Ella is Fast!

She still likes to steal floor rug, buts she does not chew them anymore. She just takes them back to her lair.. We got to share some nice bully sticks this morning and eat them laying in the sun. I love sharing treats with my Ella-gator...

Is it done yet?

The humans have been in the kitchen all morning.. and i'm starving... I hope it is done soon!
-Ella-Gator

Thankful for all of you

Thankful that the humans are feeling better.
Thankful that they are giving turkey a rest and that they are cooking leg of lamb today.
Thankful that I stopped the wild crazy raccoon from stealing chili away last night on the porch!!
Thankful for the warmth of the wood burning stove.
Thankful for Ella's good company.
Most of all...
Thankful for all of you my dear good readers.
Hope that you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Hope they feel better soon

The humans are mopey today and yesterday.
I slept on their feet to keep them warm. Ella licked their foreheads. They are sniffling too. I hope that they feel better soon.

Read anything good lately?

Mark Twain was once quoted as saying
"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend.
Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read."
While I'm not sure about books,
I know that Ella and I sure
rely on our humans for friendship,and
Yeah- I wouldn't recommend trying to read
while I'm digesting.
In fact- I've digested a few books
when I was a puppy and
they didn't taste that good,
so I prefer reading them
outside on a sunny day.
I especially like it when
humans read to me.
I really liked it
when the kids used to
read to me.
I haven't seen
them in a while.
I guess that they
are very busy.
I sure miss 'em!
Have you read any good books lately that you think Ella and I would enjoy?
She likes cookbooks.
We both like mysteries and books about nature, especially if there are lots of pictures!
MArk Twain also said " If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you; that is the principal difference between a dog and a man".
Well, I've never been bit by a man, but I do appreciate very much the people who saved me and Ella and our compassionate human friends. If you are considering a pet, please consider a rescue.

Giving thanks

What I am thankful for;
I am thankful I am a dog,
I am thankful I have a tail.
I can't imagine life without being able to wag every now and then when I am happy!
I am thankful for my Bark. Just love it. It works for me.
I am thankful for my best buddy Ms. Green Ella-Gator.
She is the best to hang around with. I love sharing life with her.
I am thankful for my Vet. and for the other Vets out there who help so many animals who depend on human kindness and care.
I am thankful for the cats who hang out with me when I take my walks.
I am thankful for the children who do not fear me, even though I am big, and who take the time to pet my head and scratch my ears when they walk by...
and most of all,
I am thankful for my human companions, who feed me, walk me, bath me, care for me, share their house with me and give me love, and allow me to love them everyday..
oh yeah, and
I am thank for for my dog treats.
What are you thankful for?

Toast is up!!!

One of my most important jobs in the morning.. and throughout the day is to assist my human companions in being successful in their culinary tasks.
I am often the alarm clock, the buzzer, the dishwasher and inspector, and I often remind my human companions when the toast is up, when we need to be fed, when the kitty needs to be fed, and of course when the roast is done, because then I might get a piece! This photo is of me alerting them that the roast is definitely done so the better get to making that rice and broccoli to go along with it!!
I just love brocoli, don't you? It is like eating little buttered trees!!

Ella is tired

Ella is tired after the car ride!

Great day to ride!

Today we went for ride with the humans to the local bayou to run around.. It was awesome. So many smells and things to run into... The weather was amazing too. Then we went to the feed store and they were so nice- they gave us eacha peanut butter bone treat.. Yummy. I like the way the feed store smells. We also got some new gear. I love riding in the car. Ella does not like it like I do. Especialy when the big loud trucks and cars go speeding by... Maybe in time.

School for Ella-Gator

I've been twittering and tweeting and blogging, linking and facing all the digital media that I can... while Ella Gator naps away on the couch... She can't write yet.. she has been too young.. soon, though, soon, the lessons will begin so that she can assist me in all this!

Wigs and Bully sticks

Wigs and Bully sticks are always fun. I think I look more like I am ready for a heavy metal concert, than a hula skirt and hawaiian luau- but I love Ella in curls! She's not sure how she feels about the wig, but she does like the treats that go along with it!

Skyping again

Ella and I "Skyped" again tonight.
We love hearing people's voices!!

Ella's New Costume

Ella is getting excited about Halloween!
This year, Ella and I are going Hawaiian!
Today she is trying to learn the hula.
I hope we get some roast pork!

One for the Kitty-cats

I really love the kitty cats that hang out around our house. They can't come inside- but we hang out outside together on occasion.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeoT66v4EHg

This video is purrfect for you, with love from me and Ella-Gator. ENJOY!!

