Christmas 2015 with Charlie and Munchie

Charlie was more than ready for the holidays this year. His dad kept telling him that "Santy Paws" was coming, and we really think that he was geared up to go by the time Christmas week finally got here. Same as we did, each pet got something out of their stocking the 4 days before Christmas and they loved their treats and treasures. 

Charlie Dog anticipating Santy paws

On Christmas day, the smell of ham baking had Charlie's nose up in the air. He liked his old sweater (pictured) better than  his new jacket because the hood annoyed him, but with the unusually cold weather, he got to appreciate it.

Out with the old sweater

In with the new!

Unfortunately, so far Munchie likes Charlie's new bed better than he does, though Charlie has been spotted sneaking onto it to cuddle with his new toys a few times. We moved it under the coffee table for now, until all the Christmas stuff and tree are put away. Then he will make it his own.

Munchie-cat, at his advanced age, prefers snoozing and snacking to most anything else, though they both certainly enjoyed their Christmas dinners!

A belated Merry Christmas from our home to yours, and much love, peace and happiness in 2016 from Charlie, Mike, Sharon (and, reluctantly) from Munchie, too!

Charlie's Fourth Spring and Summer in Photos

It's been far too long! Charlie has gone from long-haired to neatly trimmed to a freshly bathed puff ball in the last 6 months and I just wanted to share some photos that I hadn't shared before. There's even a couple of Munchie, his arch nemesis. Love and hugs to all and more posts real soon!                                      
 "Who, me??"












                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
 Charlie and Dad - true love                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

 Freshly groomed and so handsome!

Security Dog Charlie 

                                                                     After the bath

 And Munchie, too                                                     "Just looking for trouble"

A Sad Dog's Tale - or When We Went on Vacation Without Charlie

Charlie at Christmas - just before our Vacation

It's been a while since the last post - far too long, in fact - and Charlie decided that he wanted to do this one in the words of a Dog.  I will simply translate his story of our 2 week vacation to Disney World and how he felt while we were gone.

"I liked turkey days. Many treats and happy times. Many silly times when I was told to hold still while I wore my silly hat and collar. Then the BIG TREE was emptied of all the shinies and the turkey smell went away. The loud machine roared and then it was quiet and Mom had 'cleaned up after Christmas,' or that's what they said. My toys were ok and that's all that mattered. I checked and all my parts were still there, so THERE, loud machine!

My mom and dad (the soft Alpha and the one who cuddles) told me they were going away and would be back soon. They were very nice to me, patting me and calling me GOOD BOY, which I like, but I sensed some nervousness on their part. What did they mean "going away?" What was that and how would it affect my walkies and treats?

Those big soft boxes on wheels grew and got fatter with stuff pushed inside as dindin turned to walkies and then snack time. There was something new in the air - a smell that was a bit bitter and sweet at the same time. They kept saying they were "excited but nervous" about leaving me. What did that mean? They brought a NEW FRIEND to meet me. Mom said she was Peggy and that she would play with  me and give me snackies. That's nice, but why not Mom? What was happening?

Breakfast turned to snack time after walkies followed by naptime and then to lunch time and walkies and snack and walk time once more. It got dark, it got light and then the big boxes got moved into the living room. Peggy came to see me and we got to like each other. Grumpy CAT was not pleased. He told me this had happened before and that they were GOING AWAY. What was that? Breakfast had always turned to naptime and lunch time and walkies before dindin and bedtime for as long as I could remember. The last time someone had GONE AWAY I had been ALONE. I was not pleased. I put my head down flat on my paws in protest when I saw them get dressed in their outer fur. I turned my head away. They smiled and patted me. I stayed not pleased until they left, then ran to the window to see if they would come back. They did not. My protest had not been noticed! The CAT was also displeased. He opened one eye and closed it again to nap. I felt I had no choice but to do the same.

