Pet Photo Contest Deadline Reminder

Excuse me!

 I don't mean to be rude,

butt,

even though I'm exhausted, after a day of playing with dozens of other dogs at the horse barn, 

and after a rather exciting and fun Howl-O-Ween Pet Costume Contest at Petco, 

I know that most of us could use a friendly reminder:

Last day to vote in our Furry Tails PET PHOTO CONTEST.

Have a great Sunday!

Twinkie

Dog Strollers | DoggyRide Review

My dogs are tough. They get almost daily exercise and lots of it. We go on long hikes mostly, and, if time or the weather does not allow it, we at least walk in our neighborhood. From the tiniest to the largest of my dogs, this has become a way of life and they all seem to thrive on it.
 I used to look at dog stroller owners as something unique and peculiar. What was wrong with their dog? Did they not want it to get its paws dirty? I was adamant about getting a dog stroller, even though sometimes I couldn't quite manage three dogs on two hands (the hand-shaped dog leash hadn't been invented yet). Having to deal with chronic back issues, I gave in, and three months ago, I purchased the DoggyRide Mini Stroller for my 4-pound teacup chihuahua, and my 10-pound chiweenie. Hallelujah!

I decided on the DoggyRide for the following reasons:

1. It didn't look like a baby stroller. Instead, it looked sporty and utilitarian.
2. Its handle was tall enough for . . . tall people, an invaluable feature.
3. The design was obviously very practical. It has shades, plastic covers, front and rear entry, top ventilation, a large pocket in the back, and large wheels.
4. The handle comes off and can be replaced with a bike kit that easily converts it into a mini trailer you can attach to your bike.
5. It was rather economic compared to other dog strollers.

I take my dogs to horse shows frequently. In the past, I'd have to carry large crates, find shade, if it rained, I also had to find sheltered areas. The DoggyRide took care of all those issues. It is easy to assemble and disassemble, for those who don't own SUVs. It is also light and easy to load in the car.
The dogs, the teacup chihuahua and the chiweenie, both rather spoiled, took to it immediately. I just presented it to them with all doors open and they were ready to explore. I closed the zippers after a few minutes and off we went. Both dogs looked around them suspiciously until we were out of the driveway. After that, they looked ahead taking in their surroundings happy for their moving shelter.
I use the DoggyRide at home too. When we have dog visitors that intimidate my dogs, I bring out the dog stroller. They both jump in and get comfortable, able to stay near the rest of us feeling safe.
After owning a dog stroller for three months, all my hesitations are dismissed. I now only wonder why I didn't invest in a dog stroller sooner.

M--

Dalmatian Senior Dog Celebrates Birthday

I was really moved yesterday to find out that it was our beloved Olivia's birthday. Olivia is a brown dalmatian. You may remember her from her entry in the "Show Us Your Tongue" Pet Photo Contest.

Olivia

Olivia is always smiling. She's one of the happiest dogs I have ever met, and there is good reason for it. She has a great life. I have often mentioned her owner, the dog obedience trainer Cyndy Wood, who also does public appearances sharing precious information for all dog lovers. She recently did a seminar on "How To Be A Better Senior Dog Parent," which I attended, since we too own a senior dalmatian mix. 

Olivia turned 14 years old yesterday!!! Quite an achievement for her breed, but what's even more impressive is this brown dalmatian's health. Olivia can't see well, something rather common for any dog her age. Cyndy has and still is taking measures inside her home to make it easier for Olivia to adopt to her reduced vision. Olivia is also a little stiff in the joints, also common, but overall, she's in superb health. There is no question in my mind, that this dalmatian is still enjoying every minute of her life. 

Cyndy has always kept her dalmatians on a great  diet. Her rule of thumb is: checking out the first five ingredients in the dog food and it it's fit for a human to eat, then buy it. Sometimes the "simple rules" are the ones that make the most sense and are easier to follow. Olivia's current health is a testament to that. Cyndy also put her girl on a good dog joint supplement with glucosamine and chondroitin. She's the one who stressed the importance of glucosamine for dogs and recommended the dog supplements that we use on our eleven year old dalmatian mix, and I'm grateful for that too. The positive effects on our dog were visible within days. 

