Tag Archives: Motivational Interviewing trainings

I Run the Schedule

img_5231The parentals may think they rule the roost in the Dopart-Batchelor house but secretly it is I PERRY who dictates what happens here.  The only thing I have not been able to control lately is the rain and there’s been a LOT of it.  Dad even had to go in the back yard with his high boots to wade through it all.  I was smart enough to stay in the house  – that’s what we Weims are known for – that we are smarter than our owners.

So here’s what I do:  6 am if the parentals are not up I start to scratch and itch so they can hear the ching-ching of my collar.  If that doesn’t get them up I go to Dad’s side of the bed first and then Mom’s side.  Eventually one of them gets up so we can all get started on our routine.

img_5721I’ve trained them to put on the little space heaters in the dining room and bathroom so I can go from heater to heater to soak up all the warmth in the house.  You may remember I don’t have much hair and am prone to chills more than other canines – can’t imagine what my friends in Germany do but glad I’m not one of them.

I did rise to nursing status this week when Dad had a colonoscopy – he was sad and cold so I laid on the floor with him to help him feel better but it seemed to take a long time.  Thank goodness canines don’t have to have cancer prevention procedures like that!

Anyway, Mom is busy with her Motivational Interviewing trainings and the new book on diabetes which will hopefully go to print this month. I know it will help a lot of people with their health.  My health is fine since I eat my broccoli every day and Mom gives me my probiotic and fish oil all at breakfast – that’s also part of the schedule but that one I don’t have to worry about controlling .

Hope you are all having a good year so far and I’ll check in again soon. If you all watched the Superbowl today I hope your team won and you ate some healthy food.

Love,

 

Perry

 

Election Stress Disorder?

img_5167Yes, folks this is a REAL thing – I even heard it on CNN.  Dr. Heather Silvestri was being interviewed by @alisynCamerota on @NewDay and I realized why I’ve been MIA.

She suggested we take a #socialmediabreak so that’s what I’ve been doing the last few weeks.  I’m not sure it’s helped much but at least I’m not hearing the arguing from the #PresidentalDebates.

Instead, I made my appearance last week at Mom’s Motivational Interviewing trainings and it helped her with helping the participants be at ease.  After all, it is stressful trying to learn a new language – at least for others.  I only know dog speak and that’s good enough for me. The one exception is when the Parentals make me mind – then I share my grunting which they equate to sassing.

The parentals have been busy with Thanksgiving cards for clients and I’ve been staying clear of all those envelopes so I don’t make a further mess of the living room.

Although it is SUPPOSED to be fall we’ve been having summer weather in Santa Monica with high’s in the 80’s.

Let’s all pray for cooler weather and calm for our country.

Peace!

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

What? Dreaming of Zero Calorie Brownies?

IMG_2914Mom and her new cool intern Liz were quite busy this past week and I wanted IN on all that was going on!  First they wrote this blog on zero calorie brownies. Of course I would be on board with dreaming about any type of food.

I love all food except carrots and I could care less about the caloric count.

Then they made THREE types of cookies from Mom’s gluten-free cookie book A Healthy Baker’s Dozen and of course NONE of them included my famous dog cookie.  I tried to get crumbs of the cranberry oatmeal, no bake chocolate and peanut butter cookies but Mom was quite vigilant in cleaning up and I did not score this time.

Counter surfing has been officially banned but I don’t subscribe to that as of now.  Since Liz is taller than me she was on to me but at least I got my loves, hugs and pets so I guess there is something to be said for that.

Things are heating up this holiday season but thank goodness I do not have to wear any crazy looking sweaters, coats or rain boots. However, they claim El Nino is coming so maybe I will need to get a raincoat and umbrella.

We have been working on a new project.  Mom is going to start doing some webinars for Motivational Interviewing to help people improve their skills. These skills work great especially for those who are in the health industry, counseling field or really any field that want to learn communication.

You should all check it out as the first one is free.  Give yourself a free gift this December and learn to use OARS as Mom calls it.  I’m not sure what that is but if you attend the webinar I’m sure you’ll find out.  Here’s the link for my peoples.

