Category Archives: Healthy Puppy Food

They REALLY Like Me!!

IMG-20130518-01046It was AWESOME out there today in the world.

I went to this really nice doctor yesterday who said I was handsome.  Mom and Dad thought I needed some help.  Isn’t it enough that I’m handsome and friendly?  Apparently it’s something with my immune system that is not working like it should since the owie on my toe and in my mouth is not getting better.

His name is Dr. Palmquist and Mom calls him an Integrative Medicine Vet, although I’m not sure what that means.  He gave me some treats, vitamins, and squirts for my mouth that are supposed to make me better.  I’m good at taking my medicine – it’s just not my favorite.  Everyone there was really nice and stopped to admire me – I love that!

Today the three of us went out to a street in Santa Monica, called Montana.  Something about Mom needing a blouse since she is going to be on Channel 7 news this week to talk about her diabetes book.

I did not care about the shopping – it was just awesome walking down street sales for blocks with all the people admiring me.  Dad counted the compliments:

”He’s big”… 17, “beautiful” …9 and  “stately” … 2

However, Dad doesn’t know that I counted his responses:

“Thanks” … 12, “he’s a little narcissistic” … 8 and “he’s a good boy”…a lot I lost count.

We got to walk in between rows of people, and I had to stop and let babies by in strollers (ha, I am so much taller then those things) and I ended up gaining valuable sidewalk sale maneuvering skills.

The BEST part of the day was when Dad did not hesitate and walked me right into a store.  Before I could just sort of peek in, and now he was not hesitating at all.  I got to go into my first cooking STORE PEOPLE!

IMG-20130518-01057The next thing I know people in green aprons started really admiring me.  I heard Mom tell the helper at Williams Sonoma, Santa Monica it was OK to give me a snack.  “Snacks are the best thing in the world.”

But by this time I was starting to get tired.  Dr. Palmquist said my new vitamins might make that happen since I don’t remember ever getting tired in the middle of the day before.

I thought nothing of it to just lie down in the middle of the store.  However, I could see Dad was getting a little annoyed with me as I was starting to stretch out and people were having to walk over me.

All of us finally got home and boy I was tired out, with the combination of the medicine and all the attention I just needed to chill out.

I was just happy of all the loves, hugs, and attentions.  Dr. Palmquist said it right yesterday that dog is just GOD spelled backwards and that’s why I sometimes think I know everything but that’s why God gave me Mom and Dad to keep me humble most of the time.

Punky Goes to the Farm while Mom and Dad go to Auntie Marjorie’s in New Jersey

IMG-20130512-01043I was bummed that I did NOT get to go to Auntie Marjorie’s house.  I wanted to play with my cousins Bliss, AKA the little polar bear dog that never stops licking, and Reeses, AKA the barker dog who always wants to be petted.

Although they are MUCH smaller than me, I knew we’d have fun terrorizing Aunt Marjorie’s clean house and upsetting all the furniture and antiques she so nicely places on all her furniture.

I saw Mom and Dad packing my things, but then overheard them saying something about me going to the country (??)  What is that about?  Then I heard them saying I would not do well in the cargo and going to NJ may be a bit much for my anxiety level.  That may be true but why can’t I sit in the plane with them?  I deserve to have a ticket since I am an important part of this family, aren’t I?

IMG_5594Anyway, this big white van came to pick me up and off to the country I went.  I got to play with other dogs, and discovered some other animals I did not know about – I overheard the lady Julie calling them chickens, and horses.  I played in lots of areas around the farm and then had my own bed at night.  Mom and Dad sent my own little blanket so I would not get too homesick.

I came home tired from all the play, and am so happy to be home in my own bed.  I need Mom to cover me up if the covers come off in the middle of the night.

Hopefully one day I’ll get to meet Aunt Marjorie, Bliss and Reeses but for now a cross-country flight may be more than my puppyness can handle.  Maybe Aunt Marjorie will have to come to California to meet me since she won’t have to sit in cargo like me.  Life’s just not fair sometimes….

My Routine is Off and Now They are Going Away

photo-1It’s been a hard week. I’ve been to the 2 new daycares and don’t really care for either one.  Mom told Dad I’ve regressed  which I think is normal given my situation, but Dad has tried to step up my training.  He’s really pushing all my buttons and it’s just not right.

To make matter worse, I’ve heard rumors that Mom and Dad are visiting Grandma in New Jersey for Mother’s Day and I don’t get to go with them.  I’m not happy about that!  I’ve been discriminated against for my weight and now I’m too big to fly across the country?  I can fit nicely in those airline seats thank you very much.

