Barnyard Critters

Mom went on an adventure with Grandpa and Grandma to the fair.  Even though I didn't get to see any donkeys, mini me's (miniature horses) or goats I did get to nap on my couch in the air conditioning and hang out with my Dad. 

One day when we get a bigger yard Mom and Dad said they are going to get me my very own goat maybe it will look like one of these.

Mom says this one would fit in perfectly with our group because we get into the same kind of mischief.  I have no idea what she is talking about.

I have no idea how that happened ;)

Mom said we are also getting one of these so she can teach it how to run an agility course and do tricks.  For some reason she thinks it would be a hoot to see one of these doing agility.  I personally think it's way too much effort.  Why run and jump when you can stand there with cute brown eyes and eventually they will give in and give you the treats.

I sure hope we don't end up with do's like this big fellow.  Quick hide the clippers.  Oh wait we don't have hair long enough to pull off this look.  Whew !!!!!

Emma

I'm Back

Hi,

It's me Bella.

I feel great today!  I ate my breakfast, later a snack and I'm pretty sure there was something hidden in it but Mom wouldn't tell me and I'm pretty sure it was some kind of medicine.  Mom is happy I am interested in food and active.

We played Mind Games and Ding Ding.  

Mind Games is a 3 in 1 thinking dog toy.  It's a lot of fun and we all figured it out instantly.  It was one of our Christmas presents this year.  That silly Sweet Pea even figured it out.  I'm gonna have to keep my eye on her after all I'm the one that holds multiple training certificates...she's never even been to school.  Ding Ding is a trick that uses a counter top bell like one found at a hotel where you tap the tiny metal pin on the top and it dings.  Sweet Pea had never done this trick before and she sat there watching Emma and I Ding Ding and when Mom placed the bell in front of her she gently taped it with her paw...what a show off.  That's o.k. I taught myself to just Ding, Ding, Ding, Ding without even being told and Mom gives me treats.  Emma cheats though her giant claws just ding on the bell instead actually depressing the little metal thingy. Mom says she still made the same noise and gets a treat too.  She earned it just with a different method to accomplish the same result.

We played with our Cuddly Buddies and took a nap and then I got another treat with some more medicine hidden in it.  I heard Mom say she enjoyed playing with us so much today and focusing on making today enjoyable for us that she wants to make every Monday doggie Monday.  All about us.  That sure sounds great to me.  Maybe one Monday it will cool off enough to play some sling ball or tunnel.  

I want to thank everyone for their concern and care for me during my episode yesterday.  I had no idea there were so many nice and caring people - Thank you!

Bella

Sickie Monsters Go Away !

Hi,

Bella here and I just want to say Sickie Monsters, please, please go away.  Really you don't have to visit all of us. 

This is how we spent 3 1/2 - 4 hours of our day today...

That's me the Bella, Bella Bean, Bella Vanilla, Bella Bam Beano.  Waiting for the Dr and the test results. 


It started out like every morning we woke up and all had to go outside to potty before breakfast.  Emma went first, then Sweet Pea, and then me.  I did my tinkle and walked around and then I vomited and it was bright yellow and then I laid down and wouldn't get up and Mom was freaked.  She was able to get me up and inside and I went straight to bed. I felt so bad and so yucky.  Mom and Dad were in my face and saying stuff and trying to get me to respond and I wasn't interested in anything.  Dad checked my gums and they were gray no pink or color whatsoever.   Then Mom really started freaking out and no one in our area is open on the weekends.  They have recordings with numbers to call in an emergency and then no one answers at that number and the nearest emergency veterinary clinic is an hour away!  Mom's freaking and Dad's scared too but he holds it together a lot better than Mom.  They threw on clothes and off we went.  Mom sat in the back with me and she prayed and prayed and prayed the entire drive.  I was not feeling good and still no color.  I was so very weak.  Thank the Good Lord we did not get noticed for speeding.  About 15 minutes from the emergency hospital I looked up, sniffed, stood up and the color started to slowly return. 

