Howdy blogaroos!! Squirmy here on another marvelous Monday. The days are getting longer and Spring is around the corner!

Here in North America, our clocks jumped ahead early Sunday morning. which meant …breakfast came earlier!!! SCORE! The Warden woke up early, but we boys were still sleeping- because it was still dark out. But it doesn’t take much to get us moving. Trust me.

Yesterday, another Crufts ended with the grand finale- Best in Show. 7 dogs competed for the big trophy- the Lagotto Romagnolo ( Gundog Group), the Doberman (Working Group), the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel( Toy Group), the Irish Wolfhound (Hound Group), the Standard Poodle (Utility Group), the Old English Sheepdog ( Pastoral Group) and the Wire Fox Terrier ( Terrier Group). And the big winner was….the Lagotta Romagnolo – the pasta-sounding truffle-hunting breed. Yup – the fungi fun guy won all the noodles. Congrats to Orca!!!

Now as you may recall, we were very interested in the results for Best in Breed in PON judging. Well get ready for this result – guess who won?! MY SISTER – Szyszka!!!! Really!!! She traveled all the way from the US – and WON the breed!!! Yeee-haw! Here are some screenshots the Warden grabbed of her when she was in the Group judging:

Isn’t she pretty?! We know who got the good looks in the family. While she didn’t win in the group, we were super proud of her!!! To win the breed at Crufts is a wonderful accomplishment- both for Szyszka (who behaved better than I would) and for our breeder – Maggie!!! PONgratulations!

While my sister was running around a ring, I was running around the woods.

And I was busy styling my brother’s hair…

We all have our own individual talents.

What else is new? Oh! The gimpy Coyote. The Warden found the source of his limping. Another split nail. On the other foot. So she’ll be calling the vet today to see what they can do. They’ll likely have to sedate him because he’s not too wild about anyone touching his feet. I mean the Warden can dremel his nails – but this is sore – so removal will be left to the professionals. We’ll keep you posted.

Before I close, I thought you might enjoy this winning performance of Freestyle Heelwork from Crufts. It’s a perfect way to start any day!

https://youtu.be/hf1BtaBjO2A

Doesn’t that look like fun?! The Warden said we’re not coordinated enough for something like that. I’ll tell you a secret – it’s HER who isn’t coordinated enough. I could do all those moves. But because she would likely end up with a broken hip- it’s probably best we stick to obedience and rally heeling. And even that she doesn’t do straight. But I’ll keep her. Sending her to a rescue at her age wouldn’t be very nice…

Have a good one. Peace and paws up. Stay safe.

Hey hey hey blogaroos. Squirmy here on this the second day of the giantest dog show in the world – Crufts!! Yesterday the Gundogs were judged and the winner of that group was the Lagotto Romagnolo. It sounds like a pasta dish – but if you don’t know the breed, check them out! They are water retrievers but perhaps best known for their truffle hunting skills. I don’t know any personally – but I’d like to. I mean I have golf ball hunting skills, so maybe they could teach me about truffles. I’ll see if I can find one.

Today it’s the Working breeds being judged- and our group – the Pastoral group. In North America we’re called the Herding group – but I like the name Pastoral because it almost sounds spiritual. Because we are such soulful breeds. Plus the humans we own certainly do a lot of praying because of us….mine does anyway.

By the time I post this, I’m not sure if the PON judging will be over. We may need to watch the replay, if we can find it. No matter what, we know every dog competing is a winner at home – and that’s what matters the most. We’ll try to watch the group judging tonight to cheer on the PON. I think there are 20 something PONs competing. The Picards are still in some classification that I don’t understand which I think has to do with the recognition status or something. Anyway, I don’t know how many are competing. I searched but couldn’t find their numbers. Those Picards – I always say they’re different.

If you’re interested in seeing what’s happening at Crufts – here is the link:

https://crufts.org.uk/whats-on/

And here’s the YouTube link where you can watch some things live:

https://youtube.com/@crufts

Good luck to everyone attending! Have fun, and buy lots of dog stuff – you’ll have plenty of options!!!

Meanwhile here on the home front, we have one dog on veterinary watch and one runaway. And for a change, you’ll probably guess incorrectly.

