MChis Blog

Iz been busy!

2010-11-16T06:31:00.000-08:00

In more ways den one! Dis is ma new boyfriend. He came & stayed with us for a little while before he went back to "the breeder" which is where I came from before mum got me when I was a baby.

Anyway, mum says I might become a mama myself around January 10th. I've been waiting for ebber to become a mama! My boys at home do da job but somefin about not having the right "quipment" or something made it so they can't make babies. I still luff them though!

Here is me & my new boyfriend Jessie James the day he went home after our "visit"... Mum & the breeder lady (who I am named after btw but she spells her name Mary with a "Y") are really excited to see what our babies will look like. I sink they will be nothing short of perfect of course.... We are thinking they *should* be all long coated like me & Jessie. But you nebber know with Chi Chi's.

New Favorite Snack!

2010-10-13T18:03:00.000-07:00

Dehydrated Bunny Ears!!

Nom nom nom...

Day is wheely cwunchy!

Hold on tight!

Mmmmmm

Dis is intense!

Day da best!

Yup, it's oppicial...day our new pavorite tweets!!

Happy Birthday Maya & Mari & Belated Birthday to Marley!

2010-10-13T17:39:00.001-07:00

Wez still been slacking her in the MChi house...at least as far as blogger land goes. We still keep on facebooking regularly so if you want click on the link above & add us! :o)

Marleys birthday wasn't forgotten--we did "celebrate" back on September 8th. Here he is on his big first birthday:

And Maya & Maribelle had their second birthday just yeserday, October 12th! My two gorgeous sisters...

Slackin' Away

2010-08-23T14:13:00.000-07:00

We'z been slacking lots dis summer. But itz not been da lazy dayz of summer. Mum has actually been berry busy with workin' a bit extra dayz plus ozer sings datz been going on. Us pups have been pretty good & been being kept buzy by our hooman sisters. Day seem to has forgotten about school or someting because dat Ivy hasn't given us a break not for one whole day!

See, on dis day she totally drested me up & putz me on dis spiney sing a bunch of times so I could keep seeing how good I looked in different outfits....

Den she makes all of us Chi Chi's necklaces that we'z just gotz to "model"....

See dem all??....

And she hads dis big party type of sing & she embarrassed poor broffer Maxie by sticking him in dis PINK colored bag in fronts of everyone....

She eben had all kinds of kids over & madez us deal wiff dem.... (mum is paranoid so she blurds out eberybodys faces excepts her childs)

DEN she eben made us all gets married!!!

Me & my *rolling eyes* "hoosband" (don't I look imprested)....

Butts I did have some "down" time keeping cool on da floor....

Playing wis da offer Chi Chi's....

By myself....

....and wis my obber hooman sister dat isn't so bossy....

Or when Ivy (AND me) is worn out by her activities....

And I can always count on mum as she always leabs time for checkings her emails and dat is da time dat we all pile up & weelax....

Anywayz dat is our summer in a nutshell. We is all excited for da fall when dose hooman sisters finally remember to go back to dat school place. Maybe when they do remember in 2 weeks we can be back here with you blugger folks all da time!

New goodies for us!

2010-07-08T14:35:00.000-07:00

Oh no!! Mum was so excited about getting dis package in the mail today. I don't know whats the big whoop was because right immediately dose crazy girls gots us all dressed up in deez sings that smelled like other dogs! What da heck - it was like 90 degrees out today & they put us in sweaters, sweatshits & jackets!! It's a good sing mum had that cold air blowy thing going or else we would have melted or something.

But our good buddies & blugger friend (and Marleys litter mate sister too!) Sam & her Chihuahuas Peanut & Scout send deez really nice sings! As much as we thought it was silly we did like all da goodies. Mum was very happy & thankful dose people were so kind to send deez goodies! She is so excited to be able to use them come the fall because in Maine it gets berry berry cold - day will come in berry handy!!

Here we all are showing off our new sings...

Day didn't send dat toopid "hat" Marley is wearing. Dat is sanks to his newt turd proceedure. He is doing much better but the "hat" keeps him from licking or something & it helps him be more dosile. BOL!

Iz made a friend!

2010-07-08T13:54:00.000-07:00

Mum says I am becoming a friendly dog! When I first came to this new home I wasn't happy when strangers came over. Well, I would warily sniff the new person but then I'd bark at them like I was gonna bite them! Kids & old people made me especially nervous which mum says it's probably because I wasn't used to seeing them. Anywayz I has done a lot better & I'm learning that house guests are NICE! Can you beleeb it?!

Dis one woman broughts her little big kid over three times this week & the past couple of times I sat next to her so she could pat me. I eben rolled over on my back for a tummy rub the other day. Today I stood by the table so she could pat me for a long time & then she picks me up! I watched her to make sure she wasn't going to eat me but then I realized she just wanted to keep on giving me loves. She held me like a widdle baby & rubbed my tummy again. Mum thought it would be a good time for treats & that was the end of that. Mum then thought it was a toopid idea afterwards since she interupted my "socialization". I luffed the treats though & hoovered dem up!

Here I am enjoying my new friend! Mum says this is a horrible cellaphone picture but you get the idea anywayz.

Baby Maya & More

2010-06-29T04:29:00.000-07:00

Going through my 2008 photo CD I came across a pic that I never knew would mean so much! If you ask our breeder she'll tell you how photo obsessed I am (like you all couldn't figure that out haha) & how much I love all the pics I can get of my pups during their puppyhood. I'm sad we don't have photos from Maya's time with her first "forever mommy" but what we do have is a few photos from the breeder I'd saved, some photos I took during our visits AND a video first staring "Heidi/Hyde" (Maya's name prior to us getting her). So at least we are not empty handed. :o)

Finding this pic made me smile though - Maya at 6 1/2wks.

Forgive me if I've shared these pics before...just thought I'd share the trip down memory lane with you bloggers. ;o)

Maribelle & Maya in the background snuggling & their two brothers in the foreground

One of their first "real" meals I believe. :o) Their brothers were much chunkier than they! hehe

And finally a video of our visit at 6 1/2 weeks. Awww....

Longcoat Chocolate Chihuahua Puppy Maribelle at 6 1/2 Weeks

~♥Heather♥~ | MySpace Video

Chihuahua's & Kids

2010-06-25T13:39:00.000-07:00

I remember when researching Chihuahua's prior to getting Matilda - all the articles I read said how Chihuahua's didn't get along well with children. They were nippy with them & of course they are fragile which makes handling a little "iffy" with younger kids. Figuring my Chi's would grow up with my girls...at least they'd like MY children right? And my girls were older so I could trust them with being careful handling them. I was a nervous wreck in the beginning for sure & hardley ever let my girls carrying them around afraid they'd drop them.

Well, I finally got to trust my girls & they carry them around everywhere. They've never dropped them (in my recollection - at least they've never gotten hurt being dropped anyway LOL) so all is well.

I also read how Chi's can be weary of strangers and while that does ring true with (most) of my crew...they do warm up fairly quickly and they've been known to happily mingle during birthday parties w/o issue. Still, they give a loud "welcome" to newcomers & most aren't totally crazy about being handled by the "strangers" unless they have been visited by that specific person on a regular basis. Still, they mingle happily & that's all that I really care about!

It's become very clear that my dogs LOVE CHILDREN. For the longest time I was uneasy when the girls would have friends over in fear they'd get biten. As time has gone on...they have gotten to adjust to new children here INCREDIBLY well. With the exception of one time Milo nipping my daughters best friend (who happens to be my best friends daughter) there have been no insidences. And I use "nipping" loosely because he was simply trying to tell her to calm down! They were playing dogs & crawling around & were getting too roudy. Milo got so excited & his excitement went out of his mouth. No harm was done other than some redness...all was good!

Lately, after a very noisey welcome (of course) my Chi's have started being quite effectionate to new children here & it's SO nice to see! We do give warnings about Matilda & keep a harness or collar on her so everyone knows not to try to pat or pick her up (she has a mega fear aggression toward anyone touching her who is outside of our immediate family) but she still loves to be *around* them & will give kisses to the gentle "palm up" hand that is offered to her.

And Maya...Maya came to us not really having been socialized much around children. The first two weeks she was with us she basically tried attacking both my girls whenever they came near or tried to touch her. She absolutely ADORES them now & while she is still a little stand offish to new children around & will growl if they get a little too pushy (not trying to bite - which Ivy informed me was a bluffing bite with no force behind it haha) she did allow a couple children this past weekend to pat her w/o her trying to run away. She for sure needs a confident hand & only becomes uneasy when the approacher is uneasy. If you are sure of yourself she is much more relaxed.

A little addition on Maya - she is starting to relax around houseguests now. For a while she'd sniff a hand that was put down & then bark at them almost like she wanted to bite them (I believe she was teased by guests at her previous owners which did her no favors). Anyway, she is slowly beginning to trust guests & even asked my dad to pick her up a couple weeks ago. Amazing! He didn't quite dare w/o gloves "just in case"...but it was so great to see her so happy with a guest. :o) I have no doubt with some more time she'll have some great manners as far as guests go!

Enough rambling from this Chi Mum today. We've been slack with our blog though we have lots to blog about! No excuses!! :o( If you really want to follow our going ons I'm ashamed to say I'm much better about posting pics & updating the MChi facebook page (link under the picture head on this page) but I do hope to be better about blogging as well!

Here is Mi-Mi loving on, or getting loved on LOL by a new kid visitor. With Matilda happily looking on...

Wordless Wednesday o_O

2010-06-09T05:39:00.000-07:00

New Harness for Meeeeeez! And some Girly "Troubles" - YUCK!

2010-06-08T17:26:00.000-07:00

Mom finally got arounds to ordering me my own harness. I was getting pretty sick of deez "hand me downs" or whatebber. Only prublem was she says we got a defected one or something because even dough I could fit into Mary-bells XS size dis XS size I couldn't even put over my head! Anyways, FINALLY we gots a size that we know would fit & it came ins the mail yesterday.

On another paw, I has been in heat for almost 2 weeks now. Marley has been flirting with me like crazy & even started peeing all over sings. Well, he's been doing dat for a while anyway but its got berry bad during my girly time. Maxie & Milo tolds me he was getting newt-turd on Thursday. Day said it was not a fun thing to go through but mum tolds me it will be best for our pack.

So I've not had a whole lots of freedom since because mum doesn't want me to have any babies. I is in the living room in a pen with a nice comfy pillow & my crate & toys & a special floor so I don't gets mum & dads unfinished wooden floor all messy. Dats what day said anyway. But mum does take me out for snuggles & takes me outside to get some fresh air every day so I is pretty happy considering! Today she tried to let me play with the other puppies while Marley was in his crate for a while but mum said eben da newt-turd boys were getting too "frisky" with me so she put me back in my pen. I kind of likes the attention but whatebber mum says goes.

Here is me in my new yellow Puppia! Mum says she usually hates the yellow because it's so bright but thought it would look best with my beauty-full coat & she was right I sink. Plus she says she is running out of new color to buy! BOL!

Me & my sissy Ivy

And here is me in my pen - anybudy wants to play wiff me?!

Sometimes I get excited & want to play so Iz try to jump out but so far it hasn't worked.

And here is a picture of me & my daddy when we went for a walk this past weekend. He luffs me but I am pretty clingy to my mum. You know she understands deez girly troubles!

Almost wordless Wednesday

2010-05-12T06:38:00.000-07:00

What da heck do they sink is so hoomorous?!

Puppy Pirates!

2010-05-07T05:36:00.000-07:00

Ok, so we'z not pirates. We were just playing outside with our hooman sisters! But we thought maybe you'd like to whistle along!

Wordless Wednesday- "Smile for the camera...orrrr not"

2010-04-28T05:17:00.000-07:00

Cellaphone Snaps

2010-04-26T16:20:00.000-07:00

Mum is forever pointing her PHONE at us at random times & we didn't know why. We thought maybe she had really lost her marbles or something. But it seems she's been stalking us when we weren't even expecting it & taking pictures again! Without even paying us with treats!! Next time I catch her with that thing I'm going to not even open my eyeballs.

Anyways....

Here is that foolish boy Marley. As we have said before he always has to make a statement when he's sleeping. We're not sure what statement he was trying to make here???

Seriously...what is WRONG with that boy?!

What followers they are - they should be more independant like me!

Mum, Marley & Maya at Dollar Tree while our hooman sisters were buying some fun things. I sink mum was 1/2 asleep in this photo-graph...

Maya & Marley & hooman sister Ivy walking in town.

On the way home - Maya is such a goodie two shoes. She is ALWAYS kissing up with a "cute head tilt" as mum says. Whatever.

Me & my newest sister running around in the front lawn. She is really good about staying close to mum, like me!

Down at the dock....

Dats it for now blugger friends!

Ivy & Me

2010-04-26T08:33:00.000-07:00

Sorry we are a bit behinds in posts - it's been SO busy here with our houseguest! Mum thought about buying stocks in Bounty & Natures Miracle since our guest likes to "mark" & I of course likes to "over mark" other pups...plus Maya still getting use to the doggy door. Thankfully the past few days things have gotten better & mum isn't spending so much time chasing pee pee... Maya is using the doggy door to potty & Lacey is getting better with her marking as am I naturally.

