Merry Christmas!!

 Freddy and the girls along with their human brothers wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!

P.S. I tried to get all the doggies and all the boys facing the camera at the same time. I gave up after these three!

Luna's first kill.

"Where is my lizard?"

Freddy the wiener dog and the girls were searching the plants in the front yard for lizards. Okay, Freddy and Malibu were hunting lizards; Luna was trying to sneak across the front yard after the neighbor's cat. 

I decided to move a patio chair to another spot on the porch so I had a better view of the yard and street. As usual, I banged the chair around and lifted the cushion checking for hidden lizards. Sure enough, there were two rather large lizards hiding underneath the cushion. Of course, I dropped the cushion and started screaming "lizard!" {That's always my natural reaction. I'm 100% girly-girl.} That brought Freddy running over and, interestingly, it brought Luna. Freddy chased one lizard into the bushes; Luna caught the other! Luna kept trying to get into the front door with her lizard, but I refuse to allow playmates inside, so I blocked Luna and shut the door. By now Malibu had shown up and wanted Luna's lizard, but Luna wasn't going to share. Instead, Luna used her front teeth to check the lizard out. She didn't seem sure what to do with it. But, she eventually bit it's head off. Malibu still wanted the lizard, but Luna was going to keep her kill. Luna stood guard over her lizard.

Now, when I finally sat down on the patio chair, I kicked off my flip flops and put my feet up on the chair. When I saw Luna protecting her lizard, I wanted to grab the camera from inside the house. Unfortunately, I didn't look before I leaped. I just put my feet down into my flip-flops. Luna had put her dead lizard on top of my flip flops for additional protection. {Or, perhaps she was trying to share?} After I felt cold, squishy lizard, I shrieked and kicked them off. Of course, I had goo between my toes that I had to remove. Ew!!!!! Luna did not understanding my screaming; she just wanted her lizard back.

I ran into the house for the camera. Luna wasn't sure if she was supposed to follow, so I shut the front door so she couldn't bring her dead lizard into the house. This time I put on a pair of tennis shoes and ran back outside to take the picture. Unfortunately, right as I got there, Malibu ran over and grabbed Luna's dead lizard and ran off with it! So, I have no picture to show Luna's first kill. Now, she's back to staring at the neighbor's cat. I guess catching lizards isn't what she thought it would be......

Bad Daddy. Bad, bad Daddy.

Freddy waiting for Daddy
outside the shower.

Freddy the wiener dog is not happy with his Daddy. Each morning at 6:30 a.m., Mommy drives Steven to the high school. Mommy doesn't take Freddy or Luna for the ride because Freddy and Luna bark too much. The barking really upsets Steven, so Mommy only takes quiet, little Bu. 

Daddy has a four-day workweek. Usually on Friday mornings Daddy and Freddy drive Steven to the high school. But, Daddy slept in this morning. So, Mommy took care of the first car-line drive to school - which means that Freddy didn't get his extra Friday morning ride. 

Daddy woke up 45 minutes later, and Freddy is letting Daddy know how much Freddy is upset with Daddy for missing that ride. He's following Daddy around whining and crying, jumping and scratching. This is not good for Daddy. Now, he'll have to do something extra with Freddy to make up for car-line. And, he'd better. If Daddy doesn't kiss and make up with Freddy, then Freddy will start whining and crying, jumping and scratching at Mommy. Then, Daddy will be in trouble with both Mommy and Freddy......

2:07 a.m. and The Toddlers want to play.

Malibu the wiener dog decided at 2:07a.m. that it was time for a bathroom break. No problem, Mommy knows the drill. So, she gets all the doggies awake and outside. Naturally, there's a treat involved when all three pee outside in the middle of the night.

Mommy and Freddy came back to bed for sleeping, but Malibu and Luna want to play.....and crunchy water bottles are the best at 2:00 a.m. Mommy took those away. So, Malibu decided that Freddy needed a half-hour bath. Luna won't stop chewing on their plastic doggie stairs.

Mommy and Freddy just want to sleep. 

Good Morning, Mr. Hawk.... Now, please go away.

Mr. Hawk was waiting for us on our fence when Freddy the wiener dog and his girls went outside for their morning romp. Well, Malibu wants to dig for frogs. Freddy and Luna want to stay under the blankets. But, everybody has to pee first.

Mr. Hawk wasn't afraid of me going thru the screen door and walking a little closer to get a picture of him.

Now, I'm sure Mr. Hawk is just looking for a frog or lizard to come along....maybe even a mole. But, I sure don't like he watches Malibu's running around the yard. She stays close to the pool fence, mostly inside her holes, but I don't want Mr. Hawk to mistake Malibu for a rabbit or something. 

So, Good Morning, Mr. Hawk.... Now, please go away.

Happy Thanksgiving 2012!

Freddy the wiener dog and the girls had a very enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday here in the USA. They had plenty of food to eat and lots of napping.Then, it took an army to get all the three doggies together for a Thanksgiving photo!

Freddy, Malibu and Luna wish all their readers a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Luna loves plastic.

Luna the wiener dog loves plastic - anything plastic. Mommy was unloading the dishwasher when she accidentally dropped a plastic storage container. Luna couldn't run off with the plastic dish fast enough.

