Coco vs The Leaf

We had a really bad storm here last night and a pretty large leaf got stuck to the window in the process.  This afternoon, when Coco and I were snuggling, she just happened to notice the leaf.  This is just a little snippet of the chaos that ensued.

I wish this were an unusual happening in our house, but it's not.  If one little this is out of place she reacts like this. However, it doesn't take her long to calm down.  I just redirected her, and she was fine.  The leaf is still there (it is too high up for me to reach) and she is just ignoring it, has forgotten all about it.

Leaf 1-Coco 0.

Pearly Whites

I wanted to share this video because he does a good job of making it clear how easy it can be to brush a dog's teeth.

Because I know how important it is to her overall health, I make sure I brush Coco's teeth everyday.  I have recently gotten into the habit of brushing hers when I brush mine in the morning, or if I'm in a rush when I'm brushing in the morning, getting to hers before I go to bed at night.  She always gets a treat for being a good girl and I make sure I keep the treats handy so it is convenient for me and consistent for her.  Sometimes I even let daddy give her the treat so he doesn't feel left out.

She doesn't do as well with the big brush as she does with the finger brush, so that is what we use.  And we have used the wipes in the past (this is what we have to use with Pookums because we can't get anywhere near her with a brush!)

Since we want Coco with us for as long as possible, I don't mind taking a few extra minutes from my day to brush her teeth!

Waiting for her brushing!

Coco? Pet of the Month?

Over at Just So Squeeable! Coco is up for pet of the month for September! We are very excited and hope you all go vote.  And hope you check out the site.  All of the pets are so cute!  Look for the green box and cast your vote :)

Vote for Coco!

Happy National Dog Day!

So, I hear it is National Dog Day.  In celebration of my beloved Coco, I'm going to share all the reasons I couldn't imagine a single day without her:

her pretty pink nose
her skimpy little legs
how she likes to hold things in her mouth when she gets excited
how she twitches when she sleeps
how she's your very best friend if you have something to eat
how she both protects and annoys her little sissy
she's so sneaky
she loves, loves, loves to snuggle (just like her mommy)
she loves, loves, loves, to play (just like her daddy)
she won't steal your food (usually)
she knows where the good lovin' is (mommy's side of the bed)
she never runs away
she loves her daddy as much as I do
she is always waiting on the mat when I step out of the shower
she doesn't get impatient with me when I'm brushing her teeth
she likes to wear bandanas (even though daddy says it makes her look silly)
she is always more grateful than I am, always
for a dog, her manners are pretty good
she'll do anything for a treat
she loves me almost as much as daddy does

Picture by Stuart Rochford Photo

No wonder there is a whole day devoted to them!

Another Lazy Sunday

We have many lazy Sundays around here.  Today was no different.  Daddy was playing in a golf tournament, and I was busy around the house doing laundry and reading papers, so Coco rested on the couch:

And then she rested needed a change of pace so she switched to the big comfy chair:

Then she followed me upstairs to fold the clothes and took a little nap in the bedroom:

Now that I think about it, Sundays are only lazy for Coco.  And Pookums.  Every day is a lazy day for sissy:

Favorite Photo Friday!

Here is one of my favorite family photos.  I just can't get enough of Coco's big ol' smile.  And I love her little bald belly!

You Dirty Dog Contest

Lupine Pet is having a dity dog photo contest.  I've entered Coco; the prize is a $100 prize card.  Please vote for her! (Fingers crossed!)  Thanks!

Vote For COCO!

Dreamin'

Last night I had a dream that my boss was complaining that I was wearing shower shoes and not heels to an important meeting we have coming up.  When I woke up this morning it made me wonder, what does Coco dream about? It probably isn't too hard to figure out:

tennis balls

turtles

squirrels

snacks (including, but not limited to: treats, food, plate lickings, and scrounged up cat food morsels)

the dog park

mud

and of course, Mommy

What do you think your pup dreams about?

nappin'

Meet Scout

No, this is not Coco's new sister.  This is my little step grandpup!  Isn't she precious?  I just love that little nose.

Waiting For Treats

Recently I've been working on starting a small homemade treat business.  This weekend I have been perfecting recipes and getting ready to open up shop.  Needless to say, such activities have been driving Coco crazy.  

I guess I'll have to be careful not to let her eat all of my profits! It is tough to resist such a serious face.  

Coco Without Mommy...

I was out of town for a few days and missed my Coco terribly.  When I got home we laid down in bed for a nap.  This is the face I got for leaving her with her Daddy for 5 days:

Her Daddy told me about an incident that happened one evening on her bedtime potty walk.  She spotted a cat and proceeded to chase it until she ran out of leash.  The cat took that opportunity to get a good lick in before Coco scurried away.  Poor Coco.  Life is tough without Mommy!

Coco's Bedtime Routine

Recently, Coco has developed a new bedtime routine.  Our lives run on a schedule, it is true.  However, Coco has decided to create her own.  It goes something like this:

8:30-9:30 Nighttime potty
9:30-9:45 Teeth brushed
9:45-10:00 Run around the bedroom like a crazy person
10:00-10:15 Munch on an antler
10:15 Plop into bed

Every. Night. Without fail.  I can't help but love this crazy little girl!

Photo by Stuart Rochford Photography

Wordless Wednesday: Basking in the Sun

This is what happens in the middle of a walk...on a sunny day.  Not even the enticement of a treat can get her up!

Daddy and Coco

This is my favorite picture on the planet; it makes me smile every time I look at.

I wonder what Bill was saying to her.  Probably the same thing she always says, "you're such a good girl."  And it's true.

"Get in My Belly!"- Coco's Guide to Food and Treat Dispensing Toys

We learned pretty quickly that, if allowed, Coco will inhale her food.  So, in order to slow her down and provide her with a little mental stimulation, we invested in some food/treat dispensing toys.  Here is a list of our favorites:

1.  TreatStick

This extremely hard plastic tube-like toy is great for feeding!  We call it her flashlight.  I love this toy because it is a challenge for Coco and because it is made in the USA.  It is easy to clean (just toss it in the dishwasher) and very easy to load!  Coco eats her breakfast from this every morning.  Worth every penny.

2. Monster Girl

This monster ball is perfect for holding large treats or about a cup of food.  It is easy to load and fun for Coco to roll around.  While this toy somewhat challenging, the TreatStick always takes her longer to empty. The Monster Girl is durable and can double as a ball.

3. Monster Mouth

The Monster Mouth is just like the girl in material and size, but I've noticed that the food/treats fall out easier (especially with wear) than in the girl. That being said, Coco still has a great time pushing it around the house with her nose.  No inhaling here! 

4. Squirrel Dude 

Coco loves her squirrely dude!  She likes to toss it around after she has emptied it.  This toy is harder to load and doesn't hold a lot of food/treats.  I usually use this when she is getting a small snack (like after an afternoon at the park) or when I need her to occupy herself.  We have had our S.D. for almost 3 years now, and it is showing no signs of wear!

5.  Classic Kong

Mommy will stuff anything in a Kong!  I like to stuff it (in layers) and freeze it so it is harder for her to conquer.  Here is a site for ideas on how and what to stuff.

Keeping Coco busy and challenged is one of my number one priorities.  These toys help her stay healthy and happy!

Want so see more of Coco's favorites and Mommy's worse picks?  See "Don't Waste Your Money" and "Coco's Favorite Toys"