Two Grad Students and a Pittie

Merry Christmas

2012-12-26T07:36:00.000-05:00

From our reindeer to yours!

Pittie Posse Secret Santa

2012-12-21T07:38:00.001-05:00

Havi and the Grad Students feel very lucky to have met wonderful bloggers during the blogging process, and even be a part of the Pittie Posse! Last year, Emily from Our Waldo Bungie started the Secret Santa (Havi keeps insisting because she's Jewish we call is Mysterious Maccabee, but that hasn't caught on yet). This year the gift exchange extended to TEN bloggers!

Last year we got two awesome toys for Havi and a donation to a local shelter from the amazing guys over at That Touch of Pit.

This year, when we brought the package upstairs, its like Havi KNEW it was for her!

When we opened it up, we learned she was right! An awesome card, some milkbones, and THE BEST EVER PHOTOCUBE later...from Julia and her awesome fosters at Peace, Love, & Fostering!

Who did we have for Secret Santa? Head on over to the place where a pittie and two kitties live....

Other participants:

Our Waldo Bungie

Love and a Six-Foot Leash

Two Grad Students and a Pittie

Pittieful Love

Kate With A Camera

Two Pitties in the City

A Heartbeat at My Feet

Peace, Love, & Fostering

Two Kitties One Pittie

Hanukkah with Uncle Mushey

2012-12-20T07:50:00.001-05:00

Just a little candle lighting with Uncle Mushey the Havanese!

WE ARE BACK!

2012-12-19T07:53:00.002-05:00

It's been six months without a post!! Where have we been?!

SPOILER:

1. Law Student graduated law school
2. Law Student passed the Bar
3. Law Student got a job
4. Dental Student is taking his Boards
5. Dental Student is interviewing for Residency Programs
6. Havi's BFF moved out of the city
7. Havi is working on making new friends
8. Havi celebrated her 3rd birthday
9. Havi celebrated her 2nd adopt-i-versary
10. Law Student and Dental Student decided to make it official and are engaged!

Stay tuned next week for updates on where we have been, even updates to the blog. But for now get excited for the Pittie Posse Secret Santa reveal on Friday!

Last year we participated in the Pittie Posse Secret Santa and received a Tennis Tug, Crunch and Crackle, and a pup named after Law Student in a local shelter from That Touch of Pit.

This year we teamed up with NINE bloggers, so spend the day checking them out and get ready for the reveal on Friday!

Our Waldo Bungie

Love and a Six-Foot Leash

Two Grad Students and a Pittie

Pittieful Love

Kate With A Camera

Two Pitties in the City

A Heartbeat at My Feet

Peace, Love, & Fostering

Two Kitties One Pittie

A Review, A Hiatus, & A Goodbye...

2012-06-27T08:18:00.000-04:00

REVIEW

Well, three months ago Sun Chlorella approached us with their product, Rejuv-A-Wafers. We uncharacteristically kept forgetting to review their GREAT product!

Rejuv-A-Wafers are a supplement for pups and cats. We received a 60 day supplement. For Havi a pooch that has many tummy problems, we were curious to see how she would react. The 100% natural wafers safeguard your pet against harmful elements, boost their energy and metabolism, beutify their coat and skin, and regulate their bowel health. The nutrients include chlorophyll, chlorella growth factor, fiber, beta-carotene. The results are a shinier coat and a clean bill of health for Havi!

What's the best part?! Sun Chlorella line of products is for humans and their pets alike. Thats right, take your supplement with your pup! I am sure you take a vitamin, but does your pooch or cat? Check out their wafers...Havi did!

HIATUS

We have not written an original post since June 5 and there's a reason. Law Student is taking the Bar Exam, an exam to get admitted as an attorney. Its takes about 12 hours a day, and the other 12 are slept cuddling with Havi and eating. So, instead of dragging you along, we thought we would let you know that we will be back on July 30. Then we will chat about BarkBox, a book review of The Fitzy Resolution, Swifto, Love Letters From a Dogwalker, Monthly Budget, and NYC adventures in the summer!

