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My Friend Murphy (and your Friend Too!)
My Mom and I were trying to make jokes before and say that we all needed a vacation, but the truth is that we are so busy this summer that there is absolutely no time for the pleasures of Blogging. Mom and I have been working in our office sometimes until almost midnight just trying to keep up, and whereas we are doing just that with our wonderful company Everything & The Dog a lot of our personal projects, including my Blog has fallen behind.
I know that all of you will understand and please not to blame me for not being a good Boy Blogger PitBull Reporter Extra Ordinary. You KNOW I love my job and will soon be able to continue.
Meanwhile, today we received some absolutely horrible news about our friend, Murphy --- the other half of Hudson and Luke and the most amazing dog who just finished a 2300 + mile walk for canine cancer. You know, of course, that you can learn all about Luke and DaBoys and the project by having your mouse person fly you away to 2 DOGS 2000 MILES
I am having a hard time blogging this, so Mom suggested that we take a letter we just received and copy it here. It pretty much explains it all at this time. This is from our friend Sheila Rinks:
Hi all
Sheila Rinks
931-644-6426
http://www.2dogs2000miles.org
If there is anything at all that you can do to donate or help raise money for Murphy, please let me know, or you can contact Sheila directly. You can call or e-mail her at any time.
I know that Sheila is trying to be nice when she says that God didn't bring Murphy this far to be defeated by the very disease he walked so long and hard to help to fight. On the other hand. I am a PitBull and let me tell you (because we PitBulls happen to know)........ THIS IS NOT FAIR AT ALL AND WE MUST HELP IN ANY WAY WE CAN.
Love and Licks,
Bob
July 6, 2010 Tucker Selvey Day
Last year, our friend Bev Hollis who is the best dog dog photo taking person we know took some wonderful pictures of Tucker and Frankie, and GUESS WHAT? Tucker has his very own day in the Workman Gallery of Dogs Calendar. Just look at this:
Isn't that just the very happiest picture you have every seen?
And the little note at the top of the page says " Acquiring a dog may be the only opportunity a human ever has to choose a relative" ---- and that is certainly the truth.
Tucker can do tricks too and so can his sister, who is named Frankie....... check this one out
Frankie can wink! I don't know how she does that, because I can't figure it out.
And Tucker can balance treats on his nose (although I'm not sure what the value of that one is, since if I have a treat, it goes in my mouth, not on my nose)
Anyway, we are happy that Tucker (and Frankie) are our clients and we love them very much.
So celebrate Tucker Selvey day..... teach your dog to hold a biscuit on his nose. HA
Love and LIcks,
BOB
Fireworks: Too Scary for Words (or Woofs)
I must admit that I had to tuck myself into my crate and put my paws on my head to help with the noise from our neighbor's house, but my "sister" Scarlett just about had a heart attack. She shakes so hard during a thunderstorm that we think she might break and of course, she didn't enjoy the sound display yesterday either.
But guess what? Being the wonderful PitBull Boy Bloginator and Reporter Extra Ordinary that I am, I have discovered what could be a solution for the anxiety attacks many of us suffer brought on by loud noise and thunderstorms.
Check out Thundershirts & go from BANG to AHHHH in no time at all.......... seriously!
Here is what the nice people who make the Thundershirts have to say:
Whether for thunder, fireworks, or any other sound, Thundershirt can help your dog’s noise anxiety. And no
We actually found out about Thundershirts from one of our clients, Ms. Cheryl Engel, who has a very big housefull of Cocker Spaniels and most of them are not good with noises. She absolutely assures us that Thundershirts work, so Mom says that she is going to order one for our Scarlett-Baby and we'll test it out.
Here is what else is pretty amazing. Thundershirts appear to help with problem barking as well, so now I KNOW FOR SURE we need to get one for Scarlett. If anyone is a problem barker it is Scarlett (she is --- after all a Rat Terrior)
You can check out lots of videos on Thundershirts home on the internet -- we found my Mouse Person asleep under the birdcage and convinced him to take us around and so we watched all of the videos. Pretty amazing.
This is what a doggie looks like wearing his very own Thundershirt. When we get ours to try on our Scarlett Baby, I'll update you on our success with it. As my Mom always says, "can't hurt, might help".
Love and Licks,
Bob
---- not a fan of loud noises either
Not Lily - But it Should Be
Love,
Bob
------ way too hot in Leesburg
----------- over 90 degrees for the 10th day in a row
Dog Days of Summer
So let's go back to the Dog Days. We found my Lazy Mouse Person in the bird seed bin, curled up and sleeping soundly, but I managed to convince him to get to work and I went out into cyberspace to find out about The Dog Days.