Sure, Olivia does suffer some from dog arthritis, but what dog wouldn't at that age? Overall, this senior dog is healthier than most dogs are at age ten. She is friendly, happy, social and full of energy. Her only problem is that on her birthday "somebody" had the great idea to give her a grooming session. I think she would have preferred extra dog treats or her favorite peanut butter, and I'll be sure to remind Cyndy next year on Olivia's birthday.

The birthday girl

Happy birthday Olivia, 

Twinkie and family

Cats and Dogs

Outside, it's been raining cats and dogs. Inside, all seven cats and three dogs have been cooped up for about six days now. We are all suffering from cabin fever. The cats can't go out and enjoy their outdoor cat enclosure and we, the dogs, a senior dog suffering from arthritis, a dainty brindle chiweenie, and a fragile teacup chihuahua . . . can't go out in the cold wet weather, so we resorted to indoor games. Since none of us are famous for their great intellect, we decided to forego dog puzzles and go straight into action packed cat and dog games, like chasing the laser pointer.

I hope you enjoy my latest production:




The beautiful voice in the end was mine!

Countdown: three days left to vote in the pet photo contest.

Twinkie

Chihuahua Pictures | Junior's Back

Junior's back with his Rhodesian ridgeback siblings. Many of you asked if we're keeping him. That was the plan, but the Rhodesian ridgeback duo would have none of that. They are convinced that he'll grow up to be a rhodie someday.
In any case, as we're trying to put our home back in order, Junior's pictures will do. M only got a few hundred of them.

Today's edition of chihuahua pictures

Junior enjoying small dog treats

Junior getting ready for his trip to Hawaii

Junior hiding from me, the teacup chihuahua, behind the spotted dog

(like the plumbers, yesterday)

 What's this?

A brave chiweenie???

Junior passing my sniff test

I have a good idea of who is Junior's favorite from my pack.

It's the senior dog. Quick update: my older sissy is now on Rimadyl and she's comfortable

.

Awww, it's The Hand, another hand, not to be confused with the hand-shaped dog leash designed by Alice Wang!

I hope all of today's puppy cuteness didn't deter you from voting (tab up top: Furry Tails) in our latest pet photo contest (4 days left). I wonder who's going to win the pawesome prizes from Clean+Green by SeaYu!

Gotta mop!

Twinkie

The Flood and The Dog Stroller

We had yet another house flood today. It happens frequently at my home. What's unique about this flood is the heavily built guys who came to "save us". I better use illustrations for this one or you won't believe me.

The burly plumbers are afraid of me, the tiny dog! For pizzle's sake! BOL

M had to stick the chiweenie and me in the dog stroller for their protection.

Poor Linguini has been banned in the back yard, and it's cold.

Afraid of lil' me?

What a joke!

I guess I'm going to have to resort to some of this . . .

. . . and some of that. 

Don't worry about us. Like I said, we are used to this and we have our 

all ready!

I see there's a whole lotta voting going on for the latest pet photo contest. You can view all the entries by clicking on the tab labeled: Furry Tails, at the top of this page.

Remember, there are still five days left until the polls close. Anything is possible!

Gotta swim!

Twinkie

I Like Pet Bums and I Cannot Lie

Actually, I just did. It would be more accurate to state that I used to love pet behinds until this contest. I know, I know, I was asking for it, back to back contests. . . butt my work is done. Yours is just beginning.

We got plenty to chose from:

Big tushies, small tushies, chunky, or scrawny,
designer dog and confused dog hineys too,
cows, dogs, and cats,
from the most artistic to the present-offering bums,
muscular and athletic, to poor and pathetic,
long tails, curly tails, and no tails too . . .
Bottom line: It's all up to YOU!

I opted to do a public vote again for two reasons: a. the entries were extraordinary and b. the Clean+Green free giveaways are pawesome. How can a teacup chihuahua make such a momentous decision?

You can view all the entries by clicking at the tab labeled Pet Photo Contest: Furry Tails at the top of this page. You can vote up to five times on the sidebar.

I would like to wish all the entrants best of luck and may the best hineys win!

And if anybody was expecting a post from me today... for pizzle's sake, not a chance! BOL

Twinkie