A GOODBYE

Yesterday, we had to say goodbye to Havi's cousin, Blossom. Blossom is Dental Student's brother and sister-in-law's pup. They rescued the beagle-mix when she was four years old, and she passed yesterday at age eight. Dental Student used to live with Blossom and her parents. Law Student loved Blossom's demeanor - eat a lot, sleep a lot, love a lot. Over the past few months Blossom was getting sicker, and last night they had to make the hardest decision ever...to put Blossom out of pain.

Blossom was a woman who knew what she wanted. She lived on her own, then found the perfect family, with a brother-pooch named Peanut. She was an expert at finding the best spot on the couch, a master of the snack, and loved her parents with a fierceness only she could.

We will miss you, Blossom.

Feature: Love Letters From A Dogwalker

2012-06-12T07:13:00.002-04:00

Long days for the Grad Students means playtime for Havi!

Hey there! Happy Monday :)

It's so so gorgeous outside, I was happy to take Havi girl for a nice long stroll. She was exuberant as usual when I came in, so we did a little dancing with some sweet kisses before I even attempted to harness her up. I grabbed a piece of cheese for the road, leashed her up and we headed out.

I took her up to 39th, over to third and the back down to 31st and back - lots of scenery, lots of pups. Mostly good interactions, save for one barking incident. She even made friends with another white pittie named Mushi, he was along for a few blocks at the end. I hope they see each other again because they were so fond of each other!

We practiced sitting on every corner - and cheese came in really handy in this department. :) she was really good most corners, although there was so much to look at it wasn't easy to stay focused!

She pooped (two times,both healthy!) and peed early on.

Back at home she got a bone and a water refill - then it was time to say bye! I tucked her back in and said my farewells... See her tomorrow!

Monthly Feature: Big Dog, Small Budget

2012-06-08T10:38:00.002-04:00

In our Monthly Feature we chat about our small budget and our big pup! We know one of the biggest obstacles for families to adopt a dog is the expense. In this feature we explain all of our monthly expenses and wrap up our year to date costs!

1-Hour Dog Walking Session ($25), 1-Hour Holiday Dog Walking Session ($30), 1 Overnight ($50) with RuffCity DogWalking - $105.00

Filtered water from Gristedes - $6.48

Evo Red Meat Formula from Mr.Chewy - $67.99

May Total: $179.47

June: $149.31

July: $111.99

August: $193.22

September: $186.83

October: $205.63

November: $249.79

December: $383.27

January: $126.01

Feburary: $126.11

March: $62.31

April: $42.55

May: $179.47

YTD: $2,016.49

Any tips on ways to save?! How'd you guys do this month?!

Feature: Love Letters From A Dogwalker

2012-06-07T07:16:00.003-04:00

Another great RuffCity report...

Well it was another great walk with my new buddy Havi today. She was super excited when I let her out, jumping around like a maniac and trying to get her kisses in. After a little dancing and kissing, I leashed her up and we headed out!

We took pretty much the same route as yesterday except after we walked up first, we went over to third to head back down.

She peed at about the same time in the walk and then pooped a big healthy one right by the river. Not bad! Once that was taken care of I focused on keeping her moving along and for theist part she did really well. A couple of tug needed at first as we warmed up to each other but once the pace was set we maintained it well.

Also we passed by a couple of pups and I quickly got her attention before any craziness, but towards the end she did bark at another mutt, close to home. We got in under control and she was happy to refocus on me after that.

We got back for the bone and a little more bonding time before I had to head out. I left her with plenty of water of course, and then I reluctantly brought her back inside the crate- which she did completely on command!

Hope I see Havi girl soon!

Feature: Love Letters From A Dogwalker

2012-06-06T07:38:00.003-04:00

Havi had a walk with RuffCity's new walker, Ariel!

Wow, what a sweetheart of a pup you have, Havi is amazing, so glad I was able to hang out with her today :)
We started out with the pleasantries... And after lots of licks and some rolling around I got her leashed up and ready to go.

She worked with me pretty well most of the walk (probably because I had cheese in my pocket) :P...As we headed up 1st and then over to third and then back down and around, she did well at most corners (I had to resort to butt pushing only twice) and we had a couple of doggie encounters but it's so true, just a quick distraction is all she needs to be back at attention. I rewarded each sit or look with a little nibble.

