Video Star

I, Lexi, now star in my very own video on You Tube. My Dad made the video. It is inspirational, as well as very good because, well, because I am the star.

We are very sad to inform you that Lexi passed on September 4, 2016 at the age of 13. She was the originator of this blog, and has left big pawprints to fill. Xena, Lucy, Chia and Riley are doing their best to make her proud.

Lucy and Chia on Wordless Wednesday

Thanks to Comedy Plus for hosting Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop!

He’s Alive! as reported by Lucy, Ace Reporter

Lucy, Ace Reporter, back on sister station WCAH (W Crime at Home) with a surprise update on the murder case of Larry the Lemur.

Xena’s not here to tell you what should be her story because she doesn’t even know yet. She left early this morning with Dad. She was going with him to work, and then to the vet’s to get her teeth cleaned. She wanted to have a service for her friend, Larry the Lemur, who was murdered a few days ago. We all suspected Chia, but had no proof. Then, the body disappeared.

We’ve all got something to be thankful for today, especially Xena. And, for different reasons, Chia. Although, Chia might now be on the hook for “Attempted Murder of a Stuffie,” which is definitely a step down from “Homicide of a Stuffie.”

Larry suddenly appeared to a small group of stuffies who had gathered on the victrola in the front room.

Their shouts of surprise brought most of the other stuffies out of hiding to find that Larry the Lemur was healed (mostly) and back amongst them. Larry’s leg is reattached, but about 1/2 inch shorter, so he will be walking with a slight limp. His face and belly wounds are also healed. His left hand is still missing, and we think it has already been digested and discarded. He is, however, still wearing that great smile of his! Larry has now been declared their “Guru.”

With all the commotion, it didn’t take Chia long to discover that the only stuffy who could positively identify his murderer was alive again.

Riley, do you have anything to add?

I’ve been following this case with interest, Ace Reporter Lucy. While I laugh at this whole “Guru” thing, I feel Larry’s life may still be in danger. Larry needs to live long enough to point his remaining paw at Chia (or whoever murdered him, but we all know who did it). I may have to become his body guard. You know the long squirt won’t mess with me.

There you have it, folks. Be sure to stay tuned for action-filled updates on the case of “Who Murdered Larry Lemur” and “Is Larry Really a Guru?”

We are joining Comedy Plus for Happy Tuesday!

Ace Reporter with the Case of Larry Lemur

This is Lucy, Ace Reporter, with news coming to you live from sister station WCAH (Crime At Home).

Today we learned the shocking news that Detective Larry Lemur has met his demise. He was found gutted and dismembered. This is a disturbing picture, so please skip it if you are of a delicate nature.

All attempts at resuscitation were in vain. One bystander was overheard saying, “At least he died with a smile on his face.” That’s why we think the murderer struck fast with no warning. There is a slash above his nose, and his abdomen is ripped open. And, of course, his leg was torn off. It took a moment to realize that his left hand is missing, too.

Xena, it’s well-known that Larry Lemur was your friend. However, he recently questioned you in the greatly overstated death of Riley’s stuffy, Rainey. How did you feel about that?

Well, Lucy, I wasn’t planning on leaving town anyhow, so I think he was just doing his job. No hard feelings. Besides, Larry and I really were friends. I think it’s terrible that his life was cut short, right when he had started his career. We should have a service for him.

Chia, after Xena had pointed her paw at you, Detective Larry Lemur also questioned you for the same non-crime. You knew Larry had been added to the household to be Xena’s friend. There are rumors that you took out Larry in a reprisal against both him and Xena. Is that true?

Chia: No one can prove anything! Umm, I mean, I’m innocent, Your Honor!

There you have it folks. Lucy signing off with another unsolved case of W Crime At Home.

And a big thank you to Miss Sandee at Comedy Plus for hosting Awww Monday!

Sunday Selfie by Jemma

Many thanks to  The Cat on My Head  for hosting Sunday Selfies!

Hi, I’m Jemma. I think we might have met before. I’m here with my Mom, Uncle Jeff’s sister. Me and my Mom, we live in Illinois. We’re here in Tennessee so my Mom can visit her brother and also go to her conference in a city called Nashville. She’s been gone overnight, at least 87 hours, and I’ve been scared.

