Birthday Roadtrip

Rumor has it that yesterday was my birthday. Shawn said I could do anything I wanted, so I decided that I wanted to go visit some dog boutiques here in Portland that I hadn't had the chance to check out yet.

So, Stormie, Shawn and I headed out for our adventure.

First stop was Pets on Broadway. Stormie got lots of attention strutting around in her Patriotic 4th of July dress and collar from Crazy for Collars.

There was lots to see at this huge store. Stormie especially liked the aisle that had stuffed animals all the way down to her level. She got in and checked them all out and picked out what she wanted.

When we headed over to the dog treat section (always a must-see on Stormie's list), we were excited to see that they had Waggin' Tail biscuit mixes. Stormie remembered how fun it was to help make those biscuits and how yummy they were and reminded me that we need to order some more!

Our next stop was Furever Pets. This was a really fun shop that had just about anything and everything you could ever want or need for your furry little one. Stormie had to check out this really awesome cat climber/condo. She tried her best to convince us that we needed to get it for Spencer, our cat. Sorry Spencer, she wasn't convincing enough. We did pick up some Himalayan Chews, as we have been hearing great things about those!

All this shopping and looking was tiring, but we weren't done yet!

On to Paws for the Cause for a surprise visit to Melissa!

Of course we have been here before, but it's always fun to go see Melissa and check out what new things she has in the store.

Stormie loved the Juicy Couture bed. She kicked out the little stuffed dog that was sleeping in it and had to check it out for herself.

I have been wanting to try out a doggie life vest and was excited to see that Melissa had them available. I have been hesitant to order one online as I wanted to try it on to be sure of the correct size. There was an adorable pink with white polka dot one in just the perfect size for Stormie. I think it looks especially cute with her dress sticking out the back!

Christopher, fire up the boat, we are ready to sail!

So, we bought the life vest, got some dog treats (they have very yummy ones!) and a funny tshirt for my 'little brother', Teddy that says "I make Cesar cry". Haha. My mom loves to watch the Dog Whisperer, so this tshirt will be perfect for him!

When we got home, I was greeted by a beautiful bouquet of flowers sent by my daughter and son-in-law, who live in California. Thanks Melody and Bobby!

It was a great day. Stormie says, "I'm liking these birthday things. When is your next one, Mom???"

Happy Birthday Mom!

Today is Mom's birthday. We guess it's a kind of big one. There was a surprise party for her on Saturday and we had lots of fun mingling with all the guests. She even got some birthday cards with Chihuahuas on them!

We have heard that sometimes as a special gift for their parents, kids will have a portrait taken to give to the birthday person. We did a special picture for our mom in our party dresses.

Stormie was so excited to do it, she wouldn't quit smiling!

We love you, Mom. Happy 50th birthday.

We don't know how much that is in dog years. We can't add that high.

Easy Breezy Rider

One needs to understand that I did not grow up with brothers. I had one sister, so it was a pretty girly environment in my home, although I was a bit of a tomboy.

So, I had a real learning curve when I married and had four sons. I have learned a lot about boys and their toys. And men and their toys.

Christopher recently acquired a new 4-wheeler, or Quad, as some people call them. I don't care what you call them. To me it is big, it is noisy and people get hurt riding them. Ahh, but that's the mother in me speaking.

Just as I have had to adjust to the men and their toys, they have had to adjust to me. When I saw Christopher's shiny new blue quad sitting in my backyard, I immediately thought, "Breezy would pose for pictures on that thing!" And I was right.

We had her don her shades and climb aboard. All she needs is a motorcycle helmet and she would look ready to hit the sand dunes.

Being full of attitude, Miss Breezy seems to be asking, "What size engine do you have in this thing?"

So, all in all, Breezy and I let the men in our family know that the Chihuahuas rule the Giles household and perhaps world domination is next.

And Breezy is just the girl for the job.

Favorite Dog Quotes

On this Take Your Dog to Work Day, 2010, I have decided to share with you some of my favorite quotes about dogs. I hope that you have had the privilege of sharing your day with your dog.

