Did Somebody Say Dog Treats?

We went on an exquisite hike just the other day with our friends the rhodesian ridgebacks. We were a sight for sore eyes: The senior dog, the two powerful rhodies, the tiny three legged dog, moi, and the crazy chiweenie. After our dog hiking expedition, we were invited back at the rhodies' house for dog treats!

Give us the dog treats you promised!

I will pass out if I don't get my dog chews now!

I don't get what the teacup chihuahua is complaining about

My dog treat, mine

I'm going to hide under those covers until I get my treats

Life is fair, life is good

(please stop drooling over my blog)

There is nothing better in life than a juicy marrow bone. They make awesome treats for dogs of all sizes. If you're a giant breed, you'll enjoy your tongue as a giant scooper, spooning the marrow out. If you're a tiny chihuahua, you'll enjoy sticking your head inside the bone licking all the juicy marrow. It's a win win proposition. We keep our marrow bones frozen for added difficulty and endless enjoyment. And when the marrow's all gone, we use refills from anything from peanut butter to cheese. Those are the easiest homemade dog treats any biped can make to keep us busy for hours, plus they're cost effective. With marrow bones you get dog treats and dog chews in one!

Get your own dog treats!

Twinkie

Pregnant Cat Emergency Foster and Catnip

You've all heard about our other cats and their catnip addiction. We decided to check out the catnip effects on our pregnant cat and the results came in rather quickly.

Not interested

We checked to make sure that catnip use on a pregnant cat is not a problem, and sure enough, it's harmless. It is safe to provide catnip to your pregnant cat. Catnip is just an herb after all. Even when the kittens are born, it is safe to have catnip around because kittens do not react to catnip at all. The only warning I read about was about rBST, the synthetic growth hormone used in dairy farming, but it's very unlikely your cat's catnip may have been treated with it. 

If our case, Farrah, our foster pregnant cat sniffed the catnip and continued on with her day's activities: lounging, rolling, trying to lick herself unsuccessfully and rolling some more, attacking M and Linguini, eating, drinking, and sleeping. We tried to introduce her to a catnip toy as well with the same results. Just not interested, but we'll keep trying to stimulate her in other ways, in our efforts to keep her fit until she delivers the kittens.

Farrah is looking huge! I will be gathering material and will post it periodically for the cat aficionados. We also got a wireless camera so we can get live feed of the "birthing room" as soon as we workout the technology kinks. At this point, we're guessing that the kittens might arrive in the next week or so, but it's really hard to be exact since Farrah was running lose in the streets until recently. I must say, even if you're not fond of cats, it's hard to resist smiling at the sight of any newborn.

Catnip effects on pregnant cat report, over!

Twinkie

Dear Twinkie | A Dog Advice Column

A dog advice column

Martine asked...

Cool HIKE!!!! 
THis might be a question for Tuesday... but do you think Captain is too small for a dog backpack? 
xo martine & the kiddlets

TVT: No, he's just perfect!(chuckle)

See, he fits just fine!

Rudy - The dog with a blog asked...

Awesome advice column - as always!
Since I'm so very young, I don't know much yet, I do have a question for you:
Is it our fault (dogs), or our owner's (humans) fault if we have an accident inside?
I've always wondered that.
Rudy

TVT: Young and wise, I see. Other youngsters would not have questioned the bipeds' shortcomings. You're going to be one awesome guide dog for the blind. It's the humans' fault is the correct answer. Why can't they tell when we need to go potty? What prevents them from opening a door for us every time we get the urge? Rest assured, you've done nothing wrong and my sissy, Frankie the chiweenie, will gladly back me up on this one. Oh, and one more piece of advice, during the following week, feel free to share responsibility for all accidents with Sparkie. 

"Wasn't me"

Fiona, as typed by Dr. Liz asked...

