ARF! Christmas is almost here!

Hi there!  It has been a bit since this pup posted, but I assure you that I am stuffed, alive, and barking!  I have just been busy trying to get ready for the holidays (and admittedly, watching too much ESPN Sportscenter).  I thought I would get caught up on life after the college football season ended, but alas this puppy was pooped and slept a good bit.

Now, I find myself freaking out because Christmas is almost here!  Beyond the excitement of getting presents, I find myself struggling to figure out what presents to get for everyone.  Mom and Dad aren't too hard, but what in the world do you get a big green gator, a purple seal, and a small blue bear?  I have absolutely no idea.

Well, that isn't entirely true.  I thought of some good gifts, such as a giant toothbrush for Gomar and a small gymnastics mat for Blue Bear to practice his somersaults, but for Seal I have absolutely zero ideas.  Every single time that I have attempted to ask him about what he would like, he merely looks me in the eye and says "Fish" or a slight variation on the phrase, "Fish Free of Walrus."  I am not even sure exactly what that second part means.  I've been trying to watch him in the grocery store when we go with Dad, but lately he appears to just enjoy sitting in the tuna aisle - maybe I'll get him a can of tuna or something similar.

Is anyone else struggling to figure out what to get people for the Christmas holidays?  Please tell me that I am not the only one worried about barking up the wrong tree when it comes to gift giving!

Stuffed Dogs Can Eat Chocolate, Real Dogs Should Not

I learned an interesting fact today as I was munching on a delicious chocolate bar.  As a stuffed dog that was wished to life, I enjoy some pretty good advantages over those puppies that are born, and today I discovered that one of those advantages is that I get to enjoy delicious chocolate whenever I want.  Apparently, the same cannot be said for real pups.

In fact, some have said that chocolate can actually be likened to poison for real K-9's, and that they should avoid it absolutely.  Before you howl in disbelief, let me tell you what I learned.

Chocolate, beyond being absolutely delicious, contains caffeine and theobromine, two different types of stimulants that both affect the central nervous system and the heart.  These stimulants also make dogs have to visit the fire hydrant more often as well.  Dogs are apparently highly sensitive to the these stimulants, and although a very small amount probably won't hurt, once toxic levels are reached real problems develop.  Some of the symptoms that man's best friend have to deal with can be as mild as the aforementioned increase in the frequency of urination, restlessness, muscle twitches, and even excessive panting.  While those may not sound too bad, they are often the precursors of a seizure, or worse, death!

I know, who knew that chocolate could be so dangerous?  We all have to do our parts to protect the puppies of the world, and in line with this I am willing to take all of your chocolate off of your hands so that you do not have to worry about your dog accidentally ingesting it.  If you see me walking around New York City, please feel free to approach me and give me all of your chocolate, as I am happy to help out in this capacity.

Protect your pups!  Give your chocolate to Podar!