Hot Dog

Hello Maisie lovers!  It's been a while since I've posted here (hopefully you've been following us on Facebook in the meantime), but as the video below shows, not much has changed.

Maisie has always loved being warm.  When we lived in Chicago, she spent the winter panting like crazy while sitting directly in front of the vents on the floor.  Our house now has ceiling vents, so that's no longer an option.  But Maisie's addiction to heat persists...when she finds a sunbeam she basks in it, regardless of the apparent discomfort it may cause.

You may or may not be able to see the start of a drool puddle on the chair at the end of the video.  Maisie proves once again that she is the reason why I can't have nice things!  ;)

Not Terribly Wordy Wednesday - Typical

Typical sights at the Maisie and Me Inn New England...

Long day at work/daycare followed by a little weeknight TV watching/couch snuggling:

 

Breakfast followed by quick trip to the backyard, espresso (for the human half), and email checking which results in Maisie's patented up close in your face "pay more attention to meeeee" move:

Happy hump day, all!

p.s.  you are missing out on lots of adorable Maisie pics and updates if you haven't "liked" our Facebook page!

Maisie Loves Fall (aka Raking is Overrated)

As in most of New England, there are lots of trees in our area.  The wind from Hurricane Sandy blew a ton of leaves to the ground all at once, and plenty of sticks came down with 'em.  Judging from the bags of leaves at the curb for garbage pick up, most of my neighbors have already addressed the situation in their respective backyards.  However, I don't own a rake.  Also, I am lazy.  As you can see, Maisie doesn't seem to mind.

 p.s.  for more frequent Maisie updates and pics, please "like" our Facebook page if you haven't yet!

Hell Yeah!!!

Bill S.2192 went into effect today.

Thank you Gov. Patrick, for signing this truly progressive bill.  First, it outlaws BSL in Massachusetts.  OUTLAWS it.

The legislation updates the state’s dangerous dog law so that it now nullifies existing city and town ordinances that focus on particular breeds, such ones that ban pit bulls or require them to be muzzled. Breed-discriminatory legislation has never proven effective at reducing dog bites, and it punishes all citizens living with a particular breed, whether they act as responsible owners or not. The new law requires municipalities to focus on the behavior of misbehaving dogs and their owners, regardless of the breed involved—for example, enforcing existing leash laws for all free-roaming dogs, which are the animals responsible for most reported bites.
-  Linda Huebner, Deputy Director of the MSPCA

Second, it requires training for all animal control officers.  I had no idea that was not already mandatory!

Third, it creates a statewide program to encourage everyone to spay/neuter their pets.

Finally, it allows restraining orders for domestic violence cases to include not just humans, but also pets.

We are so so proud of our adopted state and hope others are inspired and able to pass similar legislation!

This face will never, ever be muzzled.

 p.s.  for more frequent Maisie updates and pics, please "like" our Facebook page if you haven't yet!

 

Hey Kelly Ripa...

Does this look like a dangerous dog to you?

Although we are Chicago natives, Maisie and I currently live in the town ranked #4 on Money Magazine's 2012 "100 Best Places to Live" list.  No gangsters here...

It's been a tough week for us responsible pit bull owners, especially in the Boston area.  Will the negative perception of our beloved breed ever end when those stereotypes are constantly reinforced in the media?  The fight against ignorance continues.

p.s.  for more frequent Maisie updates and pics, please "like" our Facebook page if you haven't yet!

Slacker

Yes, I have been slacking on blog entries.  I promise I will try to get back to it soon!  In the meantime, you are really missing out on some adorable Maisie-ness if you haven't yet liked our Facebook page.  You wouldn't have seen her snoozing in a backyard sunbeam.

 

Or trying to figure out how to get back inside after jumping through a screen-less living room window.  It took some coaxing, but she eventually jumped back inside...I figured if she can jump over the baby gate to escape kitchen confinement, the window should be a piece of cake!

 

Or Maisie's happy crazy eyes during a puppy play date at my house (the tan blur is her lightning quick new friend Sadie).

Or Maisie forgetting what "boundaries" and "personal space" mean after taking Xanax before being crated since her separation anxiety has gotten worse...though the Xanax really helps, thinking of taking some myself!  ;)

Or unmaking my bed once again, without remorse.

Or resting peacefully on one of her dog beds.

 

Hopefully these pics (and the many others on FB) will tide you over for just a bit.  Happy fall!  :)

Snooze & Stretch

Maisie spends many a lazy Sunday snoozing the day away, and today was no different.

Once she wakes, she doesn't just get up.  There's a process.  First...the big yawn.

She takes a look around, and notices that I am there.

"oh hey.  hi."

Then she starts to think about her next move.

And the stretching sequence begins with a modified downward dog.

Then Maisie's back half gets a good stretch, while her front legs support the effort.

Finally, just one leg needs an additional stretch.

And she's off!  

Does your dog have a post-sleep stretching routine too?  Or is this just another example of Crazy Maisie?

p.s.  for more frequent Maisie updates and pics, please "like" our Facebook page if you haven't yet!