One Decade Old

All is forgiven

Can you believe it? I forgot that Indy's 10th birthday was on Tuesday! And I even marked it on my calendar. Goes to show how much I need to step up the blueberries (my memory fruit).

I hightailed it to the treat store yesterday to buy an assortment of "I'm sorry" birthday goodies. As soon as I walked in the door, the tantalizing scent of cinnamon grabbed my attention. The place smelled better than Starbucks, and certainly made my mouth water.

But it was time to go to work. I picked up a birthday bone, a bag of assorted treats, dental chews, and a "power chewer" bone. Then I started looking at the toys.

Finally, I restrained myself. Surely this would be enough to make one little dog happy. I bundled up the purchases and headed for home.

Tail's end: Indy is delighted and all is forgiven.

And that's a good thing. Because next I plan to schedule Indy's much dreaded haircut. I need to find the schnauzer under all those teddy bear curls.

A Sweet Treat

M'mmm. What's nicer than walking into a bakery? That hint of cinnamon and spice in the air creates an alluring scent that reminds me of holidays, Mom, and apple pie. It also tells me how much I need a tall glass of cold milk (sort of a Pavlov's dog thing, I guess). Add a good book and...Heaven.

But wait. These goodies aren't for me. They're for Indy.

One of my favorite places to shop for him is Canine Cookies and Cream at 822 South Main in good old St. Charles, Missouri. There's a counter simply packed full of treats that look so delicious I'm tempted to taste them myself. It's wonderful to be greeted by a number of four-legged assistants that help run the place in true take your dog to work fashion. Customers are encouraged to bring in pets, too. In fact, canine visitors might even get a sample treat from Marilyn, the store's pack leader. I've seen customers that range from a tiny Yorkie to a mammoth Irish Wolfhound shop in this every-dog-welcome-zone. And my chance to get a mid-day critter fix (Awwww, can I hold the puppy?) is an added bonus.

Indy will be thrilled when I get home. He knows only too well what's in that tantalizing little brown bag. Ah yes, handmade bakery treats.

I ask you. Is my dog spoiled rotten or what?