Shout out to Gus the Wire

A wiry fellow of 3 years of age left me a nice comment on yesterday's blog post. His name is Gus (pictured left), and he just moved to Arizona - that's the place Mom and Dad want to live too, because it's HOT there! So I'm hoping one day I get to be neighbors with Gus, he looks like lots of fun. His blog is called "On the Go with Gus" because the lucky fella travels a great deal.

I tried to leave a comment on his blog but it wouldn't let me post! Blimey. Gus, if you are reading this, leave me another comment and add your email so we can correspond!

Not much news from me - oh other than some horrible horrible human smashed into Dad's parked truck AGAIN! I heard the bang this morning and barked and barked - but Dad grabbed me and had the temerity to tell me to shut up lest I wake up our dear precious sensitive neighbor Rex! Let that be a lesson to you humans -- we don't bark for our amusement, we bark for a reason, ususally to help our masters and warn them of trouble!

Dad is very upset about his car because in this country even though it isn't your fault, if someone drives off without leaving their info, you have to pay a $500 deductible to get your car fixed. Doesn't seem fair, does it? I mean $500 could keep me in Dingo chews for a few months! Mom and Dad shouldn't have to spend their wedding gifts on stupid insurance deductibles. I feel really bad for them. I hope that human who rammed the car and ran away gets bitten by an untrained vicious pitbull! (No offense to my gentle pit friend Elvis).

I saw Bailey this morning, she had to have stitches after her run in with Sasha the Akita. I think she needs a bit of psychological counselling as well, she's one bitch who can't get along with other bitches. What a shame. I mean I dig a good chick fight just like the rest of the guys, but not when it's two of my closest female pals. Try to get along gals!

AGC

Bike Race Brings Friends from Afar

Guess who I met today? Mackie the Sock Eater's Mom Melissa, Dad Steve and nephew! They came all the way from Maryland to meet me, and oh yeah, to see the big Bike Race in Philadelphia which is taking place right in my park! And noone even asked if I minded! What's up with that?

Anyway, Melissa and Steve were very friendly and gave me many pats and admired my head of all places. They also brought me a gift - a squirrel squeaker toy! How cool is that? People bearing gifts are always welcome to visit me.

Funny to think that last week this time I was at Doggy Day Care and Mom and Dad were doing a jig at their wedding. Mom seems very tired this weekend, she's been sleeping an awful lot - guess she has some catching up to do. I am happy to report that the wedding room has been restored to my computer room and I can come and go now as I like! Woohoo.

Yesterday morning Bailey the Boxer and Sasha the Akita had a bit of a fight. Sasha is always on leash, but Bailey kind of went for her and ended up with a bleeding lip. I never saw Bailey this morning, I hope she's okay - I tried to visit with Mom yesterday, but noone answered the door.

I think I better go downstairs, Mom is behaving weirdly - she's yelling at the TV! There are these odd little men in different colors running around on the screen chasing a ball - something called the World Cup Soccer. Being from Africa, Mom seems to enjoy this "sport" - she's yelling "Go Mexico!" and saying less than flattering things about Iran. Meantime, Dad is fast asleep in bed with the TV blaring...my parents sure are nutty.

AGC

Mom and Dad are Married!!!

Woohoo, the wedding is over! Mom and Dad are now Mr. and Mrs. I'm sorry I missed the wedding but I had a fabulous time at Doggy Day Care, and it was only two nights, so it wasn't that lonesome!

Check out some wedding photos!!!
Here is the bride:



Mom circles Dad as is customary during the ceremony:













First Dance:


Home from Doggy Daycare and back in Mom's lap where I belong:



















Life is great, we're now no longer a family living in sin...and I'm legit!

AGC

A Brief Friendship

So last night, I heard loud chirping in the middle of the night. I started growling and running downstairs to demand to go out and check out what the racket was all about. Mom and Dad weren't very happy as they were trying to sleep - it was about 3 a.m.

Dad finally let me out thinking I needed to pee - humans are funny, I don't always want to go outside just to pee or poop!
Anyway, there in my very own backyard was a little baby bird! It was it's momma who was making all the noise. I rushed out to look closer. It sure was a sweet birdie. It didn't cross my mind to attack it or harm it, I just enjoyed sitting and looking at the little creature.

Dad got weary after a while and tried to grab my collar and haul me in. But the momma bird went nuts and tried to peck him!! Then Mom came outside in a very bad mood - she likes her sleep - told Dad he was being silly, charged outside, grabbed my collar and shlepped me inside! The momma bird didn't try to peck her!! She must have been afraid of Mom.

