Spring is officially here!
It's showing up in our yard, where our ice plant is very happy after all the rain we've had.
March 21, 2017
March 7, 2017
A Tale of Two Kitties. (Okay, Really, Cats. Sorta.)
Rita "met" two "cats" this past Sunday. Normally, she hates cats, which you may recall if you've been following the blog for ages, because there was the time we took her to visit my sis, and Rita went ape over not only the actual cat in the house, but also this stone cat looking down from a bookshelf.
February 28, 2017
Around Here, We Love An Under Dog
We usually cheer for the underdog here at our house. That doesn't always work out too well (take the recent Super Bowl for instance...). But we do have a particular favorite "under" dog...
Here she is under "cover":
Here she is under "cover":
February 21, 2017
Tap-Dancing Dog
This girl LOVES to play with her Himalayan cheese chews. Almost as much as she likes to eat them. (Those of you who are on Instagram have probably already seen this.)
Love that entrance!
February 14, 2017
Better A Beach Day That Starts Bad And Ends Well
A couple of weeks ago, we had a day at the beach that started out great and ended badly. (Due to a DADO* with his uncontrollable dog off leash at the on-leash beach.) But I don't want to talk about that because it makes my blood pressure go up. Instead... let's visit a day at the beach that started out badly and ended much better!
The other day, we got to the beach and it was not only super foggy, it was really high tide. Like, only-a-narrow-slip-of-beach-to-run-on-in-some-places high. There was tons of stinky seaweed all over the beach. (Dog heaven, right?)
The other day, we got to the beach and it was not only super foggy, it was really high tide. Like, only-a-narrow-slip-of-beach-to-run-on-in-some-places high. There was tons of stinky seaweed all over the beach. (Dog heaven, right?)
February 7, 2017
At Least The End Is Getting Closer
We've had a wee break from the construction for our kitchen remodel, for various reasons, but now that that workers are back, Rita just... can't... even...
January 31, 2017
Ruff! Wait... Roof?!
When you're out on a walk, and you hear barking, and you turn to look...
...and the barking dog is on the roof!
...and the barking dog is on the roof!
January 24, 2017
Stress-Eating Our Way Through the Remodel
As I mentioned last week, we've just started a kitchen remodel. And, naturally, Rita and I are both finding it stressful.
I have to keep Rita closed up in the back half of the house since she doesn't like strange men in the house (neither do I; and even if she did like them, they're constantly coming and going out to their trucks and leaving the door open, so either way - she's on lock-down).
She's mostly okay, but when she hears them talking too loud (or whistling - she HATES whistling for some reason!), she gets upset and starts barking.
A little shot of spray-cheese is just the thing to take the edge off and put her in a much calmer mood!
I have to keep Rita closed up in the back half of the house since she doesn't like strange men in the house (neither do I; and even if she did like them, they're constantly coming and going out to their trucks and leaving the door open, so either way - she's on lock-down).
She's mostly okay, but when she hears them talking too loud (or whistling - she HATES whistling for some reason!), she gets upset and starts barking.
A little shot of spray-cheese is just the thing to take the edge off and put her in a much calmer mood!
January 17, 2017
Under Construction... Almost
We here at Chez Pooch Smooches are on the eve of a kitchen renovation. (Ugh.)
Rita and I have donned our safety goggles and hardhats (not pictured) and are ready for the work to begin!
Rita and I have donned our safety goggles and hardhats (not pictured) and are ready for the work to begin!
January 10, 2017
It's Like Living With a Mastiff Sometimes
January 3, 2017
New Dog Picture Books for the Collection
Happy New Year everyone! Hope you had a nice holiday season. Ours was lovely with too much food but lots of long walks (and a few runs) to try to counteract all the calories. Now it's back to the ol' routine...
I thought I'd share a couple of fun dog picture books we got for Christmas. We have a lot of dog books, but there's always room for more, right?
First of all, thanks to Jan at The Poodle (and Dog) Blog for mentioning Zen Dogs by Alex Cearns before Christmas. I got a copy for the hubs for one of his presents.
I thought I'd share a couple of fun dog picture books we got for Christmas. We have a lot of dog books, but there's always room for more, right?
First of all, thanks to Jan at The Poodle (and Dog) Blog for mentioning Zen Dogs by Alex Cearns before Christmas. I got a copy for the hubs for one of his presents.
