Laurelhurst Fauna

Lovely Laurelhurst park. On a lovely - kind of hot but not as hot as it's been - Sunday. People out having picnics, baby showers, and throwing frisbees. After a nice walkie around the perimeter, mama and I decided to eat our sandwich next to the algae pond.

Ruh-roh... here comes a mighty duck army in search of bread and bread-like pieces that will fall from the sky.

That sandwich is mine I say!!!

There will be NO SANDWICH FOR YOU. I work HARD for my sandwich!

Hey wait... you look kind of tasty yourself. Mama, aren't there ducks in the can of food that I eat most nights?

And with that he swam away as fast as those little webbed feet would carry him. That'll show him.

More sandwich for me!

Love you mama, love the sandwich, don't care so much for the potato chips. You can have those.

Oh and the tomatoes. I not super interested in those either.

SQUIRREL ALERT!!!

This little guy first ran away - as he should - when I chased him up a nearby tree, but then he climbed up to about mama's head height and just stared at us. Twitching that nose and flicking that tail, he had decided that this was his Alamo and he was going to defend that tree against any and all dogs, people, oh pretty much anything that came close. It was pretty hilarious actually, his dedication was intense.

For that Mr. Squirrel, I salute you. But if I catch you, I shall eat you.

Love,

Bogart

Hiking Forest Park

Mama promised me last weekend when we finally found the entrance to Forest Park that we would come back the following weekend and do a REAL hike. Surprisingly, I did not have to remind her.

It's another hot day here in Portland, so walking in the relative shade and coolness of the forest is fantastic.

And as this is a relatively new area for me to explore, the pee-mail is extensive. I wouldn't want to miss an important message (just like you humans).

This is the Stone House. I am sure there is a story to go with it, but we couldn't find a sign to tell us much about it. No matter to me as I was only interested in climbing up there and exploring.

And of course, posing elegantly.

It's small but cool and fun to walk through.

And - again - to pose in.

Mama took a moment to check the camera - she took a photo of the sign when we first came in so that we could do the 2 mile hike today (there are apparently a lot of turns onto and off of trails). I had other ideas.

Just follow me - I can figure out where we're going.

In my world, FORWARD is pretty much the only way to go. I don't actually care where the destination is, so long as we're walking and moving forward. Except for those times when the irresistible smell of a girlie dog or dropped food distracts me.

Or of course when I'm craving a little liquid refreshment from that water bottle, mama.

The Wildwood Trail is apparently quite long but we were only on it for awhile. It goes up high - the original trail is pretty flat - so we got to work on our butts. Never a bad thing, is it?

Another cool doggie encounter - 4 TERRIERS!

They were running with their human, as a pack, nicely behind him. I tried to ask them some questions about this, you know, things like how do you avoid getting all tangled up in each others' leashes, and how to slow down the human when something fascinating is detected during a run.

They were all really precious and friendly, and I was feeling friendly too.

Heading upslope = nice, firm butt.

Even though mama brought along the water bottle, I could not resist a little self-serve at the drinking fountain.

It's cold, it's recirculating, it's just like the Drinkwell at home. Happy camper.

On the way home - did I mention it's HOT out today? - I was again thirsty. Conveniently, we just happened to be walking by Kettleman's Bagels so why don't we stop for a bagel and a tall drink of water?

Dad used to always call me the "cafe dog" because of my preference to drink right from the cup rather than a bowl placed specifically for me onto the ground.

I just love you mama, and am happy to drag you out of bed every day so that we may walk for long distances with no specific destination in mind.

Love,

Bogart

Perfectly Pedicured Paw

Mama got a call this morning from my vet - he just wanted to check up on me, make sure that all was well since my foxtail surgery. We've never gotten a call like that before, and it was damn nice. Yes I finished all of my pain medicine and today was my last day of antibiotics and you would be proud Mr. Vet, I have not played with my paw at all - not while the spiffy purple bandage was on nor once mama pried it off.

All of my walkies have been fine - through city streets and my local parks. No pain, no infection, just some fine, fuzzy healing.

Behold... the paw:

I am very happy indeed that I didn't get the full shave this time - the last two times I had to have foxtails removed from my poor paws I got a full-on baldie, making my paws look damn silly. The vet here in Portland was kind enough to think of my dignity once the bandage was removed and only shaved my toes.

