staking CLAIM

When you are the youngest of three, invariably you have to face the hierarchy of age, seniority and other territorial imperatives. Bottom line... all the good spots are claimed and you are left to park your tush in uncharted territory.

Moi, mon tush will not settle for anything without a soft cushy feel. It is the Bichon curse. We are bred for upholstery. We are bred for laps, comfort, high end fabrics... you know, silks and such. It is a curse in this polyethylene derivative world. It took me a long time to find "my own place" in my household.

JD, aka Mr Lookout claimed the best look out spot in the house.
While he occasionally shares lookout point, it is his and he makes no concession.

Wendy. Ehmm. My Wendy is forever weaving in and out of table and chair legs. She has claimed the forest of legs. That is where she feels safe. Under tables, under chairs, under things...
Chin on the floor, she is the silent watcher...
Never mind what goes on outside, it is the stuff inside that interests her, BUT only from a safe distance. She will share her spot, but not for long.



Me, I am mix it up kind of girl. I like to be the focal point of the household. I think of myself as the "silicone" spray that facilitates all interactions in the house. I travel freely between chair legs, look out point and anywhere else I like, but, if I have to choose, or actually if I had to stake my claim, they the choice would be easy.... The silky stripy chair with the big pink pillow....
It is silk. It is colorful, it is in the middle of everything. IT is MINE.

Now you do understand that all bets are off if a lap is available, right?

sign me
territorial
'vie

FLUNKING fostering ...

So, I listen in on my momma's phone calls all the time. (No, I am not nosy. I have a cute button nose that fits my face just perfectly.) I listen 'cause I learn. I want to understand more so I can be a better 4legged companion. So... in a way, I have to listen in! (Did you buy that???) Anyway. I just learned that Ferguson's foster family FLUNKED fostering.

When White Cottage gets too full, TBFR places dogs waiting to be adopted with qualified foster families. Ferguson went to a foster family. Last I heard he was doing well, they were doing well, then bam.... momma repeated "Ferguson's family flunked fostering." Ohhhh, my little heart sank into my toes. Flunking is a major failure. I immediately worried about Ferguson. I looked at momma's face for clues.

She was smiling. Odd. She was laughing... Odder... She clapped her hands...oddest.
You 2 leggeds are just awful to figure out. SOOOOO what is happening to Ferguson???
I was yapping that over and over and over at momma. But of course... she told me to hush and then she finished her conversation with auntie Robin. Me? I was going positively out of my ever loving curly white headed mind.

As soon as she hung up the phone, momma told the daddy that Ferguson's foster family
flunked. More smiles, more winks... thank God the daddy asked, "So, now that they have flunked, with Ferguson that makes how many???"

"Four" momma said.

Wait. What???? These people are repeated failures?????

Then momma to daddy, "Maybe we should foster that way we can flunk and I can get another Bichon!"

HOLD IT. Stop. When a family flunks foster they adopt???? So flunking is GOOD??
So... Ferguson is in his forever home?

I GIVE UP! My puppy heart cannot take it. You 2 leggeds exhaust me. Can't you be more straight forward?????

'OY
sign me
ferklempt 'vie

My thought of the DAY

"Money will buy you a fine dog, but only love can make it wag its tail”

Richard Friedman

How true, how true, how very very true.

sign me Pensive
'vie

PET FOOD RECALL or here we go again....

My pasta and lamb chops and peas and carrots are NOT listed ...
:) neither are my apples!!!

Pet Food Recall

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to investigate potential Salmonella contamination of peanut butter and paste made at the Blakely, Georgia facility of Peanut Corporation of American (PCA), and is informing pet owners that the recall also includes some pet food products.

Many companies that received peanut butter or peanut paste from PCA have in turn issued recalls.

Information current as of 11 AM January 26, 2009

Note: This list includes food products subject to recall in the United States since January 2009 related to peanut butter and peanut paste recalled by Peanut Corporation of America.

