The Short Tail

Nicknames

2008-05-21T21:56:00.002-04:00

I seem to have collected many nicknames since coming to live with my human B. Here's the list of the top 10:

1. Molly Dog
2. Pooper
3. Poopa-doopa
4. Old girl
5. Molly girl
6. The leaner
7. Pointy
8. Stealth puppy
9. Pretty
10. Crazy dog

Spring has sprung!

2008-05-21T21:49:00.003-04:00

Hello, humans! Yes, I've been terribly remiss with my blogging since February. B. has been remodeling our home. There's a brand new kitchen with white everything - cabinets, appliances, and tile floor. Needless to say, I get it quite messy and she mops it more than once every few months. Every surface has been painted bone white. I rather like the color.

I've spent a lot of time at the grand humans while the work was being done. Now, I'm back at home on a more regular basis. B. finally did some major cleaning the other day and all of the furniture and stuff is back in its place. I like the new look - but it was very involved. All my peeps yelled at me while they were painting and I still managed to get a bit on the fur.

A girl can only hear "No, Molly!" so many times.

Uno the supreme beagle

2008-02-16T10:06:00.003-05:00

Of course Uno the Beagle was destined to win Best in Show 2008 at the Westminster Dog Show. His name says it all in Italian and Spanish. Numero Uno! He is the one!

When all of the other dogs were getting primped and preened, he simply went for a walk around the streets of Manhattan. This is my kind of dog! Fortunately, he wasn't named DUE!

Friday evening at the dog park

2008-02-16T10:05:00.000-05:00

B. took me to the dog park this evening. I was so excited when I jumped out of the car I nearly pulled her over. She let me in the double gates and I did a few laps around the perimeter. New mulch must have delivered this week. There's a sign incouraging the humans to get it spread all over. Nothing like DC government efficiency!

While there were no dogs or humans at 5:30 p.m., there were lots of good smells. Maybe everyone headed out of town for the holiday weekend. I settled on the bench next to B. She talked on her cell phone and I watched the world go by at dusk.

Blowing in the wind

2008-02-11T21:38:00.001-05:00

Did you go outside yesterday? It was cold. No, it was F-R-E-E-Z-I-N-G!!! And, windy. When nature called last night, I had no other option than to brave the elements. B. got my leash on, took me to the elevator, down 6 floors, and out via the loading dock. She forgot my coat!

I walked around the corner of the building to my usual stomping grounds. But, it was too gusty to get down to business. My efforts were thwarted by the cold, Artic wind for 10 minutes. I would brace myself, get into position, and then a gust of wind would hit.

Finally, B. was tired of my pulling here and there. She took a stand and wouldn't move. I squatted, did my business, kicked some dirt, and ran back inside.

Super Tuesday...

2008-02-05T20:17:00.001-05:00

Makes me tired! Go Barack!

Puppy Bowl IV

2008-02-05T20:06:00.000-05:00

Did anyone watch Puppy Bowl IV on Sunday? My human doesn't have cable television, so no Animal Planet for me! We didn't even watch the Super Bowl. Not my choice.

Did you see Snowden, the Pointer / American Staffordshire Terrier mix? Part of the Starting Line-Up! Of course, they don't heavily recruit Pointers as we're more likely to hang with the human referees than chase a silly ball.

Welcome back!

2008-02-05T20:01:00.000-05:00

Yes, I know, I haven't been blogging much of late. I have a life, you know! When last I left you, devoted reader, I was headed to my grand-humans for the week. Well, seven days turned in 13! The contractors needed a bit more time to finish the bathroom. I had a lovely time. I do love the old man and the Food Lady.

I've been busy since returning home. Hanging with B. She's planning the next item to be updated in our condo. I heard something about a kitchen. As long as I kept getting two squares a day, I'll be happy. She has found time to take me to the dog park a few times. Shout out to Reina and Gail! I even saw a lovely rainbow yesterday morning during my walk. Perfect arc over Massachusetts Avenue.

Doggie spa

2008-01-13T21:19:00.000-05:00

My human has just dropped me off at her parents' home for the week. I call it the doggie spa, or my home away from home. Usually, B takes me out there if she's going on vacation. This week she's having tile work done to our bathtub. I'm doted upon by my grand-humans (except during the holidays when my cousins hogged all of the attention!).