Thank you good doctor!

Love,

Bogart

1000 Words

Utter Dale Happiness

Love,

Bogart

Dog Day: Afternoon

I thought the excitement for today was over. But no... we decided to try to find the entrance to Forest Park again, taking advantage of the relative grey-ness of the day, and SUCCESS!

Instead of crossing the bridge like we did last time, we took the stairs down, and boom - FOREST!

I can already smell it - I'm gonna LOVE this.

Watery, mossy, lots of dog and animal smells...

And... a Welsh Terrier!

This is Deacon - an incredibly handsome little guy.

He's tall for a Welshie so his parents think he might be mixed with something else... I of course suggested that there might be some mighty Airedale in there.

We did play, we did romp, I did get grumpy from time to time - but it is always so cool to see other terriers of the Welsh and Airedale persuasions!

So back to all of this mossy goodness. The trail is pretty long and while we didn't expect to go all the way we did manage to spend two hours walking up and down.

I love the forests of the Northwest. They're so green and so incredibly beautiful, and so full of wonderful smells everywhere.

Just another view... looks like a painting, doesn't it?

This is Jackson (the black boy) and Gillian (the white girl) - two beautiful poodles that were heading down as we were heading up.

I tried my best to make some time with Gillian, but she seems to be an old-fashioned sort of gal. No kissy on the first date. That's ok pretty girl, I can wait...

Love,

Bogart

Say Good-Day Gracie

Now THIS is how to start a grey Sunday in Portland...

This is Gracie - and I am VERY intrigued.

She is just a gorgeous gal, and even though I felt my must-always-protect-mama instincts rising up occasionally, she was just too cute to resist. I do like the older ladies, and boy does this girl have moves!

It was apparently difficult to get clear photos of us together because there was so much jumping, running around, and leash ballet. Hey mama, it's YOUR job to take amazing photos, I just have to be myself, right?

SUCH a cute face. I'm sure we shall see each other again sweet Gracie!

Love,

Bogart

That's Disgusting

Humans can be so strange.

Mama and I had to be over in the SE today, so we stopped at our usual haunt, Panera, for a quick bite. We were sitting outside, and after I jumped into mama's lap (as is my habit) she rewarded me with a piece of yummo mozzarella from her sandwich. Just as that cheese made it past my molars, a man who was walking by stopped and loudly said to us, "That's Disgusting".

Mama first just glared and him and as I stood on her lap I also gave him stink eye. He just stood there. So mama said to him, "Oh, so you like to watch?". He looked flustered, and repeated "that's disgusting", so mama took the remainder of the sandwich (almost a full half) and gave it to me. He made a face, a noise, and walked off.

So to that obnoxious, obviously intellectually-challenged, and did-I-mention-ugly loser I say, Thanks Pal! I would never have gotten so much yummy sandwich without you!

Time to get that bad taste out of mama's mouth. I'm going to find her something pretty.

I'm always up for picking the flowers (well, does plundering count?) but she never lets me. Another time perhaps.

Bastille Day celebration in the Pearl... again, these festivals are so bittersweet for us. Dad was here with us last year, and we also saw a cool car like this... hey, you can see me in the reflection on the door!

Lots of people including this fine specimen, who tried to pet me and then tried to talk to mama. He doesn't look like a quick learner, but HE WAS.

And lots of doggies... they were ALL smart.

I didn't snag any swag, but we did walk by and sniff a lot of yummy things. I was interested in the French food, mama more so in the French pastries. Either way = YUM!

Vive la France!

Love,

Bogart

Purple Puppy in the Pearl

Thanks friends for all of your good wishes for my speedy recovery from the evil foxtail. Those little suckers are EVIL!

My new snazzy purple paw and I had some exploring to do today. There is an area here in the Pearl District that is almost a street, except that it does not have cars. It has sidewalks. And until recently it also had a lot of grass. Grass that my fellow canines and I would use as a public lavatory. And when a large area is just grass, well, sometimes our mighty pee can make things look a little ugly.

So they've dug out all of the brown grass and put in plants. I have to say that I heartily approve. These are MUCH more fun to pee on.

And of course all of the new smells. The leaves of these plants hold in the scent of canine much better than that grass ever could.