So that was my brief friendship with a baby birdie. Mom and Dad were verklempt that I didn't try to harm it as they would have expected. The next day the baby was still there but on the gate, but a few hours later, it disappeared. I sure hope Blanche the cat next door (belonging to my nemesis Rex) didn't eat it for lunch!

AGC

Grandma's Arriving Today

Hi everyone. Sorry I haven't written, but it's hardly my fault. The computer/wedding room is totally off limits now - especially cos mom has all the Out of Town welcome bags (which are full of tasty Philly treats) in the room. I guess I won't be writing again until next week when the wedding is finally over! Yay!

So I don't know where I"ll be today a week, but I do know I won't be at the wedding. Mom says dogs aren't allowed at the Country Club - what discrimination! That's how things started in Nazi Germany - No Jews Allowed. Well, I do protest! I was meant to be going to Doggy Day Care for 3 nights but now Dad is not so sure he wants me to go there. Gracie's Mom Dianne offered to take me, and I'd love to stay with them...Mom and Dad are not sure they are comfy imposing though. Urgh.

Well the big news is that Rex the neighbor has turned nasty! He notified the authorities because I was barking a bit during the day! I mean give me a break, can't a dog bark during daylight hours!? So Mom and Dad got a very cordial letter in the mail asking them to be considerate etc. There was a phone number to call with questions and you can be sure that Mom will call after Memorial Day to find out exactly what is in the bounds of nuisance, and when can a dog bark and not bark?

Boy, last evening, Mom and Dad took me on a long walk to the Art Museum where there is a big fountain. I was scared to jump in cos I didn't know how deep it was, so Mom the good old sport, waded in in her sandals and then I felt safe and dived in. It was such fun!!

Grandma is arriving from South Africa this afternoon!! I can't wait to see her again. Boy the house has had its first thorough cleaning - it smells bizarre! Wonder if Grandma will even notice. I am apparently not allowed to sleep in my usual bed tonite - as due to space restrictions, Mom and Grandma have to sleep in Mom and Dad's bed and poor Dad is relegated to the bed in the basement. As Grandma is not accustomed to sleeping in bed with dogs, I have to stay with Dad. Not sure I like that.

AGC

Party Animal

On May 17 I turned ONE year young! Today was my party in the park. I made a photo album of all the pics of me and my friends. To see the album, just click here.

Sorry this is so brief, I'm a busy dog.

AGC

PS Great news! Tieta, featured on my blog a few days ago, has found her forever home with Ozzie in Colorado! And all thanks to my post on this very blog!

Wiry Fan Mail from Singapore!

You know me. I love a good jig! Well, when I found this awesome email in my inbox today, both Mom and I grabbed paws and hands and did a jig around the computer/wedding room (quite the miracle that - Mom makes me tip-toe in this sacred room lest I disturb the darn favors...)

So the email was from Party - pictured left (is he cute or what?). He described himself thus:

"I am a 6 year old wire. I was named Party (‘Ramasage Show No Mercy’) in the show home that I was born in. However, I was sold for a meaty price shortly after I won a puppy show, to someone who wanted a dog to show but did not think to love me. All in all, I had lived in no less than 3 homes and 1 breeding farm in the first 3 years of my life, endured neglect and lack of nutrition until I met mum.

She took me into her home to live, fattened me up (thankfully not for the Christmas dinner), and brought me all over, to play, to complete the shows and to simply have fun.".

Party lives with Mango who he describes as "a feisty 5 year old wft gal. Well, she came to live with mummy, at about 7 months old, from a farm, unsold at that age because of a bad bout of untreated fungus..." That's Mango on the right.

As I told you Mango and Party live in Singapore. Party told me that, "We are the wires from Singapore, a city island very far from you. It’s between Indonesia (near Australia) and Malaysia (beneath Thailand) and amounts to a little dot on the equator. My canine folks are mostly from Australia, and so are Mango’s. But both Mango and myself are born in Singapore. And our human mummy is a Chinese, but she is born in
Singapore (not China, though her ancestors are from there- and so it makes us a pretty multi- cultural family)."

