Beware Of The Watch Dog….

My sleeping little angle

This evening, Lucky was sleeping on the couch. He was all curled up and snoring away when he must have heard a noise outside. He lifted his head to listen for a moment and then began barking. He was in such a hurry to get from the couch to the window to bark at the noise he heard and scare away any unwanted company, that he actually fell off the couch onto the floor. That did not stop my little watch dog though, didn’t even slow him down in the least! In a flash he was on his feet and barking out the window at the noise that woke him up. What a funny, but effective watch dog I have. He makes me feel safe, but at the same time, I couldn’t help but to laugh! Thanks for making me smile!

The Big Black Dog Gets A Bath….

The Big Black Dog Gets a Bath…..
It is a nice spring day, the sun is shining, and light fluffy clouds hang high in the sky. My dog Zeus is outside in the back yard digging crazily right next to my pink and purple tulips. The ground is muddy from the last three days of rain and at the corner of the yard a big puddle still remains. I call out in a loud voice for him to come; he lifts his big head and looks at me as if he may have just heard something, but is not sure what, so he turns his attention back to the hole he is digging. Today is bath day, the day we both dread, my big moose of a dog that outweighs me is never overly excited to take part in this activity.
My 135 pound Rottweiler finally leaves his crater in the yard as I wave a treat in the air, He clumsily runs toward me as drool hangs from his jowls. Once Zeus is inside, he gobbles the treat so fast that I am sure he didn’t even taste it. I search for all the supplies I will need to get him squeaky clean. I gather up five towels, his shampoo, conditioner, and finally the bath mat for the bottom of the tub so he doesn’t slip and fall. I glance quickly at the shampoo and conditioner as I set them down on the edge of the tub and notice they are half gone already after only three baths. I have to use a quarter of a bottle for each bath because there is a lot of dog to soap up.
As I get everything set up in the bathroom, I peek into the living room to see my dog pretending to be asleep in his bed. He knows I am getting ready to give him his bath and will do anything to get out of it. I pull the grey shower curtain to one side and place the bath mat on the bottom of the tub. Now all I need is to change into some clothes that can get soaking wet. I then find Zeus snoozing in his bed like he has been asleep for hours when in actuality, he was digging crazily in the yard only ten minutes ago. I tell him it is time for his bath, he opens one eye and looks at me, and he then rolls over onto his back for a belly rub, which looks silly because he is the size of a pony. I try not to giggle so he knows I am serious and tell him again to go to go get in the tub because it is time for his bath. Since his belly rub technique is not working, he gets up and goes to the front door looking at his leash, implying now would be a good time for a walk. I sternly tell him that he can go for a walk later, but has to take a bath first. He finally gives up and makes his way slowly and sadly to the bathroom. He jumps in the tub and stands there with a pleading look on his face. He really hates bath time.
I can now start this two hour, back breaking process. I use the shower hose to get him soaking wet and he makes this difficult by shaking all the water off that I am putting on him. Once he is fully soaked, I give the shampoo bottle a good shaking, one big squeeze, and begin to lather. I lather for about fifteen minutes to make sure I cover him well. Once lathered, the shampoo has to sit on him for ten minutes before rinsing. I turn my back for one second to reach for the washcloth to clean his face with and he decides he is clean enough and jumps out of the tub, runs down the hall into the living room dripping soapy bubbles and water behind him as he goes, looking over his shoulder he checks to see if I am following him. Of course I am right on his tail and I am not happy! He knows this and gives me his best version of his sad puppy dog eyes as he sits again in his bed pleading with me that he is clean enough. I don’t say a word to him as the anger boils inside me, all I do is point to the bathroom and I think he knows that finishing the bath is the better choice because he walks slowly with his head down back to the bathtub. Now that the house has had a bath and the dog is back in the tub, I begin the rinsing process of this big black dog followed by applying the conditioner and rinsing again. Now it is time for the towel drying process which soaks all five towels. He shakes off the water doing his best to help me as water splatters the walls and everything in the bathroom, including me.
Now that the dog is clean, my house is not! I first start with the tub which is now full of black hair. I rinse it all to the drain and reach in with a paper towel to grab the huge black harry mass and toss it in the trash. I wipe down everything in the bathroom including the floor before pulling the vacuum out to suck up the remaining hair. The bathroom is finally spotless as I make my way down the hall and into the living room soaking up the soapy water that the beast tracked through there. With the dog clean and the house clean, I change out of my wet clothes and sit down rubbing my lower back where it is aching horribly. This process makes me wish I had a smaller dog instead of a gigantic one!
I look down at Zeus who is lying again in his bed. He is so clean that his black coat looks beautiful, shiny, and silky, although if you were to look close, you would still see the small white dandruff flakes throughout his thick black and tan hair. These little white flakes are caused by his allergies along with ear infections, and one itchy dog. This is the reason for his bath every two weeks and his special shampoo and conditioner which are more expensive than the ones I use on my own hair.
I look out the open window and hear the birds singing, Zeus and I are so glad that bath time is over and try not to think about repeating this task again in another two weeks. Be walks to the back door whining to go outside. I open the door as he takes off into the yard at full speed. I pour a cup of coffee as I look out the window to see my big black dog digging furiously with dirt flying. You wouldn’t know it now, but the big black dog did get a bath!
PLEASE, help us save our big black dog and visit our fundraising link located on our blog page. Thank you for your support!

