Shih Tzu Week 49: May 31 (Day 337) – June 6 (Day 343), 2012

Posted on June 6, 2012 by Di Freeze

Shih Tzu Day 337: May 31

Thursday

Candy and Flower came to the couch after John left, barking, shaking their heads at me and scratching my bare legs. Before, I would give in and give them a treat—even though they hadn’t earned it. Now, however, I am going to try to take someone for a walk whenever that happens.

Somehow, I need to figure out how to take two sets of dogs for a walk each day, because I don’t think I can successfully walk all four at one time without John. I bought a coupler yesterday from PetSmart, after Liz, Sadie Shih Tzu’s mom, mentioned it, and I thought I would try to use it on Nigel and Flower.

Nigel gets very excited when he sees a leash, so he was the first one I approached. I hooked one of the leashes that came with the coupler onto his harness and called Flower. She approached me, but then ran when I tried to put a harness on her. I finally gave up and put a harness on Dottie. When I tried to attach the leash, she turned around and ran back to Shih Tzu Central to try to escape her fate.

Candy was already in hiding, so it was back to Flower. I thought she might do what she did the other day, so I went to the door with Nigel. I was right; when we got to the door, she bounced over to it. I guess she wants to go for a walk, but she doesn’t want to wear the harness. That means I have to somehow teach her to realize that wearing it means she gets to walk. Dottie still wasn’t budging, so I went and got the harness off her, and this time Flower let me put it on her.

As we started out the door, I realized something was wrong. When Nigel ran, they were so close together because of the coupler, and she was slower, so it looked like the leash was going to pull the harness up over her head. I started to adjust it, but then decided to try something different. I went back in and got a different leash for Nigel. Then, I took one leash from the coupler, attached it to Flower’s collar, and attached the other coupler leash to her harness. That way, if she tried her Houdini escape routine, she should still be attached to me by one leash.

We had a good walk, although Nigel and Flower, running in front of me, kept switching sides and slowing down, so I had to keep rearranging the leashes to avoid being tangled up. I know that some people say you shouldn’t let them run ahead, but I enjoy seeing them have fun. Flower wanted to stop and smell things along the way, like a normal dog. She has really come far in a year.

Turkey time

The shih tzus have several favorite times of the day, and they all involve food. I split a pouch of Buddig turkey with them at lunch. When I say “turkey time,” Dottie and anyone else on the couch jumps off, and they all run to the back door. Now, with some help from me, the females make their way through the Magic Mesh door and line up on the other side, while Nigel waits inside.

I say each name, and then hand them their slice. Nigel gets his first and Dottie used to be second. However, Flower vies for second position lately, so I trade off. Candy always demurely stands back until her bossy sisters gets theirs and then tentatively comes forward.

Day 338: June 1

Friday

I was gone all day long. When I finally settled down on the couch with my laptop, Nigel took his normal place on my left side, with one of his stuffed animals. Flower and Dottie competed for a place next to me on the other side, and even Candy came up and let me hold her for a while.

Day 339/340: June 2-3

Saturday & Sunday

John and I went for a 2-hour, 20-mile bike ride and then to Black Eyed Pea for lunch. I wanted to try to take all of the dogs for a walk today, but then we ended up working on the kitchen. I was also feeling a little lazy because of our bike ride yesterday.

I had some sugar snap peas for a snack this afternoon and offered one to all of the shih tzus. Only Candy wouldn’t take one.

Day 341: June 4

Monday

Magic Mesh dilemma

It has been funny watching the dogs with the Magic Mesh screen door. Nigel has no problem going right through it. Dottie must be the second less scared or second smartest, because she will now walk through it too. For Flower, it’s like someone who is afraid of revolving doors. She tries to sneak in behind Nigel, especially if he goes through and not beneath it, and the curtain opens a little. If it shuts too quickly, she stops right in front of it. Candy won’t even attempt it. When she wanted in Saturday night, John went behind her and pushed her little butt through it.

Walk scares

I took Nigel and Flower for a walk this morning. Flower didn’t fight me at all when I put her harness on her and attached the coupler to her harness and collar, and she went willingly to the door. They were both very good crossing the street and going up the hill behind Wal-Mart.

