Saturday, December 31, 2011

Wearing boots

On this last day of the year rather than reflect on the past (there are some parts of 2011 I would like to forget, more about that next week), I would share a very funny moment from the present!  Hailey has very sensitive paws, the most sensitive of any dog I have had. Last winter I unsuccessfully got her to wear her boots. This winter I am determined!

Here she is practicing in the house this week!


Wishing everyone a safe, happy, New Year filled with laughter and love!

Friday, December 30, 2011

Hailey is happy to report she is pictured on another blog! If you are interested in service dogs, check out my guest post at: http://spectrumig.blogspot.com/

A review of my gifts by Hailey

I must say that I am very glad Christmas is over. I was getting tired of being dressed up and having my picture taken. I do not think that is fun.

I think the best gift was something I didn't get. I think my cousin Emma is ok (she will be more fun when she is a bit bigger, I don't know what to do with something so small) but I am really glad she is not my puppy. She kept taking my stuff and I didn't know how to get it back from her.

I also think it is a Christmas miracle that while my fancy new coat is in Ottawa, for some reason Fed-ex isn't trying to deliver it. I don't want a coat.

I have already mentioned my cool Spot Seek game in the post Opening a present. I love it. I can find 4 cookies in 8 seconds. The only problem with it is that my people don't refill it enough.

Santa brought me this tug toy. It is ok, but I don't want to play tug with it. I only like to tug toys that my Lady doesn't want me to.

A friend gave me this new gator. It has at least 16 squeakers in it. So far I haven't destroyed any, but my plan is to destroy them one at a time.












My Auntie Kaitlyn got me some treats. My review of them: They are wonderful! I have almost eaten them all. I wish the container would magically fill itself!
Peanut butter flavoured - my favourite
Overall I like Christmas and getting good stuff. I hope all your fury friends got lots of toys too!

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Review of my dog related Christmas booty

For Christmas this year I got some fun/cool/special dog related stuff I thought I would share.

A gift to myself. After trying unsuccessful to win one of these several times I finally ordered it. This is for my peace of mind. I hope this is like insurance, something I paid for but never had to use:) I also think it is fun to scan my dog:)

We got a FurCode


One of my colleagues got me this "Wanted" Dog dish. Reading it I wondered if the person who made it  reads my blog.  Here are two of my favourites.

Wanted for Harassing the family cat.
Wanted for chewing the newspaper.

One of my good friends gave me the much reviewed Awkward Family Pet Photos. She herself is not a pet person (and tries really hard to appreciate my love of mine) and was unaware of the fact that I really wanted this book after reading everyone else's reviews.  Must say, I loved it. I laughed so hard several times that I thought I would pee my pants. This is definitely a coffee table book, but since if I leave it on the coffee table it will get eaten, I have put it on a high shelf near the coffee table.



And while I truly appreciate everything I was given over the holidays, I do have a favourite. I feel a little bad about having a favourite, but I think given how special it is, everyone will forgive me.  My sister collaborated with our Zumba instructor Shannon (who happens to make beautiful jewelry, check her site out at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/TeoMae-Designs/155233404559062?sk=photos) to make me a custom made piece honouring my past puppies.  This picture doesn't do it justice, but here is a try:


The L is for Loki who died of  a rare auto-immune disorder on May 12, 2010.
The G is for Gemi who died of a head injury after an accident August 1, 2011.
The paw represents them, and while you can't see it clearly, above the paws is waves. The beach was their favourite place to run free and roll in dead stuff, neither were swimmers. It was also inspired by the picture my sister shared with Shannon of my babies. (I am guessing it is the one below). 
The stone is red jasmine, it is to aid in healing after loss. 

I feel very lucky to have such a great sister and wonderful designer who created this very special piece for me. 

One of my fav pictures of Gemi and Loki at the beach.

Tomorrow Lee will review her gifts!

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Holiday Destruction

I haven't written about destruction for a long time, because someone has been good. However, on Christmas Eve, we ran out to do a couple errands. I had left this item, one of the 3 I got from the Hopeful Hearts online charity auction, on the counter. It was to be a gift. We came home and it was on the floor chewed up. She had taken it off the counter (something she has never done with non-food items before) to chew it. Needless to say, it did not get given as a gift.
Do you think she was trying to say something when she chewed this?

Monday, December 26, 2011

Hailey and Emma meet - videos

Here are some videos of Emma meeting Lee, Baggy and Nin. 
After Emma left, all the furry friends had a big sleep!

