Holiday Depression

The holidays haven't been so difficult for me this year. I think it has to do with my pups being with me. I don't feel so alone. Another thing that has helped me through this time is my webcam. I can keep in touch with Jennifer and David. They seem like they are right here with me and not so far away. Now that this family is so scattered about, this webcam keeps us closer. I even got to see David's room in the army. I look forward to seeing Jennifer and her family open their gifts at Christmas via webcam.

Rick and Cheri With The Pups

Here we are on Thanksgiving Day.

Christmas Photos 2010

Here is Bella & Joey's Christmas photo for 2010.

They are both 1 year old.

Joey

I was just playing with my camera tonight and this is what I captured. Joey is 18 months old.

Blessing of the Animals

Earlier today, we ventured out and attended the Blessing of the Animals. In honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, the Patron Saint of all creatures. It renewed my spirit and reminded me of the love and respect that all creatures deserve.

Both my pups received a metal to be worn with the rest of their tags. They enjoyed being with all the other dogs and animals again. We had refreshments too.

I Am So Sleepy...

Joey found a very comfortable place to fall asleep in.

A New Water Bowl

A few weeks ago, I went to a place called Bisque It. They sell ceramic pieces that you paint. They then fire it for you and you take it home.

I wanted to make a water bowl for my two furbabies. This is what I came up with. I painted it a Navy Blue as that is the color of the couch. I had Caryn paint their names, the leaf and the dog bone on the back.

A Hopeful Sign

Today I went to a chinese restaurant for lunch. The note in my cookie said:

"A long term goal will soon be achieved."

I took it as a comforting sign telling me that my bronchitis/sinus infection will clear up soon. Today I started a new IV Infusion antibiotic called Zithromax. The previous IV Infusion drugs I took for 10 days were Vancomycin and Levequin. Those didn't work. I hope this will work and Friday I will have a great report and won't have to have those IV Infusions again. It's not fun getting stuck with needles every day and missing time from work without pay, not to mention the weekly lab work (blood test that requires 4 vials.)

Toilet Paper Fun!

Yesterday my daughter called me up to tell me that the dogs got into something, but wouldn't tell me what it was. After getting home from work, I discovered this big mess of toilet paper all over my bedroom floor. Some pieces were around 10 feet long and there were lots of smaller pieces laying about. They were so proud of themselves too. Luckily it didn't take me long to clean this mess up. You could tell they were having lots of fun.

Easter Bone Hunt

Yesterday Joey, Bella and I participated in their first Easter Bone Hunt at Fishermen's Village. We had a wonderful time. They found many eggs filled with dog biscuits. They had their picture taken with the Easter bunny. They did okay with the Easter bunny. The weather was perfect for an outside event.

Puppers

Here are pictures of the puppers that I took today. Joey is 10 months old. He was just about ready to take a nap when I took this. Bella is 5 months.

We went to the dog park in Venice this afternoon and had a great time. They played with about 6 other dogs.

Bark For Life Fido Fest

Today Joey and Bella participated in the Bark For Life Fido Fest in Venice, Florida to benefit the American Cancer Society's Annual Relay for Life. They walked themed laps around the park while earning raffle tickets and a doggie bandana for participating. Area vendors were on hand and refreshments, kid's games, pet competitions, a silent auction and other pet friendly activities were available. Afterwards, we went next door to the dog park and got in some great socialization with other dogs and people. Bella is doing so much better with other dogs and people now. Then we drove to a dog boutique and bought some new outfits. We had a great day and I am so proud of them for wanting to do this for the American Cancer Society.

Joey Had Two Teeth Pulled

After Joey got all his adult teeth in, two canine baby teeth remained. Yesterday I put his harness & leash on for the upcoming trip to the vet. Bella knew something was up when we didn't put her harness & leash on. She cried for hours Caryn told me. I dropped Joey off at the vet and Caryn picked him up at 2:00 p.m. He did great. I was surprised to find that he was able to eat his normal dry dog food. I thought he would have to have soft food for a while. The only thing we had to watch was not to play tug-of-war with him. He came through like a real trouper! He was very happy to be back home again and Bella was thrilled to have him back.

Pups Got Weighed In Tonight

We drove to Petsmart to get weighed.

Joey will be 10 months old on the first of March. He weighed in at 7.8.

Bella will be 5 months old in three days. She weighed in at 7.4.

I knew the two felt about the same when I picked them both up. While there, Joey came nose to nose with a huge Great Dane. What a difference in size that was! While there, we also saw another long haired chihuahua.

I was proud of myself for not buying anything. Rick (my husband) says I spend too much money on these two. It is so easy to do!

Sweet Dreams

Chihuahua Valentine Gathering In The Park

We drove an hour and a half to attend this fun event. The weather was perfect with lots of sunshine. Joey and Bella had a wonderful time playing with other chihuahuas. I was so proud of Bella as she is working on her socialization skills. She played well with the dogs and people she didn't know.

At one point, I decided to run in the park as I wanted to see what my two would do. Bella kept right up with me and stayed on my left side. She showed me she is loyal to me. Joey would run with me, but got side tracked along the way. Funny. I can't wait until North Port gets their own dog park. I'll be there all the time! LOL They are currently building a dog park here and it should open in August.

