Birthday Party Pictures

I thought we'd share a few pictures of Blueberry's birthday party.  It wasn't terribly lavish or spectacular, but we did celebrate with a nice party at home.  I think that's really her preference anyway.  No matter how old she gets, I think that Blueberry is still one of the most stunningly beautiful greyhounds I've ever met.  I might be biased on that, since she does grace our own couch, but I was smitten with her beauty even before I thought there was a chance she could be ours.  Despite the fact that I nearly broke my knee, we had a nice little party for her!

Please Don't Go, We Love You So

Well, today I go back to work, rested after another break into the exciting world of PreKindergarten.  The morning is met by the usual look of dread from Bunny when she hears my alarm clock go off and sees me get out of bed and start getting ready to go out to work.  As I sit down to eat breakfast and catch up with a few things online, she sits beside me, curled up as tightly as she can make herself against my leg despite the fact that the couch is rather long. 

We usually have a lot more adventures than we did over this break, but the weather prevented us from going out much.  The truth is, she has a touch of cabin fever.  We all do.  I'm going to have to look pretty hard to find some things that we can get out and do in the next month or so, but it will be worth it.  The wonder that is Bunny shouldn't be kept pent up in the house when an adoring public awaits.  We had our little chat as I ate my yogurt that we usually have before I go back to work.

Bunny:  Are you sure you have to go?

Me:  Well, you like eating and toys and fancy collars, so I guess I do have to go.

Bunny:  I could go with you!

Me:  You have been to school with me before, that's true, but it would be all day.  I'm pretty sure it would cut into your nap schedule.

Bunny:   Not my nap schedule!  I need my beauty rest!

Me:  Trust me, you're not hurting in that department at all!  You'll be beautiful no matter what!

Bunny:  Still, it seems like a big risk!

Me:  Of course it is.  It's probably for the best if you stay home.  Perhaps you'd protect my pillow safe from Blueberry's butt today?

Bunny:  Of course I will!  As soon as you go, I'll get started.

Me:  That's what I thought!  I knew I could count on you!

Bunny:  But you're coming back, right?

Me:  As soon as I can get back home, puppy girl!

And so I'm off to start another session of school.  I am thankful to be going back to a job that I enjoy and that the teacher's strike didn't happen.  The best part of going back to school is still coming home to a warm greeting from some sweet hounds when I get back, though!

We'd also like to add a small note here, we wish KB and K the best of luck as they both recover from surgery together.  We hope you're back on the trails together soon!

These Boots Are Made For Greyhounds...

It has been bitterly and dangerously cold here this week, and I got out some of the things that we have for the girls that we only crack out when it's extremely cold.  As I was going through the drawer, I came across some pink boots made for dogs.  It reminded me of when we first got them several years ago.

Blueberry was a very young greyhound when she came here to live with us.  She'd just turned two, to be exact.  She was born on a farm in Oklahoma and schooled in Florida, so I don't think she was much accustomed to the cold.  That first winter she was here with us, it was very cold!  It was so cold that our hounds who were used to the Midwestern winters were shivering and refusing to go out.  Blueberry couldn't concentrate on "taking care of business" when she was outside because she was constantly holding one foot up off the cold snow.

I'd posted about it on a small greyhound message board that we visit a lot and a very kind person took pity on her and mailed her these boots that she saw at Petsmart.  I'm not sure whose face had a greater look of horror -- Mr. Taleteller's or Blueberry's.  I thought they were rather cute, but I had no idea that what would follow would be one of the funniest things I've ever witnessed as a greyhound owner.  I regret greatly that we did not own a video camera at that time.  My husband and I had a discussion as the boots were taken out and admired.

Mr. Taleteller:  It's hard enough to get them all bundled up in coats and now you want me to put boots on her?!

Me:  Well, it is really cold out!  She can't keep all four feet on the ground long enough to pee.

Mr. Taleteller:  There is no way I am putting boots on a dog everytime we go out!

Me:  Well, what about just when it's really cold?

(There was a scathing look directed my way after this comment.)

