Off on sabbatical

Dear Friends,

I am off on a sabbatical for a while and will not be blogging. I will still be following your blogs avidly as I kick up my heels and take a break. If you are not a member of FTN (why not? its the best foxie group around!!) and want to stay in touch, you can contact me via Mom at editordan2002 at yahoo.

Toodles for now.

AGC

Free Dog Treat Sample

I'm all about snacks so when Mama Dee found this offer to try Exclusively Dog Cookies, I signed up immediately. Mama Dee is a genius at getting free stuff and finding the best coupons. Every day a new freebie arrives in the mail!

So click here for your free treats! By the way, anyone ever get those Science Diet free snacks that I also publicized. Mine never arrived and its been quite a while - were they yanking our tails in an effort to collect our info while NOT sending the booty!? Never thought much of Science Diet to begin with, now I really don't like them! No one pulls one over on Axel G Chocholoza!

AGC

Farewell Dad

My Dad passed away yesterday morning - we were all with him and it was peaceful.

Dani

Mom Not Coming Back After All

Mom called us this morning with the sad news that they were told this morning by Grandpa's doctors that there is nothing more they can do to save his life. Grandpa is going to die in the next few days but he will be on morphine, with no pain, just deeply asleep.

Mom is of course very upset but she is also relieved because it has been torture watching her beloved Dad suffer through 5 surgeries in 3 weeks and go through so much. She has decided to stay with her family until July 15. Though I wish she was coming home as scheduled, I understand that she needs her family now, and I am okay with that.

I love my Grandpa so very much - it was only because of him that my name is Axel (Grandpa has a big Axel manufacturing company) and that Mom came to love wire fox terriers. Grandpa is a big fan of Johnny Walker Whiskey and I've spotted some on the shelf in the kitchen. I am going to ask Dad if we can have a wee nip tonite to salute Grandpa and his wonderful 85 years on earth.

AGC

Update on Grandpa

Axel's Mom here. I am still in South Africa. I wish I had good news for you, but the fact is that Dad is critically ill and has been for some time now. Since his heart surgery, he has had 4 additional surgeries and one setback after another. For the past 5 days he has been sleeping and unresponsive. Though I have been praying for his recovery, I believe in my heart that it probably is not to be. He is in a very weakened state now after almost 4 weeks in ICU and he is 85 after all.

On Tuesday I am planning to leave South Africa after a month and return to my life in Philadephia. Of course I leave with a very heavy heart and deep sadness because I do not expect to see my beloved father alive again. I have struggled with the decision to leave, but I knew Dad would be the first one to tell me its time to go, that I need to get back to my life and my work in Philadelphia.

I can't wait to hug Axel - I have so missed his little furry presence. I have no doubt I will be leaning on him when I get home.
Please keep Dad (and me) in your prayers. This is the hardest time in both our lives I expect.

Dani

PS Please note the NEW button on the top right of the blog - please click to find out more about Sweet Cecil and open your hearts and wallets to help this dear boy restore his vision.

Prayers for Grandpa

I haven't blogged for a while because my paws are being used for more important purposes - that of holding them together in prayer for my dear Grandpa - Mom's Dad who is very ill. He is 85 years old and last Thursday underwent triple bypass and valve replacement surgery. This is horrendous surgery at any age, but can you imagine at the age of 85 what a shock it must be to his body?

Mom tells me lots of stories about Grandpa and what a strong man he is mentally and physically even at his age. Grandpa is really responsible for my existence because it was he who fell for the wire fox terrier breed years ago and insisted on buying Mom her first wire when she was 12 and wanted a maltese poodle instead!

I miss Mom very much, she flew to South Africa to be with her family last Monday, 5 hours after getting the call that her Dad was so sick. I'm not sure when she will be back, but we are hoping this weekend or early next week. Mom doesn't want to leave until her Dad is conscious and on the road to recovery. Right now he is still ventilated and stable...

Please join me in praying for Grandpa's complete and rapid recovery!

AGC

Axel does Monet

I went swimming in the pond today. Mom got this lovely photo of me. It made us think of the impressionist artist Monet. We think he would have liked it.

Here is a long shot of the beautiful area around the pond:

AGC

Groundhog Day

So Mom came home from work and said, "C'mon Ax, let's go to the park, it finally stopped raining." On the way to the park is a railway crossing surrounded by high weeds and lots of mud. As we crossed the street into this wasteland, Mom and I spotted a fat groundhog -- he looked like that fella at left. He was almost as big as me!

