Teacup Chihuahua Video | The Singing Chihuahua

Back by popular demand, Boomer, the singing teacup chihuahua. Just check out yesterday's comments and you'll know what I'm talking about. And without any further ado, I hereby present you (drumroll) the one, the spectacular, the unforgettable teacup chihuahua video you've been asking for.




Believe me, getting this video wasn't easy, but it sure was worth it.

Twinkie!

Coin Operated Teacup Chihuahua Strikes Again

I can't get enough of Boomer, the Teacup Chihuahua, singing a song. He'll sing for food, for  dog chews, for fun... He's a natural born singer. My chiweenie sissy always stares at him in wonderment as he serenades all of us at the horse barn.

'O Sole Mio

Luciano Pavarotti step aside

Sibes too

teacup chihuahua tenor

It ain't over 'till the fab chihuahua sings!

Today's teacup chihuahua pictures over, but there are more...

Twinkie

Dear Twinkie | A Dog Advice Column

A Dog Advice Column

MONA AND MOMMY TOO!! ask...

Hi my friends,

First let my Mommy say how thankful she is for your Mom's comments. Mommy is just a scaredy cat and it helps to know your Mom understands how she feels.

Since we haven't been around much we have been catching up on what we've missed from your blog. Mommy loves your post from last Sunday. Just looking at all those rescued dogs made Mommy feel so good that there are folks like your Mommy helping dogs. The3re is nothing as rewarding in lfe as far as we are concerned. We saw a pic on that post Mommy would like to us, if its ok. It was of a bunch of dggies standing in line for treats.

We you you guys.

I have a queation that I need Twink's advise on. "Do you think my Tiger will still love me with some of my furs gone and what can I do to look attractive again?

{{{huggies}}}...Mona

TVT: Dearest Mona, first off, happy happy recuperation! I'm so glad you're finally recovering and enjoying a little freedom. Feel free to grab the photo you want. Rescue dogs love to be featured. Plus, I just grabbed yours. See? 

Frankie Mi Ricca

About your question, are you serious? We are talking about the Kissa-bull Tiger, n'est-ce pas? My sweet insecure friend, we're talking about a pack of integrity here. Kissa-bull as a whole is reliable, consistent, ethical and definitely not superficial. Tiger is out of his mind with worry. The entire pack is sending their good thoughts and prayers to "Tiger's love, Mona" and their mommins ish lighting a shpecial candle as they pray furry hard. As for your looks, I think the above photo proves you don't need to do anything further. We love you the way you are. 

kissa-bull asks...

oh twinkie maria conchita
have you efur thought about having your own talk show since you are furry much good at this advice thing.maybe even a late night show too . and could we be your first guests we promise NOT to toot

pibble wiggles
the pittie pack

TVT: I am in negotiations with America's Funniest Home Videos at the moment, and because this coincides with Norwood's Pawdance Film Festival, I feel there is hope for me, since one of my video clips is featured on his site. I cannot think of a more jovial mismatched group to invite as my first guests. I also think the tooting will enhance the experience, so pretty please, load up on beans before the taping of our pilot. In the meantime, as you can see from Mona's question, I work for woo!

The festival officially started yesterday

Kira The BeaWootiful asks...

Wooos Twinkie! That is all some fabulous advice woo give I am much impressed. You are quite the smart little doggie aren't woo?
~husky kisses~
-Kira The BeaWootiful

TVT: I am smart enough to know that you are beawootiful, and caring, and a good friend. I would like to take this opportunity to wish a happy birthday to your mommy. 

Beautiful seafarer

Sonic asks...

Oh wow! I didn't know you had an advice column! When is the next one coming up? I wanna ask a question too!

Sonic

TVT: Aye, aye, aye, Sonic! Wake up and smell the socks, buddy. I guess I have to stop by to send you a personal invitation to my dog advice column. Perhaps your iphone and your google reader are both acting up. BTW speaking about your iPhone issue, since iPhoto works, plug your iPhone, go to the Photos tab and at the top, right next to Sync Photos from, select the folder of your choice. Do a sync and you're done!

No further comment

Nadine, Chewy and Lilibell ask...

Twink, no happy birthday cake on your birthday?? We think that M should contact Mom for her cake recipe that she makes us every year for our birthday, it's super delicious, and has no sugar in it. Why, even Dad said it was good! And if she still won't bake you a happy birthday cake, then you can come to our house and Mom will bake you a cake and we can all celebrate together!

