Charlie!

Wordless Wednesday: What's Wrong With This Picture?

2012-01-25T11:34:00.000-08:00

Indoor Zoomies

2012-01-21T19:40:00.000-08:00

Charlie thought that taking down the Christmas tree was so much fun that he got the indoor zoomies:

SOPA & PIPA --- Just SO Wrong!

2012-01-18T09:26:00.000-08:00

Charlie & I sympathize with those who want to fight internet piracy, but we believe that the bills currently before the US Congress (SOPA in the House & PIPA in the Senate) are the wrong way to go about it. So, for today, we're joining hundreds of other sites in raising awareness of these bills.

The best discussion of SOPA & PIPA I've found are on Wikipedia: Stop Online Piracy Act and PROTECT IP Act . Take a read and see what you think. (Nominally, Wikipedia is going dark today in protest of the bills, but I was able to get to these articles.)

Then, if you live in the US and want to join in asking Congress to vote "NO" on Internet censorship, follow this link to Google and add your name to the petition there: https://www.google.com/landing/takeaction/. Time is of the essence -- voting on these bills starts Jan. 24 -- so don't delay in informing yourself!

Taking down the Christmas Tree

2012-01-15T16:43:00.000-08:00

Charlie definitely likes taking the tree down better than putting it up!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-03T16:26:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays, Everyone!

2011-12-25T00:01:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from our pack to yours!

Getting Ready For Christmas

2011-12-22T10:23:00.000-08:00

"Tree up... Check!"

"Decorated... Check!"

"MY cards... Check!"

"Ok, Santa, I'm ready!"

Treat Catching with the Mailman

2011-12-12T11:32:00.001-08:00

I mentioned recently that Charlie has ~~conned~~ convinced our mailman, Jeffrey, to play "treat catch" with him. Charlie lies at the top of our entryway stairs every morning, waiting. If, by some chance, he's in another part of the house ~~begging for treats~~, Charlie still listens carefully for steps and/or the sounds of mail dropping through the slot and races to the door upon hearing them. If it's Jeffrey there, Charlie's barks are high and yappy and breathless, almost cries. If he finds anyone else at the door, his barks are deep and threatening.

Somehow, Charlie's also trained himself to spot Jeffrey's white van -- he gets excited when he sees it drive by or if we pass it out walking. At first, I think, treat-catching for Charlie was all about the treats, but now it's as much a social event. And fortunately, it's one that Jeffrey seems to enjoy, too!

I can't believe how lucky Charlie and we are to have such a nice mailman!

Charlie and the Snood

2011-12-05T16:36:00.000-08:00

I decided I was tired of cleaning food out of Charlie's ears, so enter... the snood!

Treat Catcher

2011-11-25T16:21:00.000-08:00

There is a game we play with Charlie, called "Treat Catching". He learned it as a puppy, and over the years has become a very accomplished player.

Puppy Charlie catching treats
You take a small treat in hand and, holding it shoulder-high so Charlie can see it, swing back once... twice... On the count of two, point it towards his face and let go. Occasionally it may bounce off a tooth, but more often than not, the treat will disappear into Charlie's gaping mouth, almost like it was sucked in by a gravitational force.

Adult Charlie catching treats.
The mailman also plays Treat Catch with Charlie almost every day. Since the game ends when he misses, Charlie is very very focused. He's up to 12 consecutive catches and it's only a matter of time until he hits 13.

Get Ready for the Holidays!

2011-11-08T13:54:00.000-08:00

Hey everypup,

If you belong to Dogs with Blogs, don't forget to sign up for this year's card exchange and calendar. The November 15 deadline is rapidly approaching!

And if you're not a member of Dogs with Blogs yet, then sign up and become one! It's free and lots of fun -- a labor of love, not money. You'll meet other people around the world who love their dogs and like to write about them too.

Charlie says "Put down that book and do it today!"

Another Fun Trip to ... Hey!

2011-11-05T14:24:00.000-07:00

"Let's go for a walk!"
"Hmmm... Tank and Thunder were here..."

"Whazzat?"

"What a nice walk."

"Uh, Mom, I think we took a wrong turn..."
Charlie had been itching and scratching recently, so having made an appointment, I steered our walk over to the V E T.

Charlie is greeted by Jonathan in the waiting room.
Although they're unfailingly nice, Charlie usually freaks out a little at the vet's -- he shakes and shivers and tries to climb into my lap.

Seeing other dogs.
This time Charlie didn't act nervous at all! He watched all the other animals, solicited petting from all the people, and did not refuse to go into "the room". Perhaps I wore him out on the walk over... or maybe he remembers the peanut butter they've fed him the last few times they've clipped his nails?

Meeting little people.

Cat-watching.
In the exam room, Charlie's lack of nervousness continued. As a true measure of his calm... he squinted for Dr. Tokar! Charlie doesn't do that for just anyone -- only for people he's really really happy to see.

Saying "Hi" to Leah

Squinting for Dr. Tokar
Once the exam was complete, it was time for ~~the peanut butter~~ a nail trim. He went in the back without a struggle -- another big first! I snuck back to see how it was going, and everything looked copacetic.

Waiting patiently.

Peanut butter is better when shared with a friend!
Afterwards, the tech that brought him back apologized, saying "I think we got it all wiped off his face, but he may smell a little like peanut butter..." Charlie was ready to leave, but I'm hopeful that he'll be happy to go back again, too!

"Let's go home!"

-----------
p.s. Charlie has seasonal allergies, and they gave him some medication that's made him much more comfortable.

Charlie - The Hunter Gatherer

2011-10-30T14:58:00.000-07:00

This weekend, while the east coast dug out from an early snow, we in the Pacific northwest were in search of mushrooms. When it gets a little cool and the rains start coming back here, chanterelles start popping up and the forests fill with mushroom hunters. Charlie and I jumped at the chance to go out with friends who can tell the good 'uns from the bad 'uns.

