Dorra’s New Bed

Dear Andorra Blog Readers,

I can’t believe it’s been more than a month since I last wrote. It’s really not my fault. I don’t have opposable thumbs so I have to wait for Mum to type for me. Just between you and me. Mum’s been kinda preoccupied. I think summer is a busy time. But I’ll do my best to stay on top of Mum so we don’t neglect my blog.

Actually not much as been happening. Life’s been pretty routine. Eat, sleep, poop, pee, nap, walk, treats, repeat. Oh there is one big thing! Mum got me a new dog bed from Costco. She said it was the XL so it should fit me. But I beg to differ.

But eventually Dad got on the dog bed and showed me how it’s done.

(Sorry so blurry. iPhone camera focus was not happy that day.)

And I think I’m getting the hang of it now.

But honestly. Just give me a soft patch of grass and some tummy rubs and I’m a happy girl.

Woof,
Andorra The Dog

Dorra dives for ducks.

Dear Readers,

Mum’s been calling me BAD DOG for the last 4 days. I know I deserve it. But I blame the ducks.

You see. On Thursday, Mum took me to groomers so that I’d look nice and purdy for our family Easter dinner on Sunday. I admit I was a little nervous. It was my first time going to the groomers where Mum and Dad weren’t with me the whole time. But everyone was very nice and I kinda like the hair dry-ing part. And if I do say so myself, I “clean up” well. I’m not a fan of the pink bows though. But Mum loved them so I kept them on to make her happy.

But come on. I’m a white dog. How long did you expect me to stay clean? And if we’re gonna be real here. Mum should take responsibility for 50% fault too. I mean. She’s the one that took me to the Duck Park on Friday. She’s the one that took me off the leash at the duck park that had the pond. She’s the one that couldn’t run fast enough to stop me from jumping into the pond.

[Mum note: How was I suppose to know she'd jump into the pond? Dorra doesn't like water! She never goes close when we go to the beach.]

It probably didn’t help that people walking by were laughing and pointing either. My Mum’s friend, Micah (Chewy’s dad) also got a video on his iPhone. I have a feeling Mum isn’t ready to relive the moment right now. But don’t I look happy in the video? Isn’t that what matters the most? Huh? Huh?

Note to Mum. I’m a herding dog. We herd stuff. I don’t have a flock of sheep so a flock of ducks is gonna have to do. If they go in the water, I go in the water. It’s what good herding dogs do to protect their flock. Unfortunately Mum was not happy. Esp when I refused to come out. But in my defense. The job wasn’t done yet. There was still 1 duck left in the pond. So I stayed in the pond. I think Mum’s just upset that she eventually had to jump in the pond to get me out.

Mum didn’t say much during The Walk of Shame home. I’m not sure what she was more upset about. Dripping from duck poo pond water or having to go back to the groomers and pay again in less than 2 days. Either way I was BAD DOG for the last 4 days. But today she finally called me her Pup Star again. I think that means I’m out of the dog house.

Whew! Now can I take off the stupid pink bows?

Woof,
Andorra The Dog

I’m A Simple Dog.

Dear Readers,

I’m a simple dog. I’m not a material girl.

Mummy bought me one of those HUGE dog beds from Costco. But I wouldn’t even look at it. Mummy even laid on it to show me what it was for but I turned up my nose. I don’t need no stinkin’ dog bed like a prissy little Paris Hilton chihuahua. Next thing you know Mummy will be buying me little doggy jumpsuits. *gag*

I prefer the plushy carpet floor next to Daddy’s side of the bed. All I need is a pillow to rest my head.

Good night sweet prince and princesses.

Woof,
Andorra The Dog

Pyr Happiness

Dear Readers,

Last Saturday, Mummy, Dad and I were invited by my foster mom to the Riverside Humane Society Dog Walk. It was at Fairmount Park to raise money for dog rescues around the area. My rescue, Great Pyrenees Association of Southern California had an information booth and bake sale to raise money. Mummy donated some of her cupcakes to the cause. She even made some cupcakes look like me! Unfortunately she wouldn’t let me eat them. What a tease!