I have my own room, and I stayed in it all day yesterday, guarding my space, and all night too. Today I’m trying to be braver. Riley scares me. Chia kinda scares me. Xena kinda scares me, too. I like Lucy. I growled at Aunt Amy every time she came in “my” room, even when she brought me peace offerings and sat on the floor with me. This morning she lifted her lip and growled back. That scared me, too, but now I at least know who’s boss. So I finally decided to try to trust her. After all, someone has to feed me and take me outside, right? And I don’t know if my Mom is ever coming back. So I’m outa my room and trying harder to fit in. Maybe I’ll see y’all again soon, if I’m gonna be living here. (Do you like how I used the Southern “y’all?” I’m trying.)

*little wags* Jemma

From Aunt Amy: Jemma’s Mom will be back later this afternoon.

Grooming with Mom: Tucker

Lucy, Ace Reporter here on the Groom Beat.
Today, we have only half a story. The ending has not yet been determined.

I know you’re all used to seeing cute pups come in looking a mess and go out all spiffed up. Groomer Mom forgot to get an after picture–she was too upset. No, there were no accidents during the groom. But there were no grooms during the past 12 months for this poor, elderly schnauzer. This picture was taken after Groomer Mom cut a path for him to be able to see a little bit while she kept grooming.

Tucker if 14 or 15 years old. His Mom, an elderly lady, died a year ago, at which time her son took in Tucker. The son had never had a schnauzer, or any dog who needed groomed. He lives in the neighborhood and saw the grooming sign in our front yard. He was hesitant to bring Tucker because he was so embarrassed, but Groomer Mom kept telling him how glad she was that he did. Tucker’s new dad said they couldn’t stand the stink anymore.

Tucker is a good boy and was used to being on the groom table. He was not used to having his face shaved. The hair on both sides of his schnozzle was matted to the skin, so there was no saving his beard. Upon trying to shave the terribly matted left side of Tuckers face, a cauliflower-like growth was uncovered, and the shaving had to go over and around it. That was Groomer Mom’s breaking point with this schnauzer, and her tears started to leak from her eyes. Anyhow, Groomer Mom thinks it’s a papilloma, with hope that the other, smooth ones are also benign. Some are bigger, some smaller, on his back, his cheeks, and his foot. It shows red here from having to shave the thickly matted hair off it.

Groomer assistant Dad had to be called in as Groomer Mom tried – unsuccessfully – for 20 minutes to shave an oblong, hard, matted area on the other (right) side of Tuckers snout, under his eye. The little she did manage to shave and showed red, inflamed skin underneath. She finally quit when Tucker became extremely agitated. And she cried some more.

Groomer Mom used a medicated shampoo with Chlorhexidine and Ketoconazole. Unfortunately, he still had an odor to him when he dried.

When Tucker’s dad came to get him, Groomer Mom showed him this 3/4″ thick, half dollar-size lump of hair on his face. She told him to take Tucker to the vet soon for him to be lightly sedated and have the vet’s office remove that mat. It is notable that in all the years she has been grooming, Groomer Mom has never before met a mat she couldn’t conquer. Then she showed him all the tumors for the vet to look at while he’s there. She was emphatic that he do this soon! He told her that Tucker had missed his spring annual checkup so he would get it all done at once. At that, Groomer Mom again emphatically told him to not allow the vet to give this elderly dog vaccinations, and explained why. She ended by telling him that she had a product called Anti-Vaccinosis to be given right after vaccinations to help counter the heavy metals and other not-good things mixed into the vaccinations, and said she would let him use it if he decided to get the vaccinations for Tucker anyway.

He left with Tucker, promising to bring him back before he gets looking too bad. If he doesn’t, Groomer Mom knows where he lives, only two houses away, and told us we could all poop in his yard.

This is Lucy, Ace Reporter, signing off with hopes of giving you a successful “after-picture” in about six weeks.

Detective Larry Lemur and the Case of the Murdered Stuffie

Many thanks to Comedy Plus for hosting Happy Tuesday.

Larry Lemur: *gasp* Someone suffocated Rainey!

There’s a murderer among us. I need to start bringing in suspects.

So, Xena, where were you last night and this morning?

Xena: Last night I laid on Daddy’s lap while he and Mommy watched their show on Netflix. Then I went to bed with them and slept all night in the bedroom with the door closed. Do you have any idea how upset Riley’s going to be?

Larry: I do. So are you saying you’re innocent? If you’re innocent, why are you wearing those Big Girl Panties even though you don’t go into heat anymore? Are you trying to wear a disguise?
Xena: Well, I’m not so sure I’m exactly innocent. I mean, I did chase a lizard into Lucy’s mouth once, and I’ve tried to catch chipmunks. Mommy put these Big Girl Panties on me so I couldn’t lick and chew on my tummy because of my allergies. Did you notice they match my herbal flea collar? But no, I didn’t kill Rainey. I think it was Chia.