Malibu stopped her though and took it away from Luna. Malibu trotted around the house for a few minutes with it, but then dropped it to go outside to hunt for frogs. Luna took it back. Now, she's making sure that nobody gets her plastic container.

Luna has a new love in her life.

Luna the wiener dog has a new love in her life. Luna a-d-o-r-e-s the neighbor lady from across the street. Her name is Nicole. I invited Nicole over to chat about the kids. Luna fell in love. As Nicole sat down, I tried to warn her that Luna will jump up and stick her tongue in your mouth, but I wasn't fast enough. Luna got Nicole. Smack! 

Then, Luna jumped into Nicole's lap for some petting. Nicole never stopped petting Luna the entire visit. Luna was polite at first. Then, Luna started leaning heavily into Nicole. Then, Luna stood on the arm of the chair to block Nicole and I from seeing and speaking with each other. "No, don't pay attention to Mommy. Pay attention to ME!" Luna finally settled down next to Nicole and fell asleep, while Nicole continued to pet Luna.

Luna was clearly in love. In fact, she wanted to walk out the door with Nicole. I told Nicole that she could take Luna with her. Nicole clearly likes Luna too, but she said that her son wants a Pug. That's so wrong......

Luna and the BIG, icky spider.

Freddy the wiener dog and his girls were barking, barking, barking at something in the living room. I came into the room to see them barking at a BIG, icky spider. Actually, Luna protecting her BIG, icky spider. - It is difficult to describe just how much I hate bugs, lizards, flying things, frogs, etc. The best description is....well, just looking at it could put me into a coma. Yes, it's that bad. - I needed a better look at the BIG, icky spider but I wasn't getting too close to Luna, who obviously wanted her spider left alone.

Luna picks it up and starts trotting around the house with it. Quite pleased with herself. Of course, I'm not sure if she was pleased with the spider or that I proceeded them screaming and running from it. Either way, Luna looked happy.

When Luna finally dropped it for a second, I had my camera ready with the telephoto lens. Once I was able to zoom in on the nasty thing up close and personal, I could tell it was plastic. This gave me some relief but then I thought, "Boys!" [who are at school].

Luna continues to play with her spider...crunching on it mostly. Luna does love plastic. But, this is one toy that Luna is making sure nobody - not even Freddy - gets their paws on it.

Freddy likes 68º F (20º C) with a slight breeze.

Freddy the wiener dog really enjoyed our early evening walk. It was 68º F (20º C) with a slight breeze. Freddy was frisky! He either racewalked or jogged the whole way. In fact, he was so happy that it looked like he was skipping.

Malibu seemed happy enough, but she stayed close to Freddy the entire way. Steven walked Freddy, so I walked Bu. Unfortunately, Freddy wanted to walk so fast that I had to jog now and then to keep up. I wasn't in my running shoes, but at least I had tennis shoes on. It's really tough jogging in flip-flops.

Luna was naughty (what's new, huh?). She hid when it was time to put on their harnesses. So, she was left behind. Of course, she was very upset about this. Too bad. She either listens to her Mommy or she gets left out of the fun.

Obie, the obese Dachshund.

Update: 4/14/13: Obie's success!!! https://www.facebook.com/BiggestLoserDoxieEdition

Poor Obie. 77 lbs.

Update 1/24/13: The custody battle over Obie, an obese Dachshund from Oregon made famous on NBC's "Today Show" has ended after months of legal disputes. The woman who originally took the dog in for temporary foster care (Vanatta, a veterinary technician) is now officially his permanent owner. As for Obie, Vanatta said he has lost 28 pounds since she took him in about six months ago. 

Obie's 28-lb. weight loss!!

Update 10/29/12 p.m.: At a court hearing Monday morning, a judge decided that the dog will stay with Vanatta, at least for now. The judge said at this point it is unclear who owns Obie. Oregon Daschund Rescue was asking that the dog be turned over to them until ownership is decided, but the judge declined. http://www.katu.com/news/local/Obie-the-overweight-dog-isnt-going-anywhere-at-least-for-now-176307171.html.

Update 10/29/12: Obie, I pray today that you win. No matter what that means, only God knows that. Breaks my heart to see this fight, all the money spent and redirected that could be saving babies that will lose their life today because no one came to save them. This is a day for tears. Take Obie out of the spotlight, and go do your rescue work. This is not it. - by Annie Craig, a friend.

This is monstrous!!!! Obie's elderly owners overfed him. He should weigh 30-40 lbs., but he weighs 77! How, how, how could somebody feed a dog until he can barely walk?! Or, breathe. There's a video on the website of Obie's eating. His breathing sounds terrible. Obie wears a harness to protect his chest and underbelly from dragging on the ground.

He was rescued by Oregon Dachshund Rescue. But, they put Obie in foster care with Nora Vanatta, who has a degree in animal science and is a certified veterinary technician. Vanatta put Obie on a strict diet, and he has lost 15 lbs. That's good.

However, Vanatta went on national television and raised thousands of dollars for Obie's care. The Oregon Dachshund Rescue says Vanatta is exploiting the dog and want Obie back. Neither of these women should get Obie. He should stay at the vet's office until he's in shape and then found a loving, caring home. All money collected should be transferred to the vet for Obie's medical care.

A judge will decide next week who gets custody of Obie. Either way, the money should go the vet's office or a true rescue group that will help many, many others. Pray for his poor baby!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2223610/Nora-Vanatta-Obie-obese-dachshund-centre-custody-battle.html

Freddy and the girls meet (the new) Daisy.

