Sleep – our family has missed a lot of sleep over the past year.

Everyone in this home has realized the importance of naps…anywhere and anytime we all take naps.
They’re refreshing, enjoyable, and good for you. Have a nap today!

I fulfilled many roles before my human sister was born: walking companion, entertainer, snuggler, big kisser, and floor cleaner, just to name a few. But now I have the most important job of all – guard dog! Whenever a stranger walks too close to Violet I let out a warning growl and they always back off. And if she is napping without a Mama or a Dada nearby I lie beside her and keep a watchful eye. It’s a tough job, but someone has got to guard the baby!

Guard Dog!

I’m back!

After a se

ven month sabbatical I am returning to Kenny’s Korner. This month I am happy to announce my return and introduce my new human sister, Violet. A definite improvement over ChiChi – she’s cute, enjoys long naps, and cannot move quick enough to get me!

Spa Time!Brrr! It’s been so chilly here in O-town. Now, I love the snow and love to go out a couple of times a day to jump in the snow banks and play. But the cold started to get me down. It’s great when the sun is out, but those days when it gets grey and dull give me the blues. My pick-me-up was a day at the doggy spa. I got brushed, bathed, clipped and pampered. Now I’m heading into February feeling a million bucks. So if you need a pick-me-up I highly recommend some pampering. Personally, I like a little regular Reflexology and of course, you can’t beat a Reiki session. And there is always a lovely aromatherapy massage to lift your spirits and make you feel Absolutely Fabulous!

Hey, hey, hey!

It’s Spenny here, starting off the year with a quick note as my brother Kenny continues his sabbatical. Life was good in December. I love the fun of getting ready for Christmas: decorating the house, catching the goodies being baked that fall off the kitchen counter, getting extra treats and generally being around people who are feeling good and being happy. It tends to make me feel rather sad when January arrives and all the stuff is put away.

New Year Resolutions

So this year my resolution is to continue feeling good! Woof! I am enjoying my walks, even though it’s pretty chilly here in Ottawa. I do love the snow and it’s all sparkly, so that makes me feel good. I also noticed I put on a few pounds over the holidays, so plugging hard to get through the snow is feeling great too! I’m appreciating the gifts that I got on Christmas Day. I particularly enjoyed the hand-made dog biscuits from Nana J and still have a couple snuck away for a rainy day…shh, don’t tell ChiChi where I hid them. And I’m playing hard at keeping Emma cheery through the winter days with lots of extra snuggles and licks.
This year I picked a really easy resolution to keep.
Maybe I’ll just make living a fun and cheerful life a new habit. Happy New Year!!!

Cats & Babies…hhmmmmm and Bullies

One of the things that I learned this month was that cats and babies don’t mix too well. ChiChi used to live with Kenny and when the new baby came she had to move to my house for a while.

And now, she’s not going back. It seems that my brother didn’t really get along with ChiChi too well. She was always hanging around waiting to jump on him or to box him into a corner so he couldn’t get out. Well, one thing you should know about Kenny is that he is pretty small and a bit of a light weight. On the other hand ChiChi is big, tough and has some anger management issues. So, you can imagine I wasn’t too happy about this move! Turns out that ChiChi doesn’t bully me the same way she bullies Kenny. I’m bigger than Kenny and I decided I wasn’t going to put up with any of her nonsense. As soon as she started into her tricks I decided to just ignore her. And now, we are living in harmony quite nicely. She’s stopped her bullying ways!!! And you know, we sometimes even take a nap together now…who knew this would be possible.

So, another thing I learned this month is to not let bullies push you around. If you don’t have a big brother or sister to help, then go to talk to someone. You don’t have to be the hero, but you don’t have to let bullies push you around either. Tell someone who can help you out…and everyone will be happier.

Happy Halloween!

A little of what you fancy does you good…okay, so I didn’t fancy getting dressed up for Halloween…but I did want to get into all those little dog-bone shaped treats Emma bought me. So, I paid the price and here’s my photo and I’m feeling quite silly but I got my treats. So this month’s lesson, sometimes we have to pay the price to get what we want AND a little of what you fancy does you good!!!

Walking is fun!

