Guppers

PET'S TEN COMMANDMENTS.

2009-01-08T06:40:00.000-05:00

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.

2. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

3. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.

5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.

10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.

Max vs the Frog

2008-09-04T09:46:00.000-04:00

Max has a fascination with lizards and frogs. He has tried so many times to get a good up close look at them but of course they don't stand still for long. When he has had the opportunity he quietly lays down and just observes, studying their every move.

Last night Ken was cleaning up the patio and he heard a noise coming from the corner. After several attempts to direct the frog out the patio door with a broom failed, he grabbed a vase that we had under the potting station and captured him. Before he was safely and humanely released in our neighobrs lush tropical back garden, Ken let Max have 60 seconds to get a good close up look at the frog.

Every time the frog jumped...Max jumped

So Max settled in for a good look

More Max

2008-08-27T09:16:00.003-04:00

Stopping to take a drink from the frisbee, Max looks like he's glowing! He's earned the drink after a day of playing hard on the beach

Bounding through the sea grass

Ever the princess

2008-08-18T21:50:00.000-04:00

Sadie sleeps on the sofa with her head on the pillow...of course. Spoiled? Nah! She's a princess and you wouldn't expect a princess to sleep on the floor would you?

Pedicure for two

2008-07-06T16:23:00.003-04:00

Yes I've read your emails and heard your comments so here they are in all their glory, Sadie and Max!!

Sadie showing off her pedicure and sporting the bandanna from the groomer

Max is showing off his pedicure.

I think the groomer gave them happy pills, they absolutely hated going in there but came out with smiles and happy. Max has a blue bandanna, of course :-)

Funny how the same floor looks 3 different colors. Its probably closest in color to the top photo.

You give me gum gum dumb dumb

2008-05-19T14:21:00.001-04:00

Do you ever imagine what your dog's voice would sound like? I think Max would sound sort of like the Easter Island statue from the movie Night at the Museum. But instead of give me gum gum he would say, dumb dumb, you rub my belly dumb dumb. This scene never fails to make me laugh!

Little Legs Big Heart

2008-05-08T13:48:00.003-04:00

When we take them places, inevitably someone will comment on Max's short little legs. Sometimes the comments are quite rude like "who chopped off his legs" or "what the hell happened to his legs"

These typically come from old men. Depending on my mood for the day (how many cups of coffee have I had?) I respond with varying degrees of niceness.

"why is he so short" I respond with "why is your nose so big?"

"who chopped off his legs, he's so short" the response is "so you're calling attention to his shortness in an attempt to draw attention away from your short...." and this is where Ken drags me away before I can finish the sentence.

Whatever the case, Max is my gupper...thats part guppy and part puppy, he may have short little legs but he has the sweetest little heart.

Leaping Lizards

2008-04-25T09:51:00.003-04:00

I love the way they prance and pounce through the water with such determination and speed. All that matters in the moment is retrieving the toy...or in this case...the flip flop...and being the one to bring it back to shore and get the "good dog" praise.

When we went to the veterinarians last week, they remarked at what a beautiful and shiny coat they have, such healthy dog fur and skin. Of course we had given them a puppy bath the night before but I have to say they really do have amazing coats.

We've been really lucky too, not a single flea or tick even with all of our adventures into the woods to get to the gulf of mexico for their swim. Of course we use Advantix but I've heard people say their dog still gets fleas....of course that makes me start singing that song from the commercial....there ain't no bugs on me, there ain't no bugs on me, there may be bugs on some of you mugs but there ain't no bugs on me.

Rolling In the Sand

2008-04-21T09:03:00.002-04:00

On this day at the beach we took a break under the shade of the mangroves. Sadie and Max took advantage of the time to really roll in the sand and get as dirty as possible. It worked! They were caked in sand by the time they finished rolling around.

I've cleaned things up around the blog a bit, gave it a fresh new look. The header is temporary and I'm working on a new design I hope to share within the next month...I have to fit it in with my other projects! We hope you enjoy the look of our new home as much as we do!

Determination

2008-04-18T07:59:00.002-04:00

Sadie runs through the water determined to pounce on me and give me kisses. This was one of the shots I snapped before stashing the camera for safety and accepting my wet dog Sadie love.

And the winner is....

2008-04-17T09:48:00.003-04:00

Max was the victorious one this round! Congratulations Max. The really weird thing about all of this is that when we play with a ball or the Cuz in the house, Max LOVES to chase after it but rarely brings it back. Typically, Sadie gets frustrated with him, runs over and takes the ball from him and brings it to us then looks at him as if to say "you are suppose to bring it to the humans if you want them to throw it again dummy"

Yet in the water, Max wants to be the one to bring it to the humans. He wants to be the winner!!

So Much For Shared Victory

2008-04-16T00:31:00.000-04:00

Once back on dry land the great debates begins over who gets to bring the spoils to the human for the next round of "retrieve the flip flop"

Sharing The Victory

2008-04-15T08:37:00.000-04:00

Its hard to see but in their mouths is a black flip flop that we used for a toy for them to retrieve in the water. No matter who gets to it first the other will grab on and help bring it ashore.