We got out of the van and went inside and I was pulling and trying to leave but the sliding door shut behind me and it's not as easy to open as just walking in front and it magically opens Mom or Dad has to push a button and they wouldn't let me leave.  Where are we?  It smells like a Dr.'s but this isn't my Dr.'s office.

The Dr. came in a very nice lady and Mom felt reassured by her right away.  She really knew how to communicate with them and with me.  She could tell right off I am very fearful of people and she didn't force me or invade my space suddenly.  She had Mom hold me with my face toward Mommy while she listened to my heart and felt my tummy, bladder area, hips and back.  She took her time and was very thorough.  I have been having pain in my lower back hip/kidney area off and on since the first of the year and a bladder infection in January and again last week and I'm still on antibiotics for this most recent bladder infection. That is when the pain usually occurs - just before the bladder infection.  Our regular Dr. already checked with x-rays and I don't have any bone problems.

Dad did most of the talking he is very detailed and communicates well.  He asked it if could be a kidney or  liver issue.  She said they were going to do blood work and that would give information about organ function.  So, they took me to the back area to draw blood, check my blood pressure and heart rate.  My family waited, waited, waited...

I feel bad sissy had to lay on the hard uncomfortable floor most of the day waiting for me to get all poked and x-rayed.  Emma said Mom and Dad got so worried because it never takes that long at my regular Dr. to get my blood drawn.  I'm usually back in a jiffy.  Mom peeked out the backdoor to ask about me.  They were holding me in the back until the blood results came back in case they needed to draw more blood.  They allowed me to go back and wait with my family.  I know Mom and Dad were just sick with worry.  The good news is my blood work came back normal with just slight elevation with the liver which the Dr. said she would expect coming off of a bladder infection.  The white cells and kidney function are all good, but I am dehydrated.  Not sure how that happened because I didn't vomit but a little bit.  The Dr. did explain how that could still happen.  The Dr. said she was going to administer fluids either I could spend the night and get an I.V. or I could get sub-q fluids and go home with my family.  We had spoken with our regular vet via phone on the drive to the emergency hospital and he said they would do x-rays of the stomach and spleen as those are things that can happen suddenly and maybe cause the collapse and gray gums/lips/ears.  The E.R. Dr. didn't feel it was anything related to the stomach or spleen as she did not feel anything in the exam and she gave very detailed information as to why it wouldn't be that vs. the symptoms and collapse I experienced.  She said for peace of mind since we live so far away she would do the x-ray especially if I wanted to go home.  Mom and Dad decided it would be the best for me emotionally to go home because I am so fearful of things and they were afraid the emotional distress wouldn't be good for me physically either.  Great news, the x-rays came back normal too.  Yeah !!!!  The very nice Dr. lady went over all 3 views of the x-ray with Mom and Dad and the kidneys, heart, spleen, intestinal organs, bladder, hips, back/spine all look good and nothing jumped out as being unusual or abnormal.  The Dr. said she wanted to give me sub-q fluids and a shot of Benadryl and then Mom and Dad are to give me 50mg of Benadryl every 8 hours from then on for 24 hours. 

The only thing the Dr. could think that caused this collapse is anaphylactic shock.  Maybe I was stung or bitten by an insect.  Dad examined me before we left the house and couldn't find anything.  Usually I swell up and will show them where it is by licking or pawing at it.  This time all I did was vomit and collapse.  They kept saying I was a rag doll.  Since we had been there at the E.R. for several hours and I have not had another episode the Dr. said she is comfortable with me going home.

