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Christmas 

looks like

it's coming 

early this 

year.









 
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My ear infection is back.  To quote The Godfather, part III, "Just when I thought I was out-they pull me back in!"  


I thought I was out of the woods with the pain, the Vet and weeks of ear drops.  I heard the LADY on the phone with the Vet's office.  I'll bust a rhyme and just say- this appointment is a disappointment.  


     
 
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Books and television talk a lot about doing the right thing.  Sometimes this is hard, because the right thing isn't always a clear choice.  Sofie, my greyhound sidekick, is having trouble keeping up while we are out on our walks.  She has the arthritis and has trouble walking, even though she takes her gimpy puppy pills.  We don't want to leave Sofie behind when we take our walks.  No one likes being left behind.  But if she goes for a walk and struggles and is in pain... that isn't a good thing either.  Our walks are not even fast or long.  So we are going to need to keep watching her closely and to give this some more thought.  We want to do the right thing by Sofie.        
 
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When I was adopted, there was concern over my willingness to go to the bathroom outside when it was raining.  Chihuahuas and Dachshunds are known for being not dependable in their housebreaking, especially during bad weather.  These fears have proven to be unfounded, as I excel in going outside.  I also don't let foul weather get me down.   Unlike someone else I know...    

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We just ran across this article while visiting www.animalshelter.org  If you are considering getting a family pet, this is good information.

Pet Dogs Lower The Risk Of Obesity In Children 

The researchers from St. George’s University in London have recently reported that children have a lower risk of becoming obese if they own a pet dog. Obese children have a higher risk of developing chronic health problems among which high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels or bone and joint problems are just a few. 

The study involved more than 2000 children aged 9 and 10, who were monitored over a period of seven days. 10% of the children involved in the study had pet dogs. The results showed that pet owners spent more than five hours involved in physical activities each day. As a consequence, they had less sedentary behavior and were involved in light, moderate and even vigorous activities and their active lifestyles
showed positive results on their weight. 


 
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It looks like the crate is here to stay.  I'm coming to terms with being forced to sleep in the crate.  This is not the same as learning to like it, however.  To amuse myself, sometimes I burrow under my cushion cover for fun.  It's how I celebrate my dachshund heritage.  




 
Not much is going on this week.  I've been relaxing while the LADY has been planting mums.  The porch isn't so scary now.  The weather has been nice, and I've been able to lounge on the porch and watch people while they were working out in the yard.  I'm ready for Fall.  The weather is cooler and rooting in the leaves is fun.    
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Posted by THE LADY:  We attended the HART walk and homecoming.  Maggie was rescued by the Homeless Animal Rescue Team and we reconnected with her rescue group.  Maggie was able to say hello to her foster mom, who took care of her for four months and helped her take off over ten pounds of extra weight.  Our family was a team in the HART walk and we donated money to help other dogs in need.  Maggie and Sophie entered the costume contest, and hung out with dozens of dogs who were offered a second chance through HART.

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Maggie, Sofie and THE TALL MAN, waiting for the costume contest to commence
 
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More than anything, I love to go for rides in the car.  I hope you take joy in something small, too.  Sofie looks really happy here, as well.  
Follow our advice: find something simple, easy and cheap to enjoy.