Saturday, March 31, 2018

Happy Easter!

Today we are sharing our Easter torture pictures. You will note Cousin Emma escaped this torture because she was not playing nicely with others and needed some alone time. (If the rest of us had know that was an option, things may be different!). We share these today because tomorrow is a very special day, so please pop by.

Here we are:

The first victim willing participant is Grandma and the Big Guy's dog Tendra. She got to be a duck, because Grandma has a duck bathroom. 


Next pup who hates her life is so thrilled for the opportunity is Hailey Bug. 


Last, but not least is Handsome Phod!


For those who celebrate, Happy Easter! For those who celebrate, Happy Passover. For those who don't celebrate anything, happy weekend! 

Friday, March 30, 2018

FFF - A Poem by Lee

It is Final Fiction Friday hosted by the lovely Yamini. Make sure to pop by her blog for the rules.

This month's entry is taken from a book randomly selected from my bookcase. Timothy Findley's Dust to Dust.

Phrases on the lines:
blue beyond the trees
no quite all the way to spring
all morning and all afternoon

They seem very appropriate for the weather we are having here in early spring!

Here is Lee's poem using words from the book.

On the deck I do stand,
surveying all my wonderful land.
In the tree what do I spy?
A cheeky, squeaky little guy,
who sits out there all morning and afternoon,
if I am lucky he will be my lunch soon.
But the railing blocks my way,
he is safe for another day!
Watch out Red John here I come,
There will be nothing left, not even a crumb!

Can you spot Red John the Squirrel?



Thursday, March 29, 2018

Taking Good Care of The Man


Dear Blogville,

My Man came home the other day smelling very funny. He smelt a bit like the Vet. I felt bad for him. The Lady smelt like the vet too, but she seemed fine. My Man did not seem so fine. I was very worried about him. I have made it my job to guard him. I guard him in bed. One of the best ways to guard him is to cuddle him. I am sure my cuddles are helping him feel better. 

Sorry we haven't been around this week, but we have been busying helping the Man feel better. 

Zaphod aka Suck-a-bear

Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Thank You and an Update

The Man October 2017
Thank you all for all your POTP. The Man's surgery went very well. The surgeon was very happy how it went and the Man was happy because they gave him really good drugs  it was over. He will spend the next few days resting in bed.

In a comment yesterday, someone suggest take out. In another life, one where the Lady could eat gluten and soy and not get really, really sick, and where we lived close to anything (we are so far out there is no take out - it would be about a 45 minute drive to anywhere the would do takeout), that would be an option. Instead we have a list of things Lady is willing and able to cook. She makes really great nachos and grilled cheese. On a good day she can scramble an egg. She makes vegetarian soups and chilis but the Man doesn't like that sort of thing. They are going to be fine. The Lady has stocked the house with things she can cook and her mom will be here on Friday and will likely take pity on her (and sigh because she really did try to raise her better) and keep everyone fed.

As of the writing of this, the Man had given the Lady an A+ for her nursing skills. But she had only driven him home (going through a drive thru of a fave place as he was starving - it was like the Lady's 5th time ever going through - she is a go in person), gotten his drugs (trying to do this when the person at the pharmacy's English was only slightly better than the Lady's French was amusing), and given him drugs. Her goal is to be like grad stats (why art students needed a graduate level statistics course is beyond her), she needs a B- to pass:). We will see if she can keep that up.

Thanks again for you POTP, it is much appreciated!

Monday, March 26, 2018

POTP For The Man Please

Our Man helping us to pose for our fall photoshop, October 2017

Today the Man is having surgery to remove a lipoma (a benign tumour made of fat) from his thigh. We know his surgery will go well, it is the recover that will be a problem. See the Lady will be responsible for this. The Lady is good and talented at many things and has the patience for sick dogs and children, but nursing adults is not in a strength (and that is putting it nicely). So Man needs POTP that he heals quickly and can escape her nursing and her cooking. (Did we mention the Man keeps the peeps fed. Lady can cook enough she can keep herself alive, and what she can cook is not the Man's favourite. The Man is also a wonderful cook so the peeps are use to fancy dining).

If you could please send some POTP his way, we would greatly appreciate it.

The good news is that for the rest of the week the Man will be resting in bed, and the Lady will be working from home so she can try really hard not to smoother the Man do an excellent job nursing. Then on Friday, Lady's parents and their dog Tendra are arriving for Easter. It is going to be a crazy time. The Man recovering, our Big Guy with his limitation from his illness in 2016, Grandma, and 4 dogs. Lady says it is a good thing she will be able to drink! 

We will let you know how it goes tomorrow.

Friday, March 23, 2018

Feline Friday - Another Visit to the Feline Cafe

Spent time last Saturday with a friend at the Feline Cafe. It was super busy and we had to wait to go in and we only got to be int he cat room for our 40 minutes.  The cats were all very sleepy during our visit. Here are a few who are waiting for their forever homes. 












