One Lovely Blog Award

We are honored that Cino and his Mom LeeAnn nominated us for the One Lovely Blog Award. You can visit them at Animal Are Feeling Beings Too. 

One of the rules is to list seven facts about ourselves. Lucy, take it away!

  1. Hi, I’m Lucy. (That’s a fact, but I won’t count it.) My Mom brought me home this year on January 14, the day before my Dad’s birthday.
  2. Mom’s first words when Dad saw me were, “We’re not keeping her.”(That’s a fact, too, but I won’t count this one, either.) I am not scared of thunder or lightening or fireworks.
  3. Dad’s first words were, “I’ve heard that before.” (Wont’ use that one either.) Mom says my picture should be by the word “compliant” in the dictionary, because as soon as I understand what is expected of me, that’s what I do. I am not a rebel.
  4. Then Mom said, “Really, this time, we’re not.” (OK, you see how this is going.) I eat a raw diet and I dance in circles when I see Mom coming with it.
  5. Then Dad laughed and said, “We’d better think of a good name.” I am about one and a half years old. Someone in this family is going to (had better!) make up a birthday day for me so I can have cake and toys and treats and other pressies.
  6. Mom shook her head and said, “Really, I am going to find her a good home.”  I am a beautiful dark brindle bully, as pretty inside as out. Mom says that’s a fact!
  7. Dad now says I am his girl and no one will ever take me away from him and Mom. 🙂 (That one counts – a lot – but let’s add something else.) My favorite thing in the whole world is to run and play with Riley and any other dog who wants to be my friend.

    Gratuitous picture of me.

I am supposed to nominate 15 bloggers for this award. Even though Mom is old hat at this (no Mom, I would never, ever call you old) I am new at it, so I am going to try to find some newer bloggers, or at lease some that are new to Mom, too, along with a few of our many other favorites. Let’s see, (drum roll, please) I nominate:

  1. Mia from It’s a Pibble’s Life! We could be twins!! Of course I am interested in what another bully is doing, and I really, really want to play with her.
  2. Benji from Life of Benji. Even though his blog’s been around since 2015, we just found him and love to read about his life. We think he is mostly a Treeing Tennessee Brindle, and he is a pawsome therapy dog.
  3. Watson from Wednesdays with Watson  has also been blogging since 2015, and he helps Mom get her schnauzer fix. He always has something inspiring to say.
  4. Abby Lab from The Book of Barkley is Blogville’s  caterer and runs the chow truck. Her Mom is an Amazon #1 best selling author, and also leads a very interesting life, so you know her blog has to be good!
  5. Kosmo from Rantasalo Home Album. Kosmo is the cat from faraway Finland, and offers a photographic glimpse into the countryside and life in that land. We always learn something new on his blog.
  6. Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge isn’t by or about an anipal, but has clever introductions, stories and comments about current affairs, especially in their neck of the woods. Usually some twist, and requires a bit of thought. Oops, just saw they already have this award…I see this can be tricky.
  7. Cupcake from Cupcake Speaks is another rescued terrier who helps her Mom – a children’s book author – tell a story. She is also well-dressed and goes to the library so kids can read to her. Aww man, Cupcake already has the award, too. But it’s a different picture…
  8. Sam and recently Elsa from Tails Around the Ranch keep us smiling with the sweet, goofy therapy dog Sam and his sister Elsa who was rescued from life at a puppy mill.
  9. We would have nominated Noodle at Noodle for President, but guess what? He already got this award last year. We know this because he and Lexi (before she was Angel Lexi) were engaged or something. You can still be neighborly and go say “Hi!”

I know I’m supposed to nominate more bloggers, but Mom said it’s a lot of (HBO word) work and time and we have done more than half. Some of you may already have this award, so that’s ok. Others may not want it, and that’s ok too. And still others may say the HBO word about taking too much time. To the last group Mom says just take it and run, don’t worry about the rules. (Mom is more of a rebel than me.)

Now for The Rules:

  • Thank the person that nominated you and provide a link to their blog.
  • List the rules.
  • Display the award on your post of the award.
  • List seven facts about yourself.
  • Nominate 15 bloggers for this award and comment on one of their posts to let them know you have nominated them.

Love and wags,

Lucy the Conformist

Lucy and Riley Go to the Summer Dance…or Do They?

3 weeks ago:

Lucy whispering to Riley

Riley, if you love me you will take me to the Blogville Summer Dance.

2 weeks ago:

Lucy, will you go to the Blogville Summer Dance with me?

1 week ago:

Mom! I don’t have a thing to wear to the dance! I am going to look at your stuff.