She peed about 5 blocks into the walk (I was surprised how long she held it) and then pooped not too much later. Poop was firm but not hard.

A couple of times I stopped and squatted down just to give her some love which helped her keep going when she stopped for seemingly no reason. This worked well, I tugged her along only a couple of times when she got a bit stubborn.

We got back and I refilled her water, and led her into the crate with a bone. I really had so much fun with her, such a lover. I was sad to leave, and I think I heard her howl as I left :(

Hope you all have a great rest of the day - will see her tomorrow!

Corbin's Pitty Post Day!

2012-06-05T07:42:00.001-04:00

Okay, so we're a day behind on Corbin's Pitty Post Day! For Corbin's Birthday he is hosting Pitty Post Day to honor all things great about pitbulls.

We decided to make a top ten list!

Top 10 Ways Havi Changed Our Perceptions of Pitties!

10. Havi won't leave your side if you are sick.

9. When the Grad Students fight, Havi will bark until we stop.

8. Havi knows how to take advantage of a sunny day by laying out on the balcony.

7. Havi believes that every day should end with friends.

6. Havi showed us that the best way to sleep is under the covers.

5. A good cuddle is the best way to make you smile.

4. Hiding under the laundry can be a game.

3. When something bad happens, jsut shake it off.

2. A good walk on a Saturday morning is a great way to start a weekend.

1. She doesn't think of herself as a scary pit bull, she thinks of herself as a Havi!

Check out all the other Pitty Posts especially over at Sarge Speaks Out, who wrote about us!

Why do you love pits?

Review: Mr. Chewy

2012-05-31T09:03:00.002-04:00

When Mr. Chewy approached us a little while ago for a review, we snickered! All our blog friends had already told us to use Mr. Chewy. When you have a bigger pooch, the number one expense each month is food. If you check out our Monthly Feature: Big Dog, Small Budget you will see thats true!

Havi eats Evo Red Meat Formula, a grain-free kibble that not everyone carries. So when we saw that not only did Mr. Chewy offer the 28.6lb bag for $66.99 but that the flat-rate shopping was FREE (free shipping on orders of $49), we were hooked. Law Student loved that you could set up a free delivery schedule so you never have to think about it. Havi loves that it comes in two days!

Mr. Chewy also has 70+ brands of dog food, cat food, treats, litter, and pet health products! That includes competitive prices on FrontLine, which is important this time of year. Also, their customer service is awesome!

Have you ever used Mr. Chewy?!

Mr. Chewy has a great referral program: The first time you use our referral code, you get 10% off your first order and we get $10 to our charities!
MSIE7959

Mr.Chewy’s escapades on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/MrChewyPets

On Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/MrChewy

*Disclaimer: We were given a $50 coupon to Mr. Chewy to review their product, however, we had already been using their product!

Puppy Art

2012-05-30T08:37:00.001-04:00

Lately we've acquired some serious puppy art...

Law Student got this Dean Russo Pit Bull piece from Dental Student's brother and sister-in-law as a graduation present

Law Student's mom found this at Home Goods for above Havi's Crate

Grad and Law Student got this print for Law Student's Family for the holidays from Etsy Seller PopDoggy.

Do you have any new art or photos of your pooches?

Feature: Love Letters From a Dogwalker

2012-05-29T09:05:00.001-04:00

Havi spent Memorial Day with one of her favorite dogwalkers from RuffCity Dogwalking!

Hey guys,

Happy Memorial Day! Hope you're having some fun, bbq'in, beachin', something! Havi and I had a little fun in the sun ourselves. She was so roly poly while I was putting her harness on that I realized once we were in the elevator that it wasn't even on right! I took it off and fixed it so we were good to go. We decided to go walk down by the river. It was warm so we took it slow, and the smell of the river reminded me so much of being home on the Chesapeake Bay. We walked all the way down and back, and she was super good with all the runners! She got a little perked up with a dog, but resisted the urge with look and a dangling treat in front of her. Only at the end did she get all revved up for a runner, and she was so hot and tired that she wasn't interested in the treat or "looking". She maintained and then she did another look towards the end of our walk while I was practicing with her. She peed once, but that was it! We did go back in a little early because her tongue was hanging to the ground and she was even slower than usual (if that's possible). She flopped right down on the kitchen floor when we got in, so cute!! We both chilled out for a moment and I refilled her water. She watched, but went back to her spot in the kitchen so I joined her on the floor and scratched her ears. It was nice and cool in there! :) I gave her the last few crumbles of her treat and put her back in the crate. Have a great day and I'm sure I'll see the Havi girl soon! :)