My family went to wait in the waiting room.  When the nurse brought me out I was pulling to see my Mom and get on out of there.  Mom and Dad thought they were going to put the fluid under the skin on my back and I would look like a camel.  They were surprised to see they put it under the skin on my sides around my tummy area.  Dad took me outside to potty.  The x-rays was right I had some poo poo that was on the move out :)

Yeah!  homeward bound.  Dad says I picked too hot a day (90°F) to take a road trip out of town.  Dad stopped and bought us a lot of ice water and we drank that on the way home.  We left at 10:30 a.m. and we got home about 4:00 p.m.  I was feeling much better on the return trip and was moving around, looking outside, drinking.  When we got home we got our breakfast and I ate a full serving.  Mom and Dad were happy to see I was eating.  Then Mom, Emma, Pea and I took a nap because she was exhausted emotionally.  We woke up and I played with my new monkey.  Dad and I played.  Pea and I tried to play but both Mom and Dad said NO.  We aren't allowed to run about or rough house right now because Dad said it might not be good for my "beer belly".  No, I did not have any beer...we don't even have any alcohol in our home.  Dad was being silly about my sub-q fluids ;)  Can you believe it all this work to maintain my petite girly figure and now I look like a swollen cow.  The nurse said it should all be absorbed in 24 hours and most of it will go down in 8 hours.

 

They keep looking in my mouth all afternoon and evening.  I think I'm feeling much better.  I even played with my monkey for awhile.  Dad can really make it fun.  He's great at playing he makes all my toys do funny things.  Emma and Pea are still enjoying their newest toy too.

Pea sure is starting to come out of her shell and really discover who she is.  She is bouncy, goofy, snuggly, and just a little "jester" as Dad calls her.  She bounces just like Tigger from Winnie the Pooh when she is excited or happy.  She even posed nicely for Mom to take this picture of her.

I just want to say Thank You God for hearing Mommy, Daddy, Grandma and Grandpa's pleas for a healthy and healed me.  I can't wait to get back to playing soccer with my Emma and romping and playing with my Pea.

My next post will be something more fun and upbeat :)  I heard Emma, Pea and I will be taking turns.  Not sure what that goofy Pea will post about.  I guess I will just have to wait and see because she hasn't said anything to me.  Maybe next time I will show how that silly Pea goes for a walk.  I know how could going for a walk be any different than normal you ask.  All I will say is....she must have forgot to put one foot in front of the the other and repeat, repeat, repeat.

Bella

Surprise Saturday

A few months ago Mom started "Surprise Saturday" for Dad and thought it would be fun to include us too.  On her way home from work she brings something special home for all of us.  Sometimes it would be lunch (burgers for the doggies),  bakery cupcakes, bakery cookies, eclairs, toys (doggies), walks, special dog friendly adventure, car ride, etc... 

LQQkie what this Surprise Saturday was...........................................................

How pawsome!  We each got our own Cuddly Buddie came with a blankie.  Yes, it is much too hot (90°F) to use the blankie which is Giant Doggie sized a whopping 50" x 60".  Plenty of soft cottony plushness to cover an Emma and there will be lots and lots of blankie for Bella to curl up and cuddle in.  She likes to be covered and all tucked in.  Can you guess which 3 Cuddly Buddies we got to choose from?

 

I think the little brown doggie looks just like Sweet Pea when her forehead is all wrinkly.  Mom likes to place a hand on each side of her head and bring the wrinkles together so she looks just like a blood hound doggie.  As you can tell Bella decided her monkey buddie looked much better without a silly green ribbon around his  neck.  She also prefers her toys without tags.  Of course, I get the COW buddie.  Come one guys aren't you tired of the Cow jokes and stuff yet? (Note from Mom: Emma pulled the cow toy out of the sack all by herself.  They each got to pick which one they wanted)  Mom thinks it's cool I have cow spots on my skin and cow spots in my mouth.  My lips are half pink half black perfectly divided in the middle just under my nose and she thinks that's cool too.  It doesn't take much to make her happy so I am willing to accommodate her.

Then surprise we had to spend the day out of the living room because Mom shampooed the carpet and worked on the stubborn spots that have been contrary.  She scrubs and scrubs and they disappear then in the morning when we wake up there they are all dark and giving her an evil smirk.  After 2 hours, lots of spot remover and several carpet cleaner refills later she is hopefully they are gone for good.  I sure hope the carpet is dry in the morning I sure do miss my couch.  She's a bit over protective and is afraid we might get some cleaner on our toes and maybe lick them or something.  I got to lay outside on my blankie while Mom sat in her swing and read and I also got to spend time lounging in bed in the air conditioning. 

