Moved...

To all those followers who have been with us here at blogspot/Blogger....

This is our first blog, and after almost 5 years of daily posting, we have learned a fair bit.

This is a good platform for someone staring a blog.  Mind you, the technical support is not great.  But then, in the words of my father - you get what you pay for!

So we have moved to Wordpress - and 48 hours in, and we LOVE their platform - and more importantly, the support.  You can now find us at viktorsviews.com.  

We’ll leave this content here for now - but will eventually delete this blog altogether.

Thanks for reading- and I hope you’ll come over to our new home!

Time for change...

The following message is from my human.  She never writes - she’s just the typist, so this must be serious.

Well folks.  As you may have noticed, our ads are again gone.  When we were approached to put ads on our site, we were reluctant to do so.  We felt that they clutter up the site - but we felt if there was a chance to actually earn some biscuit money, we should give it a shot. We spent loads of time setting it up.  And we mentioned it to you - our readers.  Turns out you cannot encourage readers in any way to click ads.  That was never stated up front - we would never have done so if we knew that was breaking some rule.  I’m not sure it WAS a rule back then - but it is now.

Anyway, in July, as you may recall, we were “suspended” for clicking our own ads - which is another rule and is something we have never, ever done.   During that suspension, we looked at all the new rules for blog traffic, and removed any content in all previous blog postings which talked about ads and biscuit money.  We didn’t even want to MENTION the word “ad” for fear the internet search police would see the reference and we would again be suspended.  It didn’t matter.  We were reinstated for a few days - and then again suspended.  We appealed and lost our case within hours. It seems strange that the blog poster is resonsible for making sure no one “over clicks” - but that’s the rule.  We asked the powers that be - who have no name - how to control for that - but the question wasn’t answered.

So this brings us to a crossroads.  We have posted over 1750 blogs.  We have shared our stories about our lives and in the odd time when things were quiet on the home front, we spent countless hours researching doggie history, facts and trivia.  There were MANY times we nearly hung up the iPawd, but because we know we have a small but loyal following, we continued on.  And honestly, that loyalty plus the pennies a day, kept us going. 

Last fall, our stats went wonky.  It happened to everyone on the Blogger platform.  After numerous emails ,  no resolution was found.  We just figured we would start again.

Unfortunately, we took a look at our stats this week and the photo is what we saw.  Those numbers represent the page views or visits for each month. You can see that drop that happened to everyone.  But you can also see that our numbers have not gone up.   

It’s pretty dismal.  We are not sure if we can totally trust the stats - but we can’t help but wonder if that is why our ads were pulled...

We know that there are you loyal readers who read every day.  You comment, and you “like” our posts on Facebook.  We LOVE to read that we made you laugh - and while we don’t really like to make you cry, we appreciate that you have been moved by something we have posted.  And we are so happy for the people we have met - and the friendships we have made - all because of the blog.

We also know that there are people who read, but never comment or like the posts.  They also have not listed themselves as Followers on the blog or on Viktor’s Facebook page.   When people ask how many Followers we have - after almost  5 years, we are kind of embarrassed to say less than 250. Many blogs have followers in the thousands.  We have not gone viral.  We have not even had a low grade fever.  

We are at the point where we realize, not every blog is a hit.  Not every dog can win a High in Trial or a Best in Show.  It doesn’t mean you  love your dog ANY less.  You have to find other things to do with your dog - and love the TIME you spend together.  

This makes us so very sad - we don’t quite know what to do. We know there are “people” who can help with all of this media stuff - but it’s not really in our budget right now.  The irony is that we never set out to become a BIG thing - and we still don’t have to be.  But given the time it takes, we need to re-evaluate - especially since we are not earning any biscuit money.  

I hope you loyal readers  understand that we DO care about you.  We have not taken any substantial breaks from writing - except for a day or two when my family was in a crisis period.  Even going on my recent holiday - I knew I wouldn’t have time to write - so I spent hours reviewing old blogs - and then taking those Notes from the Dog photos to provide you with something fresh.  And we continued writing for the 30 days during our “suspension.”  I don’t want you to think that this is all about the money - we did this for years before adding the ads.

We know that we can’t just STOP this blog.  It’s become a part of our lives - and it really IS fun to share our adventures.  But we think we need to dial it back.  We are working on posting the blog to another website. We won’t be posting every day.  We’re thinking we should follow an intermittent reinforcement schedule - let’s face it -  consistent treats can become rather boring.  Unless you are a PON.