This is what I discovered:
Everyone knows that the “dog days of summer” occur during the hottest and muggiest part of the season. The Webster definition of "dog days" is1 : the period between early July and early September when the hot sultry weather of summer usually occurs in the northern hemisphere
2 : a period of stagnation or inactivityBut where does the term come from? Why do we call the hot, sultry days of summer “dog days?”
In ancient times, when the night sky was unobscured by artificial lights and smog, different groups of peoples in different parts of the world drew images in the sky by “connecting the dots” of stars. The images drawn were dependent upon the culture: The Chinese saw different images than the Native Americans, who saw different pictures than the Europeans. These star pictures are now called constellations, and the constellations that are now mapped out in the sky come from our European ancestors.
They saw images of bears, (Ursa Major and Ursa Minor), twins, (Gemini), a bull, (Taurus), and others, including dogs, (Canis Major and Canis Minor).
The brightest of the stars in Canis Major (the big dog) is Sirius, which also happens to be the brightest star in the night sky. In fact, it is so bright that the ancient Romans thought that the earth received heat from it. Look for it in the southern sky (viewed from northern latitudes) during January.
In the summer, however, Sirius, the “dog star,” rises and sets with the sun. During late July Sirius is in conjunction with the sun, and the ancients believed that its heat added to the heat of the sun, creating a stretch of hot and sultry weather. They named this period of time, from 20 days before the conjunction to 20 days after, “dog days” after the dog star.
The conjunction of Sirius with the sun varies somewhat with latitude. And the “precession of the equinoxes” (a gradual drifting of the constellations over time) means that the constellations today are not in exactly the same place in the sky as they were in ancient Rome. Today, dog days occur during the period between July 3 and August 11. Although it is certainly the warmest period of the summer, the heat is not due to the added radiation from a far-away star, regardless of its brightness. No, the heat of summer is a direct result of the earth's tilt.
Personally, I can't really see the Dog here........ however I actually found all of this to be quite interesting. Especially since I am currently in an air conditioned room and not having to be out and about.
It is especially interesting that when it is very, very hot, people do some strange things. To prove it, just try checking out someone who figured out how to Bake Chocolate Chip Cookie on the Dashboard of their car.
Honestly. I wonder if this would work with Dog Biscuits?
Love and Licks,
Bob
............ way too hot in Leesburg, Virginia
Catie at The Copley
Today is a very exciting day for all of us who support and love 2Dogs 2000 Miles - Luke, Hudson and Murphy and everything they have worked so hard to accomplish over the last two plus years.
Today is the big finale day, and I've been hearing from my Sister, Lydia who is in in Boston right now enjoying ALL of the festivities.
In this mornings newsletter from Uncle Erich (who stayed at home like me and Mom --- someone has to hold down the fort) --- anyway.. this morning, this is what Uncle Erich had to tell us.
Today's The Day! – It's been two years and almost 2400 miles in the making, but today's the day Luke, Hudson, and Murphy walk their final mile into Boston. First there will be the Memorial Service lead by Reverend Pattie Handloss. The Reverend, retired associate vicar of the Old North Church in the North End and Animal Rescue League of Boston overseer, will also perform a Blessing of the Animals later in the day. There's a nice article about Reverend Handloss here: http://tinyurl.com/25pztqb
After the Memorial Service, Luke and The Boys will lead the Final Mile to the Boston Common, followed by friends they've made from over 20 states. What a thrilling accomplishment! Luke and I would often talk about the hardships they faced during their walk – oppressive and dangerous weather, dog packs, unfriendly and weird people, bugs, bugs, bugs, finding safe places to stay, avoiding traffic, crossing bridges in disrepair – some swinging in the wind. We often marveled at the pioneer spirit that people had so long ago, and wondered how anyone survived. It brought us both a new respect for the accomplishments of those trailblazers, and I think it often gave Luke the courage and determination to go on – especially after surviving tornadoes, snow storms, recluse spiders, toxic Twinkies, and a host of other challenges that met them.
After the Final Mile, people will share an afternoon of fun at the Puppy Up! Festival in the Boston Common. After posing with The Boys for photos, Luke will have the ceremonial cutting of the hair, which will be donated to Locks of Love. He'll then be whisked off to get a proper haircut and get spiffed up for the Gala. In the meantime, Puppy Up! partiers will enjoy a Boston Police K9 Demo, Top Hat and Tails Canine Freestyle Performance, Owner/Dog Look-Alike Contest, Children's Pet Show, and lots of vendor and sponsor booths. The weather is supposed to be good too!
And then of course in the evening the Puppy Up! Gala gets underway. Dinner, cocktails, the Puppy Up! song sung by Luke, more live music, silent and live auctions, dancing – well, a regular pawrty! Murphy will give a live demonstration of his passion for The Honest Kitchen food, there will be a few speeches and much congratulation, and Luke will tell everyone about 2 Million Dogs, our next project.
