Tag: Thankful Thursday

Thankful Thursday Poetry by Xena

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia24 Comments

Xena: First, I’m thankful to Brian for hosting Brian’s Thankful Thursday! And I am thankful to  Angel Sammy for the fun picture this week. I can’t wait to see what all my friends have come up with, too!
Here’s the picture:

Fatherly Advice by Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess

I love you lots, my little son, but hear now what I say.
You must to be mindful when you want to go outside to play.
No messing with orangutangs or fooling with the chimps!
They’re not like us…hear me now! You treat them with contempt.

The lions, we know, all think that they are kings of the jungle.
But they’re just cats…not like us…they’re just some monkey’s uncle.
We’re smarter, bigger, stronger, tall; we are full of power.
We use our arms, our fists, our brains, we don’t need gun powder!

Remember, Prince Abinawah, on you I will depend…
“But Dad,” Abinawah exclaimed, “you haven’t met my friend!”
A gorgeous girl, so sweet and fun, I call her Clementine.
I have her picture cause some day she’ll be a wife of mine!

Abinawah’s father faints. The end.

I hope you like my poem!

Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess

Grooming with Mom on Thankful Thursday: Kylo and Sunshine

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia30 Comments

Ace Reporter Lucy here again with another episode of Grooming with Mom. First, a big thanks to Brian’s Thankful Thursday, with special thanks to Brian for hosting it!
Today I am featuring two pups who have been coming to Groomer Mom for a while, but got very different grooms…at Groomer Mom’s suggestion. Both their Moms loved the new look. Let’s see what you think.

First up is Kylo, the Standard Brindle Poodle. He is the biggest dog that Mom grooms, and his owners bathe him the night before and stay during the groom to help with lifting, etc. Mom suggested shaving his face and his Mom readily agreed.

The lighting is different…he’s actually more the color on the left. But these pics still show the huge difference the shaved face made in his looks. Everyone loved the new look! Which groom do you like better? And yes, he’s every bit as sweet as he looks. If I was a few years younger… uh, I mean, moving on…

Sunshine is a long-haired cairn terrier/beagle mix. She has been coming to Small Dog Grooming since October of 2020 and is now 14 and a half years old. Her Mom has always let her hair grow long. She has a ton of undercoat (that was hyperbole, a method us reporters use to overstate a fact). Her hair was more and more matted (a grooming term) each time she came. So this time Groomer Mom suggested that it was time for Sunshine to get shaved. Not too short, and not too long. Her Mom had to think about it a moment, then hesitantly agreed. Here she is from a previous groom and then after this one.

Her Mom was crazy about how she looked and said, “Why didn’t we do this years ago!?”

Sunshine’s big greyhound sister, Ruthie, was a bit curious about this “new” dog that just got in the car.

Ruthie sniffed her (did she really wonder if this was her sister?) and then gave her a little kiss. We know that their Mom will have a much easier time maintaining this cut, and we hope that Sunshine will be more comfortable in it too. Which one do you like better?

Lucy, Ace Reporter, signing off with two more successful grooms.

Our Dream Place and Thankful Thursday

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia23 Comments

Thanks to Brian’s Thankful Thursday, with special thanks to Brian for hosting it

Xena: I’m thankful for Chia making me feel like a young pup again. She’s a lot of fun to play with, and I’m always thinking up new ways to get her to chase me and play with me, instead of her getting in trouble for bothering Lucy.

Chia: I’m thankful for my sis Xena. She never gets mad at me or gets me in trouble (I do that without anyone’s help). I hope someday I’ll be able to be the church dog, too!

Chia: We decided to do something called “collaborate” on the picture poem today. It was really Xena’s turn, but she wanted us to do it together.

Xena: Our poem today was written by me, Xena and me, Chia. I start it out, and then Chia gets every other line.

DreamLand by Xena the Schnauzer and Chia the Jacksund

I found a place where my dreams play
And where my thoughts will often stray.
A place that’s a fancy curly que,
One built just for me and you.
We sing and dance and have such fun,
We hop and skip and then we run!
The grasses all are good to eat,
And then we stop to wash our feet!
I hate to wake from this sweet dream
But I heard someone say, “Ice cream!”

Thanks, Teddy and Angel Sammy from Two Spoiled Cats for the picture inspiration for today’s poem!


Thankful for Helpful Pups

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia28 Comments

First, a big thanks to Brian for hosting Thankful Thursday!

Xena: Did you hear Mommy say how thankful she is for all our help, Lucy? She even got pictures of us in action! Here we are.

