I was playing nicely, Mom had to try to get my annual Christmas photo.

Woof! Hey, is that for me?

Feeding time for Smokie! Poor Smokie, she has squamous cell carcinoma, going to the oncologist next week. She's only 9, treatments reputedly aren't much help. Can you see her swollen cheek?

Here's Smokie. She's having a rough time, I think another trip to the vet

is coming this week. She has a swelling on the side of her face, & the long-acting antibiotic

isn't making it go down :o(.

She's not eating as much dry food, it must bother her.

But tonight she ate half a can of Fancy Feast!

I have to sit with her when she eats. Poor Smokie! You'll be better soon!

And so began the quest for this year's Christmas card.

Due to an unfortunate accident at the park, I'm forced

to use another camera I have. Each picture is rarely in focus,

and always grainy up close.

I loved this one, Duncan's Christmas sweater

is peeking--he loves it! Grumbles if I try to take it off.

He's sleeping in it now!

Whatcha lookin' at? Can't you see I'm trying to sleep?

Just because some of you are crazy enough to get

up at this ungodly hour to go fishing

doesn't mean the rest of us are! Geez!

Remember the puppy days? Here's Duncan as he starts to look like a grownup! And

D as a pup, and one of the first pictures of him, at almost 8 weeks. Wow! I feel old.

Counting sheep, little Westie?

You've been extra snuggly lately!

And you were so brave getting your blood drawn today (heartworm test).

I'm so proud of you!

<3

Duncan poked the keyboard today, asking to play--all a trick to get treats! But of course I went a long with it. He really tried today!
Here's his video--

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JJjGDyIrcw

9/11-Never Forgotten

Duncan greeted this solemn day with a lot of barking--squirrels were everywhere today, more than usual. One of the neighborhood outdoor cats was here too, and much to the dismay of folks around here, he barked at them. I whisked him away to go shopping, and peace was restored. Guess he was a little unsettled today.

My thoughts are with those who lost their lives in the Twin Towers that day, and with their families.

Look at me!!

Duncan's awesome breeder made him grooming sling.

Look at the difference! I was able to trim his chest much better, and even get more on the sides.

He usually squirms so much; well, when he isn't laying down relaxing when the

grooming kit comes out. It triggers instant lethargy, and then, wiggle intervals.

So funny! Handsome boy!

Oh, and this Westie LOVES babies. Our neighbors have 2 babies.

Duncan is so gentle with them. They just started walking--and they came to visit in the front yard.

Duncan wriggled with joy. And SAT DOWN almost the whole time,

no jumping or acting crazy.

Good boy, Duncan!

I'm comin, I'm comin' already! Why do you have to wake me up??

Hidden Westie.

He stayed like this for quite a few minutes, unheard of in Duncanland.

Facing Irene (well, after the rainy day, facing the windy day!)

The rains of Irene may have dampened the hair of a particular Westie,

but certainly not his spirit!

Duncan's first mom came to visit yesterday, we were so happy to see her!

Without her, Duncan wouldn't be here today. She saved him when he couldn't nurse as a baby.

He showered her with hugs & kisses! It was awesome!

A Westie hanging out in his yard! He became a big fuzzface after Sweetheart washed his face for him this morning.

Should you ever have access to a Japanese soaking tub, DO IT!

Our meeting was at the Hotel Kabuki and let me tell you..

If you have trouble sleeping, put in a 15-16 hour day and

sit down in one of these babies before bed.

Within SECONDS you are unconscious.

(Maybe you'd better bring an alarm with you, don't want to go under!)

The water is deep, and there's a perfect ledge to rest you head on.

OMG.

Of course, tough to get out of when semi-conscious, but well worth the risk..

Westie Dreams

Someone got to run and run some more today!

Sweet dreams!

Darnit No Picture!

Stupid me took Duncan to a pool party yesterday, and was so focused on keeping an eye on him & keeping cool in the pool, I didn't take a picture, not even with my phone! He met 2 lovely Chihuahua ladies. He didn't grumble once or try to be bossy--yeah!!! He is really growing up. He got snarled at just twice, and she had every right to express concern--it was her house. But he really behaved himself, we were quite proud! And no, he didn't swim, Westies are not good swimmers, they say...

A Pond of Tranquility in a Sea of Work

Missing My Westie-A View of San Francisco

How I missed Duncan! It was a little comforting to have a distant (and I mean distant) view of the Golden Gate Bridge. One of my colleagues lives in California, and knows the area well, but the way these meetings go, there isn't any free time to see the sights. So I never got to see the bridge & walk across :o(.

Westie - Bichon Summit

Meeting of the White Dogs

Yes, even Duncan has friends.

He loves to play with them & pretend he's in charge.

