Friday, December 11, 2009

Fifi? Is that you?

Look at my dog. Does she look happy? Aside from her Batman feet, do you think she likes that wreath around her neck?

Doodle the Poodle tried out a new groomer. They did a wonderful job...aside from cutting her feet a little short...they even decorated her with a Christmas wreath.

Wait a minute, I own a dog that wears holiday decor? Will the real Mrs. Short please stand up?

Shorty picked her up from the groomer.....I was out cleaning the driveway when he came piling down the street.

Picture a man, driving an SUV, with a baseball hat on backwards, listening to sports radio, with a huge Poodle in the front seat...sitting tall and proud....with a Christmas wreath on.

It would have been perfect if Shorty would have had antlers on his truck...

My plan is to clip her myself next time. So, at least I have a good baseline to follow.

Merry Christmas from Doodle the Poodle.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

It WORKS!

This image usually means "this does not work."

In my past...I have been known to be lured by infomercials and heal scrubbers destined to make my feet look like they were 14 again.

In my very early 20's, I had my gallbladder removed. I was on the couch for weeks.

So, what do you do when you are stuck on the couch? You watch tv.

There was this commercial for a cleaning product. Promising to make your tile and shower shine like it was just installed by a builder.

So, I ordered it. I have said before...I like to clean things....and I had to have it.

No, it did not work. Not one bit.

I was at my home away from home the other day....wondering the isles while my kid was learning to sing "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer at day school....and I passed the "as seen on tv" isle at Target.

A Twin Draft Guard...promising to insulate doors and windows...

We have an issue with the old back door...tried to repair it to no avail.

So, I thought...$9.99....if it is junk...I will just return it.

IT WORKS! It is a miracle! No more cold air and bugs coming into the house.

So, if you have an ill fitting door/door jam....buy this! It really does work!

*note...I am not being paid to type this. I know the volume of readers that I have will significantly affect the Twin Draft Guards sales...so I had to disclose that for legal reasons.


Wednesday, December 9, 2009

The first day

Holy moly....

95 pound German Shepard....with a prong collar....sniffing my 5 month old 30 pound Poodle....kinda makes you nervous.

His name is Oscar. He is enrolled in the puppy Mensa classes as well. I have never seen a German Shepard that big. Ever.

The class is a hit.

Remember your first day of school? Meeting the teacher? Combing your hair just right? Meeting your new class mates?

Well...times that by 2. You are there...and your dog too.

Everyone was looking around the room...sizing each other up....thinking "my dog is better than yours, mine is the worst, oh I can't believe they let their dog act like that."

We all went around the room introducing ourselves...and introducing our dogs.

Funny and nice people.

The first couple and dog pairing is a couple in their early 30's with a miniature Schnauzer. They do not have children...and this dog is their child. The husband and wife bicker over how to train the dog, and each time the dog messes up...the husband tries to correct it. Then the wife picks it up...and hugs it claiming it to be just a puppy. She is in love with this dog...and to top it off...the dog's name is Emma June.


Another couple is in their late 60's. They have a 5 month old German Shepard named Holly.
Holly was calm the entire class...seems to only listen to the wife. The couple lives out in the county and have 6 other Shepards and a Husky. Shorty and I have come to the conclusion they probably have more money than they know what do do with.

The third couple...well, their situation is out of control. They have 2 6 month old Lab puppies....brothers. When they introduced themselves and the dogs....the dog trainer said "Oh, a trainer's worst nightmare." Meaning...sibling puppies. They yelped the entire hour and 15 minutes during the class. They could hardly be controlled. I can not imagine...not for one minute.

There is a single lady in the class...I didn't get her name or the dog's name. The dog looks like a Dingo.....some kind of wild dog. It just sat there....she had it in class to for socialization. I have already planned to ask her what kind of pooch it is. The dog is a fan of Baylor...since it had on a Baylor collar and matching leash. Wonder what the dog thought of football season this year.

And last but not least, Oscar. The 95 pound Shepard. And to think this dog is not finished growing. His owner was in the class with her Dad. He was there for support. I am pretty sure Oscar weighs more than she does. For real people. He is HUGE. But, I wasn't scared of him. Good thing since bees and dogs smell fear.

The trainer...she is great. She puts up with zero bull....and corrected us every time she made a mistake. Wish she would follow me around all day.

Of course Doodle the Poodle was on her best behavior...we are working on hand signals and "look at me" this week.

Wonder if this stuff works on 2 year olds?


Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Head of the Class

Today is the day.

Today is the day we take Doodle the Poodle to begin her puppy Mensa classes.

She is signed up for an 8 week group lesson session.

I am not the dog whisperer...think I have mentioned that before. I have taught her to sit, shake, she is pretty much house broken, and I have taught her to walk fairly well on a leash.

With the exception of walking next to storm drains....she is petrified. Who knows...

I am hoping that Doodle will be playing chess soon. I love a good game of chess.

Wonder how many treats that will take.

She really is a good pooch....I just need some direction. So, guess you could say the classes are more for her masters....

I will share Doodle the Poodle's progress over the coming 2 months. I am sure you are on pins and needles to hear all about it!

Now, Sit!


Monday, December 7, 2009

Smarter than you think

We all are guilty.

We all under mind the intelligence of little ones.

I do it, you do it....we all do it.

Hard to remember that babies and children actually understand more than we could ever imagine. Our tone of voice, the look in your eye, what you say.

My 2 1/2 year old has recently started talking about monsters. Several times a day. Who knows where she picked this up...she is too young to be "afraid" of monsters.

We love the Cookie Monster...but she isn't talking about him.

She says he comes in the house, eats her food, and then goes back to his monster house...after she tells him to leave. It is bizarre.

She picked it up from another kid...off tv...or whatever.

I have to constantly remind myself what little sponges they are.

If you say "he is being so bad, he drives me crazy." Don't think they don't understand you.

"He does not like that...he won't eat it." Then, he won't eat it.

"My kid is such a brat" Then....they will be a brat.

What they watch on TV....who they are around....etc....they understand so much.

Just been on my mind lately with the whole monster talk.

So, watch what you say...when you are around little people....of all ages.

I bite my tongue and slip up daily.


Saturday, December 5, 2009

Country girls can survive

The words of Hank Williams Jr....just switched boys to girls.

Yes, the picture is fuzzy....I did it that way on purpose....in the interest of my Rocky Mountain jeans.

That was my horse....Pocos Holly Doc. (I was a young teen at the time...so her name spelling may be off)

I was in love with that horse...

My Mom found this picture...showed it to my kid...and she said that the girl in the picture was "a little girl named Mommy."

I really wasn't a country girl...I just love horses...my love of cowboy hats and belt buckles was short lived. I am from Conroe, Texas....and in some parts of that town...those go hand in hand...but, not all parts.

There are days when I imagine living in the hill country...on property...with horses, dogs, and chickens....then I kick myself in the booty and remember why I love my house in the burbs.

Ride em' cowgirl!

Friday, December 4, 2009

Global Warming

2 years in a row...it has snowed in Southeast Houston.

Blame global warming.

During the blizzard, we made cookies. Gingerbread ones....

E placed the redhots.....and wanted to take a bite off each leg....of every cookie.

She was interested....for a bit....then wanted to go inside.

Seems as if she has taken after her father in his dislike for cold weather.

BRRRRRRRR!