Do What Mom Can't Do!

(Thanks to our friend Amelia for the cute pic)

Mom is very miffed that permanent residents (green card holders) in the USA do not have the right to vote. She says it is not fair - she isn't going anywhere (well, actually that's not true - if Geezer and Dingbat win tomorrow - she will be looking for continent #4 to move to - Australia or Canada?) - she should get to voice her opinion on who should serve as President of America.

We'll be crossing paws here tomorrow that everyone goes and casts their vote undetered by record lines at polling stations. Mom well remembers the incredible lines in the first democratic elections in South Africa in 2004 - they were so long, they had to extend voting by another day. Here is one pic from that momentous day:

Peace to all.

AGC

Message from Mom (again!)

AGC: Mom is hogging my blog, again...MOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMM!

Mom: Hello everyone (get down Ax!),
I just wanted to tell you that I will be going to South Africa tomorrow to see my family - Ax will be staying home with his Daddy. I'm not sure if he will have computer access while I'm away...

AGC: "What? No way!!!"

Mom: Sorry Ax...but it is just so. I promise to bring you a big piece of South African biltong (beef jerky SA style - incomparable to American beef jerky) to make up for it. How does that sound?

AGC: Hang on, I have to google biltong to see if it is a fair bargain....Well, after looking at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biltong - you got yourself a deal Mom. That looks yummy!

Mom: I do need to add one word of caution Axie Pax. For some reason it is illegal to bring biltong into the United States, so your Mother will have to smuggle it in. I'll gladly risk imprisonment so you can get your snack...but if you can send word to those airport dog sniffing beagles...that would be wise.

AGC: I'll see what I can do! Have a good trip Mom, we sure will miss you.

Mom: And I will miss you every day too Axie Pax. Be a good boy and look after Daddy.

Mom Steals my Blog

Mom tells me she is stealing blog time from me to report on todays Free Bruce Springsteen/Obama rally on the Ben Franklin Parkway in Philly. Mom went alone since Dad and I went to see Dad's parents and we went for a nice walk and swim in the Pennypack Creek Park, even though it was a bit chilly. Ok, over to Mom...

I decided I couldn't miss the historic free Springsteen concert/rally today so I walked there this afternoon. I'm not sure how many people were there, probably over 20,000 and the atmosphere was one of great hope and longing for a change in November. I must say, at some point, while Bruce was singing The Rising, I got all choked up. I felt very much like I did back in South Africa in 1994 on the eve of the referendum to decide whether SA was ready for change, for an end of Apartheid. Hope was so huge then too amongst most South Africans, it was palpable eventhough we knew the referendum was a farce (only white people could vote - Yes for Change; No for status quo). The result was an overwhelming YES and thus SA was set on the path to non racial democracy and free/fair elections.

I hope too, that in November, Hope and Equality, Decency and Good win out as it did in SA.
It was amazing living through one peaceful revolution. Is it too much to hope to live through a second on November 4th?
Here are photos from today's rally/concert. Bruce totally rocked! I couldn't get very near - ironically I sat under the Pakistan flag!

YES WE CAN!
God Bless America. God help America. Obama/Biden 2008

Happy 5769!

I am blessed!

Today Mom and Dad took me to The Carnivale of the Dogs in Rittenhouse Square Park. We went a few years ago and it was fun, so we decided to go again. I'm not too fond of crowds and gatherings of little dogs, especially little dogs dressed up in ridiculous costumes, but it was kinda fun. One thing I remembered from last time was the big pond in the middle of the park, so I immediately pulled my humans in that direction and jumped up on the ledge. Imagine my disappointment - NO water! Someone stole the water!!!

That's me at left smiling, but actually I'm just in shock that all the water is missing!!!

I tried to hide my disappointment, but it wasn't easy. Many people came up to us to enquire what breed I was...got some new guesses today -- Is that a Lakeland terrier? Is that a Dandy Diamont terrier? I mean please!! Do I look like I have pom-poms on my ears? The silly enquiring lady said she thought I was a Dandy cos I look a bit like a sheep!!

We only spotted two other terriers, a Scottie and a Bull Terrier. The rest were those very irritating tiny dogs like teacup things and a zillion Yorkies. Yeah, I know they are terriers, but I think they need to be reclassified as toy dogs!

