A Local Yokel

I found another wire in Pennsylvania - but boy is it a HUGE state - Rocky lives miles away in Oakmont, which is about 11 miles northeast of Pittsburgh. Sounds like a swell place to live, as his mom Lisa explains, "It's a quaint little town with brick streets and gas street lanterns, but we have the city amenities." He is almost four and loves Cherry water ice (as you can see in his first pic) and chasing rabbits in his yard. I still haven't seen a damn rabbit!!



AGC

Around the World in One Blog Flash

First a big round of applause for the Philly cops -- the horrible man who broke in and raped our neighbor is now behind bars, and I hope he stays there FOREVER. Now we can all sleep a bit better at night.

I had a super weekend, bar the visit to the vet! Yesterday Mom, Dad and I went to Quakertown to visit Dad's friend Rob who lives on a big family farm. Wow, I had so much room to run and play! I found a nice black gravel area, and had a good dig in the rain. Boy did I look a sight!
I then ran up to everyone (there was a big family reunion) and made sure everyone got as dirty as me! Heh heh!



We interrupt this blog report, with an advertisement for Sour Apple Crush brought to us by that Canadian Rascal Colby Russel!

Thank you Colby, and now we whip around the globe to the UK for two amazing news stories.
Wow, these folks must really love their dog!

A worried couple have offered a £40,000 reward to anyone who finds their missing dog.
Diane and Roy Cousins, both 55, have re-mortgaged their home in Bromley, Kent and even sold their wedding rings to raise the cash in an attempt find their beloved pooch, Natasha.

After consulting my online currency converter - I can tell you that is over $72,000! If I lived in Kent, I'd be out there sniffing for Natasha myself, my parents sure could use that kind of loot!

And how is this for a smart Scottish pooch?

When Archie, a black labrador, lost his owner on a lonely Scottish station, he jumped on the first train home. Not only did the dog catch the right train, he got off at the right station. Closed-circuit television footage shows the dog waiting for his master at the station before watching the Aberdeen to Inverness train pull in. Unable to find his owner, the labrador decided to avoid a long walk home by nipping aboard the 20.38 train. He got out at the right stop, Insch, 12 minutes along the line.

And now Axel's international blog, whips west to Panama - situated between Costa Rica and Columbia in Central America. Panama is home to two more wiry friends, Olaf and Lulu who are owned by Sarah. Olaf is a Panamanian native, but Lulu was imported from Argentina. What devilish grins the pair of them have!

And nearer to home in Louisiana and Mississippi (did I spell that right Grandma??), my thoughts are with my fellow animals who are about to be hit by the bitchy witchy Hurricane Katrina! I hope all the humans and animals will be safe - I've been watching that big red swirly image on TV, and it's pretty scary looking!

Over and Out.
AGC

Fading Days of Summer

Urgh - only two weekends left of Summer! I've never had a winter of course, but I hear Mom and Dad constantly moaning about how they are dreading it. I have a feeling I might like the snow!

But in the meantime, I love this picture of George gazing out at the ocean. I still haven't seen the ocean - what's up with that Mom and Dad?



AGC

Message from Grandma

I just got an email from my grandma in South Africa! She writes:

Hi there Axel
This is from your S.A. Grandma who you will be seeing in exactly three weeks - can't wait. Just to tell you that I really think you are the best doggie blogger in the world - I love reading about your antics. Also, please tell your Mom that I was sorry to hear about the break-in across the road - I really thought that it is safer in the USA than in S.A. And, finally, please also tell your Mom that she needs to check some of your spelling - the word is 'embarrassing' not 'embarracing' ! But you are only a very little pup so sure your spelling will improve!

Lots of pats and kisses. xxxxxxxxxxx

Yes Grandma, you are right, my spelling sucks! But let me ask you this, how good are you at digging holes, dismembering shoes and licking your balls?

I thought so.

AGC

Walkies!

AGC (You wouldn't catch me dead walking a poodle!)

Moment of TV Fame?

