TJ and Bart: Christmas Tree!

Bart: Good evening, Anipal Times readers! Here we are, TJ and Bart!

I’m Bart. Why is your name always first, TJ?

TJ: Dis is TJ. Bart, what difference does dat make? I think it’s because I’se a better-looking doggo.

Bart: WHAT????

TJ: Never mind, Bart. Let’s get to our subject tonight. Christmas trees.

Bart: Dis is a very important subject. Chwistmas Twees are stwange to us doggos

TJ: Yes, stwange. I mean, when we go outside to be walked, our hoomans know what we do with twees.

Bart: And our hoomans like it when we do dis. But not with dese Chwistmas trees.

TJ: Dat is stwange. And why are dese twees brought inside da house?

Bart: And da humans put all this stuff on it. Dey put decowations and lights on da twee, which is stwange. They never put dis stuff on twees outside.

TJ: And they put this…little barn with these plastic figures on it. Dey say dis is da baby Jesus.

Bart: It’s da weason for da season. Twees look nice. But when we go around dese Chwistmas twees, hooomans get nervous. Why?

TJ: Don’t dey know that we going dere to make a wish to Santa? For us to get more tweats for Chwistmas?

Bart: I mean, we had ‘accidents’ dere once or twice, but no one is perfect!

TJ: Dat wight! Okay, let’s close.

Doggos, just be careful when your hoomans bring in da Chwistmas twees. But, it’s still okay to have fun.

MEWWWY Christmas from TJ and Bart!

TJ and Bart: Tail Sniffing

Bart: Hewwo, Anipal Times Readers! This is Bart, and we, TJ and Bart, are ready to write another column.

TJ: Dis is TJ, and dis is an important column. Doggos have asked us dis question: Why do our humans become upset when we sniff each other’s tails?

Bart: It is stwange, TJ. What is da problem with them?

TJ: They do not know dat is how we greet each other! We check each other out when we do dat! But humans just get all weird about it.

Bart: Hoomans, y’all do weird things too, like when we poop outside, y’all gather it in paper bags. Why do you want to save our poop?

TJ: I never figured dat one out, Bart.

Bart: Hoomans are strange. Anyway, for you hoomans, when we sniff each other’s tails, it’s our way of saying hello.

TJ: You can tell a lot about a doggo by sniffing its tail.

Bart: Exactly. You know den if you can twust da other dog. If you smell da wong thing, it’s no good

TJ: Dis is how we bweak da ice at da dog parks. Other doggos can be nervous, but when we sniff their tails, it rewaxes dem.

Bart: Dat’s wight. So, for you doggos, be patient with your humans. Dey are stwange.

TJ: And for humans, try to be more understanding. We will twy to be understanding with you.

Until next time. Woof woof!

A Senior Dog’s Transformation

Arthur

Arthur, an older dog with a mysterious history from downstate Illinois, was once a bundle of nerves in the bustling city. The urban landscape overwhelmed him, making him scared and reactive to every noise and sudden movement. His owner, seeking a change for her beloved companion, found a lifeline in Dog Training Now (DTN). She would later recall that location with intense gratitude; Arthur discovered existence need not induce fear there.

The 12-day board-and-train program was transformative. DTN wasn’t just a business; it was a community of people who genuinely cared about the dogs’ success. They welcomed Arthur with open arms, understanding his anxieties and working patiently to build his confidence. Under the dedicated guidance of the trainers, especially one named JJ, Arthur unfurled.

Each day brought new lessons. He gained trust, followed instructions, and, above all, the realization that the surrounding wasn’t hostile. JJ fostered a special bond with Arthur, treating him with a love that mirrored his owner’s own affection. Even after returning home, the lessons stuck. Arthur continued to practice his new skills, his progress a testament to the comprehensive and caring approach of the DTN team.

His owner watched proudly as the once-timid, reactive dog blossomed into a confident, happier companion. The transformation was remarkable. “I highly recommend DTN,” she often enthused, “no matter what their age, they can help your pup be a better dog!” Arthur’s story shows that, with support and affection, dogs of any age or background can find happiness and confidently embrace life.

TJ and Bart: Walking in da Rain

TJ: Good evening! We are TJ and Bart. We are both Doxies, and we write for da Anipal Times. Dis is TJ.

Bart: Dis is Bart. I am a purebred Doxie. TJ is a mix. But we love him anyway.

TJ: Dat not nice, Bart.

Bart: It’s da truth!

TJ: Okay, let’s talk about doggie walks. Our people always ask why doggos dislike walking in da rain?

Bart: Yeah! Dis is so simple. Cause we dislike walking on wet grass. Having wet grass on your tummy…and other areas…is not a good feeling.

TJ: And den when we want to go inside, the human wants us to stay outside until we finish!

Bart: I cannot see why dey get upset when we use da bathroom inside da house!