"Dogs are miracles with paws." Susan Kennedy

"Dogs’ lives are too short. Their only fault, really." Agnes Sligh Turnbull

"Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole." Roger Caras

"My little dog - a heartbeat at my feet." Edith Wharton

"My goal in life is to be as good of a person my dog already thinks I am." Unknown

"Whoever said you can't buy happiness forgot little puppies." Gene Hill

"I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for being alive." Gilda Radner

"A man's soul can be judged by the way he treats his dog." Charles Doran

And finally, one of my personal favorites.....

"I hope if dogs ever take over the world, and they choose a king, they don't just go by size, because I bet there are some Chihuahuas with some good ideas." 'DEEP THOUGHTS' by Jack Handy

Evil or Brilliant..??

To look at this sweet little face, you would not think that Stormie could ever be capable of doing something naughty, right?




While she is the best at sitting there, head tipped up just a bit, ears halfway back, blinking those big dark eyes, and looking like sugar wouldn't melt in her mouth she is so sweet, I have discovered there is a dark side to her personality.


She will trick her sisters to get what she wants.



Let me explain:



The girls will all be in separate beds, snoozing away. I will watch Stormie get up out of her bed and decide that she wants to get into one of the other ones. Sometimes this is okay with the current occupant, and sometimes it isn't. The problem arises when it is the latter one.



You can see Stormie sit there and look at her sister, like she's saying, "You're kidding, right?"



Then the little itty bitty gears start turning in her head. You can see it happening.



She runs over to the toy basket and grabs a toy or two out of it. She will start rolling around, playing with the toy, growling and making all kinds of noises that sound like she is having the time of her life.



This gets their attention. Heads come up. They are interested.



Stormie knows this because I will see her pause for a moment, and look at them out of the corner of her eye. She is thinking, "I almost have them!" So, she amps up the enjoyment factor.



She will take one of the toys over to the occupant of the bed that she wishes to have. She stands there, wagging her tail, with the toy in her mouth. She darts away, enticing her sister to follow her. They can't resist and hop out of the bed and take off after her.



At which point, she drops the toy at their feet, dashes over to the bed she tried to get into earlier, circles a few times, then lays down with a very satisfied sigh and closes her eyes.



Her sister is left standing in shock with a now unwanted toy in her mouth.



Such trickery.



Such diabolical evilness.



Such brilliance.






No wonder she's the queen of the household.

Summer Pet Care

Summer is here and we are spending more time outside. It is always a good thing to review Summer Pet Care and Safety Tips, so that they stay foremost in our minds.

The Humane Society has the following advice:

Never Leave Your Pet in the Car
In nice weather you may be tempted to take your pet with you in the car while you travel or do errands. But during warm weather, the inside of your car can reach 120 degrees in a matter of minutes, even if you're parked in the shade. This can mean real trouble for your companion animals left in the car.

Dogs and cats can't perspire and can only dispel heat by panting and through the pads of their feet. Pets who are left in hot cars even briefly can suffer from heat exhaustion, heat stroke, brain damage, and can even die. Don't think that just because you'll be gone "just a minute" that your pet will be safe while you're gone; even an air-conditioned car with the motor off isn't healthy for your pet.

To avoid any chance that your pet will succumb to the heat of a car this summer, be sure to play it safe by leaving your pet cool and refreshed at home while you're on the road. And if you do happen to see a pet in a car alone during the hot summer months, alert the management of the store where the car is parked. If the owner does not return promptly, call local animal control or the police department immediately.

Don't Put Your Pet In the Back of a Truck
It is very dangerous, and in some states illegal, to drive with a dog in the back of a pick up truck. Not only can flying debris cause serious injury, but a dog may be unintentionally thrown into traffic if the driver suddenly hits the brakes, swerves, or is hit by another car. Dogs should ride either in the cab (in a crate or wearing a seat belt harness designed for dogs) or in a secured crate in the bed of the truck.

