Doggie Dash 2010

We packed up the girls, Bonnie, Christopher and P.J. and headed downtown this morning to the 23rd annual Doggie Dash. It is a walk-a-thon dog event that benefits the Oregon Humane Society. The weather today is absolutely gorgeous and there were thousands of people in attendance and more fun dogs than I have ever seen all in one location.

There were booths galore of all kinds of doggie stuff (watch for a review on some really great treats I am going to make with a mix from one of the vendors), children's wading pools for dogs to drink out of (a few dogs got in and laid down or splashed around), live music, competitions and demonstrations.

We participated in the Fashion show with the girls in their coordinating dresses. We didn't win, but got plenty of applause.

We learned that when you walk through a crowd of thousands, pushing a pet stroller containing three adorable little Chihuahuas, you don't get anywhere very quickly. We were stopped so many times while people oohed and aahed over the girls. Many wanted to take their picutres.

Stormie and Breezy were all about the ride. They spent most of the day riding with their front paws up on the edge of the stroller, watching all the action. Shimmer, as usual, preferred the view from the safe lower window. When Breezy's back legs would get tired, she would sit on her haunches, doing her 'prairie dog' look. The rest of the time she looked like a furry hood ornament hanging out the front.

We met up with Melissa Trajano-Williams, her husband Josh and two of their dogs, Coco and Armani. Armani was totally in love with our stroller full of girls and practically climbed on in to say hello. He is such a charmer.

It was a great day. All the dogs are exhausted and are now taking naps.

Spring Gardening Time

The sun is shining today and I have such a craving to get out there and start planting my flowers. The dogs love to hang out in the yard with me and soak up the sunshine.

The American Kennel Club newsletter recently shared some cautions that all pet owners should remember when they are planting and working in their gardens:

"Due to their natural curiosity, their love of digging, and their tendency to consume anything they come across, dogs are at a high risk for accidental poisoning. This can be particularly true in spring, as front gardens and backyards come to life with new growth, and as dogs and their owners spend more time outdoors.

Toxic bulbs, plants and flowers include tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, certain lilies, crocus, and lily of the valley. See a detailed chart here.

Harmful fertilizers and ground cover include cocoa mulch, blood meal, bone meal, and any fertilizer containing disulfoton or organophosphates. Store all poisonous substances in your home, garage, and yard out of reach of your curious canine, and block access to potentially harmful bulbs and flowers. If you suspect your dog has ingested a poison, call your veterinarian at once; or dial the Pet Poison Helpline at 800-213-6680. "

All good things to remember.

P.S. The adorable dog in the picture is my "little brother", Teddy. Teddy is a Pom-Chi that lives with my Mom and is a real sweetie.

Kiss That Mouth????

Today's 'Why Does My Dog Do That?' question isn't so much to clear up a mystery of dog behavior as it is to address the urban legend that a dog's mouth is cleaner than a human's.

Come on!!! Who really believes that?? Have you SEEN what a dog does with it's tongue? As we all know, dogs aren't particularly fussy about where they put their tongues or what goes into their mouths. A dog's mouth contains a lot of bacteria.

Think cat litter box, dead stuff, rear ends of other dogs..

Remember, a dog's tongue is not only his wash cloth but also his toilet paper.

Well, it's true!

So, is a dog's mouth cleaner than a human's? Not at all!! Should you let your dog plant a big slurpy kiss on your face? If you want to. You are not going to die from some horrible disease that you acquire from your dog's tongue. It's really more of a personal issue. Some people will let their dogs lick inside their mouths.

Ok, that's just gross. Remember....toilet paper?

While others don't mind an occasional lick on the cheek.

There is no medical proof that a dog's mouth is cleaner than a human's, or that it has any mysterious healing powers.

It is what it is. A product of what goes into it. If you enjoy sharing your affection with your dog in this way, go right ahead.

Just understand if no human wants to kiss you afterward.