I Get To Go On Vacation Too!

You betcha! I'm booked to stay with my friends Kathleen and Margie for my vacation! Everybody is nice to me there and I don't have rules, like you do on the road! Happy travelling to my family! ~ Buddy

Anybody Can Change!

Well, hope you're enjoying when we post on Fido and Fifi and just wanted you to see up close how even Buddy the Lhasa has changed! This is Buddy within the past year and the one on top is Buddy when he first came to our home at 10 months of age.

That is something that Buddy and Bo, the new Presidential dog have in common. They did not arrive at their homes as little puppies.

When Buddy came to us, he had to be named and he was rather shy and a little wild at the same time. He fell into routine quite quickly and has been bossing us ever since.

I think the thing Buddy missed the most was the doggy door at the kennel. We have to open the door to let Buddy into the backyard and oh, how he loves the backyard! Lhasas were guarding dogs inside the Tibetan monasteries years ago. Of course, outside there was a Tibetan Mastiff, so it is improbable the Lhasa had much to do! Nothing gets past Buddy, be it squirrels, birds, mailmen, garbage trucks or the school bus.

Buddy has fit well into our routine and we enjoy him very much. He will be six years old in July and he certainly has trained Hubby and me very well.

We - unfortunately - put a lead on him when company comes and of course he is crated when little children visit. We do know what he can handle and what he is good at. And that would be loving both of us very much! Oh . . . if you think you see a "smart alec" look on Buddy's face . . . yes, he is that too!

We All Can Pray

Happy Easter from Fido and Fifi!

HAPPY
EASTER!

We Dogs Have Feelings Too . . .

How come they turfed
Scott McIntyre off American Idol? It makes us sad!

Fifi Ate Spaghetti? Uh oh . . .

Here's a little tip for those of you with white-coated dogs. When Fifi eats some leftover spaghetti (yes, I've had them do that), all around her mouth is orange color, right?

Well, take some WHITE toothpaste and brush it into her coat wherever the orange is. Careful to keep away from her eyes. Let it sit for about 3 - 5 minutes. Yes, you should be holding Fifi so she doesn't mess it up or eat it . . . Then brush it out. It may take a few times but the color will probably come out. Then wash Fifi's face and she will be good as new . . . almost!

Need A Smile?

Probably the dog who has made me smile more than most dogs that were not my own is the Old English Sheepdog (OES).

His original purpose was that of herding and that is the American Kennel Club Group he is in now. His tale is generally docked close to the body if he is not naturally born without a tail. So he is often nicknamed a "Bobtail".

This breed is described in its Standard as an "intelligent dog of even disposition, with no sign of aggression, shyness or nervousness". Those are characteristics that make it a fine family dog. Of course, its size makes us double think if we really want him as our pet. The grooming, if the dog is left in coat rather than clipped might also discourage us from bringing him into the family. This is a very intelligent dog who needs lots of exercise.

Between their hair falling over their eyes and their clownish manner, I think it is probably the gait of the OES that endears me to him. When he is galloping, he does so effortlessly. When he is slow, he ambles.

It is fun to watch the OES in the conformation ring, but he evokes even more smiles when he participates in agility or scent hurtle trials.

However, a warning to the wise! I found when I was in the Shih Tzu breed that a very high percentage of their owners had come from OES. Probably a sign of the times: we prefer smaller, more compact - in our cars and in our dogs!

[For more info on any recognized breed, do visit the American Kennel Club website at akc.org]