Oh, No! We've Got Snow!

When Mom took me outside this morning I sure got a shock. It snowed last night! I'm not ready for winter. I wish we could just skip it.

Walking in the snow makes my poor little paws freeze. Snow gets packed in between the pads in my paws, too, and that really hurts.

The worst part about the snow, though, is that it covers up all of the good smells outside. I try to sniff stuff, but the snow's on top of it and that just ruins everything. If I get really close to try to sniff, you know what happens? I get snow up my nose! That hurts. Talk about a brain freeze!

She's Gone!

I've been looking all over the house, but I can't find Knee. I don't think she's here tonight. That means that it's back to just Mom and I. I'm the big dog around here again (literally and figuratively)!!! I'm the boss again! Woo hoo!

Puppy Poetry: The Trials of Being Little

It’s hard to be a little hound
You’re very near to the ground.

Everything you see is tall
When you’re very, very small.

When it rains your belly gets wet.
It’s hard to be a little pet.

The ground gets hot when its sunny.
And I’m so close to it that that ain’t funny.

In winter your belly really gets chilly
I’d wear a coat, but that looks silly.

Ice and snow and even sleet
Sure do freeze my little legs and feet.

But slipping on the ice isn’t bad at all
‘Cause little doggies don’t have far to fall!

Brrrrrr!

Winter arrived today. We had freezing rain, rain, and ice this morning and it's sure cold out now. We're at Knee's house, just hanging out. The deck is all solid ice, though. It was pretty hard for Knee and I to get out to the yard to potty. Slippery!

Hanging Out with Knee

Mom and I are hanging out at Knee's house tonight. We've been doing that a lot. Knee comes to our house every night, too. I wonder if we're keeping Knee forever. I get a little jealous, though, 'cause she hogs all of my Mom's petting time. Knee even gets in Mom's bed at night! That's just not fair.

Mom gave us both Munchy Bones tonight. Knee likes them, too, I guess. I just hope she doesn't eat all of them. They're MY bones, after all!

Munchy Bones Are Awesome

Knee is chewing on one of those Dingo rawhides out in the living room right now. I used to like them, but I got pretty tired of them. Munchy Bones are my favorite things now. They're so yummy!

While Knee was distracted with her Dingo, Mom gave me a Munchy Bone. I thought we were out of them. I was SO excited. I snuck past Knee and ran to my office so that I could properly enjoy it without her bothering me. I'm so sneaky...

I Shouldn't Have Eaten That...

I ate a little bit of Knee's crunchy doggie food this morning. I shouldn't have. I threw up in my office today and didn't feel well all day. Now Mom says I stink 'cause I smell like throw up. She doesn't need to tell me that...I'm the one with the better sniffer!

Knee Fly-bys

I have no idea why, but Knee decided that she wanted to mess with me when we're out for walks. She lets me walk in front of Mom and she pretends to sniff something. Then, out of the blue, she comes flying directly at me! It's TERRIFYING! She hasn't ever hit me, but she sure comes close. It's really not fun.

Gobble, Gobble

Mom and I went to Grandma and Grandpa's house yesterday. They all left me there for a while and went someplace else. I watched Grandpa's TV and napped on the couch. It was sort of boring. I was tired and didn't really want to be there alone. Well, to be completely honest, I gave Mom a little grief when we got there because I didn't even really want to go inside. Things have been so messed up lately -- I've hardly had any time to myself. Mom keeps bringing Knee over to our house. We keep going to Knee's house, too. I'm getting really jealous. What's the deal with Knee these days?!?!

Knee's House

Mom and I have gone to Knee's house for two nights in a row now. We sit on the couch with Knee when we're there. Mom rubs our bellies, so that's pretty cool. I was a little afraid of the place last night, but I'm not as frightened tonight.

I like Knee's backyard. Mom doesn't make me where my leash because Knee has a big fence. That's pretty cool.

Anferknee

Mom let Anferknee spend the night last night. I was so upset that I just sat on the couch and watched her every move. Knee was NOT going to get my toys! Mom told me that I needed to learn to share...

I was actually scared, though, when it was time to go to bed. I've never had another doggie sleep over. I'm afraid to admit it, but I cowered over by the door until Mom picked me up and put me on the bed. I could keep an eye on things from up there.