Daisy look-alike on the left.

Freddy the wiener dog and the girls were frolicking in the front yard. It was a gorgeous morning. Mommy was sitting on the front porch reading her Kindle. 

The only problem was Luna's trying to sneak across the street to catch the neighbor's cat. Luna walks along the sidewalk in front of the house and tries to make it to the neighbor's driveway. She thinks if she can make it that far, then Mommy hasn't noticed and she can dart across the street. No go. Mommy catches Luna every single time. When Mommy calls Luna back, Luna walks as s-l-o-w-l-y as possible back to Mommy. She likes to pretend that it was her idea to come back into the yard. Ha!

Besides Luna's trying to sneak off to the catch the kitty, it was a lovely morning with no incidents. Mommy could see down the sidewalks in both directions. Nobody was walking their doggies or jogging around the neighborhood. Mommy got a little too involved with her reading and didn't notice the young man approaching with his 5-month-old German Shepherd puppy until they were walking across the neighbor's driveway. About the time Mommy noticed the German Shepherd puppy, Freddy noticed the German Shepherd puppy. Freddy went tearing off, barking, snarling, snapping at the puppy....with Luna right behind to back him up. Malibu came barking and running too, but she kept her distance. The poor puppy was so confused at that barking, snarling, snapping midget dog. What's up with that?! Mommy reach the doggies just a second or two behind Freddy and Luna and ordered them into the house. They did...still barking and snarling all the way. 

Mommy went back outside to apologize to the young man for the behavior of Freddy and the girls. "You see, Dachshunds own all that they see...... They think they're grizzly bears and don't know their size...." Etc., etc. He was quite nice about it. Then, he introduced me to Daisy. As mentioned, she's 5 months old and all legs. She's quite tall for a puppy. Once she fills out, she's going to be a big girl. And, she was the most adorable, friendly puppy. Daisy just wanted to play!

Daisy ran around the yard, sniffing everything in sight. Apparently, Freddy's digging brings up lots of new smells. She was fascinate with the dirt. She was near a bush when a squirrel jumped from it onto a tree. Daisy tucked her butt under and ran back to her Daddy. "What was that?!" Maybe she thought it was one of little doggies sneaking up on her again. Mommy enjoyed her time playing and petting Daisy.

A favorite digging spot.

After Daisy left, Mommy let Freddy and the girls back outside to the front yard. The doggies needed time to smell everywhere that Daisy went. They were not interested in smelling Mommy's hands. They only wanted to track Daisy's scent around the yard. Once Freddy was satisfied that he had run Daisy off, he was content to continue frolicking and digging in Daddy's front garden.

Yay! Daddy's home!! Daddy's home!!

Freddy the wiener dog really missed his Daddy. A couple of times a year, Daddy takes 4- to 5-day business trip/meetings, usually in Galveston, Texas. Freddy knows what it means when Daddy takes out a suitcase.Freddy did pretty well this time. He was a little moppy, but he spent most of his time pestering Mommy. "What'cha doin', Mom? Huh? Huh? Huh?" Freddy gave Daddy a very quick hello, and then he wanted Daddy to chase him and throw woobies around the backyard.

Luna the wiener dog was depressed while Daddy was gone. She didn't want to play with any toys. She followed Mommy from room to room, just making sure she knew what Mommy was doing and that Mommy wasn't going anywhere too. Luna, however, had the biggest "welcome home" greeting for Daddy. She couldn't have twiggled that rear-end or tail any faster than she did. If you hear of any earthquake tremors in the Central Florida area, no worries. It's just Luna shaking the house and everything else loose in her welcome to Daddy.

Malibu the wiener dog was a little different. She handled herself the usual ways --- Run around the house like crazy, keep track of Mommy, dig for frogs...... Routine stuff. Malibu gave Daddy a quick, little greeting when she saw him, but she couldn't be slowed down. She was chasing frogs and digging dirt when he arrived home. Malibu did give him a better greeting later. When she completed her frog hunt, she came back inside, ran over to Daddy, and frantically scratched his knee. This is the universal symbol for "pick me up."

Now, all three are piled together with Daddy, sleeping. Freddy started off between Mommy and Daddy's pillows. Now, he's on Daddy's pillow with his front paws resting on Daddy's shoulder. Malibu is also on Daddy's pillow, but she has her paws on Freddy. Finally, Luna is stretched down the length of Daddy. Luna's a l-o-n-g girl. She wants Daddy's warmth, but she also must unkink her back with a good stretch.

I'll post some pictures tomorrow.

Morning walks with Owl.

Freddy the wiener dog and his peeps have begun their multiple daily walks now that the weather has cooled significantly in Central Florida. Mommy likes lots and lots of walks. Thankfully, so does Freddy. Of course, Freddy could not possibly trot around the neighborhood without a woobie. This week, Owl has accompanied Freddy on his daily walks. Freddy struts through the neighborhood with his Owl. Adorable.

Malibu and Luna, the wiener girls, both enjoy their walks too. Malibu just wants to run the entire time. Luna keeps a steady pace. But, neither girl has that "John Travolta strut walk" like Freddy. "Well, you can tell by the walk I use my walk, I'm a woman's man with no time to talk......."

Luna's in trouble......