They traveled very well again. I am so lucky!

Valentines Day 2010

Today was a cool 55 degrees, sunny, Valentines Day. Joey and I drove to Pawprint Essentials to meet up with Elizabeth, JuanCarlos and PedroMiguel to attend the Valentines Party. It was held outside. They had raffles, sales, discounts and free stuff. I picked up a denim harness for Joey that he can wear in the future. I didn't bring Bella with us as she is having issues with growling at people/other dogs.

Later that day, Rudy and I went to see the movie, "Valentines Day." It is a great movie.

Wishing you all a wonderful Valentines Day!

Fur babies Playing In The Morning

Here are my two playing in the a.m.

Baths For My Two Fur Babies!

This morning was bath time for two chis. Bella went first and did great. Joey kept right by her side on the outside of the tub to keep an eye on her. These two are so bonded with one another. Joey went second. Bella stayed away. She was the smart one. Probably figured I may just put her back in there. LOL Joey is a bit more difficult as he has the longer hair. It takes longer to get all the soap out and he has to have conditioner. When I brought him out inside a towel, Bella didn't know what to think of him. I put him down on the floor and he started his "zoomies" around the room. She was trying to catch up with him and was whining the entire time. She wanted to check him out to see if he was okay. These two are so funny at times. As Joey's hair dried, I brushed his hair and then I did his nails. He does pretty good, but I remember the times at first when he wouldn't let me do anything. He has mellowed a lot now and trusts us more. I like to do their nails when they are trying to go to sleep as they don't seem to care as much. I probably give them baths about every month and a half or so. They don't get that dirty.

Bella's Vet Visit -Last Round of Shots

This morning was Bella's last round of shots at the vet's office. She weighed in at 6.5 pounds. She is going to be heavier than Joey I think. Her legs are still shorter than his. She had three shots and her stool sample was negative for worms. She received her Rabies shot. She takes shots very well, but wants to lounge around once she returns home. Quite understandably. She will soon start to loose her baby teeth. Her appetite is down some too. Poor baby. She does take time to play with Joey every so often.

We went for a lovely walk this morning with Daddy, Caryn and Joey. The sunshine felt so nice, but it was a bit windy.

She now has learned the "sit and down" command. I've been a bit slower in training her than I was with Joey.

The little girl across the street came over this afternoon with two cute fleece hoodies for my fur babies. The size on both are xs. They fit Bella right now, but are too tight on Joey with all his beautiful hair. The back of the hoodies say, "Punk Pup."

Tonight I give them both their flea/tick meds and their heart worm meds.

Muttini Mingle - Feb. 2010

The first Thursday of every month is the Muttini Mingle at Fishermen's Village in Punta Gorda, FL. There were a lot of people at this month's event. Joey and Bella enjoyed seeing all the new people and seeing the other dogs again. We were surprised to find some neighbors from our old neighborhood there. Their son-in-law is a member of the band. The band played there last month too and are very good. Bella wore her new yellow dress and Joey had on his tropical bandana.

Bella is currently learning the "down" command. She is a bit hesitant, but will do it. It's funny that you will find Joey laying down and looking up at you with the expression of, "I'm down, come on give me a treat. What are you waiting for, do you not see me?" LOL

I met a lovely lady there for the first time who had a service dog who was very sweet. The service dog will warn her of an upcoming seizure by licking the lady's face. Joey licks my face all the time, I wonder how we can tell the difference?

The weather was perfect as the high today was 77 degrees. Nothing like last month when the temperature was 44 degrees when we left. Now that was cold!

Enjoying a New Chew Toy

My two chihuahuas love to chew on chew toys! I am amazed at how quickly they can chew one up too. Those chew toys are expensive! The makers of these chew toys tell us how well they will clean our dog's teeth, I hope they're right. I figure at this rate, my dogs should not have any tartar build up at all! LOL

Joey has finished teething and has retained two baby eye teeth. I will someday have them removed. I hear that will cost around $250.00. Bella hasn't started teething yet. It should be soon as she just turned four months old a few days ago.

I am attaching a short video showing these two enjoying a new chew toy.

The date is February 2, 2010. This is my first blog. As I write this, I hear rain outside hitting on the back door where I work. It's a light rain. We haven't had rain in the last few days. Not the norm in southwest Florida where it is sunny almost every day.

I decided to write a blog to to keep track of my many adventures that I have with my two beautiful chihuahua puppies. Joey is a long haired male who recently turned 9 months old. He and I have bonded so well together. Bella came into our lives in December of 2009. She is a short haired female. She is sweet, but we haven't connected like Joey and I have. I have faith in her yet that she and I will be connected someday.

My two chihuahuas and I go on many trips together to meet other chihuahua owners and their adorable chihuahuas. I will be posting pictures and videos to this blog to share with others.

This coming Thursday is our monthly Muttini Mingle which we try to attend on a monthly basis. It's too bad that they host this event the same night as the Bow Wow Cruise.

I've attached a photo of Bella and Joey. This was taken at one of our adventures that we took down in Ft. Myers, Florida. I am lucky that they both travel so well together. They do great in their stroller. We had lunch at an outdoor cafe.