Most excellent advice, as always! (Especially for Mango, the dating-challenged...) *ahem* So, wise one, I have a question for you: why, when it rains, does Mom get all bent out of shape about me wrestling with Abby (the mutant puppy monster) in the mud? What is her problem? Thanks!
*kissey face*
-Fiona and Abby the Mutant Puppy

TVT: To use your own words, "mud, what mud"? BOL It's universal. Moms do get all bent out of shape over silly nuisances, but with proper dog training, they can slowly learn (they are slow learners and that's a fact). I have faith in you and your mutant sister. Mud is readily available after the snow melts and after a rain. That pauses a problem with consistency. Try to create your own mud, seek it everywhere and make sure you always cover yourself in it. Did you know that it's a new trend now that grooming places offer mud baths for dogs? Some people believe that dog mud baths even get rid of fleas. Please have your mom read about therapeutic mud baths, and tell her you're saving her money. She will eventually come around.

Remember: mud baths have hidden benefits

Frankie the Chiweenie asked…

Mom's been too busy lately and all I want is to go hiking with dogs. What's up with that?

TVT: You sweet lil' rude girl, our senior dog needed a rest above all. Now that she's feeling better, we'll get mom to take us on a dog hike. Go bother someone else with your silly questions. Didn't you learn anything at your AKC canine good citizen class?

Hiking with a senior dog needs to be done responsibly

Mr Koda MD asked...

Fantastical advice TVT! 
I have a question... How did you become so knowledgable? You know the answer to everything, is there something like Wikipedia I can use to become even half as smart as you? 
Basking in your glow
Koda

TVT: Tsk tsp, Mr Koda. I'm very concerned about you. I mean, you're the type of dog that when hungry, falls asleep on the hand that feeds you. I must say, I'm a bit at a loss here, and that's rare for me. Okay, I will recommend intense audio-visual therapy here. I believe you need stimulation. I prescribe a minimum of two hours a day of quality web browsing (try ihashotdog.com) and another two hours of quality television show viewing (American Idol, South Park, and Bridezillas). Get back to me in a few days and let me know about your progress.Basking in your beauty.

Case in point

hero asked...

Thanks for all the great advice, Twinkie... you're the wise one indeed.
Q: Each time I go to the park, I can't resist sniffing the butts of all the dogs, my hoomans suggest to sign me up for BSA... Butt Sniffing Anonymous, is there something wrong with that?
Licks, hero

TVT: You lucky dawg, you! Unlike, Nip/Tox, the catnip rehab center, BSA is the place to be if you're a butt sniffer. You get to make tons of friends who are all in the same boat. You all get to meet once a week and form the world famous sniff train (imagine a row of butt sniffers). Your sponsor is also going to be a seasoned and experiences sniffer. Welcome the opportunity and enjoy!

Always trust a sharpei's nose

Dory and the Mama asked...

Hi Miss Twinkie...Great advice as usual!!
Here is my question...why is it that Mama feels like she has to take ME to the dog groomer when she grooms Jacob and Dory at home...?? 
Thank you kisses!
Bilbo

TVT: Dear Bilbo, I am well aware that you wish you were a short haired dog so that you could do away with grooming altogether. Alas, life can be tough at times. My friend, you're only a  seven (almost) month old pup and you have to be patient with yourself. Grooming is not the end of the world, besides, you don't even like the folks at the groomer's. I say you observe Dory and Jacob carefully a few times and then imitate them. I promise, there will be dog treats involved.

Note to Bilbo's mama: I promised Bilbo treats, please deliver. 

Bilbo the way he likes to be remembered, as a younger pup not in need for grooming

Mango asked...

Golly, Twink, thanks for the advice, I think. Are you sure that I can't look at other gals when I am out with Tula? Sob. I will give it a try.
Slobbers,
Mango

TVT: Yes, Mango, I am certain. You cannot look at other gals when out with Tula. Don't forget, you have a reputation too. You're a major flirt and word has spread around blog-land. I mean, I was never sure that there wasn't something going on between you and the fabulous Khyra and her fluffy pantaloons. Having been branded a "player" is definitely not conducive to your relationship with Tula, therefore you have to always focus your attention and affections toward her. 

