Look, I don’t mean to sound rude: but my dogs are the best dogs. Don’t get me wrong, they totally have their flaws. Gracie probably needs an attitude adjustment. But, she’s also a 14 year old Portuguese Water Dog, so she’s allowed to be a bit moody. Bella, on the other hand, is unbelievably loyal, but has a tendency to itch pretty much constantly. (She is not itchy, I don’t even believe it anymore.) Aaaaaand, both dogs also are the worst walkers in the world. Gracie 100% knows how to walk well, by the way. She was definitely trained. She just chooses not to anymore, and Bella follows the lead. Gracie and Bella will pull you in every which way, and even if it’s -10 outside, the walk is never long enough for Gracie. She will, literally, dig her paws into the ground and stare longingly outside, even if it’s her fourth walk of the day. She also stamps her paws if she wants you to take her outside. Please tell me someone else’s dog stamps their paws because this is either a unique trait or my dog honestly throws a temper tantrum whenever she feels she hasn’t been out enough.
BUT, despite these teeny tiny flaws, I still find them perfect. Gracie has been my bff since the fourth grade. As a puppy, she was wild. Digging up the underground sprinkler system, jumping onto the coffee table, and eating about three pairs of my parents eye glasses. She’s definitely mellowed out over the years, and has even gone a little grey, but she’s really very sweet. She gets a bit of anxiety when there are loud noises in the house, and my Dad has been finishing the basement throughout this past year, so (lately) she likes to hang out in my parents closet. One of Gracie’s most famous features is that, if she wants you to pet her, she will paw you repeatedly and stand just out of reach. Seriously. It’s her thing. She sits where it is just too far for you to physically pet her, but when you don’t, she will turn around and paw you until you try to. Eventually, you end up having to move to appease her – a diva move, but a smart one. Her favorite food is a few McDonald’s french fries, which yes I know is probably not the best for her, but she’s thriving in her old age so let her live. (yes, she normally eats a healthy doggy diet.) She’s also really quite charming, it’s difficult to deny her the fry.
Gracie not only eats fries – but also snow. She loves snow. She will paw at the door for ten minutes only to be let out to eat snow.
*The above picture is Gracie eating snow…*
Bella, on the other hand, is a cockapoo who runs to greet you as soon as you walk in the door. She’s dutifully protective and loves loves loves you with all her heart. She’s not much of a cuddler, but she’s definitely a follower, especially with my Dad. She will follow him in and out of every room in the house for an entire day. Bella would probably make a great city dog because, unlike Gracie, she doesn’t need to be walked quite as often. Actually, she prefers to just run outside, do her business, and come running back in. Every once in a while her and Gracie will pretend they are puppies again and chase each other around the room. Oh, and Bella loves tennis balls. This is, obviously, important. She really is the sweetest thing. However, Bella also believes that she deserves a treat every time she goes to the bathroom, and when she doesn’t get it, she just stares at you thinking: how could you do this to me?
*note the grumpy Bella picture at the bottom of the page.*
Whenever my dogs go to the groomer, they typically walk out with an adorably festive bandana. Of course, it’s usually off pretty quickly, because they find it a litttttle uncomfortable. However, both of my (extremely stubborn) dogs didn’t mind this adorable geopetric cooling bandana. Plus, the company carried a leash with a matching pattern, so we had a blast walking around the neighborhood in our brand new Geopetric looks.
What’s even better about the bandana is that it’s actually a cooling bandana. So, during summer weather, there’s no need to feel guilty about tying this around your dogs neck: The geopetric cooling bandana will help your best friend remain about 20 degrees cooler than the outside air, and will also protect them from the harsh sun. In order to keep your dog cool, just wet the bandana and gently tie it around their neck. Plus, it’s machine washable (just don’t put it in the dryer)!
I chose the Pink Blazer Cooling Bandana for Gracie and Bella, because I thought it went best with both their fur coloring. But, I’ve also been eyeing the Play Day Cooling Bandana as well, particularly against Gracie’s black fur! Geopetric also has precious puppy starter kits, dog treats, and long-lasting bow ties made of cork. Plus, if you’re a cat person, there’s a section of the shop just for you with the same cooling bandana’s and bow tie selection.
If you want your own cooling bandana for your own furry friend, go to geopetric.com where you can get 20% off your purchase with the code: GRACIEBELLA20
In all honesty, I love these two dogs so much. Their friendship is hilarious and their strong personalities make my day. They are family, and I’m truly grateful to have the best dogs around.
P.S. I have a strong memory of Gracie when I was in fifth grade. I was crying about moving to a new town, and Gracie just walked over, sat down, and put her paw on my knee. Maybe she knew I was upset, maybe she didn’t, but I like to think she did and that, lucky for me, we will always be best friends – despite her moodiness….
P.P.S If you’re wondering where I got my new favorite Winter Hat, it’s J. Crew. 😉
