Happy Saturday blogaroos! It’s Squirmy here to give you our latest updates from the circus!

Well, I think I might have told you that the Warden entered the Boss and me in some kind of “trial” next month. Not a criminal trial – although given my behavior, it could be – but a rally trial. So we’ve been practicing and practicing and practicing every single day. I usually get to do my practice first. Because I push my way out the door. So much for obedience.

After a practice session the other day, the Warden had the following thoughts, which she shared with a friend…

“I’ve come to the conclusion that training dogs is like wearing shoes. You have the new ones, that fit OK, but they are going to take some breaking in, and may actually pinch a bit in the beginning. The old ones are comfy and cozy and while they make not look as fresh, they fit perfectly. And when training, begin with the new ones – so after, when you try on the old ones, you decide you won’t go barefoot after all!”

I’m guessing the Boss is the comfy shoes, and I’m the new ones. The Coyote must be socks. They don’t fit with flip flops, and sometimes you can’t get your shoes on with them – but sometimes they work out well. Like in the winter.

So yesterday I had my weekly class, and based on my performance there, the Warden didn’t have high hopes for a practice match I was in last night. Not that I was THAT bad in class. I mean I WAS just kinda distracted, AND after the recall exercise, when she tried to put my leash back on, I rolled on my back with my feet in the air, making it next to impossible to tether me. I did that the first week we did recall practice, and now it’s my signature move. She was a bit discouraged after all of our practice lately. It’s that age old “but he’s great at home” line that probably some other dog training humans can relate to.

So we went to the match and she didn’t have high hopes. Not only was it all new dogs that I had not met before, but she put me in this portable pop up crate, that I had never been in before. She had to watch every movement I made because let’s face it, I can break out of a wire crate. This flimsy fabric thing wouldn’t have much of a chance.

Anyway, when we walked in the ring, she debated whether she should take off my leash. This was an Advanced level Match, which is done off leash and I haven’t even even passed Novice yet – which is done on leash. She decided to take a chance…

She clipped off my leash and held her breath…And guess what?! I rocked it! Well, at last my level of rocking. SHE screwed up one sign by moving her feet- but I did great. Didn’t sniff the ground, the signs or the air. Didn’t go to visit any dogs. I heeled like I knew exactly what to do. The Warden was SO happy at the end! She said she’ll keep me. I think she was joking…OF COURSE she’ll keep me. Who would provide such comic relief in our household if I wasn’t there!

It’s all about intermittent reinforcement. You humans do it with us in training, so we use it with you too. Just when you think we either have a concept ( or don’t) we do just the opposite. I showed her last night that I CAN be obedient. But that’s no guarantee I’ll do it the next time. So lots of practice will continue. We’ll be selling tickets for the REAL trial. Then again, maybe not….

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

Hello blog readers. Frodo here, on this the 11th of November. And today is an important day. It is a day of remembrance and appreciation in the US and Canada and I believe in other parts of the world – “for the men and women who have served, and continue to serve their countries during times of war, conflict and peace.”

It’s a day to reflect and remember the veterans who are still with us, and those who gave their lives so that we can enjoy the freedoms we have today.

Throughout times of war, canines have also played many roles in helping their soldier companions. This article talks about the roles dogs played during the First World War:

https://www.worldwar1centennial.org/index.php/communicate/press-media/wwi-centennial-news/6906-six-incredible-roles-performed-by-dogs-in-world-war-i.html

The US has many memorials devoted to canine war heroes. We were surprised (and pleased) to know that there are so many :

https://www.bringfido.com/blog/war-dog-memorials-to-visit-on-veterans-day/

Canada has an Animal War Memorial in Ottawa, recognizing not only canines, but other animals as well. I might note that cats were not on the list…:

https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/art-monuments/monuments/animals-war-dedication.html

For my Canadian readers who have young children, grandchildren, or who might have some pleasant neighbors, the Canadian government has actually developed teaching materials about Animals who served in Wars and information about Remembrance Day in general.

https://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/classroom/take-time-to-remember

Here are some additional Animal War Memorials in other countries. I am sure there are others as well. But none that have mentioned cats…..Perhaps I have just not found them yet…

https://heritagecalling.com/2017/02/28/8-memorials-to-animals-in-the-first-world-war/

So on this day of Remembrance, take a moment to think of those who have served. And thank a Veteran if you see one – because those who serve, deserve.