I was fast asleep in my crate last night, when I was awakened first by car alarms going off, and then a little while later by the sound of police sirens and ambulance. I ignored it and went back to sleep, but Mom and Dad were awake and peering out the window. They assumed someone was sick and went back to sleep finally.

This morning, Mom wasn't feeling well (she's had a head cold for 2 days) so she slept in and then took me for a walk. So we're walking down the street and there are these men in blue and white uniforms all over - cops! And a police crime scene unit, just like you see on CSI! Mom asked a cop what was going on and was it related to the events of last night. The cop explained that an intruder had broken in to the house diagonally across from ours - through the second floor window! Last night was very cool, so people probably opened their windows for the first time. Anyway, the intruders stole her car but the lady and her spaniel were okay.

So while on our walk, this man with a microphone started asking mom questions about how she feels about the break in etc...and me and mom are going to be on Fox TV news! After the brief interview, he asked both of us to just walk past the camera - I was a smart dog...as we were walking I went right up to the camera lens and peered in! Ha! So there should be a good shot of me on TV tonite.

Mom didn't want me writing about this on my blog cos Grandma is coming to visit us from South Africa in 3 weeks, and we don't want her to think she is still in South Africa. So Grandma, if you are reading this, don't worry, this isn't a frequent occurence and Mom and Dad are hoping to install an alarm system, and I'll protect you (if I'm awake!).

Mom had a cadenza on our walk today - I was rolling on a patch of grass when she discovered I was really rolling on a dead mouse! Boy did she pull me away from there fast! Geez mom, don't you know we terriers were trained to seek out vermin - I was just following instinct, even if the mouse was already dead!

All in all, a most exciting walk this morning!!

AGC

The Two Faces of Axel

Mom does not stop snapping my picture! It's getting embarracing. But what the heck, might as well post it on my blog - it's not like I'm ugly to look at, right? Especially with my cute little lightening bolt on my forehead.

Got a wee fright today when I found another WFT blog in the blogosphere! I felt my status as blogger supremo was threatened! It's written by Dean-O, a wire in Montreal, Canada. My angst was thankfully in vain however, as Dean-O seems to use his blog only to showcase his different seasonal outfits (and you know how I feel about dressing up!). As alluring as those photographs are, I feel my blog is for the more discerning terrier who enjoys some thought-provoking opinions and witty observations. Plus, I am a more diligent blogger as Dean-O hardly updates! HA!
I remain Axel, WFT King of Blogdom!

AGC (feeling rather smug)

Poor Jack

Just been weeping over my keyboard at this sad story from the UK about a farmer and his devoted border terrier mix Jack:

GAZING expectantly, border terrier Jack waits for his master to return.
The ex-stray would always sit by farmer Mick Boffey as he did daily tasks. But their inseparable bond has been broken after Mick, 61, was run over by thugs stealing his Land Rover. Mick had raced to the 4X4 fearing Jack was inside, but the little dog had already been dumped.
Since Mick's death, Jack has hardly eaten and constantly sniffs around, hoping to pick up his scent. He still scampers to the yard when he hears a tractor, waiting for Mick to jump down and pat him on the head. Heartbreakingly, he has yet to realise his master is not coming home.

Poor Jack.

What more can I say?

AGC

What a load of shit!

Can you imagine spending $1 million on dog poop? Well, that's what Budapest, Hungry is doing!

"Hungary's capital is launching a 200-million-forint ($1-million) campaign to rid itself of hundreds of tonnes of dog waste which land on the city's sidewalks and parks each year. City officials estimate that Budapest's 400,000 dogs produce around 14,600 tonnes of dog waste each year, more than the weight of the Eiffel Tower and the London Eye combined, creating a health hazard and a public nuisance."

Now excuse me, I may be a mere canine, but it gets my goat that the tone of this article blames the dogs and not their owners! It's not like we can help where we poop - it's not like we have toilets at our disposal. Geez. Pisses me off.

But back to my mundane life.
Last night I caught my paw in the dishwasher! Mom said it served me right for always climbing onto the dishwasher door when she loads it up. I just can't help it and besides, I am providing a pre-wash licking service. It seems I am not unique in this behavior!!

