Extra, Extra Read All About it!

A couple of days ago, I received the most pawesome email from Silver Lining Herbs. A kind lady contacted me to say that my bloggie had been featured on their TOP 10 FAVORITE dog blogs! She went on to mention the criteria used for their wise choosing:

"Although there are lots of dog bloggers out there, the blogs written from the POV of the dogs tend to be our favorites, especially because they're quite entertaining. We also love looking at lots of cute pictures. Through your posts, you have displayed responsible pet ownership, compassion, a sense of community, and dedication to sharing the story of your pet(s), which we admire."

This is the first thing I did when I received the email

Here's my personal take (yes, I am still as opinionated as ever)

1. I am quite entertaining, I agree. 

2. My blog has cute pictures. I agree, although sometimes my human makes me post photos of the cat-astrophic kittehs. Blah

3. Through my posts, I have displayed responsible pet ownership. That is correct! I, Twinkie, love all my pets. Okay, so I wasn't crazy about all our adoptions right from the start, but I've learned to trust my humans plus I am also responsible, so there's truth to this statement.

4. I have demonstrated compassion. Being a rescue dog myself, of course I feel compassion. I was a MESS when M found me. It's been several years now, and I'm healthier than ever, with the exclusion of my useless leg, but even though I have a forever home, I always think of my beginnings and think of other abandoned animals in need of a bit of food, water, and TLC. 

5. The sense of community makes me a bit emotional. You see, that was the goal, once upon a time when my mom and I had lots of spare time, and a smaller pack. I put up lots of events to feature my friends, I spread the news, put links up, contests, my Dear Twinkie column, and the cherry: GABE, the Global Animal Blogging Event. Everyone's link is still up, but unfortunately, I currently do not have much time to  dedicate to my community. As some of you may know, we are an ever growing pack; a pack which includes a geriatric case, a Wobbler, a scrawny and sickly tiny dog, mois, a demanding devilish younger terrier terror . . . mom also works a lot teaching Pailates... While the sense of community is still strong, lack of time gets in the way. Sniff. 

6. Dedication to sharing the story of my petS is also true. If I'm not blogging, I'm still finding a moment here and there to share through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and the rest of the most important media. 

This is my custom badge (for all you skeptics)

You may also read the actual Silver Lining Herbs' post by clicking HERE

Therefore, after this breakdown and careful consideration of each and every point, I am HONORED to be part of Silver Lining Herbs' Top 10 Favorite dog blogs, especially when that means I am on the same list as (here I will mention the long time bloggie furiends that I am familiar with only): the legendary Ms. Khyra, my beloved Chronicle of Woos, the hilarious comic duo of the Two French Bulldogs, and the rest of the deserving blogs.


Before I wrap things up though, allow me to break down the blurb that Silver Linging Herbs used to feature my blog, 'cause I really can't help myself:

Twinkie is a very appropriate name for the sweet little Teacup Chihuahua who runs this blog. He was rescued off the streets and rehabilitated despite doubts he would ever pull through. Despite only being able to use 3 of his legs, he’s a happy little dog who shares space with his fellow K9 siblings and even cats. Although this blog is centered around Twinkie and dogs, it also is appropriate for cat lovers, too!

"Twinkie is a very appropriate name"  . . . They are correct, I was named after the infamous "Twinkie Defense". I also do run this blog, don't ever be fooled. 

"He was rescued," is almost accurate, but I am a SHE. I'm a girly girl, kk? Good. 

The rest of the text I cannot object to, until we come to the last line: "[Twinkie Tiny Dog, the blog] is appropriate for cat lovers too." While it's true, I do NOT want my blog to go to the cats. 

I'm afraid it's time to wrap things up. Don't ask...

Lots of licks to y'all!

Twink!

Gone To The Dogs | Stylish Blogger Award

I'm speechless and, as you know by now, I'm rarely at a loss of words. Okay, so I'll just tell you what happened and I'm so dumbfounded. Most of you bloggers are aware of the pawesome awards we furiends share. One of them is the Stylish Blogger Award which I had never received. To my chagrin, I was just awarded the SBA. Wanna see it?

