Welcome to this week’s edition of Follow-Up Friday, the post where I highlight reader’s comments, answer questions and generally just wrap up my week.

You Make Me Smile – June 5, 2016

Lorian Lipton said, “Louise always goes down to her kennel at 9:15 whether I come or not. She comes looking for me if I don’t close her door after awhile and looks at me strange. Sofie stopped sleeping in her kennel a few years ago and basically sleeps at my feet wherever I am. :-)”

Oh how sweet, it’s like Louise is asking you to tuck her in. 🙂

Emma said, “Mom says her dogs have always gone to bed on their own when they are tired. Years ago in Germany with Trine they were sitting outside at a restaurant with her under the table off leash (very well behaved dog) When they went to leave she was gone! They started walking towards the little hotel they were staying in and low and behold, she was curled up asleep in front of the door to the hotel! That was over the top in my book!”

Oh my word! That’s over the top in my book too! Was Mom worried at all, or did she suspect that’s where Trine had gone to?

Taryn said, “Wilson has always gone upstairs to bed on his own, even as a young pup. Jimmy is too dedicated to his people and will stay until we go up. Then he feigns being too sleepy to walk up by himself and wants to be carried. Grab a biscuit and head up, and all of the sudden he’s wide awake!”

Ah yes, the secret is in the biscuits. 😉

Sue said, “Rosie goes to bed with the Dog Daddy (very, very early). Rudy sticks with me. However, Lucy used to sometimes go to the bedroom and then come back to me – repeatedly – and I knew she thought we should go to bed! Just taking care of mama, you know 😉”

I think that’s sweet, I love when they ‘check’ on us.

Jan K said, “Both Sheba and Cricket put themselves to bed almost every night! Luke usually stays with us to watch TV for a while. I sometimes go to bed before the hubby, and then Luke doesn’t know what to do!”

Ohh, it’s like he has to choose…the Momz or the Dadz?

Alexa88 said, “there is just something about having one’s dog sharing the bed that brings it to a whole new level of comfort.”

It does for me, I love waking up and finding that sweet little soul right next to me.

Cupcake said, “I am not allowed on the bedspread, so even though I go in and out of the bedroom 57 times checking, I can’t put myself to bed till Mom turns down the comforter. Then I have to wait till she tells me it’s OK. #thestruggleisreal”

#thestruggleisreal Cupcake, you are right!

Jen Gabbard said, “Laika has a weird bedtime habit. She’ll jump up on the couch (her bed, she howls & kicks in her sleep so bed privileges have been revoked) when it’s time for bed, but she won’t lay down. She’ll sit up against the back of the couch and fall asleep with her head on the back of the couch.”

OMG it’s like she’s tired, but won’t ‘go to bed’ until you do.

Peyton said, “Had a Great Dane and he would put himself to bed when my son went to bed. Picture a huge Great Dane sleeping with a six year boy in the lower bottom bunk. By morning there was not much room for my son.”

LOL I really can picture that. I have a 90 pound lab and there are some nights where there is no room for ME!

A Story of Dogs and Pancakes…

Emma said, “Mom says most men just don’t pay attention like women do. We are always excited when left under the care of a male human as we know we can get away with a lot!”

In my experience Mom is right about men. However since these were for his breakfast, one would have been paying attention. 😉 Which is why he got the FIRST pancakes. 😉

Sue said, “I didn’t know you back then and had never read this. I kind of knew you weren’t going to say she was snatching half cooked pancakes off the hot griddle, but I was still cringing! 😉”

She didn’t do it with the pancakes, but don’t think she hasn’t done it! She’s taken hot dogs and chicken directly out of a hot pan. That was many years ago, hopefully she has settled down some. 🙂

Taryn said, “Since my blog is mainly photos with small snippets of writing, I don’t think mine has changed much. It’s been going for 7 years now though! Thanks for reminding me I missed that date on June 1st!”

Congratulations Taryn! Seven years is amazing!

Beth said, “Barley LOVES pancakes–she always gets the first one. I laughed when I read you still ate the pancakes–Barley’s put her paws up on the stove to devour the end of banana bread that was cooling–I cut off end she’d sampled and ate the rest 😉”

Well I didn’t want to throw out the whole bowl of batter. Besides, I figured cooking it would probably kill any dog cooties. 😉

Jan K said, “I think one of the first posts I read by you was when Delilah stole the chicken out of the kitchen sink. So no, she sure hasn’t changed! Your writing does seem a bit different. I think if you told this story now, there would be more cursing. 🙂”

Oh God yeah! At first I was terrified to use swear words (especially on the free WordPress, I thought they would close my account.) But the more I blogged the more I saw other blogs (not usually pet bloggers) that swore. Then I said, Fuck it. This is who I am. And I’d like to think that I use them discriminately enough to be humorous and not offensive. (At least I think it’s funny.) 🙂

Jan said, “It reminds me of why I prefer little dogs who can’t reach very high. I like to look back at posts I’ve written in the past but it get scary when I can’t remember writing them.

I hate when that happens Jan, the ones I forget is titles. I wonder how many times I’ve used a duplicate title. As for the dogs, haven’t you ever heard of the dogs that figure out how to climb on counters and refrigerators?

Monika and Sam said, “LOL, a gal after my own heart (still utilizing the pancake batter). You absolutely make me laugh out loud, Jodi.”

Thank you Monika, my goal is to make people see how our pets can enrich our lives and how you can find humor in some of the most frustrating experiences.

A BIG Thank You!

Tori Mistik said, “I’m happy to hear she’s doing better. My 13 year old lab is having a rough week. I’m debating if I should take her to the vet today. Last night she wouldn’t put any weight on her back right leg. She’s on Tramadol for pain, but maybe there is something better. I’m going to see how she does and maybe call the vet this afternoon.”

Oh no, I hope she’s feeling better. Please keep us posted. Does she have arthritis? Sampson’s had some good results with Rejenease, Dasaquin and Natural Stride. 

Jan K said, “Yes, that did bring tears to my eyes as well. What a wonderful community this is!…It is a blessing to be able to be here for pets through the tough times. As much as it’s difficult to see them aging and having issues, it’s far better than losing them at a young age. We lost three dogs at young ages (5, 6, & 8), so being able to help Kobi through his old age was truly a blessing, and both girls now too.”

It really is an amazing community. And I have to agree with you, just being able to help them is such a blessing.

Emma said, “Blogville is the best “ville” around! Everyone is so wonderful, and the help and support from others is always amazing! You are never alone!”

You are right Emma, Blogville is the best, and you always have someone that is willing to reach out and help.

Beth said, “It’s never easy watching our pets age, but it’s a little easier knowing what a great support system we have!”

Support is key. So many times people don’t understand that bond I have with my dogs, but I know that you guys DO!

Jen Gabbard said, “That’s the sort of comment that makes blogging all worth it. Seriously that’s awesome, and I’m so glad for the update.”

Amen sister. 

Well that’s it for me friends, I hope you have a wonderful weekend!