When we started out, we said it would be a posting every now and again.  Somehow it quickly morphed into a daily routine.  I guess “bad” dogs provide lots of great material!   How many times have you thought “better her than me!”  Or how many times have you thought “been there!” Misery loves company!!! 

Thank you for reading and for those of you who continually share our blog - a double thank you!   Our goal has been to promote PONs, and Bernese and Picards - and really - responsible pet ownership no matter what breed or multi-breed.   

We welcome your feedback about this.  Will you stick with us if we dial back?  If we posted a few times a week, when would you read it?  If we posted weekly, what day would be best? 

Sometimes when we are training dogs (or I should say, dogs are training us), we need to mix things up to keep things interesting.  It’s time to change our routine - we’re just not sure what it will look like.  But one thing for sure - it will be from the dog’s perspective.  Because dogs really DO rule our homes.  And our hearts...

Attire

One more week.  And they disappear into that mysterious place her highness calls “the closet.”  What is disappearing? The white pants.

Humans have some kind of weird rule about white pants - and the fact that they shouldn’t be worn after Labor Day. Like some “fashion police” will arrest and fine you.  There is this window of wearing time that reportedly stretches from May to September. But the reality is that if you are owned by dogs, no time is the right time to wear white pants.  If you see someone walking down the street with perfectly white pants - containing no spots or goobers - or obvious dog hair, that person either does not own a dog- or they got dressed in their car after they left their house.

Her highness actually owns white pants.  Which is really silly.  She no sooner puts them on, then one of us rubs right up to her.  Usually after we have been drinking water.  Or eating something.

Now black pants are also magnets for dog hair.  But a quick roll with one of the many lint rollers spread throughout the house, and black pants CAN look OK.  But white pants - like I said they are a silly addition to a wardrobe .

I wonder if you could use that Scotch Guard stuff that is used to protect furniture- and put it on white pants.  There’s no doubt a market for non-stainable white pants for dog owners.  Maybe they could be made of Teflon.  But they would be kind of stiff.

And speaking of attire- I was sporting an interesting outfit of leaves, sticks, pine needles and mud yesterday morning.  Her highness made the mistake of letting me and Einstein off our leashes as we came down the driveway from our morning constitutional.  And what was sitting on the front lawn? Why a bunny.  Einstein’s chase ended where the lawn meets the woods.   Not mine.  BUT, because we were on our way home for breakfast, I wasn’t gone long.  Mind you, I still needed a “nature removal” before I could come in the house.  Great fun.  

But then, most things we dogs do is fun...OK- except grooming...

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up.

Seizure free days: 18

Don’t waffle about reading this!

August 24. And it’s National Waffle Day. Of course it is.  When I looked up dogs and waffles, I found out several things:

1.  The term “dogwaffle” is actually used by some to describe the first waffle out of the waffle iron.  Apparently it’s called that because the first waffle is often not looking very appealing- so it goes to the dog.  Now.  I could be insulted that we are talking about the fact that we dogs are the recipients of “imperfect” items.  Like second class citizens.  BUT  we  talking about food - so that’s ok with me if we are fed first.  We don’t care the way our food looks.

2.  We dogs CAN eat waffles - but only in moderation because they are sweet and COULD play havoc with our digestion.

3.  There ARE waffle recipes for dogs.  And here is one:

https://inspiration.kenmore.com/dog-waffles-easy-4-ingredient-dog-treat/

.

So there you have your dog waffle trivia.  Oh wait - what did the angry waffle iron do?  He flipped.

 Don’t groan - remember- you heard it from a dog!

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up-.  

Seizure free days: 17

Tests and tomatoes

So the FG is normal.  Well at least his elbows and his hips are normal.  He passed his “tests” - clearly it was something he didn’t need to study for.  He got his X-ray results while her highness was away and his hips are “good” and his elbows are “normal”.  I’m waiting for the psychological tests to come back.  He’s back to tossing around blueberries again.  OK - there  really AREN’T any psychological tests. But it’s a good thing based on the blueberry behavior.  I mean what dog in his right mind tosses around edibles?!  Mind you, I am hearing that it is “normal” PICARD behavior.  He’s a new story every day.