Even when they reach the shore they both still hold on, wanting to get credit for retrieving the object, sharing the victory all the way!

Is she snorkeling?

2008-04-14T08:38:00.000-04:00

Thats Sadie with her head under the water looking like she is snorkeling. Actually in a way she is, she has reached the toy first and in her rush through the water she has pushed it down under the surface and has to retrieve it, its all part of the game!

You can see the water flying from Max's back legs as he kicks hard to try to catch up. They are very competitive but do a great job sharing.

A happy Max

2008-04-11T09:39:00.002-04:00

When Max gets tired of running around and playing or when Sadie is getting the better of him, he has a habit. He runs to me, runs through my legs, around to my side and then gives it a shake covering me with water. If Sadie is in pursuit, he will run through the legs and around the side and jump up on my leg as if to say pick me up, and protect me. He will also do this when he is feeling shy or tired. Just like a little child, he runs to his Mom.

Waiting to give chase

2008-04-10T10:26:00.001-04:00

Max is in the back, Sadie is in the front. They are looking back at Ken waiting for him to throw the toy into the water so they can chase after it. Two wet and happy dogs!

Give It A Shake

2008-04-09T11:11:00.001-04:00

From the time Sadie and Max were little I taught them to shake off the excess water on command. From the bath tub, the sprinklers, the swimming pool or the gulf of mexico these two LOVE the water.

In this photo series, Sadie came running up to me soaking wet and I said the magic words "Give it a shake Sadie" and she obliged! These photos captured the action of her shake and I just love the faces she makes during the shake and how sweet her face looks in the last photo as her ears sail back down into place.

Speedy

2008-04-08T08:53:00.001-04:00

Max may have short legs but he is FAST and an excellent swimmer. While Sadie is usually faster because her longer legs get her off to a faster start, Max has the bushy tail advantage that helps him paddle through the current.

Bitch Slap

2008-04-07T08:49:00.000-04:00

Sadie and Max started playing in the water, presumably to determine who would get to claim victory and bring the toy back. They were moving so quickly and honestly I don't think I could have snapped this shot if I was trying but the title says it all so perfectly. You can see the water flying from Max's paw on the other side of Sadie's face. Don't feel bad for Sadie, she has been on the giving end of the slaps just as many times.

Chasing Dinner

2008-04-04T09:13:00.001-04:00

When we went to the beach, we didn't intend to let them play in the water but it was so warm and the LOVE the water so we let them and they never hesitate to jump right in.

We didn't bring their usual toy so we used the first toy they learned to retrieve from the water, a flip flop! In the second photo you can see the splash of it hitting the water as they bound through the surf to chase after it.

Occasionally they will see a fish jump from the water and chase after it too....

The Flying Dog

2008-04-03T09:33:00.000-04:00

I LOVE this photo of Sadie. She looks like she is in flight across the water as she chases after her toy.

We spent a wonderful day at the park yesterday and over the next few weeks I'm going to share many of the photos! Its April, consider this your Sadie and Max - The Spring Break Edition

It freaked me out the first time I saw it

2008-03-31T10:18:00.000-04:00

The first time I saw Max sleep upside down in his den like this, I thought he was dead! I know there are people who don't agree with crate training but it was the best way for us to housebreak two dogs at once and they grew to love their crates...erm DENS, we call them their dens because dogs sleep in dens and it sounds so much nicer than crate LOL.

At night we put them in their dens and close the doors so we can get some sleep but during the day, the doors are left open and they both wander in and out of them to sleep during the day. Max is often found asleep in his den just like this.

Basking in the sunshine

2008-03-28T08:32:00.001-04:00

In the middle of the woods, Max manages to find the most sunny spot! How typical for this little black furball of happiness!

Far more civilized

2008-03-27T08:55:00.000-04:00

Its hard to believe that two dogs could be so different! Sadie is shown here lounging during our break while walking in the woods. While Max wanted to explore the woods around us, Sadie was quite content to lay within sight of her humans. She is a creature of habit and doesn't like to be outside unless her humans are close by.

Great Explorations

2008-03-26T09:13:00.001-04:00

Max is the explorer. He explores the back yard daily just to be sure no one is in HIS territory. The other day when we went on a hike and stopped for a rest, he had to explore the woods around us. The silence of the day was broken by sounds of us saying "Maxxxx, come back here!"

He has that "I've been busted look on his face"

Strike A Pose

2008-03-25T08:17:00.001-04:00

A rare photo of Sadie and Max together! Typically they have far too much energy to hold still for a photo at the same time.

We were on our hike through the woods and stopped to have a drink and take a photo, Sadie is in the back, Max is in the front.

The rush of the wind....

2008-03-24T09:42:00.001-04:00

What is it with dogs in cars and the need or overwhelming desire to stick their heads out the window? Its not like they teach this in puppy preschool yet everywhere I go, I see cars with dogs hanging their heads out the window. There are even websites and blogs dedicated strictly to showing dogs in cars. Typically I don't allow them to put their heads out the window because I'm afraid they will get something in their eyes or fall out of the car. However when these photos were taken we were moving about 10 miles per hour following a construction bulldozer on a back two lane road. I thought the risk was minimal and they throughly enjoyed it!