Luna, the wiener dog, is in trouble. Big trouble. Freddy was walking across the bed to sit next to Mommy. But, Luna cut him off and took the spot next to Mommy instead. Luna had her chewed up funnel with her.... Mommy grabbed Luna's rear-end to shove her over so Freddy could sit next to Mommy. Luna gave Mommy quite a nasty growl. Mommy snatched Luna's funnel from her and told her "bad dog." Of course, Luna is unhappy that she's in trouble. But, Mommy scared Bu. Sorry, Bu.

Luna's funnel is in time-out.

"Ew, what is that?"

Early this morning Luna, the wiener dog, and I were crossing the kitchen when we spotted a big pile of poo. Actually, Luna saw it first and I saw Luna's reaction. Luna was almost upon it when she stopped, took a brief sniff, jumped back a little, and then took the long way around the poo. Yeah, Luna, I agree.

So, I let Luna outside for a pee break while I went back to pick up the doggie poo. Thankfully, t-h-a-n-k-f-u-l-l-y, I turned the light on first. When I went back over to the poo I saw that it was actually a huge toad. Ew!!!!! {*shudders*} Malibu!!!!!!!

Luckily, there was a rather large bowl sitting on the kitchen counter. I quickly emptied it and with shaking hands managed to get the bowl over the huge toad without screaming.....My screaming that is, not the toad. I'm still freaked out imaging reaching down - with toilet paper and not bare-handed - to pick up the big, squishy, living toad! Ew!!!!! {*shudders*} In the dark!! Can you just imagine!?!

Now, if Malibu had brought it inside last night, she would have brought it to the bed. But, if Malibu had brought it in this morning, then she would have been spastic, running around the house in circles and barking at me. {She actually had a "come and see my toad" bark.} Neither happened, so I have no idea when Malibu brought the big, nasty toad into the kitchen.

Anyway, I did what any SANE woman would do..... I woke my husband at 5:00 a.m. to remove the toad from the kitchen. Hey, if I'm on Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, then hubby can join along too. {Our neighbors must be wondering why their toad population has risen exponentially.}

I'd like to give a big "thank you" to Luna for notifying me of the foreign object on the floor.

Tiinkerbell's 10/5/12 Update

 Here's our favorite bully girl - TIINKERBELL!! 

Tiinkerbell's skin is better and she's growing hair. She is still not gaining weight, though she is eating really well. Her bloodwork came back with elevated liver values and an x-ray of her stomach was abnormal. They are testing her for EPI (exocrine pancreatic insufficiency). It will take a couple of days before the test comes back, hopefully they'll know early next week.

You can still follow her progress at https://www.facebook.com/TiinkerbellsTime. Care packages can be sent to 14286-19 #234 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32250.

If you'd like to help this rescue group with financial assistance for Tiinkerbell and their other pittie rescues. Donations can be made by visiting www.pitsisters.org and specify Tiinkerbell in the notes. Or, make a donation to: Lakewood-San Jose Animal Hospital, 5315 Saint Augustine Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32207; (904) 737-2011. {Call between noon-2:00 p.m. (EDT)}. Please specify "Tiinkerbell" or "Pit Sisters." Thank you!!     

P.S. Pit Sisters Rescue has a wish list on Amazon.com. This would make it easier to select items that they need. http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/E37V8FMZOX72/?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwpitsisters-20&linkCode=ur2&visitor-view=1&camp=1789&creative=390957&reveal=

Back in the saddle again.

Freddy, the wiener dog, is back!! Back in car-line, that is. Mommy wasn't taking Freddy and the girls to car-line because of the out-of-control barking. Freddy and Luna were a chorus, and Bu just joined in right. So for a week, Mommy didn't take anybody to car-line. Then, Mommy started taking only Malibu. Bu doesn't bark unless the others are around to start trouble. Good Malibu. Then, Mommy took Luna once. [Luna wanted to see her boyfriend - Eric's friend Eamon. They love each other.]

But, Mommy still wasn't able to take Freddy. Every time she put him in the car, Freddy would start barking as soon as the garage door went up. So, Mommy would take Freddy back inside. This happened for several days. Finally, today, Freddy didn't bark when Mommy put him in the car. So, Mommy took Freddy to car-line.

Freddy was extra, extra good. He never barked once. Oh, Mommy would definitely tell that Freddy wanted to bark. In fact, Freddy looked crazed wanting to bark, but he didn't. He wanted to bark when all the students showed up on the sidewalk, but he didn't. He even wanted to bark when the boys came to the car, but he didn't. Mommy was so proud of Freddy!!

"Pay attention to only ME!!!!!"

Luna, the wiener dog, loves her Mark. She chases after him to get petted. Seriously.

Mark was trying to do his homework. First,.Luna jumped into the chair and started banging his arm with her chewed up funnel. That's didn't work. So then, Luna flung herself into his lap and onto his papers. That worked. She got petted.

But, Mark had to finish his homework so he went to a table. 

Luna was despondent.

Okay, Luna, this is a new one......

Luna, the wiener dog, was fascinated with the pool tonight. She was fascinated with some smell known only to her. We have no idea what it was, but she kept smelling the pool in one particular location. We could see the little tip of her black nose wiggling back and forth. We checked the area for swimming frogs or something, but couldn't find a thing. We even checked the pool drain, nothing. I was ready a book, and the entire time I sat out there she kept her head down, sniffing the water. Freddy and Malibu came by, but they weren't interested in whatever Luna could smell. Sure wish I could read doggie minds.....