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

Howdy blogaroos! Squirmy stop-licking-your-brother Wormy here on this terrific Tuesday. And do you know what day it is? Why it’s Go to an Art Museum Today Day. Yup. A day to throw on your cultural clothes after you use the lint roller to remove the dog hair, and visit a museum. You can visit any museum you like – BUT if you are owned by a dog (or three) you should REALLY visit a canine museum! So we checked out some options for you – if you happen to live in the vicinity of one of these:

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/home-living/dog-museums/

And here’s another list of options – with a few that are different:

https://www.afar.com/magazine/fetch-your-bags-its-time-to-visit-a-dog-museum

Now the Warden still wants to visit the AKC Museum of the Dog in the Big Apple. This video was done before the museum opened – but it gives you a bit of an idea of what it’s like:

https://youtu.be/adq_phq3TSo

If you want an actual tour of one of the previous exhibits, here is one about Hollywood Dogs.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VgTUz1RC4-w

And if you’re in a political mood, here’s a tour of the Presidential Dog exhibit:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nb-XCUpLXCk

So. If you watched any of those, it counts as your Go to an Art Museum Today thing. I had to watch every video, so I’m good for the next few years.

Did you notice that there is a Dachshund museum? But hello- no PON or Picard museum?! I think the Warden is working on it. We have lots of examples in our house of “things” that have PONs or Picards on them. Paintings, fridge magnets, mugs, jewelry, clothing, ornaments, pillows, calendars, purses…people owned by dogs get kinda crazy like that. Or at least our human does. Kinda like a cult. She could also open a museum of grooming tools. Yawn.

OK. Time to get this Tuesday started – bright and early – because we still haven’t adjusted to this time change thing. Plus since we get moving early, we get breakfast early too!!! Score!

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

Howdy blogaroos. Squirmy here – and I’m up super early! Why? Because somebody changed the clock! And here it is, the time when we usually get up – only it’s an hour early! That’s OK with me – let’s get this Sunday rolling! But wait – do we have to wait an extra hour for breakfast?! Maybe this time change thing isn’t so good after all….

Not much new here in the wilds of Nova Scotia. Or more like the wilds of our house. I had my weekly obedience class on Friday. The Warden says I do better at home. Of COURSE I do! No distractions at home! She said I need more distraction work. I guess that means more road trips. Yay. I think.

She said that sometimes she thinks I’m brilliant- and other times – not so much. For example, if she tells me to “get Tuggie” I’ll run around the house searching for it – and if it’s not in the house, I’ll search outside. And I find Tuggie 99.9% of the time. I love Tuggie. A lot….

Yesterday, the Warden realized I had taken a Kong outside. The Boss and I get one stuffed with yummy things every morning. The Coyote never wants one. Anyway, during one of my daily frenzy moments, I ran outside with a Kong, and left it in the yard. The Warden was doing a Kong count and realized one was missing. So she opened the deck door and told me to “find the Kong.” I raced across the deck, down the stairs and onto the lawn. I ran around, found the Kong and brought it in. The Warden was SO impressed with my brilliance. I mean I KNEW what the “Kong” was. Or at least she thought I did. She decided to do a little test. She took me, Tuggie and a Kong downstairs to the rec room. She placed both toys at one end of the room, and me across the room. Then she told me to “Get Tuggie.” Well I raced over, grabbed Tuggie and came right back for a game of tug. We played and then she told me to wait. She put Tuggie back and this time, she told me to get KONG. She must have said KONG five times as I raced across the room. I grabbed Tuggie and came back. So much for my brilliant word discrimination. She decided to try again. Again she set me up and said “Get KONG!!!” I raced out, grabbed Tuggie and jumped on the sofa. We didn’t play that game very long. But really – I knew what the Kong was – but it’s not nearly as much fun as Tuggie! At least that’s my excuse. Oh – an you may not know this, but I like to do things MY way…

