From Italian to Mexican in under a week. Ollie is one multicultural dog.

Another great post from: Hot Dog in the City!

I spotted the new Martha Stewart Pets line at PetSmart yesterday and was very impressed. All the accessories are super cute and whimsical, in Martha’s signature muted color scheme, and really well made.

I was also excited to see some adorable dachshunds in the advertising! Always a good sign.

The gold leather harness and leash caught my eye right away, and what dog doesn’t need a bath robe! I also thought the prices were very reasonable considering these were items you’d see in up-scale pet boutiques.

Well done, Martha. A true pet lover.

Another great post from: Hot Dog in the City!

Does your pet have a treat that they absolutely go crazy for? Something extra special that they only get once in a while that sends them running circles through the house?

For Ollie, that special treat is spaghetti. He completely loses his minds when he gets a whiff. In fact, all the dogs in our family love spaghetti, which we’ll take as a compliment.

Of course, I had to take the opportunity to make him do a few tricks, but in the end he enjoyed a giant bowl of spaghetti and a good nap. That’s a good day for a dachshund.

Another great post from: Hot Dog in the City!

Ollie is clearly spoiled beyond all that is reasonable (hello – you’re reading his blog!), but even I have my limits. And $44 to evaluate his behavior before being allowed to make a boarding reservation is absurd.

But that’s exactly what is required at one Austin-area dog boarding facility.

Now, I’m not going to name the facility because it’s nice, and they were nice when I called, and it was recommended by several friends – but if you’re looking to board your dog in the Austin-area, it’s won’t take you long to discover the facility I’m talking about.

I understand the need for a meet-and-greet, especially if your pet is staying for an extended period of time or if the facility is especially hands-on, but essentially charging a potential customer to become a customer isn’t good business. Particularly when that potential customer was willing to book $228 worth of doggie hotel reservations.

I realize they have a booming business, excellent facilities, and cater to a certain clientel – but it’s beyond what I’m willing to spend on my pet, and I never thought I’d say that!

Ollie has stayed at pet resorts before, he’s charmed pet-sitters in three states, and he’ll be booking a return stay at another local pet ranch which doesn’t require an evaluation fee.

I mean, how could this little guy possibly be a trouble maker?

Another great post from: Hot Dog in the City!

Today is Ollie’s 4th birthday.

Hurrah!

He stopped partying just long enough to take a few pictures, but only because I pulled out the “good” treats (Pup-Peroni – which he isn’t allowed to have all the time).

I’m starting to understand how parents feel as their children grow up.

My PUPPY isn’t a PUPPY anymore!

Another great post from: Hot Dog in the City!