Sunday, November 30, 2008

Meet CHLOE


Our newest friend: CHLOE.

When auntie Robin came over, she brought baby Chloe. Ehmm she is cute. she is a baby. She has to be cute. Some outgrow cute, but Bichons are lucky, they never outgrow cute. As a matter of fact, some of us just get cuter.... ehmmm ehmmmm... [moi :)]

Chloe is one of the new residents at White Cottage. The "in- tween place". You know what I mean. Tween. Tween the before when sometimes bad things happen and the finding a forever home where you are loved and you get your own family.
Chloe was surrendered to rescue by someone who bought a mall store pet on an impulse. Climbing on my soap box... Folks, 2leggeds, please listen to me. Buy shoes, lipstick, jewelry, cars, sweaters... you know, returnable thing on an impulse. Things without a soul! Bichons, 4 leggeds are NOT things. they are BEINGS. The irony is, that in her misfortune, CHLOE got incredibly lucky. Now a Tidewater Bichon Frise Rescue resident, she will he loved and taken care of until she gets adopted to a family deserving of her, and then, she will be adored, spoiled, loved, cared for and her family will bond with her for life. No impulse matches. Screening yes... you should hear how picky the TBFR board is.
I was shocked and pleased at the process. You think my momma got me or the Wendy just like that? Oh no no no... First the 2leggeds must fill out an application on the computer, then they get interviewed, then if they meet all the standards, they get to meet the 4leggeds. IF everyone gets along and all the references check out, then and only then will the match take place.

I figure, my momma and daddy must be pretty perfect 'cause they got me... and I am PERFECT!!!

I digress, We loved playing and sniffing Chloe. She is sweet. When Chloe went home, I was glad to have all the attention of my family back. Chloe you are welcome back anytime for a play date.

I have to go now and get my visiting 2legged siblings all tired out so they sleep well and they are ready for me in the morning.

Oh, Thanks auntie Robin for bringing Chloe.
xoxoxo
'vie

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

thanksgiving.....


A lot of waiting for a lot of food I am NOT getting! Frumpt.


But I am getting some special yums!

Happy Turkey day to you all.

Grateful 'vie.







SO... what did the TURKEY do?????

John's parrot





John received a parrot as an early Christmas gift. The parrot had a bad attitude and an even worse vocabulary. Every word out of the bird's mouth was rude, obnoxious and laced with profanity. John tried and tried to change the bird's attitude by consistently saying only polite words, playing soft music and anything else he could think of to 'clean up' the bird's vocabulary. Finally, John was fed up and he yelled at the parrot.

The parrot yelled back. John shook the parrot and the parrot got angrier and even ruder.

John, in desperation, threw up his hands, grabbed the bird and shoved him in the freezer. For a few minutes the parrot squawked and kicked and screamed. Then suddenly there was total quiet. Not a peep was heard for over a minute. Fearing that he'd hurt the parrot, John
quickly opened the door to the freezer. The parrot calmly stepped out onto John's outstretched arms and said 'I believe I may have offended you with my rude language and actions. I'm sincerely remorseful for my inappropriate transgressions and I fully intend to do everything I
can to correct my rude and unforgivable behavior.'

John was stunned at the change in the bird's attitude. As he was about to ask the parrot what had made such a dramatic change in his behavior, the bird continued.... ........"May I inquire as to what the turkey did?'




Ok, This was sent to me. It has me thinking. What did the turkey do? By the way, that turkey was smelling good even in the brine! SO I know it had to be food??? I hope it knew it was food!

thankful I am NOT a turkey
'vie

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Dessert DISTRICT and other goings on


BUSY BUSY BUSY ! Busy day! Here we are ready to go and start our day. It has been a go go go weekend. (Always waiting for the 2leggeds!)

The grandma is here. She came from Florida. I love her. She shares bacon and she gives belly rubs. Who doesn't want another pair of belly rubbing hands around? Later this week, my 2 legged brother and sister will be coming! They play with you!!! And you can play in my 2legged's sister's hair. She hat lots of it and curly and long. It would be perfect if it were white like mine. But it is not white. Oh well. I am soooo excited to see them.