I shall give Kearney Street my Seal of Approval:

Love,

Bogart

F@#&ing Foxtails

Poor Bogie. He really has the worst luck when it comes to foxtails.

From Wikipedia: A foxtail is a spikelet or spikelet cluster of a grass, that serves to disperse its seeds as a unit. Thus, the foxtail is a type of diaspore. Some grasses that produce a foxtail are themselves called "foxtail", also "spear grass". They can become a health hazard for long-haired dogs and other domestic animals, and a nuisance for people.

This is Bogart's third go-around with a foxtail in the paw. It had been tender for a few days, and while I was hoping that it was just an irritation today I decided to take Bogart to the vet because I just knew it was one of those pesky foxtails. Yes indeed was the diagnosis, so Bogart had surgery this morning.

When I picked him up this afternoon he looked like this:

He fell completely asleep in the car. Zonked. His new purple bandage pristine.

And as soon as we arrived home, he woke up completely. And decided that he wanted to go for a walk. I was a bit hesitant - he had just had surgery - but since he wanted to go so badly, I thought why not.

He was walking just fine (thank you doggie painkillers!) and rather than just a short walk he wanted to do a whole tour. Who am I to say no?

Surgery and a bandage are NOT going to stop Bogart from playing with his favorite thing in the entire world - pine cones. He cleverly maneuvered us toward Couch Park, the site of a dependable vein of cones.

This is a face that cannot be denied - resistance is futile!

We spent a little time enjoying nature - ok, just the pine cones - before Bogart started to get a little sleepy.

But devoted, as always, to his cones.

And then of course Bogart came home and crashed. It was funny to watch him - sitting straight up, looking right at me, swaying back and forth, and finally just laying down and sleeping with his eyes open. He's still a little out of it, but he is going to be fine.

Love,

Lulu & Bogart

Night of the Living Dead Memory Card

We simply do not have the best luck with memory cards. First we watched one self-destruct in slow motion at Gay Pride. Then we waited for what seemed like a verrrry long time for a new one to arrive.

Well today that new card simply did not work.

Mama and I went to the top of Mt. Tabor with a sandwich and a big jug of water (yes she was thrilled to drag that along for my benefit, but the last time we were here the water fountain wasn't working so she wasn't taking any chances on a 90+ day), ready to have our own picnic. Yes there were festivities planned - cheese stealing, cone chasing, and butt sniffing were all on my list - and we took lots of photos. It was really fun despite the oppressive weather. Not many other people around, it looked like everyone else in Portland was, well, somewhere else. I was - as always - cute and adorable, and the sun made my fuzz shine. Everything seemed ok...

Until we got home. Putting the memory card into the computer quickly showed a big, fat, nothing. Broken images, nothing to open, damn it, corrupted. And we had no idea as the camera did not give away this secret during our photoshoot. We will be going to the camera shop to replace it, rather than trying to save a few bucks and buy another one online. Pronto!

Love,

Bogart

Time for Art

It's hard to believe that it's already time for another First Thursday - the art walk day here in Portland. The weather is still quite hot, so some rolling in dirt was going to be my first stop (and mama thought that by walking for awhile before we started our art walk would tire me out - ha!).

Look at all of these people. All out and about and looking at art. How cool is that?

I too wish to look at art. Primarily outside.

This outdoor section is relatively new - just outside of PNCA - and when the weather is this lovely, it is quite nice indeed. There were musicians too, and most of the art (and jewelry, and clothing, and oh all kinds of stuff) was for sale.

Mama looks at the art, I sniff butts as we walk by. We're both happy.

Check out this little guy I ran into on my way home...

Such energy you have, fellow terrier! I am amused by your jaunty demeanor, and your little legs that are like springs. We must play again soon!

Love,

Bogart

Just Another Manic Monday

So mama had today off from work - what to do? It's about 8 zillion degrees outside again, but it just didn't seem right to sit in the apartment all day. And getting into the boiling-hot-black Bogcedes (and go where?) didn't work either. Time to do a Tour de Portland!

First lets hit the Burnside Bridge, and head on over to the East Side. Don't dally mama, the concrete does get hot you know...

Then it's off to the Eastbank Esplanade. At this point we still did not have a clear vision on exactly how far we would be walking or where we would be going.

Walking by the river is nice because you get a cooling breeze ruffling through the fuzz.