Me:  It was a gift!  We at least have to put them on her and take a picture so she knows we liked them.

Mr. Taleteller:  Oh, all right, but this is the ONLY time I am putting boots on a dog!

Me:  Of course it is, dear!

I honestly thought that we'd just put the four boots on her, take some pictures, and that would be the end of it.  Blueberry, however, was not down with the plan.  I have never seen anything like my husband trying to put boots on his dog.

Blueberry: What do you think you're doing?

Mr. Taleteller:  Just hold still!

Blueberry:  Oh, I don't think so!

Mr. Taleteller:  Don't be a drama queen!  Just humor your mother!  It's her idea!

Blueberry:  I don't believe you!  She loves me and thinks I'm adorable!  She wouldn't do this to me!

Mr. Taleteller:  Trust me, I've known her longer than you have!

Blueberry:  Don't make me use these teeth!

Mr. Taleteller:  Don't push your luck!  Now let me put on this boot!

They battled for over half an hour.  He'd get the boots on her front feet and move to the back ones.  By the time he got one of those on her, she'd bitten one of the front ones and pulled it off.  She'd roll over away from him and he'd move to the other side, determined to get the boots on her by then, despite his feelings about boots on dogs.  In the end, we settled for taking a picture of her with just the front ones on, cutting off the back half of her body.  I thought they might end up alligator wrestling by the time it was over.

Since then, we've become wiser greyhound owners, learning that some things really are not worth the fight.  Ironically, the boots have come in handy now that Lilac's feet are so sensitive.  Blueberry has even mellowed enough to allow us to put them on her for a quick trip outside.  We recently learned of some boots that are a better fit and are better made, which we will use when the weather is bitter cold like it is now.  Trust me, it will have to be a really cold day before we'll fight to get boots on them, though!

You Can Feel It...She's Electric!

When Blueberry first came to live with us, she had a rather sparse coat.  That's not unusual for greyhounds.  Sometimes changing their diet helps and sometimes they're just going to have a really thin coat no matter what you do.  Lilac, her mother, has a really nice, thick coat, so I was always hoping Blueberry's might grow in some. 

A year and a half ago, when Bunny came to join us, we soon suspected that she might have food allergies.  She began to itch so badly that she scratched her neck raw one night.  So, we decided to try a food made for dogs with allergies and see what would happen. 

The results weren't what we expected, although it did help Bunny some with her allergies.  The thing Mr. Taleteller liked the most about it, though, was that Blueberry's coat grew so soft and thick that we could hardly believe that it was her.  We've joked that when she passes away that we may have to have a rug made from her pelt.  Everybody who meets her comments on how soft she is.

Lately, we've noticed something else with Blueberry's coat.  Touching her is like sticking your wet finger in a light socket.  You can feel all the little crackles flickering through her coat when you pet her, take off her coat or she rubs herself against the furniture.

Yesterday, I was sitting on the couch when Mr. Taleteller let the girls back in after their afternoon bathroom break.  After her coat was whipped off, Blueberry ran over and hopped up on the couch, gazing at me soulfully.  I smiled at her and sure enough, she started her bobble head routine and began sniffing at my lips like crazy.  I gave her a little kiss on the side of her head and then nearly fell off the couch as I was zapped with what felt like 50,000 volts of electricity.

Me:  Holy crap!  That hurt!

Mr. Taleteller:  (laughing uproariously)

Blueberry:  (looking confused)  But I love you!

Me:  It's okay, Blue!  But you shocked me!

Mr. Taleteller:  (still laughing)  Must be her shocking personality!

Blueberry:  Yeah, you can take that show on the road any day now!  Just don't quit your day job!

Me:  It's okay, I'm sure it's done now.  (At this point, I reach out to touch her again, and feel like I've been sent to the electric chair.)  Holy Mother of all that's holy!

Mr. Taleteller:  (rolling on the floor with laughter)  I think I'm gonna wet my pants!

Blueberry:  I'll start looking for a home for you...

Me:  Don't worry, Blue!  It won't last.

