy week!


Our Travel Poem on Thankful Thursday

Thanks to Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the great picture every week!

Utrecht Dancing Bushes by Xena

We traveled to the Netherlands to the pedestrian street café.
We didn’t know there’d be dancing bushes with which we all could play.
The streets in Utrecht have entertainment all throughout the day.
But what made these folks wear shrubs, neither of them would say.

We played and danced until exhausted, we all fell to the ground.
Then crawled to a cafe table where special sweets were found.
Our bushy friends could not eat, so we chomped all theirs down,
Then went home with tales so wild, our friends we did astound!

The End

Xena: Did you know that the Netherlands are knows for their plants, including their bushes? Me either! I’m always thankful when my Mommy helps me look up things like that. Daddy went up to Fort Wayne In Dee Anna yesterday, and he’s not coming back for a whole week. I’m very, very thankful that Mommys stayed home with me, er, us!

Lucy: I’m glad he didn’t make me ride on a jet plane, too. So I’m thankful that he left all of us home, even though I miss our Dad.

Chia: I’m thankful that I managed to get out of the house by myself this week. I ran right up the street and around the corner to Miss Susan’s house. That’s where Sasha and Oliver live. I have a sneaking suspicion Miss Susan called my Mom and told her I was there, cause next thing I know, here comes Mom walking over to Miss Susan’s with Xena and that crazy puppy Fritz. And I’m thankful I didn’t get in trouble for it, too. My Mom loves me a lot! I just don’t understand why she won’t take me to work with her!

Xena: I’m also thankful that nowhere throughout these Thankfuls did Chia call me Xeboo…
Chia: Hey, Xeboo, ready to wrap this up and play with me?
Xeboo, er, Xena: *sigh*

Xena’s Crazy Golf Poem and Thankful Thursday

Thanks to Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the great picture every week!

Xena: This week I finally get to write the poem. Here goes….

Xena Ace Sports Reporter at the Golf Course by Xena

Lucy, Ace Reporter, do you hear me?
I’m at Flog Links Golf Course; look behind me.

I’m Xena, Sports Reporter of all things strange,
Chaser of sticks and squirrels that range.
But today, dear fans, as you see here
This nut golfs from a tree after drinking a beer.

He swings, hits the ball, then falls on the ground!
The crowd is silent…not even a sound.
Is there a medic or ambulance around?
Up he jumps! In the hole the ball is found!

I blinked once… then twice, just to be sure,
For no self-respecting dog could ignore
That this human, from tree instead of turf,
Had done something rare… and of great worth.

Wagging my tail I give a bark of cheer—
Lucy, reporting is my new career!

The End

Xena: It was fun, getting back into the “swing” of things. I’m thankful that my peeps brother Adam spent the holiday weekend with us. He loves me a lot! I got to sit in his lap in the car when Mommy picked him up on Friday and when she took him home on Monday.

Chia: I’m thankful that Miss Jentry spent Easter Day with me, er, I mean with us. She loves me lots; I think I’m her favorite. *big wags*.

Lucy: I’m thankful we got two walks on Easter! On the second walk we stopped at Miss Susan’s and I got to play in the front yard with Sasha!

Xexe: That’s it for today, friends. Hope you’re having a good week and have lots to be thankful for!

Fritz’s Poem and Thankfuls

Fritz: I saw the picture for this week and said, “Xena, I want to do the poem, I want to do the poem, I want..”.etc. She said if I’d shut up and stop jumping at her that I could do the poem. But just this week. I don’t know how to type yet, so I got Aunt Amy to help me.

First, here’s a picture of me just in case you don’t know me. My Mommy is Clare and we live next door.

Now, here’s this week’s picture and my poem.

Best Friends by Fritz

I’ve got a new game, follow the leader.
We’ll go down the stairs and past the big cedar.
When it gets dark, I’ll grab hold of your tail.
And if it should hurt, just give a soft wail.
I’ll let go right away; we’ll still be friends.
You’re my BFF from now ’til the end.