Feature: Love Letters From a Dogwalker

2012-05-25T07:41:00.001-04:00

When the Grad Students went to Long Island to celebrate Law Student's Grad, Havi hung out for the day with RuffCity DogWalking!

Hope you're having fun at the party! Havi and I are having our own girl party here at the apartment. :) We just got back from a walk and man, now I see how slow she is with you guys. We plodded around, walked over by the park, and she peed twice and pooped once - mostly solid! She was taking her sweet time and sniffing all around so I had to pull her along a few times. On our way back in a lady with her baby in a stroller wanted to say hi so Havi was more than happy to oblige and gave them each a kiss. We did a look/touch before we headed out today, another while passing two very aggressive Yorkies, and I didn't even have to worry about the last dog we passed. She didn't snap at anyone! I did make her sit at corners, and she got some treat rewards today - just a few nibbles! :) She drank some water when we got back and is napping on my shoulder now! Yay for lazy Sundays!

Third Summer Saturday Big Apple Pittie Pack Walk!

2012-05-24T12:50:00.004-04:00

This summer we aim to have a Big Apple Pittie Pack Walk once a week and explore all different parts of the NYC-Area!

On Saturday, May 19 during our Third Summer Saturday we explored a part of Central Park with streams, valleys, and footpaths. Thanks to Gertie from Prettie Little Pittie for picking out this fabulous path that made us forget we were in NYC!

Thank you, Remi, for sharing your awesome photos with us!

Havi practicing staying calm

Vero Betty on her second walk!

G is always cool, calm and collected.

Off we go into the Rambles!

Carlos is still waiting for his forever family!

Junior comes all the way from NJ!

Ella is a beauty

Remi knows how to mug it to the camera

P.S. Check out the Big Apple Pittie Pack Facebook for photos, and add your own!
P.P.S Check out the Big Apple Pittie Pack MeetUp Page for information regarding THIS Saturday, May 26th exciting walk!

Wordless Wednesday

2012-05-23T06:59:00.001-04:00

Finals are over and Law Student graduated...back to our regularly scheduled blogging program!

Feature: Love Letters From A Dogwalker

2012-05-18T11:08:00.002-04:00

Havi's Thursday walk with RuffCity DogWalking

What a beautiful day to be reunited with our beautiful Havi!! I almost (almost) forgot how freaking adorable she is, but she quickly reminded me with her over excited greeting. HUGE roly-poly show but I'm pretty skilled nowadays and got her snapped in quick. Then we were off to explore in this glorious weather!

Avoided the park to keep from putting any potentially negative news in this email :) She didn't mind and the first half was a lovely quick-paced adventure. We took no route, just zig sagging through the streets westward and letting the shade guide us. She of course zonked out about halfway through and the rest of the walk was super mellow. A couple tugs to keep her moving and we came to an agreement that I would slow us down if she at least didn't give up :)

Lots of love from adoring fans along the way and someone called her 'Pretty Pittie' which I thought was awesome. We searched high and low for a street vendor so we could both hydrate a bit but no luck- weird!

She was very good passing other dogs (no runners today) with the exception of one poodle mix on a long leash that lunged while the owner chatted on her phone- grrr. But Hav calmed down quickly, sat, looked and touched for me. And she was a but stubborn about sitting at corners but I was relentless and never let her get away with it. There were a lot of butt pushes!

She had two big solid poops too- hooray!

Back home, after a lazy elevator ride (see attached) I gave her some fresh spring water but silly Hav wanted her bone first so she munched on that before hesitantly going back in her crate with some kisses goodbye.

I'll miss her until next time!!

Wordless Wednesday

2012-05-02T06:42:00.001-04:00

Havi spent Saturday walking to cure oral cancer with her dad!

