The Life of Little Charlie Pants

Today I am grateful for Charlie and how much he makes my heart melt and makes me laugh. I came across this post I did on my blog Bicycle Built For Two and had to repost it cause it is so dang funny.  This was about two years ago when I was beginning graduate school.

Ah To Be Charlie

Now that it is getting rainy and colder in Virginia, I have had to come up with a way to take Charlie with me, since he has to come with me as my seizure- alert service dog. I am going for trying to keep him warm and covered from the rain. Charlie has no undercoat and is freezing all the time.

I have tried

1. Sweaters: problem is they don't work cause Charlie pees on them and then they stink-plus his feet are always cold.

2. Baby sling: I sewed him a baby sling wrap thing, problem is that he is too fat to carry when walking the mile to the metro.

3. Dog stroller: I didn't actually get him one of these, but totally wanted one until I realized people would want to see my cute baby and out would pop Charlie.

4. Rolling scrapbook supply carrier (thanks Melissa for letting me steal this from you): this works perfectly. I can put my laptop and schoolbooks in here plus Charlie lays down inside with a blanket and is covered up from the rain. He is so spoiled. This way I don't look like too big of a rich babe/Paris Hilton wannabe cause no one can actually see him when I am pulling him around outside.

This is Charlie relaxing while I am in class.



If only I can get Paul to carry me around in a big rolling case with a blanket, my life would be complete.

Human Foods That Are Toxic to Dogs

Many of you may know this, but I thought I would share it anyways. Here is a list of toxic human food and reasons why they are harmful to your pet. I think the one to really remember is the grapes and the raisins, because for the longest time I did not know they were harmful and I used to give these as treats to some of my past family dogs.

1. Onions (Both onions and garlic contain the toxic ingredient Thiosulphate. But onions are more of a danger. Many dog biscuits contain *small* amounts of garlic – garlic contains less of this toxin so huge amounts would need to be consumed to be toxic. And, by the way, this poison builds up the system – it can be toxic in one large dose – or with repeated consumption of small amounts.)
2. Chocolate (Chocolate contains Theobromine, a compound that is a cardiac stimulant and a diuretic. This can be fatal to dogs.)
3. Grapes (Grapes are dangerous because of an unknown substance which is toxic to dogs – affects canine’s kidneys)
4. Raisins (See above.)
5. Most Fruit Pits and Seeds (Contain Cyanogenic Glycosides resulting in cyanide poisoning – though the fruit itself is OK.)
6. Macadamia Nuts (Macadamia nuts contain an unknown substance that is toxic to dogs.)
7. Bones (Most bones should *not* be given (especially chicken bones) because they can splinter and cause laceration of the digestive system and/or become lodged in your pet’s throat – so they also pose a choking hazard.)
8. Potato Peelings and Green Potatoes (Contain Oxalates, which can affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems.)
9. Rhubarb leaves (See above.)
10. Green parts of Tomatoes or Green Potatoes (Contain oxalates, which can affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems.)
11. Yeast Dough (Yeast Dough can produce gas and swell in your pet’s stomach – leading to rupture of the digestive system)
12. Moldy or Spoiled Food (I think this goes without saying.)
13. Nutmeg (Nutmeg can cause tremors, seizures, and central nervous system damage.)
14. Avocado (All parts of the avocado and avocado tree are toxic to dogs.)
15. Alcoholic Beverages and Coffee
16. Fatty Foods
I guess my question is "If these are fatal to dogs then why can humans eat them?"

Spotted: Rover Dog, Funny Dog Clothes

I stumbled upon the amazingly fashionable doggie attire of Rover Dog and wanted to share with you. Aren't these cute coats, shirts, and ties funny? They are appropriately dressy without involving even a scrap of tulle or cheesy doggie tuxedo pants. For those of you who consider yourself opposed to dogs in clothes, I dare you to resist this kind of cute. Maybe Charlie should get one for church.

{Photos from Rover Dog.}

Our Favorite Things

Here are a Few of Leah & Charlie's Favorite Things this Fall

Pumpkins, and

Farmer's Markets, and

Boating With Paul.

(Fountainhead Lake in Virginia)

Cute Streets to Walk Down, and

Sweet old ladies painting

(in the National Gallery of Art), and

Dear Friends to Visit,

These are a few of my favorite things.

When the Dog Bites

(run charlie run! don't worry no one was hurt!)

When the Bee Stings

(paul is like deathly allergic to bee stings-check out the puffiness on his forehead- Paul was stung while riding his bike, so I am lucky he is alive-but he does have a sweet life insurance policy so hmmm... it is a toss up!)

And I'm feeling sad

I simply remember the Man in the mall

(dressed like a princess or devil or something I can't really tell-

I think he might even have on wings)

And then I don't feel So Bad!!!

Elephant and Dog are Best Friends

You have got to watch this. I cried just a bit--man I love animals.

The Dogs On Halloween

Meet the Breed: Miniature Pinscher

I think it is about time we all read about the characteristic traits of Charlie dogs, the min-pin. I found this synopsis of Charlie dogs on Martha Stewart's website (go figure).

Enlarge image

Photo: Mary Bloom/The American Kennel Club, Inc.