Happy Day

I'm having a happy day just hanging out with the humans and Ella-Gator.
I hope that you are having a happy day too!

Ella's Lair

Ella likes to fetch.
Get the Gator!

Ella-Gator and Her Gator

Couch potato

Love the new couch..It is perfect for dog naps and watching the human companions.. very snuggly.. very cool..

Ella's eyes

She's got quite a gaze. This is what greets us every morning!

Heat regulator

Dog's tongues hang out of their mouths when they excercise as a way to regulate their body heat.
That is why dogs should always have water available to them to cool down.
They also use them for their washcloths and for kisses.

New Couch

We got a new couch.
It's comfy.
I'm comparing them by napping on them all..
I'll let you know later how they rate.
So far it gets 4 paws.

Ella-Gator looking

so concerned and contemplative.

Ella's shredded rabbit bits

Hurricane Katrina memories for me

Thinking about how I evacuated for Hurricane Katrina as a young pup. Thinking about all the horrible smells when we drove back to the city.
I buried my nose in the car seat and whined until my human companion took me back home.
I remember first responders stopping to pet me.
I remember first responders asking if they could hug me- because they missed their pups that they left back home, and they just needed a hug
I remember the humans who hugged me and cried after the storm because they lost thier pups and they missed them so much...
I remember the little girl who stamped my paw prints on top of the hurricanes that she was drawing to help stamp out the storm-she was scared.
I remember her little brother crying.
I remember My human companions very worried and tired most of the time right after the storm.
I remember giving one of my collars to a cat who had evacuated to the place where we stayed.. there were so many animals there.. nice ones.
I remember playing with the kids when they were evacuated, until they could go home...
I remember running on the beach in the wind- and chasing the waves and trying to bite them.
I remember switching the channel to clifford the big red dog with my paw, cause I was tired of watching the humans cry watching cnn.
They couldn't believe that I knew how to change the channels.
I remember sitting on a bag of ice in the back of the car waiting for the humans to get out of traffic going home.
I remember coming home and finding all the dead love bugs in the house, and the melted frozen blueberries & strawberries all over the floor
and the love birds and chickens still alive and laying eggs and all my beloved trees down on the house, the well and the ground.
I remember how hot it was after the storm.
I remember when someone set a bunch of fires and I smelled smoke through the hole in the roof at night.
I remember loosing "Lucky" our kitty and my best friend where we stayed.
I hope that we never have to go through another major storm again.

Rainy Day Nap time

Today it may rain.
Best time to nap and
save up energy to
play with human companions.

Over the Rainbow bridge

One of our favorite human companion friends helped her baby cross the Rainbow bridge to Doggie heaven this week. He was at least 15 years old and his human companion was her best bud rescuer and best friend ever. He taught her about saving puppies and I would not have my Ella if it were not for both of them and their efforts on behalf of so many. Our love goes out to them both and we hope to run and play in heaven with him when our time comes to cross over the rainbow bridge too. Sending them both hugs, licks and kisses!

Rainy day nap time

Rain makes me sleepy....

Ella-Gator's Bunny Buddy

Even though its ears
have long been chewed off,
Ella still loves her bunny.

Ella's couch

Ella like to nap on the couch where she chewed as a pup.
Ella's couch

Ella-Gator's Morning Garden

Ella loves the herb garden. In the morning, she likes to run around
and chase after the cats and then she licks the parsley and thyme to taste the morning dew. He favorite place to sit and listen to the sounds of the birds in the morning, is beside the pink Nacotiches noisettes and mint.

Albert singing

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OyZiHJW8ozU

Albert has an amazing voice. Wish we could sing together sometime.

Cooking With Dog rates 5 Barks!

Francis has his own cooking show-( a grey poodle no less)
Very inspiring! I have a new dish that I want to try now...
Octopus dumpling balls!
He is very clear and methodical in his approach and has a lovely and efficient assistant.
Cooking With Dog
http://www.youtube.com/user/cookingwithdog

The Dwindling Print Industry and Puppy Training

It is time that I take up a sensitive issue for all parents of newborn pups. The lack of printed newspapers around the country means that young puppies may not have the advantages of " Paper Training" that we older dogs did. We grew up reading alot of information that young pups today will just not have access to because its all online! I still remember learning to " Fetch the paper" with my human companions every morning from the gate when they still subscribed to the printed versions of the news. I remember my first exposure to the New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, the colorful Sunday comics! I loved the smell of fresh newsprint in my puppy crate. I missed them once I was trained to go outside and smell the roses- which poetic as they are- are not the same as sniffing the headlines before anyone else could read them in the house. I suppose that some local print publications will fill the need, however, glossy mags about interior design are not the same ( and less absorbant). I have already noticed a decline in the amount of available journals while my dear Ella-Gator has been in training. What will the young pups of tomorrow do?