Pretty interesting. Party also assured me that, "I know you must be wondering if my mummy eats dogs since she is Chinese. Well, nope, she does not! Neither do the couple of million Chinese (out of 3 million human population) here in Singapore. Chinese who have dogs here come in all types. Mango and me met those who did not know how to take care of us. However, there are others who simply love and indulge in our kind. From pet cafés to bakery to prams, many enjoy indulging in our kind too."

Well that's a relief, isn't it?!

Party and Mango have a baby together, named Fever (left). What an adorable little girl! I think I"m in love AGAIN. Fever lives with Mango and Party's cousin and guess what? she has her own blog so check it out!

And I left out the best part - that Mango and Party and their Mom Ng and Fever are all big fans! Party told me that, "Mummy talks a lot about you, Axel, like you have always been a family friend… Axel said this… Axel did that… Axel had this new toy… If only they could be friends… And I had only begun to realize how mummy was taken
by your charm when she said she will be getting us some toys from U.S. simply because you mentioned it on your blog..."

Can you believe it - I have POWER to persuade. My blog is famous around the world. I really am Blogger Supremo!

Well I hope you all enjoyed meeting my Singaporean pals as much as I did, and we hope to hear from them again soon. I gotta run and bark now as it's pouring with rain, thundering and hailing! It's too much to ignore!

AGC

Little Tieta Needs a Home

Tieta is a really cute 3.5 year old female Wire Fox Terrier whose family could no longer care for her. She is a petite little girl at 17 lbs. and she is a ball of energy! She is spayed and has all her shots. She loves kids and other dogs and is a little busy-body who will be your shadow. If you can give Tieta a stable forever home, please contact Julie at wftmomx2@yahoo.com

I hope both Scubie (featured on my blog a few days ago) and Tieta find homes soon. I can tell you I always overhear my parents saying what joy I have brought to their lives. Only yesterday when they thought I was asleep, I heard Mom say what I'd contributed to their lives - a circle of friends they would never have met but for me; regular exercise; regular laughter and further cementing of their relationship. That makes me proud and it makes me think that two very lucky families could make their lives happier and more entertaining if they offered these beautiful wires forever homes.

AGC

Of Makeovers, Meetings with Iowian Bitch and Early Birthday Gifts

Wow, what a day!

One highlight was around noon, Mom and I went for a long walk (Dad was still sick in bed, poor Dad, not a happy chap right now) to Lincoln park. I was having great fun with a few dogs when this man and his small dog came running towards us. Then Mom and I realized it was a wiry bitch on the end of his leash, and Mom was overcome with glee. Turned out that was Georgia all the way from Iowa - she had come with her Mom and Dad to see the Dad Vale Regatta. Her Dad was very excited to see another wire, and he thought I was gorgeous. Quite right. I played a bit with Georgia and we rolled around on the grass. Mom was sorry to leave them, but I had my hair appointment so we had to. Before Mom said goodbye she scribbled down my blog address in the hope they'd come and visit. I also hope they do and visit Butchy and Snickers' blog as they too live in Iowa. Maybe they can all get together! If Georgia is reading this and wants to stay in touch, you can email me here.

I was so pooped after that walk, Mom dragged me home, and then told me we were going out again, by car. Woohoo! She took me to the Bow Wow and Meouw grooming salon. Mom was thrilled to find out that they know how to strip - hardly anyone else does around here, and between you and me, Mom and Dad suck at it! They dropped me off at 12:30 PM and I wasn't done until after 4 PM. The nice grooming lady told Mom I had been a very good boy, so she was so proud. Turns out my haircuts cost more than Mom and Dad's combined - but then I have more hair than they do combined too! Mom, Dad and me think Bow Wow did a great job stripping me and we heartily recommed the salon to all dogs in Philadelphia!
So here are some pics of the new look Axel, handsome daredevil:

When I got home, Mom told me two early birthday gifts had arrived for me! One from Miss Amelia, and one from Huckleberry! I was verklempt, so appreciative was I of their generosity. Miss Amelia sent me a bright red retractable lead and collar and money to spend on treats! How cool is that?! And Huck - well, he knows me well - he sent me a Tshirt that says, "THE BITCHES LOVE ME!" - man, I can't wait to show that off in the park. Mom can wear her fave Tshirt too that says, "SKINNY BITCH" - we'll be quite the pair. Mom hated being thin all her life, but now she flaunts it in front of all the fat Americans! LOL. But wait, I forgot to tell you the best thing - Huck also sent me the hugest Dingo I've ever seen. Delicious. I carried it around in my mouth for 1/2 hour not quite knowing whether to tackle it or hide it. THANK YOU MISS AMELIA AND HUCK - YOU BOTH ROCK!! Here is a pic of me and my big Dingo:



So with all this excitement, I am really really tired. So I decided to cuddle with Dad and have a snooze - I know that always cheers him up. I love my Dad and I love to share his pillow.