Snuggling with Luna.

Luna, the wiener dog, loves to cuddle...when she wants to. Mommy is trying to get Luna to cuddle when Mommy wants to. Luna's not so sure about that. When Mommy puts Luna in her lap, Luna remains all stiff-legged, every muscle tight, and her spine stiff as a board. Gee, relax Luna. Mommy gives Luna extra attention trying to loosen her up. So far, this has only made Luna want more of her cuddle time. But, she still stiffens when Mommy wants cuddle time.

Mommy doesn't get much cuddle time with Luna as it is. Malibu has no tolerance for Luna in Mommy's lap. Malibu will squeeze between Mommy and Luna until Luna is shoved off. Of course, then Mommy is in trouble because she was holding Luna. 

Freddy doesn't care as long as he's not disturbed.

How much is that doggie in the window?

Freddy, the wiener dog, and the girls are so happy Mommy's spent more of her time at home the past three days. Mommy was putting a lot of volunteer time at the middle school helping with the band. 325 students. The band teacher has a lot to do..... But, Mommy really missed her doggies. It was apparent before, but especially now - how much the doggies missed their Mommy. We're used to hanging out with each other all the time. Mommy hated seeing her doggies so sad.

Today, they have been full of energy! They're running around, swapping out toys, and just being silly. Mommy put a footstool near the windows and Luna just loves it, which is quite funny. There's a big chair in the living room that they can see everything from, but Luna prefers the footstool for watching the world. Of course, the footstool is in the same room and the computer, and it's lower to the floor for easy access. Still, Mommy finds it funny to watch Luna on the footstool.

Little Green Rhino

Luna carried the little green rhino outside with her for a pee. She set it down and accidentally peed on it. Now, she doesn't want it. She walked around and around the little rhino trying to find a place where she would pick it up, but left it. Now, she doesn't want it. Neither do the other dogs.....

King of the Pillows

Freddy takes over Steven's pillow.

Freddy, the wiener dog, loves to sleep with his humans. Freddy is a pillow hog. In fact, Freddy thinks he is King of the Pillows. No matter who Freddy sleeps with, Freddy takes over the pillow.

Sometimes, Freddy burrows under the covers and grunts and mule kick's his humans until he gets the exact spot he want. But, usually Freddy just climbs on top of the pillows and his humans have to find another place to put their head.

Mommy's turn to be sick.

Freddy, the wiener dog, has enjoyed the last few days of complete bedrest. Mommy has been sick with a bad cold, so Freddy has been lounging next to Mommy. Tonight, Freddy is snoring...loudly.

For the most part, Malibu has enjoyed Mommy's stay in bed. But, she does get a little restless to go outside and play. Thankfully, she understands that Mommy is sick so Bu isn't fussing for Mommy to outside and play too.

Luna, however, is very lazy so she is happy to stay in bed for extended periods of time. She makes sure to never miss a meal or snack, though.

Mommy's little G.I. Joe

Malibu, the wiener dog, has many names.... Malibu, Bu, My Little Sweet Bu, Cammie, etc., etc. She is Mommy's baby. {Yes, Freddy the wiener dog is Top Dog, The Divia, Freddy Baby, but he prefers Daddy to Mommy. But, Malibu is all Mommy's little girl {except when she's Freddy's girlfriend}.

Recently, Mommy started calling Malibu "G.I. Joe," mostly "Joe." Malibu took to this name right away. She responds more quickly to "Joe" than she does to "Malibu" or "Bu." Mommy thinks it's very cute that when she yells "Joe," Malibu comes flying around the corner, or wherever she's coming from. Joe is also the name that Mommy uses she chases Bu around the house or outside. That may be why Malibu likes Joe so much.

So, Mommy finally has her little camouflaged G.I. Joe.

Update at The Toddler House

Luna protecting her toy.

Freddy, the wiener dog, and his girls have not enjoyed the last two weeks. Mommy has been helping in the band room at Eric's middle school. This leaves Freddy and the girls alone for most of the day. They are very unhappy with Mommy. But, Mommy stayed home all weekend and made them feel better.

Freddy is getting a massage. Oh, yeah, he's a Diva.

Luna is chewing on plastic, and Malibu wants to take the plastic away from Luna. {The remnants of the old chewed up plastic vitamin bottle.} Every now and then, there's a brief scuffle, but Luna refuses to let Malibu win. Oh, girlfriend!! Mommy gave Malibu a big water bottle to destroy. Malibu put on a big show in front of Luna, but it didn't work. Luna didn't want the big water bottle; she kept the chewed up plastic. {Oh, Luna just buried her chewed up plastic in a blanket and laid on top of it. She even refused doggie treats because she doesn't want to leave her nasty old plastic.}

All is normal at The Toddler House...... 