Saturday was a very nice day out & I gots taken out for a nice brushing. I haven't been shedding lately and my skin isn't dry anymores (thanks to our raw diet!) but it seems I am loosing my winter coat because I started to shed quite a bit the past few days. (I didn't tell mum I gobbled a bunch of Laceys corn based kibble which could also cause some of the shedding but what she don't know what hurt her!)

Anyways, after my brushing Ivy took me for a little jog around the yard & then we just chilled on our porch. It was so nice & relaxing - I could have stayed there all weekend!

"whoa dis girl can run!"

"you gots some treats down there I should worry about?"

"nope just dat toopid camera..."

"ok we pose for ONE but neither of us are happy about dat. We just want to chill!"

5...6...7...who's counting?

2010-04-14T15:54:00.000-07:00

Mum hasn't even adjusted to having 6 dogs around & already we've got another set of paws pitter pattering around. But before anyone calls in the animal hoarding brigade - SHE IS ONLY TEMPORARY! Our great-grand Papa has gone on vacation for a couple weeks & as some of you may have read about last year you'll know this is an anual thing. So here we's go again...Miss Prissy Lacey is here! Dis dog don't even know what the word PLAY is. Oh. My. Dog! She won't even look at me. Mum says all she does at home is bark & make Papa do whatever she wants. She'll even "yell" at him when she thinks he's been on the telephone too long!

She is berry different here though. Mum says it really isn't ANY different than having us 6 Wawa's here. She is quiet & minds her own business. We sink she's just afraid to move or bring attention to herself afraid we're gonna try to eat her or something. She is such a Priss dough & turns her nose up to just about anything on the menu (as far as kibble goes). But by dog mum thought it would be good to sneak a little chicken neck in here & there over the next couple weeks to try to clean dem toofers up a bit! She didn't think Lacey would have any part of it but to her surprise - she LUBBED it!!! Almost made mum pass out on the floor....

Anyway, mum is working full time keeping track of us pups. She is still trying to train Maya to go outside the doggy door to potty (which she can get in & out the doggy door now pretty good), trying to keep her eye on ME so I don't' "mark" (I's been good today but all these new good smelling girls have really been making it hard to contain myself!), PLUS even dough Lacey is about 4 years old she still likes to sinks he's a bowee & "mark" with dime sized pee spots once in a while. So mums eyes have been berry busy!

So if you hear of us talking about another pupper around here don't get your belly bands in a bunch! She is just a house guest!

We lub chasing balls...

2010-04-13T18:02:00.000-07:00

I'm not a big fetch fan but even dis game I had to get in on. Mum & my sisters were rolling the ball around in a circle & I see Maya chasing it like a kitty cat & thought I've been feeling so good since I got to my "goal weight" (lost 1.8lbs - mum is SO happy!) I thought I'd give it a try. It was pretty fun!

PS Mum apologizes for her lack of replies to other bluggers posts. For some reason she's having troubles getting replies to post! Some work - some don't. She will keep trying but she promises she is reading & really wishes she could reply!!

Settling In...

2010-04-07T10:03:00.000-07:00

Well, Iz been in my new home for just about 3 days now. Mum was a bit worried being an older Chi that it would take a while for me to adjust to new people & new surroundings but I has surprised her! I am getting used to my new routine, new Chi friends, new diet (I LUFF the raw food here!!), new mum & dad & I'm even getting used to those crazy new hooman sisters! I am even getting used to where to potty. This morning mum tooks me & Maxie to drop those kids off at school & when we came home I hads to poo really bad. I started to go on the floor by mum so she'd see me (she didn't get that clue - she didn't even see me!) but I stopped midway & ran down by that funny door that goes outside to the "potty area" where I noticed everyone else goes. Luckily mum saw me standing right in front of it & came down so I could go outside (I haven't figured out how to open that thing yet!) & finish but not before mum stepped in the little gift I left right by her foot. BOL But she & dad were very impressed that I went down by the potty door - I is really a smart girl!

So yes, I am getting used to my new sisters. Yesterday after they got home I gots to snuggle with the littlest one. She has become a good friend of mine! The older one I scared the other day when I got after her when she was getting ready for school so she is a bit nervous with me...which makes me a little nervous sometimes. But this morning when I went in to wake her up with dad I ran up to her & gave her lots of kisses. Once she realizes I won't get after her mum says we will get more comfortable with each other. I'm just waiting for her to not be afraid anymore & then I will be comfy. Mum has some activities for us & told me we needed some "bonding time" whatever that is.

I is also following mum everywhere - I is her little shadow! Which she doesn't mind at all because she luffs me just as much as I luff her but she thinks after I find my place in the pack I won't feel like I need to be with her everywhere she goes. We will see about that though! But all & all mum is VERY happy with how I've settled in & accepted my new surrounding & in such a short period of time...and with being a sensitive Chi! She never has taken in an older Chi before - she has raised all the ones she has from very young. She has heard how sometimes Chi's get very stressed out when they are "rehomed" but not me! I is a tuff & happy girl! And like mum says it will only keep getting better from here.

So here is me with one of my new best friends. The first one is us yesterday morning & the second one is us yesterday afternoon when she wanted to read me a story. I was so comfy.

And here is me & Maxie going for a ride yesterday!

"What is out there Maxie?"

Well Hello! Nice to meet everybodies!

2010-04-05T15:41:00.000-07:00

My new mum says that I really should come to introduce myself so here I is! I was a very unexpected Easter "pressie/addition" for the MChi crew & their family. It's a very long story but the short version is MChi's Mary-bell is my littermate/sister!! My new mum almost gots me instead of Mary-bell when we were babies but new mum says it was meant to be that we both ended up here in our forever home together. I miss my other mum but I am very happy she was able to find me a good home with lots of company & people around to keep me busy!

My other mum called me Hyde (Heidi) which my new family thinks is a great name but they didn't want me to be the "odd ball" being the only one with out an "M" name. Since I technically is daddy's girl he got to make the final decision but he is a smart man & picked a name that mum really liked AND put his sissy's middle name for the lastpart of my name! So my new name is Maya Marie. I am already starting to know my new name & come running when new mum calls it.

I am not familiar with children so this new house is taking some getting used to. It was very quiet today when those 2 girls weren't here but when they came home I yelled at them for being in my new house. Mum said that this has been there house for a very long time so I stopped yelling at them. Besides, before I could even think they both took me for a walk which was fun. But when we got home I was very unsure about them & let them know about it. Mum says we have some work to do but she is sure I will "come around" with the girls. Especially since next week they will be here ALL week long on vacation. OH NO!! I hope they is nice girls...if they are maybe I will start to like them. They do give me the tastiest treats after all...

The crazy other Chihuahua's have been very good to me. I had a good first meeting with the other 2 girls Mary-bell & Matilda. We went for a nice walk in the dark when I first got home. When those weird girls brought the boys out it was a mishap & they ended up meeting me head on which they hate. So they barked at me for a minute before mum sent them inside. When they came out again, she took their leashes & walked us together. They were much nicer that time. Then I got to go hand out in daddy's lap & meet all the Chi's one at a time in the office. Today has been a busy day & I am getting to learn all the ropes here. I am testing my boudaries a little bit but mum is making sure to be strict & let me know when I'm being a bit of a diva (like *I* am a diva!!). But she says it will make more peace at the house so I guess I better listen to her!

Here are a couple pictures of me. Don't you all think I is beauty-ful?

My & my sister! I am a little bit taller than she is but she is heavier than me. BOL

This is Marley showboating. He "dances" with me to tell me his is the MAN of the house. I just don't see it!

And mum called ME a diva?? Look at that girls face!!

And here is a video of my first outside play time with my new Chi family!

Our Nice Weather has Returned!

2010-04-01T11:37:00.000-07:00

It's been a few days of cold & rain so we was very happy to see the sunshine again today! Mum gave us some chicken necks to munch outside. I had a rough time of that today. I've finally started to chew my bonez a bit better so mum lets me do my things even though I take forebber. Anyway, the last bite I got a little too proud & swallowed a piece too big. It went down...but got stuck. I swallowed & screamed and gagged & screamed. Mum lifted my back legs up which didn't do much but then she gave me a good whack on the back while I was gaggin' & ups that chunk came! Mum is going to rethink the chicken neck thing & see if she can find some bigger pieces of chicken...

Anyway, after we ate she tooks Mary-bell & me for a nice long walk. We got skeered by a big Golden Retriever that came out of nowhere barking at us & then just after that, that same crazy dog that we alway see rans up to us going mental. Mum had basically stopped to meditate before we got to that house so she could try not to spread the nerves to us. It's hard for her because big jumpy dogs makes her jumpy & that makes US jumpy! Anyway, we barked a little bit at that golden dog but the crazy dog that runs around...we dids really good! And coming back...I only barked once & Mari didn't bark at all when he was out there. Mum was very proud of us since we are 2 of the noisiest once of the pack. I have started to get a "hot shot" attitude mum says. I even barked at this lady that came walking towards us. But when she came over to say "hi" I was happy to see her for a second before looking around to see the world. My eyes are very busy mum says...like a space cadet or something.

So after that, rather than going home like usual, she tooks us down to the docks! There was a chocolate lab that greeted us. I think he had a big crush on Mary-bell since she just came out of heat like yesterday. So he acted like he was her bestest friend. Luckily mum saw him before hand & picked her up because she knew he may be a little obsessed. His dad came & took him away though...after I gaved him a piece of my mind anyway. He needed to understand she was MY girlfriend! GEESH!

So we hung out by the water for a little while. I gots to walk in the water & dig for clam shells while mum yacked on the phone. I had fun though! Mum took some pictures of us 2 on our mini adventure. I can't wait to go back down. And mum said she can't wait to take me to little beach? Whatever that is....we will find out soon!

"Lets go for a walk Mare-Mare..."

"What is doze hoomaz doing ober dare?"

"My Mare-Mare wookin' so beauty-ful"

"I FOUND A SHELL!!"

"Dis picture is for my sister Scout. See? I like da water too!!" ;o)

Raw Update NOTE FROM MUM

2010-04-01T08:48:00.000-07:00

We said we would keep bloggers updated on the raw diet. I have recently become aware of some major coat changes in all of the pups. Milo & Marley have both been big shedders since day one & now - NO SHEDDING! Marleys always dry skin (despite eating one of the best quality kibble, EVO) - much better! Maribelles long coat is so much more shinier, silkier & softer than ever. Matilda's odd "coarse" stripe down her back...much much less coarse & more soft. ALL five Chi's have a much healthier, shinier coat.

Maxie is experiencing a bit of shedding right now but it is normal for some pups to go through a "detox" when switching to raw & since we're still relatively new it's all a normal reaction. His coat however is much shinier. In time, I have no doubt after seeing the difference in Milo & Marley's coat (I can't stress enough what huge shedders they were) that the shedding with Maxie will be minimized as well.

All the pups are now (happily) eating chicken, beef, beef heart, pork, green tripe (NASTY smelling but they love it & it's so good for them!) & raw eggs. So far, a successful change we're all happy about!

I guess that is it for now...

Wordless Wednesday

2010-03-31T16:51:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday....T-R-O-U-B-L-E

2010-03-17T17:25:00.000-07:00

On the Menu Today....

2010-03-12T13:02:00.001-08:00

Hi, it's me - Marley!

I iz a blog hog lately! But I had to blug about this exciting newz! Finally - some red meat! Well, mum fed us some of this nummy red meat last week too but she is just finally getting her bum in gere to take some pictures of it! Our first day of beef went berry well...for most of us anyway. Mary-bell pooked three timez after she ate her red meat. It was icky, though I would have eaten it if nobody was wookin'. Mum tried 2 other times to give Mary-bell red meat...she tried mixing a little bit with some ground chicken & she pooked. She tried giving her a tiny piece of a different kind of red meat...and she pooked. So it's not more red meat for Mary-bell!

That is okay, Mary-bell is happy with chicken necks & whole ground chicken (wiff the bone & organz in it) for the moment until mum can get maybe some rabbitz or something.

Anyway, us other puppies have been enjoying some ground beef & organz, ribs AND today we gots some beef pieces (that mum cut up small for us) with a little whole ground chicken in it too. We still have been munchin' on some chicken necks too. Mum sinks next time she will get the LARGE ribs for us because she is so afraid we are gonna try to swallow dem small cut up ribs whole. Some of us pups aren't too smart like that. She said something about dis being a "learning process" for all of us.

Some more good newz - Milo has lost some weight which we has been trying to accomplish for a whole year! He is now 9.6lbs (down from 10.8lbs a few months ago). Mary-bell & Maxwell have also lost a few oz which is great because mum thinks they were getting a little "chunky" too. They are both around 5 1/2lbs but Maxie is a few more ounces than Mary-bell. I iz almost as big as those two...only a few more ounces to go & I will be caught up with dem!

So dats the newz for today. Dis is our meal today (dough I will be getting a chicken neck later too since I needz more food where I iz a growing bowee & all). Lucky me!

