Month: August 2019

She’s leaving…

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Well her highness is abandoning us.  She leaves today for her trip to the Motherland.  I’ll call it that since her grandfather and great-grandparents came from Poland – as did ours several generations ago.  She realized the other day that this trip will be the LONGEST time she has been away from us.  Absence makes the heart go fonder.  As do guilt gifts.

Although we will pine for her (or at least pretend to) we will be in excellent hands.  Char AND her mother will be holding down the fort. They both are very dog savvy- so I doubt we’ll get them to empty the treat jar on Day 1. They’re no pushovers… But they love us and the feeling is mutual.
Anyway, my human and I had to discuss what would happen with my blog while she’s away.  As we know, she does the typing. I COULD get Char to send her texts every day with our updates, but I decided we REALLY could take a blog-cation.  But wait – before you frown – we won’t totally let you down.  We have a plan…
You know how you watch TV and have a favorite show – and it takes a break for a few weeks?  And it shows re-runs?  Well.  We have just spent hours combing through some of our favorite blog postings.  Do you realize- for those who have been with us since “the beginning” – that come September we will have been doing this for FIVE years.  FIVE years.  A blog post pretty much EVERY DAY.  We are at over 1750 stories.  And probably 400 are about poop.  
So we will post a few stories – AND we took some special photos – just for this time period.  We call them “Notes from the dog.”   If you enjoy them, please feel free to share them.
You won’t know my seizure count after today – until her highness gets back.  We talked to my vet yesterday and we altered one of my medications- and it seemed to do the trick – no seizures yesterday.  When her highness is back, I hope my count will be a GOOD reveal.
In the meantime- stay tuned!! And stay wagging.
Have a good one.  Peace and paws up.
Seizure free days: 1

Lighthouses

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It’s August 7 – and it also happens to be National Lighthouse Day.  Who knew?  I suppose it isn’t celebrated in the prairies- but we certainly have no shortage of lighthouses here in Nova Scotia.

I wondered if there was any connection between dogs and lighthouses and guess what – I found some.  This is a link to a site about Lighthouse dogs.  They were Newfoundland dogs who lived with lighthouse keepers on the East Coast.  Besides companionship, the dogs were also known for their sea rescuing abilities.
Check it out: 
My human had seen pictures of the painting “Saved” before – and she never knew that it was based on a real dog! If the image of the painting doesn’t show up in the article, here it is again:
I don’t think that Einstein and I could be Lighthouse dogs.  It is unlikely we would rescue anyone from the water. Maybe the FG could do it.
On the other paw, Einstein COULD be a fog horn dog.  He definitely has the vocals for that.  But instead of ships being guided by the sound – they would turn right around and head the opposite direction to find a different port.
Well her highness is definitely getting organized- she THINKS we didn’t see her put the suitcase in the bathroom- but rest me, we all did.
I think her departure day COULD be tomorrow…
Have a good one.  Peace and paws up.
Seizure free days:  0 Yes.  I had another one last night.  This is very hard….Please pray for no seizures today….

She’s getting ready…

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I’m thinking that “the big trip” is coming up soon.  Her highness has been flitting around like a crazy woman- so something is up. 

Yesterday, she did that “thing” where she is doing one thing and she goes off to do a totally different task.  And I was in the middle of it.
She had been mumbling for several days that she needed to groom all of us – which is part of the reason I think she is leaving. Heaven forbid the sitter should see what we REALLY look like.  Mind you – she DOES groom us pretty regularly.
Anyway, she was eating her breakfast bagel, and I went to sit next to her and possibly mooch a crumb.  She’s almost done, but she’s reading a magazine and still drinking her coffee.  She puts her hand down to pat me, and as she scratches behind my ear, she suddenly looks at me with horror.  A mat.  You think she had been hit with an electric shock.  Almost as good as finding a tick.  She puts both her hands on my head, and says “Buddy- it’s time.  Now.”   She doesn’t even finish her coffee, jumps up and heads for the grooming torture palace.  The garage.  Of course I LOVE to go in there because it’s where the dog food is stored! But within a flash, she had me on the table.
I think she thought this was going to be a “one mat” job.  But then when she started, she realized I was sporting enough coat to make another dog.  So I got the COMPLETE brush out.  All the time she is plying me with kibble, so I don’t mind ONE bit.  I may be a bunny chaser and I have a few other undesirable traits – but in this household, I am the Grooming King.  I cooperate 1000%.  I think she filled a garbage bag with my hair.  And I ate 6 cups of food.  (I wish.)
Of course, I looked stunning when she was finished.  My feet were all fluffy and nice.  So what did I immediately do?  Started licking them.  Which makes them all knotted.  She looked at me and shouted “stop!”  She’s so dramatic. Rumor has it, Einstein may be the next victim today.