I wish every day was like today.

AGC

PS Forgot, Mom spotted a wiry greeting card at the Carwash store of all places. It's a birthday card that says, "Happy Birthday, don't lift a paw!" Cute wire, but I dare say, I would make a better model.You can buy these cards - with or without the caption by clicking here.

Scubie Needs A Home

Meet Scubie...


He is a cute wiry fella who is looking for a loving, forever home. He will be 6 years-old on May 29 and he is healthy as a horse! (Funny, why is it sick as a dog and healthy as a horse!? Seems damn unfair if you ask me...again, noone ever does).

Poor Scubie lost his human daddy a while back which is why he needs a new home. He would prefer to be an only dog and pet. The lady looking after him now says "He is a wonderful little dog and very sweet. He does need some schooling but he is not hyper and is very loving." He is currently located in Florida, but the wonderful rescue people are willing to transport him anywhere. They also need vet references and a home check which is common practice in the rescue biz. We wires are too special to go to any home out there.

If you can offer Scubie a loving home, please contact Lindsey at photosmith@msn.com.
I'm keeping my paws crossed that Scubie will find a special home soon.

AGC

Silent World of the Dog

Hey everyone!

So Mom entered me in the Old Navy doggie mascot contest - me and about 7,000 other dogs. Of course I'd love to win the $10,000 modeling contract and a trip to LA, but there sure are some cute canines on there. Mom and her friends decided to try to at least get a WIRE to win - so everyone in the wire fox network are entering their wiry kids. How awesome would it be if any one of us represented Old Navy!

One little guy with a definite chance is my new pal Ozzy. He is exactly, to the day, 6 months younger than me. He lives with his family in some unpronounceable place called Poughhkeepsie NY. Mom said that isn't so far from where Pippin the Wire lives, so maybe when we go on our roadtrip to see him, we can stop in and say Hi to Ozzy too.

Poor Dad was sick as a .....dog (objection your honor! Why use us as the simile for sickness!) today and he stayed home and took to his bed. I tried to look after him and keep him company by lying on his back and chewing my bone. He is feeling a bit better but I think Mom should get him a bark collar - boy he makes a lot of noise getting that muck out of his chest!

Mom seems to have found some sort of inner serenity of late despite the ever looming wedding date (June 4). She was so stressed out before, I think she exorcized it all out of her and there is nothing left! She walks around humming the songs she chose for her processional...I'm just glad they are instrumental and Mom isn't singing...

Speaking of which, both Mom and Dad were visibly shocked by the American Idol elimination tonight...they thought that dude Daughty was going to win, not get booted off. I on the other hand, quite frankly do not give a damn who wins. It's just a lot of commercial claptrap if you ask me...

Noone alas ever does ask me.

AGC

More Fun in the Park

Today was Cinquo De Mayo Yappy Hour in my park. All the friends turned up bringing their humans with them. I played for over 2 hours so I'm sort of pooped and will keep this short. I took some cool photos to show you.


The brown staffie sort of bitch is Thesby and me and her are good pals. We play hard, she bites my neck and tail a lot but I love it. Today we crashed into the water bucket (you can see it right behind my head) and all the water spilled. I was happy cos I was hot so I rolled around in it and came out looking pretty black. Mom just laughed.

In the picture on the left you can see my good friend Gracie the Anatolian Shephard. You may recall puppy pics of her when I was much bigger than she was. Now she whips my ass. On the right with the frisby is Olive, boy you should see her catch that frisby in mid-air. Pretty awesome. She crashed into Mom the other day and my little mom went flying in the air like the frisby. Luckily she only got bruised knees - I notice she now tends to stick close to the bench or a tree for "protection" from crazy running dogs.

Remember I told you about the French man John who is owner of SuperDog? He is the man who brings the water bucket for all of us and refills it often by walking quite far to a water main. He is quite a guy, he sings to us all in French and is very fond of his SuperDog. Pity SuperDog isn't in the pictures...he keeps to himself mostly or guards the cheese that John brings to the Yappy Hour - he makes it himself (John not Superdog)! You can see John below speaking to a friend. On his shoulder are the kegs he fills with water for us to drink and for me to swim in. He loves us and we love him. Behind him, you can see Ruby the pointer. She is one strange bird that bitch. She is oblivious to man and dog - she runs about pointing and stalking things. I think she is quite off her rocker.

