Hello, dear friends. It is I, Bearnard—small in stature, quiet in presence—returning to keep you properly informed.
Since we last spoke in March… well. Life has been a lot. Let me bring you up to speed.
🧸 The PoleCat Saga (Victory Is Mine)
You’ll be relieved to know I have successfully regained control of PoleCat*—my beloved, slightly questionable companion. We are once again inseparable.
Bearnard twinning with PoleCat
(*PoleCat is a gray stuffed toy with a cat face, that is long like a pole. For more info go to last month’s blog.)
There was an incident. Jolie, in a completely unprovoked act of aggression, launched PoleCat off the couch in what I can only describe as an attempted assassination. Fortunately, Mom intervened, rescued PoleCat, and restored her rightful place among the pillows.
Jolie tried to take possession of PoleCat
Order has been reestablished.
PoleCat is my bff
🌸 Weather, But Make It Confusing
Spring arrived… but not in a normal way. One night: snow. Next day: summer. Honestly, it feels like we’re living inside a strange Ursula K. Le Guin novel set on a chaotic planet.
Spring has sprung
And the pollen. Oh, the pollen.
Here by the Chesapeake Bay, everything is covered in a thick yellow dust. The humans call it pollen, but I call it betrayal. Instead of seasoning things with Old Bay, the world is now seasoned with what I call Old Yellow.
Pollen and Maple helicopters on the pool cover
Mom has us on tiny pink pills—Benadryl—which allegedly help with sneezing. I remain skeptical but slightly less sniffly.
🐱 The Reign of Mini Cooper
Mini Cooper (the cat) has entered what I believe is her villain era.
She has claimed Mom’s recliner as her throne and now requires us to approach with what can only be described as respectful submission. Eye contact is risky. Proximity requires permission.
We bow to your greatness, Princess Mini Cooper
We are monitoring the situation closely.
🍪 Holidays = Betrayal (Again)
Mom was very busy cooking for Passover and made something called macaroons.
Mom’s coconut macroons with dark chocolate
Everyone loved them.
We were denied access.
We received apples.
I trust you understand the injustice.
Then came Easter, which, as usual, involved large quantities of human-only candy. K8 was here (Peanut was away), and there was still an Easter egg hunt because apparently humans never outgrow joy or baskets.
AI generated: We would never allow such an embarassment
Frankly, I respect that. I, too, believe in year-round treats.
🤫 My Secret Life (Do Not Share)
There is something you should know, but you must keep it between us.
I am… a closet toy player.
I never play in front of humans. It’s a private art. But somehow, my toys mysteriously appear all over the house. No explanation.
My favorites:
-
The blue ball that releases cookies (a masterpiece)
-
My snuffle mat lunch situation (highly refined)
Fun time
Again—this stays between us.
🚶♀️ Enter April (Best Dog Walker Ever)
Mom isn’t walking well right now because she’s getting a new hip soon (honestly, bold upgrade), so we have a dog walker named April.
After breakfast, I wait in the foyer for what feels like years.
Where is April?
Then she arrives.
And I become… speed.
I run. I spin. I zoom between rooms like a highly trained athlete. When we get home, I sprint upstairs to Mom, then back to April, then back again. Sometimes I add couch-jumping for flair.
Jolie, meanwhile, strolls in calmly and lies down like she’s better than me.
She is incorrect.
🚗 Adventures in Car Riding
Because of the whole hip situation (and also our deep suspicion of the cane and the wheeled walking contraption), Mom takes us on car rides instead.
I prefer the front console—close to Mom, excellent visibility, superior vibes.
Field trip!!
Jolie enjoys the window.
Sometimes we are buckled into the back seat, which we strongly oppose, but Mom insists it is “for safety.” I suppose she means well.
🐱Stella Update (Very Important)
Our dear Stella, the cat—who, as you know, has GI Lymphoma—is doing well.
She had her annual visit with Dr. Sims (which she loudly objected to), but overall, things are stable. Her medications—Prednisolone, Cisapride, and Miralax—are helping a lot.
Xray of Stella’s insides
Also, she is 14 years old, which I believe qualifies her as wise and slightly magical.
