My life with Dixie

new website

2010-01-17T13:45:00.000-05:00

In an attempt to make my life easier, I've merged the two. You can now view blog updates here:

mysocalledsouthernlife.posterous.com

Southern Freeze

2010-01-09T19:07:00.010-05:00

Frozen ponds, streams, fountains all make for not so fun, but beautiful walks. I don't know how she is not freezing in this. Doesn't even seem to phase her.

20 degrees

2010-01-03T19:18:00.003-05:00

Walking Dixie twice a day is definitely challenging these days. I thought the partly frozen pond was impressive, but this wins the prize. This is right around the block from me. Thanks Chap, for the photo and walking with us.

2010

2010-01-01T15:44:00.006-05:00

Us

We started out the gorgeous day waking up late and taking a walk in the park.

Christmas in south Georgia

2010-01-01T15:39:00.008-05:00

Thanks Alice and Skipper for a memorable Christmas. Dixie had so much fun with Ace, Shug and of course, Lucky.

Shug and Dixie

D, enjoying the moment

Yes, ALL of these presents are for us!

A walk in the neighborhood

2009-11-14T14:19:00.001-05:00

photos by Chap

Dixie vs. cream cheese

2009-11-14T14:08:00.001-05:00

Dixie vs Cream Cheese from Chap Lovejoy on Vimeo.

from Chap

Sunday morning

2009-11-02T22:12:00.001-05:00

Thanks for the fun picture Bianca!

Afraid

2009-11-01T21:16:00.001-05:00

We went to Johnson City last week to see the leaves. Our hotel room had a tall bed where she can hide. Like I said, chicken dog.

Kisses

2009-11-01T21:13:00.001-05:00

Tony

Chap

She likes boys.

Halloween 2009 - 2 chickens

2009-11-01T21:10:00.000-05:00

We call her "chicken dog". She is afraid of this costume. Who can blame her?

Vote for Dixie

2009-10-14T18:56:00.001-04:00

http://bit.ly/N7o6t

She has a chance!

Hilton Head 2009

2009-10-06T19:41:00.001-04:00

This is our 2nd annual trip to Hilton Head. Chap joined us and took Dixie for a swim. This reinforces the fact that I need to move back to the coast. Once a year just isn't enough.

Vote for Dixie

2009-10-05T20:44:00.001-04:00

She needs to start earning her keep.

http://www.cutestdogcompetition.com/thankyou.cfm?h=2DEAD4091C26CD50EAE22A750CE50321

Labor Day Weekend

2009-09-07T16:45:00.001-04:00

Went to the "Hooch" with the pooch (and her friends). Thanks for a good time, Chap, Riffels and Tranmans.

What begging looks like

2009-08-26T10:27:00.001-04:00

All this for liver.

Snack time

2009-08-13T10:03:00.000-04:00

Sticks are still the favorite mid-day snack. Not much changes around here.

Our little friend Lola

2009-08-11T20:27:00.000-04:00

She is a sweetheart.

Cantaloupe Sorbet

2009-08-09T20:11:00.000-04:00

I think if she could, she'd eat this too. Note: We made this from scratch today, using the melon purchased from the farmer's market. It's super delicious.

Experiments with iPhone

2009-07-31T09:59:00.000-04:00

Downloaded a new app this morning called Shake it photo. It process pictures like a Polaroid. Likey.

Leeches and bacteria

2009-07-30T17:44:00.000-04:00

Our play date today included Bianca, Lola and a ton of mud. It's ok.. it's either the mud in the secret garden or the bacteria in the green pond. Summer is cruel in the south.

Green Pond

2009-07-25T14:01:00.001-04:00

The pond at Winn Park is her favorite place this summer and the only place where she actually plays fetch. Actually, most dogs fetch. She plays keep away.

Waiting patiently for the toss

And she's off

Sunday morning

2009-07-22T22:19:00.001-04:00

Dixie and Emi

2009-07-20T12:39:00.000-04:00

Dixie has never met a baby before. She was very well behaved and curious.

Thanks Riffels!

