Power of the Paw for Ping

Poor Ping is having troubles.  Her liver enzymes are very elevated, and though she behaves normally and is in no discomfort she needs additional tests.  We had an ultrasound yesterday and the Doctor told me he saw no overt signs of cancer though her liver is enlarged.  We get a more detailed report tomorrow and we have our paws crossed.

 

Historical Hounds- Rags The WWI Hero

 

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Sunday marks an important event in canine military history.   On July 14, 1918 a small scruffy terrier mix named for his resemblance to a pile of abandoned rags was adopted as the mascot of the US 1st Infantry Division serving in Montmarte Paris during WWI.  Rags was found by an American soldier, Private James Donovan, who was serving on the front lines.   

Rags quickly charmed the soldiers with his cleverness and bravery.  Donovan taught him to salute the flag and perform other amusing tricks, a welcome diversion from the blood shed on the front lines.    Rags keen hearing meant that he could hear attacks coming before the soldiers and he would lay flat on his belly which warned the soldiers of the incoming artillery.  Most important, Donovan trained Rags to carry messages on his collar and the little dog delivered notes back and forth between the soldiers.  In July of 1918 Donovan's infantry was surrounded by Germans and Rags saved the day by sneaking out and delivering a message that resulted in Allied reinforcements coming to rescue the men.  Rags heroic rescue led to him being officially made the mascot of the division.

Sadly in October of 1918 Rags and Donovan where both injured in a German attack and suffered from gas poisoning.  They were treated in the same hospital in France and Rags made a remarkable full recovery, however Donovan was still very ill.  Eventually both Rags and Donovan where sent back to the US to Chicago where Donovan entered a hospital that specialized in treating victims of gas attack and Rags moved into the Fort Sheridan military base.  Sadly like many WWI soldiers Donovan could not recover from his injuries and died in 1919.  Rags continued to live at the base and was looked after by the many soldiers who knew of his bravery and special relationship with Donovan. 

In 1920 Rags was adopted by Major Raymond W. Hardenbergh, his wife, and two daughters who where charmed by the little dog.  Rags lived a remarkable additional 14 years before passing away in 1936 at the age of 20.   Rags was buried with military honors in Silver Srings, Maryland near Hardenbergh's home and a memorial was erected in his honor. 

Proof positive that a small dog can do great big things!

Happy Birthday to Dad!

Today our dad is 245 or 35 in human years!  Happy Birthday to him.

Happy Birthday Norbert!

This weekend we celebrated Norberts 11th birthday, the date is guestimated but we know he is 11.   Its a scary age because there is no denying that particularly for a big dog Norbert is old.  We are lucky that he is in good health and his Adequan injections seem to be helping with his mild arthritis.  We are hopeful that we have many more wonderful birthdays left with our big boy, but we wanted to make this one extra special.

Unfortunately the day did not start out as planned.  When we woke up we saw this:

 Our neighbors tree had fallen in front of our gate blocking us from getting our car out.  This prevented the early morning walk and picnic we had planned.  Luckily Norbert's dad was able to go out on his bike and get Norbert a special birthday Bagel, which he really enjoyed, probably even more then a cake.

 

 After Norbert finished his bagel the fire department came and moved the tree and we were able to get out.

 By now it was VERY hot so we had to cut Norbert's walk short.  We decided to head to his favorite store Canis Minor.  We walked past the elephant sprinklers, nice for a wade.

 The store is pretty big and has lots of neat toys and treats.

 After shopping we went for a little walk in the shady section of the neighborhood.

 Norbert posed with his present choices a giant snake and some turkey treats.

 When we got home Norbert got the rest of his presents, Wagatha's senior biscuits and a planet dog senior ball.  You can read our review of Wagatha's here.

 The Planet Dog senior ball is softer then their other balls so its easier on older teeth and jaws.


 
 The giant snake was the best toy of all its bigger then Norbert at over five feet long.

 

Weasley in particular likes the giant snake.

Have a Safe and Happy Fourth!

Have a safe and happy Fourth of July!

 

English Summer in a Glass

If you read this blog or have looked at the title, then you know that I live in the big city. Here are some of the sites we routinely see:

The NYC skyline (not that near our house but its a pretty sight).

Our tiny concrete carport back yard.

Rowhouses

And our porch, (apologies for he super old picture.)

However, I wish I lived here:

That is why in the summer one of my favorite drinks is the summeriest, Englishiest thing out there, it could almost transport you to the English cottage of your dreams.

Pimm's Cup

 

2 ounces Pimm's Number 1 liquor

Ice
Lemonade, preferably fizzy lemonade
small handful mint, chopped
Cucumber Sliced and one long spear
Orange Slice

Fill a tall glass with ice.  Add 2 ounces of Pimms and top with Lemonade.   Put in the mint, cucumber, and orange slices.  Stir it up with a cucumber spear.  Yum!

 

Victorian Bell Collars from Linden Line Designs

This product review is WAY overdue, and its a great product so I don't know what took me so long.  For Ping's 10th birthday in May we got her a lovely red Victorian Bell Collar from Linden Line Designs,  Tubby already has the sage green version.

The collars are modeled after the traditional bell collars worn by pugs during the Victorian Era.

 

The collars are frequently seen on antique pug figurines.

 

 Linden Line designs updated the collars for the 21st century and named the in honor of their adorable spokes pug, Skippy Wu, now sadly passed on.

The pugs are a fantastic piece of puggie history for any pug or pug lover.  Ping loves hers and she looks lovely in it.