A new "friend"? (if thats what you want to call it)

2010-03-06T14:16:00.000-08:00

I wondered why mum ran to get my collar & leash today when our Papa pulled in. Mum ran me outside & I heard this awful noise in his truck yapping away. Then before I knew it mum put this black fluffy ball on the ground next to me & we started walking down the driveway. What was she thinking?! At least when we started walking she stopped making that awful noise...

"You want me to WHAT?! I don't sink so...."

"Ok, but this is as close as eyes gonna get."

When we gots back inside I grumbled at her a little bit & she started making that noise again - it hurts da ears I tells ya! Then Mari went in for a sniff...I wondered why nobody else was barking.

Den mum told me she stayed with her & the other pups lasts year for a few weeks & dey all liked her!!?? And she broke the news...she may be staying here for another few weeks dis spring. Oh NO! Please tell me mum you can control that sing! After that I remembered...my papa is here & I luff him!! We all luff our papa...

Mum says that it is obvious now that I is scared of other dogs. But the good news is she also sinks that with even just a little more socialization (whateber that means) I will be ok! She said she knows a few peoples that have smaller dogs she wants to "set me up with" on playdates. Dat should be berry fun...NOT.

P.S. Mum wanted to show a better picture of Lacey from last summer since her cellaphone pix stink berry much. She is a Pomeranian...

Filming Friday

2010-03-05T15:20:00.000-08:00

So mum has been berry lazy about saving & uploading her bideos. So dis afternoon we madez her sit down & doos it & we gots lots of bideo sharing for you bluggers...if you have several minutes to spare! Please escuse the confusion of our living room - mum & dad are moving rooms around & gonna starts redoing doze old floors so it's pretty messy round here!

Dis one our hooman sister Ivy harnessed Matilda up & hads her play pony. Poor Matilda but she didn't seem to mind it so much...

I can't member if we shared the bideo last month of Marley & me fighting over the heat vent? Well, if we did dis is a follow up to show that Marley is beating me nows. He's gots the upper paw & I don't understand it! Last month I was big & pushed him out of the way! Geez!

Dis one shows how much daddy loves Matilda & how much Matilda loves daddy. Mum says nothing makes daddy laugh quite like Matilda! Dey are so silly...

Dis is the longest one. Mary-bell has never been berry good at fetch but was really having fun with it today. Mum says maybe it's because of our new diet? Or maybe just a coincidence. Speaking of new diets - I have been having lots of energy the past few days which makes mum happy. Makes me feel better too not laying around ALL the time...though I do still lay around a lot.

And dis one mum tooks today of us being berry lazy. We tooks over the couch (mum hates having her cushions squished but we don't care!) - don't we look comfy!?

I hopes you enjoyed our Film Friday!

Dis is a different wooking Chihuahua!

2010-03-03T05:55:00.000-08:00

Iz been smellin someting a bit different for the past couple days. Den mum tooks me upstairs to my oldest sisters room & shut the door. She puts this weird looking Chihuahua on the bed & I wasn't so sure what to think of it. It didn't smell likes a Chihuahua...I must do some investigating to see why it is so different. And see why my hoomans keep it locked in a cage!

I was berry leary of this thing. I would try to sniff it but it would move quickly so I jumped away. But I was berry curious & kept going back for another look. I am just not sure about dis sing!

What do you guys sink? Is dis a short coat TEACUP Chihuahua? Mum says there are no "teacup" anysings...but I dunno...I sink dis one could fit into a teacup...

"What is zat sing u putting on da bed?"

"What da...???"

"EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEKK!!"

Day 6 of RAW.....

2010-03-01T17:26:00.001-08:00

We are still really enjoying our new diet! Mum says that I am doing MUCH better with my crunching. Today she even cut up my chicken neck into 1"-1 1/2" pieces & gave it to me in my bowl & I crunched every single one of them pieces like a champ all by myself! Milo is still being hand fed but is doing a bit better with the inhaling of food. Mum says she can't wait until the next "phase" of our diet so she can just give us ground beef & give her fingers a rest. BOL Doh she said she ordered some ground chicken that should be here tomorrow so she can give us a try of that. It's the entire chicken bonez and all in one meal! But her fingies needz a rest because today she gots 2 owies because Milo & Marley (who is having troubles crunching the bonez because his mollars are berry wiggly & hurts him - so mum holdz it for him after a while so he can really tug at that stuff) accidentally bit 2 of mums fingies! The bowees were berry sorry & didn't mean to bite mum...doze fingies just gots in the way & they thought it was just more chicken!

Mum has been weighing us every morning too. She is trying to get our food quantities right so we don't eat too much or too little. There are so many of us & we all require different amounts of food (because of our different metabolisms, size & ages) - it is going to take a while for her to figure how much is right for us all. Marley is requiring a lot more than she initially thought he would have to eat & he ended up loosing lots of weight in just 2 days. She felt berry sorry about that. It is berry weird because he ate the same amount of kibble as Maxie & Maribelle and was growing ok but feeding the same amount of raw food as Maxie & Maribelle isn't near enough for him. She has doubled his food intake & he is finally putting some ounces back on. Poor sing...mum wondered why he looked so "ribby" after such a short time - he's a growing boy I guess and just needs lots of dat chicken! He is berry lucky - we all would lub to eat more of that stuff.... Well, I am lucky too because I get more than everyone else except Marley because I have a berry high metabolic rate, whatever that is, which is why mum says I always want to play fetch and have lots of energy.

Anywayz, we thought you blugger friends may like to watch us compin' on our chicken necks. If dis sort of thing grosses you out we will understand if you skip dis bideo. There is lots of crunching on here... Especially me because I was so good at it dis time! It's much more fun crunching than swallowing dat entire neck whole...and not so hard to swallow! BOL

We gotz a new RAW diet & itz nummy!

2010-02-26T03:48:00.000-08:00

For some strange reason mum started feeding us some raw food. She said we would luff it and it would be berry good for us, especially our toofers! We will be talking about this prubly a lot just so mumz can have a "journal" & keep track of how we are doing on our new diet. She wants to make sure we are getting enough food and stay healthy!

So our first day for our new diet was Wednesday. She forgot to feed us breakfast! Geez mum! But her, dad & Ivy went for a ride and came home with some nummy smelling things. We were berry curious what was in those boxes on the table...

So then she spend lots of time by the sink & it started smelling SO good! Finally, she took us down into our room & gave us something she wasn't sure we'd like. But she was crazy because it was the nummiest thing we'd ever eaten! CHICKEN NECKS!! She watches us berry carefully, specially Matilda & Milo since they like to inhale their food. Matilda was doing a berry good job chewing but Milo went a little fast so mum turned to hold onto his neck. Five seconds later (no kidding!), my hooman sister Ivy said pointed out to mum that Matilda whole neck was GONE! She had swallowed the whole thing! OMD mum said she was such a naughty girl. She has been OK but now mum holds onto her food so she can crunch properly. At least until she learns to chew. Mum said she had read that many kibble fed dogs never learn how to chew....

Maxwell, Marley & I are berry good at chewing berry well. I takes the longest but mum said that is ok. I have the smallest mouth after all. Anywayz, here are some pictures of us enjoying our new food. Mum said we will get these necks for 2 weeks & then she will add in something else berry nummy (and not so messy). It's called ground beef & organz! Sounds good I sink!

This is our feeding place until it gets warm outside when we can eat outside in our play area.

Marley was keeping an eye out on big brudder - he was getting a little nosey since he had already finished his food.

Milo: "Dis is boring! We have to watch dem eat. I sink we should have equal eating time & not equal(ish) food!" Matilda: "I just wantz to pay fetch wiff my faborite toy now!"

"Nyum, nyum, nyum......"

"Crunch, crunch, crunch....."

"Dis is MY bonez! Aint it cool!?"

We goes walkin

2010-02-23T09:45:00.000-08:00

We has been on a few walks this past week - when my hoomans weren't sick anyway. That old tummy bug has reappeared & hits my offer hooman sister yesterday...mum says it's just a matter of time before she & dad find it. So about our walks - it's been a little bit on the warmer side though I hear this week we're getting more of that icky white stuff. We has met some dogs on the way & mum realizes Marley really needs some socialization. She said something about living in town when the warmer weather gets here so he gets used to other dogs. I don't know why he likes to bark at them. I think they are perfect acceptible...as long as they stay in their own side of the road & keep their noses out of my space of course.

We are berry lucky to live in a pretty place. Just 1/2 mile walk (doh we can see the harbor from my house & walk to the water across the stree - but it's much more fun at the landing I sink) & there we are. It smells berry yummy down there like fish & stuff. Mum said something about lobstermen & things & how that's those noisey butts we hear very first thing in the morning grumbling outside before wake-up.

Here we are on a little rest before heading back to home on our walk. Oh someting berry exciting mum says. We will be starting a new diet this week so we will be back to tell you bluggers all about it. I can't wait to see what it is - I luff food & mum said it is something berry bery special!!

Hiking Day & Some Cheerleading!

2010-02-17T18:13:00.000-08:00

So it's been another crazy week (and a half). Not only did my mums & hooman sisters finish up with cheerleading...one of those girls gots the tummy bug this past weekend & mum has a sinus infunction. These hoomans say it's been a berry bad season for "bugs" but I haven't seen any crawling around so I don't know what they're talking about.

Anyways, today mum & my skin sisters were talking about hiking in the woods. It was 40 degrees or something & sunny & I thought that sounded like a good idea so I begged & begged my berry best & they finally said I could come. I walked a bit until we hit the snow & then mum said it would be too cold on my tootsies so she stuffed me in that jacket thing of hers. It was pretty warm in there & I had a great time while they went walking in the woods looking at seme prints in the snow. Then when we got back by the house we stayed outside & swung on the swing set...in FEBAWARY!! It was pretty nice & I stayed nice & toasty in mums jacket.

Here are a couple picturegraphs mum tooks with her cellaphone. She looks funny in her bucket hat but she said it was warm so not to tease her too much about it...

Now here is something I promised from before. Mum did berry well I guess & didn't faint during this competition thing for my oldest hooman sister. They got thirds place but mum said they did VERY well since our school only begins cheerleading in the 6th grade (which is what my sister is in) but the 2 schools that got placed 1st & 2nd starts cheerleading in 1st grade!! Those girls were berry berry good but it made sense when mum learned they'd been cheerleading their whole lives basically. So she was then berry berry proud of these 6-8th grade girls for doing so berry well with their routine. Whats do you all sink??

My sister is announced last in the introductions - she is the little girl on the left middle *looking at the bideo & "going up"* in the first set of stunts & on the left side of the screen *going up in the airs* in the third stunts they do. SEE!! You can see here right down there in the preview on the left way up high in the air WHOA! Anyway, if you would like to see feel free to watch it mum says...

Busy Baff Day

2010-02-08T08:14:00.000-08:00

First of all mum wanted us to appologize for being so absent lately. Both of our hooman sisters had pneumonia a week and a half ago & since we's been crazy busy running around for mums neices cheerleading competitions AND our oldest hooman sister has been getting ready for the bussline cheerleading competition that is this Thursday so she's had practice just about every day for the past 2 weeks it seems! We all all berry excited about that though since it is her first year cheering (mum cheered 100 years ago when she was in school & our hooman sisters cousin has been a star "flyer" in cheering since she was in gradeschool *she is now a senior*). Maybe we will share a little bideo of the competition if mum doesn't faint when they hit the mat first. We will see!

Anyway, we wanted to tell all our blugger friends about our day yesterday. Mum has been talking about "baff day" for a week now but we's got out of it because she was all out of our favorite Tropiclean shampoo. She was just going to take the girls shopping but I couldn't let her leave w/o ME so eyes gots to go too. So she tooks us down to the waterfront in town first to get a little sniffies in - as you can see my sister Matilda gets berry nervous riding. She never pants except in the car.... Here we are checking everybody out. And see my silly hooman sister laughing at mum looking like an idiot taking pics of her CAR? Toopid mum.

It was quite chilly out so we only went for a berry quick walk with my hooman sisters...

Then we went to our favorite doggy store The Animal House for some shampoo. Mum left me in the car so I could watch the door to see when they came out - I guess that is a berry important job! They even gots some beef knee caps to munch on for us. We luff those things! Can't you see how excited we were about them?

And then it was time for our **gasp** baffs!!

Then Milo had a berry much needed brushing with the Furminator. He's a berry hairy short coat Chihuahua and this tool helps get lots of the loose hairs out...

That's about it for our busy Sundee. I hopes there isn't too many pictures. Sometimes mum goes a bit nutso with her camera ya know.

If you needs me - this is where I will be...

2010-01-29T17:57:00.000-08:00

...in the same place I always am. Somewhere under the bankets! So that may be a little fib because I do like to sit on the back of the chair by the big picture window so I can make sure to see what is going on in the neighborhood. But under any kind of blankie is my absolute favorite! When mum leaves her special blankie she got for Christmas on the couch & I can't help but snuggle up in it. Tonight, she even puts a nice big comforter on my big bed by the fire place & eyes been there all night!