I need to get some shut-eye now. I'm worn out. But before I go, I want to wish my dear friend Alexandra - Miss Amelia's Mommy - a very happy 11th birthday!! Wishing you many more healthy and happy ones dear bitch. You look delightful sitting in your crate below.

AGC

Quiet Day in the Park

Wow, it was really hot yesterday so the turn out of my dog pals was lower than usual and those that did show up, prefered to laze in the shade than run with me in the sun. Anyway, as promised, I did take my camera along so you could see me with some of my pals.

This is a pic of me and Larry. Larry is one weird dude dog, he has the weirdest haircut and for some reason he sort of picks on me, likes to challenge and bark at me. But I'm tough, I can handle him:



My friends and I like going up to the humans to beg for water or treats. Nearly all of them carry treats in their pockets in case they have a hard time getting us to come to them in order to take us home...so we know how to work these humans...you follow them about a bit and inevitably they break down and give you a treat to get rid of you. Heh heh.



My fave thing to do is to roll in the tall, damp grass as you can see here. Check out the little sheepdog pup - he looks like my pal Mackie's irritating brother doesn't he? I wish they'd let him off the leash so I could really play with him...but some humans are scaredy cats:



And finally here I am with Max the daschund and Brody the baby Cairn terrier. Brody is also kept on leash cos he's just a little guy - but we still manage to play well - he's a feisty little thing:



Today is Friday which means it's Yappy Hour in the park from 5-7PM and the French man brings cheese that he makes, and there are usually potato chips and beer too - it's a really fun time for us dogs and our humans too. I'll try to remember to take my camera AGAIN.

AGC

Blooming Marvelous!

Knock Knock?
Who's there?
REX
Rex who?
Rex the angry neighbor who doesn't dig my barking.

EEK
Hello bark collar ol' enemy.

And I've been a really good boy of late, barking a lot less and I haven't destroyed any remotes or phones for at least a week.

Anyway, you know Butchy and Snicker's Mom Linda is always winning photo contests of her beautiful ponds and gardens. Like this one of Snickers for example:



Well Linda, look out, Mom is going to give you competition! Today the irises bloomed in gorgeous purple and yellow and Mom snapped this pic of me checking it out:















How cool is that? I look kind of high on it's scent!

My birthday is 2 weeks today and the dreaded wedding is now in under 5 weeks. Mom seems to wake up regularly these days at 4am, tosses and turns and then goes down for a drink. I like to go with her so she has company, and I take the opportunity for a pee. By the way the Fedex man brought Mom and Dad a beautiful wedding gift from Luci and Raisin and their parents Kathy and Ed - that was so nice of them! I can't wait to go see them again and swim with Luci in her big swimming pool!

I'm in love with the summertime. Everyday after work, Mom and I head to the park where I play with about 15-20 other dogs off leash. I must remember to take my camera with me tomorrow, you will die of envy when you see me with my pals.

Oh shoot, gotta run, I hear Mom a-coming and I'm not supposed to be in here.

AGC

Miss Amelia Runs Amok!

Miss Amelia did a dastardly act yesterday. She escaped from her Dad and was considered lost and AWOL for 2 hours filling her family and neighbors with much angst. The jury is out on whether she fell in the yard's woodpile or hid there (perhaps to smoke a joint or plot a bonfire?). Either way, I am most relieved she was found and returned home. Miss Amelia you are a very naughty bitch!



You may be wondering how Tilly and Maggie's puppies are doing! They are now just over 3 weeks old, and they are looking a bit more like dogs than blind gerbils. Check them out. Tilly's are pictured left, and Maggie's right:



I'm so happy summer is here. Every evening now Mom or Dad takes me to the dog park where many dogs of all shapes and sizes (and smells) gather to play. I have made some new friends like Shadow the Chihuhua, Spunky the Jack Russel, Lola the American bulldog, Super Dog (I don't know what he is but I like his name), Tommy the Daschund and many others who I know by smell but not really by name.

Mom has been working on my 1st birthday party invitations! They are cool. More details to follow. Time to go watch House - I dig that nasty doctor!

AGC

Wire Fights Cougar and Wins!