FJORG!!

Well I couldn't go to the conference-
- but my human companions
brought me back a FJORG! hat.
FJORG!!

Caniculae and St. Roch

Dogs don't "sweat" the way that we do. They cool down by panting and sweating through their pads on their feet- and they need access to water. In these hot" Dog days" of summer when the dog star Sirius is visible... Sirius is the brightest star in the heavens besides the Sun.
Also note that The feast day of Saint Roch, the patron saint of dogs, is also at the end of the "Dog Days of Summer "- on August 16- who is evidently invoked against cholera, epidemics, knee problems, plague, skin diseases; bachelors, diseased cattle, dogs, falsely accused people, invalids, surgeons, gravediggers... among others- click the title bar above for more info on St. Roch.

Ella's Comfy Couch

Ella has taken over the couch.

PLAY!

Today we "Obamaicon"ed ourselves..you can too-Have fun- and don't forget to include your furry friends! go to http://obamiconme.pastemagazine.com/entries/new_iranicon.html

Skyping expedition

I now Skype. It sounds like a name that humans would give to a spaniel. But I skyped recently. One of my human companions has been using webcams for over 15 years since CUseeme from Cornell was released- In fact, some of her in-laws in Hawaii attended her wedding reception that way. I have now had my first Skyping expedition. I must say that I enjoyed it. All I had to do was show up and sit. I liked hearing all the different voices. I even spoke a bit, especially when I could hear the kids on the nearby playground when they were skyping from their outside deck. Ella- gator even skyped with me- but we are so dense in color and our fur so reflective that it is hard to see us unless we are very very close to the camera and we stay very still and the camera is of excellent quality. needless to say- Ella was not that still, nor was I for that matter, as I found the whole experience very exciting. I look forward to my next Skyping expedition. I wish that it included smell.

Under the bed

Sometimes, I just wat to be left alone.
I get so tired of watching humans, and I just want to hide away and think by myself. I find that there is no better place to meditate, than under the bed. The floor is cool and no one bothers you.

Ella-Gator is a designer

Maybe its all those times she watched Martha Stewart, or maybe she's just a textile designer post-modern minimalist... Or maybe she's identifing with Yves Klien and his work on the "void". But Ella has been expresing herself through the house. She's consistent and has definitely made her " mark" a signature of her " colllection"> Take a look. We don't see how she does it- only the evidence of her actions.

Hear Ella Play!

Ella loves her new toy.
She is very musically inclined.
What can you do but smile along?

Best toy

Best toy of all- a dirty sock stolen form the laundry basket- Let's play "Keep-Away!"

Ella yodels for her new toy

What a profile!

Ella looks more and more like me every day.
She is a cute pie!

Porch Pals

I love to hang out on the porch with Ella.
It's our creature theatre!

I was a model tonight!

I modeled in absentia at a major university! Oh la-la!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MS. GREEN ELLA GATOR!

We celebrated Ms. Ella-gator's birthday
with Frozen Bison Bones- Oh my goodness!!
She was sooooo excited and very content
to just chew, chew, chew!
The yummiest of chews too!
then we had lots of fun
just running around.
She's the best.
I can't believe that
its already been a year!
She is getting so big
and growing up just fine.
She really likes to watch
The Mentalist with us too.
YAY!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELLA!!

Riding in a car is like

a movie on fast forward- for my nose... so many scents- so fast!! And when the humidity is high like it was yesterday- Oh the scents are soooo full!- Like the skunk and dead coyote on the road and the wet smell of rain on the hot asphalt and the frogs singing in the ditch were so welcome to my furry little ears..Yeah, yeah! If life is a highway- I wanna ride it for sure... But not little Ella. She hunkers down on the seat in the middle. She doesn't like the open road like I do. Maybe she will learn to love it as she grows older.

One of our Heros- Jake

Jake on NPR

Jake on CBS

Mary Writes about Jake

There are so many abandoned dogs who need a loving home.

2dogs2000miles

Click on the title above to find out about the walk from Austin to Boston to raise awareness for Canine Cancer.

Paz descanse!

