Condo Blues: dog sports
Showing posts with label dog sports. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dog sports. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Lawn Fertilizer Made My Dog Sick


Last week Lacey started her day by vomiting on the carpet. I don’t want to sound callous or unfeeling but life with Lacey sometimes comes with spontaneous barfing. I wasn’t surprised to find grass in the clean up.

Lacey sometimes eats grass as a stress reaction. Our Homeowner’s Association has been repairing sidewalks and damaged roads for the last week or so and her anxiety has been off and on Orange Alert Level Defcon 5.



Following our vet’s advice, we wait a bit to let Lacey’s tummy settle before giving her a small portion of her breakfast. We wait again to see if Lacey keeps it down Then we give her the rest of her breakfast in smaller portions until she’s finished her half cup of morning kibble.

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Dog Coats and Boots for Dogs Who Hate Wearing Clothes


Lacey, our snow warrior princess loves to romp and play in the snow. Her dachshund side goes into overdrive. She investigates every little foot print, crack, or hole in the snow when she goes outside and take care of business.

Being part Cavalier King Charles Spaniel means her natural fur dog coat is longer than a barley there dachshund’s but Lacey doesn't last very long in low winter temperatures, nor should she when the temperatures are so dangerously low.

Girlfriend needs a winter dog coat.

coats for dogs that hate to wear dog coats


Too bad my dog hates to wear a dog coat.

Friday, January 3, 2014

2013 DIY Goals Wrap Up

I almost always put too many things on my yearly DIY Goal list to finsih by year’s end. I'm the Queen of Overscheduling. *royal wave*

I did something different when I made my DIY Goals List for 2013. I focused on more general/umbrella type goals and limited my list to seven items. It is 2014. Let’s see how I kept my 2013 DIY Resolutions.

1. Concentrate on projects using the items I already have. I really needed to knock the growing list of projects off my Someday list. Not to mention, the offhanded comments Husband uttered from time to time about my reclaimed material stashes. Yes, stashes. I completed 12 projects this year using things I already had on hand. I made Husband happy and cleared a corner of “treasures” from the garage. Bonus.



  • Big Ten team barn wood Welcome signs. I made these for Christmas gifts.

  •  






  • 10 more ways to use orange peels because it is a shame to toss a useful Christmas orange rind.

  • Monday, September 9, 2013

    The Last of the Summer Fun and Lacey Update!

    Oh Summer. I wait for you all year long and before you know it – poof! – you are gone.

    Our summer got off to a weirdly slow start due to the constant heavy rain. Husband and I tag teamed a few necessary business trips so Lacey would not be face her greatest fear – being left behind. 

    Lacey’s behavior is not consistent enough to earn the privilege of a vacation or to keep us from being kicked out because of her behavior. Husband and I took long weekend staycations instead because we still need time off to unplug, be silly, and recharge.

    We started with short trips to the dog park. Lacey thinks she has to challenge other dogs and get them before they get her - a classic case of Little Dog Syndrome.  We keep the dog park trips short so Lacey won’t get overwhelmed.

    LaceySummer2014
    Some of Lacey's summer adventures!

    Just like with human kids, there are well behaved dogs that play well with others and sometimes there are bullies who try to challenge the other dogs or dominate them. It is critical you keep an eye on your dogs at all times to head off any potential problems and be ready to leave to avoid them even if it means you are only there for 15 minutes.

    Sometimes we had to leave the park shortly after we arrived with our tail between our legs because our kid was the one whipping the other dogs into a frenzy. It doesn't happen often, and it is part of the process as we puppy step her in the right direction.

    Tuesday, February 26, 2013

    Washi Tape Dog Treat Box


    Introducing the newest must have accessory for spring – the washi tape dog training treat box!


    washi tape clip on dog treat box



    Husband said he was surprised I waited two whole days after we adopted Lacey to make her something. What can I say? I’m a maker.

    Condo Blues Lacey the Dog
    I asked Lisa to reuse this photo of me because I am sometimes a little shy when she pulls out her camera.
    You can read my story here.

    Tuesday, February 5, 2013

    I Marched in the 2013 Presidential Inauguration Parade

    My feet hurt. I was tired. My hands in their it-was-supposed-to-be-colder-than-this fleece gloves were starting to overheat. My frustration grew. I could not always hear the cadence from my band to stay in step due to the drum corps in front of us, the echo from the buildings, and the parade announcers over the loudspeakers. Out all of the parades I have ever marched or will ever march, this parade had to be perfect.