The night before last, her highness decided after watering the plantation in the dark that she just wanted to sit and relax on the deck.  She was tired.  They call it jet lag. Did you know we dogs can get jet lag too?  And we reportedly have an easier time when we head west - because it’s somehow easier to get used to a longer day. I think it’s because there are more hours to get food.  

If we are flying to a new time zone, resources say that you should slowly begin adjusting our feeding and sleeping times to match that of our  new time zone, before we go.  When her highness read that, all she could think of was adjusting my medication schedule.  As a result, I won’t be flying to Hawaii any time soon. 

Oh but back to the plantation.  We are going to be opening a tomato juice stand any time now.  They are JUST beginning to ripen and if they all do, we’ll be selling juice, sauce, ketchup, salsa, and tomato dog biscuits.  Yes.  You can find a recipe for dog treats with tomatoes.   Here is one.  It uses tomato paste.  

https://www.bigbearswife.com/cheesy-tomato-basil-dog-treats/

We just need to figure out how to make the paste.  Who am I kidding with “we.”  Her highness would have to do it and given that she hasn’t even been making my pill pockets, I’m thinking it’s not likely we’ll be seeing these biscuits.  I hope our neighbors - ALL of our neighbors like tomatoes.

Besides the 400 lbs of tomatoes- we also have peppers growing.  Her highness kind of freaked out when she looked at a pepper and thought it was rotting because it was a strange color.  Then she remembered she planted a purple variety.  She’s quite the farmer.

We also have at LEAST five pumpkins growing as well. I don’t think they’ll be entered in any giant pumpkin growing competition.  She can set her sights for next year.  If these five actually survive.  Good thing we like pumpkin purée.  Well- at least two of us do.

Well time to begin huffing and puffing.  It’s been hot and muggy the past few days - so we’re ALL feeling the effects of jet lag.  It’s so hot, I could almost go for a swim.  Almost.

Have a good one. Peace and paws up.

Seizure free days: 16

She’s back.

Well, she’s back.  She arrived home looking haggard but happy.  She reportedly spent the WHOLE day waiting to fly home to us.  She rushed through airports and probably lost 5lbs sweating as she hurried to make her connecting flight.  She finally rolled in at around 2AM.  The sitter had left us at around 11 PM - when she knew her highness was on the last leg of her journey.  We had basically settled down for the night. Imagine our surprise when she came in!

Einstein and the FG went WILD.  Absolutely WILD.  I’m sure any neighbor in a 5 km radius could hear the commotion coming from our house. 

While my siblings in crime were doing the Tasmanian Welcome Dance, yours truly kind of ignored her.  I just wanted to get in the garage.  I was, as usual, starving.  Truth be told, it’s called intermittent reinforcement.  Make her think you are annoyed - so she shares even MORE treats.  It always works.  Mind you - yesterday I was like GLUE with her.

We watched her unpack an assortment of Polish goodies.  Cookies.  Gingerbread.  Pottery.   Amber.   Candies.  Frankly, we only cared about the edible stuff.  Finally, she sat us down and said she had a confession to make.  She had spent an afternoon with - are you ready for this - TWO PONs.  Watson and Sherlock own a friend of my human - her name is Iza.  Iza and my human have been friends on Facebook for many years - and they FINALLY got to meet because Iza lives in Poland!  And guess what?  Sherlock and Watson came along and gave us gifts - some toys AND some treats!   Good thing - because her highness claims she didn’t “see” many dog shops in her travels - and she didn’t buy us anything.  Takes a PON to save the guilt gifts day.

I’ve said before that the internet CAN bring people together. Her highness met another PON friend - Joanna, who gave her a cool mug with a PON on it!!!  The PONs ruled on this trip - now she needs to go to France to meet Picard friends.   If we ever let her go.

As for us, while her highness was globe trotting - we had a good time with Char.  We behaved- and in Char’s words - we were a “dream.”  Let’s face it - that’s not a word usually used to describe us.  We had to pay her A LOT to say that. 

But the best news?  No seizures!  Ta da!!! My human said she must cause them - so she should go away more often.  Nice try.  I don’t think so.  

While she was away, she had a call about a chair that she had taken in back in June to have it reupholstered.  The chair had belonged to her mother - and I think her grandmother- but it was looking kind of tired.

She brought it home yesterday and while she was taking it out of the car, we were outside.  She had decided to put the chair in the dining room.  That was always the plan.  It’s a wooden arm chair, with wooden legs, but the back and seat are upholstered.  Before the re-do it was in the DFZ.

