Category Archives: Healthy Puppy Food

My First Dinner Party

photoI am writing this with “I’m in the doghouse look on my face.” I will share with you what happened and do some explaining.

I knew things were heating up in the kitchen when Dad started on Thursday working with lots of pots and pans – you know we have a lot of those sorts of things around our house. The aroma was so wonderful and I sat patiently waiting for the occasional treat. This continued onto Friday and I knew something was up as Mom was also involved.

Saturday morning rolled around and I knew I needed to lay low as the table was set with fancy stuff and I heard that all of the hoopla was about a dinner party.

Oh no, were the parentals going to ship me out for the night? It would be a bummer if I could not patrol for the morsels, which might be accidentally dropped by the guest and filling up my perpetual hunger.

I “assisted” in the kitchen while Dad did his thing cooking and tasting.  He was cool even letting me have a treat here and there with not much training – I was in heaven!

Mom went to the Farmers Market at Virginia Park as usual but this time she came back with a GIANT box of large, organic strawberries.

Even I know you should eat organic strawberries as nonorganic strawberries have thin skins and are full of pesticides. For sure that is one fruit that is very important to eat organically.

OK, so the next thing that happened was apparently the start of a slippery slope of trouble.  Mom went to a business meeting, which just left Dad and I to our own devices.

Of course I was a barking storm because the neighbors just got a new dog and it was in my driveway.  So I am going to blame that dog Henry for my behavior.  Anyhow I was in a rage barking and Dad was trying to cook.  The guests were coming and it was crazy with the new canine in my territory.

I finally calmed down and was watching Dad wash 24 of the most beautiful strawberries.  They are my favorite and I usually get the stems but these huge berries grabbed my attention.  Dad was meticulously making them perfect because Mom was going to dip them in dark chocolate for the guests.  I heard her say they are high in phytochemicals whatever those are.  Of course Henry was back outside and I was not pleased, Dad went to the back of the house to get something and yep you guessed it:  I ate all 24 organic strawberries in a quick moment.  All the while Dad was praising me because I was no longer barking. “Good boy, Perry for not barking.” Little did he know I was chowing down…

When I saw his face I realized I better give myself a time out and headed for my crate.   When Mom got home I heard the Dad say, “You need to deal with your dog.”  I was in trouble and thought for sure I was not going to be part of the party.

I lucked out because I got to experience my first dinner party with people.

Of course the parentals had me on the “short leash” but I was still trying to be good.  Everyone loved me and said how beautiful and wonderful I was.  I tried to avoid Dad because if I was on his side of the table he would make me lie down.  Nonetheless, I was glad I had not been banished to my crate.

Finally, I just couldn’t contain myself when they brought out the cheese.  You know I have a little bit of a drooling problem. Well as everyone was talking about the cheeses I planted my drooling head right down on the table.  Apparently I looked like, The Walking Dead, a zombie of sorts and this made Dad shout crate.  I knew I had pushed my limits.

Fortunately I have forgiving parents and they let me out to say goodbye to our dinner guests.  I even put my paw out to shake when they left without anyone asking.

I did feel a little bad for my unruly behavior.  As Mom and Dad were washing up I thought I would pay Dad back for embarrassing me.  Gosh parents just seem to not realize that their actions can cause us kids to be embarrassed…so I completely dismantled the chair by moving the cushions around, laid down and said my peace.

Lots of love and healthy eats to you all!

I LOVE the Weekend!

photoThat is right folks – there is nothing more relaxing than chilling with my home pack and getting the extra Scooby Snacks I so deserve.

There seems to be a peace about the parentals being home, food smells in the air and it being overcast.  Granted it is 70 plus degrees and there seems to be no winter.  I feel for all my relatives who live in the since I am NOT good in the cold.

I still get cold at night and have to be covered up a few times.  I sure do have them trained, but I overheard Mom saying if I wake her up one more time at 3 am I’m going to have to go to the crate – apparently she needs her sleep time more than me.

Nonetheless, the weekend has been pretty great.  Last week was the usual workweek and trying to get projects done.  I hung out at my program and even got a “shampoo & set” so I would be fresh.  Apparently my dog essence was a little bit much for the Frebreze-crazed father of mine.

