Sunday, July 05, 2009
Update on Grandpa
On Tuesday I am planning to leave South Africa after a month and return to my life in Philadephia. Of course I leave with a very heavy heart and deep sadness because I do not expect to see my beloved father alive again. I have struggled with the decision to leave, but I knew Dad would be the first one to tell me its time to go, that I need to get back to my life and my work in Philadelphia.
I can't wait to hug Axel - I have so missed his little furry presence. I have no doubt I will be leaning on him when I get home.
Please keep Dad (and me) in your prayers. This is the hardest time in both our lives I expect.
Dani
PS Please note the NEW button on the top right of the blog - please click to find out more about Sweet Cecil and open your hearts and wallets to help this dear boy restore his vision.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Prayers for Grandpa
Mom tells me lots of stories about Grandpa and what a strong man he is mentally and physically even at his age. Grandpa is really responsible for my existence because it was he who fell for the wire fox terrier breed years ago and insisted on buying Mom her first wire when she was 12 and wanted a maltese poodle instead!
I miss Mom very much, she flew to South Africa to be with her family last Monday, 5 hours after getting the call that her Dad was so sick. I'm not sure when she will be back, but we are hoping this weekend or early next week. Mom doesn't want to leave until her Dad is conscious and on the road to recovery. Right now he is still ventilated and stable...
Please join me in praying for Grandpa's complete and rapid recovery!
AGC
Friday, May 29, 2009
Axel does Monet
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Groundhog Day

There was an entrance on both sides of the mound, so I stuck my whole body in there, and then started digging and digging. Mud was flying everywhere! When I couldn't find the hog at one entrance, I ran over the top of the mound to the other side and tried from the other end. I could smell the rascal, but I couldn't get him. Throughout the pursuit, other dogs walked by on the way to the park and I raced to the top of the mound and barked at them -- this was my groundhog and I was NOT about to share it!
An hour passed by, the sky had blackened and a downpour was imminent. Mom was now worrying about how she was going to leash and drag me home - you can't really see so well in the pic, but the mound was surrounded by bramble, rocks and undergrowth. When the rain came down, Mom took the plunge and managed after some time, to catch and drag me away. Man, I was pissed. I could have stayed there all night.Of course I was filthy by this time, and Dad was not home, so I knew no way was Mom going to manage to bath me alone. I was excited to think that I'd be able to stay this dirty for a while. I love being dirty.
No suck luck. Mom sequestered me in the kitchen. Dad came home and 5 minutes later, lured with a big piece of provolone cheese, I found my self in the bath being shampooed. Drat!
I'm gonna get me that groundhog!!! He lives to see another day, but not for long. Heh heh. AGC
PS Happy Passover and Happy Easter everyone. How come the Jews get the bum deal again - cardboard, yuch, even I won't eat that! And the Christians get gaily painted chocolate eggs? Geez.
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Chef Axel

Sunday, March 22, 2009
Bad Dog and New Blog

Hello all,
Don't I look like a sweet angel snoozing on my fox toy? heh heh.
Sorry I haven't written much. It is mother's fault. She just started a new blog at http://firstabode.wordpress.com/, and I now enjoy even less time online! It's not fair. The only reason I am not having a hissy fit, is that I guess it is for a good cause. The parents are looking for a new home for us. I already submitted my wishlist -- big back yard full of critters, friendly neighbor dogs, window seat from which I can peruse the street and a doggie door so I don't have to give the parents funny looks when I want to go out. I'm keeping my paws crossed. I just don't understand why I don't get to go with to see the potential homes...that ain't right!
In other news, I was a very naughty boy last week. Mom was taking me for a walk when I spotted my friend Sophie and yanked the lead so I could catch up with her. Uh oh. Down went my wee Mom, her knees hitting concrete. Boy was she mad - mainly because I didn't stay by her side to see if she was ok, I took off after Sophie and didn't give a poop. Well that's how she saw it. I see it differently - I took off cos I thought Mom would prefer to weep alone and I knew she had her cell and would call Dad. I thought it would be less bother if I just went to the park with Sophie. Of course Mom didn't buy this for a second and now at every opportune moment she lambasts me and shows me her knee (pictured above a week later) and says, "You see this big colorful bruise - you did it!!"
I'm sorry, I'm sorry, mea culpa!!
AGC
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Hero Dog
I would like to meet that heroic dog and shake his paw. But he's in Chile and noone was ever able to find him after this incident, though many tried...There are apparently thousands of stray dogs in Chile. Sadly, the injured dog crossed to the Rainbow Bridge despite the valiant efforts of the nameless, heroic stray.
By the way, you have a chance to be a hero too - please click on the image of Zazoo (top right) and vote for him in this contest that could win American Fox Terrier Rescue $10,000! We need your help!
AGC
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Winter is for Hibernating!

