A few weeks ago, Kong had a Facebook contest calling for the cutest picture of your pup with their favorite Kong, and Ollie was one of the winners!

I submitted this picture of Ollie napping with one eye open near his favorite Kong, the large Kong Extreme. It’s made for dogs 30-65 pounds that are agressive chewers but is perfect for Ollie since he can saw through anything. It’s literally the only toy that survives playtime – 3 years and counting!

As Ollie’s prize (for being so stinkin’ cute), Kong sent the new Kong Wobbler and salmon treats. It’s a great workout (mentally and physically) for Ollie and drives him absolutely nuts! The Kong Wobbler is nearly as tall as he is, but that doesn’t stop him! He’s worn out by the time he gets all the treats out.

Thanks, Kong!

This is not a sponsored post, but affiliate links are included. Ollie won the Kong Facebook contest but was not asked to blog about Kong. Please see our site policy with any questions.

How annoyed do you think our neighbors would be with this dachshund Christmas decoration?

(We live in an apartment. It would run half the length of our balcony.)

Not that I’m really considering it. I don’t think.

(Okay. Fine. Maybe I am!)

I was quoted in an article by Jen Weigel in the Chicago Tribune entitled How much is your pet worth? I initially weighed in when Jen posed the question on Facebook, not realizing it was research for an article.

My quote is actually a mash up of a few different things I said, and although the sentiment is correct, it doesn’t quite make sense, so I wanted to share my full thought.

On Facebook, Jen Weigel asked:

How much would you spend on your pets health? We have a 500 dollar limit for our dog. Anyone think that’s too high? Too low?

My response was:

No limit. If treatment can provide our pet a happy and healthy life, it’s our obligation to do just that.

Jen then asked:

Corrin- how can you say “no limit?” in this economy?

I replied:

Because our pet is part of our family and by bringing him into our family we took on the responsibility of providing for him. I’m not talking heroic measures, but a surgery or treatment that can provide a sustained quality of life? I’d absolutely do everything in my power to make it happen. It’s the reason for pet insurance and regular vet visits – prevention is the best medicine.

And I completely understand “this economy.” I’ve been unemployed for 9 months. Different things are a priority to different people.

Do you agree? Disagree? How much would you spend on your pet? How much have you spent on your pet? Is there a limit?

I may be partial to dachshunds, but I’m a sucker for any books about dogs. Especially books about how dogs impact our lives in positive ways. Katie Up and Down the Hall: The True Story of How One Dog Turned Five Neighbors into a Family is just that kind of book.

Glenn Plaskin lived in a high rise in lower Manhattan when he adopted Katie, the runt of the litter. On a whim, he asked his elderly neighbors, Pearl and Arthur, for puppy-rearing advice, and they are immediately charmed by Katie. Same goes for new neighbors, John and three-year-old Ryan, who Katie shares an equal fondness for.

Katie is the glue that holds all these people together. She brings joy to their daily lives and comfort in times of heartache and tragedy. She watches cartoons with a three-year-old and hob knobs with celebrities. Although Pearl is the matriarch of this makeshift family, Katie comes in a close second.

Katie Up and Down the Hall is an easy, enjoyable read with many touching moments. Keep your Kleenex handy and prepare to be smitten.

(And don’t be surprised if you see Katie on the big screen one day.)

Why yes, that is an affiliate link. I also received a copy of the book from the publisher in order to craft my review. All opinions are 100% mine. Please see my site policy with any questions.

Ollie had his annual vet visit last week, and he’s in tip top-shape.

There’s only one problem.

Ollie was too embarrassed to pose for a picture.

Love handles. My weiner dog has love handles.

And they gotta go.

The vet said that his weight is fine but that any extra weight isn’t good for his hips as he gets older. He’s currently tipping the scale at 13.8 pounds, and we’d like to get him down to an even 13 pounds.

This is where I have to be honest. Ollie gets a lot of table scraps. Too many table scraps. You know it’s been a light table scrap day when he actually eats from his own bowl before bed. It’s like he knows it’s too late for any more handouts, so he resolves himself to eating dog food.

So, while Ollie still gets his favorite treats, table scraps are being phased out.

It’s the end of an era.