Why is My Dog Straining on her Lead?
Victoria Stilwell from ‘It’s Me or the Dog’
Contrary to popular (but flawed) belief, dogs do not pull on the lead while being walked because they want to be pack leader, top dog, Alpha or be dominant over their human. There is a much simpler explanation that does not give credence to some people’s paranoia that dogs are on a quest for world domination! Dogs love to be outside and the walk is a stimulating and exciting part of their day so the desire to push ahead is very strong. Humans do not make ideal walking partners since a dog’s natural and comfortable walking pace is much faster than ours. Having to walk calmly by a person’s side when the only thing a dog really wants to do is run and investigate his environment, requires a degree of impulse control which can be very difficult for some dogs to utilize. A lead, though vital for safety, can also be frustrating as being ‘tied’ to a person essentially stops a dog’s ability to act naturally. That being said, all dogs need to be taught how to walk on a lead in a positive way without pain or discomfort so that a walk becomes enjoyable for everyone.

If you are overpowered by your dog’s pulling and cannot start the teaching process for fear of being pulled over, then there are humane equipment solutions to help modify the pulling while you teach your dog to walk appropriately. A chest-led harness is a perfect training aid as it takes pressure off a dog’s sensitive neck by distributing the pressure more evenly around the body. When the lead is attached to a ring located on the chest strap and your dog pulls, the harness will turn his body around rather than allowing him to go forward. I recommend this kind of harness for anyone who needs extra help as safety has to come first. (EZ Walk Harness)

Lead pulling is often successful for the dog because the person inadvertently reinforces the pulling by allowing their dog to get to where he wants to go when he pulls. But you can change this picture by changing the consequence for your dog. When he pulls, immediately stop and stand completely still until the lead relaxes, either by your dog taking a step back or turning around to give you focus. When the lead is nicely relaxed, proceed on your walk. Repeat this as necessary. If you find this technique too slow you can try the reverse direction method. When your dog pulls, issue a let’s go cue, turn away from him and walk off in the other direction, without jerking on the lead. You can avoid yanking by motivating your dog to follow you with an excited voice to get his attention. When he is following you and the lead is relaxed, turn back and continue on your way. It might take a few turns but your vocal cues and body language will be clear: pulling will not be reinforced with forward movement, but walking calmly by your side or even slightly in front of you on a loose lead will allow your dog to get to where he wants to go. You can also reinforce your dog’s decision to walk close to you by giving him a motivating reward when he is by your side.

Once your dog is listening to you more, you can vary the picture even more by becoming unpredictable yourself. This means your dog has to listen to you at all times because he never knows when you are going to turn or where you are going to go next. Instead of turning away from him when you give the let’s go cue, reverse direction by turning towards him. You can turn in a circle or do a figure of eight. Any of these variations will get your dog’s attention. Do not forget to praise him for complying because the better you make him feel walking close to you, the more he will chose to do so.

Lead lunging /reactivity and/or aggressive response are all behaviours that are exacerbated by a dog feeling restrained, frustrated and uncomfortable in a social situation. In normal circumstances, an unleashed dog would be able to put sufficient distance between him and a fear source. But if the same dog is leashed and unable to increase distance, he will react or behave defensively in the hope that the fear source will go away. If his behaviour is validated by success and distance is increased, he is likely to react in the same manner again when faced with a similar stimulus. Walking a lead lunger is not a pleasant experience and the anticipation of a problem tends to cause human tension which is transmitted down the lead to the dog, effectively making the lunging behaviour worse. Dog and owner are then locked in a viscous cycle of tension and lead lunging that becomes hard to change. You can stop the fearful lunger by first identifying the cause of his discomfort and then working to desensitize him to the stimulus that makes him uncomfortable while conditioning him to see that the stimulus is no longer cause for concern. Dogs that are social but lunge on a lead because of frustration have to be taught that lunging achieves nothing, while calm behaviour results in the dog being able to greet. If you have a social, yet frustrated dog, simply turn and walk him away from the source until he is calm and only allow him to greet only when the lead is loose.

