Is it Halloween Already?

It's been a while since I've posted. The lull of getting back into our routing once summer's over. Get up early, go outside, eat, get the kids off to school, run around the yard when they leave, come inside, sleep, go outside, maybe a mid day walk, sleep some more, eat, run around, snuggle with the humans, go to bed. It's a dog's life, truly!

But now it's autumn, leaves are falling (so much fun to run around in), snow in the mountains (can't wait till there's snow here to run around in) and the days are getting shorter. Halloween is this weekend, with ghosts, goblins and lots of candy. Of course, I can't have any candy; especially not chocolate, which can be toxic for me. So, instead of candy I get special treats. Here's a great recipe if you want to make special treats for your four legged friend: peanut butter and pumpkin dog treats. Try using a ghost or pumpkin shaped cutter to make them more festive (not that I really care what shape they are in, but you humans like it so go for it!).

And as soon as Halloween is over I'll be thinking about the holidays. They'll be here before we know it. Why not start thinking about what to get for your favorite pet or people. The folks at a tail we could wag have some great new items. One of them is the Best Friend collection. Not only is this a great addition to its line of collars and leashes, but they are donating 10% of their gross sales of this line to the ASPCSA®. Other new products are the new WALK tee shirt, new black mountain rope leads and new Harborside Daybreak leather tip belt. Visit www.tailwags.com to see/shop all of its tail wagging products.

Time for another nap. Enjoy your Halloween and be safe.

Entering the Dog Days of Summer

It's been some time since I posted. Last time we were just entering spring (which took a long time to come to Idaho.) Now we're entering the dog days of summer. Only 1 month til the human kids go back to school (they're at camp now so it's pretty quiet around here). I've been up to my old tricks but, knock on wood, haven't visited our friendly vet in several months. (Not that I mind...I always get lots of treats and there are always lots of people for me to share my love with!)

Today I did find a yummy treat in the back yard. Seems my human dad buried a dead bird in the yard a few months ago. It took some digging but I was able to exhume it and then promptly ate it. So, my human mom did a google search about dogs eating dead birds and well, no visit to the vet. Of course, she'll keep a close watch on me to make sure I don't get sick or something. But, I've eaten stranger things (remember the sock incident?). So, we'll keep our fingers crossed!

It's been hot too. I love to go for walk but since I have a short snout, have trouble cooling myself. Short walks are best and I love it when they bring water along. My other favorite summer time activity is chasing the water that comes out of the hose. It's especially fun when my human mom waters the plants. I just love to drink as much as I can.

Well, off to cool myself. Hope you're having fun this summer and staying out of trouble. I am.

Spring time and birthdays

It's been a while since I posted. Blame it on the human! You know, lots of activities, no time. On Sunday, however, Joe took me to the dog park. It's been a while since we went and played. Partly because the weather has been so hit or miss here in Boise. One day it's in the 70's, the next it drops to 50, with wind and rain (kind of like today). Sunday was nice. I ran hard. So hard, in fact, that later that night I was totally pooped.Yep, that's me, under the covers. They don't let me do this very often but I was WAY tired. Of course, minutes after these pics were snapped I was moved to another position. Still on the bed but on top of the covers!

I hope to get out more.

And now the birthday part....I'm almost 2! Less than 1 month. I'm still a bit on the wild side but I'm learning to behave better. There are still things that get me in trouble...Just today I ate an entire roll of toilet paper. And last Friday night I stole a piece of roasted chicken from Max's plate. Swallowed it whole, bone and all. (Yes, the humans are still checking to see if I've passed it!) Maybe when I'm 3 I'll be better behaved....Or not! I'm glad the humans stuck with me, though. We make a great family. Puppies are a lot of work. Quite the commitment, not for everyone. Patience, patience, patience. But, we're worth it! Who else gives total love and devotion, no expectations (ok, so the occasional dog treat is nice)? Who else can you tell your innermost secrets to, without being judged? Who else dances in circles when you come home?

And remember if a dog were the teacher you would learn things like:

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.

Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.

Take naps.

Stretch before rising.

Run, romp, and play daily.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.

On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.

When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

Be loyal.

Never pretend to be something you're not.

If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!

On Boxers

We were received the following today (cut out from The Chicago Tribune).
"An acquired taste
George Diaz, Orlando Sentinel
Much like cabbage and green beans, boxers are an acquired taste.
My two — Marvin and Mia — sometimes eat their poop. Sometimes they might eat the cat poop. Sometimes Marvin simply tries to eat the cat. Boxers belch. They discharge odorous gasses right about the time you're taking a bite out of a sandwich. Some people might find this disgusting. I say it's part of the charm.Boxers are a loyal and loving breed. I've got the drool stains on my face to prove it.If she could talk, Sadie the Scottish terrier would tell you something I already know:
She has boxer envy.
Burp. Fart. Belch. "

Yep, that's me!

On Food, Diet and Exercise

Since we're in the pet industry we come across a lot of interesting (and not so interesting) stuff. Recently, we came across a story about variations in calorie labeling for 'low calorie' pet food. I don't have to worry about that, as I burn enough energy to keep me a healthy weight. (The easiest way to determine if your pet is over weight is the "rib test": Place you hands on your pet's rib cage with your thumbs on the back. If the ribs are easily felt, your pet is considered to be normal weight. Of course, if you have questions about your pet's weight, please consult your vet. ) Spacejam, our cat, may be a bit overweight so Laurie feeds her a reduced calorie food. (She may need to rethink this, based on the article we read.) Now, I'm not a food expert nor do I want to give pet nutritional information. I just want to share the story so you have better information!

Of course, diet alone doesn't contribute to your pet's weight. I've talked about easy ways to exercise your dog. Play, go for a long walk, etc. As they say, it your dog's fat you aren't getting enough exercise!