This is a delight, Nan!! I was on the edge of my proverbial toilet seat listening to the morning bathroom scene! My dog was incontinent and would also pee as he walked, making fun patterns on the sidewalk. Let me know if you ever have to express her bladder - I have excellent pee pads I can recommend. My sweet Parker spent all his time with a pee pad under his blankets 😍.
P.S. I don’t think Hazel needs to sleep in a crate - I think maybe you need new friends 🤣
I feel your pee pain (both human and dog). I counted over 40 of those perforated paper towel half sheets. Did you call Guinness Book of World Records? EPIC. This post is Mimi and Frida approved.
Nan, I’m so glad you decided to share this hilarious story with us. So love the penis demolition, woof!
We’re not pet owners they own us. I love how you brought out all the different personalities.
Your love, shines delightful playfulness.
We got a kitty about four months ago. That’s an essay itself. I was injured so I’ve been off Substack. I think catching up is an impossibility. My essay this month was for disability pride but I can’t wait to write about the kitty and how woody is/maybe/is not adjusting.
Hey sweetie, thanks, I saw your post come through, and it's on my TBR list. I remember when you got the new kitty...the best! How IS Woody doing with that? I'm sorry you were injured, and hope healing is well under way. xo
I’m delighted to hear this Nan. I think you’ll like it. Some things are clearing away and other things have gotten more busy, ie kitty and Woody. I’ll pm you.
They are very cute together. Ruby always wants to play with him. She’s the size of his open mouth yet she is fearless. They do rub noses-so sweet.
I never grow tired of stories about the dogs, cats, horses, and birds that grace our lives and teach us so much about ourselves. I never grow tired of the essays about play and playfulness -- surely a trait I would have lost years ago if it were not for dogs in my life. And I never grow tired of meeting those humans who know that living with and among the creatures helps to make us better people. My current dog is Mickey and he is a light of love, goofiness and giving in my life. Thanks for the big grin, Nan. ~stephanie
I learned to love in special ways because of the four-leggeds in my life. They are the best teachers. They live in the moment so much more effectively than humans. And oh, we laugh! xo
I love your essay. It put a massive smile on my face, followed by many chuckles as I continued reading. I was once owned by three cats and two dogs in an apartment, and I loved every crazy minute of it. I have an adorable and cuddly Maltipoo but want to get Teddy a playmate. My daughter is totally on board with this idea; my husband is not so much. It's two against one, and I want another Shitzu. Wish me luck!
You get that Shih-Tzu! I have to tell you, I went from being a one dog mama to now always having two at one time. It's really good for them. My two now sleep in the same crate in two little beds (and sometimes they squeeze into just one of them together). My doctor strongly recommended that I stop sleeping with my buddies, as I have trouble with insomnia and damn him, he was right. But every night before we go to sleep, I go through the same little mental battle of wanting them to come to bed with me...But my sleep is SO much better. It's tough one. I can't wait to see your new Shih-Tzu. xo
Nan, what a great and often funny piece! Your dogs are so darn adorable! I'm so sorry to hear of Hazel's passing. It is tough to lose a fur baby. I have always loved animals, but the nuclear family I grew up in did not. I was an anomaly. Anyway, thankfully, I have a cat named Oliver, who definitely owns me and is spoiled to the max!
In fact, tomorrow I have a post dedicated to Oliver, who is a Himalayan and a rescue. So animal week, it is! You are an awesome fur baby momma. I also work from home, which makes Oliver very happy. Everything for the boy.
Thanks, Beth! I love "often funny"! That's wonderful. I do have cuties, for sure. Hugo, her little brother is going to be 11 on Sunday, I can't believe how the years have sped by. I also have Maisy now, she's a little mutt I adopted as a puppy 3 weeks after Hazel died. I've written an essay about her, A Daily Dose of Radical Acceptance and Joy: https://nantepper.com/p/a-daily-dose-of-radical-acceptance-dd8 You might like it. I'll check out your post tomorrow! xo
Nan, you speak doggie-ese for sure. Your love for these creatures I so appreciate and I’m positive the ones that are fortunate enough to have made their way to your door, totally agree. Folks who love animals are a special breed.
I did not know that about bully sticks. You have forever changed my thoughts about them. Yikes!
My herd is not a fan, so I don’t have a supply. My pooches are into lamb chew sticks. I have no idea what body parts these come from. And then I frequently carry them in my mouth to have a ready reward when the peeps and poops appear. I don’t want to think about it.
I hope it's okay to let you in on a little secret. Of course, I love all your writings, but one of the main reasons I subscribed is because I know how much your beloved pets mean to you and that sometimes you write about them, too.
Every morning when our pup plays with his toys, he manages to get his rubber doughnut or one of his other toys stuck under the sofa, the TV stand, or some other place he cannot retrieve them by himself. Guess who gets down on her hands and knees to get it for him every single time? Haha
Great story abour your dear Hazel. I'm sorry she had such a short life, but how loved she was. I know how it feels to miss a beloved pet every single day. Big hugs and thank you for sharing about Hazel.
