Stupid toy!

In case you haven't noticed, dogs are big money in this country. I read an article on MSNBC that described quite well the racket that is going on with us people with disposable incomes and pets. I think it is very much a modern sort of thing where we spoil our pets and/or kids and we get some sort of gratification from it, as if dopamine receptors start to quiver when we see a new over-stuffed-pooch-bed or the latest craze, electronics for toddlers. Because obviously what my 1 year old nephew really needs is a Dell.

I try and set some sort of limits with this type of insanity. I refuse to pay over 15 dollars for a dog bed. I didn't buy Coco a Halloween costume (although someone was nice enough to donate one!) There is no sterling silver jewelry in her future. However, I'm a geek, and geek toys are barely enough for me to say no to, so weird ass dog toys hit me right in the gut, knocking my pocket book wide open.

The toy I am itching to buy for Coco is the tug-a-jug. It seems perfect: I get to watch her play, she gets treats, it's purple, it's good for her to have a toy that will trigger some problem solving skills... maybe... But I CAN"T get my HANDS on one. I've tried two specialty petstores and the great pet giant, Petco, and all three were sold out. Come on Santa, baby, I need your magic. Once I get my hot little fists on the magic item I'll be sure to post a picture/review.

Ciao!

The day after

Thanksgiving was a great hit! We ate so much food, I thought I was going to pass out. My mom kept sneaking in more butter to like every dish when our backs were turned. Tasty, but deadly. Even though it was "verboten", I gave Coco a little taste of the bird. It's a holiday for everyone!

Coco had a hard time of it, since we disrupted her routine. She pulled and pulled at her leash yesterday morning, but today she is back to herself. I took some tasty treats with me on her walk today and was able to distract her from pulling to get at some nice smell. Coco is leash aggressive. So, when we are at home, she snuggles and chews on her bone, like a Clark Kent at the office. But take her outside, and she becomes SUPER COCO, master of all things furry! With laser beam tracking eyes and a nose that can detect cat in parts per billion (ppb!), she will pull and whine untill I have to use two hands. After the holidays, it's obedience fiesty fido boot camp for her!

Here is a picture of Coco next to the Christmas tree. I just put it up yesterday. She thought about it for a minute, but after a few stern looks, decided it was not a tasty treat and basically ignores it. Hooray hooray!

Ciao,

Alana

Happy Thanksgiving!

To celebrate thanksgiving, Miguel and I will be going over both of my parents' homes and eating lots of food. That leaves poor Coco home alone all day! Here is a picture of her looking not too happy about the idea!

For the record, Coco is our 4 year old French bulldog. We adopted her from the French Bulldog Rescue Network and drove down to North Carolina to pick her up. It was love at first site, when we saw the goofy pictures of her tongue hanging out on their website. She is a wicked fun dog to have around, and already we feel like a mini-family.

I wanted to start this blog to share some of her cute moments, and to give me a chance to do a little bragging. In general, people don't really seem too enthused when I gush about my dog, so this will give me a chance to get it out of my system!

Happy Turkey day to one and all.

Ciao,

Alana