So she puts her “new chair” in the dining room.  It looked fabulous.  At least she thought so - we canines didn’t care.  Or at least two of us didn’t.  Einstein and I didn’t even give it a second glance.  But you know who IMMEDIATELY noticed it - and had to check it out- the FG.  He sniffed it all over and then laid his head on the seat.  My human noticed- and she  KNEW what was coming next.  The mandatory face rub.  “STOP” she shouted- “that’s all clean and new!”  As if he would care. The chair is now back in the DFZ.  

Although I’m lookimg rather pensive in the photo - trust me - I was VERY happy to have our “family” complete again!  Welcome home your highness!

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up.

Seizure free days: 15

Day 13

She’s back!!!!!!  But she arrived after 2 AM. So I’m doing ONE more re-run before you get the scoop on all our news!!! Tune in tomorrow!

https://viktorsviews.blogspot.com/2015/08/national-bad-poetry-day.html?m=0

Have a good one!  Peace and paws up!

Day 12

Well her highness is traveling HOME today!!!!! AND it’s her birthday!!! We’ll have to celebrate when she gets back.  Hope she bought an extra bag for the guilt gifts...

https://viktorsviews.blogspot.com/2015/08/a-human-birthday.html?m=0

Have a good one!  Peace and paws up!!!!

Day 11

This blog is about famous Musicals.  Another blog I don’t remember writing.  I think somebody should write a musical about a woman living in the boonies with three dogs.  Depending on the day it could be called Les Miserables, Wicked or Momma Mia. But I think those have been used...

https://viktorsviews.blogspot.com/2015/09/broadway-musicals-day.html?m=0

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up!

Day 10

Today we have a blog about Saint George.  And scouts. I like the badges I created for Dog Scouts. I didn’t ever start a troop because neither the FG or Einstein would wear a sash.  Such spoilsports.

https://viktorsviews.blogspot.com/2015/04/st-georges-day.html?m=0

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up.

Day 9

Here’s a funny story.  I see in this story that I refer to Einstein as Velcro Dog. And in this story we have the character of the Hulk.  Wonder whatever happened to him? Mind you, after an incident like this one, it’s no wonder he is no longer around...

https://viktorsviews.blogspot.com/2016/06/return-of-ducka-horror-story.html?m=0

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up!

Day 8

We almost forgot this squirrel story. We haven’t seen Nutso in quite some time. The bunnies have kind of taken over. Brazen little guys.  That’s because I’m on a leash...

https://viktorsviews.blogspot.com/2016/04/a-squirrel-named-nutso.html?m=0

Have a good one. Peace and paws up!

Day 7

Here’s a blog all about financial planning. Her highness always reminds me that she would be a RICH woman if she didn’t have us.  She usually blurts that out after we have destroyed something.  We know she’s joking.  Come on - we canines are PRICELESS....

https://viktorsviews.blogspot.com/2015/05/viktor-financial-planner.html?m=0

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up!

Day 6

Today we have a blog about Scabble.  We decided to go academic today. How did she get me to wear those glass, I want to know.

Plus I found another good dog name - the Kooikerhondje - that Dutch spaniel breed.  He’s good for 32 points too!

https://viktorsviews.blogspot.com/2015/04/national-scrabble-day.html?m=0

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up!

Day 5

This is a blog about wishes. While we miss my human- we are hoping and wishing that she is having a good time.  And of course, we are wishing for good guilt gifts....

https://viktorsviews.blogspot.com/2015/04/world-wish-day.html?m=0

Have a good one. Peace and paws up!

Day 4

Today we have a blog about license plates.  Of course we do. We also make reference to Harold, our old Subaru who went to the automobile graveyard.  Actually- that’s kind of depressing to think about.  Let’s just say Harold was adopted and went to some nice car farm.  He left complete with canine olfactory art on the windows.  Those windows are probably hanging in a gallery somewhere.  Now we have Ludwig...and we are working on his artwork.

https://viktorsviews.blogspot.com/2016/03/k9-wagn.html?m=0

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up!

Day 3

Wow.  This blog contains useless trivia about Cracker Jack, dogs in advertising and Westminster.  That’s a mishmash. Where did I even find that Cracker Jack stuff?  Sometimes I surprise myself when I read these old blogs!

https://viktorsviews.blogspot.com/2016/02/cracker-jack.html?m=0

Have a good one. Peace and paws up!