Momma bought a huge chicken she calls Turkey. I guess it is big enough to feed everyone. It's a little weird to see food bigger than you. Way bigger than you. For those 2leggeds reading this, can you imagine being around food that is more than twice your size? Well then you know how I feel! And... it doesn't help that momma thinks saying things like "Silvie would be delicious cooked with a little sage..." is funny. It is not funny! I am not food. And I don't even like sage!!! Did Turkey know it is food?
Momma just gave me a frown look. You know... the "you are being silly look".

Dessert District- I think it is close to being done! Stuff all over. Plates, platters, and such. Lots of smells. Momma even got stuff for 4leggeds. (About time...) For the 2 leggeds all sorts of cookies, cakes, cheesecakes, tarts, and all sorts of sweets.

The plan is to officially open dessert district the day after Turkey day. The Turkey gets its own day??? Do I get my own day? Ahh. Momma says Thanksgiving Day. Not a day for the Turkey. A day to give thanks for what we have. 2leggeds eat Turkey on a day of Thanks. Whatever. Human constructs are soooo confusing. I lick momma and daddy thank you EVERY single day! I don't need a day to do it!

But, back to Dessert District. Momma is inviting everyone to the opening of Dessert District. Friends from Tidewater Bichon Frise Rescue, neighbors, etc etc. I am not sure how I feel about that. I mean all those humans in my house.... frumpt.

Oh- just been informed that baby Chloe and auntie Robin are also coming over.
Chloe is a new rescue. Hey baby Chloe, welcome! Just so you know... I AM the baby of this family, but I will share with you ... for now.
At the end of my day, I was sooo tired.
I love bed, sleep. cuddles. Thanks for bed, sleep, cuddles and pillows with corners to chew on.

Nightie night
'vie

Thursday, November 20, 2008

FRISBEE CAT revisited

I called it frisbee cat. Some of you scoffed at me. You thought you knew better. Alas I am vindicated! It is a FRISBEE CAT... and I have proof that it....socializes??? engages??? mates??? (dirty!) with other cats. I am not sure of what the behavior is. I am NOT an anthropologist. But it is a FRISBEE CAT. Feast your eyes:




Like I said... my observations were on point.

I am vindicated
'vie
PS. Squirrel... It does want to kill you, still...

Monday, November 17, 2008

CATALOGS


So, I was thinking. You know, I am a thinker. The holidays are coming. That dessert district is filling up. I have kept myself busy looking over my wish list. I had to find something to do because, let's face it, momma is not making me a taster any time soon. Anyway, my thinking has led me to some interesting changes and conclusions.

I am two years old now, I need more than toys. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE toys. But I want MORE. I have been looking at all sorts of catalogs. They seem to arrive daily, so I just looked a few over as I tasted the corners, the covers. You know... I "sampled."

Some are positively dreamy! Any of you know this Mrs. OMAHA? She has the best pictures of her steaks! They all look delicious. If I had all those steaks I would not sell a single one. I would eat them all! Putting Mrs. Omaha on my wish list.

La Cense Beef. OHHHH. momma would like this one. No hormones. I am not sure what those are, but I hear talk about hormones every single day and it's never happy talk! So, maybe I should not chew this catalog- Momma might need it.

Oh I love this whole tech catalog! I need a " Livescribe Pulse Smartpen." It records and links audio to notes; the recordings can be played back by tapping on the notes - a notebook is included as part of the package. An infrared camera tracks everything written on the notebook. The batteries in the pen can be recharged through a USB computer port, which is also used to transfer notes and audio to a computer." How cool is that? Ehh. You did not know I was a techie? You think that Dragon Naturally Barking was my only tool? HA!

Question. I have looked over this cruise catalog. There doesn't seem to be anything for 4leggeds. Don't we get to go on cruises? Not even if we are well mannered? Frumpt. Who made that decision??? All I can say is...I hope your sea sickness patch fails.