Lucy dress up collage 1

Mom, do you like this hat on me? This flower necklace is falling off me and I might trip when I’m dancing with Riley.

 

Lucy dress up collage 2

Uh, Mom, why do you have a topless dress? This thing is falling off me and I might trip when I’m dancing with Riley.

 

Lucy dress up collage 3

Mom, what do you think? Does this dress make me look fat?

 

Thanks for fixing the flower necklace Mom. Does it make me look pretty? I think I will wear this.

 

0708171404b-1

I’m ready, when are we going? What’s taking my woman so long?

 Today:

 

Riley: Come swim Lucy, the water’s fine.    Lucy: I’m working on my tan.

Riley: Isn’t this great?   Lucy: But where are all our friends? Are we at the right place?

I think they missed the memo.

 

Memory Monday with Lexi

 

Ahhh, rolling around in the ivy feels so good.

Anyone who has followed this blog for very long knows that our precious Lexi had a very good and full life. Below are a few pictures of Lexi enjoying her time “working” at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, or “the church on the mountain,” as she identified it. She guarded my office and greeted all those I permitted to enter (everyone), insisting on being pet and requesting food. Both were often obliged. (She gained five pounds during her two years of Wednesdays and Fridays there.) She enjoyed going into the enclosed memorial garden, whose entrance was directly across from our office. She took special delight in rolling in the vinca, after which I had to try to fluff it up. Ever try to fluff an ivy?

Lexi also had her memorable moments inside. I usually took her breakfast with us. Sometimes she did not approve, and did the D&D (Disdain and Dump). She was always a good communicator.

I do not approve of this breakfast. Get me something else.

Then came our last day at St. Tim’s. A friend gave us a plant. This was the last photo of Lexi  at “the church on the mountain.” More adventures were to come!

This flower is pretty and smells good, but hey, where are the treats?

 

Ella (in the land of) the Brave

Ella here. Boy oh boy has it been stressful few days. Starting last week I hears “BOOM, POP, CRACKLE, BOOM, BOOM, BOOM”! Holy poops friends I thoughts for sures my minions…ahem… humans, the schnauzer, and I were goners. It was like a bad dream. All of this noise lasted for 87 hours, it had to of, and all my minions…I mean humans could do was just tells me to calm down that it was ok.

Well holy poop humans! Hows in the world can it be “ok”? We are under attack! I tried and tried to tell them that I would handle it. “Let me at em” I said…. “You’s guys go hide, run for your lives!” but they just SAT there! I was so stressed and worried for the fam that the first few nights I snuck into the minion human bed and cuddled with mom… You know because she needed to be reassured that I was going to keep her safe and all.

Still a bit nervous about this whole thing, Dad.

Now looking back I think they may have not believed me because they just saw me as Ella, the sweetest, cutest boxer girl on Earth… you see I wasn’t wearing my Wonder Woman collar, so they must have thought I wasn’t capable or something… Well friends we stayed under attack for 87 years!!… or until last night around midnight. Mom and dad vanished for a few hours earlier in the evening, they said they were going to the store, which was a big fat lie because I didn’t get a toy when they got back.  Nope, all they brought me was this glowy thingy that they put around my neck. When they got home the booming really got loud. I KNEW we were all about to be blown to a million pieces… then what did they do???? THEY TOOK ME AND THE SCHNAUZER OUTSIDE TO WATCH!

  • I’ll be OK if you hold me, Mom.

You light thingies stay away from my humans.

Come on Ella girl they said, it’ll be pretty they said… So I barked and barked then I started seeing all of these pretty lights in the sky. They reminded me of the bugs I like to catch at night, but there were soooo many  more of them and darns they were loud! I let my daddy give me some rubs and I watched and you know what…. We did NOT blows up friends!! I told mom and dad that it was because I was such a good guard girl this week, those things were too scared to do anything but be pretty.  So I successfully protected my minions…humans… and the schnauzer too.

I am Ella the sweetest, cutest (bravest) boxer girl on Earth!

Pee S: The strangest thing happened…I got a new Super Power.

Bet you can’t see me…I’m the Invisible Dog.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lucy’s Artsy 4th of July

Since Ella – who I have never met  – got to star in her own artsy fartsy day on Saturday, I politely asked for equal time. After all, I was also neglected (OK, Dad was here, but ya’ll know it’s not the same) while Mom went and lavished all her love on that Piper dog. But I’ve already told you about that earlier today. Mom said she would make an exception to her no-more-than-one -post-a-day rule just for me. That means I get to join in the Cat on my Head Sunday Selfies! Yay! Mom made it all patriotic for the birthday of our country, the already great U.S. of A. I tried to pose extra pretty, so I hope you like it.

