Welcoming the New Year 2012!

So here we are staring the New Year in its face. I feel 2012 will be a good year, filled of new projects and witnessing some success of old ones. I look forward to all the possibilities that another year brings! I have the usual resolutions, like lose a few pounds, exercise more, eat better food and partake in random acts of kindness. These may all be standard for most folks, unless you believe in the Mayan calendar then just party like its 1999!

Ozzie has a few New Years resolutions of his own. He will try to eat only the best food for his own personal diet and stay away from pizza crust and Moo Goo Gai Pan! More exercise like activity is on the agenda for him as well but who is to say that hopping up on the couch is not exercise! Of course he is resolute in taking more power naps to sharpen his canine brain. He happens to be working on that right now!

We hope that you all find some resolutions that you can keep like Ozzie and have a healthy, happy wonderful New Year!

Here is an insightful article on 13 New Year's resolutions for dog owners from Dogster.com

Sit Ozzie ...Please!

Ozzie is still recovering from the holidays! We had friends and family over and tons of food. Uncle Freddie held back a bit and didn't feed Ozzie any banana cream pie this time! We also had a canine guest this year. My brother's girlfriend, Bonnie, brought along her miniature Australian Shepherd, Rosie. She is a very intelligent dog and understands a whole slew of commands! Bonnie trains and shows dogs with Rosie being her pride and joy! Ozzie was friendly towards Rosie but didn't seem too impressed by her litany of tricks.

After all Ozzie does know "sit" and "paw" but didn't care to show off.

This is how it goes, the difference between a mini Aussie Shepherd and an English Bulldog following commands:

"Roll over Rosie!"

"Here you go, was that good enough? I will do it again if you want!"

"Roll over Ozzie!"

"What? Roll over? Let me think about that and get back to you. I don't normally do that unless I have just finished my nap. My people will call your people."

You gotta love that bulldog attitude!

Finally Friday and the Eve of the Eve

Time is a wasting as I still have loose ends in my shopping to tie up! This holiday scene comes and goes so fast! Ozzie is anticipating more goodies to eat though I have to keep a better eye on him. He seems to dabble in foods that he shouldn't at holiday gatherings.

We attempted to get Ozzie to pose by the Christmas tree but he really wasn't happy about it. I think he thought he looked like a court jester in his Christmas collar but I like it!

Well I better get a move on the day, Santa will be here before you know it!

Ozzie and I would like to wish you all a joyous Christmas and Hanukkah and a healthy, happy New Year!

Down Wind Wednesday

At your own risk!

I think Ozzie is feeling a bit better today. Though I feel the chicken and rice diet along with the Pepcid has created a new problem. Ozzie is a bit constipated and has really awful gas. Not that having gas is unusual for bulldogs. They are prolific producers of farts. This bout of gas is exceptional and constant.

Perhaps a little fiber will help. I will try giving Ozzie some canned pumpkin later on. (Not the one for pie filling but the plain pumpkin puree.) In the meantime we have a lot of holiday candles that have some wonderful scents. Perhaps they will mask the noxious fumes coming from Oz's bulldog butt!

In the meanwhile check out this Youtube video of one doggie who knocks over the family Christmas tree. Bet he ends up with coal in his stocking after this fiasco!

http://youtu.be/cDMwO6axHag

Seasonal Tummy Woes for the Oz

The holiday season has kicked off with a bang or should I say with a yak! "Yak" as in throwing up! Ozzie was apparently the victim of some" not meant for dogs" holiday food or a good ole stomach virus since last night!

Poor Oz, I didn't even realize he was sick last night. When I took him out in the morning I saw the evidence in the yard. When I got back inside the "evidence" was also on my rug. A couple of hours later he was looking to go outside again and just as I let him out he threw up all over the deck!

I called the vet and they told me to bring him right in. Ozzie was not a happy camper to say the least when I tried to get him in the car to go to the vets! When we there Dr Tracey examined him, feeling his gut and listening to his heart. All seemed right on that front but she recommended giving him some fluids under his skin ( subcutaneously) to aid in re-hydrating him and some meds for his stomach. When the 2 vet technicians came in with needle in hand Ozzie made a dash for underneath the examining table. They tried to get him to cooperate but he was having no part of getting stuck! Then they decided to take him in the back where they do all the testing since it's an open space. Maybe he wouldn't feel so cornered.

They came back 10 minutes later, successful, and Ozzie had a big water hump between his shoulders. Dr Tracey also warned me if I found him vomiting and retching away and nothing being produced that it could be signs of bloat. That is a potentially serious problem where the stomach actually twists and could become fatal if not treated right away! (Bulldogs are predisposed to this) She then told me to keep an eye on him and gave us some Pepcid for him to take at home and call her in the morning.

The Oz was sure glad to get out of there and when we arrived home he nibbled on grass for 40 minutes in the yard! He is sleeping right now ( thank goodness ) and he will be getting white rice and boiled chicken for dinner!

So as the lesson of the day goes, watch your dog around holiday parties and make sure they aren't sneaking snicker doodles on the sly.

Finally Friday and Ain't Gonna Wear It!

It's already the 16th and I still have a lot of Christmas shopping still staring me in the face. I don't know what happens to me when I get into a mall. My head empties of any thoughts of presents for friends and family and I end up shopping for myself. Not very productive for the holidays I know!