Ohhhh, sweeeeeeeet. If I had thumbs I would wants to drive a 599 GTB Fiorano Ferrari. Ferrari RED. Too bad their catalog has shiny pages that stick to you lips. Get me some aviators, an Hermes scarf and beep beep... can't you just see me doing the oceanfront? I could drive it with one paw and tap the other paw to some great music... I could drive. I watched the 2 leggeds. Stick the key in that tiny hole, and push the stick forward and yell something and the car moves. See, I could drive! Nahhh I would never want a driver for my Fiorano. That would be the opposite of cool.


Shoe catalog- Blah. Shoes=consolation prize for those unfortunate enough to have been born with ONLY 2 legs. The irony is... some shoes are painful enough to be punishments, not prizes...

The Geneva sale at Christie's... nice rocks. They sparkle! If I had some cash I would get some sparkly rocks for momma - my human sister calls them blood rocks. I have never seen them bloody, so blood rocks is a baffling name. Obviously I would not get her any sparkly rocks.

Oh yes! Finally! A terrific catalog!
Chic Paws! This one speaks to me! Momma! Mommmaaaaaaa
I want. I need, I must have..... please.
This one goes on my list.

I am smiling. Even if I get nothing from that Santa guy momma talks about, truth is, I have what I really wanted already. I have a family. I have love. I am happy. And the fact that I get to lounge about and chew on catalogs illustrates that I have a pretty good life.

But all things being equal, some Mrs Omaha steaks, a cute red Fiorano, some sparkles, and a new puter pen would be cool, almost as cool as the stuff in the Chic Paws catalog.

Don't you think so?

gift me
'vie

Sunday, November 16, 2008

DESSERT District

Been BUSY! Something is going on at my house. They call it "Dessert District." It is a holiday thing momma does every year. She bakes. I should say SHE BAKES. Or more accurately SHE BAKES! I have been keeping her company while she works, so by default I have been keeping an eye on things. And speaking of "things," here is the thing: I saw all sorts of cookies, tarts, cheesecakes, pies and such. All manners of sweets, but you know what I have not seen? I have yet to locate a liver lip, or a brown squirrel cookie or an apple cookie or even a chicken nip.
I mean if Dessert District is a holiday event, does the holiday NOT apply to 4leggeds?

I almost considered calling auntie Robin. I know at White Cottage they must be getting ready for Dessert District too. And there are more 4leggeds there than there are 2leggeds! They must be having a much better Dessert District than what I see shaping up at my house. Maybe I can score an invite? Mhhh. While I am excited I soon get to see my other 2leggeds, or as I refer to them, my long distance humans... cookies are cookies my friend. Nobody messes with treats!

So, what's baking at your house? You have a dessert district? Does the dad have to taste everything at your house too? I am available. Honest. I can taste things for you. I am not asked to taste anything here... frumpt.

Pondering my options...
'vie

Saturday, November 15, 2008

OBLIGATIONS....

RAIN... rain... rain... rain... Have you noticed that the second we get groomed it starts to rain? Really. Is there some unwritten rule that mandates it? I am a girl. If I invest in a good grooming, the last thing I want is for humidity to over puff my perfect Bichon halo. And then there is the other thing. It is Saturday, I go places with daddy, I want to look perfect 'cause when you are a TBFR alumnae you have an obligation to show the world what a rescue Bichon can look like. See, it is not mere vanity! (and what is wrong with a little pride in how you look anyway??) I mean, after all... I am recognized. I am on the TBFR calendar, this blog... Doggy space, Wikifido... You Tube (note the ***** rating!!!)...I have been on posters... No, this in not shameless self promotion. My momma says she would stand nakid on top of the Empire State Building if that got enough attention to close down puppy mills... so, I am JUST doing my part!
(Nakid momma... should never be an option.)

I suppose that I could try and talk momma into letting me wear my crown. It would puff down my over puffed halo... but knowing her, I can assure you it will be raincoats. If I have to wear one of those I want the Coach. I want the red one momma! I can rock that and look amazing.