    Then I saw it. I sucked in my breath like an excited child seeing for the first time what Santa placed under the tree on Christmas morning.

    The Presidential box.

    I am marching as an ally in the Lesbian and Gay Band Association (LGBA) marching band. Two hundred and fifteen people strong we are the largest civilian marching band in the 2013 Presidential Inauguration Parade.

    Everything I was feeling vanished except patriotism, pride in my band, and the profound responsibility that I am there for something greater than myself.
      

    Photo courtesy of MSN

    Friday, November 16, 2012

    Have I Thanked You Lately? Because I Should


    This post has been in the back and front of my mind for a long time. Last night I had a mild panic attack when I realized Thanksgiving is next week and I am unprepared. This is unusual but well, I’ve been a little busy fighting and losing to canine cancer this year.

    These past five months I’ve been on a see saw. Feeling OK and moving within the online world only to retreat to my cave the following day. I feel guilty and selfish because I haven’t truly thanked you for what you did for us and before, during, and after Blitzkrieg’s cancer battle.

    I’m thanking you now.

     Husband said I should share the photos I took of our visit to my hometown's beach. We let Blitzkrieg sniff and experience the smells of a Lake Erie beach after the winter storms and before the spring beach clean up. 


    Tuesday, July 10, 2012

    Blitzkrieg: Forever in Our Hearts

    Blitzkrieg lost the war we waged on canine cancer last week. When I try to write about it, all the words and nothing come to mind. 


    My page is blank. 


    The cursor blinks at me. 


    Taunting.

    Husband wrote this tribute about Blitzkrieg’s life and our love for him. I cannot find better words than his to describe our boy, his journey, and our heartache. 


    Blitzkrieg


    I need to explain this because not everyone will completely understand our sadness right now.

    Many people who have known Blitzkrieg will understand this, but some will not. But that's okay. It's unusual to experience this much loss over a pet. I just hope I can explain this in a way that will make it easier to understand our grief.


    Wednesday, June 6, 2012

    I'm in a Holding Pattern


    It only took a few weeks after Blitzkrieg started chemotherapy to put his cancer in remission. Blitzkrieg still needs to keep his weekly appointments and daily medication to keep the lymphoma at bay. As we deal with side affects, good days, and meh days these last two months I didn’t dare utter the word remission because I thought I might jinx things.

    Hi everyone.

    Last week I started to feel confident about using the word. I was going to update the Blitzkrieg Cancer Treatment Fund page using Remission as the post title.

    After Blitzkrieg’s Monday chemotherapy appointment, the oncologist said she wanted to talk to Husband and I. That’s never good.

    Blitzkrieg’s lymphoma is back.

    Tuesday, May 29, 2012

    Bacon Candles


    I cut the top off a beer bottle, ground the sharp edges, and filled it with phthalate free bacon scented soy wax and topped it with a lead free wick. 

    Why?

    • I like candles.
    • Husband likes beer.
    • Blitzkrieg likes bacon.
    I floated the idea of a bacon candle to my foodie friends during a Monday Foodies Nite In Twitter chat (Join us! Please?) They went bonkers for it. No surprise there because bacon always comes up during the chat no matter what the weekly party topic. I don't understand it, but people really love their bacon.  

    I made soy beer candles, crème brulee candles, and campfire candles so my bacon candles would not feel lonely in our Blitzkrieg Cancer Treatment Fund booth at the Pet Promise Rescue Run. After the candles cooled, I realized I needed a label. Then I realized I needed something to put on the label. Think. Think. Thinkidy think.

    Monday, April 9, 2012

    My Dog Has Cancer

    Blitzkrieg has cancer, lymphoma to be exact.

    I want to die.

    Blitzkrieg was snoring and snorting more heavily than usual. He was due for a routine vet check. Our vet didn’t find anything enlarged or unusual. We thought it was his seasonal allergies since mine are also working overtime with the early warm weather. While we checked out, Husband insisted we make a grooming appointment.

    I’m so glad Husband insisted we make a grooming appointment.

     When you travel, you should take a friend. This is Bear. He is my first toy and best friend.


    Two weeks later, we drop Blitzkrieg off at the vet for his grooming appointment. Later that day, we get a call from the groomer telling us one of Blitzkrieg’s broken teeth (from his abused like a punching bag days) is infected past the gum line. She asks if the vet can pull it. Of course. Maybe this is why Blitzkrieg was snoring heavier than usual?