"Where are we going, Mom?"

Happy dog, ready for an adventure
I wasn't sure how Charlie would behave in the woods, especially if we ran into another dog or a deer or a varmint, so I kept him leashed a lot of the time. He wore a light pack and carried his own water (for the first time) and seemed to have no trouble with the weight.

Some of the terrain was a little steep, but we both managed it without incident. The leash even turned out to be of benefit (to me, anyway), as Charlie charged ahead uphill. ;)

Some parts were easy walking and others had downed trees and sometimes dense undergrowth, but Charlie and I learned to work together, spotting and clearing paths.

For the most part, Charlie ignored the mushrooms. He loved it, however, when someone found one - they'd let out a little cry, and Charlie would help them celebrate by jumping on them and snuzzling their face. In truth, that's probably the best argument for continued leashing in future trips -- the chanterelles often grow in little groups and it's not hard for an unrestrained celebratory big dog to trample the delicate fungi.

Charlie sniffs a white chanterelle (I think)
I mentioned that Charlie ignored the mushrooms for the most part. There was one very notable exception. As we approached a big downed log, Charlie went over to something big and started sniffing around it -- suddenly I could see that it was a flying-saucer-sized mushroom. I called in the expert, who pronounced it an edible bolete. I don't know if it's as tasty as a chanterelle, but it's certainly dramatic-looking and big enough for a family of 4!

Charlie's mushroom (on the right) and a smaller one (left)
The bad news now for Charlie is that I'm going to eat our findings and he's not. My reasoning is that if he learns they're edible and, dog forbid, develops a taste for them, he'll find the chanterelles first and eat them on the spot the next time we go mushroom-hunting. So he'll have to be content to lick the saute pan for now.

Our mushroom catch of the day (we gave the flying saucer away)
It was absolutely a great day! We got to tramp around in the woods and came home with mushrooms, to boot. You don't find as many 'shrooms when you're managing a big dog, but we'll definitely do this again!!

Charlie, the Supervisor

2011-10-06T17:52:00.002-07:00

Over the last few weeks we've had sewer reconstruction going on in front of our house. Fortunately, Charlie has supervised every second... except for a couple of instances that involved jackhammering and earth tamping -- and, frankly, who WOULDN'T hide under the desk under those circumstances?

"Momma, what's that big saw doing to our sidewalk!?"

"Maybe they need a big dog to help them dig!"

"Yeah, no Barking, I mean "P"arking...

Charlie, the Supervisor

2011-10-06T17:52:00.001-07:00

The Nose Knows

2011-09-28T10:03:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday - Rut Roh... Edition

2011-09-14T14:57:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday - Teaching Charlie to De-bone a Salmon Edition

2011-09-07T09:43:00.000-07:00

Charlie and the Conehead Kitty

2011-08-31T19:58:00.001-07:00

Pouncer, the kitty, had some minor surgery yesterday and will be a conehead cat for about a week. She doesn't have the hang of it yet and keeps sideswiping walls and furniture with a bang!

Charlie was initially terrified of "Robo-cat", but has begun to recognize the advantages of a kitty that can't easily scoot into tight places.

They're good friends, and we're watching to make sure that Pouncer gets enough rest and recovery time, but they're also pretty funny together!

Pack Animal

2011-08-20T19:02:00.000-07:00

Charlie is very sensitive to heat, and so we work hard to keep him well-hydrated. When we go hiking, I load up on water for us both, but it's heavy! So I was thrilled to find this RuffWear pack on sale for half-price at REI. It has 2 compartments with removable water bottles and a couple of additional small pockets.

Now Charlie can carry some of his own water and snacks. And with the convenient handle, I can help lift my Charlie "suitcase" over rough spots if need be.

Charlie's Big Week

2011-08-06T10:49:00.000-07:00

Last week, Charlie's Aunt Karen (Sophie's mom) came to visit. I know it was bittersweet for her, having lost Sophie this spring and Charlie being so much like Sophie, but I also know it was fun!

Charlie says hello
Whenever possible, we took Charlie, and he had a blast. We went to brewpubs...

Lunch at Hedge House
... and to waterfalls:

Multnomah Falls
We went up Mt. Hood...

At Timberline Lodge
... and out to the gorge to buy salmon from the Indians:

Only steelhead today
Charlie met new dogs...

... and new people:

By the end of each day, he was pooped...

Headed home
... but by the next day, he was ready to go again!

"Let's go!"
Hope you had a good week too!

Wordless Wednesday - Footsie

2011-07-20T20:59:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-13T15:07:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday - Why There's a ! in Charlie! Edition

2011-07-06T06:03:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday - You Can't Turn Your Back for a Minute Around Here!

2011-06-29T14:57:00.000-07:00

Lucky Golden

2011-06-25T09:35:00.000-07:00

The weather has, at LAST, turned dry and warmer here. So this week, Charlie got to come along on an errand run. First up was an errand on Hayden Island in the Columbia River, where we took a break to look at the boats, admire the flowers, and sit in the shade.

Then back across the river to pick up mail for a friend who's traveling. There we took some time to walk along the levee and discovered "the Cat".

After all that hard work, it was time to kick back and just enjoy! So we headed back into town for lunch at the Lucky Lab.

The Lab is a Portland institution, where pooches and their people can sit outside together, enjoy some food and a brew, and meet and greet other patrons. We met some new pups, Sophie and Jackson, and Charlie scored lots of pats and treats.

It was a perfect day -- we "did some business" ;) and had some good fun, too!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-22T09:28:00.000-07:00

Strawberry Season!

