Her Summer Haircut

Finally got around to giving the Little Bug her summer 'do. She was a shaggy ratty mess. It's not a good sign when you go to your campsite and the campers you hang out with each year say to you, "which dog is this? a new foster?" And then they look at me in disbelief when I tell them it's Little Bug.

I decided to try something new. I didn't think I'd like it. I didn't think she'd like it. But, we both do. The mohawk suits her.

I love her when she's shorn, that face just gets me.

We'll be off to camp soon. A beautiful weekend is predicted with no rain expected. It's about 10-15 degrees colder up at camp then down here, and it's only an hour and 20 minutes away. When it rains, like it has the last 3 weekends up there, it's downright cold and raw and it makes me pretty cranky. My normal sunshine and smiles (I'm laughing hysterically right now, if you knew me you would be, too) goes down the drain. OK, cold and rain without a real house to go in... makes me crankier than normal ... but tequila does help lighten the mood. ;)

Enjoy your weekend, I hope it's sunny and relaxing where you are!!

Little Bug and The Mystery Thrift-off Day 3

Buggy's been going to work with me... here she is faking patience, waiting for us to leave. The reality was she was getting anxious. She was bored and hungry.

THE MYSTERY THRIFT-OFF

Four more contestants today!! It's good, it's allllllllll good! Some creative people out there!!

Go see the final four now!

Voting happens Thursday... eeeeeeeeeee

3 winners announced Friday.

So. Very. Exciting. (I think I've said that about a thousand times during this event.)

He Didn't Want To Go

Andy had visitors on Saturday. They took him home, but, initially he didn't like the idea.

Here he is a few days before, totally relaxed and feeling at home.

A very nice couple, Melissa and Rob, fell in love with him when they saw him on Petfinder. They wanted to adopt him but it depended on whether or not their female Schnorkie, Abby, would tolerate him, as she is a bit particular about the dogs she likes to hang with. She is a cuuuuuuteeeee, and she pretty much knows it.

Look at that face. I just wanted to eat her up but she wanted nothing to do with me.

Andy was friendly toward them, and enjoyed the attention now and again. Little princess girl didn't really give two bits about him. We hung out for awhile and they tested her by giving Andy love and HER TOY! and she didn't care. So, everything's looking good, right? Well, she was barking at all the sounds outside and Andy's face and body language showed signs of stress, possibly from this little barker, but also, because Bug was barking and whining and he couldn't get to her. (Little Bug got locked up in my office because her manners were not stellar when Abby came inside.) I was a bit worried, I wasn't sure if this would be the right fit for Andy. I could tell that over the past couple of weeks Andy thought he was home.

After visiting for a couple hours, the dogs were finally able to go out to the backyard. The gate was open because R. was working out there, so I couldn't let them out at their arrival. Normally, that would be the first thing I would do is let them go figure things out in the yard.

Once the dogs were outside Andy did some fast running around and tried to engage Abby in play. Whew. I think we all breathed a sign of relief. I actually said out loud, "well, I think we all feel better now," and Melissa agreed. So, she was very aware and concerned, too. After we all agreed this would be ok, Andy got a new collar put on him. He went over to his spot on the sofa and in a very relaxed lounging position, laid there. We continued talking, signed paperwork, etc. and the leash was put on Andy by Rob. Andy was not budging. He was not going anywhere. He stayed right there in that lounge position. After a couple more light tugs and me saying, "OK, let's go" he got up, but he was not thrilled with the idea. After outside, halfway down the walk, he turned around and was pulling on the leash back toward the front door. You ever want your heart to break? foster a dog and have him do that. First time ever has a dog physically tried to come back to the house. I usually go out with the new owners and say goodbye, but it was better this time around that I didn't so that Andy was not distracted by me.

He did jump in the car on his own accord once they got him to it. That made me feel better.

I knew he would be fine. When he first came here it was difficult for him to adjust to the change and I knew it might be again.

Yesterday Melissa sent me an email and some photos, here's one of them...

In short, she said, ".....he's doing fine, he's eating well, he's getting along with Abby and the second night she even let him sleep on the bed with them." That is particularly funny to me because when I was interviewing Melissa, she specifically wondered how he would do NOT sleeping on the bed with them, because that was Abby's domain. Now, she's talking about getting a bigger bed so they all fit more comfortably.