AGC
Superior Being.
Friday, February 06, 2009
GET YOUR FREE SNACKS!

AGC
Connisseur of the Superlative Snack
Thursday, February 05, 2009
We're ALL on the mend
She might also be losing her marbles a bit. Yesterday we had a big snowstorm here in Philly - we got about 5 inches of snow! But upon arriving home from work, what did you think Mom did? I'll give you a pictorial clue:

Yes, she decided to BBQ steaks on the grill outside surrounded by the snow. These South Africans will stop at nothing to BRAAI (the SA equivalent of BBQ - pronounced to rhyme with CRY) And note to Grandma in SA - yes, Mommy is not wearing a coat, hat or gloves while she cooks. She is very silly indeed. LOL. But in her defense, she was in and out very fast and the fire from the grill was toasty! So we ALL had delish steak and mash potatoes for dinner and I got to chew the bones and get some flesh. Yummy.
You will also be happy to know that my hotspots are getting better. This is what it looked like about 5 days ago after the vet cleaned it up (for $282!!) [warning: photo may make you barf]:
This is how it looks today:
So it is much better. I am still licking a bit but so far have been spared the dreaded collar which Mom says she is going to return to Petco and get her $35 back!
Now if only Dad felt better - he is going through a box of Puffs tissues every 5 hours - I can't believe how much snot one guy can have! Heh heh.
Not much else to report folks. Hope everyone is doing swell.
AGC
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Big Thank You from Mom
Dear Friends,
Thank you for all the wonderful well wishes received via Ax's blog. I am deeply appreciative of all the kind, encouraging words.
Today I feel so much better I am almost ready to do a jig! I have been eating a lot and today at my check up was happy to hear I had gained back 5 pounds! I am half way there!
Unfortunately, tomorrow Ax has to go to the vet as instead of eating my snacks, he has taken to eating his leg and tail!
{What??? hang on Mom...I'm not writing that....argh! Ok, yeah, so I've made a big mess of my leg and tail - it's red, sore and swollen and hurts like hell...I didn't mean to do such a good job on myself, I just got nervous with you being away....boo hoo....}
Anyway, he definitely needs antibiotics and I fear he might get the dreaded collar if he can't leave his skin alone....
So thank you everyone from near and far and all the virtual nursies who have done a very fine job getting me back to strength....I hope to go back to work part time next week and get stronger every day!
Mom
Ok, I'm not adding anything to Mom's post, I'm a bit miffed that she thinks I enjoyed eating my leg and tail! Not so. I couldn't help it. I'm a very very sensitive guy.
AGC
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Mom Sick
Thanks.
AGC Chief RN.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Totally Off Topic - But I Like Music with a Message
So let's take a break from talking about hot spots and doggie issues and let's turn to world issues. Mom has been very upset by the war going on in Gaza and we all pray every night before we go to sleep that the madness will end and peace will one day come to the Middle East. But I tell Mom there is about as much chance of that happening, as there is of me turning into a cockapoo overnight.
So I found this very inspiring, upbeat and optimistic video on Youtube that I want to share with all of you tonite - so turn up your speakers and clap your paws and spread this message of reconciliation and hope!
AGC
Part-time peace activist, full-time snack fiend.
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Of Crocodiles and Crazy Boo

Well much has happened in the last week.
First, the Crocodile (pictured right with us) finally arrived. Crocodile is Mom's great old friend who was visiting from South Africa. Her real name is Suzie but Mom's Dad gave her the nickname Croc many years ago because she is very tall and long. Mom's nickname is Mouse because, well, she is the opposite of the Croc - she is small and squeaky. Heh heh.
So Suzie came to visit us for four days - so not only did we have a crazy pup named Boo with us, we had a Croc too. Luckily the Croc loves dogs though she is partial to labs and retrievers...but we were great ambassadors for our breed and she now loves Wires too.
We were on our best behaviour...well, I was...Boo kept playfully attacking me...
Let me tell you, that pup drove me nuts much of the time...he is crazy. He loves to play but gets a bit carried away sometimes and never stops. I like to play too, but I like to snooze as well and often the only way I could do that, was to beg the parents to put him in his crate. Sometimes I had to fiercely defend myself against him but I never snapped ever...I just had to give him a certain look, and he'd get the message...well, for about 3 seconds!
Can you believe that's me? You don't often see that side of me - I'm a mellow, gentle type of guy.So Croc and Boo had a bit of a love affair. Boo mistook her for a pillow and loved to cuddle with her. I didn't mind, I just appreciated the break! Don't they look cute?

