This is Brill - Puppy Love Thursday

I'm not reinventing the wheel over here, but hopefully this Tumblr of hilarious commentary between a dog and his fur daddy make you smile. Confession: I have been randomly calling out "Batdog!" lately. You'll understand after you read a few texts from this dog. If you manage to read through these and not burst out laughing, you win a prize and that prize is not having a sense of humour. I apologize in advance for some smut - it seems the dog and his owner curse ;)

On a related note, it got me thinking about a certain canine gentleman I fell in love with and blogged about last summer. Meet Charles.

He can be reached via Twitter at @CharlesSpeaks. He has more followers than he follows. He also has a blog. I tried to arrange a date for Charlie and Gigi but it never happened.

This is How You Become a Hero - Puppy Love Thursday

If all you get from this post today is a reminder that there are so many abandoned and neglected pets out there that need forever homes, that's more than enough for me.

Chances are you're an animal person if you're reading this and you've considered bringing a pet into your family. Puppies at Christmas. A teensy kitten for Valentine's Day. A purebred pup from an exclusive breeder for a special birthday. Pets make days brighter. They bring joy into our lives. They lick our hands when we're glum and kiss our faces when we need it. Why not do something special for them and adopt a pet from a shelter or rescue organization? There are countless avenues to pursue when you make the forever commitment of adopting a pet.

Yes, I know puppies and kittens are adorable. I also know that house training them, finding your favourite shoes chewed to bits and crate training can be difficult. Why not skip that mess and bring home an older pet who wants so desperately to be a part of your family? If I had known years ago what I know now about the pet industry, I would have adopted from a shelter. Those precious angels have so much love to give and deserve a loving, caring forever family.

I don't want to preach and it's honestly taken me a lot of backspacing and deleting to get this post down without offending anybody (I hope). I don't want anybody to feel guilty, but I do want you to think about where you're getting your pets and whether or not you're inadvertently contributing to animal cruelty. Puppy mills are a reality. They're filthy, disgusting and inhumane. And yes, I get angry when I think about the lives lost and hearts broken in those conditions. Be a hero to a pet in need and rescue or adopt.

This Heroic Schnauzer - Puppy Love Thursday

How smart is your dog? No really. If you needed help - if your life depended on it - would your dog know how to save you? As fur parents we think our dogs are smart, and these signs of genius start mere seconds after we bring them to their forever home. It's like parents thinking their children are super intelligent and the most gorgeous offspring in the universe. In most cases, we're blinded by love and that's how it should be.

via
This adorable westie is a service dog. With a smile like that, I had to share the picture.

I love my baby Gigi, but I wouldn't bet my life on her being able to bring me the phone to call 911 in an emergency. We haven't worked on that trick yet ;) The adorable service dog I'm about to introduce you to, however, did rescue his foster mom after she suffered a terrible fall. Read his story here in the Huffington Post Canada.

Have any of you considered becoming foster parents to dogs in need or training service dogs?

This is Fur Baby's 5th Birthday - Puppy Love Thursday

Now, I know you've already sent her gifts via messenger - lots of chewies, comfy dog beds, perhaps a spa session downtown - since her birthday is tomorrow, but if you're still labouring over what to get Miss Gigi Baby for her 5th (or 35th) birthday, she's also looking for donations to help pups less fortunate than her over at our pal Ashley's blog. Ash has a heart like no other and works tirelessly to rescue dogs in need. She's an inspiration for me every single day and could really use our help, so please make a visit to her blog and donate to her rescue organization.

But let's get back to what's really important here...my eldest fur baby. I was 25 when I brought Gigi home. I had really wanted another dog for a while and one Saturday morning in April 2007 I woke up and decided that I was getting a dog that very day. I didn't know then what I do now about pet stores and puppy mills. Gigi wasn't a rescue dog, but going forward I'll only adopt fur babies who need love and a safe home. Gigi was brought into the shop with her two sisters on the Thursday evening and until I showed up, nobody had paid any attention to her. One of her sisters was taken home on Friday. The afternoon I showed up with my cousin, I peeked into a cage to see a teensy ginger pup tucked into the corner. The associate told me nobody had asked to see her, but that her sister had been courted by several families. Maybe the kid was giving me a line, but I don't care. When I heard that the timid, sweet, orange pup had been ignored I knew she was the one I wanted.

My new fur baby garnered adoring gazes as I carried her to the car. She shivered for the entire ride and as soon as I got her to her Nanny's (my Aunt Sharon) house, she was showered with kisses, treated to a bath and introduced to grass for the first time. She jumped around in the sun the way puppies do. She was all jumping and frolicking...but she still didn't have a name.

