So when I posted yesterday about the dreaded Christmas bath, an old friend of my human’s sent her a note and asked about brushes for us PONs – or any long haired dog.  So my human thought that would be a good topic for my blog.  Note SHE thought it was a good topic.  To me, it’s like writing about instruments of torture.  And let me tell you – she has a whole arsenal.  And heaven forbid when she goes to a dog show.  She slinks around looking at whatever tools people are using.  And then she HAS to get them.  We have fought many a battle in the war on mats – but some of our ammunition doesn’t work all that well.

Although there are LOTS of options, she has a favorite group of artillery. Now keep in mind – there are MANY people who have been grooming PONs for a LOT longer than my human – so she is NO expert.  And NO doubt there are other tools out there that work even BETTER.  (Heaven forbid – she’ll get more ideas when we post this.)  But these are the “go to” tools in our household. These are the tools that if she can’t find one, she begins panic.  

The first is her favorite.  The cheapo, One ‘n Only Argan Heat Professional Argan Ceramic Volume Detangling Comb.  No.  I didn’t make up the name. For those who have been following my blog forever, you may recall that I wrote about it before.  My human still swears by it. It is THE comb that she uses when she begins our marathon brushing routine. She likes that it has a handle – it’s easier on her wrist.  And it gets out loose mats very easily.  And the best part?  It’s cheap.  As opposed to other tools in the arsenal.

http://www.sallybeauty.com/argan-detangling-comb/SBS-345719,default,pd.html

Now when she comes across a mat, which she occasionally does (cough cough), she pulls out the ActiVet Red and Purple Tuff Zapper brush http://www.groomershelper.com/buy-activet-brushes/  

OR the Les Pooches Mat Zapper. http://lespoochs.com/product/mat-zapper/ Honestly, these things are crazy expensive.  For heavens sake – it’s a BRUSH.  BUT – they work. You will note that they tell you which breeds they work for. http://www.groomershelper.com/pdf/ActiVet-Information.pdf

If you use the brush on the wrong breed, their hair falls out.  JUST KIDDING.  But it seems helpful, or it may just be trick advertising.  But we DO use them to get mats out. And even Frodo AKA King Mat doesn’t mind this brush.  One other note – there ARE cheaper versions of this brush on the market. And yes – we have those too.  Of course we do.  But for us, they just didn’t work as well.

Next we have the Greyhound Pro Ultra-Lite 10″ or 7.5″Poodle Comb CANDY.  http://greyhoundcomb.com/cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=20&products_id=11  

Another crazy name.  I mean we are NOT greyhounds and certainly NOT poodles.  And again – the price on this comb is  crazy.  BUT we have had it forever – and the teeth do not bend or fall out. It is used during the battle AFTER the other comb.  

And next  we have the more reasonably priced 4.5 inch Safari 558 comb– Seen here on a UK site, https://www.amazon.co.uk/Safari-Pet-Products-DSFW558-Comb/dp/B0002AQUQG
and here on a John Deere site http://www.scruggsfarm.com/coastal-safari-45-medium-fine-comb-w558.html   I picture lots of guys sitting on their tractors, brushing their dogs…  Anyway, this comb is GREAT for ears.  And feet.  Which we hate you touching.  But that’s another blog.

When at Crufts, my human talked to a PON breeder who was using the Mini Rake Untangler.  So you KNOW my human had to find one.  And it does work to get out those mats in awkward areas.  Which I won’t elaborate on…
http://www.theuntangler.com/products/rakes/rakes.html

And LAST – which we honestly don’t always even use – but we have it – is the  #1 All Systems Pin Brush. We have the Oblong version – but there are obviously LOTS of options.  http://www.1allsystems.com/doc-eng/brush_comb.html 
We use this when the major torturing is OVER and my human wants to brush us down more.  But it’s really a waste of time – we just shake ourselves off – and that’s that.

So that’s the PON arsenal.  And Astro?  Well my human is just beginning to experiment on him.  So far she could probably get away with JUST the purple comb!  He’s a pretty “wash and wear” kind of dog – his grooming requirements are MUCH easier!!!!  The ActiVet brush does actually say “Picards”  in the list and she has used it on him – but he doesn’t really mat like us PONs.  Time will tell as he gets older.

