Catching Up!

Hello Everyone!  I hope this post finds you well.  I've been doing great since we last muttered.  The summer sure has flown by, which is fine with me since I like cooler weather anyway.  The only thing I'm not liking is that it gets dark earlier and we can't get to the park during the week.  Hopefully, we'll make up for it on the weekends!

Enjoying a beautiful evening with my friend Gypsy Rose.

In August, I got to go to Woofstock and Dog Day Afternoon with mom and our friends Loretta and Charlie.  We had a good time wandering around looking at all the pet stuff and getting a few free treats (and some that mommy bought for me too).  It was very warm outside, but before we left, we sat around the fountain and cooled off and watched the ducks swimming around.  We then stopped at McAlister's on the way home so mommy and Lor could eat dinner and Charlie and I sat out on the patio with them.  It's always nice hanging out with my friends!

Charlie and me with laser beams coming out of our eyes!

In September, I got to go to three pet events -- the first one was called Barktember and it took place at the Monon Center in Carmel.  There were a few vendors there and a band, but most of the dogs were playing and swimming in the big pool.  Mom almost literally drug me into the pool, but I'm not into swimming, so I had more fun running around outside the pool.  Oh, I'm okay just wading, but once it gets up to my chest, I'm outta there!  My favorite part was the hot dog mom bought me for lunch!  It was also cool seeing friends like Willy and Pimg!  

Waiting for my hot dog!

Oh, so that's how it's done?  No, thanks!  

It's more fun just running around!

We went to Bow Wow Bash in a park in Brownsburg.  Again, we got to see all kinds of different pet stuff, sniff a lot of butts (well, mom didn't, but I did!) and get some free treats.  They had a makeshift dog park and mommy took me in there to play a little bit off-leash.  It was fun.  Oh, there was one booth where Heartfelt Photography was taking pictures of dogs and/or people and their dogs, so since mom is crazy about pictures of me, I decided I'd pose for one. It came out pretty good, if I do say so myself (that's it on the left)!  Mom entered a contest to win a free photo session and some pictures and guess what, she won!  So, in October, mom and I went to Holliday Park and did our photo shoot -- it was fun! Mom is going next week to see the proofs and I can't wait to see how they turned out! I'm sure mom will post the ones she gets.  

The week after Bow Wow Bash, we went to Paws in the Park in Speedway.  It was basically the same type of event, with lots of vendors, rescue groups and a few free treats.  They had an IndyCar on display, so mom had me hop on the car so she could take my picture -- that was kinda cool.  The car was even my favorite shade of blue!  We stopped by German Shepherd Rescue Indy's booth and saw Amber and Creed.  I'm so happy that Creed is doing so well after all he went through.  Before we left, Mom and I stopped by a booth and had our caricature done -- I'll let you be the judge, but it looks nothing like either of us!

I should be the team mascot, don't you think?

Caricature of mom and me.

Okay, the next picture embarrasses me, but I tolerated it because mom thought it was kinda cute.  She did apologize to me beforehand though!  It's my Halloween costume -- Rock Star Macy!  Thankfully, she didn't make me wear it on Halloween -- heck, I couldn't even walk in the darn thing!

With my guitar on my back . . . and Halle asking what the heck!  

Zebra print is so not me!  

Halloween was kind of a bust -- we only had 14 kids show up at the door.  I think it's kinda cool to see the looks on the kids faces when I run to the door barking -- they think I'm a big scary dog!  Ha! Ha!  But, I got treats too -- every time someone came to the door, mom asked me to sit and she gave me a treat before she opened the door to give the kids treats.

Waiting on trick or treaters, grateful I only had to wear my Halloween bandana!

I want to wish my Uncle Tim a Happy Birthday today -- it was fun visiting him and Grandma last Sunday as we celebrated his birthday, and an awesome Colts victory!

