Wordless Wednesday: Piranha Smiles

WW: Modeling at the International Kennel Club Show 2014

I modeled Sophisticated Pup's houndstooth harness vest, bow tie collar and leash set!

Wordless Wednesday: Chihuahua Dreams

What Not To Wear!

Want to know what not to wear in this weather?  Nothing. 

I was recently confronted by someone who indicated she could not understand why people felt the desire to dress their dogs and treat them like children. I think she meant ME!  Personally, I feel each person should do what they need to do to care for their dog.   People should also understand that some dogs, just like humans, get cold. 

For instance, dogs like me who are Chihuahuas or Dachshunds (who walk close to the ground in the snow), thin limbed Italian Greyhounds and Whippets, senior dogs - we all get cold. Just let us out, you will see a lot of us come in shivering. In fact, we may even shiver in the house if you do not put a coat or sweater or a blanket over us. Some of us even go outside and after a few seconds our paws get freezing cold and we freeze in place unable to move them (this has happened to me and Daisy).

Weasel, Monkey, Daisy and Me stalking the back door... someone took off their boots!

Daisy and Weasel coming in through the dog run inside our home.  Weasel loves the snow!

Can  you see me waaaay back there? I am walking through our dog run to get in the house.  

A lot of us will burrow in blankets - just like you humans do - and we don't do this to be cute. We do this because it is cozy and warm. 

Pawrents take care of us and worry about our basic needs, food and water and medical care - but care also includes protection from the elements. Keeping us cool and away from hot cars when it is hot, and keeping us warm when it is cold. Pets can get frostbite and freeze to death. Not to mention checking paws/washing them after being outdoors to wash away salt or any traces of very deadly anti freeze. 
For those complaining about dogs wearing clothes being afraid of what people might think or because you think a dog wearing clothes is cruel -- believe me -- when I am indoors and I do not want to wear something, I just pull it with my tiny teeth and off it goes! I am Houdini! 

Teensy and I brave the snow walking back into the house...

I will repeat:   lots of dogs get cold - even the big ones.  My big brother Weasel loves to roll around in the snow but he has a built in permanent coat to protect him from the elements.  However, my pawrents would never, ever just leave him outdoors  for longer than necessary.  Just recently, a larger dog in my area (Pit Bull) was left outdoors in the frigid weather. A neighbor called in that a dog was left outdoors tied to the dog house. Police found the poor baby frozen stiff -- the dog was cold and died from hypothermia.  We are learning of several sad cases like this recently that should never have happened.  Around here we don't worry about vanity, we worry about keeping safe from the elements and staying warm.    This keeps us healthy.

We made it!

If you notice, I walk around naked most of the time in my pictures with a bow tie. But when it's cold, I wear a coat.  
Enough said.

Chihuahua Woofs & Kisses on Valentine's Day!

Wordless Wednesday: Chihuahua Bedwarmers!

My Magical Paws (er, Rubber Boots)

I've been visiting Sugar's blog for a bit now.  And I had admired her Pawz little rubber boots.  Thought about it and thought about it. Until recently, when I had to wear snow boots in the frigid cold weather.  Normally, when it is that cold, if I don't wear boots, I just stand by the door and freeze in place, essentially turning into a pup-sicle.  Hence the reason you saw my Momma making me wear snow boots (that mysteriously disappeared) to go out in a previous post.  Wearing them, I don't mind circling the wagon and I stay out long enough to 'go.'

However,  it got a little warmer (can't believe I am saying that!) and my Daddy shoveled a lot of the snow out of the way.  Momma took me to Petco pet store and decided to buy the Pawz rubber boots.  They are rubbery,  like balloons - only thicker - but she was able to stretch them.  She was a bit concerned that they would be too tight and cut circulation around my dankles (dog-ankles).  But she continued to check and sure enough, I wasn't trying to get them off or pull them off.  I basically ignored them on my feet when she put them on.

UNTIL...She let me walk with them in the back yard and then when I went in the house - I started running, bouncing, jumping, hiding like a little maniac - these were magic booties - I felt like Peter Pan! She really wanted me to give them a good try and I showed her,  I even fell asleep wearing them.  She thinks they look like little Mickey Mouse shoes - BOL!  Thanks Sugar!