Sadie Chills

2008-03-21T08:46:00.001-04:00

Sadie stands guard over the tennis ball while laying in a bit of shade in a patch of "Florida dirt" aka SAND! This was among the photos I sent to a friend of mine in the Chicago and she replied, is that SNOW? Where did you go? Our sand is white but if I recall, snow is much whiter! I suppose at first glance it could look like dirty snow from the side of the road.

Sadie takes the ball

2008-03-20T09:46:00.001-04:00

One of Sadie's favorite toys at home is a tennis ball. When she found one at the dog park she grabbed it like she owned it and started to run around with it in her mouth....

Sadie, you are supposed to bring it to me so I can throw it and you can chase it, silly puppy!

The ears will fly

2008-03-19T08:43:00.001-04:00

He has such a happy look on his face as he chases Sadie. Both of them holding their tails in the air but his has a little hook on the end and it curls around more than hers. He is the little dog with big feet and a big bushy tail!

Blur

2008-03-18T09:09:00.001-04:00

The grass is moving but I'm perfectly still.....
I was taking pictures of Sadie when Max came rushing past me, I turned the camera to catch a shot of him and managed to catch the world moving under his fast little feet.

He has short little legs for a dog, they looked a lot like a little basset hound that showed up at the park the other day but he also looks like Labrador perhaps he is a Bassador a special and unique breed of dog!

Skulls and Crossbones

2008-03-17T09:14:00.000-04:00

Max watches the dogs play at the dog park while he rests and waits for the next big chase.

We were talking to another couple at the dog park who were very amused by little Max and his tough skulls and crossbones collar. You can't see whats on Sadie's collar because it disappears under the fur. About ten minutes later the woman started calling Sadie over to her and I was taken aback wondering why this stranger was calling MY SADIE!

Sadie went up to her cautiously and the women bent down to pet her and looked at her collar and said..."I just had to know what was on her collar after seeing the skulls and crossbones on his" she looks over towards her husband and shouted "its pink with handbags and shoes"

I wonder what she was expecting?

The Look

2008-03-13T07:34:00.001-04:00

Max made quite an impression at the dog park yesterday. We got there and there were 4 other black dogs there so needless to say Sadie and Max fit right in...except of course Max was the shortie of the bunch, even Sadie was short compared to these big dogs!

After running around and playing, I told Max "go get a drink" and he looked up at me with this face...

Double Trouble

2008-03-12T09:25:00.001-04:00

In a rare appearance together! Max on the left, Sadie on the right. Again that isn't a ball in her mouth its her tongue!

You can really see the difference in their height in this photo, Sadie is about four inches taller than Max, his tail is twice as thick as hers. Her legs are long and lean, his legs are short and muscular. They really are more than brother and sister, they are best of friends.

Everywhere we go people ask "what are they" (they are dogs of course) "are they related" and when we say, "brother and sister from the same litter" the next question "what are they mixed with? We like to make up funny answers. The truth is we just don't know and we probably never will and I'm ok with that, why can't other people be?

I know you....

2008-03-11T08:43:00.001-04:00

I could have cropped this photo and showed just Sadie but I wanted you to see the other half of me, that smiling face walking towards me!

No that isn't a ball in her mouth, its her tongue and she is running to me to save me from the box (camera) in front of my face. Typical Sadie, always concerned for everyones safety.

The other night we were out walking and it was quite cold...well, Florida cold, it was 45 degrees and it was very windy. Ken had his hood pulled up around his head and I was bundled up. I took both dogs and walked a bit ahead while Ken cleaned up poo. It was dark but there were street lights. We walked about 20 feet ahead of Ken and they both stopped in their tracks and turned around to look for him but they saw was a hooded creature or maybe they saw a monster was attacking their human because they started to growl and bark at him. He of course played into their fears by walking towards us like a zombie. They had already lost one human to the zombies, they weren't about to lose me so they took their places in front of me ready to defend me from the zombie......

Nothing But Air

2008-03-10T08:21:00.001-04:00

Nothing but air under Sadies feet!! She is like a little SPRING and jumps in the air when she gets excited. She is a jumper!

She thinks that when a human bends down to pet her, she is supposed to leap up and give them a big slobbery kiss on the face. I captured this shot from the OTHER side of the dog park, sorry its not a perfect picture but it was too funny to keep to myself. At least the human in question being slobbered on is my husband who knows to expect it.

Look Mom One Paw

2008-03-07T08:26:00.000-05:00

Max may have little legs but he can RUN fast when he wants to! Sorry about Ken stepping into the photo as I was shooting it but this one was just too funny to keep to myself! Max has ONE paw on the ground as his little legs move in rapid fire catching up with a big dog as they run along the fence line. He may be little but he has a huge heart! Go Max!!

We need to have a little talk...

2008-03-06T07:17:00.001-05:00

Left to right: Max, Ken, Sadie

"Daddy" has to lecture Max on Dog Park etiquette, note the finger shaking going on as he said:
Max, you have to be a good boy, no picking on the big dogs, they could bite you in half, we love you and wouldn't want that to happen so you need to stop being a bully and be a good boy

I have a feeling Max heard it something like this:
Max blah blah blah good boy blah blah blah big dog blah blah blah we love you blah blah blah good boy

Notice Sadie on the other side looking on...can't you just hear her saying "I told you so!"