Well, time to see if any of the neighbors are up this early on a Sunday…

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

Hello blog aficionados. Frodo here today for a bit of a world news review – as you working readers begin to prepare for your weekend. Ah yes, Friday. The day many people long for. I dare say, it is likely the most popular day of the week. Even canines enjoy Fridays, if they own humans who are employed. It means the joyous return of their human at the end of the day . Joy is felt by all.

But I digress. I am beginning to jump topics like the Imp. Heaven help me. Back to the topic at hand. News.

First in our review is the story of Rocky, a dog who came face to face with a cougar or mountain lion. You may see a video of his perilous encounter right here.

https://youtu.be/l9IESJ_1da4

Now I must confess, I did put on QUITE the similar show the other morning when I, myself encountered a big cat. It was while we were out for my morning constitutional. I was walking along, when suddenly, I got a telltale aroma of wildlife and my nose flew into the air. And then I spotted the creature sitting in the ditch at the side of the road. I went into my famous Cujo persona, barking, snarling and attempting to pull Her Highness into the ditch. The fierce creature raised his back at me an snarled back. Just like Rocky, I would have protected my human at all costs.

Ahem. Well. Admittedly, my large cat was of the household variety. And the real danger was in Her Highness falling over as she attempted to drag me away. There is great debate as to whether or not we actually even HAVE cougars in Nova Scotia. The provincial wildlife officials repeatedly say they do not exist- as there has been no “tangible” evidence of them. Like their poo. But still, MANY people report that they HAVE indeed seen them. Personally, I think I prefer the domestic variety. The thought of encountering one and resulting in a “hole that goes into my brain, is less than appealing”…

The next news video deals with a canine who was stuck between a rock and a hard place. Literally.

https://www.cnn.com/videos/us/2021/10/15/new-york-five-day-dog-rescue-vpx.news-12-westchester

What a lovely happy ending. No one in this household plans to get caught in a similar situation. Her Highness would NEVER fit in a crack that size. Especially after her recent Halloween candy consumption. We wouldn’t stand a chance.

And lastly, a video of a dog who decided to take a joy ride…

https://bc.ctvnews.ca/mobile/video?clipId=2313042

Now THAT I found entertaining. Titan clearly does not yet have his license. Although it does remind me of the time Her Highness scraped Ludwig along the wall in a parking garage. But I never mentioned that story…..

May your Friday be fantastic- and your weekend even better.

Peace and paws up. Stay safe.

Hey everybody! Squirmy here again today! The other guys are still tired out after all the Halloween guard work, as unnecessary as it was, but I’m never tired so I get to write the blog! And today I thought I’d answer some burning questions about my Where’s Wojtek photos. It seems to be a hot topic – so we thought we would tell you some of the “behind the scenes” secrets to my sneaky snaps.

I should probably mention that sometimes the other guys WISH I would disappear when I take those photos . They say that, but I know they are joking. At least I think they are. Anyway, let me take you through a typical Where’s Wojtek photo shoot.

First, there must be treats. Lots of treats. This model does NOT work for free. And my rates keep going up.

Next, we go on a walk. Or to a specific destination. The Warden then scopes out the scenery, looking for places that yours truly could hide.

Then she takes me to a certain spot, and tells me to either sit or lie down. Then she gives me a treat, and tells me to stay or wait.

She walks away to get a good vantage point and to see if I’m really hidden. Sometimes we need to adjust my position. Every time we adjust, there is a treat payment. Actually, several treats. And when the Warden either returns to me – or she says “free” , I get even more treats!

