So Fresh >> And so Clean, Clean

Ever since we got Piko, the world's greatest beagle (imho), I have been learning a lot about dogs. I have always wanted a dog, but never had one growing up. And now that I have one, I love her to pieces and only want what's best for her. I have been looking carefully at the food and treats she gets, and making sure that we're not giving her anything that's not good for her. I'm choosy about what I put in MY body because I want to live a long and healthy life; why would the logic for a dog be any different?

I wanted something to freshen up her coat between baths, since she gets wet so often here in Seattle. Nobody likes the smell of wet dog. I learned it's not good to bathe your dog too often, and I thought I had seen something called waterless shampoo for dogs at the store. When I looked at the ingredients though, I saw a long list of chemicals. I mean, I know she'll eat garbage and sniffs poop, but I still don't want her licking chemicals off her fur or absorbing them through her skin. I went home and brewed up my own batch instead.

In a spray bottle I combined >>

1 c of water
2 tbsp white vinegar
2 tbsp baking soda
a few drops of essential oil

The vinegar and baking soda will fizz for a few minutes, but will die down quickly. Then, shake everything together and you're done! If your dog does not like spray bottles, you could always use this mixture to wet a washcloth and wipe him/her down. Piko smells so fresh and clean for about 2 days after I use this on her. And I don't have to worry about her licking it off (although, be sure that the essential oil you choose is safe for pets).  Since we're all in gift giving mode, a batch of this in a fancy spray bottle (or even a not fancy one!) would be cute for a dog lover.

shanti >> sondra

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Expanding >> the Heart

This is what we did over the weekend...

WE GOT A DOG!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We have wanted a dog for so so long, and we finally decided to go for it. We've been saying "someday" for too long...

We have had little say over where we have lived and where we might end up. We have not been able to buy a house like many of our friends, and we want to wait to start a family until we are more certain of our future. Getting a dog used to be on that list, but we decided enough was enough, we get to make some decisions around here!

So this is Piko.

She is a 5 year old beagle, and she is the sweetest thing. We adopted her from a family who just had their second baby, and were finding that Piko had fallen to the bottom of the priority list. They loved her so much they wanted to find a family who would give her the love and attention she deserves.

The cats have already let her know who's boss, and I think with a bit more time, they'll all be the best of friends. It's only been two days and they'll all pile on the couch or bed with us happily.

We are taking her with us on our trip next week, and she will come home to Minnesota with us for Christmas. I can't wait to see her sprawled out in front of the fireplace!

"Piko" means belly button in Hawaiian, where her first "mom" is from. More than just the literal place of the belly button, it also means a spiritual/emotional/energetic center; akin to the idea of chakra. Beautiful, huh?

We have only had her for 48 hours, and already love her so much. Aren't hearts amazing, how they expand to hold more so effortlessly?

shanti >> sondra

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