At this point, she turns to see what Mr. Taleteller is doing as his face turns red from laughing.  She reaches out and gently sniffs him with her wet nose.  That's when he lets out the scream of death, almost as good as the greyhounds can do.  Apparently, the only thing that shocks harder than electric greyhound fur is wet greyhound noses.

Blueberry:  And let that be a lesson to you!

Resolutions From Bunny

Bunny here, taking over the keyboard for a bit!  I hear that New Year's is the time to make resolutions and turn over new leaves.  I thought I'd give it a shot!  So, here are my resolutions for the new year.

1.  I resolve to perfect my sweet, innocent face.  I suspect that this will lead to more petting.  This can only be a good thing.

2. I resolve to finally teach Mom to take me for long walks every day.  She's been rather lax about this.  I hope to whip her into shape on this issue soon!

3.  I resolve to give my stuffies more of a work out.  Some of them are getting a bit flabby around the middle.  This must mean that they need more exercise.  I won't let those toys get lazy!

4.  I resolve to finally get that hole dug to China.  A hound needs to see the world, after all, and China is as good a place to start as any!

5.  I resolve to find the perfect hiding place for my midday kibble stash.  Blueberry keeps finding it, and this simply won't do.  I will find a place that nobody else will discover!

So, there you have my resolutions!  I'm curious to hear what other hounds and humans are resolving to do this year.  Feel free to let me know, or mention things you think I may have left out.  I can always add to the list!

I Made The List

Bunny here, taking over the keyboard to write a little message about how I fared for Christmas.  I'll confess, I was a little worried about whether I'd get presents after it turns out the eating the delicious needles of the tree is not considered nice in any way.  I'll just say that they're a delicious snack and no one should tempt an innocent puppy with a greenery buffet right in her own living room if they don't intend her to partake!

Anyroo, Christmas morning arrived and I sprang out of bed before the crack of dawn.  Okay, at first that was just because I really had to visit the outdoor powder room, but then I remembered as the cold air cleared my brain that it was a special day.  We came back inside and there was a special Christmas breakfast waiting for us (sans pine needles, sadly) that really made my mouth water.  I saw that there was something in my stocking and I approached with caution, since I heard Mom mentioning things like coal for naughty greyhounds.  Mom got it down for me and -- it squeaked!  Roo hoo!  It was a flying squirrel.  I also got a reindeer antler to chew on.  That brings new meaning to bone apetit, let me tell you! 

We all got some nice surprises!  Blueberry and Lilac got antlers and stuffies, too.  I was really a happy puppy, and then the surprise happened!  I got a pink Snuggie! 

I guess I made the nice list after all!  Best of all, Mom will be home for the next few days!  Christmas is wonderful!

Merry Christmas

Some people who read the blog may not celebrate Christmas, and that's okay, but we do.  So, on this day when we celebrate the birth of a tiny baby many years ago, we'd like to extend our wishes for the happiest of holidays, no matter what you are celebrating.  We wish everyone peace, joy, contentment and a little bit of magic in the spirit of the season we celebrate.  Merry Christmas, Zalig Kerstfeast, God Jul, Joyeux Noel, Feliz Navidad or Happy Festivus, or whatever else makes your heart merry!

Bunny would also like to send out a special thank you to Mikayla for sending her the ball!  She loves it!

Wordless Wednesday 12/23 -- The Stockings Were Hung...

Greyhound Stockings made by Greytstockings and yes, she does breeds besides greyhounds. 

What's Yours Is Mine, What's Mine Is Mine, And What's Yours Is Mine, As Well!

We got another Secret Santa package in the mail last weekend and the girls were thrilled again.  Mr. Taleteller handed me one with Bunny's name on it first so that she would be occupied while Blueberry and Lilac got their presents.  However, as soon as each present was unwrapped, it somehow wound up in Bunny's pile on the dog bed. 