Lucy: I was busy cleaning the inside of our new dishwasher, you know, prewashing all the plates and utensils, when Mom shut the door and switched the sign to dirty. I just managed to get my head out in time.

So I moved to cleaning up the outside. I was doing a good job too. Can you see me and Xe reflected in the shine? Then Xena said, “Hey Luce, let me help.” I didn’t want to be selfish, and there were other things in the kitchen that needed washed, so I told her to go ahead and clean what she could reach.

Seems she could get up almost as high as me! I started cleaning the cabinets, cause I’m a good helper. At least, that’s what Mom always tells me.

Hmmm, I think this one needs washed.

As a reward, Mom’s making me the church dog today. (Shhh, don’t tell Xena.) I got a bath last night and lost a sackful of hair. I’m a bit nervous about riding in the car, but I think all the new friends I’ll make will be worth it. Mom’s already told the pastor that he’s gonna love me! I’ll let you know how great it goes.

Love and licks from Lucy, the kitchen helper and new church dog.

Health Updates on Thankful Thursday

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia32 Comments

First, a big thanks to Brian for hosting Thankful Thursday!

Hey friends, this is Riley. My first thankful today is that I get to do a post a lot more since Xena took over the blog. Angel Lexi was very selfish with her blog, and only grudgingly let anyone else (me) post anything. So thanks, little sis.

My second thankful is even better. It has two parts.
Part one: My Person Andrew came with me and Mom Amy to the vet for me to get my diagnostic X-rays and an ultrasound on my tummy and chest. It was to see if I had a heart murmur or what was going on. Even though I was really high on some good sh*t Mom Amy gave me, I still knew he was there with me and it made me feel even more good than the drugs.

Part two: The tests showed no fluid in my abdomen or in my chest. It did show my heart is slightly enlarged, but all y’all already know I have a big heart, right? *grin* No heart drugs or anything else is needed. I’m feeling good and am eating all I can get ahold of and playing with Chia a little bit and also my stuffies. Hey, I’m gonna be 13 in just under a month, woohoo! Hope I get something good for my birthday!!

Xena: Thanks Riley. I’m glad you understand this is still my blog that I inherited from Angel Lexi. And you can use it anytime you want, since you inherited the position of alpha dog from her.

I’m gonna be real thankful when my right ear is back to normal. The culture the vet place did showed it’s full of yeast, but no bacteria. the new med that Mommy has to put in my ear every day hasn’t helped at all. So now — because we’re at the “end of our rope” — I have to take a half a pill called prednisone. I sure hope that works. I hear everyone gets extra hungry when they take that pill, but I’m a schnauzer, meaning I’m always extra hungry!

Those are our Thankfuls, so next up is our picture poem! Oh, and thanks to Angel Sammy for another great picture.

Angel Lexi the Schnauzer by Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess

An empty slate, like an empty plate,
Always leaves you wanting more.
It’s so unfulfilling and makes you unwilling
To turn around and walk out the door.

Our Angel Lexi took steps whence she
Could fill the void on the wall
Our hearts still miss her, our wonderful sister,
But she still has the power to enthrall.

Thanks to  Angel Sammy for giving us a blank slate to work with today!

Thankful Thursday X3

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia36 Comments

Lucy: First, thank you, Brian, for hosting Thankful Thursday. We think everyone’s prayers were answered for Achilles.

Achilles got a proctoscopy (I sure hope he slept through it). The dogtor found a polyp and took most of it out. That’s what was causing the bleeding. The dogtor also sent off a culture from his foot, and he has e-coli bacteria in it. He’s on antibiotics and a special shampoo and regular dressing changes on his foot. I’m so thankfully happy it didn’t come back as the big C! And I’m triply thankful for all your prayers and good wishes.

Chia: We never got to show our friends our Christmas presents. Among other great things, I got a new stuffie. I know that’s not like dodging the Big C, but it still made me happy.

I haven’t named him – although I’m thinking about “Smiley.” Right now we’re all just calling him the squid. Riley chewed off some of the little tentacles sticking out of his funny hat, so I’m thankful that I got the squid for Christmas and that Riley didn’t deadie him! Oh, and that’s my new blanket hanging beside me on the couch. It is so, so, soft, and I love to wrap myself up in it!

Mom Amy: Every day I have more in my life to be thankful for than I can count. Today I want to say I’m thankful for my son Adam.

He’s a blessing, and I know he would do anything for me…well, except scoop dog poop. And I can forgive him for that! Every other week I drive about 45 minutes to spend some time with him, shopping, eating, visiting. Here, we were waiting on our meals at Captain D’s. He loves Xena, so if I bring her, we sit in the car and eat! I am thankful for my Adam.

