The Top Ten Reasons Why Dog Teens Dogs are Better Than Human Teens

What adults see...

10.  Dogs grow up faster - learning the ropes and falling into line takes far less time for dogs than the learning curve we have for humans.  You'd think with those enormous brains, the human teen rate of learning should far exceed that of the family dog.  If you don't believe me, teach your dog to put away his toys.  Then tell your teenager to clean his room.  See who follows through faster, and with better reliability.

9.  Chew toys - I can order elk antler chews for all three dogs for under $30.  Teens want video games, iPads (not gonna happen), make-up, new clothes, iTunes cards, etc.  I can feel the cash being sucked from my wallet even now.  I remember the toddling days when the cardboard box holding the toy was far more fun than the actual toy could ever be.

**crickets chirping**

8. Quiet - Teen dogs don't chatter.  Never have, never will.  Oh, the quiet hours spent enjoying my dogs - puppies, teens, adults or seniors - all of which have been chatter-free!  Not a full minute can be spent with a teen without hearing blah, blah, blah about some kid at school, or some new incident.  And let's not forget about those one-sided phone conversations we're lucky enough to experience from the other room.  Squeals of disbelief and statements peppered with "like", "oh my God",  "I know", and "that's disgusting!"...

7. No lies - If a dog poops on the carpet, he doesn't pretend it didn't happen.  If he eats a full bag of pita bread, he'll bring you the empty, half-chewed bag.  If a teen does something wrong, he'll tell you it wasn't him, or the teacher didn't require that assignment to be turned in, or even that someone stole his binder at school.  The best one yet - that she didn't cut her own bangs, while they've clearly been butchered right down the middle.  She actually said someone must've cut them while she was sleeping!

6. Responsibility - If my dogs never earn the right to be left unattended at home, or to run off leash, it's really OK.  There's always the crate and the leash.  If my teen can't be trusted to stay home alone and not get into mischief, I can't watch her forever.  And when she's old enough to go into the world on her own, I can't leash her.  The leash is just too short...

5. Back talk - Dogs don't back talk.  They don't have attitudes.  They don't pout.  They don't slam doors.  Now God forbid my teen back talks or slams doors, but there's no shortage of attitudes or pouting around here.  Yuk.  If the dogs are unhappy, they just find something new to do, or take a nap.  I've never received a haiku about how unfair something is from my dog.  I can't say the same for my teen.  See reason #2.

So full of woe!

4. Behavioral consequences - When a teen dog misbehaves, you have a few options.  You can crate her, you can redirect her away from something undesirable, you can distract her with training.  I've never once been able to redirect my teenager away from being passive aggressive with a shiny new squeaker toy, or stopped her from leaving dirty laundry on the floor with a few pieces of salmon jerky and a "sit, stay".  And she just won't shut up when I put her in the crate...

3. No break-ups - Dogs don't date.  Sometimes they pine, sometimes they hump, but they simply don't date.  There's nothing sweeter than a dog following after the object of his affection, just trying to play bow his way into her heart.  The same cannot be said for human teens.  Seeing boys' names enshrined in red hearts drawn all over binders and notebooks just makes me nauseous.  And the long phone chats analyzing something "he" said meant, drives me to drink.  If you don't go anywhere, are you really "going out"?!

Double shot, please...

2. No drama - For anyone who's ever lived with a teenage girl, there's no creature more dramatic or theatrical. A dog in her teens doesn't know the meaning of drama (except of course if you have a Sibe and are trying to trim her nails or give her a bath) but human teens live and breath by the beat of soap opera music.  They ride each emotional wave like surfers on crack, crashing hard on the rocks of each jagged emotion.  (Thought I'd give you a little taste of the daily drama with that last line...pretty awful, I know.)

1. Spaying and Neutering - enough said.

Poor Arwen - even teen dogs can be annoying!

A Day for Wellies and Movies by the Fire

I love rainy days.

T and I took the girls out for a nice long walk this morning.  It was drizzly and grey, and the weather kept everyone else inside.  An ideal walk day for a family with reactive dogs!  We talked and walked - a great start to the day.

