My Vacation Report and Pictures

Happy July 4th Everyone!

Mom realized that yesterday was her 4 year anniversary in the United States. And...today is Mom and Dad's ONE month wedding anniversary!

But more importantly, today I get to tell you all about my fabulous vacation at the NJ shore! We just got home a while ago, in time for all the July 4th craziness on the Parkway up the road.

My Vacation: Chapter One
Hit the Road Ax
On Friday Mom and Dad packed up all their goodies and we we hit the road to the NJ Shore - our destination: North Wildwood.
I love being on the road, feeling the air in my face...



My vacation: Chapter 2
Our digs
Mom found this rather little old "house" to rent on Craigslist. It was cheaper than usual probably because when you walked through the door it was like stepping into the 1940's. Put it this way, it wasn't very modern looking. But I loved it, I could jump on the furniture, run in the yard and make myself at home without worrying about messing up the decor. I did miss my window perch in Philly, but I just adjusted to the new situation by lying on my stomach under the porch railing:

We had a really good time in North Wildwood and also drove around to Wildwood, Cape May, Avalon and other places. But it was always nice to come "home" where we all spent such quality time together sitting on the porch reading or snuggling inside:

My vacation: Chapter 3
Meeting Wiry Friends

Mom and Dad always go out of there way to hook me up with other wires. So our vacation was no exception. We drove 30 minutes to Ocean City where my cyber pal Skippy and his Mom Barb were waiting to meet us. Skippy is a 9-year old wire rescue who lives with his Whelsh sister Lulu. We had a wonderful time running around Skippy's beautiful shore house and eating lots of treats. We hope that maybe Skippy, Lucy (Kathy's wire) and I can meet up soon as we don't live that far from eachother. Skippy's Mom was awesome, she brought out cakes for Mom and Dad, and kept admiring how handsome I am.



My Vacation: Chapter 4
Idiocy in Ocean City (no offense to Skippy)

After we said our goodbyes to Skippy and Barb, we were driving home when we noticed a big sign, "Dog Park". As I was dying to play some more, Mom and Dad made a detour so I could go to the park.

But when we arrived there, it was empty and every entrance gate was bolted with big magnetic locks that require swipe cards to enter. Well, Dad, who is not a mild mannered guy (that's why I dig him, his passion!)...went ballistic. "A private dog park? I don't %$#&ing believe this!!" (trust me, I am not doing his ire justice). He promptly called up City Hall on his cell (while Mom rolled her eyes in the backseat) to ask what was up with this park. Turns out it is PRIVATE, and only for resident dogs of Ocean City who need a permit for the luxury of playing there which comes with a fee! So I guess Skippy will get to enjoy it, but I couldn't and that made me sad. So, with no insult to you Skippy and Barb who live there part of the year, UP YOURS OCEAN CITY!

By the way, I made a nice poopie outside the gate...and I'm not going to admit or deny that we disposed of it!



Chapter 5: My Vacation
Frolick on the Beach

NJ has very discriminatory policies towards us canines. Well, actually, not only canines...all the signs along the beach and boardwalks say "No dogs or cats or domestic animals permitted from May to October". Mom and Dad had a chuckle about "domestic animals" - Dad wondered what would happen for example if a pirate came upon a beach with his parrot - would he get fined? Funnily enough the night Mom and Dad braved the boardwalk in Wildwood (without me of course) then ran into a man with a parrot and put the question to him!

Anyway, not to be deterred by petty signage, one morning Dad and I went for an early walk and Dad risked taking me onto the beach. It was grand but the waves coming at me scared me a little. Mom was so upset she'd slept through (typical mom) my first beach experience, but she needn't have worried! On the way back from our disappointment in Ocean City, we passed a secluded sort of a beach off the highway and saw dogs on it, so Dad pulled over and we went to check it out. It was such fun - it was a lagoon and a beach, water everywhere. We all had a grand ol' time!