I just got home from an awesome time in the Park with Mom. It was really hot out today, 82F, but there is this very caring French man who comes to the park, and he shlepped with him a bucket and 3 vats of water for us dogs! How considerate is that - especially 'cos Mom always forget to bring some for us. So he poured the water into the bucket, and all the dogs ran up to drink. But me, nah, drinking is for sissies, I stuck my whole head in and then my front paws and I started to dig with the intention of making the bucket bigger so I could swim in it. It didn't work, but I had fun trying and all the humans were laughing and marveling at my aquatic skills!

Speaking of skills, hats of to Eli the Wire in Washington state for saving her Daddy from a Cougar! That's a big ugly ferocious WILD cat! You HAVE to check out the video of Eli's remarkable bravery. Go to http://www.nwcn.com/ and scroll to the bottom news links "Bitten by a Cougar" or try clicking here.

Way to go Eli!

AGC

A Reminder from Axel G

Always take time to sniff the tulips!

AGC

PS Those are the tulips MOM planted in our little back yard. Not bad for someone who has never gardened in her life!

"Oh Lord, Please Don't Let Me Be So Misunderstood!"

So Mom has been complaining non stop how fast time is flying. How it's under 6 weeks to her wedding, blah blah.

So yesterday while she was at work, I decided to do her the ultimate in favors.

I killed her clock to stop the time.

Do you think she appreciated it?

Hell no.

Go figure!

I give up!

AGC

Guest BloggerPip, the Mighty Hunter - An Easter Story

(As related by his Mom Pat)

Late Saturday evening, actually Sunday morning, Pippin demanded to go out. He was absolutely insistent, adamant about going outside.
Perhaps he really has to pee, I thought, So I put his collar on and opened the door.

He sprang out like the devil was after him. Barking furiously, he ran off towards the woods. I heard a commotion, branches breaking, jaws snapping, a yelp, and a high pitched squeal. Abruptly, the air was still. I ran out to see what had happened. Quivering in excitement, Pippin stood over the inert body of a bunny.

Not just any bunny, but the Easter bunny! I scooped up the mighty hunter and ran back to the house. I tossed him in and yelled for Judy, telling her that I feared the Easter Bunny had been murdered by Pip.

I ran back out, now equipped with a flashlight.

Within 2 minutes, Judy was outside and inspected the lifeless bunny. She had a spray can in her hand. She shook the can and sprayed the rabbit.

I wanted to ask what she was doing, but she held her hand up, indicating that she wanted quiet.
Nothing happened.

Again, she shook the can and sprayed the rabbit. The nose twitched weakly. Judy aggressively sprayed the bunny, she emptied the entire can on the rabbit.

Suddenly the bunny leapt up off the grass, grabbed the empty basket and scampered off into woods.

"Judy, what did you do? What was in the can?" I asked.

Her response:

"Hare restorer."

HAPPY EASTER....AND TO ALL MY WIRY PALS - HANDS OFF THE EASTER BUNNY (AND ALL BUNNIES IN FACT...OTHER THAN HOT DOG BUNS).

AGC

Butter Thief

Tonight Mom and Dad were eating a delish meal of roast chicken and potatoes, and I sat there praying for a few tasty morsels. I always sit on Mom's side as she tends to drop stuff more readily than Dad. Anyway, after a few tasty pieces, Mom and Dad finished eating and cleared off most of the table. I'll let Mom continue from here:

So there were R and I cleaning up in the kitchen when we noticed that Axel had disappeared. Very strange, he never leaves when there is food to be had. R checked the basement. No Axel. I called for him up the stairs, no little face appeared on the landing to smile down at me. So I went upstairs to investigate...

And there stood Axel, in our bedroom with a guilty but delighted smirk on his face, and a bar of butter in his mouth. Clearly, we had left it on the table and the rascal had managed to jump up and grab it and run upstairs! When Axel saw me, he rushed under the bed, but being a fat boy, I was able to grab a leg and pull him out, seizing the bar of butter at the same time!

What a bummer - that's me Axel talking! I was looking forward to eating that butter, and was such a crafty dude the way I took it! Now all I have to chew is this old shoe of Mom's!



I had a very interesting day today. I went with Mom and Dad to visit Dad's 93 year-old grandfather who lives in an old people's home quite a long drive away. I'd never been to an old aged home before and at first I was quite scared of all these shriveled up people and their metal appendages - sticks and wheelie things. They were all very friendly and wanted to pet me. I tried to be friendly, but there were so many strange sights and smells, at times it was difficult. Later kids came to visit and I was allowed outside to play with them. I ran and jumped in the mulch and had a great time, and noone seemed to mind that I tore up the garden some.

