Another Birthday and Other Changes

Gizmo turned 13 last weekend. Doesn't seem possible, where did all those years go? It seems like just yeaterday she was a puppy and then we were starting out first agility class together. I took her to class with Abbey a few months ago and did a couple runs with her, she had a great time, but she definitely can't run like she used to. I've also noticed in the last few months that she seems to be mostly deaf now. Other than that she is the best looking 13 year old dog I've ever seen...maybe I'm a little biased though.

I finally took the plunge and switched both dogs to a raw diet. Don't think I'll ever go back to kibble, even the really good stuff. Wish I had done this years ago, they just look incredible. And after struggling with Gizmo's teeth, they are now perfect. I keep grabbing her and looking at them. I can't believe they're that clean! Next dog is going to be on raw from the start- hopefully that will happen within the next couple years.

~Giz and Abbey's Person

Out And About W/ Abbey

M’kay, so an interesting occurrence: I took my car in to have a flat tire repaired, and had Abbey with me. The place was really loud and busy, and we’d been waiting for an hour or so. Abbey was having a grand ol’ time, getting attention and treats from people. Out of nowhere, seemingly, she gets agitated and starts barking. Which was both embarrassing after everyone commented on her good temperament and behavior, and weird because she’s not a mindless yapper, if she barks she has a good reason. One of the employees comes in from the garage and comments ‘You know they’re moving your car now and she knows it. Smart dog.’

So it makes me wonder- what was her motivation? It wasn’t her happy ‘I want to go for a car ride’ behavior. It was her suspicious ‘this is wrong’ bark, which I haven’t actually heard since we ran into an angry drunk on a late night summer run last year. Did she think someone was stealing my car? Is that even a concept a dog can understand? Pretty impressive she could even hear them moving the car outdoors and at the back of the building with all the noise and air ratchets and what not going on.

~Giz and Abbey’s Person

Today is my birthday!

Twelve years young today!

~Giz

Bad dog, Abbey!

Yesterday our person cleaned out our crates and here is a run down of what Abbey has been hiding in hers:

-dog toys
-hair scrunchies
-socks
-flip-flops
-candy wrappers
-tv remote


~Gizmo

Clean bill of health!

My evil person made me got to the vet and get ‘blood work’ (just as bad as it sounds I promise! I guess ‘vet’ is another word for ‘vampire!’) Anyway, the vet says I am very healthy!

I disagree however, I believe I am starved. Today I wanted some potato chips and my person would not share with me! She says they’re unhealthy- sureee.

~Please Send Food! Gizmo

Petzlife Review

So, I just wanted to briefly write about a cool dental product called Petzlife. Gizmo has never been remotely mouthy or a chewer, even when she was a pup. As a result her teeth collect tarter like there’s no tomorrow and she needs yearly dentals. I bought this stuff at Petsmart after reading a blurb about it in Dog Fancy, thinking it couldn’t hurt to try it. WOW. I’ve been using it for a few weeks now and it’s cut the tarter build up down by half, and more is coming off. I’m using the spray now, but after seeing such great results, I’m getting the gel and brushing both dog’s teeth with it. I’m hoping this will be the end of costly dentals for Giz.

The only problem I’ve had with this product, is that Abbey (even though she is otherwise fine with me messing with her mouth) flat out refuses to be sprayed with it so I don’t push it on her. She’s a good chewer and her teeth are pretty clean, but I’d like to make sure they stay that way, so I’m thinking she’ll like the gel much better.

If anyone is interested in checking this stuff out you can get it for a decent price HERE on Amazon.

~Giz and Abbey's Person

Happy 11th Birthday to Me!!!

Yesterday was my 11th Birthday! I got to go for walkies by the lake and I got a snazzy new martingale collar with my name embroidered on it from Fetch Dog.

~Gizmo

P.S. THANK YOU Saphira for the rosette! Slobbery dog kisses for you!

TGFF. Thank God For Fall!

Whew. I think it might be safe to come out again. I’ve been hiding inside in the air conditioning all summer! Who’d a thought it would get so dang hot up here in the mountains?! My person tried to get me to go swimming in the lake, but I am convinced I would drown! Plus nobody likes that wet dog smell anyway!

Today I went to the horse place, and it was so nice and cool. I ran and sniffed and ran some more. But no chasing deer! The elk have come back, and my person says I am absolutely NOT allowed to chase them either.

Now next time I write, I will complain to you all about how cold it is and how I hate rain and snow. Bol.

~Gizmo

Gizmo's Retirement

Well, I’ve made the decision to retire Gizmo from agility. She’s been diagnosed with a mild heart murmur, and I’ve noticed she’s been feeling stiff quite a bit lately. Gizzy seems to be okay with retirement, sometimes she’ll sit and watch me work with Abbey and then she’ll come over and do an obstacle like ‘hey, see that, where’s my treat?’

I’ll miss our runs together.

~Gizzy’s (and Abbey’s) Person

My Belated Birthday

Well first off, I got to go back to class with Abbey today. The weather cooperated this morning and it was very nice. I went first, and then took a nap in my pop up crate for Abbey’s turn (the people took some pictures, they’re on Abbey’s page.)

And the best part- I got my birthday gifts! I got three squeaky tennis balls, a boomerang-shaped Frisbee, a stuffed monkey, and a nylabone. Abbey got a squeaky stuffed pig (how appropriate!) so she wouldn't feel left out. But she’s so darn rude she took most of my squeaky tennis balls, the monkey, and the nylabone for herself. My person had to take back the monkey and the boomerang Frisbee so Abbey wouldn’t ruin them. I’ve had the same toys for years, I don’t know why Abbey has to eat all of hers within the first 10 minutes of having them!

~Gizzy