2009-06-29T09:49:00.000-04:00

I was in Alabama so Tony, Diane and Buckley watched D for me. She was in good hands and had a fun time (including running in the cemetary). Thanks again guys! Pics: Diane.

Snackage

2009-06-16T15:03:00.000-04:00

She loves her raw hides.

Complete submission

2009-06-11T18:16:00.000-04:00

Dixie and Angus

2009-06-01T15:00:00.001-04:00

Dixie finally met Krystin and Mike's dog, Angus. He is a puggle or rather, a beagle/pug mix (they are so in denial of the puggle thing). He was a little terrified at first, but then he figured out that if he just shares his stuffed green frog with Dixie, they'll get along just fine.

The dinner party was a success as well. Angus shut the house down by finishing up the wine.

Morningside with Bianca and Lola

2009-05-15T10:52:00.000-04:00

Great walk this morning despite one stolen shoe. They had a great time and so did we. Thanks for the pics B!

Bagel mornings

2009-05-13T08:36:00.001-04:00

Chap and I have been walking to Einsteins on saturday mornings. Dixie comes along and usually gets a dog bagel and a little cream cheese on the side. In this case, on the nose.

My meltdown

2009-05-12T17:26:00.000-04:00

Can someone please tell me why dogs must roll in the most disgusting things on the ground? If I understood why, maybe i'll have more patience the next time she rolls around over dead squirrel.

Happy birthday!

2009-05-06T09:03:00.001-04:00

Dixie is 2. Her birthday actually happened while I was in Prague. Yes, I missed her second birthday. Hope she forgives me. I'll have to find a little something special for her to bring home today. Happy birthday miss D! Hope your 2's aren't too terrible.
Photo: Chap

I will miss you

2009-04-27T14:23:00.000-04:00

Angie, thank you for taking care of my dear while I am in Prague.

Summer clothes make me look very wide. Sigh.

Christy

2009-04-26T21:27:00.000-04:00

Sleepy head

2009-04-25T12:13:00.000-04:00

Dixie is a little slow to wake up this morning. She hasn't had her coffee yet.

Pentax vs. iPhone

2009-04-22T20:30:00.000-04:00

Which is which?
Photos by Chap (again)

Water baby

2009-04-06T21:44:00.000-04:00

We go to this little neighborhood nature preserve. Best part is, it's only five minutes away and it feels like you're completely outside of the city. There is a tiny beach with a creek and with all of the rain, it's like playing in a river. This dog can chase rocks all day long if I let her. Photos by Chap.

Exhausted on the way home

3's a Crowd or 3's Company?

2009-04-03T13:46:00.000-04:00

Definitely "company".

Dancing fools

2009-04-03T13:42:00.000-04:00

Who knew Dixie AND Chap could dance?

Mom's visit

2009-04-03T13:37:00.000-04:00

They had a good time. They got to walk together and I got a much needed break. Though I think at some point, Dixie got tired of posing for pictures. I do like these though. Nice job mom! Come and visit us again soon.

Boredom

2009-03-28T13:25:00.000-04:00

The rain won't stop so we're stuck inside again. What can I say? She is an easy target.

Who is coming?

2009-03-24T14:15:00.000-04:00

Yes, my mother is coming to town to visit her grand-dog (and me I suppose). She will be here for a week. Dixie will be even more spoiled with all that attention.

The Dell

2009-03-22T21:49:00.002-04:00

This little creek is a couple of blocks away from my home. I love my neighborhood (Did you hear that? I love living here [still can't actually say Atlanta]... who knew?!) and she loves the water. Photos by Chap.

2009-03-22T21:49:00.001-04:00

Wrestle Mania

2009-03-22T21:41:00.001-04:00

It's amazing what Dixie and Lola will do for a Cuz ball. Dixie is getting her butt kicked here. Get up girl! Photos by Chap (Thanks!).

Sterling

2009-03-13T15:33:00.001-04:00

This is Dixie's pal, Sterling. He looks quite vicious here. But don't let these photos fool you.. he's actually a big, sweet boy.

A new nickname

2009-03-06T10:07:00.001-05:00

Dixie-Sticks according to Chap.