When most people travel, it involves the usual packing and making sure everything is in order.  Like passports, foreign currency and other documents.  When humans have a dog – and a sitter, there are numerous instructions to write, food to organize and treats to replenish.  It MAY be a bit faster if the dog goes to a place called a boarding kennel – but even that requires organizing and packing – for the dog.  But add to that a dog who takes four different epilepsy medications AND a dog who takes cardiac meds – and you have a instruction BOOK – longer than the Bible.  OK maybe not THAT long- but it’s not a short paragraph scribbled on a piece of paper.  There are slso signs everywhere.  Medication signs in the kitchen.  Food signs are hung in both the kitchen AND the garage where our food is kept. It’s crazy.  No wonder she doesn’t travel much.  

Well I know she’s not leaving today.  I know she still needs to pick up two of my meds.  Plus – two more dogs need grooming…..Snd they say vacations are relaxing. ..

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up.
Seizure free days: 0 Yup.  Maybe because I figured out she is going…

We work hard

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It’s August 5th and according to the crazy calendar, it’s Work Like a Dog Day.  I’ve talked about Military Working dogs, Assistance Dogs and Therapy dogs before. We talked about dogs that work as sniffer dogs, and herding dogs, and dogs that pull sleds.  I found a short video that demonstrates some of the jobs we dogs do: 

https://youtu.be/6j9X3Fnswmo

And let’s face it – ALL of us dogs work.  We work hard every day to protect our homes and most importantly- provide our humans with absolute, unconditional love.  That’s the main skill in our job description.  That’s why we are here!

Now some companies also allow dogs to come to work- and more are beginning to realize the benefits – like reducing stress and increasing productivity.  Studies have proven this the case.  But because not EVERYONE would want canines in the office (it’s hard to believe – I know!) – companies need to have guidelines in place.  They need to designate possible restricted areas – where dogs are not allowed as well as clean-up procedures.  Some places may only offer occasional dog friendly visits or weekly designated days.  Some places like Orvis and Purina go full-time – 5 days a week.  I hate to say it, but the university where my human worked was not overly dog friendly.  Yeah – they brought in Therapy Dogs for students during exam time – and that was a nice touch – but bringing Fido to Faculty meetings was a no no.  Or even to the office.  That’s really why she retired.   OK, maybe not the REAL reason – but that’s our story. And we are sticking to it.
Well- time for us canines to get to work – showing her highness some love.  We really should get a raise for our outstanding performance.  Who do I talk to about it?  We need a union…
Have a good one.  Peace and paws up.
Seizure free days: 20

Satchmo. Psychics. And friends.

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August 4.  And the birthday of the late great trumpet playing jazz legend – Louis Armstrong.  Did you know that the song, What a Wonderful World, was not made a hit during his lifetime?!  While he recorded and released it in 1967, four years before he passed away, it wasn’t until 1987, when it was played during the movie “Good Morning Vietnam” that love for the song blossomed – and is considered by many,  one of  his signature songs. That’s according to a site on the web. 