So that’s my Vik-Advisor review for today.  Tomorrow I think I would rather review dog treats…

Have a good one!



 

 So the countdown begins…But I’m not sure just when the big event will be.  Or should I say the “dreaded” event.  What’s the event?  The annual Christmas baths.  For each of us.  I don’t get it.  I can’t IMAGINE that Santa’s reindeer smell all that great – so why do we dogs need to smell all flowery and fresh?  I mean – we don’t care.  If given the choice to roll on a dead rodent or some rotting vegetation – OR have a bath – guess what WE would pick?

The other day we got a parcel in the mail.  We were all excited – assuming it was something from the pet supply mail order place.  Something like a cool toy.  Or a big antler to chew on.  Or some treats.  But no.  It was some “detangling” spray.  My human bought a bottle of this stuff called  “Knot Sure” by a  company called Animology when she was at Crufts.  And she’s been using it on us whenever we are groomed.   She LOVES the stuff –  but of course could find it NOWHERE in Canada. But not to worry – the Google Queen found the stuff on Amazon and voila – here it is.  Oh goody.

Wonder who will be the first bath victim.  Doesn’t matter to me if we go youngest to oldest or the other way around – I’ll still be second.  UNLESS we go in alphabetical order.  THEN I would be last.  And let’s face it – after my human has given two of us a bath, the third victim may or may NOT get the full treatment.  He may end up with some waterless spray shampoo and a quick blow dry – just because she is so tired.  I’m voting for alphabetical order.  

Well it’s the weekend – time for some quality time with my human.  Hope you have a good one!

Miracles happen.  I know.  I have seen them.  For example – bunnies turn WHITE in the winter. It’s a miracle of nature.  Making them easier to see in the dark at 5 AM when your human is walking you and she is holding onto two leashes and four full poop bags (I warned her about those liver treats) and she is wearing a headlamp to illuminate that bunny so he is even easier to see. And you know if you pull hard on your fluorescent leash, because she is juggling poop bags and leashes while wearing her giant mittens,  that you are free to go and chase that bunny…

I’m not sure which is the bigger miracle.  The fact that bunnies turn white.  Or the fact that my human could find me in the dark, stuck in the woods because my fluorescent leash was caught on a branch.

Today is December 8 and according to the crazy calendar it is National Christmas Tree Day.  I guess it’s a day to go out and get your tree and then sing Oh Tannenbaum. In the US, while over 33 million real trees are sold, only 2% of people go out and cut their own trees.  In Canada, one of the top three provinces for Christmas tree production is Nova Scotia.  Over 1.8 million trees are harvested annually – and 95% of them leave the province!  As I mentioned the other day, my human went out and cut her tree this year.   She took Frodo to cut a tree once.  The operative word being “once.”  He started harmlessly but incessantly barking at a family out for their festive hunt, while my human was trying to grab him and profusely apologizing and explaining that he “just wanted to say hello.”  Frodo was also appalled by the fact that a Christmas tree farm is very wet and muddy.  I have never been to a tree farm – but I did go to the tree lot last year.  I went with STRICT instructions NOT to pee on any trees.  It was tough.  

But this year none of us went.  Just as well – too many rules.  

So now that the thing is decorated, my human wanted to get a photo of the THREE of us by the tree.  Picture the three of us- who are NOT allowed in the DFZ – with the dog tree and the REAL TREE with all glass ornaments.  And old toys under the tree.  Some of which are STUFFED toys.  Almost as good as letting us loose in the pet store.

My human had to really think this one through.  She got THE best treats she could find – freeze dried liver.  We’ll probably all have the poops for the next three days after she freely doled out the stuff to keep our attention.  First she let me and Frodo in the DFZ.  And she set us up by the tree.  We are PRETTY good at “staying” but once Astro comes in, all control goes out the window.  He has the attention of a gnat and so since HE doesn’t follow commands, I then pretend I don’t know them either.  The photo you see is one of 5, 487 taken.  OK.  That’s a bit of a stretch.  It was actually closer to 6,000.  And no – she did not place our paws that way.  It was during one of the quick “down” commands, that we all actually did together – and that’s how we ended up.  I  must say, it does look good.  But the liver treats were better.

