Tag Archives: Motivational Interviewing

Almost 7 Year Report Card

Hello Everyone,

It’s getting close to my 7 year birthday – well almost.  I’ll be 7 years old in January and sometimes I act my age but most of the time NOT! It drives the parentals crazy but it keeps me young. Mom has to have headshots in 2 weeks for her new website so she was practicing on me. I don’t like to have my picture taken as opposed to William Wegman’s Weims so she had to do a little convincing for this shot.

So in honor of my almost birthday my report card is as follows:

The things I am better at:

  1. I sleep in till 6:30 or 7 – this is a huge improvement from my 5-5:30 days of young
  2. Walking Mom to the door when she leaves in the am – I give her a sad look but she tells me her patients need her – what about me?
  3. I’m much more cuddly than I used to be but I still choose which days I want to be close or distant
  4. I’m great at communicating my needs!  Mom says it is not in a Motivational Interviewing way since I am not subtle when I want to be fed, covered, etc.

Things I still need improvement on:

  1. Pulling on the leash – I’m not sure this can get better especially if I see a squirrel
  2. Barking at dogs that do their business on my lawn – they are NOT being neighborly and I tell them so
  3. When I want to be covered up with a blanket in the middle of the night I go to one of the parentals and breathe hot panting air in their faces till they get up and cover me
  4. I am still the famous RELOCATOR of items. If I’m mad at Mom I’ll take her shoes in the backyard and hide them; I’ve been known to hide Dad’s wallet on occasion on the patio. I don’t damage anything – I just change the location and of course since I’m “just a dog” I can’t seem to remember where the item was relocated to!

So that’s the report. If you want to know more you’ll have to come for a visit. The weather in Santa Monica has finally become more temperate after our HOT summer weather and fall is finally in the air. Hope you all have a great fall and I’ll be in touch soon!

Love Perry

I’m Still Good for SOMETHING…

IMG_5705Mom had to do something called a WEBINAR for those trying to learn that language she teaches called Motivational Interviewing.  I’m not sure how this is helpful since all I saw her doing was talking to a computer.  Even I can do that without too much effort but if that’s the way people learn I guess it’s a good thing.

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Apparently the organizers of the webinar did not want her to use some of her pictures so I had to step in and make it right.  In motivational interviewing you are supposed to be dancing with your clients versus a tug of war.  Since I frequently dance with Dad that’s a no brainer and I have been known to have a tug of war with him now and then.

We all know dancing is so much easier than fighting but sometimes people forget that concept and resort to trying to tell people what to do.  So if you truly want to learn how to help people this is the language to learn.  Unfortunately it does not seem to work on canines but I’m happy to help out where I can.

Cheers!

Perry

The Year of Traveling

TreeHuggerHello Beautiful People!

Incredible that Trump and his hair thus far are unstoppable. He must be using Aqua-net or like we called it back in the 80’s “Aqua-Rock.” The Bern is an annoying bee to the Hillary and thank goodness I don’t have to choose a bathroom and can just go outside.

I went away to my camp for a few days and when I came back all this media news was a lot to process. I am glad I am not alone and have Mom and Dad to help buffer me from this Worldly Circus we live in. Speaking of Worlds, Mom went to the World Obesity Conference in Canada. I don’t need that type of conference as my metabolism runs like a champ but I realize there are many types of metabolisms and that is why they need Mom to help them.

goatpictureDad became a tree hugger and hugged an 800-year-old tree that is taller than the tower of Pisa. They didn’t even bring me back a t-shirt, but Dad got one from this cool natural foods store called Goats on the Roof.  Fortunately, the goats were on hiatus from the roof the day they went and maybe they went to their own camp. One solitary one was left. Hopefully next time I will get to go and play with the goats.

IMG_4605The parentals went with their good friends Roxanne and George who they visited after the conference.  Roxanne teaches those Motivational Interviewing trainings to humans in Canada.  Remember us canines don’t need motivation, but I still am bummed I did not get to visit them as I heard they like dogs.

The parentals are participating in #TheYearofTraveling – and you should check them out on Facebook and learn about their adventures. If you are not friends with them on FB reach out and if you are not a FB or Instagram user then your can get all the important information from my blog of course.

June gloom is in full force even though we are only in May. It was a breezy 65 degrees in Santa Monica today.

Love,

Perry

A Dog and his Boy

IMG_3336Hello People!

I am pretty tired as I just got back from a long visit at my camp in the country. The parental’s were out and about trying to  impact the world with wisdom about gluten and to speak with relevance to others using Motivational Interviewing.  We all know what happens to me if I eat even a smidgen of gluten – so I’m all about spreading the word about gluten sensitivity.

Mom was speaking to the Intertribal WIC of Arizona and at Hoag Memorial Hospital in Newport Beach. Both groups help women who have diabetes and they want to learn how to truly help others with behavior change. The parentals are always trying to change my walking habits so I don’t pull the leash but I don’t think Motivational Interviewing will help me change my mind about pulling – that is something us Weims just do to annoy our owners.