Not Only Did I Escape......

2008-03-05T07:59:00.001-05:00

I stole the ball!!
If you saw yesterdays post, Max was running for his life from a HUGE dog!! Not only did he escape the jaws of danger, he stole the ball!! There are many toys and tennis balls at the dog park that are community property. People leave things there for all dogs to play with. This tennis ball was right next to the resting "King Kong" dog and Max just walked right up and took it! He looks quite proud of his prize doesn't he?

HELP! The KING KONG of Dogs is CHASING ME!!!

2008-03-04T07:44:00.000-05:00

Keep in mind that Max weighs 48 pounds, this was the SMALLER of these two dogs who Max decided to pick a fight with as soon as we got there. Sometimes I think the chain link of the dog park brings out prison mentality, you know, go in beat up the toughest dog there and take over as supreme ruler of the universe....The problem is these big dogs weren't having it. Thankfully they were friendly big dogs who basically looked at him and pushed him off and said "stop it silly little dog...oh you wanna run? I'll chase your silly ass..."

RUN Max, RUNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN

Can you see the puff of dirt flying from Max's paws? That little boy is running for his life!! That dog looks like he wants to have Max for dinner!! Runnnnnnn Max!!!!

If you had long ears they would fly up when you run too

2008-03-03T07:56:00.000-05:00

Sadie running down the through the park on her way to greet incoming "fresh" scented dogs. Actually Sadie is just as fascinated by the people as she is by the dogs at the park. She got to meet a human infant for the first time and typical of Sadie she went right for licking the toes. I did yell at her to stop being rude but the Mommy said "Its ok, she is making the baby laugh" So there is a child out there who is going to be ticklish and have flashbacks of her toes being licked when she was a child and its all Sadie's fault.

Thanks for all of your emails and concern for Sadie and Max. They are both doing just fine it was my camera that didn't want to cooperate. My battery had died and I couldn't find the charger because my husband put it "someplace safe" and couldn't recall where the safe place was. I did attempt to buy a battery for it at a local store however the price was about $90 and I thought it would be best to order a back up battery online. Thankfully, he found the charger and The Daily Dogs are back to spread their slobbery love again!

What is this thing?

2008-02-25T07:17:00.001-05:00

He gets so curious when he sees me playing with the camera, he puts his nose up to it and then he sees the flash and it all comes back to him..its "THAT" thing. Oh no, didn't turn my head quick enough!!

Puparazzi!! No that isn't a typo, paparazzi is for humans, PUParazzi is for puppers!!

French Kissing

2008-02-22T08:08:00.001-05:00

She has tongue and she knows how to use it! Last night when we were walking two pit bulls escaped from their house and came charging up to say hello. The owners were right behind, three adults came running out of the house and the dogs were caught without incident.

Sadie wasn't really interested in the dogs, however when their human came over to apologize and make sure everything was ok and say hello, he bent down to pet Sadie...not one to miss an opportunity she jumped up to meet him, sticking her tongue in his mouth as she did. I tried to say "careful she's a kisser" but I was too late, the guy in the corner house had been slimed, Sadie style!

Dieting for Doggies

2008-02-21T08:24:00.000-05:00

Sadie:
Starting Weight: 58.5 pounds
Goal Weight: 55 pounds

My name is Sadie and I love to eat! People food is my favorite. If the humans are eating it, I want to eat it too. I've learned that certain whimpers make them think I'm starving or makes them feeling guilty and compelled to share. I don't care what it takes, I want their food. I've even resorted to stealing a fully cooked chicken breast from the counter and a sandwich from a plate on the coffee table. "hey if they didn't want me to have it, they shouldn't have left it where I can reach it" My hobbies include: going for walks, running through sprinklers, biting sprinklers, laying on the sofa, laying on the chair, begging for food, warming feet by laying on them, sitting in laps and french kissing everyone who dares put their mouth near mine. I'm only doing this diet because my human Mommy is making me. Yeah, Daddy still slips me extra treats every night but shhhhh don't tell Mom, I'm on a diet!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Max:
Starting Weight: 48.5 pounds
Goal Weight: 45 pounds

My name is Max and I'm cute! I love to eat and people food is my favorite too but unlike Sadie who has to whimper, I've learned to communicate by staring at the humans and drooling until they hand over the food. Sometimes I have to pant a bit and prance around to make sure they know I'm there and waiting but I always get my food! My favorites are cheese, meat, vegetables and whipped cream. I love toast but only if it has butter on it. I love pizza but I won't eat it cold. I enjoy having my neck scratched and my belly rubbed. I truly believe the humans main job is to rub my belly. I roll over and they obey, works like a charm. Everywhere I go people think I'm a puppy because I'm short and cute and they let me get away with everything. My hobbies include: going for walks, playing outside, laying in the sun by day, staring at the stars and moon night, watching geckos, licking frogs, sleeping on the chair and sofa, patrolling the house, sitting in the front window and growling at everyone who walks by, barking should they get to close and running to warn the humans of intruders. I hate cats, cats are NOT allowed in MY yard! Unlike Sadie, I don't slobber on the humans but I do give kisses, especially to my human Mommy. I'm very protective of my family and I'm a good guard dog. They humans don't realize how much work it is being this cute. I love treats, bring on the treats. I'd do a flip for a treat. Don't tell our human Mommy but Daddy still gives us extra biscuits at bedtime every night. He is only supposed to give us two each, he gives us three.