We all went for a walk this morning. Knee sort of took charge, so I stayed back by Mom. I ran right to my crate when we came back inside. I needed to relax a while.

The Nerve of Her!

Mom brought another doggie over to MY house today! I just couldn't believe that she'd do that. Knee (the other doggie) kept walking all over and sniffing everything...all of MY stuff, that is! I barked at her, and Mom got after ME for it! Can you believe that?! What is wrong with her?!

Mom brought a couple of Knee's doggie beds, too. That worries me. I wonder if Knee is staying here for a while. This house ain't big enough for the both of us!

Hunger Strike

I've decided to go on a hunger strike. I demand more doggie treats! Cookies are my favorite things to eat, so why should I bother with the crunchy, dry food or even the canned stuff? I want more cookies! Bring on the treats!

This is day two of my hunger strike. Mom's starting to get worried. I can tell. I'm sure she'll cave in soon and break out the treats. I'll keep you posted...

Going to Grandma and Grandpa's!

Mom got out the backpack tonight and that only means one thing...we're going to Grandma and Grandpa's house!!! I'm so excited!

Going to Grandma and Grandpa's house is SO much fun! It's a really long ride in the car. I love looking out the window, though. I eventually get a little tired of that so I just curl up on the seat beside Mom and I take a nap. She pets me most of the way, too.

And you know what Grandma and Grandpa have? A huge yard with a fence around it! I don't have to wear my leash. I can go running through the grass as fast as I want and I don't have Mom slowing me down and cramping my style. There's a whole lot of stuff to sniff, too. I love that yard!

Inside Grandma and Grandpa's house I get to have my own spot on the couch. Grandpa gets the middle of the couch and I sit right beside him. That's my spot. Grandpa likes to feed me lots of people food, too, even though Mom tells him not to. I love Grandpa! Grandma has cooked me my very own egg before, too. That was SO cool.

I can't wait to go to Grandma and Grandpa's house! I wonder when we're leaving...

Puppy Poetry: Doggie Food

Doggie food from a can is the best.
That I’m sure nobody will contest.

The dry, crunchy stuff I do detest
And will only eat under protest.

Canned is what I’ll request
And always plan to suggest.

Better than the rest,
It’s easier to digest

It’s the best!
I can attest.

Ah, the Weekend

I love the weekend. Mom's home a lot more, so I don't have to spend as much time in my office watching QVC. I watched TV all morning today but then Mom came back home and we went for a walk around the pond. I love that pond! There are so many good trees to pee on over there. I ran out of "ammo" in no time today, so I just left my mark by wiping my feet everywhere. (Mom thinks I'm just running in place when I do that...)

Mom and I both took a nap this afternoon. I'm so tired this evening, though. I think the walk around the pond really took all of my energy for the day. I'm only taking a quick break from my napping to write this. Then I'll probably nap until it's time to go to bed. It's so hard to be a doggie...

Yet Another Stupid Bath

I was just starting to get a good doggie stink going when Mom made me take a stupid bath tonight. I hate water! The only good thing to do with it is to drink it. I really don't like getting wet. That bathtub is just terrible. I can't even see over the side of it.

And you know what's just as bad as the bath? The hairdryer! I really don't like that warm air blowing on my head. Mom can dry my back, but that's about it. She needs to just leave the rest alone.

When we're outside and there's a breeze, I like to stick my face right in it so that I can enjoy all of the new sniffs. Warm air like that doesn't have any good smells in it...just burnt smells. Yuck!

Gender Lines

Am I a radical feminist? No. I don’t think so. I do have a bit of trouble, though, with the blurring of the gender lines. You know why? I like to pee on trees. Yes…I pee like a boy. Well, that’s what people keep saying -- "like a boy." Why is it that only boy doggies can pee on trees, though? Why do THEY get to have all of the fun? I don’t think it’s fair. I enjoy leaving my mark, too, and the only real way to properly do that is to lift a leg. What’s so wrong with that? (Besides, of course, the occasional "accident" because I'm not really "equipped" to project well...)

I’m a girlie doggie. I just have that one quirk. Does that make me any less of a female? Nope!

Augh! Run!

I think we're under attack! When Mom took me out a few minutes ago there was a terrible, terrible racket. It sounded like lots of bombs were being dropped nearby -- bang! pop! bang! I tucked my tail and made tracks back towards home. It was terrifying!