A perfect morning for a walk!

After some laundry and other chores, we settled in to marathon of Terminator movies.  We cheered at the "I'll be back" lines, fretted over John Connor's fate, and marveled at Linda Hamilton's muscles, all the while snuggling in front of the fire.  The dogs having walked and played most of the morning, were content to trade snoozing places between the couch and before the toasty warmth of the fire.

Arnold Schwarzenegger in Terminator

Nyxie has a favorite spot on the couch.  It's right in the center where all the extra throw pillows end up.  Matt and I sit at either end of the couch, legs outstretched and Nyxie will eventually find her cozy spot in the middle of us.  I call this spot her "nest" - a safe haven away from Fenway, who tortures her by just coming too close.

"Not another picture, Mom!"

It's in these moments when she is cuddly, soft and trusting.  She'll bury her snooter in the pillows beside us, her nose just touching us.  Sometimes she lays with her head resting on the soft pillows, snoring quietly in a deep sleep.  I'll rest my head on her back, grateful for her trust.  If we watch a scary movie, her proximity and warmth keep me grounded and safe.

Tonight she snored quietly, head behind my closest pillow, paws resting against my hip.  I felt her deep, slow  breathing and knew she felt secure between us.  All her fears and insecurities melt away in these moments shared with the people and dogs that make up her world.  She could let her guard down knowing she was safe.

And we all knew it was a good day to be in Arwen's Pack

"Mom - can I share your monkey slanket with you?"

Luck of the Irish month?

As dog parents, we have the duty to keep our wards well-groomed and in working order.  This often comes with the arduous task of nail-trimming.  I know.  I know - many of you are shuddering - the mere thought of cutting dog nails is causing sweaty palms and accelerated hearts.  To celebrate the new month - March - my personal  month-long Irish heritage festivus - I decided to trim dog nails.

Yes, it's nothing but good times here at my house...

Arwen is an old pro.  Like everything else in her distinguished life, she handles nail trims like a champ.  I call her over, she lays down on her back in front of me.  I simply start trimming.  She slowly pulls her legs away from me at times, and when we're almost done, she tries to wriggle away.  For the most part, though, I just clip away and talk softly to her.  When we're done, I cheer for her with lots of praise and she runs to the kitchen for a big treat.

Notice the patient look in these eyes?

Nyxie is next.  This girl is big, smart, high-strung, and mostly compliant.  A bag of training treats wins her over as I call her to lay down in front of me.  I trim her nails as she lays on her side, taking softly to her and giving her a treat after each nail is done.  In a vain attempt to resist me and the treats, she rights herself usually after each second nail.  She's a drooling puddle of forgiving goo that while she wants so terribly to resist me, her desire to please me wins out every time.  Thank goodness for her German Shepherd-ness!

Nails?  Whatever you say, Mom.

And then there's Fenway...
Fenway is a dog that's not used to being groomed.  In his former mystery life, I'm quite sure there weren't regular baths or nail trims, ear checks or paw cleanings.  When there's no suspicion that you actually have a grooming tool, or medication, he lets you pretty much do anything to him.  But if you try to do anything to him, he treats you like a zombie bite victim.

"Will she bite me?  Is she infected?  Better to run away!"

Poor kiddo.  With a ton of patience and treats, his nails were cut and then filed.  He did pretty well, actually.  I think he finally got tired of my unrelenting persistence in holding those little paws of his.  Happy March, Fenway - maybe the rest of the month will bring you the luck of the Irish.  But then again, you need to be neutered soon...

YOU'RE GOING TO TRIM MY WHAT?!

Our Wish for You!

I hope this year brings only love and peace.  I wish only happiness for you this year, and the sincere hope that your packs are strong and healthy.  

Happy New Year, friends!

Arwen's Pack

Daddy's Home!!