Senor Don "Flederino" Fledermaus my Mexican Hairless amigo who was living La Vita Loca in sunny Los Angeles California, has crossed the Rainbow Bridge to Doggie Heaven.
He was small but powerful- and afraid of very little. He is greatly missed by friends and family, and I will never forget his little pink spotted belly and tappy toes. Ah! He could dance. Ella is so sad that she never got a chance to meet you in person.

Seeing

Good Eye care is just as important for us furry four footed friends as it is for humans.
It is important to note that Black labs in particular can get
Canine Cataracts and Progressive Retinal Atrophy-a gradual deterioration of the retina which can cause night blindness and complete blindness.
Read more at
Dogtime
and
Blind Dog
Make sure that you get your human companions to drive you to their vet if you are having trouble seeing eye to eye with the cats next door!

Mille Mercis to my readers

I just wanted to say "Thank You" to all of my readers today.
I've been blogging now since July of 2007..
22 months or about 2 human years..
in dog years, that's alot!!!
I compare it to barking in the forest..
If I bark in the forest, does anyone hear??
With my bark, I am sure that someone does!
and I thank you for kind and loyal readership and comments.
To celebrate, I think that I'll take my humans out for a nice walk!

Black Dog Ale

Black Dog Ale

Black Dog supports local humane societies and encourages adoptions.

The Black Dog label features “Chug,” a black lab retriever, on its packaging. Chug was the founder’s pet and the inspiration for the name and logo.

Click on the paw and shelter button on their website for more info.

Big Black Dogs

Sad but true. Please adopt a black dog and save a life. Clikc and read below to find out more...
black pearl dogs.com

Fun links for black labs

Black Dog by Led Zepplin Acoustic set

The Black Dog Store

Did you know that I twitter now?

I am trying it. But I am finding that my blog is suffering.. Oh the decisions that A dog must face. I was amazed a how many other four legged twitterers are out there.. Connecting to my "peeps" or "tweets" or other "four legged feets" out there and hearing about their naps and treats and the human companions that they walk with is nice. But being a bird dog mix of sorts that "tweets" is ironic don't you think?? I would rather "Woofer" than a "tweeter" HA!! sound speaker joke.

A day of Rabbits and Salmon

Today I woke up, went outside and looked at the stars, and before I could water the lawn.. I saw a bunny so I chased it out of the garden!!
Then I went inside and had some Salmon for breakfast.
Did you know that bunnies do not like the smell of fish?

We went to college for a visit

Everyone was so nice, and the grass was so green



and there were lots and lots of trees!

Ella is a Maurice Sendak Fan

Ella loves to have someone read "Where the Wild Things Are" to her.
Ella is a "Wild Thing" too..she loves her little "Wild Thing" friend.

George

When Ella is sleepy she likes to get a hug from George.

Rainer Maria Rilke is my new favorite poet

"God...sat down for a moment when the dog was finished in order to watch it...and to know that it was good, that nothing was lacking, that it could not have been made better."- Rainer Maria Rilke,German poet(1875-1926)

Can you tell which paw is Ella's?

She sure has grown!!!

We like Lent

Lots of catfish, salmon and tuna for dinner.... YUMMY!

Happy Mardi Gras!

Although we don't really celebrate
Lent the way people do-
we totally support anything that
celebrates a season of eating meat
before eating seafood and chicken.
This year, we got fresh-frozen Bison bones.
Next year-We are applying to be
official taste-testers of the "Boeuf Gras."

Ella likes to share

Especially when it is someone else's macaroni and cheese!

Time

I am not made aware of time passing
by looking at a clock, or a watch.

but rather by the movement of sunlight
through the sky, through the yard,
to the window, past the curtains.

I watch the light move, and fade,
and then the moon beams,
when they shine.

New Year's Duck!

Yum.
New Year's Duck
oven baked duck skin treats
with homemade cornbread...
What a nice way to start 2009!

Christmas Couch Potatos

Best Wishes for 2009!

Happy New Year Everyone!
May you have a year full of good food to eat,
plenty of fresh clean water to drink,
a comfy place to take a nap,
a good friend to play with,
a nice place to sleep,
plenty of pats on the back,
and may someone throw you have an occasional bone to chew on!

New Year's resolution recommendation

Just a reminder that I am currently
the Grand Pooh-bah of the
Quite Right and Necessary
Canines for Arborists Club.
We believe that
"Trees are really something to bark about!"
I help to plant trees,
especially native trees,
In my neighborhood.
I try to supervise and assist
in the digging of the holes
in order to plant the trees and
I occasionally assist in
fertilization campaigns.
Well, I highly recommend that you consider
as one of your 2009 New Year's resolutions-
to plant at least one native species tree.
Or plant a citrus tree in a container..
in 5 years you'll have fruit
and the scent of the blooms are heaven.
I can't imagine a world
without trees, can you??
So plant a tree or two,
or three, or more in 2009!
Click on the title above to
find out more about planting trees.