2011-06-19T10:46:00.000-07:00

Here in Portland, we look forward to Oregon's strawberry season. It only lasts a few weeks and the berries are small and too fragile to ship, but they are so delicious!

Burgerville (the Northwest's "fresh, local, sustainable" fast-food alternative) runs a seasonal special on strawberry shortcake every June. It's our first taste of the local berries, and even Charlie gets in on the action!

A bite for Charlie

Another bite for Charlie

"Hey, give the spoon back!"

Licking it clean

The Best House Guests!

2011-06-17T19:25:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we had company and lots of it! 2 people staying with us and 20 for lunches every day. Fortunately, some of our guests were dog people and had a good time with Charlie. Several even got down on the floor with him and snuggled (we call that being "dog bait" and don't actually recommend it unless you enjoy being pinned by a dog).

Our friend, Derek, as you can see below, indulged him in endless games of Chase Charlie. I know Charlie was unhappy to see him go and is hoping he comes back soon!

Laurelhurst Park

2011-06-07T09:39:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Charlie and I met up with Gabbie and her mom for some fun in Laurelhurst Park, a huge beautiful park in SE Portland with a big off-leash area. This represented two firsts for Charlie -- the first time he's been to Laurelhurst (a shocking admission for one who only lives a couple miles away) and the first time Charlie's been off-leash with other dogs. Score! on both accounts!

Charlie and Gabbie, of course, were happy to see each other!

They met up with this fluffy little white dog. Charlie tried to get some "chase" going, but with no luck.

Then there was this stolid little otter-shaped guy. Charlie chased him to us, whereupon he rolled over and begged for mercy and belly-rubs.

There were lots of other meet-and-greets of both dogs and humans, all of which went exceedingly well. It was a low key day at the park -- perfect for a first experience.

As we left the park, Gabbie's mom suggested a stop at the treat tree. Treat Tree? She led us up a street and around a corner to a small tree with a drinking bucket at its foot and carrot-shaped containers hanging from its branches... each holding a dog treat!

It was a perfect end to a great outing. I don't think Charlie could have had more fun!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-25T16:39:00.001-07:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-18T09:39:00.001-07:00

Maybe It's Time to Cut the Grass...

2011-05-13T09:58:00.000-07:00

...before Charlie eats it all?

"Who, me?"

Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Woof?!

2011-05-09T11:46:00.000-07:00

... not Charlie, that's for sure!

One morning, bright and early, a few weeks ago, we discovered new neighbors next door... along with everyone else in the neighborhood. Last to arise, I awoke from a sound sleep to an uproar of throaty vicious barking, growling, and teeth-gnashing. Charlie had discovered two big dogs next door (on the other side of the chain link fence) and was doing his best to convince them to leave. They weren't taking any of his lip, and the sound of these three "junkyard dogs" having it out was truly frightening!

Now, several weeks later, it's become a sport. Charlie checks for (the appropriately named) Tank and Thunder first-thing when he goes outside. If they're there, they all race to the fence and bark furiously, tails wagging. Every so often they take breaks... at least Charlie does. He'll jump down the terraces, run around, up the stairs and then fly back to the fence for more.

Rounds One and Two
After a few good rounds of barking Charlie takes a longer break - he goes back into the yard & sniffs flowers, does business, just generally strolls around... while Tank and Thunder stand at the fence and quietly watch him. Every once in awhile they'll let out a calling bark that sounds like "come back!". And if he ignores them too long, they whine pitifully. In awhile he'll respond -- back he goes for another barkfest. And on and on, until finally I make him come inside.

On Break

Busted!

2011-05-06T15:05:00.001-07:00

Could there be a deer in the garden?

Charlie!

Wordless Wednesday - Before and After

2011-05-04T16:44:00.000-07:00

TGISun-day!

2011-05-01T15:15:00.001-07:00

Amalie

2011-04-26T09:32:00.001-07:00

Over the weekend a friend came to visit with her daughter, Amalie. Charlie has met Amalie once or twice before, but we've never really allowed them to mix much for fear that he would overwhelm her.

Amalie, however, loves loves loves Charlie, so as the initial frenzy of company abated and Charlie quieted down, we let them mingle and ultimately engage in some supervised play.

It went better than I ever could have imagined! Amalie was wonderful with Charlie -- she understood when to pet him and when to back off, she knew how and when to tell him to "Stop" and "Sit," and she redirected him to his toys when he needed it. Charlie was great with her -- he listened, obeyed (mostly ;) ), and played nicely. I think they both had a blast!

The highlight of the play session was a rousing round of "Chase Charlie" (known by Amalie as "Chase the Charlie"). This is Charlie's absolute favorite game, and Amalie indulged him, chasing him around and around, through the kitchen and back through the living room, again and again. I don't know who had more fun -- Charlie, Amalie, or we onlookers!

Over the Rainbow...

2011-04-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

It's almost too sad to say, but Charlie's sister Sophie crossed over the bridge Saturday morning. I won't go into detail, but she was quickly getting worse. She did manage to consume a box of Snausages and one of T-bones, and then surrounded by her loving family at home, was gently helped across the bridge.

Sophie was active and happy almost to the end (she chased a squirrel on Monday and a rabbit on Thursday!) and for the last month was able to spend almost all her time with her mom.

"We who choose to surround ourselves with lives even more temporary than our own, live within a fragile circle; easily and often breached. Unable to accept its awful gaps, we would still live no other way. We cherish memory as the only certain immortality, never fully understanding the necessary plan." -- Irving Townsend*

Thanks, everyone, for your warm support. I know it helped!

-----------
*Thanks to KT, who posted this after Lady crossed over.

Peanut Butter Heaven

2011-04-15T16:15:00.000-07:00

Charlie's nails have gotten long and he's fussy about letting me cut them, so today he went in to the V-E-T's, so the techs could trim him up. Unlike his sister, Sophie, Charlie does not like going there.

