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
Leave a commentChihuahuas like to be warm and cozy.
Chihuahuas do not have a lot of body fat (hopefully) and very little hair, unless they’re long-hair Chis. Nonetheless, we like to be warm and it’s very cozy under a blanket or two.
Completely Hidden
It should be perfectly safe for your Chihuahua to sleep under a blanket. It’s what we prefer, especially in Winter. As long as we have a way out, we won’t smother. Believe me, we want to be warm, not suffocated.
So many beds, so little time to nap
I love to sleep under my blankies. I have several. I also have several beds. My main, nighttime bed is next to my daddies’ big bed. It has high sides and three blankies, so it’s like a tent. I can run in whenever I want to escape and can easily get out.
I also have a bed in my daddy’s home office. When I’m not on his lap or in my night bed, I’m often next to him in my office bed. He covers me with my blankie where I can burrow inside. If it’s too warm I can escape and sleep on top of the blankie.
There’s a pillow I adopted on the sofa. It’s fluffy and comfy. My daddies calls it my “tuffet”. I don’t get it. But I often lay there. Although there’s another blankie for me next to the pillow, I have to wait to be covered or do without. This is a lighter blankie. Sometimes when I’m covered up and run off, the blankie goes with me like a cape. There probably will be a picture of that here, someday.
Chihuahuas do not like to be disturbed while sleeping
I understand my daddy’s previous Chihuahua slept in bed with him and was often completely under the covers. Like me, she got a bit grumpy when you disturbed her while she was sleeping. That’s probably why I have to sleep in my own bed next to the big bed. Also it’s too high for me to get into and out of. Oh well, I have more freedom this way. Although I do understand they make stairs for Chihuahuas…
Yes. We Chihuahuas, like all “dogs”, are very intuitive. We can sense when our human companions are stressed, sad, happy or any other emotion. Mostly because people don’t hide their feelings from us. Dogs are like a therapist you can talk to all the time and they never talk back. At least not in English.
Dogs feel emotions. If you’re yelling at your dog, they know they did something wrong. They may not know what, but they know enough to hide. And if you’re yelling at your spouse or other human companion, your dog knows to stay out of the way.
If you’re happy, your dog will sense that too and want to be a part of it. Dogs are very social creatures. If we see two humans kissing or what-not, we want part of that action.
If you’re playing, we want to play. If you’re watching TV or reading, we want to play. If you’re busy working, well, we want to play. And then take a nice, long nap.
Read more about how your dog can tell how you feel from PetPlace.com. And feel free to share your experiences with your dog and emotions.
Walking Your Dog Could Be Dangerous
Taking your little Chihuahua on a walk around your neighborhood is not without it’s hazards.
I have a lot of work to do when I go for a walk, such as controlling a large human on a string. I also have to catalog various new smells along the way and spread my essence to mark my territory. It’s tough and time consuming. I can’t just walk all willy-nilly.
In addition, I must constantly be aware of squirrels, cats, people walking dogs on leashes, UPS and FedEx trucks, mailmen, garbage trucks and cars. Oy.
Friendly Dogs Not On Leashes Can Still Cause Harm
But one of the biggest hazards of all is, I must beware of dogs without leashes.
Some people feel they have the right to keep their dogs leash free when on or near their own, unfenced property. I have heard over and over how friendly their dog is. But what if your dog isn’t. And if another dog bounces over to your dog, and your dog attacks, then who’s to blame?
We Chihuahuas are very protective of our human companions. We also want to protect ourselves. We don’t always know that a dog is friendly. We just see a threat coming our way and we react.
So please keep your pets on a leash. And if you must tie them up outside, make sure they can’t reach the sidewalk where people may be walking by.
State Leash Laws
Check your local state for it’s leash laws. I go by California’s leash laws.
By the way, it’s best to use a harness on your small dog. You don’t want to risk choking them. And in an emergency you can pick up your dog by the harness without fear of strangling them.
Scrappy “Choke Free” Step-In Harness
Leave a commentDestination Las Vegas
Last weekend I went to Las Vegas for the first time. I can’t say I was very impressed with my mini vacation. Can you believe they don’t allow little Chihuahuas in casinos?! Not that I have any money to gamble with, but I could have done a lot of people watching.
Enjoying the Vegas Strip
Have Chihuahua, Will Travel
I suspected this was going to be a longer car trip than usual because I saw suitcases and my stuff being packed away.
I was placed in my car carrier, strapped to the back seat, and we drove and drove. I tried to nap but I was too excited. I kept my eyes open and watched. Finally we stopped for lunch in Baker. It was a small town. Warm and breezy. Luckily this was October and not July or August, or I would have melted.
Fine dining was limited to Burger King, the only place in town with outdoor tables that were dog friendly.
Checking in to Motel 6
We arrived in Las Vegas around 2 pm. Then we checked in to the Motel 6, next to Hooters and across from the MGM Grand. It was cheap, clean and Chihuahua friendly. The floor was not carpeted but I had my comfy bed, blankets and pillow from home so I was all set. My water bowl was set out, my toys were unpacked and I had a little snack.
Then off we went on a very long walk down what it commonly called the “Strip”. There were too many people for my taste. I was the only Chihuahua walking on this busy street and got lots of attention. Everyone wanted to pet me but I was a bit apprehensive.
Finally we took a detour and eventually ended up back at our new home away from home, Motel 6.
And then I was left alone. But I was so tired I didn’t care. I needed uninterrupted sleep as I had missed several of my naps.
Keeping Your Chihuahua Busy
The next day was much the same. A few long walks, several short walks, a little play time and then some alone time to nap.
Before you know it we were packed and heading home. My little car carrier is nice and safe but a bit constraining. I was so very glad when we pulled into our driveway. I was up and out and ready to play.
I think our next vacation should be a little more Chihuahua friendly.
Here are some vacation trips for your Chihuahua:
- When driving, keep your Chi in a carrier, strapped to the back seat. In case of accident you don’t want your little Chi to fly out of the car.
- Stop often to let your little dog take a walk and relieve themselves.
- Bring your pet’s favorite toys, bed, food, bowls, blankets and treats.
- If you must leave your Chi alone make sure they are safe, have an ID tag, and perhaps leave the TV on for company.
- Try to find a place with fun activities your Chihuahua will enjoy.
For more information check out Tips on Driving with Your Chihuahua. Also see Las Vegas, Nevada Dog-Friendly City Guide.
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