Rescue Dogs Eating Yummy Dog Treats

We couldn't stay in any longer. We were all feeling beat up by the recent events. M decided to leave the dog tumors behind for a few hours. We would be better off having an outing. She didn't want to strain Linguini by hiking, so she opted for our beloved horse barn. M figured she could always use a (shhh) leash on Linguini if she got too active. Don't worry, Linguini wasn't in the mood to hop around, but she sure cheered up just being there.

As soon as we got to the horse barn, we discovered that the other rescue dogs, our friends, were busy trying to steal their momma's lunch. These guys are on the road so much that they're used to this type of food. I know, some of you think we should only eat kibble, but I am so grateful for the rescues this lady is responsible for, I refuse to pass any judgment. Besides, her pack eats kibble regularly, they're just a bit spoiled and get to eat human treats as well--as does my pack, by the way.

Only problem was... Trixie, the chimeanie, was really hungry

Step aside or she'll eat you

What kind of dog treat do we have here?

A healthy salad!

Oh, and the happy propeller ears belong to Tigger, the other chiweenie

Boomer, the chihuahua, is momma's boy and he gets to go first

I guess Trixie's on a hi-fat diet, so poor Tigger can have some lettuce

On the left, you see Holly, the blue heeler

She gets to clean up

I, Twinkie Twinkerson, the tea cup chihuahua, am not crazy

I love a good dog treat but I don't want to risk my life

Trixie was baring her teeth again

But I stood my ground

I went over to the chiweenie and supervised her having her dog chews, horse hooves

Those are our favorite barn treats, along with juicy carrots

Inside the barn isle, I discovered this mess

There was a dog treat line

All rescue dogs, designer dogs (aka mutts) and "pure bred" dogs too, were eagerly awaiting something to put in their tummies

M took lots of dachshund pictures since they were so liked, but I'll post them separately

What the hay? Where was my treat?

Oh, finally

Whatcha looking at? 

You've never seen a tea cup chihuahua enjoy a dog treat before?

After our feast, Frankie and Dexter, the doxie, tried to drink some of the fresh water dripping out of that pipe

Dexter finally gave in and went for the water bowl

Linguini actually jumped in the car, when we were ready to head home. M squealed because that means that the Rimadyl is working and her girl is feeling better. 

Doesn't our girl look happy? Huh?

Whoever said anything about geriatric dogs? She looks like a pup to us.

After this invigorating outing, we drove home, had some kibble, and then we all crashed

You can put away the camera now, mommy

You already took 500 photos today

I heard something about going to the horse barn tomorrow again. I'm crossing my paws!

Twinkie

Chiweenie v. Black Beetle

After our long visit with the dog vet the other day, M decided to visit a friend to vent. We were all invited to take in the sun on her friend's deck, as the two women had coffee and nice chat.

I was happy to leave the dog vet's office

I love sitting in the sun and gazing around me for hours at a time

The chiweenie, on the other hand, is restless, as designer dogs often are

She found herself a black beetle

The chiweenie acted like she'd never seen a bug before in her life

She approached the black beetle

She cautiously . . .

. . . inched up on him

M finally kicked the common black beetle off the deck and soon we were headed back home.

As expected, Frankie and I were rather spent

But Linguini, dog vet visit and dog tumors temporarily forgotten, got the honorary seat for a change and stayed alert as any good co-driver should

Chiweenie v. Black Beetle: 0-0

Twinkie

Frankie's Friday (16) | Canine Good Citizen

Frankie the Canine Good Citizen here!!! Yay, I did it! I passed. I couldn't wait to share my experience. It was pawesome! I felt safe and loved throughout my test. Thank you my fabulous trainer, Ms Cyndy Wood, for teaching me how to be an asset to my community. Thank you Olivia for putting up with me and helping me pass the toughest part of my test. Let me share the details about the AKC Canine Good Citizen test items.

Before taking my test, mommy had to sign the Responsible Dog Owner's Pledge. She mumbled something about me taking the test and leaving her out of it, but when she realized I couldn't even take the test, she signed. Then it was my turn. The test was on a pass/fail basis and the way to fail it for sure was to go potty or worse during taking it. I had to keep my legs crossed the entire time.