Dad had to pick me up some new luggage for my food for wherever they are sending me and when he came home with it I was pleasantly surprised.  I got my own Martha Stewart dog bag so I promptly stole it and ran down the hall.  Mom said it was too nice for me, and wanted it for herself.  Dad said it was on sale.  I wonder if Martha will let me be on her show with my bag.

Well, I have to get going.  No time to write since I have to pack enough food in my new bag for the outing.  No dieting for me.  Please send some scooby snacks since I’m always up for eating, no matter what time of day or night.

I’m A Bit Stressed With this Interviewing Process

imagejpeg952This dog interviewing process is killing me.  Thank goodness I do not have to wear a tie!  And if I hear the parentals tell me one more time to be on my best behavior I am going to have a serious melt down.

We all know I am still trying to deal with my rejection from the mean place Centinela Pet and Feed Supplies on Pico.  However, I am working through it so don’t worry too much.  The wonderful lady who took care of me, Francine, sent me a nice card that they missed me.  I miss Francine!

I do appreciate all the notes and calls and checking in on me.  I think this fawning all over me makes Dad a little jealous and I love it.  So keep it up.

I was accepted to a place  called the Wags club that has a big outside area and I liked it even though Dad compared it to high school.  I was the new kid on the block and I can hold my own but it was still scary.

Of course Mom was very nervous but we all got through it.  They were very LA and gave me a swag bag.  Unfortunately it was made for a little dog as the chew stick was the size of a pencil and I completely shredded the ball in less then 2 minutes.  Come on you fancy pants places get your swag right for us big dogs!  I ran around a lot though and it was fun.

This weekend was challenging since we had three appointments to “interview” me again.  I think this process makes Dad want to move out of LA and raise me on a farm.  Don’t know how I would feel about that as I love people too much and being on a farm might be great but oh so isolating.

OK, back to my story.  The first appointment was a home visit.  A nice man named Brent Rice from my puppy class when I was about 9 weeks came to see about setting up a program of training and exercise.  What training?  I think that means more commands but I know how that works…you do what they say and you get the treats.  And I love scooby snacks so it was okay.  I really liked him but he is very busy right now so next month we will hang out together.

Next we had an appointment at Pet Smart, Pet Hotel.  It was one of those big commercialized places that look all shiny and new.   It was a bit small for my size.  Remember I have lots of energy and need to run.

I knew this one wasn’t going to work all that well by the look on Dad’s face.  First he said to the lady, “you do realize Perry would take that mop and drag it all around your small room. “   Dad was throwing me under the bus – not too cool.

Next we were shown the private rooms that were the size of a bathroom but they did have a nice flat screen TV.   Then parentals just said on the way out it was an emergency only place.  I do wonder what channels they let us watch?

IMG-20130428-01006Next we went to Two Hands Four Paws, which specializes in animal rehabilitation.  They do have some day care but mostly for dogs about 50 pounds are less.  Gosh, what is up with the weight issues? Oh I forgot we are in LA, where Mom says everyone is concerned with his or her weight.  I think I’m just fine so not sure what the big deal is?

They had this cool huge pool you can swim in and underwater tread mills.  Dad was excited and on the way out said, if we have people over we can tire him out by having him go into the pool.  He makes me crazy; maybe he needs to be dumped into the pool.   If I ever have an injury Mom says this is the place to go.

Next we took a breather and went to the office.  I love going there and I hear that if I am really good I will be visiting a little bit more.  Keeping my paws crossed.

Perry Goes to the Apple Store

appleperryjpg“Where are we going, what are we doing? “ This is how I greet the morning.  I love the morning time.  It is a fresh start with new, exciting possibilities.  Of course like all my mornings, I lie in wait for the parental units to stir.  I am on to them as they try their hardest not to cause a commotion but it doesn’t work.  I know when they should get up!

I came up to Dad’s side of the bed and pressed my nose and gave him my own morning breath.  “Where are we going today?”  I have to ask now since I know we are no longer going to “the day’s” so I’m still not sure what each day will look like.  It’s a little challenging for me but I’m trying to get used to the new schedule.

We tried a new day care 1 day this week with lots of dogs and it was okay but I’m not sure about it yet.

Dad gave me a quick pat on the head saying, “Punkeeey, we’re going to the Apple store.” Of course I got excited, as I love apple cores and thought to myself:  Wow!  It was too early for an apple but I am not going to pass one up.

The next thing I know is we were all in the car and I still had not had my apple.  What?  A car ride before my fiber intake?

We hit the freeway and since Mom was in my spot in the car I had to be sequestered to the back seat.  I was not impressed.  But what happened next made my very happy!

We got out of the car and walked down this street with no cars called the Third Street Promenade.  Next we stood by this big glass building, which EVEN had a glass ceiling.  Once inside I saw what humans call Apple.

