Ted and Blu are fed a homemade semi-raw diet, and we got to see the making of a two month supply of food on the day we visited. Think about it … a two month supply of food for two very big dogs. It was epic.

Here we have a healthy mix of green beans, kale, carrots, parsnips, turnips and other veggie goodies in a giant plastic bin:

This is a paste made of navy, pinto, and white beans (again, big bowl of goodies):

The grinder in the background takes care of the chicken, venison and turkey, as well as some of the bones:

Meat mixture for the dogs, or hamburger helper?

We went outside for a bit and I tempted them with “nature’s Flat Cat” (a long vine):

I tried holding on to the vine but the thousand pounds of puppy did me in:

Between the food and fun, it was clear that both of these dogs agree …

Life is good!

He wasn’t digging it at first:

Then he hit his stride and turned on the charm:

Being cute was exhausting for him:

(Sumner saw me setting up the backdrop and immediately got on it without any prompting from me, as if to say, “Ok, I know the drill.”)

Eleanor the six month old Basset Hound’s people have the coolest anti-furniture-chewing solution I’ve seen:

At first I thought they had a modern decorating aesthetic, but then I took a closer look and realized that their furniture legs were covered with drainage tubing from Home Depot! What an easy, elegant solution! Definitely stealing that one …

And now, because she’s so darn cute, it’s time for an Eleanor photo montage:

Poor Sum has lumps and growths all over his body, as well as in his mouth:

He has gingival hyperplasia (scroll down to the “in non-humans” section) and it’s big-time gross. It’s basically gums gone wild … his gums enlarge and grow over his teeth. He had a massive mouth make-over a few years ago (they put him under and cut back the overgrowth), and now it’s time for round two. We’re off to the vet in a half hour … hooray, more vet bills!

Happy (early) Thanksgiving!

Eat lots of turkey and then take a nap!

The blender? Whatever.

Chainsaw? Bo-ring.

Vacuum? Yawn.

But the leaf blower?

Stop the presses, the leaf blower must die.

He hates it, even when it’s turned off.

We let him rest inside while we finished up the yard on Saturday, letting him think that he’d killed the beast for good.

Cute, yes? That’s Eli on the right, and Lilly on the left. I had a great time when I worked with them back in May, so it was a treat to get to see them again. Plus I was happy to get some Boston love … these guys are the first I’ve encountered since we lost Zeke last month.

Lilly immediately morphed into a straight-A student. “Look at me, Treat Lady, I’m sitting! I remember everything!”

Eli quickly followed suit.

Then he said, “I’ve heard about those handmade toys … may I give one a test drive?”

(He approved.)

It was lovely to catch up with my old canine, feline and human friends in the household!

What a difference a month makes:

Love it!

In case you’re curious, FRENCH BULLDOG PUPPIES like the Flat Cat too:

He’s bitten a few understanding non-litigious people since moving in with his new people 4 months ago.

He had a session with a behaviorist a few weeks ago to help address the bitey stuff, and now he’s branching out and doing some basic training with yours truly. EZ has never had any training - the guy doesn’t even know how to sit when asked - but he was a more than willing student this morning. He rocked!

That said, the guy is a piranha when it comes to taking treats. Ouch! He nearly took my finger off when we were working on “down,” as in, he latched on to my finger instead of the treat and didn’t let go.

Next week I’m adding some “soft mouth” exercises to our to-do list. Seriously, EZ, take it easy!

French Bulldog Puppy!

Did you hear me? I said French Bulldog puppy, people!

I’m am 100% besotted with my new client, Winston the 14-week old - can you guess?- French Bulldog puppy.

Don’t tell anyone, but I’m going to steal him next week.

Hi Winston, meet your new Mommy.