And speaking of not being unique, it seems I am not the only WFT who adores gazing at my image in the mirror. Check out that Pippin dude:

A quick shout out to my pal Noonie/Goldie Nissenbaum, a sweet retriever who lives in northern Israel. Her mom Becka tells me the stupid dog authorities impounded her yesterday as she was sitting outside their home watching her daddy Yaniv clean the floors! Becka was beside herself that Noonie would freak to be in an unfamiliar place, but when Yaniv paid her 400NIS bail (about $80), Noonie looked sad to leave the other dogs and come home!
Had I been Noonie, and falsely arrested like that, I would have bitten the dog catcher in the bum! Alas, a retriever is not a terrier!

AGC

Please don't do this to me Mom!

Oh G-d!

"A bride has said she chose her pet dogs to accompany her down the aisle as they had never let her down. There was not a dog collar in sight as the six pugs turned up in full bridal attire to the ceremony in Cumbria.
Guests at Carlisle register office were stunned to see Dianne Johnston's pedigree chums accompany her and husband-to-be Andrew.
The pets - four bitches and two dogs - were regaled in made-to-measure dresses and top hat and tails. "

Mom and Dad are getting married in June 2006 at a Country Club and I know they plan to include me in the ceremony as the ring bearer - but I would not be seen DEAD in a top hat and tails. Pugs are ugly enough as it is, but dressed like that they look like complete idiots!

Mom and Dad, if you do that to me, I promise you I will take off down the golf course with the rings and never come back! Grrr.

AGC

Double Trouble

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
Who is the fairest of them all?



Why it is YOU dear Axel, YOU!!

AGC

So Many Four-Legged Friends

I keep "meeting" all these amazing wires and other four-legged friends online.
Hailing all the way from Marysville, Washington - which according to my research is "situated near picturesque mountains, lakes, rivers and the Puget Sound, on the north crescent of the fertile Snohomish River Delta." It is also known as "The Strawberry City." I wonder why?

So there amongst the strawberries live the Savage hounds - Woody and Amelia who are 7 year old siblings (pictured below right with their human dad Philip and in the foreground, left). Poor Woody and Amelia aren't well at the moment, so please join me in wishing them well! They also live with Alexandra, their mom and Beau who is not a wire, but we still love him! Next to Alexandra, standing on the plank, is Sir Dagwood of Bumstead who passed on earlier this year.

Nearer to us here in Philly, are Niall, Tessa and Ruffles who live in Middletown, New Jersey with their mom Barbara. Niall (pictured below in the center) is named after an Irish King who was active early-to-mid 5th century. He is said to have made raids on the coastlines of Britannia and Gaul: these raids are usually credited with bringing Saint Patrick to Ireland as a boy. So say thanks to Niall for bringing us St. Patrick's Day - a day on which Tilly I'm sure, has an extra swig of beer! Tessa (pictured left) is a 9-year old gal and Ruffles (right) is a Jack Russel who works as a therapy dog!

And then there is the incorrigable Pippin - that bee-loving canine, who lives with his sister Maggie, and human mom Pat (the poor whench who got stung last week!). Below is a picture of the siblings, with Pippin having a grand ol' time belly-up. He is a funny fella!

AGC

L'Hayim! To Life!

So I thought all gals residing in the UK were tea totallers! Seems I was wrong - who would guess that Tilly, my wiry pal in Pembrokeshire, West Wales was a beer guzzler! Just look at her with her dad drinking "Old Speckled Hen". Sounds quite atrocious - do they grind up hens and mix it with alchohol?

Anyway Tilly, if I'd ever tried beer, which I have not (mom and dad only drink Coke!), I would join you in a toast, a l'hayim as us Jewish dogs say, to Life, Love, Walks and happy terrier trails!

