Living La Vida Local with Charlie and Munchie

We survived. That's about all we can say about our latest big move to a community filled with pet lovers and folks our age.

Throughout the month of April our home was a mine field filled with boxes upon boxes upon bags and more. A veritable "tower of terror." The pets found it fascinating although once we started moving the stuff over to the new place (when we took possession after the beginning of the month) Munchie decided that he had better find a good box to hide in so we didn't forget him while Charlie just stuck close. 

We brought Charlie with us on as many trips as possible to the place before moving in and by the third time, he knew he was home. Poor Munchie didn't have that opportunity, being a cat who doesn't like being in a carrier, so his first exposure was the day we actually had the movers show up. So, in essence, Charlie spent his 6th birthday moving - and he couldn't be happier.
                                                          

This place has a huge green area with ample room to roll and roam. We can take a different route each day (almost got lost the first day) and there are so many pups to play with and so many hoo-mans to avoid! And he can even go outside on the patio to bark at passersby! Who could ask for more!

Dad and Charlie on the front patio

So, life is settling into a routine now and while he would rather have both of us at home at all times, little things like working to buy Charlie treats makes that pretty much impossible. He and Munchie have both found their favorite places to sleep and keep vigil during the past few weeks and that makes us happier than ever. 

   

Until next time....

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 Grows Up

Charlie Fuzzy Duck after  his bath 

 Isn't it funny how a dog can  make a home? in our second year of life with Charlie, it's unimaginable to envision ourselves without him. We have decided not to vacation for the time-being unless we can take him with  us. It's all part of dog ownership, especially when your furry friend decides you are the only family he wants.

Charlie's skittishness with other humans continues. We've figured it is partly because he is so BUSY outside, sniffing every leaf and blade of grass, and also because other humans don't have 4 legs so they are of no consequence. He permits other dogs to sniff him, standing very still until the introductions are made and then it's time for play!

Doxies possess 6 different personality traits:

1. Hunting and tracking
2. Digging
3. Born athletes
4. Being hams
5. Loyalty
6. Intelligence

Cocker Spaniels are:

• Loyal
• Intelligent
• Sociable
• Happy
• Loving

So what we have in Charlie is a sociable, loving, happy little man who enjoys playing, clowning around and who is endearingly loyal. Add intelligence to the mix and you can see why he's such a part of our family.

Most dog lovers will describe their breed as the best or the smartest. We would argue that doxies stand in a class all their own. I have previously owned poodle and poodle/terrier mixes and these breeds are also loyal, intelligent and sensitive. But a doxie is a dog that has to be experienced to be believed. Add in the warm and cuddly Cocker Spaniel into the mix and you have the "Docker," like Charlie.

We simply love this little guy, shedding or not. And he loves us. ls that not what it's all about? Can't wait to get Charlie a "pet" to love :) Probably another doxie, if we are lucky.

Relaxing after bath time

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

"Bone Appetit!" Treats for all good dogs and cats

Finally, back again after a little hiatus, just in time to start gathering ideas for Charlie's second birthday!

Charlie and his two stuffed "friends"                                                              

This month, our little 'man' will have been with us for a whole year, which means he's turning 2, as difficult as that is to imagine. And how he's grown! Now he calmly greets new pets in the complex, letting them sniff him before running circles around him.  He's gotten to know all the kids, which means he is a popular little guy when they are playing outside. While he still "plays shy" with adults, especially those with something in their hands, he has his definite favorites. And he's still "daddy's boy" while watching TV or cuddling, and "mommy's boy" at meal time. Just like a kid :)

I wanted to get a couple of recipes out to you for your pet's special occasion. We're trying to keep him from eating fatty foods or stuff that isn't healthy for him, and of course, when  HE has a treat, MUNCHIE has to have a treat, so here are a few recipes from  our friends at Betty Crocker. "Bone Appetit" (yeah, I know that's bad, but someone had to say it :)

Homemade Dog Treats:

Cheesy Bacon Biscuits

These super-easy biscuits are like bacon cheeseburgers for dogs! I have to make these for Charlie's birthday - two of his favorite flavors in one.

