Friday, December 30, 2016

Cozying Up In The Best Way


The Holiday rush is over and it is time to relax and reflect. I admit the days are still kind of busy with putting the house back in order and Mommy having to work (don't get me wrong. She is thankful for employment). But I said "Mommy! We have not had any one-on-one time in a while!"

So she stopped what she was doing and said "Come Here Noodles."

She picked me up and put me on her lap. "You're so right," she said. "Let's watch a movie together."

And so we did.

Thursday, December 29, 2016

Kicking 2016 OUT!!!!



I am too sad. . .

Winston Wilbur, my great FURiend from my first blogging days has crossed the Rainbow Bridge.

And the REAL Princess Leah. . . .and her mom. . . and on and on . . .

I am ready for a NEW YEAR.

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

My Feet Hurt From Dancing




Today was my bf Christmas's BARKDAY PAWTY and I admit I might have over done it on the dance floor. It was just so much fun.


Monday, December 26, 2016

Happy Boxing Day - snicker snicker

I couldn't resist the pun

I hope Sandy Paws brought you everything your heart desires

Friday, December 23, 2016

MERRIEST of CHRISTMASES TO MY BLOGVILLE FURIENDS!!!


Please forgive my cyber shouting. I just can't help it because I loves loves loves my Blogville family.
I will be busy busy the next couple of days so I want to wish you all the best, You mean so much to me.


Thursday, December 22, 2016

The Christmas Time Samba







When I see a Christmas Treesy
You will see me dash from everyone

And the Christmas shopping tango
All my posse go
Off to Target to join the fun
Aye! There looks like a million
Shoppers at Starbucks for Brazilian
So I can't get in line for one too
Ah! The cashier's about to open now
There'll be presents in tow
Caramba! It's the Christmas Time Samba - the one dance I can do!







Adapted from Peggy Lee's "Caramba It's The Samba

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Wise Wordy Wednesday - #chewyinfluencer


Sunshine here with yet ANOTHER product that I am not sure I can live without. Well, I am conflicted about it. I will get to that a little later.

When Chewy.com sent their December newletter, it was filled with the most wonderful treats imaginable. I think there was even a toy or two. But I am getting older now and although I occasionally bat around a pretend mouse, I really don't need toys. And treats? I have so many of those already because I simply cannot eat that many treats and maintain this wonderful figure. One thing caught my eye, though - the Litter Genie Plus Cat Litter system.



What can I say? I like a clean box - every . . . single . . . time . . . I  . . . use . . . it. Hear that Humans? If the box was clean all the time there would NOT be those little "accidents" we chalk up to age. I'm just sayin'.

So I wrote to Chewy.com and asked to be one of the lucky 25 CATS to review this item and next thing I knew - it arrived on my doorstep.

The Litter Genie Plus is a plastic bin which opens on the top to put waste in. Then there is a mid-section panel that separates what you put in from what went before. A little like a toilet - which it essentially is. The bottom half is a funnel which empties into the storage receptacle. This is where the poop and stuff drops. At the top is the "liner" which is a holder for the plastic "bags (they become bags when THUMBS tie the bottom into a knot). The bags are pulled down into the receptacle so the waste falls into the bag and not the bottom. A CUTTER is located below the funnel so when a bag is full it can be cut off  and tied up. Voila - to the trash with you!

It was easy-ish to set up and only a few HBO words were uttered because the directions are, well, NOT.

Here is the good news - the Litter Genie Plus easily holds a week's worth of waste. It is kept by my box so it is convenient. And I cannot smell that waste at all. (Part of that may be due to the AMAZING cat litter I talked my human into - Cats Incredible by Lucy Pets. It is one product which does EXACTLY what the Lucy Pets spokesperson said it would and what she said sounded too good to be true. BUT this is something I already reviewed and Chewy.com does not carry this product so I will stop here.)

IN ANY CASE, my presence in the household is completely a mystery because there is no cat box smell at all. And the Litter Genie Plus is a huge contributor to this!