Love and wags, Lucy

Lucy Hodge Podge Catchup

Hi friends. Mom has been neglectful busy and hasn’t helped me to post anything on my our my blog lately. I am going to try to think real hard and remember everything that has happened since last we all visited.

First, Mom got a bad case of poison oak. She said she got it from me, but I don’t know how when I don’t itch or have any red, blistery rashes like her. Then I heard her tell Dad that I wasn’t allowed to run through the woods around our house anymore, not even through the weeds and brush on the hill going down to the neighbors. He said, “But that’s how she gets her exercise.” (Go Dad!) Then she said, “Do you want to keep that dog? I’m not going through this again.” End of discussion.

Shortly after that, Mom packed a bag and left. I don’t know where she went, but she sure Piper-Amy collageas shootin’ didn’t take me (or Dad). It was the next day that I snuck onto Dad’s computer and saw — on what is supposed to be my blog — these pictures of Piper, who I might add, I have never met. So, I am thinking, “She’s scoping out a replacement for me.” Dad assured me that wasn’t the case, but she sure was lovin’ on that pooch.

I had the weekend to hang out with my Dad, my defender, my pal, and the new feeder of my raw food diet.

19243-1When Mom finally got home, she announced that I was going straight into the tub — right after she rubbed all this poison ivy/oak remover all over me. Mom, I don’t have any of what you got! She wouldn’t listen, and Dad got coerced into getting me into the tub.

The next day was Monday and Mom had to go into work after she got something called a root canal. The dentist got halfway through and had to stop, said it wouldn’t work, but she can tell you about that if she wants. She got out of work early and went to something called a doc-in-a-box and got a shot to get rid of the poison oak that I didn’t give her. She had been trying to get rid of it for a week with an ointment she said always used to work, but now it was spreading and blistering and she was “not a happy camper.” Yeah, tell me about it. When she got home, my peeps bro Andrew was outside working on his truck, so she went over to tell him to not let me run the same places she had already told Dad. Before she could, though, he smiled big and told her how much fun I had running up and down the hill next to the house that day. Oh, dog poopie! She marched inside, told Dad I hEmoji worried-upsetad to live outside in the fenced yard until he gave me a bath, then stuck me out there with nothing but a bowl of water. Pretty soon Dad came out, grabbed me by the collar and dragged me to the downstairs to what some people call a bathroom. It’s really a water boarding chamber of torture. I quivered the whole time. And oh, the shot didn’t work, either. (Serves her right.) Now she is on some kind of pills called prednisone and that has not improved her mood, let me tell you.

So let’s see, what’s next. Oh yes. The week got much better. Mom said she was giving me a second chance and took me to work to the church with her on Thursday. It was wonderful! It was the day folks come in to get food vouchers. I had heard stories about Lexi doing therapy on all these people, so I thought, if anything will get me my job back, that should be it. She and the volunteer kept trying to hold me back and stop me from running up to everyone, but I was not to be deterred. I was on a mission for good. And guess what? Everyone loved me! There was a little boy who wasn’t too sure about me at first, but he started laughing when I wacked him with my tail and his Mom told him it was ok to pet me. Mom was very neglectful about getting pictures. Something about the phones ringing and trying to “deal with me” and people’s privacy. I really think she should get her priorities straight. I even hate to mention this, but I am going to anyway: I. Did. NOT. Pee. or Poop. Inside. Not. Even. Once. I was a very good girl and did what Angel Lexi used to do, but with more enthusiasm! Yay for me! I hope I go back soon. I especially really like the volunteer David, just like Angel Lexi did. I know he liked me, too.

😵🐶😒After work we drove to a place where all the lost and unwanted dogs – mostly bullie breeds like me — get dumped. I thought, “Oh no!” I know I was very good at work, and I tried to tell Mom I would never ever give her poison anything again even though I never gave it to her ever in-the-first-place and please don’t leave me. Then I saw a lot of happy people and dogs and tents and ice cream. So maybe this wasn’t so bad. Mom explained to me that I was going to get a tiny little chip stuck under my skin so that if I ever got lost I could be returned to her and Dad. That sounded good, and it didn’t even hurt when the nice lady did it. Then we went home together. (Whew!)

Well, your eyes are probably getting tired reading all this, so I will finish telling you stuff another time. Besides, it’s supper time and Riley’s tummy is growling so loud I can’t think.

Love and wiggles, Lucy.

Artsy Fartsy Ella’s Day

Ella

Ella, the sister of Piper the schnauzer

Ella is Piper’s sister, who has not appeared in Angel Lexi/Lucy’s blog very often, so you may not be acquainted with this young, vivacious boxer mix who loves everyone. Before Piper had to be kept calm because of his heart, they  chased and caught rabbits together in their backyard, along with other adventures. Ella helped him “stay young.” They still sleep together in their large wire kennel as best friends do.