Anyway, whether you have a real tree, an artificial tree or even a photo of a tree – enjoy it today!  And all you dogs – whatever you do – don’t pee on it…

It must be close to a full moon.  Elroy aka the FG aka Astro has been extra crazy lately.  It started with that walk on the weekend – and so it continues.

Every morning, he goes out first for his morning constitutional.  And he brings the paper down from the road.  If the paper is in a plastic bag, all is fine.  But IF the weather is fair and the paper is left loose in the box, that’s when problems arise.  If given a loose paper, Astro will carry it part way down the driveway, drop it and the paper goes everywhere.  So when there IS no plastic bag, my human gives him one of the advertising inserts in the middle of the paper.  And yesterday it all started out fine.  He was holding tight to the rolled up insert.  And then he started walking faster.  And faster.  And then came the toss.  And the paper flew.  And as my human scrambled to pick it up, wearing her big mittens and illuminating the scene with her headlamp, and still trying to hold onto the main paper, Astro proceeded to grab and tear any part he could get his teeth on. So my human is holding onto the main paper, trying to pick up the loose papers, trying to hold back the Tasmanian shredding machine and still stay standing.  She finally gave up and dragged him away – leaving the remnants of the paper in the middle of the driveway.  Thankfully it wasn’t a windy day.  She picked it all up when she took Frodo and I out for our walk. So I have another name for the FG.  The Shredder.

Well today is Letter Writing Day on the crazy calendar – so time to work on your letter to Santa.  And if you write a letter and don’t like the contents, I have someone who can recycle it for you.

Have a good one!

December 6 and it’s Saint Nicholas Day.  Saint Nicholas was a Bishop in the 4th century – in a place called Asia Minor – which is now Turkey.  He did all kinds of good things and legend has it that he was known for secret gift-giving.  Saint Nick became the model for Santa Claus – so he is basically Santa’s predecessor.  Interesting – he was the patron saint of children and also brewers, repentant thieves and pawnbrokers.   Go figure.  He’s also the patron Saint of Greece. And in some places, this day is THE day to get gifts – not Christmas.  I am assuming we will get some extra treats today – or at least some extra banana.  Although I did see that gifts from Saint Nicholas are meant to be shared.  And not hoarded.  I’ll have to work on that…

December 6 also marks a sad day in Halifax, Nova Scotia  history.  It was 99 years ago today that the largest man-made explosion (before the atomic bomb) took place in Halifax harbor.  Two ships – a relief ship and a cargo ship carrying munitions collided in the harbor.  The resulting explosion could be felt more than 200 miles away – in fact windows 50 miles away were said to have shattered.  Half of the city was destroyed – and more than 2,000 people died and another 9,000 were injured.  But despite this terrible tragedy, humans DO help one another in times of need, and relief poured in from Eastern Canada and the North Eastern US.  In fact – the city of Boston helped so much, that to this very day, the city of Halifax sends a Christmas tree to Boston in thanks for all their help.  Check it out:
http://www.cbc.ca/strombo/news/gallery-nova-scotia-christmas-tree-lights-up-boston-common
That’s almost as big as the tree my human cut down on Sunday for our house.  When she brought it home with some friends, Frodo, Elroy and I just looked at each other.  We figured there was NO way that tree would fit in our house.   My human sequestered us while they brought the tree in – as she had visions of one of us peeing on it.  And then the bungee corded gate to the DFZ was secured.  They somehow managed to do some minimal pruning – and the tree fit!!!  Later, while my human was decorating the behemoth, Frodo constantly tried to get in the room – every few minutes.  In fact, he was a bit obsessed with getting in among the 4,398 boxes of ornaments.  There was NO WAY my human could leave the gate unsecured.  But that’s the funny thing with Frodo – he does NOT take no for an answer.  In fact, when they FIRST got home with the tree, all three of us were initially sequestered in the dog run in the garage.  But it wasn’t long before Frodo and I were free.  Frodo managed to squeeze the door open – he’s a bit like worm – he can wiggle his way through.  And I followed him.  Elroy is too big- so he was still stuck in the run…

So once all of this decorating is DONE we are looking forward to sitting under the tree, by the fire and dreaming of sugarplums.  Whatever sugarplums are.   AS IF my human will allow the three of us in there.  At the same time.  BUT – one can dream of it…and if Frodo has anything to say about it, we’ll be in.  And Halifax will experience a second explosion….