Watch Out For Fertilizers and Deadly Plants
Summer is often a time when people fertilize their lawns and work in their gardens. But beware: Plant food, fertilizer, and insecticides can be fatal if your pet ingests them. In addition, more than 700 plants can produce physiologically active or toxic substances in sufficient amounts to cause harmful effects in animals.

Water Wisdom
Pets and pools can equal disaster. Prevent free access to pools and always supervise a pet in a pool. Provide plenty of water and shade for your pets while they're enjoying the great outdoors so they can stay cool.

If You Can't Stand the Heat...
Pets need exercise even when it is hot, but extra care needs to be taken with older dogs, short-nosed dogs, and those with thick coats. On very hot days, limit exercise to early morning or evening hours. Keep in mind that asphalt gets very hot and can burn your pet's paws. Pets can get sunburned too, and your pet may require sunscreen on his or her nose and ear tips. Pets with light-colored noses or light-colored fur on their ears are particularly vulnerable to sunburn and skin cancer.

Your pet can suffer from heat exhaustion and heat stroke. These conditions are very serious and could cause your pet to die. You should be aware of the signs of heat stress, which could include heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse, unsteadiness, a staggering gait, vomiting, or a deep red or purple tongue.

If your pet does become overheated, you need to immediately lower his body temperature. Move your pet into the shade and apply cool (not cold) water over his body to gradually lower his core body temperature. Apply cold towels or ice packs to your pet's head, neck, and chest only. Let your pet drink small amounts of water or lick ice cubes. Most importantly, get him to a veterinarian immediately.

Play It Safe on the 4th
Don't take your pets to crowded summer events such as concerts or fairs. The loud noises and crowds, combined with the heat, can be stressful and dangerous for pets. For your pet's well being, leave her at home. Be especially aware of these threats during holidays, such as the Fourth of July.

We hope that everyone has many opportunities to get out and enjoy some activities with your favorite furry friend this summer and that everyone, people and pets, stay safe!

The Postman Delivereth

Our dogs have learned to love the mailman. And the UPS man. And the FedEx man. The dogs have learned that when these guys (and at our house they are guys, so I am not being sexist) come to the door, most likely the package is going to be good stuff for them.

Such was the case the other day when we got a package from Suzanne at Crazy for Collars, filled with glorious new collar designs for the girls to model and do a photo shoot.

Suzanne's collars are always fabulous, but they just keep getting better and better. As I handled each one I would say, "Oh, I love this one. We may have to get one of these." For a little while there it looked as if Suzanne may not get any of them returned to her as I would choose to keep ALL of them.

Of course I had to have the one that was made from the same fabric as the dress that Stormie was wearing on the cover of the May/June issue of Chihuahua Connection magazine.

The collars that Suzanne makes at Crazy for Collars are so bright and cheerful with their added bow. While our girls love the bows, some dogs would probably prefer collars without them, which Suzanne is happy to supply. She also makes adorable little bowtie bows for the boys.

Here are a few more of the new designs that we photographed this weekend:

Collars are such a wonderful summer fashion accessory. When the temperatures start to get warm and your dog doesn't want to wear a lot of clothing, a collar is still that perfect fashion statement. At Crazy for Collars, there is a collar for every design preference.

The girls think everyone should have a different collar for every day.

Are we getting a little spoiled...??

Shimmer's Top Ten List

A few months ago I posted Stormie's Top Ten List. Since then, Shimmer has expressed a desire to share her top ten favorite things with our readers. Shimmer is the quietest of the three girls and oftentimes gets left out as she doesn't put herself out there as much as the other two.

So, I give to you....Shimmer's Top Ten List

10. Dance on my hind legs for a treat. It makes people laugh.

9. Lick people's hands until they go crazy.

8. Mess up the blanket in my bed every time Mom makes it all folded and nice.

7. Dash madly around the yard, leaping and actually getting airborne, with all four feet off the ground like a deer.

6. Lick the furniture...or the carpet....or my bed....

5. Wag my tail in circles like a helicopter propeller. It makes people think I am getting ready to take off!

4. Soaking up the sun on the patio while hanging out with Mom in the backyard.

3. Doing this funny sneeze/snort when I am super excited. Especially fun when my family tries to make the same sound back at me. They look sooo funny!

