Archive for January, 2011

Preston the Bully!


Mommy and Daddy might have to call Cesar Millan “the Dog Whisperer” or Victoria Stilwell of “Its Me or the Dog”. Preston used to be a sweet and easy-going puppy that never showed his teeth unless it was to defend himself.
As Preston got older, he is turning into a grumpy dog. He still plays well with other dogs in the park but has become very protective of his toys and started showing food aggression when another dog is around. This has been giving Mommy and Daddy a big headache.
Not too long after Preston moved to Houston, he met up with his cyber friend, Puggles. (Interesting name, huh? His full name is Puggles TX Ranger) The two boys had a great time at the dog park. They played chase and shared treats together. Puggles is the sweetest boy and has great temperament.

A couple of weeks ago, Puggles invited Preston over to check out his house because when Mommy and Daddy are going on vacation, Puggles and his parents will be looking after Preston. Puggles’ parents would like Preston to get familiar with their house before the sleep-over. How thoughtful! Mommy and Daddy are so grateful for their help.
When Preston arrived at Puggles’ home, the two of them were very happy to see each other. They started running around in the house and were having a lot of fun…well…that was until Preston got his paws on Puggles’ “Waggle“, a treat dispensing toy that Preston also has one at home. Preston brought Waggle to Mommy and wanted her to fill it with treats. Just as Mommy was about to take the toy away from Preston, Puggles happened to walk by and without any warning, Preston snapped at Puggles! It caught everyone off guard. Poor Puggles ran away in shock. He was so terrified of Preston and wouldn’t even be in the same room with him anymore. Mommy and Daddy felt terrible. The poor thing must have thought “Who is this bully coming to my house, stealing my toy and attacking me?”
Mommy really thought Preston had just lost a friend but before Mommy and Daddy took Preston home (with huge embarrassment!), Puggles walked to Preston cautiously, sniffed a little and wagged his tail again. The two of them made up and were friends again. Puggles is truely the sweetest puggle.
What should Mommy and Daddy do about Preston’s agressive behavior? He doesn’t do that to people (thank goodness!). When Bunbun the Havanese slept over, Mommy kept close eyes on them during dinner time. Preston wasn’t aggressive towards Bunbun even when she tried to stick her head in Preston’s bowl when he was eating. Preston is very unpredictable. This has made correcting his behavior harder.
Mommy and Daddy are going on vacation this weekend. Puggles and his parents are so kind and still welcome Preston to their home even after they found Preston is such a bully. Puggles’ mommy and daddy will make sure to keep both boys safe. Preston is so lucky to have a friend like Puggles.
Puggles is very well-loved at his home. He even has his very own room, decorated just for him.

Mommy and Daddy are praying that Preston will behave himself this weekend so they can enjoy their time on the sunny beach…

Crispy Kale

This is a popular human recipe but since kale is a highly nutritious vegetable that is rich in anti-oxidants, Mommy is happy to share this tasty and healthy snack with Preston. If you are not a big fan of kale (like Mommy), you will be surprised how yummy the crispy kale is.
There are many recipes of crispy kale online. Mommy’s recipe is based on one of her favorite food blogs: SteamyKitchen-Baked Crispy Kale.
Ingredients (scale up if needed):
5 cups of leafy kale, torn into bite-sized pieces, thick stems removed.
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt/seasoning salt (for humans)
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350F.
2. Wash and dry kale thoroughly (very important!)
3. Drizzle olive oil over the kale and toss with your hands until all surfaces are coated.
4. Spread the kale evenly on the baking sheet. Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes. Toss slightly at the 10 minutes and check every 2 minutes from this point on until the leaves turn crispy. Remove the kale from the oven immediately. (This step is tricky. Mommy burnt two batches before finally figuring out the right timing)
5. Save some unseasoned crispy kale for your pooch! Sprinkle the remaining crispy kale with salt/seasoning salt.

Crispy kale vs. raw kale. Preston sure knows the difference…

Honk if you see a “PUGGLE”!

Mommy and Daddy’s obsession with the PUGGLE license plates started when they first got Preston in California. They snatched Massachusetts’ “PUGGLE” plate as soon as they moved to Boston.

One of the first things Mommy looked up after Daddy decided to accept a job offer in Houston was the availability of Texas’ “PUGGLE” plate. They were heart broken when they found out Texas “PUGGLE” plate was taken!! Just as they were trying to find an alternative plate, Pugle or Pu99le? Texas gave drivers a second chance to use words that have been taken by releasing the “T for Texas” Plates. Mommy and Daddy were thrilled they could have a PUGGLE plate on their car again!

Who is the lucky puggle that owns Texas’ first PUGGLE plate? Texas is such a big state. Will Mommy and Daddy ever get to see the other PUGGLE plate on the road? They always wondered…

Long before Preston moved to Houston, he already had some cyber friends in Houston. Once Preston settled in his new city, he couldn’t wait to meet up with these wonderful cyber friends. One of them was Zoe the Puggle. When Zoe’s mom, Ginger read Preston also lived very close to Danny Jackson Bark Park, she and Mommy immediately set up a playdate. Here is what Ginger wrote Mommy after she found out where Preston’s apartment was, “All these years we’ve been following Preston’s blog, and you guys move literally…..right around the corner!” Yes! Preston’s apartment complex and Zoe’s were literally back to back neighbors!! What a small world!
At the end of the email, Ginger told Mommy and Daddy if they ever see a car “driving down the street with the license plate “PUGGLE” on it, you will know it is us!”
AH-HA!!

Happy 2011!

Happy New Year!
Mommy and Daddy would like to thank Preston for another year full of joy, love and laughter.
Some happy memories and fun pictures of the year 2010:
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