Friday the parentals went to Beverly Hills to do some work stuff.  Can you believe they did not even get me one of those cute Sprinkles cupcakes I so love?  However, they did get me this cool green bone, which I love thrusting at Dad.  I did hear the next time they may take me to that fancy city.

Then on Saturday it was an outing at Frontrunners to get Dad some much-needed tennis shoes (not sure why since he does not even play tennis) and the Great Earth Vitamin Store.  Mom is always educating about healthy supplements and how they help with everything from nerves, to anxiety and hormones.  We try to be a healthy family, although I don’t think I’m the most compliant one in the family given all “extras” that end up in my mouth throughout the day.  I tend to sneak things and have a bit of what Mom would call “disordered eating.”   Maybe I should go to one of those conferences with her instead of having to stay home!!

Today there was what they call home “training time.”  What!  I thought it was the weekend!  Well Dad has this brilliant idea that I am to meet all of the dogs in the neighborhood.  Yep I still have that little problem with having a bark attack when dogs walk by.  His thought was that if I get to know my so-called “friends” that I will sense them and be calmer.   Who is he kidding?

I wanted to send out a Happy Birthday to Grandma Evie since it was a big birthday for her and maybe soon I will get to give her a big birthday hug and kiss.

Later People.

Week of Thanks!

photoGreetings and Salutations People!

I hope this finds each of you well and smiling.  I have been hard at work pulling my fair share of the weight here at Casa de Perry and I have been awarded handsomely.

First and foremost I want to thank all of you my adoring fan base.  This week my numbers were in from my blogs and I am pleased to announce that over 5,800 people read about me from all over the world.

There are too many to list but here are a few…China, Australia, Russia, Europe, Alaska, Fiji and on and on.  Personally I think it is great that I, the one and only PERRY has invaded the world.  To quote an 80’s icon, Madonna, “I want to rule the world.” It looks like I am on my way to doing it!

The best part of it all is that Auntie Mar-jor-ie sent me a care package full of most excellent treats from Zukes for my big 2 year old birthday and they are healthy and grain-free.  I am totally addicted and have to be careful because my counter surfing has increased.  I LOVE THEM!  Mom especially likes them because they are healthy and support optimal health and nutrition.  For all my canine fans out there you have to make your parentals get you some.

I did have to go to the vet this week and get some shots but it was OK and I was a good boy.  They were nice and I got some attention and treats, which are crucial to my existence.  I did misbehave some today and stole pens and glasses a few times (I limit my thieving to those 2 items in the house) and was sent to the crate.

Mom is hoping by my 3rd birthday I will learn to control my impulses to steal since I can’t seem to stop breaking the 8th commandment although I think I have the 9 other’s under control..except the one about coveting.  I’m not sure I could ever get that one under control.  So 8 out of 10 not bad, right?

OK people I need to get going since Dad is not watching and I smell those Zukes treat….

LATER!

It’s all about Birthdays this month!

Yep that’s right folks my birthday was last week and Mom’s is coming up this week.  I have been on my bestest behavior because I heard my other grandparents were coming.  It’s a bummer deal they are not able to come down and meet me this week.  I guess I will have to wait, something I am not all that great about unless treats are involved.

Dad has been doing his usual old man chores around the house and of course I love to follow him with the occasional trouble causing I dphotoo so well.  This past week I found that if I really want his attention while he is on the phone the best method is to stand on the couch.

OK, so while I was resting my eyes taking a chill out from life I heard Dad’s phone ring.  I instantly knew game on…you see he just loathes it when I get up in his action.

First I started with the thrusting a toy into his hand while he is trying to take notes and converse on the phone.  After he brushed me off I knew I had to step up my game.  I stood proudly on the coach looking ever so keen in his direction.  I could see his face turn red but he could only motion for me to move.

That did not stop me as I decided to take the fancy show pillows and toss them off the couch.  His head was going to explode but he could not do anything if he moved closer I would start to bark which only made him become furious, I had the upper hand.  There was no way he was going to win this fight.  Oh no, then I heard him tell the person he had to go and hung up the phone.