Hey, hey, hey! It’s me Spenny, with this month’s news from the wonderful world of pets. Well, since all the excitement of the new baby it’s been a busy time for me and my little brother Kenny. And Kenny is now living in the ‘burbs so I don’t get to play with him so often. This had me paying more attention to my walks this last month or so. I take Emma out for a long walk along the canal in Ottawa quite regularly. I’ve noticed that lots of people and pets enjoy the walk along the canal. I’ve been appreciating the change of scenery as the Fall arrives, with the leaves changing colors and different flowers growing along the way. And it struck me one day that I’m really enjoying being a sight-seer in my own city. So, I thought I’d let you know and invite you to join in this fun game. Go for a walk in a popular tourist area of your city, town or country-side and take in the sights, sounds and of course, the smells. Often we just don’t appreciate where we live the same way as visitors. Go ahead; go for a nice long walk in your home town and enjoy it like a visitor. You’ll be glad you did!

Hey, hey! It’s Spenny here, stepping in for brother Kenny or K-Dog as I call him.

Kenny’s Korner is gonna be Spenny Speaks

for the next few months. K-Dog has gone and got himself into a pickle this time! He has a new baby in the house. And a new house to deal with too.

But let me tell you about last month and what we learned. K-Dog was dropped off at my house early one morning. We were sooo excited to hang-out. We ran, we played, we barked and we had a great time: for a couple of days. Then I kinda got fed-up with having to share all my stuff and all my hugs and kisses from Emma. Grrrr! I was ready for K-Dog to go home and he was ready to go, but no-one was asking what we wanted. So we started to pick fights. Not bad ones, but we tore up a pillow and trashed a bed-spread! Emma got mad and nobody was getting too much of the hugs and kisses. So, K-Dog and I started to feel sorry for ourselves and we were good little buddies. We stopped playing-up and started to appreciate Emma and our lovely home. And we even found that we didn’t mind sharing too much. When K-Dog went home I was sad to see him go, but I was also happy to have Emma all to myself again.

It’s great to have my brother come to stay and we both learned to appreciate each other and Emma. I am looking forward to going to visit K-Dog is his new home. I met the new baby. She smells alright!

I’m so excited!!

I have a new human sibling.. a lovely baby girl whose name is Violet!! My mom and dad are very Proud..

Beat the Heat

During the warm summer months, Kenny is always trying to stay cool; especially in an attic apartment without central air conditioning. He stays hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day and night. When he is outside he plays in the shade and naps in the dirt by digging a hole in the flower bed. Finally, he keeps his physical activity to a minimum on very sunny and humid days. All these tips help Kenny avoid dehydration, over heating and/or exhaustion. Keep Cool !

From his new favourite position in the window, Kenny guards the house and catches any breeze fortunate to blow his way

Helping the Pregnant Lady

Kenny has been honing his skills on the many ways a dog can help a pregnant lady. Cuddles are essential, especially during teary moments and when no one else is home. At bedtime, it is best to sleep on the opposite side of the bed because legs can flail during uncomfortable moments. Kenny has also been pulling less on the leash during walks, and has adapted to the new slower pace. Other helping strategies include: pooping on higher ground so there is less bending down, respecting the need for the occasional ice cream bar and not begging for those special treats, sitting still for grooming, and bringing goodies onto the bed (ie. slippers, Kleenex) which results in less chasing around the apartment for the retrieval of these items. Kudos to Kenny!

Spring Cleaning

With the arrival of spring and the need for more space, our family has started spring cleaning the apartment. Kenny is having a marvellous time for a number of reasons.

Spring cleaning has unearthed forgotten items such as raw hide bones and rope toys. Moving around furniture has uncovered yummy and fun to chase dust bunnies and other bits of lint and dirt. After rearranging and purging there is more room to play, especially indoor fetch. And of course, spring cleaning is helpful for Kenny’s folks as well.

Clearing and cleaning has created additional space, a cleaner living area, and some donations for those less fortunate. Happy Spring!

Happy Dog

Following in the footsteps of Nana J, Kenny has determined the top five ways to be a happy puppy.
1. Family Time – Spending time with the family is the number one way to achieve happiness. Some of Kenny’s favourite times include playing fetch, sleeping in on the weekend, and cuddle time.
2. Treats – Kenny loves to receive treats for any reason, at any time and on any day. Inhaling dog treats, cat treats or human treats bring great joy to a puppy’s life.
3. Bedtime – Bedtime makes Kenny happy. It is a superb feeling to climb into bed with the folks and Chichi.
4. Toys – Dog toys are fantastic part of Kenny’s life. Some of his favourites include chewing rawhide, chewing rawhide and of course chewing rawhide.
5. Long Walks – Obviously this is only applicable during the warmer months. There is nothing more relaxing and rejuvenating than a long walk.
Enjoy your happiness!

Obedience School

It is a short piece for March because Kenny has been a super busy doggie. Kenny started obedience school this month and it has been a learning curve for the entire family. Prioritizing the skills ‘sit’ and ‘heal’, in this picture Kenny demonstrates the sit.