Xena: I’m thankful I get to make the poem today about the picture! Do you see me there trying to decide which Teddy to grab?

Teddy Bear Car by Xena

A Teddy Bear car.
A dog trap or a present?
I’ll follow it far.

I hope you like my haiku!

Love and wags and thankfuls for you, our friends! Lucy, Chia and Xena

Poetry by Lucy and Thankful Thursday

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia24 Comments

Hi friends. It’s finally my turn to write a poem. It might not be as good as Xena and Chia and Riley’s but I send it to you with *wags* and love. Speaking of which, I am thankful for all the love in our home, and that I never have to be afraid.

First, here’s a big thanks to Brian’s Thankful Thursday, with special thanks to Brian for hosting it! 

I hope you don’t mind that Mom helped me add myself to the picture. It has a lot more meaning like this, so I think maybe you’ll like it.

The Dish Helpers by Lucy

The folks had a party
And they sure ate hardy.
A mess in the sink,
A mess on the counter.
There’ll soon be a stink
Of the food all turned sour.

Shania, let’s help, let’s give them a present.
Sure, Lucy, let’s help while the food is still pleasant!
Wash the plates clean
With your big doggie tongue
It’s still fine cuisine
And the night is still young.

They worked hard until the sun once again shone,
Then slept like two logs ’til they woke to the phone.
Lucy, Shania,
We love you, you know.
But now in the washer
All those plates must go.

The pups felt discouraged and almost ashamed
‘Til their folks came home with a plaque that was framed.
To “The two hardest workers in all of the land.”
We love you and know your intentions were grand.

So here are your presents, your favorite treats.
Some bacon and broccoli, apples and meats.
Please leave the cleaning of dishes to us,
And just be our much loved and beautiful pups.

Lucy: I was inspired to write this poem not only by the picture, but by real-life experience. I get to lick the plates either on the floor or in the dishwasher, but it’s never good enough. No matter how clean I get them, Mom always follows up with soap and water.





Thankful and Poetic Thursday

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia24 Comments

First, we want to thank Brian for hosting Brian’s Thankful Thursday!

That always reminds us to be thankful for our blogging friends. Y’all mean so much to us!

Xena: It’s almost time to pack our food – and warm clothes – and head up to In Dee Anna where all our relatives live. Not that we like to wear clothes, mind you, but it’s better than freezing in super cold weather that we’re none of us are used to, right? I’m thankful that all our relatives love us. OK, so they seem to love Lucy most, but me and Chia, we’re working on that. It’s just that Lucy doesn’t even have to try.

And we’re all thankful for the new food Mommy’s been giving us. It’s from someone named Ollie, and they go to all the trouble of mixing up veggies and fruit and raw meat and grinding it up and packaging it in just the right size portions for a meal (but mine could be bigger!) and freeze drying it and mailing it to us! We love it, and we get our food sooner cause Mommy doesn’t have to put it all together from scratch and weigh it and all that stuff. Mommy says she’s especially thankful for the time it puts back in her day. And she says if anyone wants to try it, she’ll send you a referral link for 90% off.

Riley: Thanks, Angel Sammy of TWO Spoiled Cats, for hosting Poetic Thursday. You’re doin’ a great job, Buddy.

My Very Own Baby by Riley

Watch that baby or the elves will get ‘im.
They’ll bring him to me, and I’ll never lose ‘im.
I love babies and kids of all ages.
One look is all and my heart engages.
I’ll never have my very own kid,
So could I have yours? May I have yours? Can I have your baby?

Finally, for anyone who didn’t get our Christmas card, please know this is for you!

Have a woofin’ and meowin’ great day! And a holly jolly Christmas!

Grooming with Mom: Barkley

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia29 Comments


Lucy, Ace Reporter with another episode of Grooming With Mom on WGWM. And many thanks to Brian’s Thankful Thursday, with special thanks to Brian for hosting it! 

Today I have another new groom to introduce to you. We are always thankful for new pups to groom, and this one is no exception. Barkley was one of those little “designer” puppies that gets sold to big dog store enterprises and was purchased by his first owner sight unseen. The woman kept him in a cage most of the time and said she couldn’t get him house broken. Fast forward six months, and Barkley finds himself being carried into a dog shelter. His current owner intercepted the woman and asked to have him. “No problem!” the woman said as she handed Barkley over to the next chapter in his life.

Barkley’s new Mom is crazy about him and has a six-year-old daughter who adores him. It took less than a week to house break this precious little boy. He was sold as a schnauzer/yorkie mix, but neither his new Mom nor Groomer Mom can find those breeds just by looking at him. He definitely has poodle hair! His new, furever Mom is a hairdresser, and was referred to us here at Small Dog Grooming by one of her clients. She takes him to work with her, where he gets to interact with people all day.