And what an appropriate song – given that he was a dog lover – so he had inspiration for the lyrics!  He reportedly was owned by a Boston Terrier named General.  He also reportedly enjoyed the company of dogs owned by friends.  
In addition to being Louis’ birthday, according to the crazy calendar, it is also Psychic Day. There are said to be  people who have a unique ability to communicate with us dogs- some refer to them as Animal Communicators and others call them Psychics.  One was even used with that dog who was lost in Cape Breton a week or so ago. Her highness would be worried to know what a psychic thinks we are thinking. She would prefer not to know what we are plotting.
We canines also have psychic abilities. There have been articles written about how we know things – like when you are coming home.  Some psychologists say that we are creatures of habit – so we predict things through previous experiences.  We also have super keen observational skills and an ability to interpret non verbal communication- like body posture and facial expression. So before you even SAY “treat” we know you are going to get one.  So scientists argue that we’re not REALLY psychic – but that our bond with humans and our observational abilities make it APPEAR we are psychic. Personally, I think those scientists are just AFRAID of whether we posssess psychic powers.  I’m sure many of you humans owned by dogs KNOW that we do….
Today also happens to be Friendship Day.  A day to celebrate special relationships we have with others who are technically not family.  My human has been blessed with friends who live near and far.  Those are the people who you cannot see for periods of time – but when you get together, or even talk on the phone, you take up right where you left off.  True friends are a very precious gift. I mean I think we dogs are your BEST friends- but there are some pretty special humans that you should always treasure.  And what’s cool about the internet, is the opportunity to connect with new friends all over the world.  Some you may just communicate with via the digital world – but you may still make special bonds.  And some you may even get to meet!  Like her highness has.  I would just like to point out that her highness has made lots of new friends – because of moi.  Yup – we canines are basically friend machines.  We not only provide friendship – but we even bring friends together.  We know when that amazing gift called friendship is needed.  Maybe because we’re psychic…
Anyway, my friends- take time today to reach out to your special friends today – human or canine.  And drop a line or send a greeting to someone you are lucky enough to call a friend. Consider this MY greeting to YOU!
Have a good one.  Peace and paws up.
Seizure free days: 19

Watermelon

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August 3.  And it’s National Watermelon Day.  The fruit that contains an alphabet of vitamins- A, C, B1 and B6.  A slice of watermelon contains about 50 calories – and it’s 92% water – so it’s a refreshing treat.  We dogs can eat watermelon- BUT the black seeds should be removed as they can cause intestinal blockages – and we shouldn’t eat the rind either.  But the fruit is good for us. In moderation – of course.  Too much could prevent P3 – Picture Perfect Poop.  Nobody wants soupy poops in a hot summer day. Mind you, nobody wants soupy poops ANY day.

You can put watermelon in a blender, mix it with a ratio of 1:1 water, and then freeze the mixture for yummy watermelon treats for us!  Or, if you’re lazy like her highness, just give it to us straight up.
Here’s a cute watermelon video.  I think we need to do one….
We also love blueberries- and we’ve been enjoying them lately.  Of course we PONs hardly taste them – they go down so fast – while the FG takes 30 seconds to chew one.  He IS getting better though – he doesn’t toss them around like he used to.  And pouncing on them (which is not really advisable) rarely happens any more.  He has finally, FINALLY figured out that anything that hits the floor will disappear like magic before he has a chance to taste it again. That Einstein is SUPER fast.  Clearly he is showing no slowing down with his cardiac issues.
In addition to tasty fruit, two of us quite enjoy chomping on each other.  The FG and Einstein have this daily chew routine- which her highness regularly breaks up after a few minutes.  If she doesn’t stop them, Einstein ends up with wicked mats and the FG ends up with a strange looking asymmetrical haircut.  It begins with the raucous jumping routine I posted the other day and then advances to this thing where they roll on top of each other and lick and chew ears, faces and feet. 

Meanwhile, I lounge and watch the entertainment.  
To stop the routine, her highness distracts them with some treats – including those blueberries.  I say keep on playing guys- you have her well trained.  
But then, that’s what we dogs do….
Have a good one.  Peace and paws up.
Seizure free days: 18

Pin cushions

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It sure has been hot the last few weeks.  Luckily for us, the lower level of our house is nice and cool.  We canines retreat there whenever we can.  Unless we are sitting right in front of the fan- which is Einstein’s favorite location. 