Matt has been working from home for a couple of weeks now with his friend's software business.  No more daily commuting and working for a hated boss.  Now there's the stress of invested labor - somehow a much more satisfying stress than working for somebody else.  One of his first assignments has been to sell a number of their company's Apple MacBook Pro's.  So that he can do so, we're playing host to these computers in their boxes, all in our itty-bitty apartment.

What the dogs' see: "Agility Obstacles!!!  Wheeee!!!"
Now I understand why when we say we have 3 dogs, people always ask if we have a big yard.  Nope - we sure don't...

Since the big transition to Matt working from home, the dogs are rarely in their crates, and have more flexibility overall.  Matt's there to walk and feed them, and they can have cuddles at will.  But they are NOT momma cuddles.

"You're leaving us here with HIM?!"

For the first few days, the dogs greeted me with the wild-eyed look of kids after a night with a 1st time babysitter.  Matt's home to walk them at lunch, so I don't have come home midday, either.  This makes me a far less rushed, crazy woman.  After about a week, the kiddos have settled into their new routine, content and calm.  I hate to admit it, but they're doing just fine without me - all of them.  Except for maybe the apartment itself which still needs my TLC...

So in an effort to help me care for the poor, neglected apartment, please consider buying one of these acBook Pro's from Matt's company, WebLDR.  While I love the idea of an at-home exercise course for the kids, high-end computers do NOT make good agility poles.  Having these computers here at home, I can honestly say they're really nice refurbished computers for a very reasonable price.  The hard drives were totally wiped and brand new operating systems have been installed, so they run like new.  I can understand the reason for the whole Apple craze.  To see another description, you can see Matt's local Craigslist listing here.  Send along your email or phone # with any questions! To reach Matt directly, call (214) 937-9979.

Apple MacBook Pro 15 inch

I have a couple of new articles up:
The Examiner: Walking the Dog Like a Pro
HelloDallas: Cutting Back Fido's Food the Easy Way
I've also recently discovered StumbleUpon - to "friend me, my username is ForPetsSake.

The Rhythm of the Ocean

On Mondays I work in the afternoons, so I get to sleep in.  Matt is working from home now so he scooted T off to school and let the dogs sleep in with me.  I opened my eyes to realize I had all 3 dogs curled around me on the bed.  The room was dark, and I could feel their proximity and feel their chests rise in rhythmic waves.  I thought of the ocean and how driven we are to it.  For so many reasons we're driven to the ocean, but that ebb and flow of the water is the enormous breathing of some great big being; the breathing of our great planet.  The tie that beckons and binds is that interconnectedness.    

I didn't want to let the world in on this moment. I was caught in that cloud of sleep that fogs the break of day.  I wanted to close my eyes and resume my own breathing, another rhythm to join the three.  I reached out and found fur which wriggled under my palm, but fell again into that rhythm in seconds.   I wanted to close my eyes with the tightness of sleep, and forget all the preoccupations and responsibilities of the day and the week beyond.  I tried to fool my body back into sleeping.  I tried to snuggle in deeper to the warm press of Fenway's tiny body.  I tried to relax my palm on Nyxie's soft fur, but stroked it instead.  

It was no use.  My brain was awake, the fog was lifting, my eyes were focusing and the rhythm of my own breathing was just a hair faster than the three beside me.  I stretched and pulled myself out of the ocean of sleep.  It's those moments of safety and rhythm and balance that feed the rest.  As I stretched, the dogs came alive beside me, each stretching and yawning and nuzzling one another as they do each morning.  Then the dance begins.  That dance of joy that celebrates that we've made it through the night together and now there will be feasting!  

"Hooray for a new day!"

I have so much to learn from the three...

When In Doubt, Just Cuddle

He cuddles.  Fenway likes to snuggle in and be warm and cozy.  He's showing some genetic Pibble with all this cuddle-puddle behavior.  I'm not sure if it's a safety tactic to keep away from the less than welcome ladies in the house, or maybe he's just chilly.  I just like to think of him as a cuddle bug.

The girls snuggle a bit with us - Arwen enjoys a nice upside down belly rub and will stay in close proximity to me at all times, but a good long cuddle is simply too much heat for her, I suspect.  Nyxie like to snuggle into Matt's pillow when it's just the 2 of us.  She'll press her nose against me and steal my warmth, facing me on his pillow, her body pressed against me.

