Rest In Peace Maynard Nagel: Feb-Nov 2008

Preparing for the arrival of Ramsay was an exciting and emotionally charged event. Purchasing collars, leashes, chew toys, dog beds, puppy shampoo and stuffed toys was fun and a great way to pass the weeks until the little bundle of joy/bugger could officially be a part of our family. Not only were we adding Ramsay to our unit but we also brought Maynard The Duck into our household.

Maynard was a Homesense Easter special toy who was more humorous than practical. We thought it would be a hoot to use the $49.00 oversized stuffie as comparison to Ramsay in pictures in order to measure his progress as we knew he was going to grow rapidly. Here is Ramsay at 11 weeks substituting Maynard as a litter mate; he was missing his 11 other brother's and sister's warm bodies.

Maynard was loved by all. He was used for a bed, tug-of-war games, slobber bib and a substitute moist towelette for the pugs to clean in between their face folds. Surprisingly, Maynard was never a chew toy; he had earned their respect with his quiet strength.

Sadly, Wednesday, November 12, Maynard passed away suddenly after losing a no-win battle with a 90 lb over-zealous carnivore. Red did indeed take the life of his so called friend due to extreme boredom and frustration. Maynard lost his head, literally. The whole event could not of taken more than 10 minutes as that was all the unsupervised time Ramsay had. I came downstairs to find evidence of the attack all over the front entrance. Cotton batten was strewn everywhere and Maynard lay lifeless on the floor. Brief attempts at CPR proved useless. And strange.

Ramsay only looked at me with his darling eyes as if to say, "what happened?" trying to imply his innocence. Good-bye Maynard, we will miss you.

Viewer discretion is advised as the following images may be disturbing to some.

It's My Party and I'll Eat If I Want To

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PRETTY GIRL!!

Calli hit the 5 year mark yesterday and naturally we made a bigger deal out of it than she could care. Gifts included a low-fat treat, big belly rub, and a little bonus kibble to eat for dinner. Mostly, sleep was how she celebrated the big day; snoring the whole day through. Oh to be a dog!

Five is really a milestone for Miss.Calli as her health isn't what we wish it was. We feel extremely grateful for each day we have with her; this birthday was one we didn't feel confident would come around. I truly believe that her failing health has been more significant since the passing of Chubb. I have heard stories of dogs giving up when they lose a mate; I am beginning to believe it. While we hope this isn't the situation, we know that when her time does come, Chubb is waiting for her at the Rainbow Bridge to show her the way. We find true comfort and peace in that. Our hope is for her to live a much longer life as long as she doesn't suffer. Chubb has always been very patient.

So Happy Birthday big girl, only 728 more eats until you are six!

~Traci

Lend Me Your Ear

Poor Calli-fornia....another earache, another trip to the vet. Let me tell you about Calli: She is tragically overweight (genetic; she doesn't exercise because she can't breath due to her pinched nasal passages while she starves on a third cup of low cal food a day), she suffers from sleep apnea and is a major stress case yelping and running at the door with every sound. Always panicked at the idea of being left behind from a car-ride, her only greater fear occurs when riding in the car. Oh, and she gets ear and bladder infections constantly.

For all that she is a wonderful girl who only wants a little attention and her share of love and that is why she is the third tale on my blog. She doesn't have as many adventures as the boys and may never will but we love her every bit as much. So to all my reader(s), wish Calli a "get well soon" as we go through another series of topical ointment which will inevitably lead to more antibiotics. Wish I could give her a treat (her idea).
~Traci

Same SH%T Different Dog Pile

Pardon my "poodle" but today was a freakin' good day!