Have I mentioned that I am not the only one looking great and smelling great? JD. YUMMMM.
Wendy... the girl has a tail on her that won't quit. Can you say PLUMAGE??? If I were her, I would be wagging that sucker like it was the white flag at Custer's last stand!

Well, I have to go get ready for my Saturday, maybe i can talk my 2leggeds into some decent pics.

Well, later ya'll

Puffy proud
'vie

Friday, November 14, 2008

Occupational THERAPY?



Ever wonder how 2leggeds cope with being away from their 4leggeds? I know I have.

I wondered if they ate wonderful things, danced around the place naked, if they sprawled in the whole bed, even the center...
I really wondered. Sometimes they seem sooooo put out for having to share with us 4leggeds.

Well... I was looking at some pictures the momma had from her away time.
And now I am filled with a sense of compassion. Yes, that is the emotion.

She missed me. I know that for a fact.
Look at the evidence! A "towel flower bed with a stuffed toy that looks like me in the center!" Like a little altar of spun cotton! She MISSED ME.

That is good to know 'cause I missed her too.

Now for the rest of those pics. ????
Towels??? Folded to look like people/animals/things???

Some sort of occupational therapy for Bichonless 2legged? Not sure. But... strange.

I need to make a copy, tuck them away. The next time they even think of time away I will casually... leave out the pictures... After all, I don't care what the quality of the towel is, it DOES NOT compare to moi.

So, step back and look at your 2legged. Realize that you are a very important part of his/her life and that they are in NEED of you, just as you need a good belly rub rights now...

Empowered

'vie

Thursday, November 13, 2008

We WON!



Ahh the excitement....

Check this out. Yesterday we got a phone call from our vet's office. Dr. Klemm is my vet. His office is where the Halloween costume contest was held. WE WON FIRST PRIZE!. Duh. Human psychology being what it is... of course we would win. Momma piggified us. She took 3 beautiful proud Bichons and buried them under ugly pin, furry, hot, fat suits with snouts on our heads. She even wondered if she could teach is to grunt and oink. Oh the humiliation. But, she had promised that whatever we won, would be sent to White Cottage, so, as horrid as the experience was, we all made the sacrifice. Now White Cottage is going to benefit. Flea treatments for 3!

Hey, I would have scoffed at that prize, but have you ever felt the itchies???? They are horrible! So, I am ok with it. Great idea, you guys could send some of the same stuff to White Cottage and make the Holidays itch free for all White Cottage residents!

But, for the future, Dr. Klemm, if you need inspiration as to what I personally would like please click here ~~~>AMAZON WISH LIST. I am sure you will find some ideas. Just trying to make your job easier, that's all.

Also, Dr. Klemm, please do not give momma any more stuff to put in my ears. I hate it. Oh, also, would you consider carrying liver lips as treats? Or even brown squirrel cookies! They are very nice and I am sure auntie Robin could hook you up. Your Bichon patients would be ever so grateful and so impressed. Maybe they would even be enticed to see you more often, not that you are not a nice man and all, as vets...go... I do like you, I just don't like having things stuck in me. :(
I wonder, Dr. Klemm, what would it take for the two of us to work out some sort of a deal. You know.... I get you a little "sumethin sumethin" and you forgot the needles, pokes and swabs and we tell momma I don't need any of that... think about it and let me know if you are open to the art of the deal. [Hey Donald T, your book tastes allright! I am picking up stuff from it]

Well guys, I have to go pay attention to the Wendy. She has been guarding the front yard. My turn, now.
Later gators,

Bichon proud
'vie

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Oh NO you don't!


Watch CBS Videos Online

No, no, no! Please no! No Bichon can go live in a house with busy busy people who are forever on the go. Not unless there is a free, committed lap available 24/7 at our disposal. We are Bichons! Bichon Frise..... curly lap dog. LAP. Do you get it? LAP. Do secret service people provide laps?

Is Mrs. Obama going to be available? We need full time mommy! Did I mention a lap?

