Tag Archives: feeding your healthy puppy

Perry’s Vacation

photo-1I know, I know it has been a long time but I just have to tell you that it is because I went on VACATION people!

It was so much fun, I just don’t know where to start…

As you might remember my vacation did not get off to a stellar start since I pulled Grandma down in the parking lot and all.  However, it did get much more exciting after that.

When I got to the Grandunits ranch things got much happier.  The parentals had left and I was free to relish in the country and the joys of being spoiled.

Grandpa B put out a fence so I was able to not get lost.  It was so cool because I figured out how to open the door and go outside ANYTIME I wanted.  So they just left the door open and I went to and fro.  IT WAS AWESOME.  Yeah like that will ever happen here at my house!

Next I got to hang out at a real day school  – Thousand Hills Pet Resort – in the country where all the dogs ran around, hung out and just got to play in the dirt – no concrete play yard there.  I cannot wait to go back there!

Now you all know how much I love food.  I felt like I was at a 5 Star hotel.  The Grandunits know how to make a spread.  I was so spoiled that I even got a bedtime cookies.

I did get into trouble a few times…it is apparent I am not a cat person.  As much as I would like a little fluffy friend I just cannot resist chasing them around.  But for the most part I was puppy perfect.

However, I have to admit I did miss Mom and Dad just a little, and the next thing I knew we pulled up in the truck I love so much and I saw my car!

I waited nicely and got out of the truck with my no pulley collar…yep folks…I am a reformed grandma puller.  I have learned my lesson.

Well I saw Dad and was excited to see him, but knew it was afternoon snack time so I would catch up with him later.  The next thing I know is Dad is trying to grab my back leg.  What, postponement of snack?

Yep, problem was my back leg has a huge owie on it.  The joint is swollen with an abscess or something and I have a skin problem.  I heard them talking about maybe a staph infection.  Great- another visit to the doctor’s…but hey this is my SLO doctor, Dr. Linda Powers at San Luis Obispo Veterinary.  She is awesome and a funny lady.  Plus I was able to stock up on one of my favorite snacks, Hypoallergenic Treats, by Hills.  Yummy.

photoFinally after all was said and done Dad and I drove back to the big city.  It was a long drive but we made it.  I was so happy to see Mom and I did a dance around for 5 minutes.

However, I thought I would have the luxury of gently getting back to my routine and was enjoying my time on the back porch.  Two seconds later PITA the squirrel came up real close and started to screech at me.  Game on rodent!  Ever since I got back he has been getting me into trouble as I have been barking up a storm.  Don’t mess with my yard!

Finally, the entire family is busy with getting the electronic gluten-free healthy cookie book ready.  Mom made the Lemon Zesties and dark chocolate truffles again for pictures this week so I was VERY happy being the foodie that I am!

Well, this was a long note but too much to share.  Until the next time we meet….PEACE!

I’m Getting Better and Here’s my Report Card

203I’m 20 months old right now and Mom says she can’t wait till I’m 2.  Auntie Deb in Florida says I will be a great dog at 3 so that makes me excited to get older.

I still have many issues that need what Dad calls “training” but I thought I’d give you a current report card to let you know just how much I’ve improved:

  1. I can do a 10 minute wait for a snack when I want to…yes I drool but can wait even when the parentals leave the room
  2. I’ve slept on the chair in the living room all night by myself for at least a week without waking up Dad till 6:30 am
  3. I rode in Mom’s car this week and behaved myself the whole time
  4. I have not shredded toilet paper for a week (although I did get into some paper towels – I guess I still need paper anonymous)
  5. I’ve never to this day had an accident in the house and always go potty outside.  This is old news as I was fully potty-trained at 8 weeks.  I guess you could say I am an overachiever but only with things I want to do
  6. I always eat my vegetables without a complaint and my favorite is broccoli
  7. I went to see a new friend Koby yesterday and played very nicely with him at his casa – Dad made us look cartoon-like to be funny…I kind of like the psychedelic look

I still could improve on car etiquette with Dad, lowering my propensity for counter surfing, and barking too loudly when someone I don’t know walks by the house but for the most part I’m turning out to be a respectable dog.

I always appreciate all my fellow blog friends and invite you to come by and give me treats when you are in the neighborhood.

Peace People!

Chaos Is My Middle Name

photoAgain Mom had one of her trainings in Motivational Interviewing for LA Best Babies this last Friday.  I was bummed out because I was not able to be the greeter, as we all know I do flawlessly.  I ended up spending the day at The Wags Club.

But that is not the half of this week’s plight people!

Here’s the rundown:  on Thursday night we were all getting ready for bed.  I am growing up so after I go outside to do my nightly business I come back in and hang out in the living room.  The parentals no longer tell me to get in my bed.  Really what happens is they go to bed and shut off the lights.  I get scared and come into the room and crawl into my bed all by myself.

Well you will not believe what happened!  Mom was washing her face and Dad and I were almost asleep.  Mom came into the room and woke Dad up saying someone was trying to get in the front door.   Of course curmudgeon Dad responds with no worries – the alarm is on.  Then all of a sudden there was a loud noise.  I was not having that and ran out of the room with Dad in tow.