Snow Day 2009

2009-03-01T16:20:00.001-05:00

A rare snow day for Atlanta gave us an opportunity to go outside, throw snowballs, and just enjoy a nice day watching the world go by.

All better

2009-02-24T13:22:00.000-05:00

Her paw is pretty close to as good as new-you can still see the scabs on her back paw. We have been walking, hiking and playing. She seems to be fine and all is back to normal.

Visitors

2009-02-23T12:17:00.000-05:00

Mimi, Courtney and Mike came into town for a visit. Needless to say, she had a great time with new friends.

A very nice gift

2009-02-20T14:41:00.000-05:00

A friend of my sister painted this for me. I have never even met her but I guess she was inspired by one of the images on the blog. Never have I received such a wonderful gift from someone of whom I have never met. Thank you Shelley for your kindness. Your talents are great and this will be treasured.

Cabin Fever

2009-02-12T17:36:00.001-05:00

This weather couldn't be any better but she is stuck inside, with no where to go. At least she can sit out on the balcony. The bandages came off today but the vet said, "no playing or long walks until her paw heals". Now the goal is to keep her from picking at it. The neck cone is always an option.

Soon

2009-02-11T15:31:00.000-05:00

We go back to the vet tomorrow to remove the bandages. But I think she is ready to do the macarena today. We are almost back in business.

I forgot to mention, her bandaged paw is starting to stink.

Arabia Mountain 2

2009-02-11T14:51:00.001-05:00

Pics from Chap. And finally, one of me and Dixie (don't ask what my hair is up to)!

Bumped, not broke

2009-02-10T10:00:00.001-05:00

We had a little incident yesterday. Dixie was off her leash (I know, my bad) and found her way in the street, in front of a car. Luckily they were able to stop before running her over. She proceeded to run off into the park and I honestly didn't think I'd get her back. She finally made it back to me, her heart pounding, body shaking. It was pretty scary for both of us.

I got her to the vet later that day after a morning of calming her down. Her back paw got a little scraped up-nothing broken or fractured.

Arabia Mountain

2009-02-10T09:47:00.001-05:00

Dixie and I went to Arabia Mountain with Chap. It's an old rock quarry turned nature preserve. It was great to get out, explore and enjoy the outdoors. It was about 65 degrees in February. How awesome is that?

Drinking the juice

Enjoying the view

Dixie is always in the business

Fat Lip

2009-02-07T10:20:00.000-05:00

Results from the table dragging incident at Starbucks. We haven't been back since.

The guilt

2009-01-31T11:59:00.000-05:00

We caught up with Shane and Lola this morning and headed to Starbucks. This is normal for me and Dixie. I usually tie her up to something permanent. This morning, I tied her up to a large table. She however, managed to drag that along with 3 chairs, about 15 feet. She was pretty freaked out. I suppose a large object that was seemingly chasing her, making that awful dragging noise would scare anyone. I think we did some mental damage this morning. I feel so guilty. All this for my vice. She is sitting in her crate and won't come out. I think she even cut her lower lip (do dogs have lips?).

I'm so sorry, Dixie. Will you ever forgive me? I may not be able to forgive myself for a bit.

Domo

2009-01-20T19:57:00.000-05:00

Dixie's new monster is the perfect bedtime companion after a long day of inaugural celebration.

Absolutely unacceptable

2009-01-18T18:17:00.000-05:00

Rolling around in another dog's poop and then eating it will land you right into the bath. How many times does this have to happen?

New dog walker

2009-01-07T14:24:00.001-05:00

I think I found a new dog walker. I am interviewing her tonight. She came as a recommendation from Blair and Ed (Buckley's family). We'll see if she can stand up to the hyper jumping and licking test (that would be Dixie doing these awful things to her). But of course, Dixie likes everyone so I'll just have to go with my gut.

I will miss crazy

2008-12-23T19:47:00.001-05:00

I'm off to San Francisco for the holidays. I will miss my dog! Foreman will be watching her here at home. Thank you Foreman! I have a feeling she is going to come back more spoiled than she already is. She is in good hands.

Happy holidays and best wishes in 2009!