And while I am on my soap box... There is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog.
Yes, Bichons do not have dander, but some 2leggeds manage to develop allergies to us anyway. And, by the way, Bichons have lots of allergies. I am a member of club drippy eyes in the spring, and club itchy in the fall, and club pukey if I am fed beef..

So, while I would love the attention a Bichon would generate in the White House, reality bites. And, could my rescue group deal with the backlash of a White House Bichon? No! JR's popularity made puppy mills produce so many Bichons that White Cottage was at full capacity for a couple of years!

President Obama, after you shut down all puppy mills, go visit a few shelters, make friends with a few 4leggeds, then make a choice.

Loving my lap
'vie

Monday, November 10, 2008

Piggification INTERVENTION

<~~~~From this To THIS!



Well guys, remember when you thought this costume was soooo cute? How do I say this without sounding mean? Mhh.

Momma, you have a problem! A real problem!!!!

It's not funny anymore. I put up with your "piggification" of 3 beautiful Bichons for Halloween. I was told to go along to get along because it was Halloween. But.... now...
this. You are "piggifying" cake?
Do think that pigs are so attractive that they add to the taste and looks of cake????

I just don't know what to do. Where does the line from 2legged oddity cross into OCD territory?

What part of a pig's rump speaks to you??? (I bet it's the curly tail. I have a curly tail and it speaks to me sometimes. It says, "hey Silvie, don't I look yummy? BITE ME!" And then I do. And then it hurts.)

And, not to brag or whatever, but I'm pretty cute. Why didn't you sculpt me???

<~~~~~~ I see the attraction in a nice pork butt cooked on the grill, but ... this is not the same thing.

I am so looking forward to having my human siblings at home for the holidays. And the grandma too. Maybe it is time for an INTERVENTION... Unless you are stopped I am terrified of what you will piggify next!.... No grunts please.

Ick.

'vie
NOT the other white meat.

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Watching Canada

And here for a totally NOVEL approach!!!

http://www.nopuppymillscanada.ca/teja.htm

An open letter from Nicole Joncas of Teja's Animal Refuge
regarding puppy mills (En francais à la suite)

Teja's Animal Refuge is suing the Quebec government and Anima-Quebec for not
enforcing the provisions of the Animal Health Act. And we need your help.

Over the past few years, I've received hundreds of emails from people who
have reported puppy mills to Anima-Quebec and still nothing has changed. The
millers continue to operate with impunity. They build their fortunes through
the ruthless exploitation of animals who are condemned to a lifetime of
confinement in barren cages, never feeling the grass under their feet or the
sun on their faces; physically and psychologically ravaged; stacked
together, sometimes by the hundreds in unventilated, ramshackle warehouses,
without heat in the winter or even the comfort of a cool breeze in the
summer.

It is estimated that there are thousands of puppy mills in Quebec. Those of
us who have been inside a mill have not come out unscathed. The images of
hundreds of dogs sweltering in the heat, often without so much as a bowl of
water, cowering in the corners of their cages or barking in frenzies of
despair, will forever haunt us. Equally terrible has been the realization
that faced with the unwavering refusal of governmental bodies to intervene,
we were as powerless as the dogs themselves to alleviate their misery.

We have documented countless unspeakable acts of cruelty and provided this
information time and again to those in authority, to those who have the
power to make a difference but who choose instead to ignore not only the
plight of the animals but their own legal responsibilities. And we've had
enough. It's time to hold those responsible, accountable.

We have excellent legal representation, solid evidence and a good chance of
success, as demonstrated by the fact that the Animal Legal Defence Fund
inthe United States has generously donated $4,000 to help fund this lawsuit.
Litigation is expensive, even with the pro bono services of our legal team,
but we are left with no choice. If the authorities won't act against the
millers, then it's time to act against the authorities.
But we need your
help. That's why I'm not asking but am begging for your help to pursue this
lawsuit. It is my deeply-held conviction that this legal challenge could be
a turning point for animal rights in Quebec, and could well inspire similar
campaigns in other provinces.