Before I ever met my fur baby, I knew I wanted a small dog who I would name Tonka. When I adopted my little girl though, she didn't seem like a Tonka to me. I went through a lengthy list of names. Cici, Maxine, Macy and others I can't remember. Throughout the day I called her Good Girl and then my Dad suggested Gigi. It was perfect. She was perfect for me.

I'll be honest with you, I adore Gigi, but I'm under no delusions that she's a perfect dog. Does she bark like a maniac at dogs much bigger than her? Yes. Does she whine for treats? You bet. Does she lose her mind when anybody touches me? She's my Kevin Costner. Am I aware of all this and have I put her through puppy class? Ya...twice. It's not for lack of trying. I've had private in-home sessions with a trainer, but my girl is who she is. Perhaps I'm a bad fur mama, but my girl and I aren't changing for anybody.

What means more to me than any amount of doggie tantrums is how much Gigi loves me and how responsible I feel for her safety, health and happiness. To Gigi, I am the entire universe. She waits at the door (my family has confirmed) when I leave the house. She gets shotgun in my Jeep and she's only 14lbs. She is the one being on earth that I always want to cuddle with. She runs right to my side when I cough or sneeze. And the best part is how I look through her eyes. To Gigi, I am perfect without even trying. Her love is unconditional even when I'm barely home and leave her in the capable hands of her Papa, Auntie or Uncle. Her love is unconditional even though I clipped her nail too short over Easter weekend and I had to wrap her poor little paw in a bandage. Her love is unconditional even though I leave her for work every morning. Her love is unconditional because she knows I'm the one person who would do absolutely anything for her. She's right. Each day I want to be the person Gigi already knows I am. She's had that much of an effect on my life.

So, this morning while I was getting ready for work, Gigi was having a birthday breakfast of kibble and cheesy scrambled eggs with her fur sisters. This weekend she's getting a trip to the conservation area for an extra long walk and a visit to our favourite pet boutique for a special birthday cookie. Your first baby only turns five once.

Do you do anything special for you fur baby's birthday? Do you give them presents at Christmas? Is your fur baby a part of the family? Let Gigi and I know what you and your fur babies do to celebrate birthdays :)

This Athletic Pup

Sooooo like, ages ago I decided to allot days of the week for specific topics. Since I'm the boss of myself, I get to write about whatever I want whenever I want. Today on what should always be Puppy Love Thursday, I'm actually sticking to the theme. Meet my fur niece, Holly Berry. She's a three year old brindle boxer and she's a sweetheart. Very obedient, full of spunk and with a tonne of tricks in her arsenal - she pretends to fall down and croak if you fake shoot her - she's got a special place in my heart.

Here's Holly sleeping in the car on the way to camping.

Here's a video of Holls getting her exercise on the treadmill. I wish I could get my girls on a treadmill, Lord knows they have the energy. I know this isn't a new concept and lots of people exercise their dogs on treadmills, but since this is my blog and I can do what I want, I'm featuring the most gorgeous boxer around, Miss Holls. The videographer is my brotha from another motha. He turns 30 tomorrow and I absolutely love and adore him. I was the MOH at his wedding to my cousin/sister/best friend in June 2010 and I guess I'm a sucker for anything and everything this family does. They just mean so much to me

For the record, Holls is not a lap dog, but she does love to snuggle. Once I slept on the couch at my cousins' and I woke up with Holls spooning me as she was wedged between me and the back of the couch...she wasn't there when I want to sleep, but she loves her Auntie Crystal.

What do you do to exercise your dog? Do you play fetch? Gigi only plays fetch indoors, she has separation issues. Does your dog swim? Do they run beside you while you bike or run?

This Puppy Love Post

I've fallen off the wagon. I'm not finding time to blog lately and I'm sorry my sweets. I just got a cute email with pictures of babies and pets and I thought "Hey! I need to do a puppy post!" I came across this a while ago - can't remember how. As a fur mama, I know the day will come where I'll need to send my beloved babies to rainbow bridge. My girls are less than 5, but I know I'll outlive them and it breaks my heart in a way I'm scared to face. To be the best fur mama I can be while I'm blessed to have them here with me, I think about the 10 dog commandments. Please read and think about each one.

1. My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years - any separation from you will be very painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3. Place your trust in me - it is crucial for my well being.

4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment...You have your work, your friends, your entertainment...
I HAVE ONLY YOU!

5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I understand your voice when you're speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I'll NEVER forget it.

7. Before you hit me, remember that I have teeth that could easily crush the bones in your hands but I choose NOT to bite YOU.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I've been out in the sun too long or my heart may be getting old and weak.

9. Take care of me when I get old. You too will grow old.

10. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say, "I can't bear to watch it" or "Let it happen in my absence." Everything is easier for ME if you are there. Remember that I love you.

Let's try to be the people our pets think we are today. If you're lucky enough to be a fur parent, you already know how much your baby adores you so embrace it and make them proud.