My day is full of treats, long walks, car rides, sitting next to the Old Man's chair while he pets me, and lounging on their bed. The Food Lady gives me slices of apple and strawberries in the morning and peanut butter biscuits in the afternoon (thus, the nickname). Dinner may include a bit of tuna with my kibble.

After 8 p.m. I can be found curled up on their bed. I know to stay on the sheet that the Food Lady lays out for me. She comes up and watches television while I doze off. Bed-time comes quickly and I grudgingly return to my crate to spend the night. I miss B's bed!

The dingo ate my baby

2008-01-06T21:45:00.000-05:00

I survived the holidays with my human family. It was not easy - trust me! "No Molly!" was their constant refrain. Ok, so everyone was a bit concerned how I would interact to the newest members of our family. I have new twin human cousins - Sam and Miranda. They are 4 months old.

My uncle was fearful that I might harm the babies. I even heard B admit one night over dinner to a bit of anxiety about my reaction. Come on people - what do you take me for?! I was great! I was phenomenal! I never licked the babies, only smelled them. I sat patiently while they were fed and burped and soothed. I took refuge in a quiet corner when they cried - and they cried a lot!

I wasn't completely ignored. My grand-humans took care of me. The lady fed me and the old man walked me and took me for daily car rides. The babies left and I had one night of peace and complete attention. But, I do miss them.

Christmas loot

2008-01-06T21:43:00.000-05:00

Santa brought me a new bed, some biscuits, 2 tennis balls, and a hedge hog that squeaks. I shall call her Hedgie.

Happy Holidays!

2007-12-19T21:25:00.000-05:00

Wishing everyone the most wonderful of holidays!

May you have lots of treats

and trips to the dog park in the new year!

Molly the dog and B. the human!

xmas list

2007-12-19T21:02:00.000-05:00

Dear Santa,

Could you bring me a new Hide a Squirrel plush toy? The one that I received last year has been well loved. 2 of the 3 squirrels have ummm left the nest and the tree stump has seen better days.

I would also like a new pad for my crate. The old one gave out last month. The plush Ollydog pad is very comfortable and fashionable! I think they should have called the company Mollydog. Size? XL. Color? Blue & brown, please.

I promise to not to pull during my walks and obey my human B whenever she says "No, Molly!". Merry Christmas!

Molly the dog

p.s. Could I also have some bones and raw-hide chews?

Pearly Whites

2007-12-07T19:38:00.000-05:00

Kiss that tarter good-bye said the vet! I survived my trip to the dentist yesterday. It began early in the morning. B. woke up at 6:30 a.m., got dressed, and put my coat on before we left the house. It was cold! 23 degrees. The car door took a while to open due to the ice. I jumped right into the front seat and shivered while the windows were scraped. B. tried to get me in the backseat, but I wouldn't budge.

Once we arrived, B. filled out the paperwork and I scoured the floor for treats. She forgot to give me my breakfast! They put me in a kennel next to Molly the boxer puppy in the back room. B. disappeared for hours while the vet worked on my teeth. They found more bird shot lodged in my gum, but more about that at another time.

I was still wobbly from the anesthetic when B. arrived at 5:00 p.m. I sat in the backseat on the drive home. She had to lift me out of the car as I was unsure of my footing. My dinner consisted of some scrambled eggs and antibiotics. When I finished, I jumped up on the sofa and slept the rest of the evening.

Now, we just have to remind B. to brush my teeth on a regular basis.

Let it snow!

2007-12-05T21:36:00.000-05:00

Um, short, stubby tail is NOT wagging!

Two front teeth!

2007-12-05T21:18:00.000-05:00

Dental care is crucial for canine and human alike. I'm not sure that I've ever been to the dentist - they put you under, so how would I remember! My human has not been very consistent about brushing my teeth and the tartar is building up. There's also the issue of a broken tooth.

B. (my human) finally got her act together and made an appointment a few weeks ago. For tomorrow morning! That means I don't get any treats after 10 p.m. tonight. Not that B. gives into my late snack urges.

Of course it snowed today. The temperature is dropping into the 20s. The drive to the vets will be cold and slippery in the morning. We have to be there by 7:15 a.m. They'll test my blood, put me under, and clean my pearly whites.