List of recalls for Pet Food Peanut Paste Products from Brand:

Peanut Corporation of America or Parnell's Pride

Category: Pet Food Peanut Paste
Brand Name: Peanut Corporation of America or Parnell's Pride
Product Description: Pet Food Paste
Recalling Firm: Peanut Corporation of America
Size: 35 lb
Lot Numbers: 8183 to 8366, 9001 to 9016
Stock Numbers: 561000 Product Code: Label:

Thee are also recalls for:

Pet Food Products from Brand Grreat Choice

Category: Pet Food
Brand Name: Grreat Choice
Product Description: Extra Large Assorted, Large Assorted,
Recalling Firm: Petsmart
Size: 8 lb.
Product Code: 73725700779, 73725700638

Category: Pet Food
Brand Name: Grreat Choice
Product Description: Peanut Butter
Recalling Firm: Petsmart
Size: 4 lb.
Lot Numbers:
Stock Numbers:
Product Code: 73725700766
Label:

Category: Pet Food
Brand Name: Grreat Choice
Product Description: Small Assorted
Recalling Firm: Petsmart
Size: 32 oz.
Lot Numbers:
Stock Numbers:
Product Code: 73725702900 Label:

Category: Pet Food
Brand Name: Grreat Choice
Product Description: Small/Medium Assorted
Recalling Firm: Petsmart
Size: 10 lb.
Lot Numbers:
Stock Numbers:
Product Code: 73725702755
Label:

Category: Pet Food
Brand Name: Grreat Choice
Product Description: Small/Medium Assorted
Recalling Firm: Petsmart
Size: 4 lb.
Lot Numbers:
Stock Numbers:
Product Code: 73725700601
Label:

Category: Pet Food
Brand Name: Grreat Choice
Product Description: Small/Medium Assorted
Recalling Firm: Petsmart
Size: 8 lb.
Lot Numbers:
Stock Numbers:
Product Code: 73725700605
Label:

http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/peanutbutterrecall/index.cfm

which includes a separate category of pet food product recalls

http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/peanutbutterrecall/index.cfm#PetFood.

Other Recalls include:
# Brand 'Avanza Supermarket' Puppy Chow snack mix (All sell-by dates)
# Econofoods (Excluding Wisconsin stores in Sturgeon Bay, Clintonville, Marquette, Holton and Iron Mou' - Puppy Chow snack mix (All sell-by dates)
# 'Family Fresh Market' - Puppy Chow snack mix (All sell-by dates)
# Family Thrift Center - Puppy Chow snack mix (All sell-by dates)
# 'Food Bonanza' - Puppy Chow snack mix (All sell-by dates)
# 'Happy Tails ' Multi-Flavored Dog Biscuits
# Brand 'Pick'n Save (Ohio stores in Van Wert and Ironton only)' - Puppy Chow snack mix (All sell-by dates)
# 'Prairie Market' - Puppy Chow snack mix (All sell-by dates)
# 'Shoppers Valu ' -Multi-Flavored Dog Biscuits
# 'SunMart Foods' - Puppy Chow snack mix (All sell-by dates)
# 'Wholesale Food Outlet' - Puppy Chow snack mix (All sell-by dates)


http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/peanutbutterrecall/index.cfm

which includes a separate category of pet food product recalls http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/peanutbutterrecall/index.cfm#PetFood.

As the investigation continues and new information becomes available, FDA will update its list of recalled products.

In addition, FDA is reminding consumers of steps they can take to help prevent foodborne illness, including Salmonella-related illness, when handling pet foods and treats. These include hand washing with hot water and soap before and after handling pet foods and treats and washing pet food bowls and utensils after each use.

For more steps to prevent foodborne illness from pet food products, go to http://www.fda.gov/cvm/CVM_Updates/foodbornetips.htm

Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Well animals can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
The FDA has not received any reports of illness associated with the pet food products.

For additional information related to this Salmonella outbreak, please see http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/Salmonellatyph.html

I AM SOOOOOOO mad!!!

