One Life to Live ends forever on January 20th, 2012
You may wonder what a Chihuahua has to do with TV soap operas. I blame my daddy. He named my website All My Chihuahuas instead of The World of Lucy or some such thing.
My daddy is a soap opera junkie and has been since he was a kid. Trained by his mother, who passed on long before I was born, daddy grew up watching As The World Turns, Guiding Light and Search for Tomorrow. One Life to Live and The Young and the Restless was added to the mix when daddy was still in high school, before the era of VCRs (he’s very old).
That’s a lot of TV watching.
If you ask me, daddy watches too much TV. That’s time that could be spent either playing with me or feeding me. He should be grateful for the extra time being added to his life. After all, he only has one life to live and it should be spent devoted to his Chihuahua.
Options to Save the Soaps
Because my daddy still loves his daytime “stories” I’ve come up with a few ideas on how to either save One Life to Live and All My Children or at least keep the stories going.
- Internet Only. Find a way to keep the show going online. Probably not a practical idea since the cost of producing a soap is estimated at $50 million a year.
- Netflix to the rescue. Netflix is currently looking to add more streaming content, perhaps even becoming network-like. They’ve just added films from Miramax and one new series. Why not add a few soap operas which already have an audience of almost 2 million daily viewers or more, depending on how you count. Adding up to 2 million or more monthly subscribers would equal a lot of money. Just saying.
- Radio Soaps. Let’s go back to the beginning, before TV. Soaps began on the radio, why not bring them back. Money would be saved by eliminating the cost of sets, cameras, makeup, costumes, etc. Actors would have less work to do, meaning less pay. But at least the story would go on.
- Soap Grafix. If it’s true that people no longer want to watch soaps on TV, then how about a series of graphic, illustrated stories. They could be printed or created as an app for the iPhone, iPad or online.
- Novels and/or Serialized eBooks. The stories could still go on, if only in the reader’s head. The main cost would be for the writer(s) and perhaps the rights to the characters and story history.
These are just some ideas to help my daddy and others who will certainly miss their “stories”. Have you got others?
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Tasty but Deadly Grapes and Raisins
They seem innocent enough. And they look tasty. But my daddy never lets me eat grapes or raisins. He says they can kill me.
The truth is, grapes and raisins, especially when eaten in large quantities, can cause acute kidney failure in your dog and lead to death if not treated. Yikes!
So if you drop a raisin or grape on the floor, make sure you grab it before your dog does. I run when I hear food drop and I’m on it in an instant. I have not tasted a grape or raisin so please don’t tempt me by leaving them where I can get to it.
Read Raisin and Grape Toxicity in Dogs for more information on this toxic treat.
Also Grape and Raisin Toxicosis by Dr. Debra Primovic from PetPlace.com.
If your Chi does eat grapes or raisins, contact your vet for advice on what to do.
Leave a commentI had my first, and hopefully only, seizure the other day. At least my daddy thinks it was a seizure. It was scary for daddy because his last Chihuahua had seizures her whole life.
Seizures in Chihuahuas sometimes happen after age 2.
I turned 2 last October. What happened was, I was napping in my office bed and woke up, restless. Daddy came to pick me up, as he often does, and I suddenly stiffened up. This was not normal behavior for me.
So daddy put me down on the floor and I sort of stood there without moving as he held me. It only lasted a few seconds. He tried picking me up again and it happened again. Only a few seconds. I never lost consciousness, or control of my bladder or bowels. But I did have a little trouble standing for a minute or so.
What causes seizures in dogs?
There could be many reasons for a seizure. Some are scarier than others, such as brain tumor, lyme disease and epilepsy. Try not to panic too much. Talk to your vet first.
After the seizure, all things normal.
After a little bit I was back to normal. Daddy contacted my vet, who said to wait and see if it happened again. That was a few weeks ago and so far no more seizures.
It may not have been a real seizure. Since I am eating and drinking and playing as I normally do, daddy decided to wait and see. The Chihuahua before me had seizures once or twice a year for many years. As she got older, she had more seizures and eventually had to be put on medication to control them. She also stiffened up but it lasted longer than a few seconds and took longer to recover.