Larry: Fine. You’re free to go. But don’t leave town.
Larry, talking to himself: Hmmm. I know Lucy has absolutely no interest in stuffies, and she’s the least likely dog to inflict harm on anyone or anything. Although she and Ella did tear up the back of the couch cushion once when their folks were all gone. But that was a long time ago and she has promised to never do anything like that again. She’s a dog of her woof. So…

Chia, did you murder Riley’s Rainey?
Chia: I’m innocent, Your Honor.

Sure, I’ve killed my share of stuffies, but I know better than to mess with Riley. You know he’s going to make somebody pay for this, and I don’t mean with cash or treats. Nobody, but nobody, crosses Riley (except Mom the Brave). There’s going to be pain and suffering…I should run away again.

Later…

Rainey: Hey there Riley. Do you have any idea where everyone went? I can’t find any of the other woofers.

Riley: *slurp, slurp*
Rainey: I mean, I laid down on the loveseat to catch some zzzz’s, but the sun was in my eyes so I covered my head with the pillow before falling asleep. I woke up to the sound of dogs running and doors slamming. Oh well, you and me, we can still have some fun together. Umm, what’s with the Cone of Handsomeness, Big Guy?
Riley: Allergies, and bacterial and yeast infections. I’m on meds, but in the meantime, Mom Amy doesn’t want me licking and chewing on myself. Yeah, let’s go find something to do around here, like figure out where everyone went to.

Larry, peeking around the corner: Case closed!

Sunday Guest Selfie: Markel

Many thanks to  The Cat on My Head  for hosting Selfie Sunday!

Lucy: Originally, Groomer Mom said I could do a Grooming with Mom feature on our newest pup who came for a groom. But she was so excited about finally having another schnauzer on the table that she forgot to get his “before” picture. Markel is the only schnauzer Mom has ever seen whose hair is like our Angel Lexi’s. Xena’s breeder said that there was poodle somewhere in Lexi’s family tree. Her hair — especially her leggings — had a tight, thick curl. Markel’s hair is almost as curly! Anyhow, take it away, Markel!

Hi, I’m Markel, but everyone calls me Baby Dog. My last groomer shaved all the hair off the top of my schnout, but my new groomer said something like, “Uh, uh, homey don’t do dat.” OK, BOL, maybe not in those words, but she said that is NOT how a schnauzer is groomed! So it’s growing out nicely. The rest of me was groomed like a Scottie, but my new groomer fixed that, too.

I don’t really like getting groomed, especially my feet and ears, but I do like looking handsome for my girl Peaches. She was super sweet to me after my 1st groom at this new place, so I guess I’ll keep coming. Groomer Mom has good treats, too.

Can you tell I love posing for pictures? I think it’s a “thing” with us schnauzers. Anyhoo, nice meeting y’all, and maybe I’ll see ya next time. *wags* Baby Dog

Grooming with Mom: Teddy

I am Lucy, Ace Reporter, coming to you on the Groom Beat! Today we are joining Brian’s Thankful Thursday, with special thanks to Brian for hosting it!

Once again one of Groomer Mom’s regular clients sent us a referral. Teddy is a six year old Maltese. He was adopted as an adult, and has sired several litters of Maltese puppies. He has a good home and is a Velcro dog with his Mom. Even so, he is very unsure of himself and afraid.

With his Dad’s permission, Groomer Mom gave Teddy a dropperful of valerian liquid to calm him. It didn’t work. He continued to shake throughout the time he was visiting. But Teddy is a good little boy, and Groomer Mom enjoyed having him “on the table.” (That’s a grooming term.) The last groomer had cut his hair short all the way around his ears. There’s wasn’t much could be done there except even up the bottoms and let them grow out more. And boy oh boy, under all that long hair he was matted to the skin like felt.

When Teddy was finished with his groom, he got a nautical bow on his collar and sat in Groomer Mom’s lap waiting for his Dad to pick him up.

His Dad came and told Groomer Mom, “We won’t wait so long next time to get him groomed,” and left her a $10 tip.

Lucy, Ace Reporter, hoping for a good treat tip for reporting on another episode of Grooming with Mom!

Lucy and Xena on Selfie Sunday

Many thanks to  The Cat on My Head  for hosting Selfie Sunday!

Xena: This week it’s Lucy’s turn to do a selfie. She hates having her picture taken, so I selflessly volunteered to be in the picture with her, making it an “ussie.”