Thursday, March 22, 2018

Out The Office Window

For Christmas I asked for a bird feeder. I got one and we have hung it under our deck, outside my office window (our house is a bungalow with a walk out basement and my office is in the basement). I haven't been able to capture awesome pictures from it (I never have my camera in my office) but have gotten a few on my phone. [Quality issues are due to my phone and the fact I really need to wash my window]. I wanted to share a little of the action that is distracting me (in a good way) from work.


A Red John (red squirrel


The deer we call Bucky as we think it is male (as he is always alone and the females are not alone at this time of year)

So many blue jays, I have seen as many as 12 at a time (Red John is also in this picture)


Some wild turkeys

We also get nuthatches (which I had to Google to figure out what they are), chickadees, woodpeckers, and some sort of sparrow. Somedays the ravens come by too. We see small creature footprints in the snow under it (probably mice, we have caught 4 in the house this month). It is a very happening place and I love the distraction!

Tuesday, March 20, 2018

Tasty Tuesday - Sunday Morning Treats


First, happy first day of spring! It sure hasn't felt like spring here. We got 20 cm/8 inches of snow last week and the temperature was very cold on the weekend (-15C/5F - Ottawas was the coldest capital in the world for 2 days at least). We look forward spring coming.


In the mean time, this is what Sunday mornings look like in our house (Lady took this picture on her phone sitting at the island).



Why are we sitting so intently? Sunday morning is pancake morning in our house, and we have Man well trained. He makes us a pancake to share, and puts it in our bowl. We wait patiently.


Can you blame us?

Friday, March 16, 2018

Fried Day!



For those not on Facebook, Phod has been suffering an ear infection this week.  Phod is happy to report that his ear has cleared up, he is not itching it, and the cone of shame is now a thing of the past . . . for now! He loves to make snow angels in the snow, so we are wondering if that is what caused it or if it is a new treat. He is back on his Reactine and we will monitor him more closely.

This is the sad picture of him I posted on Facebook. I had to leave him in the cone Monday and he cried when I left. It broke my heart a little. 



Thursday, March 15, 2018

At An Emergency Vet Clinic

The clinic we use (because I am friend's with one of the vets) is a 24 hour emergency clinic. It is one of those things I like about it. There is a vet there 24 hours per day. So if your pet stays overnight they are not alone.

Over the years, I have seen/heard some interesting things. One time when our angel Loki was dying and we were at the clinic about every 2 weeks for 11 months, they were coordinating the airlift of a dog from Northern Ontario who had accidentally been shot. There was a very funny time I was there with angel Bagheera and two young men had brought their 21 year old cat, who died peacefully in her sleep, for cremation. When asked if she was long or shorted haired, the pair burst out laughing that she had been long haired but they had shaved her because she could no longer groom herself.

On my visit with Lee last week, here are some of the things we saw/heard.

-There was one 4 month old puppy there for a normal check up.
-A Lady came in to get the cremated remains of her pet and was presented with a lovely box, she slipped into her purse and left quickly.
-Two young guys, who had fairly severe developmental disabilities, were sorting out the pick up of eye drops for a pet.
-There was a Lab who could not stop barking, that it sounded like had some sort of seizure.
-There was the crying lady, with an animal in a crate, Bailey, they didn't even wait for a tech to come for triage, they ran it to the back and whisked the lady (and shortly after a man) to the back room.
-There was the family (girls aged about 6 and 8)  with a small dog, who had cut his lip in the morning on a toy and they thought it looked bigger and swollen. They were not impressed they were told the wait would be up to 3 hours. The tech had suggested, as the dog was eating and did not seem like he was in pain, to make an appointment for tomorrow and go home.
-There was someone who refused more treatment for their pet, wanted the bill and wanted to go home.

Who knows what else happened, that we didn't even know about. I have spent hours over the years in this waiting room and must say, it has never been boring.

Veterinarians and vet techs have one of the highest suicide rates. I recently listened to a podcast by Death, Sex and Money, on this problem. They see and deal with death more than any other profession, including hospice workers. You can check out this podcast HERE.

As a crazy dog owner, I know they also have to deal with us when it is not life and death. If I had been in the place of the family I described above, I likely would not have gone to the vet that night for a small cut. I likely would have waited and watched. However, I don't judge them for making that choice. They were clearly distressed. While I am confident that there story likely has a happy ending (unlike maybe the crying lady's), it was stressful, emotionally and maybe financially challenging.  My guess is if they waited another 3 hours, they may have been even less happy. The vet they saw may have just had to tell a family to say goodbye to a beloved animal, and now has to deal with a person who is angry. I don't envy their job.

Today, I solute all the men and women out there who dedicate their lives to helping ensure our furry family members receive the best care possible.

Tuesday, March 13, 2018

The Annual Checkup - by Lee

Dear friends,

In the exam room
Last Thursday was the worst day ever.  Lady always says no good comes from a Thursday and she is right! It started off fine, with a nice walk and a good breakfast. Then Lady made me get out of bed, left Emma and Phod to sleep with the Man and put me in the car. I was a bit nervous, but I wasn't scared until I realized I was at day camp.