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Hailey meets cousin Emma - in pictures

"Who is in there?"
We had a very quiet Christmas at our house, Lady, Man, Lee, the cats, Uncle Chris and Emma. It was nice and I am very, very proud of how great Hailey was with Emma. While we have had a family meeting and decided we do NOT want a puppy we enjoyed our time with Emma. Here are some pictures from today. Tune in tomorrow for videos!

Hailey and Emma meet

One of Emma's first Christmas pictures:)

Another Emma Christmas shot

"Hailey what is the lady doing?"
"Shhh, stay still and it will be over soon,"

"Emma, I said smile and look at Lady."

"How come she got a cookie?"

Two beautiful girls

One very tired puppy, tune in tomorrow to see video on why!

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Merry Christmas

To all my faithful readers, human and furry, and to any visitors, wishing you a very Merry Christmas.



3 wise furries, Nin, Lee and Baggy

"Aren't the holidays over yet? I am tired of being dressed up!"




Thoughtful Baggy

"Take the effing hat off or I will kill you in your sleep."


"I hate my people sometimes." Nin

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Dear Santa

Dear Santa,

Let me explain, I have tried very hard to be a good girl but it is challenging when the world is full of things I need to explore and do and when my people abandon me and leave me to my own devices. I don't think they always appreciate my creativity and adventurous spirit. Santa I know you are a smart and reasonable man and will see how wonderful I really am and reward me for trying so hard to be good.

In no order here is what I want:

My people to win the lottery so they are home with me all the time. They are mean and abandon me all the time.
My walker Stephanie to keep coming and taking me out more. I love her.
Belly rubs (but no offence Santa not from you, you kind of scare me)
Treats. Pretty much any kind will do! My favourites this week are Masters and Dog Peanut Butter ones and Greenies and Zukes and antlers (I am sure with all the reindeer you have a couple extra kicking around).
More babies: I only have 10. And lady often takes them away from me when they are fun and I get the stuffing out.
A squirrel: I promise to love it and play with it before I eat it.
Ninny to stay still so I can hump him better.
Baggy to not be so scary, I really want to be his friend.
It would be helpful if you could use your magic and make the nail clippers and bath tub to disappear. I am not interested in any of that.
For my best friend Jake to be at the dog park everything I go because he is the best dog I have ever played with.
All the Doberman's to move away. Santa they really scare me and I think they would be happier living somewhere like Toronto or Montreal.
Orange balls. I don't like regular tennis balls but I am in love with this orange one my Lady and I found on a walk once. I could use more of those.
A new kong. I am close to having chewed through one. I like to have 2, just in case!

Thank you Santa. I am sure whatever you give me will be great.

Love your Hailey Bug
Will you reward me just for being so cute and tolerant of the hat?

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Happy Hanukkah

Many years ago, we started a new tradition in our house, a Hanukkah themed Holiday Gathering. This has grown to an annual celebration of Hanukkah. So from our house to yours, Happy Hanukkah!




A new cousin for Christmas

My Lady is all excited. My Uncle Chris is adopting a puppy. She will be part of our family before Christmas (she actually joins the pack today if Uncle Chris passes the housing inspection). I am not sure I am excited about this. I am not sure I will love my new cousin. I have one cousin, a cat Lemew, and while I really want to love him, he doesn't really let me love him.

This is what I know about my new cousin. She is from Westies in Need. She is almost 8 weeks old. Her mom Muffin was rescued from a bad puppy place in Quebec that was recently busted and people went to court and lost. She got to be the first generation born out of puppy hell. They think she is a Westie/Boston Terrier Mix. (Her mom is a Westie)  My Lady says she is a very lucky puppy to have been rescued (just like me) and to be part of our pack. I am not so sure I will like her (although Boston Terrier's are all one of my favourites).  I don't know when I get to meet her. I promise I will be nice. I promise I won't be jealous if my Lady shares stores of her here. I hope she does bad things that make me look like a good girl.

Her foster mom called her Meaghan, but Uncle Chris is going to call her Emma. My Lady is calling her Emmie. She likes pet names that end with "e" (Loki, Gemi, Baggy, Ninny, LeeLee).

So far my IQ test from Aunt C is the best gift, I don't think a cousin is a great one.

Here is the picture from her the Westie site:



Will keep you all posted on if she is a more fun cousin then Lemew. 

Monday, December 19, 2011

Opening a present!

On the weekend, we had people over for the holidays. I loved having all my people together and getting presents.

"For me? What could it be?" 
"Looks like some sort of toy!"

Me solving my Spot Seek A treat shuffle bone IQ test. I am very  smart. Thank you Aunt C. And thank you Auntie Kaitlyn for the yummy treats to put inside!