And lets not forget the all-you-can-eat salad bar!

I could be happy just walking along both sides of the river with a little break to run into the dirty water. But mama thought that since we had nothing else that we had to do today, we might as well just keep walking.

So it's off to the Hawthorne District in SE Portland.

Mama told me that people used to use these things to make phone calls. I wanted to touch it, she dissuaded me from doing that. Alas, during the day the Potato Champion cart (just across the street, in the back of this photo) is not open during the day so no fried potato goodness for us today.

Or is there... walking down Hawthorne and passing the Potato Champion got mama and I hungry. We couldn't really stop for a big meal, but we had fries on the brain. Lets head up to the Hawthorne Fish House (one of dad's favorite places) for some fries and iced tea, shall we?

Mmm... fries.

I'm feeling satisfied (I got more than half of that order of fries). Where to next?

Laurelhurst Park!

Here I am eagerly scouting for a nice, shady tree for us to sit under. It is important that it's just right. But just a short rest, I get a little cranky if I have to sit for too long.

Back on the trail...

Ooo... ducks. My favorite food these days is made of duck. Shall I just eliminate the middleman and pick up a few myself mama?

Hehehe...

Mama's favorite flower is the tiger lily. These aren't exactly right, but they're close...

I offered to pick some for her with my mighty scissor bite, but she declined. I chomped on some while she wasn't looking anyway.

I was inspired to burst out into song for mama - she acted like she wanted me to stop, but I know that she was loving it. See dad - I'm bringing her flowers and singing funny songs. Making her laugh. I know you'd be proud.

Guess what this is? The Velveteria - a museum of velvet paintings. You humans are so funny. It was closed today, or we would have tried to go inside.

It looks like the current show would be very interesting...

Ok, so now we've done the entirety of East Burnside, and I'm exhausted. This has been quite the tour and I'm sure it won't be our last. Just maybe lets do the next one on a slightly cooler day, shall we?

Lets head for home...

Love,

Bogart

The Streets of NW

On the weekends, mama and I enjoy exploring different neighborhoods. When we're not doing errands, of course (that translates to she runs in and out of a lot of stores and I guard the car - not terribly exciting). Sometimes just going down one extra street makes a "normal" walk different.

When we're walking down NW 23rd, I can never resist going into All For Paws. The people there are super nice and always try to find a treat that I will like. As always, everyone fails, but I do appreciate the effort. For some reason the photos mama took of me exploring inside came out dark and wobbly...

So lets explore parts of NW Portland that we haven't been to before... we had planned to head up toward Forest Park but for some reason we can never find the entrance. So lets just look around the neighborhood and the pretty houses and local flora...

Come on silly biped, KEEP UP!

Yep it's in the 80s again today, awfully pretty but H-O-T.

We really enjoy walking around - no agenda, nowhere to be, just walking until we get tired. And this part of Portland is really lovely.

Notice my "floppers" (dad always called my ears my floppers because of the way they flop when I walk - I guess that's what the humans see as they're pretty much always behind me...). Did I mention that it is hot today? After doing the slow walk, the wasting-time-by-sniffing-something-uninteresting shuffle, and of course the stand-still-and-do-not-move-no-matter-what move, I reminded mama that a boy has to keep hydrated on such a day as this. That's when we both saw it - and the burst of energy resulted in my ears flying in the wind.

How civilized! It's just like my Drinkwell fountain at home.

Delicious. Cold. Refreshing. CIVILIZED.

Sure mama, it's your turn now...

Love,

Bogart

Shave and a Hairecut

Mama got INSPIRED. Sometimes that's good, sometimes that's bad. I was overdue for some aire-scaping..

While we all know how much the ladies enjoy a man with a bushy moustache, mine was crawling down my neck. Maybe a *bit* too much. And since it is also generally wet and juicy, it needed some pruning.

You can actually see my eyes now!

Mama took off about a head-sized ball of tan fuzz to get this look. Me likey.

I can sit here in my favorite spot on the sidewalk by Couch Park, surrounded by pine cones, and watch the girlies go by and admire my striking new 'stache.

That's right ladies, check out my flavor saver!

This truly is the best place in town to reliably find excellent pine cones.

Which as you can imagine, makes me VERY HAPPY...

I am feeling frisky and fabulous with my new 'do. Thanks mama!

