We Prefer Sturdy

Tonight we (Chase, Mom and I) grew frustrated with technology and decided to go for a walk which turned into a jog.

Over the years I admit to putting on a few pounds. Last summer Mom was worried about me and the Kansas heat/humidity and asked the vet if shaving me would be better (she knew I am slightly vain and would be devastated in being bald). He replied:

"It's not so much the fur as the 'extra'".

We gasped. You don't say such things to a lady.

Admittedly, I have never missed a meal, a scrap on the floor of if Chase isn't quick enough maybe his share too. But don't call me fat. Mommy says we are sturdy girls in our house. I tend to agree there is nothing wrong with that.

Though after dragging tail more than I would have liked today (but we did finish strong) Mom and I have made an agreement to make the runs more regular and treats in moderation. One of the downfalls of being Head-Taster for the business, they are all so good! Plus, I am not a swim suit ready dog just yet.

Run on friends! While I recooperate on the cool tile and with an ice cube.

Rosita's Story

As we were in the kitchen baking up some delicious treats tonight we realized we hadn't shared with you Rosita's story. Our apologizes. The history is what got us to the present and we feel it is important to share. This will probably be at least a two part blog as Rosita has much to share, as told by Mom.

On April 8, 2005 I was celebrating my birthday by working; setting up our booth for the Southern Women's Show in Memphis. Previously in the week I had told our foster care coordinator I had been working at the Humane Society for about a month and I could foster a puppy if one was needed. That day as I was setting up for the event Kathy called and told me a puppy had been turned in and it was the cutest thing ever, could I foster it. . . .."Why not."

To preface my husband was in school still, I had just finished grad school and we were living in an apartment. Pets were allowed but we hadn't asked if we could have one. When I asked my husband if I could foster her, promising that after she had finished her shots and been spade she would go up for adoption. So it was really just a temporary thing.

"Jenny we don't need a dog!" was his response.

Well the next morning in my office was a 4lb furry puppy. The absolute cutest thing I had ever seen. I was told they had named her Shorty (that had to go) and her breed was part Rottweiler (at five years we think she is more of a sheltie/collie/chow/princess mix). And their reason for turning her in was that she was 6 wks and not house trained yet. Poor baby was limping too so we suspect she was abused. The couple who surrendered her tried to come back for her later and change their mind, not an option. (this photo is at 3 months I can't find her baby pics at the moment)

The first thing to remedy was her name. I don't have any kids and hadn't had a dog since living with my parents so this was a big decision. The cover story for the day on the Commercial Appeal involved the character and a picture of Rosita from Sesame Street. I'm a fan of the classic show and thought is was perfect name. Good-bye Shorty, hello Miss Rosita.

The rest of the day Rosita was with me at the Southern Women's Show. Everyone loved her and she still had puppy breathe. Intoxicating, I'm sure that is how some people feel about babies. A vendor lent me a papoose and matching visor for her (embarrassing and over the top but she was adorable) and it was a big hit in our Humane Society doggie fashion show.

When I got home my husband wasn't really thrilled but he agreed she was sweet. Her kennel was set up in the living room and when I went to bed Brett felt bad for her and turned the light to the fish tank off so it wouldn't keep her up. Needless to say she has been wrapped around his finger ever since. And another example of how I am always right :)

Mother's Pride

I'm going to gush about something that may seem very simple and perfect, only to a pet parent. Please forgive me.

Chase has never been a dog to fetch. Rosita has an intense ball drive and will demand anyone and everyone to play with her. In our attempts to teach Chase he runs after the ball and then moves on to something else. Or, he will race Rosita to the prize and take it the opposite direction to spite her.

Well this morning I heard what sounded like a ball drop on the deck. Since we've started mowing all of the toys have been brought in and Rosita was on the floor beside me. Looking outside I saw Chase standing over a baseball. Our neighbor's son has been playing catch with his friends and apparently missed one that strayed into our yard. (Seeing a high schooler run through our yard one night prompted me to close the blinds for fear of walking out in my sweatpants and scarring the poor child for life.) I will toss it back on their side of the fence tonight, hopefully they won't mind a few chew marks.