There were 10 items on the test

1. Accepting a friendly stranger - If they're friendly, I accept them

2. Sitting politely for petting - Piece of pizzle, I love to be petted

3. Appearance and grooming - I look not so bad in general

4. Out for a walk, on a loose leash - How else would I do it? If I pull, I choke my chiweenie self

5. Walking through a crowd - I would like to thank all of Petco's personnel for being my pretend crowd. (no photo available)

6. Sit and down on command and staying in place

I think you can tell by my ear position, how obedient I was

7. Coming when called - Is that a joke? I come even when not calleded

Another easy one. All I had to do was wait for my mommy to call me and I jumped and ran in her arms. I had missed her holding me

8. Reaction to another dog

See the gorgeous spotted Dalmatian? She's Olivia, another AKC Canine Good Citizen

She's one happy smiley girl and I'm grateful she helped me pass the hardest part of the test for me

9. Reaction to distractions 

These are the objects of my torture, a loud cart and a blue plastic bowl that got thrown about five feet away to gauge my reaction

I stayed cool! (but I was trembling inside)

10. Supervised separation: No fun! I had to be away from mommy for three whole minutes! It was not too easy. (the photos of me as I waited for my mommy were too pathetic to post)

The test was over and I was spent! I got my hug and a star though

Here I am posing with my star and my certificate

I am now officially 100% certified AKC Canine Good Citizen

I have to tell you, I took the test with my tumor having gotten bigger, while Linguini stayed on an XL heating pad at home. We're both feeling better, but mommy is not happy. I overheard her on the phone with her friend the other day saying, "The vet told me to watch the dog tumors, well, I am watching them. I'm watching them . . . grow. I'm watching two tumors and a limping dog and there's nothing I can do." 

Until we figure out what is wrong with our health, we're going to enjoy the recent news of my success. In a few days, Linguini will be allowed to exercise again and mommy promises to take us on short hikes with our furiends. There's nothing like hiking with dogs to get your mind off things. 

Frankie the Canine Good Citizen

Hiking With Dogs | The Joys and Perils Of Dog Hiking

We're so lucky that our M loves hiking with dogs. She knows it's a great way for all of us to stay fit while having a ball, utilizing out senses and getting stimulated by our surroundings. Before Linguini's latest bout with dog tumors, we used to go on hour-long hikes at least a couple of times a week. You see, M does not like to leash walk the three of us around the neighborhood. She didn't enjoy it. About a year ago, when Linguini was attacked by two neighbor dogs, we stopped our local walks all together. I know the attack was traumatic on Linguini, but since she wasn't physically hurt, I'd like to thank her for the outcome. We now mostly get to hike off leash regularly.

We love out dog hiking the most when there's water involved

We love to get muddy, dig in the mud, drink fresh water, and swim

We particularly love hiking with dogs that are our furiends

These are Linguini's hike buddies, Hank and Sue, the rhodesian ridgeback duo

Even a tea cup chihuahua like myself can benefit from the unstructured exercise and explorations

Of course, when out in the wild, one must always keep an eye out for predators

Check out the chiweenie legs on the left

She's bucking in view of this gigantic track

If you're a pup that likes dog hiking, find an alternate method of transportation for when you tiny legs give out

Always stick with your pack

otherwise you may feel lost

Hiking with dogs is safer when done in large numbers

This way you get assistance in case you get stuck

Beware of raging rapids, especially if you're tiny

When you're not hiking around water, make sure to have your biped bring some for you

Bipeds can last for a couple of days without it, so don't feel guilty if you want the last drop, besides, haven't you learned anything from my dog training tips yet?

Hiking with dogs is pure fun and joy if you're careful

I love to hike and I can't wait for my sissy to get better so we can go again.

Of course, before setting out for your first hike you need to be in good physical condition. During your hike, get frequent rests and water breaks, hike when the local predators are not in hunt mode and rattle snakes are in hiding. Behave when off leash and listen to your human pack leader. Always wear your tags, have your vaccinations up to date, your flea meds in place, proper sun protection for those who need it, and ideally hike with a person who is knowledgeable in canine first aid cautions and procedures. Your local Humane Society most likely offers courses in dog hiking safety and there is even a rattlesnake vaccine available. 

This post got me all excited. I can't wait for our next hike! 

Twinkie

Dachshund Pictures, Part Deux

Due to unforeseen ailments, I felt the need to revisit one of my favorite days at the barn with Dexter the doxie. Not only do these dachshund pictures make me happy, they also make my furiends happy. No dwelling upon the dog vet visit today, just a brief update at the bottom.

Happy playful Dexter the doxie

Petey the doxie, Dexter's brother

Not a doxie

This is Petey and Dexter's brother, Nathan

See the family resemblance between Dexter and Nathan? 

They both love grass and they even share the same hair color

L'Oreal Preference #4.4 Dark Auburn

Fun times between doxie and tea cup chihuahua

Additional chiweenie bonus shot

Friendship is . . .

What the bug!

Dexter's brother, Owen

He used to charge after Linguini

He eventually figured out it wasn't such a good idea

He's adorable

Linguini has forgiven him

Speaking of our Linguini

Linguini's health update: Not the best news to report. She's having more difficulty moving around today. We can't help but wonder how much the dog tumors are affecting her, but at least she's not in pain when she's not moving around. It could be that it's plain arthritis, that geriatric dogs are prone to, since it rained all night long and today she's worse. We're keeping her warm and safe and surrounded by love. Dog vet's orders, not really, M's orders more like it. 

Twinkie