Speaking of gardens, Mom planted some tulips yesterday and today I had fun burying one of my Milkbones in the muddy soil around them! I just have to figure out how to do it without getting a muddy nose!

Finally, happy Easter to my non Jewish pals out there...Mom and Dad had me sit through The 10 Commandments last night. Know what I noticed in between naps - no dogs in Egypt! When the Hebrews were freed from bondage, there were scenes of them leaving Egypt with cows, geese, sheep etc, but I didn't see a single dog! I notice stuff like that!

AGC

Totally Pooped!

Yesterday Mom and Dad took me to my consult at See Spot Stay doggy day care. When we arrived, all these little dogs were running around behind the reception desk. The lady in charge led me in and suddenly I was completely surrounded by these little lap dog type creatures like pugs, yorkies, maltese poodles and the like. They sized me up and sniffed my butt. Then Mom and Dad left and I didn't know what to think! I didn't think I'd be staying there! But it seems the consult is 3 hours so it gives them time to see how I socialize.

Well I spent most of the time in a large area with medium sized dogs. There must have been at least 30 dogs in the place, mostly barking and making a heck of a racket. There was also a play area for big dogs and I was happy to see some familiar faces like Daisy and Elvis, and a covered outside area too. It was pretty nice, I've just never played with so many dogs or had that many butts to sniff over such a long period!

Time passed fast, and suddenly there was Mom and Dad to take me home. I was sooo happy to see them, as by then I had a bit of a headache and I was tired. I didn't realize how tired until I got home and passed out on the cool floor - not even Mom eating a snack or Dad offering to play could rouse me from the floor. I was that pooped.

In my semi-coma, I heard Mom say she hoped I'd survive 4 straight days if I was so tired after 3 hours! Dad reassured her that I'd be fine. I'm not sure...I can't imagine getting much nap time there.

Later last night, I was lying on Mom's lap eating a dingo, when she stroked my back and let out a "what the f*&$!!??"
It seemed, embedded in my wiry fur, mom found a bloody incisor tooth - no doubt missing from one of the pups at doggy day care! Mom screeched for Dad who thought it was quite droll, "a dog must of lost it roughhousing with our Ax," he said. Mom was not impressed.

Oh and by the way, I passed the consult with flying colors. Just my luck. *sigh*

AGC

A Challenge from Pip

Well, got an email from Grandma in South Africa today asking me if I was taking a sabbatical! Sabbatical? I don't think so. It would be more apt to call it a "banned from my computer room because of wedding stuff" situation. And friends, it's just getting worse.

Then I get an email from my friend Pip and his Mom Pat in Troy, NY telling me I am no longer the king of the blogs! Well, that almost reduced me to tears, only we canines can't cry, not outwardly anyway. Then I just got pissed. Who dares to challenge my blog supremacy - and to think we were contemplating a little vacation to Upstate NY to visit those fiends! Pip insists that a silly little dog named Cricket has usurped me because his blog has streaming video. Oh ye who succumb to the trappings of technological innovation! Does Cricket have my humor? Does he belong to the king of the canine breeds? Does he write as well as I do? I think not. You be the judge - I'm so confident of my position on the blog hierarchy, that I'm even giving you the link to Cricket's website:
Click here.

Well the weather is glorious again! And just in time for the Passover holidays! A few days ago, Mom took me to the Lincoln Memorial area of the park where many dogs gather between 5 and 7 PM and we all play off leash and have a jolly good time. So we were hanging out, when Mom noticed that one of the dog owners had a RAT on her shoulder. And no, I do not mean a Chihuahua, I mean a real RAT! Mom made a joke that I was born to hunt and kill rats, and that they better be careful that I don't sniff it out. She then added, "Gee, I hope he isn't carrying the plague." And as it turns out, the rat's name is PLAGUE! And can you believe he and his canine brother, a small mixed breed dog, are great pals, they even play together! I mentioned to Mom that I may like a rat sibling, but she said she'd sooner get an emu. Whatever that is.