 

To say they've accepted Fenway is a bit of a generous stretch.  "Getting familiar with his presence and not actively trying to kill him all the time" might be a more accurate assessment.  Fenway is an "old soul" dog - one that seems to understand things that he shouldn't already know.  Aside from a perpetually worried look on his face, he's the embodiment of zen.  I suppose I'd be perpetually worried as a newcomer around these 2 myself...

We're taking one day at a time here, working it all out.  We're giving time to each, while letting them know how much they're loved.  Change can be tough, but cuddling comes easy.  

The Earth tried to eat my dog today!

The earth tried to swallow Arwen today.  It’s true.  We were on our early morning walk, racing the clock to beat the rising heat.  There were just a few clouds in the sky and everything was just waking up.  We could hear the birds chirping and the zooming of cars in the distance, grasshoppers waiting until the last second to reveal themselves, then jumping for cover. 

The heat has been oppressive and truly dangerous here, reaching triple digits in Dallas every day since July 2^nd.  That’s 19 straight days, folks, and it’s really getting old.  But before I complain more, I was reminded by a Facebook friend today to put our heat issues into perspective.  While we’re complaining, there are others carrying weapons, wearing full combat gear and hoping not to get shot in the same weather we’re dealing with – we should count ourselves lucky.

I thought I was alert on our walk, keeping an eye out for small creatures Arwen might try to chase.  Clearly not alert enough.  Arwen stepped into a mammoth sized crack in the earth, her entire paw disappearing far below the path.  She didn’t yelp, but looked down surprised.  I immediately checked her paw to look for injuries.

“Well, this is new”, she surely thought.

The earth tried to swallow my dog today.  We really need some rain. 

Watch out!

Nyxie's paws are huge - compare for scale!

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You can read a bit more abut why this happens here in Dallas from my Hello Dallas story.

Also, please check out my piece, A Farwell to Fleas on The Examiner Dallas.  We can all use a refresher on dealing with fleas.  YUK,

An Open Letter to My Dogs

I was busy this morning and had what seemed like a hundred things to do. I rushed about, tying loose ends, then readying for work. I packed my work and gym bag, and plopped some leftover shepherd's pie in a tupperware.

All the while, 2 fuzzy bodies watched my movements. Two sets of eyes hoping I'd pick up that tennis ball again and throw it just one more time. Or reach into the freezer for just one more round of doggie ice cubes. Muffled whines from Nyxie as the ball rolled under the couch. I absentmindedly moved the ottoman and retrieved it. Her tail wagging joyously - thankful I had noticed. As I gathered my clothes and prepared to shower, you quietly moved your bone and ball into the bedroom. Arwen placed her head on my lap, half- hearted ear scratches are better than none. I showered with Nyxie lying on the bathroom mat, ever watchful, nearby, reliable.

And me, with my hurrying and my schedule and my stuff. Always something.

I will be home soon, my girls. And you will forgive me like always.

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Stormy Road Ahead - The First Leg from Maine to New Jersey

Matt had brilliantly planned our route south from Maine.  He took into account the travel time and distance through each major city along our beloved East coast to meticulously avoid each rush hour and “sun in the eyes” time.  Our trip started around four in the afternoon, leading us through New York at dark. 

The girls seemed confused and edgy, certainly reflecting our own feelings as we left our beloved Maine.  What was ahead?  What would Texas be like?  We had no idea.  I can’t imagine the girls had any thoughts of this, but the drive early on was tense and uncertain.  We felt displaced and alone -tiny specks on a map line, eating mile after mile of road.  We wondered what our friends in Portland were doing as we lumbered on towards Texas. 