Nigel did give me two scares though. I wasn’t holding on tight enough to his leash and when he saw the neighbor ahead of us with her big dog, Tucker, he broke loose and ran up to greet him. I was afraid that he would try to pick a fight like he seemed to want to do once in Petco. However, he and Tucker were very friendly to each other. Tucker’s mother tried to talk to Flower; Flower kept her distance but didn’t seem afraid.

I had another scare when we were almost home. Nigel ran up to another neighbor’s dog that was not on a leash. This time, the big dog growled; I yanked Nigel’s leash, but he wasn’t budging, so I screamed at Nigel and the dog. Yes, I know. I panic when big dogs are involved. Its owner called it and it ran off. I think next time, instead of walking through our cul-de-sac, I will turn left and take them up the next block, to avoid any more dog encounters.

I intended to drop Nigel and Flower off and take Dottie and Candy next, but Candy ran under the table. I took Dottie for a solo walk, and she was very good. John said the other day that I probably didn’t even need to hold her leash, because she would never try to get away. I think he’s right, but she might feel safer on a leash. When she hears noises, such as workers nearby, she stops and looks at me. Still, she isn’t nearly as scared as she used to be. I am so proud of all of them. I think I will have John work with Candy.

Diaper time?

I am encouraged by the walking situation, but I am still having a house-training problem. This afternoon, while I was sitting on the couch, I kept smelling urine. I couldn’t tell if it was the floor or perhaps a nearby blanket. My assumption is that Flower relieved herself somewhere and I didn’t find it, which usually happens when I step in a puddle. Maybe I need to invest in diapers!

Day 342: June 5

Tuesday

This morning I took Candy and Nigel for a walk, and then I came back and took Flower out solo. Candy was all right when we began, but then something frightened her and she planted her little butt on the pavement and wouldn’t move. I carried her a while and then sat her on the grass. Again, she wouldn’t move. It’s possible that her toenails are too long or she might have too much fur on her paws. Flower was great. I took one leash off of her for most of the way around, because she wasn’t trying to escape.

Delores from BFF Rescue called and asked if we would take care of a little Yorkie mix this weekend. I told her we would.

Day 343: June 6

Wednesday

Oatmeal

I know we have done what people always warn dog owners not to do: turned our dogs into beggars! John has been eating oatmeal in the morning. When he comes to sit down with his bowl, Candy, Flower, and Nigel gather around him, waiting to see if he will give them a bite, or better yet, put his bowl on the floor, leaving a little oatmeal in it.

Victories

I have been thinking a lot lately about how far we have come with the shih tzus. For one, it is much easier to groom them these days. Flower’s tearstains are nearly gone, although Dottie might have some.

Flower now loves to go on walks with Nigel and me, although she rebels at putting on the harness and, yes, runs from side to side, tangling up the leashes and me. Dottie will go when I make her. Candy starts well and ends well, but I have to pick her up in between.

I haven’t weighed them lately, but at least I don’t think they’ve gained weight. All but Candy are a little more sociable when people come over. I’ve also learned how to make their treats, to avoid dangers of food processed in China. And, thanks to Liz and Sadie, I also continue to make the wet dog food Liz made for Sadie before switching to Pets4Life Canine Diets. Oh, and one more thing. All of them except Candy can go through the Magic Door (Magic Mesh)!

Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm

Because of their antics, Candy and Flower remind me of Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm. They really make me laugh especially when they come alive, rush the couch, put their paws up, and wag their heads at me. It’s not so funny when they start scratching my legs though. Flower also makes me laugh when she sits on the couch arm and growls at me, and when I look over at it, starts thumping her tail, which usually means she wants attention.

Where we were a year ago:

Shih Tzu Day 63: Aug. 1, 2011

Shih Tzu Week 47: May 17 (Day 323) – 23 (Day 329), 2012

Posted on May 24, 2012 by Di Freeze

Day 323: May 17

Thursday

The shih tzus haven’t been barking at John when he comes down the stairs. Maybe they realized what a real “stranger” was when Sandy first got here. They did get better with her as the week went on though.