Apparently our computer called an iMac had an owie and had to be fixed – something about the hard drive being bad.  It had to have a time out for a few days.  I’m glad I am not a computer since I know I could not last that long in time out.

The workers in the Apple Store came up to me and gave me lots of pets.  I love when fans come up to me but this was most excellent.  People were paying me the much-needed attention I require and soak up.  I hope we get to go on more adventures like that.

photoThen later that afternoon Dad and I had to pick mom up from getting her hair cut.  Mom goes to this special place for curly girls called Salon of Curls.   Dad and I have low maintenance hair and from the looks of it Dad’s is going to be the lowest soon with no hair.  I was happy since I got to see Auntie Kym.  I don’t care much that she specializes in cutting curly girl’s hair and using Deva Hair care products.  All I care about is that she loves me and gives me special loves and pets in her salon by the beach.

It was very cool to hang out and see all the surfers come back from the waves.  I could smell the beach but we did not take a walk, which did not matter at all to me today.  All in all, I had an excellent day with new and old friends.  If I continue to get out and about there is nothing to complain about.

Life is good!

Emotional Animal Cruelty…that’s my Story and I am Having to deal with it.

photoI was so glad it was Friday.  Dad was taking me to the “day’s” as he calls it and I was going to hang with my buddies Francine, Terry, Esmeralda and the manager Rollie all day at Centinela Feed and Pet Supplies on Pico Boulevard.

Dad had a photo shoot in Malibu and Mom was speaking to a group of doctors on gestational diabetes so I was glad to go to my second favorite place.

I have been going there almost a full year with a few of my other big dog friends – Xahri and Kaydon and we are all called the “grandfathered in club.”

Next thing I know Dad and I are cruising down Pico with no traffic, and I was hanging out the window with my face in the wind!  I know the way there, so as we got past the 405 I start whining and bouncing around since we could not get there fast enough!

FINALLY we got there and Dad and I go in and all of a sudden the manager tells Dad I can’t come there anymore.  WHAT!!  What is going on?  This must be a really bad dream but I think I’m awake?

Let’s just say I did not hear the rest of it because as the manager went on I got scared of his voice.  Dad knew I was not ok and took me in another room.  I tried to look through the glass but the conversation went out into the store.

Apparently they are changing their policy to no dogs over 35 pounds.  What!!  Since I’m almost 75 pounds I would have to go on a crash diet and I don’t think Mom would approve of that.  What went wrong?

I play with small dogs all the time.   I love all dogs.  Why are they discriminating against me?  I don’t understand.  I’m so sad.

Dad was beyond irritated since the management had been planning this for a few months.  And now there is no time for me to find my new digs.

Later in the day Dad had a conversation with the main district manager Molly.  She was not sympathetic to having my life and routine completely disrupted and said I could “visit” if I wanted to.  What?  I’m told I cannot see my friends again, I’m too big to be there, but I can visit (?)

Dad was upset since I was supposed to be able to go there forever since I was grandfathered in.  I was there from the beginning.  I think it put Dad over the edge but I was the one who was in the middle of a nightmare.  Remember I don’t like my routine disrupted.  I’ve been training the parental units since the beginning so this is a big cramp in my schedule.  It even says on their web site on in West Los Angeles they take dogs of all sizes so is that false advertising?

Yesterday we had three appointments to try to find a new place for me.  The parental units were on it.  All life stopped and it was Defcom in the house:  phone calls, computers, websites and a control center of activity.

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The first appointment was by my old digs.  At first, I got excited and thought maybe there is hope but no cigar.  It seemed clean and people were nice enough.

I got checked for fleas and diseases and apparently passed the test.  Then they put me in a room by myself and then brought in a few dogs one at a time.  I was sort of okay till they put me in a big room I had not seen before and that’s when I freaked out and starting running all over and barking.  I wanted out!  This was not my place and I think I had a full-blown panic attack so Dad got me out and we left.

Next we went to these two houses in Venice.  That was a mess because I am just too big and it would not work for people who just take in small dogs.

What is going on with the hunt for a new place…it is really that difficult to find?  Maybe Dad was right when he told that lady Molly it was going to be difficult to find a spot where I could thrive and feel safe.

Dad always says our worst day is someone’s best day and that puts it into perspective so I guess I’ll have to trust it will all be okay.   We got up and went for a walk on the beach this morning.  I think it calmed us all.  We are a family and no matter what we will make it.

I guess this is what life is about…change, and opportunity for growth.  I just wish my big growth was not costing me so much.

I Relapsed and Need Paper Rehab

I hear voices and they are saying something about “Paper Rehab?”