AGC

The Agony, the Ecstasy and the Freaky

Boy do I love water! I went swimming again last week, pure bliss and ecstasy on a hot Philly day. I wanted to share a picture of myself I like to call, "Drowned Rat":



And now to the agony. Eventhough Inca is not a WFT - she is still part of the terrier family - that of Bull Terrier. Personally, I think they are pretty ugly and scary looking. But still, I wouldn't wish anything bad upon them. Poor Inca, took it upon herself to confront a porcupine, and clearly, the porcupine won! "OUCH!" doesn't really do this picture justice:



You'll be happy to hear that a diligent vet removed the quills and Inca is making a good recovery!

Note to self: Never tussle with a porcupine!

And finally the freaky. Thanks to Pippin's mommy Pat for bringing this to my attention. A puppy with six legs and two penises was found sleeping outside a Chinese temple in a Malaysian town, and devotees are treating the freak find as a good omen. The puppy, believed to have been left there by someone, is being cared for by the temple committee and have named him Ong Fatt, or the Lucky One.
The temple committee has obtained a dog-rearing permit from the Klang Municipal Council to keep the puppy as a pet.



Well, I'm not sure what I'd do with six legs, but two penises could be interesting!


AGC

Mom's Inspiration

I often wonder why mom decided to adopt me. I mean mom and dad just got engaged, just moved into a house, you'd think they'd like to enjoy it all and relax without having to cope with me. Turns out, the final thing that did mom in (for years she had wanted a wire 'cos she grew up with one called Georgie), was a picture of Colby who lives in Winnipeg, Canada. Colby is now 5 months old, but it was the pic of him at 3-months that melted mom's heart - pictured left. Pictured right is Master Colby today.



I think we look a lot alike, we're both handsome dudes! Colby's mom Wendy is so nice, she's sending Colby on a vacation while her and David bounce about on a ship at sea! Boy is he lucky, he's going to the Santana Kennels which have executive dogruns and themed bedroom suites! Plus, the place is outfitted with webcams, so Colby's mom and dad can watch him online from their ship! Bloody awesome!

AGC

Objects out the Door

I was just sitting at the computer laughing my wiry head off reading an email from Susan who is owned by two wires, Dot and Dash (below).



She was giving counsel to someone who is considering buying a wire, she writes:

My dogs love to be outside. We have a dog door so that they can go in and out at will. The major problem with that is that anything that isn't nailed down eventually ends up outside. We find dog toys, kid toys, shoes, the bathtub stopper, kitchen sponges, socks/clothing. It's almost fun to see what they'll find next! While I've been writing this email, I've had one dog toy and one sock run out of the house.

Below is a charming picture of Susan's daughter Meredith with Dot the Wiry gal.



AGC

Wiry, Sometimes Stinky, Friends

I want to introduce you to two more of my wiry friends.
First up is Asta who lives in Boynton Beach, FL (Mom lived near there for a year, and goes on and on about how she misses those S. FL beaches!) - he is 7 years old and his mommy's name is Janet. Boy I hope I grow up to be as handsome as he is!



For those of you who don't know, pictured next to Asta from FL, is the "famous" Asta who starred in the Thin Man movies and TV series. He basically is credited with putting our breed on the map! From Asta's Fan Website, I learnt that, "Asta was immensely popular with audiences in the thirties - so popular in fact, that many smitten fans wanted a clever little companion like Asta to call their own. Unfortunately, this surge of interest then led to an over breeding problem for Asta-like terriers. " That ain't good! My fave doggie TV star is Eddie from Frasier, me and Dad watch the reruns every night together!

My other wiry friend hails all the way from Pembrokeshire, West Wales in the United Kingdom (sounds so grand!). Her name is Tilly and she is pictured here after a delightful swim on her summer vacation in an area of S West England called Exmoor! She's a cutie and what a lucky girl to vacation in such paradisical surroundings!



Brenda, Tilly's mom wrote this funny email this morning! You won't believe what little Tilly got up to!

This morning before work I took Tilly for a walk in a field where cows had been . What did she do ? Rolled in a runny cow pat. What a smell. I had to sponge her off and she stills smells awful. I didn't have time to bath her so I think that is going to be tonights job. She looked so pleased with herself with this black runny goo dripping off her ear. I can still smell it now, sitting at my desk !