After a thousand or so shots are taken we go home and the Warden looks though them. Sometimes she can’t find me. Which is a bit scary given that she took the photos. She then selects the best shot, and shares it with you!

To give you an example of a typical shoot, here are three shots in the same location! Good luck finding me!!! (one is pretty easy!)

You probably saw this one that was posted yesterday.

Yes – I was sitting in a hole, and covered in leaves for that one. The treats were super good. I must confess that while the Warden was “preparing the scene” by moving around the leaves, I went AWOL in the woods. The Warden said I was acting just like Viktor. But I wasn’t even chasing a bunny. I was running just because.

So that’s your behind the scenes look at my find me photos. The Warden says these are “functional stay” practices. I say they are easy – ya don’t move, and ya get treats. Pretty simple when you think of it.

Anyway- time to scout out some new locations!

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

Hey hey hey. Howdy blogaroos! It’s Squirmy stop-barking-at-the-wind Wormy here on November the 1st. Also known in some circles as All Saints Day. The Warden thought it would be “cute” to take Saint-like photos- just when we thought we were safe because Halloween is over. So you have yours truly looking quite pious ….

And the Boss who of course is the only one in this house who deserves a halo…

The Coyote REFUSED to even go in the garage also known as the grooming torture palace, the photo studio, the repository for “stuff” and the place where Ludwig lives – because we told him about the halo. The Warden begged him, but he was NOT going to put anything on his head after the weird pumpkin headbands. That top photo is one we forgot to share the other day. His ears are almost up. Or at least one is. Anyway, she conceded halo defeat. This time.

Speaking of Halloween- it was a miserable, rainy, blustery day – so the kids didn’t have a very nice day for Trick or Treating. I mean it was just about as horrible as it could get – barring a hurricane or snowstorm. We barked EVERY time we heard the wind blow (because we KNEW there was a POSSIBILITY of small two-leggeds coming – based on the basket of treats in the front hall) and we were on alert. Thankfully, our three cute neighbors across the road braved the elements to visit us. Well – they didn’t really “visit” us canines – as we were sequestered on the other side of the French door – looking into the hallway – but they came to see the Warden. She had some special treat bags for them – thinking they might come by. Meanwhile, we shouted out our welcomes. The Warden kept futilely telling us to be quiet. The Warden pictures those sweet kids when they are 20 saying “yeah and for Halloween we would go to the crazy lady’s house across the road – and we couldn’t wait to get out of there for fear one of her howling hounds would break through the French door.” Yup. That’s us – making memories.

So although the Warden gave most of the treats she had to the three kids across the road, she still had leftovers. In case a bus arrived. We know who will be making sure they don’t go to the landfill. And then she’ll complain when her pants don’t “feel nice.”

You know we canines are pretty smart. Humans celebrate Trick or Treat on one day. We canines celebrate Trick AND Treat all year round. We just don’t have to wear costumes.

OK. Time to get the November party started.

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

Hey everybody! Squirmy don’t-pee-on-the- pumpkin Wormy here on a super Saturday! And it’s the day before Halloween! Yee haw. The Warden bought enough treats for at least 50 kids. Our average is 6. In a good year. So you can guess what happens with the rest. She’s already been sampling stuff – she said to make sure it’s “fresh”. She sure has sampled a large pool. I almost started wondering if she was going to have to go back to the store to buy more.

This is just my second year experiencing the whole Halloween dress up phenomenon. Well. We don’t really wear full costumes. The Warden knows she can only push the dress up thing so much. So it’s generally limited to some neck wear and the dreaded head gear. She starts taking photos in like August. Just joking. Sort of. Anyway, she starts with individual shots and some of the best results of those are seen above.