B. will pick me up after work and I better get a treat!

Pointers for dressing up

2007-12-02T10:44:00.000-05:00

My tastes are rather simple. I'm from Arkansas after all and usually don't wear more than a scruffy old collar. Ummm, B., x-mas is coming!

Here are some Pointers for finding puppy couture from some of my human's favorite DC-area stores. Of course, most items are geared toward the small dog!

Brooks Brothers: Tiny sweaters and collars.
Burberry: Love the check sweater!
Coach: I think I'd like a puppy doll!
J. Crew — Crewmutts: Preppy sweaters and plaid collars, leashes, and bedding.
Old Navy Dog Supply: For the everyday dog.
Target Dog Apparrel: How about a cocktail dress for your holiday parties at the dog park?

Don't you want one?

2007-12-01T19:29:00.000-05:00

Melissa & Doug's Plush German Shorthaired Pointer

A Pug's Life

2007-12-01T18:26:00.000-05:00

I was almost a Pug! My human B. originally wanted a little black and tan creature. One of her favorite books as a child was Eloise by Kay Thompson. Eloise lived with her Pug Weenie at the Plaza Hotel. What a life!

Admittedly, Pugs are ideal for urban apartment dwellers like my human. They're small, don't eat much, and need far less exercise. You can carry them everywhere and dress them up. Honestly, I think they're big dogs trapped in a toy dogs body! I like 'em.

How did B. go from a Pug to a Pointer? Friends with Pointers. They told her "Oh no! You can't get a Pug!" They told her that German Shorthaired Pointers are "friendly, intelligent, and willing to please." And the American Kennel Club backed them up!

They were right. She discovered that we are big and need a lot of exercise! We run everywhere and you can't dress us up in teeny tiny outfits. I walk B. every morning and take her to the dog park most evenings (unless it's cold!).

Some mornings I think B. wishes she had a virtual Pug.

Pup-accino

2007-11-26T22:39:00.000-05:00

I love steamed milk!

Rescue me

2007-11-26T21:56:00.001-05:00

My human stopped by the park on Saturday evening to let me play a bit. When we arrived, there was a new dog. A beautiful doberman who had been rescued the previous week.

The dog was not happy when two more dogs arrived. She began barking incessantly and the turf war was over before it began. The Dobbie was quickly ushered out of the dog park by her human who muttered about "people not controlling their dogs." It wasn't a fair assessment of the situation.

Rescue dogs need to be socialized. We usually don't have a clue how to act around "normal" dogs. We've likely been kicked around by the humans that were suppose to care for us. We never exercised enough, so we picked fights with any dog. We're defensive and need time to learn to be comfortable in our fur. Basically, you pick us up from the foster home or the rescue and we are RAW! RAW! RAW! RAW!

I was rescued 2 years ago tomorrow. My human and I found the dog park quickly. It's become our backyard. I had no clue how to behave around happy, secure dogs. I would avoid them or stand as still as possible during the sniff test. Slowly, over many months, I learned to trust the other dogs and eventually play their Fido games.

All of the doggie moms and dads talked to my human. Told her stories about their dogs' issues. She was reminded time and again that dogs are like 6 year-old children. Everything will be fine one minute and the next someone is crying.

So if you rescue a dog, find a dog park and take Fido as often as possible. Fido will learn to be a happy, socialized puppy over time. You, dear human, will make great friends full of invaluable advise about dogs and life. There may be some fighting and barking, but there will be a lot more chasing and tail wagging.

Hello Blogosphere!

2007-11-18T22:08:00.000-05:00

Well, this is pretty cool. I, Molly the dog, have a gmail account and a blog! Pretty cool, eh? I'm originally from Arkansas where I was a working dog. After retiring from a life of hunting, I made my way to the mid-Atlantic via Knoxville, Tennessee. I arrived in DC in November 2005. My human found me on the Mid-Atlantic German Shorthaired Pointer Rescue Group. She never had a dog before, so I had to teach her quite a bit!

Why blog, you ask? I have time on my paws while my human is at work. I might review dog stuff, dog boutiques in DC, VA, and MD, and explore dog parks in the area. My favorite dog park is at the Guy Mason Recreation Center in Glover Park. So, stay tuned for my adventures.