But we're at the beach...

2008-02-20T08:53:00.001-05:00

What do you mean we can't go swimming???

Sadie is looking up at Dad saying "but Dad we always go swimming at the beach" while Max eyes up the water and watches the fish jumping wondering if today will be the day one jumps into his mouth. We walked down to the beach the other day, it was about 85 but the water is still freezing. Of course they don't care, they are guppers after all, half guppy and half puppy.

And so we went to the vets...

2008-02-19T08:24:00.001-05:00

Does this look like a cry baby face?
Could you ever believe that this sweet face is aggressive?

Yesterday at the vet was a disaster. We are under contract with Banfield's, we pay a monthly fee, Max and Sadie get all of their shots and exams covered. When we first signed up, I LOVED the vet and they loved the vet. Then they had a new vet for a few months. I didn't like him at all. Max and Sadie didn't like him either. After their last drop off visit with that vet, they hated going to the vets. Yesterday was no exception.

As soon as they saw where we were they both had their little anxiety bowel movement. TMI I know. Then we got inside and Sadie started acting like a wild woman. Jumping, trying to bite my hand, trying to bite the lead. Max wanted me to "hold" him. We got checked in, they weighed in and we were put in the little room and for the 45 minutes we were in there, Sadie whimpered. They both tried to sit on top of me. They both wanted on my lap.

First the vet tech nurse came in and they were skiddish. One by one I was able to put them on the table for an exam. Yes, the thermometer goes up the butt Max, I'm sorry. They did ok.

Then the new vet came in. They started barking and Max can't bark without growling. Its just what he does. He growls when he is playing too.

Then they start trying to bribe them with biscuits.

Then the vet starts questioning me as to what they are mixed with. I told him their story. Remember that the entire time Sadie is whimpering, jumping up on me from one side, Max is jumping up from the other side. It was complete chaos. So then he asks me if he just doesn't like Men and I said he has no problem with me, only when they are wearing hats do they not like them. Thats not completely true. Some people they just don't like, others they love. Kids they love. I said "he is just protective because he doesn't know if you will hurt me or Sadie"

So I put Max on the table and the vet starts to go up to him and then stops. Then he looks at me and says "I want to put a muzzle on him"

I guess the look on my face said it all. Max was already traumatized by being there and now he wanted to put on a muzzle? I said "this dog is NOT aggressive. If you could see him with the little children of the neighborhood who hug him, pull his ears and kiss his face and he just sits there wagging his tail loving every minute of it you would never ever call him aggressive"

So then the vet went to plan B. Offering Max a treat. The way to Max's heart is through his stomach. He took the treat and made friends with the vet and all was sort of ok.

Sadies turn on the table was just horrible. I had to HOLD her in place to keep her from jumping off the table. She was trying so hard to escape.

I just wonder what they did to them last time they were there with the old vet?

All was fine until it was time for the vet to leave the room, he dared shake my hand and Max started barking and growling at him all over again. He was sitting in the corner at the time, he didn't leave the corner. He didn't approach the vet. He just barked and growled.

So the vet says, from now on they should have their exams without me in the room.

Unfortunately we are under contract until January of next year and they have to go back again in April for a comprehensive exam. They will have another exam next fall. After that we are looking for a new vet. I'll interview as many as I have to find the right vet for my "children" I really liked Banfields at first but its just a revolving door of vets and I just have to wonder about the quality of care when the vet can't built a relationship with dog and can't recognize basic dog behavior. I really believe that the last vet did something to hurt them or scare them. I wish we would have canceled the contract after last October's visit.

Anticipation and an Ear Curl to Go

2008-02-18T07:16:00.001-05:00

Lord Maxwell waits with anticipation for fun and games to begin...

I love the way their ears flop back and they are just oblivious to it for so long and then they realize it and start to shake their head to flop it back in place.

And from this side you can see my giant teeth...

2008-02-15T08:21:00.001-05:00

For a smaller dog, Max packs a powerful CHOMP! A Chomp on this favorite dog toys that is. In this picture he is waiting patiently for Ken to throw the toy and he is waiting to pounce. Max is all heart, he is my protector, my defender and my 45 pound lap warmer. He is 100% boy, he loves to play catch, roll around in the sand and sit in the front window to growl at everyone who dares walk past our house. Heaven forbid a cat dare enter our yard! He hates cats! But with good reason, when he was just 5 weeks old, the neighbors cat smacked him on the nose and gave him a big hisssssssssssss for getting too close and too curious. Clearly dogs can hold a grudge.

This is OUR yard and this is MY toy

2008-02-14T08:16:00.001-05:00

Max has his orange toy, Sadie has her tennis ball. They are happy puppies. I just walked outside and caught them wrestling and playing in the sand. When they heard me, they each dropped their toy and looked at me with very innocent looks as if to say...oh that wasn't us barking and fighting, it was some other dog...