So we walked around, Dad enjoyed the free hotdogs and drinks; and I got plenty of treats. As we were leaving a lady came up to us and told us to come on over to the church across from the park for the blessing of the animals. Mom embarrassed Dad and Me by asking if the service was non-denominational because "our dog is Jewish!" The lady said that indeed it was for dogs of all faiths. So we went. The priests were very kind and humorous. Father Neale spoke about his beloved terrier who had lived for 15 years and died in August.

I liked him very much especially as he was kind enough to have one of my nicknames enscribed upon his very impressive robes:

So prayers were said and hymns were sung and at one point they mentioned Jesus and Mom gave Dad a dirty look as if to say, "non denominational my ass!"
We then had to come forward and Father Neale threw water over our heads - that was a tad confusing since the only time people throw water on my head is when I lose my head in the park biting other dogs! There was also a very strange animal in the crowd, I'd never seen one before, Mom said it was a hedgehog! He was a very prickly guy...bit of a weird pet if you ask me!

So I am now a blessed dog - and it feels pretty good!

AGC

Bark for Obama!

The world has gone mad. The TV is on every day and I'm hearing about greedy, failing banks being rewarded for greed and incompetance by being bailed out. I am hearing Obama and Biden, McCain and Palin debating the issues - not with each other mind you...that's tomorrow night! I'm even hearing about pitbulls with lipstick - as you know I don't think dogs should wear clothes, let alone MAKE UP! Gross.

I am not a political animal, but I have to state for the record that I am for Obama - I bark LOUD and PROUD for Obama! I'm looking forward to getting my Obama Bandana from Lenny - thanks dude.

I'm not the only Obama Dog fan - have you heard about Lilly Boxer, known as Obama Dog? She is doing her best to support Barack Obama for the 2008 presidential election and we are calling on all our dog pals to bark for Obama on November 4.



After looking at all Lilly's videos I saw one that shocked me for a moment - it is entitled - Obama Dog Tired of Hearing About Terriers!!! But after I watched it, I understood and could not agree more - that's all the Old Geezer and the Alaskan Woman Killer of Moose/wolves and bears talk about... {{shudder}}



So there you have it. Will you join me?

AGC

Saturday with the Folks

I am feeling a lot better - not as itchy - but the drugs do make me very thirsty and very tired. So I don't have much energy.

Yesterday there was a lot going on in our neck of the woods. There was a big Arts and Crafts Festival around the Eastern State Penitentiary (now a museum) and there was an Indian Festival on the Parkway. Not Native Indian, East Indian. It was pretty hot out so at times my energy flagged, but all in all we had a smashing good time - well except for the Crafts Festival which frankly Dad and I found rather boring....

That's me and Dad at the Crafts Festival pictured left. Can you tell we are bored?

The Indian festival was more interesting and very colorful. But the best thing about it was its location....right next to two of my favorite fountains! I was hot after the Crafts Bore, so the parents let me take a dip before we took on the Indians.

Then it was time for me to get out, but the fountain is deep and I always need help getting out:

Then we walked about the Indian festival. I got very excited when I saw this sign - FREE FEAST! But turned out we were early, the feast was not ready yet. Very disappointing! My predisone makes me ravenous and thirsty all the time.

This "thing" freaked me out some...it was a huge puppet thing sitting by a tree - Mom said it was a snake charmer...

And then we just cruised around reading about Vegetarianism (boring), reincarnation (I think I used to be Prince in my former life) and meditation. And wherever we went people asked if we were registered to vote and me and Mom had to say that we weren't qualified to vote and that makes us very very sad because Obama and Biden need us to beat the Geriatric and the NRA touting/censoring/moose murderer/former Miss Alaska Runner-Up Woman! We don't like to get political on here, but seriously, even I can't fathom how anyone can want another 8 years of those Republicans...

On our way back to our car, Mom and Dad allowed me another dip in the fountain and then I sat on Mom's lap for a while to cool her down. I'm very accommodating.

AGC

Mr. Miserable Itchy Guy

HELP!!

Please don't laugh at me in my booties. This is NO laughing matter. I am having a bad allergy attack. I'm itching all over and can't help scratching and biting my legs, paws and back. To stop me ripping my skin and bloodying myself, Mom insists on putting on these ridiculous booties. They tried to cheer me up by giving me a peanut butter kong, but I wasn't in a licking mood.