Love,

Bogart

Bug-ging Out

Mama keeps noticing those ladybugs... even when I don't see them at all.

I have to admit that this one is pretty darned unique. More orange-y than most, and look at all of those spots!

Yes mama, I SEE IT...

Dad, if you are trying to communicate with mama via these ladybugs I've got to tell you that it's working. Yes, I think it is a very odd choice for my badass Austrian dad to be using ladybugs to talk to mama, his crazy other half. I would have thought that if you were going to stick with the insect world you would be something like a tarantula, or a big juicy waterbug. You know, something BADASS. But I truly cannot deny that - if this is indeed you - you have definitely touched mama's heart and you really do know her best.

So keep it up... will ya? I'm tired of seeing her sad every day. And even my cuteness has limits...

Love,

Bogart

Airezen for Robin!

My pal Robin (one of what dad used to call "the mobsties") is sick... he has a tumor and may need surgery - he needs some serious Airezen or any-kind-of-Zen-you-can-do!

Mama spilled the beans to me that I am going to get to visit my favorite Dales in LA this summer, and hey, I really wanna see my pal Robin. Robin is a very, very special boy to his mama Mareike, so I'm asking for your lovin' to come toward Los Angeles from all of the world!

Love,

Bogart

Bogie's Back in Town

Ah... it's good to be back in the saddle. It was really getting to be quite odd to not have mama taking my picture every day. How to celebrate? A wild party? Dancing girlie-dogs?

A crazy psycho cat - let me in there! I love the kitties...

We made our way up into NW Portland for one of our evening walkies. But there is always a little time to stop off at Couch Park to reconnect with the local flora.

Don't mess with my sticks mama, I'm not ready to go yet.

Oh wait, where did you say we're heading?

Let me just grab a few pine cones for the road...

P-U-M-P-E-R-N-I-C-K-E-L B-A-G-E-L!!!!

Yummo!!! Even tastier than sticks and pine cones.

Thanks to everyone for checking in on me this week... I will be making sure that mama is MUCH more careful with her memory cards in the future.

Love,

Bogart

The Animal Rescue Site

While you're waiting for your daily dose of Dale dog-gone goodness, I thought I'd tell you about something I make mama do each morning. Every day an email pops up in her mailbox (because she would forget her head if it wasn't attached) reminding her to click and support The Animal Rescue Site. There is no catch - you just click and their sponsors pay for food and care for animals. You can shop there too and find unique dog and cat items whenever you need a gift for a fellow pet lover.

We are not affiliated with these folks - we are just ardent click-ers for the last few years - and thought it was time to spread the word. Especially since there are still no new Airedale photos because the memory card is on a plane somewhere, waiting to be united with mama's camera in an unholy union meant to spread the overwhelming cuteness that is my fuzzy butt throughout the world.

So check out The Animal Rescue Site
Or become a fan on Facebook

You may now return to your regularly scheduled programme.

Love,
Bogart

Experiencing Technical Difficulties

The ebay auction was successful - PLEASE STAND BY for more Airedale goodness once the memory card arrives.

Love,

Bogart

Pride

Gay Pride weekend! Woo-hoo! Good times, lots of music, crazy costumes, and a parade just outside of my house!!!

Yes I know, that's not nearly as exciting as it would be if there were some great photo there. Today at Pride mama managed to break - completely - the memory card on her camera. In public. Time slowed down, and you could hear everyone around doing that super-slow-motion n-o-o-o-o-o-o-o as the card fell to the concrete, breaking into pieces.

The one lucky thing? Oddly, mama had emptied it just this morning onto her external Bogart hard drive (yes, she has one hard drive devoted completely to me - what, you're surprised?) so no photos were lost. But now she has to go out and get another memory card, so I imagine that the next few days may be photo-less.

Oops - I've got to get off of the computer now so she can get back to her bidding wars on ebay. Come on mama! Buy me a memory card!

Love,

Bogart

Helloooo Ladies

Another day, another gigantic stick. The better to clear a path through the downtown throng with.

First pretend disinterest. Look around. Take in the local color. This fools the mama-figure into thinking that I do not want the stick.

Then when she isn't looking - POUNCE. And run at top speed in the opposite direction (this part is very important).

Occasionally put down said stick, again pretending that your interest in it is over. Sniff trees. Pee on lamp posts.