First we have the dude who appears to have hurt his foot or his toe on the crusty snow. The Coyote. He came in from outside the other day and was gimpy on his front leg. The Warden checked his nails – and it wasn’t the foot where he had the split nail. She couldn’t see anything, and he seems to be bothered by it on and off. But add to that, he had a typical bout of “I’m not eating” and it was enough to send the Warden’s blood pressure into the ozone. She can’t let him run around in the snow – because he’s worse after. So she takes him out on leash walks on the road. Last night she managed to trick him into eating by having all of us play “Find the Lambie”. Each time he returned with the lamb, whose innards are coming out from too many “finds” – he got a handful of kibble instead of a measly single bite like the Boss and I got. He ate the equivalent of his supper. So his refusal to eat doesn’t seem to have to do with his foot. Unless one reads too much on Google. Anyway, the Warden will keep an eye on him, and will restrict his walking on crunchy snow. If it isn’t better in a few days, he’s off to the vet.

So if the Coyote wasn’t the runaway- who do you think it was? I bet most of you guessed yours truly. WRONG. It was the Boss….

The Boss was annoyed last night because first the Warden had a ZOOM call while he was waiting for supper, and later, she was on the phone when he wanted to go to bed. So he started barking. And barking. The Warden continued to chat on the phone – but instead of letting him out the back door – into the fenced yard, she let him out front. She does that often with him – because he’s “trustworthy.” Ha. He marched out and had a pee and then proceeded to poop in the middle of the driveway. He wasn’t going climbing over any snow banks to poop. From the front door, the Warden could see him – just past the bed of plants we have in the middle of our circular driveway. And then he walked around the bed. She was still chatting, and watching and expected to see him emerge from around the bed. She waited a few seconds and walked from the door to see where he was. Gone. No sign of him. He must have marched up the driveway and she didn’t see him because it was dark. She called. No Boss. She quickly told her friend she had an AWOL dog and she hung up. At first she started up the driveway, but was wearing no coat and had no socks on her slippered feet. She raced in the house, threw on her coat and boots and went up the driveway again. She called. No Boss. She ran back down the driveway and jumped in the car. She had a feeling he was headed to the neighbors with the cats. She slowly began to back the car out of the garage when she heard barking. The Boss was standing and shouting at the front door to be let in.

He came in all smirky and looked at her as if to say “that’s what you get for chatting with friends so long”. We’re still not sure exactly where he went and he’s not talking. Just smirking.

So that’s the news from zoo-ville. I have class today – and I’ve been doing my homework- so I’m aiming for my usual performance of above mediocre. I still have more training to do with the Warden – she’s a slow learner.

Have a good one. Peace and paws up. Stay safe.

Howdy blogaroos! Squirmy here on another terrific Tuesday. It’s especially terrific because I’m headed out this morning to workout with the Borzoi babes. I’ll try and contain myself today during stays. Note I said “try.”

According to the crazy calendar, today is something called “unique names” day. So I guess if you have an unusual name like Moonbeam or Bacon, today is your day! I think I get to celebrate today because how many dogs do you know by the name of Wojtek? How many? But you know – my name is special. And I’m named after a bear. Yup. Not a shark as many might believe, but a bear. We’ve probably shared how I got my name- but if you’re a newbie to this blog- check out the story of Wojtek the Bear:

https://youtu.be/mlp5K5T91jo

I think the original Wojtek and I shared many similarities- he would eat anything, he liked to entertain and he could get a bit rough when wrestling. Yup – I’m a Happy Warrior just like him.

Wojtek the Bear has, I believe, 8 statues of him throughout Poland, he has two in Scotland and a sculpture in a museum in London. If you ever visit his statue, be sure to send me a photo! My breeder, Maggie and my sister in Szyszka, recently visited one of the statues Poland and sent me this. Check it out:

Another place where there is a statue in Poland is in Sopot- and look at these cool coasters our friend Joanna sent us from there:

I need an army uniform….and a statue. The Boss said of course I would think I need a statue- because I think the world revolves around me. Doesn’t it?