This morning I went to visit the vet lady. She felt very bad for me. She said my whole body was inflamed and infected, and I had a bad ear infection.

We were sent home with antibiotics, Predisone cortisone pills and ear wash stuff and ointment. And a high vet bill.
The Predisone is supposed to make me drink a lot and pee, but I've peed ONCE all day and I just do not feel like going out to make pee-pees. Frankly friends, I'm pretty depressed. I hope these drugs kick in real soon....

Until then, I am staying on my spot on the couch trying not to lick, bite and scratch. But boy it's hard...
AGC

LABOR Day Weekend

I now see why they call it LABOR day weekend. Boy I've been working hard!

First Dad's niece who he calls Baby Bubba (though she is already 7) came over. She is very sweet for a small human, but she required careful supervision and I was put in charge, especially during dinner!
I made sure I sat right next to her and kept my eyes peeled on her plate...ahem, I mean on HER. Dad was transfixed by some silly show called Spongebob Square Pants which Baby Bubba insisted on blaring all evening. The show is not for erudite young Wires like me. Drivel!

The whole evening was very tiring indeed...

And my reward for my hard labor? A fry or two. The child was not very generous!

Then this morning, Auntie Lynne arrived at the ungodly hour of 6.45am to take me hiking. Despite the early hour, I was thrilled to see her and to go and experience the great outdoors. We had a fabulous time as always with the whole hiking crew. As usual, my behaviour was impeccable! Afterwards, Auntie dropped me at home, and she went out with Mom and Dad for breakfast at the diner up the road. I was a bit peeved to be excluded...but I was rather exhausted and enjoyed a snooze.

When they came back, Auntie was having issues with her computer - so generous wire that I am, I gave her a lesson in computer maintenance and operation -- and didn't even charge her for my time or expertize. I figured I don't pay her for our hiking exploits, so I let it slide.

I am very pleased that Mom and Dad are off work tomorrow -- I just hope they won't put me to work! A dip in the fountain would be more like it....I've been three times this week...with Summer drawing to a close, I need to get in as many swims as I can...

AGC

PS Prayers to all my canine and feline buddies in Gustav's path...and humans too.

Hurrah for Gus

I would like to honor my dear friend Gus with a very special award. Yesterday he had surgery to remove a big lump called Rodney from his neck. We were very worried what the lump might be made of...maybe horrible evil cells...but boy were we delighted to hear from Gussie's Muzzer that Rodney was made of 100% FAT!!!

And that is what we expect from Gus, member of the Substantial Wires Club! In tribute to Gus having EXTRA substantiality in his neck, I hope he will accept this award and put it on his blog:

Well done Gus! And feel better soon! You look gruesome dude...

AGC

All I got was a cow tail!

So wait until you hear this! Talk about injustice! Every so often Mom meets up with Aunty Lynne and her friend Sheila and they get together and bake, often experimenting with new recipes. So this week, they decided to do pies again, rich and decadent ones!

Mom opted for a Chocolate Marshmellow Pie made from Hershey's almond chocolate, heavy cream, marshmellows and graham cracker pie crust. It's only about a zillion calories. Here are photos of the ingredients in the pot and Aunty Lynne making funny faces. Mom could kick herself, she didn't take a photo of the finished product, she just managed to take a photo of the last slice, that was saved for Dad. Me, I got NOTHING. Not even a lick of a spoon.

Aunty Lynne made a chocolate banana pie and Sheila made and peach/cream cheese pie. Don't they look delish? Do I need to point out again that I got NOTHING, again?
Not even a taste...I mean peach and cream cheese isn't chocolate, I don't get it!

Is this an injustice or what? Dad was even complaining when he saw his slice. He had the temerity to wonder aloud why he didn't get the whole pie! Dad is not given to exaggeration, most of the time when asked if he likes something, he responds, "its ok." So for him to say the chocolate pie was AWESOME, means I really missed out. Mom took 3/4 of the pie to work and her co-workers gobbled it all up and asked if Mom was taking orders! Mom smiled and gave them the recipe - "knock yourself out," she said. Mom confessed to me she didn't even dig the pie - she hates Hershey's chocolate and would frankly rather have toast and Marmite than a slice of chocolate pie....yeah, she's PSYCHO.