The parents took me to dog park and I ran into my brother, Rory, my uncle, Raimi and my fur-mom, Halo. Needless to say I was very submissive to my Mom as she scares the crap out of me every time I see her and I immediately crouch to the ground and put my "I'm sorry" face on. Have no idea why I am sorry but she has that effect on you. My Uncle could care less that I was there but my brother was as thrilled as I was to play. Above is he and I playing my favourite game of catch-me-if-you-can; of course you can't. What I really like is playing the game of lay-on-my-back-and-be-in-the-spotlight. The humans seem to think that I am acting submissive but, really, I am just enjoying all the attention (plus it embarresses the thumb-mother as she keeps telling me to get up and act more like a man). Other Ridgebacks heard the "G" on the street (gossip, for those not in the know) and came running to join me and my peeps. My other brother, Shane, his brother, Ryder, and two other Ridgebacks that I didn't bother to find their names (they ain't blood) came out to roll with the "homies". Being a dog is awesome!
~Ramsay

Honestly...really?

While Red-tard was playing wussy with his Mommy, I have this Boerbel thing on me thinking he is all that. Who forgot to tell him who runs this joint anyways?? It's cold out, I am being dis-respected and Red has forgotten that the sun rises and sets on our friendship. I sit on the sidelines for 45 minutes and get to listen to him snore all the way home. I am still trying to get the slobber off my back from the 30lb sack of puppy. Today sucked.

~Deuce-Man

Deuce "sulking" in the cold and miffed from his butt whooping. He spent 15 minutes sucking his thumb (he wishes) being pissed off at the world!

Pictures courtesy of Tamzin.

Attitude courtesy of Deuce.

~Traci

The Academy Award Goes To...Envelope Please

While Red's away, the Pug's will play. Big dog went to the day spa and it is always soooo quiet at home, well except for the snorts and grunts the Pug's make; its amazing how loud they can be. Deuce and Calli enjoyed the day away from Ramsay and I wanted to capture the moment. Turn up the volume, ignore my "dog voice", grab some popcorn, and enjoy the movie!

~Traci

Boo

Hiya, The Deuce-Man here. I thought I would go through the Mom's tickle-trunk and look what I found! I figured that with the one-eye thing going on that the costume suits me quite well. What do you think ladies, pretty sexy huh?

I am pretty sure that Mom wet herself taking this picture after laughing hysterically. Honestly, why does she have to bring the camera out everytime I have my cute on?

I am on the search for a costume for Red-tard. If anybody knows where I can find a cardboard short-bus let me know.

~Deucey

Something to be Thankful For

I am thankful for the warmth and unconditional love of my fur-kids.

They are thankful for the "turkey awfuls" that Dad puts in their dinner!

Day at Dog Park

Phew...glad to have the keyboard back! The dogs are tired from a busy few days and it wasn't hard to wrestle the computer away from them for me to tell the story this time.

Today was a nice and relaxing day, something we needed after a busy few weeks. I knew the day was going to be good when Ramsay licked my face this morning with the alarm clock displaying 8:00; woo-hoo a sleep in for us! I personally want to take credit for the lateness of our start as, last night, I grabbed a quilt to add to Ramsay's bed. He has been cold the last few nights and he looks at us with his beautiful golden eyes, sad pleading face rested on our bed and desperately hopes to come up and cuddle. I am consumed with guilt as I lift the pugs up unto our king size and tell him to lie down (on his $150 memory foam mammoth bed) so last night I figured he deserved to feel extra cozy. He was thrilled with the quilt and proceeded to dig for snakes, poke his nose in the blanket and eventually curled up in his den for the night. Patric just rolled his eyes and once again said I am a sucker; hmmm..... pretty sure he enjoyed the sleep in as well!?

The mornings are always hard with amusing Red until WE are ready to take him for a walk and this morning was no exception. We enjoyed our coffee while Ramsay chewed and destroyed what is left of his toys and then we knew our time was up. We took him for a 4km run and, I am happy to report, only two of the three of us were tired - you can guess who was ready for more. We figured it was safe to get ready for the day being as the dog just got back from a 20 min run but, while we showered, he ate a third (yes, that's right) his third X-Box head set; total price now $120.00. Ironicly, this morning over coffee, we had just discussed that we figured he was getting out of puppy mode and no longer chewing everything in sight. We should learn to bite our tongues.