And when mama stops and starts looking in another direction, pick up stick again and make a run for it. Hilarity ensues!

But back to serious issues, Saturday is almost always chore day. Today that meant a stint at the local Hawthorne Fred Meyer. I am not a big fan of guarding the car, but I'll do it - FOR MAMA. I heard her coming back with the groceries (I guard the car from the passenger seat) and heard her say "you won't believe this, but I have an Airedale in the car"...

Meet Piper. She's a pretty Airegirl!

She came over to say hi.

Look at those pretty brown eyes, those cute ears, and that ladylike stump!

Kisses and pleasantries were exchanged. I had just had a few tripe and lung treats, so I had breath that all of the ladies love.

Yes, she thought I was yummy indeed. I too enjoyed our little tete-a-tete.

I understand that this looks romantic, but lets face it. As I couldn't get my head out much further than this, this was going to be a very innocent first date. Not even a butt sniff. She was a very good girl, walking around with her family, whereas I would have been all over the place, trying to hold her down and get in a good - ahem - sniff. I do indeed hope we meet again sometime when I am NOT guarding the car.

Love,

Bogart

A Day Without Poop

Is like a day without sunshine. But since we're in rainy Portland...

Today, no poop bags were sacrificed in the name of keeping the streets of Portland clean. Walking was brisk, less time spent sniffing around for the "right spot".

There is of course a very good reason for this - yesterday, Bogart produced a record number of poops - 5! - breaking, nay, shattering his previous record of 3. So there should be no surprise that "production" had ground to a halt after such a "productive" day yesterday.

It is still very strange. "Just" walking. No carrying a baggie for many blocks, or having to decide whether to go back to the trash can a few blocks previous or taking a chance on a can coming up soon. No inopportune timing, or what is commonly known as crapping directly in front of people eating al fresco.

Tomorrow that will ALL change.

Lulu & Bogart

Sunday Morning Bagel-age

The grey skies have returned to Portland - but that is still no reason not to wake up at 7 AM on Sunday so that we can walk to get a Kettleman's toasted, buttered, pumpernickel bagel. First a little water...

I'm oddly parched.

Then - as is my custom - I give mama a big smooch. She calls me Captain Wetbeard in these moments.

Water drunk, smooch given, bagel inhaled. LETS WALK BEFORE IT RAINS!

Love,

Bogart

Fleet Week

Weekends in Portland + nice weather = FESTIVALS! The Rose Festival is here and that's the biggie, but on our way there we detoured to check out the Dragon Moon Festival:

Not much going on there. Shame. We thought that was going to be cool.

Ah well, take me to the river mama!

The Saturday Market was also happening, but they are foolish and do not allow dogs. No matter, I didn't want to go there anyway...

Fleet Week is when the navy and coast guard ships come to Portland. They really do look like big Tonka toys.

Mama had to be restrained from making "sea-men-in-portland" jokes. Out loud. Sometimes she's just embarrassing.

I must say that the boats are awfully cool. I could see myself at the helm of one of these babies, or on the top, with a long scarf and my doggles just looking cool...

Not one but TWO giant St. Bernard's. They look small in this photo but do not be fooled - there is a reason you can barely see their owner in between them.

Love,

Bogart

Happy Birthday to You

Happy Birthday to you...

Happy Birthday dear KLAUS...

Happy Birthday to you.

The family is all here - just like we should be - and Klaus we MISS YOU.

The little stuffed Airedale was from Klaus' ICU nurse Margie, who took such good care of him, Bogart, and I.

Bogart was entranced by the cake. And of course the candles.

Luckily he's not a counter surfer - so no worries about him jumping up and causing a ruckus.

Klaus and I, Klaus' parents, Bogart, mini-Bogart, and cake. All sitting with Klaus (cats hiding as usual). I think he'd like this - and I know he would love sitting on this fancy schmancy oven (so wasted on me with my lousy cooking skills).

Yes I did sing Happy Birthday to Klaus, and Bogart and I made a big wish. Actually we made two - one for something that while it could never come true it's worth wishing for, and one for a blessing from the big guy for our future. Blow out the candles, and then there was cake.

Bogart got a special slice with - of course - a B on it.

Bogart has never had regular birthday cake - and while I know it's not the healthiest thing in the world for him, it was important that he had a piece. And yes, he agreed.