Hopefully this was a fluke that will not happen again. You know how much I hate visiting that doctor. And medicine is yucky, no matter how my daddy tries to hide it.
Tips if Your Dog is Having a Seizure
- Keep your pet safe. Clear the area around them or hold them if possible.
- Remain calm. Your Chihuahua will not feel safe and secure if you’re screaming and wailing.
- Don’t try to hold your Chi’s tongue. Dogs can’t swallow their tongue and may bite you unconsciously.
- Reassure your Chi both during and after the seizure. They may be confused and scared.
- Keep a close eye on your pet after the seizure passes to make sure they are okay and that another one doesn’t happen soon after.
- Call your vet for further instructions. Better to be safe than sorry.
For more information on this scary subject, read “My Chihuahua Has Seizures” , “Chihuahua Seizure Symptoms” and “What Causes Seizures in Dogs?”
I have more toys than I can play with. I want more.
All Chihuahuas love toys. I especially love stuffed animals that squeak. I have quite a collection.
Toys vs. Daddies
Toys make my life interesting and give me something to do. But toys are not a substitute for my daddies. In fact, being able to play games with my daddies make my toys even more fun. That’s because all dogs are social animals and love attention.
My stuffed mouse and porcupine are my current favorites. I also have a bunny, hippo and other various animals, but don’t find them as fascinating.
Toy Repair Hospital
Sometimes I manage to make a hole in my stuffed toy and pull out the stuffing. That is even more fun. But it is a solitary game. Once my daddy finds me doing this, that toy quickly vanishes. There is a toy hospital drawer in the kitchen and a sewing kit. After a while the toy reappears but the hole is gone. The challenge is for me to find or create more holes.
I also have a Kong toy. It has an odd shape and is made of hard rubber. There’s a hole in one end. It’s a pretty boring toy, except when my daddy puts a treat inside. It’s actually wedged in the hole. I eat the treat as much as I can.
The object is for me to learn how to get the entire treat out. Sometimes it’s too much work. I’ve taught my daddy how to get the treat out for me. It’s a simple trick. I take the Kong to daddy, lay it at his feet, and scratch at his leg. Eventually he gives in and gets the treat out for me. He never eats it himself. I guess he’s being nice to me. It’s fun to teach daddy a new trick.
Chuck-It, and daddy will throw it back
Another favorite toy is my Chuck-It ball. It’s a colorful, mini tennis ball. The perfect size for us little Chihuahuas. They seem to be multiplying. First I had one, then two. Now I have four. Five if you count the one I chewed up a bit. I don’t know where it is now, but I’m sure it will show up sooner or later.
The trick is to carry the ball to one daddy and toss it. He either throws it so I can retrieve it, or he kicks it with his foot. Either way, I get it and bring it back. I take turns going from one daddy to the other. Sometimes the ball gets stuck under furniture or something. I find that by staring at it for a time usually brings a daddy over to retrieve it. Daddies are fun to control. I get them to do all sorts of things for me.
Every so often I get a new toy. At first it’s fun, but I usually go back to my favorites. I’m a creature of habit. They say you should recycle your dog’s toys. By that I mean, take some away for a while and bring back old toys I haven’t seen in a while. It’s supposed to make them seem like new again. How stupid do you think I am. I can tell when a toy is new or not. New toys usually come in a plastic bag and have to have a tag to be removed. And there’s no slobbery smells on them yet.
Safe toys are best
Make sure your toys are sturdy. You don’t want your Chihuahua to eat a squeaker. I recently got one out of a toy and created a new toy for myself. Until my daddy stole it. I never did see that squeaker again.
For more information, read “Dog Toys: How to Figure Out What Your Dog Likes Best”
Looking for a new toy for your little Chihuahua? PetSmart is having another big sale. Check it out.
Doris Day is a great fan of us little dogs and animals of all kinds. April 3rd was her birthday and she called in “live” to a streamed broadcast on KIDD 630-AM in Carmel, California.