I saw momma's stitches today and I am MAD MAD MAD and I showed everyone how angry I am by killing the rope toy. First of all, why stitches? Who broke her?? I want names! Second, just a couple of words to the 2legged that sewed up my momma! You bad bad man! Are you color blind? Even I know you are supposed to use matching thread! When momma fixed Effie and Peggy Piggy she used pink thread cause they are PINK. When she fixed Brownie she used brown thread 'cause he is brown! What is wrong with you? You used BLUE! My momma is NOT blue. Does she look like a SMURF to you? And no, being short does NOT make you a SMURF!!! And your stitching is NOT neat and clean like momma's. You are a BAD stitcher! Someone needs to take away your needle. Momma told me it is OK. She says she is healing and feeling better and she even went with us to see Vera Wang at Carelot, but Vera was not there. But I am still mad. If I get my opportunity, the cutter and the stitcher will both be in need of stitches and I am going to make sure they use icky colors threads on both of you!

Nobody messes with my momma
'vie

WHAT ifs , ands, or BUTTS

It is no use. Trying to deal with broken 2leggeds is impossible. About the only thing I can do I cuddle with the momma. She seems to get lots of comfort from cuddling. Either that or she is stealing my body heat. The house is very quiet, the bed is unmade, lots of pillows on the couches and lots of throws. No smells coming out of the kitchen. So, how long does this last? I am worried that we will not get to go to see Vera Wang tomorrow. No offense, momma, but maybe you should stay and bed and let daddy take us... I am just saying, you need your rest, I need shopping.

This whole experience has me thinking. It is amazing how much impact your 2 legged's life style has on your life. It is even more amazing how "random" that paring is.
While I am absolutely madly in love with my family, I have to wonder how different my life would have been had I been adopted by a different set of 2 leggeds.

In the end, the ultimate measure of the relationship must focus on the bond between you and your human and everything else must be secondary. BUT. Really can you see me in a household of non cooks? Or in a household of non shoppers? Brrrr.

Why is it that there is no service out there like E Harmony to pair up 2 and 4 leggeds? Auntie Robin do you use some sort of tool to figure out your matches? I am thrilled with my family, but I was wondering how you do it. This healing hiatus aside, I love my family. I LOVE all the goings on in our home. This quietness really made me realize how much I love the organized chaos that is our lives.

So, momma, down your meds, wrap those bandages, get on with healing already 'cause I am itching to go out and party.

purrrrrrfectly matched
'vie

BROKEN momma

So, I am kind of confused. I have been taking care of the momma for the last couple of days. She is broken. Last week she said she would be resting up this week, hm. Apparently she planned to be broken? 2 leggeds! They can plan to be broken??? ODDDDDDDDDDD All I know is, she went out with the daddy and she came back all broken. Did he drop her? Did she fall? I am not sure what happened. Did she get a squeaky put in her? I just don't know. The Wendy says we can't leave the momma alone and we have to watch her. But... she is like no fun right now. Watching her is no fun. She is only wearing Pjs... she lays around a lot, she shares her capuccino and food very very willingly and she also watches a lot of TV. Not like her at all. And here is my biggest complaint. You cannot jump on the momma and get your customary belly rubs. She says "Ouch ouch ouch ouch"... and she has a vet smell on her. All I can say is, if she got a squeaky put in it better be a very very good squeaky, because otherwise it is not worth it!

I am bored and I want my momma back the way she was, I want to play tug of war!

not a nurse
'vie

Dear ME! Again!

I got another letter asking for advice!!!!

Dear Silvie,

My 2legged smells like honey and flowers. It's awful. I wish she smelled better. (Maybe like beef or cheese?) Is there any way I can fix it?

Sincerely,
Suffering with Stinky

Dear Suffering,

Your 2legged is not very smart, (I can tell because she gave you a stupid name) so this might be tricky... I suggest leaving chewy bones in your 2legged's bed. They smell like beef already, right? So, if your 2legged snuggles up.... voila`. Beef-scented 2legged.

Oh, and if your 2legged finds the chewy bones and removes them, don't worry, you can just put 'em back.

xoxo,

chewy 'vie

GIMMIE THAT CHEWY! I needs it!

