Archive | March, 2010

Walk With Me

31 Mar

I am very excited today because it seems the torrential rain that had been trying to turn the lawn into a swimming pool for the past couple of days, may finally have given us a break. This means I will have a break from indoor fetch and kitty wrestling and finally be able to take a nice long walk around the neighborhood.

During my many walkies (or as my mom calls them “tuggies” and “pullies” as my leash manners are quite horrible) I see a lot of things that just do not make sense to me. The first being these signs: Why is it telling me to “stop” when I want to “go, go, go”? Mom told me that the sign is really for the passing cars, but every time we cross the street when there are one of these signs, I have to stop my galloping around. Again, I was told that I have to stop before crossing the street in case a car is coming. There are just so many rules to remember! This sign is the only one of its kind in my neighborhood and is posted in front of this tiny bit of earth that has a path on it. Mom explained to me again (she sure likes to explain things to me) that it means people can’t walk on that one bit of earth unless they own it. It is extremely strange to me, especially since it’s such a small plot and seemed like such fun to run on. Though I can understand not wanting to share, (I get very growly when the kitties try to sleep on my Molly Mutt or eat my food) I just can’t understand not wanting to share with a cutie pie like me!

Luckily my walks aren’t filled with too many confusing things or else I probably wouldn’t think them too pleasant. Though, I’m still trying very hard to figure out why cars get so much room to run around on and I have to stay on the little sidewalk. I think I’ll go grab my leash and mom and do some more investigating.

Happy tail wags!

Bailey’s Mission

29 Mar

I do realize this blog post is fairly late, I usually try to have them done by noon at the latest. Today was quite a whirlwind what with my mom going to the gym and Angelica coming over (with no treats for me! Shame on her).  But I wanted to make sure I got this specific post done.

This is Bailey:

(photo via Bailey’s Mission photo gallery)

Bailey is a 6 year old Chihuahua mix who was recently diagnosed with Type B Canine Lymphoma. While Lymphoma is not a curable disease, it’s progression in the body can be slowed through radiation, surgery or chemotherapy. Bailey’s mom, Rola wants Bailey to have the best fighting chance, but the vet bills (between $4,000 to $6,000) are way beyond her means. This is where we can help. Bailey’s Mission is a site Rola set up to ask for donations to help darling Bailey. If you have the ability and the means, please think about donating a little to help Bailey get the best treatment possible. Rola has also gathered together tons of information about Canine Lymphoma, and wants to help spread the word about it as the information she has found is quite scattered and few.

If you have sometime, make sure to check out Bailey’s website (here). And please keep Mr. Bailey and his doting mother Rola in your thoughts.

Happy tail wags.

Urgent: Puppies in Alabama (UPDATED)

26 Mar

UPDATE: Denver and Dallas have found a home! Thank you to all who helped spread the message about these darling puppies!

These are sisters Denver and Dallas. They are currently in a kill shelter in Alabama and are looking for homes. Their story is one of urgency for if they are not re-homed by this coming Monday (March 29th), they will be euthanized. It is a sad fact, but one that many dogs and cats face in highly populated areas. But you can help! If you have been looking for a puppy or two to adopt (they do not have to go to the same home) think about one of these darling Lab/Shepard mixes. Or, if you know of anyone that has been looking for a dog, please let them know about these two. Someone has come forward to help transport them the Portsmith, NH, so the new prospective human parents do not have to be from Alabama.

For more information please call: 256-399-7105. Their petfinder page is here.

And please retweet, facebook, blog, or carrier pigeon this post so we can help find these pups a home!

Happy tail wags!

Chocolate Bunnies

26 Mar

I find this time of the year a little strange; even stranger than the end of October where the humans mutilate pumpkins and wear silly outfits. Around the end of March and beginning of April it becomes increasingly clear to my puppy eyes that humans become increasingly obsessed with eggs and bunnies. And not just any bunnies, these bunnies in particular: I have no idea how eggs and bunnies are connected and then when you add in that funky, brightly colored and not real grass into the mix, it just keeps getting stranger. And for some odd reason, I’m not allowed to play with any of it! Which is really the reason this holiday is so strange. So I did a little digging of my own to see why I am not allowed to frolic in the fake grass or join in the egg hunt that happens at my GG’s house every first Sunday in April.