We took all three dogs to dog park today because our house is up for sale and you just never know when you are going to get that last minute drop-in for a showing. Calli rarely comes with us as she has a hard time keeping up and the boys need to run. I don't know why this is the case but it is really hard to keep track of three dogs in an off-leash situation. We pile out of the car and its funny to see them go their seperate ways to accomplish their individual missions. Deuce immediately looks for a tree and proceeds to mark every bush and blade of grass he can find while refusing to listen to your calls until he is satisfied. Ramsay rushes to find his BFF (best friend for a moment) to run and share sticks with. His favorite game is catch-me-if-you-can or the simple lie-on-the-ground-submissively and smell-my-junk game.

Calli is neither looking for greenery or a dog friend, but is eager to find the first human, preferably male, that she can flirt with. Today she found two unsuspecting men, likely intact, and wiggled her bum like she was all that. The guys thought she was hilarious and knew exactly what she was doing; we all commented on the little hussy that she is. She is usually quite an attraction at the dog park. I am not sure if it because she is so adorable or because she is simply the biggest pug anyone has ever seen. I love the various names she gets called but today was the best: "pot-roast". It is usually the over-weight dog walkers themselves who come up with these nic-names and today was no exception. Calli doesn't play much with the other dogs but she does have a particular interest in Chihuahuas. She immediately runs after them with her tail wagging, certain that it is Chico (my Mom's dog) and demands that they love her. The response is always the same - they are horrified and RUN to their owners to be picked up! Out of all the small breeds she encounters it amazes me that she only likes the Chihuahuas.

Ramsay was in his glory when he quickly discovered that his litter-mate, Shane, and his brother's brother, Ryder, were there to play with him. Red usually is eager to play with most dogs but for some reason the Ridgebacks always seem to prefer to play with their own breed. We actually met another Ridgeback, Levi, who joined the gang and it was fun to watch them play. The nose-poking, mouth-wrestling and muzzle-slappling that are characteristic of the breed were on full display. People usually gawk at the spectacle as Ridgebacks are not a common sight, let alone four of them. Deuce would at times participate in the dog-pile but mostly to show them who was boss and once he reprimanded them he would strut away with his usual "I own this joint" flare. Calli was thankful for the rest period.

I've have enjoyed listening to the snores and the sound of quiet as I write this. There is nothing better than tired dogs to help you enjoy your evening. They have full tummies from supper and are warm and cozy on their individual beds in the living room. Deuce on one dog bed, Calli stretched out on the floor, and of course, Ramsay on his end of the couch. Well done!

Dog Tired!

Hiya..umm...how was your day?

The Mom took me to Doggy Day Care because I guess I was too hyper this morning at 4:30....go figure. Then the fat-man took me for a run this evening; I needed to protect him or at least go grab the Mother if he passed out from exhaustion. To top off the night the Thumb Lords gave me a bath; do they even understand how long it took for me to get my stink on? Now the Dad is watching some Debate on TV...blah..blah..blah...yawn...where are the dogs?

...stretch...yawn...I am now comfortable on the couch, the kids are on the floor and that is just how I like it! Goodnight, I have to get up at 4:30AM.

~Ramsay

Stupid Thumb Lords

Hiya,
That's right two tales in a row. You got to read what Mom wrote about me yesterday, now you get to read the truth today. The whole crab apple thing is just my way of helping to clean up the yard. Today, Mom decided to strip the trees of all the apples, complaining that Ramsay's farts were more than any of us could bare anymore. She should speak for herself, I actually happen to enjoy the apple-fart smell; wouldn't mind ripping a few myself. Not going to happen now, no more apples. Anyway, I showed the Thumb Lord who was really boss around here; I lifted my leg on the garbage bag with all the apples in it...ha! Mom was pretty mad but I gave her the cute look...it was all good.