OK, Lucy, look at Mommy. She’s got two fish oil pills in her hand, and you get one of them if you look at her. You know you want one!

Good girl, Lucy! You did great! I’ll help you every time it’s your turn. Now, for that fish oil…

Have a great Sunday, everyone! XOX Lucy and Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess

Chia and Mr. Rat

Today we are joining Brian’s Thankful Thursday, with special thanks to Brian for hosting it!

A few days ago Riley told you about Racky-D, and his decision to keep him, not deadie him. Well, back at the beginning of the month, I got a new stuffy for my birthday, and promised to show you a better picture of him when he wasn’t being so shy.

Today’s the day! I’m thankful for my Mr. Rat on Thankful Thursday and every day
. Sometimes Xena grabs him and takes off. I know it’s so I will chase her, and it always works! Then we play tug o’ war until one of us loses interest.

Since Riley named his racoon dog Racky-D, I’ve been thinking about a new name for Mr. Rat. Something like Ratto or Ratty or something. Any thoughts? And no, Xena, we’re not having a contest, and no one’s going to win anything. Sheesh. I think she must watch the game shows on TV when Mom and Dad are at work and Lucy and I are snuggled up sleeping.

Sometimes I ask Mom to play with me and Mr. Rat.

Mom has a new game where she pretends not to notice, then grabs him up quick as lightening and throws him across the room. I leap across whoever else is on the couch, propel myself off the couch arm, and tear after Mr. Rat. Sometimes Xena fakes me out, acting like she’s going to go get him, and that makes me run even faster, like the Flash!

I’m also thankful that all y’all love me, and if you want to come visit I’ll sit in your lap or play with you and cuddle with you under the covers in the bed.

Your buddy, Chia

Riley on Selfie Sunday

Hi folks, I get to do the selfie today in honor of Angel Mau at The Cat on My Head. There are those extra special companions who deserve special recognition. I hope I will be one of them when I am gone.

Do you remember me getting a new stuffie for my birthday on May 1? At that time I hadn’t decided whether to cherish it or deadie it, so I didn’t name it. That all changed not long ago.

Here is Raccoon Dog with me in my bed for my Sunday selfie. Racky-D for short. In case you were wondering it was Chia who took his eye. I almost lost my right eye, too, and it’s been cloudy ever since. So I took that as a sign that we should be friends.

Hoping everyone’s having a good Sunday. I’ve started on a new food, and I think it must be close to supper time. I can’t wait to lick my bowl clean again. OK, so gotta go and see if supper’s being served.

*wags* Riley and Racky-D.

Grooming Kylo on Thankful Thursday

Hi folks. The first thing I am thankful for today – or maybe I should say first person I am thankful for today – is Ann Adamus who created my new Ace Reporter logo! Thanks, Ann!!

I am Lucy, Ace Reporter, coming to you on the Groom Beat! Today we are joining Brian’s Thankful Thursday, with special thanks to Brian for hosting it!

Today I would like to introduce a young standard poodle by the name of Kylo, who turned one year old this month. He is a service dog to a special needs young lady who comes with her Mom to get Kylo groomed. At first, Groomer Mom said, “Sorry, he is too big. I only groom small dogs.”

But Kylo’s Mom has a special Super Power of Persuasion, and the rest is history. Kylo gets his bath at home the day before he comes, all ready for Groomer Mom’s magic scissors. Even at one he is a very wiggly puppy, so his special girl helps Mom by holding onto him and distracting him when it is needed, and she does a very good job!

After losing a sack full of hair to the clippers and scissors, Kylo was ready to go home.

Groomer Mom told this reporter that she is thankful she ended up saying “yes,” because this Mom, daughter and loving pooch are all very special!

This ends today’s edition of Grooming with Mom. Lucy, Ace Reporter, signing off.

It’s Noodle’s Birthday

 Thanks to The Kitties Blue for hosting Sunday Selfies every week!

If you remember our Lexi the Schnauzer, you probably remember her boyfriend Noodle. Today we are giving him the Sunday Selfie spot.

This photo is from a year ago. Noodle’s Mom no longer has a blog for him, but she does have a FB page. So where are we going with this? Today is Noodle’s 12th birthday! If you like, you can drop by here to wish him a happy birthday.

Noodle was going to be Lexi’s VM when she won the mayoral election (I have to say “when”, since she would have been extremely upset if I had said “if.”):

And he took her on some very romantic trips:

Let’s dance, Lexi!

I love you, Lexi, and to prove it I brought us lunch.