According to an article from About.com’s Vet blog written by Janet Tobiassen Crosby, DVM, there are actually a lot of hazards for pets when it comes to this Spring holiday. Of course, we all know that chocolate is a known danger to dogs because of the chemical theobromine, but other candy (especially the ones in the plastic eggs) contains another substance called xylitol that is extremely toxic to both pups and kitties.

The fake grass poses another possible danger, that of being eaten. I know I’ve tried to eat some strange things (I love those dust bunnies that mom finds under the couch) so it really wouldn’t shock me if another dog or cat thought that pink grass looked tasty. Cats especially seeing as they are drawn to string-like things. The danger come from something called Linear Foreign Body which is created when a something stringy is ingested. Usually when LFB occurs, you can see the end of the string either coming out of your pet’s mouth, or their tail end. It also involves vomiting and a painful abdomen. Never attempt to remove the string yourself as that could cause even more damage. Always go to your vet or an emergency clinic immediately.

This holiday just seems packed with danger, especially to cats. There is even a specific flower used in decoration, called the Easter Lily, that is poisonous to kitties if they eat it (and they most likely will if they can get at it. Harry has eaten his fair share of house plants and flower bouquets). But there are always dangers in life, one just has to be aware and know what to do if something happens.

So now I see why I am not allowed to eat the ears off the chocolate bunny or help my cousins find their goodie filled eggs. I wish there was a hidden danger in wearing an Easter bonnet though. It’s always the fun stuff that is dangerous, isn’t it.

Happy tail wags.

How To

25 Mar

During my many adventures outside of my home, I see and am greeted by a variety of humans. Mom says I am an attention magnet on account of my “muppetesque” features. I have no idea what a muppet is, but I guess humans really like them because I get approached a lot. The thing is, a whole lot of humans don’t know how to approach me correctly. And yes, there is a correct and safe way to approach us dogs, especially if we are slightly nervous (like me). Luckily, Lili, the mother of an absolutely adorable Boston Terrier named Boogie, the author of the blog Boogie’s Blog, and the amazing artist behind Doggie Drawings (mom’s been saving some money to get a portrait of me done) drew a very helpful tutorial on the right way to greet a dog. The majority of the humans I meet do one or more of the “How Not”s especially the little humans with their very shrill voices. Even my mom, whom I’ve tried to remind over and over again, forgets herself and will squeal over a delightfully squirming puppy. Now, I think she understands how stressful that can be and will adjust accordingly.

Thank you to Lili for letting me post her very helpful drawing. Please check out her Doggie Drawings website to see more of her work.

Happy tail wags!

Walkie Wear

24 Mar

Most recently, my walks have gotten longer as the weather has gotten warmer. It’s been a nice change from the brisk almost sprints that come from it being too cold to do anything more than cuddle under the blankets with the kitties. Now, mom and I take our time as we stroll around the many little streets of our town. She lets me sniff the newly sprung green grass and bark at the neighborhood cats. I also am the owner of a barking new leash that I just love to show off to all the neighborhood dogs.

It’s made by Red Dingo and I got it from The Loyal Biscuit (naturally). I seem to be going with the green theme; green collar from The Mod Dog, green blanketID, and now a green leash! I think I may request that my nails be painted green next. Harry said that everyone will start calling me a leprechaun. I have no idea what a leprechaun is, but if they like green than I really don’t mind being called one.

Red Dingo also makes these really pretty, stainless steel tags for both cats and dogs.

Some of the tags.

I’ve had my eye on the flower one for quite some time. You can get the tag engraved with your pet’s name and your telephone number and address. Like the blanketID, it adds another layer of help if your dog goes missing.

Happy tail wags!

La Vie en Rose

22 Mar

I am quite the spoiled pup, but there is one thing I never had; a bed of my own. When I was a puppy I was crated to help me learn the correct way to do my business (being outside, not in my mom’s room, on the rug in front of the door, or on my aunt’s bed). After I was somewhat successfully house trained (even the best of us make mistakes) my mom decided I could sleep in her bed. I am also allowed now on all of the furniture. Well, the couches anyway. The coffee table is definitely a no-no.

