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's Christmas Day

As Christmas got closer and closer, Charlie got a little more excited. He knew something was up with all the wrapping of gifts, the sneaking around and hiding things and especially when we tried his reindeer collar and ears on for the first time. He even got to tolerate wearing them after a couple of false starts.

  

On Christmas Day,  his nose didn't stop twitching, sniffing ham in the oven. This time, when our buddy Pam came over, he only barked for a bit before recognizing her and settling down on her lap for a good old-fashioned petting. Imagine, 3 pairs of hands to pat him and rub his ears instead of 2! Could any little dog ask for anything more? Even he and Munchie achieved a Christmas truce!

His 'cute' look

He loved his new toys, especially the soft, fuzzy ones. He even got the idea of taking a few out of the stocking himself. I got the chance to wash his old toys (finally). He didn't much like that but he was occupied. He doesn't like squishy rubber or hard toys, he likes the ones that 'talk' or make music, the stuffy ones. I think that if Munchie doesn't go into his crinkly Santa bag soon, Charlie may end up peering out of it soon. 

His favorite new Santa toy to cuddle with and nibble on

We had the best Christmas with out little buddy. It's hard to imagine life without his little shiny eyes and big wet black nose. We can't imagine not having him insisting upon being cradled when we're watching TV, or his nose poking us for attention. It's tough to imagine not having him squished between us in bed or not laughing at his earnest expressions when he 'talks' to us and we answer him. We look forward to what is yet to  come.

Adopt a pet today, adopt a pet for life. You won't be sorry. Happy New Year!

Charlie and his 'dad' Mike

Charlie's First Holiday Season

Charlie's hopeful Turkey Look

We survived Thanksgiving with no damage to the turkey and no fights between the "kids." Charlie even proved, after the first five minutes of barking at our guest, that he could be a welcome host to our best friend. She was impressed at how closely he watched her and gauged her reaction before he approached her, allowing her to pet and talk to him. His ears moved back and forth as he listened to her voice. Obviously, we haven't had any guests other than maintenance since we adopted Charlie in March. We lead a quiet life.

Mike and Charlie, playing Scrabble at Thanksgiving

Putting up the Christmas tree had to be supervised by both 4-legged creatures, of course. Once set up, both animals seemed comfortable, with Munchie taking up residence on the tree skirt. Charlie didn't like that, but eventually he settled in another warm cozy spot and so far, fingers crossed, peace has reigned in our household.

                             

We look forward to buying gifts for our furry kids and taking pictures as they play with their new toys. Even though we can't believe it ourselves, we are actually considering buying a little elf costume or reindeer ears for Charlie. We don't dare try dress Munchie! Be prepared for more photos!

Last night, Munchie made the great escape from our first floor apartment, pushing out the screen in the window and slithering outside. I had an uneasy feeling when I hadn't seen him for an hour. I shook his cat food bag and called him, but he didn't answer. Shrugging on a jacket, I walked around the complex calling him. Halfway around, I heard Charlie barking frantically. I rushed home, catching a glimpse of white behind the air conditioning unit opposite our place. Charlie rushed back and forth, perched on his little set of stairs while I grabbed Munchie and frog-marched him home, muttering to myself about cat's nine lives and how he had used one by making me walk around, calling him like a fool. 

Once inside, the 'brothers' greeted each other with sniffs, a quick head-boop and brush by Munchie and then the usual yaps and hisses as they chased each other around the apartment. All was right with the world. And yes, I shut the windows.

Here's hoping that all is right and good with your world this Christmas, and that you and your furry children have a wonderful holiday with lots of love, laughter, turkey and quality time spent together. Merry Christmas, from our place to yours.

You Can Teach a Young Dog New Tricks

 You Can Teach A Young Dog New Tricks

Charlie and the Giant Fish that Mike bought him

Dachshunds are supposed to be notoriously stubborn and difficult to teach. Cocker Spaniels are intelligent and loving dogs. Charlie, a mix of both, is changing all the rules as he settles into domestic bliss in his home. Sure, he still pulls at the leash, but he also listens to verbal cues and definite non-verbal tugs on the leash when we have a different destination in mind. He also knows the meaning of "car-car ride" and "going to the mail box" or "let's go to the garbage," heading in the right direction without needing us to guide him. He's also learned to be a real clown.

Charlie has discovered that nothing is more fun than making us laugh. I have to admit that I often find myself chuckling and even chortling at his antics, which makes him so happy. Tongue out, he runs around the apartment, only to return and poke his nose at me to make me laugh again.

Guess who?

He's also found out that "Where's Charlie?" can be a great game to play when I am making the bed. He thinks he sneaks under the blanket without me seeing him (yeah, right) and then he wriggles around in delight, covered, until I say "Where's Charlie?" By the third repetition he can't contain himself anymore, looking more and more like a sand worm from Dune as he rears around, nose poked up, waiting for my "Peek-a-Boo!" as I uncover him. We don't get out much, ok? We need to make our own entertainment!

He's also turned into "Daddy's Little Boy" at the computer. It isn't enough to have his own chair by our computer chair - oh no! He complains until Mike takes him onto his lap while he's playing his games or fixing up his fantasy football or horse racing stats. I have often caught them with Charlie lolling on his back, tongue hanging out, while Mike absently pats his chest or stomach. He calls him "Good Luck Charlie" or "Bonus Charlie" when he hits a lucky slot play online. What characters! And me, the only girl in the house!

When we watch TV, he is often between us, soaking up attention. And forget my crocheting when  he wants to flop down on his back on my lap: he just clambers on up over yarn and project, staring me right in the face until I put it down and then he throws himself backward into the crook of my elbow for me to talk to him and cuddle with him. When we go to bed, who crawls into the valley we create? Sometimes I have to wonder who's training whom, and who's learning the new tricks, anyway, but I have to admit, for love and enduring entertainment value, there's nothing like a Charlie in the house! And, between you and me, it's given Munchkin a new lease on life. I actually caught him rubbing his head against Charlie the other day. It lasted a brief moment, until Charlie started chasing him again, but still.....