It will be Thanksgiving in a couple of weeks and it gets me thinking that I am one lucky dog.  I'm so thankful that mom adopted me when I was a baby and that she provides me a nice home and practically anything I could ever ask for.  I'm also thankful for the rest of my family, including Grandma, Uncle Tim and my kitty sisters, Speedy and Halle.  I am so blessed to have all this great stuff going on in my life, but it makes me sad to think there are so many critters out there who do not have it as good as I do.  So, I ask my readers to consider going to a shelter or rescue and bring a new member of your family home and provide them with a nice, safe, loving and furever home like I have.

I'm looking forward to seeing family on Thanksgiving and celebrating my fifth birthday on November 26.  I can't wait!

Thanks so much for tuning in to my Mutterings once again and I hope to see you back here again real soon.

Peace, love and puppy kisses . . .

Macy G. Mendenhall

No Mutterings Today

Hi Folks!

There's not been too much going on since my last post . . . at least that I can think of at the moment.  It's been really hot this summer, so we've been spending a lot of time indoors.  But, I have been going to the park whenever it's not too humid, but we wait until late in the evening while it's still light outside.

Mom had to go out of town for work a couple of weeks ago and I got to stay with my Debbie.  I got to stay at her house and play with her kids Destiny and Jack and another dog -- we had fun.  The only problem was that Debbie was taking care of a dog that I'm not particularly fond of since he bullied me when I was young.  So, I let Bailey know what I thought of him and because of that, Debbie dropped me off at my house when she had to go to work so Bailey and I wouldn't get into trouble when she wasn't there.  But, she picked me up in the evenings and took me to her house to spend the nights.  I had a great time, with that one exception!  I did miss my mom though, and was happy to see her when she got home.

I got to see my Grandma last weekend and she stayed all night with us because she and mom were having a garage sale.  I have no idea why they want to sell the garage, but, whatever!  Grandma slept downstairs on the couch and I watched over her all night to make sure she was okay.  I LOVE my G'ma!

Mom says we have plans to attend Woofstock and Dog Day Afternoon in a couple of weeks, so I'll let you know how that goes.  I'm sure it will be fun.

Okay, honestly, I'm trying to take a nap right now and can't concentrate on my doggy blog at the moment, so I just asked mom to post a bunch of pictures and we'll get back to you next time!  Sorry, but I need my beauty rest before we go to the park tonight!

Sitting on pit wall at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Sitting on pit wall at IMS.

This is me and my friend Gypsy Rose at the Bark Park.

My sister Halle Marie.

My sisters Speedy Sue and Halle Marie.

Me acting silly at the Bark Park.

Handsome puppy and beautiful evening sky.

I hope to have more things to mutter about the next time.  Until then, take care of yourself and I hope to see you soon!

Macy G. Mendenhall
macygracin@hotmail.com

Spring Fever

Hello Everyone!

I hope this edition of Macy's Mutterings finds you well.  I've been doing really well lately -- lost a couple more pounds (now under 80) and I haven't had a seizure in a couple of months, so keeping my paws crossed that  those nasty things won't return!

Since our last visit, I've been spending a lot of evenings at the bark park, hanging with my friends, and a dog or two here and there.  I love walking around the park with mom, but she has been spending a lot of time sitting on the bench talking to people instead of walking, so I have to keep shouting at her to get up and walk!  The people at the park think it's funny when I talk to mom, but doggone it, the park is for walking and playing, not sitting on your butt!  Mom tries to encourage me to go out on my own and play, but it's more fun when she's by my side.  Oh, I do venture out on occasion, but always make sure I don't get too far away from her -- after all, I have to be close enough to protect her if she needs it.  They call me a "Mama's Boy," and I don't think that's a sissy thing at all -- I just love my mama!