I ALSO found out that there is a brewery called Beartown brewery in the UK and get this – they make a beer called Wojtek!!!! I think the Warden needs to take a trip there. Just for the beer. Plus remember that Wojtek the Bear drank beer AND vodka. The Coyote says when I start drinking, he’s leaving.

Anyway – for those of you with unique names – go out today and celebrate. I actually have more than one name- some of which cannot be printed here. It all depends on the day!

Have a good one. Peace and paws up. Stay safe.

Howdy blogaroos. Squirmy reporting from snowville. So here’s the thing – we had record low snowfall for most of the winter. But surprise – Mother Nature has kept it in storage. Yup. It started in February and here we are in the beginning of March and our plow guy, Larry is finally making some money. It’s that rodent’s fault. That groundhog said we would have 6 more weeks of winter – and darn if he wasn’t right. Next year I’m going to that Groundhog Day celebration- and trust me – he won’t see his shadow.

In other news, according to our crazy calendar- today is the birthday of Alexander Graham Bell. I just call him Al. Al had a special connection to Nova Scotia – because he had his summer home here and did lots of experiments here. There’s a museum in the town where he lived and the Warden has been there lots of times. Here’s a photo she took at the museum last Fall:

That’s supposed to be a sketch of Al. And his Skye Terrier, Trouve. Now here’s the cool thing – did you know that Al taught Trouve to speak? I mean like humans speak. In this article it says Trouve was a stray terrier. Numerous other sources say he was a Skye – like the one depicted here. Skye. Stray. Must have been autocorrect. Anyway, check out this story:

https://www.thedodo.com/before-inventing-the-telephone-489117573.html

So Bell taught Trouve to talk. I can just IMAGINE the Warden, who actually has a background in talking – trying to manipulate my mouth. She can barely put a collar on me when I’m excited – imagine her holding treats in front of my face and trying to get me to articulate. I see chewed fingers in the picture. Sounds like Al did get Trouve to talk, but amazing as that was, his vocabulary was pretty limited.

On the other paw, the Boss already talks. Incessantly. I’m not sure much would be gained in getting him to articulate more clearly. We already KNOW what he’s saying:

Hurry up I’m hungry. Hurry up I’m hungry.

Open that treat jar. Now.

He’s licking my face. Make him stop or I’ll do it myself.

Hurry up it’s breakfast time.

Hurry up it’s supper time.

Where’s my apple?

It’s bed time. Where’s my bedtime treat.

I want a treat for no reason.

Did I mention I’m hungry.

Yeah – I don’t see any point in getting the Boss to enunciate his messages. We read him LOUD and clear.

Time to go and snow roll. Larry better get here before 3 – I have class today. We’ll see how my “stays” go today. I think I may be getting a reputation as a “visitor” during stays. Ever since my little visit to see my Kremlin cutie- the Warden has been watching me like a hawk. I like to look around on the sit stay -just to make her nervous. I love class. I teach her so much.

Have a good one. Peace and paws up. Stay safe.

Howdy blogaroos. Squirmy here on another terrific Tuesday. Snow on the ground, bright skies, freezing temperatures – life is good.

We didn’t do anything too exciting since I last wrote. The Warden was home with us ALL day yesterday- so we were exhausted. When she goes out somewhere, we just lounge around and sleep. But when she’s home – we must follow her every move. She gets up – we get up. She opens the refrigerator, we must stick our heads in. She goes in the garage – we must follow to be sure the dog food bin is safely secured. She opens the dishwasher door – we must be sure the plates are correctly stacked and we attempt to do the pre-wash. She goes to the bathroom- we must guard the door so no one else goes in. Not that there’s anyone else to go in, but it’s good practice. She goes anywhere near the coat closet – we go crazy assuming it means we are all going out. It’s exhausting when she’s home all day. I hope she runs errands today so we can catch up on our sleep!

OK- we have a very cool good news story to share. It’s about a young woman named Mackenzie. The Warden knows her Mom – and lots of people around here know Mackenzie because she’s a very special young lady…

Mackenzie is in Grade 12 and she has lots of hobbies and interests. One of Mackenzie’s hobbies is photography – she particularly loves taking photos of flowers. Mackenzie has become so good at photography, that people like to buy her photos. She sells cards and calendars with her photos. And here’s the neat thing….. you see, Mackenzie has had some health challenges, and she has spent time at our local Children’s Hospital. So do you know what she has done with the money from the photo sales? She has donated proceeds to the Hospital! She’s been doing it for years and years – and has raised over $20,000. How awesome is that?!