Happy Saint Nicholas Day!!!

And so it continues…

Dear Santa.

I have just a few more questions and a few notes to share, before I actually get to my list.

I understand that you “know when we are sleeping, and you know when we are awake,”  but in the off chance that you were distracted or busy, I wanted share with you the above photo.  As you no doubt know, I have a new “brother” and it has been a rather large adjustment for me – getting used to not being the baby in the household any more.  BUT – I am getting used to Astro (his REAL name is Elroy – but he doesn’t answer to anything right now, so you can call him whatever you like.)  The depicted event happened the other day while my human was wrapping Christmas gifts.  She was on her way to get more wrapping paper – and she suddenly noticed the scene.  She actually gasped when she saw me and Astro together on the bed.  She had to casually move in closer to take the photo – for fear we would see her and scatter. So I am hoping that this “nice” behavior may cancel out some of my occasional indiscretions.

So a few more questions.  If one pees on the Christmas decorations outdoors, does it count as naughty?

And what do you get Baby Jesus for his birthday?  I mean this whole Christmas thing is REALLY his birthday celebration, so what do you get him?  He already has gold, frankincense and myrrh.  Mind you, I’m not sure what he DOES with those things.  I’m sure he would much rather have an iPad.  Or peace on earth. Or a PUPPY!!!

Have you ever considered changing your wardrobe?  I mean the red and white suit – which I THINK goes back to your Polish roots, is nice and all, but maybe something a bit more trendy.  By the way, I am assuming the “fur” on your suit is fake.  I’d hate to see the animal rights people spray painting your sled.  

Do your elves make ALL the gifts?  Or do you source out to other countries?  And are your elves unionized?  Not that it REALLY matters to me where my presents come from – but I’m just a curious dog.

And one more question for today- if at LEAST half of the kids around the world leave a treat for you, that’s a LOT of treats.  Do you share them with your reindeer?  Yet another reason to have a dog – and take him with you on the trip. If you need a volunteer, I’m available.

To be continued…

 

 

Frenzy.  (n) a state or period of uncontrolled excitement or wild behavior. When you Google the word “frenzy” that is the definition you get.  The only thing missing?  A photo of us three musketeers – when my human gets home from work.
Now I realize most dogs probably get excited when their humans come home.  Heck, we get excited when she comes out of the bathroom.  But when she returns from work – especially on a FRIDAY, we all lose total control.  And don’t kid yourself – we KNOW it is Friday.

The problem with the frenzy at this time of the year, is the fact that it now gets dark out by 5PM.  When my human gets home, she usually opens the door and let’s us all run outside.  And she has to do so rather quickly, because as SOON as she lets Astro out of his kennel, he jumps on her and begins to pee.  He just cannot contain his excitement – and he well…he dribbles.  So she rushes him out the door.  At which point we ALL race around barking at each other.  Like we have not seen each other in years.  

My human usually puts a leash on Mr Dribbles, but on Friday,  he pushed open the door and bolted out.  Which usually would be FINE – but now that it is dark, my human doesn’t want us taking off into the woods…

As soon as he went out, she followed.  And he had a big pee.  At which point, yours truly started heading for the woods.  And of course, my sidekick followed.  Immediately my human starts desperately shouting “Supper time.  Time to eat.   Mmmmmm.  Who’s hungry?”  Like in the frenzy state we listen to anything.  We never really listen at any time, come to think of it – but the frenzy state is even worse.  So she raced back into the house and grabbed her trusty headlamp and a flashlight.  And back outside she went.  

Of course Velcro dog was right there by the door.  We KNOW he’s first on Santa’s NICE list.  And as she headed around toward the back of the house, I came racing back.  Minus Astro.  

When one of us goes AWOL – even for less than a minute, my human panics.  As she came around the side of the house, armed with her headlamp and flashlight – who did she see peeing on the big tree in the backyard but Astro.  And now she had to sound all joyful and happy so he would actually COME BACK instead of doing the zoomies in the woods.  She did the old “pretend I’m running – come and chase me” trick.  And it worked.  He came racing toward her and then went past her and proceeded to “attack” Frodo – his favorite prey.  Really, just Frodo’s tail.  Then he grabbed his long line which was lying on the ground.  My human basically reeled him in – so she could put the leash on him.  AND then she breathed a sigh of relief.  

