The Dog Blog: Doggie Do-Do

Best thing about owning a dog - unconditional love. Worst thing about owning a dog - picking up their doggie do-do. There's nothing I hate more than having to walk around scooping up her loads but I know it's part of the deal being a dog owner.

The Dog Blog: Sleeping Dogs Lie...

The way my dog sleeps is absolutely bizarre, yet humourous at the same time. I've often thought about all the weird little things Google does before, during or after her sleeps that after time either make me laugh or drive me crazy.

The Dog Blog: Falling Into Fall

I'm glad to report that with the changing of seasons from summer to fall (my absolute favourite), our growing family has spent the last week enjoying as much 'team time' as possible outside.

The Dog Blog: On A Stroll

First off, thanks to everyone for all your comments as of late. As I've confessed, I'm a dog lover but far from an expert. I do my best to provide a safe and happy home, but continue to work with my boxer to train her (and me) on many aspects of our co-existence.

The Dog Blog: Little Miss Jealous

It's official - our dog is jealous of our new baby boy, Hudson. We tried our best, coaxing friends and relatives who come to visit the newborn into "overdoing" the greetings with Google so she doesn't feel left out. But it's hard not to become fixated on a new baby, and partially ignore all else in the surroundings including an adorable boxer.

The Dog Blog: On the Defensive

It looks like our little Google has become the self-appointed guardian for our new baby in the house. We've had a steady stream of visitors to meet the new addition since his birth, and one thing we've come to notice is how protective Google has become of him when guests start holding the baby. It doesn't really matter who the person is, whether it's someone she's met dozens of times or just a couple, our dog has this inkling to have to be near our son regardless of who is holding him.

The Dog Blog: Labour Day - Google Meets Baby

It's official - my first blog as a new mom for a gorgeous baby boy, and still proud owner of the world's cutest boxer.

The Dog Blog: Google, My Little iPhone 4 Subject

It’s no shock to friends and colleagues that I was at the right place at the right time when the launch of the new iPhone 4 arrived in Canada a couple Fridays ago. I’ve literally been walking around to meetings with it, bragging about it, slipping “iPhone 4” into conversations that literally have nothing to do with the iPhone 4 – see, just did it again.

The Dog Blog: Waiting For Baby

Whether or not she realizes it, Google and I are officially waiting for the baby to arrive. This week, my mat leave started (baby is literally due any day now) and the second day she's already somewhat thrown off her schedule.

The Dog Blog: The Dog Days Of Summer

Google is an absolutely fan of the summertime… We keep a close eye on her during the humid days and keep her inside with the air conditioning and cool as much as possible, but come the weekend she’s happiest outside sun tanning on the deck. (I often dab a little sunblock on her nose and ears if I know she’s going to be outside for more than say, half an hour.)

The Dog Blog: Google Getting Ready for Baby

The good news is that my husband and I are literally expecting a baby boy (our first human addition to our growing family) any day now. The bad news is that Google is starting to get jealous.

The Dog Blog: Google Takes The Lead – Part 4

We’ve reached the final clip in Google’s web series, Google Takes The Lead, with At The End of My Leash’s host, Brad Pattison. So far in the series, we’ve covered a lot of the basics: pulling, jumping and taking control. Now it’s time for Google to have a little fun!

The Dog Blog: Google Takes The Lead – Part 3

So here we arrive at episode three in Google’s web series, Google Takes The Lead, with At The End of My Leash’s host, Brad Pattison. This time, we (or should I say I) learn all about control. It seems I haven’t been taking the lead when it comes to this persistent pooch but luckily, Brad is there to help guide the way.

The Dog Blog: Google Takes The Lead – Part 2

As we hit the second week in her series, Google finds herself talking with the At the End of My Leash star, Brad Pattison, about another little issue she sometimes runs into... the urge to pull hard on her leash when going down the stairs. This could be a bit of a problem, especially when I'm pregnant.

The Dog Blog: Google Takes The Lead With Brad Pattison Launches!

Well my four-legged friends (and people too), not too long ago Google had a chance to meet the one and only Brad Pattison from the hit Slice series, At the End of My Leash! We spent a morning with him shooting a series of tutorial clips to help me (and her) work on some of her training issues. Officially, we’re ready for the reveal. I introduce to you the first in this four-part web series titled, “Google Takes the Lead with Brad Pattison” which launches a new segment every week right here at slice.ca.

The Dog Blog: The Many Sides Of Google

Google, like people, has many different sides to her. Generally, when I come home I’m greeted by the same, sweet little thing I’ve come to know and love – wiggling her way down the hallway, like most boxers do, to greet me at the door. But according to her mood and the person who comes to visit, she can be a very different dog from day to day. I thought I’d put together a little checklist of all the different sides of this puzzling little pooch. I don’t always know what I’m going to get.