Boo is a funny character, especially when he was asleep. Just look at him sleeping in his crate (grinning in his sleep!) and on my couch:

Anyway, so yesterday, Mom, Dad and me drove Boo to Maryland where he will be living with dear friends M and S and their furkids Mackie, Finn and Ollie, who are charged with finding him his new home. I got to play with Finn and Ollie and check out their lovely house and huge yard - and then I wished Boo well and said farewell.
As you know, I, Axel G Chocholoza, am always honest, so I am not going to lie on my blog and say that I was heartbroken, bereft and in a state of abject despair to say goodbye to Boo. I enjoyed his company and having him as my playmate most of the time - but he was too hyper for me and sometimes his need to wrestle and play was too much for me. I was always patient and never once hurt the fella, but there were times where he really tried my patience. And, I am not ashamed to admit, I love my Mom and Dad, and did not enjoy sharing them with another dog. I also love my home and park and friends - it was hard to share all these things with Boo, though I never once openly revealed these feelings while he was with us. I was always gentlemanly and generous. I even shared my waterbowl, food and treats! Afterall, I am unique!
After we got back from Maryland - I fell into a most delicious slumber, free at last of the stress of having Boo about and having to entertain him.
And I had special one on one huggies/snooze with Dad...
I wish Boo only the very best life with a very loving family. I guess that means, I wish Boo everything that I have.
AGC
Monday, December 29, 2008
Boomer and Me
AGC
Friday, December 26, 2008
Boo Blogs...well, sort of.
SCREEEEECH....THUD....WOOF!
Ok everyone, it's me Ax. Clearly Boo's ADHD is too profound to render him a competant blogger. The bloke can't sit still for 2 minutes. So I told him I heard a mouse and off he went. Heh heh. These pups are so easy to trick - Boo is especially niave!Let me tell you, this guy never lets me rest. It's a tad irritating sometimes, but I just have to give him a look or bare my teeth and he gets the message.
Yesterday he very skillfully jumped up on a shelf and grabbed a whole bag of treats while the people were sleeping late. He then brought the bag to me and we en
joyed the spoils. So I really do like having him around. He thinks of crazy shit that doesn't even cross my mind and he can jump real high - just like Pacco de Mongrel!Boo is very agile, he can get into tight spots becos he is so skinny (he'll never qualify for the Substantial Wires Club!) - so is very good at retrieving Snax that roll under furniture. He has also proven to be quite a barker - and he doesn't even need me to set him off! And like all us wires, he likes to walk and sleep atop our furniture.
Looks like he will be leaving us next weekend, and I will miss the little fella. He is a sweet soul who though a tad cuckoo, will grow into a very wonderful companion and best friend to the lucky family he adopts.
Besides, he does slow down sometimes, and when he does, he looks like the most angelic, adorable creature on earth:

Enjoy your weekend! Mom keeps telling me that the Crocodile is arriving tomorrow. Huh? Sounds kinda scary, but she told me that she will be bringing me treats, so I guess it must be a benevolent Crocodile...do such reptiles exist?
AGC
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Crazy Boo
I thought you'd enjoy some more photos of the two of us. Here is a rare moment when we are chilling on top of the couch...
Here is Boo enjoying one of my many Snax toys:
We hear there are a few families lining up to give him his forever home...so fingers crossed he will have a wonderful new life by his first birthday on January 14. Though he is a bit of a pain, I reckon I'll miss him when he goes....
AGC
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Our Hanukkah Guest


I hope you will all welcome Boomie to the blog world.Happy Hanukkah to all - it starts tonite at sundown.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Happy Holidays All!

Mom wrote to the company to compliment them on their fine merchandise and asked if we could sample a few more to review on www.theswankypup.com - and they said YES. So more cookies coming MY way...though mother is threatening to hire new biscuit tasters given my girth. Harumpfffff! By the way, for the record, I think our favorite friend Christina's gourmet cookies from her biz called Woofs and Whiskers are equally delicious! I never turn down a good treat!


Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah and Kracking Kwanzaai to all my friends around the world!
AGC
Sunday, December 07, 2008
The Big Scare
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