Chapter 6: My Vacation
Closing Thoughts

After 4 glorious days in the sleepy town of North Wildwood, we headed home today to Philly. I thoroughly enjoyed my very first vacation and hope it is the start of many more. I especially look forward to more roadtrips in search of more of my wiry pals. It was awesome of Mom and Dad to take me along on their mini-honeymoon as I can be a pain at times...but I am pretty sure having me along only exacerbated their vacation pleasure...

Tomorrow it's back to the grindstone - barking, sleeping and keeping the folks in line.

AGC

Just call me Mr Handsome

I now know why they kill chickens before they pluck them. Eek! Mom kept her word and sent me off to Bow Wow and Meow's yesterday so that Kathleen the groomer could strip my coat. I don't mind it that much, but it gets tiring after 4 hours...I can only imagine how Kathleen must feel! Anyway, I like Kathleen a lot and she tells me I am one of her favorite clients!
I know you are all dying to see my groomed handsome self...so here I am:



There is a lot of craziness going on at the moment with the impending July 4th weekend! Last night, around 9:15PM I nearly jumped out of my skin when I heard the loudest bangs you can imagine! I thought the world was coming to an end. I barked and barked as loud as I could, but the bangs drowned me out. And then I looked out the window and these colorful lights were falling from the sky! Dad tried to put me on my leash and take me outside for a better view, but no way was I going into the midst of some god awful war zone. No thanks! So Mom and Dad ran out and left me alone. Can you believe that?

It seems the fireworks were supposed to be across the river but because of the flooding, they moved the display to Lemon Hill, my favorite spot on earth and right on my doorstep! After the explosions ended, Mom came to get me and I met up with Gracie and Kila and many neighbors outside. Gracie and I had a good wrestle and I tried to get into her house because there is a lot of fun places to play in there - her house is bigger than mine. No luck. We had to stay outside.

After the long grooming session and the terrifying explosions, I was exhausted. So while Mom checked her email, I lay down with my head on my pet squirrel (the gift from Mackie) and had a well earned sleep. I dreamt Gracie and I discovered a yard full of dingo chews and huge butcher bones filled with yummy marrow.



AGC

Update from Tieta, and other bitches

Tieta is home! You do remember Tieta right? The wee wiry gal who needed a forever home who was profiled on my blog a month or so ago. Ozzy from Colorado saw Tieta there and declared his intent to have her for his sister. And so his wonderful parents shlepped to Texas to pick her up and bring her home. Reagen, Ozzie and now Tieta's mom writes, " We just LOVE her!! She is totally mellow compared to Ozzie!!! I was expecting a little wild child."

(A mellow wire? haha, just you wait!)

"We are having a bit of an adjustment period with her and the chickens. She would love to have them for dinner I think! That was to be expected though, and we are working on it. She loves riding in the car and I take her with me to take my son Mason to karate. We even took her to Lowe's on Tues. She loved riding in the shopping cart. lol! She is such a treasure..."

Boy, this kind of happy news just makes me totally verklempt! I just love happy endings! Look at Ozzie (foreground) and Tieta, siblings forever...



And I like new beginnings too! I got an email yesterday from a mature but nevertheless gorgeous 9 year old wire named Sydney - she lives in Lancaster, that's in the same State as me. She wrote to tell me about a wiry gal who lives in the city who I should check out. Sydney's mom reads the Philadelphia magazine, and right there on page 52 of the July 2006 issue she spotted a beautiful photo of a bitch named Lucy! Lucy works with her mom at a store in the city called "Doggie Style" - sounds rather obscene to me! So here is the picture of Lucy replete in a bright pink frock. She looks like a spoilt princess, I'm not sure she's my type Sydney.



And then Sydney, upon reading about my upcoming vacation by the shore, told me that she had vacationed on a beach in Cape Cod, and she sent me a few pics too! I have to tell you Syd, I'm far more attracted to an outdoorsy bitch like you than a pampered, clothes-wearing bitch like Lucy! You look ravishing suntanning on your purple beach towel!