I must take a minute to compliment my Mom. I am a good teacher. The old lady learnt from her prior experience. Of course, the minute I saw the groundhog, my terrier instincts kicked in and I pulled that leash like there was no tomorrow. Mom had the sense to let go of me before I pulled her over head first into the mud. I took off after the hog, and followed him into a grassy mound of earth. At that point, Mom reached me somehow and took off the leash so I wouldn't get caught on the undergrowth. She also, generously, decided to let me enjoy myself. (Not like she had a choice, I was NOT leaving!)

There was an entrance on both sides of the mound, so I stuck my whole body in there, and then started digging and digging. Mud was flying everywhere! When I couldn't find the hog at one entrance, I ran over the top of the mound to the other side and tried from the other end. I could smell the rascal, but I couldn't get him. Throughout the pursuit, other dogs walked by on the way to the park and I raced to the top of the mound and barked at them -- this was my groundhog and I was NOT about to share it!

I know its hard to make me out in the photo at right - it was taken on Mom's cell, but you get the idea. That's my bum and tail you see sticking out the hole.

An hour passed by, the sky had blackened and a downpour was imminent. Mom was now worrying about how she was going to leash and drag me home - you can't really see so well in the pic, but the mound was surrounded by bramble, rocks and undergrowth. When the rain came down, Mom took the plunge and managed after some time, to catch and drag me away. Man, I was pissed. I could have stayed there all night.

Of course I was filthy by this time, and Dad was not home, so I knew no way was Mom going to manage to bath me alone. I was excited to think that I'd be able to stay this dirty for a while. I love being dirty.

No suck luck. Mom sequestered me in the kitchen. Dad came home and 5 minutes later, lured with a big piece of provolone cheese, I found my self in the bath being shampooed. Drat!
I'm gonna get me that groundhog!!! He lives to see another day, but not for long. Heh heh.

AGC

PS Happy Passover and Happy Easter everyone. How come the Jews get the bum deal again - cardboard, yuch, even I won't eat that! And the Christians get gaily painted chocolate eggs? Geez.

Chef Axel

So Mom often complains that Dad never cooks. The other day, he was sort of forced into it. Mom took a very yummy looking beef brisket out the freezer (or the icy snackbox as I like to call it) planning to cook it as soon as she got home so it could be ready for a late-ish dinner. But then she got delayed at work and called Dad. The conversation went like this:

"Babe - I can't get home for another 2 hours. If you want to eat, you gotta cook!"

{silence}

"Hello?"

"I'm here. You know I don't cook."

"Well, times are about to change, I promise you even Axel could cook this brisket"

["Grrrr, I resent that!!!"]

"Are you sure?"

"Quite confident. This is what you do...Take the brisket, put it in a large pyrex dish. Take the bottle of bbq sauce I left on the counter, pour it over the meat. Take the packet of onion soup mix I left on the kitchen counter, and pour that over the meat. Finally, take a can of coke and pour THAT over the meat. Cover it and put it in the oven."

"Then what?"

"Then nothing, that's it. Do it now and it will be ready in 3 hours!"

So Dad and I got to it and it took about 2 minutes to mix the ingredients and put the beast in the oven. Over time, the house filled with the most delish smell!

When Mom got home, Dad took it out the oven and sliced it with an electric knife while I supervised (with my mouth open). It was scrumptuous, soft and tasty...heavenly.

And Dad strutted around the kitchen like a proud peacock like he'd given birth to the brisket. Mom was most amused. But alas, Dad has not cooked since!

AGC

PS The parents saw a house they liked primarily because it was above a creek and they pictured me running amok and frolicking in there....don't forget to check out mom's blog to read more...

Bad Dog and New Blog

Hello all,

Don't I look like a sweet angel snoozing on my fox toy? heh heh.

Sorry I haven't written much. It is mother's fault. She just started a new blog at http://firstabode.wordpress.com/, and I now enjoy even less time online! It's not fair. The only reason I am not having a hissy fit, is that I guess it is for a good cause. The parents are looking for a new home for us. I already submitted my wishlist -- big back yard full of critters, friendly neighbor dogs, window seat from which I can peruse the street and a doggie door so I don't have to give the parents funny looks when I want to go out. I'm keeping my paws crossed. I just don't understand why I don't get to go with to see the potential homes...that ain't right!

In other news, I was a very naughty boy last week. Mom was taking me for a walk when I spotted my friend Sophie and yanked the lead so I could catch up with her. Uh oh. Down went my wee Mom, her knees hitting concrete. Boy was she mad - mainly because I didn't stay by her side to see if she was ok, I took off after Sophie and didn't give a poop. Well that's how she saw it. I see it differently - I took off cos I thought Mom would prefer to weep alone and I knew she had her cell and would call Dad. I thought it would be less bother if I just went to the park with Sophie. Of course Mom didn't buy this for a second and now at every opportune moment she lambasts me and shows me her knee (pictured above a week later) and says, "You see this big colorful bruise - you did it!!"