“Punky what are you doing”?  I knew I was in trouble when the Punky name gets used.  There I stood trying to look innocent standing on the forbidden couch with show pillows tossed all around.  Next I heard the command “crate” which is my cue for a break from the world but this time I was pumping full of adrenaline and decided to up the odds of a continual fight…

I crawled under the bed, which is a huge NO-NO.  You see once I get under there, I cannot get out and it becomes a challenge because I am so big.

Dad thought he would teach me a lesson and leave me under there but then I turn into a trapped feral cat and panic trying to claw my way out.  Dad finally felt my pain and helped me out but it was an ordeal.  Mom caught us in the act and questioned what on earth were we doing.  Dad just told here, “Perry is looking for bedbugs”.  This made everyone laugh.

Later that night I heard Dad talk about some additional training.  Apparently he met a renowned trainer, David Reinecker,  of Dog Remedy, who is a dog behaviorist and is supposed to be the best.  I’m a bit puzzled why I would need a behaviorist but maybe a few of you can enlighten me.  After all, my behavior has gotten so much better – even I’m surprised at myself.  I’m not sure Dad would agree.

As for everything else Mom did another Motivational Interviewing Training at the Brentwood Presbyterian Church to help people with behavior change and communicating – maybe Mom and the dog behaviorist should do Motivational Interviewing trainings together and leave us dogs alone.

I think I hear the cheese drawer opening and that means SNACKS!   See ya later People.

It’s my Birthday Week…

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Yep that’s right folks – it is my birthday on the 9th and I will be TWO years old.  I keep hearing people say that is the age when I will finally calm down.  Yeah right, not in my sort of breed as the 2 year mark is actually 3 or 4 years.

I love this fact because it just gives Dad even more angst then he already has.  However, I am still the perfect dog in the evenings, as I love to cozy up with people on my chair.

Also, I am getting better with giving myself timeouts when I do something really bad.   I figure I should give myself a head start so when I misbehave I just go to the crate myself to save time since I know I’ll end up there anyway.

My latest antics have to do with the fact that I am just a little over zealous with my protective instincts.  When other dogs and people come too close to the house, I have been known to bark and Dad calls it Cujo chaos.

Anyways, when it has been a high traffic day outside Casa de Perry I get on the parentals’ nerves a little too much.

For example, the other day I was doing my house monitoring and peeking through the blinds (I have to people since someone broke into the neighbors house when she was inside the house) and people with dogs were cruising on my side of the street.

I even have the outside people trained that when they get to our house they go across the street to continue their walks.  Yep, I have the power and apparently this is not a good trait to have.

Better yet, I am now starting to know the outside people’s schedule because I am nosy and king boss of the street.  Mom’s new nickname for me is Gladys Kravitz?  Who’s that?

So now when the peoples cross the street I give them the royal treatment of my bark fest.  Even though I know I am in trouble and run to my crate I just can’t help myself.  I figure I have to continue my warning of “get off my lawn.”

My friend Ciara laughs at me  – she said my bark is ferocious but then I’m sweet once you get inside the house – they say my bark is bigger than my bite but I’m not sure exactly what that means (?)

I hear we are going to have company soon.  I’m very excited since I finally get to meet my other grandparents who are coming next week.  I have already been warned to be on my best behavior since Grandpa Dopart might take me on a few walks and Grandma Dopart might bring me some treats! 

OK, back to sun myself outside, as the weather is especially warm today.  I hear it is brutal back east.   Please stay warm my Eastern fans and family.

Peace and don’t forget my birthday!

My Own Wrecking Ball

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Well Christmas came and went and I survived being away from the parental units.  Yep I survived…I did run a lot and lost a few pounds (Mom says I’m “insulin-sensitive vs. her and Dad being “insulin-resistant” so I lose weight quickly – once again another way canines are the preferred species).

Now I am back home eating like a champ to get my fighting weight back on since I did get a little skinny.  Unfortunately, it is not by eating junk food as Mom has a close eye on my healthy treats.