Flower peed in front of the TV three days in a row, and she also peed on her couch. I washed the cushions and then stood them up, so she can’t pee on them again. I don’t know what to do about her peeing in front of the TV.

Flower certainly doesn’t need any toys. She loves to steal things from me instead. For instance, today she stole a cup lid and a straw and took them back to Shih Tzu Central to chew on. When she got tired of them, she found a sponge somewhere and smuggled it back to her dog bed.

I had an email from a Nutro representative today asking me if I wanted to host a doggy tasting party. It sounds fun. I haven’t bought Nutro yet for the shih tzus, but they do have a grain-free kibble they could try. I would never have dreamed of even attempting it even two months ago, but I am considering it. There would be people and dog guests, and the shih tzus wouldn’t like the people idea, but they might enjoy having a few extra dogs around.

I think the grain-free kibble has been helping the female shih tzus. I don’t see many tear stains on Flower these days, although Dottie still has some brown on her face. It might just be part of her coloring.

I have been trying to cook more because of my diet. I made a “gourmet” chicken salad today. I poached a chicken with some vegetables and herbs and the scents attracted Nigel and Flower. They came and sat on the kitchen floor, waiting for something to drop. I gave them some celery. They ate it, but Dottie and Candy wouldn’t try it.

Shih Tzu Day 324: May 18

Friday

I was gone all morning shopping with Mom. When I got back, I put some strawberries, bananas, and apples in the dehydrator as snacks for John. I thought the strawberries and bananas were weird, but the apples came out OK. When I was checking on them, I heard scuffling outside. Candy and Nigel were doing one of their tap-dancing routines.

Shih Tzu Day 325: May 19

Saturday

I looked up best dog nail clippers on Amazon and saw some good reviews for Dremel tools made for dog grooming. One review said not to bother with those since a regular tool would work as well and cost less. I bought a Dremel cordless rotary tool from Wal-Mart for $20 for us to try. John used it on Flower and Dottie and he thought it worked well.

I didn’t have much time to sit down today, but as soon as I did, Nigel and Dottie rushed up to the couch. They sure are sweet companions.

Leticia came by on her way to Bandimere Speedway with the girls, her friend Chris, and her son. I let the kids go outside and bother Candy for a few minutes. They love petting her, but she hasn’t learned to love it yet. She just sits there, frozen. I hope that will change someday.

Shih Tzu Day 326: May 20

Sunday

John and I made a 21-mile bike ride this morning and then went to Olive Garden for iced tea and salad. When we came back, he put up the Magic Mesh screen door correctly. It didn’t close right at first, but it did after he made some adjustments. I hope we can train the shih tzus to go through it.

Shih Tzu Day 327: May 21

Monday

Dottie had a twitchy thing going on this morning. I don’t know if she had an itch or if is she was just playing. She does that every now and then. She rolls over on her back, waves her paws, and makes strange noise. I think she is indicating she wants to be petted. None of the other shih tzus do that.

The three youngest shih tzus played outside in the backyard for a while this morning. I could hear Nigel and Candy’s heavy breathing from the kitchen. I’m always glad when Nigel plays with the girls, instead of wanting to just sit next to me on the coach. I think he needs to be active, and Candy gets bored easily.

I took Candy and Nigel for a walk this morning. I used the pink Velcro harness that I bought from Ross for her and the blue one for Nigel. Candy stopped and sniffed the grass a few times. Nigel wanted to run, so I ran with him. Candy picked up the pace a little and didn’t seem traumatized like she sometimes does on walks.

I am feeling hopeful about them. Now I just need to keep Houdini (Flower) from escaping her harness and get Dottie to want to walk.

All the dogs rushed John when he came in the back door after work, wagging their tails. It’s nice to see them becoming more and more comfortable with him. He went and got their treat and they all scrambled out the back door and stood there looking like children on Halloween waiting for their candy.

Shih Tzu Day 328: May 22

Tuesday

I have been noticing a difference in Candy. Before, if I approached her, she would always run. Now, at least when she thinks I don’t want to groom her or put a leash on her, she stands still and lets me pick her up or pet her.

Someone is still peeing in front of the TV, and I can only guess that it is Flower. I finally put a training pad down there today. I think I will try moving it closer to the real training pad area each day. Maybe she just doesn’t like stepping up over the training pad holder.