Its Just A Little Sand

2008-02-13T08:55:00.001-05:00

We were playing with the toy in the back yard and Sadie doesn't hesitate to dive right into the dirt, erm, sand and steal the toy from Max. Here you can see by the sand on her face that she has been quite successful in her quest for the title of tennis ball champion of the back yard. She has just given the ball to me and is waiting anxiously for me to throw it again so she can defend her crown.

Maybe some day we will have a full and plush lawn but thats unlikely while we live in Florida.

The Last Blade of Grass

2008-02-12T07:59:00.001-05:00

Sadie and Max were quite upset to see a large section of "their" grass cut out of the lawn, however they have thoroughly enjoyed playing in the sand pit that remains. Oh that sand, we call that dirt here in Florida. I like to call Florida one giant ant hill. Often Max will sit outside staring at the ground and I'll go out and see he is actually watching the ants. We keep a close eye on our lawn to make sure we don't get fire ants that bite and leave behind a painful white hard bump.

In this picture Max had one of the last remaining bits of green between his paws and was sniffing it like a flower, of course he moved before I could grab the camera but still, I thought this was pretty cute. He is a true boy, he loves to be outside, he loves to roll around in the dirt and just sit in the grass (on the other side of the lawn) and soak up the sunshine.

Play Time For Puppies

2008-02-11T07:42:00.000-05:00

My sweet innocent puppies play rough! Yes thats cute little Max showing his big bad teeth to Sadie as they determine who will walk away with the "toy" The thing is, he wants his orange Cuz, she wants the tennis ball and they both think the other wants their toy...time for a throw down puppy style!!

Sadie thinks she is getting the upper hand when Max falls to the ground but really, its his little plot to just lay there and bite her....

He is up again and they are both wanting their dog toys. Who will win?

And then they realize their "human" is watching and they stop and look all innocent. Look at Sadies (right) face, it looks like she is saying "He started it Mom"

Isn't the back yard lovely? We had a weed that took over a section of the back yard and flower beds, we won't use a chemical to kill them because the dogs like to play in the back so we use a natural weed killer that is puppy friendly but a weed killer. So in the mean time, our back yard is a big sand pit, there are a few stragglers left that need to be treated again and then we get ready for new sod in the spring and mulch and flowering plants in the flower beds along the house. Its quite a project and honestly I don't really like yard work that much but it had to be done, the back yard was looking like a jungle.

We still need to cut back the bougainvilleas and if you are familiar with bougainvilleas you know they are quite beautiful to look at but have long sharp thorns. They are starting to choke out the lemon tree and I need lemons more than I need pretty thorny flowering bushes.

I love to cook using the lemons from the tree and this year we only have about a dozen lemons. Luckily my neighbor only uses about two or three from her tree the whole season and has invited me to pick some from her tree, as long as I take the ones from the top where she can't reach. She is 80something and about 5'2" tall. I went over and asked her to show me how high she could reach and then I held up my arm for a visual. When I reach my arm up, anything above my elbow is out of her reach. LOL she is so sweet, the neighborhood gossip but sweet.

Creature Comforts

2008-02-08T08:12:00.001-05:00

When Sadie and Max were just a few months old, my sister made these pillows for them. Each one has a puppy paw print pattern border with their name stitched on, Max's has dog bones, Sadie's has a hand bag, they are both very cute. She was very insulted when she found out they didn't want to sleep with them in their dens but we put them on the floor for them to lay on.

Now that Max is bigger, he will drag his pillow up on the sofa and take a nap. I've posted several pictures of him, he always likes to have his head on a soft pillow or blanket. Dogs like humans really enjoy their comforts!

Sadie Plotting Ways To Jump Into The Front Seat

2008-02-07T06:58:00.001-05:00

This was one of those whip out the cell phone and take a photo moments. Max is (of course) riding on my lap (where he belongs, of course) and Sadie has been told to sit "In the back"

Sadie...in the back....but she might miss out on something...

Learning To Take Pictures

2008-02-06T08:07:00.003-05:00

This is what happens when you have the camera on the WRONG setting and try to capture a photo of your dog....the excessive flash makes her scream Paparazzi and stick out her tongue at me....

Slightly Wounded Ego

2008-02-05T08:35:00.001-05:00

Last night at the dog park Sadie, aka Alpha Dog, met her match, a Boxer named Tasha who outweighed her by about 40 pounds. Max and I were still getting out of the car while Ken went ahead with Sadie, I heard her crying and yelping and by the time we ran up there, she was pinned to the ground with Tasha's human pulling her off of Sadie. I yelled at Tasha and told her she was a very very very BAD DOG!! (Yeah I know, I'm an over protective Human Mommy) She didn't hurt her physically but I noticed Sadie treading lightly at the park. Clearly nursing a wounded ego.