It should be a full and wonderful day for everyone.
So my Mom and I are so excited and so happy for Uncle Luke, Hudson and Murphy and we are proud of them too. But, because I am the World's Best Boy PitBull Reporter Extra Ordinary, not to mention Boy Bloginator..... I want to tell you some stories behind the story. And because I have sent my reporting apprentice (my Sis) to Boston, she has told me all about Catie at the Copley.
I think I may be in love (again --- or yet? - or still?--- whatever - here is the official photo of Catie.
The Fairmont Copley is of course, the hotel where the big GALA dinner and celebration will take place tonight.
Catie came to The Fairmont Copley Plaza in 2005 when she joined the staff as Canine Ambassador, a role where she will meet and greet guests, be available for scheduled walks and runs, and be a community liaison. Catie was originally trained to be a guide dog by the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, Inc., but later Catie developed small cataracts. So Catie, who is now blind herself has changed careers.
The hotel says that ''Many guests, whether they are traveling on business or pleasure, miss the companionship they receive from their own pets. Catie makes guests feel more at home at the hotel. " ---- and Lydia can attest to this from personal experience. Of course she is having WillowBee and LilyBug withdrawals..... not to mention the fact that she misses me terribly. So she has been to see Catie quite a few times. Here is our own photo of Catie
That's some fine rug she has.
I wish we had a rug like that in OUR office......... and here is another:
Because my Mouse Person was feeling very helpful this afternoon and we wanted to find out how we could write to Catie Copley , we went out into cyberspace and learned that Catie is stationed near the St. James Avenue entrance where she will relax between walks in her cozy dog bed. The Concierge staff maintains an appointment book where guests can schedule walks and runs with her. In addition, she will also greet guests in the lobby and assist bell staff with room deliveries. When guests take Catie for a walk around the city, they receive a walk pack that includes a booklet highlighting Catie's favorite Boston walks as well as the commands that she knows and a biscuit for a walk well done.
Catie even has her own business cards and e-mail address. Guests may write to Catie at Catie.Copley@fairmont.com.
I don't have any business cards, but I have a BLOGGING business and so I will be sure to send Catie a copy of my Blogging and perhaps she will write back to me. I hope so. She looks very calm and organized. This is something that there isn't too much of around our office most of the time. Ha.
So I am sad not to be in Boston with my family and Mama Ginger, Mr. Luke and the boys, but as Mom says, someone has to stay at home and keep the fires burning. I have no idea why she would think we need a fire - it's almost 100 degrees out today, but whatever.
Lydia and our friend Ms. Diane have taken lots of photos of their adventures in the land of Baked Beans (Boston) and so over the next couple of days, I will try to put a little photo collection together to share with you.
Here are a couple however that I really like and wanted to share today.
The first is the Blessing of Murphy & Hudson:
And another of the beautiful Memorial Ceremony
And here is our Mr. Pat - patiently waiting to begin the final Mile Walk -----obviously Pat has learned to conserve his energy cause it is going to be a very, very long day!
I am so excited to hear all about the rest of the day - and I'll report in with all the juicy details! It's nice having an Apprentice Reporter in The Field......... I'm here in the newsroom, staying cool and reading e-mails!
Love and Licks,
Bob
...... Best Boy Bloginator in The Entire Known Universe
-------------- and who has his very own Girl Reporter too!
---------------- and in love with Catie Copley
They Are Almost in Boston
I'm a little jealous, because I think I might like to make a RoadTrip sometime. My Mom says it involves a lot of snacks and magazines. Oh Boy.
Well anyway, as I told you, Lydia, Pat and Diane are on their way to BOSTON for the big finale of Mr. Luke's Dog Walking Journey of Over 2000 Miles.
And guess where they are now? New York City! Here is proof
I guess this is proof.... how would I know? I've hardly ever been out of Virginia.
This could have come from anywhere. But then, Lydia sent me this photo of Ms. Diane, so now I know they are really on the road to Boston.
Diane looks pretty happy to be on vacation and not at work, but let that just be our little secret.
Love and Licks,
Bob
...... not on the road to Boston
.............. will report on all the hot news, however
Almost Home
Now that I am faced with the daunting fact that the Journey has almost ended, I really don't know where to start with my Blogging.
There are so many things to say, so many things to remember, so many hills got climbed and so many valleys got slipped into. When they take that final step into Boston, will we all look around and say "is that it?" "Are we done now".