I took Dottie and Nigel for a walk this morning. I was going to just take Dottie, but Nigel got excited when he saw the leash. When I got back, Flower looked so bored at Shih Tzu Central that I decided to take her too. I put the pink harness on her and attached a leash to it and one to her collar so she couldn’t escape. I was happy when she didn’t even try. She shook her head, but I think it was because the leash was bothering her. I kept readjusting it so she would be comfortable. She walked with me and then she ran with me quite a bit. I think she might be the first one after Nigel to learn to like walks!

Nigel is still the only dog that knows how to get in through the Magic Mesh screen, which I call the Magic Door. He simply goes under it. Candy barks after she has been outside long enough and wants in. Oh well. I am at least very happy about the walking achievements!

Shih Tzu Day 329: May 23

Wednesday

Candy was having a case of “nuisance barking” earlier, so she had to come in. I’m not sure who or what she was barking about. She can be very loud, though.

The training pad in front of the TV did prevent whoever has been peeing in front of the TV — most likely Flower —from peeing on the floor, so it is a temporary solution.

Today I put harnesses on all the dogs, thinking I would try to take them all for a walk. I’m not too happy with the harness assortment I have. I used the Comfy Control one for Dottie, the Ross ones for Nigel and Flower, and a very plain pink one from PetSmart for Candy.

Dottie ended up being too stubborn, planting her butt on the floor and not moving, and I wasn’t sure I could handle all four anyway, so I decided to just take the youngest three. However, Candy followed Dottie’s example and wouldn’t budge, so I gave up on her too and just decided to take Nigel and Flower. When I opened the door, Flower bounded towards it. Yeah! She and Nigel did very well. We made a complete circle around the area behind Wal-Mart. It’s not that much of a walk. It’s probably less than a quarter of a mile, but it’s something.

When we got back, Candy kept coming up to me and growling, which I think usually means that she wants a treat. I decided she would have to work for it and put the leash on her. I carried her outside and then put her on the ground. She walked or ran most of the way without me tugging on her leash. For some reason, when we got back to the yard, she sat down and wouldn’t move to go inside. I wonder if she has a fear of entering houses because of some past trauma. I opened the door and pointed to her sisters, telling her, “This is your home,” and she finally got up and went up the steps and in the door. I hope to soon have the three youngest shih tzus wanting to go for walks.

One of my inspirations is Penny, a rescue dog one of my friends owns. I guess she was a very fearful dog when the family got her. Now, she is very friendly and she loves walks. In fact, they take her on three a day, which is a little too much of a commitment for me! They are a retired couple, so they have more time.

Flower was being very dramatic this evening. She jumped up on the couch arm, and batted her paws at me, which means she wants to be petted. I was typing away on my laptop and she walked across the couch and scratched the side of the computer, I think in disapproval. I stopped and gave her some attention.

Shih Tzu Week 38: March 15 (Day 260) – 21 (Day 266)

Posted on March 22, 2012 by Di Freeze

Shih Tzu Day 260: March 15 (Thursday)

Tested in the U.S.

My search to find treats for the shih tzus not made in China is exasperating. While I was looking at PetSmart to see which products were made in China, I noticed some clever packaging. I saw packages that said “Tested in the U.S.” and “Printed in the U.S.” I don’t understand the importance of testing and printing in the U.S., so I imagine the wording is just to trick people into thinking the products are made in the U.S.

I ordered some beef dog treats called Doggy Dollars from Costco, because they are made in the United States and had good ratings. I’m a little leery, because I haven’t had much luck with beef treat products. I am still confused, because I am not sure if I just need to avoid chicken jerky products from China, or if I need to avoid others as well. That’s what is daunting, since most of the treats I pick up say they are made in China.

I would like to buy U.S. products anyway, just to support U.S. companies, but I don’t understand why companies like Milo’s Kitchen, whose products are made in China, have treats that smell good enough for people to eat, and others have products I can hardly stand to smell.

hard boiled eggs

Since I have been back on a low-carb diet, I have been sharing my snacks more often with the dogs. Thank goodness, the eggs I hard boil are from the good old U.S.A. They all love them. I did read up on giving them to dogs, and found out that they are a good source of protein and fat, which benefits their coat, skin, and claws.