That was fun and a bit harder than I thought. Aunt Amy had to help me with some of the rhymes, too. I’m so thankful that I got adopted by my Mommy Clare and her folks and her brothers and sisters. They all love me and I love them, too. And I’m so wagging thankful that Aunt Amy and especially Miss Lucy (she’ll get used to me) and Miss Xena and Miss Chia live next door . If I get away, my Mommy always knows where to find me, BOL!! Sometimes Miss Xena plays with me and Miss Chia has started playing with me, and I’m so, so, so thankful for that. I’ve got a bunch more thankfuls that maybe Miss Xena will let me share another day.

Xena: Thanks Fritz. I didn’t know you were a poet, but you did a good job. But there’s one thing you forgot…
Fritz: Oh, yes. Thanks to Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the great picture every week!
Is that all, Miss Xena?
Xena: Yep. Now go play with Chia so I can take a nap.

Hoping everyone has something to be thankful for today! XOX Miss Xena Schnauzer Pup-sitter Princess

Epilepsy Awareness and Poetry on Thankful Thursday

Xena: First, thanks to Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the great picture every week!
Today is the 11th Annual FiveSibes #LiveGibStrong Purple Day®️ for Epilepsy Blog Hop & Social Media Share! AND it’s the day we create great poetry for the pictures Angel Sammy gives us! AND it’s Thankful Thursday. Wow, I’m getting tired just thinking about everything that’s going on. I’m gonna take a nap and will be right back.

Chia: I’m not tired! Here’s the picture for today, and my poem follows it.

Shhhh, Don’t Tell by Chia

Shhh, don’t tell anyone
You saw me fall on the ground and shake.
Shhh, I’m my father’s son,
He can’t see me writhe like a snake.

Shhh, don’t tell anyone.
I want to be just like my friends.
My life has just begun
But I can almost see how it ends.

Maybe you should tell someone.
I need help.
I need help.
I need help!

The End

Xena: *yawn* Thanks for taking over, Chia, while I took a little nap. Hey! You’re done! *reading the poem* Poor little guy. Let’s help tell everyone about Epilepsy Awareness.

(L-R) Lucy, Chia, Xena

Finally, thanks to Five Sibes for hosting this day.

Screenshot

Xena: We agreed that together we would tell you how thankful we are for all our blogging friends. You help us – especially our Mommy – get through the tough times. And from being at our church for the funeral, I realized how much love and caring our folks get from those great people, too. (And everyone was happy for me to be there!)

Love from YOUR friends, Xena, Lucy, Chia and our Mom

Chia’s Tribute to Her Brother Andrew on Thankful Thursday

First, thanks to Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the great picture every week!

Chia: Xena, can I do today’s poem? Did you know that I knew brother Andrew before I moved here? We both lived with Jentry (brother Andrew’s long-time girlfriend), but I had another person who was supposed to be my “owner” while I lived there. When he left and didn’t take me, brother Andrew brought me home to his Mom’s, to try to find me another home. And he did! Almost five years later, I’m still here with you and his Mom and Dad and Lucy. Of course they’re my Mom and Dad now, too! But I still really miss him.

Xena: Well…I had another poem almost ready…but sure, Chia. You go ahead.
Chia: Thanks, Xe, you won’t regret it! Here goes…

We’ll All Be Together by Chia

We hope one day we’ll see our brother
In a place like this – or perhaps another,
With whispy clouds and streams and trees,
With flowers blowing in a gentle breeze.

He loved us all; we loved him too.
But nothing more can we do.
No barks of joy, no happy whines
Until the rainbow bridge we find.

But until then perhaps we’ll find
An Air B&B where we’ll keep in mind
The joy of nature, and be assured
We’ll all be together with our Lord.

The End

Xena: *wiping away tears* You were right, Chia. I’m thankful you wrote the poem. And I’m thankful that someday – hopefully many years from now – we’ll all be together again.

Lucy: Xena, why don’t you tell our friends what you did last Saturday.