Canine Members of the Armed Forces Act

Kahn

The military classifies military working dogs as “equipment”. Last spring, Rep. Walter Jones and Rep. Richard Blumenthal introduced H.R. 4103 (Canine Members of the Armed Forces Act) that elevates these dogs to the status of soldier. H.R. 4103 and its Senate counterpart S.2134 now languish in committee. This bill uses no federal funds, but facilitates the adoption and veterinary care of retired military working dogs. It also authorizes the Secretary of Defense to recognize and decorate dogs who are killed in service or “perform an exceptionally meritorious or courageous act in service to the United States.” These military working dogs walk beside our soldiers, save their lives and provide comfort to them. They are not equipment and if the human handler wants to bring his canine companion back to the States after their tour is over, we should do everything possible to reduce the cost of that adoption. If you agree, please take the time to write your Congressional Representative and Senator and ask them to pass the Canine Members of the Armed Forces Act.

In the picture, a U.S. soldier with the 10th Special Forces Group and his dog leap off the ramp of a CH-47 Chinook helicopter during water training over the Gulf of Mexico as part of exercise Emerald Warrior on March 1. 

Contact your Congressmen to let them know that you want the Canine Members of the Armed Forces Act passed! http://www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml

Celebrating Nana's 74th birthday.

Old Man Spotty

Freddy, the wiener dog, his girls and their humans went to Miss Julie's house for Nana's 74th birthday celebration. You may know from earlier bogs that Miss Julie has an old doggie. His name is Spotty. He's 17 years old, nearly blind, deaf, and has difficulty walking. In the past, the doggies have always ignored Spotty. This was Luna's first time meeting Spotty. It didn't go so well.

Luna disliked Spotty from the second she saw him. She not only barked at him, but she charged at him...trying to bite his rear-end. Of course, pack rules so Freddy and Malibu ran to back Luna up. Luna wanted to growl, bark, and chase Spotty all evening. Survival of the Fittest, I guess. We finally had to keep the dogs separated so Luna would leave Spotty alone.

Mommy was so surprised. Luna has always been so friendly to other dogs in the neighborhood. She may run up and bark for a second, but she wants to make friends. Not with Spotty.

Bu.....Bu......BU!!!!!

That'a-my-Bu... That'a my Bu...
That'a my Buuuuuuu!!

Malibu, the wiener dog, had a very scary day. Tuesday, when Malibu's humans were eating dinner, Malibu ran outside {after frogs, no doubt}. She came right back in.....barely able to walk, violently trembling, pupils fixed and dilated, very shallow breathing, and unresponsive. How did Malibu crawl from outside?

Mommy picked up Malibu and called her name. Unresponsive. Mommy couldn't hear any breathing and couldn't see Malibu's tummy moving. Mommy stuck her finger down Malibu's throat; nothing there. Thankfully, Malibu gagged on the finger and spit it back - she was getting air! The entire time Mommy was calling Bu's name over and over and over, trying to get some sort of response. Nothing.

Of course, Mommy's screaming brought Daddy and the boys. Daddy couldn't figure out what was wrong either, and the boys were freaked! Steven was so upset that he ran to another room. Mommy and Daddy thought perhaps Malibu had gotten a wasp or spider bite and that Bu was in anaphylactic shock.  But, there wasn't any swelling, lump or bloody spot. Mommy and Daddy ran out the door with Malibu, but our vet's office was closed. By the time we reached his office Malibu was still trembling, but it wasn't as badly as before. Malibu's pupils were no longer completely dilated. There was slight movement when Mommy moved her fingers back and forth in front of Malibu's eyes. Bu's eyes were responsive to Mommy's voice at this point. Because the trembling was subsiding and Malibu seemed to be "returning to normal," Mommy and Daddy decided not to run Malibu across town to the emergency vet's office.

Relaxing on the patio
with a chewed vitamin bottle.

Once back home, Malibu and Mommy curled up in bed together. Luna came onto the bed and curled up along side Mommy and Bu. Luna didn't even bring her tiger or try to get Mommy's attention. She just laid next to Bu. Freddy also came onto the bed. He gave Malibu a quick sniffing and then he licked her face 5-6 times. {It was so cute!} Then, Freddy also laid on the bed near her. For an hour afterward she seemed exhausted and disoriented. Later, she was romping about as if nothing out of the ordinary had occurred.

The next day Mommy and Daddy took Bu to her vet. He performed a thorough exam, of course. He even took blood for a workup. {Results back on Friday.} The vet's initial thoughts are that Malibu had a seizure, perhaps caused by hyperthyroidism. Hopefully there's good news tomorrow. Mommy doesn't want her baby girl to do that again.


8/17/12 Update: Bu's bloodwork came back absolutely normal. The vet said, "It's exactly the way it should be." So, Mommy and Daddy will keep an eye on Bu and hopefully this won't happen again..... Maybe she picked up a really nasty toad.

Subdued little doggies......

Freddy, the wiener dog, and his girls are not happy that school has started again. They have been subdued and sullen all day. Of course, they're every happy when the boys come home. But then, the doggies have to run from room to room keeping track of everybody....and don't even think about closing a door.

They're going to be even unhappier today because Mommy is assisting the middle school band teacher. My goodness, there's a lot to keep track of soooooooo many students.

Freddy was impossible in car-line. He started barking before Mommy picked him up and put him in the car, and he didn't stop barking until he got home. One of the neighbors was laughing because she heard Mommy say, "Okay, Freddy. The whole world can hear you barking!"

Bathtime!