During my visit at their house a week ago, I was naturally very focused on Piper, and Ella didn’t get much attention. Neither did she get mentioned in the blog posts about the trip. I’m afraid she is feeling a bit neglected and has demanded recompense by way of starring in the Caturday Art Blog Hop. “Starring” was her word, not mine – I think she must have had a visit from Angel Lexi.

 

So, without further ado, heeeeere’s Ella!

We have joined Athena Cat Goddess today in her Caturday Art Blog Hop.

Caturday Art Day

Piper’s Day with His Aunt Amy

Do you see this, Aunt Amy? I have to go through all these moving boxes to get to my water. And I drink a lot of water. My Mama says it’s cause of my sugar being off. That’s the truth! I haven’t had any sugar on me since the great powdered sugar caper years ago.  Never mind that, now I need to go out again.

Whoa! I stood up too fast. Hey! Do you see these butterflies that just appeared all around me, Aunt Amy?

Where’d they go? I think it’s getting ready to rain. Maybe we should go back inside. I wonder if the butterflies went in the house.

What are you eating, Aunt Amy? I think it is my supper time. Or lunch. Or maybe second breakfast? I feel like no one fed me today.

Your Dad fed you this morning before he left for work.

That was 87 minutes ago. Maybe even 87 hours.

I understand, sweet boy, you are a schnauzer. I will give you a little bit of lunch. Just don’t tell your Mom.

Could you give me some of that food you are eating and I won’t tell my Mom about that either?

*sigh*

Wait, you don’t really have to leave today, do you? I am going to lay on you until it is time to go. I will miss you. Come back soon.

I will miss you too, Piper and I will try to do that.

I love you, Aunt Amy. ❤

I love you too, Piper. ❤
 
 
 
 
 

Wednesday Wellness Blog

I want to share with you another article by Dr. Becker. I, for one, didn’t know that blue/green algae could be deadly.  Summer Killer Alert: Please Don’t Let Your Pets Breathe, Touch, Eat or Drink Here.

Story at-a-glance

  • A summertime hazard many pet parents aren’t aware of is toxic blue-green algae, which are found in freshwater lakes, streams and ponds
  • Blue-green algae contain deadly cyanobacteria that can cause severe illness and death, most commonly in dogs who swim in or drink from contaminated water sources
  • Exposure to blue-green algae is a medical emergency and immediate veterinary care is required
  • Since blue-green algae toxicity is often fatal even with aggressive treatment, play it safe by keeping your pet away from any body of water that is greenish in color
  • Not all blue-green algae are toxic; harmful blooms usually smell bad and resemble pea soup, green paint or floating mats of scum

Picture of grass awns credited to Tails Around the Ranch

Also, just last week I learned about a dangerous plant called grass awns at Tails Around the Ranch, featuring Sam and Elsa, two great Standard Poodles. Their Mom writes, “… I know only too well that fox tails are very much alive and well in urban settings and can easily attach themselves to a leg or paw while walking. The result can lead to infection and extensive (read expensive) vet treatment.”  If you, like me, are not familiar with this plant, you can visit Mr. Google or just follow the blog link to learn more about it.

It seems we and our animal friends live in a dangerous world. It’s summer here. Be safe.

 

Friday Foodies and Piper Update

Mom finally realized that the food she bought from Chewy.com was not raw. She had searched their site for raw food, and it popped up and she didn’t read any further. She found this out when she couldn’t find the word “raw” on the package. Upon reading the package more closely she also found that the protein/fat ratio for raw food was way off. It should be 2 parts protein to 1 part fat, and it was half and half. (Maybe ’cause it wasn’t raw, Mom.)  When she called them, they were very nice, said they would fix that search engine, and gave her all her money back. The bag is now sitting in the freezer waiting to be fed on an “emergency” basis. I wonder what kind of an emergency I could have to get some more Tylees…

Then Mom got another revelation.

Yep, she finally looked closer at this danged fish and realized why I wasn’t eating it. She put on some gloves and took a knife to it, trying to just slice off the fin. Ha, ha, that didn’t work so well. It turned into one of Phenny’s DIY projects. I listened for some HBO words, but the worst I heard was, “Ow, that does hurt,” and “I need a sharper knife,” and “I wonder who I can get to do this for me.” She finally got it done with about the same results as in Phenny’s crib. I did get to eat the head and some meat off of it, though.