Thank you, Nancy! Gosh I loved her so much. I love knowing that you get about the animals who grace our lives. We're the lucky ones to have them in our midst. I have a story or two (at least) more about my critters. Hugs right back to you! xo
True that, sister. We know that about each other, that we love the pups! I don't do bully sticks either, my dogs do. No dick for me (couldn't resist)! xo
Lucky Nan, for sure. Hazel was lucky for 5 years. And then I lost her. Not so lucky for her or me. Miss that girl so much. It was really good for me to write this one and tell it! xo
Yes, I can understand that. It's so easy to project one's own fears! I would probably feel the same way. Maybe we can form a Bully Stick coop to bring costs down. Maisy, my little mutt devours a 12-incher in about an hour. I always try to find ones that have GIRTH...talk about projecting! Glad you liked the post. I'm trying to exercise my humor muscles more. xo
Oh, you gave Hazel such a fabulous life. Short, but filled with enough love to last an eternity. I get the part about spending your haircut budget on her grooming. My little Sophie's haircuts cost 4X what I paid for my own. So I started doing it myself. For both of us. We shared the good scissors that came with her clippers.
Thanks, Eileen. She was SO excellent. I hated losing her. My first Shih-Tzu's name was Sophie, and that was so many years ago. I worked at a grooming salon for a while when she was young, and got a big break on grooming. My friend and employer, Dede of Dede's Dog-A-Rama used to give her a fabulous mohawk. She looked like a Gremlin. But then I stopped working there, and taught myself to do it. It was long, arduous, and not much fun for either of us. So I started making more money! Right, https://substack.com/@deschade?
This is a delight, Nan!! I was on the edge of my proverbial toilet seat listening to the morning bathroom scene! My dog was incontinent and would also pee as he walked, making fun patterns on the sidewalk. Let me know if you ever have to express her bladder - I have excellent pee pads I can recommend. My sweet Parker spent all his time with a pee pad under his blankets 😍.
P.S. I don’t think Hazel needs to sleep in a crate - I think maybe you need new friends 🤣
Thanks, Lyns! Hazel, died in 2018, because of her kidney defects and a couple of other health issues. Do I really need new friends? xo
I’m so sorry Nan, I missed that part. Thank you for sharing her amazing little life, she is adorable 🥰
I miss her so much. We had a super bond. She made me laugh everyday. I love my babies. xo
So sweet 🥹
I feel your pee pain (both human and dog). I counted over 40 of those perforated paper towel half sheets. Did you call Guinness Book of World Records? EPIC. This post is Mimi and Frida approved.
I never counted! Hilarious. Yeah, she was a pisser, alright! Goddess, I loved that girl.
Dogs and cats are as much a part of the family as children. At one point we had 3 dogs, 3 cats and 3 daughters😊
Nan, I’m so glad you decided to share this hilarious story with us. So love the penis demolition, woof!
We’re not pet owners they own us. I love how you brought out all the different personalities.
Your love, shines delightful playfulness.
We got a kitty about four months ago. That’s an essay itself. I was injured so I’ve been off Substack. I think catching up is an impossibility. My essay this month was for disability pride but I can’t wait to write about the kitty and how woody is/maybe/is not adjusting.
😘😂😿
Hey sweetie, thanks, I saw your post come through, and it's on my TBR list. I remember when you got the new kitty...the best! How IS Woody doing with that? I'm sorry you were injured, and hope healing is well under way. xo
I’m delighted to hear this Nan. I think you’ll like it. Some things are clearing away and other things have gotten more busy, ie kitty and Woody. I’ll pm you.
They are very cute together. Ruby always wants to play with him. She’s the size of his open mouth yet she is fearless. They do rub noses-so sweet.
I just showed up for the penis demolition 😆😆 And dogs 🐕
I knew you were smart! xo
I never grow tired of stories about the dogs, cats, horses, and birds that grace our lives and teach us so much about ourselves. I never grow tired of the essays about play and playfulness -- surely a trait I would have lost years ago if it were not for dogs in my life. And I never grow tired of meeting those humans who know that living with and among the creatures helps to make us better people. My current dog is Mickey and he is a light of love, goofiness and giving in my life. Thanks for the big grin, Nan. ~stephanie
I learned to love in special ways because of the four-leggeds in my life. They are the best teachers. They live in the moment so much more effectively than humans. And oh, we laugh! xo
I love your essay. It put a massive smile on my face, followed by many chuckles as I continued reading. I was once owned by three cats and two dogs in an apartment, and I loved every crazy minute of it. I have an adorable and cuddly Maltipoo but want to get Teddy a playmate. My daughter is totally on board with this idea; my husband is not so much. It's two against one, and I want another Shitzu. Wish me luck!