They say that when you do good deeds for others, it will come back to you in unexpected ways. In this case – it is in the form of a black Labrador Retriever….

Several years ago, Mackenzie applied to get a special Service Dog to help with her health challenges and with her independence. It took quite a bit of time – but in December. Mackenzie finally got word that a match had been made.

Makenzie and Ginny have been together since January- and their bond is already super strong. Mackenzie’s mother says this has been a rewarding and incredible experience for Mackenzie and the whole family. More than they ever even imagined.

I hope you are able to open one of these links – one is for Facebook and the other is for Instagram. I don’t need to explain a thing – the video says it all.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/2174967452690297?fs=e&s=aEkTS0&mibextid=z9DgKg

https://www.instagram.com/reel/Coo3z0wLDRa/?igshid=N2Q2MGM2OGQ=

I believe you call that a perfect match. We wish Mackenzie and Ginny many, many years of happy adventures. It looks like are off to a really great start!

Have a good one. Peace and paws up. Stay safe!

Howdy blogaroos! Squirmy here on a shivery, sunny Sunday. So we didn’t have much winter, and NOW it has decided to arrive. Friday we had a snowstorm. Schools were closed – and that included dog school. My class was canceled so the Boss and Coyote didn’t get their Friday afternoon respite. I was with them the whole day. They weren’t impressed.

PLUS – before the snow arrived we had a mini tragedy. You know my cowbell that I wear when I run free? I wear it so the Warden can hear where I am in the woods. Well – I lost it. Not just the bell. I lost my whole collar. This happened once before when Keith and Sue were visiting. The Warden knew approximately where I lost it that time – so they set out to search. They were ready to give up when the Warden spotted it. There was rejoicing throughout the land. Unfortunately, this time she had NO idea where I had gone ahead of her on the trail- so it was impossible to find it. If it had been a golf ball, I could have found it. But when the Warden said “where’s your bell and collar” I just looked at her like she wasn’t speaking English. She attempted to search on her own – but no luck. And now that we have a blanket of snow, there’s no point in even looking. She did manage to find another bell – but it’s not as loud. We may have to get a new one. Oh – and one helpful bell tip – don’t buy the ones on a Velcro that you wrap around your collar. Those fall off really easily. In my case – I have a different type bell, so I lose the bell AND the collar. We use those quick clip/release collars in the woods – so I don’t strangle myself on branches. They work well. But when they release, then you don’t have your collar. Or your bell. It’s a dilemma.

The Boss said we need a new ding dong for the ding dong. He thinks he’s funny.

In other news, the Warden has a little project on the go. It all started when she was talking to two friends, Iza (in Poland) and Sara (in the USA) – about social media – and the many Facebook friends they have never met. For example , the Warden hasn’t met Sara in person, yet they are social media buds. The Warden met Iza via social media – and then got to meet her in person with her two PONs – Sherlock and Watson when the Warden visited Poland. It was awesome. The Warden has been lucky to meet a number of PON and Picard people via social media. But there are LOTS more she has never met.

Anyway, the Warden, Iza and Sara had this idea about bringing people together through social media. They came up with a plan and here it is:

So. If you own a PON, have owned a PON or just want to meet some crazy PON people to find out more about PONs – sign up! It’s free. It will be fun and casual – and I may even make a cameo appearance. The Boss says HE will be there. But I may be banned. We’ll see. The cool thing about technology like ZOOM, is that it almost feels like you’re in the same room. So you CAN meet your social media buds around the world! Please think about joining us! Oh and if you’re wondering about the time – it will be 6PM in Poland and Central Europe, 5 PM in the UK, 2 PM for us here in Atlantic Canada, and 1 PM in the Eastern US. There was a bit of a challenge with the times, because there is usually 5 hours difference between us and Poland. BUT the clocks will soon be changing – and we change before Poland so for this meeting, there’s just 4 hours difference. The whole time thing is crazy. But I DO look forward to longer days soon! It will be awesome to get up in daylight at 6AM. More hours to carpe diem!

