Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!

Okay so the winner of my "Name That Dog" contest doesn't get a chicken dinner but instead some awesome bragging rights! And the winner is...Berry who actually named her cats not dogs! I liked the unique names and how I don't think I've ever heard of anyone naming their pet Cashmere, Lovies and Tori. I will be the first to confess my cat doesn't have a cool name in fact she goes by "Kitty" but I don't really want to admit that to the vet so on any form of documentation she is named Rowaan. I blame my husband for this kitty identity crisis since he was the one who started calling her Kitty all the time, in fact he calls her "Mr. Kitty" (South Park episode) so she is even confused about her gender now too! So maybe my next contest will be helping name my new cat?...

Name that Dog

I recently saw something on yahoo or msn…one of those main home page sites about how people are naming their children weirder and more unique names like Diva Muffin, Moon Unit, or Peaches Honeyblossom. I used to work with a guy that named all his dogs after regular human names Chuck and Tom, just so when he talked about his dog’s people thought he was talking about his friends or kids. Dexter Alligator is actually named after the television show Dexter, who happens to be a serial killer and Alligator comes from the fact he bites through human flesh like butta! So I want to know do you have a strange name for your pet? I’m holding a contest for the most unique name out there and why you choose it so come on brag those Fifi’s and Fido’s

What If Dogs Could Talk?

What if dogs could talk? What would they say? Perhaps tell you to stop talking to them like they were a baby?! Or don't ever put me in that ridiculous outfit again!

I was watching the Oscars tonight and was happy to see that the movie "Up" received some recognition. For those who haven't seen it, it's an animation by Pixar that has a rather dark tone but still some signature funny moments. My favorite character had to be the dog that talked, Dug, and ever since that movie came out my husband and several of his friends continue to use Dug's voice as the voice of my dog Kingston...if he could in fact speak for himself...

So I got to thinking, how many people actually talk to their pets and would admit it? I will admit I do and honestly I think I like the fact they can't talk back because no matter what I know they will still be there for me and wagging their tail...Like Dug says in "Up," "My name is Dug, I have just met you, and I love you."

So I want to know, how many of you would admit to talking to your pet?...Come on fess up!

High Speed Chase! Is It A Dog? Is It a Pig?

So apparently Dexter isn't the only bad Beagle in my life. I have another one...His name is Kingston and by first glance you know he lives up to his name because he is quite large around the mid-section. Usually this dogs idea of exercise is jumping from sofa to sofa but no, not this past Sunday. It must have been the warm spring air that motivated him to run away not once, but twice!

The first time he decided to go for a little jog it was not to me, but my roommate Gary. Gary's solution to catch this over sized pig in action...jump in his car and chase him. (Kingston loves car rides almost as much as eating.)

Later that day...I decided go outside let Kingston & Dexter relieve themselves but unknown to me, I accidentally clipped his leash on his flimsy name tag which broke at the first yank! I didn't even have time to look at the empty leash in my hand before this dog took off down the driveway. By the way...this isn't your typical driveway...it's about 1/2 mile long, muddy and did I mention I was in slippers and I didn't have a car to pick him up in?!

Here I was chasing after 2 Beagles (of course Dexter had to follow the big leader) in slippers and no coat. I made it to the end of the driveway and by this time the little one decided to stop at which point I scooped him up and kept on running without missing a beat. Dexter's floppy ears blinding me in the wind as I ran...

Kingston turned left on the main road. I turned left. I see 4wheeler coming our way. Kingston does not. I look behind us and see a rather large truck. "Great, either the truck or the 4wheeler will crush us." Then what do I see next to the 4wheeler but a HUGE dog (Apparently his master has taught him to run with him, not away. Note taken.). Then the best possible thing happened, the BIG dog started chasing Kingston, who wasn't about to wait around and sniff butts. Nope, he ran so fast right past me...he ran back up the driveway and by the time I found him, he had already pushed the back door open and was sitting peacefully on his sofa once more.

Maybe he runs away because I put him in such ridiculous Halloween costumes...Who knows!? I thought this one was fitting...

Dogs Don't Like Raisins Either

Yes I know dogs shouldn't have chocolate, but raisins? I recently received one of those annoying forwards that everyone gets but feeling risky and taking my chances with some virus my computer could get...I opened it. Inside it had a very sad story that a vet had written about an experience she just witnessed in which someones dog ate half a box of raisins and died within 48 hours. Apparently it can cause kidney failure! Many people give raisins or grapes as treats to their dog not knowing the harmful affects this could have. So spread the word!

Here is a link to webmd's pet health site where you can get more information about foods your little buddy shouldn't be eating!

http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/slideshow-foods-your-dog-should-never-eat

Adventures at Grandmother's House

Adventures at Grandmother's House included:

1) Sleeping

2) Eating

3) Learning to Share my Toys...

To Grandmother's House We Go!

This weekend didn't start out as a joy ride for Dexter. Within an hour of being in the car, he puked all over my husband in the front seat. Of course he was on the highway in Minneapolis and couldn't exactly pull over right away because somebody got car sick! Regardless of this little snafu, Dexter was off to see his extended family!

I don't know how you may feel about raising a dog, but I think it's very important to expose them to many different situations, dogs and types of people...including my in laws. No one believed me that this little dog could inflict so much pain but they soon found out because Dexter decided to bite my mother in law's nose. Personally, I think it was more of a love bite.

In total Dexter meet about a dozen people, all of whom feed him amazing treats made from real human food, and three more dogs. Two of which, weren't Beagles! I was pretty excited for him to meet a dog that was taller than 2 feet and didn't look like Snoopy. He adjusted well to his surroundings which was encouraging...maybe this dog will turn out right after all.

Dr. Needles

Who would have thought that Dexter would be afraid of needles!? His teeth are practically needles anyways...I had the lovely experience of bringing him to his first vet visit on Monday. Of course his little legs wouldn't dare enter the threshold of the office so I was forced to carry him inside. As soon as we approached the reception desk and greeted the lady behind, Dexter froze. He buried his little head against my shoulder and would only look at the lady from the corner of his big eyes. Drama Queen!

Our next adventure entailed meeting the 2 lobby cats. Dexter found this exciting because there were actual cats that didn't swap him in the face and chase him. After trying to entertain him for about 20 long minutes we were finally allowed into the exam room, but not without another scene...including whimpering and head thrashing and that wasn't the end of it. The Dr. couldn't manage to get this little 11lb baby to sit still in order to poke him with the needle but after some coaxing he finally settled down. If any of you have had your dog get the Bordatella vaccine you would know that they basically pour the liquid up the dog's nose. Well Dexter decided to sneeze. All over me.

Overall our visit was a success. We got out of there alive despite what Dexter thought and I still had all my "digits!"

Bringing Home That Bundle of...

Meet Dexter Alligator! Who is Dexter Alligator you ask? To put it simply, Dexter's name stems from the hit television show and book based on the fictional serial killer and Alligator comes from his massive jaw strength and love of human flesh. I recently saw a show on Animal Planet that suggested you cover your hands in butter to encourage the puppy to "lick" instead of biting your hands. I think I may have endured this awkward feeling if it would have saved me a couple scars. This blog is all about the life and adventures of raising a Beagle in the woods of Minnesota who happens to be named Dexter Alligator, quite possibly the world's worst Beagle.