Ella misses Christmas already

She has never been
through New Year's Eve.
She sure doesn't like
the vaccuum cleaner!
I wonder what she will think
about the fireworks.
Don't worry,
I'll help her through it.
That is what friends do.

A Dog's Nose Just Knows

You humans watch televison, read the newspaper and the internet for your news-
We dogs smell our news-
Our nose and brains are wired to smell more than anything else.
That's why we bark way before the fire alarm goes off when you burn the toast,
-or when the butter comes out of the fridge, before you even put it on the toast.
Face it- we are superior to the human in that department..
That's why you employ us to "sniff" things-
like rabbits and deer and stuff...
and supposedly now some of us can even " smell" cancer cells...
Now that is the best kind of "nosey" friend!
Amazing.
We dogs work very hard to be man's best friend...
It is a shame that so many of us end up in shelters.
If you can- please adopt a dog who needs a good home.
They'll smell the world everyday for you
and translate the news that you need to know.

She just knows

Ella is such a good friend-
She just knows what I am thinking,
without saying anything,
with just a look,
we are connected,
and we understand
one another.

Hay and the Holidays

I love hay.
It has such a sweet smell
and it feels so snuggly.
I love to take naps in the hay.
It calms me right down. Ella too.
I often think alot about hay this time of year, because I see and sniff a lot of manger scenes.
I think a lot about the animals in the manger scene and the hay. Lots of puppies and other animals are born in sweet hay. I imagine that hay would have been one of the first things that a new born baby in a manger would have smelled
-sweet hay.
Makes me think a little differently about things this time of year. Makes naps in the hay, much sweeter too. I hope that you can take a nice nap in some sweet hay this Christmas.

I love the snow

Dashing through the Snow

Who needs a one horse sleigh?

My Hat!

Happy Holidays

Black Labs love the holidays,
cause we get to dress like Santa

We Love Leftovers

Giving Thanks at Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on what we are thankful for.
I'm thankful, that someone stopped their car and pulled me out of the ditch when I was alone at night and just a 4 week old puppy. I am thankful for the vet and everyone there who took care of me and found me the home that I have now, where I am very loved. I am thankful for my new friend Ella Gator, and the caring loving women who saved her, and brought her to me. She is a good friend, even though she still bites my ears to wake me up. I am thankful for the fluffy bed where we sleep and the good people at the feed store where we get our kibble and treats. I am grateful for the vets who sewed me up and the patient vet and their staff who take such good care of us when we need our check ups. I am grateful for our best friends who care for us and play with us each day and sing to us each morning, and walk with us and give us so much love.

I often wonder about the dogs who have no home who need a friend, and hope that they find one soon. Do you need a friend??

Whipped Cream-hold the coffee!

Happiness is a coffee shop drive through that serves whipped cream on the side for Ella and me!

Dog Dreams Do come true!

Dreaming of bones to chew

Ella weighs in at 50 lbs now...
I'm now at 120 lbs-
I'll start my diet
after thanksgiving!

Salmon Fishing

Ella likes to catch salmon. Wanna catch the fish?

Ella loves the sun roof

Nap time is the best time

I think that everyone should take a nap each day. It really does rejuvenate you. I always have a better day when I take a nap. Ella-gator totally agrees with me on this. She's a great nap time buddy- even though she snores. Do you take naps?

Happiness is...

Happiness is
a good friend
who understands you ...

Sit! and Stay!

Ella is
learning
to "sit"
and "stay"-

She is
trying-

but she
wants
to play!

I think
that she
will get it
eventually.

Home to my buddy

I went
to the vet
today.
It was good
to get home
to see Ella-Gator.
She's a hand full,
but she's my bud!

I had an accident

but I am o.k. now
thanks to my friends
and a few amazing vets
who sewed me back together.
thanks for all your prayers
and good wishes...

Early to bed

Ella is always
early to bed
and early to rise-
she is a great
alarm clock

Boxy Snout

Ella getting a boxy snout-
she still bites
the top of my tail
everyday when
we go out...

Waiting at the window

Whenever I take
a walk on my own,
Ella waits
patiently,
at the window,
for me
to come
back...
then she
bites my ears!

What a noodle!

Ella is very leggy right now. She is still growing...