So on Saturday, I was quite surprised during a trip to The Loyal Biscuit when my mom picked up a Molly Mutt dog duvet. If you aren’t in the know, a Molly Mutt is a duvet cover that comes in various adorable prints. You stuff them full of old clothing, old pillows, unused blankets, anything you have on hand that would make the bed comfy, and as you you humans say, ta-da, you have a dog bed that is also environmentally friendly. Mom had been wanting to get one for me since she first heard about them (about a year or so ago) but there wasn’t quite a print that really grabbed her. I often let her make the executive decisions when it comes to the color and design of things and thankfully she keeps in mind my favorite colors (green, pink and purple naturally). When Molly Mutt debuted the bed “La Vie en Rose,” mom was smitten and had to get it for me.

Such cute packaging too!

It was explained to me that this bed did not mean I was no longer able to sleep in mom’s plushy bed. It is for the times when there is no room on the couch for me to stretch out. You wouldn’t think a dog my size could take up so much room, but trust me, I take at least a whole cushion.

It's quite comfy

Right now my Molly Mutt is stuffed with fabric scraps and some sweatshirts that no one has been wearing. Slowly, it’s going to become the spot where all of my mom’s fabric leftovers from when she makes the stuff for the shop are going to wind up. I told her she was thinking “green” and she told me I have been reading too much for dogs should not understand the term “green.” I then countered with the fact that a dog shouldn’t have a blog, so I’m not your ordinary dog.

Check out the Molly Mutt site for more information or to purchase one of their nifty beds.

Happy tail wags!

Give a Dog a Bone

21 Mar

I do hope you all don’t mind another post about The Smiling Frog Pets. I promise that tomorrow I have a really neat post lined up, so bear with me as I show you more cute things you can buy from my mom. This is the “Give a Pup a Bone” flannel shirt modeled by yours truly. The flannel is really soft and cuddly and features lots of cute little puppies on it. The bone can be made in either the brown, as featured, or red. Check out The Smiling Frog Pets for more information.

Happy tail wags!

Moved

19 Mar

The dog toys and clothing my mom sells on Etsy can now be found in the brand new shop called The Smiling Frog Pets. Already she has sold two hoodies. And you know what that means, more money for her to spend on me!

Also, there is a new item in the shop. It’s a squeaky bunny made out of a durable fleece. And it’s purple, which is definitely a selling point to me. I love all things purple and green. Well, pink too. This bunny would be a great Easter present for your pooch. For more information, just click on the photo.

Happy tail wags!

Harry

18 Mar

There was some interest about my brother Harry on my facebook page yesterday. It seems like people really do like cats, which, I guess, is a good thing, but I just find them annoying. But I have decided, out of the goodness of my fuzzy heart, to interview my brother for my blog. He was a bit hesitant to agree, but eventually he came around after I promised not to chase him for an entire day. 

What is your full name?: Harry. That’s it.

Any nicknames?: I would prefer that every one just call me Harry, but I have been called Harold (by that strange Angelica), Littlehead (not really inventive or original, but who can blame them, they’re only humans), and Poochy Pants (I’d rather not explain this one).

How did you come to be in our family?: When I was 3 months old, I was stuck in a place the humans refer to as a shelter. I don’t quite remember much before that, so I can’t tell you how I got to be in the shelter. One day, a young woman (whom we now refer to as “mom”) came in to adopt a cat. I could tell she was looking for an older cat, but I really wanted to go home with her. After I enticed her over to my cage (I was in a cage because I had a cold) by acting really adorable, I quickly stuck my paws out and grabbed her hand. She was so taken by my boldness that she adopted me on the spot.

Do you enjoy being my brother?: No. You are loud and too excited. The first day you came home, I was quite curious about you (hello, I’m a cat) which turned out to be a mistake as you proceeded to chase me out of the living room.

A younger Harry

What is your favorite food?: If I had my way, which I never do, I would be fed chicken, Alaskan crab legs, and anchovies all the time. Since I have a condition where I get chronic urinary tract infections I have to eat a prescription food. Hey, you know all of this because you try to steal my food all the time!

Do you have a favorite toy?: I enjoy an occasional roll with my Tickle Pickle. I love the ‘nip.

Though Harry and I have our differences, we do get along sometimes. Of course, those are rare occasions and are met with lots of cooing from the humans in the family. My home would be very empty without him.

Happy tail wags!

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