You look beautiful with your ears and beard flying back in the wind!

So today, we celebrate Noodle!

Super Hero Riley

Hey Spicoli, it was nice to meet you when I was a guest on the What Went Into that Dog game show over at the Oceanside Animals. When you asked me to be on your Super Hero team, I told you being a Super Hero would cut into my nap time. How did I know that? Because I’ve already been one, that’s how! I promised you a picture to prove it, so here you go.

Oops, wrong picture. That’s when I got my head stuck in my Christmas present bag. Let me try again.

Oops, wrong picture again. That’s from when the evil wizard stuck me in a snow globe.
Wait, I think I found it.

Yep, I know you can’t tell, but it’s really me behind that super hero mask!

So anyhow, dude, tell everyone how much fun I had being there with y’all and thanks to the Dada for making it all happen. Keep on keepin’ on! *wags* Riley

Cone of Allergies, Shirt and Big Girl Panties

I’m trying to hide in here.

Thanks to Comedy Plus for hosting Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop so everyone can witness what happened to me for having Mommy up since 2:00 this morning, asking for help with my allergies and the flea that bit my ear!)

Xena the Disgruntled Schnauzer Warrior Princess

It’s My Birthday! by Chia

I told you there was a surprise today, didn’t I?! It’s the day we celebrate my birthday, since I couldn’t remember the actual day in July to tell my new pawrents 17 months ago. They said I am a real fire cracker, so they decided the 4th of July would be an appropriate day to celebrate. I was extra good this morning. I didn’t jump all over Mom in the bed, but curled up next to her after Dad gave me my breakfast. I didn’t growl (play) at Lucy or just cause general havoc. I’ve been on my best behavior all day!

So, I know you’re just panting to know what I did today. Or maybe you’re panting ’cause it’s so doggone hot outside right now. Anyhoo, I had my very first trip to the dog park — before it got hot outside.. It was just me and Mom and Dad. Guess what happened when we got inside the huge fenced area. Mom took off my halter and leash!! I ran all around, from side to side and front to back. In the past, I’ve had to “escape” to run like that!

I saw some bigger dogs in a separate area on the other side of a fence and I wanted to go play with them, but I couldn’t get in there.

So I ran along the fence and some of those nice dogs ran along with me on the other side of the fence. What I wasn’t counting on was that my fence ran out before theirs did. Look to the right of where I am standing, at that chain link. I was running really fast, watching the other dogs, and, as they kept running, mid-leap I bounced right off that fence. It kinda gave some, then threw me back the way from where I had come. By the way, BellaDharma, I landed on my feet like a cat!

I tried to ignore Mom and Dad almost falling off the bench ’cause they were laughing so hard! Speaking of Mom and Dad, I kept coming over and jumping between them on the bench to say, “Hi! Thanks for bringing me here!” I wanted to be sure they knew I appreciated this birthday treat and was being a good girl so they would bring me back. I don’t think Dad was even upset when I got his short pants all muddy, either. After a certain dog on the other side of the fence left, Mom decided it was safe for us to go over to the Big Dog Lot. I surprised them by ignoring the other dogs and running all around this super big area looking for a way out securing the borders. After about 90 minutes I got my harness back on and pulled them to the car (no, I wasn’t worn out from running most of that time!)

When we got home I got another surprise…a birthday bath! Grrrr.

Seems like it’s a tradition around here…one that should be banned.

Next was our treat puzzles.

We all got to play. But I graduated to one of the great big ones, cause I’m two now!

Lucy used it last time, but she had some trouble figuring it out. So she and I traded and, well, I hate to admit it, but I had some trouble with it too. Mom showed me how to take the white plastic bones out and then I could move the red thingies around to get what was under them. Lucy finished hers that used to be mine and came over to help me. I said, “NO! I’ve got this!”

Then Xena showed me how to throw the white bones onto the floor and flip the tops of the red thingies. I let her have a treat or two for helping. When we were all done and Mom was picking everything up to put away, she couldn’t find two of my white bone thingies. Then she caught me in the next room with them. I figured if I destroyed them, it would be much easier to use the puzzle next time. Drat, I wasn’t quick enough!

After the folks ate a late lunch, I got my present.

You can stop singing now and give me my present, please. I know you’re holding it behind your back.

A Rat! What could be a better present for a part-Jack Russell Terrier?!

Come on, Mr. Rat, I’ll show you around.

I took Mr. Rat to the dog lot and showed him all around, like the best places to poop and the best places to dig up stones. Then, to everyone’s surprise, I brought him back in.