Granted the task of dropping a ball on the back porch isn't much, but I was really proud of Chase. Not only for the fetching element, but also that he could find anything in our overgrown yard. And maybe it wasn't fetching but more so retrieving but he is my baby and handsome and can do no wrong.

Rabbits

This morning we spotted the first rabbit in the backyard. I'm not afraid or worried about Mom's garden, as it is in pretty sad shape, and I have a feeling they aren't in our yard to tend the dandelions. Honestly they do nothing for me; by the time I'm out the door they are gone anyway.

The dilemma is Chase. Upon opening the door he bolts and tries to catch the rabbits. Why? he's crazy. Last year the rabbits took up a nice residence directly outside the fence under the neighbor's shed. While we were inside they bounded into the yard, looted the garden and when we came out to get some fresh air they bounced to safety outside the fence. Still sitting in plain sight: mommy, daddy, baby, cousins, tons of little bunnies. Chase wanted a bunny so bad; he barked, paced the fence and refused to come inside even with the promise of a Banana Bite. Our favorite.

Poor Chase, daily torments from the furry little critters. White tails, twitchy noses and fluffiness. It was too much for him. He did it; he jumped the back fence and the rabbits hid underneath the shed out of his reach. This wouldn't have been a big deal but he soon lost interest in the rabbits and followed the scents of the neighborhood. Mom was not happy. Neither of us passed obedience, basically the certificate was given to feel like we got our money's worth.

As Chase meanders up the street leaving messages here and there, Mom follows promising treats and a ride in the car while really she grits her teeth and curses her ill-behaved children in her head. He keeps walking. Eventually he met a nice shepherd mix which provided an opportunity to slip his leash on. . . . .

Unfortunately, this isn't the only time Chase has jumped the fence in search of rabbits, cats, neighbor dogs and sent the parents into a panic. During winter the mounds of snow put a halt to the running start needed to clear the fence. But now the snow is gone you can hear Mom call, "Chase are you still in our yard?" from the kitchen and see her peaking out to check-in. Secretly she is hoping he has forgotten his super dog abilities or that he has become her well-behaved son. Myself, I am on the sturdy side so jumping requires way too much energy and I have come to the realization air-conditioning and treats are not provided in the great out-of-doors.

With the return of the rabbits, it could be another season of 'chasing' Chase.

*Chase has identification on his collar as well as a micro-chip.

Business Bites

Don't get me wrong. I'm very excited to have my own business but getting here wasn't easy; there were times I even considered changing political parties. The amount of paperwork, permits, all the hoops you have to jump thru is exhausting. But thanks to the help of several friends, neighbors, and a friend-of-a-friend we are up and running. Kinda. Since we have no start-up money mom cleaned house and had a yard sale and we have bartered for a lot: website, photography, logo design, business cards, legal counseling. Thank goodness dog people are great people.

Rosita's Ruff Cakes LLC was founded February 25, 2010 (my 5th birthday). Mom was having a slow day at the office and was day-dreaming of opening her own doggie daycare when she noticed the name she wanted to use was already occupied. She decided to stop wasting time and put her favorite skill (in my opinion) to use as a stepping stone, quitting her day job would have freaked Dad out. For years Mom has made the best treats for Chase (my brother) and I; at Christmas our neighbors get some goodies as well. My favorites are Banana Bites and birthday cake, yummy!

This is my first experience with blogging so please bear with me as I find my voice. Occassionally I will share the spotlight with Mom and Chase. If you ask my parents they will tell you I'm a sheltie, collie, chow, princess mutt. Mostly princes. Chase is a yellow lab, terrie mix. Were were both brought home from work when mom was working at the Memphis Humane Society. Sucker.

Hopefully you will learn that I am more than just a pretty face, but also a hard worker with great confections. I look forward to growing our business and sharing our ups and downs with you.