Waggles & Chi kisses, Chewy & Lilibell

TVT: Nope, no birthday cake for me yet. Now, I have my hopes up, not that M will actually bake for me, but that your mom will. I'm ready to celebrate. I'm packing my bags.

Feel free to have the cake ready when I arrive

Cocorue asks...

We LOVE You TwinkTwink!!!

we have not laughed this much in the past two weeks as we have Not been blogging - ask Her why!
her excuses will make you puke!!!

i have an observation and want your take on this:
i listen and understand mumster's speech BUTT she looks dense when I Speak to her......and she's Not the only one....Most hoomans look stupid


Do you think WE ARE smarter than the hoomans??? Why did God Not Smarten them up before they became nuisances???

love you lots
Coco

Display of intelligence

TVT: Yes, I believe it is a scientifically proven fact that we are way smarter than hoomans. And that's not all we have on them. For starters, we're smart enough to use all four (three) of our legs, while they have to support their weight on two only (notice how many hoomans have sore backs?). For another, you and Tiffy spent two weeks playing and gossiping while your momma was trying to use her hooman intelligence to fix a computer. This proves you also make better use of your time. God probably didn't smarten hoomans up because they were prototypes, first generation, and usually those are lemons.

Dory and the Mama ask...

Another great advice column Twinkie!!

I have a question for your next column...There is a certain Lhasa in my life whose name USED to be Tank..he SAYS he has lost his memory...do you think that maybe he is just looking for another girlfriend???

Smileys!
Dory

TVT: I love being the bearer of good tidings. As of today, drumroll, Tank's identity crisis is over. His memory has been restored. It wasn't personal. It was a gross misunderstanding caused by blog comments and a ferocious lion. Feel free to make contact again. Hurry before he forgets you.  

You should be getting more love letters from Tank soon

Madi and Mom ask...

So Twink
Here is a question for next your next column.
When do you do your research, what are your sources and do you have a library card?

Mom and I cackled at your comment on our blog...we know you love us 'cause you pick on us...too funny.
Thanks for the smile.
Madi and Mom

TVT: My main resources are my Google Reader, blogspot, and WordPress. I think Frankie, the chiweenie, will be getting a library card before I do, since she's contemplating becoming a service dog. As for the "love you 'cause I pick on you" comment, big mistake. I see you have listed 7 things about you on your bloggy today and . . . I can't pass on the opportunity. I'm on my way to tea, tea, tease you!

Proof that Madi is easy to make fun of

Now go take on the day!

Twinkie

Chihuahua | Teacup Chihuahua

No quiero Taco Bell y no hablo español. Huh? Attention all chihuahuas and teacup chihuahuas. Do people stop you in the streets to speak to you in spanish that you don't understand? Maybe that is because you're from Asia. Nobody is certain about the chihuahua's origin. While the first chihuahuas purchased by Northern Americans came from  across the border of Juarez Mexico, and while their name is from the Mexican State of Chihuahua, there are no indications that the Toltecs and Aztecs had any domesticated animals, including dogs. There is also no record of any dwarf dogs in Mexico until the year 1875. A possible theory is that the chihuahua arrived that year to the New World on a ship from Asia. 


Physical description: The chihuahua is a tiny toy sized dog with a rounded head and a short and pointed muzzle. The chihuahua puppies are born with a soft spot on the top of their skull, not unlike human babies. It is called a "molera" and it usually does not close. They have large, rounded eyes, set apart. Their ears are erect and large. The coat can be of various lengths and textures. The chihuahua makes an excellent companion dog. Despite its strong will and adventurous personality, the chi is a loyal dog that becomes attached to its owners. No wonder it's rated among the top twelve most popular breeds. 


Size challenge: One more advantage chihuahuas have is their hardiness. But while they're small and mighty, the truth is, especially with tea cup chihuahuas, that they're vulnerable. Teacups usually weight under five pounds and are therefore rather susceptible to physical harm. As joyful and curious as they are, they can easily end up under your foot or you can roll on them in your sleep. Drop a rambunctious teacup chihuahua from less than a foot height, and the poor chi will most likely end up in the emergency room with a fracture or two. Teacup chihuahuas should ideally not be raised in households with small children or large dogs who may accidentally hurt them by merely trying to engage in play. All chihuahuas are to be supervised when outdoors, since they can become victims of all  predators, including birds of prey. 