Southern California’s weather has been a bit schizophrenic with one day like summer and the next winter but it doesn’t matter since my life of luxury continues.  However, being away and sleeping in a confined space I am sure glad I am home with my big comfy chair.  I like the country but I like the comforts of home.  That said the parentals did bring me a gift, which I love, a Harry Barker toss and tug rope toy.  Mom thought it would be good for me since it’s made of cotton and is free of bad things that make canines sick.

photoWhy do I love my new toy so much?  Because apparently Dad was not thinking of the damage this toy can cause.  When I am bored I rummage through my toy box and bring toys to Dad.

I usually wait until he is on the phone or doing something important.  I then come to him running with toy in mouth and try and thrust it into his hands.  This method gets him going and he usually ends up playing tug of war, WHICH I LOVE PEOPLE!

This gets Mom a little irritated  and she usually says, “no playing in the house Jeffrey Michael.”   When the middle name is used it means trouble.  Perry 1 and Dad a big fat 0.

OK, sorry I digressed  – so they got me a rope toy with a hug ball on the end.  They thought I would just chew on the ball and Dad would pull by the handle.

Seriously?  I am all about holding onto the handle and shaking my head all around so the ball hits everything.  That’s right folks – my own wrecking ball…Miley Cyrus has nothing on me.

I do know how to behave – it’s just whether I decide to do it and how many walks Dad decides to take me on to tire me out.

Catch you after the first of the year.  Remember my 2 year old birthday is less then two weeks away so that limits your shopping days.

Peace and good Health in 2014!

Merry Christmas People…

photo-3Tis the season to be Jolly – at least that is what I am hearing lately.  I find it a season of good treats and extra pets.  As with all of my weekly adventures, Mom and Dad have kept me busy and out in public, which I LOVE.

We had an important meeting with a top couture designer in Santa Monica, Hanna Hartnell, who made Mom’s wedding dress and is now making warm clothes for all breeds of dogs, large and small.  Since I am big and am cold a lot of the time I was am the perfect candidate to try to model her new line for dogs.  You know I honed in my modeling skills with the Gluten-free cookie book, A Healthy Baker’s Dozen.

On the way to our appointment, I had to be on my best behavior as we walked through Fred Segal and every one of course checked me out and you all know how much I love that.  My favorite part was when a little fan wanted to give me some love.  I was very good and just let the little girl pull on my ears and play with my short tail.

photo-4Then we met with the designer lady, Hanna and she was of so nice.  She is used to dogs since she has her own named Biscuit who she calls the butler since he shows everyone into her studio.

She has some very tasty treats and as you all know I love good treats.  We tried on a lot of outfits in a variety of colors and patterns and it was pretty cool.  Of course I love making Dad on edge and kept him on his toes.  Here I am showing off the cool velvet neck on each one.  I decided I liked the red one the best and it had a cool green neck to match!

photo-2At the end of the day I was polite and did my best.  Remember Santa is coming in a few short days!  I’m excited since Hanna is making me something warm for my stocking so hopefully I won’t have to wake up the parentals in the middle of the night to cover me up.

OK, I need to get going.  Wishing all of you a wonderful and safe Christmas!

Pre-Christmas Car Shopping

Today was fun but I had to be on the best behavior as the parentals were a little on edge.  You see Mom’s car is very old and even with very low miles it is just too small for her and especially for ME so we all had to go car shopping.  Anyway that is what we did today…boring just driving cars, but not really go anywhere interesting.  The Volvo dealer was the most fun, since Julio was nice and gave me the loves and pets I deserve.  Max helped Mom with answering all her questions about a car since she is so concerned about safety.

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But enough of that – let’s talk about ME.  I have been on my best behavior and have not gotten into too much trouble this past week.  I do get a little out of control when other dogs walked in front of my house.  My ferocious bark continues to annoy Dad to the point I see his veins pop out of his neck.

It has been busy with all of the parental’s book work as they are getting ready to print a few real copies of the gluten free cookie book, A Healthy Baker’s Dozen, so that will be available soon.  I never understood what the ebook thing was anyway.

This week is going to be busy and it is not about Christmas shopping.  Dad is working too much and it is HIS birthday, but more importantly I hear Santa comes soon.  I have made a list of the toys I would like but my list is a little heavy on the snacks.  Hopefully Santa will fill my stocking with treats and more treats.  No coal here…I have been perfect…that’s my story and I am sticking to it.