And psycho moms need wiry straight-jackets...

When I sit on my little Mom, she can't move. LOL I weigh almost as much as she does. She should eat more chocolate marshmellow pies.

To make up for this scandal - leaving me out of Pie Night - Mom came home with a new chewy for me. A delish stinky cow tail! I really enjoyed it, look how I was savoring it...

It ain't chocolate marshmellow pie, but it was a tasty treat!

Finally, very delighted to report that my pal in England, Master Jackson Sullivan, is well on the road to recovery. He had 22 staples out today and didn't even flinch! What an inspiration he is!

Mom and Dad are watching the Olympics for a change...so that's my cue to go for a nap. Here I am snoozing on Dad's pillow on the couch...

Sweet dreams,

AGC

Mom Goes on a Tirade

As you can see, I have been very busy having heartfelt conversations with God asking him to please look after my pal Jackson who underwent very serious surgery on Tuesday. So far he is doing pretty good and with continued prayers, he will be home Friday in time for his 9th barkday. All of his pals have been pulling for him and his parents - and we like to think it has made a difference and that Jackson can somehow feel our love and support.

While Jackson was in surgery, I was at the Groomer having my coat stripped cos I was one shaggy puppy! As usual, they did a good job except for the two bald spots on my back. When questioned by Mom, the "stripper" (she had her clothes on) explained she'd "over-pulled" and apologized. So now Mom gives me a bit of a "comb-over" like I'm a bald little man. That is a picture of me (right) after my haircut.

Speaking of bald men, Mom asks Dad every night as they watch NBC coverage of the Olympics (personally I find the Pawlimpics far more exciting - eventhough Mom failed to enter me!!) whether host Bob Costas is wearing a wig. Dad says No. Mom says Yes! What do you think? I have it on good authority that Mom is right on this one!

I find the Olympics a bit of a snore. Besides, I'm boycotting. Call me unforgiving but I will never forgive host China for clubbing 50,000 innocent dogs to death in October 2006. Maybe some have forgotten, I will never forget or forgive no matter what bogus reason they gave at the time - rabies fears etc. They are also the worst environmental polluters and their human rights record is well, how should I put it. Abyssmal. Not to mention their trafficking in children. But hey, it's the Olympics...put on a smile, spend billions on opening ceremonies, and countries of the world unite, forget war and hatred, and let's compete in the all-important sports of pistol-shooting, beach volleyball, BMX racing and Badmington.

Speaking of Badminton - Mom is totally confused for a change. All her life, she's been calling that "sport" badmington and this week she discovers its called Badminton (pronouced Bad Mitten - as opposed to Good Glove?). Poor Mom.

Oh, and she went ballistic today when she heard two Olympic updates on NPR and NBC that said, and I quote here, "Michael Phelps is the WINNINGEST athlete in US History." Well you should have heard her..."America is massacring the English language again! Winningest...are you kidding me? What kind of stupid American concoction is that??!!" and on and on she went, until Dad shut her up by going to Dictionary.com and lo and behold, there was the word. It exists. Mom says she doesn't care if it is etched in gold on the Rosetta Stone. It is NOT a word. Ok Mom, take a chill pill...sit and stay.

Oh I do love my Mom - she cracks me up when she gets on her soapbox - she has a terrier spirit just like me. That's me and her before my haircut.

Got to go watch Project Runway now...I have a great sense for Fashion. Funny isn't it from a guy who hates wearing clothes... Then it's off to bed, I'm zonked as Aunty Lynne took me on a 6 mile hike this evening. What a treat!

AGC

PS Happy birthday to my darling Daddy for yesterday. He is about 6 years-old in dog years.
PPS Thanks to Asta in NY for giving me an award for being "a vewy cawing , kind doggie" I'd like to pass it on to Scruffy, Lacey and Stan.

Prayers for Jackson

God of the universe, be present with this your creature. Bless Jackson and Jackie/Jamie who care for him, now and always. Amen.

We were deeply upset, and frankly angry with the Lord above, to read of our dear, sweet friend Jackson's latest health affliction - a mass in his lung. Mom and I both looked at eachother with tears in our eyes, slowly shook our heads and didn't need to even say it - "Why? Why Jackson again? Hasn't he suffered enough for one little wiry guy?"

