Straight from Anya, the Farm Chiweenie: What the Bloody $@$%@#%@#^% was That All About

I know Mom blogged about fireworks the other day, I was there, sitting right behind her while she wrote and posted the thing, but I really didn’t understand what the big deal was. I was more interested in snoozing.

Friday night came and went, no big deal. I played with Toby and Cougar. Showed my stuff blue dog who was boss. Got bored. Just a typical night in this chiweenie's life.

 

Saturday night was a little different. I got my heartworm medicine. Mom thinks it’s ridiculous I have to spit it out each time my teeth crack the pill, stare at it for a few seconds, pick it up, break it in half and repeat the process four or five times before swallowing the pill. I think the fact she uses silverware is stupid so I guess we’re even.

Anyway, getting back to Saturday night. I went through my monthly ritual with my heartworm medicine, ate the hot dog Mom got me as a reward, and settled in for some cuddle time.

 Things were going great until there was some strange pop-pop-pop noises to the north of us. 

I listened.

I looked at Mom. She said the noise was fireworks.

Happy to have an explanation, I relaxed. 

I even opted to go with Mom into the barn so I could play with Toby while she checked on the horses. It wasn’t a big deal.

Okay, maybe I got a little bit nervous towards the end and sought refuge between Mom's feet, but I thought I handled it like a trooper. I was a fireworks master!

Than Sunday night happened. That’s the night everyone in the entire town decided to set off their own fireworks. It was really loud. I didn’t think it was ever going to stop.  It was !#$!@#$!@%@#$^@# (See Mom, I followed the stupid Articles Under Which we Sail do-hickey you made me agree to!)

I considered my options and decided the best place to hide was under mom’s desk chair. It’s a pretty good setup for a little dog. It’s covered, it’s familiar, and mom is really close by. Since mom always uses a lap blanket while she writes, the spot feels a little cave like. 

 Just as I was getting secure, the unthinkable happened.

My mom got up and left me.

What the …!

She said she had to check on the horses and make sure they hadn’t run through the fence, but I’m not sure I believe her. I mean she didn’t smell like horse sweat or hay. She smelled a little smoky. I’m seriously wondering what she was really up to. When the next set of boomers went off a few minutes after 11, she also said a few bad words, the ones she won't let ME use, before running out of the apartment a second time.

When she came back to the apartment, she gave me a couple of Beggin’ Strips for being such a good, brave girl, so I decided to forgive her. After that, all was well with the world.

Ta for now,

Anya, the Farm Chiweenie

The Fireworks are Coming! Three Tips to Keep Your Chiweenie Safe this Fourth of July

The Fourth of July.

As an American with a deep love of history, I adore the Fourth of July, and feel it’s important to honor those who risked all so we can enjoy honest to goodness freedom.  As someone with critters, I’m less thrilled with the holiday, particularly since Michigan legalized the use of the huge fireworks a few years back.

Oddly enough, the dogs in my life don’t seem to mind fireworks, but my internship at a stable puts me into contact with a few horses who do. The barn dogs, Toby and Cougar also don’t seem to mind the thunder, especially if they're in the stable office. I don't know how Anya will react. This is our first Fourth together and I really don’t know how she’s going to react. I’m hoping, that since she’s hasn’t exhibited any thunder anxiety or noise phobia, that she’ll be good about fireworks. Of course, I’ll also be thrilled if the neighbors decide to skip the firework party they’ve thrown the past few years.

Meanwhile, here are a few tips you can use to keep your Chiweenie, and other types of dogs, safe and comfortable during the upcoming fireworks displays.

Keep Your Dog Inside

Even if your dog is normally outdoors, when there’s a threat of fireworks, it’s best to bring them in. The fireworks can trigger a strong enough fear reaction that a dog who never shows any inclination to leave home will jump a fence. Besides, they’ll be more relaxed when surrounded by the humans they love. Some dogs are most comfortable when they’re crated during the fireworks shows., especially if

three sides of the crate are covered. Turning on the television or radio will help disguise the sound of the exploding fireworks.

Get a Thunder shirt
I meant to get a thunder shirt for Anya before now, but it hasn’t happened. I’m hoping I don’t regret my dawdling. The thunder shirt to a chiweenie is what a swaddle is to a baby, it fits snuggly and eases their stress. You should put your dog into the shirt prior to the start of the fireworks show.

Get your Walk in Early
Don’t wait until it’s almost dark before walking your chiweenie. You’ll want to take them out as soon as the ground is cool enough for them to walk without burning their feet. The early walk decreases the odds of you not returning home before the first firework is set off. Before going on your walk, take a magic marker and clearly print your phone number of your dog’s harness and collar. This increases the odds of your chiweenie being returned to you if they’re startled and get away while on

the walk.

