Riley on Thankful Poetic Thursday

I’m on a streak here for the poetry Thursday. Chia’s complaining, but she is alway complaining about something, so all I can say is “deal with it.” I might, and I mean might let her do the poem next week. We’ll see.

Here’s the picture Angel Sammy gave us to work with. Of course, it has had a small alteration.

The Travel Guide by Riley

Hello Monsieur Bear.
It’s nice to have you here.
I hope your trip was good
And you got some fishy food.

I’m your travel guide;
I’ll take you far and wide.
Where’er you want to go
Moving fast or moving slow.

To the spots the tourists go,
Moving fast or taking it slow.
Or to spots much more remote,
Touring farms with cows and goats.

You can’t eat them when you’re there
But I’ll get you some sans hair.
We’ll go to a movie show
Or to a club b’low.

Watch that bus! It’s coming fast!
Oh crap! He shouldn’t of smoked that grass.
If that bus had only braked!
But what a pretty rug he’ll make.

A bear rug, BOL! I bet that would be super soft to lay on. Now for my thankful. My Person Andrew has been here with me all last week and all this week. That makes my heart happy.
Hey, anyone else got a thankful today?

Chia: I’m thankful that Mom and Dad’ve been taking me and my sisters on a lot more walks. I pull so hard on the leash that my nails scrape on the road and I don’t have to get them cut. I’m really thankful for that too!

Riley: Chia, you’re weird.

Chia: Grrrrrrr *runs away*

We give many thanks to Angel Sammy for the fun picture this week and to Angel Brian for hosting Thankful Thursday!

Your friends, Riley and Chia

Thankful Poetry Thursday with Riley

I get to write another poem today, and I’m going to try really hard to be great at it.

I’m the Kid by Riley

I know this swing is just for kids
And the rules us pups forbid,
But I’m the kid in my family
Just with a different anatomy.

I steal the food and run through the house,
Slipping away quiet as a mouse.
When Mom’s on the phone I bark loud.
Of my high howl I’m very proud.

I’ve toys that fill the living room
Plus my own bed, my own costume.
Yet in bed with my folks I creep,
Praying, “Now I lay me down to sleep.”

Amen
Now here’s some thankfuls from my two little sisters.

Chia: Well, I have, besides the GPS tracker I already wear on my collar, yet another little tag to trace my every move. I couldn’t be happier – NOT! Why do these people think they have to know everywhere I go? And now I jingle louder as I run through the house, so they even know where I am when I’m at home. It must be an obsession. Here’s the stupid thing that’s now hanging on me. I’ll be happy when it falls off and gets lost.

Xena: My collar name tag broke, so Mommy ordered me a MYLUCKYTAG QR Code Pet ID Tag from the amazing Amazon. It looks like this. Now if I somehow get lost, my Mommy will be able to find me through something called a Gee Pee Ess, and find me even better if a nice person scans that square thing on the back and contacts her. They’ll know I’m lost cause the tag says so. She also got me one that slides on my collar that has my name and Mommy and Daddy’s phone numbers on it. I’m so thankful they love me and want me to be with them. That makes me happy.

The Mom: I’m so very thankful that such great technology exists to help get our beloved cats and dogs back to us if they should get lost. I’m also thankful that it has a free subscription so that I can see where in the world they are and so that anyone who finds them can contact me. Go technology! Here’s a link if you want to check them out. (Nope, not getting anything for this other than the satisfaction of knowing it could be of use to someone.)

And here’s many thanks to Angel Sammy for the fun picture this week and to Angel Brian for hosting Thankful Thursday!

Chia on Happy Tuesday

Chia and Xena lick the plastic wrappings their Ollie food comes in after I empty it while preparing their next supper and breakfast. I usually feed raw, but when I don’t have meat in the house or am just feeling lazy or rushed, I give them this pre-made, gently cooked food for raw or almost-raw fed dogs. And for people who can’t stand the thought of feeding raw, but want a healthier diet for their dogs. (No, I’m not getting anything for telling you this!)

Along with that, Chia knows if scraps of food are sitting on the edge of the kitchen counter, she is allowed to eat them. With that info, here is Chia!