The Litter Genie uses 5-layer bags for strength and smell control. This is good for many reasons - one being ammonia, a by-product of waste, is harmful to animals and humans so it is best to keep it in check. The L.G.P. comes with a scoop (and a holder for the scoop fits on the side of the unit) so no one needs to touch the waste. Finally, a refill (available at chewy.com for $7.30) lasts for about 2 months. That is longer than most litters!

This is a really fine product and one I would not hesitate to recommend to others - especially if taking bags of waste to the outside garbage every day is difficult or too time-consuming. It still needs to go out but this product buys you some time.

My one hesitation is the plastic. We use too much plastic already and it does not readily break down in landfills. BUT that said, the Human always grabs a plastic bag to empty the litter box so this is pretty much the same. But the refill dispenser is also plastic and gets tossed. I need to see if it is recyclable. In any case, it bugs me but does not stop me from wanting it.

My human servant says if we did not review it we would never have tried it. But now that we have, I cannot imagine living without it.

*My only compensation for this review was the product so that I could try it, evaluate it and write about it. But the words are all my own - the opinions are mine alone. So there.

See my sidebar for Lucy Pets

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Helping Santa



Mommy has been so so busy lately so I have been on my own. Since I do not like being idle for too long - I have always been described as BUSY - I decided to find out where I can best help.

Guess who raised his hand for help?

Sandy Paws.

So when you get your pressies on Christmas day, just remember that

NOODLES WAS HERE!!!

Friday, December 16, 2016

It's Raining




PUG FUR!

I got a complaint the other day from HERSELF. We were driving somewhere in the car when SHE looked over to me and said

"Oh my GOSH, Noodles! You are actually raining FUR!" I was just minding my own business looking out at the changing scenery so I had  no idea what she meant.



Then I looked down on the seat and noticed the puddle of fur spreading out across it. "Huh," I said. "Whaddya know?"




Thursday, December 15, 2016

It Came Upon A Midnight Clear


A BOX OF CHOCOLATE CROISSANTS?
ALL FOR LIL OL' ME?


*THANKS


*No Pug was harmed in the making of this photo. And NO, she did not get any chocolate or croissants.

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Wordless Wednesday and There is One Thing On My Mind



Sandy Paws Please Hear My Plea
Don't Want No Clothes
Don't Want No Fleas

Just Bring Me Lots Of Tasty Treats
I Swear This To Be True
My Love For You Surely Meets
My Fancy For A Good Chew

Monday, December 12, 2016

A Very Unexpected Thing Happened

Meet Daisy
I don't know what it is this time of year but strange things happen all the time. I cannot explain beyond that. But trust me - if it is DECEMBER and close to CHRISTMAS, something usual and not necessarily sad, will happen.

So I was going about my business on Saturday, as usual when the doorbell rang. Hmmmm, I thought. I am not expecting anyone. And I wasn't! I was all snuggled down on Mommy's lap for a nap figuring this was about as good as it was going to get.

So I let it be known that I, Noodles the Pug, was at home and their presence, though unexpected, was certainly welcome. Best to let folks know where they stand right away. But when the humans opened the door, there stood Little Un's friend from school, with her Mom AND this tiny dog. What is going on? I thought. So I got up to investigate. I said my hellos to the humans and made myself very cute and adore-worthy. All the while, Molly was barking and barking and , , , more barking. She just would not calm down and assess the situation.

After a little while of hellos and how are yas, the strange humans left and the little dog remained. Um. . . Mommy, I said. Did they forget something? No my Mommy quick;y told me - this is Daisy and she is here to visit. But, but, but. . . I stammered. I don't know her at all, I said only slightly whiney.