Now you’ll note there was no head gear in that round. I had a number of acceptable images, and of course, the Boss also did. But then there is the Coyote. Remember, this is without head gear. This is JUST with a little garland around his neck. And THIS is what she had to deal with…

Boredom…

Indignancy…

Disdain…

She finally got the shot you see above and she quit. She didn’t even TRY to get his ears up. He was NOT in a modeling mood. He’s temperamental when it comes to photography.

Several days later, she attempted individual shots with head gear. Personally, I’m not sure what the head gear was. I guess little pumpkins? I’m not quite sure why anyone would wear pumpkins on their head – but you only get so many choices at the Dollar store. It was that or angel halos. Clearly that would not have been appropriate.

Here’s my serious pumpkin head shot. I look like I was told there would be no treats…Those pumpkins look like another set of ears…

Here’s my happy pumpkin head shot…

The Boss always looks happy. No matter what he is wearing…although personally, I think his hair is a mess…

And then we have the Coyote….first the mug shot version…

Then the look that says “I am going to pee in your slippers”…“get me the number for Animal Control”…

At one point he went down and refused to get up….

But THEN… miracle of miracles (actually he just conceded defeat) and he gave her this charmer. Not bad! Although the caption would not exactly be “Happy Go Lucky.” More like, “Looking for new home….”

So with the individual shots finished, the next round is the group shot…

This was a good one…

And this was pretty cute…

This wasn’t tragic…

But then… out came the head gear. Note the response by the Coyote…

Here the Coyote agrees to look at the camera, but he has no ears. And really, could he look any more sad?

In this one, we thought the Warden dropped a treat…

I was SURE there was a treat under those leaves…Note the Boss has gone back into character…

I DID find…something…

Here the Coyote is praying “if I close my eyes, maybe this nightmare will all disappear”…

Then the Coyote and I hear something. Or we pretend to. And the Boss has a wardrobe malfunction…

And FINALLY we got THIS one…

I believe it was at this point that the Warden started jumping up and down, blowing the assorted whistles she had hanging around her neck to get our attention, and she ran over doling out dozens of treats. She quickly plucked the offensive head gear from the Coyote’s head, at which point he joyfully jumped up; I shook off my head gear and proceeded to rip off the pumpkins from the head band, and the Boss just stayed there smiling, waiting for more treats.

Needless to say, we don’t dress up when the 6 kids who are brave enough to come down the driveway, arrive for their treats….

Happy Halloween!!! Canines – stay away from the chocolate. And big two-leggeds- be sure to save some for the kids.

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

Howdy blogaroos. Squirmy get-back-here Wormy today. Here for your dose of better her than me.

Yesterday we had kind of a rainy blustery day – which meant short walks. The Warden complained that it was miserable out – and we all agreed, so we all did our business pretty promptly. Especially the Boss. We KNOW how much he loves the rain. Not.

The day before that, the Warden announced that she was going to do the final mow of the year. The objective was to mow until the mower ran out of gas. Which would mean it would be empty for the winter which is apparently a good idea. Don’t ask me why- I don’t know anything about small engines- and frankly neither does she. She probably read it on Facebook, so she does it. She didn’t bother raking the carpet of leaves, because she also read somewhere that mulched leaves are good for your lawn. Or in our case, good for the weeds. Anyway, she decided to do it – in what I think is similar to military landmine operations. Why? Well because it’s that joyful time of the year for playing a game of Where’s Poopy. Like Where’s Wojtek – only the object of the search is not nearly as cute.

You see, the Warden is pretty obsessive about picking up our poop. But let’s face it, sometimes we just go out on our own and deposit a load and she doesn’t see us do it. So typically, before she mows, she runs reconnaissance to find any land mines. But NOW, the lawn is covered, and I mean covered in leaves. So even though she did a walk around, it was pretty useless. I mean it’s the time of year when even if you’re standing right next to your dog while he’s making a deposit, and you turn your head for a minute and take your eyes off the prize, you may have difficulty finding it in all the leaves. Especially in the morning or at sunset, when the light isn’t good. And at night? Why you need a headlamp and you get double the points if you find the prize in the pitch dark.