Stylish, n'est-pas?

I'm shaking my tiny head in devastation now.

The comedians over at doggydays, Benny and Lily, the two french bulldogs, handed the award to my baby bro, Pedrito, the naughty chihuahua puppy!

WTDog?!

I feel like I've been PUNKED!

In any case, Pedrito, said he's happy to get his first award and that he'll use it to wipe his "beep" with it.

Unlike Pedro, I shall take the time to honor the rules of the Stylish Blogger Award.

Rule #1

Link back to the blog that awarded Pedro (done)

Rule #2

Share 7 things you may not know about us

1. I can't stand Pedro

2. Frankie, my brindle chiweenie sissy, can't stand Pedro

3. All 7 of our cats can't stand Pedro

4. Yesterday, I went on a short stroll using only my two left legs!!!

5. I'm the organizer of GABE--the annual rocking Global Animal Blogging Event for all critters. Coming SOON!!!

6. I really can't stand Pedro

7. Pedro is not really a dog

Rule #3

Choose 7 blogs I feel to be deserving of this award

Ehem, how exactly? All the blogs I follow are styling! So, to get out of this mega dilemma, I decided to pick a random date and use the top 7 commentators. 

♥♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥♥

Santa, Minnie and Christmas 

Oskar

Rudy - The dog with a blog 

Mr. Pip

Summer 

Pepsi the Lazy Bum

We be styling, furiends!

Twinkie   

E-Personation

All of us, pet bloggers and Face Book users out there, beware! This year, California moves to outlaw online "e-personation". Pretending to be someone else on a social network is now a misdemeanor, while possession of marijuana will only carry a $100.00 fine. What's up with that? Is catnip about to become illegal, can cats and dogs with blogs survive this hit?

Dog help us all!!!

(chiweenie demonstrating catnip effects on dogs)

What's going to happen to us??? Will there be no Global Animal Blogging Event (GABE) this year? Do we need to take down our Face Book "like" pages? I say we protest to exclude and separate ourselves from human e-poseurs . . .

A confused Twinkie

Pet Photo Contest Going Stronger

National Dog Week | Day 5

I was thinking that this year we should extend National Dog Week and have it last a month, but my petition did not have sufficient grounds. No worries, I'll start working on it for next year. 

Pet Photo Contest

SHOW US YOUR TONGUE

The entries keep coming in. So many beautiful, quirky, twisty, pink, purple, long, short, round . . . tongues in animal blog-land! I'm stunned. Needless to say, my quirky mom is thrilled! She's not complained once for having to stay up with me to go over the entries. We're both grateful for the enthusiasm and support of my good ol' blog furiends and the new ones I meet along the way. I am also extra excited because I'm getting a preview of the next G.A.B.E (Global Animal Blogging Event). It's going to rock the animal blog-dom big time!

I will stop accepting entries for the Pet Photo Contest at midnight, this coming Saturday. I am frantically going over photos and blog posts and emails therefore, I will let you know in the next couple of days when they'll all be up for your viewing and voting pleasure. I'm aiming for this Sunday. Please stay tuned. Like I've said before, I thought this was going to be a mini contest. BOL the joke's on me!

Today, I would like to use some photos to encourage your efforts:

Synchronized SHOW US YOUR TONGUE

by our furiends, the three legged dog duo

If this ain't a tongue shot!

(photo courtesy of my senior dalmatian sister, Linguini)

I can feel the passion.

Markus the horse

He can do this for hours!

He's also a superb athlete. Lucky for you, he will not partake in our pet photo contest.

Last, but, by no means, least . . . I present you

Me!

Twinkie, the tiny teacup chihuahua

The last shot has educational purposes. It's for those parents who were unable to get a tongue shot. I suggested peanut butter, and whipped cream, but there's always an alternative. Use your imagination humans!

Off to enjoy the lovely photo entries and start putting them in order. Have a fabulous rest of our National Dog Week!

