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!

A Smattering of Mutterings

Hi friends!

It's been pretty quiet along the Macy front lately and I don't have too many exciting things to blog about.  So, I'll just fill you in on a few bits and bites.

First, I want to say that I'm so glad my beautiful friend Cayenne is feeling much better.  She gave everyone quite a scare recently and had to be rushed into emergency surgery due to an infection in her "girl parts."  I've not seen her since then, think about her often and can't wait to see her and tell her how happy I am that she's going to be okay.  (Cayenne is the AmStaff in the picture above, with her cousin Conrad and me.  Isn't she beautiful?)

A few days before Cayenne got sick, we both attended Conrad's third birthday party.  There were a lot of people there and a couple of dogs whom I'd not met before.  One dog kept getting in my face, and I'm not an "in your face" kind of dog.  I kept telling him to leave me alone, but he just didn't get it.  I think his mom thought I was going to get into it with him, so they took him inside.  All the smaller dogs got to go inside, but me, the lone "big dog" was forced to stay outside.  Yeah, mom stayed outside with me, but a lot of the people I wanted to visit were inside and, well, the food was inside too!  Mom took me home a bit early so I could relax, so I didn't get to eat Conrad's birthday cake my mom made for him, but she did bring a piece home for me . . . and it was GOOD!  (See photo of cake.)

Oh, I want to thank Noah's Animal Hospital -- the one at 56th & Emerson -- for the nice gift basket I won a few weeks ago.  I had entered a raffle at Woofstock and mom got a call several days later saying I'd won. They took our picture when we picked up the basket, but we've not received a copy of it, so here's a picture mom took of me with the gift basket filled with lots of nice treats and toys, including a Wubba -- I love my Wubba!  (My sister Halle is lurking in the background of the picture.)

Mom was very busy with work last week, going in early and coming home late -- something about meetings -- and then didn't have much time to play with me.  I don't think I got to go to the park hardly at all.  She came home early Friday, but then had to leave not too long after that, but I don't think it was for work, so we didn't get to do much then either.  So, I was pretty bored and lonely, but I know mom has to work so she can keep me in dog food, treats and toys!  She made up for it over the weekend though -- we went to the bark park on Saturday and then I got to go to see my Grandma for her birthday on Sunday!  Oh, boy, was that fun!  After we got to Grandma's, we all got in my car and went to my Uncle Tim's house -- I'd never been there before, so it was a new experience.  It was fun and exciting -- we watched the Colts game (don't even want to talk about it), ate and gave Grandma some presents.  Then, my uncle did something I still don't understand -- there was this thing standing in the corner and he picked it up and started making some kind of racket -- mom said it was a guitar and it was music, but it made me nervous.  I thought music was something that came out of a radio or TV!  Maybe if I was around that guitar thing more, I'd get used to it.  Uncle Tim and I wrestled around and played tug with my Skinneeez toy.  I think mom is going to try to upload a couple of videos of us playing.  Oh, and just before I left, my uncle went into his music room and got something called a harmonica and started blowing into it, supposedly making "music" again!  I started singing along (okay, I was really howling 'cause it hurt my ears)!  Anyway, I was one pooped pup when I got home last night!

Well, that's about it for me for this time -- I'm ready for a nap.  I hope to be back soon with some more Macy-isms.  Until then, smiles and smooches!

Macy G. Mendenhall

Dog Day Afternoon, Woofstock and Other Stuff

Hi Friends!  I hope all is going well in your world.  As for mine, everything is great!  It's a bit hot outside for my taste, but I know my kinda weather is right around the corner.  I can't wait for nice, cool weather . . . and snow!  Yeah, snow!  I love to play in the snow!  I can't wait!  (Oops . . . I think I said the "s" word too loud -- mommy is groaning!)


I wanted to tell you about an event I went to last weekend.  It was called Dog Day Afternoon/Woofstock -- it was a day just for us canine folks and it was fun!  Mom drove me over to my friend Conrad's pad (he's a miniature schnauzer) and we picked him and his mom Kathleen up and headed to Carmel for the festivities.  Man, was I excited!  I didn't know where we were going, but it had to be someplace fun since we were taking our friends with us . . . and it was a car ride -- I love car rides!  