Do not punish a dog that lunges on the lead for any reason, especially if the cause of the behaviour is insecurity, which is the case for most dogs. Put the emphasis on giving your dog something else to do in that moment instead of using punishment, which will help him be more comfortable in the situation. Punishment makes lead lunging behaviour worse and a dog more insecure because the dog begins to associate the punishment with the stimulus that it fears. For example, if your dog does not like other dogs and is punished for reacting badly each time he sees another dog, the visual of the dog will then be associated with the fear or pain of the punishment. Therefore in the dog’s mind, seeing a dog means unpleasant things happen to him, which promotes a really negative association: approaching dogs equal pain or fear. By using positive reinforcement techniques you can actually change the way your dog feels about a certain situation for the better and therefore change his emotional and behavioural response. For example, when your dog sees another dog in the distance and is curious but not yet uncomfortable, bring out his favourite toy or food and play with him or feed him. The toys or food you use have to be of the highest value and only used when doing this teaching around other dogs. Playing or feeding your dog will help him to not only focus on something else when he is in the proximity of another dog, but the pleasure he gets playing or eating will change the way he perceives the outcome of that dog’s presence. Now he is associating the sight of another dog with positive things happening to him that make him feel good. This is the key to changing the way a dog feels. Remember punishment serves to suppress behaviour at that moment, but does not help to change the way a dog feels emotionally, while using these positive techniques will have longer lasting success.

Desensitizing your dog to a perceived threat, i.e. an approaching dog, may happen very quickly or might take time, but every dog is different and it is important to go at your dog’s pace. To teach your dog to be comfortable with other dogs passing by, start by having a friend or trainer bring their calm, non-reactive dog to help you. Begin the training by having them stand at a distance where your dog is comfortable and can focus on other things. Play a game your dog enjoys, give him his favourite toy or feed him some delicious food. If your dog shows no signs of discomfort ask your helper to bring their dog a little closer. Continue to play or feed your dog and give plenty of praise. If at any time your dog reacts negatively, simply turn around and walk away from the situation until he calms down enough to play again or accept food. If this is not the case, move the helper dog back to a distance where your dog can relax and repeat the process. It might take time depending on your dog’s level of discomfort, but do not give up, as this training technique has an impressive success rate. Stay calm and relaxed yourself throughout the process and gradually work up to the point where the other dog is able to walk past as your dog focuses on you or stays calmly by your side.
When you get to the point where you can walk past other dogs with no reaction at all your dog might be ready to experience his first greeting. I never allow unconfident dogs to greet face to face to begin with as it can be too much pressure, so practice following the other dog or walking parallel with each other until both dogs are comfortable. If your dog is relaxed then you can both walk in an arc towards each other, have your dogs greet for a few seconds face to face and then happily draw them away from each other, rewarding them for making this huge step.
When it is appropriate, try going for regular walks with your dog’s new friend and begin adding other dogs to the mix until you can get a regular walking group together. Simply experiencing the joys of a walk with other dogs will help your dog feel more comfortable around them.

Some lead lungers need a security blanket when they walk. These act rather like a pacifier or children’s dummy. These dogs find it really comforting to carry something that they love in their mouth for all or part of the walk, keeping them relaxed in the environment. A beloved toy might be all you need to help your dog relax.

Whether your dog is pulling on the leash because he has not been taught to walk appropriately or is lunging because he is frustrated or insecure, there are many effective ways to change his behaviour without relying on punitive techniques to do it. The secret of this training is patience and understanding your dog’s experience. Observe your dog as he walks and never miss a chance to give positive feedback if he does something that you like. For example, if your lead lunger now makes a decision to look at you, sniff the ground, turn his back, sit or lie down, or offer any other behaviour other than lunging at the other dog walking by, reward that choice and make him feel good about making the right decision. He will make it again the next time he is in a similar situation.

The Rover Reporter
I have a sensitive tummy. My Mom says I do not process fat in food well. She cooks white meat chicken breast for me and combines it with SoJos (vegetable and fruit mix carried at both Crates) and NOW (grain free, 100% meat) for my meals. Guessing you are reading this thinking, ‘she is so wonderful cooking for her dog’ but truthfully I have to wait longer while she cooks and who wouldn’t like some Purina or even a pizza crust once and awhile.
When the Red Sox truck leaves for spring training I can start counting the days ’til I go to the beach! Last summer one of our guests left a bag of dog food within jumping reach and I was able to eat almost the whole thing! OK, that’s a nice thought to nap about!