You prubly guessed that I am a widdle bit of a lazy dog. And you are right! Mum says I'm lucky to have broffers & sisters to get me moving a little bit once in a while otherwise I may sleep all day every day. I don't understand why that would be a prublem - I sink that sounds berry good! But like we always say, whatever mum says goes.

Here is me cuddling in mums favorite blanket. It's nearly brand new but she's had to wash it all kinds of times because I like to get my fur all over it. My fur doesn't stay in berry well. Mum says I'm the biggest shedder of the bunch. Who needs all that fur anyway....?

Don't I look berry happy & comfy cozy??

Two Peas in a Pod

2010-01-28T17:37:00.000-08:00

Mum laughed at this picture of us. She said we had some pretty pistarical expressions on our faces, whatever that means. What can we say? We was tired & trying to sleep & she just wanted to stick that toopid camera in our faces. So we had to give her someting interesting to look at after all...

&

Pick Pocket

2010-01-27T18:15:00.000-08:00

I gots in big trouble tonight when mum & my hooman sisters got home from a basketball game. I had left ebidence that I had picked mums pockets again! See, sometiems she keeps treats in her pants pockets. So I know now there is a chance I can find something yummy in them. What I do is pull the pants off the deck to the big tub in the bathroom where she puts them when taking them off (and forgets or doesn't have time to run them to the hamper). Then I know to stick my nose in those hole things they puts in pants just to hold treats.

I didn't find any treats tonight though but I did find this berry cool plastic thing that made for great chewing! I bets it made my teeth super clean too! But mum didn't think it was such a great idea apparently. She said it (used) to be a berry important thing. She told me I was **gasp** a naughty girl! But then she started to giggle & I knew it was ok.

She thought it would be kinds of funny to take a picture with my new toy. Some kind of debalit card or something. See how sorry I looked? It's a good thing my innocent good looks can make her forgive me in no time.

Byes the way, she knows it was me because I'm the only one smart enough to pick pockets! She also said she has caught me a few times doing it but I don't believe her a bit...

I is almost all growed up!

2010-01-22T14:15:00.000-08:00

Welp, I had my Rabies Vaccination a few weeks ago...I gots a big knot in my rump to show for it. But anyways mum said it was time for me to get my very own collar now. So this afternoon she took me & my hooman sisters to The Animal House. Their "stock" was down a bit as they are waiting for new spring designs but mum thought this purty maroon pup designed one really complimented my blue color. I don't see where she thinks my color is really BLUE? But whatever she says goes...

So now the only thing I'm waiting for in order to be a big all growed up pup is my registration tags & mum will be getting all of ours for the new year berry soon. I don't understand how she thinks us widdle pups can carry around such heafy jewels! But she says it is the rules...

My name is Maxwell & I luff frafries!

2010-01-21T11:50:00.000-08:00

We had been snowed in for days, mum had even been home for days! Last night she said it was time to get out, even if it was just a ride to get some of that happy meal stuff she splurges on like once every few months or so. She knows I luff riding so when she asked if I wanted to go I spun around in circles & started to whine happily like I always do.

It was a long ride to "town". I ran out of flossie half way there even. Mum was going berry slow & it was berry white outside with falling snowcones or something. She said the road were still yucky from the big storm. Anyway, she talked to that funny talking box before going up to this weird guy. Then it was onto the next really kind person who started throwing yummy smelling bags at her! We had to wait a berry long time for some chicken salads but wouldn't you know that she gave me something BERRY good called a frafrie!! OH. MY. DOG! It was the yummiest thing I'd ever tasted in my long life of 2 years! She only gave me a couple because apparently they are hard on my tummy or something. Whatever. I could have eaten the whole entire bag! She made me promise not to tell my broffers & sisters but there was no hiding it when I got home. They could immediately smell it on my breath. Oh well, maybe they should start begging to go for car rides like me. But they are not that smart....

See, here is me on my car ride on the way home.

And here is me eating one of my new favorite foods! **DROOL**

Wordless Wednesday - Brrrrr.....

2010-01-20T13:56:00.001-08:00

It's just the way I roll....

2010-01-18T19:00:00.000-08:00

Mum tells me no matter what - I always make a statement when I sleep. What can I say? I have to make sure they noticed when I'm awake AND alseep! After all these good looks of mine should never go unnoticed if you know what I means!

Mum says I look so much like a regular ole dog in this picture. But hey, the heat from the cabinet thingy was blowing right on me. I was berry comfy!!

She is Sinkin' Spring!

2010-01-18T05:34:00.000-08:00

My hooman sister, Ivy, was apparently feeling a little like spring time yesterday because she made me try on all kinds of my outie-fits. Once she found the perfect one she got herself looking berry cute too & even coordinated with my dress a little bit! I thought it was fun...until she put this toopid headband on me. I don't know why these hoomans sink those headbands are cute because they totally make my dainty face all smoothy like an Ewok!

Anyway, here is the picture mum just had to take. She said we looked berry sweet together.

Meet my "Dad"

2010-01-17T11:40:00.001-08:00

I'd like to introduce my baby I call dad. He is the only hooman that I call my own. I luff my mum but she is my boss. I am however, daddys boss. It was so warm out yesterday (45 degrees. In January. In Maine!) so mum & my dad took me & Marley for a nice quiet walk. I luff when I can take my dad out for a walk which isn't often (mum says I need to take him more often). Usually it is mum & Ivy who take us Chi's out walking so it was a big treat for me to be the head of my own little pack! Here is a photo of me walking my dad. Isn't he a good follower?

Now here is my offical introduction of my dad. See me as I sit on him & claim him as my own? Then I show you how I taught him just how to throw the ball when I want to play fetch...or just when I feel like having him throw the ball for no reason and then I look at the ball he had thrown just to let him know I saw & approve of his good throwing. He is a berry good learner. Oh & isn't it funny how dad thowed that ball right at mums camera? He is such a good boy...

Peer Pressure

2010-01-07T06:41:00.000-08:00

Mum always says I have funny ears. I think they are quite special. They fit my personality just fine because they are "lazy" just like me. I tooks me this long - long enough for all my broffers & sisters to blug first- for me to wake up from a nap so I could blug! I love to sleep after all.

Anyway, my broffer Marley told me last week it was New Ears day. When I was a young pup at maybe 5 months old my ears got a little perky for a couple days. They were still very floppy-ish but they were pretty stick up-y before they decided to go sideways. It's more comfortable for me after all. But anyway, after hearing this news a few days ago I decided that my perkiest of all ear should be a little perkier. Can you even bileeb that even though I am an old man at 2 years old I can make that thing go up! Mum thought that was a down right riot.

What can I say, that thing called peer pressure got to me. My broffer Marleys ears have been going up so I wanted to join in on the excitment...though I am sure my ear will get so heafy I'll have to let it get sideways again. But for now I quite like having one perky-ish ear!

What do you puppies think?

And what do you think of my broffers ears? This is what he looked like this morning. From one boy pup to another, I think he has quite a pawsome look.

I hates the Oil Man!

2010-01-06T12:35:00.000-08:00

Every time I hears those annoying back up "beeping" noises I have to go run & hide...I swear someone is coming to kill me!! Today when that sceery oil man came I ran to find mum & hopped in her lap so she would save me. She took me out by the big window so I could SEE that toopid man! I don't know why she did that - she always does. But at least I know I am safe with her otherwise I don't sink I'd go find her every time I know he's coming.

Anyway, you can see how afraid I am in this bideo. Mum moved around so much you can't see me shake as much as I really was. But you sort of get the idea that I do NOT like when any truck comes into my territory beeping like that!! Oh except for the school bus. I know every day at 3 when I heard that annoying beeping it means a good thing - my hooman sisters are home!

Happy New Ears!

2010-01-01T11:21:00.000-08:00

I heard this morning mum say something about "happy new ears day" and I know how completely crazy she is about WaWa ears so then I thought it would be time for me to perk up my ears. I mean, she has done some pretty toopid things to my ears to "help" them along but I sink it just made them flop more. BOL But since it is "happy new ears day" I made them go up...just a widdle bit. I will work more on them another day I bileeb. Can you even bileeb she would make a holiday just for my ears dough? I guess I gots to keep my mum happy specially since she has a pack of eleven & twelve year old hoomans coming over for one of my sisters birthdays taday.

So Happy New Ears blugger puppies & mums!

See me? A little more perky but still a ways to go I sink!

Bowees are such a pain!

2009-12-30T15:21:00.000-08:00

To you blugger lady pups who have those pain in the tail bowees in your house - you may understand what I am complaining about. I am not in my "special lady time" right now but mum says it should be in another month or something like that. But sometimes these bowees just don't use their right brains! I thought I had it bad when it was just Maxie. Mum says he has been newt turd since he was 7 months old (that's not very nice to say if you ask me but mum is the boss so I just let her say whatever she wants) but he still has those annoying bowee hormones...whatever those are.

Everyone thinks it's cute when Maxie "flirts" with me & I guess they could be a little bit right. I think he would do anything I tell him to do when he's in the "MOOD". But it doesn't ever stop there. Sometimes I have to really tell him off & that doesn't even work most of the time because quite frankly I'll go & lead him back on until he starts again. This is Maxie flirting with me - waiting for me to give him the "OK" or something...like that would ever happen Maxie...

NOW....mum brought his broffer Marley home & she says they both must have their daddies hormones (they have different birth mums but the same daddy) because now they both are in luff with me! See what I mean? This short video is not for the weak of heart (or for puppies or childrens eyes) so please know this will prubly be TMA **too much action** for some.

See what I have to put up with on the nights when the bowees are feeling their kibble?! It's really crazy! But from one lady pup to another - I quite like feeling like I'm all that & a bag of jerky because HULLO - I IS!!

"Pink? Whatnever"

2009-12-29T12:24:00.000-08:00

Mum wanted me to tell all her blugger friends (since I is the smart one after all) that where the new year is almost here and she is berry busy - us five "MChi's" as she puts it - will be taking over this thing called a blug.

Anyway, mum tells me that since it is winter now that my nose is getting some pink on it. Can you believe it? She said some darker Chihuahuas noses change color in the cold weather sometimes but I think she is full of dingle berries or sumthin. As you can see from this pawfect picture she took of me today - I am as handsome as ever. And if I hear mum say one more time that pink is my color (can you believe THAT?) I think I will throw up down the back of her pants...again.

Monday at the Movies - Lovely Winter Walk

2009-12-28T12:41:00.000-08:00

Ahhh, Maine happened to be blessed on this 28th day of December with 40 some odd degree weather! Seeing as it has been too cold/snowy for taking the Chi's out walking for some time now, we jumped at the opportunity good ole Mother Nature provided us with. Considering it has been so long the Chi's really did a fantistic job at staying somewhat in order...especially being walked by 9yo Ivy. Marley, seeing as he has only had a handful of chances to walk since we've had him because of weather was a little focused on me when Ivy walked him but otherwise he did fantastic!

It is a long video so watch at your own leisure & I hope you enjoy! :o)

A Twist to Gift Wrap...

2009-12-22T17:53:00.000-08:00

Before digging into my wrapping this morning I thought I'd put a little different use to our gift wrap..... hehehe

An Unlikely Pair?

2009-12-18T11:24:00.000-08:00

I'd like to say my Chi's are kitty friendly. I do think the possibility is there. However, one of our two cats (Flower) has taken it upon herself to hiss & scratch at the Chi's every time they get close to sniff. I think it is a case of jealousy at the highest as far as Flower goes. Flower never had a problem with our big dog - maybe she lets the lack of size of the Chi's get to her head, I don't know.

Her sister, Shoe (yes, that is her name!) is a bit more friendly. She'll allow them to sniff & if the mood strikes her she'll put her head down in hopes of being massaged by the sniffing of the pups. Being as they are sisters & look a LOT alike - I think the pups sometimes get confused with what cat they chase out the doggy door. Yes, they chase them out the doggy door & force the cats up & over the 6' high door...or to squeeze in between the siding of the house & the wall of the enclosure - I haven't quite figured out which yet. Poor Shoe I think takes the blame for Flowers unpleasantness. But if Matilda see's either by "her" potty area she takes it upon herself to chase & SCREAM at them until they leave. It's quite the noise to say the least.

We've been in the single digits the past few days so the cats, who normally spend 99% of their time outside, have been hanging out inside. Today Shoe decided to try to get a bit "comfortable" with Maxwell & Maribelle who were napping on the back of the chair. As you may notice, Maxwell is not in the following photos. Once he realized there was a **gasp** cat next to him he slowly & quietly crept away stopping & glaring at the cat every couple steps with a VERY disgusted look on his face. It was pretty funny.

I was able to capture Maribelle's reaction...

Zzzzzzzzzzz....

Uhm, what-chu think you are doing cat?

Are you the nice kitty?

I still not sure 'bout this scenario.

But I guess if I sleep with one eye open.......

Not so Wordless Wednesday

2009-12-16T15:00:00.000-08:00

Baby M has had his first 2 nights at "work" visiting with residents of the Assisted Living Facility where I work. I thought I'd start Marley early bringing him in & introducing him to staff & residents. Continue on the socialization I don't have much time for these day...so it's a win/win!