Hmmmmmmmm

Ella loves watching and listening to the hummingbirds at the feeder.

Socks & Naptime

Ella's current favorite game is
"I stole your sock!-Catch me if you can! "
She really likes the pink fluffy ones.
She will also try and take her favorites right off your feet-
especially when you are trying to put them on in the mornings. Then we chase each other around the house.


Ella also likes to get in bed and sleep on the pillow next to you if you are taking a nap.

Four months?

Ella is now, we think, four months old..

Tiny Dancer

Ella got a new purple tu-tu.
I think she looks really beautiful...

Ella is teething..

I gave her a ring.

Fearlessly guarding the Fridge

Ella's back home from the vet.

Ella had to stay overnight at the vet this week. I really missed her- even though she chews on my tail and ears alot. You never know how much you are going to miss someone you love even when they are gone even for just a day. I am so happy that she is home again.

The Halloween Hat incident

Ella had a costume fitting for her Halloween outfit. She really didn't want to wear her hat- she wanted to chew it. So I had to show her how to wear it. Well, she didn't want me wearing her hat either-even though she didn't want to wear it herself. She wanted to chew it- while it was on my head. I don't think so!

Couch potatoes again

There is nothing nicer than a good chew treat on your own comfy couch.

Front porch at home

Ella was happy to back on the front porch at home and watching the hummingbirds again.

Listening to the night creatures

We loved listening to the crickets and frogs on the front porch while we were away from home.

Gustav

Well, Gustav had us evacuating.. Ella for the first time...

Sleepy little Ella...

Ella ready for a nap...

Fox Hunt

Ella likes the Fox.
I like sharing toys with her.

Ella watch

I keep an eye on Ella-
She loves to run around the kitchen

Best Friends!

Ella likes to go with me
where ever I go and
do whatever I do.
Sometimes she just sits next to me
on the couch when I chew.
We do just about everything together.
We are best friends.
Do you have a best friend?

Full Food Bowls are Fun

Ella's Favorite!

Dancing Fox Dreams

Ella looks like she is dancing with her fox toy when she dreams.

Comfy and cozy couple

So, yeah, we're sleeping on the day bed!

Can you whistle?

Ella likes
to listen
to people
whistle...

Ella needs a new dress

Her clothes
don't fit
her anymore
since she
is growing
so quickly.
The vet weighed her in today at 16.8 llbs!!
Grow Ella! Grow!!

I am top dog!

I still
keep an
eye on
her when
she is
sleeping

Ella and her scarf

She is growing so quickly...

I gave Ella my minky

Latest Ella

This is Ella listening:

Ella is sneaky

Ella likes to
sneak my food
if I am not looking.
I have to watch her.
She is getting
big enough
to reach
my bowl!

Ella's First Snowball

It was HOT today-
So we got Ella
her first Snowball-
plain of course!
She liked it.

Ella's first Art opening

We took Ella to an art opening last night. We made a lot of people smile. That is one of my favorite things to do- bring joy. There are alot of sad people in the world. Sometimes they are sad all the time, and sometimes they are just sad for a little while. If Ella is going to hang out with me- she's gonna have to help people to smile just by being there and listening to them, and maybe giving them a hug if they need it. Judging from last night- Ella is going to do just fine.

Couch potato wannabe!

Ella made it to the sofa all by herself! She is really growing fast!

Bella Ella-gator

Bella-Ella
Ella-gator
tries on her
first dress.

What a cutie!

Sharing the sofa

Today I introduced
Bella- Ella-Gator to my sofa.
She likes it just fine.

Puppy Play Time

(click on the title above if video player does not load )

Dance Party!

I love
this place.
Last night
I got to
meet
the kids.
We played
Duck Duck
Goose! and
I was "it"!

Then we played the sock game
and they had a dance party!
After that I was so tired I went to sleep in
the baby-doll crib. Those kids like to play!
It was awesome...

Ella-gator's Favorite Toy

Distinguished Protector

Ok-
So I'm not a bachelor anymore.
I'm cool with that.
I like this man-of-the-house
protector of
Bella Ella Ella-Gator thing.
I feel more distinguished.
More stable. I like the comfyness of it.
Plus- she's fun and
I like to take walks with her.
She smells good too.

No longer a Bachelor

Wow. I guess Ella's really staying here with me.
I guess I'm not a bachelor anymore.
Whoa! Dude! When did this happen?
This needs to sink in.

It's Ella's Pony now

Bella Ella's favorite snuggle toy is my old pony. She loves it.

Go Ella!

Ella is tough.
She can handle
the jolly ball!