Later, the door opened. My tail wagged and my tongue came out. I was happy. My protest HAD been noticed and my humans were home. NO, it was Peggy, the quiet one who smelled nice and was calm. Where were Mom and Dad? She patted me and said it was ok and put on my leash. I went walkies with her, but it was different. She gave CAT and me a snack. We would not eat them, so she put them by our dishes. She stayed to pat us, then left. All alone with CAT again. I was not pleased. After finally deciding to eat my snack - but not my food - I went to sleep. The door opened again. Once more I was fooled. It was Peggy. I was growing to like her, even though when she came, Mom and Dad were GONE. CAT was no company, so I was glad that she sat with me and brushed my hair. After some time, even CAT grew to like her and purred when she brushed his hair. How odd. Days went by, breakfast into light and snacks and walkies, then naptime until she came for lunch and on and on. She gave me extra treats like peanut butter smushed into my food and little bits of cheese. At least someone hadn't forgotten me. Even CAT was not being grumpy. I guess he was happy that I was there.

Years later, the door opened and it was Mom and Dad! They laughed when I gave an undignified squeak when I saw them. It just came out! I was so happy! They were back! I got all my favorite toys to show them. CAT was winding around them and me. All was right with the world! We had walkies, we had snack, I napped and they were still there! At night time I slept with Mom and during the daytime I slept with dad. It was good and right. I kept peeking to make sure they were really there. When Peggy came by, I was happy to see her, but I kept rolling my eyes toward Mom while they were making those annoying talking noises. My tail wagged and my eyes rolled. They laughed. But it was good and everyone was happy. I don't know what "missed means," but I think it means that while they were away I was not happy and now that they are here, I am a happy boy. Even CAT is trying to scratch me again, so all is good. Time for a nap! That is my story."

Charlie Gets a Haircut

It's been quite a while since my last post. Too be honest things have been a bit hectic around here while life has settled down to a dull roar (if that makes any sense at all!). But now something exciting has happened and I have to share.

Charlie went to the groomer and had his first haircut! We were a bit nervous, because, being a doxie mix, he was a bit shy and wary of people. I called the groomer ahead of time and spoke with her, and she assured me that was ok, they were used to it, so off we went on our great adventure.

We arrived and Charlie shied away, having been to the Banfield Animal Hospital for shots not long before. He did NOT enjoy that at all, and the smell put him off. But being a good boy, with a bit of reassurance, he trotted into the PetSmart store with me on  his leash, just dragging a bit as we passed the vet's office. What a wonderful place it is! Dogs wandering around on leashes, pet 'parents' talking, and the groomers were really great. They talked quietly to him as I signed him in, and he touched noses with a couple of pups. He was interested in everything.

The woman put the short leash on him and we reassured him we would be back soon - I think that was his biggest fear, that he would be left there.

After running errands for a couple of hours, we returned and at first couldn't spot him, but then we saw this sleek, stylish black dog having his face and ears trimmed, and looked at each other remarking "Is that Charlie?" Sure enough, his ears perked up as he heard our voices.

Gone was the little fuzz-bucket that we had come to recognize as our dog. He looked like a pup - but one that we have never seen since his hair had always been long and wavy! His tail was still fuzzy and he looked like a fox. We had no idea he was so well-proportioned, or "handsome," as the lady said with a laugh when she greeted us. What a pleasant surprise. The pile of hair looked like another dog lying on the floor!

We wished we had done that before the trip we took to Sunset Park a couple of weeks ago. He was really warm wandering around the green spaces in the shade, looking at the ducks and sniffing every blade of grass. Good thing we had brought along some water for him to drink! He would have preferred to be sleek and handsome, I think.

 

So now, when we go to the park to visit the duck pond while he investigates every twig, blade of grass and new smell along the way, we will do so with a happy, perky pup in tow. And yes, we will be having him groomed as regularly as we can afford, now that we know how great he looks with his new 'do.' He sure seems proud of all the accolades and attention :) Happy National Pup's Day from the whole family.

               

Charlie: A Dog for All Seasons

                                             

Relaxed before his bath

It's almost impossible to believe that Charlie has been with us for over a year now, but then again, it's difficult to imagine life without him, too! He loves being told he's a "good boy" and he really is!