People food no-nos for dogs

I have been checking a lot online about what dogs can and can’t eat. I just ran across a slide show on Web MD that gives foods that are dangerous for dogs. They include avocado; alcohol; onions and garlic; caffeine (such as coffee and tea); grapes and raisins; milk and other dairy products (this is confusing, since I have been told yogurt is good for dogs, and I have given it to my shih tzus without bad effects??); macadamia nuts; candy and gum; chocolate; fat trimmings and bones (I have heard that you can give them bones that have not yet been cooked?); persimmons, peaches, and plums; raw eggs; raw meat and fish; salty foods (like chips and pretzels); sugary foods and drinks; yeast dough; people medicine, and items from the kitchen pantry. Web MD recommends treating dogs with lean meats; fruits like apples, oranges, bananas, and watermelon; vegetables like carrots, green beans, cucumber slices, zucchini sticks (mine love jicama), and plain baked potato (not raw); and cooked white rice and pasta.

Shih Tzu Day 261: March 16 (Friday)

dog step DILEMMA

I bought Nigel wooden dog steps at Ross or TX Maxx before Christmas, but they aren’t very sturdy. One of the grandchildren stepped on them and broke a step during the holiday season, and John fixed it, but I recently realized that Nigel was acting tentative when he stepped on the bottom step. I investigated and found out it was broken again. This time, I decided to look for new steps. I got online and saw that Bed, Bath and Beyond had some Animal Planet wooden steps that looked pretty as well as functional. It looked like the only store that had them though was Cherry Creek, which is a little further than the one I usually go to. I made the jaunt to get them. However, once I set them up, Nigel wouldn’t go up them. My guess is because they are taller than the other steps, and a little wider. I’ll keep them a few days and see what happens. If Nigel won’t go up them, the other shih tzus definitely won’t.

angels’ eyes

I have been giving Flower and Dottie Angels’ Eyes for their tear stains. Flower’s were much more noticeable, because of her coloring. I think it really helped her. I started giving Dottie the powder about two months after I started giving it to Flower, but I haven’t noticed as much of a change. I am now out, and since it is costly to give it to both of them, I think I will hold off on ordering it again and see how they do without it.

Buddig Turkey Time

Candy came up to the couch at noon, wagging her cute little head from side to side, signaling that it was time for lunch. I started giving them Buddig turkey when I started giving Flower Angels’ Eyes, because she wouldn’t eat it on her food. When I am at King Soopers, I usually buy their Kroger brand, but I just found out that it has about 25 percent more sodium, so I will stick to Buddig from now on.

Shih Tzu Day 262: March 17 (Saturday)

saving $$ on training pads

I didn’t have to put down a new training pad this morning, because the one I put down last night was still dry. It is so nice to not have to change them as often as I had to before. I feel like we are getting somewhere, and we are saving money!

Bully sticks, bully dog

A few months ago I bought an economy size bag of Big Bark All Natural Steer Sticks because I was told they are softer than bully sticks and the shih tzus might like them better. I still had some left, although I couldn’t remember why. Usually if the shih tzus like something, I don’t have any leftovers. This morning I passed some out. Nigel instantly turned into a little bully. If anyone came near him, he got a murderous look in his eyes and started growling. He also tried to steal them from the other shih tzus. I think that was why I stopped passing them out. I gathered them back up and put them away, so Nigel would get back to his normal, sweet self.

Shih Tzu Day 263: March 18 (Sunday)

Cute little Candy

Candy seems to come up to the couch more often. Her fur is kind of long and she looks like a little bear, so I have been calling her Candy Bear. John picks her up and holds her for a couple of minutes at least each morning.

She has so much character. I wish I could catch a picture of her when she is outside playing by herself. She was hopping and bopping around by the gate earlier, with an imaginary friend, I guess. It was adorable.