Wanted: dog walker

2008-12-15T19:50:00.001-05:00

I need to start interviewing dog walkers. I may not start until the new year, especially since I'm gone for 2 weeks. Boredom for Dixie for the next week or so. Oh well, there are worse things that can happen. Oh, like her throwing up her dinner 3 times tonight, once on the rug. Yeah, 3 times.

Christmas comes early

2008-12-11T21:42:00.001-05:00

Dixie got a new collar. It has hedgehogs on it. Purchased on etsy.com from "The Mod Dog".

Pure exhaustion

2008-12-08T21:07:00.001-05:00

We wen to Indian Springs with Shane, Bianca and Lola. Dixie got a bath and crashed on the couch for about 5 hours on saturday afternoon. It was a great day for all.

Double dose of Dixie

2008-12-08T20:50:00.000-05:00

More bad weather

2008-11-30T11:44:00.000-05:00

The rain makes the days slow, lazy and long. We'll be lounging around with some Netflix and a bag of microwave popcorn.

JJ and Charrow

2008-11-27T13:17:00.000-05:00

JJ is Dixie's dog walker and Charrow is her friend. They are moving to New York and we are really sad to see our friends go. You will be missed. Best of luck in New York!

JJ

Charrow

Begging

2008-11-18T20:44:00.000-05:00

I am dangling a piece of cheese over her head-her second favorite people food next to popcorn.

Stressed out

2008-11-17T16:20:00.001-05:00

It's crazy when a simple thing like going to the bathroom stresses me out. We have a basic routine down. We go outside at 7am, she poops, runs in the park, and I get ready for work and leave by 8:30. This morning we were out there for forty five minutes, and no poop. I was stressed and could only imagine finding a poop stain on the white rug (only a stain because of course, she'd eat it to cover up the evidence) when I arrive home. Luckily JJ was able to come by and relieve her at noon (she pooped for her twice).

Dixie, if you pull that again, I'm putting ExLax in your food.

It's cold out there

2008-11-16T20:41:00.001-05:00

I'm glad summer is over but man, it's cold. She isn't a fan either.

Lola

2008-11-08T13:00:00.000-05:00

This is Dixie's new friend Lola. Lola is a tough little girl. She is only 4 months old and can take on a dog twice her size. Thanks for the pics Bianca.

Simply saying "hi"

2008-11-06T09:56:00.000-05:00

Indian Springs Trail

2008-11-03T09:24:00.000-05:00

Spying on a fisherman, waiting to pounce.

Loving the water, again.

Dixie and I went for a hike this weekend. The weather was beautiful and the leaves are finally turning color. Thanks for the recommendation, JJ.

Missing the beach

2008-11-02T10:25:00.000-05:00

I think we need to go back.

Sleepy time

2008-10-30T17:11:00.001-04:00

Did I mention she got to sleep in the king sized bed with me? The bed was so big, I didn't even notice her there-not one kick.

Curious findings

2008-10-27T10:56:00.000-04:00

Here are some of the items we found at the beach. The low tides on the east coast bring much better goods than the west coast. Maybe it's the warmer waters.
What on earth is this?

Cool

East coast beaches definitely have better findings during low tide. In California, you find tar and broken glass. I found about 3 or 4 pretty shells out here (after leaving about 20 that I originally picked up).

The Beach - Day 1

2008-10-26T20:55:00.003-04:00

We went to Hilton Head Island, SC this weekend. She is not only a great road trip dog, but also a lover of the ocean. We were there for three days. Our drive day was rainy, the next day was grey and the other, nice and sunny.

As soon as we got there, she ran.

And ran

And ran

Nubs

2008-10-20T21:11:00.000-04:00

Why do dogs have these little nubs on the back of their legs?

Still a puppy

2008-10-19T20:46:00.000-04:00

She can get away with almost anything.

Touching her nose

2008-10-16T19:37:00.000-04:00

Dominant or recessive trait?

Her tail strikes again

2008-10-14T20:59:00.001-04:00

Tonight I had a glass of wine on the table. She walked by and her tail swung by and lopped it right over the edge of the coffee table. Red wine everywhere on a white rug. I am thankful for Resolve carpet cleaner.