    We get a second call from the vet. Blitzkrieg’s tonsils are swollen. They wanted our permission to do a biopsy – absolutely!

    Wednesday, October 12, 2011

    Green Moms Carnival: Green Pet Edition!

    Welcome to the Green Pet edition of the Green Moms Carnival! October is National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month as well as National Pet Wellness Month. I thought of no better way to celebrate than to ask my wonderful friends to share their stories about greening their pets.

    Before we start, I want to introduce my guest editor and the inspiration for today’s carnival, my one eyed rescue Pekingese Blitzkrieg!

    Photobucket
    Hello everyone! I realize Lisa saying I am the guest editor is trite blogging device.
    I humor her because she pays me in dog treats to pose for blog photos. 

    Since it’s National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, let kick off the carnival with…

    Sunday, September 4, 2011

    Does Your Dog Eat Natural Dog Food?

    I am careful about the type of food I eat. I try to avoid high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, palm kernel oil, high sugar and high fat content in my food based upon the health issues I see developing in the older members of our family. I figure if we follow this kind of diet now, Husband and I won’t have those health problems until we’re 90.

    I like it here.
     I am even more meticulous about Blitzkrieg’s food than my own. Dog food is not regulated like human food. Oh sure, there are pet food guidelines but those are merely suggestions.  There is nothing to stop a dog food company from using rancid people food to make dog food. In fact many, but not all, dog food companies do.

    To avoid this, I buy the natural brands of dog food. The brands that are corn and wheat free and use human grade food ingredients even though they are more expensive. Blitzkrieg’s health improved dramatically once we educated ourselves about dog food production and made buying a whole food ingredient dog food a priority.

    Thursday, July 7, 2011

    My Dog Writes a Guest Post

    Hi Everyone, Blitzkrieg here. Lisa’s building something in the garage, which makes this the perfect opportunity to use her computer to say hi to all of my fans!

    PhotobucketHi fans!

    Actually, I have something real important to ask you.. This one’s important to me because I’ve lived it and it stinks. Not stinks in a good way like muddy pond water but stinks like rifling through somebody's trash and eating charcoal because I was stray kind of stinks.

    Thursday, March 31, 2011

    How to Give a Dog a Pill

    A Facebook friend asked how to give a dog a pill so the dog doesn't spit it out. I have a sure fired way to give a dog a pill so the pills gets into the dog every time! I made a quick YouTube video for her.

    Welcome to my very first vlog starring Blitzkrieg! Oh, and me. But I know you are really here to watch Blitzkrieg .He's the real star of the show.

    Friday, March 11, 2011

    Does Your Dog Shred Paper?

    Blitzkrieg is feeling much better after his knee surgery. I can tell he’s feeling much better because he was a bit stand offish before and obviously after his surgery. Recently he’s super cuddly. If anyone sits in Blitzkrieg’s favorite armchair, be prepared to have a dog on your lap.

    Blitzkrieg wasn’t always Mr. Mellow Cuddle Buddy. Once upon a time, he was a scared abused dog. Once he started to come out of his shell, all of the energy Blitzkrieg spent worrying about being hit needed to go somewhere. That somewhere was my bathroom, where Blitzkrieg grabbed toilet tissue from the roll and shredded it.

    A little privacy please? I have a roll to decimate.

    Sunday, October 3, 2010

    10 Halloween Costumes for Dogs Who Hate Costumes

    I love dressing up for Halloween. Now that I have a dog I want him to love dressing up for Halloween too.

    But he doesn’t.

    You wear a double coat of fur all the time. You won’t want to
    put on extra clothes, either.

    We like to go to dog charity events to support the rescue organizations that have helped us rehabilitate Blitzkrieg and tell his story. Some of these events are Halloween events.

    Blitzkrieg quickly learned the cuter the costume, the more treats humans give you. Blitzkrieg learned to tolerate several types of sorta dog costumes in order to swindle as many treats as possible celebrate Halloween.

    Friday, January 15, 2010

    Could Blitzkrieg Be Bissell’s Most Valuable Pet?

    I’m entering Blitzkrieg in the Bissell Most Valuable Pet (MVP) contest . Blitzkrieg LOVES to have his picture taken. When I’m taking photos for Condo Blues, Blitzkrieg runs over and barks at me until I snap a few photos of him.

    Photobucket
    No one really cares about Lisa’s totebag.
    You’d rather see my innocent come hither look wouldn’t you?