Barkley’s first grooming appointment started off with him refusing to have his nails cut, even with his Mom staying and helping. You’ve all seen the picture of Chia in the hanging body device to get her nails cut, right? If not, here it is!

This is NOT Barkley. This is Chia.

Barkley did great at getting his nails cut while he was “hanging around,” and his Mom thought it was ingenious! The rest of the groom went well, and Groomer Mom got lots of kisses. Barkley got what Groomer Mom calls a “winter cut” where she leaves the hair on his body long. Here he is with his new “look.”

Just for fun, here are his before and after pictures side-by-side. The lighting was different, but the color he is in the “after” picture is his true color. Didn’t want you to think he got a dye job, BOL!

We think his Mom’s clients are going to be very pleased with Barkley’s new look!

That’s it for today, folks. This is Lucy, Ace Reporter, signing off with *wags* on another successful episode of Grooming with Mom.

Thankful Thursday with Xena and Chia

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia26 Comments

Xena: First, me and Chia want to give a big thanks to Brian’s Thankful Thursday, with special thanks to Brian for hosting it! Chia wants to go first, as usual, so I’m gonna be the nice big sister and let her, even though this is MY blog.

Chia: Hi ya, everyone! We thought that we’d tell you about some things we like, and that means we’re thankful for those things, right? I like my stuffy named Ratto. As you might have seen on Sunday, Riley grabbed Ratto away from me and kept him all night, and that really miffed me. This week my Mom was playing with me and Ratto. She would throw him across the room and I would run and get him and bring him back. But one night I was a little sleepy and just wanted to cuddle with Ratto and not have to run and get him. Mom just didn’t get it, and kept grabbing him and throwing him. Finally, I hid Ratto under the big blanket on the couch.

After I got him all hidden, I hid me. That was that for the night.

I could feel Mom’s arm laying on top of the blanket, but she left us both alone. I’m thankful for that and also that I had my Ratto to cuddle with under a warm blanket. OK, Xena Weena, go ahead. I’m going to find Ratto, or maybe grab Riley’s Racky-D. Shhh, don’t tell him.

Xena: So, y’all probably know I love to ‘splore the yard. I love to hunt for critters: lizzies, chippies, and yes, even big ol’ snakes! The weather was so pretty last week that I got to do that several times. Mommy likes to be outside when it’s warm enough, too, so she just followed me around.

I know there’s still something in this drain pipe!

I dug in it and couldn’t find anything. I ran the length of it, sniffing, and couldn’t get to anything. I even tried to get inside the pipe, but after I got in up past my shoulders I got spooked and backed out fast. I won’t tell Mommy what’s in there; I want to surprise her when I finally catch it!

Do you remember the super big snake – at least six feet long – that visits us every year and eats my lizzies? I was looking for it through the lattice work where we last saw it, all wrapped through the holes.

I didn’t see it, but I smelled me a chippie. One of these days, chippie. One. Of. These. Days.

So I want to say I’m thankful for my Mommy coming outside with me so I don’t have to stay inside or in the dog lot, and I’m thankful for all the fun critters I get to smell (and hopefully catch) in my own yard!

Your good friends, Chia and Xena

Thankful Thursday’s Book

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia22 Comments

Today we are joining Brian’s Thankful Thursday, with special thanks to Brian for hosting it!

Xena: Mommy asked to be able to use our blog today. We voted, and Chia and I agreed with two paws up to let her. Riley and Lucy just walked away. I don’t know why they don’t like voting. They should be glad we live in a democracy, where things can be decided by voting, don’t you think? Oh, yes, today is your turn, Mommy, so take it away!

Those of you who have been reading this blog for a while already know I rarely, if ever, review a book-even though I am an avid reader! Where the Echo Calls by Steve N. Lee was offered to me free for an honest review, so here goes.

I loved it! I actually read it in two sittings, which is quite unusual for me. Razor was raised by a horrid man to be a fighting dog, then dumped when he lost a fight against two dogs. Like my blog, the book is written from the dog’s perspective, and in his voice. I smiled and laughed and cried. It was hard to put this book down, and when I did I couldn’t wait to get back to it. Razor’s life was hard, but he never gave up hope – at least not for long. Then he found a man who was willing to try to understand and respect him. But don’t think it was easy sailing from then on!

