Category Archives: Healthy Puppy Food

The Weekend Cookie Factory

photoPeople you will not believe what has happened at my house this weekend.  At first I thought it was Christmas and Mom was making cookies for Santa.

The parental units are working on a new short book; it is all about gluten-free healthy cookies.  It seems pretty complicated but the goal is to bring sweets to everyone with healthier alternatives.  I don’t really care all that much except for the last recipe in which I’m featured since it’s a dog cookie with my 2 favorite things – pumpkin and peanut butter – yum!

Mom was in the kitchen for 8 straight hours.  She made 9 of the 13 recipes.  Dad chronicled the entire process for my Facebook fans.  It was a fun day licking up all the crumbs.  What a great life I live!

Some good news to report is the owie on my foot is almost gone.  Those pills the parentals are shoving down my throat must be working.  I have to admit I do feel better and I am pleased to see the happiness on their faces since I’m no longer licking nonstop.

OK, Dad is outside watering and I better make sure he is not getting into trouble like myself.  You see I was a bad boy this weekend and chewed on a lens box and Grandpa Sprawls’ shoeshine brush, but he’s in heaven so he probably does not mind all that much.

One good thing is when I’m bad I know to go into my crate.  I now run to it on command.  Even if the door is shut I can open it and get in.  You see how smart I am.  Dad eventually said he loved me and it made him think of his Grandpa on this Father’s day weekend.  So I guess we’ll all good.

A Very Sad Weekend

photoWell this week I am sorry to report things are pretty sad and emotional for our neighborhood.  It all started on Friday.

Dad is in the Santa Monica College program for photography.  He had finished his finals on Thursday, which means more time for ME.

Then on Friday morning Dad, Mom and I went to see my friend Dr. Palmquist at Centinela Animal Hospital.  We were excited since my owie is getting much better and my immune system is healing itself due to all the supplements I’m now getting.  We learned that my weakened immune system had to do me being taken away from my Mom too soon – 7 weeks and I’m so happy that is better.

We barely got home from my appointment and Dad was getting ready to take me on my walk by his school to celebrate.  I like walking the perimeter of the campus since the students like to give me lots of pets.   Mom was going to go to work so it was just going to be us guys.

As we were ready to leave we heard gunshots.  What was happening?  All of a sudden the helicopters were overhead, police sirens everywhere and complete chaos.  Then the helicopters with load speakers told us to stay in the house.

I know the President was in town but was this part of his visit?  Of course I wanted to go outside and explore but Dad had us locked inside.  He was not messing around.  We were in lockdown.

After hours of the helicopters flying above, people calling to see if we were OK and seeing our house on TV we found out the horrible story of the young man who had problems and unloaded destruction on our town.

The next morning Dad wanted to take me on our walk but the campus was still taped off.  He wasn’t too talkative and I was really good.  I sense it when the parental units are upset.

Then finally this morning we were able to walk around the perimeter of the campus.  It was a solemn walk.

Horrible things happen in life and we always do not know why.   My heart and prayers go out to all of the victims and their families.

Grandparents weekend was Fun!

IMG-20130602-01086I was so happy to have more people in the house – remember the more peeps the better since I get much more attention and the parental units get a little boring, I must admit.

Unfortunately I did get into a little trouble, as I was just so excited to see my Grandma and Grandpa B.  Remember I’m only 17 months old now so I don’t have to act like an adult canine for at least another 7 months.

I kept the parental units up half the night and even tried to trick them a few times by pretending to need to go outside to the bathroom only to try and open the door to where Grandma and Grandpa B were sleeping.  I even tried to sleep under Grandma and Grandpa’s bed, but Mom was not going for that and had to drag me out a couple of times.

We went on a few walks, and ate really good food, since Dad is a good cook in case none of you knew that – I think he’s doing recipes for a new book with something called “one pot meals.”    I don’t care about that since all I wanted was more of those special treats Grandma brought me from Prescription Diet.  They were special since Grandma’s dog Aunt Victoria liked them so I wanted to remember her by eating as many as I could.

I am going to be sad when they leave but I heard Mom and Dad talk about meeting Uncle Pat and Aunt Dianne in San Luis Obispo for a visit.  That means I get to hang out with cousin Maggie AND Grandma.   Mom said I was infatuated with them.  Hey they spoil me and it makes Dad crazy but who cares I am getting more attention and affections than usual.

The sore on my foot seems to be getting worse as I am constantly told to stop licking it.  I have another appointment to see Dr. Palmquist at Centinela Animal Hospital next Friday to see if it is going to be OK or if I am going to require surgery.  Such a dog’s life.

OK, catch you on the other side of the doghouse.

I’m the Star of Dad’s New Movie

Hey we know I am a Star, but boy it is hard work.

It is odd that Dad and I may be cruising down the street in the car and people are calling for me to turn so they can take my photo.  I thought driving and using your cell phone was illegal?

photoBut on to what’s really going on.  Dad has a school project and needs to make a short video using thousands of pictures.  It’s really a hard job, but as always I am up for the task.  However, this was a little more complicated than I initially realized.

First we picked up uncle Andrew and then headed out for the photo shoot. They really worked me.  I had to wait for food and treats.  They even made me get in the cage a few times with that camera thing clicking away in my face for close to 5 hours!  Dad said I was lucky that I did not have to edit and do all the post work too.  Who’s he kidding?  I will have to be on my best behavior while he is working on this project or else I will get the time outs.

Doesn’t he know I am union and should have Kraft services at my disposal?  Maybe this will be a good video for Mom’s promotional stuff.

On that better note the house has been full of great smells.  Mom has been baking up a storm for her new gluten-free cookie book.  It sounds pretty scientific but I don’t care since she has even made me some cookies.  And I LOVE them!  I wanted the chocolate ones but she said that was bad for me so I got the peanut butter pumpkin ones which were really quite yummy.

photo-1On our morning walk today we ran into a couple who informed Dad that their 12-year-old Weimaraner still cruised counter tops, acted like a puppy and ruled the house.  Rats, they took the element of surprise out of my plan.  Cuz I am the dog and rule the house.

Later today I went to visit my lady friend, Viva, who lives in the Palisades and boy is she a looker.  I irritated dad because he could not get a photo of us.  Since this is just a casual thing and not a prom I didn’t think it needed to be posted anywhere on the web.  I want to keep my options open.

OK, I am wiped out by these Memorial Day weekend events.  The parental units work tomorrow so I guess I will be having a holiday all by myself.

Peace out Peeps!

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.

IMG-20130420-00983

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.