He was fine in the parking lot... he willingly went in the front door... at the scale he started to quiver, but got on for a weight check... however, when it came to going in the back for the nail-trim, he refused. And he wasn't just kind of balky; he really refused --- an all paws down, "there's no way you're getting me in there alive," kind of refusal.

"Nom, nom, nom..."
It took treats in front of him and a push from behind to get him in the back. But, once there, he settled down and started to enjoy... the petting... the cooing... the PEANUT BUTTER!! Yes, they got out a jar of peanut butter and a big tongue depressor and started scooping.

"Another scoop of peanut butter, please."
After the second glob, I think Charlie ceased noticing that anything was happening to his paws, he was so in heaven.

"Nom, nom, nom..."
He was very alert to the peanut butter, however, and managed to snatch a whole glob off the stick at one point, necessitating some adjustment in technique.

"Mmmmmmmmm..."
All in all, it was a very successful trip! Charlie's nails look great and, who knows, maybe next time he'll BEG to go in the back for a nail trim? :)

Ups and Downs

2011-04-11T09:30:00.000-07:00

I'm sad to report that Charlie's sister Sophie is starting to have some days where she doesn't feel as well as before. At first Karen thought maybe she'd gotten into something, but Sophie's recheck at Purdue showed that the chemo doesn't seem to be helping. Sigh...

At the park.
Still, Sophie seems to be mostly feeling well. She went to the park Friday and chased a squirrel off-trail and into the woods, causing Karen to have to yell like crazy to get her to come back.

Hoping for squirrels.
So please send some fresh Power of the Paw to Karen and Sophie. Let's hope they get a lot more good days together -- days where Sophie feels like doing all those things that would get her in trouble if she wasn't being spoiled rotten! :)

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-06T13:43:00.001-07:00

Nothing Gets Past Charlie...

2011-03-31T18:13:00.000-07:00

Sister Sophie Update

2011-03-26T11:39:00.000-07:00

Charlie's sister, Sophie, continues to do well. She's had her second round of chemo, and her bloodwork looks pretty good, and she acts great!

Her uncle visited recently and took these great pics of Sophie:

Can Someone Explain This?

2011-03-15T15:36:00.000-07:00

As a puppy, Charlie chewed on and swallowed his stuffed toys and dog beds so relentlessly that we limited access to them for his protection and our sanity. That went on for a few years, until his buddy Charlie in Australia sent him a Roo. He proved to be more trustworthy with Roo than before, so I pronounced him all grown up, and other toys and a new bed followed.

Now Charlie is much better with toys and beds than before... but not perfect*. For example, he ate Roo's nose and ear. And I feel like I'm constantly saying "No" or "leave Bugs alone" or "here, chew on the nylabone instead". But it doesn't actually happen all the time... just in certain circumstances.

It took me awhile to open my eyes and become conscious of a pattern, and I don't fully see it yet. But here's what I know: Charlie is completely trustworthy with toys and dog beds most of the time -- when he's alone, or at night after we all go to bed, or when he's hanging out quietly with one of us somewhere, e.g. in the living room or kitchen or office, etc. He just carries them around and lays his head on them.

But every night while we humans eat dinner (after he's eaten his own) and/or watch a movie or whenever we work a crossword puzzle together in the living room, Charlie picks up a stuffy, plops down at our feet and commences toy destruction (and consumption) until redirected.

What's going on? Is Charlie trying to get us to include him? Is he just kind of revved up in the presence of his family unit? What??

I haven't figured it out yet. So far, it remains just one of those things that puts the exclamation point in "Charlie!"

---------------
*To Cassie, Noodles & Jed/Abby: Yes, I'm sorry to say that Woolly Bone, Bugs and Flying Cow, too, have new orifices and slightly fewer pieces than before. But Charlie says it's just part of his "breaking in" process and proof that he loves them.

Sister Sophie Wednesday

2011-03-09T08:00:00.000-08:00

"When a dog is this sad...

...the only thing to do is to take her to the park."

Charlie's sister Sophie just completed her first round of chemo and continues to do well. Apparently she didn't get the memo about being sick. ;)

On a sad note, her best friend, Steeler went to the bridge on Saturday. She had a long (16 years!) and happy life, but it was time for her to move on. She will be missed!

Godspeed, Steeler!

Embarrassment of Riches

2011-03-07T09:00:00.000-08:00

On Friday, a package arrived for Charlie -- his MangoMinster 2011 3rd place Cracker Dog prize from Jed and Abby!

It was a box chock-full of wonderful treats, picked out just for Charlie by Jed and Abby and their mama. Charlie and I opened it together, and he checked each item out, one by one.

They know he is totally food-oriented, and they sent a jar of yummy chewy sweet potato chips. One of Charlie's favorites! Plus some Chewnola bars. He's never had them before, but he loves his after-dinner retriever rolls, so he's sure to love these, too!!

[sniff] [sniff]
[sniff] [sniff]
Nom, nom, nom...
They also knew that, second only to his stomach, are Charlie's teeth. He knows how to use them and make them count! So to give him a legal way to exercise them, Jed and Abby sent a Durabone!

"What's that, Mom?"
"Never mind, I know what to do with this!"
And last, but not least, there was a colorful new stuffless stuffy! Charlie has a tendency to eat toys under some circumstances, but he loves to carry them around and lay his head on them, and we supervise him pretty closely.

"Here... I'll just take that."
"How do I look?"
Master of all he surveys.
Thanks, Jed and Abby (and their mama)! You were way too generous, but Charlie loves everything!!

Cheese Please!

2011-03-04T12:05:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago, I asked Charlie's sister Sophie what flavor biscuits I should bake for her and Steeler. The answer came back "Cheese!"