Our legal team says we have a good case, and now it's up to us to provide
the necessary financial resources to bring this case to court and win a
victory for animals in Quebec. Help us help the animals by raising money,
through fundraisers, silent auctions, car washes, forwarding this request,
or whatever way you can. Small donations will add up quickly if we all
participate, and it's the best chance the animals have ever had.

Teja' Animal Refuge is a registered charity #85496 4202 RC0001. Donations
can be made at Teja's website at: http://www.tejasanimalrefuge.ca/.
Receipts for charitable donations will be issued for donations of $25 and
more. No donation is too small to help with this lawsuit. On the memo line
of your cheque, please specify "Re: lawsuit".

Nicole Joncas,
Universal Peace Ambassador,
Teja's Animal Refuge
21511 McCormick Road
Glen Robertson, Ontario K0B 1H0

Reprinted by permission-

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Meet MILLIE and Duckie

Meet Millie. She is my new friend from Doggy space.
Millie is very loved and very pretty and I have to admit, her picture really took me by surprise. I had to do a double take... Here I was reading about this Dallas cutie, and for a second, ok for a few minutes, I admit it... I was sure she had taken Mr Kaboing. Yes, you know Kaboing... He is my comfort cuddle. He is the only one of my toys that still has a face, a full face.

Anyway , the point of this post is to show my Wendy that I am not the only 4legged who has a comfort buddy. I wish with all my heart that Wendy would try a comfort buddy.

Millie was rescued from a puppy mill (why are they allowed to exist? Mr President Elect are you listening?) Like me, like Wendy and like countless others, Millie has had to learn to be loved.
I bet Duckie is a great comfort. I know Kaboing always smells the same, it always feels the same and I know he is mine. In the bad times Kaboing is a start, sometimes he is enough, sometimes I end up wanting momma.

When 4 leggeds go to their forever home from White Cottage, auntie Robin gives them their very own duck, Splish Duckworth. It is white with yellow feet and yellow beak. Mine is tucked away. It has to be kept safe. It was my very first toy. I don't like anyone touching it. I am sure Millie understands, I hope you do too.

Millie thank you so much for sharing your story and your pictures on my blog. I am so very glad we are friends and thank your momma for being such a good 2legged for rescuing you from the soulless ones.

You and Duckie are welcome to nap at my house anytime!

Going to find Kaboing for a serious nose rubbing.
'vie

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

An open letter to the PRESIDENT ELECT


Congratulations Mr. President- Shortly you will assume office and officially become the leader of the most powerful nation on earth. Before your agenda gets gets crowded with celebrations, meetings, presidential to do lists, please read this. I bet you already have piles of mail and e mails waiting for you. But I bet that none are from a four legged! Well, I hope this letter reaches you. It will be your first letter from a 4legged.

Mr. President, sir, I am an proud American Bichon Frise. I am a rescued dog. I am now a beloved family member. My humans love me and I love them. Unconditionally, unequivocally and wholeheartedly. I am lucky, but my fortune is not shared by all my kind.

This letter is not about me. It is not about my humans. This letter is a plea, to you, the new PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. It is an imploration for you to exercise your executive powers and show the world that my President is indeed a man of change. That my President will not tolerate the needless suffering of any American, whether one on 2 or on 4 legs.

Sir, this letter is about the filthy business of puppy mills. Human operators profit from the ruthless exploitation of animals who are held in deplorable conditions. Deprived of food and water, animals are caged , stacked, starved on every level, they are abused and neglected. Defenseless dogs are violently debarked so their cries are silenced, they are forced to reproduce while simultaneously, hundreds of thousands of us are euthanized because there is an overpopulation problem. It is insanity. It is the shameful routine practice of animal cruelty that passes daily as commerce.

Sir, this goes on day after day in every state in the union. State laws are at best ineffective. At worst they bundle rescue with puppy mills and proverbially throw the baby out with the bath water. State laws are so weak that they are unenforced for the most part. That is how Micheal Vick was able to operate an interstate dog fighting ring for as long as he did. We need a national policy. Zero tolerance for animal cruelty . We need it now. Sir, please, I am asking for all of those of us who have no voice.