Day 2

I know that some of my writing can be very cliche.  But heck.  I’m a dog.  Some of these early blogs have references to Paxton.  For new readers, Paxton was my Bernese Mountain Dog brother- also affectionately known as Bucket Head.  And no - I was not making fun of him when I called him that.  Someone once said he had a head as big as a bucket.  And the nickname began.  We all loved the big guy - and he went to the Rainbow Bridge at 7 - way too soon.  We all still miss him...

Anyway- here’s a cliche blog...

https://viktorsviews.blogspot.com/2015/11/cliche-day.html?m=0

Have a good one!  Peace and paws up!

Day 1

So here’s our first re-run story.  You know, we don’t even remember writing some of these!!! 

This is about the country of K9. Truthfully, we don’t need our own country.  As I said - we already rule the world!

https://viktorsviews.blogspot.com/2015/11/national-start-your-own-country-day.html?m=0

Have a good one!  Peace and paws up!

She’s leaving...

Well her highness is abandoning us.  She leaves today for her trip to the Motherland.  I’ll call it that since her grandfather and great-grandparents came from Poland - as did ours several generations ago.  She realized the other day that this trip will be the LONGEST time she has been away from us.  Absence makes the heart go fonder.  As do guilt gifts.

Although we will pine for her (or at least pretend to) we will be in excellent hands.  Char AND her mother will be holding down the fort. They both are very dog savvy- so I doubt we’ll get them to empty the treat jar on Day 1. They’re no pushovers... But they love us and the feeling is mutual.

Anyway, my human and I had to discuss what would happen with my blog while she’s away.  As we know, she does the typing. I COULD get Char to send her texts every day with our updates, but I decided we REALLY could take a blog-cation.  But wait - before you frown - we won’t totally let you down.  We have a plan...

You know how you watch TV and have a favorite show - and it takes a break for a few weeks?  And it shows re-runs?  Well.  We have just spent hours combing through some of our favorite blog postings.  Do you realize- for those who have been with us since “the beginning” - that come September we will have been doing this for FIVE years.  FIVE years.  A blog post pretty much EVERY DAY.  We are at over 1750 stories.  And probably 400 are about poop.  

So we will post a few stories - AND we took some special photos - just for this time period.  We call them “Notes from the dog.”   If you enjoy them, please feel free to share them.

You won’t know my seizure count after today - until her highness gets back.  We talked to my vet yesterday and we altered one of my medications- and it seemed to do the trick - no seizures yesterday.  When her highness is back, I hope my count will be a GOOD reveal.

In the meantime- stay tuned!! And stay wagging.

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up.

Seizure free days: 1

Lighthouses

It’s August 7 - and it also happens to be National Lighthouse Day.  Who knew?  I suppose it isn’t celebrated in the prairies- but we certainly have no shortage of lighthouses here in Nova Scotia.

I wondered if there was any connection between dogs and lighthouses and guess what - I found some.  This is a link to a site about Lighthouse dogs.  They were Newfoundland dogs who lived with lighthouse keepers on the East Coast.  Besides companionship, the dogs were also known for their sea rescuing abilities.

Check it out: 

http://hannibalnewfs.com/lighthouse-dogs/

My human had seen pictures of the painting “Saved” before - and she never knew that it was based on a real dog! If the image of the painting doesn’t show up in the article, here it is again:

https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Landseer_Saved.jpg

I don’t think that Einstein and I could be Lighthouse dogs.  It is unlikely we would rescue anyone from the water. Maybe the FG could do it.

On the other paw, Einstein COULD be a fog horn dog.  He definitely has the vocals for that.  But instead of ships being guided by the sound - they would turn right around and head the opposite direction to find a different port.

Well her highness is definitely getting organized- she THINKS we didn’t see her put the suitcase in the bathroom- but rest me, we all did.

I think her departure day COULD be tomorrow...

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up.

Seizure free days:  0 Yes.  I had another one last night.  This is very hard....Please pray for no seizures today....

She’s getting ready...

I’m thinking that “the big trip” is coming up soon.  Her highness has been flitting around like a crazy woman- so something is up. 

Yesterday, she did that “thing” where she is doing one thing and she goes off to do a totally different task.  And I was in the middle of it.