This little girl, for as naughty as she can sometimes be, gives us so many smiles and laughter, and warms our hearts.

Thanks to Miss Sandee at Comedy Plus for hosting Happy Tuesday Blog Hop!

Lucy and Chia on Poetic Thankful Thursday

Lucy: This is supposed to be my month to most of the blog posts, but everyone else has been taking over ’cause I don’t like my picture taken. So for today, I made a deal with Chia. I’ll let her be in the picture – with a by-line – and then I get to do the poem. Oh, and she also gets to do a thankful or two.

First, many thanks to Angel Sammy for the fun picture this week and to Angel Brian for hosting Thankful Thursday!

Now, here’s the picture Angel Sammy gave us to work with and then my poem!

Human or Beast by Lucy, with Chia helping with the visual
Human or beast, I’m questioning.
I see a long tail, but no sight of it’s “thing.”
I’m sniffing it’s butt; no odor at all!
If I push real hard, I might make it fall!!

Sniffing up higher…yep, woman for sure.
I live with my Mom and know that odor.
I’ve got it all solved! The beast is cement.
The broad’s on it’s back with a coat like a tent.

Lucy: Since it was Chia in the picture I pretended she was here writing the poem. I think I did pretty good at that. I’m thankful to have you as my friends. Everyone is always so nice to me. *wags* And as you’re reading this I’m probably at the church visiting with Pastor. Mom said she hopes I’ve learned my lesson, and I think I have.

Chia: I like getting my picture taken, just like Xena!

Sis Xena isn’t gonna be too happy about not going to work with Mom every day, but eh bien, right Nelly? I’m thankful to be allowed to sleep under the covers with Mom and Dad. Sometimes I’m in sleeping with Andrew and Riley, and that’s really great, too! And I’m thankful that Dad has started taking me for walks again! And I’m really thankful for my sister Lucy. She’s my BFF (even though I don’t always treat her real nice). But I do love her and cuddle and sleep with her, too, during the day.

Guess that’s all for now, friends. Love and *wags* and *wiggles,* Lucy and Chia

Chia’s Poem and Thankful Thursday

Thanks to Angel Sammy for the fun picture this week and to Angel Brian for hosting Thankful Thursday!

Hey there, friends! You may – or may not – have noticed that I’ve gotten to do the posting for a whole week long! It’s been a blast! (Mom says it helps keep me outa trouble.)

But all good things must come to an end…or at least slow down for just a bit. So here’s my last post before my brother and sisters get their turns…for maybe weeks…who knows?! **wiggles**

Partying (or Tie Up Your Boat Better)  by Chia

We found a little island in the middle of the river.
I said, “Let’s stop and drink some booze e’en though it kills your liver.”
We drank and laughed and barked and howled until we all fell over.
Didn’t notice when the river round the island moved in closer.
Or when the boat we all came on broke free to float down river.

We fell asleep and spent the night til we all had to pee.
The boat was gone, and snapping turtles waited in the lee.
I saw some ducks who had no legs attached below the knee,
I knew I wasn’t jumping in – didn’t want that to be me!
Finally our pawrent appeared to rescue all us three!

The End

Now I’m passing the keyboard over to Xena who’s got some thankfuls today. Take it away, galfriend!
Xena: Uh, thanks, Chia. I am sorry for Lucy who lost her church privileges for reasons I have sworn to her to keep secret. But I am thankful that I have been chosen to be the new church dog as long as I don’t pee on the carpet.

 I pooped in the room next to the office, but that was easy to clean up and I was only in a little bit of trouble. Now Mom’s taking me out to potty more often. The treats are good and it’s a good gig if you can get it (and not lose it, Loosy!)

Your friends, Chia Mia and Xexe

Chia: Pee Ess, when do I get to go to the church with Mom?
Everyone: NEVER!!

Mom’s note: Chia would be a great church dog if she didn’t have the chance to run out the door that’s just outside of my office and get squished on a very busy road!

Catch the Dot

Thanks to  Comedy Plus for hosting Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop!