Lastly – did you hear the puppy story from Ontario, Canada? An Old English Sheepdog had a litter of 17 – yes -17 puppies. Check it out:

https://beta.ctvnews.ca/local/northern-ontario/2023/2/22/1_6284442.amp.html

It’s always nice to see a healthy litter of puppies. SO sweet and tiny. But the Warden says she wants the news to go back and visit there 6 weeks from now. Can. You. Imagine. Mealtime will be crazy. Not to mention the fact that they’ll be doing poop pick up full time. I think most breeders are sad/happy to see puppies when they go to new homes. With this shaggy crowd, I’m betting it will be more happiness than sadness.

Well it’s almost time to get the troops moving.

Have a good one. Peace and paws up. Stay safe.

Howdy blogaroos! Squirmy here to report on my latest infractions here at the penitentiary and also when I was out on parole in the community. But the first one wasn’t my fault….well – not totally.

So the other morning the Warden announced that she and I were going to do a workout at our favorite training center. I always know I’m going training when she puts my barrette in. She figures I see better – so I have no excuse for doing what she shows me. I on the other paw, can make up plenty of other excuses.

When she was getting ready to load me into Ludwig, I got all excited and started preforming my Schutzhund routine. Leaping and biting. Great fun in my mind. She was so busy trying to deflect my attack mode that when she let me and the Boss out the front door to pee, she forgot something. She forgot to close the hallway door. For people who follow this blog – you probably know where this is going….

The Boss and I ran out to pee and she went in the garage to get some treats for the Boss and the Coyote- since they were staying home. She came out of the garage expecting to see me and the Boss waiting there. Well the Boss was the there- and I actually ran in the door for a moment – but then took off in hot pursuit. Guess what I was chasing? The Coyote. Who was already out of sight. And THAT is why we call him a flight risk…

The Warden shouted for me – but I felt it was my duty to be sure nothing happened to the Coyote- so I kept going. The Warden threw on her coat and grabbed a leash and stepped out the door. Where she discovered that the thin coating of mist on the driveway had turned to black ice. Completely. And somehow she had to get up the driveway to go after us renegades. She treaded slowly up the hill- calling my name repeatedly and saying something like “if I fall and break a hip – you’ll be sorry!” Not exactly in those words – but along that line. She didn’t call the Coyote. She knows that’s pointless.

She cut through one neighbor’s yard as she suspected she knew where we were headed. To the home of the neighbors who have two cats. It was our mission to visit. Sure enough – as she crept into their backyard, Mike (the neighbor) shouted out the back door that we had been on the deck – but had headed around to the front of the house. He had also messaged the Warden too – but she hadn’t seen it yet. She shouted her apologies and headed around the house. She called my name and I came running – but then headed back to the Coyote who was circling their vehicles in the driveway. The Coyote bounded up to her with tail wagging as if to say “hey – what are YOU doing here? Don’t they have a great yard?!” She lassoed him and proceeded to head back home. I followed along behind. When Mike shouted out the window that he was glad we had safely been captured, yours truly didn’t know where the voice of God was coming from – so I raced at the house barking. The Warden shouted “LEAVE IT” so I figured I had better head home, and stopped attacking Mike and Pam’s house.

So that was BEFORE I got to training….

Now for the most part, training went well. Our friend Norma was there with her Borzoi, Chloe – who I know from class. And we worked well in different parts of the room, not paying attention to one another. In fact, I think we were both rather brilliant. But THEN – the humans decided we should pratice our “stays”. And this is where my good behavior took a u-turn. Norma thought her other Borzoi, Chievie, could practice with us. Well. Holy Babushka. Once I caught sight of that new-to-me Russian babe- I couldn’t take my eyes off her. The Warden warned me to “leave it,” but I misinterpreted the “it”. So I left my spot as soon as she started to walk away for the stay exercise. I walked right past Chloe – whose eyes bugged out of her head and sauntered over to this new Kremlin cutie to introduce myself – with my butt wagging at 1000km/minute.

I don’t remember much after the Warden tackled me.

So those were my infractions- all before 11:00 AM. I think it’s a new record.