I was very amused to hear from Sydney's email that, "My mom reads me your blog all the time and shows me the photos. Even my dad knows about the infamous Axel G. Chocolaza. My mom never just calls you just "Axel." It's ALWAYS Axel G. Chocolaza. She only calls me Sydney Jennifer Martin when I am unrolling the toilet paper, eating some newspapers, or tip toeing my way into the trash can (one of my favorite tricks.) I am the only one in my family who thinks that trick is funny!"

I think that's hilarious Syd! I'd also be curious to hear their pronounciation of my name...it's Chocholoza not Chocolaza which sounds more like a frothy chocolate drink, no? But I always appreciate my name being used in full, so kudos to your Mom for her efforts. I hope to meet you one day Sydney, I think we'd have a swell time together!

Before I sign off, I have a funny story to tell you. Yesterday evening in between rain storms, Mom took me out for a walk. We met up with Elvis the pitbull and Leelo the red-fox-looking-bitch-of-unknown-breed. So the three of us ran off lead like maniacs for a while, and then I spotted a big puddle. I was hot and thirsty, so I figured what the heck, I lay down in the puddle, stuck my snout in it and rolled around until I was completely sodden. Then I just sat in the cool water and drank and drank. Mom as usual just laughed, but Elvis and Leelo's Mom's told her I am one freaky dog!

What a compliment! Freaks rock!

AGC

I'm going on vacation!

Oh Boy! Mom and Dad told me that we are going on vacation over the July 4th weekend to a place called North Wildwood in New Jersey! A vacation sure sounds like fun - Mom said I am going to see lots and lots of water everywhere - and I love water, sand and new sites and smells. Mom loves the ocean and hasn't seen it in 2 years, so she was doing a serious jig when they found the accommodations. Mom also went into top gear searching out dog-friendly places in the area and writing notes on Craigslist asking if there are dog beaches or parks. Someone claims we are allowed on the beach next to the boardwalk - I sure hope so.

Mom told me her dream is to be sitting on the beach under a brightly colored umbrella with Dad snoozing on the one side, and me sitting on a towel on the other watching the sea and swimming together in it. Sounds good to me!

Oh, and my pal Skippy from PA is down in Ocean City for the summer, so we hope to meet up! His mom says he's a brat - heh heh, we'll see!

In other news, the terrier population in Maine is growing daily! Check out the wiry Maine guys below - Willie, Terry and baby Guiness. They also have a blog full of fun pics of Wires and other dogs - check it out http://mainewires.blogspot.com/

It's been a very rainy weekend but hot and humid too. Mom is threatening to get me stripped this week so I'll be cooler on our vacation. Personally, I quite enjoy being stripped, it's like a calming massage at Bow Wow and Meouw!

Dad is dropping me off now at Gracie's house so we can play. Gracie is my best best girlfriend even though she is an Anatolian Shephard and not a wire. Her sister Kila is a spaniel and she's sweet too. So....toodles!

AGC

The Wire Wagon

You've all heard of the band wagon - don't ask me what that means - but I'd like you to meet the wire wagon featuring our own sweet recovering Jenny, victim of that mean raccoon who has caused her temporary paralysis. Crystal, Jenny's devoted Mom tells us "Jenny is in her new little red wagon, being towed around the house, wherever I go. I put a big fluffy pillow in there, then her blankie and topped it all off with the required piddle pad. " Just look at the sweetheart, all smiles and wiry bravery pictured left.

I think I'd quite like a wagon for myself for the days I feel very lazy. It would be great to be towed about by Mom and Dad! You just get better soon lassie, and keep up the good work Mom Crystal.

I was delighted to hear from my wiry friends in Singapore again today! You remember Party, Mango and baby Fever, right?
Well Party tells me that I am quote, their "inspiration" as far as blogging goes!
"We had since broken into mummy’s lap top and gotten ourselves a decent place in blogging land!" Their new blog can be seen by clicking here:

The blog is well worth a visit, it's full of funny photos of the wires - check out this one of Mango and Party all dressed up in what they describe as their wedding photo! It's also interesting to see what one of the wires looked like before and after becoming part of their family so full of wiry love.