Well that is about it since I hear the refrigerator door opening and I believe it’s the cheese drawer so peace out people – I need to stop dreaming and start eating.

BTW – it was quite a warm 70 degrees today so no sweaters here yet!

Love,

Perry

Tis the Post Turkey Day Recap

IMG_3072I had on my mischievous cap during this season. It all started with that lonely cube of butter hidden on the counter wrapped in holiday foil…

It was so appealing – the shiny paper, beautiful yellow ball  of wonderful fat I haven’t had in a while.

Because I am smarter then Dad, I just laid in wait until the perfect moment arose and bam, I was counter surfing covert style. He was “multi-tasking” and was out of the room for a minute and I scored the prize.

Of course I got a crate time out…actually I put myself in the crate and he came looking for me. He found the butter foil and I was caught.

The next day I was hanging out with Dad while he was making corn bread from scratch.  It was taking him forever to make that delicious gluten free corn bread stuffing and Casa de Perry smelt heavenly. After it cooled on top of the fridge, he wrapped it all up and like a fool hid it behind the mixer. Now that is pretty far for even for my super, stretching capabilities.

I again went into stealth mood…wonder, smell, watch and wait.

I was so good that I did not bark when that Sherlock Holmes dog next store tried to antagonize me. Dad gave me one of my Dental Bones, which are 100% natural, no artificial ingredients, gluten free and made in the USA. I love them!

Shortly after that went down he left to go get something out of the garage. When he came back in he had a big surprise!  Isn’t that photo great? Yep that’s right – I got up in the cornbread and had me a second scooby snack. This was followed with “CRATE!”

The next day was the big Turkey Day. Mom was home and she was monitoring me like a hawk since she is ON to me unfortunately. I did get a few treats but nothing like before.

We had an enjoyable holiday but are working on some new adventures. Mom will be doing some Motivational Interviewing webinars, which I like as she will be home and I will get to lounge with her in the office. I’m still not sure why others need motivation since I need none but again we know canines are superior to humans, and us Weims are the smartest breed..

Hope you all had a nice turkey day and if you have extra butter to spare send it over – covertly of course.

The weather has been colder in Santa Monica so the Weather Weimaraner reports a cooler high of 60 degrees today.  Our house is quite chilly so please send blankets but remember to wrap butter in between.

Love,

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!

Perry Prefers Blondes

IMG_2694I know people it has been a few weeks since I have shared my adventures with all of you but I have been busy and a little self-absorbed which is nothing new of course.

Over Mother’s Day weekend my Mom was out-of-town visiting family in NJ while my Auntie Wendy came for a visit. It was so nice considering she is a blonde and you know my infatuation with the ladies in general –especially blonds. She was so fun to hang out with and she got Dad out of the house…

We went for a long walk along the beach in Venice and saw all the peoples on the boardwalk, which made me happy because I got extra attention from strangers. It was a lazy weekend and I was a little sad as I missed my mommy but she had a good time with her aunts and grandma.

When Mom got back, we had to prepare for a houseguest who was coming for one of Mom’s MI trainings and guess what?   She was blonde as well, so I was in blonde heaven!

I just want to report that I have been a good boy for the most part…my only real weakness is that squirrel PITA who continually irritates me by hanging out on the fence making squeaky noises which gets me really going. He goes back and forth on the fence to taunt me so I finally have to get outside and chase him. …perhaps he is not a safe friend.

One bad thing did happen and I got into more than a little trouble with Dad. However, it really was not ALL my fault. Henry (the dog next store who looks like a little Sherlock Holmes) likes to start fights with me. He prances across the driveway and up to MY windows, and barks which really gets my goat.

This week Dad and I got home from an errand and I was trying to wait for the signal to get out of the car. Suddenly I saw that little thing lying in wait and I took off. Of course Dad was using his outside voice to calm me down but the adrenaline kicked in and we were off.

The next thing I realized in my fit of angst was I was on a leash without a parental holding on and I took advantage and tore off down the street. This made Dad crazy and he screamed for me to come back. There were cars in the street which to my credit I did avoid but what really got me going was when he yelled, “fine go kill yourself” and turned around and walked away.

