Q: "Hi, Bicycle. Our human slave, Gordon, gets cranky with us sometimes because we are so much work. We think he would be in a much better mood if he could make himself a nice pumpkin spice latte in the morning and we know your mom used to be a barrista at Starbucks. Would you ask your sweet, kind-hearted mommy to give Gordon some instructions on how to make a decent latte so he won't be so cranky with us and give us more carrots? Thank you."--from the Lutz Rabbits
"The New Starbuck's Barkista?"
Bicycle: Well, first, I must say that I am an excellent rabbit sitter, so, if Kim can't make it sometime, just have her call my mom, she'll set it all up. Really, I just sit and watch...get it? Sitter? Sorry...
I asked her how to make a Pumpkin Spice Latte and she said she couldn't tell me for fear she'd have to "swim wit da fishes" and that I "need to cut back on the junk". I don't really understand her most of the time.
I still may be able to help you out cuz I always listen, especially in the kitchen ;-) She used to talk about steaming the milk and although she likes nonfat, she used the good stuff for latte's because it's easier to get good foam if there's fat in the milk. The key, apparently is to get the foam going first, then put the metal steamer thing all the way in the milk until the temperature is good. I could be wrong, but I remember hearing her say 160, so that might be the temperature.
Don't tell her I told you this, but when she was working at like 5am, she would dream right before she woke up and be talking about Starbucks stuff. She would say things like,"have the milk ready, add the syrup, pour the shot, pour the milk, top with foam"...I can only think that's some kind of recipe! Shhh...here she comes.
I say tell your pops to play around and find a recipe that works for him. Maybe he'll give you some extra carrots if I get him a Starbucks Barkista to deliver his pumpkin spice lattes and he can sleep in for a change.
With many sloppy dog kisses,
Bicycle
p.s. Coffee is not good for animals...keep pets away from all sources of caffeine at all times! My little brother is 25 pounds and ate like 10 coffee beans once. He had to be rushed to the ER because he was shaking, panting, and his heart was beating really really fast. Please be careful!
To send Bicycle a question, just send him an email : bicycle@twodogspaws.com
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Q: "Why does my dog sleep so much? He seems kind of lazy. He's not fat and when he wants to, he has plenty of energy. It's just that sometimes we can't wake him up very easily and he snores, sleeps upside down, and dreams a lot. What's his deal? Is he lazy or should I be worried?"--from Frank's dad in Sierra Madre
"Naps are cool"
Bicycle: How old is this guy? He sounds like we could be related. It doesn't sound like such a bad life to live...sleep all day, toss a ball for a few, sleep some more, dream, drool...I'm in! You know, there are a lot of factors that go into trying to figure a dog out. Age, food, body condition, health issues, excercise level, environment, etc. all have a say in how your dog acts, and his energy level.
This guy, Frank, sounds just like me. I thought you were my mom writing in for a second. I sleep a lot, snore, drool, dream, and, yes, you can find me upside down most days from 10am to 4pm. I'm about 50 lbs., 10 3/4 years old, have bad hips & back, and I like to lounge...I'm kind of an old dude and that's what we do. I was always a sleeper, though. Been mellow my whole life and just play when I feel like it. That's me, though.
Back to frank...if he is older, expect some slowing down. Have him checked for arthritis, because that's what happens to us. And a blood test wouldn't hurt, either. Vets can find some crazy stuff that I would never think of...thyroid, for example....what the heck is that? But, if he's younger, he might just be a mellow kind of kid. If you live a relaxed lifestyle, so will your dog.
I guess what I'm getting at is that you know your dog better than anyone so if you've noticed a drastic difference in his behavior or activity, get him checked out. Or if he's older and hasn't had a check up within the last 6 months, it can't hurt. If he's just a mellow Sleepy Sleeperson, then grab your camera and take the opportunity to put sunglasses on him and start a blog.
Hope I helped. Send me an email and let me know how it goes bicycle@twodogspaws.com or if you have anymore questions.
With many sloppy dog kisses,
Bicycle
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Q: "How come some dogs hate being brushed, ears cleaned, teeth brushed, etc.,
while other dogs just love it all?"--from Cocoa's mom in Arcadia
"Just vaccuum me...please!"
Bicycle: Well, I can only speak for myself in that I love any affection my mom gives me cuz I adore her and she's very gentle. So, I enjoy being brushed because it feels great! I don't mind having my ears cleaned, but it tickles sometimes, so it's not my favorite thing. And, as far as my teeth being brushed...well, I love it because the toothpaste is super yummy. Don't tell my mom, but I once tried to eat a whole tube and haven't seen it since. I think she hid it from me.
I also have been conditioned to let the vet, the techs, or my mom do what they need to do to keep me as healthy and happy as possible...really, since I was a pup. It made a big difference in how accepting I am of all that doctor stuff.
Please realize that I am not exactly the most normal dog...I mean, I love to be vaccuumed! The bigger the vaccuum, the more I like it...bring on the shop vac!
I hope this helps you understand how very different we all are...and if you'd like some tips on how to perform the everyday doggie maintenance tasks, let me know...
With many sloppy dog kisses,
Bicycle
To send Bicycle a question, just send him an email : bicycle@twodogspaws.com