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LOVE the cover! |
December 20, 2016
Shepherds Keeping Watch
December 13, 2016
Good Fences Make Good Neighbors
I thought of the phrase "good fences make good neighbors"** when I took this photo of Rita checking out a neighbor's hens.
December 8, 2016
December Dog Photo Challenge - Plus Bloopers!
Rita and I decided to join Spencer the Goldendoodle's December Dog Photo Challenge for a fun way to be inspired this month with our photos that we post on Instagram and Facebook. (It's not too late to join! Check out the link to Spencer's page and join us!)
I thought I'd share some of the bloopers today! (We always have many since Rita isn't in love with getting her picture taken. And, wow, I can't believe how long it's been since I posted twice in one week! I'm really enjoying my new once/week schedule, but I wanted to share this before December was half over!)
The other day, the word was SWEATER. With Rita's thick coat + our San Diego weather, she's not a sweater girl, so instead I had her pose with #bearsinsweaters. I got this adorable photo:
I thought I'd share some of the bloopers today! (We always have many since Rita isn't in love with getting her picture taken. And, wow, I can't believe how long it's been since I posted twice in one week! I'm really enjoying my new once/week schedule, but I wanted to share this before December was half over!)
The other day, the word was SWEATER. With Rita's thick coat + our San Diego weather, she's not a sweater girl, so instead I had her pose with #bearsinsweaters. I got this adorable photo:
December 6, 2016
Easy Xmas Craft: Scrabble Tile Ornaments
If you've been a blog reader for a while, you know my sisters and I get together every now and then for what we call "forced crafting." (It's like a forced march - you will participate. And you will enjoy it, dammit.)
You might also remember the last time we did a Scrabble tile craft, it involved dogs (we made pendants for necklaces and earrings):
You might also remember the last time we did a Scrabble tile craft, it involved dogs (we made pendants for necklaces and earrings):
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Remember these guys? |
November 29, 2016
Forget Puss in Boots; It's Pup in Socks!
My niece is a graphic artist (okay, technically she brands herself as a "professional weirdo"). Here we are snap-chatting at her wedding earlier this year. (I do not snap-chat, but my niece does and of course, knowing me as she does, she knew the dog filter would be the most appropriate.)
November 22, 2016
Animal Lovers' Bucket List Item: Visit Best Friends
As I mentioned in last week's post about our dog-less (but not dog-free!) vacation, we spent one day at Best Friends Animal Society. And it was pawesome!
November 15, 2016
A Dog-Less Road Trip - But Not Totally
Remember I posted recently about Rita's car anxiety and the triple-whammy I was going to try to use on her for our upcoming road trip? Well, I didn't have to triple-whammy her, because at the last minute things worked out for her to stay and play with Reg. (Yay! She loves Reg and hadn't seen him in a while!)
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Reg & Rita - Reunited! |
November 8, 2016
Running Negative Splits With the Dog
If you don't run or swim competitively, you might not know what negative splits are. (No, they're not banana splits minus the banana.) A negative split is when you try to complete the second half of your workout/race in less time than it took to do the first half.
Normally, you're nice and fresh for the first half, so that's your faster half - but not if you run with Rita. Rita always seems to want to run a negative split.
Normally, you're nice and fresh for the first half, so that's your faster half - but not if you run with Rita. Rita always seems to want to run a negative split.
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My adorable running partner. (Note the sandy nose.) |
November 1, 2016
Is There a Dog-Lover Gene?
I think there must be a dog-lover gene. I have no scientific evidence, but I do have photographic evidence!
I give you... me with our pup Bailey* (many moons ago)...
I give you... me with our pup Bailey* (many moons ago)...
October 25, 2016
When Car Rides Turn Scary - Pups with Anxiety
Rita is great about riding in the car - at least when we're just running errands. She hops in the back seat, raring to go, and never tries to come up front. In fact, I've left an open bag of treats in the front seat when I run into the store for something quick, and she's still just sitting quietly in the back when I return.
But lately, when we go on road trips, she gets worse and worse anxiety each time. Here she is hiding under the bed we put in the backseat to keep her comfy:
But lately, when we go on road trips, she gets worse and worse anxiety each time. Here she is hiding under the bed we put in the backseat to keep her comfy:
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"The evil things won't find me under here!" |
October 18, 2016
Furry Ninja: Is My Pet Trying To Kill Me?