Monthly Feature: Big Dog, Small Budget

2012-05-01T07:41:00.002-04:00

1 Dog Walking Session with RuffCity DogWalking - $25.00

Febreze Pet Odor Eliminator via Walmart - $6.47

Mother Hubbard Treats via Amazon - $11.08

March Total: $42.55

June: $149.31

July: $111.99

August: $193.22

September: $186.83

October: $205.63

November: $249.79

December: $383.27

January: $126.01

Feburary: $126.11

March: $62.31

April: $42.55

YTD: $1,837.02

Any tips on ways to save?! How'd you guys do this month?!

Finals Craziness?

2012-04-24T13:18:00.002-04:00

Well, its that time of year. Finals time. Luckily enough for Law Student, its her last finals season! In lieu of keeping ya in suspense, we're letting you know now that we will only post on Tuesdays and Thursdays for the next four weeks.

So what's new by us? Unfortunately, Dental Student hurt his back, but it is on the mend! Law Student has been trying all new types of fitness classes (any great fitness blogs you read?). And Havi has been enjoying the nice weather when it comes by laying on the balcony...

Stay tuned!

On Thursday we will Review Mr. Chewy

and on

Tuesday our Monthly Feature: Big Dog, Small Budget will run.

Wordless Wednesday

2012-04-18T08:23:00.002-04:00

Havi thinks its too early for a photography session. What a diva.

Guest Post: The Puppy Chronicles

2012-04-17T06:26:00.000-04:00

By far no one gets more attention then Dosa, the puppy on our Big Apple Pittie Pack Walks! Dosa's parents are experienced dog owners and usually make sure everyone knows the rules on our Walks and help out Gerti from Prettie Little Pittie lead the way. Dosa has grown before our eyes and everyone loves remarking on how big she gets each walk. She even has been attending Bully Project classes on Sundays to work on her skills. We asked her parents to impart some Puppy Knowledge...

Hello! You may have noticed this little blue monster appearing in some of Havi's latest sideshows. Well, the monster has a name: Dosa, and I am here to introduce her. Dosa is a four and a half month old pitbull. We have had her since she was eight tiny weeks old. She is a truly amazing little pup and brings us joy everyday in so many ways.

It might be Dosa's coloring, or her overall cuteness but people are constantly stopping us to oooh and aaah and ask us what kind of dog she is. We are huge fans of the breed and have a wide array of experiences with pitbulls (for another post), so we are thrilled at the opportunity to talk to people about pitbulls. Some people love her pittie-ness right away and some are shocked that this cute, friendly, (usually) well-behaved puppy is in fact a pitbull. It our hope that Dosa's friendly outgoing disposition and all the work we pour into her create a cute little ambassador that represents what a pitbull should be.

Dosa's favorite activities include play time with the other neighborhood pups, amongst her favorites are a brussels griffon and a husky shepard puppy. She loves a good nap in the sun and time with her squeaky toy or a puffed pig ear. She loved attending puppy class at Unleashed by Petco, where Kate Senisi helped us learn to train her using positive reinforcement, and lots of treats. Oh, and going on pack walks with Havi, Gertie and company is the best!

Anyhow: now onto the do's of introductions (we will save the don'ts for our next post) when we meet on the crazy streets of the city.

1) Please stop us and say hello - don't feel silly, we love it when people stop to chat with us. We want Dosa to meet all sorts of people, and she has made many friends both old and young, big and small. We would like her to be a breed ambassador and eventually go into therapy work so stop and say hello, but first...

2) Talk to the owner before you throw your face in front of a dog-you-don't-know's face - this is a great forgotten practice. It is a very confrontational stance and not all dogs love this behavior. Please ask the owner if you can say hi to the dog first. (We are crazy dog people and stop other people and their dogs all the time. Don't be shy!)

3) Be patient - we are working on a lot of new skills with Dosa. When someone acknowledges her presence, she turns into a wiggling ball of love and it's hard for her to pay attention and listen. I might ask that you wait until she sits, to avoid reinforcing her jumping all over you. It's cute now because she is small, but it won't be so cute later. Don't be afraid, don't be freaked out, don't think you are wasting time - it's great practice for us!