"Are they done yet?"
So I made my way over to Sugar's blog, where I found a recipe for Cheesy Bones. They were easy to make, and the cheesy aroma of them baking drove Charlie and me crazy!

"Surely they're ready now."
They smelled so good that Charlie and I both tasted them. I think they'd be better with a little salt; Charlie found them perfect just the way they are. And Sophie and Steeler? I have it on good authority that, like Charlie, they gobbled them right down!

Sophie and Steeler say "Cheese!"
Sophie, hoovering up a biscuit.
"Nom, nom, nom..."

Noodles Sur-Prize!

2011-03-02T11:14:00.000-08:00

Noodles and Sunshine recently held a MangoMinster 2011 side event -- A Rose By Any Other Name. We had a great time composing an entry, and Charlie was fortunate enough to take second place.

Today a package arrived for him in the mail... his prize!

"Can I help?"

"No, really. Let me help!"

"Hey! It's a wascally wabbit!!"

"C'mere, you!"

"What?"
Thanks, Noodles and Sunshine! We had a lot of fun playing, and Charlie loves his prize!!

Snow Day

2011-02-26T11:05:00.000-08:00

Thursday we awoke to snow in Portland. It's something we get only once or twice a year, and it's a welcome change from the winter rains.

We didn't get much, and it was mostly gone by nightfall, but there was enough for zoomies and snow snuffling.

Sister Sophie Wednesday

2011-02-23T11:08:00.000-08:00

Guarding the estate.

Resting up, since being spoiled is such hard work.

Happy dog!
Haven't heard anything today, but as of yesterday morning, Charlie's sister Sophie was continuing to do great and seemed perfectly normal in every way.

Holding Paws

2011-02-21T13:03:00.001-08:00

XOXOXO...

2011-02-16T12:53:00.001-08:00

Sophie went in to Karen's clinic on Monday for blood tests (whose results were good, btw). At the clinic, they keep a big board with the names of in-stay animals and treatments, and they mark when the treatment has been done - you know, so they don't get mixed up about who needs what & whether someone else took care of it.

Well... upon her arrival, Sophie's name went up on the big board, with treatment labelled "XOXOXO". And by the time she went home at noon, I heard that line was chock-full of check-marks!

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday - Sophie

2011-02-16T10:15:00.000-08:00

From Karen:
"[We had] biscuits & gravy this morning for breakfast. We were in the living room eating and watching tv. Sophie got up and went in (I thought) to get a drink of water. We heard a noise come from the kitchen, and she had gotten 4 biscuits off the counter and ate them in record time. Didn't get in trouble."

Hug your dog(s) today! :)

Happy Valentine's Day, Love Cass

2011-02-14T15:56:00.002-08:00

Cassie sent her mom over with a bag for Charlie...

"For me?"
"A new stuffie!"
"Maybe Cass can't rip you apart, but I'll bet I can!!"
"But, wait, there's more!"
"Yummy cookies - nom, nom, nom!"
"And a ball, too?"
Big score!!!

Thanks, Cass! You're my valentine, too!!

Charlie - Third Place Cracker Dog!

2011-02-12T10:56:00.001-08:00

With such a stunning field of cracker dogs entered at MangoMinster (I mean, really, do Lacie's feet EVER touch the ground? and that Patti-Wackit... she REALLY knows how to drive the kittehs nuts!), Charlie is honored to have been named 3rd place!

Thanks, Twinkie, for recognizing Charlie's cracker-dogness. And, just remember, Twink, ... what happened at the Estate, stays at the Estate.

Charlie's entry.

What a Dog!

2011-02-10T13:23:00.000-08:00

Direct from Karen:
"Sophie is doing GREAT today. She is eating well, the swelling is out of her feet, and she was jumping (not supposed to) when I came home. She then ran around the house with a toy in her mouth (not supposed to). Anyway, here are some pics from last night when she came home. The others are from the snow storm day 2-3 weeks ago. Sure doesn't look sick!"

Good thing Karen is a vet -- that Sophie does like to push the boundaries (just like someone else I know)!

Just home from surgery and already teasing Steeler!

Steeler's happy that Sophie's home, too.

Sophie a few weeks ago

Sometimes Life is Just Too Sad

2011-02-09T16:06:00.001-08:00

Charlie's sister Sophie is headed home. Her mom Karen says she seems to feel pretty well, but the pathology results indicate "histiosarcoma" -- a rare, aggressive, fast-moving form of cancer with very poor prognosis -- just terrible news.

We're all in shock that a dog so seemingly young and healthy could become so sick so quickly. But you know how that goes; many of you have been through similar experiences yourselves.

For what it's worth, Sophie is about to embark on a life of being spoiled and pampered -- doing what she wants, when she wants, being constantly fussed over and played with, and always being offered the "good" treats.

Sophie Update 3 - They're Eating Out of Her Paw

2011-02-08T09:38:00.000-08:00

Sophie's doing well post-surgery. Her two favorite things are attention and food, and she's getting plenty of both.

In this morning's call (they update Karen twice a day), the vet student responsible for Sophie kept saying "I LOVE that dog! I just LOVE that dog!" And she followed on with "But she can get a really sad look on her face... No one can pass her cage without stopping to pet her and talk to her. And she loves it."

She'll go home when they can wean her over to oral medications, but if she keeps this cuteness up, one wonders how hard they'll try. ;)

Sophie, with "the look"

Sister Sophie - Update 2

2011-02-07T10:22:00.000-08:00

Sister Sophie had her surgery this morning, and I'm sorry to report that the news is still not very good. As expected, the surgeons took out her spleen and a nodule on her liver. Unexpectedly, however, they found two more liver nodules that they were not able to get. Lab results are expected by the end of the week. It's hard to stay hopeful, but we're all trying our best.