We kept our eyes peeled for rest areas that were well lit and busy enough to seem welcoming, but deserted enough to allow Nyxie to stretch her legs without creating a scene.  We stopped about every four hours.  We both love road trips, but Matt is definitely the one best capable of driving long distances.  The older I get, the more apt I am to feel dreadfully sleepy while driving unless something keeps me company.  Matt needed sleep on his breaks and the girls’ quiet panting was mesmerizing.  Haimmie slumbered in his hammock and Miss Poo continued being a snake – neither of which provided any sort of lively company.  My eyes started to droop somewhere in New Jersey until I saw the first streak if lightening.  Seconds later, I heard the thunder and knew it was time to stop again before the rain followed.

Haimmie snoozed in his hammock most of the drive, oblivious to the miles rushing past us.

The New Jersey rest stop was bright and gaudy, with neon signs advertising coffee and pizza.  I wanted neither but the girls needed water and a leg break.  Turning off the engine woke Matt and we carefully extracted the girls from their tiny half-backseat.  Each of these walks was nerve-wracking for me.  I imagined the girls dashing past me in their excitement to get out of the car.  I imagined broken leashes and injuries that would require emergency vet care.  I imagined losing my girls and that fear was physically painful.  As they were growing restless and undoubtedly infected by my own fear, I decided to slip them a sedative cocktail.  I gave each girl a Pill Pocket with dreamy drugs – just enough Ace Promazine for their weight range.  Another thunder crack, this time closer than the last.  With Arwen and Nyxie back in the car, and Matt still snoozing away his well-earned nap, I headed into the rest stop and did some comfort shopping – Twinkies, Cokes, a candy bar and a couple of bottled waters.  I couldn’t find anything I could justify buying in the rest stop, and just made it back to the xB (remember the magical car?) as plump rain drops pelted the windshield.  The storm was upon us. 

Note all the space around Arwen?  NOT taken while on our road trip.  Imagine Nyxie next to her, both squished by "stuff"

“Where are we?” muttered Matt, lifting his hat from his face.

“Still in New Jersey.  There’s a nasty storm rolling in so we’ll be here awhile.”

“Damn” he exhaled, settling farther into his pillow.  Behind him, the girls rested their heads and eyes began to droop.  I sat wide awake, scanning the parking lot and locking the doors. 

“Go to sleep, girls – Momma’s got you covered.”

Soooo sleeeepy.....

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Please check out a couple of articles I've written lately.  Feel free to "Like" or leave comments!

The 1st is about my imaginary summer vacation and is featured on the Fido Friendly Blog.

The 2nd discusses some of what we found in Dallas when we arrived and is featured on the HelloDallas website.

Top Gabillion Reasons for Loving Your Dog

~~numbers 1-10~~

(Siberian Husky edition)

1. If there’s another ice age, well – the more the merrier!  You’ll have transportation and snuggle buddies!  Just keep in mind these activities should really be done separately.
2. If you crave attention, just go for a walk with you Sibe – there’s no end to the “You’re dog is beautiful!” compliments.  Then of course, there's always the "Is that a wolf?" question.  Yes, seriously.
3. In a similar vein – Sibes aren’t for the shy.  Just try pulling your pup away from a great smell spot.  The howling can be heard for miles!  ( In Arwen’s case, it’s bath time that does it – we learned this the hard way…You would swear we were plucking her legs off!)
4. Your arms and shoulders will be well sculpted with all the grooming and vacuuming you'll be doing.  And don't forget what great arm strength you'll have from hanging on to the end of your leash as you’re dragged across the neighborhood. 
5. Similarly, when your Sibe jumps the fence for a neighborhood tour, you’ll get a lovely cardiovascular workout.  Nothing like a good jog in your jammies! 
6. You will have absolutely no “infestations” of the small critter kind.  This can include cats and small dogs on occasion (sorry feline and small pup friends – we love you individually very much).
7. If you ever have the need for luxurious fur in your crafts, fear not!  The Husky will provide and make more!  And more, and more….
8. Because Huskies love you deeply, they will do their best to teach you humility.  Just call for your husky while you’re enjoying the outdoors together.  This “silent treatment” is particularly effective in driving the point home.  Particularly effective when among a group of other dog parents, or as your Husky squats in your neighbor's flower bed.  
9. You’ll never miss your Sibe while out to dinner or at a friend’s house.  You’ll find stray fur bits on your clothes and in your food as gentle reminders of your treasured friend.  Your Husky buddy is so very thoughtful.
10. Huskies are masters of the economics of supply & demand.  If you have an item of value, they desire it.  And they will have it.  You have the supply and they will demand it.  Did I mention Arwen's love of beer and ice cream?