The Warden had a nap when we got home. She needed it. No stamina I tell ya. But I’m working very hard to train her. It’s such a challenge some days…

Have a good one. Peace and paws up. Stay safe.

Howdy blogaroos! Squirmy here – with a perfect example of what’s called click bait- posting a sensational headline or photo to encourage readers to click onto a site. Did it work? I mean WHO can resist a cute puppy photo? And from what I hear, he’s as cute in person as he looks. Not that WE canines got to meet him…

Friends of the Warden got that sweet golden fluff, whose name is Timo, a few weeks ago. And of course the Warden HAD to go over with a pocketful of treats to say hello. She says she loves puppies because they are so fun to train. Well – at least some are- like Timo. Apparently Timo doesn’t exhibit Baby Shark behavior. He lives up to the lovable characteristics of his breed. He was bouncy and busy, but gentle taking treats – AND he even has an “off” button – where he relaxes. I was the antithesis of a Golden puppy. Crazy, frenzied, shark-like with no “off” button. Hey – I’m kinda still like that!

Timo even gets along with his “brothers” – another lovable Golden named Kirby, and a bright, brilliant Cairn named Robbie. Kirby would like you to pet him until your hands go numb, and Robbie tries to find a way to get into your back pocket (with the treats) by cleverly sneaking behind you on the sofa. Even though he’s not supposed to be ON the sofa. Sounds like my kind of super sneak.

Here are a few shots she caught of the boys:

We wish Timo a lifetime of good treats – and fun!

When the Warden came home after her visit, we tried to inhale her. Literally. In fact, yours truly got SO excited about how she smelled that I almost started practicing a Schutzhund routine on her- leaping at and pulling her clothing. I went crazy. Completely crazy.

What else is new….oh I went to another practice obedience match. And I was again above mediocre. The Warden said she is starting to think we may go in a real trial someday. But no immediate plans. I’m still too much of a wildcard – but I’m getting there.

Today is Paczki Day. That’s Punshkee day if you don’t speak Polish. Paczki are donuts. Really good donuts. Today is also called Pancake Day. Or Shrove Tuesday. So it’s a day to load up on donuts and pancakes before Lent begins tomorrow. Humans “give up” stuff for Lent – kind of a second stab at New Years Resolutions. The Boss says he’s giving up grooming. The Coyote is giving up responding to his name. And I’m giving up….lettuce. The Warden said she’s giving up wine. Except after dog class. Or after an obedience match. Or any time we practice. Which is pretty much daily. She said it’s her reward for making it through a session with me – and she’s not ready to totally withdraw the reinforcements. Plus Sundays are a free day too. So she can have wine on Sundays too. I think she’s making up her own Lenten rules.

That’s it from here. We’ll close with a photo of the Warden giving a talk to Kirby, Robbie and Timo about the fact that ANY dog can be like Lassie – if they work hard. “Channel your inner Lassie,” she said. And I would add: Especially if there are treats….

Have a good one. Peace and paws up. Stay safe.

Good morning blog aficionados. Frodo here today for your reading pleasure.

Let me begin be bemoaning the fact that we have experienced a wide variety of weather lately – most of which has involved some form of precipitation – from rain to freezing rain to snow. While yours truly does not generally mind snow, I do not particularly appreciate the type that lends itself to snowballs which form on one’s paws or “sensitive” areas. I also do not appreciate slush. And in the past few days, we experienced all of the above. Is it any wonder I was reluctant to go walking to the lake in such moist conditions?! But alas, in the spirit of good sportsmanship, I trudged along, attempting to look happy. PLEASE – is it too much to ask for dry, frozen ground?!

Yesterday, after a night of freezing rain, followed by snow, I supervised Her Highness as she shoveled most of the driveway. There was not enough snow for the plow gentleman to come – although I do believe 4 inches of a white blanket SHOULD be enough to warrant a plow. I guess he prefers to sleep in instead. So Her Highness moaned and groaned and pushed the white stuff around, while I watched. I am the designated supervisor- because if forced to remain inside during the proceedings, I would incessantly shout out instructions. Instead, I watch and repeatedly stand in the way of her shovel when I get bored.