On the good side, Sophie will probably get to go home Wednesday. And she's scored a cushy new bed and a new toy for the long drive home.

So... please spoil your own dog a little today -- give him or her more hugs or an extra walk or a special treat. Do it for Sophie.

Sophie Update

2011-02-05T10:54:00.000-08:00

As with most things in life, there's good news and not-so-good news. Sophie is feeling better and spending the weekend in the hospital at Purdue. Surgery is scheduled for Monday @11am EST.

Sophie's not only made friends, but has everyone there wrapped around her paw. When Karen took her out for a break yesterday after her exam & tests, even the front desk receptionist knew and greeted her. Sophie, of course, wiggled and squinted in response.

Sophie (at 7 wks) and squirrel
The test and exam results yesterday were not so good - Sophie's spleen doesn't look normal and there's a nodule on her liver. Since she's a middle-aged golden, realistically that makes them think cancer, possibly a hemangiosarcoma. On the other hand, it could still all be benign. They just can't know yet.

Sophie in front, Charlie behind.
On the good side, Sophie's wolfing down her food again, her blood count is up to 3/4 of normal (it was down to 1/2), she's feeling better, and (of course) everyone loves her. She has a whole team of great doctors caring for her. And she has the power of the paw!!

Sophie (l), Karen, and Charlie (r)
Thanks for all your thoughts and well-wishes! Karen and Sophie and we here all appreciate them -- more than you can know.

Paw Power for Sister Sophie, Please

2011-02-04T07:45:00.000-08:00

As you can see in the photos below, Charlie's sister Sophie in Indiana is very much like him in looks and behavior. For example, she sits on her friends, uses her stuffy as a pillow, and inhales her dinner.

Sophie (top) and Steeler (bottom)
So when she ceased wolfing down her food and didn't want to play "chase the lamb and take it from Steeler", her Mom Karen thought something might be amiss. And something was. Karen's a vet, so she drew blood and found Sophie very anemic; then she x-rayed her and found nodules in/on her spleen. They've probable ruptured and are bleeding, hence the anemia.

Sophie & peanut butter jar
So as I write this, Sophie and her mom are on the way to Purdue's Veterinary Teaching Hospital, where Sophie can have the best level of care -- not unlike that which people get... transfusions, expert surgery with a dedicated anesthesiologist, an ICU with 24x7 staffing... the works.

Sophie, with Steeler's lamb
Hopefully the nodules are benign and Sophie can just have her spleen removed and put this behind her. But to make sure... please keep Sophie in your thoughts and send some power of the paw her way.

Then and Now

2011-02-01T09:00:00.000-08:00

While going through years of Charlie photos to assemble his MangoMinster entry, I was struck by the extent to which I could see the adult Charlie (he's now 6) in his puppy pictures. Here's a sample:

He likes to rest his head on a stuffy, but stays alert in case something interesting goes on.

Charlie's always had a wild side, and it's always involved teeth. Fortunately he has them under better control now. Mostly ;)

He squints when he's so happy that he could just burst!

Charlie is a tease, and one of the ways he teases his dog-friends is to sit on them.

If he were a reindeer, I think we'd call him Prancer... ;)

Charlie also has a serious side. He's a master of the concerned look and an extremely keen observer of human behavior. Don't ever think you're getting away with anything around him.

He likes cats and treats them with reasonable respect, as long as they don't run. He does, however, sometimes urge them to run.

And then there's that whole "flat" thing.

A Rose By Any Other Name

2011-01-28T10:19:00.001-08:00

Noodles and Sunshine announced the "A Rose By Any Other Name" contest as a side event to MangoMinster 2011. Here is Charlie's entry:

C is for "Cracker Dog". Of that Category I am king!

H for the Heavenly Harmonies I Howlingly sing.

A's for the Apples I Ask for and chew.

R stands for the Running and Romping I do.

L's for my Lie-downs, at Liesurely Length.

I stands for Incisors of Incomparable strength!

E is for Energy, Eek and Exclaim! All Excellent Expressions, when Charlie's the name!

Wordless Wednesday - You Never Know When You Might Need a Pillow

2011-01-26T10:10:00.000-08:00

Twinkie V. Twinkerson

2011-01-19T13:17:00.000-08:00

Too often, great dogs go unrecognized in their own lifetimes. Charlie, therefore, would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to a great dog of our time... a pup without peer... the chihuahua of choice... living legend, the Honorable Judge Twinkie V. Twinkerson.

Ms. Twinkerson, the uncredited co-author of Twinkie: The Tiniest Dog in the World, is the sponsor and judge of a series of highly acclaimed and incomparably wonderful Pet Photo Contests. Dogs around the world eagerly await announcement of these competitions.

The image of impartiality, Judge Twinkerson, a tiny teacup chihuahua with a big big personality, is also a noted judge at MangoMinster 2011. Charlie is honored to be in the group being judged by Ms. Twinkerson and would like to demonstrate a small token of his great gratitude for her ~~patronage~~ selfless commitment to fair play.

In an aria from the new opera, The Barker of Seville, that he has written and will perform in her honor following MangoMinster, Charlie sings his undying praise of Ms. Twinkerson. In this short clip, Charlie works with his ~~mom~~ vocal coach:

In the following scene from the opera, wealthy Count Alpovida, who disguised as a poor student has won the love of fair Twinkina, here reveals his identity and reconciles with her. Charlie barks the role of Alpovida. The role of Twinkina, whose casting will be announced after MangoMinster judging is complete, is written for a teacup chihuahua soprano, but here is barked by a stand-in. Charlie fervently hopes to announce soon that a teacup lead has been found.