TJ: Humans are weird. Doggos, if you’re reading dis and want to share your thoughts on dis very important topic, let us know!

Bart: Exactly! Now I want a treat! Dis writing is hard work!

TJ: I heard Dat!

Introduction to TJ and Bart!

Bart: Hello! We had to introduce ourselves to Anipal Times readers! My name is Bart!

TJ: And my name is TJ! Hewwo!

Bart: A wittle about ourselves. First, me. Because I am more important.

TJ: What?????

Bart: Never mind! I came to Daddy’s home thwee years ago. It was a vewwy happy day!

TJ: Bart likes to eat more than any doggo I know! He even tries to eat my food!

Bart: You snooze, you whoose, TJ!

TJ: I’m the one who does the work here. I have been here eleven yeaws! I bwavely guard the house all of the time!

Bart: TJ is scared of the dark and thunder.

TJ: Hush! At least I’m not smaller than the fwogs around the house like you are, Bart!

Bart: Whatever! We just got together to share our thoughts on serious issues for doggos.

TJ: We will tackle the controversial issues like, um, tail sniffing and stuff like dat!

Bart: What does controversial mean?

TJ: As you can tell, I am the smart one.

Bart: Whatever! Well, dat’s who we are, Anipal Times readers! Good to meet you!

TJ: Dat wight! Now it’s time for doggo naps! See you soon!

OTLFP November 2025 Wrap-Up

We’ve had another great month on @offtheleashFP #OTLFP this month.

What did we learn this month?

Well, we know Chandler @dog_phoebe loves cake, and has a fun Christmas planned exploring and keeping the area zombie and squirrel free!

We spoke to Truman @tweetingtruman and found out about Mistletoe Magic and the Anipal Times.

We had an interactive show where we thought about what we are thankful for. With Thanksgiving, we are all very thankful for friendship and having food in our tummies.

TJ @TJS12145 also came onto the show to yell at us about their on-and-off Twitter commitments.

We featured lots of pets in rescue needing homes, and hoping that the featured pets find their forever homes soon.

Paws crossed for Mike in Leicester, Sonny in Missouri, Buscuit in Wales, Pistachio in Texas, and all the other pets in the rescue centres.

We have a fun-filled diary of guests planned, so we look forward to seeing you all for the shows next month.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Love and hugs, Millie, Pixie, and the #OTLFP team.

Lola’s Story

Thursday, the 2nd, started out like any other day since I had moved in with Hoosis after Hoomum became ill.

My breakfast followed my usual walk before I settled into the day. Then something different happened. I noticed that all my possessions were being boxed up. I previously witnessed this during my travels from Hoomum’s to this location.

Could this mean that Mum was better, and I was returning home to her? I certainly hope so. My 11th birthday was 2 days earlier; what a present this would have been.

Nothing happened. Absolutely nothing. The day continued as normal, and my possessions just sat there. 

A doorbell broke the silence, and to everyone’s surprise, I didn’t bark. I stood and watched as 2 strangers entered. Did they come to bring me home?

Once more, I didn’t bark at the man, which surprised everyone. Instead, I walked over to him and stood beside him, waiting for some fuss.

I always barked at anyone who appeared near the entrance, and then again when the individual proved male. Once they moved into the lounge, I again surprised them by continuing to stay beside him.

After a brief chat, I was again walking. It did not fit into my routine. This escorting individual was odd.

What was going on? 

The walk ended unexpectedly with me beside a vehicle near home. The individual remained with me while others entered the building, afterward exiting with everything I owned.

Surely this means that I am going home.

Those I met here appeared, spoke to me, and showered me with attention. I noticed Hoosis had tears in her eyes as she talked and fussed over me. They exchanged my collar for a harness, and I boarded the vehicle’s compartment while they loaded baggage.

 As we drove away, I looked out all the windows to keep Hoosis in sight until she disappeared from my sight. I then continued to examine various windows, noting location, until the route straightened, later settling once the view lost interest.

My subconscious stirred me from slumber upon detecting a shift in pace or course, prompting me to sit up, observe, before returning to slumber as the journey’s routine resumed.

Finally, we re-entered developed sectors; it proved crucial to pay attention.

It did not appear familiar; thus, I was not returning home to Mum.

 I confirmed my suspicions when we finally stopped on the driveway of a house that wasn’t Mum’s house.

I hopped out of the car, and more strangers greeted me, but it didn’t last long because I climbed back into the car and into the driver’s seat. Someone ushered me into the back seat, and we were underway once again.

 A short car ride ensued, and in next to no time we pulled onto another driveway. I didn’t recognise this place either.

I swiftly exited the car and had a good sniff around the plants in the front garden, checking the surroundings, before being led indoors.

My possessions followed, and I realized this was my new life, with my new family in my new home.

Hopefully, this time it will be forever. We shall see.