I'm not quite sure how it happened.  I helped her open two with her name on them, and she quickly transported those to her bed.  Mr. Taleteller opened one for Blueberry and she took it to a bed with her, but the next thing I knew, it was in Bunny's pile.  One for Lilac was taken right in front of her mouth since she wouldn't take it herself.  As my husband opened the last stuffie, he handed it to Lilac and she finally laid down with it on her bed.  Bunny stared at her with that toy intently, even though she had nearly a dozen toys piled up around her. 

I knew that she'd be the one to play with them mostly, but I didn't expect her to have them all to herself in a matter of minutes.  Fortunately, Lilac and Blueberry don't seem to mind.  Honestly, if Blueberry wanted one, she'd have one.  I imagine Lilac would bark at us until we gave her the one she wanted as well.  So, it's not as if they're being deprived of anything.  It does crack me up a bit, though.  She just turned three and in some ways, she acts a lot like a human toddler.  Her mindset seems to be If I see it and I want it, then it's mine!  So far, we humor her, but I imagine there will come the day when she doesn't get what she wants.  At least she's sweet enough that we won't be suffering through a tantrum when that day comes.  She certainly loves her toys!

I'm Innocent!

Bunny here, firing up Mom's old laptop while she's away to post the truth.

Yesterday Mom wrote that I have been eating the Christmas tree.  This is based on one unfortunate incident of me dropping a few pine needles in the kitchen.  If a cute little greyhound happens to take a whiff to enjoy the fragrant aroma of the Christmas tree and a few pine needles lodge in her nose and throat, does that make her a criminal?  Does it have to be only one greyhound who was eating the Christmas tree?  Couldn't there have been multiple hounds snacking on the delicious, succulent needles of the white pine? 

Oh, Mom, I didn't hear you come in!

Mom:  Bunny, what are you doing?

Me:  Oh, just setting the record straight for our blog reading public about something...

Mom:  And what would that be?

Me:  Well, you know, there's no proof that it was me eating the Christmas tree.

Mom:  Bunny, you threw up a gob of pine needles!

Me:  Santa Paws is going to read this!  Are you trying to kill all my hopes for Christmas?

Mom:  Being curious about the tree doesn't put you on Santa's naughty list.  You didn't know.

Me:  Really?!  So you're saying there's a chance?

Mom:  You're a very good girl, I'm sure you'll get some presents from Santa!

Me:  I wonder if he can make a hound-sized Snuggie...

Well, now that I've set the record straight, I need to go and write a letter to the jolly old elf!  Santa, if you're reading, a pink Snuggie would be a great present!  If that doesn't work out, I have a list of other things like a coat from Posh Pawz, some new martingales and some biscuits from the dog bakery.

There's No Place Like Home For The Holidays

This time of year is hard on me.  I freely admit that.  While I love Christmas with all its rich traditions and the true meaning of the season, I'm usually exhausted by the time the blessed day arrives.  My parents divorced when I was seven years old, and I got used to celebrating most of the holidays twice.  Christmas was never a big issue because my dad's family holds to the Scandinavian tradition of celebrating on the twenty fourth, so my sister and I always went with him to my grandparents' house and celebrated there, then came home, stayed up late together watching the old Alistair Sim version of A Christmas Carol together, went to bed and then woke up and spent Christmas Day with our mom.  Growing up, we had it made!

Now, I find myself married and in the beginning, working in one extra Christmas celebration wasn't too bad.  After I got married, both of my parents remarried as well.  We've also been thrown work parties into the mix.  My husband has three siblings with birthdays in December and my sister's birthday is a few days after Christmas as well.  December is now an incredibly busy month for us.  There's no weekend that doesn't include a party or two.  This past weekend we had my dad and stepmom's big family celebration on Saturday and my stepdad's big family shindig was on Sunday.   Christmas Eve will find us with my dad, stepmom and sister while Christmas Day will find us with my husband's family and in the afternoon we'll join my sister at my mom and stepdad's house. 

