Poor Gracie

To say that our four-legged daughter is shocked by our two-legged daughter's mobility would be the understatement of the century.

Poor thing never saw it coming. And boy is she in for it now. That tail is like baby catnip.

Tennis Balls = Good

Dogs + Tennis Courts = Bad

Gracie lost two pads doing hockey stops while playing monkey in the middle.

She had to have a plastic bag over her cast to go out and go potty.

But don't worry because she milked the injury for all it was worth. She even got to sleep IN the bed with us which meant she was happy as a clam and that I got no sleep for four days.

My Dog Got Skunked IN THE FACE

Tomato juice does not remove skunk musk from dog fur. It does, however, turn yellow dogs orange.

Mouthwash also does not remove skunk musk from dog fur. But when you wake up the next morning you will be tired and unable to properly brush your teeth.

What does remove skunk musk from dog fur is a healthy combination of vinegar, baking soda and dish soap. Apply, allow to sit on dog for as long as dog will let you hold her down, then rinse.

Don't leave vinegar, baking soda and dish soap in a container in your garage overnight or you will have a new mess that smells bad to clean up in the morning.

Happy Birthday Gracie!

I can't believe you're four already. Where has the time gone? I'm trying not to cry at the thought of you getting older, but instead think about all of the happy years we still have left to come. We can't wait to make you a big sister. We're so excited by how curious you are whenever you're around a stroller. We think you're going to do awesome. I hope you know that you're my best friend (besides your daddy of course). I love you with all of my heart. Happy Birthday monkey. Here's to another 10 years of banana-sharing, long runs and having you there as my perpetual foot warmer (even if it does mean that I have to vacuum the couch!) Love you, Momma

Best $50 I've ever spent

No that's not a Gremlin that was fed after midnight. That is the puff of hair that I removed from Gracie with our new FURminator. They even have a flobie edition that you can hook directly to your vacuum. This is seriously the best dog brush I've ever used. My house is less hairy now overall (as in I only had to sweep and vacuum twice this week instead of daily). Get it here. Your house will thank you for it.