Chia the Mover on Awww Monday

I wanted to see outside. I was tired of the same old view through the windows while sitting on the loveseat. It was very limiting. I saw the chair at Mom’s desk. It even had a nice soft pillow on it. So I moved it over and positioned it so I could sit in it and watch out the window.

Oh, hi Mom. Not doing anything, just the usual neighborhood watch. How’d the chair get over here? I put it here. What’s the big deal? You weren’t using it.

Sure, you can take my picture for Awww Monday. I get a treat for it, right? And tell everyone I said “Hey!”

Many thanks to Miss Sandee at Comedy Plus for hosting Awww Monday!

Caution: Watching TV Can Cause Drowsiness

Thanks to  Comedy Plus for hosting Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop!

Happy Tuesday with Xena and Chia

Chia: Guess what me and Xena did on Sunday! Remember why Xe didn’t wanna do a Sunday selfie? No? It’s cause she knew she was going to Freestyle after a long time of not going and was real anxious to get there. And guess who else got to go…me!!!!!!!!!

Xena: Yep, wasn’t as good as just me and Mommy, but it sure was a lot better than not going. I was so excited, and Miss Julia asked me and Mommy to demonstrate a lot of things for the beginners. I got an A++++++! I remembered all of it, watched Mommy for cues and did it just right.

Chia: Yep, and I’m one of those beginners, so I watched real close so that when it was my turn with Mom, I would do it just right, too. And I mostly did! I even got to work off-leash some. Of course, there were treats involved.

Xena: Mommy brought a lot of CD’s home to listen to the music in my tempo (32 bpm) and Chia’s tempo (50 bpm). We’ll help her pick out the ones we like most. Then we’ll do things like help her with the movements. And Mommy will have to download the songs from the CDs and cut parts of it to be the right length for each of us. I’m going to perform in the top level this time, Level 4.

Chia: Mom’s still deciding if I’ll be a total beginner in Level 1 (on leash) or if I get to start in Level 2B (off-leash). We can’t do Level 2A because Mom’s already titled Lexi and Xena. I think I’m a 2B kinda girl! Hmmm, 2B or not 2B, that is the question…where have I heard that before…

Maybe next time we’ll have pictures of us at the Obedience Club where we’re taking our lessons.

Chia: In the meantime, I have something to tell y’all. I didn’t realize this until it happened, and now I know I’m absolutely the smartest dog in the neighborhood, maybe in the whole world.

I’m super smart!

Seriously! Here’s what happened:

Monday night I was standing in the bedroom with Mom who needed to get into “her” bathroom” and had given brother Andrew – who was in the jacuzzi tub - a 30 minute warning. An hour later she yelled through the door that she needed in there now! He said, “Just give me 30 seconds to get decent.” At that, Mom started counting the seconds out loud. You know… one, two, three, and so on. I had scratched at the door a couple of times to tell him to hurry up. Then, just as Mom said, “thirty,” I threw myself at the door and it opened. I know what Thirty means! It means open the @#*! door!!! And I did!!

*Wags* and many thanks to Miss Sandee at Comedy Plus, who is hosting Happy Tuesday Blog Hop!

Xena and Chia, the happy (and smart) pups

Thankful Poetry Thursday

Thanks to Angel Sammy for the picture this week and for Angel Brian’s Home Blog for Thankful Thursday.

Hey, it’s Chia here and I am having a blast with this picture. All I can say is I’m sure glad it isn’t my snout that birdie has ahold of! Well, OK, maybe that’s not all I can say…how about some poetry!

Taking Care of Yourself   by Chia Bee-ah

We were singing and dancing and ready to dive
When here came this fool bird to eat us alive.
I yelled and I screamed at it, “Let my nose be!”
While the coward behind me yelled, “Eat her, not me!”

I grabbed it and tore off its wings and its nose.
Then this guy’s small manhood I quickly disposed.
I pushed them both overboard into the sea
‘Fore turning back into a mean killer bee.

He, he, did you like my poem? *wags* It was really cool, right? Bet I surprised you!