Later, Ernestine

How to Read a Dog Food Label
The label on a bag, can or pouch of dog food carries a lot of information- if you know how to read it. Most labels carry a display panel and an information panel. The display panel lists the brand name, the dry weight, and the variety or flavor name- and that’s where the language becomes tricky. Consider a beef based food:
FLAVOR NAME vs. MINIMUM REAL BEEF CONTENT
When the label says: Beef or Beef Food, the amount of beef is 70%
When the label says: Beef Dinner, Beef Entree, Beef Formula, you actually get 25%
When the label says: Dog Food with Beef you will get 3%
When the label says: Beef Flavor. you will only get marginally detectable flavor.

The FDA requires that the information panel have two sections: the list of ingredients and the guaranteed analysis. The list of ingredients is arranged in descending order of dry weight. Most vets recomment that meat be one of the first three ingredients in dry food and the first one in canned food. The guaranteed analysis section lists the minimum amounts of protein and fat and the maximum amounts of fiber and moisture in the food. A medium size adult dog requires a diet consisting of at least 18% protein and 5% fat.

Are Dogs Carnivores… or Omnivores?
Are dogs carnivores… or omnivores? There is a great debate going on. When it comes to choosing a top dog food, it is important to know the answer to that question.
If you’ve heard that dogs are indifferent omnivores with no natural preferences… or that they’re strict carnivores with a built-in aversion to eating fruits and vegetables, it goes against scientific evidence which points to the fact that dogs have a natural and undeniable carnivorous bias.
From DNA studies, we know dogs evolved directly from the timber wolf somewhere around 15,000 years ago. And wolves are clearly carnivores. So, by their very genetic pedigree, dogs also demonstrate similar and noticeable carnivorous traits. Their teeth, their digestive systems and their behavior clearly confirm this fact.
Dogs must also be recognized for their significant omnivorous ability. After all, they do have the ability to eat a remarkably diverse diet. But it’s inappropriate to ignore the fact their bodies are optimized for eating meat.
Dogs don’t Grind… They Chop
For comparison, think about a typical herbivore. A dairy cow. Now, picture the way they “chew their cud”. Cows chew widely from side-to-side. And they have broad, flat back teeth. And flat teeth are ideal for grinding grains and plant material into finer particles. True omnivores (like humans) share this same combination of boxy back teeth and sideways grinding motion common to herbivores. Think of your own mouth and how you chew.
Dogs, on the other hand, don’t have flat teeth. Like all carnivores, they have narrow pointy back teeth. Plus dogs can’t chew from side-to-side. Their jaws can only move in an up-and-down, chop-chop motion. It’s the perfect combination for cutting meat into smaller chunks.
Why Dogs Don’t Do Carbohydrates Very Well
Herbivores and omnivores usually have one powerful digestive weapon carnivores usually lack… Salivary amylase. Amylase is a special enzyme, plant-eating animals produce in their saliva. It’s a critical enzyme needed to initiate the break down of starchy carbohydrates before they enter the stomach. Meat-eating animals also produce amylase. But the enzyme is produced further down the digestive tract (in the small intestine). Without amylase, a carnivore’s carbohydrate digestion is decidedly more difficult.
Digestive anatomy reveals the truth.

Our Beautiful Rover Reporter
I must be serious and tell you about the coyotes in my yard. We have seen a lot more than usual and they are coming closer to the house. With out little chihuahua, Sunny, we need to be really careful. Not that I, all 23 lbs of me, am not in danger too. My Mom told me it is coyote mating season. I am sure you know how much more prevalent coyotes have been in suburbia and even urban areas; they are everywhere! February and March are the times we need to be really careful. Male coyotes travel up to 55 miles a day looking for a mate. To do that they need extra food. Then, when females are pregnant they need extra food during the pregnancy and afterwards to feed the pups. Small animals are obvious prey.
Invisible fences will not do the trick; an old fashioned fence is better. Not that coyotes won’t climb fences, but it is a deterrent. Coyotes are smart and spend time watching backyards where there are pets. They can become familiar with your schedule and visit at specific times when you let your dog out.
So! Be extra careful for the next 8-10 weeks. As coyotes become more comfortable among us, they can become more dangerous to us and our pets.

Thanks! Enjoy your football this weekend!
(And, HOORAY, the blue ball is still in the driveway!)