Oh Noodles . . . she is testing us out because her family needs a family to watch over her at Christmas time. So be nice and show her around. I kinda didn't, though. Daisy sat on the stairs for a long time before she was brave enough to wander. Then when she was brave enough, she was everywhere. I kept hearing "No, Daisy. . . no Daisy. . ." over and over. She is one curious pup. Generally, though, we did not play together at all. In fact, we kind of kept our distance and she found a nice place where she could feel safe and at home - usually on someone's lap. That was okay. I know she must have been scared. We kept out distance for the most part and I only exerted myself once or twice to let her know MY MOMMYS' laps were OFF-LIMITS!

So there you have it. Daisy, a 7 year old Yorkie that MIGHT weigh 8 pounds is going to be our houseguest from Christmas Eve until New Years. I am not sure if I am excited about it but I am not opposed to it either. She is a nice pup, although she is definitely higher energy than either Molly or myself. It will be interesting to see how Sunshine interacts (or doesn't) with her. She spent ALL DAY Saturday hiding in Aunt T's room.

Thursday, December 8, 2016

Tip-Top Topper - a #chewyinfluencer Adventure




Hi. It's me, Sunshine the Cat with another FOOD adventure. This time I stalked the tasty wild country for a Salmon and Turkey treat - Halo's Mix'n Mores. These nuggets of goodness are freeze dried to freshness and to retain the taste and wholesomeness of the salmon and turkey. And these tasty treats provide easily digested protein which is so important in a senior Cat's diet. Add in no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives and you have . . . well. . . a TIP-TOP TOPPER!



Chewy.com carries a whole line of these treats by Halo, a well respected and conscientious company that specializes in wholesome and natural foods for pets. We all know what happened when I helped myself to a bottle of Halo Liv a Littles . . . let's just say there are STEP programs to deal with that kind of behavior. So I was pretty surprised that I was allowed to come anywhere near these. I am glad the Humans trust me enough to let me try them.

These freeze dried nuggets are just the right thing to add that je ne sais qua to my mealtime. A little goes a long way toward satisfying my hunger, too,


See this torn bag. It is proof that I have actually tried the food of which I speak. The ingredients of this food are as follows

Salmon, turkey, whole flaxseed, salt, mixed tocopherols (a preservative), taurine, calcium sulfate, calcium carbonate, vitamin e supplement, zinc sulfate, ferrous sulfate, copper sulfate, niacin supplement, manganese sulfate, d-calcium pantothenate, vitamin a supplement, riboflavin supplement, thiamine mononitrate, vitamin d3 supplement, vitamin b12 supplement, sodium selenite, pyridoxine hydrochloride, folic acid

I see Salmon. I see Turkey. I see Flax Seed? Whattha? I don't know what it is but is must be good for me and I am assured it is a natural product. Impressive, though.


I truly am enjoying this addition to my daily kibble. You know how we Cats are. We tire easily of the same flavor over and over and over. Adding a little something to the top is a great way to add variety without changing foods a lot. So touche for Halo.

I award Halo Mix'n Mores a medal of HONOR for its quality and its simplicity. Sometimes good things really do come in small packages.

*I was sent ONE bag free of charge in order to try and assess the treats. No one tells me what to say or do so this review is 100% mine. I was not paid anything to share it with you. Thank you chewy.com for this opportunity.

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

It's Like Thanksgiving Everyday . . . #chewyinfluencer


Just before Mommys #1 and #2 took off for SoCal, our monthly box to review FROM CHEWY.COM came. We met it with the usual excitement as it is one of our most favorite things. Inside the box was a bag of CAT treats for Sunshine - Mix 'N' More by Halo and some cans for me an Mommy of the scrumptious sounding Merrick Grain-free Thanksgiving Dinner. OMD we could not wait to try them. Sunshine got to try hers first BUT we had to wait until dinner time (thank goodness we did not have to wait until THANKSGIVING or it would have been mutiny in Casa de Noodles.

Merrick makes their Grain-free Thanksgiving Dinner in two sizes, regular DOG and SMALL dog. We got the small dog size since we are. . . small dogs, that is. They are small cans, about 1/3 the size of a regular can and the idea is they are a one meal size. Good thinking, huh?