Emma

Rest & Recipes

It appears our walks may be interrupted by the hot weather we are having and Mom's owie paws.  Mom was taking me for sunset walks since it's cooler then but for about a week and half she's supposed to stay off her paws as much as possible.  The paw Dr. says she has planter fasciitis.  He examined her paws by pushing on her owie spots in the bottom center of her heels, made some adjustments to her orthotics, gave her some stretching exercises, told her to ice it and take an anti-inflammatory.  He will see her again in a about 10 days.  I thought she was going to fall on me or one of my sisters a few times.  After she sat down and tried to get up her paws hurt so bad she couldn't even stand or walk.  She had to hobble and drag her feet along... it was such a sad sight.  She had to use Grandma's cane...Grandma doesn't need it.  Yeah, that made her feel good..that Grandma didn't need it but she did.  So this is how we have been spending our time.

I thought I would share some of our recipes.  The first treats Mom ever made us was Cheese Biscuits.

Cheese Biscuits:

3 C. whole wheat flour

1/2 C. vegetable oil

1C. shredded cheese

1 egg, beaten

3/4 C. milk, or a bit less, use enough for desired consistency

(don't want dough too sticky to handle)

In a large mixing bowl pour in the flour and make a well, gradually stir in vegetable oil, cheese, beaten egg and milk until well blended.  Knead dough on a floured surface, about 3-4 minutes.  With a rolling pin, roll dough to 1/2" thickness.  Cut with cookie cutter and place on a lightly greased baking sheet.  Bake 350° for 25 minutes, ovens vary so be sure to check for browning.  Cool on rack and store at room temperature in a container with a loose fitting lid or freeze for later.

Cinnamon Biscuits:

2 1/2 C. whole wheat flour

1/2 C. powdered skim milk

1 Tbsp. brown sugar

2 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 C. butter, softened

1 egg, beaten

1/4 C. + 2 Tbsp. ice water, or enough for desired consistency 

In a large mixing bowl combine flour, powdered skim milk, sugar and cinnamon.  With a pastry cutter (or use two butter knives criss crossing in mixture), blend in margarine.  Make a well in the flour mixture and gradually stir in egg and ice water until well blended.  Use hands at the end to form a ball.  Divide dough into 2 balls so it is easy to work with.  Knead dough ball on a floured surface, about 2 minutes.  With a rolling pin roll dough to 1/4" - 1/2" thickness.  Cut with cookie cutter and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.  Bake 350° for 30 minutes, ovens vary watch for browning.  Cool on rack and store at room temperature in a container with a loose fitting lid or freeze for later use.

I heard Mom say she was welcoming the down time to catch up on some reading and putting together a training plan for Sweet Pea.  I may have some videos I can share with you later on if Mom remembers to record their training sessions.    Maybe she will actually finish our potty bells.  Dad's been asking her to get them finished for a very long time so he knows exactly what we want.  Uh, we usually only want a few things can't he just figure it out?  Food ~ Water ~ Potty.  I don't think it's that difficult....empty bowl = need food, dry bowl = need water, tooting = gotta potty/dry bowl = gotta potty because I drank all the water.  For our potty bells Mom is using her own design. Sigh, it may be a very long time yet before it's done.  Dad's always telling her...follow the recipe, follow the pattern, don't try to wing it unless you know what you are doing.  She hand embroidered a 4" block and will fill it with stuffing like we find inside our toys.  Then she is piecing together a row of other 4" doggie print blocks to attach to that and run up to the door know where it will attach to the door by ribbon.  There will be jingle like bells attached to it.  I was going to include pictures of the different kinds of doggie print fabric, but I was unable to find them.  Hope Mom can find them.  I was able to find the piece she emboridered.