When we got there, we saw lots of humans and canines everywhere we looked, and something called vendor booths where they gave away treats and toys . . . yes, for free!  And, mom bought a few special treats for me too.  We came home with a pretty good haul!  There was a big stage in the plaza where there were bands playing, so we chilled out for a bit to rest after walking around.  They gave away prizes to some dogs who dressed up in costume, but that's not my thing, so I didn't participate in that.  I just enjoyed getting out and enjoying the beautiful day with my mom, Conrad and Kathleen, and meeting so many people.


Oh, I did meet a couple of celebrities while there.  We spotted Patty Spitler, and her furry son Louie, co-hosts of Pet Pals TV, so we stopped to officially introduce ourselves and say hello.  Patty and Louie do so many good things to get the word out about animal issues, so we were very happy to get to officially meet them after corresponding with them on occasion.


Oh, mom talked to a couple of these vendor people about someone or something called "therapy dog."  I don't know who or what therapy dog is, but mom said she has considered me being one.  Hmm...whatever it is, I hope it's a good thing!  As long as I get lots of pets, hugs and cookies, I'm all for it!  She also talked to someone about dock diving -- well, I don't know what that is, but I have an inkling that it involves jumping into water.  If that's the case, I'm not so sure I'd dig it -- oh, I'm okay wading in water, but if it gets deep, I get kinda freaked out.  Mommy thinks I should like water because I'm part Lab, but it must be the other stuff in me that doesn't like it too much!  


There was one canine mom and I wanted to meet, but unfortunately didn't get the opportunity.  His name is Kaiser and he's a hero dog.  If you don't know about him, he is one of the few remaining rescue dogs from 9/11, and the only one remaining from Indiana.  Mom has told me about what he and other rescue dogs did to help after the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.  I don't understand exactly what she was talking about since I wasn't born yet, but Kaiser sounds like one awesome dog and I wanted to thank him in person for what he did. Kaiser is featured a book about 9/11 rescue dogs and I hope mom will get it and read it to me.  (The book is called Retrieved and it's by Charlotte Dumas.)  Thanks Kaiser and all you other search and rescue dogs!  

Before we left, I did have to pose for another picture, so mom had me sit in front of the fountains.  I think mom is going to post it here on this blog.  One of the vendors gave all the dogs a red, white and blue bandana, so I was looking pretty snazzy. Mom loves to take my picture, so I just go along with the program.

Me at Carmel Civic Plaza

Well, that's enough mutterings for this time.  Until we speak again, here's wishing you lots of cookies and belly rubs!

Macy G. Mendenhall

My First Blog

Arf!  Er, I mean, Hello!  

I don't know what this "blog" thing is all about, but mom has been thinking that it might be fun to do every so often.  She said something about talking about my thoughts and what's going on in my life.  I might have to talk about my kitty sisters too, but that's okay . . . as long as it's mostly about me!

For those of you who don't know me yet (I hope to meet you soon), my name is Macy Gracin Mendenhall and I was born on November 26, 2007, which makes me almost four years-old.  I was born in a shelter in LaGrange, Indiana, the only child of a German Shepherd mixed-breed doggie.  My mama Tina adopted me shortly before my two-month birthday and I've lived with her and my kitty sisters, Speedy and Halle, in Indianapolis ever since.  

It was touch-and-go right after coming to my new home.  Heck, I was just a baby and leaving my birth mommy was so hard.  I cried, my new mommy cried, but she was so nice and laid on the floor outside my crate until I'd fall asleep to try to comfort me.  It took a while, but we both got through it.  My mommy says that I rescued her -- I don't understand what that means, but I do know that I love her and my kitty sisters so much and am so glad mommy chose me to be her son!  

Oh, yeah, speaking of me being her "son," I am all boy!  A lot of people think that I'm a girl because I'm so "pretty."  Pretty?  I'm freakin' handsome!  I just don't understand it, because there's nothing girlie about me!  Oh, some say my mommy gave me a girl's name, but some think I'm a girl even before they know my name.  I just don't get it.  So, I just want to set the record straight.  (Thanks for letting me vent about that!)

Well, that's an introduction to me for this blog.  I'll try to get on here periodically and tell you more stuff about me and my life.  Until I see you again, I'm sending lots of licks your way!

Macy G. Mendenhall