Training: Due to their strong personalities, chihuahuas need to be trained and disciplined. With today's economy, it's a relatively low cost dog, vet bills excluded, and its messes are easy to clean up. Depending on the household, chihuahuas can be turned into adventurous hikers or couch potatoes. It's up to the owners. Speaking of discipline, there is one issue that needs to be addressed, potty training. All small dogs are particularly difficult to housebreak. Not only do they have tiny bladders, but they also make such small messes that are easy to go undetected, therefore, the best approach is to limit their space, until you are sure they are fully potty trained. An old mess that went undetected will draw them back. If you don't  want to shell out the money for special pet store odor eliminating and enzyme based products, you can clean up and erase all traces of smell by using distilled white vinegar. No worries, after about five minutes the vinegar smell dissipates and then disappears altogether. 


Temperament: Chihuahuas are by nature excessive barkers. Due to their size they are easily overwhelmed and they will either break out into barking or even snapping. Their voices are high pitched and annoying but all those problems can be eliminated with proper training, firm, consistent, and gentle. Balanced chihuahuas, are easy to introduce to an existing pack, and they even get along with cats nicely. 


Some of the chihuahua's health problems are bladder stones, arthritis, and tracheal and heart diseases. They are also prone to seizures. ¡Ay, caramba! One thing I highly recommend to all chihuahua owners, and especially teacup chihuahuas, is have some Nutrical handy. It's a caloric supplement paste, loaded with valuable nutrients, that can jump start a finicky eater too without burdening the digestive tract. Tiny toy dogs cannot last without food for as long as a regular sized ones. They tend to "crash" and the next best solution is a trip to the dog vet for IV fluids. Nutrical can help prevent that. 


Chihuahuas recently gained even more popularity with the release of the movie Beverly Hills Chihuahua (2008) and of course as a purse accessory through media's darling, Paris Hilton. Similar to the effect 101 Damatians (1996) had for the dalmatian breed, the pounds were soon overwhelmed. The need for chihuahua rescue was obvious. Because the main concentration of the media victims was exaggerated on the west coast, in the past few months, there have been movements to mass transport these little guys to no-kill-shelter States. One of those that captured the attention of the media was Operation Chihuahua Airlift. 


As if the tiny chihuahua wasn't enough, breed variations are growing in popularity as well. They are called designer dogs. Here are a few examples:


chihuahua +  doxie =  chiweenie
chihuahua +  corgi =  chigi
chihuahua + dalmatian = chimation
chihuahua +  havanese = cheenese
chihuahua + chinese crested = chi chi
chihuahua + jack russel terrier = jack chi
chihuahua + maltese = malchi
chihuahua + italian greyhound = italian greyhuahua
chihuahua + pomeranian = chiranian
chihuahua + poodle = chipoo
chihuahua + pug = chug


The list goes on and on (you can see the extended version through the American Canine Hybrid Club), anything is possible but sometimes one wonders if there is a step ladder involved, as in the case of the chimation or the italian greyhuahua. 


All scientific facts aside, both the chihuahua and the teacup chihuahua, are adorable. They make sweet baby grunts, burrow on their owners, and make them feel like the center of their universe. There is a multitude of chihuahua geared products being sold to enhance your and your chi's experience, from blingy outfits and designer dog leashes, to beds and even strollers and carry ons. Do your research and if you think this breed is appropriate for your household, go get your own chihuahua, preferable a rescue dog. And try to speak chinese to it. You never know. 

Happy and muddy teacup chihuahua

Twinkie

Dachshund Pictures | Dog Training Tips

It's obvious that my family and I are crazy about Dexter the doxie and we can't get enough. Today, I want to post his sweet dachshund pictures demonstrating step by step how he spends his day at the horse barn.

He enjoys grazing with his horse and his doxie brother, PT

He supervises PT's expeditions to China

He's always on the alert and watches over his horse

or under in this case

He's big on sunbathing, but I don't know why

He's already tan

He takes time to stop and smell the rails

He hangs out with the horse barn's brat pack

All rescue dogs

[Two dachshund puppies and a gremlin/chihuahua mix]

He sunbathes some more

And here are Dexter's dog training tips

Dog training tip 1: play dead possum and lie still

Dog training tip 2: wait for the barn socks

Ta-da! What do you know? Once more Dexter the doxie was airlifted to his limo. I would try it myself if I dared. With M being so forgetful though, it's a risk. Feel free to try it and give us your feedback. 