Bella and I already know how to "touch" with our nose and Mom thinks that will be the best way to jingle the bells once they are hung on the door. 

I need to think up a clever signature for my posts, Hmmmmm what should it be?

Emma

Happy 4th of July

Mutts is my favorite comic.  If you have never read about the adventures of Earl and Mooch then sign up for their daily email.  You will learn all about them and how much Mooch loves his little pink sock and how much Earl loves his human.  Hopefully one day the bulldog will get off his chain and find a lovely forever home.

Emma

Doggie Cookbooks

Since Bella and I came to live with our family Mom has collected more than one bookcase full of books.  Everything from training, behavior, massage, holistic, health, cookbooks and many more.  One of our blog friends Lilli expressed interest in our collection of cookbooks.  As I watched Mom pull some cookbooks off the shelf I was hoping she was going to make us some yummy goodies because she has been in the kitchen most of the evening but I do not recognize the smell as something she has made for us before.  I did hear her saying something about having never tried this before and she had to throw something away and start over.  Hey ! I would have eaten it ;)    Oh, she said she is making food for a cookout tomorrow.  Strawberry pie and Deviled eggs.  I sure hope they save us some eggs.  It turns out she got the books out to help me write this post.  She said we will make some goodies very soon because our new sister Sweet Pea has never had homemade food before.  I can't wait to share with her.  Once she tries them she will never want those sugary, empty calorie, artificial, yucky store bought cookies ever again.

Mom has made us birthday cakes, cookies, kibble toppers for holidays and just because.  She has even made them for festivals and craft shows.

Peanut Butter Cake

Peanut Butter Cake w/Peanut Butter Cream Cheese frosting

 

After Bella and I came along Mom started reading everything dog.  She came across a book called "Amazing Gracie"  by Dan Dye and Mark Beckloff.  It's the tale of a Great Dane.  

She decided she wanted to try the recipes from their cookbooks.  

She wanted us to have healthy homemade treats.  Then Bella was diagnosed with a lot of food and environmental allergies and it became necessary to cook and bake for us because it's difficult to find store bought items that are totally free of all allergens.  Thus began our kitchen adventures as official taste testers.  

Now whenever Mom sees a doggie cookbook it usually finds a new home with us.  I just wish she would start actually baking and cooking more of these delightfully decadent goodies.

Here is a list of the cookbooks and nutrition related books we have and it might be fun to post some of these recipes on a weekly or monthly schedule.  Maybe Food Friday??????????

• Home Prepared Dog & Cat Diets The Healthful Alternative by Donald R. Strombeck, DVM, PhD
• What a Dogs Life
• Bone Appetit
• Baking for Your Dog
• Cooking for Your Dog
• Make Your Own Healthy Dog Biscuits
• MacPherson's K-9 Cookbook
• The Pocket Idiot's Guide To Homemade Dog Food
• Real Food for Dogs
• Throw Me A Bone
• Cooking The Three Dog Bakery Way
• Barker's Grub
• Feeding Fido
• Presents for Your Precious Pets Gift Jar
• K9 Kitchen
• Cooked Diet Recipes
• Home Feeding Primer
• Feeding Older Dogs
• The Doggie Biscuit Book
• The Ultimate Dog Treat Cookbook
• The Natural Pet Food Cookbook
• Doggy Desserts
• Pup Snacks
• The Ultimate Pet Food Guide
• The Healthy Dog Book
• Home Cooking for a Healthy Dog
• The Whole  Pet Food Diet
• The Everything Cooking For Dogs Book
• The Dog Lover's Cookbook
• No Catnapping in the Kitchen
• The Smiling Pets Recipe Book
• You Bake'em Dog Biscuits Book
• The Good Treats Cookbook for Dogs
• The Organic Dog Biscuit Cookbook
• Three Dog Bakery Cookbook
• Wee Paws in the Kitchen
• Chow Hound
• Dog Treats
• Better Food for Dogs
• The Good Food Cookbook
• Give Your Dog a Bone
• The BARF Diet
• Food Pets Die For
• Natural Health for Dogs & Cats
• Wellness & Longevity
• Animal Nutrition
• Small Animal Clinical Nutrition 3rd edition and 4th edition
• Super Nutrition for Animals
• Dog Health & Nutrition for Dummies
• The Holistic Guide for a Healthy Dog
• Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats

 For balanced and veterinary approved recipes for daily feeding I highly recommend the book "Home Prepared Dog & Cat Diets" by Donald R. Strombeck  There are many recipes for all sizes of dogs and helpful information on specific health conditions.