There's also the fact that we need to go and shop for gifts for all these parties as well.  That has left us very little time at home.  This evening, Bunny let me know in no uncertain terms that I needed to be at home with her.  As I sit here writing, she sits with her paws hanging on to my leg and her head on me as well.  Lilac has been over, laying her head on my arm as she stands beside me (although I did have some Christmas cookies at the time).  Blueberry came over to wipe her snot off her nose on my arm numerous times.  It's as if they can't believe that I'm really home tonight.  I confess, being at home with them tonight is much better than going to the movie we were thinking about going to see. 

As we sat at my mom's house this afternoon, I watched her two dogs.  They aren't well-behaved.  The more they barked and threw tantrums, the more I wished for the quiet of home and my own hounds.  It's nice during the hustle and bustle of the holidays to be able to relax a bit at home with those who love you the most.  There's nothing like the greeting of a dog who's missed you, no matter how long you've been gone.  Sitting on the couch with my hound is better than any tub full of Calgon.  That's the best gift of the holidays as far as I'm concerned.

Case Closed

Well, our Christmas tree snacker was caught in the act last evening.  Saturday morning as we were preparing to go out and do some shopping, we heard that tell-tale sound that no dog owner ever wants to hear.  It's the sound of something nasty about to be deposited on your carpet (never on the linoleum floor, mind you).  My husband demonstrated his quick thinking and leapt over the baby gate to drag the offender to the kitchen for easier clean up. 

Husband:  I think I found out who's been eating our tree!

Me:  Who is it?

Husband:  This time it's your dog!

Me:  You always say that when one of them is in trouble.

Husband:  Well, Bunny just threw up pine needles in the kitchen.

Me:  Not Bunny!

Husband:  Yep!

I saw a look pass between Lilac and Blueberry that seemed to say "Sweet vindication!"  Bunny slunk back into the living room and curled up on a dog bed.  So, it appears that "Baby Face" Hound is the guilty party.  We'll see if she gets parole in time for Christmas!

Could They Be Too Spoiled?

For as long as I can remember, Blueberry and now Bunny have this habit of scooping up a mouthful of food from their dog bowls and carrying it to the living room where they willl spit it out on one of the dog beds and then lay down and daintily eat it kibble by kibble, occasionally hiding a bite or two for later.  I tried to discourage it at first, but it was a losing battle and I figured they really weren't hurting anything anyway.  Besides, who doesn't enjoy breakfast in bed once in a while?  For anyone who doesn't know greyhounds, they take retirement very seriously.

Perhaps it is because they're the descendants of beloved companions to kings (the only thing celebrated more by a family than the birth of a litter of greyhound puppies in ancient Egypt was the birth of a son), or perhaps it's because they work hard in the early years of their lives, but they certainly seem to feel that they are entitled to live the good life when they begin their lives as pets.  Honestly, they are such sweet dogs that it's not difficult to want to spoil them at all.  I freely admit that I have gladly enslaved myself to their whims and I accept that it's my own fault that they are princesses and divas of the highest order.

You may recall that Bunny has a particular fondness for yogurt.  She is a bit disappointed on the rare morning when one of us does not have yogurt for breakfast so that she can enjoy licking the cup clean.  I find myself relieved that her obsession is yogurt because she's got a tongue more acrobatic than any anteater ever dreamed of owning.  She will snooze away the morning until she hears Mr. Taleteller or me reach the bottom of the yogurt cup with the spoon and then she leaps into action. 

Bunny sleeps on the bed with us at night.  Lilac and Blueberry both prefer to stretch out on their own dog beds, but Bunny likes to be under the quilt.  If the dogs go out particularly early because of Lilac's geriatric bladder, she often comes back to bed and curls up beside me again.  If she were able to, Bunny would spend about twenty three hours of the day in there on our bed. 

This morning, she found the best of both worlds.  The baby gate was left down since I was still getting ready for work and my husband was finishing his yogurt.  Bunny will take it off the coffee table or floor and move it to where she wants it.  She'll even turn it between her paws to get it postitioned just so.  No drop of yogurt ever gets left in one of those cups.  Somehow, she had a revelation this morning and decided that she could have breakfast in bed.

At least she hasn't decided that we should carry it in there to her yet!