Saturday morning means one thing, and that’s the Hedgewatch Café!
Saturday was another fun-filled day with delicious noms and drinks. The noms included Sossidges with mash and gravy, lasagne with nip bread, salmon with creamy nip, and nip sparkle sponge cake. The drinks included the always popular Ginger Cat Latte, Nip tea & biccy, hot nip chocolate, and Brock’s gingerbread gin!
The vibes were great as always as we moved into the post-Christmas and New Year’s holiday portion of winter. I also helped the last hour as my cat Lil Bit had a purrista shift where she worked with the always amazing Pumpkin! They made a wonderful team!
Lil Bit will be back again for another shift this coming Saturday!
Tag: rescue dogs
Nipclub, January 8, 2026 Sekurity Update
Thursday, 1-8-26. Nipclub. Happy New Year!
On January 8th at Nipclub, we had an Elvis 90th Birthday Bash theme!
The smell of fried chicken and biscuits permeated the bar when I walked in; it smelled so heavenly. The music was rockin’ with Elvis and Elvis-inspired songs!
Susan and Puddin’ (@Georgiarealist) were waiting for me with freshly fried chicken when I walked in. Louis (@psiangelic) was eating a monstrous peanut butter, banana, and bacon sammich. Moo (@moothemousecat) had served some Welsh rarebit, and Breezyboi (@breezeboi), and Tiny Pearl (@TinyPearl) showed up, and we discussed what Welsh rarebit was. Breeze declared it rarebit, akin to rabbit, since earlier humans lacked rabbit hunting options; thus, cheese sauce served as a replacement.
Huh? After a bit of research and discussion, we learned it’s like a beer cheese fondue that you pour onto thick, rustic bread and put under the broiler.
It’s pub food.
Breeze suggested pumpernickel and Guinness and planned to make it this weekend. Sounds delish!
My Sekurity watch reached over an hour, with no activity present. Slow night. Could security risks still be enjoying time off?
Pearl was serving up Elvis-shaped cookies and banana peanut butter cocktails. Banana, peanut butter, and bacon were on theme, but we were getting grossed out by Elvis-themed pizza, so Pearl made a regular cheese pizza, a lovely butter cake, more fried chicken, and some righteous cocktails.
There were still no sekurity risks yet. I kept checking the sekurity system sensors and cameras we had spread outside the building and the grounds, and nothing was happening. It was so quiet; they must have fixed the algorithm!
More discussion of Guinness ice cream floats, deformed Yeowww catnip bananas, and cat barf in the middle of the night.
Pearl shared images from a vintage Midwest cookbook with recipes for canned shrimp casseroles, Vienna sausage, hot dog towers, etc. That started a whole new conversation about Spam!
No sekurity risks at all tonight. We all had a great time, with the fun music, food, and friendly conversation!
Please join #Nipclub every Thursday night for a new themed anipal party!
Happy New Year!
Bart: Hello, Anipals! Dis is Bart from the team of TJ and Bart! Our first article of da new year! Happy New Year!
TJ: Dis is TJ. I feel like 2026 is going to be a wonderful year for all of us!
Bart: I agwee, TJ. You know I have heard of dis human thing called New Year’s Resolutions.
TJ: What’s dat?
Bart: Well, it’s when humans promise to be better in da new year.
TJ: Dat’s strange. Why do they wait for then?
Bart: Humans are weird, TJ.
TJ: Dat’s wight. So, should we doggies have New Year’s resolutions? Might be fun!
Bart: Let’s do it! I resolve to eat more dis year.
TJ: Bart, if you eat any more, you will be able to roll down the sidewalk instead of walking on it.
Bart: Not a funny joke, TJ.
TJ: It wasn’t a joke.
Bart: Okay, how about you?
TJ: I resolve to be more friendly to other doggos.
Bart: Good idea, TJ. You are always arguing with all the doggos around here. I need some peace.
TJ: I am protecting da house, Bart.
Bart: From whom?
TJ: You can never be too safe, Bart. But I promise to be a little more trusting. Maybe I will sniff dem instead of barking at them.
Bart: Good idea. I also resolve to sleep more.
TJ: Is dat possible?
Bart: I will find out.
TJ: Okay, one more from me. I resolve not to be scared of thunder.
Bart: I don’t know if you can do dat one, TJ.
TJ: Yes, I can! I am going to be more like dat hero dog Rex in Hudson and Rex, Dat TV show.
Bart: You got a long way to go for dat, TJ. But okay.
TJ: Okay, Anipals. Let us know some of your resolutions!
Bart: ‘Dat’s wight! We will see you soon. Meanwhile, time to start sleeping more!
New Year’s Resolutions
Welcome, readers! It’s Midge again. It’s a New Year, and—for you humans at least—that means resolutions.
A new you!
Dogs like me don’t understand this concept since the only self-improvement we dogs engage in is whatever guarantees we won’t get in trouble—or won’t get caught, which is easier and better, in my opinion.
So, what did you choose this year?
Losing weight?
Spending less time on your phone?
Cutting out caffeine?
Maybe you haven’t picked one yet because you’re flawless like me.
Or maybe because you’re a mess and you don’t know where to begin.
Hence, I propose some fresh ideas originating from a canine viewpoint.
We watch you pretty closely; you know. Especially while you’re eating…
1. Take your dog for more walks. (Trust me, we appreciate this.)
2. Give your dogs more treats. (We REALLY appreciate this.)
3. Prioritize playing with us over your phone. (It’s good for you too!)
4. Be nicer to yourself (look, it bugs us when you’re down on yourself). Dog language is almost 100% body language and energy, so we sense when you feel bad, and it affects us, too.
.5. Don’t push too hard. The dishes can wait if you’re tired. Cuddle with a doggo instead!
If you don’t take time to rest and relax, how will you have the energy to take care of us?!
This is all just off the top of my fuzzy head.
Dogs know what’s important. And the most important thing to take away from my suggestions is that you’re important—to us, to your friends, family, to that houseplant you probably forgot to water.
Hey! There’s another resolution for you!
So, as we enter the New Year, remember that the person behind the resolutions is more important than the resolutions themselves.
So, don’t go so crazy trying to be the new you that you exhaust and frustrate the current you.
Okay?
Now, I better scram because I hear Melissa in the kitchen and I have to go make sure she doesn’t find what I did in there…
Happy New Year!
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, 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.
The Anipal Times 