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!

How Your Dog Can Help You Reach Your Fitness Goals

As 2009 ends and 2010 begins, so many resolutions are made (and quickly broken). If your resolution is to get fit in 2010, here are a couple of ways that owning a dog can help you keep from breaking your resolution.

1. Exercise: both you and your dog need it. Your dog wants it! Why not help your friend out. Walking is great exercise and simple to do. You don't need any special equipment (except good shoes) and you don't need a club membership to do it. There are also other ways to exercise with your dog. Why not go outside and toss a frisbee or her favorite toy. Go to the dog park and run around (both of you!) Or, if you're ready and your dog is ready, go for a run or bike ride. Just make sure you know if your dog can handle it. For example, I'm a boxer and have a short snout. Short snouted dogs like me (pugs, boston terriers, etc.) have a harder time breathing and can overheat. So, please know your dogs limitations.

2. Happiness and less stress: Being happy and stress free will help you keep your resolution. And owning a pet has been shown to relieve stress. Why wouldn't it. We're there when you need a friend, always willing to give you a "kiss" or just a wag of the tail to let you know we love you. And we don't care if you have taken a shower or made your bed! It's no wonder they call us man's best friend!

So grab the leash and get going!

Saying Goodbye to 2009 and Hello to 2010

Wow, another year has come and gone. I'm a year older and a year less puppylike (translate as I don't get in nearly as much trouble as I did a year ago!). It's been a fun year with many ups and downs but mostly ups. So, here are some of my favorite things:

For my collar and lead needs, nothing beats the stuff I wear from a tail we could wag and they have matching belts for you humans!

Some of my favorite toys are my katie's bumpers and my toys from canine genius. I also like to play with my chuck it!

I like the dog park a lot. I get to meet lots of other dogs and people! Maybe when it warms up a little more Joe and Laurie will take me again.

And, I'll eat just about anything they give me! Laurie's very careful to make sure I eat good stuff and not things that will hurt me. I don't get many people food scraps but that's ok. I know they're not real good for me.

We support our local pet stores. We try to buy local when we can.

And now onto 2010. Who knows what adventures (trouble) I'll have. But, I'm a dog and I'm ready for anything!

Happy New Year and wishing you all a prosperous 2010!

Love,

Stella

Why I Have Pet Insurance

No, this isn't an advertisement for pet insurance....I'm just glad (or my humans are) that they have pet insurance for me. Just last week I was playing outside, which is what dogs do, and I tore my nail; right down to the quick. Laurie cleaned me up nicely and didn't think about it until late in the day. Realizing that it was Friday and the vet would be closed for the weekend, she called to see if there was anything she should do to keep an eye on my foot. You know, infection, whatever. Well, the vet said I should come in because, being a dog and all, I would probably continue to get it dirty, and get all sorts of bad stuff in it. Plus, since it had bled they needed to see how badly it tore. So, in I went and $200+ later I was home...E-collar and all. (I hate that thing!) I had torn the quick so they had to clip my nail WAY back and cauterize it. The e-collar was to prevent me from pulling the bandage off and licking my foot. It didn't stop me at all! Thank goodness Laurie took the bandage off after 1 day (it got wet). And I never licked my foot/toe so she took the collar off early as well.

We don't know how much the insurance company will pay but they do cover "torn nail" (yes, it's an actually code on the insurance sheet!). So, even if they pay half it's well worth it. Who knows what trouble I'll get into next!

For those interested, our policy is with VPI.