Andy was a VERY good boy while here. He had this sweetness about him, a happiness that I loved, and he was easy going. I loved being greeted each morning when he saw that I had gotten out bed. He chatted with happiness about it. What's better than that, right?

I know he is in an excellent home. Melissa and Rob live for their dogs. This is the type of couple you would want as your owner if you were a dog, but, I miss him. 

Shedding the Old for the New Year

For the New Year, Little Bug went from a furry mess....

to clean and chic...

I love this look on her! But now I need to have someone knit her a sweater!

Wishing you all the best for the New Year!

May you shed all those 'furry' things that no longer fit your style, too. 

A Gift, A Gift, A Very Cutie Gift

Finally!! I'm telling you about my Schnauzer gift. I meant to post many weeks ago after receiving it, but busy-ness and laziness got in the way.

Look at this little guy!!

The sweet and talented Suzy from GeorgiaPeachez sent this to me. She said while thrifting one day she came across it and knew it had to go home with her, to be sent to me. How nice is that? To be in someone's thoughts that you've never personally met and only know through blogging. 

The funny thing was (and still is) is that I had (and still have) a small collection of things on my desk that are meant for her. When I received her email asking for my mailing location, it couldn't have been timed better because I needed hers, too. The difference? She is not a procrastinator and sent it out immediately. Me? Wellllllllll..... 

...but I do have an excuse, I'm going through some more stuff and the pile is getting a little bigger. Plus, I had work and the 5 weeks of vacation that got in the way, and, and, and....

Thank you Suzy!! He's an adorable addition to my Dog/Schnauzer collection. 

And Off She Goes!!

When the stars are aligned, things happen. 

Mercy came into my care on Wednesday, I received an email from a couple on Thursday, she went home on Friday. It just all fit. The couple was actually writing to ask me to keep them in mind for a Schnauzer between the ages of 1 and 2 for next summer. They had recently lost their two Schnauzers within four months of each other and their hearts were hurting and felt they weren't ready, yet, to bring another one into their home. 

I wrote back saying, "OK, but please keep an eye on our site....blah blah blah....and OH YEAH I have this great four month old that just came in" and ran off a list of her qualities. I, of course, added, "no pressure, just letting you know" because after emailing with her a couple times, I knew this was a perfect fit. She's home most of the day (good for training) she completely spoils her dogs, (but in a good way) her husband adores them just as much, they want to be able to travel with her (I had taken her out for the afternoon and she travels beautifully.) The two dogs they had that passed, and a third one before them, all had names that began with an 'M'. I think that was the big clencher for her, it was just meant to be to have another dog with an 'M' name. 

But, Diana was cautious. She didn't want to make a rash decision. She needed to discuss it with her husband who wouldn't be home from his business trip until around 8 pm. By this time we had exchanged 4 or 5 emails and she said she couldn't wait...she texted him her picture hoping he'd get it before he boarded the plane. I told her to take her time in thinking about it, if it was meant to be it would happen and if not, then another will come along in the future. She said she would think on it. I could tell though, she was hooked. She was nervous because they weren't looking for a puppy, weren't sure if they wanted a puppy, but how it all happened bing bang boom! it was just right. I said I'd give her the weekend. Friday morning I open my mail "can we meet her today?" The excitement jumped off the page. 

So, Friday at 3 they came by. Mercy ran to them, catapulted to them, hopped on them, wriggled around for them, she was so excited. Previous to that she was following me around like a little shadow, wanting attention or just laying by where I was, if I got up she was nipping at my heels for play....After Diana and Alan came in...I was nothing. Nada. Did not exist. 

We talked about how the name Mercy just didn't feel right. Diana had said she was playing around with some names that sounded similar but those weren't quite right either. She said she'd know it when it came to her. I said, "Mercy is a difficult name, it doesn't flow for me either, I keep wanting to call her Masey" She said, "that's it! that's the name! I knew I'd know it when I heard it." So, this little girl's name is now Masey. 