It was a beautiful day in Riverside. Not too hot or too cold. Just right. Fairmount Park is very spacious with alot of grass and a HUGE lake in the middle. There were tons of people with their dogs. There were short ones, tall ones, fat ones, skinny ones, black ones, white ones, brown ones… And alot of dogs too. *snort*

Our booth was really cute. We had water, chocolate chip cookies, cupcakes, dog cookies along with free information brochures to potential adopters.

There was even an artist (not on site) that could draw your dog’s picture and a percentage would be donated to my rescue. How cool is that? I think Mummy is gonna get one done of me. I’m gonna be her Mona Lisa.

Close up of Mummy’s cupcakes. She should have made more of the Pyrenees cupcakes. They sold out so fast!

One of the best things about that day was seeing some of my old rescue friends. It was a little mini reunion. From L-R: Hudson, Violet, Barnaby, Bear, Me and Zeus. You can see that Zeus was getting a little fresh with me.

It was fun meeting everyone’s new family too. From L-R: Tim, Sydni, Cindy, Patty (my foster mom), Craig, Daddy, some lady who snuck into the picture and Carlos. I’m trying to get Bear to notice me but he’s eyeing some dachshund across the way. Whatever!

Remember Bear?? (L) I wrote about him before. He was there! With his new Daddy, Craig. He just got adopted 2 weeks ago. I’m so glad he has a new family. The other dog (R) is Barnaby. He’s still looking for a good home.

But I’m hopeful that Barnaby maybe found a home with that lady in the middle of the picture with Daddy and Craig. She fell in love with him. I don’t blame her. Barnaby is a really sweet boy. I love him like a brother.

This is Violet. She’s my sista from another mutha. Mummy really liked her purple bow. I got kinda jealous b/c I wanted a bow too.

But I know Mummy still loves me bow or no bow.

Daddy gave a grooming demo at our booth. I love being brushed. Right now I’m shedding my winter coat so Daddy got ALOT of fur off of me.

He was gonna throw my fur away but the guy in the next booth asked him if he wanted to learn how to spin it into yard. I guess he was selling alpaca hats and socks so he had a demo spindle there. Daddy did really good but I don’t think he’ll be spinning a pair of socks anytime soon.

All in all. A fun filled day.

I’m glad I got to see some old friends again. I’m even more glad that they have such great homes.

For this reason, I am so happy.

Woof,
Andorra The Dog

Beach Bum

Dear Readers,

Guess what?

NO MORE CONE OF SHAME!

To celebrate, Mum and Dad took me to Dog Beach in Huntington along with neighbors, Jessica+Ian and their dog, Penny, my BDFF (best doggy friend forever).

She’s a 1 year old basset hound. I guess she’s pretty cool. Except when she jumps at my face.

The wind was blowing so hard that it was cold. Even for me!

When we got there I didn’t leave my Dad’s side.

But after a while, the smells were overwhelming and I went off exploring on my own.

Seaweed *sniff sniff*

There were lots of dogs to chase and play with…

… and so much to see.

The ocean was so beautiful.

I had to stop and take it all in.

My dad came and sat down with me (and check the basketball stats on his iPhone).

I won’t lie. This is a sweet life.

The End

Woof,
Andorra The Dog

“I Do Not Like The Cone Of Shame” ~Dug

Dear Readers,

Last Thursday Mum promised me belly rubs, dog parks, treats, walkies etc etc so I jumped in the car without a care in the world. But never in a million years did I think it was a farce. I know what you’re thinking. What about the last time you went to the vet? But you gotta remember something. A dog’s memory span is only about 5 days. It’s obviously a design flaw.

(Source)

When we got to the vet’s office, I immediately started whining. This wasn’t the dog park. And I don’t like the scale. It’s sterile, cold and smells like dogs. I mean. I smell good but other dogs don’t. Usually Mum stays with me but this time she left me. All. Alone. All I remember after that is being very sleepy.

When I woke up Mum was there to pick me up. I was very happy to see her. But still a little groggy from whatever they gave me. So in my excitement to see her and my inability to control my head movements very well, I konked her in the head! Oops! I don’t know much about science but I think 93lbs of G-Force is a pretty good clocking. Serves her right. For leaving me.