Ed Dickinson was the DJ host from 8am to noon, PST. Some of Doris’ famous songs as well as tributes and Doris herself was heard.
My daddy has been a great fan of Doris Day since 1962 when he first saw Jumbo at Radio City Music Hall. That’s a long, long, time ago I think. He even met her twice and she was very nice to him.
Don’t forget to check the Doris Day Tribute website for more information.
Update 4/3/11: It appears KIDD 630-AM did not have live streaming of Doris Day’s birthday celebration. But you can still listen to Doris and help celebrate her birthday on this special website.
Update 4/4/11: Listen to excerpts of Doris’ live phone call on her birthday. Also check the official Doris Day website to see when a recording of her birthday celebration will be posted.
Update 4/13/11: Listen to a more complete, commercial free version of Doris Day’s birthday interview on her official website.
Leave a commentIt’s Always Best to be Informed of Your Chihuahua’s Health
Waiting for the doctor at my annual visit.
When my daddy took me out to the car for a ride I thought I was going to see my grandpa. This is something we do regularly.
But alas we went back to that place where they stick me with needles, lock me in a cage and cut me open on occasion.
From my daddy’s point of view, a yearly checkup is important. He say’s it’s to make sure I am healthy and that my teeth, ears and heart are all okay. He also wanted to make sure my kneecaps were completely healed and working fine.
I could have told him that and avoided a $70 visit. I’m not paying for it.
Obesity is bad for dogs too.
Unfortunately the scale was not my friend. It showed me weighing in at 11 pounds. A standard AKC Chihuahua should weigh no more than 6 pounds.
I am not standard. Nor am I AKC. Nobody gave me any papers which is why I was sold cheap. How barbaric is that?!
The thing is, I am larger than the average Chihuahua. Even still, the doctor says I need to lose a few pounds. Being overweight can have a bad effect on my heart and legs.
I hope I do not have to give up all my treats. And those long walks are quite taxing. I prefer napping.
Why the Freak-Out
My daddy asked the doctor why I sometimes stop what I’m doing and run to my bed, hiding under the covers.
He says it’s probably because I hear something my daddy doesn’t and it scares me. I have keen hearing, although sirens do not bother me.
I can even hear when a little food drops on the kitchen floor. I’m there in a flash to gobble it up. Diet or not, I will find and eat anything that falls on the floor.
Knowing I have no real physical problems is always good. As I get older it will be even more important.
Check out Weight Issues with a Chihuahua from PetChiDog.com for more information on this touchy subject.
I’m not proud of it, but I do find flies fascinating. I love to chase them if they happen to get in my house.
I don’t feel that they are welcome and it is my job to get rid of them. Nobody else seems to care.
Fly Adventure
So the other day I chased a fly all around the office where my daddy works. I believe the fly was on getting old because he wasn’t flying very high.
I persevered and eventually won. I caught that fly in my mouth. In hindsight I should have spit him out but no. Being a creature of instincts I ate the fly and it tasted funny.
Freakout
The experience sort of freaked me out. So I ran under my daddy’s bed and hid there for a few hours. Then I ran under the blankets of my own bed and hid there for a while.
Finally daddy came to take me for a walk and I snapped out of it.
If another fly comes into my house I’m afraid I will try to get him too. What can I say. Flies belong outside.
Is swallowing a fly safe for your dog?
Your dog is probably okay. Daddy researched this interesting topic online and found some people say nothing will happen. Others say they could get a disease or tapeworms. And still others say you get tapeworms from eating fleas, not flies.
Do you know the answer? Let us know.
1 CommentChihuahuas make very good stress busters.
Lucy relaxing on her daddy.
Having a pet can be very relaxing and may very well extend your life. Chihuahuas make great companions, are loyal and very portable. Some may be a bit yappy but no one’s perfect.
Chihuahuas travel well.
We are small so you can take us almost anywhere. Unfortunately most indoor theaters and restaurants don’t allow pets. Why not find one that does? Eating outside with your Chi can be fun and relaxing. Although if you live in a cold climate this could be problematic.
Chihuahuas are low maintenance.