Twinkie

Dear Twinkie | A Dog Advice Column

Dear Twinkie is a weekly advice column posted every Tuesday. Do you have questions that you need answered or news that you want to spread? Then leave me, Twinkie Van Twinkerson, a note on Tuesday's comments and I'll address it. This blog and column are strictly rated G and only meant for your enjoyment.

The Thundering Herd‬ asked…
Snow globe - what a great choice. But how do we all shrink ourselves down small enough to fit into one?

TVT: Excuse me. Did I leave anyone out? I thought I fit you all! Tsk tsk. 

Woo didn't wear your glasses!

I picked Natasha for a reason. This way, she can counter surf better.

Benny and Lily‬ asked…
You are the go to person Twink. Lily bites my ears every time we play or wrestle. Sometimes she leaves scratches. What could I do Twink?

Benny (& monster Lily)

TVT: Well, under normal circumstances, I'd tell you how to get back at her. In Lily's case, scratches are an expression of love. It's because she's got the itchies that she's making sure you don't. If you don't want her to bite your ears at all, I suggest you lace some vaseline with cayenne pepper and rub your ears with it. See how that goes and get back to us. Have a fire extinguisher ready.

Perplexed Benny

Khyra And Sometimes Her Mom‬ asked…
I wonder if The Herd would let me share their globe?

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra

TVT: I suppose it's okay to do a bit of secretarial work for my furiends, especially Ms. Khyra who is such a giving lady. I bet you were busy with your transports and that's why you asked me to do this for you. I contacted the Herd on your behalf and they said, "Of course." What else did you expect from those gracious sweethearts? 

"Siberian pleasure" globe

♥♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥♥‬ asked…
Ummm, are there enough globes around for us too - we were sorely short on the snow last season:(

Woos ~ Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara

TVT: A challenging question! How do I fit the lampshade in one of those? Hmm. Personally, I'm tired of the lampshade jokes and I bet Phantom is even more fed up, so here's what I came up with.

Merry Winter! You can almost taste the snowflakes!

Fiona, as typed by Dr. Liz‬ asked…
Oh! And I forgot my question... (Chalk that up to my poodle so-called dog intelligence...) Is my mutant alien sister EVER going to stop growing? She's Ginormous and she's not even 9 months old. And will she ever start acting more like a real dog and less like a spastic pod puppy? Thanks in advance, She Who Is So Wise, And Carries On Despite Life-Threatening Injuries...


*kissey face*
-Fiona and Abby the Mutant Alien Pod Puppy

TVT: My dear funny girl, I checked the list of memory boosting foods and dog food wasn't on it, neither were dog treats. You're on you own about the memory issue. As for "little" Abby, I wouldn't fret about her ginormous genes too much. As long as you are top dog, all is well. I weigh almost 4lbs. My one sister outweighs me by albs and the other by 60lbs. I'm still the queen. Do not fret. With proper training, you have nothing to worry about. As for the behavior, it gives you a great excuse to play bitey neck with her. I wish all the questions were as easy as yours, Fiona.

Fiona is still Top Dog

‪Frankie Furter‬ asked…
My Question: Some of my Blogville furends have been teasing me beclaws I have not EATEN the baby rabbits that I found. They even asked if they taste like CHICKEN.
Soooo do you think I have become a sissy? Should I be mean to defenseless baby bunnies? Isn't it better to wait until they grow up so I can play chase with them?

To this distressed comment, the cave-less and internets-less ‪Mango‬ said...
Hey! I saw Frankie's remark! Yuh, he is a total girly dog now all smushie and soft in the head. Next thing you know he'll be watching Ghost and Dirty Dancing on DVD.
Slobbers,
 Mango

TVT: Stop right here! Frankie is my bestie and I'll have none of that. Frankie is "special". He's a sensitive guy with a tender side. No, I wouldn't exactly call him a Metro Dog, but I would say he's more sensitive than the average dawg. There's one more thing you may not know about Frankie Furter: he's a genius! He always has his reasons. For example, only a genius would know that those bunnies were flea infested, and you know how precious Frankie's furs are to him. He didn't want to end up like his fleabag mom. I would really appreciated if you all reconsidered your attitude. It's not nice to assume. We all know what that does to u + me. And if you still have your doubts, read Lola's question. Squirrels and bunnies make excellent chase toys once they are old enough to run fast.