"Ella-gator"!

This is
Bella Ella,
"Ella-gator"!
She has stolen
my heart...
and my food...
and my toys...
and my chews...
and my bed...
I love her!

New Girlfriend

There is a
new girl
in our
kitchen.
She is
eating
my food!

Slobbery Kisses

Hugs and slobbery kisses are always a good thing with me- I'm a dog!
However, with humans-big slobbery kisses are ok as long as the intended recipient of my affection is alright with a big slobbery shedding dog giving some love! Sometimes it is hard to know unless you try.

On having a tail

Having a tail to wag is truly a wonderful thing.
I do feel very sorry for humans since they do not have tails.
It is the best expression of joy and contentment.
It feels so freeing to wag when you feel wonderful.
It also creates a nice breeze.

Nap toy

I like to have a stuffed toy
with me when I take a nap.
This is my current fave-
"Rocky" racoon.

I'm Super Dog Vog!

I have special
dog powers!
My eyes glow and
my tag glows
when they activate!!

New Toy

I got a Opossum to play with.
YUM!

Rugs are nice

I like the way they feel on my paws...

I'm getting "jowly"!

The kids gave me a bath this weekend.
It was fun. I feel so much better.
It is so hot outside and I am still shedding...
I'm on a diet this summer.
I am having problems with my hips.
So, no more melted butter on my kibble..
Woe is me!

Drive thru

I love the coffee house drive thru-
sometimes they give me whipped cream!

That dog sure is big!

I get that alot too.
Trust me.
I know I'm a big dog.
You don't need to point that out to me.
I'm VERY aware of it.

What kind of dog is that?

I get so tired of hearing that question.
Do people walk up to each other and ask what their genetic make-up is?
Some have even suggested I take some kind of test to see "what it is"!

I am not an it.

How rude.

Go climb a tree!

New buddy

So It's spring and new arrivals are everywhere.
Today I met " Prancer" our new African Goose.
Oh boy!

Baby Cows

I love to watch the calves grow in our neighborhood.
They grow so fast...

Valentine's Day First Date

I've had a writer's block ever since I met Camille.
She was as fierce and constantly moving as a little hurricane.
She was a beautiful young blonde puppy from New England.
We had a date, my first date ever-
on Valentines' Day at the park under the oaks.
I had to admit, I was older and I couldn't quite match her.
But I'll never forget her...

Nap time

I get tired of chasing things. I'm glad that I can take a nap when I need one. I think that everyone should have the freedom to take a nap if they need it. They probably would be more refreshed all day if they could.

All by myself...

Today I tried to dress myself.
I got this tank top from
the laundry room and
tried to put it on.
Really.
I did.
I think
I need
a bigger
size
shirt.

The Contender

I love Brando.
Sometimes I think
that I am Brandog!
So after my workout
I like to strut around
with my towel on too.

Puttin' on the Ritz!

Tonight we are going out on the town.

More thunder and lightning again

Well, It's raining really, really hard out there and
there is lots of thunder and lightning.
You know I really don't like lightning.
I'll wait to sleep when it has passed on by.

I ate too much

I ate too much lamb kibble with rice and sweet potatoes
for the holidays...I'm going to try and sleep it off...

On Heeling and Healing

I recommend both.
I heel for anyone who is my best buddy and stick close to them in case they need me.
I also heal by just being there and giving lots of licks and unconditional love 24/7.

Holiday Hoop-i-la!

The Holiday frenzy is in full swing, or should I say full throttle?? People seem to have gone crazy chasing their tails and tail-gating to fetch all kinds of things. I prefer to give the gifts of friendship, respect, playful companionship, unconditional love, and affection. I do this all year, so the holidays are no different. I don't wait for one "day" in the year to show care for others, even those I do not know. Try it. It feels great. If you don't normally show care for others, the holidays are a good time to start. If you don't have a family, or someone to share with, help those who are in need. Someone took the time to help me when I was alone and afraid and I'll never forget that.

Christmas

Yep-
That's a drawing of me at the bottom of the manger scene.
A young artist made this. I think that it is very nice.
Especially the smiles.

The Press

For my new Park and Bark Campaign-
I need someone very capable to be the
Campaign Chairman and Head of the Press Corp.
So because of his inside connections and longtime experience
with members of the Press, and his charming good looks,
I have selected Moet Greenberg.
I hope that he has time in his schedule.

Senor Fledermaus

I have a new
running mate for my
Park and Bark Platform.
He is from California
and is part German
part Aztec Warrior.
He is planning on
bringing attention
to immigration issues.