I'm sorry, I'm sorry, mea culpa!!

AGC

Hero Dog

I was humbled when Mom showed me this amazing video which portrays the amazing character and loyalty of us dogs:



I would like to meet that heroic dog and shake his paw. But he's in Chile and noone was ever able to find him after this incident, though many tried...There are apparently thousands of stray dogs in Chile. Sadly, the injured dog crossed to the Rainbow Bridge despite the valiant efforts of the nameless, heroic stray.

By the way, you have a chance to be a hero too - please click on the image of Zazoo (top right) and vote for him in this contest that could win American Fox Terrier Rescue $10,000! We need your help!

AGC

Winter is for Hibernating!

We hope the title of this post will explain our absence. Just last week I got a very rude email from my grandma in South Africa calling me a quote, "Lazy Hound" for not blogging! I was most offended. I think she needs to apologize and send me some "Good Boy Treats" - they are these yummy treats Mom brought me from SA - little round pieces of fake chocolate that tastes like the real thing...

Anyway, so I'm back. It's been a very sad week in doggie blog land - Bogie's beloved daddy Klaus passed away after a sudden and awful illness. We were all praying so hard for his recovery, but sadly he crossed over to heaven on the weekend. We can't stop thinking of Bogie and his Mom Lulu and the sorrow they must be going through. Please keep them in your prayers.

Yesterday, the white stuff came down - all 8 inches of the stuff. Today I had a grand old time in the dog park. Humans were sledding with their dogs and I ran up and down barking at them. I am known as the Dog Park Referree because I bark at any dogs who get out of control. Of course, often I get yelled at by the humans, they accuse me of getting the already worked up dogs, more worked up. Go figure! Dumb humans.

Not much going on. With the weather so cold, we've been indoors a lot and as a result I've been subjected to mindless TV drivel like The Bachelor and Idol...More proof I'm afraid to say it...dumb humans.

AGC
Superior Being.

GET YOUR FREE SNACKS!

Breaking News!

Remember a while ago Jackson sent me some DoggieLicious gourmet treats for a holiday gift? Well, Mom wrote a review on the awesome DoggieLicious products and they set up a page to invite everyone to sample their treats!

So click to http://www.doggielicious.com/sample.htm to claim your piece of the action.

I have to tell you they are really the most wonderful treats ever - I especially loved the pumpkin flavors and the carob coated bones.

AGC
Connisseur of the Superlative Snack

We're ALL on the mend

Well the good news is that Mom is doing MUCH better, she is almost back to work full-time now - just coughing still and a bit weaker than she was, but definitely eons better every day. She has taken to smiling a lot and appreciating every little thing every day. Guess it takes getting sick to do that to one.

She might also be losing her marbles a bit. Yesterday we had a big snowstorm here in Philly - we got about 5 inches of snow! But upon arriving home from work, what did you think Mom did? I'll give you a pictorial clue:

Yes, she decided to BBQ steaks on the grill outside surrounded by the snow. These South Africans will stop at nothing to BRAAI (the SA equivalent of BBQ - pronounced to rhyme with CRY) And note to Grandma in SA - yes, Mommy is not wearing a coat, hat or gloves while she cooks. She is very silly indeed. LOL. But in her defense, she was in and out very fast and the fire from the grill was toasty! So we ALL had delish steak and mash potatoes for dinner and I got to chew the bones and get some flesh. Yummy.

You will also be happy to know that my hotspots are getting better. This is what it looked like about 5 days ago after the vet cleaned it up (for $282!!) [warning: photo may make you barf]:
This is how it looks today:
So it is much better. I am still licking a bit but so far have been spared the dreaded collar which Mom says she is going to return to Petco and get her $35 back!
Now if only Dad felt better - he is going through a box of Puffs tissues every 5 hours - I can't believe how much snot one guy can have! Heh heh.

Not much else to report folks. Hope everyone is doing swell.

AGC

Big Thank You from Mom

Mom is dictating the following message:

Dear Friends,
Thank you for all the wonderful well wishes received via Ax's blog. I am deeply appreciative of all the kind, encouraging words.
Today I feel so much better I am almost ready to do a jig! I have been eating a lot and today at my check up was happy to hear I had gained back 5 pounds! I am half way there!