Where the Echo Calls made me think about why a dog would behave a certain way. You’d think I would know this by now, but this was a much deeper understanding… an understanding from the dog’s perspective instead of from the human’s. This has caused me to question why my dogs do or don’t do something. For instance, Xena normally listens to me extremely well, which is why I can let her loose in the yard to explore while I do yard work. We were outside on a sunny day, her investigating smells and wandering around while I moved brush. Finished, I opened the door and called her to come in with me, but she just stood in the drive staring at me. I tried several times, but she didn’t budge. Instead of “insisting,” I walked over to her, making sure I was not doing it in a threatening, or even bossy way. I scratched her under her chin while softly asking if she wanted to come in the house with me. She headed right to the door, precious little tail wagging! We had no interaction outside while I worked, and I believe she just wanted acknowledged!

It’s been a good day. Mommy showed me she knows I’m special by trying to understand me!

I don’t mean to say I totally understand everything any of these pups do now. But I think I can begin to question their behaviors and try to understand their needs.

If you would like your own copy of Where the Echo Calls, you can buy it on Amazon by clicking here if you live in the US, or here if you live in the UK, or here if you live in Canada. You can also get it from Barnes & Noble and Google Play.

Thanks for reading, and thanks to my own pups for giving up their blog for the day!
Amy

Grooming with Mom: Theo on Thankful Thursday

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia26 Comments

Hey there folks, this is Lucy, Ace Reporter, reporting to you with another episode of Grooming with Mom. Let’s shout out a huge thanks to Brian’s Thankful Thursday, with special thanks to Brian for hosting it!

We get emails every week from Dogs Naturally, where we learn lots of stuff about good nutrition. They’ve been giving us a little quiz with one question each time, so we thought it would be fun to share those. Here is this week’s:
Which breed’s name means “curly small dog?” Answer at the bottom of this post.

Groomer Mom got what she thought was the strangest call ever from someone wanting a groom. The person said he has a miniature schnauzer whose groomer retired, and he couldn’t find anyone to give his dog a good groom. Then he saw a schnauzer with a great cut, a real “schnauzer” groom, and asked the owner where she took her dog. You can see where this is going, right? So far, nothing strange. The strange part is that he lives in Dalton, GA, which is almost an hour from us. We’ve had people drive 30 minutes, but not an hour! Groomer Mom even asked him if he was sure he wanted to come this far, and he assured her he did.

Theo – short for Theodore – is on the tall side for a mini at 20 pounds. He’s solid, though, no fat to make up those pounds. This is his “before” picture.

Theo’s legs and feet were very matted and a bit of scissoring and shaving had to happen to remove the worst of the mats. The last groomer had cut the hair straight cross that was growing out of his ears, instead of pulling it out. Groomer Mom growled a bit about that, and Theo sat perfectly still while he was tortured all that hair got pulled out. However, he absolutely would not allow his nails to be cut or have the Dremel used. His Dad holding him didn’t help and hanging him in the sling (you’ve seen Chia in it) didn’t help, either. Finally, Groomer Mom asked Theo’s Dad if he wanted her to stop, and he said yes. In the end, his groom was the same as our Xena’s!

Theo was happy cause he got lots of treats and his Dad was happy cause he loved the cut! He said he’ll be back next time Theo needs groomed, and promised to keep him combed out in between.

TRIVIA ANSWER
The breed whose name means “curly small dog” is the Bichon Frise. Bichon means a small, toy or lap dog, and frisé means curly. 

Lucy, Ace Reporter, signing off with another episode of Grooming with Mom! (*wags*)

Thankful for Xena’s New Harness

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia20 Comments

Today we are joining Brian’s Thankful Thursday, with special thanks to Brian for hosting it!

Lucy: Hey Xena, I know Mom took you out for a car ride this morning. Mom, do you want me to do the Ace Reporting on it?


Xena: No thanks, Luce. I can handle it myself, but thanks for the offer.

Xena here. I went to one of those big hardware stores whose name rhymes with lows like the noise cows do, and walked all around with Mommy this morning. I did better about not being afraid of buggies and stuff, and was only a little shy when a nice lady reached her hand out for me to sniff it. We kinda steered away from all the big, scary Halloween blowups. From there we drove to the pet store where Mommy previously got my new pink harness that Chia has ended up wearing. She had her own blue one, but she chewed it up about a year ago. These harnesses tighten when we pull on the leash, so they won’t slip off. And since Chia has slipped the old red and black harness we have and then ran off for a while, Mommy’s been putting what should be my harness on her every morning when she goes out for her twicearoundtheneighborhood walk. So I’ve been stuck with the old one she got for a dollar at a yard sale. Mommy thinks I back away every time she tries to put it on me cause I don’t like harnesses. Wrong!! I just don’t like that one!