🌧️ Final Thoughts from a Small Philosopher
Today it is stormy. The little helicopter seeds are spinning down from the maple trees like whirly birds… or perhaps tiny dancing fairies. I haven’t decided yet.
Mom’s surgery is coming up in May, so updates may be delayed. But rest assured—I will continue to observe, report, and protect PoleCat at all costs.
Until next time,
Bearnard 🐾, the Brave
Just another DogDaz morning at the zoo ❤ 
Tags: cat blog, Cats and Dogs, Dog People, DogBlog, DogDaz, lorian lipton, papillon mix, pet blog, shih tzu, Spring
Did we tell you about Bearnard’s new best friend? Oh, buckle up—this is a story.
It all started innocently enough.K8 gave C a PoleCat (PoleCat #1) for Christmas. Totally festive; wholesome. My girls love cats.
C and PoleCat #1
Then, in what can only be described as a bold escalation, K8 gifted V another PoleCat (PoleCat #2) for her birthday in January. And, she liked the cat so much, she bought one for herself (PoleCat #3).
The PoleCats were … multiplying.
Enter Bearnard.
Bearnard and his bff, PoleCat
Somewhere along the way, Bearnard claimed PoleCat #2 as his own. No paperwork, no formal adoption—just vibes. One day, he was a single guy. The next? He was in a committed, sleep-every-night-together relationship.
Now, for context: PoleCat is a stuffed animal with very short arms and legs. Sound familiar? Yes. It is essentially Bearnard in plush form. A tiny, floppy doppelgänger (but as a cat). Honestly, it’s a little uncanny. We’re not saying Bearnard has found his emotional support twin… but we’re also not not saying that.
Beary loves PoleCat
Papillons, as you may know, have the daintiest, most delicate little legs and feet. Bearnard is basically a walking collection of twigs and fluff. Adorable, yes—but also clearly someone who appreciates a companion of similar… structural integrity.
Beary loves PoleCat every day
Of course, where there is joy, there is Jolie.
Big sister, Shih Tsu, Jolie has made it her personal mission to monitor—and, if possible, confiscate—anything Bearnard loves. She is the self-appointed Fun Police. If Bearnard is enjoying something, Jolie is immediately on the scene like, “I’ll take that, thank you.” She is bossy. She is relentless. She is deeply committed to being in charge of everything, including objects that are not hers and have never been hers.
Jolie, the PoleCat, stealer
Jolie guarding PoleCat
But here’s the twist: Bearnard does not care.
Despite Jolie’s best efforts, he remains devoted to PoleCat #2. He sleeps with her and generally behaves like he has found his soulmate in stuffed form. It’s a love story for the ages. Or at least for the living room.
Bearnard just loves PoleCat
Who knew Bearnard had this kind of emotional depth? Certainly not us. But we support him. And his tiny, equally tiny-limbed companion.
Just another DogDaz morning at the zoo ❤
Tags: DogDaz, Dog People, DogBlog, pet blog, lorian lipton, stuffed animals, shih tzu mix, papillon mix
Someone said spring is coming. I’m not totally convinced, because just last week the yard was still full of slushy, squishy nonsense. But I have noticed the air feels warmer. Warmer usually means rain and fog… which I do not approve of.
Let me be clear: I hate rain. I hate wet paws. I especially hate the post-walk towel ambush where Mom rubs my feet like she’s polishing furniture. Highly undignified.
And don’t even get me started on those ridiculous coats. Yes, they’re “cute.” Yes, they’re “practical.” No, I do not enjoy waddling around sounding like a crinkly snack bag.
We are tired of the cold.
We are tired of the wet.
We would like to file a formal complaint with the Weather Department.
Most of all, we want our yard back.
Where are my bushes?
Where are my flowers?
Where are the good sniffing spots that aren’t buried under icy mush?
Slush Paws
Sleet and sslush
JoJo ZZZzzzzz
Picture perfect
Beary ZZZzzzz
Bluebird and sparrow
Having fun
I’m so cute
Walk Please
Spring means sun puddles on the porch.
Spring means long walks without shivering.
Spring means squirrels to supervise and birds to politely bark at.