What can I say other than he has melted EVERYONE'S hearts that has met him! He is so mellow & kissy. Granted, when I leave him with anyone to go tend to my residents he looks for me & gives the occassional cry but that is something that needs working on anyway.

I would LOVE to have one of my pups as a therapy dog & so far Mr Marleys temperment has shown this goal to be well within reach - YAY!! Here are a couple cell pics from last nights visit.

"I don't know what you are talking about but I think you're a nice lady"

Time for School!

2009-12-10T10:45:00.001-08:00

This morning called for a run to a preschool I do photos for & I thought it would be a good opportunity of socialization for Mr. Marley. I fully understand how important socialization is for puppies & while M #5 has been out several times we've been so crazy busy I've not gotten him out as much as I'd like. I was pleasantly surprised at how receptive he was to the children (2-4 year olds) and how many kisses he offered to them! He stayed in my lap & as the kids bent down to see him he'd lap them all over their nose & lips. They thought it was hysterical but I couldn't help but ask the kids, "what would mom say if they saw him kissing you on the lips??". hehe

I'm so happy he has so far kept the happy go lucky personality that his mom has & I hope he continues to do so. At over 13 week he has surpassed the age when my 11 week old Matilda began showing her teeth & nipping at people who tried to touch her. Even with extensive socialization, especially after she began to display that behavior (she was taken out several times a week for months), she has never completely gotten over her fear of stranger contact but as I've blogged about in the recent months, it has gotten a bit better for her.

I did not have my camera with me at the preschool but I leave you with 2 cell phone snaps of Marley's preschool experience. I hope to take him back again so he can continue to see the smaller children & see they will not, in fact, eat him....as I undestand many Chi's believe. ;o)

Wordless Wednesday - Favorite Spot on a Snowy Wednesday

2009-12-09T18:08:00.001-08:00

Monday at the Movies - Courtesy of my 9yo daughter

2009-12-07T16:26:00.000-08:00

As I was going to upload yet another play time video for todays Monday at the movies, I notice a video I didn't recognize. Upon watching it I realized that while I was sleeping after work yesterday (and dad & big sis went to a handbell concert), Ivy had taken it upon herself to have a "puppy photo day" down in my studio. Rather than take still pictures she video taped a few movies. Here is the first one...

For all the people who wonder how I get the pups to all sit still together - this will prove how easy they make it for me! LOL They're happy just sitting there, looking around & waiting to see what comes next. hehe Enjoy!

(please excuse my messy photo studio! note to self: must better organize my props LOL)

First Snow...

2009-12-06T14:32:00.000-08:00

...and it was the first time the pups seemed to enjoy it! Maybe because it was warm out in the afternoon (even though then the snow was melting) - even Matilda disappeared for 5 minutes out back sniffing around. The other 4 pups stayed close to me & close to the only grass showing due to the snowman that was made.

"What is this stuff? Lets just pee all over it..."

"I'm really not sure about this..."

"Think we can make it to that black stuff over there?"

"I don't know but I'm gonna make a run for it!!!"

"Me too!! Wa-hooooooooooo!!"

"Nope, too cold for my sensitive toes."

"Maybe it will be safe to go this way..."

"This is really fun!"

"Yeah, but I'm coming back so I can go warm up inside."

Flying Santa

2009-12-05T15:53:00.000-08:00

Marley went on a little outting with us today. We went to the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse to watch Santa Claus ride in on the helicoptor! There were loads of people there & a couple other dogs. Marley, with the exception of when we first got there (when he sniffed around in the grass a bit), stayed in my carrier all bundled up & wrapped in a fluffy blanket. He was so content & comfy & gave the occassional kiss to passer byers that happened to notice him in his camouflage of blanket. We also got stopped by the local press who snapped a picture of us & took down our names & such - wonderful!

At any rate - here are a few cell pics we managed to snap through out the event.

Marley looks huge in this pic...I swear he is 3lbs of HEAD! hehe

We're.....getting.....closer!!

2009-12-04T11:56:00.000-08:00

The ears that is. At least...I think! They're going up so gradually sometimes I think I'm just imagining it. With all the folds in his ears I'm still skeptical they'll go completely up. (though he IS only 12 weeks & I know of pups taking up to 7-8 months before their ears go completely up) I've even considered taping those crazy ears. LOL Yes, I'm a crazy "perky ear" fanatic. Plus Milo is our special floppy eared guy & I'd really like to keep it that way. Of course, if Marley ends up the same I'll love him just as much. I just really like perkies!! (yeah yeah, picky picky picky!!)

"Come on mum, stop waking me up - I'm trying to sleep!"

"Thank you!!"

Happy 2nd Birthday Milo!!

2009-12-03T17:29:00.000-08:00

Today is Milo's 2nd birthday. I can't believe my oldest Chi is 2 already. It seems like we just got him yet it seems like he's always been apart of our family. We love this little guy & his funny, "hard to get" attitude that he has toward dad. We love how lazy he is & how he has what we lovingly call a "chunky butt". We love how loving & protective he is of our human kids. We just love him to pieces!!

Milo has been on a "diet" for some time so today we let him splurge a little from his usual EVO kibble. I made up some rice, hamburger, green beans & added a little kibble. He was right in his glory! We gave the other pups a little as well & they were all out of sorts trying to steal from one another & everything. Usually they know to eat from their bowls & their bowls only but tonight they couldn't resist! hehe

Here is my sweet little Milo on his 2nd bithday - just as cute as ever!

Not so wordless Wednesday

2009-12-02T14:27:00.000-08:00

I feel that I must explain these 2 photos in order for them to have any significance. If you know Matilda or have been following my blog for a while you will know she is a very "flighty" Chi. Despite my extensive socialization, puppy kindergarten class, etc when she was young she has always had an aversion to strangers. She won't attack or bark at them (unless they come into "her" home in which case she will bark as if to alarm us there are "intruders" but quickly quiets) but she will not allow but a couple close family members touch her. Even some people she see's often she will not allow to touch her. She just jumps right away at any sign of them showing interest in her. She will sometimes want to play with people & play "keep away" with a toy or "fetch" with them if they have been here for a while. But still won't let them touch her. It tells me she likes being around people but is just very untrusting of the physical contact.

Anyway, one of my human daughters had a friend over who has never been here before & within an hour Matilda was allowing the friend to pat her! I was so proud of Matilda & had to capture it on "film". hehe

Wordless Wednesday-Mummy Cuddlin' Time!

2009-11-25T12:49:00.001-08:00

Torture Them Tuesday!

2009-11-24T17:55:00.000-08:00

LOL...that's going a bit far with the day of the week "themes". I really have no theme for Tuesday but I did "torture" the pups today with their holiday photo shoot so it was appropriate for today anyhow. Well saying that, they were actually not too unhappy about it because as they know, camera time equals treat time! They even put up with a little holiday wear to top it off. They're such good pups to entertain their mum even going to great lengths to do so! :oD I do love these guys!!

Monday at the Movies

2009-11-24T17:49:00.001-08:00

Okay, it's not Monday but my Mondays are filled with class these days so I didn't have time to post my movie last night! I'd been wanting to blog about this video for a bit just because I thought little Marley was so cute playing with his food. This video was taken when he was 8 1/2 weeks old. So innocent - I think the other pups thought he was nuts for not inhaling the scrambled egg like they do. hehe

BTW, I will try to catch up on reading blogs & moderating my comments tomorrow! Sorry for slacking fellow bloggers!! :o)

Wordless Wednesday-10 Weeks Old :o)

2009-11-18T15:12:00.000-08:00

Fill in Friday

2009-11-13T13:01:00.000-08:00

I like blogs that have a "theme" for some or all days & thought I'd give it a go. On Fridays I will try to give a little update (or FILL IN ;o) of the week that I may have missed with any other posts.

I did post about our walk the other day. Yesterday I thought about our walking & what could make it more relaxing. I thought yesterday afternoon I would try to walk the boys alone. It was the same scenario as the day before with Zander out on the front lawn but wouldn't you know that there was NO barking at all? The walk was much more relaxed & they did great. Marley even kept up for almost an entire mile! When we came back we spent some time sitting in the grass with Zander. Marleys "meeting" with him the day before had been a little too stressful for a first meeting of a new dog so I wanted to try to make up for that & hopefully will help any future meetings go a bit more smoothly w/o as much stress. Zander finally calmed down enough, even though he was happy to see the Chi's. He lay down & they were able to mingle a bit & Maxwell was his happy playful self with Zander. It was such a nice visit!

Now the task....working with the girls I'm thinking one on one with the walking. Maribelle is just so yap happy - that is something we've always worked on & I need to take the time to work with only her on this. Matilda needs some one on one as well. She has become increasingly more anxious & "flighty" (which has gradually been increasing for months now). It is unhealthy for her & I've talked with hubby about it since I'm sure it's because her "special treatment" she gets from him. She used to be FANTASTIC with letting me clip her nails - she'd always just sleep through the whole thing & I made the mistake of one day, doing it while hubby was home. She was a complete drama queen & yelped & all (I'm always very careful & know I didn't do anything to hurt her). If I try to correct her for anything she immediately runs to hubby and on walks she walks ahead of me & if I stop & walk toward her with my hand up (what I have always done to get them to sit) she acts like I'm going to eat her or something. It's very frustrating for me & makes me feel bad, even though I'm not being mean or doing anything differently. This is why it is SO IMPORTANT for EVERYONE in the family to treat all dogs the same & ALL be pack leaders!! So point being, I think I will focus on walking the boys together since they do great but the girls are going to need a little special treatment. Should be interesting!

Marley - Marley, Marley, Marley! I just love this little guy and today he completely made my day by going out the doggy door ON HIS OWN not once but TWICE! The first time I was watching him in the living room & he went to the puppy room door way. So I took him down the 2 stairs (he still is a bit nervous about going down the stairs even though he comes up just fine), put him on the floor & he ran right out the doggy door & poo'ed w/o me saying anything. Then this afternoon, I took all the pups down in the puppy room with some toys, gated it off & had Marley practice going down the stairs a few times in between playing fetch with everyone. I knew he'd have to pee soon & was curious what would happen. I was in the middle of playing when I looked at the doggy door to see his little tushy going out the doggy door (to pee)!! I was SOOO happy & proud of him!

I did a little doggy supply shopping yesterday. Got a few new toys & FINALLY invested in a bed. Any beds we've ever gotten the pups they've ripped apart & eaten the stuffing in no time so I've been hesitant in putting the money into one they possibly will ruin, get sick or bound up from the stuffing & not be able to use. They do fine with blankets on the floor so we always keep a couple around. At the store they had these HUGE quilted pillow beds for $40 which I thought was a terrific price! The cover comes off & is washable so I thought we'd give it a go. The pups love it & did dig at it for the first few minutes but they seem to just lay chewing toys or sleep on it now so I'm **crossing fingers** it works out!

To close - I took a video of the pups getting their new toys. I swear these guys are just like kids. They were so excited about them. And I love how they were all squeeking away after a minute. TOO FUNNY!

First Walk Since Marley Came Home

2009-11-11T14:36:00.000-08:00

The thought crossed my mind to bring a camera but reality told me I may be a bit too busy to be carrying my camera on the first walk with Marley. I was right. First off, those of you that have been following this blog will know Zander, our lab mix. Well, he's been staying next door with my dad, step mom & their Bassett Hound, Sadie for almost 2 weeks. I love Zander & always will. He's a great dog & a sweet heart. We are going to be moving (long story but we're not sure when - we're waiting for my aunt to sell her house so she can buy ours) and hubby & I had talked & we thought it would be best to rehome Zander when we moved. :o( If for nothing more than the fact that with his energy level (six years old & acts like a pup! LOL), he's never been able to be apart of the "pack" for safety reason for the Chi's. Not really fair for him to be seperated from the rest of the dogs. We'd only talked about it when my dad mentioned to me one day that my step mom just adored him & if we ever wanted a new home for him to talk with her about it. Being as I'd never just give him up to anyone - I took it as a sign.

I do feel bad because I feel in a way we traded him in which isn't true. This is something we'd talked about long before Marley was even a thought. But when my dad said that and knowing Marley was coming home soon we thought maybe rather than waiting - this would be the best time. He has however, been doing great down with Sadie & it absolutely makes me smile to look out & see him rolling around in the grass & hanging out with my dad & step mom who are very "outdoorsy" type of people (totally unlike me). He really looks happy & that makes me feel like we've done the right thing. Not to mention I think he & Sadie have been playing which is good for both of them.

Anyway, back to our walk - Zander was out on the lawn as I exited the house with the 5 Chi's. Being as the pups aren't used to seeing a dog out on the lawn they started getting all excited first thing. I sat down on the lawn waiting for them to relax, not wanting to step on Marley first thing. My step mom drove in & talked with us for a bit - little Marley so excited to see her. Finally we started down our long driveway as Zander came to greet. The dogs, seeming to have forgotten who Zander was. ??? They sniffed, barked & Matilda even got nasty with him when he got near which I wasn't expecting. However I shouldn't be surprised - she hates dogs who have high energy - they totally put her out! Zander was also going balistic trying to get to the new addition to sniff him out. I finally had to pick Marley up, not wanting him to get stepped on. Finally we were on our way.