She had been mumbling for several days that she needed to groom all of us - which is part of the reason I think she is leaving. Heaven forbid the sitter should see what we REALLY look like.  Mind you - she DOES groom us pretty regularly.

Anyway, she was eating her breakfast bagel, and I went to sit next to her and possibly mooch a crumb.  She’s almost done, but she’s reading a magazine and still drinking her coffee.  She puts her hand down to pat me, and as she scratches behind my ear, she suddenly looks at me with horror.  A mat.  You think she had been hit with an electric shock.  Almost as good as finding a tick.  She puts both her hands on my head, and says “Buddy- it’s time.  Now.”   She doesn’t even finish her coffee, jumps up and heads for the grooming torture palace.  The garage.  Of course I LOVE to go in there because it’s where the dog food is stored! But within a flash, she had me on the table.

I think she thought this was going to be a “one mat” job.  But then when she started, she realized I was sporting enough coat to make another dog.  So I got the COMPLETE brush out.  All the time she is plying me with kibble, so I don’t mind ONE bit.  I may be a bunny chaser and I have a few other undesirable traits - but in this household, I am the Grooming King.  I cooperate 1000%.  I think she filled a garbage bag with my hair.  And I ate 6 cups of food.  (I wish.)

Of course, I looked stunning when she was finished.  My feet were all fluffy and nice.  So what did I immediately do?  Started licking them.  Which makes them all knotted.  She looked at me and shouted “stop!”  She’s so dramatic. Rumor has it, Einstein may be the next victim today.

When most people travel, it involves the usual packing and making sure everything is in order.  Like passports, foreign currency and other documents.  When humans have a dog - and a sitter, there are numerous instructions to write, food to organize and treats to replenish.  It MAY be a bit faster if the dog goes to a place called a boarding kennel - but even that requires organizing and packing - for the dog.  But add to that a dog who takes four different epilepsy medications AND a dog who takes cardiac meds - and you have a instruction BOOK - longer than the Bible.  OK maybe not THAT long- but it’s not a short paragraph scribbled on a piece of paper.  There are slso signs everywhere.  Medication signs in the kitchen.  Food signs are hung in both the kitchen AND the garage where our food is kept. It’s crazy.  No wonder she doesn’t travel much.  

Well I know she’s not leaving today.  I know she still needs to pick up two of my meds.  Plus - two more dogs need grooming.....Snd they say vacations are relaxing. ..

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up.

Seizure free days: 0 Yup.  Maybe because I figured out she is going...

We work hard

It’s August 5th and according to the crazy calendar, it’s Work Like a Dog Day.  I’ve talked about Military Working dogs, Assistance Dogs and Therapy dogs before. We talked about dogs that work as sniffer dogs, and herding dogs, and dogs that pull sleds.  I found a short video that demonstrates some of the jobs we dogs do: 

https://youtu.be/6j9X3Fnswmo

And let’s face it - ALL of us dogs work.  We work hard every day to protect our homes and most importantly- provide our humans with absolute, unconditional love.  That’s the main skill in our job description.  That’s why we are here!

Now some companies also allow dogs to come to work- and more are beginning to realize the benefits - like reducing stress and increasing productivity.  Studies have proven this the case.  But because not EVERYONE would want canines in the office (it’s hard to believe - I know!) - companies need to have guidelines in place.  They need to designate possible restricted areas - where dogs are not allowed as well as clean-up procedures.  Some places may only offer occasional dog friendly visits or weekly designated days.  Some places like Orvis and Purina go full-time - 5 days a week.  I hate to say it, but the university where my human worked was not overly dog friendly.  Yeah - they brought in Therapy Dogs for students during exam time - and that was a nice touch - but bringing Fido to Faculty meetings was a no no.  Or even to the office.  That’s really why she retired.   OK, maybe not the REAL reason - but that’s our story. And we are sticking to it.

Well- time for us canines to get to work - showing her highness some love.  We really should get a raise for our outstanding performance.  Who do I talk to about it?  We need a union...

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up.

Seizure free days: 20

Satchmo. Psychics. And friends.

August 4.  And the birthday of the late great trumpet playing jazz legend - Louis Armstrong.  Did you know that the song, What a Wonderful World, was not made a hit during his lifetime?!  While he recorded and released it in 1967, four years before he passed away, it wasn’t until 1987, when it was played during the movie “Good Morning Vietnam” that love for the song blossomed - and is considered by many,  one of  his signature songs. That’s according to a site on the web. 

