The Big Scare

Well, I frightened my parents half to death this weekend. I don't know what happened, one minute I was happily walking with Mom in the park, even ate a snack I found on the ground, jumped in and out the car....and then I didn't feel good and lay on the couch and found I wasn't hungry, didn't even try to eat the parent's take out Chinese. Unusual.

Then, I couldn't get up. I couldn't move. It was horrible. Dad tried to help me but oh, the pain. I cried. It was after midnight and Dad was so worried, poor Dad, he went and woke Mom. Mom then came down and spoke to me and tried to coax me off the couch. I wanted to please them, but I couldn't get up. It broke my heart to see them so upset and scared.

Dad lifted me off the sofa and put me on the carpet. I just stood and lifted my leg. I couldn't walk. Dad had to carry me up the stairs and we all got into bed and tried to sleep. I know Mom didn't sleep much, every 20 minutes I felt her put her hand in front of my nose and on my belly - I think she was checking I was breathing! I didn't move all night.

First thing Saturday morning I was carried to the car and taken to the vet. Two vets felt my legs and knees and hips. They took my temperature, checked my eyes, ears and bum, and decided I must have had a bad hip/upper leg sprain. They prescribed anti inflammatories and told Mom and Dad to watch me and check in in a few days, and to keep my activity limited. Mom said, unfortunately that won't be a problem, since I wasn't walking very much. I walked a bit at the vet, mainly 'cos I just wanted to go home. All the leg/hip manipulations hurt! Actually, at one point, I was so unhappy I snapped and growled, so they "Hannibal Lecter"ed me!

I think it was most cruel of Dad to snap a photo of me at my worst moment! And Mom laughed through her tears!

When we got home, we stopped in the park and I took a good poop. Boy I felt better! Nothing like a good poopie! I then rested at home for 2 hours but then Mom and Dad forced me to get up and walk a bit. Mom's theory was it was important for me not to be scared to walk. So they carried me down our front stairs and stood me outside. I took a few steps and it felt ok. I took more...then I took off down the road...Dad in tow. Mom grinning from the door. I walked all the way round the block to see my buddy Elvis and his Mom P. I told Elvis all about my ordeal, he was very sympathetic!

Anyway, since then, I have felt so good. Today I am back to normal, running, playing with toys and demanding many snacks. Mom and Dad are totally mystified!!

I am Axel G Chocholoza - Wire of Mystery.

Thanks for everyone's love and prayers. I think they helped a LOT.

AGC

Mouse Wars

I have to brag. I caught a mouse last night in the basement. Ok, so it was already dead, so what? I, Axel G Chocholoza is the one who FOUND it and alerted Dad by barking solidly for half an hour while staring at the spot of death.

Dad did the heavy lifting - crawling behind the stairway to retrieve it, but I grabbed it and did a happy dance around the room with it in my mouth and then handed it over to Dad for disposal.

I've been after these buggers forever. At last I got one!

AGC

Mouse Slayer...ok, more truthfully, Dead Mouse Locator

My Fave Day of the Year

I love Thanksgiving! I inevitably amass a large amount of yummy turkey, and tonite was no different.

Here I am posing with the parents and our nieces and nephews - aren't they cute kids. We love to chase eachother - I adore them and they adore me. Foxies not good with little kids? Bah humbug, I'm brilliant with little kids. Dad took a video, that will go up soon...

There was a GREAT BIG turkey. I watched uncle Craig carve it up, my mouth was drooling and I was praying it would slide off the counter and on to the floor. I spoke to Jake, the resident dog, and we had a plan for making off with the whole bird. Unfortunately, it didn't happen...

At first I was forced to sit under the dining room table and pop my head up near Mom and Dad to ask for turkey (got plenty) but after a while, they let me sit at the table, where I really should have been assigned my own seat from the beginning!

After all the turkey, the dessert was laid out...oh boy, cherry pie, choc/marshmellow pie (Mom made it), pumpkin pie, cheese cake, banana cake...I thought I would have a heart attack...