The weather has been great, a little windy, with the sun out. I have been resting a lot as you can tell by the picture. I am so big and take up the chair that he has to lay on me. It’s a bit crowded but I do like the snuggles.

Till next week’s adventures!

Love

Perry

The Oscars 2016

IMG_3129It was all about diversity or lack of it, which seems to be an issue not only at the Oscars but this election cycle.

I don’t understand too much about that because I look at everyone as a person of worth and love just as long as they are kind to me and give me attention that I deserve. OK, that was my PSA for the week.

As for our reality the parentals are busy as ever. Mom continues to expand her expertise in Motivational Interviewing and coding tapes for fidelity to the language along with helping others understand the importance of behavior change.

Of course Dad has his cranky pants on as it is tax season and he is definitely not effervescent. He gets irritated at me when I steal his pens and lay on all the papers. That’s OK, as I have been getting him back. You see, I have become a master at really making him crazy.

Lately every chance I get I go find Dad’s wallet and take it outside. He literally panicked this week since he thought he lost his wallet. Mom figured it out and told him to search in the backyard.  I’m not sure what the big deal was – I had just put it on the patio in plain sight.  Lately he has been hiding it better from me. It is still nice to know that even after 4 years of hanging out with him I can still make him crazy.

Our weather has been a bit schizophrenic with bouts of warm and cold all mixed up.  Mom usually has her little heater on during breakfast and I’ve been known to “steal” whatever warmth there is – remember I have no hair so I need all the warmth I can get.

As for the weather today we had some June gloom intermixed with 70’s weather which was nice for my walk with Mom before the red carpet began.

Stay safe people and be kind to others.

Peace,

Perry

Tis the Season…

IMG_2883The merry Christmas season is here and I feel lost in all the hustle and bustle.

As always things are moving by quickly and I can barely keep up. I am in the middle of the holiday bloat season or at least that is what I hear Mom blogging about. I love that part of the season especially with all of the cooking and baking going on. Dad and I have been pals with all my little treats and “accident” spills.

He has been hooking me up and I LOVE IT.  He even made Grandma Batchelor’s divinity candy yesterday for the children’s program – WHAT – am I not the child in this family?  At least I got a few little pieces that got dropped but unfortunately I did not get my own serving.  Mom says sugar is not good for my skin and itching but I still think it’s worth it.

This being my 4th Christmas season I am getting seasoned about what this time of the year is all about and what is truly important. It’s about love, life and kindness, and of course good food. The key part of it is how we can encourage and maintain these qualities throughout the upcoming year, and of course health which is important for all my friends.

I know that healthy food and regular exercise will help me feel better as our winter newsletter says, which Mom and intern Liz have been working on.  And I don’t even need an iWatch to tell me to stand up regularly and get exercise because I am always on the go.  I know humans need a reminder as opposed to canines (hence the reason we ARE the better species).

And remember if you want to learn about Motivational Interviewing make sure to sign up now for Mom’s new initial webinar series this Thursday.

It’s been a truly blustery day in Santa Monica and I was hoping Pooh and Piglet would visit.

Peace,

 

Perry

Zade and Me

IMG_2799Halloween came and went and the count down towards Turkey day is on.

Today godchild Zade came over for his first official Trick or Treat outing. He is now walking or should I say running and I had to pull hard on the leash to keep up with him. He was very cute as he was trying to trade what he had for what a person was trying to give him.  I’m hoping his spirit of giving continues so I can have more treats.

Of course I wore my scary skeleton costume that glows in the dark and yes the people wanted pets and gave me the accolades that I so deserve.  I tried to get out of the dress up thing but Dad said if I wanted to go trick or treating with Zade I had to “participate.”

Mom has been working on her MI stuff. She is going to start doing webinars that will help people continue to learn and brush up on there Motivational Interviewing skills from their home. Great idea…learning about reflective listening all the while wearing your pajamas.

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Dad has been busy with long days at work so I have had a chance to go to the club to visit my friends –better than sitting at home since my own company is sometimes boring. However, I can now report I am up to five and half hours by myself not in the crate. I hear them talk about how I am growing up and becoming a big dog.

The weather has been windy in the Santa Monica and the warm temps continue to be in the 80’s so hopefully we will actually have a fall and not just skip to winer.

Oh yeah the time change should be a fun adjustment for the parentals as I am up before the crack of dawn – I figured breakfast now starts at 5 am, right?

Perry

Dad Has lost his Mind!

IMG_2712I had a break from the parental units this past week and it was most excellent. I got to hang out in the country and play/run around with my people. However, as I am getting older (almost 3½) I am a little more chilled.

Mom was teaching people Motivational Interviewing this week at a wonderful place called Family HealthCare Network in Visalia, California. I hear it is by the Sequoia National Park which is very beautiful, although I have not visited there yet. Dad was impressed this town did not have ANY parking meters like they do everywhere else and the people were really nice.