Later, Ernestine

For the Love of Dogs Rescue
Many of you are aware of the dog foster program we started in spring, 2011. We successfully placed 3 dogs; Stephanie and Bradley (owners) had fostered and found homes for 4 dogs prior to that. We are working on expanding and formalizing our efforts and we officially named the program, ‘For the Love of Dogs. Lots of paperwork initially; we will keep you up to date!
Along those same lines, we have connected with Best Friends Animal Society. Physically located in Utah, they are the largest animal sanctuary in the USA. They have created many related organizations and put together nationwide groups advocating spay/neuter and anti-breed discrimination. We will be an official member of their ‘No More Homeless Pets’ program as soon as we get our nonprofit status.
There are efforts all across the US to address issues of animal cruelty. The large strides have successfully affected both Ohio and Dade County, Miami.

Not the Red Sox, but a Great Story!
Major League Baseball pitcher Mark Buehrle is in rare company when it comes to his baseball skills. He is one of only 20 pitchers to throw a perfect game in the 135-year history of professional baseball. He shares this spotlight with greats like Cy Young, Sandy Koufax and Catfish Hunter. Buehrle is not so esteemed, however, when it comes to how he and his family’s pet, a pit bull terrier, are treated by Miami-Dade County where the family recently attempted to move after Buehrle signed with the Miami Marlins team. In Miami-Dade, Buehrle is persona non grata as long as one of his pets of choice is a happy, friendly dog named Slater (pictured below with Buehrle’s children and three other dogs) who falls under the county’s ban on pit bull terriers.

Buehrle, who had to move with his wife, Jamie (a Best Friends spokesperson), children, and four dogs to a development in south Broward County, was prepared to blow off the four-year, $58 million contract if he was unable to find alternative housing in the area that would accept his dog. It sounds like he had his priorities right to me.

Florida state law prohibits breed-discriminatory legislation, but an archaic wrinkle in the state law gives Miami-Dade an exemption from the ban. However, help is on the way in the form of House Bill 997/Senate Bill 1322, a bill spearheaded by Best Friends Animal Society that will repeal the Miami-Dade breed ban that costs the lives of close to 1,000 innocent dogs per year.

In addition to Best Friends, many national organizations, including the American Veterinary Medical Association and the National Animal Control Association, oppose the enactment of breed-discriminatory laws. The Platte Institute, a conservative think tank in Nebraska, has also declared that laws targeting specific dog breeds are a waste of tax dollars.

Breed bans cost lives and money and don’t make communities safer because they don’t target dangerous dogs. They target the way a dog looks based on myth and misinformation. Progressive laws favored by Best friends and other national animal welfare organizations target dangerous dogs and irresponsible owners and result in safer communities.

Best Friends Animal Society Ohio Bill over First Hurdle to History
Posted: 12 Jan 2012 10:26 AM PST
Ohio House Bill 14 has been in the works for a long time, but the landmark legislation that will bring an end to Ohio’s dubious distinction as the only state in the Union with a statewide breed-discriminatory law against pit-bull-type dogs is almost the law of the land in the Buckeye State. HB 14 passed out of Senate committee on January 10 and is on its way to the full Ohio Senate for a vote
Under current Ohio law, pit bull puppies are deemed to be vicious dogs as soon as they are born.
The Ohio law is notoriously unjust, but help is on the way. The Ohio Coalition of Dog Advocates and Best Friends are spearheading the campaign to pass Ohio HB 14, which would repeal the only statewide breed-discriminatory law in the nation.
It’s actually a lot worse than that. The irony of all such breed-specific legislation is that it is anything but specific. In Ohio, as elsewhere, the breed of your dog is not determined by her genetic heritage, but by the opinion of a dogcatcher — and that’s scary. In a recent study of shelter workers’ ability to accurately identify breeds of dogs visually matched against a DNA test, shelter workers failed miserably, with a score of 25 out of 100. Any dog that a dog warden (Ohio lingo for an animal control officer) decides upon a visual inspection could be a pit mix — that is to say, anything with a blocky head and a short coat, like maybe a boxer/Lab mix — can be declared a vicious dog and easily end up on the wrong end of a needle. Breed specific?
The Ohio law requires owners to purchase liability coverage and maintain locked fenced yards or keep their pit bull or pit-bull-looking dog confined in a locked pen. Owners may take them off their property on a leash only if it is six feet or shorter and the dog is controlled by a person of suitable age and size. This law has led to the deaths of thousands of family pets.

