12 // Happy Birthday, Molly!

Yesterday, our sweet girl turned 12. We can't believe that we have already spent 7 wonderful years with her.

At 12, Molly's motto is eat, sleep, and be merry...and take a nap. She is a California girl through and through who lives to sunbathe on the deck. She lies in the sun until she pants and drools, comes inside for a short break, and repeats the cycle. She plays with toys less frequently, but dad can get her riled up running around the house with a squeaky toy (usually Ducky).With me, she is content to cuddle. She still knows that she can badger dad into table scraps and cookies, though.

Molly was very timid when she first came to live with us, but her shyness has gone by the wayside. Each year that passes she becomes a more vocal curmudgeon. If she is not getting the attention (or amount of food) she thinks that she deserves that very second, she will "fake bark" at us. It's not a full bark, but a muted one that is very direct and annoying. This manipulation technique works with dad, who is usually on his laptop when she does this. He quiets her with a trip to the cookie jar. I am usually manipulated into cuddles.

Whatever she wriggles out of us is more than well deserved. She is a wonderful dog that rarely causes trouble. She only barks when she hears a big noise (or a smoke alarm, which she gets a treat for), never takes anything that doesn't belong to her, and doesn't mess in the house unless it's an emergency. She is a content dog that doesn't ask for much...just her weight in cookies and a soft spot to nap. On top of being an angel, she takes amazing care of both of us. She barks at dad when she thinks he needs to shut the laptop and go to sleep, and she saw me through another round of PICC line treatments this past spring. When my nurse would come to change the dressings, or when I would do my daily treatments, she would hop up on the living room chair and watch carefully (or sometimes fall asleep and snore.) Having "Nurse Molly" around to keep the routine was the best medicine I could have received. 

Still a frequent traveler, Molly's most recent trip to Michigan was this past July. Ever the jet setter, she was elated to be bumped to first class on one of our flights. She enjoyed grandma's yard and time with Gracie. She has taught Gracie that each time a dog comes in from outside "business", they get a treat. Gracie now waits expectantly at the cookie jar each time she enters the house. Molly will enjoy her usual holiday season travel again this fall and winter for Diwali and Christmas. 

Because she tires of toys so quickly, we were at a loss for what to get her for her birthday. She received much quality cuddle time, a trip to the park, and the usual Sprinkles doggy cupcake. Her age makes me nervous, so we wished for her to someday become the world's oldest dog as this title is usually held by a dachshund. A lifetime with her would be too short. We are so in love with her and to us, she is the perfect dog.

We love you, Molly.

Molly's Beauty Corner // Kiehl's Cuddly-Coat Conditioning Rinse

When I agreed to be the first canine contributor to this blog, I don't think I realized what I was getting into.

For my inaugural post, my editor wanted me to do a doggie manicure/pedicure. First, she rolls me out of bed on a Friday morning to take me to the VET (where I had my nails trimmed) at 8am. Then after all that, the bitch thinks she's going to paint my nails PURPLE. After 3 botched attempts, she finally took the hint. Not happening today! Lovely readers, today you'll have to settle for something a bit less traumatizing, yet still fancy enough for my refined palate: Kiehl's Cuddly-Coat Conditioning Rinse.

I know what you're thinking. "Conditioner for a dog?" "But, isn't she a short-haired dachshund?" To be honest, when my editor/owner first brought it home years ago, I was skeptical, too. I thought it was just another novelty dog item she'd wasted her money on. In fact, she spends less on her own conditioner at Target. I know I deserve the finer things in life, but I would have settled for a good T-bone steak. Seeing as being bathed is part of my job around here, I thought I'd sit still and keep my mouth shut for one extra step in my beauty routine. 

For once, I was pleasantly surprised. Not only does it make me smell divine, but it leaves my coat shiny and soft, too. The packaging says it's formulated with Chamomile Flower Extract as well as Palm Kernel-derived conditioners to leave my coat soft and glossy. I don't know about you, but those things sound tasty. I lick my paws after every bath, but I can't taste anything. Despite the label misleading me into thinking I'm in for a delectable treat, I have to give this product 2 dewclaws up for its fresh scent and the softness it imparts upon my coat.

At $17 for 12 fl. oz, this item is definitely a treat. But because I'm a dog, I'm worth it. Also, a little goes a long way! We've had this bottle for a few years and the product is still going strong, so it's a cost-effective indulgence. (More cost effective than that ridiculous doggie sushi she once bought me!) 

I've tried other doggie conditioners, but nothing compared to this original from Kiehl's. Speaking like a beauty blogger, this conditioner is definitely my holy grail. I may have a short coat, but this product makes me feel as soft as a newborn pup!

As for the doggie pawlish, that will have to wait until another day. Rest assured, I sought my revenge on my editor for trying to paint my nails: I rubbed myself in the carpet right after my bath. Now it, too, smells and feels great. Thanks, Kiehl's!

Seriously, are we done yet?