Cubbie is a genius… at least according to my standards.

Ever since he was a puppy, I’ve always thought Cubbie was smart. Of course, I’ll admit, I’m biased. I’m sure your dog also does stuff that makes you say, “Wow.”

I love when people stop me on the street or email me or leave comments on my blog about their dogs. Dogs are so smart and do such interesting/crazy things. I love hearing your stories.

While some people might not think dogs speak our language, I beg to differ. There are many times I know Cubbie understands me. I say a word, he learns what it means and he remembers it.

He definitely knows the word “walk.” As soon as I say, “Want to go on a walk?” He goes right to the door. I also name all of his toys. When we’re playing, I’ll tell him to go get a certain animal like his bunny, hedgehog or tiger. Cubbie goes into his toy basket and grabs his toy.

Like I said, I’ve always thought Cubbie was smart, but something he did yesterday convinced me even more.

Due to his pancreatitis, Cubbie has to take an antacid pill twice a day. When I go to work on weekend mornings, he usually isn’t ready to get out of bed. I have to carry him outside to go potty, and then I carry him to the basement. I usually give him his pill as soon as he comes inside, but Saturday morning I forgot. I remembered as I was walking out the door. Cubbie was already in the basement so I went and put his pill in a little peanut butter and tried to give it to him while he was in his playpen. Lately, peanut butter seems to be his “treat” of choice for pill taking. It varies day-by-day.

Well, on Saturday morning he wasn’t having it. He was turning his head away from me as if to say, “No. I don’t want your treat. You’re leaving me.” Instead, I put the peanut butter with the pill on the side of his food dish. I thought once I was gone he would come around and want his treat, he usually does.

I completely forgot about the pill until it was around evening time, and I was getting ready to give Cubbie another pill. We had just come in from outside, so the basement door was still open. I looked at Cubbie and said, “Did you eat your peanut butter this morning?” He turned and went downstairs. I followed because I wanted to see if the pill was still there. What is Cubbie doing in the basement? Licking the peanut butter off his dish. He acted like he forgot it was there too until I asked him if he ate it.

I stood in shock. Apparently he also knows the words “peanut butter.”

I guess Cubbie does listen to me (when he wants)!

Chewing on a bottle cap

Posted under Obedience and Training, Uncategorized

The other night I was sitting on the couch reading a magazine, and I heard a funny noise in the basement. I called for Cubbie, and I got no response. I wasn’t quite sure where he was, but I knew he was somewhere in the house. I didn’t figure he could be in the basement because I usually close the door.

I went back to reading when I heard Cubbie. I could tell he was running in circles (it’s a very distinct noise), and it was coming from the basement.

Besides running, I also heard him barking every once in a while. I decided to investigate just what he was up to.

I did in fact leave the door open. I go down part of the stairs and stop. There’s Cubbie running, running, running. Then he barks. I notice what he’s playing with: my old exercise ball! You probably know what I’m talking about, you use them for sit ups mostly. I can’t remember the last time I used that old thing. That’s why it’s in the basement!

Cubbie is running and then sort of bites at the ball. He runs and because of a slight slant in the basement, the ball comes right back towards him. He gets done running just in time to bite/push the ball back again. It’s when he’s pushing the ball that he lets out a little bark.

I simply stood at the top of the stairs watching and smiling for a few minutes. Then I decided to go downstairs and join in the fun.

I began bouncing the ball and pushing it towards Cubbie. He would try to push it and then run away from it.

I don’t usually let him run around in the basement because my landlord left some stuff down there, and I feel safer knowing Cubbie, a.k.a. Trouble, isn’t getting into anything he’s not supposed to. But, he was having so much fun with that exercise ball, I figured, why not? Let’s play in the basement!

Posted under Cubbie stories

A friend sent me this story about a bulldog dying from cancer who saved his owner’s life in a house fire.

It’s a good story, but also a sad story. It’s just another reason why we love our pets.

Posted under In the News

This is very disturbing…

Mark Schnackenberg (a fellow animal lover) sent me this story about dogs and cats being used as shark bait on a French island.

There’s also a petition you can sign for “People Against Dogs and Cats as Bait.”

Posted under In the News

I’m one of those people who dreams every night, and I remember at least portions of my dreams each morning. Almost every night, Cubbie makes an appearance in my dreams.

It’s so weird to me how no matter what I’m doing in my dream, Cubbie is usually there.