But no, this journey that was begun so long ago, is really only a beginning. I know that there will be lots of great things still to come and there is much work for us all to do if we are to make this trip across so many miles stand forever as an example of what one man and two brave dogs can do to help millions.For tonight I am just going to ask everyone to think about what all of this means to each and everyone of us. We lost our beloved Princess Daisy to cancer and she was the very first Cover Dog on the 2009 Cancer Can't Keep a Good Dog Down Calendar.
Let's all do some thinking tonight about everything that Mr. Luke and Hudson and Murphy have done for pets everywhere. Thoughts are being thought by men who will be able to find a cause and a cure for this horrible disease, and those doctors and researchers have started down a path because they were asked to do this by one brave man and two brave dogs.
Let's all go to sleep tonight with glorious dreams in our heads and lots of love in our hearts. And when we wake up tomorrow morning, Mr. Luke and DaBoys will be one step closer to the final mile and ready to start their new journey (after a brief and well earned rest).
Love and Licks
Bob
......... thinking tonight about every single name on that Memorial Shirt
................. wishing that there would never be another
In loving memory of Lewsen's Princess Daisy Dawg: Calendar Girl Extra Ordinary
Bob is Back
Guess What? I am back. My Blogging Status has been restored. Mom said I could just tell the world I had been on vacation for 45 days, but actually, I have been suffering from a combination of Blogger's Block and Nervous Trauma brought on by the presence of our cat, Bejing. I think it is better to be truthful. But in a way Mom was right, it was sort of nice to take a bit of a break.
Now I have come to the conclusion (in the last 45 days) that Bejing, The Evil Nemisis, is not leaving and I just have to learn to live with her. I will say, in her favor ---- the mousie population around here in being quickly reduced by usually one per day. Mom says this is a very helpful skill when one lives in the countryside. I think I could have easily performed this job if someone allowed me to wander around in a field most of the day, but Mom says that PitBulls don't eat Mice. Poo. I know for a fact that my Brother, Rusty, has been snackin' on them because he is in love with Bejing and follows her everywhere. Obviously he feels he is part cat, part Dauschund. Whatever.
There is a lot of news to share. I can never catch up all at once, but most of my important news revolves around the finale of the 2Dogs2000Miles Walk which is going to be happening very soon ---- so I'll be telling you all about that. Mom and I are not going to make it to Boston, but My Sis, Lydia and Mr. Pat are going and so is my friend Miss Diane.
And today, we are waiting anxiously because Mama G (who is officially known as Ginger - and who is the "keeper" of Mr. Luke and makes sure he is where he is supposed to be) --- she is on her way to our home right now and will arrive tonight. So Mom and I will get all caught up on the news about Boston and we'll start spreading the word. Meanwhile if you want to catch up on your own, you can follow some of these links which were collected by Mr. Erich.... the other half of the Ginger/Erich team.
2 Dogs Home Page: http://www.2dogs2000miles.org/
2Dogs Blog: http://2dogs2000miles.blogspot.com/
Puppy Up Blog: http://puppyup.blogspot.com/
Facebook Direct Link: http://www.facebook.com/2dogs2000miles
Contact Ginger for media inquiries, and product orders: ginger@2dogs2000miles.org
Contact Erich concerning Daily & Blogs questions: erich@2dogs2000miles.org
We welcome your thoughts, opinions, comments & questions: feedback@2dogs2000miles.org
Every dog with cancer has a story. Send us yours at: puppyupstories@2dogs2000miles.org
Puppy Up! goodies available at: http://tinyurl.com/y2uow24
Please come to Boston in the Springtime for the Puppy Up! Welcome Home Events: http://tinyurl.com/y5uukn2
Speaking of Boston, if you are able to donate items for the Live & Silent Auctions, you can find a handy on-line form right here: http://tinyurl.com/23a2pj3
Find out what becoming a Boston Events Sponsor is all about: http://tinyurl.com/2e543me
Join the next part of the journey: http://2milliondogs.org/
That's just a little hint about all the excitement that will soon be happening in the City of Boston. It truly will be a wonderful day when Mr. Luke, Hudson and Murphy take that final step on what has become a really and truly remarkable journey.
And so, my dear friends ---- I am happy to be back among the Bloggers of The World. I hope you will forgive me for taking my little "vacation.
Love and Licks,
Bob
.......... and Bejing - the Evil Outdoor Cat
Meet George
Here is her sweet little face.
Well - Meet George!
No --- George is not coming to our family, but we wanted to show you how cute he is. He belongs to someone who works in the office of our neighbor, Jim, and yesterday Lydia went over there to meet him.
I told her we should dog-nap him and bring him home. Mom said, not a good idea, because then I would just have another puppy to help grow up.
So? And her point is?
Welcome to the world George! May you grow up to be as wonderful as my sister, Lily of the Valley.
Love and Licks,
Bob