Yours in furry love, Major Gal.

This Working Dog - Puppy Love Thursday

I love when the universe provides the content for my blog. This morning as I pulled out of my underground parking I stopped to watch a little curly haired black dog walking without a leash in front of his/her owner. The man was carrying a bag of groceries and a coffee. The pup was carrying a bun wrapped in a plastic baggie. That dog was so happy - the happiness was oozing out of every pore. Wagging tail and looking back at daddy often as if to say, "Isn't this awesome? You get your morning coffee and I get to help you carry the groceries. I'm so happy." That little pup was having a great morning.

Dogs like to know they have purpose. They want to work for us. Remember the Neo Citran dog? Growing up I wanted a gentle giant like the one in these commercials to come to my house when I was sick. Big dogs that bring medicine are way better than doctors, right?

VIA
Certain breeds of dogs are bred to work. For a list of some of these incredible dogs, check out this link. I read a lot of the Dog Whisperer's stuff and when Gigi was just a puppy I was consumed by raising the perfect dog. I read that dogs can and love to carry backpacks on walks because they instantly have a sense of purpose. So, I went out and bought a tiny doggie backpack. I was amazed at how Gigi's attitude and stride changed when she wore that backpack. It was perfect - she held my keys, her own treats and she was so proud of herself. Then this one time, I jammed the buckles in wrong and got the bag stuck on my poor pup. That was the last time we used the bag after cutting it off poor Gigi. I'm thinking I should get another one though as Gigi has been losing focus on her walks. She's wandering all over and doesn't get up to a quick pace like she used to.

Have a great puppy love Thursday everyone.

This is My Kinda Dog

Via
It's puppy love Thursday. Probably my new favourite day of the week (well, my blogging week anyways). Why, you ask? Well, it's not a big secret that I absolutely love dogs. Dogs to me are sunshine, warmth, love, companionship, eternal happiness. Pretty much all rainbows and free designer shoes and lollipops rolled into one furry package.

To begin this new chapter in Major Gal's life, I'm starting with some of my favourite dog breeds - the poodle. Whether mini, standard, toy. mixed breed or otherwise, I love poodles. I always have. When I see them out on the street or at the park I actually exclaim in a shrill voice, "Oh! Poodle!" I also want to name a dog Poodle one day. There's just something so precious about the little ones and so hilarious about the big ones - I just LOVE them. Since I became a fur mama, I've decided that I will only adopt pets from now on, so I'm including an adoption site for this wonderful breed. They're so smart and hypoallergenic which is a bonus.


via

When I got my tonsils out, my aunts and cousins sent me a flower arrangement of...wait for it...a poodle. Each morning I crept out of my mom's bed (I got to sleep in her bed because I was a poor sickly child in recovery) and touched my poodle flower arrangement. I really loved it.

via

I also love poodle skirts and wore a pink one for a Halloween costume years ago. Poodles are always associated with Paris and I'm pretty sure I was born in Paris, but then ended up in Toronto somehow. So you see, I'm supposed to have poodles for pets. Lily is a bichon-poodle cross and Gigi is supposed to be a shi-poo but I'm pretty sure she's a terrier mix of some kind a la Benji. Regardless, poodles are fantastic and really, those crazy haircuts you can do for them are at the very least good for a giggle.

I debated adding information for poodles in need of homes, but going to those sites and seeing those sweet faces breaks my heart into a million pieces and then Puppy Love Thursdays would become Major Gal Gets Another Dog Thursdays and we don't really need that. Gigi ain't in to sharing her mama and they have laws about how many dogs you can have in one home.

These are the Days...of Major Gal

Just a quick note my sweets to say that I've changed up the schedule for The Major Gal Days of the Week. I found when I originally made the schedule, stuff seemed like a great idea, but clearly I'm not adhering to my own rules. Since they're my rules, I'm going to change them. My blog. My rules.

Michelle, from The Vintage Apple has graciously allowed me to copy her super fabulous Friday posts entitled, Dear Shoe God. Check out these babies. I feel like a moron for not having incorporated my love of shoes deeper into my blog sooner, so alas our Mondays together will henceforth (aren't I so fancy?) be known as Happy Heels Monday.

I've also decided that I'm not such a go-getter on signing people up for guest spots on my blog so my entire Thursday What Makes You Happy thing is a giant failure. I'll get back on that one day, but for now I'll be putting smiles on your faces with some Puppy Love Thursdays. Dog lovers, we can all rejoice. For those of you not so much into pups and all their awesomeness, well, come back on Friday :) This might totally end up being where I brag about Gigi on a weekly basis, but I'm thinking I'd like to feature great dog photos, dog stuff and charities. I love dogs. That is all.

Happy weekend everyone. Time for Major Gal to go buy a lottery ticket because she is having a freggin' lucky day xoxo