Happy Birthday, Sparky!!

We had another ice day, so mama and I posed for a birthday picture. Now we're off to PetSmart to buy me some treats and a new toy! Yay me!!!

UPDATE: Seems I was only interested in the treats, so no toy for me. But that's okay because I got an abundance of cookies and other nummy treats!

Ice, Ice, Baby!

Greetings from the frozen tundra! Monday night we were snug as bugs in a rug thinking life couldn't get any better. The next morning we woke to arctic air and ice on the ground. As the day went on it got bitterly cold—more cold than the hour before. Finally it was 12ºF, which is pretty darn cold, according to our mama.

Doing my "duties" outside is undignified enough, but forcing me to parade around in a gaudy pink jacket is just unacceptable. I did one lap around the yard thinking I was supposed to model this gauche outfit, then went straight to the door and planted my bottom down, refusing to budge. The cold wind whipping around my bottom was a most unpleasant feeling. The parts of me that were most affected by this icy blast were completely unprotected. What were my humans thinking?! This was one instance that I wished I'd had Chance's fluffy tail. Although I am proud of my petite appendage it was completely useless to me in this situation.

More embarrassing moments:

Tomorrow will be the third day that mama is home from work. That part I like, but I can sense that she is getting cabin fever. I hope we thaw out soon because I'm afraid of what she's going to dress me in next. I only have one question: why aren't my brothers subjected to this form of torture?

Late Christmas Post

Apparently, "we" had so much going on over the holidays that our mom completely forgot to post two very important images of us, her favorite canines. We trust that you all had a pawrriffic Christmas and New Years!

Izzy's angel necklace

This is the third necklace my mom has ordered from Lilibell's Jewels. Nadine always does an awesome job, and although we've never met her in person, we consider her our friend. This particular necklace was custom ordered and we are very pleased with it. Thank you, Aunt Nadine!! Izzy looked stunning at our Christmas parties!

Sparky's bath!

Getting ready for the Christmas parties turned out to be torture for moi. This is me, Sparky, in the bathtub being terrorized. Mom tried to pretty the photo up by adding this border/texture to it. I'd like to inform the general public that you can't make terrorism pretty. :/

Awkward Family Photo

Why must our mama consistently snap my picture in the most unflattering way? Can't a girl yawn, for heaven's sake?

Those Waters Are Calling My Name

Our big adventure at Josey Ranch Lake Park

Yesterday Chance and I had a little Sunday afternoon adventure. The pawrents took us out to a lake where mama was intent on snapping a tall bird with a long, pointy beak. This beady-eyed fella looks like he could poke my eyes out, so I stayed far away.

My favorite spot was right on the edge of this lake. I was ready to jump in and if it weren't for this doggone leash, I would have! I even signaled that I was ready to swim by dipping my right paw right into the water. The pawrents just laughed at me!

Look at this eager face. I ask you, who could resist my pleading eyes? My pawrents, that's who. *pouts*

Happy Birthday to Chance!

Chance is not really part of our blog, but he IS part of the pack. I (Sparky) as the leader of the pack approve this birthday message for this whiny momma's boy. He is 10 years old today, or 70 in doggie years. I guess I should refer to him as the whiny old geezer. Izzy and I are going to try to be nice to him today even if we don't feel like it. Momma is the leader (when she's home), and she says we have to be nice or else.

This photo was taken in June of this year. Notice St. Francis in the garden. Momma said he's the patron saint of animals and watches over us when she can't be here.

Wordless Wednesday

Happy Birthday Miss Izzy!

Today is my 4th birthday! I've been waiting weeks to wear the new bling made especially for me by Lilibell's Jewels. I received a pink and white necklace, and as a bonus I got this remarkable ladybug design. I think this piece is bold and beautiful. Just like me. Thank you, Nadine!!

Me being coy. :)

Chance is very impressed with my new necklace. He is giving it his scent of approval.

I am told repeatedly that I will receive treats. Where are they???

Finally! Mmmm....a peanut butter bone.

Chance and Sparky: don't even THINK about it!

Look how pretty my new ladybug necklace is! I'm so proud. :)

Dog Surprises Police Officer

This is kind of hard to watch at first, but it does pay off. We hope something like this never happens to us or our pals. Careful jumping fences, y'all!

Play Time!

When mommy comes home from work I grab a toy and run in circles with it. It's an exciting time of day for me, what can I say? THE highlight of my day.

Anydog, I'm not particular on which toy; the nearest one will do. Izzy got this bunny for Easter. Shut up. I know pink is not for boys, but I'm an easy to please kind of fella. The thing is, this toy squeaks, and I know just where to put my mouth to make this little rabbit scream in agony. Best of all, there's no blood to clean up. Oh, but what I wouldn't give to have a shot at a real one.

Smacking

Mom explained that this is a kiss and it's meant to show affection. Both of my humans frequently press their mouths to my face and make smacking sounds with their lips. I would really prefer soft pats on the head.