When walking on Fourth of July weekend, don’t get casual with you chiweenie. You never know when someone is going to set off a cannon (it happens in a few towns near me), or pop cherry bombs as your walking past, spooking your pet. When this happens, you’ll be glad you had a tight grip on your leash.

The most important thing to remember is that if your chiweenie is upset about the fireworks, it’s your responsibility to talk quietly to them and remind them that they’re loved and in a safe place.

Anya and I wish everyone a happy and safe Fourth of July!

Photo Credits: Blog title photo: photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49195807@N00/14661393760">Fireworks on Brisbanes Story Bridge. Riverfire 2012</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/">(license)</a>
Interior Photo of Anya the Farm Chiweenie: Personal collection of Jess Schira
Interior Photo of Dalmation in Thunder shirt: photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47439717@N05/10806045045">Thundershirt 2/3</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">(license)</a>
Interior Photo of Anya the Farm Chiweenie: Personal collection of Jess Schira

Articles Under Which We Sail

When she created her blog, author Susan Spann wrote a post titled Articles Under Which we Sail that basically outlined the way pirates created rules that everyone on the vessel had to adhere to or disembark the ship (and they might not be near any land at the time of the disembarkment.) I loved Susan’s idea and decided to steal borrow it for this blog.

Jess

P.S. Anya and I have already discussed the rules and she’s agreed to them.

ANYA, THE FARM CHIWEENIE’S ARTICLES OF AGREEMENT:

Article 1. This blog is my creation. I’m the one who puts time into creating the content and does everything else connected to the blog. Yes, Anya helps, but at the end of the day I’m in charge and that means follow my rules or stop reading the blog.

“The only reason I agreed to let Mom claim the blog was because she happened to be holding my favorite stuffed toy hostage at the time.”-Anya, The Farm Chiweenie 

Article 2. The layout, schedule, and content can change depending on my mood and workload. It’s just going to have to be something everyone has to learn to deal with including you, Anya. That being said. If someone would like me to delve further into a topic, or has an idea for a topic, feel free to mention it. Even if it’s not something I’m interested in writing about, I might be receptive to arranging for you to guest blog.

“Oh sorry, did Mom say something else. I was distracted..” -Anya, The Farm Chiweenie

Article 3. I’m not a fan of swearing or adult style content, so please keep it clean in the comment section. Anya, I’m looking at you. If my view towards this changes, I’ll let you know. If you absolutely must swear, use a creative, alternative word phrase or stick to the old standard @#$#@$@%^

“Uh oh, I may have to reconsider my Anya’s Perspective piece
 I’m supposed to post tomorrow. Mom could have 
mentioned this no swearing thing sooner.”-Anya  , The Farm Chiweenie

Article 4. The world isn’t black and white and neither is the concept that everyone should adhere to one style or thought process. Since this is a pet blog, I suspect I'll say things you won't agree with or that you have an opinion on something that won't align with me. It's okay! It’s entirely possible that something will be posted that you don’t agree with and that’s okay. Your allowed to share your thoughts on the matter provided, you don’t get nasty, accept that it’s okay to not see eye to eye, and are willing to engage in a polite and respectful discussion on the matter. If I feel someone is getting bull headed, arrogant, or being downright nasty, I will block you. And if you refer to Article one, you’ll see that since this is my blog, I get to say what is and isn’t polite and respectful behavior/discussion.

“Oh boy, this could get interesting!”-Anya, The Farm Chiweenie

Article 5. Don’t even think about coming to this blog and breaking any legal laws. Nor should you discuss laws you’ve broken or are planning on breaking. Just don’t do it!

“It’s a good thing I’m not a rebellious chiweenie”-Anya, The Farm Chiweenie

Article 6. I’m free to delete or refute any comment I want. Again, see Article One. It’s my blog so I get to do what I want.

“The power of running the blog might be going to
 Mom’s head. I need to look at the house rules and 
see how I can dispute who’s in control here. 
I should have a case. After all. I’M the Farm Chiweenie.
 Not Mom”-Anya, The Farm Chiweenie

Article 7. The comment section is for commenting. It’s only for commenting. It’s not for advertising. If you want to advertise something, talk to me and we’ll discuss various options and scenarios. If I find your ad in the comment section, it will be deleted. Ridiculing might also occur.

“Pork chops are good. If you want to advertise pork chops in the comments, I’m okay with that. Hot dogs and horse hoof clippings too!”-Anya, The Farm Chiweenie

Article 8. I reserve the right to change these articles whenever I feel like it.

“And she changes her mind ALL THE TIME! It’s exasperating.”
-Anya, The Farm Chiweenie

That’s all for now, folks! Thanks for reading and feel free to comment. Just remember the rules and adhere to them. I’d hate to have to make anyone walk the plank!

All the photos featured in this post belong to Jess Schira's personal collection.