Macy and Ringo at the Bark Park

Eagle Creek Bark Park Team

Yard of Bricks Photo

Mutt Strut took place the end of April and it was another rainy day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.  Mom said she'd spent many days out there watching it rain while she worked there, so it kind of seemed like old times, although with me in tow.  It was chilly too, but I don't mind that -- as a matter of fact, I love cool and cold weather, so I was fine.  We met several people and dogs we know from Eagle Creek Bark Park and had a team picture taken.  Mom also took me into what she calls the "Man Cave" under victory podium and met some "phone men" she used to work with and they were very nice.  We then walked our lap around the track to raise money for the Humane Society of Indianapolis.  I'm proud to say that I raised $250 for the cause and would like to thank everyone who donated on my behalf.  After the walk, we went around to several vendor booths and picked up a bunch of swag -- I love swag!  On the way home, we stopped off at a cute store for animals and their people called Dawgs and Katz Bake House and Gifts, and mom bought me a few home-made treats which were very good.  It was a long, fun day, so after we got home, I just napped the rest of the day!

Me with the famous Wing & Wheel Logo

Wet Dog!

On the ride home - one pooped pup!

In early May, mom and I took an hour road trip up to Anderson to spend the afternoon at our friend Sue's farm.  We got to meet her son Isaac and her two dogs Flea and Maddie.  Well, I had met Flea before, but hadn't met Maddie.  She was a bit protective of her back yard, so we didn't get along for a while until we got used to each other.  Boy, could I get used to living on a farm like that -- plenty of room to run and play!  Us dogs followed mom and Sue on the golf cart back into the field to a pond, where I proceeded to fall in . . . twice!  I like to wade in water, but I'm not into swimming, but everyone laughed and got a kick out of it, so I'll play the clown if it brings smiles!  It was a great time and hope we'll be able to hang out there again sometime.  You know, I never lay down in the car, but as you'll see from the picture mom will post here, I was a pooped pup after all that excitement!


On May 12, mom took me to party at the Happy Dog Hotel and Spa in Carmel.  The party was for a German Shepherd named Creed.  Mom told me all about him before we got there and I was happy I got to meet him.   You see, Creed is a pure-bred GSD who was badly injured after being hit by a car and was in a shelter waiting for his family to come get him, but when that didn't happen, Amber with German Shepherd Rescue Indy pulled him from the shelter and saw to it that he got the care he needed.  So, with a lot of help and donations from many loving dog lovers, veterinarians and vet techs, Creed had major orthopedic surgery to repair his hind legs and hips, after it was feared initially that he may have to be put to sleep or at the very least lose a leg.  He's been through a lot and is a very special young man and has been doing really well after therapy and another recent surgery.  It's good to know there are such caring animal lovers out there willing to help when needed.  Creed is an inspiration to so many and we can all learn from him.  Oh, if you're thinking about bringing a rescued German Shepherd Dog into your home, please consider http://www.germanshepherdrescueindy.com/..

Handsome Creed

Macy greeting Creed and Amber

I recently got to see a friend who I hadn't seen in six months or so.  Mom's friend Loretta brought her dog Charlie to the bark park a couple of times and it was great to see them both.  I really hope I get to see her other dogs soon, my good friends Lucy, Toby, Jack, Opie and Carter.  You see, when I was young, we hung out a lot and they allowed me to be part of their pack and I really miss playing with them.

Mom took me to a neighborhood association meeting this morning and that was really boring, but I got to meet a few new folks and be outside for a while.  I think I may be going to see my Grandma tomorrow, which is always fun -- cars rides and seeing my G'ma -- can't get much better than that!

That's it for now, but I want to remind you that there are so many doggies and kitties needing loving, furever homes and I strongly encourage you to consider bringing a new furry friend into your family.  Shelters and rescues are in need of fosters too, if you aren't ready for a permanent new family member.

Thanks for reading and as always, I'm sending good thoughts and big, sloppy Macy kisses!  Love to all!


Macy G. Mendenhall
macygracin@hotmail.com

I'm baaack!

Hey friends -- it's Macy!  Yeah, it's been a while since I've been here -- guess I've been kinda lazy.  Gee, if I could just remember what's been going on the last three months      . . . let's see . . .