Furthermore, since he knows that the presence of a little brother can be a distraction, Charlie is making arrangements to take care of little Pedrito so that Ms. Twinkerson is able to give her full attention to MangoMinster judging and attending the subsequent operatic gala.

Charlie hopes you will join him in applauding Ms. Twinkerson - a dog who deserves to be recognized in her own time!

Mango Minster 2011 "Cracker Dog" Entry

2011-01-14T10:38:00.000-08:00

For those of you unfamiliar with it, Mango Minster is a yearly dog competition like no other. Initiated as a response to Westminster, Mango Minster pits dog against dog, kitteh against kitteh in fierce competition. This year's categories comprise Shameless Dogs and Doggie Divas, Good Old Boys and Gals, Bad Sports, Kittehs, and Cracker Dogs. Charlie, while not a terrier, is entering in the Cracker Dog category.

From the very start, it was clear that Charlie was not going to be the mellow, soft-mouthed, eager-to-please dog that the movies have taught us to expect of a golden retriever. It was clear that he was going to be a serious "cracker dog."

He had so much energy that he just couldn't control himself.

He pushed one boundary after another. No person, no cat...

...no dog, no bed...

...not even his own tail was safe from his attention and his sharp little puppy teeth.

As he grew older, he learned to zoom.
Anytime...
anyplace...
indoors... outdoors... doesn't matter. The dog must zoom!

Of course, there are also the goofy Charlie-isms. He squints for people he loves:

He eats anything and everything:

He goes nuts when friends arrive:

He has serious histrionics when I leave the house without him:

And the singing... dear lord, the singing. He demands to sing. After. Every. Meal.

Now, at 6, he has mellowed a bit --- I can honestly say that it's been a year since I saw Charlie chase his tail. But the dog's still crackers. And I confess - I'm crackers about him!

Fun on a Gray Day

2011-01-12T12:33:00.000-08:00

"Watcha doin', mom?"
"Can I help?"
"Mmmmmm..."
"Sniff sniff... "
"Nom, nom, nom... BURP!"

Taking Down the Tree is More Fun Than Putting It Up...

2011-01-07T12:52:00.000-08:00

...when Charlie is involved.

Resting Up

2010-12-27T21:22:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T00:23:00.000-08:00

We hope Santa brings you peace and lots of love. And perhaps a treat or two!

- Happy holidays from Charlie and his pack!

Did You Hear Something?

2010-12-23T22:36:00.000-08:00

Waiting

2010-12-23T10:07:00.000-08:00

All I Want for Christmas...

2010-12-21T21:43:00.000-08:00

In the interest of Joey's nose, he and Charlie are taking a time-out. Charlie, as you can tell, is not too happy about this turn of events.

Christmas Tree

2010-12-20T21:48:00.000-08:00

Charlie thought the Christmas tree was incredibly intriguing when we first brought it in the house. He walked all around it, sniffing and smelling, smelling and sniffing.

He checked out the top, he checked out the bottom, he stuck his head deep inside. He was so engaged, in fact, that it was almost impossible to turn the tree or tweak the positioning.

He soon lost interest, though, and disappeared. Maybe he thought I was going to make him help decorate?

What's Wrong With This Picture?

2010-12-04T10:26:00.001-08:00

Last week it was well below freezing, so we let Pouncer, a normally outdoor cat, spend tiime in the house. Of course you know where she made a beeline for.

Watcher

2010-11-29T20:35:00.000-08:00

For awhile I was puzzled. After I moved his bed in front of the fireplace, instead of staring at me like he usually does, Charlie began kind of staring away. He wasn't sick, there was no fire to capture his attention...

... and then it dawned on me. He was still watching me - but as a reflection in the glass. Spooky!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T10:01:00.000-08:00

We hope your day leaves you this relaxed and happy!:

Getting Comfortable

2010-11-23T11:12:00.000-08:00

Occasionally it seems like Charlie gets obsessed with making his bed be "just right" before he can lie down. It can go on a surprisingly long time, and I've always wanted to capture it on video, but usually don't have my camera handy. Last week, however, I got a sample -- this is his "shortened version" (he got distracted) but you can still get the idea, I think! :)

Friends

2010-11-20T13:52:00.000-08:00

This morning Charlie alerted us to the fact that something extremely interesting was going on outside. When we looked out the window --- there was Cassie, on a walk with her mom.

Hearing Charlie's continuous barking inside the house, Cassie sat down, stared in his direction, and refused to go on. It was cold and overcast, almost rainy, but there was no saying "no" to these two. They wanted to romp and roll, so into the back yard they went.

Considering their age difference (Charlie is 6, Cassie is almost 6 months), Charlie kept up the furious pace of play pretty well. After awhile, he was clearly starting to slow, though, and would lie down, making Cassie do more of the play work.

To change things up and keep it interesting, when Charlie lay down, sometimes Cassie would turn and walk away. But she'd go just far enough to let him relax and feel safe. Then she'd turn and, from a running start, pounce on him.

Pouncer and pouncee
"Momma, save me from the puppy!"

Though fewer, they had their quieter moments too, and they followed each other like shadows, rarely leaving each other's side.

Charlie's now happily and completely conked --- but by the window, of course, where he's sure to notice if she goes by again. :)

Apparently I Need Not Have Worried

2010-11-13T18:35:00.000-08:00

He likes it.

Somehow I Hadn't Counted on This Turn of Events...

2010-11-07T15:15:00.000-08:00

As a pup, Charlie demolished his beds -- fleece, cordura, even Orvis Toughchews... the material didn't matter - he would find a weak spot, chew a hole and then try to eat the stuffing. Though I regularly sewed them up, he just saw it as a challenge... one he easily met. Sew... demolish... resew... demolish... I finally quit trying, and we put them away (except for one in the bedroom to be used with supervision).