I get a bath every month or two. It takes less than 15 minutes. Then I’m towel dried and good to go. It’s all stress free and fun.
Massaging your Chi relieves your tension.
Plop your Chi in your lap and give a gentle back massage. Your Chihuahua will love it and reward you by falling asleep.
It’s take your Chi to work day.
We make great work companions too. Why not place an extra bed next to your office desk and take your Chi to work. Some people may have to ask permission for this, though. I don’t see why.
Walking your Chihuahua is healthy and fun.
Exercise is good for everybody. It extends your life and feels good. Taking your little companion along benefits both you and your Chi. We’re sturdy little dogs and we love to sniff and explore our world.
When you burn calories by walking you can maintain a healthy weight and enjoy an occasional treat. My daddy says I’m a one tissue dog. Make sure you carry something to collect your pup’s little presents and dispose of them properly.
Read more on how dogs can help you deal with stress from PetPlace.com.
Here I am, resting on my "tuffet".
I am one lucky Chihuahua. I have four beds, each in a different room, and a “tuffet” (fluffy pillow) on the sofa.
My daddy insists on walking me several times a day so I do get a bit dirty. At least on the bottom of my feet. That means my beds get a bit dirty, a little bit at a time. I don’t notice it, but my daddies do. So occasionally my beds need to be cleaned.
Cleaning Your Pet’s Bed
Make sure the bed, blanket and pillows are machine washable. Surprisingly so many pet blankets and beds must be hand washed and line dried. Dogs tend to get messy and so does their bedding. How inconvenient to have to hand wash your dog’s bedding. Especially if they have more than one bed.
Machine Washable Pet Beds
When you do machine wash your dog’s bedding, use the most gentle cycle available. Preferably the hand washable or gentle setting.
Try to use scent free detergent. Our noses are very sensitive to all smells, and we prefer our own. Perfumed soaps and softeners can be overwhelming.
Wash your pet’s bed in sections.
If possible, wash parts of your pet’s bedding on different days. Blankets one day. Bottom pad another. Main bed the next day. This way, we have some familiar smells mingled with the clean smell we have to get rid of.
Don’t forget to dry your pet’s bedding on low so you don’t shrink it.
Last time my daddy washed me and all my bedding at once and I was not happy. All my familiar and comforting smells were gone. I freaked and did not want to go in my bed. My daddy had to put his used jammies in my bed in order to give it that comfy and familiar smell before I would give in and use the bed. Daddy won’t make that same mistake again. I never get to sleep in the big bed.
For more tips check out How to Clean a Pet’s Bed from eHow. Also Washing and Drying Instructions for Dog Beds from Orvis.
Leave a commentThe holidays can be a fun and busy time. It can also be stressful, especially for your little Chihuahua.
What’s that tree doing in my home?
We are curious beings. The sudden arrival of a tree in the middle of the living room can mean new indoor plumbing to a little dog. You should probably let your Chi know that tree is not an invitation to relieve himself. Make sure this would be difficult by putting the tree on a platform or put a fence around it. Just make sure the fence itself is not a chewing temptation.
Ooh, lots of gifts to unwrap
Not only is there a tree, but there are wrapped packages and bags under it. And lights on strings. And ornaments, hooks, tinsel, garlands, fake cookies, holiday plants and so much more. How can a dog resist the temptation to chew, chew and chew.
If your Chi companion is a chewer, make sure they can’t get at the goodies under or on the tree. And watch out for those fallen needles, they can’t be digested. We don’t care what something tastes like, if it’s there, we chew and sometimes swallow. So it’s best to protect us from ourselves.
So many people to greet
Sometimes I’m in a friendly mood. But sometimes not so much. If you like to entertain your friends and relatives, make sure your Chihuahua has a safe haven to hide in. I have one of my beds in my daddies’ bedroom and can easily escape there, under the covers. Just make sure your guests know that when you’re dog is in it’s safe place, do not disturb.
For more information you’ll also want to read “Keeping Your Dog Safe During the Winter Holidays” by Linda Perney from PetPlace.com
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