Shih Tzu Day 264: March 19 (Monday)

Christmas in March

I am not sure where they are hiding them, but every once and awhile, one of the shih tzus gets out one of the flat Christmas rawhide bones I got from Petco in December and starts chewing on it. Today it was Flower who ran by me as if she was sneaking one into Shih Tzu Central, and then sat chewing on it for quite a while. I am not sure why, but it makes me smile when they chew so loudly. I guess it is because they seem to be having so much fun when they do that.

royal canin doggy day spa giveaway

I got an email today from Joe at Royal Canin. He invited me to do a Doggy Day Spa giveaway of their new x-small adult dog food, with some other pet care products, valued at $80. For doing it, the shih tzus would get the same gift, so I said I would be happy to do it. This will be our first giveaway, so I am excited. We will start the contest April 1 and it will last three weeks. I’ll announce on April 1 how the winner will be chosen.

Shih Tzu Day 265: March 20 (Tuesday)

Magic Mesh time?

Candy has been in her apartment most of the day. The weather is warm enough on some days now that I could keep the back door open, so they can come in and out when they want, but I already had a visiting bee — or fly. Not sure which. I saw that Bed, Bath and Beyond now carries the Magic Mesh curtain, so I think I will try it. I remember what a kick I got last fall when the commercial would come on; dogs would bark, and the shih tzus would dash to the door, thinking they had visitors, I guess. I think it was a memory from either their puppy mill days, or their foster home before we got them.

Shih Tzu Day 266: March 21 (Wednesday)

Candy Kisses

Candy came and put her paws up on the couch twice today. I always assume she just wants food, because in the past, when she has come up and I have reached for her, she has run away. However, she seems a little more approachable these days. This time I reached for her very slowly, and she didn’t back away, so I picked her up. She sat there while I petted her, for probably ten minutes, until John drove up. As soon as she heard the truck, she jumped down and ran to the door to wait for him. She did her twisty dance, wagging her butt one way and her head the other, with all paws coming off the floor. I really need to catch that on video some day.

Doggy Dollars Arrival

My Made in the U.S.A. Doggy Dollars arrived today from Costco. The shih tzus weren’t eager to take them, but they did, and I think all of them ate theirs. I wish they had been a bigger hit, especially since I had to buy two big bags of them.

Foot warmer

After John got home, Candy sat on his lap for about 15 minutes getting love. Earlier, Dottie let him give her a face rub for a while. One of the blankets had fallen on the floor, and my feet were on it. Nigel sat on my feet while John held Candy.

Shih Tzu Day 35: Flower, the Poophead Princess

Posted on August 3, 2011 by Di Freeze

Flower aka Poophead Princess

I wonder what a morning would be like without Flower raising a ruckus? She wouldn’t stop barking at John this morning.

To mix things up a little, I decided to feed the girls their food in front of their couch. They are very comfortable eating outside now, but I need to make them comfortable inside, around John, and need to get Flower to quit barking, which makes the others uneasy.

They all came up to their bowls and began to eat without a problem, but Flower kept looking around nervously. She eventually ate, so the others did top.

I love my little Wild Flower, but I am definitely losing patience with the little psycho baby/control freak. Beyond the barking issue, she has to really want your attention to accept it. I went to cup her face in my hands this morning, which I often do, and she bolted out of the pen like her tail was on fire. Less than thirty seconds later, she was back, as if to say, “Oops. I overreacted, but just don’t get so close.”

My new nickname for her is the Poophead Princess, although it should be stronger, like Shih Tzu Head Princess.

Mom’s In a Mood

I had “elegant egg salad” (egg salad with big pieces of eggs) for lunch and decided to give the dogs some. I hand-fed Flower, Dottie and Shiloh some, and they loved it, but as usual, Candy held back timidly, so her sisters ate any intended for her.

I decided to put a little in each of their bowls. I set Shiloh’s in the kitchen and the girls in the living room, up near the dining table. Flower and Dottie went to eat theirs, while Candy was deciding if it was safe. Then, Shiloh rushed in and decided he’d eat Candy’s. I got irritated, since this is a habit, picked him up abruptly, said it wasn’t his food, rather loudly, and sat him down on the rocking chair. Candy flew under the table, and Flower followed her. I finally got Flower to come back out. The tension didn’t seem to affect Dottie.