It was a match made in heaven. I only had her 2 1/2 days and she made quite a bit of noise, but I kind of miss the little bugger. Friday morning she had even made her way into Little Bug's heart and they ran around chasing each other and wrestling. That I was happy about because before that Bug was certainly giving her the 'what for' since she came.

Masey is going to have a great life. 

 

Miniature Schnauzer Nick (aka The Nickster)

Nick is staying with me for a few days while his mom, Sue, goes traipsing around, garden hopping...read about her gardening trials and tribulations here. 

He's a very good boy but feeling a bit out of his element. Right before this shot, I'm sure he was saying, "Bug and Hanz why oh why are you smelling my ears?" He tolerated it well and then they were on their way. He wasn't so excited about having a camera in his face either, hence, a slightly blurred photo...after about 30 others taken first!! LOL

Have a great day!!!

Hello Otis

Otis has been with me for a couple weeks now. He's doing great. A mellow fellow....unless another dog enters the front door...then he becomes a very-intense-go-for-the-jugular protector. Fortunately, I had a grip on him. I was told by his former owner that he didn't like other dogs when leashed. He was fine from the get-go when he came into my house with my dogs. But, apparently, he doesn't like dogs he doesn't know, entering 'his' house. Immediately everyone went outside and he was fine. He still postured, but there wasn't the aggression. So, he needs some work in that area.

Otherwise, he's a sweety. When he's happy or when you rub his muzzle he makes this deep happy sound. I love it! He's been great here. Lounging about like he owns the place. Looks at me with those soft eyes. He's getting the 'Denise treatment' as difficult as that is for me 'cuz I just want to hug him. When it looks like he's trying to get something from me, he's ignored. If he's pawing at me, he's ignored. Not too much random love is bestowed upon him right now -- ignore. It sounds, sad, bad, like too much. It's incredible how much it actually GIVES to a dog with low confidence. Under that act of aggression is really a bit of insecurity. Hmmm, I know people like that. He's also getting some training with a lot of positive reward. He's a fast learner and gives me that sweet face looking for approval, each time.

Otis has been taking morning walks with R. and doing very well. R. told me that Otis goes to the kitchen where R. is and sits. He gets his harness put on and then he goes baserka with happiness that he's going on his morning walk. He just needs some love, understanding and exercise.

He's a Schnauzer Mix. I'm not sure with what but he looks like a very mini Wolf Hound. He's not good with children, too much of a little mate mentality. So, he might be here awhile. Needs work, no kids. Hmmmmmm, not too many people are looking for that kind of dog. Roger was similar in needs and it took four months to find the right home for him. But, it does happen when it's supposed to and it will happen and it will be perfect.

Roger Got A Haircut

Oh, he's more handsome now than ever!

A Lovely Gift

While tag sale-ing I've been keeping an eye out for a food processor for my friend Sue. I scored a find on Saturday, a Cuisinart with all of the attachements. I gave her a call and got the green light to purchase it for her. 

Yesterday I dropped it off at her home while she was at work. She had told me she left something for me she thought I'd enjoy, it was this limited edition Danbury Mint plate, by Christoper Nick. How sweet sweet sweet of her. The Schnauzer resembles my Little Bug in coloring, but most especially in the pose, waiting for the ball to be thrown. Appropriately, it is called, "Play Ball!!"

There was also a card with a Schnauzer drawing on it and a check inside for the cost of the Cuisinart...and another check with a generous donation to my rescue, Schnauzer Paws Rescue. I can't explain how I felt. Touched. That's a good word to use. It was such an unexpected surprise.

Sue has a Mini named Nick. Unfortunately, her female, Zoe, passed away too early in her life, a couple years ago. Nick was peering out the glass door at me when I dropped the machine off, he was acting all Big Man protective of his territory, but I knew if the door was open he'd eat up the love and attention I wanted to bestow upon him. 

Sue and I met about 8 years ago when we both volunteered for the same rescue. Since beginning SPR, Sue is a Schnauzer contact for us, sending people our way and helping us out if we need her. 

Go over to her blog Idyll Haven and say 'hi.' Sue is an avid gardener and I am in awe every time I pull into her driveway. Her passion about plants is obvious and surrounds her home, from shortest to very tall, and is something she talks about regularly on her blog. You'll also see her little guy Nick over there. 