Now for my thankfuls. Let’s see… I’m really thankful Miss Christy came and took care of me when Mom and Dad deserted me. And I’m thankful Andrew is back staying with us for a little while. And I’m thankful for all the snow and ice that’s keeping both Mom and Dad working at home instead of going away all day. It’s kinda fun to ‘splore in too!

There’ll bee, er be, more wintery pictures of us coming soon. In the meantime, stay warm and dry and safe.

Your buddy, Chia

Sleepy Saturday

Riley: My Person Andrew has gone back to his house, so I think I’ll just relax and sleep the day away.

Chia: That was a good breakfast, and I’m just going to go back to bed and wait for something interesting to happen. No one has to help me; I know how to tuck myself in!

Hmmm, I wonder if Xena is playing with one of my stuffies….and what’s Lucy doing? And did I just hear a door?

Chia’s Happy Tuesday

Hey everyone! Did you see the what I got for Christmas? Yep, I got the praying bear, but I also got a half me. Mom and Dad think I’m half dachshund and half jack russell terrier. I got a dachshund stuffie!!

Mom, I’m sorry I chewed MeMine’s nose off. Is my nose still there? I mean, it’s only half me, right?

Anyhoo, Happy Tuesday! From me, Chia, and Miss Sandee at Comedy Plus, who is hosting Happy Tuesday Blog Hop!

Christmas Waiting and Treat Puzzles

Merry Christmas to all our friends! We are still waiting for brother Andrew and Jentry so we can get our pressies. In the meantime, Mommy gave us treat puzzles to work on. Here’s a short video of us all hard at work getting the treats out of the puzzles. You’ll see Riley in the background.

After we all decided there was no more treat goodness left in any of the puzzles, Chia started disassembling one of the bigger puzzles and taking the pieces into my our kennel to chew up. Seeing how it’s Christmas, Mommy only laughed at her and put what was left of the pieces back into the puzzle as best she could. You should have seen Chia’s surprise when she didn’t get scolded! May the spirit of Christmas last the whole year through!

Love and Happiness from Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess

Thankful Thursday

It’s just my third Christmas, but I think I have it figured out. We get presents, and sometimes give presents to others, too. I got a kind of a present in that I got to do the picture poem today!

Get Up Santa    by Chia

Santa, Santa, please don’t die!
All kids across the world will cry.
Santa, please don’t just lay there!
I’ve brought Ratto ; we can play here.

Did you just drink too much eggnog?
What can I do, I’m just a small dog!
Come on, I want to drive your sleigh.
Get up, Santa, so we can play!

Now my thankful: I’m thankful for my good food and that Mom threw out the rest of the rotten alligator meat. Yuck! And I’m thankful for my stuffies and hope I get more from Santa Paws! Hey Santa Paws, I’m being a good girl! Chia

Thanks to Angel Sammy for the picture this week and for Angel Brian’s Home Blog for Thankful Thursday.

Chia and Her Aunties and Uncle on Selfie Sunday

Thanks to The Cat on My Head, for hosting Sunday Selfies!

Aunt Bobbie! Aunt Jenny! Let’s all look at the camera and do our Sunday Selfies together. Just us girls!

Why do my aunties not want to do this? Come on Uncle Dennis, let’s do a three quarter selfie.

But if we’re both doing a three quarter selfie, does that make it a six quarter selfie? And how much is that in dollars? And how many treats would that buy?

What, Mom? OK. Uncle Dennis, everyone’s going in the living room now. Why don’t you go on, too?

Now it’s time to help out by cleaning the table.

Wishing everyone a crummy, six-quarter Sunday!

XOXOXOXOX Chia, aka The Long One

Preparing for Our Trip on Wordy Wednesday

Xena: I’ve gotta prepare for the trip to In Dee Anna early tomorrow morning. I’m gonna be stuck in the car kennel with Chia for 87 hours.

I saw Mommy pack my warm hoodie for the cold weather. I hope I don’t have to wear it. I’ve gotta remember to remind her to pack our food, too. I wonder if there’s any alligator meat left… And I need to go to sleep early so I can get up and have breakfast before 5 o’clock tomorrow morning. Hmm, I wonder if we can start eating breakfast at that time every day… alligator, mmmm.