2. Curl up on the couch with my Mom and watch T.V.

1. Lick ANYTHING I can get my tongue on!!!!!

There you have it. Sweet Shimmer's number one vice is her insistent licking. I think she believes we are all her Popsicles!

Games to Play With Your Dog

Does your dog ever give you 'that look' and you say, "Boy, I wish I knew what you were thinking."?

Well, perhaps sometimes it is best that our dogs can't tell us what they are thinking, as we might not want to hear it. But that's for another discussion.

Today we are going to talk about some games that you can play with your dog. They don't take much preparation or equipment.

All the evidence is, yes, we need to learn how to have fun with our dogs. Too many people just don't know how much fun their dog can be. Their relationship is one way; they haven't learned to communicate. They need help learning how to have fun with their dog. When they enjoy their dog they are motivated to work through problems, to solve them instead of giving up on the dog.

Treasure Hunt
Put your dog in a down-stay and place a treat (food or toy) within sight. Return to your dog and release her, and encourage her to go to the treat -- she can eat it or play with it. Repeat this, varying where you put the treat. Next time, "hide" the treat where the dog can't see it, but she can see you putting it there (behind a piece of furniture, for example). Release her, and let her get the treat (show her if necessary). Next, hide the treat further away, then in another room, out of sight, and if she stays in her "stay" let her find it. You can increase the distance, difficulty, and even number of treats (several small food bits) as your dog gets better at "stay". This is especially good for dogs that have begun to learn "stay" but are nervous about having their people go out of sight.

Soccer

Did you know you can teach your dog to play soccer? Start the game by gently kicking the ball along the ground toward your dog. Encourage him to get it. The ball is too big to pick up with his teeth and it will take him a few minutes to figure out that he must push it with his nose or bat it with his paws. Give him lots of praise as he begins to catch on. As he gets better at it, you can include more people in the game. For breeds too small to handle a soccer ball, soft rubber balls can be found at pet stores.

These are just two games that you can start with. There are also all kinds of interactive games now on the market. These are puzzles that allow you to place treats in compartments that your dog then has to figure out how to get open to get to the treats.

Paw Palace Online has a great selection of these games - check them out!

Remember that playing with your dog is about having a good time. If things aren't going well with the game you have chosen, go back to a basic game of fetch, or simply take a walk together to end on a good note. Do not get frustrated or angry with your dog. Keep it fun!

Garden Planting

I know that in some parts of the country, people have had their gardens planted for a long time and are even harvesting from them by now. This year, here in Oregon, the weather has been completely uncooperative. Gardens have been planted. And replanted. And replanted again as the torrential rains and record cold weather have wreaked havoc with the tender plants.

Thus, there we were, on the 14th of June, just getting our plants in the ground. I have been babying them along in safety from the elements, but there comes a time when they just need to get their roots in the soil.

The girls came out to help us plant. They were most intrigued with this idea that Mom and Dad were down on all fours, digging in the dirt.

I had to laugh at Stormie. She kept looking at me like she was saying, "Now, let me get this straight....if I dig in the dirt, that is bad. But, if YOU dig in the dirt, that is good? I am confused here, Mom."

Breezy sat down in from of this one tomato plant as if to say, "I will guard this plant with my life. Do not worry about a thing."

I tried to explain to them that the tomatoes would be turned into yummy salsa in the fall. They won't get to taste any of it, but as dogs with their origins in Mexico, they should appreciate that this is what the plants are for, correct?

In the end, we had tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and zucchini planted.

And a nice little fence up around them, as Bonnie thinks that this soft, nice garden soil is so fun to dig in.

It was pretty warm, so the girls went to hang out on their favorite deck chair. Poor Stormie with her dark black coat gets feeling the heat long before any one else. Right after this picture was taken she hopped down and headed to the water bowl.