Dad is always saying to people, “when you think you can trust Perry that is when you can’t.”

photoLet me tell you people I showed him.  Of course I was not getting nearly enough attention and affections to my liking.  Dad was off doing something on the computer.  Those parentals are always doing something on the computer.  Well, it was quiet on the fore front so I slowly pushed the bathroom door open with my paw and snuck in there.

After I found the mecca of TP, I just could not help myself.   I kept hearing the occasional “Perry what are you doing?”  But of course no response…next time I will know to come out and check on him so he will leave me alone with my addiction.

The next thing I see Dad sneaking down the hallway.  I was caught, but I did not run in fear.  You see, I knew he would have to go get that iphone thing and take my picture.  He needs to go to rehab for that addiction.

OK people, it is going to be one of those days so I must get going.  I will keep you posted if I find some more trouble to get into.

I did hear that Mom is going to make some treats.  I guess they are doing a healthy cookie recipe book and they may include a dog treat recipe especially for me.  That ROCKS!

I’m Crazy for Coconut Oil

photoAs you all know I have many of my favorite foods but did you know that one of my most favorite things to lick off Mom’s hands is coconut oil?

Mom likes to stir fry her broccoli in it at night or her morning eggs, but my favorite part is when she puts it on her arms and legs.  I LOVE to lick it off her feet.  I’m not so sure she likes that part so this morning she let me lick my OWN packet of coconut oil from her favorite company Kelapo.

Mom used to blog for them and make up fun recipes for me to get the scraps  but it does not matter to me.  All I care about is getting some of my OWN to lick.  I got some extra this morning since Mom put it on the owie growth that is not going away in between my toes since coconut oil has healing properties – now they just have to figure out how to get me from licking it off so it can actually work….

My Sunday Beach Walk…

IMG-20130108-00922I had another great day in this land of Santa Monica!   This morning I was a little tired so I let the parental units catch some extra winks but I could not take it anymore.  It was a little chilly and crawling under the cave thing was just too difficult.  First I went to Mom’s side but then I thought it would be so cool to wake up Dad.  Maybe the dude will take me on that awesome beach walk again.

I was very quiet and went up real close – like nostril to nostril.  Nothing happened (?)  He just slept through or was he pretending?  Again, I breathed a little harder this time making sure he knew I was gracing his presence.   He was pretending cause I saw that left eye open just a little.  I caught him and he knew it.

He opened his eyes and smiled, “hey Punky – what’s up?”  Then he got up and wanted me to go outside.  NOT! I jumped up right in his spot  and pushed myself onto Mom on the bed – the ultimate payback!

Finally, they both got up and we all ate and got into the car.  We finally got to that cool place again and I could sure smell the ocean.  I think I got a little too excited though.  I have picked up this thing called whining when I want out of the car to check out what’s going on.  Also, Dad says I am getting a sas mouth every time they do something I don’t like or approve of, I just yawn and make a semi loud noise which drives him crazy….so I guess I am doing my job – the puppy is not gone yet!

Here’s me waiting to go on the walk since I walk too fast for Mom to take a picture at the ocean  - hopefully one soon…

Happy Spring and Easter!

photoThings are just cruising along nicely this week.  Dad has been busy with his Photography class and clients, Mom is preparing to be interviewed on TV,  and I have been experiencing this thing called Easter.  Boy do I wish I could we could have that everyday.  Today all of us got up early and went for a long walk by the beach and Santa Monica Pier.  I love all the attention from my fan base.  I was a little frustrated that Dad would not let me run and chase these things he called rats with wings.   I think they are called pigeons and they would just taunt me by walking all around me and slowly just out of leash reach.

Because of this special day, the parental units gave me a new food to try out called Nulo, which I might add is not only very healthy but also rather tasty.  I hear they may be letting me have more of it.   But everything has to pass mom’s test of health.

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Plus I continue to get my daily dose of marrowbones, which I cannot complain about.  When I nudge dad with my noise making toys he asks me if I need a baby-sitting snack?  OF COURSE I DO!  I am the equivalent to the canine garbage disposal.  I love the snacks and treats.  However, I still get into trouble if I try to do a self-service snack on the counter.

On a bummer note, my aunty Francine, at “the Day’s” that Dad nicknamed for my puppy daycare at Centinela Pet and Supplies, found a owie on my toe.  Dad is making me go to see my vet Dr. Annie Hernandez at Santa Monica Pet Center tomorrow.  She took good care of my predecessor the famous George.  It’s a good things she’s nice and sweet since I’m like most men in that I don’t like going to the doctor.  I guess I have to be thankful I have nice people watching out for my every need.  I love you Aunty Francine.

OK people,  sending you bunny thoughts and chocolate kisses.