Adventures of a Puppy

Mad Libs were a huge hit in our house this holiday season thanks to Nana J’s stocking stuffers. I decided to create my own and hope to pass on the fun and the laughs!
Simply fill in words for numbers one through ten, and then read the story below using your words. Enjoy!

There once was a(n) ¬______(1)______ puppy called ______(2)______. One of his/her favourite activities was ______(3)______ at the park on ______(4)______ days in the summer. The puppy`s favourite activities at the park are peeing on ______(5)______ and chasing ______(6)______. After all the playing, it’s time for a ______(7)______ flavoured treat, a drink of ______(8)______ and a ______(9)______ in the ______(10)______ on the way home.

Read Emma and Spenny’s completed version: There once was a ¬¬beautiful puppy called¬ Spenny. One of his favourite activities was sunbathing at the park on disastrous days in the summer. The puppy`s favourite activities at the park are peeing on cards and chasing sofas. After all the playing, it’s time for a carrot flavoured treat, a drink of apple juice, and a mailbox in the plant on the way home.

Resolutions

Kenny has not set any personal resolutions for 2010; he is dedicating himself to helping Chichi achieve her annual resolution for the first time. For each of her five years, Chichi has set the objective of weight loss. However her need for cat food, treats and scraps overtakes this goal every time. And each year the annual check up with the vet results in the same speech about reduced food portions and the danger of obesity in cats.
Kenny is helping Chichi by walking her through Nana’s four steps: accept, decide, action and follow through.
1. Chichi is accepting who she is (mostly crabby), as well as her body image. Although her whiskers are long and her belly jiggles when she moves, her fur is soft and her colouring is beautiful. Chichi has begun to accept all the parts of her body. 2. Together they have decided that the change she needs to make is to beg less for food. Chichi is fed one scoop after work, and one scoop before bed. However she meows and howls for food anytime someone walks in the kitchen. If she begs less, scraps are less likely to be doled out, extra kibbles will not be added to her bowl and treats will not be supplied by visitors who think she is being starved. 3. Starting January 1st 2010 Chichi will be taking action, and Kenny will be her support. Together they are going to beg less – Chichi will meow less in the kitchen and Kenny will quit trying to climb the leg of the table during dinner. 4. For the final step, Kenny is going to assist Chichi in striving towards her goal every day.
This time next year Chichi will look back at a successful year and thank her brother for all the help and support!

Dear Santa:

I have been a very good dog this year. I kept my mum company while she was off sick from work with the flu. I only had two indoor accidents during the entire year (Grandmaman’s house does not count because of overexcitement). I behaved appropriately with the dog sitter while my folks enjoyed their honeymoon. I gave all the dogs in the neighbourhood big kisses and sniffs whenever we met them on the street. I tried my best not to eat Chichi’s dinner and her kitty litter. I refrained from destroying furniture and chewing another hole in the bed comforter. And finally, I submitted all of my Kenny’s Korner messages before the deadline. That being said, I would love to see the following items underneath the Christmas tree: rawhide bones, small stuffed animals with squeakers (any animal will do, but monkeys and bunnies are preferred), delicious cat treats and rope toys. Travel safely. Love Kenny

PS. My mum would like something with sparkly diamonds and she has also been good.
PPS. My brother Spenny was quite naughty!

Turn your negatives into POSITIVES!

Kenny is taking Nana’s advice to heart this month and is turning a negative thought into something positive. He is sharing his two favourite examples.
Instead of hanging out and watching movies on a Sunday, mum and dad have been taking off for a few hours in the afternoon. At first this was upsetting and he could not believe they would abandon him on a regular basis. Then they took him to the model home of the townhouse they are buying and he realized that when they are gone, good things are happening. Now when they leave on a Sunday, he takes a nap and dreams about new space, friendly neighbours and unmarked hydrants.
Chichi, the older cat sister, will often terrorize Kenny with claws and sudden attacks from hidden places. Always a negative in his life, he has created some positives out of their relationship. Chichi keeps him on his toes, ensures he gets enough exercise in the apartment and makes a great teammate for overtaking the bed in the middle of the night.
So this month Kenny is advising everyone to turn their negatives into positives!

Happy Halloween
from Kenny!