Unfortunately, tomorrow Ax has to go to the vet as instead of eating my snacks, he has taken to eating his leg and tail!

{What??? hang on Mom...I'm not writing that....argh! Ok, yeah, so I've made a big mess of my leg and tail - it's red, sore and swollen and hurts like hell...I didn't mean to do such a good job on myself, I just got nervous with you being away....boo hoo....}

Anyway, he definitely needs antibiotics and I fear he might get the dreaded collar if he can't leave his skin alone....

So thank you everyone from near and far and all the virtual nursies who have done a very fine job getting me back to strength....I hope to go back to work part time next week and get stronger every day!

Mom

Ok, I'm not adding anything to Mom's post, I'm a bit miffed that she thinks I enjoyed eating my leg and tail! Not so. I couldn't help it. I'm a very very sensitive guy.

AGC

Mom Sick

Just letting you know I haven't been blogging cos Mommy has been pretty sick. She just came home from a 5-day stay in the hospital as a result of a very bad virus that affected her breathing so that she almost had respitory failure. She was very scared but is doing better now and I'm glad she is home. Any wires who can offer some nursing assistance, please drop by and bring food as Mom has lost almost 10 pounds and she was little to begin with! I promise I will not eat food designated for Mom. (Well, I'll try).

Thanks.
AGC Chief RN.

Totally Off Topic - But I Like Music with a Message

Hey All,
So let's take a break from talking about hot spots and doggie issues and let's turn to world issues. Mom has been very upset by the war going on in Gaza and we all pray every night before we go to sleep that the madness will end and peace will one day come to the Middle East. But I tell Mom there is about as much chance of that happening, as there is of me turning into a cockapoo overnight.

So I found this very inspiring, upbeat and optimistic video on Youtube that I want to share with all of you tonite - so turn up your speakers and clap your paws and spread this message of reconciliation and hope!



AGC
Part-time peace activist, full-time snack fiend.

Of Crocodiles and Crazy Boo

Well much has happened in the last week.

First, the Crocodile (pictured right with us) finally arrived. Crocodile is Mom's great old friend who was visiting from South Africa. Her real name is Suzie but Mom's Dad gave her the nickname Croc many years ago because she is very tall and long. Mom's nickname is Mouse because, well, she is the opposite of the Croc - she is small and squeaky. Heh heh.

So Suzie came to visit us for four days - so not only did we have a crazy pup named Boo with us, we had a Croc too. Luckily the Croc loves dogs though she is partial to labs and retrievers...but we were great ambassadors for our breed and she now loves Wires too.

We were on our best behaviour...well, I was...Boo kept playfully attacking me...

Let me tell you, that pup drove me nuts much of the time...he is crazy. He loves to play but gets a bit carried away sometimes and never stops. I like to play too, but I like to snooze as well and often the only way I could do that, was to beg the parents to put him in his crate. Sometimes I had to fiercely defend myself against him but I never snapped ever...I just had to give him a certain look, and he'd get the message...well, for about 3 seconds!

Can you believe that's me? You don't often see that side of me - I'm a mellow, gentle type of guy.

So Croc and Boo had a bit of a love affair. Boo mistook her for a pillow and loved to cuddle with her. I didn't mind, I just appreciated the break! Don't they look cute?
Boo is a funny character, especially when he was asleep. Just look at him sleeping in his crate (grinning in his sleep!) and on my couch:

Anyway, so yesterday, Mom, Dad and me drove Boo to Maryland where he will be living with dear friends M and S and their furkids Mackie, Finn and Ollie, who are charged with finding him his new home. I got to play with Finn and Ollie and check out their lovely house and huge yard - and then I wished Boo well and said farewell.

As you know, I, Axel G Chocholoza, am always honest, so I am not going to lie on my blog and say that I was heartbroken, bereft and in a state of abject despair to say goodbye to Boo. I enjoyed his company and having him as my playmate most of the time - but he was too hyper for me and sometimes his need to wrestle and play was too much for me. I was always patient and never once hurt the fella, but there were times where he really tried my patience. And, I am not ashamed to admit, I love my Mom and Dad, and did not enjoy sharing them with another dog. I also love my home and park and friends - it was hard to share all these things with Boo, though I never once openly revealed these feelings while he was with us. I was always gentlemanly and generous. I even shared my waterbowl, food and treats! Afterall, I am unique!

After we got back from Maryland - I fell into a most delicious slumber, free at last of the stress of having Boo about and having to entertain him.
And I had special one on one huggies/snooze with Dad...

I wish Boo only the very best life with a very loving family. I guess that means, I wish Boo everything that I have.

AGC