Transitioning from pee-pads to going outside

It was going to have to happen sometime. Now that it's warmer in Toronto and I want to take Farfl places, she needs to be properly house trained so that she knows that it's not appropriate to "go" indoors. But how do you make that transition? Farfl is so used to being able to go whenever she pleases  because she's had access to a pee-pad at all times - I wondered how to teach her that it's best...

Farfl appears on her first talk show!

Okay, it's only the silly video podcast that me and my friend Josh do every so often, but it's a start! "Talking Bollocks" is an occasional chat show devised by me, Marilla Wex, and Josh Rachlis - voice artist, film-maker and eco-warrior. We started it because we both wanted to be on chat shows but no one was asking us. So we started our own. Please be aware that there is content that is not...

Going Off-Leash

If there's one thing I've learned since getting a small dog, it's that you might be able to control your dog off-leash, but you sure as hell can't control anyone else's. One of the things you have to realize as a chihuahua owner is that although your little prince or princess might behave impeccably at the park, the same cannot be said for OPDs or Other People's Dogs (or their bloody owners, for...

Our Contact Page is Fixed!

I know I should have done this a while ago, but hey-ho. You'll all be thrilled to know that I've finally gotten around to fixing the contact page on this website. I apologize that it's taken me a while - I was trying to be clever and that's rarely a good idea. Now you can email us with your questions, stories etc. and you will get a response! Thanks for your...

Farfl’s First Toronto Chihuahua Meet-Up

Puppy kindergarten was over...she'd had all her shots...it was time. We were excited. This would be the first time since she came from her breeder that Farfl would be hanging out with more than one other chihuahua! It was also the first time Farfl had been on public transport. We walked to Davisville subway station and took the TTC down to Union where we got on a streetcar to PawsWay. Luckily we...

Farfl Graduates From Puppy Kindergarten

She made it all the way through her eight weeks of basic training! I'd heard pretty mixed reviews of training classes at Petsmart, but as soon as I met Heather I knew I was in the right place. I'd only gone into Petsmart to buy some cat claw clippers to trim Farfl's tiny nails when a very helpful lady who introduced herself to me as Heather offered to show me where they were. I told her I was...

Pet Wars – the Saga Continues…

I blame Sarah. She encouraged me to film the dog and the cat fighting and now I'm addicted. This is a great example of the two animals at play. Jess gets quite physical with Farfl in this one - Farfl is quite barky. Then Farfl tries to impress Jess with lots of twirling and chasing her tail. Jess remains unimpressed and slinks off. Farfl twirls for my amusement. The end. On a positive note, now...

Farfl and the Cat – Rematch!

Sarah said she wanted more cat/dog videos. How could I refuse? At first I balked at the idea of posting videos of my dog and my cat fighting. But this isn't really a fight. Farfl tries to play with Jess, Jess tells her where to get off, Farfl pretends that the doorframe tastes good for a while then tries to play with Jess again. Jess, as always, remains unimpressed. I wish I'd kept the camera...

Farfl’s Foe

I wish I could tell you that my dog and my cat get on well together. But that, frankly, would be a fat lie. Farfl is pretty good on the whole - she doesn't usually pick a fight with Jess, but sometimes the temptation to go and sniff her is just too much. Then Jess starts growling then Farfl starts play bowing and then Jess goes for her and Farfl barks. Oy. Here's a very short video of them in...

What Do You Do With Your Dog When You Go On Vacation?

My husband and I had planned a trip to England for a few days. Michael is a writer and was invited to appear at Jewish Book Week in London.  A fantastic opportunity for him to promote his work to the British market and a perfect excuse for me to get back home, eat fish and chips and drink real beer. But what should we do with Farfl while we were gone? We couldn't take her with us because she...