Chia: Hey! Did you get a treat while you were gone? I can smell something on your beard.

Xena: Maybe. Hmm, so where was I? Oh yes, the harness. So backing up to yesterday (I’m really good at backing, you should see!) we all went for our DNA HW blood draw at two different vets. Riley has his very own vet place cause he’s a “handful” everywhere else. When we got to my vet, Mommy was trying to get everyone out of the car and make sure she had a good hold on Chia’s leash so she didn’t “take off.” Mommy had everyone out but Lucy, who was seat belted in the front. When she got Lucy out she looked down to see that one of the leashes was still attached to a harness but the dog was gone. It was me, BOL! I had quietly slipped that stupid black and red harness and started across the little parking lot to hide around the corner of the building. Nope, I don’t like goin’ to the vet place. But being a good girl, I came back when Mommy called me. Then I signaled everyone to wrap the leashes around Mommy’s legs, and I tried to take off again. I ended up in the vet’s anyhow.

That takes us to today. At the pet store, I got a brand new, never used, turquois blue harness, just like what was my pink one that Chia now wears since she chewed up her turquois blue one.

Chia: Hey, is that a new harness?

Xena: Yes, it’s MY new harness, and if you chew it up I’ll eat your breakfast for the next 87 days while you’re out walking with Mommy.
See, Luce? I toldja I could do my own reporting!

Lucy: Yes, but I usually (never) threaten anyone while I’m reporting.

Xena: Not a threat, just a fact. Oh, and yes, Chia, I got treats while I was out.

Riley’s Thankful Thursday Pupdate

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia30 Comments

Well, first, I want to thank my kitty friend Brian for Brian’s Thankful Thursday.

As y’all know, we were all trying to figure out where I was going on Tuesday. Ends up it really was to a different vet, but this one only does allergies and stuff like that. Her name is Laura Wilson, and I like her. Mom Amy will tell you that I wasn’t scared going into the building, either! The place is called Lighthouse Veterinary Allergy & Dermatology.

Chia: Awww…you didn’t go to the beach without me, didja?

Riley: You can ignore the peanut gallery, folks. I do that all day long. Anyhoo, she was gentle and nice and I really liked her voice. I was so relaxed that I actually fell asleep when she left the room!
Ends up I’ve got allergies and what’s called a secondary bacterial infection from the allergies. I listened close when Doc Laura came back in and she and Mom talked. Here’s a breakdown of what I heard:

  1. Doc: We could do the full allergy testing but Riley’s got a heart murmur, and we would have to check to see what level it is first because of the sedative involved. Also, we wouldn’t know for a year at the least if the allergy serum was working…and he’s a large, 12-year-old dog. (Not sure what my age and size has to do with anything, but let’s just go with it. I don’t want stuck with a bunch of needles anyway.)
  2. Doc: We could ignore the Glacier Peak Holistic food sensitivity test that was done and do an elimination diet. Mom: But what protein could I feed that he hasn’t already been eating. (At that point the Doc started naming kibble type diets that had kangaroo –hmmm, wonder what kangaroo tastes like — buffalo, and all kinds of other meat.) Mom then said no, we’re sticking with raw. What else? Doc: rabbit. Mom: I don’t have a gun, and have you looked at the price of rabbit??
  3. Doc: Atopica (cyclosporine capsules). Once a day. Expensive, but there’s a generic one that Riley can have after we see if it works for him. That takes 30 days. It doesn’t suppress the immune system like Apoquel and it doesn’t tell the brain to ignore the itching like Cytopoint, and it’s not a steroid.

At this point they agreed to go with option 3. I also got doxycycline hyclate (I asked Mom Amy to spell that for me) to help clear up the bacteria, and I’m still getting my special baths. But I can’t get them outside tied to the truck anymore cause it’s gettin’ a bit too chilly for that. And I also got new drops for my ears. I like getting them; Mom Amy puts them on her fingers and gently rubs the insides of my ears. It feels good.

It’s time for my post-breakfast nap, so I’m gonna get comfy with my Rainy Reindeer and my bone, and will see y’all next time.
Your friend, Riley

Chia and Mr. Rat

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia26 Comments

Today we are joining Brian’s Thankful Thursday, with special thanks to Brian for hosting it!

A few days ago Riley told you about Racky-D, and his decision to keep him, not deadie him. Well, back at the beginning of the month, I got a new stuffy for my birthday, and promised to show you a better picture of him when he wasn’t being so shy.

Today’s the day! I’m thankful for my Mr. Rat on Thankful Thursday and every day
. Sometimes Xena grabs him and takes off. I know it’s so I will chase her, and it always works! Then we play tug o’ war until one of us loses interest.