Guard Duty

2008-02-04T07:43:00.001-05:00

Max's favorite spot...looking out the front window, growling at every suspicious movement. Notifying me with very loud "big dog" barks should a cat dare walk into our yard. When I come home, this is the window where two little faces are looking back at me. I'm getting ready to go out soon to run some errands and my last words to them as I leave: "be good puppies, guard the house. I'll be home soon"

Sleeping With One Eye Open

2008-02-01T07:58:00.001-05:00

Sadie was laying there watching me use the computer...clearly its exhausting work. Never fear, she is keeping one eye open as she sleeps

Boys and their Toys

2008-01-31T07:22:00.001-05:00

Is There Something On My Tongue?

2008-01-30T08:30:00.001-05:00

Back Seat Driving Is For Other Dogs

2008-01-29T08:05:00.001-05:00

Sadie

Getting To Know You

2008-01-28T08:21:00.001-05:00

Say Cheeeeeese

2008-01-25T08:30:00.001-05:00

Max doing what Max does best

Sadie giving her happy smile

We like to watch Animal Planet

2008-01-24T09:16:00.001-05:00

They own this sofa. When I'm going to be gone, I take the cushions off the back and throw them on the floor or they will climb up and knock them down and make comfy little beds where they have the best of both worlds....a view of the TV and a view of the neighborhood. I tell them to "guard the house" they take their duties very seriously. My neighbor across the street said that they bark when they see their family come home and then she see our curtains moving wildly...that would be their wagging tails. The neighbors across the street have a yellow lab who they LOVE to play with. I'm sure they are barking to set up a play date.

Apparantly I Interrupted His Bird Watching

2008-01-23T08:22:00.000-05:00

She should be a movie star....

2008-01-22T08:58:00.001-05:00

She may not be a movie star but she is now the wallpaper on my computer and Ken's laptop.

She just looks at you with such love in her eyes....I think this is my favorite picture of Sadie.

Sadie and her tongue...

2008-01-21T09:04:00.000-05:00

She yawns or starts licking her lips, I wonder if she thinks I'll make a tasty snack? YIKES!!

Sadie is the kisser and she kisses with tongue. If your lips are moving, she interprets that as "you need a kiss"

Check out the size of her tongue!! She has kissed every willing face and some not so willing faces in our neighborhood. When we go on our walk and people who she has slobbered before wave hello and then push their lips together tightly to say "that tongue isn't going in MY mouth"...yeah, the girl has a reputation.

One of the most embarrassing moments at the dog park was Sadie spotting a man laying on the ground soaking up the sun, she ran towards him and pounced on top of his chest pinning him down with her 50 pound body and licking his face. When he opened his mouth to protest, she kissed him more and more until I physically removed her from his body.

His comment as he used his sleeve to wipe the slobber from his mouth...."damn, she kisses better than my ex girlfriend"

Waves Fear Us

2008-01-18T07:38:00.001-05:00

This is one of my favorite pictures of Sadie and Max (with a bonus shot of my husband) We were in Ft. Pierce Florida last year and of course we had to find a private area of the beach where we could take them down to the water. They play in the Gulf of Mexico often but this was their first swim in the Atlantic Ocean. They LOVE to swim and these mild waves have the Sadie and Max Seal of Approval!

This particular photo made me laugh because it was taken after then had rolled around in the water and splashed quite a bit. They were running back in for one last splash around and the water seems to be retreating as if to say "OH NO, not those two crazy dogs again!"

Burrowing

2008-01-17T07:30:00.001-05:00

When I heard the "happy bark" coming from our bedroom I knew what he was doing so this time I ran in there with the camera to catch him in the act.......

Max likes to burrow down under the covers (or in stacks of unwashed laundry) and roll around, it apparently makes him very happy and he will give little happy barks. Finally I was able to get in there quick enough to catch him in the act just as he emerged from under the covers....he is looking quite guilty here isn't he, LOL

He almost looks defiant in this one...I'm here, I've been caught in the act, I'm staying!

And NO I don't make my bed very often...why should I? Do you plan on stopping over without calling? I have to viscous watch dogs so you better look out :-)

Are we going soon?

2008-01-16T08:25:00.001-05:00

This is Sadie in the recliner. From where she is sitting she is looking directly at me sitting right here at my computer. Its time for her walk and she isn't about to let me have a free day. She has been giving me little whimpers and out right WOOFS!! Telling me to hurry up!!! Thanks Sadie for keeping me motivated!! You are a good girl!

If I Sleep With It Under My Chin...

2008-01-15T07:56:00.001-05:00

If I sleep with it under my chin, Sadie won't be able to steal it......

Max with Santa, one of his treasured Christmas toys!

That Magic Spot

2008-01-14T08:35:00.001-05:00

Isn't it funny how scratching a dog where his tail meets his back makes you a hero? Their tongues wag, their bodies shake and they get offended when you stop? What makes this such a magic spot? My theory is that its the one part on their body that they can't bite or scratch themselves and the reason why dogs are mans best friend is because we can scratch that magic spot....

In this shot, Ken had just stopped scratching the magic spot and Max is looking at him, tail wagging like crazy as if to say "why did you stop?"

I'm Coming To Get You

2008-01-11T08:10:00.001-05:00

Sadie bounding towards me while keeping her eyes on Max

Teufel Hunden

2008-01-08T20:27:00.000-05:00

In World War 2, German Nickname for U.S. Marines was Teufel Hunden which translates to Devil Dog...