Here are some older cookbooks I like for their clever and witty illustrations.  They just make me smile :)

And this book has a kitty hidden in EVERY illustration.  How very cute and clever.  Mom loves to look at this book and try to find the hidden kitty....that kitty sure knows how to hide.  Take a peek.

 
 Did you find the hidden kitty?

If anyone is interested in cooking or baking for their dogs there are a lot of books available at Amazon and Dogwise.  You can sometimes even find used books on ebay.  Make sure you are not paying more for a used version with shipping than you can get a new one for.

** Just remember not all the doggie cookbooks out there have the dogs safety as first priority or maybe the authors were just unaware that some "people" foods are toxic to dogs so make sure you regularly review the ASPCA list of foods toxic to dogs to keep those harmful foods fresh in your minds so your beloved friend isn't eating any of them.  Something as simple and healthy for humans as a grape can be fatal to us dogs.

Links for a list of foods toxic to dogs:

• http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/a-poison-safe-home.aspx
• http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+1659&aid=1030
• http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/foods_poisonous_to_pets.html
• http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/ask-the-expert/ask-the-expert-poison-control/people-foods.aspx

Emma

What is that.....

Mom has been pampering me a lot lately and we have been taking walks just the two of us.  It's our Emma and Mom time.  It's absolutely wonderful.  I get away with so much more when we don't have the bobbsey twins and Dad with us.  I stop and check all the pee-mail on all the lamp posts, trees, sign posts, grass, everywhere. 

We have been going about an hour before sunset and it's been a little cooler.  The heat is rough on us big dogs.  We have a lot of surface area to cool and since we do not sweat we have to pant, pant, pant.  We get hot quickly.  Since I'm a little older the heat is even more uncomfortable.  I do love to get out and walk.  Mom and Dad always spell W-A-L-K and other words too like F-O-O-D and B-U-R-G-E-R but the funny thing is I still know what they are talking about.  They forget I'm an expert at body language.  I can read the most subtle movement or change.  I watch them all the time so I know their every routine.  There's no fooling me.  Ok, Ok, there may have been a few pawful of times I may have thought we were going for a walk or ride and I wasn't included or we didn't go anywhere.


Anyway, we were out on our walk and I heard this funny sound, it was creaky and weird and I had never heard it before.  What is making that sound?   I keep stretching my neck trying to see in the direction of that crazy noise and I didn't seen anything odd.  There it was again, and again, and again.

What is that?  It doesn't stop and it's kind of rhythmic and consistent.  All I see is grass, water, boats, birds.

Oh, I didn't know they made that kind of noise. After Mom was done taking pictures and giggling at me she explained it was the boats rubbing against the pier as they bobbed around in the water.  She said she thinks I would like a boat ride because it would be like a car but  without a top so it would be even more fun than sticking my head out the window which Mom and Dad does not allow us to do.  Interesting.  I got to see and hear something new.

Then we walked on and met people passing by and other people having food at shops and they all had to comment about me.  One lady yelled out from the shop where she was eating out on the porch I like your dog, I love her colors what kind of dog is it.  Mom told her I am a Great Dane.  A group of young adults passed by and the boy said "I like your dog".  Everywhere we go people are always wanting to pet me, asking what kind of dog I am, exclaiming they have never seen such pretty colors or pattern, saying they like me.  For some reason I seem to draw a lot of attention.  Mom said she feels bad for Bella because people usually don't ask about her. 