Since Riley named his racoon dog Racky-D, I’ve been thinking about a new name for Mr. Rat. Something like Ratto or Ratty or something. Any thoughts? And no, Xena, we’re not having a contest, and no one’s going to win anything. Sheesh. I think she must watch the game shows on TV when Mom and Dad are at work and Lucy and I are snuggled up sleeping.

Sometimes I ask Mom to play with me and Mr. Rat.

Mom has a new game where she pretends not to notice, then grabs him up quick as lightening and throws him across the room. I leap across whoever else is on the couch, propel myself off the couch arm, and tear after Mr. Rat. Sometimes Xena fakes me out, acting like she’s going to go get him, and that makes me run even faster, like the Flash!

I’m also thankful that all y’all love me, and if you want to come visit I’ll sit in your lap or play with you and cuddle with you under the covers in the bed.

Your buddy, Chia

Grooming Kylo on Thankful Thursday

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia24 Comments

Hi folks. The first thing I am thankful for today – or maybe I should say first person I am thankful for today – is Ann Adamus who created my new Ace Reporter logo! Thanks, Ann!!

I am Lucy, Ace Reporter, coming to you on the Groom Beat! Today we are joining Brian’s Thankful Thursday, with special thanks to Brian for hosting it!

Today I would like to introduce a young standard poodle by the name of Kylo, who turned one year old this month. He is a service dog to a special needs young lady who comes with her Mom to get Kylo groomed. At first, Groomer Mom said, “Sorry, he is too big. I only groom small dogs.”

But Kylo’s Mom has a special Super Power of Persuasion, and the rest is history. Kylo gets his bath at home the day before he comes, all ready for Groomer Mom’s magic scissors. Even at one he is a very wiggly puppy, so his special girl helps Mom by holding onto him and distracting him when it is needed, and she does a very good job!

After losing a sack full of hair to the clippers and scissors, Kylo was ready to go home.

Groomer Mom told this reporter that she is thankful she ended up saying “yes,” because this Mom, daughter and loving pooch are all very special!

This ends today’s edition of Grooming with Mom. Lucy, Ace Reporter, signing off.

How to Defeat a Big Dog by Chia

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia31 Comments

We are joining Brian’s Thankful Thursday, with special thanks to Brian for hosting it!

Chia: Hi friends! You never know who you’re gonna run into out there in your own yard or on a walk or even on a runabout. So you’ve gotta be ready! Here’s what you do when you run into a big dog.

First, you grab them by the neck.

Then, you wrestle them to the ground:

Next, you make them say woof, woof, you win!

Finally, you run like H. E. Double hockey sticks when they rise from their defeat!

Xena: That was some performance, sis. So where you goin’ now?

Chia: Lookin’ for my next big dog to dominate.

Xena: Sometimes I’m just plain thankful I’m a small dog.

Grooming with Mom: Our Seniors

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia24 Comments

Lucy, Ace Reporter, on the Groom Beat

Today I’ve invited back a couple of our long-timers, Maggie the schnauzer and Dora the shih tsu, sporting their new winter cuts. We’ve had so many positive comments on what a great idea the concept of winter grooms is that I’m going to ride that wave. Uh, I mean, show you two more. *clears throat* Both usually get a full shave down–with the exception of Dora’s ears and tail–every four weeks. Sometimes their mom asks for just a mini-groom, but she never lets them get very long. This time, it’s been over two months, two grooms in a row, that they got the winter cut. Here’s Maggie, sporting the adorable fuzzy schnauzer look.

Maggie tucks her back legs under her because she has problems with them. Sometimes she starts to roll over backwards, so Groomer Mom positions her against the wall to help her stay steady in her sit position. Maggie will be 14 this year and has been our much-loved client since May of 2013 when she was five.

Maggie’s sister, Dora, was four when she started coming here the same time as Maggie, meaning she’ll be turning 13 this year. She doesn’t seem to be quite sure what to make of that bow.

Until this groom, she’s never left here with her hair long enough to sport a pretty bow. We sorta hope it stays in and her Mom wants to keep that part of her hair long. Guess we’ll know in a month…

Next featured is 14-year-old Sunshine. Sunshine is a long haired cairn terrier/beagle mix. She’s got a great temperament and lots and lots of long hair. Her mom wants to keep her body and leg hair long. A large pile of undercoat comes out during a thorough brushing each groom even though her mom does a good job keeping her brushed. This is what she looked like a year ago post groom:

This time, she came to Groomer Mom with that long coat very matted. Her mom had been sick and unable to brush her. Groomer Mom is thankful that she has some magic lotion and a magic comb that loosens most mats and allows them to be removed. Also, her mom wanted her face shaved. This is how she now looks.