Check out Max in this picture, he was running full force after Sadie and I happened to click the button just as his ears flew up...my sister said he looks like a little devil and I remembered the word Teufel Hunden from a History Channel special.

Of course Max is a complete sweetie and as far from a Devil Dog as you could get!!

Sibling Rivalry

2008-01-08T20:19:00.000-05:00

To an outside observer you would have thought they were in a death fight to the end...the growly noises to the novice ear might sound vicious but these two PLAY like this all of the time. Todays rivalry was over who would get possession of the coveted red tennis ball...

American Gladiators Has NOTHING on them!!

A Glimpse Of The Red Ball On The Left

Max Goes Down

You can't tell from this angle, but Max has snatched up the ball and Sadie is giving chase!!
Run Max Run!!!

Its Hard Work Being A Dog - Part 2

2008-01-08T08:32:00.001-05:00

Not to be outdone in the category of "lazy dog" Sadie demonstrates that being a dog is clearly exhausting work!

Its Hard Work Being A Dog

2008-01-07T08:26:00.000-05:00

Max snoozing on the sofa with his head resting on a pillow. I now understand phrases like "dog tired" and "lazy dog"

Happy Found Day!!

2008-01-04T08:23:00.000-05:00

You might be asking, what the heck is Found Day! Quite simply, Found Day is the day Ken found Sadie and Max. We don't know when they were born, so we can't celebrate their birthday but we thought it was fitting to celebrate the day their lives would have surly ended had they not been found. If you don't know the story of Sadie and Max and their Found Day you can read about it by clicking on FOUND DAY.

Two years ago these precious puppies came into our lives. Its hard to imagine a time without them. If you know me you know these two are the pride and joy of life. If you have read their story you know why these two are so precious to us.

I picked today to officially launch this blog because its a special day in our house. Like like my other blogs its a work in progress so please stay tuned and check back often for updates and more photos of Sadie and Max doing what they do best!

Be sure and scroll down the blog to check out their slide shows! If you don't have a lot of time, at least take a look at their First Four Months slide show...its hard to believe they were ever that small.

Sadie weighed 5 pounds 4 ounces and Max weighed 4 pounds 5 ounces.

Today Sadie weighs in at about 50 pounds and Max is about 45 pounds. WOW how they have grown!!

If you have a pet blog you'd like to link to our blog, just leave a comment with your blog address and Sadie and Max would be happy to be your buddy!

Sadie takes the lead as they run to greet a new dog arriving at the dog park

Sadie and Max - Spring 2007 to December 2007

2008-01-03T21:36:00.000-05:00

Sadie and Max - Spring 2007 to December 2007

Sadie and Max - October 2006 to Spring 2007

2008-01-03T21:23:00.000-05:00

Sadie and Max - October 2006 to Spring 2007

Sadie and Max May 2006 to October 2006

2008-01-03T21:17:00.000-05:00

Wow we are growing up!!

The First Four Months

2008-01-03T20:52:00.000-05:00

Sadie and Max - The First Four Months!

Sadie and Max

2007-12-26T15:43:00.001-05:00

Hi we are Sadie and Max and this is our story. Our story begins on the day our lives nearly ended. Someone put us in a black garbage bag and left us in a dumpster with some newspapers and other trash...we were just about four weeks old. They say when one window closes another window opens and on that day, we had a wonderful window open. I don't know how long we were in the dumpster or why we were left there. I just know that when someone started throwing garbage on top of us, Sadie used the last of her energy and strength to whimper. Suddenly there was a rumbling noise and then light...bright light. Then a very kind face looked down at us and reached into the bag and scooped us up and gave us a little cuddle. He took us to a van and put us in a box with one of his shirts. We had a long ride ahead of us. He was working that day...three hours away from the place that would be our new home. He still had work to do when he found us. We heard him telling his wife on the phone that he was having a bad day, a flat tire, a speeding ticket but he had a good surprise for her. He sounded happy when he mentioned the surprise.

The kind man gave us water to drink and cheese crackers...it was the best he had and we were grateful. One of his customers gave us a musical teddy bear. We really liked cuddling up to that but we were happiest when he was holding us. We felt safe with him.

Finally we arrived at the place that we would call home. He put us in the box and told us not to make a sound and carried us into the house, he wanted to surprise her. We could smell food cooking and we heard her voice for the first time. She was so happy to see him and as he placed the box on the counter we heard her say "Whats in the box" He told her to look in side and when she opened the box Sadie had to peek her head out and see. We heard the woman gasp. Then she looked in the corner of the box and saw Max. He was curled up in a ball, very sick and very scared. We heard her exclaim:
"OH MY GOSH THERE'S TWO OF THEM!!!"

She reached in the box and pulled us both out and cuddled us close just like he did. We really liked it. We were in a new house with new smells.We really liked it here. They decided to keep us both and we were so happy that we got to stay together. Brother and sister through thick and thin. It was there and then that The Adventures of Sadie and Max begin...

We hope you enjoy our blog and stories of our life in our new home.

Love,
Max and Sadie

About

2007-05-29T08:11:00.000-04:00

2007-05-29T08:08:00.001-04:00