I found out later when Mum was talking to Dad, that I got my toofies cleaned. They are pearly white and Dad says I don’t have doggy breath anymore. Does that mean I’m not a dog? *scratching chin with paw* Oh and I guess the xrays say I have something called “hip dysplasia”. Is that bad? All I know is that I have to take some chewable pills every day. It makes walking and running much easier. I feel like a puppy again!

Unfortunately my arms were itchy where they shaved my legs for the catheter. I know I wasn’t suppose to lick them. Mum tried to keep me from licking. I just couldn’t help it. IT ITCHES! I guess I can understand what Mum is talking about when she shaves her legs. Forget that. I like my leg fur.

Mum tried a couple different things to keep me from licking.

But I was too smart.

I pretended to sleep and pulled them off when she wasn’t looking.

Finally Mum took me back to the vet and they gave me The Cone Of Shame.

At first I was unhappy. But then she promised to take me to the dog park. And I got happy again.

I love the dog park.

I guess It’s not so bad right now.

It’s just not very comfy to sleep in.

But it’s worth it b/c Mum kept her promise.

She took me the dog park.

And I made some new friends.

Woof,
Andorra The Dog

Likes and Dislikes + L-U-V

Dear Andorra Fan Club,

I know Mum is a self proclaimed professional blogger and warns me all the time that readers have a small attention span so long blog post and no pictures are a big no-no but what does she know? I have a lot to recap so chew on a doggy biscuit, make sure the water bowl is nearby and get comfortable with your favorite squeaky toy. This is gonna get long. At least there are pictures. See! I listen to Mum. Sometimes.

I’ve been with my Mum and Dad for about 2 months now and I’ve learned a lot living with them. So I am dedicating this blog post to them. Hopefully they will pay special attention to the bath one.

I’m gonna title it: Dog Life Lessons 101.

Dogs Do Not Like…

1. BATHS

Mum and Dad took me to The Doggie Spa in Irvine, CA yesterday. It’s a self service dog grooming place. I bolted for the door when I noticed the bath tubs! Didn’t they listen to my foster mom when she told them that Pyrenees only need 4 baths a year?? That’s 2 baths in 2 months. And they say *I* never listen to them. Sheesh.

Danielle helped Dad get me into the waist high bathtubs using a stair attachment. I tried my darndest to make it hard for them to get me up the stairs. They finally had to pick me up and put me in the tub. That’ll show them! I aint going without a fight! Danielle showed my Mum and Dad how to brush all the mats out of my fur b/c it’s not recommended to bathe a dog if they have matted fur. I didn’t think my fur was that matted. Mum brushes me everyday but I guess Mum kinda babies me when she brushes. She doesn’t get down to the “root” of the problem. It took them (no joke) 2 hours to brush me!

See all the fur my Dad’s holding? That’s not even the half of it! I told you I was all fur. And fur weighs a lot. At least 50 of my 93 lbs. Yeah that’s it. Stop cutting back on the treats, Mum. It’s the fur I tell ya! After they washed and blow dried me, I was pooped. I slept all the way home. The door handle was the perfect chin rest. I hope I don’t have to go back there anytime soon.

2. VETS

Mum and Dad noticed me limping about 3 weeks ago. It was in the middle of the CA rains and they had suspicions that I might have arthritis. My Dad has arthritis and he feels it when the weather+barometric pressure changes. He thought maybe the same was happening to me. My Mum says all the time “Leave it to him to pick the dog with arthritis too.”

So they took me to the vet.

I might look like I’m smiling in this picture but inside I’m VERY mad. I felt betrayed. Mum tricked me! She told me we were going to the Dog Park. How did I end up in a sterilized room with 10 people poking me with needles, thermometers and tongue depressors? What kind of sick “park” is this?? My vet says that she thinks I “might” have arthritis or a torn tendon in my knees but it’s hard to tell without xrays so I’ll be getting xrays this Thursday to be sure. Along with a dental cleaning. Grrrrreat. Save me.