After hosting an event for Aspire I dreamed of square dancing because we all square danced. In my dream, Cubbie was my partner. Not too long ago I dreamt I was in a beauty pageant (I think this is because I got asked to judge some upcoming contests). In my dream I was walking Cubbie on his leash while parading in my evening gown in front of the judges.

When Jennifer got Cooper I dreamt about Cubbie and Cooper playing. In my dream both Cubbie and I were so happy because he finally found a cat who would play with him without hissing like my dad’s cats.

Sometimes I have scary dreams where I’m in a car trying to outrun people, Cubbie is always in the car with me. I love boating. Even though I don’t know anyone here with a boat I still sometimes dream about being on the water. Cubbie stands at the front of the boat with the hair blowing in the wind.

I have to assume Cubbie is in most of my dreams because he’s such an important part of my life and he’s always on my mind.

About two years ago I had surgery. When I was groggy and sort of out of it from the anesthesia, the first thing I asked was, “Where’s Cubbie?” I remember the doctor asking, “Who’s Cubbie?” and my mom responded, “That’s her dog.” I guess I love my dog.

I shouldn’t be surprised my dreams include Cubbie, he’s who I spend most of my time with. But sometimes it is weird how no matter what I’m doing in my dreams, I can somehow always incorporate Cubbie.

Posted under Cubbie stories

I’ve had an interesting day, which all started with an early morning wake-up. Cubbie and I were sound asleep when I sort of heard a knocking at the door. Cubbie perked up, but I thought I must be dreaming and closed my eyes again. Then more knocking. This time Cubbie barked, so I knew someone was at the door.

As I grabbed my robe, eyes half open I was thinking who could possibly be at my door? My first instinct was my dad. He’s the only one who comes over early in the morning, but usually he gives me a warning when he plans to work on something at the house. I’ll admit, I was a little upset. I was ready to be mad at my dad, when I realized the knocking was coming from the front door. My dad always uses the back door.

I answer the door in my nightgown with my robe with my crazy morning hair. There’s no good way to describe my hair except blonde waves sticking straight out of my head. Trust me, it’s not pretty!

At the door is my neighbor. I don’t know her since I recently moved in, but I’ve seen her in passing. It’s usually when one of us is pulling into or out of our driveways in the car. Anyway, she asked if I had a dog and if he was loose. I told her my dog was inside. She asked if I knew anyone who had a small dog because she’s new to the neighborhood too and doesn’t know many people. I didn’t think I knew anyone with a small dog.

She told me a little dog was running around and she didn’t want to go to work until she knew the dog would be okay. I said I’d come out and put her in my fenced in backyard, and I would see if I could call someone or find her home. So, I go out back and see this little yorkie. I actually do know where the dog lives. Cubbie and I go past her house on our walks while she’s outside on a chain. That was a relief. I knew exactly where to take her.

I picked up Kiki, as her collar said, and put her in the backyard while I could get some more appropriate clothes on. Cubbie was so excited. He just followed her around the backyard. I cut Cubbie’s playtime short. I grabbed Cubbie’s leash, picked up Kiki and off we went to take her home.

As I walked up the sidewalk, I could see someone looking out the window. She saw me holding Kiki and ran out. She didn’t know she was gone. she thought she was still on her chain. She was very happy and thankful I returned her safe and sound. Kiki made it all the way down the street and even across the street to get by my house. Her owner was just so glad she was okay.

I know what it’s like to have a pet get loose and how scary it can be. If my dog ever got lost, I would hope someone would do the exact same thing for me.

So that was Cubbie’s and my adventure for the day!

Posted under Cubbie stories

The next session of Go Fetch Fitness begins June 1 and goes through July 10. Dr. Elizabeth Bixby started Go Fetch last year because she also needed time to work out with her dog.

This session will be a little different, instead of meeting during the noon hour, you’ll meet Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 6:30 to 7:30 at Taylor Veterinary Hospital in Cedar Falls. There are two reasons for the time change. One, a new group of people who work during the lunch hour can get involved. Two, it’s too hot during the lunch hour in June and July for the dogs to be out walking.

Go Fetch Fitness includes a presentation from the YMCA and a walk for you and your dog.You also have a chance to win some great prizes like gift certificates and dog food.

Our dogs mimic our habits, so it’s very important we exercise, if not for us then for the sake of our pets. I know I personally don’t work out, but I do go on bike rides and walks because of Cubbie. He’s my motivation!