Recently it occurred to me, however, that since he seems to be grown up enough to generally play with stuffies without (always) eating them, it might be time to get Charlie a new bed. So I did -- another Orvis Toughchew.

As hoped for, he hasn't chewed on it. Now if I can just get him to lie on it...

Blogblast for Peace

2010-11-04T10:59:00.001-07:00

"If the human race wishes to have a prolonged and indefinite period of material prosperity, they have only got to behave in a peaceful and helpful way toward one another." -- Winston Churchill

We are proud to participate in Blogblast for Peace.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-11-03T20:31:00.001-07:00

Hey You - Where's My Treat!?

2010-10-30T17:43:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday

2010-10-13T19:41:00.000-07:00

Upping the Ante

2010-10-01T16:25:00.000-07:00

This afternoon, when Charlie spotted little Cassie walking in front of the house, we bettered his pleas to go walking with her and let them play in the backyard.

They ran and chased,

and wrestled and chewed on each other,

until they were both tuckered out, too tired to run anymore.

They're still getting to know each other, but this looks like the start of a wonderful friendship!

Wordless Wednesday - Charlie & Cassie

2010-09-22T18:20:00.001-07:00

Howdy Neighbor!

2010-09-16T21:48:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Charlie began making friends with his neighbor, Cassie, a 4-month-old black lab.

Last time they met (about a month ago) Cassie was afraid and hid behind her people. Not anymore, though...

Even though Charlie grrrrrd and lunged at her in greeting, producing a puppy yelp heard for miles, she came right back at him, ready to play. They were good together, with Cassie obviously interested in romping and Charlie patient and kind of curious.

"Here, let me show you the pee-mail ropes, kid."
"Can I sniff you too?"
I hope they'll be good friends and play together.

Gabbie, his long-time best friend, now mostly ignores him; their back yard play dates are now few and far between, having devolved into a mix of our chasing Charlie and trying to keep Gabbie from digging holes and eating dirt.

I expect Cassie, with her playful puppy exuberance, to change all that. Anyway, I hope we'll find out soon...!

Sweet Sophie

2010-08-22T07:00:00.001-07:00

I've been in Indiana, visiting a friend. She has Charlie's sister, Sophie, and I'm amazed by the sibling similarities. The two dogs not only look alike, but they have the same mannerisms, too! They both hold their heads the same way, lie in the same positions, grab your arm in their teeth when they get too excited, and squint when they're happy. They have their differences, but I constantly catch myself calling her "Charlie".

Sophie
Sophie again
Sophie, doing the Charlie "twist"
Sweet Sophie

Wordless Wednesday

2010-07-28T10:09:00.001-07:00

New Old Friends

2010-07-24T10:58:00.001-07:00

We had a great experience this past week, meeting Brooke & Greg from DWB (Benson's, Opy's & Angel Charlie's mum & dad) and showing them some of Portland.
They petted Charlie nonstop and fussed over him, called him a beautiful boy, hugged him and fed him treats. Charlie, of course, ate up every second of it!
We were all so sorry to let them go, but grateful for the opportunity to spend time with two of the nicest people in the world!

However... Charlie now knows it's possible for people to pay even MORE attention to him than we usually do. So the bar's been raised, and we're going to have to do our best to meet the new high standards. :-)

Wordless Wednesday, A Day Late

2010-07-22T09:56:00.000-07:00

Good Fences Make Good Dogs

2010-07-04T16:00:00.000-07:00

Charlie is intrigued by the new garden I put in. He loves to eat dirt, plus Pouncer digs there and that's a big attractant. But when the veggies ripen, the attraction will increase exponentially, because Charlie's an omnivore -- he loves veggies as much as I do!

So I'm erecting a low bamboo fence around the new garden. Tall enough to keep Charlie (who doesn't jump fences or push babygates) out, yet low enough for me to step over.

"Mmmmm... 2010 -- a good year for dirt."
I've been using a jerry-rigged setup of sawhorses and 2x4s, but it's always falling apart as Charlie pushes the boundaries a little. So it was time for something better looking and more stable.

"I could help, you know. I could keep the kitties out of there."
Having taken a class on bamboo fence-building, I decided on a rustic Japanese yotsume-gaki-style fence. Gabbie's mom grows bamboo & donated canes to the cause, and I bought posts at a local feed store.

"Awwwww... you never let me have any fun!"
For the last week, Charlie and I have been measuring and cutting and digging and leveling and nailing... There's plenty more do do (namely, the pickets and a gate), but we have the bones of a fence; one sufficient to keep Charlie out and the vegetables in.

Just Roo It!

2010-06-19T07:51:00.000-07:00

It's half-time and the SoccerRoos are down, but they're not out! C'mon SoccerRoos!"

Why Charlie* Eats So Fast

2010-06-17T12:30:00.001-07:00

Call him anything you like. Just don't call him late to dinner.
*He's the little guy on top

World Pup Soccer

2010-06-12T09:45:00.000-07:00

The rules say no handballs; they don't say anything about mouths.
Staredown
Uh oh... personal foul
Yellow card!
Arguing with the ref

Joke of the Day

2010-06-10T07:30:00.000-07:00

Q: How high can your dog jump?

A: How high do you keep your food?

And lest anyone be concerned - a nail trimming was handily accomplished at the vet's this week, using a jar of peanut butter to keep the animal sedated. :)

Could This Dog Even Do Anything Bad?

2010-06-07T09:47:00.001-07:00

No pictures, but if I ever wondered what I'd look like with a Heidelberg dueling scar, I wonder no more. Charlie says it's my own fault for trying to pin him down for a little "work" when he was feeling playful. In any event, it's time for a toenail trim. And I know just the vet who can do it!

Wordless Wednesday Thursday - Vegan Dog

2010-05-27T16:19:00.000-07:00