Napping 101

1. Find a lap. Preferably momma's lap.
2. Make sure your favvvvvv Sobakawa neck pillow is available.
3. Settle in and just relax....
4. Stay in cute mode so they feel compelled, obligated and absolutely bound to let you sleep as long as you want to.

Now, get really comfy... and surrender to sweet sleep..

No I do not snore
'vie
kkkk... just a wee bit of snoring, but it it's cute right????

5. Napppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppp

Hi SHAZAM! Fingers or liver lips... you choose

Was reading my blog circles today. Saw Shazam's post on his wish for home made cookies.
Shaz, if your momma is too busy, I can hook you up with my auntie Robin. She is the famous Liver Lips baker. [addictive...] She bakes all that healthy stuff that tastes yummy and sells it to benefit my rescue group Tidewater Bichon Frise Rescue. Moi, je suis a little partial to the apple cheese danish... I am cursed with a need for cheese... Momma if you are reading this, really it is your fault. You got me hooked on the apple snacks and the itty bitty pieces of cheese...

You should see people buy auntie Robin's stuff! The Hydrant keeps running out! Frankly I am all for snacks that momma is not stingy with. I mean how many hours of reading the ingredients can one dog witness before growing completely bored???

Oh, another thing, Shaz. Pic please, I want to see your pretty coat. It has been cold here too and don't think my momma has not taken shameful advantage of that fact. The woman has been dressing us under the guises of keeping us warm... because apparently in a car, one gets p-numonia [sounds wet and messy, ick] at temps in the 50s. Momma will use any excuse to play dress up. I am no fool. I will quietly chew up buttons, corners and such in a passive protest against clothes. 'Tis my lot in life, to quietly right the wrongs of 2 leggeds. To that end

Fight the power
'vie
when one has no liver lips... one chews fingers...

Smelly DAY

Hello world. Momma said she had a burst of energy today. {I always thought she sat too close to that fireplace... I hope I don't catch it.} Obviously that burst thing did not really hurt her because she has been going going going like a crazy lady. She cooked and baked and cooked some more. She said she'll be resting next week. Hmm. Heard that before. We shall see.

But what I want to talk about is the smells. Here is the thing, I don't mind the fact that momma cooked a lot and baked a lot. I love it when she cooks (food for me). What I mind is the order and combinations of smells ... I mean... really... banana bread and spaghetti sauce????? Bread and Roasted coffee beans? Challah and chicken soup??? Really? Is there some rule in 2legged world that precludes cooking and baking with logic?

I would have considered starting the day with the smell of Challah and coffee... Those two go nicely together! In fact, I would like some now. That spaghetti sauce would have worked out well with the smell of fresh pizza and even with the smell of the pepperoni bread! The baked bread would have been ok with the chicken soup... and the banana bread could have been a stand alone, like the last thing to be baked. I really would have liked that sequence of smells. But that is not what I got. I got a cacophony of smells which ...did not make a lick of sense (that I didn't get to lick or taste).

Wendy told me 2leggeds don't have the most developed sense of smell. I can attest to that. At least they could learn to be more considerate of those of us who are scented! I don't even know what to beg for. My nose is all confused!

all snuffed out
'vie

Virtual March

Please join the virtual march against puppy mills!!! <~~~~~ click here

We need to get our message across. Mr President are you listening??????


'vie
shout the message!

Ok... BUT whyyyy shoes????

Squeaker TRANSPLANT

I really like to play with my toys. I like to shake 'em around and bash them on the floor. I like to tug on them when a 2legged holds the other end. I like to chew and chew and chew and make the squeaker squeak and squeak and squeak! It's SO fun. And the toys don't even seem to mind! Unfortunately, sometimes they come down with Shaken Toy Syndrome.

While the exact cause of Shaken Toy Syndrome is still unknown (Note from silvieon2: maybe it's shaking?), the symptoms can be devastating. It results in the permanent silencing of the squeaker. (I'll pause so you can gasp in horror) It is bad. After all, what is the point of shaking your toy unless it squeaks back at you?! It adds to the experience. It generates its own excitement.