Anyhoo, if you look in the top corner you will see me at work. We go to "dog park" (more like wussies on parade) almost everyday because the big Red-tard has to get his "fix". Meanwhile, I have two acres to water at home and I am suppose to mark off my area here too!? How much water do you think I can drink, squeezing that last drop out is painful. I'd rather lose an eye!

Here's the things you need to know: I don't think I'm a Rottweiler, the lady dogs do. Two: Um..I'm only the seventh fartiest person in the household no matter what they try to blame on me. Three: If Red-tard goes after my food one more time I will bite his junk off...oh wait...too late. That's it. I gotta go load up on water for tonite's yard tour (hello Calgary...I love you)!
~The Deuce-Man

Apple Of My Eye

He is Deuce as in "What the Deuce?" on Family Guy. He has become very much a "Momma's Boy" especially since Chubb passed away. He's 'Mydeucey'! This little guy has so much character and always brings a smile to my face. He has brought more joy and laughter into our lives than I can say. There is not one person who meets Deuce that disagrees, he absolutely thinks he is a Rottweiler; he is tough and rules the roost.

Life started out pretty tough for the Deuce-man. We got Deuce in July 2006 and by February 2007 (shortly after his first birthday), he was faced with major surgery. Calli and he were playing when she accidentally scratched his right eye with her nail. I didn't think much about it as he never yelped but little did I know the extreme pain he was enduring. A few hours went by and he seemed to be very needy, constantly by my side. I picked him up and put him on the bed for some snuggles where we both quickly dozed off for an afternoon nap. Deuce stirred and seemed to be in unbelievable pain and once I looked at his eye I had realized the damage done from the earlier fight. I rushed him to the vet, which seemed like an unbelievably long ride. The vet was amazing and she took us right away. She took one look at his eye and quickly diagnosed it as a melting ulcer, working like a flesh eating disease in his eye. Bacteria started to form in the scratch directly on his cornea. Patric took over at this point and rushed Deuce to the Emergency Clinic in the south part of Calgary. Examination was done by Dr. Christmas, a name we knew meant we were in good hands. They put some drops in his eye to stop the ulcer from continuing to eat through his eye but, at this point, the bacteria had eaten a hole right through his cornea. Dr. Christmas prepared us for the loss of his right eye as surgery would be performed the next morning. We were devastated, but were relieved at this point that Deuce was no longer in pain and that he would live. We also knew that a glass eye would be nothing to Deuce and that he would quickly adapt to a life of sight through one eye.

The next morning came (Patric had spent pretty much all night at the hospital) and, after thinking it through, Dr. Christmas had a change of heart and wanted to try and save Deucey's eye. He decided to try a procedure that involved graphing the skin from the outside of his eye and attaching it on top of his cornea to cover the hole in his eye. The results were amazing! We were told to never expect him to see much but that at least he had his eye. The recovery period time for Deuce was nothing; that little guy bounced back like nothing had ever happened. The biggest challenge was keeping his cone around his neck in one piece. Deuce figured out that banging his head against the wall in just such a way would crack the cone. I am telling you, we went through 6 cones in 10 days. Each time Dr.Christmas would just shake his head and laugh stating that, in all his years of performing surgery, he had never encountered such a character. This little man is a survivor and you would never know that he only has about 20 percent vision in his eye. Ironic, Deuce: one-eyed dog!

There will be many blogs about Deuce as there is never a dull moment and always so much to share when it comes to his antics. One I will share now relates to the title which has reminded me of something that is new for Deuce. Nighttime is always a painful ritual of letting the dogs out one more time before we settle in for bed. Usually quite comical with trying to get all three out; Calli is never eager and needs to be pushed out the door, Ramsay is usually stubborn and defiant, Deuce is usually pretty eager to pee one last time on each of his 50 trees in the yard. We have a couple of trees that have crab apples and with the fall weather, they are naturally falling to the ground. Well, Deuce thinks this is fantastic and makes for a perfect night time snack. He picks his apple and runs to the back door to be let in. He runs upstairs before anyone can notice the treasure, and before someone can take his prize away. Lifted onto the bed, he proceeds to taunt Ramsay with his 30 minute apple snack making alien noises and stopping long enough to ensure that Ramsay hasn't stopped paying attention to the event. Once he has completely eaten the apple, he then tries to figure out what to do with the stem as Ramsay continues to watch with jealousy. We figure he is trying to tie the stem into a knot with his tongue - he really does have talent.