Frankie clearly demonstrating he's letting his momma get all the fleas

Lola‬ asked…
Regarding Frankie's not eating the bunnies, I have to tell you that few weeks ago Franklin found a bunch of baby squirrels whose nest had fallen. He just sat there and looked at them for the longest time, and left them unmolested. The Mommy squirrel rebuilt the nest and picked up the babies and I plan to be chasing the hell out of them by next Spring. Franklin, I believe, wanted to adopt them. Maybe it's something about the name.

Twinkie, I didn't know about the dog intelligence scale, but after reading about it in your post I checked. They've got Shar Pei as number 51. Is that just because we don't slavishly do everything we're asked? I think we're pretty smart to be naturally well behaved enough to live with. It gives the humans less motivation to try to make a huge deal out of the areas where we differ with them. Number 51....I really don't get it. It's true that we're not terribly useful, but I think most of us are pretty bright.


lotsa licks, Lola

TVT: I agree with you, Lola, but it's exactly for that reason that Peis are at number 51. Your extreme dog intelligence granted you the mental capacity to place yourselves smack in the middle of this stoopid scale, so that humans would let you be. I find it brilliant. If you look closely, under "obey of first command" it says that you listen 50% of the time or better. That's by choice, your choice. Congratulations on your breed's most excellent and strategic placement on the dog intelligence scale.

Peis are so smart, they can even get a career into healthcare. 

Those Elgin Pugs‬ asked…
We like Twinkie Van Twinkerson Tuesdays!!

Now... Our goofy brother..seems to think he's a Puppy Mastiff!! How do we convince him otherwise 'dat he be a Puggie just like us???


Eager in Elgin
{hee hee, ha ha}

TVT: I'm confused, and I don't get confused easily. Isn't your bother in love with Sequoia who is a pug? I mean, why Sequoia and not Tula? In any case, I'm afraid until you give me a little more info I can't address this issue properly. I would however address another issue:

Whaz up with the ear action? BOL

houndstooth‬ asked…
Great answers again, Twinkie!

After that infamous "incident" over the weekend, Mom and Dad aren't letting any of us in the bedroom unsupervised. I find this to be highly unfair, particularly since it wasn't me who did it! How do I convince them to let me back in there without telling who did it?


Bunny

TVT: That's right! You're no tattle teller, you're a Taletellette with a tail. Bunny, your folks, according to you (definitely not me) are old enough to have wet the bed themselves, or was it just your dad? In any case, old folks don't remember things too well. I say you tell the rest of the girls, yes, Morgan too (be nice) to not make any accidents. Your parents are sure to forget the incident and then you get to have a party ON the bed.  But there's one more thing to make things move faster:

The look nobody can resist!

Cat Mandu‬ asked...
Dear Twinkie,
 I love my tunnels and spend a lot of time in them. Some of my friends now want to experience the tunnels. My friend, Khiera, wants to go through my tunnels, but I am afraid she will get stuck. What would you recommend?

Cat Mandu

TVT: Great, now I'm giving out advice to cats. Humph. Just don't use it against me. Alright, glad that's been clarified. About your friend, since I do not have the specifics, I'd recommend either you put her on a diet and exercise regiment (get one of those wind up mice) or trim her tail.
Dude! Wait a minute! You meant Khyra with her fluff and all? A sibe? Are woo nuts? I'm so grateful for comments. I did a bit of research and discovered you suggested I, Twinkie Van Twinkerson, go through the enormous tunnel? OMD that's why I can't trust cats completely.  See, my guard was down and you got me. No more, Cat Mandu. No more…

Cat Mandu enjoying one of TWO new tunnels

K-9 Katastrophe‬ asked…
Dears Miss Twinkie,

 I am not sures if yous know but Maggie Mae is my girl. I love her bunches. But todays I went to visit a friends of mines blog, named Corbin and he says he has a date with Maggie Mae. Could this be a date as just friends? or are they pulling the wools over my eyes? My heart aches just to tinks that Maggie Mae may not likes me anymore. Whats should I doos? Here is da link to da post that he wrote saying about dat date: http://cutecorbin.blogspot.com/2010/09/wordless-wednesday-2.html

And whats worts is dat she left a comment sayings she will see hims tomorrow for dere date.