Birthday Festivus

I'm on a birthday vacation, or festivus, as we call it here in my home!  Matt ushered in the festivus celebrations this past weekend when he made me a special birthday Lobster Ravioli in citrus chardonnay sauce -yum!

What a wonderful Matty!

In past years, I've gone out partying on my birthday, when that was what I thought a good time meant.  Or I'd be at work because I hadn't planned well enough in advance.  Not this year!  I decided to celebrate myself.  Matt is at work and T is at school, so that leaves just me and the girls.

Arwen says " Mom - can't we spend all this time together without her "?!

We started our day with a long walk, I had yummy margheritta pizza for lunch and now I'm catching up on reading and writing.  What a great day.  The best part of all is that I've given myself tomorrow and the next day off as a post birthday gift, too. Instead of beating myself up at the gym tonight, I think I'll go visit my friend on the patio of my local coffee shop.   Maybe I'm spoiling myself.  Nah - I deserve it!

My friend has made herself quite at home on the coffee shop's patio!

Dog as Teacher

When I brought my first dog home, I thought all that was required was cuddling, food and water, and medical care.  What I hadn't realized, was that there would be a ton of learning going on.  Obedience training for the new pup, you ask?

No.  I would be pupil, with dog as teacher.
This lesson was not readily apparent to me.

Sure, there was the old "sit" and "stay", all the usual training that dogs learn to be reasonable members of a household.  But what I was learning from my dog, were the life lessons.  The states of being.  That dogs follow calm, assertive energy (thanks, Cesar) and how keenly they're connected to whatever feelings their people are feeling.  I drank in all the wisdom of dog behaviorists and trainers, like Patricia McConnell, Ian Dunbar, Dr. Sophia Yin, Victoria Stilwell and Cesar Millan.  I plucked knowledge gems away from these doggie gurus and squirreled them away, like a hoarder surrounded by all her valuable treasures.  I have a library of books about dogs - their behaviors, their communication, their working abilities, their roles in history, and their breed characteristics.  I immersed myself completely in the world of dogs.

But I was missing something.  I'd learn some great truth, apply it and see how it worked with my own dogs.  But then I'd allow myself to become distracted with something stupid.  Like a fish with a shiny bauble dangling before her, I'd forget the great truth and let the world sink its claws into me.  The lesson forgotten, I'd become impatient with my dogs and feel frustrated.  Result - unbalanced, reactive dogs with an unbalanced, anxious owner.

As I approach my birthday, I'm reflecting back on the year with pride.  There's no great mystery I've solved, but I'm learning to be at peace with myself.  I'm starting to experience what some might call wisdom.  That I am defined by my actions, not my words.  That I should hold my head high, shoulders back - there's a great deal to be proud of.  That no matter how much I worry about anything, it can't change.  Only forward action matters.  And finally, that my perspective dictates the outcome of each and every endeavor.

Positivity.  Calm.  Assertiveness.  Pride.  Action.  With these simple principles, my world changes.  Whether it's walking with Nyxie, or how I face each day at work, or how I react to people bent on negative energy.  The shift has been amazing.  I'm not sure how I spent years as a reactive, insecure person!  Wow - that was a difficult thing to admit...

But why be embarrassed about these things when the force to change it is working?  I'm hoping that each year brings this sort of wisdom, this new learning.  Inner peace, contentment.

I'm ready for the next evolution.

I've Been Published!

I'm a guest blogger on Fido Friendly Magazine's online blog!  My post went live today, through the work of a wonderful lady named Carol that gave me this opportunity.  I've wanted for so long to be a writer and I feel like it's starting to happen.  This is a start, anyhow.
You can see the post through their wonderful online magazine here.  Happy Saturday, friends!