Freddy, the wiener dog, got a bath tonight. He wasn't happy about it, but he was s-t-i-n-k-y! Then, when we wetted him down, he got even stinkier!! Phew! Lately, we haven't been able to stop Freddy's itchy manly-manly chest. We tried yet another shampoo. Mommy actually got it at the hair salon. If this doesn't work, then there's another to try from Amazon. It was requested by a rescue group, so maybe it will be mild, gentle yet helpful to Freddy's itchy skin. Of course, Freddy's always been high maintenance. Diva's always are.

Bu also received a bath tonight. She wasn't stinky but she had stuff stuck to her legs and chest, probably from all that dirt digging and frog chasing. Giving Freddy a bath makes him hide under a blanket. Giving Bu a bath makes her...hum, well...insane. She's has been running super-speedy circles around the house....jumping on and off furniture...stealing Luna's tiger...........

The Truth About Butchie

Butchie - vetted, neutered,
microchipped, house-trained,
escape artist if left alone in yard.

I have been trying to help Claudia help find a home for Butchie since last fall. Not one person has called on him. Maybe it is his brindle coloring that makes him look a little scary, but he is a loving dog with lots of energy. She rescued him from being tied by his back legs to a tree. She can't keep him any longer as he doesn't do well in the house alone and she works very long hours. Please can everyone rally for Butch! Read his biographical sketch below. He is a character. 
-- 
Kathy
My Animals Rock, Inc., 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation
PO BOX 630729 MIAMI,FL 33163
305 401 4693
www.myanimalsrock.org
klcremer@aol.com  
http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/22092877

While walking my two dogs last fall I came across this strange hyena-looking puppy inexplicably tied to a fence by his back legs. Naturally I couldn’t leave him there, so when I liberated him, surprise, surprise, he trotted home after me. The rest is history.
I figure he’s a little over a year old now. Bigger than a pure-breed, he weighs about 38 lbs. – all muscle. He has been neutered, micro-chipped, and is up-to-date on his shots.

Basenji Mix: An adoptable dog
in Hollywood, FL

It took many a Google search to figure out his primary breed, but when I discovered the Basenji sites, the images and temperament descriptions struck me as uncannily accurate. Except that Butch barks occasionally but not too often, generally it is if someone unfamiliar comes onto the property, or if he spots a small furry animal – his bark can be pretty intimidating. To be fair, he also balances it with some cute and funny sounds for different needs. I think he’s one of the smartest dogs I’ve known. He is also quite the non-conformist, following basic commands insofar as it gets him treats, but he’s really not that into it. He’d rather be off exploring. He’s a hunter through and through – and a climber, a digger and a chewer. I’ll venture to say the worst is over, he has mellowed considerably as he continues to outgrow puppyhood.

Butch is also a very loyal and affectionate guy. When I’m settled at home he’s usually pretty angelic, contented to snooze at my feet or play endlessly with his siblings or squeaky toys. At the risk of anthropomorphizing, I would definitely say he has a high emotional IQ. He’s sensitive to moods, and empathetic. He’s actually quite the people-pleaser.

Butch is good with other dogs, bad with cats. I haven’t seen him with small children. I think his ideal home would be with someone who can spend a lot of time with him, perhaps (a) retiree(s) or someone who works at home. I’d say he really needs a secure yard to romp in, as he’s very curious and has lots of energy. He also needs an owner who is able to set boundaries for him and be consistent.

If I were not gone so much of the time, didn’t have two other dogs, a tiny house, 3 cats that Butch terrorizes such that I’ve had to keep them incarcerated in my bedroom since he came, and if my neighbors weren’t angry at me for the times he’s escaped from the yard, I’d keep Butch in a heartbeat. If you think this wonderful companion may be a fit with your lifestyle, please contact Claudia at 305-742-7277 or cewald@bellsouth.net.

Luna is begging for forgiveness.

Luna, the wiener dog, was caught peeing on the new dining room tile. Mommy caught her in the act! Mommy just had the doggies outside for a pee break, for quite a while. Yet, Luna waited until she came back inside. And, this wasn't a little "oops" pee. This was an oh-yeah-release-my-full-bladder pee.

This is why Mommy wants tile through out the house. Between dirty boys, pool water, and peeing dogs, Mommy needs a surface that will stand up to all that.

Luna got a scolding even as she hid behind Mommy's bedroom door. Since then, Luna has been sitting underneath Mommy's office chair...begging for forgiveness. Mommy has petted Luna, given her treats, and cooed at Luna, but Luna still looks dismayed that Mommy was upset with her.

But, Lu Lu....Mommy's not upset anymore.

First Lennox...now Dre. Please help another Pittie!

Dre ("Dray") has been in quarantine for more than a week and is facing possible euthanasia On July 26, the 6-year-old pit bull along with another other family dog, a Doberman, escaped from their home in Brighton. Someone called animal control and 911. The Doberman was released back to the family when the dogs were captured, but Dre was taken to the animal shelter.

The entire police report was not released to 9NEWS Monday and police wouldn't comment, citing that this incident is now an "active court case." However, the incident report states it was a "vicious animal running at large."

Marj Fredrick lives two doors down from the O'Briens. She says she knew they had two dogs but says there have never been any issues. She's shocked by what's going on. "I just couldn't believe it," Fredrick said. "It's a fairly quite friendly neighborhood. I have never heard anything bad about the dogs around here."