However, thank goodness Dad did not get me a gift. He wanted to bring back a baby Pygmy goat for me as an early Christmas present. Can you imagine? A little bigger PITA all up in my grill daily – that’s all I need! Not a good option. Apparently pops had a little crush and Mom was even on board. Traders!

Thank goodness Dad came to his senses after he did his usual investigation to ad nauseam and found out his little furry friends would have been more problem then cuteness. Saved by the bell!

Plus, I would not want to share the spotlight…my video of my head in the box has had 1,100 views and that is way cool for this dog.

The weather has been pleasant 65 degrees in Santa Monica.  Summer is almost here!

Peace out Perry!

The Lazy Days of Spring…

IMG_2687Do you see this look on my face people? Yep – that is right I want to play and do something of substance and it seems the parental’s want a mellow day! What on earth is a mellow day? Seriously, if I am moving and getting into all sorts of trouble why cannot my pack follow suit?

As usual at Casa de Perry we have been on the go. Mom last weekend was in Albuquerque, New Mexico speaking at a Sweet Success conference to the Navajo Diabetes Educators. Apparently she had a good time WITHOUT me since I’m not allowed to travel on planes. I’m not so great in the car so planes might be challenging for me.

Next week Mom is off to Massachusetts again for another Motivational Interviewing training and then to see Auntie Marjorie in New Jersey. Dad and I will be staying at home to have a boy’s week, which I love because that means extra snacks and playtime in the house.

After Mom gets back they are planning a few trainings in Central California, which I am excited about because I will get to hang out in the country.  I’m not sure what the motivating is all about since I’m plenty motivated to do what needs to be done so I”m not sure why these humans need that?  Shows we are still the superior race!

I did hear Dad talk about maybe going up to SLO in July to visit my grandparents and hang out with family up there. I do like a good road trip, although it requires that car thing again.  Hmmm…

Well that is a quick update folks so back to lounging on this mellow weekend. Probably a lot of people are having a mellow weekend because it was a big one with the Kentucky Derby and the Mayweather / Pacquiao fight which we did not watch either.

The weather in Santa Monica is a bright, warm 75 degrees. By the way, did I tell you Mom keeps looking at her wrist? She’s more than a bit obsessed with her new thing I believe they call an Apple Watch. Apparently she’s one of the only people in town that seems to have one. She says it helps her keep track of her “steps” whatever that means.  I’m not sure why it’s important since I get LOTS Of those but as long as that shiny thing is not more special than ME!

Love Perry

Challenging Weeks AND Treats

IMG_2586This week I learned something new which made me realize just how precious life is.

Our neighbor lady, Ann, passed away after 92 wonderful years of life.

Although she was cranky at times, for the most part she was a kind and thoughtful woman who was never afraid to leave a conversation without saying “I love you.”

When Dad brought me over to meet her when I was just a pup, she was so happy and welcomed me into her home. She was lucky in this day and age to able to finish out her life in her home.

You will be missed Ann and always thought of with love.

Last weekend we missed our blog so sorry I have been out of contact. We were all a bit more than challenged since Dad was working hard dealing with the flooding in our back yard and Mom was way challenged trying to get o Arkansas to speak.

Since it hardly eve rains in Santa Monica, when it does, it creates a lot of issues with our back yard and garage but Dad dealt with it and were okay and saved our books.

Mom’s flight from Dallas to Arkansas got cancelled and she was stranded at the airport with no options to get to her speaking engagement. She told me she met some really nice people, one man in particular who was an angel and he offered to drive her and another woman to Arkansas in the snow, a 330-mile trip.

Since Mom and I are alike in that we are not really “car people” I was surprised but it seems Mom’s life this year is about new adventures so she’s taking it in stride.

Mom did her annual thing this weekend going to Natural Foods Expo. Dad and I stayed at home waiting for the new items while Mom and Victoria waded through the masses of excited foodies and you can see her new finds on her blog.

I am always excited to see what she brings ME home and this year I got to have a new treat from Riley’s Organics.  The nice man named Grant gave Mom TWO bags of treats for me – the Apple and Peanut Butter dog biscuits.

Not only do they taste amazing, but more importantly they all organic, wheat, corn and soy free with no additives or preservatives. We all know what happened to me when I was given a dog treat at daycare that had wheat and preservatives – I almost died and had to go on all those drugs so I’m happy Riley’s is healthy for me.

I needed a new fun tasty treat since Mom has been busy and remiss at making me the homemade one’s from A Healthy Baker’s Dozen – remember my picture and dog biscuit is featured there.

So it’s that time of year ending Daylight savings where you “spring ahead” and I know the parentals love this as I sleep in a little more.

It’s almost spring time and I can report a really lovely 75 degrees in Santa Monica today. I know – we have nothing to complain about compared to our human and canine friends in other parts of the country. My friends Katherine and John in Boston are having to make a practice of cleaning snow off their roof each weekend and I’m not so sure the parentals would ever be up for that so we’ll stay on the west coast for now.

Peace!

Perry