Our Rover Reporter
I am very tired from watching the Pat’s game last night. Really, I was watching the people in the room. It must have been good stuff because they were CRAZY! My Mom doesn’t want to talk about the elections, so I won’t either. I can still play with my blue ball in the driveway…. sigh. Happy and content.

not THAT content!! Later, Ernestine

Crate Escape Adoption/ Foster Program
Our track record thus far has been great, working with SCBR rescue organization in Maine, to find foster and adoptive homes for strays and surrendered dogs. Each time a dog is adopted, we get stronger in our conviction and dedication to help the homeless. TO DO THIS WE NEED FOSTER HOMES! Please, please, please consider taking in a dog. Most fosters are only for a month or two. Foster parents make an enormous difference in the number of animals euthanized each year, because shelters don’t have space for them. It is important, valuable work and, best of all it saves lives! Check in with Nikki or Barb (barbara@crate-escape.com) for more info and to sign up! Here are the rescue dogs we have placed in homes:

Tips for Outside Walks and Romps this Winter
IN ADDITION TO DAYCARE!! Short winter walks or trips to a dog park can be a great way to let your dog burn off some of that pent-up energy from being inside (when he’s not at daycare!) during the cold months. But the temperature and snow, among other things, can pose hazards to your pup.

Here are some tips for keeping your dog safe.
1. Consider the following: Senior dogs, dogs with arthritis, dogs with short fur and puppies can be especially sensitive to the cold weather.
2. Bundle up. Dress your dog in a warm coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck (check out Crate Escape too for some great selections! We have ‘Chilly Dog’ sweaters, beautifully knit and Fair Trade! And, Teckelclub trench coats, lined with fleece; a best seller over the years!) The jacket or sweater should cover her back from the base of her tail and also protect her belly. Dog booties can protect paws from ice and salt — get your dog used to them indoors first.
3. Know the signs of frostbite and hypothermia. The risk of these conditions is especially high when the temperature dips below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Frostbite typically affects poorly insulated body parts such as the tips of the ears and is evidenced by skin that is pale or red, swollen and painful or numb. Signs of hypothermia include slow pulse, shallow breathing, disorientation, collapse and unconsciousness. If you think your dog has either, call your vet immediately!
4. Keep your dog on leash, or stick to fenced in areas. More dogs are lost during the winter than any other season, possibly because dogs can lose your scent in snow or ice and become lost if they can’t see you.
5. Avoid salt. Stick to dry or snow-covered areas where road salt has not been used to melt ice. Not only can it hurt your dog’s paws, many varieties contain harmful chemicals that can cause stomach upset and even death if ingested when your dog licks his paws.
6. Trim your dog’s paws. If your dog has furry feet, ask your groomer to “scoop” the pads — trim the hair that grows between your dog’s toes and under his feet — during the winter to prevent ice buildup between the paw pads.
7. Play fetch with toys, not sticks. Sticks — so plentiful in winter — can cause choking and severe injuries. So if your dog likes to chew and chase, pack a Frisbee, tennis ball or other toy.
8. Watch out for bad play. Pay attention as your dog plays with other dogs to make sure that play has not turned aggressive. Trust your instincts and leave if the play gets too hard.
9. Wipe your dog off as you get home. Balls of ice can form between your dog’s toes, and antifreeze, salt and other chemicals can stick to his paws and upset his stomach — or worse — when he licks them. Thoroughly wipe down your dog’s belly, legs and feet as soon you come home — and while you’re at it, check for issues such as dry and cracked paw pads.

Please join us…
in wishing Ursa,

Rest in Peace. She died on December 10th after a long fight with Cushings/ Addison disease, and ultimate kidney failure. Our hearts and well wishes go to her family and everyone at Crate who loved her.

Hohoho, It’s Ernestine
I know, I know, I haven’t been the best ‘Roving Reporter’ this fall. But this weekend I have a REAL excuse! My cousins, Issy and Ella, and my Aunt Heidi are visiting us! Too bad the girls are old enough, so they don’t drop as many crumbs… but they are the most committed, rescuey, dedicated dog lovers. Needless to say that they LOVE me! There is nothing more important!!