What a funny pair they are!

AGC

Mystery Revealed and Lesson Learned

In my last post I asked for your prayers for Jenny, my Wiry Fox friend who had inexplicably become paralysed. Thank G-d Jenny girl is on the road to recovery thanks to the wonderful vets who diagnosed her bizarre and crippling affliction.

It seems poor Jenny has what is called Coonhound Paralysis. It seems Jenny developed an immune reaction to an antigen in raccoon saliva - so we think she was bitten by a raccoon! The result of the bite is paralysis, loss of bladder control and respiratory paralysis. There is no real cure, just supportive care - so Jenny should be back to herself in 4-6 weeks as she is getting excellent care from the vets and her family. Interestingly, Coonhound Paralysis is exactly like the Guillain Barre (aka John Barry) syndrome in humans.

So my wiry friends. Let's learn an important lesson from Jenny's unfortunate episode:

Stay away from raccoons!
I know it's tempting to chase and catch any creature that moves, but leave these coons alone, they are evil creatures who are lethal to our well-being. Unless you can operate a shotgun, I wouldn't go after them!

AGC

My Dad

I don't need people to designate a date in June to tell my dad I love him. Yeah, today is Father's Day and I did give my dad a funny card...but I tell my dad everyday how much I love him by giving him kisses, snuggling and being his best pal.

It's still hot today, so me and Dad took a nap together this afternoon. I think you can see clearly how much we love each other in these photos...




Who do you suppose is more wiry? heh heh!

Please keep my wiry pal Jenny in your thoughts and prayers - she is having a problem with back leg paralysis and all us wires are hoping she'll be a good candidate for surgery and a complete recovery.

AGC

Pant Pant, it's HOT

Boy, Summer sure is here. It's 92F today and it feels awfully HOT in my wiry fur coat. Dad bless him went out and bought me a small pool today so I could cool off. It's not like I can really swim in it, but I did enjoy walking in the cold water, eating the floating bugs. I also loved jumping in the water and then going to sit on mom's lap and soaking her clothes, haha.

A while ago Huckleberry sent me a birthday gift, a gorgeous Tshirt that says, "The Bitches Love Me." I'm not too fond of wearing clothes, but I loved this gift, so I put it on last night and did a bit of a fashion show. Don't I look like a stud?



I reckon it's back to the pool now, I'm starting to pant again!

AGC

Good News and Possible Employment

I love starting off a blog post with HAPPY news! I heard from Bigfoot Fletch's mom Carol that Scubie, the 6-year old wire featured on my blog on May 11, has found his forever home! Carol wrote:

Just wanted to share the good news that Scubie - the little guy from Forida who was looking for a home is now a San Francisco boy. According to a friend who checked out his new digs for us, he will not be treated like a dog, but like a king, in his new home! Way to go Scubie!

Wow, I hear San Francisco is one cool place to live! Scubie's new family sure is lucky to have him! All the readers of my blog wish you a long and happy life Scubie!

So I was reading the NY Times today and think I might want to apply for a new job. Apparently humans are now training us canines to sniff out everything from counterfeit CD's to bed bugs! Seems that New York City is being overrun by these nasty bed bugs and they are relying on us to sniff them out in record time. I quite fancy this kind of work - afterall we terriers were born to sniff out vermin, bedbugs aren't that different! If I get bored laying about the house, I might just go to Monster.com and see whether there are any bedbug sniffing positions open in Pennsylvania!

Dad is away tonite working in North Jersey in some town full of Hoboes (Hoboken). So Dad told me this morning that I am the man of the house for the next 24 hours and to protect and look after my Mommy. I will take my job very seriously and will sleep on Dad's pillow (nothing too unusual even if Dad is in the bed) so Mom won't be lonely. Frankly, between you and me, I don't think it's very cool of Dad to abandon Mom less than 2 weeks after their wedding! But not much I can do about it...humpff.

AGC

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