My squirrel that I just got suddenly... became... squeakerless. STS strikes again! Awful thing. It suddenly was reduced to being a stuffed faux fur. Interactivity level reduced to zip... After all, I can get much more pleasure from chewing up one of the corners on momma's pillows, so why bother with a mouthful of fur?

But. Or should I say BUT. Momma did something very shocking. She looked at squirrel and carefully turned him over feeling its belly and tail for it squeaker... then, she put on her glasses [aha she needs them now to see close up... she is getting old...I bet she's like, 6 years old or something] and she went to her sewing kit. To my shock and amazement she said she would perform a transplant. The magical momma had a whole bag of squeakers! OMG I wanted that bag sooooo much! But she keeps it safely tucked away... dang...

What followed was not pretty... There was cutting open, stuffing being taken out and put back in... old squeaker being removed... and new one being put in... and sewing. Lots of sewing. Stitch stitch stitch... snip stitch.. snip... and you know what?

MY SQUIRREL NOW HAS TWO SQUEAKERS!!!! The tail now squeaks! The butt also squeaks!
Ohhhhh I am soooo going to shake it for hours now!!!!!

on the warpath again,
'vie

CUUUUUTE widgets on Doggyspace!

and my personal favorite:

BITE me

Wendy is my favorite chewy toy. Especially her ear. I wish she'd stop wiggling so much though...



I promise promise promise this is just a game. Wendy would never hurt me. Sometimes she tells me to stop chewing her ear, but I know she doesn't mean it; I'm her favorite chewy toy too!

chomp, chomp, chomp,
'vie

In JAIL

.
Ok, so here is the deal. First my house was quiet and all pretty with white and blue stuff everywhere and with a big dessert district.
Then it became full of 2 leggeds. It seemed like they kept coming in from everywhere. You could not take 2 steps without some 2 legged reaching out to give you belly rubs and pick you up and kiss you up. From the day before that big big chicken they call turkey to just about this week the place was humming with activities. But just after the Midnight thing with all the presents, 2 leggeds started leaving. First the "guests", then my human sister, then my human brother, the uncle Phil went home, yesterday the grandma put her stuff in a suitcase and left. I am so mad! I had just trained her to give me belly rubs on command. You know I gave her the 'zampina' [paw] she rubbed the belly.... Now she is gone. Momma said she went back to Florida. Who is this Florida???? Will this Florida benefit from my training of the grandma? Anyway.... Today the place feels deserted. Just momma, daddy and the 3 of us... Even dessert district has been reduced to dessert precinct. A mere shadow of its former self... I feel... empty... Before anyone reaches for me and sends me off somewhere, I have put myself in protective custody... self imposed jail... No way no how I am being sent off...

Got to buck that trend.
apprehensive
'vie
color me blue....

Note to auntie Robin at White Cottage from JD

Hey auntie Robin, with Virgil and Ziggy gone, now you have room at White Cottage to take back one bratty girl called Silvieon 4... right????

Kidding... maybe...
JD

BUZZ buzz buzz some more

Hi Virgil, hear you have packed your bones and have moved in with your new forever family! Congrats!!!! Looks like some folks have a fantastic year ahead of them. NOTHING can be as fulfilling as the love and devotion of your Bichon. Congrats Virgil, biggggg huuugggg...

Make sure you make them bring you to the bash!
'vie

WARNING WARNING WARNING WARNING

WARNINGhttp://www.dynamicpetproducts.com/




REPRINTED FROM: EMPHASIS ADDED
http://bermudabluez.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Real Ham Bone Warning!

This is just plain scary. We always think we are doing the right thing for our four-legged family members. We think we are purchasing treats for them....that make them happy. Apparently, the manufacturers of these products have other ideas. I think it's just disgraceful and I don't know how they live with themselves...selling products that could even potentially hurt an animal. Just awful. This warning is for dogs AND cats.

Cross post far and wide!!!!!