We get 1/3 - 1/2 a can of food along with out crunchy kibble and some fresh stuff, Our fresh stuff lately has been broccoli, sweet potato, and romaine lettuce. But with the Merrick Grain-free Thanksgiving Dinner we really don't need any fresh stuff because it is included in the meal along with tasty turkey and gravy. We COULD totally get a can each but Mommy doesn't like to do that unless she HAS to. HINT - she never has to.

Merrick Grain-free Thanksgiving Dinner has the following ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Turkey Broth, Chicken, Sweet Potato, Carrots, Green Beans, Apples, Peas, Potato, Dried Egg Product, Natural Chicken Flavor, Carrageenan, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, Vitamins (Choline Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin B12, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Niacin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Biotin, Thiamine Mononitrate), Guar Gum, Salt, Sodium Phosphate, Cassia Gum, Canola Oil, Olive Oil, Flax Oil, Minerals (Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Potassium Iodide, Cobalt Glucoheptonate, Sodium Selenite), Thyme, Sage, Rosemary, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Lecithin.

Are you as impressed as I am? And here's the thing - it TASTES like all that fresh stuff. I go totally goofball for this food and Molly does a great impression of a go-go dancer when it is time to BE SERVED.

So here's where we're at with this luscious foodable

  • We love the TASTE
  • We love the TEXTURE
  • Mommy does not mind the SMELL
  • We and Mommy love the smaller packaging which is perfect for pups like us
  • It is very affordable for us AND it is sold at our favorite food supplier (okay, TRUE CONFESSIONS TIME . . . we get ALL of our food at Chewy.com. But we wander in PetSmart and PetCo and PetFood Express once in a while and they all carry Merrick. It is pretty much available at your favorite pet supply)
We HAVE to give Merrick Grain-free Thanksgiving Dinner a big 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8 paws up for exceeding even our expectations. And for me that means edible and only marginally so.

*We offer our opinions free of charge and no one dictates what we write. All of our opinions are also based on trying a product (supplied free of charge from Chewy.com) for a period of time and observing behaviors and physical reactions. And let me tell you - it is WORK!!!

Monday, December 5, 2016

I Got The Monday Blues



Mommy's already working away because she has a presentation to do this week. She has been WORKING on it since before her vacation. She scoffs at the idea that she was on vacation, by the way, because she working 5 of the 7 days she was gone! But she is dedicated to her work and so she puts in the time. I just hope she gets a day off soon (yes, she worked all weekend) so we can sit on the couch and watch a MOVIE or two. I love to do that with Mommy.

(I am referring to Mommy #2 because as we all know, Mommy #1 is away at college)

The weather has certainly changed as well. We have had mostly cool CLOUDYdays for weeks now. Some cool but sunny days here and there but a lot a lot of cloudy days. And windy! The other day I went out  back to do . . . you know . . . and I almost BLEW away! I was mentally preparing my postcards even, that's how close I came to an impromptu adventure. Crazy, huh? Just a month ago we were still basking in 80 degree weather and wondering if WINTER would ever make an appearance.

(insert a bluesy guitar riff here)

So that is my story - My MONDAY BLUES tale. I gotta relinquish the computer the the workaholic now any ways - It's all good. I hear my Star Trek bed (from Pugs in the Kitchen) a-calling my NAME.

Thursday, December 1, 2016

Sweater Weather



So yes, I didn't get to go to SoCal with my Mommys BUT it isn't like she didn't think of me. Me and Molly are the proud owners of NEW SWEATERS.



How do you like them? I really like mine and it keeps me toasty warm. Molly is not too keen on the hood but otherwise she is pleased with her sweater.


Sunshine tried on one of the sweaters! She actually liked wearing it and Mommy wishes they had thought to get her one. But they didn't. Sunshine was really angry when Mommy took it off of her and pouted for a good HOUR.



The holidays just would not be right without out new sweaters, huh?