Editors note: No need to head to a bomb shelter. Somebody was just shooting off fireworks nearby. They're one of many things that Lexi is frightened of...

Puppy Poo-etry

I take the time
Just to find
The very perfect spot.

I get ready,
Do what I do,
And give it all I’ve got.

So why does Mom pick up the poo?


Just once I wish
She’d leave it there
In the spot that I picked out.

Other doggies
Would all know
That I was there without a doubt.

But my Mom picks up the poo.


It’s a simple system
That dogs have.
It’s how we catch the news.

We leave a gift
For friends to find,
And we know whose is whose.

Why can’t Mom leave my poo?


Plenty of dogs
Leave their mark
Out there in the grass.

No, not me,
That can’t be.
I guess I’ll have to pass.

My mom picks up the poo.

Puppy Poetry: Home Alone

As I sit here, watching QVC
I wonder where my Mom could be.

Is she gone for work or play?
When’s she coming home today?

I sure miss her when she’s away.
But I know it’ll be o.k.

Soon she’ll come home to me.
Until then I’ll just watch TV.

Pets on Parade

Pets in costume. People have a range of opinions on whether or not to dress up their pets for Halloween, but has anyone ever gotten the pet’s point of view? Probably not.

Here’s my take on it: I get extra treats. I get extra attention. It makes Mom happy. So, costumes aren’t so bad. It’s only once a year, and I don’t have to wear the costume that often. Why not take advantage of the attention and treats? I can’t really stand hats, and I voice my displeasure, but the rest is o.k.

I’ll do just about anything to get extra cookies. Bring on the “trick or treat” treats!

The Pond

Woo Hoo! I got to go for a walk around the pond tonight. I love the pond! There's a sidewalk all of the way around it, so I only have to walk in the grass if I want to sniff a tree. There are SO many trees around the pond -- I get some really good sniffing action going on. Tons of smells to sniff and places to pee. I like to wipe my feet all over, too, just so the other doggies know that I was there.

I had a little accident in my office today. Mom couldn't have been too upset, though, if she took me to the pond. I think she knows that I'm not feeling the best yet. My mouth still hurts. I tried and tried and tried tonight to munch on a chew stick, but it hurt too much. Bummer. I tried some of my crunchy doggie food, too, 'cause I was hungry, but it hurt, too. I gave up. Good thing I gave up when I did -- Mom saw me trying to eat and she gave me some more of that yummy doggie food from the can! That stuff rocks.

What in the World?!

I don't understand what's been going on. Mom hasn't given me ANY cookies when we went to bed for the last two nights! She hasn't let me eat breakfast in the morning, either. Yesterday, I was excited because I got to go for a ride in the morning...but then I realized we were going to the doggie doctor! She left me there ALL DAY!!! It was terrible. They poked me and prodded me. I was so happy to see Mom when she came back...but then today she left me there all day long again! I don't remember much from today for some reason. My mouth really hurts, though. It's a good thing that I've got some soft doggie food. I'm so very, very sleepy, too. I need to go take a nap...

Editor's note: Lexi had to go to the vet to have her teeth cleaned. There was a problem with her blood work, so the dental work was postponed. She went back the next day and ended up having to have five teeth pulled.

Puppy Poetry on My Favorite Thing

A cookie is a lovely treat
I like so very much to eat.
But cookies for me aren’t anything sweet.
I prefer mine made with meat!

Veggies are always such a bore,
And something that I really abhor,
But meat’s sure something I can’t ignore
Because I’m such a carnivore!

I’m sure other doggies won’t debate
That meat’s sure something that is great.
But my cravings for meat just won’t abate.
And now I have trouble with my weight…

Howling Good Time

Mom took me to the PetSmart Howl-o-ween party tonight. It was pretty cool. We stood in a long, long line and had our picture taken. Then we went on a costume parade around the store. I did get sorta bored, though. We stood around a lot and waited. There were a TON of other doggies there, too. Some were a little too friendly, if you ask me. There are only so many times I can stand having another doggie sniff my rear in one night. I hid behind Mom a lot.

Everyone loved my costume, though. Mom dressed me as a chicken. She kept telling people that I'm scared all of the time, so a chicken outfit was perfect. She even told a few people that I'm a chicken all of the time, but I was just in costume tonight. I was so embarrassed! (I can't stand that chicken hat, by the way. It really bugs me!)