I would like to warn all dog lovers out there to be very careful about the dog treats that you give your dogs. Last week I bought a 'Real Ham Bone' made by Dynamic Pet Products of Missouri from Walmart. The label says it is made with '100% Food Grade Ingredients' and it isn't made from China. I thought that meant that this would make a good treat for my dogs. Boy was I wrong.

Trace, my dog, enjoyed chewing on this bone. It did not splinter or anything, in fact there is quite a large piece of it still left. Then in the evening she started vomiting. She spent the next day at a veterinarian' s office where she was diagnosed with a blockage of the colon. That night she endured a 4 hour surgery at Brandon Veterinary Specialists where the vet picked out small round pellets of the bone, up to the size of about a b-b. The next morning she was moved to Florida Veterinary Specialist critical care unit. Again in the evening she had another 2 hour surgery, because the blockage had caused poison in her body. She passed away at 4:30 the next afternoon.

Everyone who hears this horrible story immediately says 'Well that sounds like a lawsuit to me'. That is what I th ought also. Since then, I have learned that is not that easy to sue on behalf of a dog. The lawyers say a dog is a possession just like a couch. So, so far, all I have been able to do is write a certified letter to Dynamic Pet Products of Missouri. In it I requested my vet bills to be paid and their product to be relabeled or preferably removed from the shelf. I don't know if I will get a response. If anyone else has any ideas about how I may address this issue, please let me know at djurgens12@aol. com.

In the memory of Trace, please pass this email on to all of the dog lovers that you know. This type of bone is sold in all of the stores under several different manufacturers names. I would assume they all may do the same thing. Even if they don't splinter, they can cause a
blockage.

Posted by bermudabluez at 3:47 PM 2 comments

CONSULTATIONS or YaYas

Ya ya is the Cajun word for gossip. I know it looks like we are gossiping... and some of you may believe that, BUT actually, the Wendy and I were just having a "consultation". Yes, that is what we call it in my family.... a consultation. You know, lawyers get paid for consultations and I need to get me one of those degree things so I can get paid too for my consultations with the Wendy. Anyway, the Wendy needed to know if it was safe to go near the boxes with the colored things on top. Of course they were safe! Gifts are always safe! I swear that girl worries about everything!

This consultation was about this spicy food called zighini. Momma eats it, my human siblings eat it and I eat it and it makes me puff. You know... I have to suck air because my mouth gets hot, but it is delicious. So, there I go consulting all over the place, again, for free...
Honestly, I need to get paid for all my consulting!

Sage moi
'vie

Buzz BUZZ

So, I hear that Ziggy has a new family! Well congrats. I know they are getting a wonderful Bichon. Just a little advice Zigg. Ration the kisses at first. Hold back some. Make them work for your complete devotion!:)))

Now, I need to get a hold of the latest PICS of PIPER. I need for him to get adopted nearby, so we can visit... play... party and what not.... Looking for a family who deserves him.

Congrats Zigs!
'vie

RIP India

Farewell to INDIA who spent her days and nights in faithful service of Mr Bush and family. Like many before her, she provided companionship and comfort to the White House family and staff during the best and the worst of times. As 4legged companions know, that is not so easy. India rest in peace in cat heaven where I am sure you have the best catnip and the nicest scratching posts.


'vie
PS. We chose NOT to post India's AP picture because being remembered in a Halloween costume is NOT dignified.

An INVITE to my 2legged sis

Wanna play Blair Witch Project? I have a tent and a camera! Do you? do you???We can go in the back yard and play. And play. And play... and play... and maybe then you will stay a little longer?

Sigh. I do miss you

lonesome 'vie

Do YOU???

Miss me as much as I miss you?

Is your job as much fun as I am?

Does it smell like cupcakes?

Do you ... snuggle with another puppy when you are not with me?

Do you..............................MISS me as much as I miss you?


missing my human brother
achy breaky heart
'vie

I win!

As this documentation clearly shows, I am the ultimate puppy champion.* This was taken a few weeks after I met Wendy, so it's a little old. She is the best. chewy toy. ever.



*No pups were injured in the playing of this game; however, I killed Peggy Piggy 3 times right after.

eatin' my puppychow from a dirty bowl,
'vie