This is America, this is the land of the free and the home of the brave. This America cannot be the land of puppy mills! By exercise of your executive powers, you can change this. I want to believe that you are my President too.

Being only 2, this is my first election and my first political letter, so forgive my lack of protocol. I do have one personal question..When you get to be President do you get all the toys you want? You probably do, but you probably don't get any time to play with them. Well, if they get in the way of your busy schedule, you can always mail them to me.

Respectfully
'vie

You tube

Why can't I vote??

I hate not being able to vote. I feel...silenced. Insignificant. Marginalized. If I was given the right to vote I WOULD!!!! GO VOTE!!!!!

'vie

PAY ATTENTION!!!



VOTE
who gets to move here????
YOU
choose
TODAY
make it
YOUR CHOICE
take responsibility


I need to get thumbs...then I can vote too

politically aware and wistful
'vie


Monday, November 3, 2008

JD's take on the THING is.....


Ohhh did I get into an argument with JD! Seems that my post titled the Thing is... got under his skin big time. He doesn't think that I have any reason to "whine." I am what I am. A fluffy, white, 4legged GIRL who should be "thrilled" to get petted at every opportunity as the mere act of petting "fulfills my destiny." Really. Do you believe that? I thought my destiny was "world domination" or at least "backyard domination."

At the core of his argument is his comparison between the two of us. He says "Your looks fit you." HA???

Ok, as I have promised, I am now going to let him dictate [thank you Dragon Naturally Speaking...] his argument:

"You are a girl. Girls are supposed to be pretty [Girls are supposed to be pretty? So I guess momma dressing you as a pig wasn't too far off, eh?]. You are pretty [ OMG! HE NOTICED!! Tail fluff- throw back the ears- ok back to serious face.] You are white, fluffy, pretty and a girl. You are what you are supposed to be. Getting petted validates who and what you are [Fabulous?]. You make no emotional or intellectual compromise when you get your belly rubs. So quit whining! Put your ego in your back pocket.

When momma puts a ribbon on you, it is not a silly act. She is enhancing your girlitude.

Contrast that to what happens to me... You really want to know what it is like NOT to be validated for who you are???? Pay attention, kidlet. I am going to lay it out for you.

One, I am an adult male. All male. Despite some subtractions which are irrelevant to this argument (stupid humans). I feel male and I am leader of this pack despite your delusions. I want to be taken seriously at all times, by everyone. I have feelings, opinions and expectations which are all from the perspective of an alpha male proud 4legged.

Yet... my fluffyhood, size, softness, cuteness if you will (ick) directly contradicts my persona.
Do you really think anyone who sees me immediately recognizes my leader of the pack status?
I'm always fighting against a stereotype. It gets old, fast.

Let me tell you what happened when I went to see a counselor after an episode of acting out my anger. (Momma called him a "behaviorist." Apparently she really loves her shoes....) I dug deep into my soul, cast my inhibitions aside, lifted the curtain of doubt, and poured out my inner conflicts. I told him about my feelings and how my looks impeded my doghood. I told him how I felt nobody took me seriously. I cried about the bows, vests, poufy hairdoos... and how emasculating they are... Want to know what the "behaviorist" said???? Do you????
He said, "Aww preddy boy got up on wrong side of the bed today? Want your bewii wubbed?" Darnit. I DO want my belly rubbed! The emotional turmoil!

Get my point kidlet? You have no axe to grind. Walk in my paws and feel the burden of bichoness. Sometimes it hurts. But as a male, I have decided to buck up and simply go for the belly rubs. "

Gulp. I get it. I actually get it. JD's issues are wayyy more fundamental. But mine are NOT negated, his issues are as valid, ok, more so. Momma please, no bows or sissy caca for JD. Please.
JD, I am deeply sorry. And I respect your maleness.

Validating JD
'vie

Sunday, November 2, 2008

An Early PSA

That time IS coming!