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Mommys' SoCal Sojourn



As you all know, Mommy #1 and #2 - along with Aunt B, Cousin C and Cousin E joined our good friends from Sacramento on a Thanksgiving trip to Southern California. They headed out very early in the morning. . . before the sun said HELLO to the Santa Clara Valley. And look at that sunrise! Isn't that simply beautiful? I think they were 30 minutes south in Morgan Hill by the time this happened. Mommy took this picture through the car window but had put the glass down to capture the colors. Don't worry! She was not driving. Unless you count BACKSEAT driving, LOL!

First stop was the familiar and fun city of ANAHEIM - the city Disneyland calls home. I think it is physically impossible for my Mommys to go within 50 miles of Disneyland and NOT stop by for a visit. They say it makes them happy to just walk into the park.



They checked into the hotel first and then wandered to the park and Pizza Port for a tasty late lunch. They timed it perfectly for the Christmas Fantasy Parade. That was really all Mommy #1 wanted to do - catch shows and parades. A little later, after it was dark, they found THE PERFECT SPOT on Main Street USA to watch the electrical parade - Paint The Night.




This was the view across Main Street from where they were sitting. What a magical sight. This is one of the things my Mommys love best about Disneyland - the care and craftsmanship of the decorations. So wonderful and festive. This really puts them in the HOLIDAY SPIRIT.

The next morning they got up a little later (Yay for sleeping in!!!) and headed south to San Diego and Coronado Island. They stayed in the Navy Lodge on the NAS base on the island. They had a kitchen and a patio and big beds. The only thing missing was ME. I missed them and they missed me - but only service dogs are allowed in the hotel so that excluded me.

You've see this picture but I like it so . . . there!



The next 5 days they spent at the Navy Lodge. Most of the time the weather was nice, like in this photo. A couple of days it rained but that was okay. It was more like short-lived showers sprinkled with sunlight.

A couple of times My Mommys took nice long walks on the beach looking for special sea shells. They found a lot and had good talks and lotsa laughs at the same time.



Thanksgiving was a grand celebration where both families gathered together for a composite meal. There were 12 of them in a small cottage. It was absolutely filled with laughter and happiness and good friends sharing a special meal. I wish I was there but I understand. I had a quiet Thanksgiving supper (Merrick Thanksgiving Dinner which I will review in a few days) with Aunt T and a couple of her friends.

I am so happy they had a good time but I am SURE HAPPY they came back to me.



Monday, November 28, 2016

Home FROM The Holiday



It took a long long time but at LAST Mommys #1 and #2 arrived home from SoCal. I cannot tell you how happy that made me. I even did the ULTIMATE No No and ran out the front door, down the front pathway and over to the driveway where Mommy #2 was unloading the car. I was just so so so excited they were home that I simply could not contain myself. I had to RUN AROUND the whole car, stopping to relieve myself of the ice plant at the curb, before I found her. The I jumped and Jumped and JUMPED until she bent down to pat me on the head and tell me hello.

Then I DUTIFULLY followed her into the house and waited IMPATIENTLY until she put the things she was carrying down. She then picked me up and gave me hugs and kisses and I did the same back. Then I went searching for Mommy #1 who had gone upstairs. I needed to give her an even bigger LOVE because she was heading back to college almost immediately.

After the car was unloaded and parcels placed on the floor or table, Mommy again picked me up for additional hugs. Then she took Mommy #2 back to university.

When she got back she got busy making dinner for everyone and we all ate. Afterward she sat on the couch and I sat on her lap FOR THE REST OF THE NIGHT. She told me all about the drive home and how it took FOREVER (or it seemed to) because of the weather and the holiday traffic. Here is some snow she spotted on the Grapevine - the mountain pass between the Central Valley and the edge of Los Angeles County.



I am so happy my family is home.

Thursday, November 24, 2016

Happy Thanksgiving To One and All

Even if you aren't from the United States of America you can STILL partake in celebrating FURiends, FAMily and good will to ALL.




Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Mommys Having Fun Even Without Me - Harruumph!

It is not at all surprising that my Mommys are having fun even though they left me at home. Mommy #1 sent me some photos to show me just how much they are suffering.