The rest of the walk couldn't have gone any better! We did not go far because 1)it was cool & 2)I didn't want to over-do little Marleys little legs. :o) When we got home, it didn't take long for the pups to pile up & zonk out...

Just one of those mornings.....

2009-11-10T07:57:00.000-08:00

So snuggley & content.

Chewy chewy chewy chewy CHEWY!

2009-11-09T16:46:00.000-08:00

They hardly last at all in our house but alas we still buy them once in a while to give the Chi's something new & interesting to put in their mouths.

Maribelle likes to steal another pups chewy & hoard them all at the top of the stairs. I went to see how many she had & she lowered to the floor & got a big "grin" on her face as to say "crap, I'm caught!". Guilty consciece? Certainly makes me feel bad! LOL

As soon as I take the "extra" chewy away, she comes down with hers & struts her stuff and literally prances around in front of the othe dogs flashing her "prize" to them. The only one to fall for it this time, Marley.

"You are not taking MY chewy Mari!"

"Look but don't touch now"

"Okay, maybe just a bite"

"Not mine brother!!"

Matilda immediately took her chewy upstairs on the bed in the comfort of the sun & peace and quiet!

My New & Improved "Lap 'o Chi's"!

2009-11-07T16:50:00.000-08:00

Excuse the jammie pants & black baseball socks lol...but today was the first day everyone felt comfortable enough with the baby & all, to pile in my lap. Marley is there somewhere - he just blends well with Matilda. Now I remember why I wanted a chocolate!! ;o) (TOTALLY kidding lol)

Houdini Strikes Again & Surrogate Mommy

2009-11-05T13:43:00.000-08:00

First of all, last night went a bit more smoothly. We crated Marley down stairs this time. I let him out to potty at 8:30 & fully planned on letting him out again at 11 (after I was done watching my fav show from bed). Wouldn't you know I fell asleep before my fav show started (UGH!). So I wake up at 3am & it is quiet as can be. As I head down stairs, I was pleasantly surprised that it was still quiet. That was however, until I noticed a gray streak running in front of me at the bottom of the stairs. D'oh!! As seen in the photo below, we double latch the crate because little Maxie likes to open crate doors. I failed to realize the side door wasn't double latched so Maxie must have gotten tired of the noise & let him out. LOL All was well except the fact he had been "accident free" until that point. Oh well, one little set back & the thoughts of what *could* have happened a couple potty accidents was more than okay with me!

Secondly, Matilda has sort of become Marleys "surrogate mommy". While I do think it's great Matilda is being so accepting of Marley & is being extremely gentle, patient & loving to him I've also noticed she's becoming a bit possessive over him as well. I'm thinking if I don't nip this in the bud a bit it could become quite a problem. So far if Marley tries to play with any of the other pups, she gets in between them & lays down & digs, rolls or kicks at him so Marley has to play with her and not the other dogs. Same seems to go for humans as well - she's got to be in the middle. She's not nasty or mean or anything...but Matilda is always the insecure type & I don't think could or should handle the "responsibility" of a puppy. LOL Also, when hubby comes home at night it's not unusual for Matilda to whine & be extreamely excited to see hubby & give the occassional "whine" of excitment but tonight she was absolutely off the wall! It was almost as if she was saying "DADDY, I got a BABY!!". LOL Yes it is cute & I am proud of my Matilda being so great with our new addition. But I also know enough about dog "psycology" that it could turn into a problem. So we'll see what tomorrow brings.

I am going to add a little clip of Matilda & Marley at quiet play. They are adorable, aren't they?!

Puppy Blues

2009-11-04T16:38:00.000-08:00

Who likes crate training?! After our first night I thought we'd had it made. Five minutes of whining & little Marley zonked out & was quiet until I woke up a couple hours later. Wanting to snuggle the sweet little baby - I brought him into bed with me for a nap yesterday afternoon. BIG MISTAKE. Last night was not good! I had taken 2 Benedryl to try to dry up my sinus' so I wasn't in great shape anyway. After he finally stopped whining initially (or maybe I fell asleep during it?) it was quiet for an hour. I took him out to potty - back in the crate - an hour later it started again. I tried ignoring it for I knew he didn't have to potty again & it just continued...continued...continued. Knowing I needed some sleep I took him out to potty and finished off the night on the couch....with Marley. LOL But hey, we both finally got some sleep!

Today I had to leave the house a couple times for about 20 minutes a piece. Figured it was a good chance for some more crate training. After arriving home both times I made sure not to let him out until the whining stopped. Which took a bit.

Watching him was the most pitiful thing. I'll let the photo do the rest of the "talking". The only thing missing from painting the picture of what was happening is the quiet whining every time he took a breath....just like a newborn baby who had cried themselves to sleep.

SUCCESS!!

2009-11-03T12:51:00.000-08:00

Seeing as this is our 5th puppy in less than 2 years, I'd like to say we've got the house breaking well down pat. The first 4 Chi's have been rather easy to train, but in reality I think we've got to give credit to ourselves here for training the best way possible to ensure a successful puppy. Granted, Marley hasn't been at our home for 24 hours yet so it's far too early to tell but I'd say this first day is a complete success if I do say so myself!

Not only has Marley not peed/pooed in the house as of yet but he now knows when he has peed in the potty area, to go up the ramp to the doggy door! Earlier this afternoon, he peed & I went around outside to go in the house & he even had gone through the doggy door to the puppy room! I'm sure he probably went in through with one of the other pups...but still. He certainly isn't afraid of the doggy door.

Then, just now, I thought I'd even try putting him out through the doggy door for his pee pee & see what happened. He stood there by the door for about 30 seconds, then proceeded down the ramp, was down there for about 45 seconds, started whining so I called to him & when he came through the doggy door upon inpection - the sign was there that he had in fect, PEED!! We celebrated & he was so proud of himself. I can't believe he's accomplished knowing what the potty area is for & to come in through the doggy door (though actually pushing it open himself I'm sure will take a bit more time) in this short period of time. I was super impressed with Mari learning this in 3 days of having her - less than 24 hours blew me away! YAY MARLEY!!

He also knows how to play fetch and ate a good amount of food at lunch today. He napped with me & the crew for 2 hours today in bed w/o any problems at all - he was sound asleep the whole time & the one time I woke up & looked at him he was just staring at me with his big blue eyes. He has totally stole my heart and it gushes every time I see his sweet face. I'm in love. ♥ :o)

We took this video this morning of him when he first wore a shirt. He wasn't very impressed & it's going to take some work (he really needs to be able to wear tops because of our harsh winters and his short coat!). He was literally trying to roll it off! hehe You can also see just how much Matilda wants to play with him...but too roughly! She gets so frustrated...when he is a little bigger she will be able to tackle him like she wants... ;o)

Marley is Home!

2009-11-03T07:17:00.000-08:00

Last night was the night we were to pick Marley up. We took Mari with us & traveled an hour & 20 minutes. I was a bit apprehensive about how Mari would react to other dogs and puppies since she's never really been around too many in such an intimate setting. She did GREAT though - much better than I had anticipated. She was a bit unsure about the dogs & did snap at one that got a little too close to sniff her (and she was in my lap so I'm sure she felt cornered) but otherwise she sniffed & allowed others to sniff. If she got uncomfortable she just hopped in my lap.

So what can I say - Marley is PRECIOUS! The entire litter of pups were but of course I'm fond to my boy. Marleys mom Cookie, was so pretty & super friendly showering my human girls & myself with kisses. We had a great visit with the dogs/pups & of course my breeder friend we've gotten our 5 Chi's from. It's always great chatting with her! Of course every time we meet it's a promise that it will be the LAST time we meet....for a puppy pick up anyway. ;o)

Marley is doing great at home so far. No potty "accidents" & he's been a champ at pottying right when I take him out. He's drinking well & eating "okay". But he's fitting in great with the rest of the pack so far. The only one who's having an issue thus far is Maxwell. He's acting like an old man who is totally turned off by this new kid running around making a fool out of himself. hehe I personally think he's a bit peeved Marley has found his way into my robe (which is usually Maxwells territory). However, a little while ago he curled up next to Marley on my lap & took a nap so they will be just fine. Mari & Milo are just way curious of him & Matilda...she's so great. She just wants to play play play! BUT...her idea of play, especially when it comes to a new family member consists of being bossy. Several times she has "donkey kicked" poor Marley across the floor! But she is being very tollerating & patient with him which is great!

All & all Marley is settling in extreamely well considering he's only been here for just about 13 hours. Oh & did I mention he whined for a whole 5 minutes before settling down in his crate last night? Then he was quiet as a mouse (as Mari slept in the crate next to him - door open as always) until I woke up at 1:30am not feeling well. So I took him out to potty & we curled up on the couch & finished off the night there. I don't think we'll have a problem crate training him at ALL.

So a post isn't a post, especially with a new addition with out a picture or two! A couple play time pics & one sweet "portrait" style photo...

Priceless - the girls were trying to help him up the stairs. (which he did figure out btw LOL)

Mari's Bath Time Zoomies!

2009-11-01T15:36:00.000-08:00

I'm sure EVERYONE with Chi's or dogs in general know about the bath time zoomies. It was bath day here at the MChi home and Mari was first on the list. I got a little video of her bath time zoomies (or should I say bath time dry me offies)...though she was keeping an eye on me. I'm sure she was trying to figure out just what I was so amused with her for... Also, listen carefully & you'll hear her signature "snort". ;o)

Such a Beautiful Day - the Pups Fall Time Play

2009-11-01T12:47:00.000-08:00

The pups just love it outside...especially when they're are leaves blowing all over the place & the different kind of fall smells are everywhere. Here is a video of the pups playing around this afternoon since it was such a BEAUTIFUL day here in Maine (55 degrees). They really go crazy!! hehe

The Faces that They Make...

2009-10-30T19:17:00.000-07:00

Hmmm...do we see a resemblance? LOL

Yes, I do think mine are cuter...but they do resemble a laughing hyena. I think anyway.... ;o)

Where did Milo go??

2009-10-29T11:54:00.000-07:00

This has actually been a common occurrence lately. We'll notice Milo is nowhere to be found. Usually my pups hang around the living room, sunroom or sometimes will venture upstairs to play (as they are doing right now). When they're upstairs however, you know they are because they're romping around playing. The first few times Milo went missing we frantically went looking for him but now we know what he's up to when he's amongst the missing. If you know Milo this probably won't come as a big surprise....

Again this afternoon I found myself with that question - where did Milo go? I grabbed my camera this time knowing very well where he was. In BED! No matter how neatly I make my bed he finds a way under the covers. Which he knows he's not supposed to be doing. When I see that "lump" under there & call to him or say "get outta bed" he won't budge. Surely he thinks he's invisible. hehe

Anyway, here is Milo in his favorite spot.

"Zzzzzzzzzzzz...."

"Oops, I've been caught!"

"Okay okay, I'm moving...."

"Napping makes me so hungry!"

Guilty Pleasure

2009-10-28T05:33:00.000-07:00

This blog is more about me than my pups though this is my what, third? effort in trying to get myself into blogging regularly about my pack of wonderful Chihuahuas? I have just made my blog my home page so there is no more excuses of "forgetting" to blog. **crossing fingers**

So yes, my guilty pleasure is nothing other than- my Chi's! They make me happy, they're here to keep me company when nobody else is, they're literally a "crutch" when I go out in public (which I HATE doing but enjoy it more when I have a little friend with me - I consider them some what like a therapy dog in that way LOL) and most of all it's the one animal, one species, one breed that both my husband & I share the same fondness for. Considering I love animals and well, he doesn't - I feel Chi's were meant to be apart of our family and always will be.

I know those who have multiple dogs (of any breed) encounter the same mentality from people we do in thinking just how "crazy" we are for having so many dogs. I figure: of course we're crazy, but that doesn't mean we're wrong! And quite frankly I'm a bit tired of being judged in that way. After all, they're OUR dogs, they live at OUR house, we feed & vet them with OUR money. Soooo, what's the problem??

Now that I got that off my chest - the reason this is so fresh on my mind is our 5th Chi will be arriving at our house this coming Monday evening. I knew I'd like another eventually but no way were we planning on one so very soon. Our impending addition happened to be just the right color, with just the right markings, just the right sex and from just the right breeder (where we got our other 4 pups). When something is so perfect, you just can't turn away. :o)

Anyway, last evening we recieved the last installment of photographs of our newest addition, before meeting him in person. He may look a bit familiar where he has the same color/markings as our Matilda but we expect him to be a bit smaller.

Introducting....Marley! (at 7 weeks old)

School time....

2009-09-11T11:58:00.000-07:00

The pups get so excited when my girls get home from school. If you listen closely - you can hear Matilda's "alert" howl in the beginning (mixed with her regular bark). She sounds like a hound dog! Maxie was truly having a meltdown...he was just too excited to contain himself! LOL

GUILTY!! Been enjoying the summer time...