And what an appropriate song - given that he was a dog lover - so he had inspiration for the lyrics!  He reportedly was owned by a Boston Terrier named General.  He also reportedly enjoyed the company of dogs owned by friends.  

In addition to being Louis’ birthday, according to the crazy calendar, it is also Psychic Day. There are said to be  people who have a unique ability to communicate with us dogs- some refer to them as Animal Communicators and others call them Psychics.  One was even used with that dog who was lost in Cape Breton a week or so ago. Her highness would be worried to know what a psychic thinks we are thinking. She would prefer not to know what we are plotting.

We canines also have psychic abilities. There have been articles written about how we know things - like when you are coming home.  Some psychologists say that we are creatures of habit - so we predict things through previous experiences.  We also have super keen observational skills and an ability to interpret non verbal communication- like body posture and facial expression. So before you even SAY “treat” we know you are going to get one.  So scientists argue that we’re not REALLY psychic - but that our bond with humans and our observational abilities make it APPEAR we are psychic. Personally, I think those scientists are just AFRAID of whether we posssess psychic powers.  I’m sure many of you humans owned by dogs KNOW that we do....

Today also happens to be Friendship Day.  A day to celebrate special relationships we have with others who are technically not family.  My human has been blessed with friends who live near and far.  Those are the people who you cannot see for periods of time - but when you get together, or even talk on the phone, you take up right where you left off.  True friends are a very precious gift. I mean I think we dogs are your BEST friends- but there are some pretty special humans that you should always treasure.  And what’s cool about the internet, is the opportunity to connect with new friends all over the world.  Some you may just communicate with via the digital world - but you may still make special bonds.  And some you may even get to meet!  Like her highness has.  I would just like to point out that her highness has made lots of new friends - because of moi.  Yup - we canines are basically friend machines.  We not only provide friendship - but we even bring friends together.  We know when that amazing gift called friendship is needed.  Maybe because we’re psychic...

Anyway, my friends- take time today to reach out to your special friends today - human or canine.  And drop a line or send a greeting to someone you are lucky enough to call a friend. Consider this MY greeting to YOU!

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up.

Seizure free days: 19

Watermelon

August 3.  And it’s National Watermelon Day.  The fruit that contains an alphabet of vitamins- A, C, B1 and B6.  A slice of watermelon contains about 50 calories - and it’s 92% water - so it’s a refreshing treat.  We dogs can eat watermelon- BUT the black seeds should be removed as they can cause intestinal blockages - and we shouldn’t eat the rind either.  But the fruit is good for us. In moderation - of course.  Too much could prevent P3 - Picture Perfect Poop.  Nobody wants soupy poops in a hot summer day. Mind you, nobody wants soupy poops ANY day.

You can put watermelon in a blender, mix it with a ratio of 1:1 water, and then freeze the mixture for yummy watermelon treats for us!  Or, if you’re lazy like her highness, just give it to us straight up.

Here’s a cute watermelon video.  I think we need to do one....

https://youtu.be/zFF2ww0HK5o

We also love blueberries- and we’ve been enjoying them lately.  Of course we PONs hardly taste them - they go down so fast - while the FG takes 30 seconds to chew one.  He IS getting better though - he doesn’t toss them around like he used to.  And pouncing on them (which is not really advisable) rarely happens any more.  He has finally, FINALLY figured out that anything that hits the floor will disappear like magic before he has a chance to taste it again. That Einstein is SUPER fast.  Clearly he is showing no slowing down with his cardiac issues.

In addition to tasty fruit, two of us quite enjoy chomping on each other.  The FG and Einstein have this daily chew routine- which her highness regularly breaks up after a few minutes.  If she doesn’t stop them, Einstein ends up with wicked mats and the FG ends up with a strange looking asymmetrical haircut.  It begins with the raucous jumping routine I posted the other day and then advances to this thing where they roll on top of each other and lick and chew ears, faces and feet. 

Meanwhile, I lounge and watch the entertainment.  

To stop the routine, her highness distracts them with some treats - including those blueberries.  I say keep on playing guys- you have her well trained.  

But then, that’s what we dogs do....

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up.