I had placed a dog gate in front of the table to make it harder for Candy to hide under it, but she had found the opening. After the Shiloh incident, I ended up putting her bowl on the other side of the gate, with her, so she would be comfortable eating. I figured if she was that stressed, I’d let her stay there for now, as Flower (and Shiloh) are the worst problems, and not her shyness or insecurities.

Egg on Your Face

After Flower ate, she had egg salad on her face, so I got a pet wipe, hoping I could get close enough to clean up her already usually scruffy face. Not a chance.

I followed her into Shih Tzu Central and attempted to gently put the cloth near her face, but she jumped back and forth, eluding me. When I tried to catch her and hold her, she acted like she wanted to nip at me. I gave up, exasperated.

Later, I caught her chewing on the vacuum cleaner knob. I really need to find some nice, hard, plastic toys suitable for dogs with plastic fetishes.

Flower avoided me for a few hours after the egg salad incident, but decided later to come back around. First, she lay down on the carpet in the vicinity of my feet. She visited their corner for a while and then decided it was time to hop up on the couch and see what Dottie and I were up to.

Flower sat there for a while, staring at me while I petted her. When I stopped, she deciding to lie down.

Candy’s Home Under the Table

Candy spent much of the day under the table. When she decided to come out, she grabbed one of the stuffed animals I got the other day off the floor. She initially stopped on the carpet with it, then started to go back to Shih Tzu Central, but instead, ran back under the table with it.

She stayed there for quite a while before deciding to join the others back in their corner.

Usually once or twice in the afternoon, the dogs communicate somehow with each other that it is time to rush out of Shih Tzu Central. Sometimes I know what pushes their buttons, like the Magic Mesh commercial, but today I don’t know what caused it.

I had my small camera next to me and decided to try to catch their antics on video, so I picked it up and hit record. Shiloh got a little carried away and knocked it out of my hand. Oh well. One day I’ll get them on video.

Head Stomping and Hell Raising

Flower usually checks to see where Dottie is on the couch before getting up, but I don’t know why. She still aims her jump at one spot. Today, that spot was where Dottie’s head was. It amazes me how resilient dogs seem to be. Dottie didn’t even flinch.

Flower raised hell again when John got home. Heaven knows what makes her that way. When we went outside to give them their treats, she tore through the garden, jumped up onto the porch, rushed back down, then back up, bumping into things along the way, until she wore herself out. Sigh. And worse, my camera was inside.

The funny thing is that the entire time, John never said a word. He did, however, get up and walk towards her several times, which fired her up even more, until she eventually calmed down.

Poor Dottie didn’t know what to do, so she ran wherever Flower ran, always a little behind. Candy just tried to stay in the background, out of the way.

Shih Tzu Day 13: The Magic Mesh Commercial

Posted on July 12, 2011 by Di Freeze

The Magic Mesh curtain commercial really get these shih tzus going. They leap up and rush in unison out of their pen, expectantly looking around, whenever they hear the dog barking on there. I think they think their doggy friends have come to visit. My guess is they are thinking about Barbara’s dogs, including Zack, the Rottweiler, and the foster Pekingese Peek-a-boo.

Candy decided to join Flower on her couch today.

Candy decided to climb up on Flower’s couch with her today. They looked so cute. I couldn’t get them to look up at the same time for a good picture. I have to figure out how to work my dog whistle so I can get their attention for photo moments. You wouldn’t think it would be so hard, but the directions say I have to fine tune it to their ears while they sleep. I haven’t experimented yet to see if they are on the same “frequency.”

Someone used the training pad I put under the table. Good! I also went in search of a steam vacuum. We never had one while we had Joey, but we needed one. Of course, it was a chore to figure out which I wanted. I started out on the way to Wal-Mart to see if they had a Hoover Steamvac Clean Surge or Silver, but I ended up getting a Bissell Proheat 2X from Costco, because it said it also did hard wood floors. Reviews looked good on both of them.

Flower was interested in the newspaper I bought her just long enough to help me remove the tag.

I went to TJ Maxx while I was out and bought the girls a play newspaper. Flower played with it for a few minutes. I can’t wait until I find the perfect toy that they will like. Joey never played with toys, so I hope they do. Basically, what they like playing with most is just each other or my hand!