Sunbeams & Orange Ball - this is a good Saturday!

My Blogaversary

I was late again.  This isn't a new thing to me.  I admit that I'm usually late to arrive places.  I send belated birthday cards quite frequently, and I hit the snooze button far too often.  This time, I was late in announcing my 1 year anniversary of Arwen's Pack!!

Yup - one year old and I'm still addicted to chattering online about dogs at anybody who will listen.  I never dreamed that anyone would actually want to read my ramblings, and at the outset, I wondered whether I'd get any followers at all!  It still blows my mind that there are people out there who have stuck it out with Arwen, Nyxie and me.  I am humbled.

The thing I didn't count on with Arwen's Pack, is the very real connections I've made with others in the blogging community.  This is an understanding, passionate bunch that I'm proud to have become a part of.  It's comforting to know that there are real dog lovers out there - people who have imperfect dogs, people who get excited when their dog's diarrhea lands on the tile and not the carpet, and who celebrate when their dog doesn't terrify or jump on their neighbors.  People who dress up their dogs at Halloween, and yes, even those people who celebrate Gotcha and Birthdays with home baked doggie cookies.

I also never anticipated the rush of emotions I feel at your moments of joy and sadness - the torment of losing a pup, or the joy of a new pack member.  And of course, the rescue stories!  I've read countless posts of people that are worried sick for their pups who are ill or injured, and my hands become sweaty, my heart sick.  Although I've never sat with a single one of you face to face, that connection is real.

I am in love with my dogs.  They're such a source of joy, peace, and occasional insanity for me, that I know I'm a lucky woman.  I'm lucky to have them and to have you in my life.  Thank you for being a part of Arwen's Pack.

Now raise your pints to a new year and many more wonderful doggie days ahead!
Cheers!  

Choosing Mr Right

Today we went to our local PetCo store to buy our Ball Python, Miss SnakeyPoo, a frozen rat.

Yup - you read right.  I exchange perfectly good money for dead rats.  Not just any old rat, though - no way!  These rats are fed well, are disease and parasite free, and then ultimately humanely euthanized.  A rat of this caliber will run you about $7.00, if you really must know.   I'm thankful she eats the frozen thawed variety because it's too heart-wrenching to see a live furry creature killed in such a naturally efficient way.

Sorry for the pic quality!

Miss Poo, as we affectionately call her, is about 8 years old - Matt and I bought her at a Reptile Expo in Florida a couple of years after we got together.  At that point she was so tiny, she fit in a dixie cup with plenty of room.  She eats about once every 3 weeks or so - sometimes more frequently depending on whether we make it to Grapevine, where the nearest PetCo is located.  I hear there's a new PetCo coming in just a town over from us in Coppell, for those of you around the Dallas area...

But I digress.

In the pic above, Miss Poo is lovingly resting over her dinner - a medium sized male rat.  If you've ever seen a male rodent, well - let's just say you know one when you see one.  Miss Poo was in love!

While we were at PetCo, we browsed the aisles for a lovely new toy to bring to Nyxie.  She's been a good girl lately with all of her training and I thought a nice toy would be just the thing for her!  But which to choose...

The Bad Cuz being expertly demonstrated by T in the pic above, came highly recommended, but after almost piercing my eardrums with each squeeze of his fat little body, I decided against the adorable mischief maker (for now).  Also, I was disappointed to see that he is Made in China...

It's made by JW and you can see in the middle right where it says those fateful 3 words - Made In China.  We have nothing against the country or its people, but buying products from a country that has a record of using unsafe materials in many products (not just dog toys) and engages in unfair labor practices just rubs me the wrong way.  I'll get off my soapbox now.

So another option was this:

But this Arachnoid Ball also by JW was kind of a bouncing dud.  I dropped it and "plop".  Nothing happened.  Boring.  