Xena: I went to brother Andrew’s funeral at Holy Cross Episcopal Church, where Mommy and Daddy go without me on Sundays. Brother Adam – who loves me a lot – held me all through the service. Afterward, I kept hearing people say how beautiful the service was and what a wonderful talk my Daddy did. I guess Mommy wrote out memories, but she knew she wouldn’t be able to stand up and read them, so Daddy did it for her. He added some of his own, and it really was pretty entertaining. A couple of folks even told him he should be a preacher! (Remember, he used to MC at Rock City’s Rocktoberfest every year, every Saturday and Sunday in October!)
Then everyone went to the Parish Hall where there was lots and lots of yummy food. They ate and visited for over an hour. And I got to run around and visit with everybody! A couple of the church members whose dogs Mommy grooms asked if she would bring their dogs home with her and teach them to behave like I do! And I heard other people telling her how pretty I am and…

Lucy: Thanks, Xena. I just wanted to add that if anyone would like to see one of our posts about Dad doing his thing at Rock City – and yes, Xena was there with him – you can click here. You’ll also see Mom and brothers Adam and Andrew there, too. For now, we want to thank all of you who sent kind words and cards. It meant a lot to my Mom, and we all love you guys.

Meeting at the Bridge on Thankful Thursday

First, thanks to Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the great picture every week!

Xena: We’re especially thankful to Miss Pam at Two Spoiled Cats who hosts the poem every week. Me and Mom were real late even thinking about doing our weekly poem, and got over-excited when we saw what is this week’s poem. Yep, we wrote the poem for it and posted it last Thursday. Miss Pam loved the poem and told us to go ahead and post it again this week. So for those who didn’t see it then, here you go. And those who did, well, maybe you would like to read it again. Oh, and I do want to clear Angel Lexi’s name for the mistake. She didn’t know when it was supposed to post. (Whew, glad I got that off my chest.) Here we go…

I’ve been consulting with Angel Lexi about today’s picture. She said she could jump into the picture and help me. Y’all know that our Riley crossed the bridge a year ago last Thanksgiving. He and Lexi didn’t have a great relationship cause she always tried to boss him around and he wasn’t allowed to do anything about it. But that all changed now that they are angels. You’ll see…

Meeting at the Bridge by Angels Lexi and Riley

Lexi: Riley, I’m happy to see you again.
You’re somewhere safe, and here we’ll be friends.
No need to fear, Ri; let me take your paw.
The Bridge is safe, soon you’ll be in awe.

Riley: I feel much younger, with no aches and no bloat.
I’m feeling like I have wings and can float.
I’ll run to you, Lexi, to the other side
Where I’ll feel the peace and love our Lord provides.

Lexi: This is my unicorn, Spike is his name.
Riley: A unicorn, huh? We’ll all play a game!
Lexi: Hurry on over, we’ll go see the Big Guy.
Riley: I know he’ll love me. Watch! I think I can fly!

Lexi: Well, that poem worked well, Riley, What do you think?
Riley: I’ve got a warm, tingly feeling in my heart.
Lexi: It’s probably just indigestion.
Riley: It’s *blaaat* yep, at least it doesn’t smell.

The End

Xena: Wow, I sure didn’t expect that! I’m thankful that I’m still here with my Mommy, and well. I hope I have many more years with her and Daddy. But at least I know that when it’s my time to go, I won’t be alone at the Bridge, and I’m thankful for that too.

Lucy: Even though I’m really healthy, I’m older than you, so I might get to see Angel Riley again before you do, Xe. We used to be good friends and I’m sure we will be again some day. In the meantime, I’m hungry and want more food! I’m thankful that Mom got me some chicken from the grocery with bones in it to crunch! Yummm.

Chia: I’m thankful Mom lets me have the wings to eat. She always watches me while I eat them (I think so Lucy doesn’t steal it away from me). It’s been cold this week, but I’m thankful for the sunpuddles to nap in!

All: We’re thankful for you, our friends, and how much we know you care about us!!!!

Xena’s AI Poem on Thankful Thursday

Xena: This was an easy one today. I mean, it’s just so obvious.
Chia: What’s obvious about it, Xeboo, er wait, I meant Xena?