Dad looked out the window and can you believe who was there?  CHRISTMAS KITTY!  I cannot believe that thing was back and I was not happy because Dad felt sorry for the flea infested thing and went outside to feed it.  I went crazy and am still upset with him.

Upset to the point I was holding a grudge and knew I had to pay him back.  We all know that it is getting darker earlier as the season changes.  We really do not have seasonal changes in LA, but during the wintertime I get up earlier and this morning was no exception.  Of course Dad likes to have Mom have a chance to sleep in a little bit.  But not this morning…

Squeaky squirrel was outside my bedroom window squeaking away.  I had to get outside and so I faked Dad out.  Got outside and he ran to the trees, and next thing you know I am barking full force at 6:30 AM Sunday…why you ask?  Two reasons, the squirrel instigated it and all people need to be on my time!

Low and behold the day of rest turned into a fiasco!  Next the dog from down the street got all in my front yard, which caused me to freak out.  Then Dad is outside once again trying to save another animal.  Then he brings Kojo into the backyard but I was not having any of this.  I was barking, Mom was trying to sleep and Dad was attempting to be a humanitarian.  Needless to say Mom got up and was outside in her PJ’s helping Dad since I had poor “play date behavior.”

Yep – you guessed it.  I got a big “time out,” but right now I am doing pretty good.  Mom is making more cookies for the gluten-free cookbook so that makes everything better, especially since I get to eat all the crumbs that fall on the floor.  I’m excited since my dog cookie is due to be made next weekend so stay tuned!

The Squirrel is trying to make me crazy!

photoI have shared with all of you my plight with the squirrels and birds in our back yard.  They are constantly trying to rile me up and that of course causes me to bark…causing a domino effect of eventually disturbing the neighborhood and of course the parental units.

There is this one specific “friend” of a squirrel I call Squeak who just taunts me, even when I am in the house.

He runs on top of the fence and when I am trying to lounge in the living room he screeches to get my attention and rile me up to come outside and play.  Then when I get outside he runs and hides in the trees.  He tries to be sneaky and lies in wait as I am freaking out and using my outside barking voice.  He is so tricky that he will drop little branches or berries on my nose, which makes it even worse.

Of course Dad just yells and tries to get me to calm down.  Then Squeak starts the chase game by running back and forth of the fence…when I over shoot it he runs back to scream at me to keep it going.

Well now I am determined to get him first, so my new routine is to get outside first thing in the morning and start barking at the trees to see if the rodent will come out to play.

This just infuriates Dad especially when I am barking at 6:15 in the morning.  This morning was great since Dad was whispering for me to get my skinny butt into the house all the while I am barking.  He looked funny in his bathrobe and kept looking up telling me my “friend” was not out there and to get inside now.  I just kept looking up trying to climb the tree.

HA-Dad finally looked up and that my “friend” dropped leaves on his face.

Needless to say the parental unit was not impressed and he too got upset.  The next thing I know is Dad is in the bathrobe with a 2×4 trying to get the thing from yelling at him.  I was the flawless cheerleader as I was barking away.

Then the backdoor flew open and Mom yelled “what is going on?”  It was a priceless morning in the Dopart-Batchelor house.

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.

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.

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!

It’s SO Cold

photo-1This week was tough – it was SO cold in Santa Monica.  I’ve heard there are much colder places but I prefer the warm – remember I have no hair so it’s a challenge.

I graduated to my big boy bed again after many months and I am being much better about going to bed now.  Dad set up a tent so I’m always covered and warm.

Sometimes in the middle of the night the covers come off and I get cold and wake Mom up to cover me up again.

I love the soft feel of the blankets and Mom doesn’t seem to mind too much since I go right back to sleep.  Now that I’m a year old I am becoming a little better each day – I drop things more quickly, I don’t steal quite as often, and I lounge at night instead of running all over the house.  Don’t I look cute in my tent bed?  I have that silky smooth skin still since Dad gives me all those marrow bones high in protein and iron and Mom continues to give me all my omega 3’s.

I DO YOGA

photoMom is amazed at one thing I do do EVERYDAY – maybe multiple times per day.  And what may that be?

I do my downward facing dog pose.  And the best part is I never even had to go to a silly class to learn it – I just do it.  Amazing isn’t it, since I need to be trained to do everything else.

So there you have it.  I guess you humans should do it too since I’m so strong, limber, and can leap over any couch you give me.  Maybe even buildings if I try.

No Stone Unturned

perry_brickI still love seeking attention.  There is nothing better than giving the parental units a run for their money.  No matter how hard I try with getting their attention these days nothing seems to phase them.

Stealing something and running around the back yard does not get the same rile I used to.  However, on occasion when I not the full focus I have to pull out all the stops.  So I just dug this brick out of the patio.

I then proceeded to antagonize Dad but to no avail.  He just got out that silly camera thing to take a picture for all my peeps.  Hope you enjoy my new headshot.  I’m so happy to entertain all of you since Mom and Dad are not as enchanted as they once were.

Today I went to the Farmer’s market and although they don’t let canines visit the beautiful vegetables, I got to run around the park with Dad and picked up a few new admirers!  I guess that makes for a successful weekend.