October 11, 2016
Q&A with Author Barbara Techel - "Wisdom Found in the Pause"
Some of you may already know my guest today, or you might remember her previous visit to Pooch Smooches (especially since it was a very memorable post called "Poop Happens"). Please welcome author and all-around lovely person, Barbara Techel!
Barbara has a new book out called "Wisdom Found in the Pause: Joie's Gift." It's available on Amazon as an e-book or paperback.
Today I'm interviewing Barbara, and you can find my review at the end of the post!
Barbara has a new book out called "Wisdom Found in the Pause: Joie's Gift." It's available on Amazon as an e-book or paperback.
Today I'm interviewing Barbara, and you can find my review at the end of the post!
Barbara & her special-needs pup, Joie |
October 4, 2016
You Can't Beat a Beach Vaca With Your Furry Buddy!
As you guys know, we took a week off from the blog a couple of weeks ago to celebrate our 20th anniversary. To celebrate, we traveled up the coast with Rita to Los Olivos and Cambria in central California.
Rita is still getting really stressed in the car (probably a subject for another post) so she was exhausted after our drive to Los Olivos. She collapsed on top of her squeaky chipmunk.
Rita is still getting really stressed in the car (probably a subject for another post) so she was exhausted after our drive to Los Olivos. She collapsed on top of her squeaky chipmunk.
September 27, 2016
Feeling Hot Hot Hot
I love the fall. It's my favorite season! ...except in San Diego when we have the worst heat of the year. Like now. Bleh.
Actually, by the time it's really Wordless Wednesday, we're supposed to have cooled off a lot, but the last few days have been miserable. It's bad enough to have the post-vaca blues, but post-vaca blues + a heat wave is really no fun!
Actually, by the time it's really Wordless Wednesday, we're supposed to have cooled off a lot, but the last few days have been miserable. It's bad enough to have the post-vaca blues, but post-vaca blues + a heat wave is really no fun!
September 13, 2016
Wordless Wednesday: Happy Feet
I wanted to use this photo for today's post, but didn't know what to say about it, so I Googled "feet quotes." Because, hey, there are quotes about everything, right?, so why not feet.
I really liked the first one that came up!
I really liked the first one that came up!
September 6, 2016
Don't Forget: Remember Me Thursday® on 9/22
According to the The Humane Society, only 30% of pets in US households come from rescue facilities. And there are huge numbers of pets out there just waiting for their forever home. That's why Helen Woodward Animal Center (where I volunteer every Monday) started Remember Me Thursday®, which takes place this year on September 22.
Remember Me Thursday® is a global awareness campaign advocating for orphan pets to live in forever homes, not die waiting for them. The goal is to "shine a light on all orphan pets waiting in shelters and rescues right now."
Remember Me Thursday® is a global awareness campaign advocating for orphan pets to live in forever homes, not die waiting for them. The goal is to "shine a light on all orphan pets waiting in shelters and rescues right now."
August 30, 2016
Life's a Beach - Part Deux
I used to have a long-sleeved, pink "Life's a Beach" T-shirt when I was in college. I LOVED that shirt and wore it constantly. Then someone stole it out of the dryer in the dorm laundry room. (People suck sometimes.) Anyway, I've lived the vast majority of my life near a beach and I've always loved that phrase.
When I wrote the title for this post (it started as just "Life's a Beach), I wondered if I'd already used that title, given my love of the phrase. Turns out I did... over 4 years ago - and it was a sad post. It was just a few days before our girl, Abby, died and we knew the end was imminent. Hence the "part deux" in the title. (I'm all sniffly now from re-reading that old post, so let's get on to some fun beach pics of me and Rita...)
Life's a beach, part deux is all about the smiles!
We'd only been at the beach like one minute, and her nose already had sand on it.
When I wrote the title for this post (it started as just "Life's a Beach), I wondered if I'd already used that title, given my love of the phrase. Turns out I did... over 4 years ago - and it was a sad post. It was just a few days before our girl, Abby, died and we knew the end was imminent. Hence the "part deux" in the title. (I'm all sniffly now from re-reading that old post, so let's get on to some fun beach pics of me and Rita...)
Life's a beach, part deux is all about the smiles!
We'd only been at the beach like one minute, and her nose already had sand on it.
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"What?" |
August 23, 2016
Yeah... Pretty Much...
I'm a pretty easy-to-please person. It doesn't take much to make me a happy camper. One of the things I really love is just hanging out with my pooch and loving on her.