Well, Christmas was fun -- I got to see a lot of family that I only get to see once a year, so that was cool.  And, my Uncle Tim was there and was feeling better after his surgery, so he played with me some.  And, Grandma's house is always a fun place to be for me, no matter what is going on.  Oh, and my cousin Chico the Chihuahua mix was there too, although we really don't pay much attention to each other.

Happy New Year (three months late)!  I hope you all are enjoying 2012 so far.  I'm hoping this year will turn out to be much better than the last one.  One good thing that has happened is that mom was hired by the company she was contracting for, so I'm happy for her, but know there's something bigger and better waiting for her someday.

Remember I told you last time that Dr. Kim told me I needed to lose weight?  Well, I visited her a few weeks ago and I'm glad to report that I've lost 5.5 pounds!  I miss my extra treats and still try to steal the kitties food, but I guess it's a good thing that I've lost the weight -- at least that's what I'm told!  I think if I lose another three to five pounds, I'll be where I'm supposed to be.  Yay me!  (A big shout-out to mom though, because I couldn't have done it without her -- lol!)

A bit of unfortunate news -- I've had several of those nasty seizures over the last three months.  After not having any for six or seven months, they've become more frequent, although not any more serious or lengthy.  I hate it and wish they would just go away.  I know it's hard for mom to watch and I'm really tired afterwards -- for a little bit, and then I'm back to myself!  My blood work came back A-okay, so I'm really healthy otherwise. We're still hoping and praying that these silly things will subside or go away completely.

With the nice weather lately, I've been able to go to the Bark Park or on long walks.  I really love to get out of the house and enjoy the fresh air.

Mom says Mutt Strut is coming up in a few weeks at the place she used to work, so I hope all my family, friends and acquaintances will step up and donate on my personal Mutt Strut fan page.  Please donate here.   There's only 27 days left, so please find it in your heart and wallet to help Humane Society of Indianapolis and all their programs.  I hope it's not rainy like last year or too hot like a couple of years before that -- a bit cool and overcast would suit me just fine!  Thanks for your support -- I really appreciate it!

No, I'm not having a seizure -- just maxin' and relaxin', 'cause I'm cool like dat! 

Thanks for reading my mutterings and I hope to keep this up better in the future than I have the last few months.

Sending lots of blessings and puppy kisses your way!

Macy G. Mendenhall
macygracin@hotmail.com  (Yes, I have my own email account!)

Thanksgiving, Birthdays, Christmas and Stuff

Merry Christmas everyone!  It's been over a month since I last talked to you, so let me try to remember what's been going on since then.

Fuzzy Butt!

Are we done yet?

Well, last month was Thanksgiving and I got to visit family at my Grandma's house. The night before, I had to take a bath.  I know a lot of dogs don't like to take baths and I guess I'm one of those, but I go with the flow and stand there while mom sprays water all over me and then suds me up.  Although I'm not crazy about bath time, I do like it when mom calls me "fuzzy butt" afterwards . . . and it does feel good to be all clean.

So, back to Thanksgiving . . . I went to Grandma's house where I got to spend time with family and the humans seemed to eat a lot!  I kept asking for some special treats, and finally got some stuff later -- it was good!  And, I always enjoy seeing my Grandma!  I did miss Uncle Tim though -- he had surgery a couple of weeks before and wasn't feeling up to joining us.  I hope he feels better soon so we can wrestle and play tug again!

A couple of days after Thanksgiving, I celebrated my fourth birthday.  We didn't have a birthday party, but mom did make me some special birthday dog cookies that I shared with a few friends. Mom gave me a cool soccer ball too!  I played with that ball for six days until I accidentally punctured it with my tooth!  Maybe I'll get another one someday.

I got to go see Dr. Kim the morning of my birthday to get some poking, prodding and vaccinations done, and more importantly, some attention and treats!  Dr. Kim said I need to lose some weight -- that's gonna be hard to do, but I'll try my best.  Don't tell her though, but after we left her office, mom and I stopped at Starbucks where she bought me a pup cup for my birthday!  For those of you who don't know, a pup cup is a cup of whipped cream -- YUMMO!  (Check it out for your dog the next time you go to Starbucks.)  I did get to go to the bark park in the afternoon and after snoozing for a while, we hung out and played with my buddies Charlie, Lucy, Toby, Jack, Opie and Carter -- I hadn't seen them in a long time, so that was fun!