The O'Brien's have since hired a lawyer and couldn't comment Monday, but Mary O'Brien sent 9NEWS the following statement: "Dre is a wonderful dog with my children. I have [a] 2-year-old, 4-year-old and 12-year-old girls, and Dre has been a great pet to them. I just want him back with our family. My children miss him so much."

Pit bulls have been banned in several cities including Denver and Aurora. However, Brighton does not have the same policy. Dre remains in an animal shelter in Adams County. He's been there for almost two weeks. Dre has a new court date of August 10th at 8:30 a.m. Both a police officer and an animal control officer are going to court to plea with the judge to have "the dog" destroyed.

Please sign this petition and show Brighton, CO that falsely labeling a dog who has hurt no one will NOT be accepted! If you live locally, please consider coming to the court and showing your support. Brighton Municipal Court, 3401 E Bromley Lane. Brighton, Colorado plans to destroy Dre, even though he has never harmed anyone. Please help us save his life.

UPDATE 8/9/12: Dre's trial for 8/10 has been canceled. He will have a pre-trial hearing on 8/21/12. If you are local, please consider coming out and showing your support in the court room. Please continue to spread the word about Dre. He needs all the support he can get, as does his family. Please keep checking back for updates and for the time of his court case. Watch a video that his family put together of him here: http://bit.ly/Mm4YCw. Thank you.

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/366/919/230/save-dre-a-pit-bull-in-brighton-co-who-has-never-hurt-anyone/

http://www.snotfaceandtwiggy.com/2012/07/help-needed-asap-dre-pit-bull-is-a-family-dog.html

http://www.9news.com/news/article/281645/339/Family-fights-for-pit-bull-facing-euthanasia

Tiinkerbell's Update

July 2012

Many of Freddy's readers have been following the story of Tiinkerbell, a pit bull was found on a street in Jacksonville, Fla. She was rescued by the Pit Sisters on June 20th. At that time, Tiinkerbell weighed 25 lbs. (11.3 kg).

Tiinkerbell is getting better. She was released from the vet's care to a foster home. Although we're still waiting for a picture with happiness in her eyes, Tiinkerbell is flourishing! She now weighs 39 lbs. (17.7 kg)!! Tiinkerbell wears a doggie size large, and her most recent measurements are:

Neck to tail base: 18.5 inches

Ankle to shoulder: 12 inches

Neck around: 12.5-13ish inches 

Chest: 7 inches

Her teeth were previously filed down {why?!} so she needs soft treats. Shampoo needs to be gentle and aloe is the best lotion for her. Care packages can be sent to 14286-19 #234 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32250.

June 2012

You can follow her progress at https://www.facebook.com/TiinkerbellsTime.

As always, this rescue group needs financial assistance for Tiinkerbell and their other pittie rescues. Donations can be made by visiting www.pitsisters.org and specify Tiinkerbell in the notes. Or, make a donation to: Lakewood-San Jose Animal Hospital, 5315 Saint Augustine Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32207; (904) 737-2011 {Call between noon-2:00 p.m. (EDT)}. Please specify "Tiinkerbell" or "Pit Sisters." Thank you!!    

P.S. Pit Sisters Rescue has a wish list on Amazon.com. This would make it easier to select items that they need. http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/E37V8FMZOX72/?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwpitsisters-20&linkCode=ur2&visitor-view=1&camp=1789&creative=390957&reveal=

Yay! Luna is swimming!!!

Luna, the wiener dog, is terrified of the swimming pool. She hates when her family gets into the pool. She runs around the pool, checking on each person...over and over and over again. Mommy has carried Luna around the pool several times, and Luna was s-c-a-r-e-d! She was stiff as a board and breathing hard. But, that has changed!!

Daddy was swimming back and forth across the pool, and Luna ran back and forth following him. When Daddy asked Luna if she wanted to get into the pool, Luna wagged her tail. So, Daddy picked her up. Daddy held onto Luna and trotted around the shallow end of the pool. Then, he took her to the stairs {to show her the way out}. Instead of climbing out of the pool, Luna would wait for Daddy to pick her up again. After a few times, Luna started swimming to Daddy!! She conquered her fear to be with her family! Finally, one of the little doggies will get in the pool. Woohoo!!

"Freddy! You're going to get your head bitten off!!"

Freddy, the wiener dog, is going to get his head bitten off one day. He's so bold and aggressive about other dogs that he's going to meet his match one day.

Today, Mommy pulled into the garage after running errands. Yes, she still had the garage door open. Yes, she said it was okay for the doggies to come outside. Yes, she didn't notice the two big doggies on the sidewalk across the street. The first time Mommy realized that there were other doggies on the street was when Freddy was upon them! That little doggie runs really fast. To her credit, the young teenager who had the two big doggies was doing her best to pull them back. She did a good job, but Freddy kept advancing. And, what barking and snapping...from Freddy!! Of course, Malibu and Luna backed him up - by barking and staying on their side of the street.

Freddy came back as soon as Mommy called him. Well, sort of. He came back to his driveway but kept wanting to run back across the street. Freddy didn't go back inside when Mommy told him to. Steven was there too and Freddy wasn't listening to his deep voice either. It wasn't until Mommy stomped down the driveway toward Freddy that he decided to behave and run back inside, quickly.

Naturally, this all happened in seconds. But, Mommy was shocked at how fast Freddy made it across the street. Mommy keeps telling Freddy that he's going to get his head bitten off one day, but he just won't listen.