We have no answers. We will just continue to keep him and his parents in our thoughts and prayers. We are thinking of you Jackson - your indominatable strength and bravery are always an inspiration and your mischievious, toy-destroying ways are always such a joy to hear about. We love you buddy. Keep fighting!

AGC and family

My Worst Fear Realized

Remember friends when I wrote and told you that Mom was now a senior writer for The Swanky Pup Web site? Remember I told you I was excited that we'd be getting samples of doggie products to test? And how it occured to me suddenly, that we might get clothing to try out and how this made me feel sick with angst? You see, I hate wearing any clothing - from booties to sweaters in winter to raincoats. It can be zero degrees and a blizzard outside but I will NOT agree to wear a coat! I feign paralysis and refuse to move. If I get dragged out the door, I will walk very reluctantly but weild ultimate power in refusing to pee or poop while clothed - which infuriates the parents.

So it was all going well, enjoyed a few toys, books etc. Until today, when a large package arrived! Mom was her usual excited self explaining to me how I would LOVE this new product as it was connected with swimming!

Out came a doggie LIFE JACKET made by Paws Aboard! Now I love to swim as you all know, but I'm a darn good swimmer, I don't need any help thank you very much! But Mom said she wanted me to model it for her and she relentlessly pursued me until she had me cornered in the kitchen! Here dear friends, is the sorry result:

I stood dead still and would not move until she took the floatation device off! I have to admit, it fit very snug and has a very pretty pattern, and very secure velcro and buckle closings - no doubt an excellent product for poor doggie swimmers...but I prefer to swim in my birthday suit!

AGC

Oh, Life is Swell!

Been battling to get to the computer...sorry...just been really busy! Take yesterday for example. In the morning, I went to Doggy Day Care - how I love going there and playing for hours with my friends. The place is called The Urban Dog:

Yesterday when Dad came to pick me up, I was running about with my pals:


Can you spot me?
Then later in the day, we went to Dad's parent's house for dinner. I got to hang out with the newest addition to our family, baby Devon. I let her pull my beard and grab my fur 'cos she is just a mini-human, and anyway, she is a messy eater. I was on hand to catch anything that she dropped on the floor.
We all hung out and had a delish dinner - corn and London Broil on the barbaque. Yummy. That's Dad with his sisters and nieces:
And here I am, on Dad's lap sniffing the table, which was sadly, devoid of food at the time:
Then this morning, at 7:30am, there was a knock at the door, and WOOHOO, it was Aunty Lynne to come and get me for our weekly 6 mile hike/swim/run! I jumped into her car and off we went. Three hours later, Mom and Dad picked me up from her house, and now I'm heading for a big snooze.

But before I do, I want to thank Jackson from the UK for sending me a most delicious package in the mail. When Mom was in London, she mailed him a SNAX, so he reciprocated with SNACKS. Beautiful baked goods - some even had my name on it! Thank you Jackson, I am still enjoying these a week later as Mother is rationing them....




Speaking of Jackson, we also have to thank him for introducing the Dog Brick toy to us. Mom reviewed it on Swanky Pup this past week. Happy to report that some doggy product samples are on their way to us for review including a doggy life jacket and some toys! Woohoo, no silly clothes! Well, does a life jacket qualify? I mean where the heck is mom going to test that out? The pond? Stay tuned people...

AGC

Hurrah!

I am thrilled to announce that Mom now has her own blog - finally (hopefully) she will leave me alone and stop trying to hijack my blog!

Mom will be a senior writer on the very hip dog blog called The Swanky Pup. She will be testing and reviewing various dog products along with a team of other writers. Of course, I am psyched because I get to be the beneficiary of the products she gets to review.

Oh wait a minute...what if I have to try on silly designer dog clothes? Or silly bow-ties? Oh geez, remind me to tell Mom to only solicit treats and toys to review!!!

Please support Mom's new gig - it is a very cool site even if I say so myself. I like the design and the founders are cool women who do a lot for dog rescue and adoption. And as an extra incentive - of course I will be featured frequently!

Oh, Mom says to tell you...if you have any products you love that you think should be featured, please email her!

AGC