Hola, me llamo Nino!

I am a Chihuahua, and I am 13 years old this month.  I love my parents, Kristen and Jason, very much, and they love me, too.  I also love my best friend, Claudia – she is a calico cat my age, and she is twice my size!  I like it when she lays on me and keeps me warm.  I live for belly rubs first thing in the morning, last thing at night, and any time in between.  I also like pizza crust – it’s my favorite.

I grew up here in Austin, during my mama’s college years.  Those sure were crazy times!  After she met my papa, we all moved to Hartford, Connecticut, which was cold.  Muy frio – much too cold for a Chihuahua!  The first time the snow covered the grass, I didn’t know where to tinkle. Papa tried to show me how to use a pole in the basement, but I thought he was crazy so he gave up.  Finally, my parents figured out they should shovel a corner of the yard for me when it shows, and Connecticut wasn’t so bad after that.

When we moved back to Austin, I was getting old, lazy, and a little chubby.  My parents took me to the nice folks at West Lynn Vet, and Dr. Hanks said I was “hypothyroid.”  I don’t know what that means, but I do know that now I get a little pill twice daily and it makes me feel five years younger.  Dr. Hanks also helped fix my teeth, and he got me hooked on cooked carrots, which are now my favorite treat (except for pizza crust, of course).  I’m sure glad that my parents moved back to sunny, warm Austin and hooked me up with Dr. Hanks… even if he is an Aggie.

They don't call me "Sassy" for nothing!

Hi, my name is Sassy, and it is hard to believe that I am turning sixteen years old.  I take a few more “preventative” meds and have a few less teeth, but I am still maintaining my girlish chihuahua figure at 3 1/2 pounds!

Although napping is one of my favorite pastimes, when the mood hits me, I am just as fast as ever… a regular Speedy Gonzales!

Last week, I had visitors, two chihuahua puppies, Carmela and Muchacha.  Well, let me tell you, it took me two days to shape them up.  You know, when and where they could sleep, when and what they could eat or play with and… no more whining!

My best efforts to teach them how to do “figure eights” came to naught, even when I bribed them with treats.  Those youngsters can really wear a girl out, but we did have a good time.

So, Happy Birthday to me, and I will check back with you next year!

A very Happy Birthday SMILE from Jay!

Birthday wishes spoken from his family…

Jay came into our family over the Thanksgiving weekend 11 years ago.  We were shopping at North Park Mall and there happened to be an adoption clinic taking place.  We walked around the cages and saw Jay.  He was the only dog not barking and he looked at us as if saying “You’re going to take me home with you.  I belong with your family.”  And that is exactly what we did!

He was the perfect addition.  Jay is always so happy that he taught himself how to show it with a smile.  He greets everyone he likes with beautiful white grin!  He is energetic and loves to walk around Town Lake and even though he is 11 years old, he still looks and acts like a puppy.  He is also very protective and has never taken a bite out of anyone!!

When we brought Riley, our cat home, Jay took care of him as though he were Riley’s mother and today if anyone tries to bark at or chase Riley, Jay steps between them and protects him.

He is now the alpha dog to a new puppy and is teaching Kemper the right way to behave.  He is the best, most loyal and loving animal anyone could ever have!  I wish I could clone him!

Bailey’s favorite food are CARROTS.  She eats them as treats throughout the day. It’s hilarious to watch her crunch and chew through a big one.   She eats so many that we have to buy the HUGE bags of carrots at Costco.

Bailey loves walks, car rides, boat rides, and sleeping in the sunshine.  Although 12 is pretty old for a big-breed dog, she’s still going strong.

Sam is very feminine because he lived in a house with all girls in the city and no yard.  It wasn’t until he moved to San Antonio that he climbed his first tree and got stuck in it immediately… such a city boy!

Sam is a good traveler and has been taken on many flights (about 30 at least!)  He has lived in New York, Rhode Island, San Antonio, and now full circle back to Austin.  Tuna is his absolute favorite food, he loves sleeping on white bedding or inside open suitcases… maybe because he likes to travel!

Happy 15th Birthday, Sam the man-cat!

Daisy, flying high on her birthday! (Note the ears!)

Meet Daisy.  She is 15 years old and is still as spunky as ever!  We got Daisy 13 years ago as a trade off.  My daughter, Kim, had 2 ferrets and we met up with a family that wanted ferrets but already had a pet named Daisy – Daisy or ferrets?  I was so glad that they  opted for the ferrets and we got cute little Daisy, alias “handlebar ears,” alias “the “Flying Nun!”  Daisy loves her walks and loves to lay in her bed while I’m on the computer.  Her favorite spot is when we watch TV and she snuggles next to me and puts her cold nose on my arm – just to let me know that she’s there.  Her favorite food is Rabbit/Potato with frozen peas! She loves her veggies and knows she gets a treat when she finishes her meal.  I call her our “runaway!”  She likes to sneak out the front door and visit the neighbors.  Usually, Emeril (the youngest) barks and lets us know that Daisy has gone missing. But he manages to sniff her out of the neighbors yard and bring her back home! Daisy may be small but she has a “bark” in her that even frightens Emeril not to mess with her!  Happy Birthday, Daisy!

D.D. will be celebrating her 7th birthday this Friday, May 7th – get it, 7 – 7.   This must mean it is a “good high rolling year” for her!

Congrats, D.D. on your 7th Birthday – We all know you will be celebrating (we heard Victor was taking you out downtown Austin  this weekend with your dancing shoes and your hot pink collar!)

Enjoy life as much as we enjoy having you at the Clinic every day!

Is this all for me!?

Meet Xena!

Xena was found on the East Side when she was a small, little kitten.  Her full name is Xena “Kitty Princess” which she got because of her warrior-like moves when she’s wrestling with her brother, Rufus.  Nicknames include “KP,” “Kitty P,” and “Mama.”

Her favorite activity is to crawl into dresser drawers and play dress up!  She picks out clothes and spreads them all over the bedroom!  She is a sneaky cat – she will stick her head in any cup of water left unguarded!

Meet Xena's brother, Rufus!

All dressed up and no place to go - but I'm gorgeous!

Sophie’s Story:

Sophie was born April 25, 1997 and came into our life July 4, 1997.  Sophie’s father was from a champion bloodline!  We lived in Houston for 4 months before locating to Austin.

Dr. Hanks has taken such great and loving care of Sophie basically her entire life.  She really loves to eat carrots, sweet potatoes, and green beans.

She loves shopping at Fetch and traveling to San Francisco 4-6 times a year (she even has her own frequent flier number!),  and of course visiting with her hero – Dr. Hanks!

This is a picture taken of Sophie at Halloween in her “Snow White” costume.  She’s a girly doggie:)