A future post will include some don'ts, but what other "do's" do you guys recommend?

See you on the streets!

Sixth Pack Walk: Small Pups Join a Big Walk!

2012-04-16T09:00:00.000-04:00

On Saturday Havi and the Grad Students went on the Sixth Pack Walk through beautiful Central Park. It was great weather and 14 pups came out to join the walk. Most of the pups had been on the walk before. But this walk we were joined by a bichon frise and a mini goldendoodle. Both pooches held their own and the mini goldendoodle even switched off leader duties with Gerti!

Jax ready to lead the way!

Walking through gorgeous Central Park

Water break

Jackson mugging for the camera

Ezra had to leave the Pack a little early this week

Gerti let us all know she was done with her leading duties by laying down in the middle of the walk!

Havi loved the warm weather and that her BFF Jax joined!

What did you do this weekend?!

Fun New York Pooch Events

2012-04-13T21:12:00.000-04:00

Some fun events are on the horizon!

April 13 - Big Apple Pittie Pack Walk

April 17 - Bark in the Park

May 6 - Bark for Life

Know some other events going on in NYC in the few months?!

Havi wants to know!

Just Some Pups Were Crushing On

2012-04-12T07:35:00.001-04:00

In lieu of a post, here are some pups that are super cute that need a home!

Molly is a 3 year old shelter survivor who was pregnant when found at the shelter. She is sweet as sugar and really wants a new start at life. She has had her babies and was a wonderful loving mom. She came into the shelter with two young dogs we thought were her puppies and older male with thought could be her mate. The pups looked nothing like him so he could her son too! Her pups have found homes and it is her turn to find her forever people. She is small but would be considered a medium size dog at a healthy 45 pounds. The foster mom has a three year old child and cats so we know she can live with both.She is housetrained and loves to watch TV! Football to be exact. She loves to hang with her people and would make a great companion for a active family.

Marley is a sweet, playful pup and is about 17 months old and about 60 pounds.He just lost his long term foster and is inboarding on Long Island. Marley has the most soulful eyes and a tail that never stops wagging. He is very people oriented, bonding quickly and sticking to your side like glue, constantly gazing up at people with an adoring expression. Every time Marley hears the words "Good boy!" his eyes light up and he smiles, it seems like his one wish in life is to gain approval from his human, a sure sign that he is highly trainable and will make a fantastic, intelligent addition to the right family. He's a very affectionate boy and a great snuggler who will gladly flop over in your lap for some belly rubs. He has shown no sign of any resource guarding issues. He seems like he would get along with most other dogs, especially those who wouldn't mind joining him in some puppyish play. Marley is housebroken and neutered.

Elsie is a sweet low to the ground sort of pup. She has the short legs and stocky body of a bulldog and she weighs in at around 60 pounds. She is around 5 years old but still has a ton of pep and playfulness. In her foster home she has been known to wander through the house trying to pick up as many toys in her mouth as she can fit (her record is 3!). She walks nicely on a leash but absolutely loves to run full steam ahead when she's off leash in the yard so a home with a nice fenced play area would be ideal for her. If she becomes a city girl again she would make a decent walking/jogging partner. When she's done running laps she enjoys curling up with her person on the couch for a nice cuddle session or lying down in the yard and entertaining herself with a squeaky toy. She like dogs-boys seem to be her favorite. In foster care she has been great pals with another male pit bull named Marley who is also up for adoption. After a long stay in a foster home in NJ they have both been moved to a boarding facility on Long Island.

Raja was a friend's friend;s brother's ex-girlfriends (seriously) dog who was left when the girlfriend moved away. Someone worked so hard to get this dog adopted by a gentleman who after adopting her was evicted from his apartment and literally left the dog there to fend for herself. When Raja's picture popped up in the newspaper, that someone went into overdrive trying to get this girl a home (as you can see by the pictures, she's a doll!)

She's 3 years old, shots are up to date and she's spayed. She is currently at Hi Tor Animal Shelter (low kill, not no kill) and has to be adopted through them at this point.

Inquire within as we have the PetFinder and Rescue information for all these pups!!