We had a moment of weakness. We know better. We did it anyway; we bought Coco a toy we thought was "tough" at PetSmart. Given her history, I almost ALWAYS buy toys I have researched and have faith in. We love West Paw toys because I know she's not going to chew through them in a matter of hours.
We stopped at PetSmart to get some fragrance spray and we thought, "She's older now. She's not as destructive. This toy looks pretty strong." Bill even predicted, "It'll take her at least 2 weeks to destroy this one!"
We were wrong. He was wrong. It was completely destroyed in less than an hour.
It didn't stay a chance. We were so foolish to think it might.
Luckily she doesn't like to eat the pieces of toys she's conquered. Just kills and spits to the side to go in for more. I don't worry much about her ingesting this awful stuff. And of course I was watching her the entire time. She'd never be left alone with a toy like this.
The carpet in the aftermath. Notice the fuzz and red strings.
But boy did she love this little wiener dog! She had a blast tearing it apart (killing all 5 squeakers-a selling point for Bill). It was almost worth the $6 to see her enjoy it so much. Almost.
Today's post is all about Coco's sissy, Spooky. She likes to stay out of the spotlight, but today I'm shining it directly on her because she's so darn cute!
5 Fact About Sissy:
1. Spooky was around long before Coco, which means she's getting old. But old age hasn't slowed her down much, she is still just as spunky as ever-which is extremely spunky.
2. When she was younger she escaped from the animal shelter. That's how we ended up with her.
Baby Spooky and Madam Star (Pre-Coco Days)
3. We call Spooky Pookums because I never really liked the name Spooky. I really wanted to name her
Blanche.
4. Blanche Pookums always thinks it is time to eat and will meow at us to let us know that she thinks so.
On the table, waiting for food.
5. Pookums's BFF is her daddy, who pets her in his sleep. She is a daddy's girl. FYI, Daddy never pets Mommy in his sleep.
Today I want to discuss a topic that is near and dear to Coco's heart: treats. And something that I take very seriously: Coco's health. The jerky treat recall scares me to death, and I am extremely careful of what goes into Coco's body. Cousin Madam Star had a close with what we attribute to some DENTASTIX. So when our friends at Clear Conscience Pet asked if Coco wanted to review some treats, I immediately started doing my research. After a review of the website and the ingredients in their treats (all-natural goodness! And made in the USA) I am sold. But of course Coco is the real test. So how did she like them?
Coco Inspects Her Loot
Cruncherz: She liked these crunchy Ginger Yaps pretty well. They were very similar to the dog treats I bake her, so they didn't set her tail on fire. Scout, however, went nuts for them!
Bison & Beef Liver Bark: These were really hard chuck-like pieces of nice and stinky treats that Coco loved!
Smelling the Bison and Beef Liver Bark
Super Gravy: Ok, I was a little skeptical about the gravy. It seemed like a lot of work. But once I read the directions, I realized it was really simple (they even provide a little scoop!) and Coco was drooling for the stuff while I was getting it ready! She gobbled it right up.
Coco Waits for Super Gravy
Lamb Airy Bites: These were, by far, her favorite. They are little dried bits that are perfect for training. After an evening of making her do tricks, she still wanted more and woke me up in the middle of the night whining next to the table where the bag of Airy Bites where sitting. She is serious about her Lamb Bites. This is what she was willing to do for some:
I am so thankful that Clear Conscience Pet let us review these products. These holistic treats are such a good alternative to the jerky that has been harming dogs for so long.
I know what Coco will be getting in her stocking this Christmas!
I love the relationship that Coco has with her sissy, Pookums. Cats and dogs are so funny and their relationships are so complex. A friend of mine shared this with me on Facebook and I couldn't help but fall in love with these duos!
Last night Bill's daughters and son-in-law came over for a visit. The best part for Coco was that they brought their dog with them. Remember Scout? This was our first time actually meeting Scout and after seeing how well she and Coco got along, I'm sure it won't be the last.
Scout and her humans (and Coco photo bombing)
After our recent trouble with unfamiliar dogs, I was a little concerned about how the two would react towards each other. However, they were quick buddies pretty much from the start.
These two were so cute running around the house chasing each other. Coco rarely finds a dog who will play with her until she's wore out. Scout certainly managed! I just can't get over how adorable they are.
Waiting for a treat.
I guess whether you are a human or a dog, it is good to spend time with family!
The decision to get Coco took a lot of thought and planning for us. However, for many, especially around the holidays, it seems to be an easy decision. Children (and some parents) fantasize about a cute little puppy under the tree.
But a puppy for Christmas isn't always a good idea. After the holiday high, shelters are over-run with unwanted puppies that weren't the best of ideas.
Our friends at The Uncommon Dog have put together this infograph to help parents decide if getting a puppy for Christmas is a good idea. Since pet overpopulation is such a concern in many communities, making a decision like this one is critical!
Last night Bill said that he married the best dog mommy in the world. That's a first-rate compliment if I've ever heard one. I'd rather him admire my dog-parenting skills than just about anything. So glad I married this one!
For the last year or so Coco has been in the bad habit of lunging and barking at strange dogs and their humans. I'm sure this is a sign that she is afraid (she can be somewhat timid and submissive), but it sure does give people a bad impression of her.
Around people and dogs she knows, she is the sweetest thing on the planet. She'll turn over and let the dog next door sniff her privacy till the cows come home, but let her see a dog she isn't antiquated with and she turns into Cujo. She's never actually hurt another dog (and I don't think that is her intent). She seems to be saying "I'm gonna bark this loud so you stay over there." And it works. Because I won't let her anywhere near those dogs.
I hear that this kind of stranger danger isn't uncommon, and my vet has given me a few techniques to help. But I will admit, I haven't been the most consistent with her training. It is becoming obvious that it is needed. She is getting a neighborhood reputation for being mean. That breaks my heart. This dog? Mean?
Does anyone else have this problem? Please tell me I'm not alone. What have you done to overcome stranger danger?
We went on vacation to Maui and got married. After 11 years together, we figured it was about time. But the whole 9 days I was gone I missed my Coco. And even though we had a great time, it was really nice to come home to her brown little wagging body!
Now that life will be getting back to normal, you will be seeing a lot more of me and Coco.