His friend here is very patient & kind.

Have fun, boys!!

Westie Summer

Had to include Duncan in his own blog! He loves hanging
out on a bench, just watching the birds & waiting for a
squirrel to show himself!

What is this? Any clue? Found in an overgrown lot next to my house, very rocky area...
Love mysteries! Is it melted glass or rock? Or extraterrestrial lol?

What Does Pain Look Like?

Just thought I'd depart from my normal boring pet ranting
and post a home-made gallery wrap I made. It's a painting I
did in 1986 when my Dad was sick, in & out of the hospital.
Thought I'd post it! I have a new set of oils waiting to go.
Sadly my mind is full of EANs & Excel spreadsheets, it's hard
to focus on true emotion....

Go to Ground, LIttle Westie!

So cool to see a Westie's instincts come out, despite a
pampered pooch lifestyle!

Happy Birthday, Westie! Duncan's 2

Happy Birthday, Duncan!
It's been a very hectic 2 years and you were here for all of it!
You are my best buddy!
Even though this picture is out of focus,
it shows Duncan squirrel-hunting.
He's trying to jump over the fence, but can't quite make it lol!

Duncan Went to the Vet

Duncan went to the vet this morning to get a six-month kennel cough shot, and I also decided to give him the canine flu shot. I can't let anything happen to this little guy! He is in perfect health, even his ears were perfect. Thanks to this rotten weather, he is at his maximum weight of 19.7lbs! I didn't think he'd get past 19. If it ever stops raining we can run again! He is so active and I am careful to give him the right foods and no bad treats. I think with 6 of us here, someone slips him a piece of meat now & then that is too big for a little dog. So I made sure to tell everyone to cut back. With the rain outside, he jumps & runs in the house, and still sleeps ALL night long! What a good boy! Oh, and one thing I read--the serving sizes listed on dog food packaging are intended for dogs that are not neutered, so dogs that are fixed need smaller servings. Makes sense! And the vet is always surprised--that he goes all year, even the spring, with no allergy symptoms. No itchiness, no sneezing, no skin irritations. Yea!!

Spring At Last!

Nothing says SPRING like a Westie headed into the tulips!
This must be the cutest doggie butt ever!

Piano Lesson

http://http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtKBI_flwC0

Whoopee! Duncan is making progress! He's starting to recognize

he is making the sounds, I'm so proud of him!

A sleepy Westie is exhausted indeed...

No Responses-ever!

Alright, so Mike Huckabee must be too busy to respond to a nobody like me.
The other night I saw Arnold Diaz confronting a deadbeat dad, so I had to write him as well. I figure someone handed him the address on a PostIt because in real life, deadbeats don't open the door or hand out business cards. I gave him the spiel in a nutshell, about how Mutual of Omaha should have been INDICTED and how RIKER'S is not an address--but if Santa can prove his address in court, if the U.S. mail recognizes an address, shouldn't the U.S. government? Oh, that's right, that's just a movie lol! Today I mentally thanked my ex, for without him, I never would have had my kids. And no matter what challenges they present, they are the best!

Waiting for Spring! (and also for a quick trim!)

My assistant, in a rare quiet moment.

He tends to talk a lot in the office,

and good off with the squirrels when the rest of

us are trying to work! Must make a note in his file.

Mike Huckabee's Ignorant Comments

Mike Huckabee says "Most single moms are very poor, uneducated, can't get a job, and if it weren't for government assistance, their kids would be starving to death and never have health care." Mike, we single moms don't wake up and say hey, I want to have a family all by myself. We usually are divorced, widowed, victims of rape or of deadbeat dads--and who can the kids count on--their MOMS, their SINGLE MOMS who actually care about them! I for ONE of the many single moms have a COLLEGE DIPLOMA hanging on MY OFFICE wall; I am EMPLOYED; I have provided HEALTH, DENTAL & VISION INSURANCE for my children; I have even provided a PAROCHIAL SCHOOL EDUCATION for them. And I raised my kids ALONE for 11 years! Now they are almost grown & I am happy to say do not lie, cheat, or steal like MOST POLITICIANS and MEDIA-HUNGRY TV PERSONALITIES do! Wait, was that a bigoted generalization I just made?

Another Loss

Another loss this year, time Miss Kazia, a gorgeous Samoyed who wasn't just a wonderful companion to my sister, she was a therapy dog who brought joy to many. Her lungs had bulla of varying sizes and they would give way & allow her lungs to basically collapse & leak air....Very sad, it was happening so frequently it was becoming so dangerous for her to be alone for any length of time. Our thoughts are with my sister!

...Summer 2010...
We will miss you!

Happy New Year

May we all have a healthy, peaceful new year!