Queenkv’s Brainpickings

I got tapped to work an early morning shift on April Fool’s Day. So, I didn’t have the energy to pull off a decent prank.

This year, I kept it simple.

Before bedtime, I burrowed under the covers and called for my Daisy. I made sure I didn’t have any limbs or toes sticking out under the blankets.

“Where’s Mommy?!?! Mommy disappeared!”

The dog kept sniffing until she burrowed under the covers next to me.

When she pushed her muzzle into my face, I said: “April Fools!”

“Sit.”

And that was a challenge for my Daisy. She knows sitting is her way of saying so many things.

“Yes.” “Please.” “More kibble.” “More wine.” “Throw my Toy.”

It took her three tries to squat into a sitting position and it looked uncomfortable. Daisy still had enough vim to chase squirrels and ghosts in the backyard. But she also had trouble jumping on to the couch (she loves doing that) and she took more naps.

Time to take her to the vet.

Daisy’s doctor took some X-rays and showed us why she would never be serious contender for “Best-in-Show.” The black-and-white images shows one leg bone is shorter than the other. We finally have proof that she runs with a permanent limp. I suppose she would fit in with any hip hop/rap video with her gimpy stride. Just call her a playa. She’ll answer if you call for her in a high-pitched voice.

So – we think she may have strained something when it came to chasing critters on the trail. Daisy’s doctor gave us some herbal pills for her leg/bum pain. He also said she needed a break from running and walking. She hated it when I left her behind for my walk/run along Alamo Creek, but she needed the rest.

After the pills, Daisy’s jumping back on the couch and bed with no problems. She’s also sitting again.

Hopefully, we’ll be able to take her on a walk to celebrate the weekend of Spring.

I missed waking up with my Daisy this morning. I spent the night in Berkeley after working on a wine tasting event in Palo Alto.

Not only is she a wonderful source of warmth, she makes me feel special as we cuddle. It’s nice to wake-up in the middle of the night and feel her chin on my shin.

I wonder if she missed me. One thing that put a smile on my face – this adorable promo for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

Trying to convince my puppy to drink some water.
She’s panting up a storm after our last run by Alamo Creek. She starts strong, but she doesn’t know how to pace herself.

Before the run: She’s a furry ball of energy when she sees me in my running pants and tiny socks. After the run, she gives me this look: “What part of “lap dog” don’t you understand?” I know cocker spaniels are typically pampered pets, but Daisy has energy to burn. Plus – she has the sad look on her face when I leave her behind for longer runs.

I’m quite happy with my Kodak Zi8.

She’s small, light and oh so expandable with some sexy SD cards. Plus – she shoots in HD. I shot this video of my puppy with the Zi8. Daisy doesn’t need any help looking good, but with this camera, she’s gorgeous.

Playing Outside from Kris Vera-Phillips on Vimeo.

My entry for today’s Photo Friday Theme: “Bed Time.”

Check out my puppy – up way past her bed time on the first day of 2010.

My Daisy was trying to be a good host….waiting for us to finish playing Chinese Checkers with our friends. We were up past 2 AM – moving the pastel-colored marbles to the other side of the board.

Waking up and heading to work. Viva la 4:30 AM News Show!
As soon as I leave the newsroom, I get to go home and cook for my family on Christmas day. We’ll open presents, light a log in the fireplace and enjoy the rest of the holiday together.

Good times.

Merry Christmas!

We’re at the tail-end of t-shirt weather and the trees are starting to change color in Vacaville and Sacramento. There’s Daisy peaking out behind our shed in the backyard. Folks in my newsroom say I need to check out the trees in Apple Hill. I’m also trying to visit the cornfield maze in Dixon.

It’s nice to enjoy the changing seasons without the cooler temperatures.

My hubby keeps telling me that these signs of fall do not compare to the autumn foliage in New England and other parts of the East Coast. I’ll check it out some day.

I just checked my work schedule for next month. I’m so happy to get Thanksgiving off! It’s the first time we’ll be able to have Thanksgiving dinner with my family in So Cal since I started working in TV news. Yah!

So, it looks like Daisy’s doing better after her second visit to the veterinarian.

Her painful story started Thursday afternoon. She kept licking her front right paw. In the past, she’s been quite good about chewing out the burrs and foxtails from her paws. In fact, she prefers to do it herself instead of letting her humans take a whack. She’s such an independent puppy.

On Friday, I canceled her grooming appointment and dropped by the Vet at Pet Smart. The vet’s office required a full canine exam. That means the medical assistant checked out her heart rate, ears, eyes and then he stuck a thermometer up her butt. Poor Daisy, she hates that part of the exam.