Ella, Emmitt ERNESTINE

Christmas 2011, Emmitt and ERNESTINE

Have you ever wondered what is on your dog’s mind?
You might be surprised to learn that how you interact with your dog is confusing him—maybe even driving him crazy. Here are five bad habits which are common in today’s pooch friendly population.
You treat your dog like a child.
We have all visited houses with the framed pictures of ‘the dog’ all over the walls, pillows with her name embroidered all over the living room, bed and bath rooms. The dog’s owner never stops fawning over her as though she is a one year old. Many of the smaller dogs are carried around for a large part of their lives. This behavior is very confusing to a dog. Dogs want to behave like dogs, that’s what is in their DNA. Most dogs want to run, chase things and use their noses to track. A dog is a ‘pack’ animal and needs structure and discipline in her life to feel fulfilled and not become frustrated. There is nothing wrong with showing a dog love, but it is least confusing when you put in order; exercise first, discipline second, and affection third. The discipline can simply be taking a walk where you are pack leader, and affection can be food.
Your dog doesn’t have a job and he’s bored.
Often when a dog picks up an aggravating habit like chewing the carpet, racing in circles around the house, or showing surprising aggression his behavior is communication. The cause is frequently the same: Your dog is getting bored—he wants something to do. Dogs aren’t born expecting to be waited on hand and foot, with meals produced whenever they are hungry. No creature in the animal world has that thought. In the wild, from the time they are babies, dogs have to work for their food. They have to hunt it down or go hungry. In Mexico, for example, dogs are thin but they don’t have psychological problems. Dogs have been bred over the centuries for different jobs; from rounding up cattle to hunting or hauling. When their natural instinct is denied, they become frustrated, and that is when they start to show signs of aggressive behavior. You can make your job happy by giving him a job. Put a pack on his back when you go for walks or create obstacle courses so he can put his scent-tracking abilities to good use. You’ll see right away how happy it makes him.
You’re acting like your dog’s playmate, not pack leader.
As mentioned before, it is vital for you to claim the role of pack leader from the time your puppy first joins the family. It can get confusing for your dog when you interact with him by teasing him and playing like you are another dog. For him, all the rules have changed. How is your dog supposed to understand what has happened? You gave up on being pack leader to race into playing with her instead of making it clear that play begins only when she is calm and responsive. So now she is all turned around about who’s the boss. It will help our dogs be clear when we accept that being a pack leader is not a part-time occupation. Your dog is always looking for consistency and structure, and without it she is going to become confused about when she is supposed to follow your directions and when you two are just buddies.
You’re trying to communicate with your dogs through words
You adopt a dog from a shelter, and you know it is not the first time he has been adopted, but you are confident you will be successful. One of your worries is that the previous owner had given the dog a name you don’t like, so you have renamed him Riley. But will that confuse him? Guess what? Dogs don’t care much whether you speak to them in Spanish, or English, or Chinese, because they don’t hear words. It’s like the way that people spell out “w-a-l-k” and “l-e-a-s-h”. They may be fooling themselves but they certainly aren’t fooling the dog. Dogs sense something much deeper than the words you use; they listen to tone and read your body language. You can’t lie to a dog. When you speak to a dog you must speak from the inside, from your mind, your heart, and your body. Otherwise he will be scratching his head with his paw, trying to figure why he can see your lips moving with strange noises coming out.
You are tense and nervous around your dog
Based on the comments about your dog reading your body language and tone of voice, it makes sense he will become nervous and tense when you are nervous and tense. Even a usually well-behaved dog quite possibly pick up tension in your home. He will know that his pack leader is upset, so he may become tense and nervous too. Our dogs are incredibly finely tuned to us, people and canines been living together almost from the beginning of time! Dogs need calm, assertive energy to relax. Remember: Dogs are predators in the wild, so if they become nervous, their fight-or-flight response is often more likely to be fight. Nervousness in dogs will soon come out as aggression. It is how they deal with a problem. This is not an absolute. It is a good thing to be aware of, especially with nervous, anxious dogs.
Listen to your dogs. Listen to them carefully, for they are trying to tell you what they want. Their needs are really very simple, and if you satisfy those, you will have a happy and harmonious relationship.
(the information in the above article came from Cesar. Like him are not, he definitely has intuition around dogs!)

a note from Ernestine
So, I have always wondered what this holiday stuff is all about. Everyone gets excited, people visit (sometimes bring me those toxic rubber toys to EAT!- ok not swallow, but RIP APART!) the house smells good, more crumbs are dropped than usual. I have always heard the word ‘turkey’ and not known what it meant. It is usually spoken in a good way, so I think it’s something good. Today, I was out in the yard with my Mom and two brothers including Sonny, a 4 lb. chihuahua, when these ugly, tall, gaggly things with long legs started chasing my Mom! She was saying, Turkeys, turkeys! I am horrified. My Mom usually has wonderful taste, how could she talk about those creatures year after year? Thought I heard something about eating them – I can’t even go there. You guys are really out there some times.

Later, Ernestine