Lucy: I got to go to work today after not seeing Pastor for 7 days. I don’t usually go on Wednesdays but I got special permission from Pastor to come today.

I waited a long time for Pastor to come in, but he finally came and we had a great reunion! He still loves me. I even got to tell him about our special Thanksgiving week meat: alligator! Yum!
Then a lot of people from a group called Al Anon came and it was a little intimidating, but I smiled and wagged my tail and they all liked me too and pet me and said what a sweet girl I am. It was a good day, but now I have to get rested up to go do therapy with my Grandma in In Dee Anna.

Riley: My Person Andrew is here to stay with me while everyone else goes on a long trip.

I’m so glad I don’t have to ride in the car. We’ll sleep in the bed together, and we’ll just hang out. Wait, I hear him calling me to go for a walk with him. It’s dark and getting cold, but I see he’s got my sweater and leash, so it’ll be ok. Catch ya’ later alligator! Oh, wait, that reminds me. Last week Mom gave us all a lot of alligator meat in our bowls for breakfast and supper. I. Hate. It. I. Won’t Eat. It. So Mom gave me turkey and Lucy got the alligator the next day.

Chia: Mom!! Are we goin’ yet? Huh? Huh? Can we go now?! Huh? Can we?

*licks Mom’s lips* Let’s go! Get Xena and Lucy and let’s go! Let’s go! Love you Mom! Come on! Oh, and don’t bring any of that gross alligator meat!

 Thanks to  Comedy Plus for hosting Wordless Wednesday and we hope it’s ok it got really wordy! XOXOX Chia, Xena, Lucy and Riley

Chia’s Poem and Confession on Thankful Thursday

Lucy: Last Thursday when me and Mom were at work and told Pastor about Ella passing, he said, “I believe there will be more than people in heaven.” He was trying to let me know I would be with my BFF again some day. I’m so thankful for those words of comfort that I will always remember.

Riley: I’m thankful that Mom Amy got me the same natural stuff that’s been like a miracle for Xena and I haven’t been nearly as yeasty or stinky or itchy.

Xena: My belly has stayed it’s pretty, natural color all year, not red and itchy and bumby. And I haven’t scratched sores on my face or made the white hairs on my feet red with licking. I love those Red Rover powder supplie mints. I’m so thankful Mommy found them and keeps getting them to help me. This is the first year since I was one (I’m six) that I haven’t been an itchy, red mess all spring and fall.

Hi it’s me, Chia, again. I know you’re glad to see me, and I’m glad to see you too *full body wiggles*. Y’all know I’ve been a much better behaved girl since I got my blessing from Father Robert. But then I slipped up. I heard that some people confess their sins and then are forgiven, so here’s my confession: I chewed up Mom’s nighttime mouthpiece in the length of time it took her to shower. When she saw it missing, I tried to play innocent, but she knew.
I heard Dad say, “She hasn’t brought it to me yet.”
So I ran and got it from where I hid the evidence and took it to my Dad. Then Dad said, “She brought it to me,” so I ran to Mom and said sincerely, “I’m really sorry Mom, please forgive me.” And she did. Wow, it felt so good!

I get to do the poem again today because I’m so good at it, well, you’ll see why.

Hiding Under the Covers by Chia

Under the covers some folks may hide;
I’m just a pup but I won’t be denied
My nightly blanket on couch or on bed;
I always feel safe when I lay down my head.

Some hide from parents when they want to read,
Or think they can miss school this way. Indeed!
Whate’er the motive, a blanket’s a must.
But when sis steps on me the whole thing’s a bust!

Thanks to Angel Sammy for the picture this week and for Angel Brian’s Home Blog for Thankful Thursday.

Xena’s Failed Selfie Sunday on Awww Monday

Daddy, isn’t Mommy coming out to take my selfie on your lap? She needs to hurry. I just ate and I’m getting sleepy.

A few minutes later…

Jeff: Amy, I think it’s too late for a selfie.
Amy: I’ll catch her or maybe Chia wanting their pictures taken a little later.