Mom & Dad just got home from their honeymoon.. I now she’ll have more to say next month!
Psst:( They look really happy- even if they don’t have tails to wag)

Kenny knows that exercise is an essential part of overall health for both humans and animals. During his life he has learned a key factor that leads to successful exercise and he is happy to share it with all.
Getting over the initial hump is his important tip. At first, when the leash appears, Kenny does not want to go outside for a walk. He will run for cover and cower away from the beasty harness. However, once he gets over the initial dread and we start walking down the street he realizes that walking is great. Not only is it a fun form of exercise, he garners these additional benefits: visits with other dogs, praises from humans, sniffs of good smells, fresh air and a benefit to his heath and well being.
In sum, once you force yourself to start, exercise can be fun and rewarding in more ways than one. And Kenny sure does love his walks!

This month Kenny’s message is short and sweet. Enjoy the summer! Spend time with friends and family. Relax, recharge and re-energize. Kenny certainly has been enjoying himself, and is feeling and looking good!

The ever so chic Kenny is up-to-date with today’s beauty and green trends. Since his first bath in the kitchen sink, he has been accustomed to all natural products. Spring showers and summer thunderstorms cause dirt and muck in all of the best outdoor playing venues, and Kenny’s locks often look more brown than blonde. Even when it’s not wet outside, after a good romp in the grass he is usually covered in green grass stains – and not all green is good! There are many natural pet products available on the market. Kenny uses all natural wipes for dirty spots, and these are good for the cat too. Much to his chagrin, on really mucky days, Kenny requires a visit to the kitchen sink. He uses an all natural shampoo that is made without synthetic fragrances and harsh chemicals. These products are better for the environment, and also for himself. They are hypoallergenic, cause less skin irritation and are milder for the eyes (if the unthinkable happens) and ears. Being green can be beautiful, and Kenny is definitely both!

Going green can be a lot of fun!
In the recent burst of warm weather, Kenny has discovered the beauty of driving with the windows down. Luckily the pure joy associated with hanging his head out the window, eyes squinted shut outweighs the negatives of a bad hair day. It is safe to assume that as the weather gets warmer, using the air conditioning in the car will be an unlikely option.
In our household, we have started walking instead of driving when we run our errands. Although all stores are not puppy friendly, we are quickly determining where we are and are not allowed. Kenny loves the walking adventures, as well as the attention received from both customers and employees. Walking instead of driving is better for the environment, and the health of humans and furry four legged creatures.
Going green is all about small steps to help the environment, and Kenny is certainly doing his part!
In other news, Kenny turned one year in May. He celebrated with a car ride, playing with his bro, and eating lots of carrots

Every small step has a positive impact!

In the spirit of SCT going green, Kenny and his cat sister Chichi decided to demonstrate the brilliance of reusable cloth or PP woven fabric bags.

These bags are an eco-friendly choice for shopping and they are stronger than the regular grocery store plastic bag. Tried, tested and true multiple times by carrying around the 15 pound kitty cat.

Of course, these reusable bags are not fit for every situation. If  Kenny lives to the age of 15 years and maintains his active digestive system, we will use 16,425 bags just for picking up his number twos. Instead of using plastic store bags, we buy small, biodegradable plastic bags which are better for the environment.

And obviously these reusable eco-friendly bags are lots of fun! Chichi jumps in them every time the groceries are unpacked, and what ChiChi likes, Kenny loves!

Taking time for activities you enjoy is important for overall health and well-being, and it helps maintain balance in your life.
Being a puppy is hard work! Kenny is kept busy with an array of activities such as: chewing rawhide bones, licking Mummy’s face clean, using his mouth to vacuum the kitchen floor during meal time and avoiding Chichi’s claws (his older cat sister).
All this hard work tuckers Kenny out, and as the saying goes ‘all work and no play makes jack a dull boy’, or a dull puppy in this case. That’s why Kenny ensures that he takes time each day to unwind, relax and do something he enjoys. Hockey nights are a perfect example: sit back, relax, and jump up and down when Dad yells ‘c’est le but!’
Kenny has managed to perfect the balance between work and play…have you?
Kenny recently had surgery to remove his unmentionables and during this time he learned the three fundamentals to a healthy and speedy recovery: plenty of fluids, extra rest, and lots of love.

He drank water throughout the day, and instead of sleeping 17 hours a day he bumped it up to 21. Love is Kenny’s favorite tip. He got lots of snuggles and cuddles. He even started sleeping on the bed, and decided the middle was best.

But these three essentials are important for recovery from anything, such as illness or stress. Like when Kenny caught a cold the first time he played in the snow, or when Mummy changes his routine and leaves him with Nana!

And who is Kenny kidding; these fundamentals are good for everyday too!

That’s my portrait.. Don’t I look cute!

Testimonials

Wow, what a great looking dog! To bad he is not as handsome as his older brother.
-Spen