Death by Chocolate

I'd like to dedicate this post to our dear, little and "ferocious" dog, Mika, who had a near-death experience this week after consuming about 12 oz. of semi-sweet chocolate chips that I had left out (apparently 3x's the toxic level for a dog his size)! Sorry, Puppy!

Mom has tried to convince me for years that chocolate is bad for dogs, but I never really believed her until Monday night when I was scooping up puddles of melted chocolate mixed with canine stomach acid off of our carpet and bedspread. YUCK!

And then the trip to the 24 hr. vets office in the middle of the night where they wanted to hospitalize Mika overnight and then the next day and ruin our Christmas by charging us >$600 for his medical treatment (Sorry, no).
As soon as I brought him home from the vets, he ran immediately to sniff the trash can and then the place he had previously found the vomit-inducing chocolate.

So this one's for you, Mika! We're grateful for how patient you are with a baby who constantly is in your face and grabbing your hair and tail and ears. And for how much entertainment you provide her! And for what a good snuggler you are! And for your canine-vacuum cleaner skills helping to keep our house clean by licking up all the crumbs! And how well behaved you are for a half-blind, half-deaf, grumpy old-man, rescue dog.
I'm grateful for my little "velcro" dog who would never leave my side if I'd let him.

Here's a fun summary of papillons (mika's breed) that Mom found, if you're not familiar with them.



Meet the Papillon -
The distinctive pointy ears shaped like butterfly wings and framed by sprigs of hair have earned the papillon (the French word for butterfly) its name. Papillons are known as cuddlers, but they're selective about their companions. Although they're devoted pets and protective of their owners, papillons are not as friendly with strangers, and they tend not to socialize well with other dogs. Considering their toy size, papillons are surprisingly agile and athletic. They are usually easy to train, but housebreaking can sometimes be a challenge. One thing owners can surely appreciate is the breed's clean reputation -- although regular grooming is necessary, these dogs carry very little odor and need infrequent bathing.

In case you can't tell, that's Mika's head sticking out from where he's curled up with our couch throw. Eliza is dancing with joy.