RIP handsome husband-o...

Love,

Lulu & Bogart

I Can See Clearly Now

Well... no.

Today marks 3 months since Klaus passed away. Annoying that it is the same day that I have to write a rent check. Sad because, well, it's just very sad.

I have an odd quirk. Ok, I have many odd quirks. But this one seems to live deep inside me, because I pull it out on a regular basis. When things get tough, I go blurry. I am nearsighted - enough to be able to make out shapes and have my brain fill in the details - without correction. I enjoy this semi-dreamlike state of being able to function without sharp focus. It allows much of the world to drift by without drawing my attention while still allowing me to keep one foot on the ground and not step off a cliff. In an odd way it allows higher function - because it filters out all of the unimportant details to focus on only the important bits, which are usually only the survival ones. Pictures of Klaus in my head stay razor sharp, while the banal images of everyday lose color and become unintelligible. And I like this.

I put on my glasses when I drive - which is rarer and rarer these days - but otherwise I have allowed myself to roam, uncorrected, through my days and nights for these last 3 months through a city that I am still - even after one year - unfamiliar with and slightly wary of.

It is easy to recognize smiles - that is a daily occurrence when you are walking a dog as adorable as Bogart. Other facial expressions always confuse me. I have literally run into people that I know without so much as a whisper of recognition. I have gotten lost. Not terrifically so, but in the way that you forget where you are going so you don't know where you are. A few moments staring at a street sign, allowing the data to sink in, usually does the trick.

I think this is also one of the reasons that I focus more (and truly enjoy) talking to friends on the phone rather than interacting with people in the flesh. I can see you in my minds eye in a clear, deep way. Much clearer than if you were standing a few feet away.

I apologize to any and all reading this who have been wondering why I cannot seem to get it together to actually meet. I've just made an appointment to visit the eye doctor for an exam - and most likely, new contact lenses and/or glasses. And then I will go back to seeing things clearly. Or will I...

Love,

Lulu & Bogart

Top of the Volcano

No reason to be inside on such a pretty day, but I'm not a fan of direct sunshine either. What's a boy to do (and how can he convince his mama that this is in her best interest as well)? Of course - bark until she heads toward our local volcano, Mt. Tabor.

Walking around is great - oddly there weren't a lot of people there today, especially for a warm Sunday - but resting is equally fantastic.

And of course, easy access to my favorite toy/food source, pine cones.

Look ma, no pine cones on my tongue!

Ok, mama, I'm ready to roll! Lets head to the top of the volcano!

Oh wait, did I give you the impression that I wanted to run up all of those stairs? Um, no. I'd much rather stroll up the soft grassy area with attached salad bar.

Oh, all right. I'll walk with you.

Come on mama - you wanted me to walk with you, didn't you? Keep up!

Ah, more fantastic shade - finally - on the 3rd set of stairs. Yep, mama was getting pretty warm and a little tired by this point. Watching my muscle butt in front of her I think inspired her, tho.

I can feel her getting closer...

Love,

Bogart

Everybody Loves a Parade

Yes, it's another hot day in the City of Roses. High eighties. Hot days are best spent in the park if you ask me. And mama ALWAYS asks me.

She thinks she can outrun me - I always have to remind her about my 4-wheel drive as opposed to her puny 2-wheel drive. And I wear a fur coat while I'm passing her!

Sometimes the foul woman taunts me. Yes I have just left her in the dust, but there is no need to get testy. She had a tasty stick while I was sitting in the relative safety of the shade. I wanted that stick.

SURRENDER THE STICK!!!

I COME FOR YOUR STICK!!!

FLYING LEAP!!!

Once I have accomplished my goal of getting that fine stick, there is nothing like throwing my head back and letting out a mischevious laugh. And then dropping the stick and leaving it behind as I am SURE there will be others.

What is all this?

Oooohhh... there is going to be a parade tonight. Lots of crazy floats in the streets near our house.

Pretty crazy - Pretty cool

After the walkie we went home to have dinner. Mama actually made potato leek soup and cucumber salad! And from what I hear, they were actually tasty. I was satisfied with my green tripe, thank you very much.

Suddenly there was NOISE. The sounds of marching bands - notice that I said bands and not band. Where did they come from?