Resist the urge to follow your nose

Pregnant cat update and a contest

FYI and of course feel free to join the party: I'm doing an informal CONTEST on my facebook  fan page taking guesses as to how many kittens our foster cat is going to have. Free giveaways included. You can click HERE to see the event and HERE for my FB page where you can upload your photo and guesstimate. Farrah is doing great. She's getting bigger all the time and today she can't even groom herself--she rolls over. She's rather anxious and tries to attack all of us including the hand that feeds her. Can't wait for the kittens to come. 

Now, go take on the day!

Twinkie

Dachshund Pictures | P.T. Goes To China

Another glorious day at the horse barn with my rescue dog pals and the horses...Aaah, that's the life. This particular outing, I was rather taken by my friend, P.T.'s digging attempts. Let me share my dachshund pictures with you.

Doxie working hard

What's that red stuff off to the side?

And digging

A doxie's dedication

More red stuff, hmm

The red blur was P.T.'s brother, Nathan the horse

Special guest appearance by Dexter the doxie

supervising his lil' bro

P.T. unperturbed continues with his digging expedition and hopes to reach China sometime soon

Making progress at last!

Welcome back to the United States of America

Passport, license, and registration please

The sad part was that P.T. needed and got a bath after this photo sequence. It's a shame that he didn't learn anything from his brother's dog training tips. 

Twinkie

Product Review: Ultrasonic Bark Control

Stop Barking Dogs

All dogs are irritating when they bark, but small dogs are notoriously annoying. Because we were looking for ultrasonic pet trainer to suit all breeds, small and large, we decided to try a hand held, inexpensive, bark control device. We ordered the PetZoom Sonic Pet Trainer that costs $20 plus shipping and handling. You get a bonus nail groomer with your order (which they claim is valued at $19.95). Your other option is to buy PetZoom from Amazon for $16.98 a small saving that does not include the nail groomer, but if you're a Prime member you also don't pay shipping. 

The PetZoom Sonic Pet Trainer claims to be safe, harmless, and effective, a 20 ft. range, and to work on all dogs and cats. 

We tested it on the dogs. The word miracle comes to mind. As with all sonic pet trainers, this one is inaudible by the human ear, so it's really shocking to push a button and have all your dogs instantly stop barking, especially because you don't hear a thing. Our dalmatian-shorthaired pointer mix, stops barking, bows her head slightly, and then resumes what she was doing. The little chiweenie only stops barking showing no other signs of acknowledgment, and the tiny teacup chihuahua instantly stops barking and stares quizzically at the person handling the pet training device. 

This ultrasonic bark control device is a bit bulky, yet still small enough to fit in a pocket. We're trying to come up with a smart contraption to keep it on us at all times (perhaps some super glue and sting so that it can be worn over the neck at all times). 

In brief, ultrasonic bark control devices are intended to halt trying barking by emitting an annoying tone that only your dog can hear. The tone is the deterrent. The effectiveness, based on the reviews we read, debatable for some. 

We checked around and discovered one more ultrasonic bark control device similar to the PetZoom and that is the As Seen on TV BarkOff training aid. The BarkOff costs only $10 plus shipping and handling, half the price of the PetZoom. I should also mention, that you can get BarkOff from Amazon for $9.99 plus shipping. Similarly with the PetZoom, the BarkOff gets both raving reviews and disappointment. We lucked out, all our barking dogs instantly seized, but apparently it does not work on all dogs. For the price, I recommend you give it a shot. It's better than losing your mind or upsetting your neighborhood with your barking dogs when there are dog bark control devices such as these in the market.

We love the fact that this type of sonic pet trainers work on all breeds and were terribly relieved to eliminate the high pitched bark small dogs make, as were our neighbors. We will continue our research and we will test our PetZoom on the cats too. Meanwhile, I suggest you don't wait. You don't have much to lose but you have potentially a lot to gain, as it was in our case. Stop barking dogs. 