WW: Fuzzy Wuzzy Chihuahua

I was outdoors yesterday trying out some rubber boots (more on that later) and when Momma was setting up my photos she noticed that my fur was looking fuzzier than normal. I must get more fuzzy wuzzy during winter months and never noticed.  What about you, do you have a fuzzy wuzzy face in the winter?

P.A.W.S. Tinley Park - Bark and Brew

Last Saturday, I attended P.A.W.S. Tinley Park Bark and Brew Beer Tasting. This event was held to raise funds for P.A.W.S. in Tinley Park, which is a no-kill animal shelter. Over 280 people attended this sold-out event which helped raise $4,880 (after squaring up event costs) – 100% going to P.A.W.S. in Tinley Park ! Attendees enjoyed tasting several craft beers, pizza and pasta while voting on their favorite brews and participating in the raffles. 

John Greenan and me smile for the camera!

As you know, beer is quite harmful to dogs, so I did not taste any of it; but I did have a bite of cheese (shh!). The event was quite lively and was attended by many people and organizations who braved the frigid weather to show their support. 

During the event, I met John Greenan and his rescued chocolate lab, Bugs. Mr. Greenan is on the board of directors for P.A.W.S. and organized the event. Mr. Greenan shook my paw, gave me a high five and shared that this was the first beer tasting P.A.W.S. organized. Due to the overwhelming response, their hope is to plan another much larger beer tasting event to accommodate more people and their pets. I know a lot of people who were unable to attend this time, but would be happy to participate in the next. 

Supporting your local dog rescue organization is important! P.A.W.S. Tinley Park will be celebrating 40 years of saving animals this year.  They will be holding a 40th Anniversary Gala at the Odyssey Country Club on March 21st with dinner, dancing, raffles, live and silent auction. Please call P.A.W.S. at 708 805 3932 to make your reservations, or visit www.pawstinleypark.org to learn more.

WW: Found Our Boots!

Took my pawrents all day to find them... 

                                                               I am not admitting anything... 

It is possible they hid all by themselves... 

Where Are My Boots?

Waiting patiently while Momma looks for my boots...

WW: My 102 Year Old Grandmother!

During my recent vacation to Puerto Rico, I spent time with my (Momma's) 102 year old grandmother. Grandma means Abuela (pronounced ah-boo-eh-lah) in Spanish.  She and I had a great time together and she even ordered told my Momma to feed me extra chicken and treats.  Abuela is very wise beyond her years -- and who can argue with a 102 year old? 

I think Abuela likes me - because Abuela grew up during a time where dogs were only meant to stay outdoors to protect the home.  Abuela had 9 children and 77 first generation grandchildren (there are also lots of  great and great-great grandchildren I am not accounting for!).  As far as I know, I am officially the only (grand) dog in Abuela's life she has ever held in her arms, fed rice and beans to and actually allowed inside her house.  Stay tuned for more photos from my Puerto Rican vacation!

WW: Chihuahua Birthday Party!

Last weekend my pawrents threw me a surprise Chihuahua birthday party with 19 of my closest Chihuahua friends. Happy to have a party with cake.  Who doesn't love cake?!

                                  Momma had me pose for pictures before the guests arrive

                                                               CAKE!   Just a little taste... 

                                           Here I am waiting for my friends to arrive, I am so excited!

                               Look at them running around waiting to sing happy birthday and eat cake!
                                                           And they sing to me...

                                              Think I will join in and sing too...Happy Birthday to me... 

                                                         All dressed up waiting for cake!

Made a New Friend on Three Kings Day 2014!

During my birthday vacation I made a new friend - Eimie  - who posed with me in front of the beautifully decorated tropical Christmas tree at the hotel we stayed at.   This, of course makes it a perfect time to wish everyone a Feliz Dia de Los Reyes!

Hello Eimie (so sorry if I spelled your name wrong!) it was great to meet you - best wishes for much happiness in 2014!  Hola Eimi - Fue un placer conocerte durante mis vacaciones.  Te deseo muchas felicidades durante 2014!

Happy New Year & Happy Birthday To Me - 2014!