What? Did he did not care?

Then I got a little nervous so I turned around and ran back to him. I realized he must have been using some reverse psychology, but it worked.

Dad 1 – Perry 0

The weather in Santa Monica is a cloudy 65 degrees today. We are thankful it did rain a few inches, which were desperately needed in Los Angeles to help our drought situation. Please send water if you have any to spare.

Peace,

Punky

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

News Report from Santa Monica

IMG_9552Hello People!

What a crazy week and boy am I glad it is over. So many things happened and I want to share it all so I will try to be brief.

The weather in Santa Monica was so hot, it broke records and it made me crazy. I am blessed that I have no hair compared to other canines but this was even a bit much for me.

It was especially challenging this week because I had to spend extra time at my club while the parentals worked away. Little did they know I just lounged and did not exert myself too much until I got home, and then expected Dad to play with me.

It’s mostly Mom’s fault since she had to do a Motivational Interviewing Workshop in Long Beach for Memorial Care and Dad went with her so I was at my club for 11 hours and that made me crazy. I let Dad know once we got into the house by running and grabbing him to come outside and play.

On a serious note the Boles fire in Weed California this last week was very sad and lots of people lost their homes, churches, and businesses.  I know I am narcissistic so my little whines are nothing compared to these people’s tragedies. Please continue to pray for the victims and donate to help. They have nothing left but it is a strong community and they will endure.

However, that brings us to this weekend, which was totally awesome. There was a moment of time out as I was not as perfect as I should be.

The parental units are now recipe testing, and you know what that means? Yeah to more scooby snacks! I get way excited when I see food come into the house.

This weekend was really fun because cousin Barbara came over to help and she brought me a gift from “Mama Tooter.” But before I could have my gift I got into trouble because I chewed on the cousin’s purse while she had it on. Come on she was not giving me sufficient attention and I was selfish. I did get a long time out so I guess I had better be on my bestest behavior the next time she comes.

IMG_9617But, then I got let out and was good and got my cool gift. And guess what it was? My very own handmade afghan made with love. I know it is the bomb because I heard the parental units admire the color and wanted it for themselves, especially since I always steal the one that was made for them.

Rest assured that was not going to happen as I took control of the situation. I would not let them even help me untie it. I took off and ran around the yard with it in my mouth for a while so they would know not to take it away.

Also, my little buddy Zade came over to hang out today. I just love him…he has that new baby smell still …maybe I will even share my blankie with him, but that remains to be seen.  I’m a bit jealous since the parentals got asked to be his godparents but I guess I’ll have to get over myself since it means I will have a little playmate as he gets older.

OK, stay out of trouble or at least don’t get caught like I did.

Love,

Perry the Troublemaker

My Busy Week

photo-2Hello People!

This has been one fun busy week with lots of new people involved!

As you are well aware Mom does these Motivational Interviewing workshops but I don’t need motivation so not sure why anyone else would?? The important thing is she’s meeting all these fun people and I got to visit one group this week at Westside Family Health Center. The best part was Dad and I walked there since it’s close to the house, I got my picture taken with all the fun folks AND of course all pets and loves were abundant so no complaints here.

photo-3Next, I got to spend some quality time with my little friend Miami who came over to play and give me more love and attention. It’s been hot so we spent some time hanging out on the cool floor and I hope she comes back soon with her pretty Mom Jennifer. The little people always have more energy than the older parentals so they are always welcome in Casa de Perry.

And finally the parental units had to go to San Bernardino to do another Motivational Interviewing training at weCare, a group of pharmacists helping people with diabetes. Since it was far and they needed a nice place for the day for me for the day, I got to hang out at the Pooch Hotel. It is a really cool with lots of fun people and fellow four-legged friends. They even have a swimming pool but I did not get to go into that room. Maybe next time.

And finally I watched Dad pack up my crate and put it in the car. I overheard them talk about how him and I were going to go up to SLO to visit his parental units for a couple of days. I’m excited about going up the coast but not about the car ride.

The weather has been humid and muggy here in Santa Monica so nothing all that interesting from the Weather Weimaraner today.

Love and till next week,

Perry