Oh wise Twinkie Van Twinkerson can you tell me if I losts her and if so hows I can gets her back?
Sad and depressed little licks,

Otis


Later that day...

‪K-9 Katastrophe‬ said...
Hi Twinkie, I am so hap hap happy! Maggie Mae said to me that I am the one! I am sorry I bothered you! I loves your blog! And yous is so cute!
Licks and hugs,

Otis

TVT: What can I tell you? I am impressed and proud of you. Only a real man takes care of this type of business just like you did. You certainly did not bother me one bit. I'm here for you and our community and love spats are part of our daily life, therefore we must deal with them. I was confused as to why Maggie Mae picked Corbin over Emmett, but in the end she made the best choice. Now remember, unlike some newlyweds in blogland, we are polygamous. Don't go committing yourself to one b***h alone anytime soon. I hope you and Ms Maggie Mae have a long and fruitful relationship.

Love is in the air

The Brindle Chiweenie asked…
Twinkie, remember the chihuahua calendar you recently posted about? Well, it sucked! What are you going to do about it?

TVT: Leave it up to the chiweenie to ask a delicate question. Dear Frankie Brindlebum, I'm afraid you have a point. The dog calendar was not up to standard so I deleted the whole thing and made a new one. If anybody is interested, the link is at the sidebar. If not, I can't blame you. Who would want a teacup chihuahua calendar? Certainly not me.

Before I go, I just want to share a thought that's in the back of my head constantly lately. I know it's still early, but I'm so looking forward to our next Global Animal Blogging Event (G.A.B.E)! I'm brainstorming trying to come up with cool ideas and figuring out how to make the animal blogdom shake!


OMD I almost forgot! Check out a new site, Pet Book Stars, still in progress, where we'll be sharing our... wait a minute. Bella The Westie already posted all about it. Please check her post out by clicking HERE! Anytime you want to check out Pet Book Stars, there's badge on my sidebar that will take you right to it.

Now, go do the right thing!

Twinkie

Grateful Teacup Chihuahua Pictures

I may be tiny, but my gratitude is enormous. I was so shocked and surprised to receive not just one, but two packages in the mail just yesterday. The first one was from my friend, Sally Ann. She said that her thoughtful mommy came up with the idea. 

At first, I was suspicious of the package

At first glance, the content made me wince

I am a chihuahua!

Of course, I hadn't realized it wasn't meant for me

As I was saying, not only am I a chihuahua, this thing was meant for someone much larger than I am, an irish wolfhound perhaps. 

Get those smelly socks off me

and

I can't possibly be 510 years old, can I?

My fabulous and well mannered spotted sister had to model

 The chiweenie couldn't recognize her and had to come up close for a good sniff

Thank you, Sally Ann and her mommy. Our thoughts are with your family these days. We wish Lord McDuff, the eskie, a spectacular come back (I hope you remembered to get him down from the door knob). 

The second package, was from Puddles, the model, um, the doxie, as I found out after I got help opening it. You see, I don't open suspicious packages as I don't accept candy or rides from stranger. As I was saying, I asked for help. I invited the cats because . . . they have many lives.

The great Max, the maine coon cat, gave his seal of approval

Bob seconded that

The chiweenie unveiled one of the hidden treasures, Pooch Pops, yummy!

I didn't care so much for the next present, but somebody squealed

M loved it and was grateful

She will cherish it either forever or until one of our cats breaks it, but one thing is for sure, she will safeguard it

This year's logo was created by our friend Ann at Zoolatry

We'll be lucky to have nearly as beautiful a logo for next year's Global Animal Blogging Event!

Just in case, Bob sniff tested the cup too

Cats are suspicious by nature

Teacup chihuahua posing with actual cup and pooch pops

What I enjoyed the most was my lovely card

That Puddleliscious is too much

Thank you

To tell you the truth, it was so nice to have a Global Animal Blogging Event memento. You were too thoughtful dear Puddles, Albert, Whitney, and mommy!