• 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 stick margarine, softened
• 1 egg
• 1 ½ cups regular oats, uncooked
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 2/3 cup wheat germ
• 1/2 pound crumbled bacon or bacon bits

Mix together butter and sugar, then beat in the egg and baking soda. Slowly add flour and then stir in remaining ingredients. Using a teaspoon, form dough into small balls on ungreased or lightly greased baking sheets. For thinner biscuits, spread flour on the bottom of a pan and flatten cookies. Bake at 350 degrees for 16 minutes. Cool before serving.

Apple Cinnamon Drops

Try topping these with a dab of peanut butter to make these sweet treats even more appealing to your pup.

• 1 large apple, minced
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/2 cup of water
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup oatmeal
• 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour

Preheat oven to 350 ° F (180 ° C). In a large bowl, combine the minced apple bits, honey, water, cinnamon, and oatmeal. Gradually blend in the wheat flour. Spoon the dough by rounded teaspoon onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart. Adjust the size of the drops based on how big a treat you like to feed your dog. Bake for 30 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 325 ° F, then return cookies to oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes. Let the drops cool before serving. Makes about 3 dozen crunchy cookies, depending on how big you make them. (I may even try one of these)

Homemade Cat Treats:

Tuna Pops

If your cats come running to the sound of a can opening in hopes of getting some tuna, they’ll love these easy frozen tuna popsicles. Tuna juice is great for your cat’s health.

• Canned tuna in water
•  Ice cube tray(s)

Open your cans of tuna, as many as you like, and drain the tuna juice into a small bowl. Add some water to the juice, depending on how many cubes you want to make. Pour your tuna-water mixture into the ice cube trays and freeze them overnight. Now you’ve got a great pre-made treat to give your cats anytime!

Tuna Cookies

What to do with all that leftover tuna from making Tuna Pops? Make some Tuna Cookies, of course! The catnip garnish is a nice touch for your kitty connoisseur. Break them into small bits since that's what cats prefer! Turn them into dog treats by substituting canned chicken for canned tuna (you may even want to add some shredded cheese for dogs).

• ¼ cup flour 
• 1 can tuna
• 1 egg 
• 1/4 cup water
• Catnip for garnish
• Baking sheet
• Rolling pin (optional)

Preheat oven to 350. Combine all ingredients and mix well. Shape dough into very small, bite-size balls and flatten on lightly greased baking sheets. For extra baking fun, roll dough onto a floured surface with a rolling pin and cut into shapes with cookie cutters. Bake for 20 minutes or until cookies are firm. Sprinkle catnip on top of each cookie. Be sure to let them cool completely before giving them to your cat. Store in an air-tight container in the fridge to keep them fresh.

Just chillin'...on the couch....

                                                               

Charlie Gets Sick

Poor Charlie

Charlie got sick this weekend. We don't really know why: garbage gastritis (he tends to try scarf stuff from off the ground outside), too many treats (yep, we're sometimes guilty of this), giving him the wrong treats (there's one that makes him yucky if he gets it too often), sneaking something nasty from Munchie's litter box, a cold, a virus or just clearing out his system.

Dogs get sick. It's a fact of life that no matter how healthy your dog is, you will eventually face the fun and joy of diarrhea, vomiting or both. There is a reason the old saying is "sick as a dog!" The good thing is, the healthy dog rebounds with a cold wet nose, wagging tail and happy snuggles with relative speed. The problem is, it's  never fast enough when you feel slightly panicky that he's sick to begin with.