His name is Senor Don " Flederino" Fledermaus and he is a Mexican Hairless.
He is small but powerful so I think he will do well.
As you can tell from his name he also loves Opera and supports the arts.
He also has a powerful wardrobe to offset his exotic and unusual features.
I look forward to meeting him.

My Presidential Platform

If I were to run for President, ( why not? I run well!)
I would run on a" Park and Bark " Platform.

I would make sure that there were Public Parks
where all were welcome in EVERY neighborhood
in the country- with plenty of trees and fresh water too.

I would also make the right to Bark
anywhere, anytime, about anything an absolute right.

In fact- I am currently the Grand Pooh-bah of the
Quite Right and Necessary Canines for Arborists Club.

I help to plant trees, especially native trees,
In my neighborhood. I try to supervise and assist in the digging of the holes
in order to plant the trees and I occasionally assist in fertilization campaigns.

How many trees have you planted or nurtured in your neighborhood??

Why Barney is not a Dinosaur

So this guy has the total life ...
Full run of the White House,
Including the White House kitchen!!!...
ohh I am so jealous..
That red carpeted staircase looks like it would be heaven to run up and down.
I wonder if they let him dig on the lawn???
I wish that we could have a Canine -Technology summit together in Washington..
He has the life a dog only dreams of...
complete with lots of awesome seasonal costumes.
Holiday cheers to Barney and company on Pennsylvania Avenue!!!
click on the title above to see his webpage.

Dog tricks on command

Click on the above header "Dog tricks on command".
It will link you to a Flash ( version 8 ) generated website much like
BK's subservientchicken.com
But more dog and kid friendly.
If you type in a short command such as:
kiss,roll over, jump, fetch, lie down, speak, beg or dance...
Then see what happens...
I think it is a great gig for the little guy and I am grateful to Heartgard for saving my little life..
Me? Protected since July 2005!
Mille Mercis Merial !!!

Happy Thanksgiving

I hope that we're having duck.

What are you having for Thanksgiving?

My latest portrait

An artist did a drawing of me.
My ears are as pretty as a bow..
I like having my picture painted.

HAY-HAY-HAY!

I love hay.
It smells so sweet.
A great big pile of it
anywhere is always
a great place
to take a nap.

I am a "foodie"

As you may have noticed
from my profile,
I am a "Foodie"
gourmet, gourmand...
Whatever!
just pass it over this way!
I also assist in the kitchen.
If you ever
join us for dinner,
I will be happy
to assist you
in your dining experience.

and of course I help with the
cleaning of the dishes-
I am very, very thorough.

About the phone

Yeah, O.K.
I like to talk
on the PHONE.
Don't get me wrong,
e-mail is great-
however-
I really enjoy it
when people call,
and take the time to say hello to me.

The sound of people's voices are so unique
and I am someone who is truly a really great listener.
Who did you take the time to call and listen to today?

Mille Mercis

" Mille Mercis"
for all the
Halloween
dog biscuits.




Special thanks
also to those of you
who helped me to make up
my mind on what costume to wear.



You know who you are!!! Semper Fi!!

Now I can't wait for Thanksgiving
so that I can see all the family and get some yams!

Ode to a tennis ball

ODE TO A TENNIS BALL
I love my yellow tennis ball.
It is so very round.
I love it when it's thrown to me,
accross the grassy ground.
It's bouncey and it rolls so well.
It's so much fun to catch.
I like to bring it back to you.
Come on now, let's play fetch!

Cooler Weather

Today we went for a drive and the weather was great! It is getting cooler everyday.

All meals should be shared

I really do believe that all meals should be shared. If anyone else is dining, I feel compelled to join them. If they don't care for me to share in their meal, well then, at least I'll make an attempt to discuss it. Loudly and persistently!

Writer's block

Having a laptop is a good thing for a lapdog like me because sometimes it is hard to write. I guess you would call it writer's block. I have so many things that I want to say and they all just come out "ruff" . Sometimes you just have to chew on it...

Let's ride!

I love riding in the car.
My "Doggles" make it way fun;
rain or sun-I'm happy!

Me as a bee ?

Ok-
Just when you thought it was decided-
I found another costume to consider for the party...
To "Bee" or Not too "Bee"???
That is the new question

Where I came from

I was found wandering at 4 weeks old
in a ditch in the country
and given to a vet who then
gave me to my good buddies
who love me very much.
The vet thought I might
grow to be about 60 lbs.
well, I fooled them...
Now at just over two years,
I weigh in at about 115lbs!