Benny Boo Boo...Boo Boo Boo!

"A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself."- Josh Billings

So I know all you ladies are wondering who that handsome fellow on my left sidebar is. He's outgoing...loves walks in the park...splashing in mud puddles...and pooping in the neighbor's yard! Well, I guess I can't keep it a secret any longer...his name is Benny, and he is the love of my life! ♥

Benny is a yorkshire terrier that I got FOR FREE last April! I have always wanted a yorkie but didn't want to spend $800 on a dog! Thankfully, I didn't have to...and I absolutely adore him! He just has the cutest little face! Don't you think?

Now, although I have had Benny for almost a year, I just started training him to walk on a leash and harness about two weeks ago. Let me say this loudly and clearly...YOU NEED TO DO THIS EARLY ON! It is a complete pain in the ass! I decided to start training Benny to walk on a leash because he is notorious for using the bathroom in the neighbor's yard and hauling ass down the road when he isn't strictly supervised! So, of course, walking him on a leash seemed like a natural solution to this problem. Well, up until a couple of days ago when I would put Benny on his leash and take him outside to go potty...(and I say this in very loving terms)...THAT JERK WOULDN'T BUDGE! I mean NOT AT ALL. I would tug and tug at the leash, squat down and call to him in that loving, sing-song voice that you only use with babies and puppies, try to bribe him with treats...and nothing. Wouldn't move even an inch. Just insisted on sitting there and being a stubborn jackass.

Well, I am happy to now report, two whole weeks later, that Benny is doing quite fabulous on his leash and harness! I really tried nearly everything I could think of and nothing worked. It was then that I decided to try to hide the fact that he was on a leash from him. Trickery always works! hehehe! Of course I couldn't hide the part about putting on the harness--but that part really didn't bother him since I put little sweatshirts and hoodies on him all the time. To him, putting on the harness was no different than putting on one of his outfits. The leash, however, was a completely different story! Up until a day or so ago I've had to fasten the leash to his harness while holding him in my arms so he wasn't aware of what I was doing. Then came the task of keeping up with him once I put him down! I'm sure the neighbors got a good laugh out of me trying to keep up with chasing this little dog all around the yard. But, the hard work finally paid off. He is now a champion on the leash, and I am quite proud of both him and myself!

Benny still doesn't have a collar though! But...I've picked out one that I think he would absolutely love! It's from a really cute online store called Barker and Meowsky. It is the Sun Valley Collar in "Day"...and I think it's perfect for Benny...who is kind of a hippie.

The "Day" Sun Valley Collar is the one above that is yellow and green, obviously. :) If you're a pet lover like I am you'll love Barker and Meowsky. They have all sorts of accessories to pamper your furry friends including pet beds, toys, grooming products, treats, and apparel! I also kind of think that Benny needs this Quilted Field Jacket in red. What do you think?

Anyway, please visit their website if you're in the market for any sort of pet supply! You'll surely find something totally unique: http://www.barkerandmeowsky.com/.

I must also tell you about these wonderful dog treats that Benny has that he is crazy about! I am pretty sure they came from Wal-Mart, but they are called Honey's Bakery Gourmet Dog Treats. They are the cutest things, baked in various dog-friendly shapes including bones and fire hydrants. Some are also covered in icing and sprinkles! But the best part about them--they smell DELICIOUS! I have seriously been tempted to try one. They smell like those butter cookies with the hole in the middle that I remember stacking on my fingers like rings when I was a little girl! Basically, I think these treats are wonderful since I have a little bit of an issue with touching things that smell bad.

Another great website, or brand to check out is Metal Morphosis by Kaycee Binns. This stuff is made in Atlanta and is super cute! I love this doggie tag, which I used to have.

Unfortunately, it got lost one day on a romp in the park! So, it looks like I'm going to have to invest in another one. Anyway- she has a lot of cute pewter and sterling silver stuff that you're sure to love: http://www.metalmorphosisinc.com/.

On a side note: I googled Mango Pineapple Vinaigrette and found this recipe that I am hoping to try out to copycat the delicious salad dressing I had at Papi's Grill in McDonough. If you try it before me, please let me know how it turns out!

Mango Pineapple Vinaigrette

1 cup Mango Juice
1 cup Pineapple Juice
1 cup Orange Juice
2 oz. Olive Oil
2 oz. Chopped Herbs (Rosemary, Parsley, Thyme)
1/2 can Pineapples
1/2 each fresh Mango
1/4 oz. White Vinegar

Directions:
In a bowl, stir all juices together with chopped herbs and vinegar. While stirring, slowly add olive oil. Once completely added, stir all vigorously to emulsify liquids. When done, add chopped fruits and fold in gently. Yield 2 quarts. Enjoy!