And yes, dogs do learn new tricks:

• He's learned to be annoying in the kitchen: jumping up and banging the cupboard door when I am preparing dinner or snacks. 
• He's also learned that it's ok to sit with his head on my knee when I am eating something in the living room because he will eventually get either a left-over or the plate to lick if he is patient.    
• Charlie has discovered that if he pesters dad at the computer he will get picked up and can lie on dad's lap, but if he comes to me, he puts his head on my foot, noses me or stands with his paw on my knee, and once I pet him and tell him he's good, he happily goes to play.
• He's discovered the joy of all  his squeaky toys, especially when it comes to bedtime and squeaking like mad before he falls asleep.
• He's found out that it's comfy squashed between us in bed and giving me a kiss before falling asleep, but dad would rather have a loving look than a kiss, thank you very much :)    
• He's good at "riding shotgun" in the car with dad, loving the feel of the breeze as it rushes over his face, but then he also enjoys lying on the floor on the passenger side of the car when he's had enough of the wind. He also loves 'helping' to pick me up when dad gives me a ride home after work.
• He has an amazing sense of smell and can "truffle snout" his way around the entire outside of the apartment complex, ignoring everyone who says "Hi, Charlie" except Ashley.
• Things do smell just as good the second, third and fourth time you discover a scent!
• He enjoys walking at heel with mom and taking dad for walks with the longer leash. All that training finally paid off!
• He is very vigilant and careful when "walking mom" when it's dark outside, even going so far as to growl if he doesn't know someone. This is new!   
• He's found that this apartment is simply not big enough to hide all his rawhide chews. He has no idea why we laugh at him when he tries so hard to conceal a chew in his mouth before hiding it (it looks like tusks!).
• He's a playing machine! He loves tearing around the apartment like a loony pup,up and down and off the bed and couch and around again. Especially when mom's playing the "rawrrrr" game, chasing him until we're both panting.
• He and Munchie kiss when he goes outside and comes back in again (probably because Munchie knows he will get a treat) and they sometimes headbutt and kiss just because. Also new.

Consider getting your own furry forever friend through animal adoption or even consider fostering a pet if you have time and room to do so. You won't be sorry, but remember, a forever friend IS forever!

Wired for sound after his bath (but loving it)

Charlie: the not so big boy

The "baby"

Charlie is 2 now, a big boy, except when it comes to "Dad." He has taken to lying on Mike's lap when he's on the computer or watching TV. Suddenly the 'big dog' turns to mush (and so does Mike!)

Charlie likes nothing more than to lie on his back, nestled on your lap, and woe betide you if you want to move! He's learned that "Dad" sits still a lot longer than "Mom" does, so naturally, he sits and stares at Mike until he's picked up. With me, he snuggles in my yarn or with his head on my lap while I am crocheting, reading or watching TV. Sometimes he nestles at my feet until he has enough and clambers his way onto my lap to stare in my eyes until I pick him up and play with him. He loves it when Mike plays catch with him, or when I chase him around the apartment or we play "Where's Charlie" under the sheets. And he still loves to play "Catch the Cat" with Munchie, or when Munchie deigns to rub against him or be affectionate.

Who said dogs weren't adaptable?

He still continues to 'play strange' outside with folks he doesn't know well, while whining when he hears his favorite 'girl' or sees her little greyhound outside. Duchess whines and howls whenever she sees him too. Our "boy" seems to have found a 'girlfriend!' The good thing is, he's every dog's friend, even though many of his dog friends have moved. I've never figured why, although he plays strange, he has the habit of turning to run after the person he's just snubbed when they turn away!

His favorite foods seem to be peanut butter, cheese (hence Chuckie the Cheese Dog), bacon, sausages and chicken. He and Munchie don't vie for the same things (except chicken): Munchie prefers pasta sauce. Charlie is so/so about that. He doesn't get that many treats and sure doesn't eat much in the way of 'people food,' since he's been a dry dog food pup since we first got him.

He's showing the Doxie propensity for sniffing and stubbornness - I see how they may have been truffle dogs. I guess that comes from his  Cocker Spaniel side and their place in hunting. Sometimes I am amazed his sniffer still works! When he gets concentrated on a scent, he can be at the same spot for ten minutes if not prodded to move! Sheesh.

He loves riding in the car, too. Head out the window, ears flapping in the breeze, big smile on his face and tongue hanging out of his mouth. Then, he's all dog! When I am in the car, he sits on my lap with his chin on the edge of the car window, watching the world go by, perking up now and then and settling down again.

He and Munchie got their Easter treats too, though we stopped short of Easter baskets for them. They have their favorite store-bought treats that they get for being 'good,' generally after Charlie's done all the work and went outside. Munchie feels entitled too, cat that he is. And no, we haven't bought him any new clothes.

It's a small family but a good one. Everyone has their place and everyone is comfortable with their lot in life. Who could ask for more?

Charlie at peace on dad's lap