We are planning to go into the city this weekend and see the tree at Rockefeller Center and all the other holiday sights that make New York City such a magical place during the Christmas season! I look forward to it every year and hopefully it's not too cold, though you just have to dress for warmth not fashion! ( Always challenging for us ladies somehow!) I can hear my husband say now "Why didn't you wear your thermal underwear underneath that?" "Because a cami looks a lot nicer!" Ah, Venus versus Mars!

I tried again this year to get Ozzie to wear his Santa hat, but no luck. I was sneaking up on him as he was napping when he peeked out and freaked out! He must smell it as soon as I take it out from the attic!

Oh well, here is hoping you get all your shopping done and have some holiday fun this weekend!

Lunch Break

I am on the outside looking in. I see you making lunch, don't think you can shut me out from begging and drooling at your feet. Let me in, let me in! Arf!

Safe and Jolly for the Holidays

Ho ho ho! give me bulliesticks!

Ho ho and ring-a-ling and all that kind of holiday stuff. I am sure I will be dashing through the mall again today to get a handle on my Christmas shopping. Ozzie will be doing his usual napping and keeping an eye on things while I am out.

Just a few safety tips for your pets during the holidays ahead. Other than the usual foods that are no no's , chocolate, onions, macadamia nuts etc. there are decorations and plants that present hazards to your pooch. Poinsettia, Mistletoe and Holly can cause indigestion, nausea and diarrhea just for starters. Do yourself a favor and get the fake version if you must have them.

The water in the Christmas tree can cause digestion upset since the tree can contain fertilizers and stagnant tree water can harbor all types of bacteria. ( I know my cat use to love drinking the tree water for some reason!)

Also keep all the glass ornaments up high on O Tannenbaum, since rough little bulldogs have the tendency to plough by and knock all the bottom decorations off. We don't need shattered glass around! Below is a helpful link to holiday hazards for pups that you can refer to.

Well I am off to shop. Wish me luck Oz. Oz...? Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!

Holiday Hazards for Pets

Finally Friday and a Shopping We Will Go!

I am desperately trying to jump start my Christmas shopping which is sorely behind schedule. I haven't ordered a thing yet except a 2012 bulldog calendar (see below) for my husband! I went to the Christmas Tree Shop yesterday and was able to get a few small items, though after spending 27.00 there I am not sure what the heck I bought! Its the kind of place that if you don't have a specific agenda for you end up just grabbing everything that appeals because its so cheap! I did manage to get Ozzie a bone shaped stuffed toy. He had one of them last year that he use to rest his head on until he got crazy one day and ripped it up! They are only 4.99 there and I caved in and gave it to him yesterday. Oh well, maybe I should put it away and give it back on Christmas day?!

I am trying to find a few gifts that may be good fun for the doggies that have been nice not naughty this year. Check out some of the items that I posted pictures of and see links below to shop for them and other items! I will be suggesting more gift ideas during the 15 days, 15 hours and 52 minutes left until Christmas. ( but who's counting?!)

Have a great weekend and also Happy Hanukkah to all who are celebrating!

2012 Calendar Southern California Bulldog Rescue

Sushi Squeaker Dog Toy Set

The Animal Rescue Site - Last Day of Free Shipping

L L Bean -They have wonderful beds and supplies for dogs and the shipping is free!

A interesting item for your pup to gnaw on, Antlers check it out!

A Clean Start

There is a particular bulldog I know that is smelling a bit better these days. That bulldog would be Ozzie after his much needed bath. We went back to Petsmart this time. They are a little bit cheaper than the local groomer and I thought with the money I saved I could get Ozzie a toy or treat of some kind. Of course as usual once we were there he had to be dragged into the back where the bathing takes place. I felt bad after I laughed at the bulldog butt that was holding onto the tile floor for dear life as he was lead to the door. It was a funny looking sight but I am sure not too funny to the Oz.

When I returned a couple of hours later he was beaming. All nicely coifed he didn't want to leave the groomer, Judy's side. She said it must of been the California massage that he received. Hey who wouldn't want to go after that?! We had to lure him out of the groomers room with a biscuit. From there he marched directly to check out clerk where he knew there were more treats to be had. Who wouldn't leave there until he received his fair share of biscuits. If Ozzie could reach the register he would probably get a job there no problem!

Today Ozzie is just going to rest and take it easy after his ordeal at the groomers. Hey it's not easy on a guy to have to be groomed and massaged all day long!

Santa and Ozzie

Ozzie had his picture taken with Santa on Saturday. A Visit with Santa Paws was held at the animal hospital where Ozzie goes to see Dr. Tracey. There were many other dogs there all waiting to have their turn to sit with the man with the white beard!

Ozzie seemed less than thrilled. I think he thought he was there to get a shot or something rather than just to have his picture taken. I told Ozzie this was his big opportunity to tell Santa what he wanted for Christmas, though I think I heard him say he wanted "nice homes for all animals without one and peace on earth ...oops and don't forget a dozen bully sticks!"

Finally Friday and Lets Get Shopping!

So we are in full swing for the Christmas season! The tree is lit in Rockefeller Center and the race is on for completing ones holiday shopping. I have found Christmas cards with English Bulldog puppies on the front that are ador-a-bull. They were only $5.00 for a box of 18 cards at Target! Such a buy! Now if I could only write them out and mail them!

Ozzie seems to have no sense of urgency in getting anything done for the holidays. He just spends his spare time laying around instead of shopping or wrapping gifts. At least on Saturday he is getting his picture taken with Santa. I wish he had his bath before then but we couldn't make his appointment until Tuesday. Hopefully Santa won't mind a stinky bulldog too much!

Here is hoping you all have a chance to visit with Santa this weekend like the Oz!