Twinkie

Hiking With Dogs | Hiking With A Senior Dog

Until recently, I was left behind every time my bigger sissy, Linguini, went hiking with her rhodesian ridgeback friends because M was afraid I'd get crushed. However, since the rhodies are so gentle and since I'm pretty savvy myself, she decided to give it a go. We were all a bit nervous. Here we were, a pack of misfits; one tiny teacup chihuahua, one rather small chiweenie, a senior dalmatian and german shorthaired pointer mix, and two robust powerful rhodesian ridgebacks. Off we went.

At the start of our hike, we needed a pow wow and brief introductions

This gorgeous dude, Hank, the rhodesian ridgeback . . . fell in love with me

I gave him an ear full and told him that I like hiking with dogs, but I'm not interested in a relationship at the moment. Alas! It was too late. 

No matter, I decided to proceed by finding a super cool rock

Linguini to paid her respects too

And so did Sue. Copycats!

We were having a blast, but all the while we minded Linguini, our senior dog. After her recent face plant, we've become even more conservative. We don't take off as far as we used to and we all keep an eye on our girl at all times, in case she needs us.

On rare occasions, she did need our assistance. We don't want to deprive her of her fun, so from now on, this is the way it's going to be. We're going to enjoy hiking with dogs, but we'll be careful and considerate.

"Hey, what's taking you slow pokes so long? I'm a three legged dog and I still have to wait up for you."

As I was saying, I'll be more careful and considerate . . . soon

I was feeling a little crowded in this photo. See how adoringly Hank is looking at me? Is it love or does he think I'm an appetizer? 

Dog hiking is the best and it is also very healthy. It helps keep everyone fit. All you need to do is be well prepared and know the limitations of every pack member. We always try to hike by running water, to avoid risking dehydration, and we are well aware of the natural threats of our surroundings (including rattle snakes, coyotes, etc). We stay by our biped pack leaders and watch out for one another. Also, in our desire to enjoy our hikes, we tend to all get along and develop wonderful relationships that under different circumstances would pause a challenge. 

For those of you who can't hike by running water, there are several options available. There are wonderful and convenient water bowls and water bowl sets available that weigh close to nothing and are easy to take with you. Tons of dog hiking gearto take along and if you don't like carrying stuff, and if your dog isn't too tiny, you can always invest in a dog backpack. 

Take a hike!

Twinkie

Ain't Nothing Wrong With A Three Legged Dog

I may have four legs, but only three of those function. An occasional dog vet will ask M to amputate my leg, but she resists. She says that there is no reason to cut off my leg if it's not causing any problems. I so agree with her. Imagine this scrawny three legged teacup chihuahua having to adjust, again!

I would like to keep my fourth leg for balance, thank you very much!

Enough about me. This past weekend I was at a horse show and to my astonishment and pleasure, I saw two three legged dogs. Yup, yup, we rule!

The beige girl on the right is Angel

She's wearing the pink dog harness

Angel is a three legged dog. She's a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and she belongs to a dog vet. Let me tell you how she got her name and why her mommy is a vet. Perhaps you've guessed it already. The proud parents of Angel, refused to pick her up and pay the bill when she had to have her leg amputated. Their bad. Angel is . . . an angel and a doll. She's adorable, very active, and incredibly well adjusted and content in her new home. 

This pink dog is Angel's sister

She's sporting a pink do to match Angel's pink harness and pink leash

I bet Angel can outrun her!

I tried to catch up to this three legged dog, but I wasn't fast enough.

Maybe I'll catch him at the next horse show, but I though he looked rather cool.

Let me show now something four legged dogs can't do.

Ready?

No comment

Being a three legged dog has another advantage. In my case, I'm the only one of my pack that gets daily massages. M says I need my spine adjusted and massaged constantly because of my bad posture. I love my massages and I love being a technically three legged dog! Cheers to all 3 legged dogs out there!!!

Twinkie