Spring means grass that smells interesting again.
So yes, I am ready.
Ready to zoom.
Ready to sniff.
Ready to roll in things I’m probably not supposed to.
Dear Spring:
Please arrive soon.
Your friend, Jolie, the thirsty for it to warm up, Shih Tzu
Just another DogDaz morning at the zoo ❤
Tags: Dog People, DogBlog, DogDaz, lorian lipton, nature, papillon mix, pet blog, shih tzu, Spring, winter
Ten years is a very long time to be on earth when you only weigh 16 pounds. But since I didn’t come to live with Mom until I was 6-1/2, maybe I’m really only 4. Mom seems to like that math – and honestly, so do I.
I may have had a rough start in life, but wow… what an amazing “now” I have. When I first came home, I had my big brother Charles (the Pomchi). I loved him very much – and I’m pretty sure he liked me too. (Which is great because he didn’t like most things.)
Charles and Jolie Sept ’22
When he crossed the rainbow bridge to that big meadow in the sky, my little brother, Bearnard (the Papillion) joined the crew. Beary and I are the bestest of buds and partners in all things fun (and snacks).
And, let’s talk about timing – having a birthday on Valentine’s Day? That’s basically winning at life. Extra love, extra cuddles, and probably extra treats. What’s not to love?
Here’s to another year of wagging tails, happy hearts, and being Mom’s favorite little Valentine. – Jolie Olie, the amazing Shih Tsu
Just another DogDaz morning at the zoo ❤
Tags: dog birthday, Dog People, DogBlog, DogDaz, lorian lipton, papillon mix, pet blog, pomchi, shih tzu mix, valentine's day
Hey, it’s Bearnard!
What is going on with this wacky weather? One day it’s cool and comfy, the next it’s brrr—freezing! I don’t mind the chill, but it’s sneaking in fast. Jolie has to wear her sweater because, bless her heart, she’s got hair like a human instead of a fancy fur coat like mine. I’ve got my awesome triple coat keeping me toasty, but Mom still makes me wear a jacket when it’s below freezing. Us littles just can’t keep the heat like the big dogs do!
Leaf Beard
This morning, Jolie and I were having a fine time chasing the sun spots on the steps when Miss Bossy Pants herself—Mini Cooper—sauntered up and started pushing us out of the way. Seriously, who invited these cats anyway?
Anyway, I’m off to find another sunny spot before Mini does. Stay warm out there, friends—and remember, naps are best when your nose is toasty! ☀️🐾
Just another DogDaz morning at the zoo ❤
Tags: cat blog, DogDaz, dogs and cats together, little dogs, lorian lipton, papillon mix, Pet, pet blog, shih tzu mix, winter
Hi. Bearnard here, reporting for the DogDaz Zoo!
Fall came fast – and so did my allergies.
I love to walk in the crunchy leaves, but all that autumn fun makes me itchy. Then I start biting my paws, which makes Mommy worried. I had my Cytopoint shot last month, and take Benadryl every day, but Mom says it’s not really helping. I really hope I don’t need another shot.
Still, the fall plants are beautiful, and we’re enjoying our morning walks. Mom say’s she’ll take more pictures if she has a hand free (we’ll see about that).
Mini Cooper had a rough time with a bad tooth.
She had to have one of her canine teeth pulled. (Funny that they call it a Canine tooth when she is a Feline, right?). She is doing much better now.
She was yapping and yapping for a while, and we couldn’t figure out what she was trying to say. When you have a chatty cat, it can be harder to interpret their conversations.
The anesthesia – or maybe the painkiller shot – had her loopy for about 3 days. But once it wore off, she was back to being her usual Mini self. The photos above? That’s her yelling at Mom to start their daily laser tag game.
Fall is Mom’s favorite time of year.
Not just because Halloween is coming (her all favorite holiday), but because she loves the autumnal equinox too. She says it’s when the Earth “tilts to fall” here in the Northern Hemisphere and it marks the start of the new year in her heart and for her people.
It’s her time to count all her blessings, clean her slate, and start fresh. She says we get to start fresh too – more apples and honey for everyone! (Except me. I hate fruit. And I hate veggies. I am a pretty picky eater for a dog.)