OK, Dad wants to do some training now and it involves cheese so I MUST GO!

Later People.

 

Montana Ave Holiday Walk…A chilly evening in Santa Monica

IMG-20131206-00154I just have to tell each of you that I had a FANTASTIC night last evening at the Montana Ave. Holiday Walk.  It was even better then that thing called Halloween and I did not have to play dress up.  The other cool thing was Auntie Robin and Uncle Darrell came with me so my pack was bigger than usual.

The best part was all the treats, stares and adoration I received.  Dad said it was more then nauseating but his Downer Dad syndrome did not take away from my glorious time.

As with all my outings there is too many to count…”gorgeous, magnificent, stunning, etc.”  I love it because Dad has to be polite back and engage with my fans.  He said his favorite comment was when a big burly man came up to us and said, “that is the first real dog I have seen here tonight.”

Of course my favorites are the little children who want to pet and touch my ears.  I try my best to be nonchalant and not scare them too much with my size because some could ride me like a horse.  Enough about my fans lets get back to my adventures.

IMG-20131206-00148We first went to Palmetto and got a candle.  I just love that store since it has lots of smells and the staff are so polite with chatting me up.  It was a little crowded but we managed and I did not break anything.  Of course the parental unit had me on a tight leash.

Then we walked up and down the street, hearing the sounds of Christmas and smelling all the wonderful treats.   I tried real hard to eat the ones dropped on the sidewalk but you know those parents of mine always wanting to make sure that I get my proper balance of proteins and healthy carbs…I guess popcorn and cookies are not in that category.

IMG-20131206-00161Then we went to Mom’s and my favorite store – Williams Sonoma.  I just love all the culinary delights in there.  Since we are a cooking family and our new Gluten-free Cookie eBook, A Healthy Baker’s Dozen, depleted our baking supplies we needed to stock up.  The more important thing is they had SNACKS!  My new friend Gloria spent extra time giving me love and pets.  I think she paid more attention to me then the customer…my Mom.  I for sure will be going back to that store.

I did meet some new friends on the walk and it was fun.  Of course we ran into some uptight dogs that just were not too friendly and barked at me but I just walked on by because no one was going to dampen my evening out.

Finally we went to the cool pet store called To Wag For and it was crowded at the door by the humans wanting snacks.  What?  This is my store and I just barged right in.  It was great because Dad had to do all of the apologizing….I was on a mission…snacks and toys.  Santa came early and I got a Doggles Sillypulls and the nice lady  Jean gave me a treat.

As we walked back to the car I was a little tired and cold.  Dad said I was good and that made me happy.  I love my family and these things we call the holidays are a great time because you get to count your blessings and spend time with your loved ones.

I’m Featured in A Healthy Baker’s Dozen: gluten-free low sugar cookies

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This thing called Thanksgiving was pretty cool and as with the rest of my pack I am thankful for a bounty of food.  What I did like most about it was that the parental units were home for 4 days so I got a lot of my deserving attentions and affections.  However, I did miss my buddies at my day program just a little.

Just because I got to lounge around for 4 days does not mean Mom and Dad did.  There were going non stop and up at all hours.  You see we finished up with the gluten-free cookie book, A Healthy Bakers Dozen, which I am the star of I might add.  But what was really cool is it was uploaded for Cyber Monday but made it up on Amazon on Black Friday. Remember there is a dog cookie in there with my picture so be sure to look at that one first!

I am proud to say my parentals are now the authors of three books and I hear there are more in the works.  I just hope the next one has some food in it as I did like clocking all the hours in the kitchen with this last book.

I did not get into too much trouble this past week, though Dad was on my case because I just love to run in the mud and it rained a few days.  Yep – that is right I paid him back with running in the house with mud on my feet.  I thought he needed a little exercise…smile.

I may have landed a gig as a model for dog clothes, which I am ambivalent about since I am not too fond of playing dress up but I hear this is a top designer so who knows?  You might be seeing me as a super model, so stay tuned for this one folks since it could be really BIG.  I am just saying Dad better make sure there are treats in my contract.

OK folks stay cool and remember there is only a few more shopping days until Christmas.