We had so many leaves on the lawn, it was even clogging up the mower. At one point, the Warden thought she might have hit a land mine because of the telltale aroma. But she kept on going. I mean once you hit a mine, it’s too late to turn back…

After she mowed, she brought out the leaf blower. She was trying to blow all the leaves caught on the fence into the woods. That was entertaining. The problem with all of her efforts was that probably only half the leaves had come down. So that night, and yesterday when we had the blustery conditions, MORE came down. So the yard looks kinda like it did before she did all her work. Sigh. She’ll be at it again.

Today according to the crazy calendar is something called Plush Animal Lovers Day. Except it’s not celebrated in this house. Sure – we love stuffed toys. We just think they look better without the stuffing. The Warden is always in awe of those households where dogs have their very own basket or hamper of plush toys. Even the toys that are “indestructible” don’t have a hope in this house.

Plus did you know there are companies that can make you a plush toy that looks just like your dog? Or cat if you’re so inclined. Here’s one:

https://cuddleclones.com/

The Warden thought the slippers would be cool. But at that price, if one of us got ahold of one – well… there would be no happy feet in this house.

OK. I’m done for today. Time to get this Thursday party started.

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

Yo. Blog readers. Elroy here for your pleasing reading today. It’s Tuesday. Which means tonight is Her Highness’ least favorite night of the week. Why? Because Wednesday is garbage day. So that means tonight she gets to drag the cans up the driveway to the road. Such drama. Like the Boss when he has to be brushed. She avoids it until she has no other choice. I mean it’s not like one of us is going to do it. Even taking one of us on leash while she drags the cans is a challenge. The little mop tries to herd the can. Walking behind her and getting all tangled up. I RUN as fast as I can – causing her to run with the can – which often causes it to tip. Not a good scene. The Boss is the most civilized. He can actually be off leash in the procession. Unless it’s dark out. Then Her Highness worries about critters – so he has to be tethered. Yup – we each have our own garbage can behavior and our own routines. Which is also true for the newspaper…

Each morning, the paper is delivered to a little box at the end of our driveway. And just like the unique garbage can parade, the paper also has its own unique delivery routine. First off, the “good dog” – the Boss, refuses to carry it. He feels it is beneath him. Sure, he’ll fetch and carry toys-but the paper? Nada. Yours truly is totally unpredictable when comes to the paper. I won’t take it if Her Highness hands it to me. She has to throw it on the ground. Then I race to it, and stare at it like a scientist examining a specimen under a microscope. I just stand and stare. And stare. But if Her Highness tries to pick it up, I grab it. I prance with it for a few feet, toss it in the air and then stare at it when it lands. Typically, I do this three times before Her Highness grabs the paper and says “game over.” She is no fun in the morning. Meanwhile, the Imp looks at her longingly when she removes it from the box. Yet she has still not learned her lesson with him. As SOON as he has it, he drops it and starts tearing at the plastic covering. She has to fight to get it back before her morning news is confetti. Yo. We keep things interesting.

So she and the Imp took another Where’s Wojtek photo yesterday. Actually, that’s not correct. They took SEVERAL photos. People have been asking how they do it. I’m here to reveal the secret…

Her Highness sees a spot where the Imp might be able to hide. She takes him there, bribes him to sit or lie down and then tells him to “stay.” She calls it “functional stay” practice. Then she goes and takes several shots. Sometimes if it’s a good location, she’ll move the Imp to another spot. And she repeats the process – sometimes in several spots.The best part is when she comes home and looks at the photos – and SHE can’t find him. She knows he has to be in the picture – she took it. But she takes so many versions, she really has to search for him. So it’s a game for her too. She says I’m too big to hide. Not to mention the fact that “stay” is not a preferred word in my vocabulary. That’s OK. I’d rather stare at the newspaper.

Well, probably almost time to start wrestling the Imp.

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