It was an accident. I wasn't mad. But she walks away with guilt like she knew it was something she did wrong. Do dogs feel guilt? Maybe for a moment. I can assure you right now, she has forgotten all about it, enjoying that peanut butter filled Kong while I wipe up the rug.

Bashful

2008-10-13T19:10:00.000-04:00

Aah, sweetie. I love you.

Her Mr. Magoo Imitation

2008-10-12T13:52:00.000-04:00

Close but yet, so far

2008-10-08T19:56:00.000-04:00

My close ups are getting better but focus is not quite right. Dixie, please be patient. One day, I will get it right.

It's not funny, Dixie

2008-09-30T19:40:00.001-04:00

I keep telling her to stop laughing at Sarah Palin. I tell her that it's serious business, that this country is going down the tubes and that she has the experience to be in office because she can see Russia from her house.

Sad news

2008-09-26T13:24:00.001-04:00

I just got word from my dog walker, that she is moving to New York. Good for JJ, sad for me and Dixie. Sniffle. What will we do without the twice a week walks? Did I mention Dixie's first river walk was with her last week? We'll have to take advantage of our friend while she's here until mid November. Until then, if anyone knows of a trustworthy, loving dog walker, let me know.

Peek a boo

2008-09-25T07:34:00.000-04:00

That would be the girl nuzzling up to an aluminum barstool. Weird.

Another long day

2008-09-23T21:11:00.000-04:00

I wish I could take her to work with me so she wouldn't have to lie here alone all day. It makes me sad.

Close ups

2008-09-23T07:57:00.001-04:00

Last comic standing

2008-09-20T14:37:00.001-04:00

har

har

hardee

har

har

58 whoppers

2008-09-17T08:30:00.000-04:00

Did I mention she weighed in at 58 lbs at the vet last week? She got her annual rabies shot plus a few others. She is a healthy growing girl. She is also getting taller. I only know that because the dogs she plays with-Buckley, Lucy and Aspen are all shorter than she is. She was the small one before. Stop growing!

Thanks uncle PK and JJ

2008-09-15T16:39:00.001-04:00

Patrick and JJ took care of Dixie this weekend while I was gone. Thanks you two, for watching her. Even though she almost got picked up by the police on Patrick's watch for barking at the garbage man, she looked to be in good spirits when I arrived on Sunday.

Just like Olan Mills

2008-09-09T19:59:00.001-04:00

I took this with my new lens. I'm pretty excited about it (the lens, that is). It may even be a bit better than Olan Mills.

More rope love

2008-09-07T13:50:00.000-04:00

I think if she could marry the rope, she would.

You look a little crazy

2008-09-06T16:46:00.001-04:00

I spiked her water with Mountain Dew this morning.

We hate soccer

2008-09-04T19:35:00.000-04:00

Soccer season has started. Our park has been invaded by the munchkin world. On thursdays we have to avoid the park for the rest of the season or go after 7pm which is also doable. However, it must be stated that from 5-7, it is the unofficial dog park. I feel like our turf has been invaded.

Tonight was not a good night. We went to the other side of the park where the soccer wasn't taking place. Instead, Dixie chased a puppy into the street, the owner basically freaked (who could blame her), and stole a ball that wasn't hers. In the meantime, not one "sit, stay or come" was obeyed. I did forget bribe treats in all fairness. If I needed them any night, tonight was it. I wanted to cry. We both left with our heads hung low. It was not a good night.

Buckley Squared

2008-09-02T10:55:00.000-04:00

These are the two Buckley's in her life. Brown Buckley loves her-I mean LOVES her. He won't leave her alone if you know what I mean. Let's just say he has a lot of pent up energy that needs to be let out. I keep telling Dixie to stop, drop and roll when he's on her.

All Gone

2008-09-01T21:25:00.001-04:00

Dixie loves her tennis balls but what she loves even more, is pushing them under the couch. She thinks it's a game. She pushes them under, looks at me and whimpers, begging me to get it. I don't think it's a fun game.

Sniff

2008-08-30T14:29:00.000-04:00