Bella Was Quite Comfy

She was such a good girl at camp. I had to leave her alone in the camper a few times and she just snuggled into my 'new to me' afghan that I picked up at the thrift store.

My Sweet Boy Turns 8 This Month

I think it's so cute when he sleeps and his little tongue sticks out...

...and how he tucks himself up into a little package.

Freekibble Giveaway

I answered my daily Freekibble questions and they're also having a give-a-way --- 5,000 pieces of kibble to your favorite shelter if you win. To enter you have to send in a limerick, poem, rap, etc. with 50 words or less about the pets in your family.

I sent this:

Two little Schnauzers

yes they are

they run and play

and like rides in the car. 

Big boy Hanz

is whiney and needy

Little Bug got her name

'cuz she's nosey and speedy.

Because of them

I've made this rhyme

Oh how I love them

I'm glad they're mine. 

Silly, maybe even a little juvenile...I'm sure they will not choose the winners for content...hmmmmm, or will they? Well, either way, it'd be fun to be able to donate food to a shelter, the hard part would be choosing which one!

Little Bug and Baby Bear

Sometimes when I'm getting dressed, Little Bug paws at the side of the bed for me to lift her up. She is ordinarily very nimble and quick but my bed is set a bit too high. As I dressed I noticed she copped-a-squat right near Baby Bear (from Goldilocks and the 3 bears, crocheted by my mom at about 1970.)

I guess the girl started to get bored, or tired, 'cuz she needed to lay down.

But not for too long, UP pops her head.

Uht! down again. (she's so freakin' cute)

Then a walk down the bed to be closer to me and do a belly up for tummy rubs. 

She's so spoiled. 

Oh, The Life

It's been a very busy week. I'm working on a pretty large room changing it from a golden tight color wash to a softer tan-er faux grasscloth/linen look. It's looking pretty awesome, lots of work. I, of course, forgot to take full room 'before' pics, but I have a sliver of the wall with the original faux finish. When I'm done I'll show and tell, hopefully the new finish will show up on camera. 

Speaking of camera. ugh. I've been using mine with lines across the viewing screen for months now. I still hesitate sending it out because I do not want to be without it but those lines are really starting to annoy me. So send it out I must. I just hope they fix it and not email me telling me it'll cost X amount of dollars for a 'refurbished' one with their loyalty program. That's how I got this one because the original crashed to the ground and the shutter broke. But...

This is really what I wanted to share:

Cute puppies keeping warm. A typical scene around here in the colder weather. Lucas LOVES being in front the wood stove and is there 90% of the time. Hanz must have been feeling especially chilly, usually he's on the sofa -- and Bug! well, she doesn't sit still for very long and if I'm doing something, she wants to know what the heck it is. 

Have a great day!!

Hurricane Irene At Camp

When Irene came along, we stayed at camp. I think R. and I were the only two there, except the owners but they have a house. Call us crazy. Plus we had Little Bug, Hanz and Bella, who I often dog sit. There was a lot of this going on....

Then for variety, they moved to the sofa....

So Bug had to join in the comfort, although she's not looking real happy...

We survived, lost electricity for a couple hours and got some reading done. 

Two weeks later, one of my best friends couldn't keep it to himself anymore...he told me that he was mad at me for taking a risk like that. Isn't that sweet? I assured him we felt safe and yes, the camper could have had one of many trees drop on it but it didn't and we had already planned to stay the whole rest of the week so we didn't want to come home and wait it out. Turns out that at home electricity was lost for days and damage was done to trees and power lines. I think we faired better than many. Besides, I was with R. and if any survival techniques had to be employed, he's the guy you wanted to be with... 2nd Recon Marine... need I say more? 

Mites and Feeding Raw

Took the kidlings to the vet yesterday. Their ears were bothering them and since it's all 3 I knew it had to be mites. The assumption was correct. I think maybe Little Bug brought the bugs with her. The darling that she is.


Whilst checking on the ears the vet and I talked about feeding raw. She is a huge advocate of it and I told her that I am feeding completely raw now and she gave me a recipe that includes a couple things I didn't. She wants to make sure they are getting some vitamins, minerals and calcium that doesn't come with just meat and veggies. 