2009-08-16T11:36:00.001-07:00

**EXCUSE THE PHOTOS - they were taken from my cell so are not as good quality as my regular pics :o)**

Wow, just when I didn't think I could slack anymore. Both June & July we had constant rain - the summer finally arrived in August & I mean full blast as far as sun & heat goes! I didn't mean to neglect my Chi blog but we've been super busy with outside activities not to mention I've been really busy with Senior photo shoots (seems like everyone decides to get them done at once LOL). Excuses excuses excuses. One minute I'll think of something I need to blog about & the next I forget as I'm going onto doing something else. BAD!!

So anyway, I just had to blog about the pups adventures yesterday. They've been keeping inside & cool lately. Matilda has been enjoying some runs to/from our neighbors (AKA Grampa & Nana Jess's **my dad & step moms**) with the girls. Ivy takes the pups out walking when it's cool enough & they love that. But yesterday, since it was scortching out, we decided to take them to my grandfathers house for a dip since he lives on the lake. We knew Maribelle & Maxwell didn't mind the water as we took them one other time this summer. We weren't sure about Milo & Matilda but knew they'd benefit from getting out & getting wet.

Thinking as Ivy & I were piling the kids into the car (Gabby was at a friends birthday party), we have never ever taken ALL 4 Chi's somewhere together! They did very well sitting in the passenger side seat on the ride there which was only about a 10 minute ride. (that would have been a great picture to get LOL) Maxwell laid down as he loves riding, Maribelle stood up with her nose out the window (poor dear gets car sick but I kept giving her sips of water which seemed to do the trick along with the fresh air AND a/c to keep them cool), Milo I always have to keep asking to sit as he tries to stand balancing as we're bouncing down the road & Matilda. Matilda just doesn't like riding & sits there shaking & panting.

So onto the fun part. Maxwell & Maribell of course didn't mind the water. I mean, they don't *LOVE* it (though I can see Maxie is getting a bit more fond of it) but they would swim back & forth as Ivy put them in & walked them up & down the dock. Matilda...lets just say water is NOT her thing. I put her in on her leash holding her & it was complete panic & she nearly tried to bite me! Not wanting her to leave the water with only total panic state. I brought her out, calmed her & slowly put her feet in so she could pattle a bit & she did okay with that though not crazy about it. Milo, he panicked a bit at first but once we got him submerged she splished & spashed but swam pretty well. A little more time & I think he'll do okay with the water. It's just Matilda...she's SUCH a princess I guess. hehe

Anyway, whats a post w/o pictures?? Here are the kids swimming & Matilda ready to go home. LOL

See the other 3 worried we're going to leave them on the dock ALONE? **gasp** ;o)

And after all that, we decided to take Maxwell to the fireworks last night! I was a little unsure of how he'd react to the noises of the fireworks but he did GREAT! We went to a little beach next to the beach were the actual "event" was but there were still people & a few dogs around. Maxwell grumbled under his breath at the dogs but with my corrections was okay but with the people he was awesome. Shyed away from a little boy who tried to pat him but didn't bark at all. Not to mention, he literally watched the first 5 minutes of the fireworks before ignoring them completely. The noise didn't bother him in the least! All & all he made me a very proud mama!

Here are he & Ivy before sunset - one facing the sunset on the beach & the other away so you can see the purdy ocean...plus I like the silhouette.

Mari's Officially a Lady!

2009-07-27T19:49:00.000-07:00

Not something I'm super psyched about but I came home tonight & picked Maribelle up like a baby (like I often do) and noticed she'd started her first heat. My baby isn't a baby anymore!

Here she is earlier today...such a pretty little girl.... :o)

Happy Birthday!

2009-07-24T18:04:00.000-07:00

Today we celebrated Ivy (my youngest human kids) 9th birthday. She got lovingly decorated by her sister & cousin with frosting & all the Chi babies had to help clean her off! We didn't let them totally clean her off since it was people frosting (and not good for their bellies) but they did enjoy a few licks.

Matilda's Tricks

2009-07-24T10:46:00.000-07:00

Matilda has always been a super quick learner and always eager to do tricks. We've been a bit slack & haven't had any practice sessions in months yet today when I sat down with her she remembered every trick I'd ever taught her...and even picked up "back" in about 30 seconds.

She'd been doing tricks for 10 minutes when I finally started recording so in the beginning she's even more excited/anxious to do them (if you can believe it LOL). We forgot to practice "wait"...but she's also SUPER with that! :o)

Mischievous Milo!!??

2009-07-22T15:27:00.000-07:00

Milo has been the least problematic dog as far as around the house goes. He is our lazy Chi who is happy to spend his days laying around on the couch, sleeping and always listening for the cabinet door to see if a snack is to follow. Yes, Milo loves food. Which is probably the reason he is about 1-2lbs over weight at 10 1/2lbs. As our biggest Chi, he isn't "fat" but as the vet puts it...he has some padding on his rib cage.... And he really eats no more than the rest of our crew. I think it's a mixture between an unfortunate metabolism (which I can so relate to!) and the fact that he is well, lazy!

At any rate...this will show you just how much Milo loves food. Yesterday, I was busy editing some photos up stairs when Ivy came up all huffy. Apparently she walked out into the kitchen to find Milo had hopped up into a chair that hadn't been pushed in and then onto the table where one of the girls had left a piece of toast. Yep, there he was standing on the table munching on a piece of toast - I'm sure thinking he's in heaven! Needless to say, even though he was naughty - I couldn't help but laugh. It was such an unexpected behavior from him! I did get after him a few times for trying to push the baby gate open leading into the kitchen that afternoon. I knew he was only trying to get some more toast!

If only I had walked in with my camera...I would loved to have caught his face. hehehe

Frozen Green Beans!

2009-07-17T14:09:00.000-07:00

My pups absolutely love frozen green beans. Not only are they healthy, they're perfect for warm summer days & don't disappear in 2 seconds (maybe 5 with these LOL). Anyway, here are some snaps of my pups trying to get another green bean....

And our Chi Wanna-Be practicing Ivy's newest trick for him..."bear". LOL

Why so serious........ :o)

2009-07-15T15:15:00.000-07:00

Maxie: Don't even look at me - I-AM-INVISIBLE!

Mom: Come on Maxie - look at Mama...
Maxie: Ooooh, okay. If I have to.

Mom: Oh Maxie, you don't love me anymore?
Maxie: Of course I do, Mama. **kiss**kiss**

Digesting Teeth....

2009-07-13T20:06:00.000-07:00

Okay, so dogs do fine passing their teeth when they're teething. But yesterday - while the girls & I were busy packing Gabby's bags for her cheerleading camp this week the pups decided to try their hand at passing HUMAN teeth!

Gabby had been saving her last few baby teeth in a little plastic tooth necklace/holder (courtesy of Bristol School) that she hung from her entertainment center - about 2 feet above the floor. We've been sure to keep her room free of "stuff" on the floors because the pups have been notorious for finding "treasures" to consume in there (M&M's, paper, pencils, pens, markers, etc). Well, this didn't matter - someone got bored & decided to pull it off the entertainment center, chew through the necklace, which Gabby had duct taped "just in case" & consume all but 1 molar.

Poor Gabby was devistated! So far the teeth seem to be passing okay (no vomiting, tummy swelling, etc). Since Gabby is at camp this week she said I could keep the poo in a baggy & mush it around until I found the teeth. I "accidentally" forgot to poo scoop this afternoon trying to avoid seeing a tooth and retrieving it. Does she really still want it after it's passed??? Ewwwwwww....... Maybe I should save her a bag full of this weeks poo (3 poo's 4 times a day for 4 days...that's a lot of shit to go through...quite literally! haha) so she can sort through it when she comes home?? :oP

Papa & the Puppies...BRAVE Matilda!

2009-07-10T10:20:00.001-07:00

My grandfather comes over once a week...sometimes more sometimes less. He just adores all of our Chi's (especially little Maribelle). Matilda, as I may have mentioned before, doesn't exactly like to be touched by people outside of her immediate family. There are only one or 2 people other than us she'll allow & that's basically my mom who spent the night with the pups & human kids last year so she got comfortable with her & my brother who for more than a year was here at least 3 days a week for about an hour at a time (when he picked up my nephew when I babysat him). That last one is a miricle since my bro so lovingly used to tease Matilda as a pup when she was very nippy toward people who tried to touch her - BAD UNCLE! She's not 100% comfortable with these people even, but she'll cautiously tolerate pats & sit in their laps.

Other people that come over often enough - she has no problem sitting in their laps as long as they don't touch her...my Papa being one of them. But any time he goes to touch her or put his arm around her as to "hold" her she'll generally jump right away & down like she's afraid of cooties or something.

Anyway, last night when we got a visit from Papa, he sat down & Matilda was the first to jump up in his lap & to both of our surprised she happily let him not only touch her (he's so gentle & soft with her...he's really great!) but put his arm around her. Of course he was careful not to "squeeze" because that surely would have freaked her out...but she sat there for a good 5 minutes with him. It was great to see her progress!

And for fun...my Papa, my almost 9yo daughter & our 4 pups...

Pretty Pups....

2009-07-09T15:38:00.000-07:00

Parnoid Maxie Returns.... hehe

2009-07-03T09:24:00.000-07:00

Naughty Boys!

2009-07-02T17:35:00.001-07:00

My crew has always been great with pottying outside. They have a doggy door & have been fantastic about using it since it was installed. Even before they did well with holding it in until they were taken outside with the exception of a few issues when they were going through puppy adolescence - well, Milo anyway. Maxie has always been great.

For the past 2 weeks however, I've been finding multiple pee/poo's in our sunroom (where the doggy door is located. It's hard to catch them in the act down there because they often go down & play (or go outside to potty) and it's in a seperate room from where we usually are. A few days ago I did catch Milo relieving himself down there & quickly put him through the doggy door telling him "outside pee pee" like I always have before he goes to bed.

As if 1-3 "accidents" a day weren't enough - today was horrible! I've lost count but I'm sure it was 4-5 soooo, we're back to square 1 with the boys. I say the boys because not only did I catch Milo down there peeing the other day - I've been trying to keep my eye on them & noticed Maxwell had just come up from the sunroom so I went to peek & there was poo (Milo has very distict poo's so I know it wasn't him & the girls had been with me). Thinking me catching Milo in the act possibly could have been enough - I gave him the benefit of the doubt at first & just crated Maxwell since we were busy cleaning & unable to keep an eye on them. Not 20 minutes goes by & Milo didn't pee in the sunroom...but on the COUCH!!!

He did this several times when he was around 7 months...right after we brought Maxwell home and I will NOT have it again. So in the crate Milo went as well. It's only been this evening they've been crated & Maxwell earned his out when he peed on command (when we put him out the doggy door). Milo is being a diffucult little dude & won't even walk down the ramp outside the doggy door - instead he comes right back in so right back in the crate he went and will stay until he pees outside. He's proven to have quite a bit bladder & will hold it in until it just comes out on it's own. Speaking of that...

Before all of this started - Milo had an incident where Gabby took him to bed with her like she often does. She put him out the doggy door before bed but he came right back in so she figured he didn't need to go. Gabby didn't even make it in the bed when Milo peed ALLLL over her bed. We've been having loads of rain lately so the outside play area has been blocked off for some time. Maybe he's just wanting to go pee in the grass?? But then again...he peed fine all winter in the enclosed area.

At any rate - I hope this passes quickly because I'm getting mighty tire of cleaning up their messes. Hopefully they'll get the hint & hopefully the girls don't pick up on their nasty new habit!

It wasn't me!

2009-06-28T17:00:00.000-07:00

Yikes, I've not posted in more than a week! It's been an odd kind of week w/a lot going on. Regardless...I will try not to let a week go by again w/o posting about my puppies! :o)

So I this is what I came out to after my shower this morning. "It wasn't me!!" hehe She was having a BALL ripping the stuffing out of this soccer ball. It was a great reminder how much I just LOVE Skinneez w/o their stuffing....

Okay, so I lied...more TEETH. Well, sort of....

2009-06-20T05:47:00.000-07:00

Poor Matilda - Wed morning I noticed when I looked in her mouth, quite a bit of drainage gushed out from where they pulled her right baby canine. I was a bit freaked out but being as it was the day after surgery & knowing some drainage is probably normal I thought I'd wait it out until the afternoon & check to see if it was still draining. Afternoon came & she was fine...no more drainage She was swollen on both sides but I knew that also was normal.

Come yesterday afternoon I noticed that the left side of her muzzle was coming back to normal while the right side was still swollen. Come 3:40pm, I noticed it seemed a bit more swollen on her right side. I lifted her lip to get a look at the incision (which that morning had looked pretty good) & more fluid gushed out. I dialed the vets immediately knowing being a Friday afternoon they'd not be back until Monday. I got the vet that did her surgery on the phone in seconds & she said she'd probably need some antibiotics as it sounded like she may have an infection brewing but if I could...swing in with her & she'd take a peek. So we jumped in the car & headed straight there.

We got there & I carried Matilda in because it was pouring. They took us straight into an exam room & with in 2 minutes the vet was in with us. I showed her the incision & she was able to see the drainage come out....a lovely sight. Ick! By that time her face was so swollen I had a hard time lifing her lip up...poor girl. A few minutes later we were on our way home with antibiotics. I LOVE OUR VETS! They got us in for a quick exam & we were on our way home with meds in less than 50 minutes from the phone call (and we are 20 minutes away from the office) and with only a bill for the antibiotics! However, if it's still draining come Monday they do want her back in to check her out...