Here is a clip of me playing with it. I can find the 6 in just over a minute! I think spend a couple minutes checking just to make sure I haven't missed any!



Sunday, December 18, 2011

Ode to a Sweater - it's cold outside

It's really in the way
(but LeeLee it's cold outside)
I promise won't stray
(but LeeLee it's cold outside)
The sweater looks really
(you need to stay snug and warm)
corny and dumb
(but it was made by my mom)
The puppies will start to giggle
(hold still don't jiggle)
The man is waiting there by the door
(your skin will be cold and sore)
So really I better scurry
(stop being in  a hurry)
don't pull it down an inch more
(put it on before you go out the door)
The others will stare
(it is cold out there)
I don't give a care
(your will freeze out there)
if it keeps me warm
(what if you get caught in a storm
Listen to me say " no no no"
(let's not get in a row)
At least I can say that I tried
(what's the sense in hurting your hide)
It's really in the way
(just put the darn thing on)




I know it's cold outside! 







Saturday, December 17, 2011

Dashing through the pit

waiting to run at local park!
Dashing through the pit,
the black doggie does run,
too excited to sit,
she's having so much fun.
Friends to play and sniff
some will run and chase
leaving causes tiff
the pit is the best place.

Oh LeeLee Bug, LeeLee Bug,
running all the while,
Oh how fast you can go,
It does make me smile!

Oh LeeLee Bug, LeeLee Bug,
running all the while,
Oh how fast you can go,
It does make me smile!

Friday, December 16, 2011

Feline Friday - We 2 cats

"Man, I thought you only did this to the dogs."
We 2 cats of Orleans are,
holding grudge over  life so far,
quiet and good, the way it should,
then the dog did mar.

O dog of dim and dog of dummy,
dog that makes us sick to our tummy,
withdraw from house, desert our home
leave us so our life's not crummy.

Our lady was nice but then went mad
she brought in pups, they were very bad,
chewing and poohing, stuff did ruining
they made us very sad.

"You look silly."

O dog of dim and dog of dummy,
dog that makes us sick to our tummy,
withdraw from house, desert our home
leave us so our life's not crummy.

We want back to dog free state
then it will be us eating from plate
not locked away, afraid to play,
worrying with us you'll mate.

O dog of dim and dog of dummy,
dog that makes us sick to our tummy,
withdraw from house, desert our home
leave us so our life's not crummy.








Thursday, December 15, 2011

Last song of the season!

And yet I still wanted her

We are taking a little break from singing today:) Tomorrow the cats have a great song waiting!

The other day when I went to get a piece of paper to make a note and I came across the notes I took when I spoke to Hailey's foster mom Kelly, 15 or so months ago.

They say things like:
unfocused, ADHD, easier now, had to put on harness, food driven and motivated, lots of energy, pack dog, tornado, handful, bold, confident, in your face.

And yet, I decided to adopt this dog. Clearly I am the crazy one!

First picture I ever took of Lee!

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

O LeeLee Bug!


O LeeLee Bug! O LeeLee Bug!
I love your fuzzy face
O LeeLee Bug! O LeeLee Bug!
Sometimes your behaviour is a disgrace
I know you try to be so good
And try to do what you know you should
O LeeLee Bug! O LeeLeeBug!
I love your fuzzy face

O LeeLee Bug! O LeeLee Bug!
The cats are not living toys
O LeeLee Bug! O LeeLee Bug!
Please be gentle with the boys
While they are fun to get and with to play
We want them around for a lot of days
O LeeLee Bug! O LeeLee Bug!
The cats are not living toys

O LeeLee Bug! O LeeLee Bug!
You don’t have to make so much noise
O LeeLee Bug! O LeeLee Bug!
No one is trying to steal your toys
There is no one at the door
Go back to sleep, let’s hear you snore
O LeeLee Bug! O LeeLee Bug!
You don’t have to make so much noise


O LeeLee Bug! O LeeLeeBug!
The squirrels are not a danger
O LeeLee Bug! O LeeLee Bug!
They are just fuzzy strangers
They could be your friends
If you gave them a chance
Instead you chase them up the fense
O LeeLee Bug! O LeeLee Bug!
The squirrels are not a danger. 

Monday, December 12, 2011

12 Days of Christmas

On the 12th day of Christmas my true Lady gave to me
12 Belly rubs
11 bacon canes
10 miles of running
9 yummy greenies
8 nutty kongs
7 squirrels to squeeze
6 zukes to chew
5 babies to destroy
4 head kisses
3 big hugs
2 black cats
and over half the bed.