At the beginning of December, mom told me that my Grandma had surgery on her back.  I didn't like to hear that 'cause I love her so much and don't want her to hurt!  I sure hope the surgery fixes the problem and she'll feel as good as new soon!

I had something that mom calls a seizure earlier this month.  Mom says I hadn't had one in more than six months, so she was hoping that I had grown out of them.  So, she'll keep monitoring and tracking them and hope I don't have any more.  I wish I wouldn't have them anymore either, most especially because it scares mom and makes her sad.  But, I'm a very healthy and happy dog otherwise and we don't seem to think it's anything to worry too much about.

'Tis the season . . . I went to visit Santa Claus for the first time ever in my life a couple of weeks ago.  We went to the Zionsville Animal Hospital where they were having a fundraiser and adoption event for the Humane Society of Boone County.  You see, they don't have a physical shelter, so they're trying to raise money to build one someday.  Anyway, it was definitely a new experience.  We saw some cute kitties and doggies looking for forever homes, and a lot of people running around, a table with human treats, as well as some fat guy in a red suit that I later learned was Santa Claus.  I was okay with that until they called my name and said I was next and mom sat me down beside Santa.  After mom took my harness off, I bolted for the door!  And, when the door wouldn't open, I ran upstairs until mom called me back downstairs, where I again tried to get out the door.  Well, mom won the battle and got me back over to Santa, so I stayed there, but couldn't figure out why there were a couple of women making weird noises and using squeakers to get my attention!  Mom explained to me later that they were trying to get me to get my ears up so the picture would come out perfect.  So, after trying everything they could, I heard mom yell "cookie" and that did it -- my ears perked up real good!  The picture came out pretty good, if I do say so myself!  But, I'm not sure I want to go back and see Santa again -- he's kinda scary looking!

Christmas is coming soon and I'm looking forward to it.  I can't really go out and shop for presents, but I do wish my family and friends (human, canine and feline) the best of health and happiness from this point on.  This has been a difficult year for a lot of people and dogs I know, and I just want everyone to be as happy as I am!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and that the fat dude in the red suit brings you lots and lots of presents and treats!

Until next time . . .

Macy G. Mendenhall

Oh, here are a couple of recent pictures of my sisters . . . see, it's not all about me!

Speedy behind the curtain.

Halle de la Renta

Great Indy Pet Expo

Hi!  It's Macy, and I'm back!  I let mom borrow my blog last time because she had some very special (and sad) thoughts to share, but I'm back now to talk about my favorite subject -- ME!

Mom and I went to the Great Indy Pet Expo yesterday at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.  This was my third year going, and as always, it was a ton of fun.  There were a lot of people and dogs, and yes, even some cats in attendance.  (So many butts to sniff and so little time!)  We walked around looking at all the pet and people stuff for sale, and of course, came away with a nice stash of freebies!

There were a lot of rescue groups at the expo, with some doggies and kitties looking for new families.  I sure hope they all found, or soon will find, their forever homes.  I try not to think about how my life may have turned out if mom hadn't come to the shelter and adopted me.  My life is pretty good -- I have a nice, comfortable home and know my family loves me.  I wish the same for all homeless animals.

When we got to the fairgrounds, we walked around the expo for a few minutes and then mom got a call from Sue, a lady she works with, and she was there with Flea, her Jack Russell Terrier.  I'd not met Sue or Flea before, but they were very nice.  Well, Flea had to warm up to me a bit, but after the first little growl, she was cool!  I wish we had a picture of us together -- we're kind of like Mutt and Jeff (pun intended).  She's a little bitty cute girl and I'm a big, tall, handsome boy!  