August 16, 2016
A Super Scary Thing At Our House
Every once in a while, Rita freaks out over a new thing in the house, which she decides is super scary.
A while back, it was this tiki man.
I guess he is a little scary.
A while back, it was this tiki man.
I guess he is a little scary.
August 9, 2016
August 2, 2016
A Post About A Different Kind of Dog
While we were on our recent road trip to South Dakota, my sisters and I saw a lot of prairie dogs! And, heck, I'm always looking for blog fodder, so today I'm writing about a different kind of "dog."
We first encountered prairie dogs at the Lewis & Clark Interpretive and Keelboat Visitor Center (and rest stop!) in Chamberlain, South Dakota.
There were prairie dogs cut out of metal sheeting...
We first encountered prairie dogs at the Lewis & Clark Interpretive and Keelboat Visitor Center (and rest stop!) in Chamberlain, South Dakota.
There were prairie dogs cut out of metal sheeting...
July 26, 2016
Road Trip! SD to SD
As I mentioned last week, my siblings, my one sis-in-law, and I all met up in Oacoma, South Dakota to bury my mom beside my dad's ashes. Two of my sisters and I drove - from San Diego to South Dakota - in two days, which seemed like a bad idea on the start of day two, but we had a lot of stuff to bring!
On the whole trip, this was the only dog I got to love on - a carved wooden dog.
On the whole trip, this was the only dog I got to love on - a carved wooden dog.
July 19, 2016
July 12, 2016
Who's The Top Dog?
Birthday Donations Update: I wanted to thank everyone who wished Rita a happy birthday the other day. I'd said I'd donate $1 to Baja Animal Sanctuary (where Rita came from) for every comment. Well, I decided to include my replies to everyone's comments, which put the tally at 98. Woot! I rounded up to $100 and sent a check off to BAS, so thanks everypawdy!
Now back to our regularly scheduled post...
Frequent readers will remember Rita's cousin Reggie came to stay with us for two weeks last month.
While organizing the gazillion photos I took while he was here, I noticed these two similar shots from different days:
Now back to our regularly scheduled post...
Frequent readers will remember Rita's cousin Reggie came to stay with us for two weeks last month.
While organizing the gazillion photos I took while he was here, I noticed these two similar shots from different days:
July 5, 2016
"Scout"ing Out Some Fun Over The Fourth
June 28, 2016
Dog On A Log In The Fog, Post-Jog
Are you impressed with my wordlessness?!
Can you come up with more "og" words? I'm all agog to see if you can!
June 21, 2016
Wish Rita a Happy Bday; Help a Dog in Need!
Last Thursday* was Rita's fifth birthday. To celebrate, for every person who comments wishing her a happy birthday we'll donate $1** to Baja Animal Sanctuary, the rescue in Mexico where we got Rita.
We've been celebrating Rita's b-day all week, culminating with today's donation-fest. It's what my friends and I always call a "Hanukkah Birthday." (What would be really great would be a "Ramadan Birthday"!) Hmmm. Just remembered Hanukkah is 8 days, and we're only celebrating Rita for 7 days. Guess this is technically her "Hanukkah -1 Birthday."
On her actual bday, we went to the beach:
We've been celebrating Rita's b-day all week, culminating with today's donation-fest. It's what my friends and I always call a "Hanukkah Birthday." (What would be really great would be a "Ramadan Birthday"!) Hmmm. Just remembered Hanukkah is 8 days, and we're only celebrating Rita for 7 days. Guess this is technically her "Hanukkah -1 Birthday."
On her actual bday, we went to the beach:
June 14, 2016
What's On The Telly? Dog Don't Care; He Watches It All
As you know, Reg stayed with us for two weeks recently.
Man, that dog watches a lot of TV! He loves everything - dramas, dancing, sports, cartoons, the news... even commercials.
Here he is watching Peaky Blinders. Not sure if he could understand their heavy Irish accents or not. We certainly can't, so we turn on the captions, so maybe he was paying such close attention because he had to read along like we do.
Man, that dog watches a lot of TV! He loves everything - dramas, dancing, sports, cartoons, the news... even commercials.
Here he is watching Peaky Blinders. Not sure if he could understand their heavy Irish accents or not. We certainly can't, so we turn on the captions, so maybe he was paying such close attention because he had to read along like we do.
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