Sunday, December 11, 2011

Lee and Santa

Today Hailey, the Lady and the Man went out to support a local rescue, Hopeful Hearts (http://www.hopefulhearts.ca, the rescue focuses on senior and dogs with special needs), by having Lee's picture taken with Santa. I think the picture clearly communicates how Lee felt about it. 
"Why do my people make me do these things?"


Saturday, December 10, 2011

Do you hear what I hear


Said the Lady to the Hailey’s Man,
"Do you see what I see?
All over the couch and the floor
Do you see what I see?
The Fur, the fur, like a tumble weed
We could knit us another Lee
We could knit us another Lee.”


Said the Lady to the Hailey’s Man,
"Do you hear what I hear?
Ringing down the hall and up the stairs
Do you hear what I hear?
A meow, a meow echoes the hall  
Get up and feed them all,
Get up and feed them all.”

[ Lyrics: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/c/christmas_carols/do_you_hear_what_i_hear.html ]
Said the Lady to the Hailey’s Man,
"Do you know what I know?
We are crazy to live in such a zoo
Do you know what I know?
The love, the love, makes it all worth while
Especially when we are in a fuzzy pile,
Especially when we are in a fuzzy pile.”

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Deck the Halls - by Lee


Deck the halls with bacon treats
Fa la la la la la la la la
Tis the season for lots of sweets
Fa la la la la la la la la

Don we now our stupid sweater
Fa la la la la la la la la
Hate it regardless of the weather
Fa la la la la la la la la

See the Ninny cat before me
Fa la la la la la la la la
Hump him lots but avoid the Baggy
Fa la la la la la la la la

Demand love and rubs of belly
Fa la la la la la la la la
Everyone knows it is all about me
Fa la la la la la la la la

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Wordless Wednesday - 10 years of dog ownership!

Celebrating a decade today of torturing, I mean loving and living with dogs! A few examples of too much love (according to the dogs - past and present).





Monday, December 5, 2011

Trying Barley's Bacon Canes

Our virtual friends at Barley and Ali are doing the 12 days of Christmas. Day one was Bacon Canes. This weekend we made Lee Bacon Canes. She loved them! Check her out her getting her first one below and find the recipe of these yummy treats at: http://barleyandali.weebly.com/index.html.

Sunday, December 4, 2011

The Tick

Note: there are no graphic pictures for this one!

On Wednesday I happened to be home when the dog walker came by. While giving Lee her happy to see you pet, she found this thing on the back of her neck. We both stopped and looked and thought it must be a tick. So while Lee was on her walk, I did some Google research and determined yes it was a tick. I found some great sites that told me how to remove the tick. They also said scary things like how to keep the tick alive so that I could take it for tests and all the crazy tests Lee should have, so I called my vet and he basically said that he didn't want to see my tick, Lee did not need meds, and the only way he needed to see her would be if I didn't get the whole tick out at once.

By the time I had done all of this, Lee and Stephanie were back and it was show time. Stephanie helped me by feeding Lee cookies while I did tick removal. It took a few attempts to get a good grip and get it out, but I am very happy to report that I clearly got all the tick out at once! The spot where it was appears to be healing well and so far in my daily tick check no more.  I think she got it at the beach, because we couldn't have a trip without something! 

Overall the tick removal was very easy and I didn't find it that gross. 


Thursday, December 1, 2011

Grief at month 4


November has been the second most challenging month since Gemi died. I should say that in general November was a stressful month and since the accident, whenever I get stressed the grief comes back. Also, knowing I was going to be returning to the scene of the accident caused a LOT of stress.

Being at the house was better than I thought, as long as I avoided the kitchen (where the accident happened). Being in the kitchen for any length of time was very hard (but somehow I still managed to eat my weight in food). There were also times when the dogs got playing a little rough and I would immediately break it up. Fortunately I was able not to think about it too much there (I suppressed the memory), so I didn't have too many PTS flashes. (To make up for it, I had those the week before and since coming home). It may also have helped that I set my expectations for the trip low, as long as no one died or was seriously injured it was going to be a fine trip.

I am still plagued with guilt about the accident that comes in waves. I still feel guilty that I can have and love LeeLee in spite of what happened.  I continue to be a little hyper-vigilant about safety in general, which I know makes me a little annoying at work.

But I continue to try and move forward. I realize this will probably be a life long process because I am hoping that I won't have to deal with anything worse.

So today on the 4th month since her death, if I can't celebrate her life (and I will try), I will at least be able to celebrate life in general and the return of my brother in law (and one of Gemi's people) from his tour in Afghanistan. (As I type this, he should be landing in Ottawa).

So my life goes on, even if my heart is much heavier than it was.