News Flash!!!!!!

Time to wake up Zeus, you are going to be in the News Paper!!!

NEWS FLASH…… Wake up my sweet, sleepy, boy, the Westland Observer wants to do a story about you! A story about Zeus and our fundraising efforts will be in Sunday’s paper, I really hope it helps us reach out to our community for the help we need to save our sweet boy!!!!! Make sure to get a Westland Observer on Sunday to read our story! If you would like to help us raise funds for the medical tests and treatment for Zeus, please visit our fundraising site to make a donation! Thank you for your support!

My Little Shadow

My sleeping little angle

The bed shakes to the rhythm of a happily wagging tail; I feel eyes watching me along with hot panting breath in my face.  My eyes open slowly, taking their time to focus in the early morning light that streams softly through the window. The only thing I can see is the face of my sweet dog Lucky, gazing at me with a look of excitement as his tongue reaches out to lick my face. After he gives me what he considers morning kisses, he looks at me intently, tail still wagging with what looks like a smile on his face.  I stretch and look at the clock to see that it is a very early seven am. I look back at my furry friend who is still staring at me and waiting patiently with his head cocked to the side as if he is wondering why it is taking me so long to get out of bed. I reach up and scratch him behind the ear and he leans into my hand and his tail begins to wag faster thumping the mattress loudly.

With a yawn and a groan, I stumble to the kitchen and hear the sound of Lucky’s nails clicking the floor behind me as he follows at my heals. I flick the kitchen light on and it takes a moment for my eyes to adjust as I almost trip over the fur ball beneath my feet.  He sits patiently waiting next to me while I start my morning java and the coffee maker comes to life as I look down at my little friend, with his tail still wagging. As the most wonderful smell of my fresh brew creeps into my nostrils, I stagger to the back door and as I pull it open, a flash of brown blows past me and out the door. My little speed demon takes chase after a squirrel that I know he will never catch. With a smile on my face I head to the window to watch him fly through the yard and laugh when the squirrel makes a quick getaway and races up the telephone pole at the corner of the yard. The beeping of the coffee maker brings me back from my morning daze at the window and I pull my favorite mug from the cupboard. I take a nice big sip from my now steaming mug and take a moment to enjoy the wonderful taste, one of my simple joys in life. I know Lucky is waiting for me outside at the door and as I open it, he rushes in and is ready for his breakfast. He sits pretty and waits ever so patiently as I fix his meal and set the bowl in front of him. After my hungry boy gobbles down the kibble as fast as he can, he happily follows me in to the living room to catch a bit of the morning news.