The holidays. This is the time when the house gets full of people, of foods and of strange things. Unfortunately, for 4 leggeds these can be deadly days…

So PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE be careful and watch our for the following:

From the dinner table:

Unless you want your 4legged to have a serious and possibly deadly attack of PANCREATITIS, you will keep the turkey skin, the giblets, the liver and gravy, the stuffing…. The pie… and whatever rich food graces your table out of the mouth of your 4legged. Make sure NOBODY feeds your 4 legged, under, over, on the side of the table.

Bloat is also deadly. Stress can cause bloat. http://www.globalspan.net/bloat.htm

Poultry bones are never a good idea. A perforated intestine can easily kill your 4legged. So, no bones… and make sure you take your trash out and do not leave it where your 4legged can access it.

I know you are worried and stressed about your aunt Maggie and and uncle Lou and setting that table so your in laws can die of envy… BUT please pay attention…

Chocolate is all over at this time of the year. And yes, even that sampler and that cute Godiva box is DEADLY to a 4 legged. Nothing like that should ever be left on a coffee table or anywhere accessible to your dog. Theomobrine, the deadly part of chocolate does NOT take a holiday.

Grapes, raisins and nuts are toxic to dogs even at Christmas!

From your side of the family:

Please keep aunt Sadie’s evil twins away from your beloved fluff. They are barely tolerable most times… during the holidays they are on a sugar rampage and their usual borderline cruelty becomes extreme. Ditto for your uncle Harry whose love of liquor makes him rage and abuse anything around him…

Pay attention to the extraordinary stuff around the house. The tinsel, the tree, the turkey feather centerpiece, the lock blocks, tinker toys, jenga pieces and such… the Channukah dreidles and Christmas trees… the strings of lights and popcorn- none of those things are dog safe. So, keep an eye out.

Make your holidays a safe and happy time for your 4 legged family members.

Finally. If you find that your best La Perla bra has been chewed to bits, understand that it was going to be either your cat loving cousin Vinnie who pinches puppy cheeks or the La Perla… that is how stressed out your 4legged was… OK next time the La Perla is safe, Vinnie is history.

Vigilant 'vie's PA no1.

Saturday, November 1, 2008

DUDE!!!!!



















DUDE!!!! Check out the costume! I got a Happy Halloween e mail from Tidewater Bichon Frise Rescue, you know... White Cottage! Dude, I must say... you look great. No dumb animal costume for you! Could you talk to my momma? I really want to be a princess or a movie star or whatever will surround me with luxury and staff and swag.... NOT A PIG! The only way a pig smells good is when daddy cooks bacon... nuff said.

DUDE, you look grand! Do you have your own Golf cart? Do you belong to club? {Seeing Dude through new eyes.... mhhhh}

Pondering the possibilities
'vie

Letter from PIPER

I just got mail! Piper sent me this note:

" Hi there 'Vie!


Thanks for mentioning me in your blog last week.

I really WOULD like a home of my own where I didn't have to share the love and laps with 14 others. I would LOVE a momma like yours, but I wouldn't expect my mom to make me noodles. I would just like her to know how to drive me to YOUR house for a few lunch/play dates!

Auntie Robin says that I am a perfect boy and I deserve a perfect home. She says she knows that perfect home is just around the corner. I got to tell you, kid, that sometimes I think it must be a really long block!

Give my regards to JD and that dish, Wendy!
Your friend,
Piper
(Humming: I'll Be Home for Christmas)"


Mhhh. I am so frustrated. I know Piper is waiting for "his family" to come claim him. Where are they??? Don't you know how hard it is to just wait?

Just the same. Momma, make extra noodles for Piper please.
Momma says FAITH. We have to have FAITH. Faith? You mean the poodle from up the street?.... JD says no. Faith as in belief. Ahhhh. OK.

K. But how long does faith take???

Look, if you are PIPER's family and you are reading this, hurry up! He is looking for you!
Have you seen his tail??? It is fantabulous!

tapping my paw, impatiently
'vie