Welcome to the town of Mazières-en-Mauges

How we ended up in Cholet for our first month in France

Our brave boy

We lost Oliver on Friday. In the past two months, he was diagnosed with two different kinds of aggressive cancers. One, nasal, one in the rear. Not fair. Rather than treating one and waiting for the other to catch up, we opted to prevent further suffering and have him go out on a happy note. … Continue reading Our brave boy →

When a dog has nine lives

When a dog has nine lives, there has to be one last one. And our Frances used all of hers up on Sunday. She came from Richmond, California and died in Richmond, Surrey, UK. Born on January 3, 2001, she graced our lives for nearly 11 years. But let's be honest. She earned her nine-lives … Continue reading When a dog has nine lives →

Have a dog? Here’s how to spend $575 in 90 minutes

This recipe is just for guidance. You can replace "a dog" with any companion or feral animal and "chicken" with any kind of meat that has bones. Also, cooking time may vary. It might take you a while to figure out what works best for you. Apparently serves only 1. Enjoy! 1. Take one 14-pound … Continue reading Have a dog? Here’s how to spend $575 in 90 minutes →

A dog, a checkbook cover, and a bit of separation anxiety

Oliver has been with us for three months now and he continues to surprise us. He has been left alone all day during the day, has never peed in the house, and is generally pretty well adjusted, or so we thought. Now that he gets to spend his entire day with his dog sister, Frances, … Continue reading A dog, a checkbook cover, and a bit of separation anxiety →

What happens when your dog throws up an eyeball

When we were in LA over New Years, Oliver got hold of a few rubber dog toys that my mother-in-law keeps around for her grandpuppies. The hideous red-antennaed squeaky thing quickly lost a few of its antennae. We pulled some from his mouth, along with some squeaker parts from other toys. We finally took the … Continue reading What happens when your dog throws up an eyeball →

A faux review of dog beds

Reviews were conducted in December 2008 using two test subjects, Oliver and Frances; and two beds, one purchased, one DIY. Each dog was compensated with a treat following the tests. A round, soft, portable, and washable classic dog bed. A perfect bed for a 15-pound dog. Laundry basket filled with dirty clothes and sheets. Not … Continue reading A faux review of dog beds →

Doxie Tales: Squirrel hunting

Well, make that squirrel hunting from a second-story bedroom window. Great view, but no physical contact. Makes for a no-fuss, no-mess squirrel hunt. Here's Oliver complete with feral sounding growls and whines:

Doxie Tails: Oliver, Meet Mort

I probably started asking for a dog when I was seven or eight and when I was ten, for Christmas, I got to pick out a dog at Doctor's Pet Center in Stonestown. Yes, he was probably from a puppy mill, but we didn't know from puppy mills in the '70s, so no negative comments … Continue reading Doxie Tails: Oliver, Meet Mort →