Flea

Right after we met Sue and Flea, my Debbie came up to say hi to me.  I was sooooo happy to see "My Debbie!"  I hadn't seen her since she let me stay at her house when mom was on vacation in August.  That made going to the expo even more special.  I love Debbie!  I hope I can go visit her and Destiny and Jack, and maybe my friend Sugar will be there too!  Oh, I can't wait!  On a serious note though, I heard that Destiny has to have surgery, so I hope she gets well quickly and will be able to run around and play with me again soon.

Mom stopped at the Love on a Leash booth and talked with them about their therapy dog program.  It seems like I've heard this before . . . but, I have to pass some sort of test before being certified to be a therapy dog, and since I'm not really into studying, we'll see if mom wants to pursue it.  If it involves me visiting people and having them love on me, then I'm all for it!  We also stopped for a while and watched a bunch of silly dogs jumping off of a dock into a big pool of water after a stupid toy!  What's that all about?  Mom keeps telling me she had hopes of me being a dock-diving dog, but I'm not real keen on water, so I don't think that's gonna happen!  Dream on, mom!

We were getting ready to leave and was going to tell Debbie goodbye, when someone came up to mom, a friend who we've not seen for almost a year.  It was Loretta and her dog, my good friend Charlie.  Boy, I've missed Charlie and Loretta's other "kids."  I hope we'll be able to get together and play again, just like the good old days!  Sadly, I overheard Loretta tell mom that one of her pack, Hank, had passed away.  That makes me sad -- Hank was a good old dude.

Me and Charlie after a play date (he wanted to go home with me)

I really had a wonderful time at the expo, meeting up with old friends and making some new ones.  I can't wait until next year!  It's already marked on my calendar!

Me, after Pet Expo

Before I go, I'd like to wish my Uncle Tim a speedy recovery after his surgery last Friday.  I hope you'll feel great soon and we can wrestle and play tug again.

Whew!  This blog writing is hard work -- I'm dog tired and ready for a nap!  Until next time, I'm wishing you lotsa licks and love!

Macy G. Mendenhall

Thoughts of Dan

My name is Tina Mendenhall, Macy's mom, and I'm hijacking Macy's Mutterings today to post thoughts about Dan Wheldon, two-time Indianapolis 500 champion who we lost Sunday, October 16.  

Thoughts of Dan . . . 

I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to Dan Wheldon’s family, friends and those in the racing community.  Although I am not currently involved in the motorsports industry, I grieve along with the countless others in the business, as well as fans, who are feeling this tremendous loss.  From what I know of Dan, he was a man who was passionate about racing in the IndyCar Series, and most notably, the Indianapolis 500.  He was one of those drivers who, if I can paraphrase Al Unser Jr., “knows what Indy means.”  While Dan’s death is a shock to all of us, we can be somewhat comforted in knowing he left us doing something he was deeply passionate about.  How many of us truly love what we do for a living?  Dan truly loved his job and living the dream as a two-time Indianapolis 500 champion. 

In the two days since the tragic accident, I’ve read a lot of personal and media commentaries and attacks about safety of the cars, track safety, whether the cars should run on a high-banked oval, etc. – a lot of finger-pointing taking place.  As most of us know, motor racing is inherently dangerous and there is no way to remove all risk from the sport.  I do believe that the sanctioning body will take a hard look at all aspects of the accident, with input from the drivers, and act accordingly.  As with any sport, there is no way to make it 100 percent safe.  All drivers know the risks before they ever strap on a helmet, however knowing this doesn’t make Dan’s death any easier to take.

I’ve been a life-long race fan and had the pleasure of working in the sport for several years.  I will continue to be a fan going forward and support the sport that I love.

At this very difficult time, please keep the Wheldon family in your thoughts.  I pray for peace and comfort for Susie, Sebastian and Oliver, as well as Dan’s parents, siblings, friends and extended family in the IndyCar paddock. 

Godspeed, Dan – a champion on and off the track – you will be missed!