I woke up Saturday morning to (if you will excuse the expression) a huge pile of "puddin' poo" on the bathroom floor. Even when sick, Charlie sticks to laminate surfaces rather than the rug, thank goodness! I got up early because I knew he was not feeling good. He was trembling slightly when he was pressed up against me in bed, he was licking his lips and swallowing over and over and his nose wasn't the cold wet weapon of choice I normally feel on my arm or back. I couldn't believe he had 'done the deed' inside, but when he looked shifty-eyed and guilty and bowed to me, I knew it was his doing and immediate took him outside.

The nice thing about this complex is we all greet each other with pj pants on and Medusa hair. No one judges. I didn't even take the time to put on my glasses, just on with the leash and out with the Charlie. Good thing I did, because he proceeded to do it again, to a smaller degree, on the grass around the corner from our apartment. I praised him for waiting until he got outside, took him home and gave him a bath, cutting the wealth of hair from underneath his tail and on his bottom to make clean-up easier.

Have I mentioned yet how glamorous owning a dog can be? 

He enjoyed the bath, and after I dried him (and he scootched himself out around the living room) he settled down for a sleep. The only treat I gave him was a bit of cheese, which made him ecstatic.

Having had pups for years, I kind of have a game-plan when dogs are sick:

1. Cut out the extras. Just stick to bland food such as rice with a bit of meat and veggies or the regular dog food.
2. If you want to give a bit of a treat, cheese is a good binder and the favorite of most dogs.
3. Give your pup a bath. It calms them, cleans them and saves them cleaning up their own mess. Cut off the extra hair if you have a furry wonder like Charlie. It saves a lot of grief.
4. Don't give them any milk products (other than cheese) while they are down and under. It can affect their stomach and make them even more sick.
5. Cut back on the flavored rawhide or other goodies. The beef flavoring can actually make them sick to begin with if they have too many of this sort of treat and can exacerbate their vomiting or diarrhea.
6. Use bottled water. The problem could be in the water from the tap. This doesn't have to be a permanent thing, but in Spring, especially there can be bacteria in the water that affects your pup's tummy.
7. Check the grounds around your place to make sure there is no junk or cigarettes or anything else your pup can sink their teeth into and scarf down. I did the patrol after Charlie fell asleep.
8. Bring them outside a little more often, to encourage 'going'outside rather than inside. Pet them and praise them when they don't mess the carpet.
9. Let your pup sleep as long as he wants. Some may sleep the balance of the day and wake up feeling much better. Chances are, their tummy ache cut into their sleep the day or night before. Sometimes all any of us needs is a good sleep.
10. Start re-feeding slow and easy. No junk for a bit, a bare minimum of treats. If your pup is still sick after a couple of days, he may get dehydrated and you may want to consider a visit to the vet.

You sometimes forget just how much your pet means to you until they are 'under the weather.' It's easy to take their health for granted, and when they are young, it's difficult to imagine what life would be like without them. Both Mike and I pale at the thought of life without Charlie. Munchie is getting  up there - he's going to be 14 next month- but Charlie will only be 2 years old at that time, and somehow while you can make your peace with the impending possibility of losing an older pet, it's not to easy to consider losing your younger kid. 

The main problem isn't what you feed your dog, most of the time: it's what he ingests outside. I don't know why a cigarette or a piece of gristle by the BBQ may appeal to them, or a dried out piece of bagel or a wrapper. No one really understands a dog's taste. Try get what they snag off the ground out of their mouths right away. I know it's difficult - they clench their teeth and may even growl. If you put your finger at the open space at the back of their teeth (right at the back of their muzzle), their mouths will open (it's a reflex) and you may be able to scoop it out.

The same goes for the home. You may have left an elastic band or twist tie lying around, and in playing with it, dogs or cats have been known to ingest it. Don't give your dog potatoes, alcohol (you know this!), or chocolate. Be careful of house plants and wrappers. If they grab something off your plate, there's not much you can do, but do whatever you can to make home safe for them. And just like children, don't let strangers give them treats, since it may not be good for their diet.

Enjoy your pets when they are well and celebrate life with them, but remember that illness is part of life, too, and we've all taken on that responsibility when we adopted or purchased them. L'chaim!