Xeboo, er Xena: (Ignoring Chia) First, thanks to Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the great picture every week! Here’s my poem:

A Matter of Perspective byXena

They see towers chewing at the sky,
steel louder than the wind.
They call this place empty.

But I sit nose-level with a flower
brave enough to bloom anyway.

The machines look powerful from far away.
Up close, they smell like nothing.

This—
this yellow face turning toward the sun—
this is alive.

Perspective changes
when you’re small enough
to notice what survives.

The End

Xena: In the integrety of honesty, (and to shut up Chia who was looking over my shoulder) I had a little help from AI with this picture and this poem. I hope you still like it. Me and Mommy and Daddy are all thankful for AI!

Chia: You’re always saying we voted (when I didn’t get to) so let’s ask our friends to vote yes or no on if they think you should be allowed to use AI!

Lucy: In case you didn’t see my post on Monday, I want to let all my friends know that the doctor said, in short, I’m in perfect health! I’m still very thankful for that.

Chia: Oh yeah, thankfuls. Hmmm. I know! I’m thankful for everything! I have a great life here with great parents and great sisters and great food and a great bed and great friends!

Lots of love, Xena, Lucy and Chia

Long Table Feast by Lucy on Thankful Thursday

Thanks to Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the great picture every week! 

Long Table Feast by Lucy

A river of plates stretches farther than sight,
Colors and spices bloom under lantern light.
Crowds lean in close as history is shared,
A banquet so vast it must be declared.
At table’s bright edge sits Lucy, alert and proud,
Boxer–Staffy smile winning hearts in the crowd.
Her eyes track the steam as dumplings drift by,
Certain this feast was laid out just for her—no lie!

Lucy: Wow, I sure do wish this was all for me. I’m hungry all the time. In fact Mom took me to the doctor yesterday cause she’s worried about something called Cushings. I smiled at the vet and the tech and they fell instantly in love with me. (That was my plan.) They still stole some of my blood, but it didn’t hurt much. Mom will let all my friends here know what the diagnosis is when she hears back from the nice vet. Oh, and I’m thankful for all the treats they gave me at the vet’s, too!

Xena: I’d eat all the time too, but I’m not always bugging Mommy for food. Mommy says it’s cause I’m a schnauzer. We could eat 24/7. Maybe you have schnauzer in you, Lucy.

Chia: I’m thankful that my tummy gets full at meal time and I’m not always having to ask for more. And no, you two, you can’t have my treats.

Lucy: Oh, and I almost forgot, I’m thankful that the vet was amazed at how supple my joints all are and my agility at age 11. (I didn’t tell her that Mom gives me healthy supplements to help keep them that way.) And I’m thankful that the vet left the room with the words, “I hope the rest of my patients today are as sweet and as good as you, Lucy.” *more big wags*

We’re all thankful that we have good and good-for-us food every day and for a warm house with comfy places to sleep. Hope all our friends are having a good Sunday!

Love and Licks, Lucy, Xena and Chia

Lucy’s Dirty Poetry and Thankful Thursday

Lucy: First, thanks to Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the picture every week! I didn’t get in on the sister photo poem action last week, so I get to do the poem all by myself today. I’m not in the picture, either, but read on and you’ll find out why.

Snitched On by Lucy

My sisters found out what I did
Covered with mud playing with a kid.
So they turned to AI to snitch on me.
But it didn’t work. As you can see,
That dog looks not a bit like me!

This is me (and my little sis, Xena):

Xena: Hey Lucy, thanks for including me in your picture. You’re a good big sister and I’m thankful for you.
Chia: Are you thankful for me, too, Xeb…er, Xena?
Xena: Sometimes. But especially when we play together. And I’m thankful that our visitors from the Philippines are still here with us. Marie Cris holds me every night and rubs my tummy.
Lucy: Yes, and I’m thankful that I get to sleep with Miss Kim every night. I’m also thankful that I had a good 10-year birthday yesterday.
Xena: Yes, but Mommy’s a bit worried about you cause you ate that entire, 14 inch long braided chew stick yesterday – the one Mommy got you for your birthday and thought it would take you days to chew through. Guess she doesn’t know you that well, huh? Anyhoo, Chia’s keeping an eye on you while me and Mommy and Daddy are all at work today. Just have Miss Kim or Miss Marie Cris call us if you need us, OK?
Lucy: OK, but I feel fine. I’m gonna hang with them today. In the meantime, we hope all our friends have a good Thankful Thursday!