This wasn't in the running - I don't think either of my girls could even get their mouths around it.  It reads, "For dogs over 25 lbs" - maybe they forgot a zero? Maybe it would be just right for Mango?  Pricey, though - perhaps after the Foster House is sold...

We finally stumbled on this cutie that caught Matt and T's attention as they are Gummi Bear addicts.  Not only is the little bugger cute, but it has a not horribly loud squeaker, "certified non-toxic" and is MADE IN THE USA!!  It's also made by JW - maybe it's a trend they'll continue!

The surprise was that even Arwen liked it!  Yup - you read right again- Arwen actually liked a toy that is not Orange Ball!!!   

So all in all, each of my girls found their Mr Right today! 

Level 5? Nah....

As most of you know, Nyxie is a very protective girl.  When there is a stranger nearby, or a door is knocked, she’s the first to alert about danger.  And in her strict, militant German Shepherd mind, danger lurks everywhere!  We understand this about her and each day brings new opportunities to separate high alert, Level 5 dangers from minimal, Level 1 & 2 dangers.  The poor girl used to respond to all perceived threats with a Level 5 reaction, sending every one of us climbing the walls in surprise.  There’s nothing quite like the alarm bark of a large GSD to send you leaping into the air just as you were drifting off to sleep for a nap on the couch.  Thankfully, the new calm, assertive approach is paying off.  Consistency is key!

 

The girls are fed raw, and we feed them in turns.  First Arwen eats while Nyxie waits patiently in her crate.  When Arwen is done, which is uber-fast, Nyxie Noodle has her turn in the kitchen for dinner.  She gets so excited, she drools waiting for her bowl to be set down.  It’s positively adorable. 

Several days ago, we decided to order pizza for dinner.  As luck would have it, the doorbell rang just as Nyxie was leaning over her bowl to sink her chompers into her chicken.  Can you imagine what happened next, Gentle Readers?

A split second decision was made by my highly protective dog.  Nyxie came flying around the corner towards the front door, chicken thigh in her mouth.  She was growling, but not barking.  Clearly the level 5 threat of another day is merely a Level 0.5 when chicken is involved. 

Rationalizations. 

My dog is a genius!

Deep Ellum Dog, er ...Arts Festival 2011

This past weekend was the Deep Ellum Arts Festival in Dallas.  For those of you unfamiliar with Dallas, Deep Ellum is an edgy pocket of an otherwise fairly blended city.  Dallas is full of big box store shopping, chain restaurants, and manicured lawns.  The nails are done, the hair is bleached and the man's uniform is khaki's and a collared polo shirt.  Deep Ellum is none of those things.  This is where the artists drink, show off their ink and thrive.  It reminds me of Portland, Maine which we miss dearly as many of you already know.    

An angle of downtown Dallas

We have a family tradition of weekend brunch - either at home or at some yummy spot.  We recently discovered the All Good Cafe in Deep Ellum.  They were featured on the Travel Channel for some of the best bacon in the country.  We certainly had to challenge this bold statement.  They weren't kidding!  This is some dynamite bacon - peppered and cooked just right.  What you don't see in the pic is my brunch beverage, a frosty Guinness!  Here's a pic of their Chicken Fried Steak and eggs, with a side of bacon of course.  

For those of you unfamiliar with this southern delicacy, Chicken Fried Steak is a thin steak deep fried, then smeared with thick, creamy gravy.  

Heart attack?  Yes.  Delicious?  Yes again!

As we sat eating and watching people pass by, browsing the artists' booths, we noticed something interesting. There were dogs everywhere!!!  I was in heaven!!!  So naturally, I pulled out my camera and started shooting.  And as we walked about, we were again reminded of how wonderful dog people are - a kindred connection that crosses all geographical differences!

But first, some art for your enjoyment:

A view of the Festival 

Dragon Cow! 

Metal Work

The Violin Guy - we bought his CD!

And now for the Dogs!

Of course we found some wonderful husky parents with this kiddo - he was such a dear!
His mom's an Interior Designer!!

And finally, Creasy, looking for a bit of shade.

We had a wonderful time.  I hope your weekend was dog-filled!