We went outside and ran smack into the staging area for all of the bands in the Starlight parade - all practicing at once!

I must say that the cacophany of sound coming from all of those bands was a bit freaky to my sensitive ears. I especially disliked the drums and the tubas.

However the baton twirlers were FASCINATING.

Love,

Bogart

I Saw the Sign

Ah, signs. Today was a day of interesting things catching my eye. Sometimes funny ones...

Sometimes more poignant ones.

I too dream of a new dog harness. As much as I enjoy my green "adventure harness" it's not completely ideal. Mama likes it because she can grab it and pull me off of my feet if I get into a scramble with another dog. Sometimes for me tho it moves around too much for my liking. I'm thinking something spiffier mama,perhaps a little more trim to show off my athletic physique, maybe think about that for my birthday.

Other signs point toward HEAT. 85 degrees here today in the Pearl. Take me home to my Drinkwell fountain!

Love,

Bogart

Weekend Warrior

Last night I got a bath. I'm feeling fresh and frisky now that I've lost some of my funk. It's sunny and warm outside with no chance of rain... Gotta go! A lovely morning walkie by the river, then it's time to have a volcano walkie.

Lulu here. This is not Bogart's paw, it's mine. When we arrived at Mt. Tabor, Bogart stopped to chomp on some grass and I looked down and saw this ladybug. It was sort of following me. So I reached down and offered it my finger, to which it decided to explore.

Why did a ladybug catch my eye? The day after Klaus passed away, there was a ladybug at my door. I studied it for awhile (I was particularly slow-moving at that point) and watched it walk close to me, walk around my hand, then fly away. I have had several more encounters with friendly ladybugs since then. While I would never say that Klaus was in any way related to the ladybugs (he would HATE that) it does kind of warm my heart a little when I see one and think of him.

This ladybug, however, had me in tears. It found Klaus' wedding ring (which I wear on my middle finger, just below his big silver one) and stayed there. For a long time.

And then flew away.

Bogart here - yes, mama was all teary-eyed watching a ladybug, I was busy taking care of business.

Such a pretty day on the volcano, not too many people, not too hot.

Salad everywhere! Making me hungry...

Mama was thinking gardenburger, I was thinking fries.

I can wait. I know she won't eat every one of those delicious fries without allowing a few to either drop or be placed directly into my waiting mouth.

Success!!!

Oh yeah... Awesome fries and I have to assume that the gardenburger was tasty (I just cannot bring myself to care).

Mama had something profound to say about this photo that she felt compelled to take... but she forgot.

Enjoy the long weekend if you have one!

Love,

Bogart

The Most Important Meal of the Day

Yep. Breakfast. But not Breakfast at Tiffany's... Breakfast at Kettleman's!

On Saturday mornings, mama and I walk up to Kettleman's Bagels. Our order is always the same. Two pumpernickel bagels, toasted, with butter. One for me and one for mama. A glass of water - ok, that's just for me. Dad always called me the "cafe dog" because mama always took me to cafes and gave me water by the glass. Because you know, I'm so sophisticated.

Ah this is one of those weekends when there are lots of chores to be done. Most of which apparently involve procuring large amounts of food for dogs and cats. Of which I wholeheartedly approve. Yet if I must sit in the car while she shops then I require some stretching of the Dale muscles. And yes, Laurelhurst park will do nicely.

Mama made the mistake of allowing her shoe to become untied. Whenever she does this I take the opportunity to rush her, knock her down, hold her down by the shoulders, and administer a first-class face licking. Here I am, about to strike:

Without dad, we can't take any photos of my amazing abilities. But take it from me, it was pretty darned hilarious when she hit the ground and tried to resist me. Resistance is Futile!!!

What could possibly distract me? Mama had a cunning plan. Spotting pine cones in between rolling around on the ground trying to avoid sharp objects and getting too dirty, she grabbed one and threw it. Despite my best effort to resist, my instinct took over and I chased it, allowing her to get up. Shoe still untied. But hey, we're talking about pine cones here...

Oh yeah... check out the tongue...

Say what mama? You want to walk not? Oh, I don't think so...

No, I will not walk and you will not take these pine cones from me. Unless you want to try, in which case that could be hilarious and I will quickly put them all into my mouth and run in the other direction.

Are you feeling lucky?

Love,

Bogart