Dexter pictures over

(for now)

It's a rescue dog's life, but somebody's got to live it. Happy Mother's Day!

Twinkie

Catnip Effects | Catnip Toys

In the botanical world catnip (catswort, catmint) goes by the name Nepeta Cataria. Felines are affected by the smell of the plant and are particularly sensitive to the main active ingredient, the chemical nepetalactone.

Cat gone wild on catnip plant

The ingredient has intoxicating and psychedelic effects on cats

Studies have shown that one in three cats is missing the necessary gene to respond to catnip and remains unaffected. Same applies to kittens younger than 10 months old. They have little  if any reaction to the herb. The average catnip high lasts approximately  ten minutes, and the toxicity level is minimal, a reassuring fact for all cat owners who want to provide their felines with a lifetime of catnip pleasure. 

Growing catnip is fairly easy, even for amateurs. The plant is perennial and grows to about one to three feet tall. It requires partial shade and prefers average well drained soil over rich ones. A word of caution, even with minimal attention the catnip plant grows like a weed, so a pot is preferable to the ground, as it might spread, crowding out other plants. Grow catnip seeds by planting them directly into your soil, spaced about 20" apart. As the flowers begin to bloom, harvest your leaves. Cut off the top leaves, stems, and flowers. They can be used fresh, frozen, or dried. To dry them, spread the leaves in a cool ventilated area. Growing the plant yourself is the easiest way to guarantee it is organic catnip, free of pesticides. 

The nepetalactone concentration is  stronger in the plants leaves than at it's roots, seed, or even the stems

Catnip can cause an astonishing reaction. The cat will sniff it, rub it, roll in and on it, kick it, but this should only last a few minutes at a time. A couple of hours later, the cat is ready for round two and will most likely have the same response. 

There are several catnip toys available in the market today. One of the most common brands is Cosmic Catnip, the makers of Cosmic Catnip Banana Toy, the Cosmic Catnip Filled Cigar Toy, and a favorite of our cats, the Cosmic Catnip Bubbles. When conducting our own experiments, we ordered and tested out the Yeowww! 100% Organic Catnip Cigar. 

This is a display of a ten year old maine coon cat's reaction to the cigars

He rolled and purred loudly until his time was up and the catnip effects had abated

This kitty becomes aggressive when under the influence

One great use for catnip is shaking some on old scratch boards your feline has lost interest in. Chances are, the herb's smell will attract your cat thus sparing a couch or two. We call this process "rejuvenation" and it helps by keeping your cat (especially if she's an indoor one) entertained, interested, stimulated, and her claws mildly trimmed. 

If you have a kitty or ten and have yet to experiment with catnip and catnip toys, don't hesitate. Worst case scenario, your cat becomes mildly aggressive in which case you remove the unwanted side-effect by removing the herb. Catnip is fun only when it doesn't result in excessive aggression. 

Twinkie

Frankie's Friday (17) | Brave Chiweenie Canine Good Citizen

Hello! Frankie here, the canine good citizen. Now that school is out, I'm feeling much happier and betterer. I have complained enough. For a change, today I would like to share brave chiweenie pictures and cheerful stories of my life.

The happier new me

After all my dog training, I don't feel the need to hide in the bushes any longer

I would rather take cover in a horse tack trunk

Tee-hee, just kidding

I only hid there for a few minutes

I am now more outgoing and social

Ever since Linguini, the noodle, got better, we haven't stayed still. We're enjoying our hikes and horse barn visits, with the exception of a couple of unfortunate incidents. 

I once got stuck in the mud

(kk, three times)

There are my muddy chiweenie paw prints

Proof that I worked really hard to get unstucked

Later, all wet and muddy, I got stuck on a steep hill

What do you mean you don't believe it was steep?

It was very steep and I had to overcome all my fears to decide to climb down

By the end of our outings, I'm always ready to go home

Are we going, mommy?

I am the happiest chiweenie on the planet. I have a fun loving family, dog food in my bowl, fresh water at all times, and a nice wee pad just for me! 

Ta-ta for now. I hope we all have a lovely weekend.

Frankie