“A little later”….sleeping with stuffies…

Xena with Riley’s Racky D

Chia with Brownie Bear

Many thanks to Miss Sandee at Comedy Plus for hosting Awww Monday, and to The Cat on My Head, for hosting Sunday Selfies (even if we are a day late and not much of a selfie!)

Chia’s Poetry on Thankful Thursday

Thanks to Angel Sammy for the picture this week and Angel Brian’s Thankful Thursday. I wrote this poem before Brian made his trip to the Rainbow Bridge. *wipes eyes* So after debating whether to publish it or not, I decided that Brian would have wanted me to. Here it is, in honor of my friend Brian.

Keep Trying by Chia

Ever have that thought
Almost impossible to do,
Hoping to not get caught
While folks stick to you like glue?

I want to be in charge here
Of all that’s said and done.
I want to be the alpha;
It sure does sound like fun!

I want to run the neighborhood
Without any restraints;
Daily checking along the fence
And always both the gates.

I want to be the one most loved
By both my Mom and Dad,
Not the one told, “Bad dog!”
I’m not usually so bad!

I may never be in charge
Or alpha of my pack.
I may never run the neighborhood (with permission)
Or the favorite of my pack.

But I’m not a quitter!

Seriously, I’m really thankful for my home and my family and my yummy food and my walks and everything else that goes with being the youngest one of the pack. I know my folks love me a lot. Daddy holds me and rubs my belly in the evening, and Mommy kisses me and scritches me and lets me cuddle up to her back in bed and make sure I’ve got a blanket to burrow under. And she doesn’t even complain when I kick her in bed ’cause I’m having a wild running dream. And I love my pack. I just wanna be in charge, ya know? *sigh*

Pee Ess: True confession…this morning Mom walked away from all 4 of our dog bowls on the counter that she was filling with veggies and meat for our supper tonight. So while she went to the bedroom for something, I ate all the meat (except Riley’s, cause his bowl didn’t have any in it yet). I’m a Bad Dog again, but I have a happy tummy. For now. Except it’s starting to not feel quite as good. Oops, gotta go!

We’re all thankful for the time we had getting to know Brian and his siblings. We love you, Angel Brian!

A Dog Staycation on Thankful Thursday

Chia: We’ve only been back from our vacation in In Dee Anna a few days and we’re leaving again. That’s a lot of travel, but hey, I like to ride in the car as long as you don’t shoot out liquid poop all over our travel pillow in our kennel, XeBe.

Xena: It’s been over a week, Chia, and no, we’re not going. So I won’t be shooting out anything from anywhere on your whatever.

Chia: Wait…we’re not going? They’re not leaving us all alone for 87 days, are they? Wait! Does that mean…

Xena: Yep, Daddy’s taking Mommy to the beach again for her birthday. He’s been doing that for several years now, in case you haven’t noticed. But it means Miss Christy is coming, and when she can’t be here for a day or so, Miss Pam, our favorite neighbor will be feeding us and spending time with us.

Chia: Woo hoo! How soon are Mom and Dad leaving? Tomorrow, maybe? Or tonight??? Why didn’t Miss Pam tell us that when she was here?

Xena: Maybe because you were so busy attacking Lucy and jumping all over Miss Pam. You did get to spend more time in your kennel while she was here learning how to feed us than since we got back from our In Dee Anna trip. Anyhow, it also means we won’t get to blog unless Miss Christy helps us, or we do it remote with Mommy.

Chia: I don’t care. I get to be with Miss Christy and Miss Pam without Mom correcting me! I can beat up on Lucy all I…

Uh, ummm, hi Mom. Love ya.

The Mom: I’m so thankful that your Dad takes me to the beach, even though he’d rather be in the mountains. And I’m thankful beyond words that you’re all over your bouts with diarrhea. I’m also extremely thankful for our wonderful dog sitter, Christy, and that Pam is thrilled to spend time with all of you! And you’re right, Xena, I may not be helping y’all blog again for about a week or so, and I’m thankful that you understand. We’ll just have to wait and see how that works out.

We’re all thankful to Brian for hosting Brian’s Thankful Thursday!