Thank you for the lovely presents!

Twinkie

Monday's Dog Training Tips | How to train a Greyhound

Enough joking around. Today, I mean business and I'm here to share some serious dog training tips. I will demonstrate that size does not matter and that designer dogs aren't any smarter than purebred dogs.

I was playing by the side of a "river" when I spotted trouble on the other bank. My Chiweenie sissy was in need of my help. Dog training tip #1: Look fearless. This way, even if you look pathetic like me, you at least surprise your opponent.

Like superman, bum leg flying off to my side, I dove into the raging rapids

"I'm coming, Frankie!" I yelled, swallowing more water with each breath I took

Have no fear! Twinkie's here!

One final leap and I was almost there

Frankie was screaming for her life because Mabel, our good old furiend, was looking at her. I tell you, designer dogs can be quirky, especially the Chiweenie type. As for Mabel, she's a fancy mix herself. She is a Rottweiler and Greyhound cross. Dog training tip #2: Stand your ground and take advantage of the voice Dog gave you. 

The minute I landed on the other side of the river, I let the Greyhound - Rottweiler have an earful. "And don't you ever look at my sister again!" I said in the highest pitch ever known to Chihuahuas, especially considering I'm a tea cup chihuahua

She leaned a bit closer, probably because she couldn't hear me well from that high up

Frankie the Chiweenie, or Chicken Weenie, was inching away

"Run, Frankie, run," I yelled, while staring Mabel down

The Chiweenie didn't get far. She did feel braver though and she learned a lot from me that day. I sure hope you enjoyed my latest dog training tips.

* * *

I've been so busy recently, I still haven't had a chance to visit the Global Animal Blogging Event links to see if I won any of our free giveaways. I can't wait and I'll do it first chance I get! Bottom line, we're all winners just for participating and making new friendships. 

The Date Night over at Twix's is turning into the event of the century. It's fun, unpredictable and hilarious. Look what they did with me and my Gunther!

"Twinkie and Gunther stopped at the beach before heading over. I heard she might put her bikini back on later and go swimming in the toilet!"

The happy couple! BOL

Warning: Please check first before flashing toilet

Have a wonderful week!

Twinkie

Global Animal Blogging Event Is Over | Free Giveaways

Drawing #1,917 ENTRANT ACCESSIBLE

Global Animal Blogging Event 2010 2nd drawing held by Twinkie The Tiny Dog - Dog Training Tips Completed on Sunday, 18 April 2010 at 16:51:25 UTC 59 entrants, 3 winners Winners (3) 1st: Piappies World 2nd: Ina in Alaska 3rd: Missy Rey

I interrupt my latest dog training tips to announce that the first ever Global Animal Blogging Event has come to an end. It's been a blast. The best part for me was watching the newer blogs' friend lists grow and grow along with their comments. All the feedback I've received has been positive and I am grateful for each and all your lovely remarks. I never expected so much personal publicity and links. I was truly humbled and self conscious, but then I got it. It was your way of saying, thank you. Well, I thank you all back! You were wonderful! 

The event may be over, for now, but your links will be revisited as it happens with all of this type of events. Active participants, make sure you post and contact the winners of your free giveaways today. 

One final huge "thank you" to Ann from Zoolatry for making the most appropriate, stylish, classy, smart, and vibrant logo!

An event like G.A.B.E. does not exactly take off during its first year. It picks up momentum and traffic as it becomes established, but I think we did a fine job launching it. I'm looking forward to Global Animal Blogging Event 2011!!!

Cheers to all my friends, old and new, and to the winners!

Twinkie, your grateful hostess

Dalmatian | German Shorthaired Pointer

I am obsessing over designer dogs, so when a friend pointed out Linguini's absence from the blog, I immediately felt the need to oblige thus sticking with my recent "designer dogs" theme.

Designer dogs? Huh?