Now that I am awake and my morning coffee has done its job, I walk to the bedroom with a spring in my step. As I fumble through the drawers to find something to wear, I can see out of the corner of my eye, the wagging tail of the little dog that followed me and is now watching me intently in the doorway. Once dressed, I go in search of the collar and leach that belongs to my crazy little friend. He follows me excitedly knowing full well that it is his walk time. He helps me locate the leash and collar, his tail wagging so furiously that his whole body wags along with it. Trying to control himself and not having much luck, he sits and waits for be to put his collar on as a bark escapes his mouth. Now that we are ready, He pulls me to the door and our adventure begins.

As our walk begins, Lucky has his nose to the ground, taking as many smells as he can. He walks fast as though he is on a mission and in a big hurry, looking up every few seconds to look for squirrels. He spots one and freezes as a whine escapes him; he cannot control his excitement and with all his mite darts off to chase it, but the leash catches him and stops him in his tracks. By the middle of the walk, he has now slowed down and is prancing with his nose in the air as if he is the envy of all other dogs. He pulls up alongside a fire hydrant and leaves his mark for all other dogs that walk by after him and we begin our last stretch and head in the direction of home. By this time, he seems a little tired out and is panting as his tongue hangs from his mouth.

Once home, my shadow of a dog drinks a bowl of water before following me downstairs to the laundry room where I throw a load of wash in the washing machine. I take the stairs two at a time back up stairs and start my cleaning as Lucky keeps up right behind me. The wagging tail thumps the floor while I clean the bathrooms, he lies sleepily on the hardwood floor in the kitchen while I clean and put dishes away. Cleaning the bedroom, I realize that making the bed could be a difficult job thanks to the 40 pound mutt deciding it would be great fun to lie in the middle of it as I try to make it around him.  I get the vacuum out, and he protectively growls at is as I plug it in and it roars to life. As I push this loud, heavy, sucking machine from room to room, my fierce attack dog continuously barks and lunges trying to bite it, then finally relaxes when the scary machine is turned off and returned back to the closet.

With a growling belly, I head to the kitchen and begin to make dinner as I catch a glimpse of my little brown dog watching me with hopeful eyes. As I cook, he lies by my feet watching and waiting for me to drop a morsel of food for him. I giggle at him as I drop a piece of cheese and pretend not to notice.  He inhales it and I am positive he hasn’t even tasted it! I finally sit down to my meal and my adorable little dog sits next to me pretending he is starving and acts like he hasn’t eaten in a week. I show him some tough love this time and refuse to give into him because he will get his dinner as soon as I finish mine.

Now that the house is clean, the laundry is done, the dinner mess is cleaned up, and we both have food in our bellies, it is time for some rest and relaxation. My furry friend and I make ourselves comfortable and cozy in the living room and find something on TV that we both can agree on. I pet my attention seeking pup for a few minutes and he falls asleep fast. He is a tired little guy who has had a long day following me around and helping me clean, cook, and get the laundry done. He has chased squirrels and protected me from the big mean vacuum and in his mind; his days’ work is done. This little lovable, faithful, protective, loyal, understanding, happy little dog is my shadow; He follows me everywhere he can and…… I wouldn’t want it any other way!

What Zeus Would Want

My Sweet Zeus

Before humans die, they write their last will and testament,  give their home and all they have,  to those they leave behind.  If, with my paws,  I could do the same,  this is what I would ask…

To the poor and lonely stray, I would give:

–         My happy home

–         My bowl and cozy bed, soft pillows and all my toys

–         The lap, which I love so much

–         The hand that stroked my fur, and the sweet voice which spoke my name

I’d will to the sad, scared sheltered dog, the place I had in my human’s loving heart, of which there seemed no bounds. So when I die, please do not say, “I will never have a pet again, for the loss and pain is more than I can stand.” Instead, go find an unloved dog, one whose life has held no joy or hope and give MY place to HIM. This is the only thing I can give to him…. The love I left behind.