This is the hotel they are staying at. Pretty nice looking, huh?



Here is the view looking down the beach toward the Hotel Coronado. It is a very very famous hotel where a lot of famous people stay. And many movies have been made here including Mommy #2's favorite - "Some Like It Hot."



Here is a panorama of the beach at Coronado




Tuesday, November 22, 2016

It Was a Nice Surprise . . . . . #chewyinfluencer



The other day Mr Fed Ex arrived at our house. He had already been to our house TWO times before delivering our Chewy.com order for CAT FOOD and medicated wipes for me. We love the fast service and competitive prices of Chewy.com. And they have so much to choose from. We take MINUTES (which is an eternity to a PUG) to look over the website for just the right things.

So we found what we wanted and two days later it arrived! That afternoon we got an email from our FURiend Ms Sydney from Chewy.com with the choices for November reviews. We pondered (for a WHOLE 5 minutes) and finally picked out some foodables for Me and Molly AND some meal TOPPER for Sunshine the cat. Two days later OUR ORDER ARRIVED!!!! It is amazing how fast we get our stuff from Chewy.com. Sometimes it is the next day, even.

But then, quite unexpectedly, ANOTHER box arrived from Chewy.com and we totally had not ordered anything! Was it a mistake? Was it someone else's package misdirected?



No - it was a BOX OF LOVE from Chewy.com. AND FOR ONCE it was for Mommys #1 and #2 and not for us lovable dogs and cat.



 This is what was under WRAPS - a beanie, a scarf, a mug, and two jars. Mommy #2 was pretty excited about the cap as she needed something for Disneyland IN CASE it got cold while parade watching. Mommy #1 had her eye on the mug and something in one of the JARS.



LOOK! It is hot apple cider mix and some cinnamon sticks to make it extra good. And the other jar - hot chocolate with mini marshmallows. OMP! Doesn't that look like the perfect thing for a rainy day or a cold FALL evening?

My Mommys were so overwhelmed and pleased that Chewy.com thought of them. This is why we keep going back to them for our pet needs. Not only is their selection, pricing and customer service beyond reproach, but they really really really CARE. And THAT means more than anything else.

We love you Ms Sydney and Chewy.com.

Monday, November 21, 2016

Monday Without Mommy


It's a hard hard day without Mommy home. Aunt T is at work and it is just me and Molly . . . and Sunshine the Cat . . . and Jade the Parakeet (our sweet quirky Pearl went to Bird Heaven yesterday). I'm not alone but I am lonely. You see, I have a pillow near Mommy's feet in the office and I usually sit there all day. I am close enough to sense Mommy and that is comforting to me. But when she is not home and Aunt T is not home, I have to stay in the pen.

She is away ALL WEEK in Coronado (she says an aircraft carrier came in and she has never seen so many pilots in one place) and we will have to adjust. But after that life will be back to normal. Except it will be the holidays and things are NEVER truly normal after Thanksgiving.

Friday, November 18, 2016

The Bags and the Cooler Are Out - Does This Mean. . .

Every year at this time My Family takes a trip to Southern California for Thanksgiving. We don't have family down there or anything like that. But years ago, my Mommy and her sisters (Aunt B & Aunt T) decided to switch up the tradition of gathering with family and sharing a feast. Instead, they head to this PLACE



This year they are spending one day in Mickey Mouse's house and then heading to San Diego's Coronado Island for 5 days.



No, they are NOT staying at this famous hotel. They are staying nearby, though, at the naval base. It will be a lot of fun as they are meeting up with some dear friends and just relaxing on the beach and stuff. Unfortunately for me NO DOGS ALLOWED not even PUGS. Sad, really. I would love to run along the beach chasing birds and waves.

Following Thanksgiving, they will again head back to DISNEYLAND for more fun and frolic. Mommy says it is the best way to get into the Holiday spirit. I hope so. She has not quite gotten her bearings since returning from England AND moving Mommy #1 into the dorms.