    Movies? Oh yes, Blitzkrieg's an actor too. We wrote a little part for him when we competed in the 48 Hour Film Project. Here he is during his big high five scene.

    Photobucket
    Blitzkrieg nailed it. Every. Single. Take.
    Which was a lot better I did. I’m in the silver dress.

    Tuesday, October 27, 2009

    Blitzkrieg’s Balloon Boy Costume!

    Blitzkrieg needed a costume for the Capital Area Human Society’s Halloween Pet Parade but what do you do if you dog hates costumes?

    Hmmmm…Think. Think. Think.

    After watching way too much of the evening news. I got it!

    It’s timely.

    It’s twisted.

    It’s recycled!

    I gathered my materials…

    Photobucket


    …and used them to create this. A dog Balloon Boy costume!

    Photobucket
    I played with Photobucket to make Blitzkrieg's costume stand out in the foreground of these photos since there's so much going on visually in the background.

    Husband held the balloon in the parade and I pulled Blitzkrieg in the box I attached to his wheeled carrier.

    Photobucket
    "It’s for the show”
    Blitzkrieg's Balloon Boy costume was a hit. We helped raise money for one of our favorite charities and Blitzkrieg earned some noms doing it. High fives and tail wags all the way around.

    This post is part of  Reinvented's Trash to Treasure Tuesday and A Soft Place to Land's DIY Day.

    Thursday, April 9, 2009

    How I Get Free Reusable Shopping Tote Bags

    Like any good parent, Husband and I look for places and activities where we can take our kid. It just so happens that our kid is dog, so that limits where it’s appropriate or legal for us to take him for family fun.

    Cabin fever, a discount coupon, and the fact that we could take Blitzkrieg with us, had us visiting the Columbus Pet Expo in order to
    get free stuffspend some quality time together.

    Photobucket
    The handsome men of Condo Blues!

    Mission accomplished on the free stuff. Blitzkrieg got free treats so he was happy.

    Photobucket
    Blitzkrieg did not get this bone as a free treat. But he sure wanted me to buy it for him because it’s almost as big as he is!

    Husband got a free cloth baseball cap to wear and get sweaty when running. He promptly broke it in after we got home. Side note: I washed his hat in our washing machine and it survived! Neither of us expected that to happen. I didn’t stick it the dryer though. I let it dry on its own.

    I got a freebie tote bag. I didn’t realize until I got it home that it has a side pocket for a water bottle. I stuck my Earthlust bottle in the pocket so you can see it. Lo and behold once I cover up the logo, I think I found the new Dog Mommy Bag!

    Photobucket
    Even though my kid’s a dog, he, like a human child, requires that I take a lot of stuff with me when we go out (treats, pickup bags, dog water bottle dish (he hates using a community water dish) etc.) I now understand why all of my mommy friends all carry big Mommy Purses/Totes. Just sayin’…

    I try to get a freebie swag tote bag at events I attend because I use them as reusable shopping tote bags. I also find that the freebie nylon backpacks are great for trips to the dog park, or for Husband to carry stuff in (keys, wallet, etc.) when he runs, and they’re very useful if you suddenly find yourself on crutches and you need to carry something around the house – guess how I found that one out?

    If I don’t feel like being a walking ad for the sponsor, I just turn the backpack around so the logo faces my back. Or I cover up the logo with something .

    Photobucket
    Another thing I like about the freebie reusable tote bags is that if someone says they need a reusable tote and don’t have one (or are going to be on crutches) I just give them one of mine - no sweat. They don’t have to feel guilty or offer to pay me because they know I didn’t lay out a wad of cash for it.

    Personally I don’t mind if my reusable shopping bag has a logo that is different from the store I’m shopping at but I know some people do. My favorite tote bags are two canvas bags I bought from Kroger an eon ago. They are the first bags I fill from the stash. I figure if Meijer hates the fact that I bring my sturdy Kroger bag into their store then they can give me a Meijer branded tote bag for my groceries – at no charge. Funny, that never happens; they just pack up my purchases and send me on my merry way.

    Plus using a free swag bag tote bag is an easy way to find out if you can make the reusable shopping tote bag thing work for you without laying out any cash. You can always upgrade your bags to something sturdier if you decide that you like it.

    How do you feel about logoed tote bags? Love them? Hate them? Do you reuse them, revamp them, or toss them aside?
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    This post is part of Thrifty Green Thursday.