October 10th 2012 6:31 am
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I've been chosen as today's Dog of the Day !!! I feel so honored, privileged, and proud! Thanks Dogster and all of my wonderful paw buddies for reserving high bestowed admiration for me!
Paws xx Licks xx
May 1st 2012 9:54 am
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It's my birthday today!!! I am turning 3!!!
As puppies grow, they are eager to explore the world on their own that when they come up against a barrier, whether it's the family's concern for their safety or their inability to be dependent, they may react with intense negativity. That's fueled, too, by their identity, which encourages them to test their limits and define their wants and desires. So when puppies age to 3, they may become frustrated, throw a tantrum, hence the label "the terrible three's."
The three T's to coping with my Terrible 3:
Teamwork: There is no I in the word TEAM. My family has learned, we (meaning, they) must work together. Instead of always telling me what to do (Zoe do this, Zoe do that, Zoe come here, Zoe ...), they have realized if I get yummy treat rewards or showering of complements I will do the task with no objections. Remember to complement even the simplest of accomplishments!
Taking Turns: We play a game: whoever doesn’t get to make the decision this time around, will have first picks next time. Instead of always getting my turn (during my Terrible 2: I get my way 10 out of 10 times), I have tricked my family into believing the score is now 9 out of 10 times.
Time-outs: I don't like this one!!! Supposedly there are standards of behaviors (good manners and patience) I must conform to ... if not I get put in time-out.
Engage, communicate, interact, and challenge your 4-legged family members on a daily bases!!!
Paws xx Licks xx,
Zoe
January 23rd 2012 8:37 am
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Since I am only part Frenchie, I would like to share a little heritage of my other ethnic half, Vietnamese.
There are 12 Vietnamese Zodiac Signs:
Legend has it that Buddha invited all the animals on New Year's Day/his last day on earth to come celebrate with him BUT only 12 animals showed up. Cat and Rat were the worst swimmers in the animal kingdom; although, they were poor swimmers, they were both quite intelligent and conniving. Cat and Rat decided that the best and fastest way to cross the river was to hop on the back of Water Buffalo. Water Buffalo, being good-natured (that's me, my Zodiac sign is the Water Buffalo: dependable, calm, patient, logical, resolute, tenacious) agreed to carry them both across. Midway across the river, Rat pushed Cat into the water. Then as Water Buffalo neared the other side of the river, Rat jumped ahead and reached the shore first. So he claimed first place in the competition and the Zodiac.
Following closely behind was strong Water Buffalo who was named the 2nd animal in the Zodiac. After Water Buffalo, came Tiger, panting, while explaining to Buddha how difficult it was to cross the river with the heavy currents pushing it downstream all the time. But with its powerful strength, Tiger made to shore and was named the 3rd animal in the cycle.
Suddenly, from a distance came a thumping sound, and the Cat arrived. It explained how it crossed the river: by jumping from one stone to another in a nimble fashion. For that, it became the 4th animal in the Zodiac Cycle.
Coming in 5th place was the Flying Dragon. Of course, Buddha was deeply curious as to why a swift flying creature such as the Dragon should fail to reach first place. The mighty Dragon explained that he had to stop and make rain to help all the people and creatures of the earth, and therefore he was held back. Then, on his way to the finish, he saw a little helpless Cat clinging onto a log so he did a good deed and gave a puff of breath to the poor creature so that it could land on the shore. Buddha was very pleased with the actions of the Dragon, and he was added into the Zodiac Cycle.
As soon as he had done so, a galloping sound was heard, and the Horse appeared. Hidden on the Horse's hoof was the Snake, whose sudden appearance gave the Horse a fright, thus making it fall back and giving the Snake the 6th spot, while the Horse placed 7th.
Not long after that, a little distance away, the Sheep, Monkey, and Rooster came to the shore. These three creatures helped each other to get to where they are. The Rooster spotted a raft, and took the other two animals with it. Together, the Sheep and the Monkey cleared the weeds, tugged and pulled and finally got the raft to the shore. Because of their combined efforts, Buddha was very pleased and promptly named the Sheep as the 8th creature, the Monkey as the 9th, and the Rooster the 10th.
The 11th animal was the Dog. Although he was supposed to be the best swimmer, he could not resist the temptation to play a little longer in the river. Though his explanation for being late was because he needed a good bath. For that, he almost didn't make it to finish line.
Just as Buddha was about to call it a day, an oink and squeal was heard from a little Pig. The Pig got hungry during the race, promptly stopped for a feast and then fell asleep. After the nap, the Pig continued the race and was named the 12th animal of the Zodiac Cycle.
That is how the 12 Vietnamese Zodiac Animals came about!
Happy Lunar New Year 2012: Year of the Dragon!
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Dogster Obsessions: The Starter Kit for Dogs by Wildebeest
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