Seizure free days: 18

Pin cushions

It sure has been hot the last few weeks.  Luckily for us, the lower level of our house is nice and cool.  We canines retreat there whenever we can.  Unless we are sitting right in front of the fan- which is Einstein’s favorite location. 

We have actually adapted well to this retirement mode thing. At 6AM we are all pretty much still sleeping.  We have totally forgotten that 4:30AM schedule.  We do like to get out before 7, though, because it’s still relatively cool then.  Relatively.  And the last week or so, when we go out, we have fog in the air.  It burns off pretty quickly.

Yesterday morning Einstein and I did the first walking shift. We haven’t been taking the public trail unless it is windy out.  Which it hasn’t been - that’s why we have fog.  Why the wind requirement for the trail?  The dive bombing vampires have arrived.  The black flies are pretty much gone.  Even the ticks find it too hot- so they apparently aren’t as active.  Who are the dive bombers?  The dreaded deer flies.  The next round of insect pests.  And those guys are partial toward dark colors. So they go after me - and her highness’s head.  They don’t bother Einstein or the FG quite as much. Those guys rival black flies for bites. Plus they like to buzz in you ear.  But their aviation equipment must not work as well in windy weather.  So we pray for wind.

Our walk was warm, but unremarkable.  No neighbors out for Einstein to yell out his greetings to. We came home and it was the FG’s turn.  

He and her highness got to the road and he immediately let out the big dog boof.  They were doing some construction on our road the day before yesterday, and they had placed signs on the side of the road.   They left them lying by the side of the road overnight.  The FG, with his keen observational skills, slowly approached the unusual landmark.  He approached, boofed, and cautiously sniffed this strange new thing on HIS road. When he concluded that this piece of wood and metal was hardly dangerous, you know what he did next.  He tried to pee on it.  Her highness moved him along before the spray hit the sign. 

They had a good walk and were coming home when her highness spotted something coming out of our driveway and crossing the road.  She firmed  up her grip on the FG’s leash.  She recognized the slow moving shape making its way  across the road.  Yup.  A walking pin cushion.  In broad daylight.  The FG didn’t notice at first and then he spotted it.  He watched intently and her highness must have repeated “leave it” about 67 times. As if he could go anywhere near it while being in the death grip.  He didn’t REALLY care.  He just wanted to watch.  Like he does with the bunnies.

They headed down the driveway and her highness made a note to self that NONE of us can be off leash early in the morning or in the evening.  Clearly the fella that Max encountered is still in the neighborhood.

We had thunderstorms last night. The thunder thankfully doesn’t bother any of us.  That’s because it’s actually hard to hear over Einstein’s barking.

More heat today.  Time to head out on pin cushion patrol.

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up.

Seizure free days: 17

IPA Day

August 1.  And it’s IPA Day. A day for humans to celebrate beer- India Pale Ale in particular.  IPA is described as having full bodied taste - and being both bold and bitter.  It’s a popular brew - and every micro-brewery in our area seems to have their own version.  

I know in lots of places, dogs are allowed in pubs - especially the UK.  Not so much here in Halifax, I must complain. Some restaurants with outdoor patios allow us canines to be outside. I DID find a beer garden downtown on the waterfront that allows pets.  I’m thinking we need to check it out.  One at a time.  Taking all three of us would end the dog friendly policy.

Meanwhile, I have managed to find a number of canine beers - so we dogs can have our own enjoyment at home!  Assuming they ship to Canada. Now keep in mind that we canines should really NOT drink human beer.  Sure - a sip won’t kill us - but in all seriousness, alcohol and dogs do not mix.  But the canine beers I found do not contain alcohol- so they are safe for us.  Here are several options: 

https://goodboydogbeer.com/

https://bowserbeer.com/

https://www.petwinery.com/collections/dog-wine-selection/products/dogbeer

http://snuffle-dogbeer.com/mobile/

I’m hoping her highness can find some for us.  Even though they have no alcohol, we can pretend they do and it will give us a good excuse for our raucous behavior.  Sure it will.

I think we’ll have to stick to the biscuits:

https://www.northernbiscuit.ca/product-page/craft-beer-snacks-junior-190g

We took that photo last year.  I was hoping the company would send us a bag of biscuits.  Nah.  But they liked the photo. Our modeling career has yet to take off.  

Time to go see if I can get some dog beer shipped.  With this heat, we really need a nice cold brew!

Have a good one. Peace and paws up.

Seizure free days:16