My human is thinking she really NEEDS to start uttering the mantra “Just be calm,” when she gets home.  She can try that – but we all quite enjoy the adrenaline rush.  And it looks like Astro is responding well to training.  My training.

Have a good one!

So today is December 3 – and it’s “Let’s Hug Day” according to the crazy calendar.  Now I did a blog in the past talking about some “research” that indicated that dogs do not, in fact, like to be hugged.  Well.  It turns out that the research was based on a series of casual observations, and not REAL scientific findings.  So forget those “results.”  Humans.  It’s all in how you twist, I mean “interpret” the data.

The bottom line – just like people – some dogs like to be hugged – and others, not so much.  Now while some research in humans has shown that hugs have health benefits – like reducing blood pressure, I suppose it depends on the hug.  If Aunt Bertha who loves to eat loads of garlic, squeeezes the life out of you when you are 7 years old, you may not be so happy with a hug.  And actually, some countries and cultures don’t view hugging as a sign of affection at all.  

In our house, we PONs are not huge huggers.  I mean we don’t MIND – but we don’t seek out hugs.  My human IS a hugger.  She hugs people she doesn’t even know well.  Not total STRANGERS but people she has met before.  At least once.  But not dogs she doesn’t know.  

And then we have Astro.  I’m wondering if hugging is a Picard “thing.”  I think so.  In fact, when my human went to visit the only other two Picards that she could find in the province, the boy dog stood on his hind legs, put his paws on her shoulders and gave her a BIG hug.  And Astro LOVES to hug.  My human doesn’t really mind him jumping on her and giving a big hug- but it could be an issue with visitors.  So he needs to learn to curb his hugability until invited.  Good luck with that!

Anyway – today is a day of hugs – so if you like ’em, go out and give ’em – but be sure the hugee is ready! And if you’re looking for a dog to hug – find a Picard!

Have a good one!

So it seems that a pet sitting company – Dog Vacay, published a list of the most popular dog names of 2016.  For boys it was Max, Charlie, Buddy, Cooper, Jack, Rocky, Toby, Tucker, Oliver and Tyler. For the girls it was Bella, Lucy, Daisy, Lola, Molly, Sadie, Sophie, Maggie, Bailey and Chloe.  My human knows dogs by many of those names. Note though, that Frodo, Viktor and Elroy were not included.  I’m SURE there are lots out there – we just have not yet become the most popular.  That’s OK – we like being unique.  Although it’s funny – there IS a name  in the list that my human calls each of us at any given time – Buddy.  Buddy is kind of a catch all name in Nova Scotia.  Not JUST for dogs – but people as well.   For example, you might hear a human say, “Did Buddy come to fix your plumbing?” or “Buddy delivered the paper late this morning.” or “Buddy was driving too fast.”  Everybody is a Buddy.  And so are we.  So we hear “Come on Buddy – we need to speed it up, I have to go to work.”  or “Awwwww come on Buddy – why did you do that?” And of course we are all also called the following at any given time:  “No-no”, “Stop-it” and “Knock-it-off.”

People ask my human where she got our names.  For Frodo, well, our treasurer had been calling him Frodo – and my human thought it was cute so she kept the name.  If you haven’t heard my use of the  word treasurer – it stems from the fact that I don’t like the  word “litter” for a family of puppies.  Puppies are not garbage – so I prefer a “treasury of puppies.”  So of course a breeder would be a treasurer!  But I digress.

As for my name – my human’s grandfather’s name was Victor.  With a “c'”.  So my human changed the spelling so as not to offend relatives…

And Elroy…it probably goes back to that old cartoon the Jetsons which really old people like my human would remember. Although the dog in the cartoon was actually called Astro, she liked Elroy, which was the son’s name.  She thought of it – and just thought Elroy looks like an Elroy.   I must agree…  But I do like Astro too -as he often seems to be in outer space and the name reminds me of asteroids…I think I may start calling him that…

I just need to be sure we have the right names on the Christmas stockings.   Mind you, each one COULD say Buddy…

Have a good one – all my buddies….