I was terrified going into day camp. I put on a real show as they dragged me to the back. I refuse to agree with their observations that I was great with the staff and had a wonderful time in the small dog room with Valentino and Buddy. I refuse to say I wrestled and ran and had a great time. 

After 87 million years, Lady picked me up and we drove to the vet. Lady's plan was to get there early and go for a little walk, but there was no parking due to some construction, so she had to park in another business' spots (although it looked closed) so she had us stay in the car until it was time to go in. 

I was terrified in the waiting room. There was a very upset Lab, who kind of scared me. I was happy to sit on the scale. I am 16.4 kg or about 36 lbs. Once I was in the exam room I started to relax a little. It wasn't long before my vet, Woody, came. Lady and Woody have been friends for 24 years. This is why she drives so far to see a vet. Woody sat on the floor and checked me from head to tail. He gave me lots of cookies and I hardly noticed the shots. While he and Lady were chatting I kept looking at the cookie container and at him, but he wasn't getting the message so I barked at him. He then gave me all the cookies that were left in the container. It was a lot. I even got to lick the crumbs out of it. 

Then we had to leave. We waited 87 million years for our bill (likely due to some emergencies Lady will blog about later). We came home. Phod and Emma were very excited to see me. Even though Woody said I didn't need dinner, my peeps gave me a little.

Lady said I did a good job and she was proud of me.

I was angry with her and refused to go for a walk with her on Friday. She says she doesn't think it is because I was mad, but more because I was tired from my adventures. I told her Lee's don't get tired. I am young and full of energy.

I am happy I don't have to do that again for a year.

your pal, Lee

Monday, March 12, 2018

Monday Sparks - Time





In honour of Day Light Savings Time, we thought a quote about time would be appropriate.

May you get to spend your time with those your love the most or doing what you love the most!

Hailey hoping to get to spend time napping! 

Sunday, March 11, 2018

Happy 16th Birthday Madi!

Today the Diva, licence plate collector and feisty feline Madi turns 16. To celebrate she asked us all to go for a joy ride with her.

Hailey and Emma, jumped at the chance to feel the wind in their hair and the freedom!


Phod, who is not a fan of the car, and was found hitchhiking down a highway many years ago, thought he would go back to his roots and go for a walk, with Precious.



HAPPY BIRTHDAY MADI!


Friday, March 9, 2018

Flower Friday - Throw Back Edition


We wanted to join Rosy for flower Friday but we are still under a blanket of snow (a blanket that grew yesterday). Lady was going through our pictures looking for flowers and found this one with Phod from last summer. The white flowers remind us a little of winter!



Thursday, March 8, 2018

This and That Thursday

Emma - on the arm of the chair

Here is a little update on our lives and answers to some of the questions that have come up lately:

-Cutting the hair between his toes didn't decrease Phod's foot licking. Perhaps he likes to lick his feet the way Ms. Bug likes to lick her bum!

-We had company last Saturday. The pups would like to report they got extra treats when the guests arrived included songs. They also got a little bit of steak. They were very well behaved.

-Hailey is off to day camp and then for her annual check up tonight. Wish her luck.

-We are doing our best to visit, but we need more time for everything! 


Tuesday, March 6, 2018

Torture Tuesday by Phod

Dear Pals,

You know I am one of the best dogs in the entire world, so imagine my horror when my peeps called me into the bathroom and had me lay on the floor. You know no good comes from anything they want to do to you in the bathroom. 


Lady sat behind me to hold me through the torture to provide love. 


Hailey came in and provided moral support while the Man cut the hair between my toes. Apparently obsessive licking of them made my peeps have to check them out and they decided maybe I was licking because they were itchy as the hair was long. 


Emma kept her distance. I think she was waiting to see if I dropped Precious, which I did not.


It seemed to take 87 million years, but finally, Man got all the hair he wanted and let me go and gave me a cookie.




My peeps said I did a great job and were very proud of me. I think Man was annoyed that Lady kept stopping holding my paw to take a picture!

Do your peeps torture you too?

Friday, March 2, 2018

Dr Seuss Day - 2018 Edition


Today we celebrate a man,
who could rhyme better than we can,
here is our little tale,
about someone who should be in jail. 



There is fluff everywhere,
pulled from frog and pulled from bear.
It now covers the entire floor,
from the kitchen to the front door.
Lady is not happy to see,
such a big mess not made by Phod or Lee.
The culprit is Emma Mae,
she likes to keep things in a messy way.
Lady sighs and cleans it up,
knowing another mess will be made by this pup.
She loves her lots but has to say,
Uncle Chris coming home will be a happy day.
Our toys will stay whole and the floor clean,
and the house will be ruled by only one Queen.
We kind of like it we have to confess,
it is nice to have someone to blame for such a mess.









Thursday, March 1, 2018

Intruder! by Lee

The peeps can't get mad at me for barking if . . . . . .


they are going to feed the enemy!

Red John at the bird feeder

----------------

I hope today comes in like a lamb because it sounds yummier than lion!