Debate Tuesday

Here we are again with Debate Tuesday, Week 2. Lexi has asked the questions this week and is hoping for some revealing answers to help you make an informed decision in November.

For more information on us, the Candy Dates, you are invited to visit our blogs:
Lexi at Lexi the Schnauzer
Arty at Dory’s Backyard
Christmas at Paw Province

Now, let the debate begin!

1. If you could wish for any one thing for Blogville and have it come true, what would it be?
Lexi: There’s been a lot of medical problems lately. I would wish for perfect health for everyone throughout their lives.
Arty: My wish for Blogville and every-ville is that all our friends in shelters and roaming the streets find furr-ever homes real soon!!
Christmas: I know it isn't possible, but I wish EVERY SINGLE Blogville peep could be in the same place all in one time and everyone would get a chance to talk about their experiences and meet the people and pets who they've loved from a distance for so many years.

2. Blogville includes anipals and peeps from all around the world. What experience do you have with foreign dignitaries that would help in your role as mayor, if elected?
Lexi: Let’s see. I had the French to my house one evening for an American meal served in the French tradition. Then I took them all for a walk around my neighborhood to observe and admire our American way of life. I hope they returned to France with stories of our American hospitality. Before a stressful production of Home for the Holidays I offered my therapy services backstage to the Chattanooga Symphony Director Kayoko Dan, originally from Japan. I went on to do therapy with several of the performers. Miss Dan was so appreciative that she sent me a Christmas card. I hope she lets the Japanese know of the kindness of Americans.
Arty: Hmmmm, well I love french fries and would love to try Chinese food someday. Other than that, I will be meeting with dogs from all over the world (well, from the USA and Canada) in June, when I attend the B.A.R. and hope to use this time to help refine my foreign policy!
Christmas: Well, because dog shows are full with top dogs from all over the world, I've met dogs from all sorts of places. I've met a Standard Schnauzer from Croatia and some other dogs I've met have probably been from 87 different places, too. Us Dachshunds are German dogs (wiener schnitzel, anyone?) so I'm part German! I am actually very fluent in German, but it's a shame that my
mommy is a human and can't understand my German.

3. What is, or would be, your choice for a volunteer service and why?
Lexi: Since 2007 I do monthly therapy with children of all ages at the local children’s hospital. My times onstage at the theatre were also volunteer work, besides being my very favorite thing in the whole world. Putting a smile on a sick or hurting child’s face and making people happy keeps me in touch with my purpose in life, to bring joy to others.
Arty: If given the chance, I would love to be a spokesdog for our anipals that need homes. Coming off the streets myself (when I was only 7 months old), I feel I would do a great job telling the humans out there Rescue Doggies Rock!!
Christmas: My mommy is thinking of training me specifically to be a therapy dog within the next couple of years. I love peeps and I'm very sweet and well behaved. I work well in public and I love to make peeps happy. My long body and longing eyes usually earn me lots of attention on my walks.

4. What is the hardest decision you ever had to make and how did it turn out?
Lexi: Mom and I play the “Leave It, Find It” game with treats. She puts a treat down, says, “Leave it,” and I have to ignore the treat while we go to the next spot in the house where she does it again. Eventually, Mom says, “Find it!” and I get to use my excellent memory to find all the treats and eat them. If I grab and eat one while Mommy is still in the first part of the game, the game is over. So the hardest decision is to leave the treat so that I can have more or satisfy my immediate desire to eat it right then. Things always go better when I listen.
Arty: Hmmm, being just 4 years old, I haven't had to make many hard decisions except for deciding to resign myself to being an "Alpha in Training" under Dory. After living here for only a few months,  I decided she is the best girl for the job. Now I listen to (almost) everything she has to say! This has helped to give me the patience needed to be a good Blogville Mayor, and the ability to listen to others!
Christmas: My hardest decision? In my short life (I'm 2!) I haven't had many hard decisions to make, except for one EXTREMELY DIFFICULT ONE!!! It was to decide if I wanted chicken canned dog food or beef canned dog food for dinner one day. Can't you feel my pain? It was a very difficult choice, but I eventually chose the chicken. Where's the beef?

5. A good mayor has to use empathy and common sense. Give an example of when you have done either one or both.
Lexi: Empathy. I do that every time I stay home with Dad when he feels bad and give him therapy instead of making demands. I do that when I give up my front car seat to Piper because he gets car sick in the back. Common sense: Sometimes when I come out of work the sun is shining in my eyes. So, instead of walking out into the parking lot without being able to see, I wait for Mommy to leash me or pick me up. Mommy says that is smart; I think it is just common sense.
Arty: I always feel when my Mama or Daddy are upset and am right there fighting for attention to soothe them! Also, as a member of a pack of four, I have the common sense to get to our food bowls first! Can't have my brothers and Dory eating my dinner!!
Christmas: For empathy? Well, I always look out for my mommy. I make sure she's happy and I have lots of fun taking walks with her. In the show ring, once I got very nervous. I tried to back off the table in the ring where my mom stacked me for the judge (a stack is a way a show dog stands in the ring). I don't really know why, I was just nervous. Dog shows can be overwhelming sometimes. So
she picked me up and talked to me and made me feel better, and when she put me back on the table, I was calm and happy and let the nice judge look at my teeth and pet me. The judge chose us for first place because my mommy put her dog's needs first. I do the same for her. If my mommy is sometimes nervous in the ring or just in casual life, I like to lick her face or do one of my tricks to lighten her up!