Linguini's story started at the Pasadena Humane Society, an animal shelter. M had one dog, Rosie, a chocolate lab, and didn't want another at the time. She wasn't into rescuing yet. She did however lose her cat and while looking at the pound for her, spotted ... the spotted Dalmatian. Now all puppies are adorable, and Dalmatian puppies are no exception, but Linguini was different. M was told that Linguini was a German Shorthaired Pointer and Dalmatian mix.

Who needs Dalmatian puppies, when you can find a fine specimen of a

Dalmatian and German Shorthaired Pointer mix?

Linguini is proud to be a mutt

I already consulted my precious "designer dogs" list and there was no special term for our Linguini. BTW Linguini was initially named Daisy to match our Rosie. She was no dainty Daisy, but she did move like a wet noodle, so she was renamed Linguini shortly after her adoption.

"Daisy" and Rosie

Linguini and Rosie appeared to be two peas in a pod. Wrong! M was fooled, and, as soon as she let her guard down, Rosie attacked Linguini and ripped her throat. Linguini was hospitalized for a while and later spent a month recovering at home with a tube sticking out her throat. She required around the clock care. She recovered in the end, but only after losing control of her bladder for a couple more years.

About three years later, Rosie got killed, but I'm not allowed to talk about that. Linguini regained control of her bladder, which made life easier on everybody. She decided she was going to be an escape artist next and soon was nicknamed Houdini. There was no stopping her. The pound pounded our door many times to demand that we take control. They threatened with fines, taking her away, putting her down (OMD), but Linguini didn't care. M mounted a 60 foot tether in our back yard, by the pond and had to keep Linguini tied whenever she wasn't around. Needless to say M and Linguini were both miserable. 

Can you see the German Shorthaired Pointer in her? 

Other than the fact that she frequently and clearly points, we can't see it

Linguini is a happy dog that wants to please. If a human looks at her she falls on her back to get a belly rub. She's peace-loving and never cared to interact much with other dogs. Until recently. 

This is Sue, Linguini's BFF

Sue doesn't make friends very easily either, but those two had their own chemistry going. Funny story, Sue playfully bumped Linguini while horsing around the other day and Linguini was airborne! Rhodies are tough and strong. No hard feelings of course. Anything goes during playtime. Sue and Linguini have set their own boundaries. They visit each other's homes, hang, share toys and marrow bones... When you see a loner take to another dog the way those two did, it's magic. 

Happy spotted dog, um, Dalmatian, um, mutt

The minute I joined the family, Linguini was gentle with me. She would run towards me, but as she approached, she'd take tiny leaps to make sure she didn't hurt me. I'll never forget that. For a couple of years, we shared the home as the only dogs, peacefully, each doing her thing. 

When Frankie, the "Chiweenie" joined us, I thought, "this is it!" Frankie was constantly hanging from Linguini's face, jumping on her, tugging on her ears with her sharp puppy teeth, and I was sure that one day she'd become appetizer. It never happened. The worst thing Linguini's ever done to Frankie is a low warning growl, but the brat doesn't care anyways.

This is Linguini now

She loves to spend her days by M's feet

The closer to M, the happier she is

She enjoys sharing whipped cream with her pack

She loves food and has become a skilled counter surfer! 

As if Linguini's life hadn't been complicated enough, when she was about to turn ten, about a year ago, she started getting sick. She had difficulty getting up, her energy was low, and M took her for a check up. She had several dog tumors (benign) and her liver and thyroid functions were slightly compromised. M changed her diet, put her on a joint juice, and started exercising her religiously. Ta-da! A brand new Dalmatian/German Shorthaired Pointer was born. 

Our new dog

Linguini's health is restored for now, and a year later she hikes, swims, loves her visit to the horse barn, and has a bestie. She's constantly happy and the other day she even caught a bird, to M's dismay (only a couple of weeks ago spotted dog had caught a gofer). 

Gorgeous!

When Linguini was sick, last year, M told her, "I gave you ten good years, you owe me at least that many." I think Linguini got it!

As we all well know, it's not about quantity but quality. We all love her and appreciate every moment we have left with her. That was the story of my sissy, the gentle and happy Dalmatian/German Shorthaired Pointer mutt! 

 

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