Mom and Dad tried to distract me by offering me a fake rubber lizard instead. What kind of an idiot do they take me for??? Any terrier worth his salt can tell the difference between a cherry pie and a toy reptile!

So I didn't get any dessert - for that I am NOT thankful - Dad convinced me to chill with him on the couch. The minute we sat down, that triptofin stuff kicked in and we were in SnoozeWorld in seconds...

Other than the deprivation of dessert, it was a lovely thanksgiving! Hope you all had a good one too.

AGC

The NEW Me

Well, here I am. Debonaire, handsome and no longer Scruffy. It's a good thing you can't smell me, Mom says I smell like a cheap whore. MOM!!! Not my fault they perfumed me. Mom said she wished I'd rolled in poopie in the park after my haircut, "anything is better than that cheap perfume reek!"

I'd like to give a hearty shout out to two new wirey friends from Sydney, Australia - Bacon and Tuesday Jones - a brother and sister act. Please visit their new blog and say hi.

AGC

Fuzzy Wuzzy

So as you can see, I'm a very fuzzy guy. My hair is super long which is just as well 'cos today it turned arctic in Philadelphia and we even got some snow flurries.

Part of the reason my hair is so long is because my groomer hurt her finger so she had to postpone our appointment over 2 weeks ago. I was not upset as I like looking like a scruff-muffin.

But I'm afraid my groomer is all fine now and tomorrow my friends, I get the spa treatment with stripping....Hmmm. I prefer to stay home and snooze on my spot on top of the couch!

So take a good look at me now for tomorrow I will look like a different dog. Here I am ensconced in velvet on my spot. Me and George from Seinfeld love the velvet. I feel pawsitively royal...

So come on back tomorrow night for pics of the new ME...I just hope Dad remembers to tell the groomer not to strip me to the skin cos I don't want to freeze and you know I will NOT wear a coat or sweater!!!

By the way, tune into Animal Planet at 8PM EST Saturday night - they are profiling Wire Fox Terriers on Dogs 101!!

AGC

Our New President, Torn Toenail and Mom's Debut

I was fast asleep around 11PM last night when I heard mom SCREAM. I nearly jumped out of my skin. I ran to Mom and she was jumping up and down and then she started to cry. I thought she had lost her mind but then I heard the TV announce that Barack Obama had won the Presidential Election! I was so happy because the old geezer guy was scary and his side-kick even scarier (not to mention I was horrified that she hunts polar bears from helicopters!). I then sat on Mom's lap listening to his amazing acceptance speech. And just when we thought it couldn't get any better or more historical, Mr. Obama told his beautiful girls that they were such good kids that they would be getting a puppy in their new, big white house!! Hurrah!

Congratulations Obama Family.
Congratulations America for not messing up this time!

Mom felt very left out yesterday. She would have so loved to have voted for Obama but because she only has a green card and is not able to apply for citizenship for another 2 years, she is precluded from voting. She came home feeling sad and said to Dad, "I have to have my say. Please get the video camera." So Dad set up the camera and filmed Mom talk for 2 minutes about how she felt and what it was like to vote in South Africa in 1994 in the first Democratic election. She was in her pajamas and had no make up on. She didn't even rehearse. She just spoke. She then uploaded the movie to http://www.ireport.com/ which is owned by CNN. Not thirty minutes later, our phone rang. Mom joked with Dad, "oh, that's probably CNN!"

And guess what! It was!! They said they liked what Mom had to say in her video and asked to use it on CNN.com and television. Mom nearly fainted. For the rest of the night all Dad and I heard was Mom moaning about her lack of script/make up/wardrobe etc....boring! Click on Mom to see the video or click here.


Finally, can I talk about myself? I was running in the dog park 2 days ago and tore my toe nail. Yup, split it in two but not enough to pull it off. So this morning Mom shlepped me to the vet and she cut it off at the split and put a silly green bandage on it. Do I look silly?

Anyway, at least I only have to wear it for one day and take a few anti-biotics. I'll be ok.

AGC

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