I had to pose for some more pictures.  The sun was setting and Mom thought it would make for some nice pictures but we forgot how bad the quality of pictures are on the cell phone. These are even more blurry than the others when there was more light.

Then on our way back to the Emma Mobile I saw a man just sitting in his car and I stopped and stared at him.  Mom said come on Emma lets go but I just stood there...watching.  Mom said I was staring but that's not true.  I know staring is rude.  I just wanted to say Hello.   I mean after all everyone wants to say Hello to Emma don't they?  I didn't want him to miss out.  He must have felt my eyes upon him as I stood there with my lovely Emma smile and he said "Hi, what kind of dog is that?" Him and Mom exchanged a bit of chit chat and then I was ready to move on.  Mom told me I couldn't do that.  I couldn't demand people give me attention.  I wasn't demanding anything I was supposed to say Hello to everyone because everyone always talks to me.  Gosh, I didn't want to be rude to this poor fellow.  I can tell inside this is one of Moms new cherished memories.  She says it's much more comical if you were there. 

We went to the same place again last night and took the real camera so hopefully I will have some better quality pictures.  It may be a few days before we can go for a walk again because it's suppose to be very hot this weekend.  I do not like really hot weather.  When it's too hot to go outside to potty (I will go outside but I am quick to go right back inside) I prefer to spend my time in the air conditioning stretched out on my couch. 

Emma

Can I Have Some Space, Please

Oh, boy I woke up this morning and Dad was up before Mom.  Hmm, something is fishy.  Why is Dad's hideous and obnoxious alarm shrieking in my ears so early?  I watched as he hit the snooze and allowed that wicked thing to keep shrieking every few minutes and then he finally got up and got dressed.  Why is Dad up before us?  Mom got up and took me out to potty and we came back in but I didn't get my breakfast....Hello, breakfast?  I followed her, I waited patiently.  Then they put my harness on me...what's going on?  Then Mom waited with me while Dad moved the van up out of the mud.  Oh, boy I know what that means.   I'm going for a ride...Yeah!  Dad and I hopped into the van and away we went.

What they failed to tell me is I was going back to the Dr.  Why?  I was just there Monday.  I keep telling them I am fine.  They don't tell me when something is wrong but they forget I have this super special ability to tell exactly what they are feeling good or bad.  I know their every mood, I can even read minds.  Shhhh, I don't think they realize this.  I was too distracted by the ride and the possibility it would also include a walk I forgot to read Dad's mind.

We went into the little room with the hard tile floors and the fold up into the wall metal table that I've never even used.  If the Dr.  needs to check things out he always comes down to the floor and meets me at my level.  That's what I like about my friend the Dr.  he is so friendly.  He even lets me give him sloppy kisses.  I don't think there's anything sloppy about them but Mom, Dad, and the Dr. all say they are sloppy.  Kinda rude I think.  The vet tech guy that thinks I'm pretty cool came to get me and take me into the scary back (that's where they take you when they want to stick you with ouchy sharp needles).  Luckily my friend the Dr was passing by in the back and stopped to say hello.  He also looked at my spot.  Then he sent me back before they stuck me with the needle.  Whew, I knew I liked my Dr. friend.  The vet tech guy took me back to Dad.  After a little while the Dr. came into the room and talked with Dad and told us he didn't need to do any blood work because I didn't need surgery.  The spot that has been there for several months and hasn't improved is now all of a sudden getting better.  I can't believe it they were planning on me having surgery and no one had bothered to tell me.  Why am I always the last to know?  The Dr. did say he could remove all my other lumpty bumps as Mom and Dad calls them but he wouldn't bother the one we were having issue with because it's not as inflamed and yucky looking as it was.  He said if it was that dreaded word it wouldn't look be improving or behaving as this is.  Mom and Dad said they can live with my lumpty bumps but they wish I would quit growing them.  I wish someone would tell I don't exactly enjoy having a "goat horn" on my head. 

I think we got the best news ever NO SURGERY !!  YEAH  !!!