You get that Shih-Tzu! I have to tell you, I went from being a one dog mama to now always having two at one time. It's really good for them. My two now sleep in the same crate in two little beds (and sometimes they squeeze into just one of them together). My doctor strongly recommended that I stop sleeping with my buddies, as I have trouble with insomnia and damn him, he was right. But every night before we go to sleep, I go through the same little mental battle of wanting them to come to bed with me...But my sleep is SO much better. It's tough one. I can't wait to see your new Shih-Tzu. xo
Nan, what a great and often funny piece! Your dogs are so darn adorable! I'm so sorry to hear of Hazel's passing. It is tough to lose a fur baby. I have always loved animals, but the nuclear family I grew up in did not. I was an anomaly. Anyway, thankfully, I have a cat named Oliver, who definitely owns me and is spoiled to the max!
In fact, tomorrow I have a post dedicated to Oliver, who is a Himalayan and a rescue. So animal week, it is! You are an awesome fur baby momma. I also work from home, which makes Oliver very happy. Everything for the boy.
Thanks, Beth! I love "often funny"! That's wonderful. I do have cuties, for sure. Hugo, her little brother is going to be 11 on Sunday, I can't believe how the years have sped by. I also have Maisy now, she's a little mutt I adopted as a puppy 3 weeks after Hazel died. I've written an essay about her, A Daily Dose of Radical Acceptance and Joy: https://nantepper.com/p/a-daily-dose-of-radical-acceptance-dd8 You might like it. I'll check out your post tomorrow! xo
Thanks for the link! I will read your post. I got Oliver shortly after a beloved cat passed away. Enjoy the read!
I will! xo
Nan, you speak doggie-ese for sure. Your love for these creatures I so appreciate and I’m positive the ones that are fortunate enough to have made their way to your door, totally agree. Folks who love animals are a special breed.
I did not know that about bully sticks. You have forever changed my thoughts about them. Yikes!
Thanks for your article. I enjoy your writing.
My herd is not a fan, so I don’t have a supply. My pooches are into lamb chew sticks. I have no idea what body parts these come from. And then I frequently carry them in my mouth to have a ready reward when the peeps and poops appear. I don’t want to think about it.
Hilarious! Yes, put it out of your head. Your brain has more important things to tend to. xo
Thanks, Meredith. Yeah. Bull penis. Have your thoughts changed in a positive way now that you know? Gosh knows, they're expensive! xo
Hi Nan,
I hope it's okay to let you in on a little secret. Of course, I love all your writings, but one of the main reasons I subscribed is because I know how much your beloved pets mean to you and that sometimes you write about them, too.
Every morning when our pup plays with his toys, he manages to get his rubber doughnut or one of his other toys stuck under the sofa, the TV stand, or some other place he cannot retrieve them by himself. Guess who gets down on her hands and knees to get it for him every single time? Haha
Great story abour your dear Hazel. I'm sorry she had such a short life, but how loved she was. I know how it feels to miss a beloved pet every single day. Big hugs and thank you for sharing about Hazel.
Thank you, Nancy! Gosh I loved her so much. I love knowing that you get about the animals who grace our lives. We're the lucky ones to have them in our midst. I have a story or two (at least) more about my critters. Hugs right back to you! xo
I often marvel at the deep love we can have for our beloved pets. Each one is such a gift. x
Completely agree. I'd be lost without them, truly. xo
Dog love. Like no other kind of love. I don't do the bully sticks.
True that, sister. We know that about each other, that we love the pups! I don't do bully sticks either, my dogs do. No dick for me (couldn't resist)! xo
HaHaHa!
Yuppers. xo
What a great story! Lucky Hazel; lucky Nan.
Lucky Nan, for sure. Hazel was lucky for 5 years. And then I lost her. Not so lucky for her or me. Miss that girl so much. It was really good for me to write this one and tell it! xo
Bully sticks are a favorite treat of Brady's too. I try not to think about their origins. Loved this post, Nan!
Yes, I can understand that. It's so easy to project one's own fears! I would probably feel the same way. Maybe we can form a Bully Stick coop to bring costs down. Maisy, my little mutt devours a 12-incher in about an hour. I always try to find ones that have GIRTH...talk about projecting! Glad you liked the post. I'm trying to exercise my humor muscles more. xo
I'm in on the coop. And I love when you exercise your humor muscles!
GIRTH 😂
The girthy ones last longer....
🤐
😏
Oh, you gave Hazel such a fabulous life. Short, but filled with enough love to last an eternity. I get the part about spending your haircut budget on her grooming. My little Sophie's haircuts cost 4X what I paid for my own. So I started doing it myself. For both of us. We shared the good scissors that came with her clippers.
Thanks, Eileen. She was SO excellent. I hated losing her. My first Shih-Tzu's name was Sophie, and that was so many years ago. I worked at a grooming salon for a while when she was young, and got a big break on grooming. My friend and employer, Dede of Dede's Dog-A-Rama used to give her a fabulous mohawk. She looked like a Gremlin. But then I stopped working there, and taught myself to do it. It was long, arduous, and not much fun for either of us. So I started making more money! Right, https://substack.com/@deschade?
Love this, Nan!
Thanks, Amanda! I loved her, that super pup. xo
Bully sticks??!! I guess there’s always something new to learn in this world!
Yup. Yes, indeedy! xo