Anyhow, Mom thought it was time for me to share pictures (’cause I’m not sharing my food) of what else I’ve had for supper recently. In case you didn’t know, I am on the Raw Diet. Mom says it took some time to get her head around feeding raw meat. It took me, however, no time getting my mouth around it. Mmmmmm.

beef, kale and sweet potato

 

chicken, collards, egg and coconut oil

Mom puts down my bowl and I dive in. She has to be fast to get a picture while there is still food in the bowl.

num num num

I want to end with a quick update from Mom on Piper.

Piper is holding steady, even showing some spunk. Yesterday he moved with his Mom (his Dad was already there) to Nashville. Now Piper and his family are only 2 hours away from us instead of almost 6. We are always glad to be closer, and especially at this time in Piper’s life.

Let me snooze, Momma, while you take us to our new home.

Love and wags, Lucy

Piper Update

  • Piper went to an emergency vet clinic at 4:00 Eastern Time. Although we knew Piper’s heart is enlarged, and has been for years, it does not look like he is in congestive heart failure. His liver is extremely large because of his heart problem. His liver is pushing all of his organs, including his stomach, down, causing the distension in his abdomen. His food was just sitting in his very full stomach. The food had nowhere to go since his intestines were also full. The dogtor did something called a rectal (don’t know and don’t want to know) to clear it out. That worked, and Piper went outside and pooped for five solid minutes. He felt much better, as we all would in that situation.

    He went home with instructions to go to his regular vet and have his insulin level checked. He is an insulin dependent diabetic. He seems to be out of the woods for right now. As funny as it sounds, the digestive issue would have been life-threatening if it hadn’t been resolved today. We just don’t know yet what can be done about the enlarged liver and the problems it is presenting. Many thank to everyone for their POTP, prayers, concern and comments.
    Piper was feeling much better, with a smile on his precious face even while his eyes were getting heavy on the way home.


  • Urgent POTP for Piper

    When I woke up this morning I had this text from Piper’s Mom:

    Piper’s been off today. Too much to type but just wanted to let you know we may not make it through the night. But who knows, he may be himself again tomorrow.

    This morning she wrote:

    Still here. Keeps pulling his head to the right. Like a nervous tick. Drinking tons. At one point last night he started twitching when I was trying to trim him some with just scissors. I cut his neck. 😦 He didn’t flinch. (My Note: Normally Piper would have been screaming at Mach 1 that his life was surely over if he got hurt.)

    And a bit later:

    He’s still holding steady. Still wanting food and treats. (My Note: Yes, he is definitely a schnauzer.)

     

    Please pray and give Piper your POTP. He is my Super Schnauzer Nephew.

     
     
     
     
     

    A Dog Grooming Double Entendre

    My Mom was watching videos on grooming tek neeks when her new groom got to the house. She set her laptop on the floor with the you tube video still running. Can you guess what I did? Yep, I watched how to groom shih tzu faces and yorkie faces and malteses all overs and tons of other stuff. Dad put me out in the yard for a while, but I couldn’t wait to get back in to watch more videos. I ran right to the laptop and kept watching until Mom was all done in her groom room and came back upstairs. I hope I get to watch more videos of dogs today.

    Zoe is a Papitese. She is half Papillon and half Maltese. Mom said she was a very, very good girl and got a treat and a fancy bow on her collar. Maybe I can groom Zoe next time, ’cause I have to get some paws-on experience. I will see if there is a you tube video for Papitese grooming.

    Loves and wiggles,

    Lucy

    Friday Food for Thought

    Lately, I have been doing a lot of research on dog-related matters, especially nutrition and meds. Every time I learn something new, I realize how much more I have to learn.

    For some time now, I have been wondering how much harm I have done/am doing by using insecticides in the forms of flea spray, flea baths, flea prevention, heartworm prevention and lawn products.  The question, “Why am I poisoning my dog?” keeps recurring, with the obvious answer of “for her own good.” Huh?

    I want to do better than that, and I believe I can. So, without promoting or suggesting any particular action, I want to share with you some of the things I have learned. I realize you may shrug and say that’s not for me, or, hopefully, like me, be interested enough to dig a little deeper. Today’s link is about worms and heartworms and is entitled Prevent and Treat Bug Bites with These Natural Solutions and includes a link to an illustrated Heartworm Guide.  I am very interested in hearing your thoughts.

    Have a good weekend, all!

    Getting Comfy

    I have seen the people put their feet and even their legs on this thing called an Otto Man when they are watching a movie. I like to watch movies with them, so I thought, why not try this?

    It didn’t work out quite the way I had planned. Darn Otto Man!

    So I went outside onto the patio with Riley and found a much  better way to get comfy with my best guy.