Once back inside, we were FINALLY fed breakfast, blueberries, frozen stuffed apples and crusts of bread. Which is our morning routine. But the Imp was still rather wild, so Her Highness brought out her “secret weapon” to keep us content while she had her breakfast. The weapon – those beef cheek rolls. I believe we have mentioned them before. They have become the ultimate chewing object for the Imp. While we all still do enjoy Bully sticks, the Imp can literally devour the “Giant” 12 inch bully stick variety in less than 30 minutes. While the FG and I are still chewing away, the mini power chewer is done. As a result, Her Highness has turned to the cheek rolls – which provide significantly longer chewing time. We still have the three we received at Christmas time and only about 1/4 is gone from each one. Admittedly, they are not left out for free-for-all chew fests, but even so – after 30 solid minutes of chewing , very little is gone. Even the FG enjoys them. I also think they are palatable, but truth be known, sometimes when the younger boys are given the cheek rolls, yours truly receives a Bully stick. Which is less work for a senior dog. Still – I do enjoy both.

Although Her Highness had read about the benefits of cheek rolls over offensive rawhide, she did do more research on the two – as they LOOK remarkably similar. The following is an excellent podcast on the subject – should you be considering beef cheeks for your canine companion. It’s time well spent on the subject – and it helps you to select THE best cheeks for your dog.

https://brindleberrypetphoto.com/are-beef-cheek-rolls-rawhide-rebranded-podcast-episode-14/

I pity the store where Her Highness buys cheek rolls in the future. I hope they can answer the barrage of questions she will now have about their “cheek source”.

In other news, yours truly has been battling on ongoing ear issue for several weeks now. It does not help that the Imp INSISTS on licking the affected ear. Her Highness cleans my ear and puts in medicated drops, but the Imp is like a magnet to my ear. When Her Highness goes out, she must separate us – for my own protection and comfort. I warn the Imp to cease his licking behavior, but he continues to tbe point that I give up. The lad is persistent and exhausting. Her Highness considered putting a cone on HIM to stop the behavior. Yesterday Her Highness was home most of the day, so she was able to moderate his behavior. As a result, my ear showed significant improvement. Paws crossed that we continue to progress in that direction.

Today the Imp has some kind of obedience practice. That spells respite for me and the FG. Of course we DO love the Imp, but when he goes to a class or practice match, we experience a period of complete peace. We enjoy seeing the busy boy when he returns – but our mini “vacation” is always appreciated.

That is all the less-than-exciting news from our happy abode. I wish you well, and non- goopy ears.

Have a good one. Peace and paws up. Stay safe.

Howdy blogaroos. Squirmy here – two days post Valentines Day. The flowers never arrived for the Warden. I think I forgot to hit “order”. I’ll be more careful for Easter….

It’s going to be warmish today- like 12 Celsius or 53 Fahrenheit for our American buddies. But yesterday was still around freezing – so the snow was still with us. It was the kind of snow that was snowball-forming, sticky stuff, that can make it kind of hard to move around. I didn’t really care too much – although I kept stopping to bite the balls off between my pads. At first, the Boss didn’t want to go on our morning walk- he knew what would happen – but he begrudgingly agreed – and trotted along. The Coyote started off great and then he gets this weird look and starts walking like his legs are frozen. But the next minute he’s fine.

Ever wonder what our morning walk looks like? Well there won’t be any Academy Award for cinematography- but this short clip gives you an idea. Complete with cold feet.

https://youtu.be/6MIVVAufuaw

We all survived – and our feet had a quick rinse in the dog tub with warm water to remove the offending balls when we got home.

You’ll note my bell in the movie. That’s before it got clogged with snow. The Warden doesn’t like when that happens- because she doesn’t know where I am. I cover three times the area as everyone else. I’m a ramblin’ guy. And no – none of us went walking on the lake this year. It hadn’t been frozen long – and trust me – I’m not taking ANY chances that I could get wet. I’m following the lead of my older brother when it comes to puddles and water in general.

That’s it from Snow World. Tomorrow we could be having freezing rain or plain old rain. So we’ll be reporting in a day or two from Mud World. Now THAT would be a fun video!

Have a good one. Peace and paws up. Stay safe.