I started her on the meds as soon as we got home. This morning her right side was even more swollen - or should I say the swelling has spread to under her eye. She really is a sight. Hopefully the meds start to kick in soon...

Rain Rain.....how FUN!

2009-06-16T15:53:00.001-07:00

NOT! Up until today we've had some crappy weather for a week or two. TONS of rain. Well, we had been keeping the outside play area door shut (though with all the rain the door swelled so you couldn't actually latch it). A couple days ago, the pups apparently figured out how to push it open and decided they LOVED to play in the rain!

We only figured this out when Mari came in like this...

Soon after Matilda came in like this (and Maxwell - though I didn't get a picture of him since I was busy bathing Matilda when he came in)...CAKED in mud! You really can't see just how much was on her. It was quite hysterical because they obviously were having a great time out there. Only little Milo didn't want to get his paws dirty & went. hehe

And for fun....Mari & Maxie. :o)

And Matilda in her tooth extraction....

2009-06-16T14:58:00.000-07:00

Okay, this is the last about the teeth for a few weeks anyway. Matalda went in to get her 2 retained baby canines out. While I wasn't as nervous because of just dealing with Maribelle last week (and she had a whole lot more to be pulled) I always get nervous when leaving my pups at the vet. She was a wreck on the way - her fear of riding seems to have gotten worse & she pants & gets really warm. However, we made progress I think because she actually would lay down when I asked her which she'd never do before. I'm thinking it's because I was a bit softer with her than firm like I usually am (you know, Cesar says baby talk doesn't really do any good LOL). But in this case it really worked.

Getting at the vet we entered to see 2 young Basenji's which were quite excited to see Matilda. Matilda being Matilda tried fleeing like she was being attacked by a lion or something. I knew what that meant - emptied anal glands. Geeeesh. So as soon as we were taken into the exam room I quickly whiped her the best I could before the tech came in.... I did warn them that Matilda had gotten a bit nippy with someone a couple weeks back. Well, she actually tried to bite someones face but it was our fault for pushing her onto them. Regardless, I wanted to give them the heads up just in case.

I got a call just after 10 saying she was out & doing great. Again...now to wait until 3pm. I got there just before 3:30 (just coming back from a funeral) & they said she was a little nippy but nothing real bad. She just panics so & I told the tech she was even getting panicky in the car. The tech knows how much we've done with her with socialization so we just concluded she was a funny little dog. Still....it won't stop me from trying to socialize her more. Maybe someday she will trust people more. I'm sure it's in her genetics to be a standand Chi who is very suspicious of strangers...I just wish she didn't feel the need to nip. LOL

Anyway, tonight she's doing okay. She's been sick a few times though. We were sure to skip breakfast (and water) this morning so I don't know where she got the upchuck... Hopefully by morning she'll be better because every time she throws up she goes into a reverse sneeze fit like she always does when she vomits and sometimes...it takes a bit to calm her down. So now for a few pictures...

On the way to the vets office - her new thing of panting when riding. Her little face is screaming ANXIETY!

On the way home - still anxious (look at those ears & she wouldn't lay down for the life of her) but drowsy at the same time...

And a picture of her new smile - bruised gums, stitches & all...

And her extracted teeth - yes, there were actually 3! But I had to throw a quarter in there...look at how long her teeth were. WOWZA!

Matilda the Terrible

2009-06-11T14:56:00.000-07:00

I really don't think Matilda is terrible - but for a few moments two times today the thought crossed my mind! I was going to go meet my mom for lunch today. So I got my stuff together & sat down on the couch with the pups for a few minutes before leaving. Noticing how nice & quiet everyone was I thought I'd slip out the door. I had a new hand lotion my sister gave me for my birthday on the couch. It's in a metal like tube and in a box. It was on the couch with me sort of burried in a blanket & several times I reminded myself to put it back in my pocket book before I left. Well, in my hurry to escape before anyone noticed, I forgot. However, I did remember a 1/2 mile down the road so I turned around to come get it full well knowing if I didn't - I'd come home to a mess & have a boat load of sick puppers.

So I'm not gone but 3 minutes right? I come home & saw a piece of the cardboard from the box where I had been sitting on the couch. Matilda, she was in the corner of the couch shaking as if she was waiting to get in trouble (she always acts guilty when she has something to act guilty about!). So I ask her..."where is it??" when the thought popped in my mind to check their bed or the bean bag. They always like to drag stuff to their own "hang out" before ripping it apart. Sure enough, it's on the bean bag - the whole top half of the box ripped apart. THREE MINUTES!! These guys are like little piranhas! So I toss Matilda in her crate & off I went. And when I got home? Perfect! No messes anywhere caused by the other 3....

Just a few minutes ago my girls & I head to the store that's about a mile & 1/4 down the road to pick up some milk. We're gone, maybe 8-10 minutes. Get home & Gabby comes out in the kitchen with a bag of unmentionables. Something Ivy had taken to school for snack and decided to change backpacks before cleaning out that one. (**GAG**) Lets just say it was juicy & ripped open. UGH!

When we leave, we shut the bedroom & bathroom doors & gate off the kitchen so there is only the living room & puppy room to ram around in & we are good about picking stuff up off the floors. Except Matilda...she'll pull stuff out of the woodwork!! To get the bag of unmentionables - she had to drag Ivy's backpack out of the little cubby place where it was & dig through the dang thing to find what she thought was good enough to chew!

I know she's not always the only guilty one & I'm sure once she gets started the other pups join in on the "fun". But I'm pretty sure she IS the instigator in it all! I may have to start crating her when we leave for a while - we did that before when she started to get into trouble when we were out & after a while she sort of got the hint and was fine again. Hopefully doing that again will work...

Silly little pups...

More Teeth...

2009-06-11T13:28:00.000-07:00

I'm getting some sick of blogging about TEETH! However, this thing I'm going to blog about will save me a few hundred dollars ever couple of years.

Matilda has never had great teeth. For her first year - we brushed at least every other day & used the water additive that's supposed to help with their teeth as well. Still...she started getting quite a bit of build up on her molars. She's going in Tuesday to have her baby canines out (which you can see in the picture below) and I figured I'd ask them to scale her teeth while they were there. Since she was going to be put under anyway...it was only an added $40 or something.

Well, getting ready to brush the pups teeth today I got looking at her teeth & sort of scraping it with my nail. A little piece of the "build up" came off - it's like a hard covering a tad darker than her natural teeth - very weird. But I was thinking people can scrape their own teeth with that pick thing you can buy (sorry, I do not know the proper name of this instrument LOL) - and my pups are pretty good about letting me do whatever to them I need. So I grabbed our little pick & proceded to scrape the build up on her teeth.

15 minutes later & her back molars have never been so WHITE!! It was a little difficult to get the bottom teeth (which had a nasty dark brown build up starting - ick) because her tops sort of go over them but I held my finger between her teeth & let her bite me (OUCH) while I cleaned those as well. It took a little time & patience and I'm sure I didn't do as good a job as the vet while their under but by golly I think I've just saved myself from them needing dentals every couple of years! Not to mention save the trama of them going to the vets and being put under anesthesia (which always makes me nervous with these little dogs!).

So anyway - there it is. I've become a doggy dental hygienist!

Here is Miss Matilda after her "cleaning". I should have thought to get a "before" shot for comparison but I thought this was funny anyway. Matilda will do this sometimes when she gets really excited playing (usually though her lip is folded up more so you can see her gum as well) - I swear she's smiling! Oh & yes...notice the extra tooth? Come Tuesday - she'll have a normal smile which will be great because I can see where stuff gets caught in between them has started to discolor a bit.

Maribelle's Deciduous Tooth Removal

2009-06-10T05:44:00.000-07:00

Well, my little trooper had her baby teeth out yesterday. I was so upset leaving her at the vet yesterday morning at 8:30. Usually I'm good with stuff like this but I think being as it wasn't such a routine procedure I was a bit nervous. So lately when I've taken her into the vet she'll bark or growl at (most of) the techs - never trying to bite when they check her over or anything but she is quite vocal anyway until they pick her up. And then squirming to get back to me when they do. But wouldn't you know it - yesterday morning she was as quiet as a mouse & let me hand her off w/o any squirming to come back to me?? She just sat in Nikki's arms (the tech that also taught my other 3's puppy kindergarten class) looking around as she took her out back. I think it probably made it a bit harder for me since she obviously trusted me to give her to the tech. On the other hand, I was very proud of her as well. Not only because of her behavior that morning but because when I picked her up at 3pm they said she had been a very good, a very sweet & a very QUIET girl while sitting right in the front room watching everyone do their thing. Awwww.....!!!

Saying that, the procedure went very well. The vet said they removed 9 teeth, stitched her up & home she came with orders for softened food for a few days & pain meds for about a week.

She was a bit sleepy yesterday afternoon but last night started chewing - yes CHEWING her toys. She's obviously feeling pretty good! Her muzzle did develop a bit of swelling last night & a bit more so first thing this morning but it has gone down a bit so hopefully it will continue to go down. I think she will be happy to have her regular hard kibble back - she's getting sick of the gooshy stuff already. hehe But she is eating a little bit at each meal so that's good.

Anyway, here is poor Miss Maribelle on the way home from the vet yesterday afternoon...

This morning with her little swollen muzzle...

And the teeth they took out...

Mourning the Loss of a Pack Leader and the Bad Part about having SO Many Dogs!

2009-06-09T09:07:00.000-07:00

Morning the loss of a pack leader: at least that is what I think Mari is doing. Every time I leave the house, this is what I can hear from outside. It used to last longer but now only lasts about 30 seconds. And it is only when I leave? Nothing like making mom feel bad. LOL Gabby is so funny hanging out with her. You can see how patient Mari is with that camera in her face...

Please don't mind Ivy raising her voice at Maribelle - she was stressed because our big dog was freaking out in the kitchen (he gets WAY over excited when he goes for a walk and pounces all over everyone & that's where we were heading with the boys). Generally they're only supposed to do the "SHH" part and never use the name when correcting and she obviously didn't know Gabby was filming.

Also, as I said we took the BOYS for a walk. Do you see Matilda anywhere when Gabby was filming? NO! I got half way down the driveway before I realized we didn't see Matilda as we were getting the boys ready to go. Why?? Ivy had taken her upstairs to help her clean & locked her up there! When you have so many dogs sometimes you just don't realize when one is missing. This isn't the first time this has happened either. LOL Luckily not much time goes by before we realize we're one short. I sent Ivy back up to open the door & she said she was sitting patiently right by the door waiting for someone to let her out. Poor thing... LOL

Social Pups...

2009-06-08T11:30:00.000-07:00

While the pups werne't interacting per say, they were existing happily with my moms Golden Retriever, Holly yesterday after our walk. I only walked Maxwell & Maribelle with my mom & Holly because the other 3 had gone for a walk in the morning and I was a bit on the tired side. Anyway, I believe my pups have only "met" Holly for a walk two other times though each had visited her once or twice at her house. Regardless...after Maxwell barked & growled for a few seconds at first he was happy as can be. And Maribelle, didn't bark at all when first seeing her. When we got back to my house we hung out on the porch for a bit. I let Matilda out & Milo sat in the open window right by us. It's so great seeing these pups getting along....

It's the Fuuuuuuurminator......

2009-06-08T11:05:00.000-07:00

I'm always a sucker for those commercials about "amazing" pet products. I'd seen this brush, the Furminator, on television quite a bit & thought how I'd love to try it. Milo has been a big shedder since the day we brought him home at 18 weeks. Well, when visiting Ames Supply this weekend I stopped in to see if they had any Skinneez (another AWESOME dog invention I learned about on Club Chihuahua!). Not only did I find those but I also came across the Furminator as well! I knew I shouldn't *really* spend the money but I did & am SO glad. It's well worth the $$! I was so amazed at the amount of hair I could get from a short coat Chihuahua! I was going to take a picture of all the hair but didn't. LOL His coat was remarkably softer after his brushing. And the second day, I brushed him again to get even more out. I figure after a week of daily brushings he'll more than likely be down to no shedding. I'll just have to keep it up once every week or 2. So if you are tired of dog hair...definitely check out one of these tools! Oh & I did try it on our big dog. He's a HUGE HUGE shedder. It worked great but I didn't have the 2-3 hours it would take to get all of his hair out. But I did get a lot out of him as well...a whole kitchen garbage cans worth. Nasty! LOL

And whats a post w/o a picture or two? Here are the kids with their Skinneez. They LOVE them!!

Uncensored & Uncut Morning Play

2009-06-05T09:46:00.000-07:00

Some may find this funny, some may find this disturbing but living with 4 Chihuahua's it's a part of our lives. LOL Generally Maxwell is a very submissive dog. Some days however, he's just feeling his oats to say the least! He totally sounds like a little Tazmanian Devil - he is by far our most "vocal" when playing. It's almost like he's talking to the other pups...or giving them hell anyway. LOL

I wish those word bubbles weren't transparent at all...I did try to cover up the worst of it....