I've heard Mom talking to God a lot and she said he sure must love me because he has helped me out and watched over me and healed me several times before.  Mom believes he must love me since he created me and always taken care of me and protected me. 

Now that it's official and all that there will be no surgery can someone please tell Mom to give me a little bit of space, please.  She's been hovering all over me.  A Queen needs her space and she knows I do not like to share my couch.

Thank you God for hearing our prayers

Emma

Mom's eyes have been leaking, I don't know why...

We had a great weekend this past weekend.  Mom and Dad took us to a park for a walk and then we waited to use the doggy park just the 3 of us.  We ate hamburgers and had a really fun time.  Then comes Monday and we go visit my Dr.  It was a nice car ride sniffing out the window  (as much as you can from those crazy mini van windows that won't open very far)  and looking all about.  But I noticed there was something very wrong with Mom when we left the Dr's office.  Her eyes were leaking as she talked to Dad on the tiny phone.  We drove home and stopped at a park for a walk just me and Mom and that was really nice to have time alone with just her and not have to deal with the other two goof balls.  I could tell she was not herself, she was upset but trying not to be.  The past two days I can sense there is something wrong with her she seems tense and worried and anxious.  I don't know why.  Me, I'm my happy, loving, Queen of the Castle self.  It's hard working keeping these other two jesters in line they just want to bounce around all the time. 

I gotta go it's past my dinner time and I'm getting hungry.  Maybe later I can post some pictures of us at the park.  I do have to say my new sister Sweet Pea sure does go for walks funny.  You gotta see it.

Emma

Note from Mom:  The Dr. doesn't like the look of a spot on Emma's leg and wants to perform surgery (Tuesday) to remove it.  I won't say what he thinks it may be because I do not like that word and will not speak it over my beloved girl.  I get really freaked out about surgeries.  She's my best friend in the entire world and I love her more than anything else.  We here are praying that her surgery will go well and the results that return will be good news too.  God has gotten her through a lot of things in her life.  I know he is still looking over her and has her in his protective care.  We will post and update to this when we have more news.

Dancing With The Doggie Stars

My mom I tell you she knew 2 months ago the deadline for Dancing With The Doggie Stars was midnight Wednesday.  We started practicing in April.  Then it got put off until tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow.  Then our house guest arrived and that takes extra time.  Well, true to Moms bad habits she waited until the last minute to practice with us (the day before and day of).  It's a good thing we are super smart and agile.  I have to say the Queen Emma is looking pretty majestic and Princess Bella has got some groovy moves, oh to be that young again.  I think I was remarkable for a 13 year old Great Dane.  How many teenage Great Danes can even get off the couch let alone dance. ;)  Sorry, I'm not supposed to toot my own horn.  Mom says that not very nice.  Well, she wasn't very nice making us miss out on all those days of practice.

I am dancing to Good Morning Beautiful by Steve Holly.  I told Mom I could do something more upbeat but she said with such a small space to work in and such a large dog we should try something kind of slow.  We have matching attire.  You can't really tell but my collar is lime green with butterflies and dragonflies my flowers are lime green and match Mom.  

Considering we didn't have much time to practice I think we did a wonderful routine.  Mom can't really dance so it was all up to me.   The next video is of Bella.  Mom and Bella did a routine to "You Make Me Smile" by Uncle Kracker.  Bella's collar is purple plaid with flowers and she is wearing pink flowers to math Mom.  I think Bella has awesome energy and you can tell she just loves to dance and prance.  She will do anything Mom asks.  I got tired just watching her.  Take a peak.

She's got talent (Bella definitely not Mom).  That girl sure could dance with the proper training.  Can you imagine how awesome she would have been had Mom practiced the whole 2 months.  Don't tell Mom I said this but please someone needs to get Mom a dance instructor.  Where are her moves....we're moving but I didn't see Mom moving too much.  Maybe we need to find a really good motivator for her....maybe chocolate.  No, that wouldn't work because we aren't allowed to touch that stuff.  Hmm, what would Mom work for?

Emma