3. MEDICINE

As of right now I’m taking monthly Adequan injections (ouch!) and aspirin for inflammation. I have to admit I’m feeling better. Running is so much easier lately and the limp isn’t as prominent. But still don’t have to like it. *pout*

Dogs Do Like…

1. RAIN WATER

CA is back to it’s beautiful 75-80F temperatures but a couple weeks ago we were getting record breaking rain. I’m not sure Mum and Dad liked the rain much since I still insisted on going for my morning and afternoon walks come rain or shine. But I love the rain!

Rainwater is like Sparkletts to dogs. You humans like a slice of lemon. We like grass flavored water.

2. KONG FILLED WITH PEANUT BUTTER

Frozen peanut butter.

Enough said. *Slurp*

3. RAW HIDES

Mum says they are good for my teeth. But I say they are quite tasty. *Nom nom nom*

Warning to all other dogs at the park. I. DON’T. SHARE.

————————————-

One more thing before I say goodbye. I’m in LUV.

His name is Rocco. And he’s 150lbs of furry hunka hunka burning love. *swoon*

Don’t get any ideas, bitches. (Yeah I’m talking to you too, Mum.)

HE’S MINE.

Woof,
Andorra The Dog

I’m Famous! (sorta)

Dear Andorra Fan Club,

Ok I’m not “really” famous but my friend, Chewy’s, dad made a slideshow of all my doggy friends that meet at the park every morning and put it on YouTube. Check it out! You can see me and my Mum around 54-60 secs in. Mum thinks she looks gross though. So just look at me. I’m prettier anyways.

Speaking of being famous!

I totally forgot to remind you all to VOTE FOR ME for Bissell spokesdog. Tomorrow’s the last day and I’ve only got 9 votes. *sad puppy dog face* Tell your friends, post it on your facebook, tweet about it. Please please please… with a greenie on top.

Woof,
Andorra The Dog

Vote me MVP!

Dear Readers,

I know Mum and Dad have been watching the news about Haiti lately. I understand why Mum’s been trying to organize a bake sale with Dad and his students with all the proceeds going to the Haiti Relief Fund. She feels this overwhelming duty to help. But I can’t bake! You know. Lack of opposable thumbs and all. But it got me thinking a lot about my old rescue. I too feel that there’s something I should do to help Snowball and all my Pyr friends. But what? All I have is my beautiful face and gorgeous white fur. *light bulb*

I could be the next Bissell MVP dog!

(click the logo for more info)

Grand prize:
* Your pet’s photo on a BISSELL box
* $10,000 donation to the pet charity of your choice
* BISSELL pet vacuum or deep cleaner
* $500 “Perfect for you and your pet” shopping spree

See that prize? $10,000 to the pet charity of your choice. Wow! That’s a lot of bones! Heck even the First and Second place prizes would be awesome too! I know my friends at The Great Pyrenees Rescue could really use that money. And of course I don’t get any joy about being Bissell’s new spokesdog. Oh who am I kidding!?! That would be amazeballs. (Am I allow to say balls on here?)

Please vote for me! Voting won’t start for my round until January 29th but don’t worry I’ll come back to remind you. Feel free to leave me a comment on my picture in the mean time though. Even though you do have to set up a login account to vote, I hope you’ll do it. It’s for a great cause. I’m one of the lucky ones but this ex-rescue dog would really appreciate your vote for all her friends that don’t get a vote.

Woof,
Andorra The Dog

Great Pyrenees Rescue Needs Your Help!

Dear Readers,

I miss my friends at Great Pyrenees Rescue but I love my new Mum and Dad. I wish my friends could find good homes like me. See that dog in the article below. His name is Snowball. He’s an old pal of mine. I just know he’d love being in your home. I promise us Pyr dogs don’t need much.

Just 2 squares a day, LOTS OF PETS, moderate exercise, brushing (I love being brushed!) and LOTS OF LOVE. Alright fine. Mum says I have to mention one more thing. I guessss occasionally a bath or two.

Mum says she wishes she could adopt a friend for me but our townhouse is too small for two… ahem… big-boned dogs. But give her time. I bet she could convince Dad otherwise. Can you open up your home to Snowball? I know you won’t regret it. And hopefully if you’re close by I can stop by with my Mum for a playdate.

For more information, please visit greatpyrrescue.org or call (909) 887-8201.

(Article via the OC Register)

Woof,
Andorra The Dog