Thanks, Mom and Dad, for the best birthday ever!

You can stop mooning everyone now, Mr. Rat.
Hmmm, he seems a bit shy, but I’ll get him to pose for a picture next time.

And a big thank you to Miss Sandee at Comedy Plus for hosting Awww Monday!

*Wags and Wiggles and Love* Birthday Girl Chia

Too Busy for Sunday Selfie

 Thanks to The Kitties Blue for hosting Sunday Selfies every week!

Xena: What did you say, Mom? It’s time for a Sunday selfie?

OK, will this work?

I can do better? Sorry, I’m in the middle of playing, and trying to ignore the thunder.

Chia: Hey XeBoo, do you see this thing on the carpet?

Xena: How can I see anything on the carpet when I’m laying on my back, LongBoo?

Xena: I’m not seeing anything, but there’s a good smell here I think I’ll roll in.

Chia: You don’t see it because…

…because it’s in my mouth!

Happy Sunday and a service announcement from Chia: Besides being the 4th of July, tomorrow’s another special day for me! I’ll letcha’all know what kind of fun we have…maybe tomorrow, maybe the next day. OK? Luv ya!

WW Cuddle Time with Dad

Thanks to Comedy Plus for hosting Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop.

It’s nice to cuddle on Daddy’s lap while he watches Netflix in the evening. We love our Dad!
XOX Chia and Xena

Selfie Sunday by Xena

Hi friends, and thanks to The Kitties Blue for hosting Selfie Sundays every week! Today I want to show you a selfie with me and one of my new good friends, Arty.

Remember when Arty stayed with us a few days not long ago? He heard about these selfies and I told him I would help him with his first one. He did really great…with a little help from a friend.
We both wish you a great last week of June!

Wags from Xena and Arty

My Birthday by Xena

Hi, all my friends! I know you must have been laying awake last night wondering if I had a good birthday. You can sleep well tonight knowing I did. I want to tell you about my day, OK?

The first thing to tell is that we have all been taking turns sleeping in bed with Mommy and Daddy. But I got to sleep in bed with them the last two night as a special treat for my birthday. Besides that, Mommy says I’m her special, baby girl, and loves to fall asleep holding me. Except when my bee hind is in her face, of course. When we got up, Mommy looked at me and said those dreaded five words, “You need a bath.” Then she added, “But it’s your birthday, so we’ll wait ’til tomorrow.”

When Mommy checked her email, she found this:

While it was nice to get a card from the AKC, it would have been nicer to get the cupcake!

After breakfast, Mommy took me outside , not in the fenced dog lot and let me do my thing.

These drainage pipes have always fascinated me, so I decided to check them out. Mommy ran over one of them with the lawnmower this year, so it was easy to stick my head in it.

I’m sure I smell something in there. Is it another chippie?

Come out, come out, wherever you are!

Fine! I’ll just lay here and wait.

Maybe it’s lizards. I haven’t had any lizards to chase since the snake ate them all last summer.

I can smell you!

I thought maybe the critter got out and ran along the wall, but I still couldn’t find it!

OK, Mommy, I’m done with that, and ready to move on.

I love our backyard. There’s so many things to smell! I’ve gotta decide where to go next. I could spend the whole day out here!

I decided to ‘splore behind the shed. It’s one of my favorite places, with lots of leaves and wood and especially smells!

I don’t usually get to run through the wooded area, so I tried to be careful and not get in any poison ivy.

My last place to ‘splore was the cactus garden. I found a new chippie hole and got my nose all the way down it, but didn’t find a chippie. I’ll check back later.

After all that digging and ‘sploring, Mommy changed her mind and I got a bath after all. Drat. But, along with it being my b-day, it gets me another night in the big bed!

The next nice thing was Mommy filling up all the treat puzzles and giving them to us.

Riley wouldn’t eat his breakfast today, but I noticed that he not only got all the treats out of his puzzle, but he checked out all of ours when we were done. I helped Lucy a little bit, too. Hers is just like mine, and I showed her how to do it better.

Chia: Does this mean I have to wish Xena a happy birthday?

Xena: Ignore her. We find that usually works best. So tonight, I got lots more meat in my supper, and I’m ready to chill out with Mommy. With that said, I’ll say nighty night, and wish you a great Wednesday.

XOXOX Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess Birthday Girl

We got news last night of River Song of Small Tales suddenly having to cross the Rainbow Bridge. We are all very sad about that, and offer POTP and prayers for her family. Run free, dear friend.