Blanche the cat from next door has been making herself comfortable in my yard! Nearly every day when I go out there, she is there, soaking up the sun. And she is such an unfriendly puss! I don't have anything against cats per se, so I always approach Blanche in a friendly spirit but she hisses and claws at me and chases me around my own yard! Luckily Mom was on my side in thinking this was a huge hutzpah, to be mistreated on one's own property by a cat owned by the man responsible for having me wear the evil collar! So she shooed him away with the rake and that was the end of Blanche's visits. Though I suspect she still makes poopies in my yard!

Last night there were yummy smells coming from our kitchen as Mom was baking a "Blitz Tart" - another South African confection. I was fascinated to watch them beat up the poor eggs until they were scared STIFF, and Dad helped Mom out with the metric conversions as it was a SA recipe. Boy it turned out great - picture two round cakes topped with merangue and cemented together with whipped cream. I sure hope I get a piece! Mom and Dad tease me about being a little fatso and eating too many snacks! What can I say, I do love my snacks, I'm Ax Snax after all.

Tomorrow I am going for my behavioural consult at the Doggy Day Care I will be going to over the dreaded wedding weekend. Apparently they have to make sure I'm sociable and friendly. God humans can be so silly. Maybe I'll play a trick on them and growl and bite so I get rejected and then Mom and Dad will be forced to include me in the wedding! Heh Heh.

AGC

Two Beautiful New Mamas

I think the Big Guy in charge of the world has lost his marbles. On the weekend it was warm and lovely. Yesterday it poured rain all day. And today, it snowed while the sun was shining! What next, frogs falling from the sky just in time for Passover? (For my non Jewish pals, the Passover story tells of 10 plagues wrought on the Egyptians including bloody water, pestilence, frogs, boils, hail etc...no pleasant plagues!).

Passover begins next week - hopefully I won't have to eat matzah! Mom's family do Passover very seriously, they clean, they change all their dishes and only eat Kosher for Passover food. But Mom isn't fond of Passover, so all she does is buy ONE box of matzah and a jar of horseradish. And maybe a jar of gefilte fish for Dad - she won't touch the stuff. She only eats her mom's gefilte fish but used to flee the house while it was cooking - the smell, she tells me, is AWFUL.

Anyway, the best part of Passover is that it means time off work! Mom works for a Jewish organization, so 5 days NO work! Poor Dad, no such luck!

Well there is brilliant news - both Tilly (right) in the UK and Maggie (left) in the US gave birth to 4 puppies each on Sunday, within a few hours of each other. I can't believe how teensy weensy the pups are, or that I was once that size! Both mommies look radient, and their human Mom's are really enjoying the experience too -- well except maybe Tilly's Mom - she is on poop patrol because Tilly is a lady and won't eat her babies poop like she is supposed to. Boy am I glad I'm a boy! Maggie on the other hand, apparently LOVES eating poop, all poop no matter whose behind it emanates from. Yuck.



Other great news is that Rusty the gentlemanly senior wire has found a home with the saintly Pam and her smooth boys. Poor Rusty was abandoned and ended up in a shelter. As he's an old guy, he ran the risk of a horrible end, but thank goodness there are beautiful people like Pam around to rescue foxies looking for a new start.



And more congratulations to our wiry friend Pip who has a new job according to his Mom Pat: "Pippin has become the Family Planning Advocate of the bird world. It appears that robins, cardinals, doves and other birds are NOT allowed to have mating rituals on the lawn. As soon as Pippin hears or sees birds bouncing or chirping, he CHARGES at them them and chases them away. This goes on for hours on end."

Keep up the noble work Pip. At least you don't kill them, unlike our pal Mackie who it seems is not only a sock eater, but also a baby bunny murderer! He killed three! I think I'll have to inform John Walsh - there is a serial bunny and squirrel killer on the loose in Maryland! Mackie!!!!

I'm a pacifist by nature, I haven't killed anything except a few squeaker balls and Mom's daffodils (not my fault she weeded the yard and left me no greenery but the daffs to pee on!).

AGC

Spring in Philly

This was my special day:
I lay in bed in the sunshine with my Dad:



Mom, Dad and I went to the park to enjoy the weather and meet new friends: That is Caesar the doberman and I think a dog, but it could have been a rat. He was fearless, ran to Caesar and I like he was one of the boys!




Spring was all around us - look at the blossoms everywhere in the park and on our street:



I love spring!

I got a new bone today and I spent much of the afternoon looking for a good hiding place. Mom was weeding in the garden, so I tried to bury it in her bag of weeds and then in the soil. I then dug it up and buried it in the dryer which was full of sweet-smelling clothes! Not sure Mom was too pleased about that!

AGC