Oh – and Mom went to the Maryland Renaissance Faire with Peanut
Peanut loves cosplay. She makes her own costumes and even her own chainmail. She is one of our other favorite humans.
Warrior Peanut 2025
When they came home Mom gave us new names.(Don’t ask, just roll with it.) Jolie, the Magnificant and Bearnard, the Brave.
Jolie, the Magnificant
Bearnard, the Brave
What’s your medieval name? Enjoy the fall.
Just another DogDaz morning at the zoo ❤
Tags: autumnal equinox, cat blog, cat teeth, cats and dogs together, Dog People, DogBlog, DogDaz, Fall, lorian lipton, papillon mix, pet blog, shih tzu
Hi. Jolie here reporting for the DogDaz Zoo.
I know that we don’t get spring anymore in the mid-Atlantic, but it seems like we went straight from freezing to boiling in one day. They say we are under something called a ‘heat dome’ this week and that the temperature will be hot-hot-hot. Mom thinks it is best to stay inside. We like to nap in the warm grass in the sunshine but she doesn’t let us do that for more than a few minutes at a time. She is especially afraid that I will get a sunburn because I have a short haircut and my skin is exposed. But even Bearnard, the black fur monster, loves to lay in the sun. Doesn’t he get hot?
K8 caught some pictures of me talking to Mom in her office. I like to get on the ottoman, right behind her desk chair, and paw at her to pay attention to me. Beary would not be so bold. I have to do it for the both of us. “Please, Mom. Stop what you are doing and play with us. Or better, give us cookies!!”
The summer is now upon us, as we have passed the Summer Solistice this week. These long days are confusing, as I want to go to bed but it is still light out. And, it is so hot in the mornings, that Mom has to walk us way early so our paws don’t burn. And also because we littles over heat qiuckly. The other day she had to carry me twice because I just didn’t want to walk any more. I am a delicate flower. Bearnard is too, but he refuses to admit it. When he gets home from a walk he drinks a whole bowl of water. Me? I just eat more cookies.
Stay cool – your friend, Jolie Olie
Just another DogDaz morning at the zoo ❤
Tags: cats and dogs together, Dog People, DogBlog, DogDaz, lorian lipton, papillon mix, pet blog, shih tzu, Summer, summer solstice
It is already mid-May, WOW, time is flying, We want to wish you all the wonders that May flowers, pollen, and bugs bring, Yes, Bugs!! They are Bearnard’s favorite thing. Our annual cicadas are brooding. These are not the big 17-year cicadas (click link to read about them), but he still has a great time jumping and stomping. At night, he never wants to come inside because he waits for any movement on the ground, so he can bounce.
I can’t get a video of his antics because it is too dark at night to see them on screen, so here is a cute video of the tail-wagging Goofballs instead!
Enjoy your spring!!!
Just another DogDaz morning at the zoo ❤
Tags: bugs, cicada, Dog People, DogBlog, DogDaz, lorian lipton, nature, papillon mix, pet blog, shih tzu, Spring
There is a great deal that goes on at the DogDaz Zoo from month to month. We sleep; we eat; we walk; we nap; we find the sun rays; we eat snacks; we sleep; we walk – you get the idea. The wonderful thing is that we do it together. Yesterday was the IDES of MARCH. They say that you need to beware because people could be out to kill you. Being little, we think people and things are always out to kill us; I guess it was no different than any other day.
Today is Mommy’s birthday so we are giving her lots of hugs and love. She was born between the Ides of March and Saint Patrick’s day. Does that make her a Roman Mastiff or an Irish Wolfhound? Either way, she is the best dog Mommy in the universe. She gives us lots of everything and in return we cuddle and lick her endlessly.
Next week is finally SPRING. It has been a cold winter and we are done with it! We are ready to move on to the flowers and the bees.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day – let’s party like a leprechaun.
Just another DogDaz morning at the zoo ❤
Tags: Dog People, DogBlog, DogDaz, Ides of March, lorian lipton, papillon mix, pet blog, shih tzu, St Patrick's Day
DogDaz Zoo 