It was a good family activity for the night, and now the girls run out to check the garden every time we go outside.

Doggie Birthday Party

It all started a few weeks ago when Melissa, from Bark.Sniff.Drool Blog, and her husband, Josh, came over for a visit. Melissa had been planning a grand Puppy Birthday Pawty for her dogs Coco and Dolce. She just needed a good location to hold it. The more we visited, we realized that Breezy had a birthday at the same time, and that our backyard was a perfect location for a party (believe me, it has hosted MANY!)

As the saying goes, the rest is history. Saturday was Pawty Day!!!

Because Melissa was in charge, the theme was Hello Kitty, of course! Everyone got a big kick out of the fact that this was the theme for a dog party.



Melissa worked hard at baking dog treats and Pupcakes for the dogs, as well as treat bags filled with goodies for all the Pawty Pups.


There was a yummy raspberry filling cake for the people, too!

And the girls were so spoiled with many wonderful gifts from everyone!

And there were dogs, dressed in all their party finery....


Shimmer enjoying the sunshine.


Armani and Dolce.

Linda McDonald and her family came with all their dogs, including two 8 week old puppies.


Armani looked so dapper with his bowtie collar from Crazy for Collars.

Fun times were had by all the people. Melissa was the photographer for the day, so it was hard to catch a picture of her, but we did...

Melissa and her great friend, Aubrey.

Whenever Josh comes over, Breezy is so in love with him and won't leave him for a minute. Even when he put her down to go get some food, she followed right at his heels. It is true love!


Hannah with one of Linda's puppies. Not sure if it is Hercules or Zeus. Cute, cute, cute.


Shawn and I enjoying the festivities.


P.J. and Coco were instant friends.

The weather was gorgeous, after a week of rain. Everyone had a great time visiting with each other and enjoying watching the dogs play together.

My first doggie Birthday Pawty, and it was a great experience.

A New Bed Fom Muddy Puppys!!

There is something freeing about admitting to your obsessions. Suddenly, they don't seems so bad any more. Especially when you hear from many others who have the same obsession. You don't feel so alone in the world.

Thus, I have no problems admitting that.....we got another DOG BED yesterday!!!!

This one is a fabulous, soft, fluffy, handmade bed from a wonderful Etsy seller, Muddy Puppys . I love the sellers on Etsy. They are just so down-to-earth, helpful and a awesome group of talented crafters. You can find pretty much anything handcrafted on Etsy.

Muddy Puppys is a wonderful shop where you can find homemade dog treats and gifts for animal lovers. We also received a big sample bag of treats with our bed. These are all natural organic biscuits, frosted and decorated in the most gourmet fashion. They are Wheat free, Corn Free, Soy Free....And ALL Natural!

As you know, next to dog beds, dog biscuits are the favored thing with the girls.

We got the Cozy Warm Plush Princess bed in red. I love how you can use this bed in two ways: folded up and tied at the corner to make a nice snuggly cup, or unfolded and flat, which gives more room for several dogs, or one that might be a bit larger than my girls. When folded up, it gives plenty of support for the girls to rest their little heads as they nap. Also, it is completely machine washable, which is always a great plus.

As you can see from the above picture, as soon as I unpacked it and placed it on the floor for the girls to check out, Breezy hopped in, spread her little paws across it and claimed it as "MINE!" She exhibited her 'bratitude' for a while, snuggling down in it, rolling around, really gloating to Shimmer and Stormie how wonderful it was.

Shimmer, never the pushy one, gave up and went somewhere else to snuggle.

Stormie, on the other hand, wasn't going to tolerate such insubordination. She sat and watched Breezy's antics for a while, then when Breezy settled in to take a snooze, Stormie climbed in and joined her. I love how if you look real close in the picture, Breezy has one eye opened, looking at Stormie, as if she's saying, "I see you there, don't think I don't!"

Later they all three sampled one of the treats and give their full approval of Muddy Puppys shop. This is a wonderful bed, I would highly recommend it to everyone. Head on over to Muddy Puppys and check out their great products. They are even having a sale!!