Hahaha! You go Tilly!!! Brenda, sounds like you may want to try some Skunk Off to get rid of the putrid poop smell. If it works against skunky smell, it should work for bovine excrement!

AGC

Wiry Compliments!

Mom received an email today from a fan of my blog! I think I enjoy positive feedback more than....a good Dingo treat! (And I love those!):

Axel,

I just had to write and tell you how I love your Blog. I check it every couple of days to look for your opinion on things. You are just to adorable and keep up the work.

Joan and Angel and Gabriel

Woohoo! Thanks guys! Stay tuned!

AGC

Flight of the Bumble Bee

I got my very first email today from my wiry pal Pippin who wrote to tell me about an interesting liason with a bumble bee. Below is a pic of the Pippin surrounded by her evil bee friends:

Dear Axel-
I was a very naughty dog just now. My human, Pat, was outside working on removing some weeds by the rosearbor. I was tormenting the hive of bumble bees. I do this ALL the time. My bumble bees are usually rather placid and never really get angry.
Until today.
As I was snapping at the bees, a GIANT bumble bee emerged. It came right at me.
I fled in terror. The giant bumble bee landed on my posterior end, and started to dig down towards my skin. My tender butt was in peril! I ran for my human.
Pat saw me running towards her, and she dropped her tools. Even my big sister Maggie came over.
In my twisting and snapping, I managed to get the bee dislodged from my posterior.
I ran away, back to the protection of the yews, by the front door. I was shaking.
Pat apparently thought the episode was over and she picked up her tools.
The big, giant, bumble bee flew right at her! Down went the tools. Up went the arms. My human became a windmill. Maggie started to bark and snap at the bee. Pat started to run and the bee pursued. Maggie was also in pursuit. I sat in the shade on the yews,trembling.
The bumble bee went right for Pat's face. Her arms were spinning out of control. Pat sort of ended up inside the rose bush. THORNS! THORNS! THORNS! AND NETTLES!!! OUCHIE OUCHIE OUCHIE.
My human spat at the bee!
I never saw my human do THAT before! Apparently she hit the bee and the bee went down for a moment.The behemoth bee did not give up. It came back and landed on Pat's chin.
It stung her! On the chin.
Pat swatted the bee from her chin. It seems the stinger wasn't fully out from the bee and it made full contact with the meaty part of her hand by the thumb-so Pat was stung TWICE by the same bee.
OUCHIE.
My human went inside and applied lotion and plucked out the thorns. She also told my other human (Judy) that her jaw feels like she has novacaine in it. Her hand is ok, but she does have spots of blood on her from the thorns.
I was very naughty!
Pippin

Dear Pippin,
It is nice to know that I am not the only literate WFT out there. I had a good laugh at your letter - I don't think you're naughty, incorrigable would probably better describe you!
I don't think I've ever seen a bumble bee - I'm an urban hound alas, and though I go to the park every day, I don't see much animal life (I did see a dead groundhog last week - boy did it stink!)

I think you should apologize to your human for getting her stung by giving her lots of licks and kisses in the next few days and by staying out of trouble! Of course, this could backfire - she may think you are sick or something, and get psychologically strung out wondering about your sudden good behavior. Could be fun!

Woof!
Axel G Chocholoza

PS Below is an photographic impression of me and a bumble bee! (Yeah, I even know Photoshop!)

Hattie in the Hammock

I came across this disturbing (yet highly amusing) website today that features Hattie the wire-haired fox terrier dressed up in lumberjack attire and posing in all manner of situations on her farm in Upstate New York. I find it disturbing because I fail to comprehend how any relative of mine would acquiesce to dressing up in human clothing, let alone sitting still in various poses. You'd have to kill me first!

Nevertheless, Hattie is a gorgeous gal, and I found myself laughing hysterically at her funny photos. Mom was so tickled, she promptly took out her check book and ordered some fridge magnets with Hattie's picture!



AGC