It's Me or the Dog!

The show -- I'm talking about the tv show, of course! One of Maddy's favorite shows is Animal Planet's "It's Me or the Dog!" I tell you -- that show scares the daylights out of me! Those are some naughty dogs and/or baaaad owners who have not properly trained their pups! You know, I might not be so hesitant to get a dog if I had Victoria around to help train it! Do you think I can put in an early request for her assistance?? Remember -- our own pooch will be arriving some time in June. At this time, the breed winning the vote is a Scottish terrier. The main requirement by Maddy for a dog is that it have pointy, standing-up ears! My requirement is that it not be too big or too dumb! Any and all suggestions for other smallish- pointy-eared dogs welcome!

Here's Maddy with her fave puppy at the moment -- wonder-dog Larry! If only Larry had those pointy ears, he'd be perfect! Well, almost perfect -- he did chew half-a-pack of gum the other day. It gave him a little tummy ache, but his breath was minty-fresh!!

Larry is such a cute little guy and Maddy adores him! She brought along a crazy toy dog she has and we think Larry thought it was a real dog! The toy (the black and white animal above) laughs and flops over this way and that, hooting like it has just heard or told the funniest joke ever! Larry loved playing with it and nearly jumped onto the kitchen counter to get it after we put it up and, we thought . . . out of sight. Larry is as smart as a whip -- he rings a little bell by their sliding glass doors when he needs to go out. If they don't respond quickly enough, they hear "ding ding ding ding ding ding."

Larry is not sure just what is coming up and may disrupt his world a little bit. Philip and Catherine's baby is due in only about six weeks! Look at their adorable nursery! They did a great job on getting the room ready -- all we need now is Baby Boo! And no, we don't know if it's a boy or girl yet -- that adds to the surprise, doesn't it! Did you know that Philip and Catherine's baby will be the very first grandchild for me and Mr. Tennis and the first great grandchild for my parents -- sweet!?!

Guess Who Came to Visit?

Some clues for you -- he has 4 feet, curly white hair and a cute little bark! Of course, it's Larry -- the bichon! Philip and Catherine and Larry came to visit last weekend and stay overnight. It was so nice to have them all here. Maddy was in hog . . . I mean, dog-heaven!!

Poor Larry was probably exhausted by the time they headed home. We took him on lots of walks, she played with him and walked (pulled) him around the house on his leash. He tried to get his paws on some of her stuffed animals and she gave him one that looked a lot like him. We called it Little Larry. Big Larry really wanted a Webkinz kitty though. After she wore him out, he took a little nap right on her lap. So sweet! Come again Larry! You too -- Philip and Catherine! :)

Larry Visits and Meets a Girl!

Philip and Catherine were in town for Connor's graduation. Of course, their little puppy Larry came too. Maddy was in heaven!! And so was Larry -- with all the attention from Maddy plus Larry met the girl next door -- a little 3-year old Bichon named Bella! They were hysterical together (the dogs, that is). They were both tearing around the yard, nearly tripping over their own paws! I never knew little dogs could run so fast! I don' t think I've ever heard Larry bark, but if Bella got too far ahead of him, he gave out some yippy little barks. Maddy had so much fun with the puppies! I was actually pleasantly surprised that I didn't hear a lot of "can't we get a puppy too" from her. She does have one pet - a female Beta fish and that is probably enough pets at our house! And really, don't all those stuffed animals count as pets??

Both were taking a much need rest break. The dogs were so cute together! I see more playdates in their future! :)

Philip caught both of them after they escaped from the yard in one of their running frenzies!

Larry Goes on a Roadtrip

Do y'all remember Larry -- the darling little bichon puppy that belongs to my son and his wife? Well, Larry had a roadtrip this week to visit. Philip has been on spring break this week, so he and Larry came to town. First, Philip and Connor went to lunch with Maddy at school (Larry could not come to lunch). While inside the school, they saw the Principal -- who said, "hey, no jeans at school and tuck those shirts in!" He was kidding (we think) [both boys attended the same school as Maddy and know the Principal]! Then later, Philip and Larry picked up Maddy at school, so she had plenty of time to spend with Lar! And oh my -- she loved that puppy! He's small and sweet and no trouble at all. He loves to play and follow her around the yard. He doesn't nip, he doesn't jump on you or bark. He doesn't make messes! She is smitten!!

So, so cute!

Interrupting my regularly scheduled blog posts (not that I have any scheduled - I'm not that organized!) to introduce a new member of the extended family . . . Larry!! Larry is a little 4-month old Bichon recently acquired by the newlyweds, Philip and Catherine! Larry's middle name (do dogs really have middle names?) is Fabio. You don't think Fabio is a strange name, do you? Fabio was one of the recent contestants in Top Chef and was named fan favorite (mine too). Philip and Catherine rejected my other suggestions for names for the puppy, so gave me naming rights for the middle name. Isn't he the cutest little guy! Reports are that he is very well behaved; for a puppy, that is. He sleeps in his kennel at night and only barks for an hour or so at bedtime when he is put to bed in his kennel in the kitchen. Am so glad that they are not letting him sleep with them as . . . ewwww, I have never liked the idea of pets sleeping in bed with a person! He may visit next week while Philip is on spring break. Miss Maddy has a new toy for him already -- guess what it is??? A Milkbone stuffed animal! Who knew they even made such things! Maddy says she'll keep Larry's toy at our house -- wouldn't want to let a stuffed animal get away, would we!

On the ride home, Larry rested comfortably in Catherine's arms.

Larry -- trying to be the boss in the kitchen!