Known as the "King of the Toys," the Miniature Pinscher is a compact, smooth-coated dog who is alert, spirited and fearless, with a unique high-stepping, hackney-like gait. With his black and rust coloring, cropped ears, and docked tail, he resembles his cousin the Doberman Pinscher, but he is not a miniature Dobie. Coat colors include red, stag red (red with black hairs), black with rust markings, or chocolate with tan.

A Look Back"Pinscher" means "Terrier" in German, and the Miniature Pinscher is a distinctly German breed that originated several centuries ago as an efficient barnyard ratter. The Miniature Pinscher is reported to include the Dachshund and Italian Greyhound among its ancestors, along with the shorthaired German Pinscher.

Right Breed for You?The Miniature Pinscher can really spice up a person's life. This dog is small, but he doesn't know it! He's quick and active, with a lively curiosity. They are good family companions and look out for their family, bravely challenging intruders with their bold, insistent bark. The "Min Pin" will be happiest with a family that treats him like a standard-sized dog. He may be stubborn, but he's also smart. Their small size makes them a good choice for apartment life. Play and a daily walk will take care of most of their exercise needs. His short, easy-care coat requires occasional brushing and shampooing.

• Toy Group; AKC recognized in 1925.
• Ranging from 10 to 12 1/2 inches tall at the shoulder.
• Rat hunter.

AKC Meet the Breeds is a registered trademark of the American Kennel Club, Inc.

Read more at Marthastewart.com: AKC Meet the Breeds: Miniature Pinscher- Martha Stewart Pets

Charlie is totally a rat hunter, and protector of all things family, spirited, fearless, and has about the most prince like gait you have ever seen.  Fun to hear that he is not alone with his entitlement issues. 

Dog Halloween Costume

Who doesn't love a dog dressed up like a shark?





find this shark costume HERE

find this shark costume HERE

How about an elephant costume? Ha, seriously!


find this elephant costume HERE

 
See more funny costumes HERE

Or if Charlie wants to sing YMCA he could be a sailor.

Dog Halloween Pumpkins

Last year I posted about these great dog pumpkins for Halloween and I wanted to make sure everyone saw them again this year. What kind of dog do you have and how would you make his/her face on the pumpkin?  . 

Dog Leads Police to Family Home Which Is on Fire

Have you heard about this????  This is one smart dog.

Buddy the German Shepherd proved to be a real-life Lassie as he led police straight to his family home which was on fire.
The frantic pet dog can be seen on police dashcam footage looking back repeatedly to make sure the car was still following as he took them round narrow, unlit bends to the inferno.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1268324/How-frantic-pet-dog-led-police-familys-burning-home-owner-told-Buddy-help.html#ixzz1bHi1Zx00

Stainless Steel Dog Bowls---Did you Know?

While at the vet a couple of weeks ago, the vet looked at Jack's chin and said that he had an infection on it and asked "what kind of bowls does he eat and drink out of?" I told her we use porcelain bowls and she told me that we needed to switch to stainless steel. I guess bacteria can grow on the dog bowls and so when they are drinking water they make scrape the side with their chin and can get an infection, or if they already had an infection it will keep getting bacteria inside and wont heal.

So all you dog lovers out there, switch your dog water dish to stainless steel and if you want it to match maybe switch the food dish over too.

Stainless steel surface will not absorb smells, does not stain, and is easy to clean and disinfect. Most dogs won't pick up or try to chew on stainless steel so the bowls stay shiny, clean, and new. They're also heavier so they're less likely to tip over and they are dishwasher safe.

I want this one...too bad Jack and Charlie are boys. Maybe I can find one with red polka dots.

Wool Cardigan Dog Coat

• • 

   
  From the infamous Martha Stewart site shared by Joanna Osborne and Sally Muir, authors of "Pet Projects: Animal Knits Bible," for sharing this lovely craft. Check out more of their designs in the adorable dog fashion 
   
  Click HERE for a tutorial video 
   
  Transform a wool cardigan into a charming dog coat 
  -- your furry friend will enjoy the extra warmth.
  Tools and MaterialsFelted cardigan (For instructions on felting a sweater, take a look at this felted hat craft.)
  Scissors
  Tailor's chalk
  Sewing pins
  Sewing machine
  Thread
  Blunt-ended tapestry needle
  Black wool yarn
  Optional: pearl or crystal beads
  
  Wool Cardigan Dog Coat How-To1. Before making the coat, measure your dog to make sure the felted cardigan is big enough to be cut down to fit. Turn cardigan inside out.
  
  2. Mark sweater with tailor's chalk in two places: 1) In a straight line from the underarm, and perpendicular to the sleeve seam, so that the sleeve forms a cap. 2) Right above the ribs of the cuff (save cuffs). Cut where marked.
  3. Put cardigan on dog, inside out.
  
  4. Pin a dart from the neck down the shoulder and onto the cap sleeve. (This reduces the width of the armhole.) You may need to remove 1 1/2 to 3 1/2 inches of knitted fabric. Pin along dog's chest and stomach, taking up most of the excess knitted fabric.
  5. Carefully remove cardigan from the dog. On a sewing machine, stitch down where pinned (along shoulder and back of cardigan), and then trim the excess.
  
  6. Slip the cuff inside the end of the sleeve and sew the cuff on, using a tapestry needle with a blunt end, black wool yarn, and decorative running stitches.
  
  7. For added decorative detail, sew pearls or crystals to the neck along the base of the neck ribbing, starting at the button band. For decorative effect, make one running stitch in between each pearl.