The calcium can come from raw bones and I do give the dogs chicken wings and drumsticks but not often enough. 


If you are interested, here is the recipe:


*quite a few years ago (around 20) I started reading and researching raw and bought Dr. Pitcairn's book "Healthy Eating for Dogs and Cats" I have to revisit it. I actually just went to look for it on my bookshelf and can't find...really don't like it when that happens. Found it!! 


I generally don't like to use grains but will add potatoes (preferably sweet) instead. My dogs do need some carbs as they have lost too much weight. Rice is pretty easily digestible and oats are soluble fiber which can be good...I stay away from corn, any wheat or soy, these can be allergens for some dogs and in dry food products, are added as fillers to keep the cost of the product down. If your dog's weight is changing up or down, change the amount of carbs. Basically I use this recipe as a guideline and will also give dinner leftovers, cooked or uncooked, salad makings, ground flax seed, salmon oil, etc. Good stuff. Raw chicken wings and drums are good for teeth cleaning, bleach free bully sticks and trachea are a nice treat, too, and help with keeping teeth clean. 


I add water to the meal as dogs often do not get enough and this helps with hydration but also, and very importantly, with flushing and moving the food along so that crystals or stones do not come into play.


these measurements are based on per day for a 15 pound dog, so adjust accordingly:

1/2 c. meat (beef, turkey, chicken or venison ground or cubed)

1/4 c. ground veggies (carrots, broccoli, kale, squash, etc.)

1/4 c. cooked rice or pasta or oatmeal

1/2 tsp. bone meal

1/2 tsp. nutritional yeast or 3 Brewer's Yeast Tablets (this gives B vitamins)

1 raw egg (for essential fatty acids)

1/8 tsp. cod liver oil or 1" cube of liver (for vitamins A & D)

1/8 scant tsp. kelp powder (for iodine & trace minerals)

1 vitamin E capsule, 100 i.u. or 2 tbls. wheat germ

My Spoiled Rotten Cutie Bug

As I peruse FB and play with Photo Booth, my Love Bug snuggles into me. This girl has brought me so much joy. She's not a worrier, or a territorial pee'r, she tries to make out with me on a regular basis, she's just looking for some fun. She paws and pounces like a kitten and attacks Hanz whenever she gets the chance. If I'm sitting, she often has to be next to me. We are totally in love with each other. 

Merlin

Here's a picture of Merlin, isn't he sweet? 

When I said that the family lost him...I meant he ran out the door and they can't find him. They put out a pet alert on him. When I asked if I could post his picture, his mom also added these words just in case someone sees him. 


"Reward for lost elderly, diabetic salt and pepper miniature schnauzer lost on Monday, April 25, 2011 at about 8:30 p.m. on Grand View Avenue in North Revere, MA.  Poor vision and hearing.  Needs insulin twice daily, a daily antibiotic and a special diet of boiled rice and chicken for stomach issues."


then she added this as a side note about him: 


"He was a heart breaker:(  Would sit on my lap and look at each person in the room and wait for a compliment.  Loved going for rides and snuggling with my girls."


I spoke to his mom for awhile about his disappearance. He had been hiding in dark places for about a week before he left, then he would try to scoot out the door, which is something he had never done. Personally, I think his canine instincts were in gear and he was ready to die and didn't want to do it at home. He had a long life, was very well taken care of through different illnesses, fed well and well loved. I believe it was his time. But, in case he is out there wandering around, I hope someone finds him and returns him home. It's a very sad thing to happen to a family, there is no closure, there's feelings of guilt for the one that had the door open, there's a lot of sadness that is different if he had just died. My heart goes out to them. 

Chippy? Chippy? I know you're in there!

Schnauzers were bred as ratters and these two have very keen senses when it comes to little critters. I didn't have my camera when the initial excitement was occurring and they were both trying to get through the pile...

I know it's in there, I can smell it.

You look in there I'll keep an eye out this way.

Hey! get out of my way.

Maybe it went down here.

No, I really think it's in here.

I think it went that way!

I give up.