The Dog Blog: The Dogsitting Scramble

If there’s one hindrance to owning a dog, it’s making sure you have ample people available to pitch-hit when you need to be out for a few hours. It’s only thing I ever feel guilty about - leaving the house and not taking Google with us. Whether it’s because we’re out for dinner (although we keep it brief), running errands, meeting friends where we can’t bring her – we always feel bad about having to leave her alone in the house.

The Dog Blog: Bumps & Bruises…

Our little Google is one little toughie. She’s more than fifty pounds, but handles herself like a pro when it comes to the big dogs on the scene. I love how much chutzpah she has when she runs around the dog park, running up to the largest of dogs to entice them to play.

The Dog Blog: Google Does Woofstock 2010!

There’s one good thing about dog owners – they’re all-weather kind of people. Which is why that didn’t stop thousands of them from taking place this weekend’s annual Woofstock celebration – the largest outdoor festival for dogs in all of North America.

The Dog Blog: Google Gets Ready For Baby!

A happy little announcement this morning, my husband and I are adding a new addition to our ever-growing little family. A baby boy this summer… What’s Google’s take on this? I don’t think she’s all too happy with our decision.

The Dog Blog: Google Meets Brad Pattison!

Our little Google had a huge meet-up last week, with none other than "At the End of My Leash" host and star, Brad Pattison!

The Dog Blog: Google’s Mother’s Day Treat

Technically, I’m a ‘dog mom’. Along with my husband, I wake up to feed her, take her on walks, take her to the vets, pay for her dog walker. All the things a female dog owner does. And yesterday, after my first official year of being a ‘dog mom’, I finally got a sense of what it was like to be a full fledged one.

The Dog Blog: Cute Monday Clips

If there’s one thing the internet’s good for, it’s cute videos featuring dogs (cats too for the feline fans). I’m of course partial to ones involving boxers (in fact, my husband and I spent a fair amount of time learning how to do simple tricks and get training advice thanks to online videos).

The Dog Blog: Spring Cleaning – Our Little Green Thumb

It’s beginning to look a lot more like spring with the unusual mild weather we’ve been having. With all of that, comes the thawing of our backyard, uncovering the tarped furniture and starting the slow process of revealing the winter mess our little boxer has left us.

The Dog Blog: Crate Be-Gone!

We’re finally reached the stage with Google where she is officially allowed to roam freely around most of the house.

The Dog Blog: Google and Cousin Chili at Easter

For her first official Easter with us in our home, Google was in for a huge treat! Her first (and ours) dog slumber party with her cousin Chili, my brother and sister-in-law’s chocolate lab.

The Dog Blog: Google’s a Free Woman…

There’s something about maturity that hits even the dogworld. This week marks the very first time we are letting Google roam around the main floor (mornings only), unsupervised.

The Dog Blog: The Jumper!

I get why they call them boxers (they greet other dogs with a playful poke of the paw before they attempt a polite hello); but Google should really be called a Jumper dog.

The Dog Blog: Our Little Trickster!

Let’s just say that as cute as she is, Google is one mischievous little dog. I think it really started when she learned to climb up and down the stairs on her own, and realized the house was truly an ever-growing playground for her. This little trickster is responsible for a slew of original games she likes to play with people. I thought I’d share some of her top favourites.

The Dog Blog: Birthday Treats Fit for a Doggie Queen

Well, little Miss Google had her official bash last week. We celebrated on Sunday, February 28th although her actual birthday is March 1st.

The Dog Blog: Happy Birthday, Google!

First off, happy birthday, Google! Today is her official one-year birthday and although most people would consider her well on her way to becoming a mature dog, she’ll always be my little puppy. Don’t worry; we’re loading her up with a big surprise gift―new food and water bowls―plus homemade treats, a birthday cake and toys to unwrap for her big day. Pics to come!

Dog Blog: Fresh Doggie Treats for Google!

Baking healthy treats for your dog has never been easier. We no longer use treats for training but on special occasions (and to help build bulk for the winter on her small frame), we'll give her dog biscuits and cookies as snacks.

The Dog Blog: A Trip To The Leash Free Park With Sasha!

Here’s the cutest story ever. As you probably know by now, I went absolutely bonkers when we got Google. I bought every chew toy from every boutique store along Queen street; sourced dog beds and blankets to make her transition to her new home a smooth one. I blocked off weeks of my social calendar to maximize my time with her at home.

Winter Wear for Dogs: Google Wears Boots!

From Coach and Burberry to Prada and Gucci, there’s no shortage of designer rain, accessories, and winter gear for dogs. But most luxury pooch pieces are more about flaunting than flattering your dog when it comes to the rugged Canadian terrain.

The Dog Blog: Old School Does the Trick

Am I really posting a tacky picture of my dog in her little grad cap from puppy school? You betcha!

Meet Google, the Boxer - Part 2

Meet Google, the Boxer

With a new year comes a new blog! I’d like to formally introduce you to my puppy fawn female Boxer, Google. She’s currently nine months and counting, and each week I hope to relay my experiences of life with my beloved pooch. This blog is for all animal lovers (and I hope that’s everyone) as seen through my newbie eyes to the dog-scene world.