Snow Folk Soon Gone by Xena and Chia on Thankful Thursday

Xena: First, thanks to Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the picture every week!
This was a bit of a scary scene to jump into, so I asked Chia to help me. There was no way I was dragging puppy Fritz into this mess.
Chia: You just didn’t want him on our blog again, Xepoo.
Xepoo: I’m not Xepoo, I’m Xeboo, er I mean I’m Xena. And stop calling me that!
Chia: Sure, Xeboo. Hey, folks, here’s our poem! *wags*

Snow Folk Soon Gone by Xena and Chia

Xena: Look at them all—snow-folk standing still,
a thousand quiet noses sniffing winter’s will.
Chia: They stand like a crowd that forgot how to move,
each one shaped by gloom, gloves, and grooves.
Xena:  They don’t chase, they don’t bark, they don’t run—
are these statues dreaming of sun?
Chia: Each face is different, yet frozen the same,
a crowd of friends who never woof our name.
Xena: Some wear words on paper, some wear crooked smiles,
each one here for just a little while.
Xena: Do you think they know they won’t stay long?
Chia: Everything melts, sister—that’s the song.
Xena: They’ll vanish softly when the weather turns kind.
Chia: Soon gone like footprints, like breath, like time.

The End

Chia: Hi four, Xeb..umm, Xena! We made a great team! Let’s do it again!!
Xena: Hi four, Chia. Yes, we did, and no, once is enough, BOL. I’m thankful for the fun pictures Angel Sammy sends us every week. I think it helps make us a better team, too. And I’m thankful for the pretty weather here and my Mommy and Daddy and all our good friends and our great food.

Chia: Can I just say ditto? I’m thankful for the same things, Xe. And I’m real thankful that Connor, who you know lives downstairs right now, always agrees to go walking with Mom and to take me! (For our friends who don’t know Connor, he is the son of our brother Andrew’s long-time girlfriend, Jentry, and he lived here with them for a few years as a child.) (I didn’t know him then cause I wasn’t born yet.)

Lucy: I have to say, you two did a fantastic job with your poem and your thankfuls. I’m thankful I got to go to Sasha and Oliver’s house and visit with them for a couple of hours last Sunday. THey live just right around the corner. Mom went there to visit Miss Susan and took me! I hope we can get together again real soon. Me and Sasha are tight. *big wags*

Chia: I almost forgot! Miss Kim, who lives in the Phillipines, is coming to stay with us tomorrow for 10 whole days! Maybe she’ll take me running in the mornings again!!

Wishing everyone love and happiness,
Xena, Chia and Lucy

Thankful New Year: A Poem from Xena and Sisters

Xena: As a gesture of my thankfulness for my sisters I’ve invited them to write a poem with me today. But first, we want to thank Angel Brian, who is hosting Thankful Thursday, as well as Angel Sammy for the great picture every week!

The End

Xena: Great job, girls! I’m thankful that you’re both my sisters and I know I don’t tell you often but, well, I love you.

Lucy: I love you too, Xe. And I’m thankful for our wonderful pet sitters. Let’s see, there’s Miss Christy, Miss Clare, and I get to go stay with Miss Susan and Oliver and Sasha!

Chia: Don’t you love me, too, Lucy? You didn’t woof that you do…

Lucy: Of course I do, Chia. I mean, I haven’t hurt you yet, right? Even with you acting ugly with me?

Chia: Oh…yeah, well…I love you too, Luce, and I’m thankful for you. And I’m thankful for a new year where I’ll try to be a good girl. Maybe then I’ll get to go to work with Mom, too, and also go to sleepovers like you do, Lucy!

HAPPY 2026, EVERYONE!!