I wish we would have been able to play some doggie games or something at the party. I would SO love to "bob for hot dogs!" Good thing Mom took some cookies with us -- they didn't have any food for doggies...only cookies for people (which wasn't fair!).

I was so tired by the time we left that I could barely make it to the car. I just flopped on the seat on the drive home.

Oh, No! Not the Bathtub!!!

Oh, what a terrible evening! Not only is it raining outside again, but Mom made me take a bath tonight, too! I'm o.k. with smelling like a dog...in fact, I am a dog! Why should I smell like shampoo?! That's just nuts.

Here's my "get me out of this bathtub!" photo. I can't believe Mom actually took a picture of me in the tub. How embarrassing...

Watching My TV

QVC rocks. You can order anything at all, right from your TV! I was enjoying a program this evening all about tummy-control underwear. Not at all practical for a doggie, but the saleswomen were sure doing a good job. I always prefer the pet product shows, of course, to women’s fashion. I don’t have much say in what I watch on my TV, though. I can’t reach the remote.

Mom turns on QVC in my office for me when she leaves. Sometimes I wish I could watch something else, but QVC is o.k. Daytime TV just hasn’t been the same since Bob Barker retired.

Whooooosh!

Geez, it's windy outside today! I was a little doggie kite on my walk this afternoon. It's sure hard to walk on a windy day when you only weigh 10 lbs. The wind gusts kept making me walk sideways.

The leaf projectiles were absolutely terrible today, too. Hundreds of leaves were flying right at me -- I was terrified! I did sort of get some revenge on the leaf community, though. I peed on a few of them...

Leaf Me Alone

Leaves. I hear they're beautiful this time of year. I must say, though, that they're just a pain in the paw for me.

Who wants to walk through those things?! My little paws poke right through the dry ones, and you have no idea what you're stepping on beneath them. The sharp parts hurt. The ones that aren't all dried out are just slippery and wet, which makes my paws all wet, too. Yuck!

The worst part, by far, however, is the danger when it's windy outside. Those leaves turn into deadly projectiles! They just FLY across the parking lot. It's terrifying! Sure they're not so much of a problem for people -- you're more than a few inches off of the ground. Imagine something the size of your head flying right at YOU, though! How scary is that?!

I can't wait until these silly things are all gone.

Ode to the Squeaky Toy

It’s time to let my creative side out. Here’s some puppy poetry…

Ode to the Squeaky Toy

It sits on the floor so quietly,
But the toy senses its doom.
Suddenly I pounce
And fling it across the room!

Just as soon as it’s landed
I attack a second time.
I growl and chew and fling again.
Oh, the joy is so sublime!

I shake my head about
With a firm hold on the toy.
Then I start to chew
And that’s what I most enjoy!

I chomp with my little teeth,
Through the soft fabric plush,
Until I find that squeaker
Then oh, what a rush!

I chew and squeak
Then squeak some more.
The room’s soon filled
With squeaks galore!

But then the moment passes.
The toy goes back to the floor
For I’m such a busy doggie
With lots and lots to explore!

But I’ll be back again in no time.
There’s a draw that you can’t destroy.
I certainly have a weakness
For a great squeaky toy!

Rain, Rain, Go Away!

I don’t like being wet. I really hate it when it rains outside, too. My belly always gets wet. When you’re this low to the ground, you just get soaked all over. Of course we had some storms last night so everything was drenched (including me!) when I went out for my morning walk. The smells just aren’t as good when it’s wet out, either, and I don’t like accidentally sticking my nose in puddles!

You know how you hate that “wet dog” smell? Try BEING the wet dog and smelling yourself!

It's So Hard to be a Doggie

The title "Life is Ruff" really says it all. I'm a dog. It's not so easy being a dog, either. No, I don't have to worry about going to work or school, but I have my own problems and issues to deal with. There's an entire doggie-culture out there that humans just have no idea even exists. It's very complex. And when you're only a little 10 lb Shih Tzu, things can really be stressful. Just imagine viewing the world with legs that are only five inches long!

So many people think of dogs as unintelligent animals. We can be pretty smart, though, and we're SO much more than just "animals." I'm out to build awareness. Stay tuned...