In other news, mom claims that dad never lets me "be a dog" since I'm always in his lap. Mom says I should play and frolic with the other dogs. Hmph. I may not be completely human, but I'm queen of this castle and enjoy all the perks my royalty affords me.

Wordless Wednesday

Somebody Stop Her

Can we add an amendment to the constitution to ban all cameras in households with pets? Thank you.

More Izzy!

Mama and her black box. *sigh* She's worse than the worst puparazzo you can think of. Click, zoom, whirr. The noise is annoying at best. My poor, delicate ears. At least she didn't use the bright lights this time.

The Dreaded Dental

Please don't judge this picture too harshly. This was taken after my dental surgery last Thursday. The anesthesia hadn't completely worn off, so my eyes are kind of goopy. 

This is me climbing into my bed that mom had waiting for me inside the car. Can you see the utter joy and relief spelled out on my face?

It was a dreadful experience to say the least. Because of my stupid heart murmur, mom is afraid to let me undergo regular dentals, so I don't go as often as I should. This time Dr. Fred pulled 4 teeth; three little ones and a big one in the back. I kind of needed that big one for chewing, doggonit! Oh, well. I was fussed over so much by both the humans that I suppose it was worth it.

The worst part is I have to be on heart medication for the rest of my life. On the flip side I get a small dollop of peanut butter to help it go down. Every. Single. Day.

Friday Nights

There is nothing better than a good lap; nothing, I say. What say you? Poor Chance is too big for a lap, so he just watches sadly in the background. :(

Sparky is our numero uno watchdog. He has several vantage points around the house and he's very good at alerting the humans of possible intruders. For some reason, they don't appreciate his diligence.

And there you go. That's our exciting Friday night! Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Post Its

We found this cool sticky note generator. If you would like one, go here. Have fun posting your post-its!

Sweet Friends

Wow. We are really blessed to have friends as sweet as Chewy and Lilibell of Chi's and the City. Thank you for our award!!

The rules are to list 10 things that make us happy and do at least one of them today and then pass it on to 10 other bloggers.

What Makes Us Happy:

1. Our devoted humans.
2. Our forever home.
3. Cushy blankets.
4. Blogger friends.
5. Belly rubs.
6. No more snow.
7. Sleeping with the humans at night.
8. Chew toys.
9. Long walks (even if half the trip is in a stroller).
10. Having daddy home all day to see to our every whim.

Since we don't have that many blogger friends and share the same friends with Chewy and Lilibell, we bestow this award on anyone who visits and comments on our humble blog. We love all of our blogger friends and think they are all wonderful!!

Wordless Wednesday

Sparky the Brave

Sparky reporting for duty here. We've gotten 6" of snow already and are expecting a couple more inches later tonight. I was the only one of the pack with big enough cojones to brave the elements. My legs were completely immersed, but I did what I had to do. Both jobs.

The biggest canine of the pack didn't have the cojones to venture out. He stayed on the covered patio like a cowardly mama's boy. Oh, he did manage to pee on the sliver of grass near the patio. Big deal. Tsk tsk. Shameful.

Poor Izzy. She tried her best. She must've walked up and down this grassy patch next to the patio 40 times. Back and forth, to and fro. She finally did #1 there when mama got home from work. Daddy said she's been gassy all day and needs to do #2, but I don't think she's going to do it - outside anyway. Mama convinced daddy to let her do it in the house which is usually a big no-no. She has virtually no coat to speak of, and refuses to wear the nice garments mama bought for her. She also has bones the size of toothpicks, so I guess we'll cut her some slack.

I think I should win some sort of award for being the bravest of all. Look at me sinking into the frozen tundra. I should at least get extra treats. Right?

It's My Birthday!

February 9, 2003 was the luckiest day of my life. It started out dangerously as I was lost and nearly hit by a car. Luckily, a caring couple scooped me up and brought me to the animal ER where I locked eyes with my mom-to-be. We have been inseparable ever since.

I'm not asking for much, but I am hoping for a new dog chew and some special treats. I also hope I can be a brat today with no repercussions, but it's not likely. Oh! I also hope all my canine amigos have a nice, warm home to live in, with lots of food and love.

Love,
Sparky

A Special Valentine

Izzy is too busy looking pretty to help blog today, so mom is guest blogging. :)

Thanks to the talented, jewelry-making abilities of our friend at Chi's and the City, we now present Princess Izzy in all her Valentine glory:

I look fashionable even while doing ordinary jobs like sniffing

I manage to look elegant when I make silly faces 

This necklace sets off my sexy, coy look

Close-up of my new bauble - love the gold/silver combination

Lilibell's Jewels is an awesome place to shop for your furry little prince or princess. The necklace has a little weight to it which makes it feel like an expensive piece, but not too heavy for the little one. The store owner shipped our order the next day and it arrived promptly as promised. Izzy's necklace was presented in a sheer pink pouch with a pink ribbon attached. Nice touch.

I can't thank Lilibell's Jewels enough for making our baby girl feel like a princess.