Author unknown

Dogs Just Wanna Have Fun……

My two boys waiting to play a good game of “Go Find It”

My dogs, Zeus and Lucky have so much fun playing a game that I invented: “Go find it”. As soon as I ask them if they want to play their favorite game, their noses go into over drive. The only rule is that they have to sit and stay in the dining room while I hide a large handful of their tasty kibble. This is really difficult for them because their anticipation and excitement rises, which makes them whine and unable to sit still. Once the tasty morsels are all hidden, I release them from the dining room by saying “go find it” in a super excited voice and the dogs are released! Off they go on a wild hunt for the mouthwatering snacks, running to and fro in a race to see who can find the most kibble. First, their noses are high in the air searching out the scent that they long for.  Next, they search every inch of the living room. They check every corner, under tables, on the couch, tossing cushions from here to there, and even beneath the couch. They desperately search every inch of the living room! After a few minutes, my furry friends are jumping on and over the furniture, racing in one direction, then the next. My boys have been known to even run into each other or knock down innocent bystanders. They are like wild dogs running crazily through my home. The house is full of chaos! Finally, the count down begins as I tell them how many are left and the race picks up speed. Lastly, when my treat searching fools have found all of their hidden snacks, they run to where I am standing and sniff my hands and pockets just to make sure that I wasn’t holding any back. This game is fun for all involved. Just thinking about it, the laughter starts to bubble up in my throat. I find it humorous to watch my boys go crazy for their little bites of heaven.

Bringing home our new rotti puppy Zeus…..

Who wants to shower me with love and kisses?

Zeus was born on Mother’s Day, May 14, 2006. We met our Rottweiler puppy for the first time when he was one week old, he was so small he could fit in the palm of my hand, his ears and his eyes were still closed and he seemed so tiny and helpless that first day. We visited every week, watching him grow and by the fourth week, had built a wonderful bond with him, he would follow me and lay in my lap for an afternoon snooze. I hated leaving him every week without bringing him home, but knew he still needed to be with his mama until he was eight weeks old. We visited once a week for a few hours every time. I couldn’t wait until the day came that we could finally bring Zeus home to join our family for the rest of his life.

On our seven week visit with our puppy Zeus we were surprised to learn that he could come home with us that day, one week early. I was so happy that we didn’t have to wait until the following week. We brought Zeus home and into our lives and our family fourth of July weekend and we couldn’t have been happier. He was a little bundle of joy weighing eleven and a half pounds. Who knew he would grow to be the one hundred forty pound gentle giant that he is now and that we love with all of our hearts.

Once in his new home, Zeus met our cats and he was so excited and wanted to play with them. Of course Jessie, Britt, and Bree had no idea what to think of him and ran for their lives. Apparently an adorable eleven pound puppy could be terrifying. Zeus was so sad every time one of the cats would run away that he would sit there and look at me whining like they really hurt his feelings. After a while, the cats came around and within a few weeks the cats and Zeus became fast friends. They now cuddle and often sleep together.

We rescued a puppy that we named Lucky when Zeus was two years old and Zeus took him in right from the start. They are now best friends and love each other so much. They play and dig in the back yard, together, and even sleep together. They get along great!  Zeus loves to clean Lucky’s ears to the point that they are dripping with slobber. They love to play go find it, a game that I invented, involving treats that I have hidden around the house and them finding them by using their noses to look under couch cushions, on window sills, and many more fun places. They love this game and I love watching them play it. It is really quite comical!

Today, both of our dogs are a big part of our lives, infact, I couldn’t imagine life without them and we love them so much, we  would do anything for either one of them. We hope to enjoy them for many, many, many years to come!