Where it really began...a tribute

January 23, 2008 was one of the most difficult days I (we) have ever experienced. We collectively had to make the difficult decision to send our beloved and faithful friend, Chubb across the rainbow bridge. Chubb (AKA Frodo, the Black Bugger, Chubby-Wubby) had endured extreme pain throughout a majority of his life due to two seperate car accidents in which, both times, he was clipped in his back end. For many years we tried everything possible to ease his suffering; chiropractic care, accupuncture, numerous pain medications, and physio. Despite all the pain, Chubb accomplished many things in his ten short years. I asked Patric and the boys to think about their fondest memory of him to share in this blog; this is our tribute to our best friend who we will never forget.

Tyler and Kayden's memories were shared and they both agreed that he was the best dog ever although sometimes he was cranky. They remember him not liking any dog toys but that his most favorite thing to play with was the little plastic dooey that holds Kinder Surprise toys. Chubb would smell the chocolate treat and go insane, but not for the chocolate. He would wait until the boys pulled apart the plastic tube and eventually throw it on the ground for him. He would play with that plastic piece for hours, tossing it around in his mouth and wag his tail. They both pray for him every single night.

Patric knew him for the least amount of time but loved him none the less. Chubb could be both as grouchy and as happy as him so they made a good pair. Oddly, Patric's "favorite" memory of Chubb involves fecal matter on his new white carpet. Temporarily dog-less, I brought Chubb by unannounced for a visit to Patric's condo. Chubb bounded into the house, tail wagging (as always) yelped his presence and proceeded upstairs to say "Hi" and leave a house warming gift. That this is the favorite memory makes it clear that a love affair was well underway. While he did not get to live the acreage lifestyle for very long, Patric and I both delighted in seeing him take an occasion or two to run like a puppy again in his expansive new yard - he really wasn't up for it but he seemed to like the idea of being a country dog. Patric had the difficult task of taking Chubb to the vet's on his last day and I couldn't think of anyone better to hold onto him safely to the end. To this moment, Patric will swear that, in his last moment, Chubb showed relief in our doing the right thing and easing his persistent pain.

Chubb is in my thoughts everyday and I have had a hard time coming up with one single fond memory of him. The truth is that he completed me and he shared so many life's experiences and challenges with me. He was the most loyal, faithful companion that a person could ever ask for. He was constantly by my side. If I was having a bath, he would be sleeping on the bathmat. If I was out in the evening or perhaps away for a few days, he would not sleep but would pace the back door until my return, sometimes greeting me with blood shot eyes but always with a wagging tail. Chubb was my passenger in the car, my sleeping companion, the shoulder to cry on, and the lick of my face to wipe my tears away. I shared with Chubb my most intimate secrets and thoughts, we shared a mutual trust. Chubb was known to scratch at any door to get to me. Patric and I recently revisited a Bed and Breakfast that we had taken Chubb to during one of his last road trips. We were both happy and sad to see the marks he had left on the door when we so rudely left him in the room while out for breakfast have remained. I will forever feel the emptiness in my heart with Chubb's passing but will always feel complete for having shared his life with him and to have been unconditionally loved by my Chubbers. Until we meet again.....

And It Begins........

Here are the ongoing adventures of Ramsay the Ridgeback (AKA Big Red), a bodacious Pug named Calli (AKA California Roll, Rita McNeil), and the one eyed Pug, Deuce (as in Bigelow Male Gigelo), who knows he is a Rottweiler on the inside. My life would not be complete without these fur children and the fur-ever memories they give my family and I. Here is my opportunity to share, brag, rant, and complain of the joys of being a dog owner. But more importantly about being my best friends' best friend!