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'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 Thanksgiving

Charlie, the great black blob

Charlie has noticed that something's going on in the house. We put up the Christmas tree, which fascinated him ("A tree, for me??") and he doesn't like it when Munchie lies under it on the new tree skirt, or beside it, on Charlie's steps. At all. he considers it his territory! Munchie takes great glee in antagonizing him.

Munchie, the Thanksgiving turkey

It will be interesting to see how Charlie reacts to us having company over for dinner. That will be a first for him. And we know that the smell of turkey in the air will keep him occupied sniffing for hours. Munchie will probably just hide in the bedroom again, like he always does. At least it will give Charlie a 'taste' of what Christmas is like, and all the fun associated with that holiday!

I know tastes of turkey will be a big hit, and that he will also enjoy a bit of gravy on his dry dog food, but we'll have to be careful that none of us over-indulges. Easier said than done with a feisty little black blob of a dog who can be too cute for his own good!

What he enjoys best is settling between us on the couch to be petted as we watch TV and I am sure there will be some of that going on, too this holiday season, as I hope you take time to do during your holiday. We are thankful for him and for Munchie: for all the love they give us and all the times they make us laugh and smile.

However and wherever you enjoy  your Thanksgiving, be well, be happy, be loved and don't forget your furry little (or big) friends in the excitement!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Bath-Time for Charlie

It's fall, and Charlie's hair is growing back into the wavy Cocker Spaniel hair that he had when we first adopted him in spring. During the summer, it brushed out, leaving his dachsie-like short hair, which was great for keeping clean and meant that we didn't have to vacuum the floor as often. Now, not so much. So once again, it was bath-time for Charlie.

Before bath-time                                                 

Bath time with Charlie is very much like bath time with any 'child' - it's all in the preparation and timing! I start by running the water in the tub (Mr.Curious has to peek in before he runs away). Then we take off his collar (he doesn't like that - it's HIS collar...what are we doing??). And then the fun really begins.

This time Mike was awake to catch the action and we have never laughed so hard as when we tried to capture the blur that was Charlie, in action.

Step 1 - wetting and soaping Charlie

I like to  use gallon jugs to wet and rinse Charlie - and if I keep the water running, it doesn't freak him when I have to replenish water in the jugs to wash the soap off. Here he is, after his first shampoo - being a 'good dog.'

Step 2: Washing out the rest of the shampoo

Charlie doesn't really mind this step - as you can see by his face. I support his chin so I can control the flow of the water. I try keep it out of his nose and eyes. I usually repeat this step a couple of times.

He knows he's a good boy, but he loves to hear it

Charlie enjoys his cuddle

Then it's his favorite time, shaking himself silly and scootching around the living room, trying to get totally dry. Anyone who has a pet KNOWS this step, intimately! It's a wonder Mike could take any photos, we were laughing so hard at this point. No, never AT Charlie, but definite with him as he played the clown. Bath-time was done for another couple of months, and Charlie could relax. Is he ever proud when everyone tells him how soft and handsome he is, his hair gleaming in the sunshine! It's almost worth the effort :)

Sliding around on his side

Resting before another scootch

Clean Charlie - after the bath

For the love of dogs: random photos from the Internet

I thought maybe you could use a Saturday smile, so I collected a bunch of photos from various places to share with you. I have no idea where I have collected these from, so I apologize in advance.

My next blog will be "Charlie's new tricks," including how to play with a giant stuffed fish and "peekaboo" under the blankets. But for now, here's your smiles of the day: Let the parade of cute pups begin with my favorite cartoon duo!