This Ace Reporter was reassured by Groomer Mom that yes, this really is the same dog!

I leave you with this quote from Groomer Mom, “Puppies are adorable and fun, but seniors who are used to being groomed are one *bleep* of a lot easier to groom.”

Lucy, Ace Reporter, signing off with wags and licks and many thanks to  Comedy Plus  for the great job they do hosting Awww Mondays.

Giving Thanks for Arty and Adam

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia34 Comments

We are joining Brian’s Thankful Thursday, with special thanks to Brian for hosting it!

Lucy: We thought a flashback to our Thanksgiving weekend this year would be a good Thankful Thursday story. We told y’all about Arty staying with us Thanksgiving week. His Mom and Dad came to get him that Sunday, and it was chaos. Xena kept barking and I *hangs head* kept asking them to pet me. Riley kept pushing his way in to get pet, and Arty’s Mom looked like she was about to turn around and run back out the door. And Chia, well, was Chia.

Arty: Hi Mom!! Hi Dad!! I’ve had so much fun and am so glad to see you!
Chia: Play with me Arty!! Why aren’t you paying any attention to me?! Grrrarrr!!

Lucy: In any case, we’re all thankful for a new friend, and would welcome Arty back to stay and play any time. (If his mom will bring him!)

You may also remember on Halloween our brother Adam had to go to the hospital emergency room. Turns out he had an ulcer that had been bleeding for months and no one knew. It took it bleeding out and almost killing him for him to admit to everything that had been going on and agreeing to get help. He had to have surgery. It was one scary Halloween!

Mom lived at the hospital with him for a while, until she knew he was going to recover.

Fast forward a month to the Friday after Thanksgiving. Dad knows Adam’s favorite foods, so he went out and bought him a pound of steak and also some shrimp. He even cooked it for Adam. Riley kept watching and saying no way could one person eat all that, and he would be getting a lot of good leftovers, but there weren’t any! Brother Adam ate it all! We knew right then that he was better.

Then on Saturday our brothers Adam and Andrew took our peeps out to Red Lobster.

Adam (left) and Andrew (right) The bag with leftovers are Andrew’s.

We heard they had a great time and Adam didn’t bring home any leftovers from that meal, either.

The home where Brother Adam lives has lifted it’s visitation restrictions, so Mom will be going up to visit this weekend and taking him all the stuff they ordered from Amazon while he was here! Then he’ll be back to stay with us for a long weekend on Christmas. We’re all so thankful that our Adam is well again!

I’ll be back soon reporting on new grooms, that we are also thankful for.

Wags and kisses, Lucy

Late Thankful Thursday & World Peace Day

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia21 Comments

Lucy: We all love our Dad, and are thankful he was here to feed us and take care of us and sleep with us. Uh, or let us sleep with him. I guess it’s the same thing. We surrounded him with love both nights Mom spent in the hospital with our brother Adam.

Xena: We are all thankful that our brother Adam made it through the surgery OK and is in a hospital room recovering. Every day he gets a little better. I sure wouldn’t like to have a hole in my stomach letting icky stuff out into my body or something called an ulcer leaking lots of blood into my stomach. *shiver* He had both those things! That was the scariest Halloween ever for Mommy and Adam. But he’s going to be alright. We want to thank everyone for your prayers and POTP and purrayers and good thoughts and wishes. It all helped!

Riley: I will be super thankful next week when I get the stitches out of my ear and hopefully the ear wrap and the cone of honor removed. Right now I’m thankful for good food and my pack.

Chia: Mom has decided I’m way too thin and has started giving me more food. Yay! Thanks, Mom!

Xena: You oughta be thankful Mom even gives you food after you unstuffed Riley’s bed and Mom’s bed quilt and chewed up the zipper on Daddy’s favorite fleece.
Chia: *Grrr*. You can’t prove any of that!


Lucy: Girls, this seems like a good time to finish up our post with World Peace Day. I’ll start. I think if everyone could just agree to disagree, and to accept each other’s differences, there would be peace in the world.

Chia: Ummm, let me think…I know! If everyone played nice together, there would be peace. So, who wants to play with me?

Xena: I think life would be more peaceful if little sisters didn’t bug their older sisters; if everyone was held and loved; and if everyone’s tummies were full.

Riley: Peace be with you.

Lucy, Xena and Chia in unison: And also with you!

We are joining Brian’s Thankful Thursday, with special thanks to Brian for hosting it!