Registration forms are available at Taylor Veterinary Hospital in Cedar Falls or at the Family YMCA of Black Hawk County on University Avenue. You can also click here to print a form off on your computer.

Posted under Pet Events

I drink a lot of things in plastic bottles (yes, I do recycle them). I like flavored teas or flavored waters or just plain water in bottles I refill.

I often set the bottle on the floor or on the couch next to me when I’m not drinking it. When Cubbie decides he wants my attention, he grabs my bottle and runs. When it’s empty, it’s not a big deal. But if the bottle has anything in it… not good. Cubbie chomps down on the bottle and runs. I know he takes the bottle because he wants me to chase him, and that’s exactly what I do. I know what you’re thinking. If I didn’t chase him, it wouldn’t be a game for him anymore and he probably wouldn’t take my water bottles. Yes, but I’m a sucker, and I know how much fun Cubbie has with me chasing him.

With the bottle in his mouth, I try to corner him and he lets out this little playful growl he only makes when we’re playing “chase.” It’s a growl that says, “Come get me Mom. I bet you can’t catch me.”

Tonight, he grabbed my bottle (which was halfway full) and ran into the bedroom and jumped on the bed. I chased him. Then he ran back out into the hallway and circled the living room a few times before going back to the bedroom. This time he darted under the bed with the bottle. I waited a couple minutes to see if he’d come out. When he didn’t, I lifted up the bed skirt and he darted back out. Most often, I get the bottle back, finish drinking it (quickly) and give it back to Cubbie with the lid on. His greatest accomplishment is getting the lid off. Once the lid’s gone, he doesn’t want the bottle anymore.

Tonight, I didn’t try very hard to get the bottle back and he managed to get the cap off before I got to him. He was on the couch and dropped the bottle on the floor dumping water everywhere. Then, because the cap was off he didn’t even want the bottle anymore!

I dried up the floor and he curled on the couch as if to say, “My work here is done.”

Posted under Cubbie stories

Thanks to Shannon and some of my co-workers who sent me this video clip from CNN. A dog is protecting another dog hit in traffic. Turns out the dog hurt is actually the mom of the other dog. If you haven’t seen it yet, it reminds us why dogs are so great.

Posted under In the News

I’m not going to lie. When I wanted to get a puppy almost two and a half years ago, I wanted a cute little lap dog I could carry around. Also, I was living in an apartment and didn’t have a ton of space or a big yard so I didn’t think it was fair to have a larger dog.

When I got Cubbie, he was so tiny! He weighed two pounds, and he could barely stand on his wobbly little legs. We were told he’d probably be between seven and ten pounds full grown. I thought: perfect. He’ll be small, but not too small. That’s about what you expect from a yorkie mix.

Aug. 2006

Then, the little bugger started to grow! His legs kept getting longer and longer. Today, Cubbie weighs around 20 pounds. He’s not a large dog, but he’s not as small as I thought he would be!

As a puppy, I carried him a lot. (Let’s just say I was protective). Sometimes, he still wants Mom to hold him. Usually when I pick him up from my parent’s or when we’re at the vet’s office. Let me tell you, 20 pounds starts to hurt your arms, especially for someone like me who doesn’t lift weights!

I wanted a lap dog, and Cubbie is definitely a lap dog. He loves to be in your lap! If someone comes to visit, be prepared. Jennifer can attest, as soon as you sit on the couch, Cubbie views it as an invitation to plop right on your lap. He just sits there, wants to be petted and often licks your face. He just loves the attention. When we go to my parent’s house, Cub charges into the house and runs straight for my dad. At least 99 percent of the time my dad is in his chair in the living room. Cub jumps right up there with him. When Cubbie can sense I’m getting ready to leave, he does everything he can to jump in my lap. I think he thinks if he’s on my lap I can’t go anywhere. He sits in my lap, puts his ears back and looks at me with his big brown eyes. I feel so bad!

I’m not upset Cubbie got bigger than I thought he would. I actually like having a dog that can jump on the couch or the bed on his own and a dog that can get in and out of the car on his own. I mostly wanted a dog I could cuddle with, and Cubbie definitely fits that criteria.

Plus, thanks to Cubbie’s long legs, we can go on longer walks and he can run easily alongside my bike. There are so many more activities we can do because he isn’t quite so small. No matter what size, shape, color he is, Cubbie is perfect.

Posted under Cubbie stories