Tips for Pug Friendly Grilling

The grilling season is upon us. Everyone knows that the most important role for successful outdoor cooking is grill support.

Fortunately we have an expert in the house.

Dixie's Tips for Pug Friendly Grilling

1. Assess the situation. Dad might just be cleaning the grill or putting things away. There is no need to waste energy walking outside if no food will be involved.

2. Always stand guard. There are several steps to the grilling process -- grill heats up, food goes on, food cooks, food comes off. It's imperative that you stay by the grill's side throughout each of these steps (if weather permits).

3. Keep a slight distance. Sitting further away from the grill allows you a better view of the landscape. Should any pieces of food fall you will see them with hawk-like precision.

4. Do not give up. He will close the grill lid. Don't be fooled. There is still chicken on that grill. Continue to beg and plead lest he forget that you are around.

5. Your comfort and safety are top priorities. Should Dad do something crazy like grill at night when it's scary or cold out, ignore tip 2 and watch from the comfort of the house until the food is ready.

6. Do not get distracted. The yard is full of good things to sniff, but avoid leaving your post. Removing the food from the grill is a very quick process. He may take the food in and you could be stuck outside.

7. Avoid underestimating Mom. The chances are good that Dad will give you a few small pieces of chicken. Once you have exhausted your options with him, muster the cutest face possible and begin your work on Mom.

Put On the Brakes

It has recently been brought to Macy's attention that city pug walks are much different than country pug walks.

Country pug walks are more like this - lots of green grass and clear pathways.

On city pug walks strange, scary things jump into your path. Like manhole covers, metal grates and sidewalk connectors.

It doesn't matter how hard you try.  There is no way Pug One is crossing.

Soon she looks up at you with those trusting eyes, and with a lot of verbal encouragement she'll ever so gingerly (and quickly) tip-toe over this particular spot. She expects full praise and back rubs once she does.

Then it's back in the bed. And when we face that spot tomorrow,  we'll put on the brakes all over again.

Steal My Sunshine

Of all the sunshine on the entire driveway, you had to come and steal mine.

Pug Fall Photo Shoot

It's that time of year again. Time for the pug fall photo shoot. Something we do around here that one might equate to annual school pictures.

This year Dixie stole the show. Not because she made any effort to look at the camera, but because Macy was doing this.

And this.

She was searching out any stray cherry tomatoes that might be left in the yard from a plant that was removed from the garden weeks ago.

Fortunately I did manage to get this shot; my favorite of the evening.

And to Dixie's surprise I caught a few of her face. She has a bad habit of doing this:

I see you, and I'll glance, but no way am I going to look straight at you.

But give her long enough and she can't resist gazing at the cows. It's at that point that I practically shout - Gotcha!

Pug Field Trip!

We don't do many field trips with the pugs, mostly because Dixie isn't a stellar passenger in the car. But it has been a long, hot summer, and with a few days of cooler weather to work with we decided we'd get them out of the house for a bit.

So we headed into Lexington and made a few dog-centered stops. Here are a few photos from our energy-filled day!

Dixie says, "Field trip!" Time to get crazy!

Our first stop was a classic. Time to refill the food bin.

It only took strolling down two aisles before Dixie was ready to call it quits. She would much rather sit and people watch. 

 
The pugs are ProPlan girls, but that didn't stop Dixie from checking out the other options.

A big reason for our trip was so we could check out the Bluegrass Barkery. We see it all the time, but have yet to make a stop.

Again, we no more than got into the store and Dixie decided she needed another rest.

They had a great selection of dog bones.

And I'm certain they have the most unique flavors around. A mint julep flavored dog bone? Only in Kentucky.

Macy sat patiently as we scooped out a few treats for the road.

Our next stop included frozen yogurt. We had the pugs in mind while making our selections.

They prefer peanut butter yogurt.

A stop for gas on the way home, and a classic symbol that pugs have been in your car. Window spray!

Finally home, and time for some R & R, or S & S (snoozing and snoring).

Pug vs Hawks

An interesting thing happened last week. 

We live in a rural area so we are always on the lookout for coyotes. One thing we’ve never been too concerned about are hawks. Perhaps when the pugs were pups, but not as adults weighing 16 – 20 lbs. (Dixie would rather I give a range as opposed to revealing her weight.)

My husband noticed a hawk when he let Macy out this week. Within a few minutes five more were in the yard. One flew so close over the house that he heard its wings flapping.

Needless to say, Macy was scooped up and brought inside.

As a result, we have called a family meeting to discuss safety options. The pugs particularly like option 2 – bigger dinners so they become too chubby to be scooped up.

I am curious, though. If you know anything about hawks, do they ever hunt in a group? I always thought they were lone travelers.