A Good Life

I am sad to report that we lost our little mini chimi this morning. He is in a better place and without pain. In honor of his long life and his legacy, I hope to somehow, as the healing progresses, continue Not A Dog in the future, in some form, down the road.

For now, I ask you if you have a dog of your own to play ball with him or her today in honor of my little one. The tennis ball was his true love.
And treat him or her well with lots of hugs and kisses. If you are without a dog, consider donating to a local no-kill shelter. Cody was lucky to be spoiled and live a long, good life. So many others do not get that chance.

As I say goodbye to my little man, I also thank you for being a part of his last few months.

Cody Malik
11/10/1991 - 11/6/2007

Caught on Film

Recently, the puparrazi got wind that I was going to have a busy morning with the possibility of some surprises. So they of course were out in full force. They chose to document my moves a few days ago when my very early morning stroll with mom saw the season's first appearance of my blue jacket.

I like it because it velcros around making it easy to put on, and because it keeps me warm if it's too chilly outside. I've got arthritis so I need to keep my joints warmed up.

Once we got back and while I was still warming up, I had my daily vitamin. A regular part of the morning routine, and it was caught on video...

Next, I stripped down as it was getting toasty and warming up outside. And while I waited for mom to cook breakfast, I gazed outside, longing for freedom.


A few hours later, when the sun was shining bright, I was surprised with a bath.
Here is my post-bath ritual...

Yup, that's my day.

I Don't Do Tricks

My older sister Brandy, may she rest in peace, flunked out of school when she was young. You see, the trainer actually dropped her from his class because she just couldn't cut it. She was a poor learner I suppose, but still, she was a gem- sweet and cuddly.

So when it came time for me to learn something, anything, my family passed on sending me off to school. They figured I would just have the same fate. So this is my excuse. My excuse for not understanding all those inane commands that I am too good for anyway. No, I don't sit, I don't rollover, shake or anything. Instead, I spend my time ruling the house. Trust me, I have enough to do just getting the cook to make me something worthy of my palate.

But still, my mom got a kick out of this dog, who does tricks. See how many commands you can think of. Mom got 5, they were all foreign to me....

http://www.idodogtricks.com/index_flash.html

My Condolences

I am sorry to report that one of my friends, George, a 16-year-old Jack Russell Terrier, passed away today. He was auntie Lisa's baby, and we will miss him dearly.

Good bye Georgie. You were two paws up, a real classy old dude.

Hungry Man

Mom just got a new cookbook that I think has some real pawtential.

Jamie Young's "Grrrrowlicious Food for Hungry Dogs" He has a great website too.

Some great recipes, stories about his dogs and photos. There is a whole chapter on raw foods, which I am slightly tail down about, but other than that, I give it Two Paws Up...especially the Treats chapter. (I'm hoping to get mom to whip up some Cheese & Bacon cookies soon)

The recipe for chicken or meat stock is smart because then you can freeze some and whip up something in no time. My cousin Indy loves a good chicken stock added to just simple rice or dog food (yes, she eats that stuff...she's got no standards!) Makes everything just a little bit more tongue waggin'.

Another thing I'm loving today: Wheat Thins.
I like to add the crunchy whole grain goodness from time to time to my meals. A little sprinkle on top of plain chicken or such goes a long way. While on the topic of crunch, my favorite cereal for a late night snack (late night equals 9pm at my age) is Honey Bunches of Oats.

All this food talk is makin me drool...

Single Moms

OK, so she might not take me on an extra walk today for saying this, but yes, my mom is single. I am not complaining. Heck, it just means more attention for me!

Because of our situation though I sniffed out this article. It's funny and cute, but I don't think mom and I are this bad....are we? And the article says we play poker? We do? I need to learn...

Read the whole, funny article here.

"Sorry," my friend said, but I could tell we'd reached the end of any kind of intelligent conversation. I could picture her on the other end of the line, staring moony-eyed at her special guy -- his tousled brown hair, his deep golden eyes, his four hairy legs.

That's right. Like many single women these days, my friend Michelle is madly in love with her dog. Not that there's anything wrong with loving your pets (or companions or special furry friends or whatever you prefer to call the animules in your life)...But the relationship between Michelle and her Buddy -- heck, between a lot of single women and their dogs -- seemed to transcend the normal pet-owner boundaries.

Magazine Mutt

A love for magazines runs in my bloodline. In fact, my mom (shameless woof out coming) actually runs a magazine. Her's is a lifestlye magaizne called East West. While it's nice and all, there's generally not much in it for me. Just little snippets from time to time. Oh and when I was younger, some modeling opportunities.

Yes, these are my model shots. And yes, mom dressed me up in a girl's outfit! And yes, my tail was rather poofy. It was the era. And admittedly, at the time, I was willing to do anything for fame. Now I just wish the puparazzi would simmer down and stopping being all up in my whiskers. I am too old for this dog crap.
Back to my point....
Magazines, I like them. I used to just use them as a fun ripping and chewing diversion, but I have now found some I can actually relate to. My new favorite is one we got recently called Fido Friendly. It is all about you and traveling. It is very informative and makes me wish I wasn't so darn afraid of the car all these years...I could have been a world traveler...if only...

The current Fall issue has some great reads and licks like Top Hotel Chefs that cater to us peeps (see page 22 for the Barking Beef Tenderloin recipe), travel tips, fun hikes and there is a regular column called Diary of a Dog Chef which this time includes a recipe for Pumpkin a La Mode...sounds barkalicious.

Pumpkin A La Mode (for dogs, from Fido Friendly)
1/4 cup fresh pumpkin
1/4 cup cooked rice
1/3 cup of slightly boiled chicken, cut into small pieces
A large dollop of cottage cheese

Put the pumpkin the dish, cover with the rice, then the chicken cubes and the final touch of cottage cheese. Serve

Speaking of rice, I gotta cruise over to the kitchen now. Mom is serving up homemade chicken and rice soup since I have the sniffles today probably cause my dusty cousin Indy is back. Gah.

Mom's soup and Fido Friendly both get TWO PAWS UP!