We have actually adapted well to this retirement mode thing. At 6AM we are all pretty much still sleeping.  We have totally forgotten that 4:30AM schedule.  We do like to get out before 7, though, because it’s still relatively cool then.  Relatively.  And the last week or so, when we go out, we have fog in the air.  It burns off pretty quickly.
Yesterday morning Einstein and I did the first walking shift. We haven’t been taking the public trail unless it is windy out.  Which it hasn’t been – that’s why we have fog.  Why the wind requirement for the trail?  The dive bombing vampires have arrived.  The black flies are pretty much gone.  Even the ticks find it too hot- so they apparently aren’t as active.  Who are the dive bombers?  The dreaded deer flies.  The next round of insect pests.  And those guys are partial toward dark colors. So they go after me – and her highness’s head.  They don’t bother Einstein or the FG quite as much. Those guys rival black flies for bites. Plus they like to buzz in you ear.  But their aviation equipment must not work as well in windy weather.  So we pray for wind.
Our walk was warm, but unremarkable.  No neighbors out for Einstein to yell out his greetings to. We came home and it was the FG’s turn.  
He and her highness got to the road and he immediately let out the big dog boof.  They were doing some construction on our road the day before yesterday, and they had placed signs on the side of the road.   They left them lying by the side of the road overnight.  The FG, with his keen observational skills, slowly approached the unusual landmark.  He approached, boofed, and cautiously sniffed this strange new thing on HIS road. When he concluded that this piece of wood and metal was hardly dangerous, you know what he did next.  He tried to pee on it.  Her highness moved him along before the spray hit the sign. 
They had a good walk and were coming home when her highness spotted something coming out of our driveway and crossing the road.  She firmed  up her grip on the FG’s leash.  She recognized the slow moving shape making its way  across the road.  Yup.  A walking pin cushion.  In broad daylight.  The FG didn’t notice at first and then he spotted it.  He watched intently and her highness must have repeated “leave it” about 67 times. As if he could go anywhere near it while being in the death grip.  He didn’t REALLY care.  He just wanted to watch.  Like he does with the bunnies.
They headed down the driveway and her highness made a note to self that NONE of us can be off leash early in the morning or in the evening.  Clearly the fella that Max encountered is still in the neighborhood.
We had thunderstorms last night. The thunder thankfully doesn’t bother any of us.  That’s because it’s actually hard to hear over Einstein’s barking.
More heat today.  Time to head out on pin cushion patrol.
Have a good one.  Peace and paws up.
Seizure free days: 17

IPA Day

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August 1.  And it’s IPA Day. A day for humans to celebrate beer- India Pale Ale in particular.  IPA is described as having full bodied taste – and being both bold and bitter.  It’s a popular brew – and every micro-brewery in our area seems to have their own version.  

I know in lots of places, dogs are allowed in pubs – especially the UK.  Not so much here in Halifax, I must complain. Some restaurants with outdoor patios allow us canines to be outside. I DID find a beer garden downtown on the waterfront that allows pets.  I’m thinking we need to check it out.  One at a time.  Taking all three of us would end the dog friendly policy.
Meanwhile, I have managed to find a number of canine beers – so we dogs can have our own enjoyment at home!  Assuming they ship to Canada. Now keep in mind that we canines should really NOT drink human beer.  Sure – a sip won’t kill us – but in all seriousness, alcohol and dogs do not mix.  But the canine beers I found do not contain alcohol- so they are safe for us.  Here are several options: 
I’m hoping her highness can find some for us.  Even though they have no alcohol, we can pretend they do and it will give us a good excuse for our raucous behavior.  Sure it will.
I think we’ll have to stick to the biscuits:
We took that photo last year.  I was hoping the company would send us a bag of biscuits.  Nah.  But they liked the photo. Our modeling career has yet to take off.  
Time to go see if I can get some dog beer shipped.  With this heat, we really need a nice cold brew!
Have a good one. Peace and paws up.
Seizure free days:16