Bogart Handsome Devil, Airedale Terrier Puppy Dog Blog

Jaunty Shadow Dancer

2012-01-29T10:32:00.000-08:00

Mama is obsessed with my shadow. Obsessed, I tell ya!

When we happen to be out at just the right time, with just the right light, she goes nuts. Picture upon picture upon picture. She's a little bit crazy (perhaps you already noticed that), but I do indulge her from time to time. Today is not going to be one of those times.

I am a man on a mission - wielding my trusty sticks (of which I have gathered several of the best specimens in my mighty jaws) and heading for my park.

Are you gonna just stand there, or are you going to come along mama?

You basically have one final shot at this before I commence chomping. So make it good.

CHOMP CHOMP CHOMP

Mmm... STICKS.

Love,

Bogart

Willie Comes Home

2012-01-21T20:54:00.000-08:00

It's been a tough week around here after losing Willie. My long-haired orange tabby pal was not just big in stature, but also big in presence. All of our other kitties seem a little "off" and have basically been grumpy and needy all week. I too miss him a lot, even though he didn't like me all that much (he smelled awfully good).

Tonight mama and I went to pick him up and bring him home.

It's hard to believe that this little, wooden box holds the remains of my big, furry friend.

Oh Willie, my pal, I would far prefer your furry butt and amazingly fluffy tail, but this box is darned nice.

You still smell good, and I will never forget you. Now mama can put you on the little shelf with all of our other kitties and with Klaus (yeah, dad wouldn't be thrilled to know that he's surrounded by cats, but hey, he was surrounded by them before so I'm sure he will appreciate the company).

Love,

Bogart

Don't Forget the...

2012-01-16T09:27:00.000-08:00

I have to go to the vet today. Mama told me that if we remember to keep the morning's "production", then I can avoid having a stick up my butt at the vet's. I'm all for that, so I convinced mama to do whatever is necessary to remember.

This is mama's daily list of things to remember when taking me out for my walkie. Because sometimes she forgets and I hate that. See how we have cleverly added the most important thing to remember to the daily list?

Each morning mama uses this brush-thing in front of the mirror before she leaves the house. What better place to remind her of the most important thing to remember for the day?

Mama. I don't want a stick up my butt. PLEASE remember to hang on to my morning poo! My butt thanks you in advance.

Love,

Bogart

You Know It's Cold Outside...

2012-01-15T13:26:00.000-08:00

When even the mighty Airedale WANTS to wear his sweatshirt.

When posing for majestic photos, even a large, juicy stick cannot contain one's attention.

When the penguin statues begin to appear.

That's right, I said PENGUIN STATUES

And when it gets so cold that photos of my adorable butt look like paintings. Welcome (finally) winter!

Love,

Bogart

RIP Sweet Willie

2012-01-09T21:00:00.000-08:00

Tonight my kitty brother Willie passed away. He was here in our apartment, purring and whipping around that extra-furry tail of his, and then we think he had a massive heart attack. Mama did her very best to hold him and pet him, but in almost an instant, he left us.

Willie joined our furry family only a few years ago - he originally belonged to one of mama and dad's good friends, and when she passed away he came to live with us. Aside from a few small differences of opinion (which he generally won), I loved my pal Willie. He was a long-haired orange tabby, very light of foot and sweet of disposition (except when he was pissed off at me, or when he wanted to pass me in the hallway). A real handsome devil indeed, expert treat procurer, and from what mama tells me, a warm bed buddy.

A (mostly) gentle giant, Willie even managed to charm this Dale even though he had never lived with dogs before. I will miss his spirited debates, that gigantic tail that could take you out as he ran by, and the way he made mama so happy.

Run wild and free Willie... WE LOVED YOU SO

Love,

Bogart

This Newfangled Banking Thing

2012-01-08T11:06:00.000-08:00

Normally I do not concern myself with WHERE the money comes from, only that we have enough for my chow, kitty treats, and whatever it is that mama eats. But today we had to stop at this oddly-air-conditioned small room called an ATM:

The machine desperately wanted to help me, trying to talk to me in it's strange, beep-like language. I looked to mama for advice or translation, she fed it a small piece of plastic, and it shut up. Cool!

Out came cash for her, and I found a nifty stick - I like this banking thing. Except for the incessant beeping. But the money part and the stick part are ok with me.

Especially the stick part. Haven't found any really juicy sticks for awhile, so I suppose I am a little out of practice on my stickwork.

But I can make up for that rather quickly, mama, if you just bring that stick down a tiny bit...

Just a little more...

EXCELLENT

Oh it's tasty alright, with all of the goodness that our neighborhood provides.

You want a piece?

What if I turn it this way?

Still sure?

I mean, if you can grab it then we can share. Not that I will make it easy for you to grab it, being that we are all so out of shape and all, but hey, I'm willing to give it a whirl...

Okie-dokie, I'll hold it for ya. No problemo. I still have some pooping to do...

Love,

Bogart

Love, Sticks, and Happiness

2011-12-31T10:58:00.000-08:00

To all of my friends all over the world... here's to a New Year filled with sticks, adventures, health, and happiness! Get out there and make it a GREAT one!!!

Love,

Bogart

Sunny Seat As Seen on Kafka

2011-12-26T16:32:00.000-08:00

Around Chez Bogart, you know that we test out a lot of doggie products - I always give my honest opinion, and I just LOVE to get packages - but despite sharing my home with 4 kitties I don't often get them involved in the testing. Today that will change as we've received a Sunny Seat to try.

Now. We don't normally do the "as seen on TV" stuff no matter how intriguing they may be. Firstly because Kafka (the short-haired orange tabby) won't let us get the remote, but also because we don't have cable, damnit. And our antenna is one step above rabbit ears, so basically we never really see the stuff. And at first look, we didn't have much hope that this would be all that great.

Sure, mama thought, there is no way this can hold even one cat, much less 50 pounds worth. The pieces looked uninspiring.

But it was indeed really easy to assemble - taking the 5 minutes that the box said it would. Whew!

After assembly, we attached it to our window with the big suction cups. Hm. It's staying. We were pretty sure this was the moment it would fail, that the suction cups wouldn't do their job, and that it would fall off of the window sadly in a heap of plastic. But we were wrong.

How best to test? With our un-shy-est cat, Kafka.

Kafka is a sound 15-pounder. He's not afraid of much, and once promised some chicken liver treats in exchange for posing for photos, was completely on board with our testing.

This holds! It does what it says it does! Thumbs up (is this the part where the chicken liver treats come out?)

Kafka - still waiting for those treats. But damn, this window seat HOLDS.

A little lovin' for our fine, feline product tester. Your butt for science, Kafka!

After the initial testing phase, Kafka took over the seat as his own. We even caught him napping in it. No sign of it coming off of the window. As we said earlier, we thought that this wasn't going to work but this window seat really performed! No tools needed, nothing that has to be screwed into walls, this just sticks on a window. For us, it's big enough for one kitty, so we can't speak as to the holds-50-pounds-of-kitty claim, but it really does hold and Kafka seems quite content in it. AWESOME!

Love,

Bogart

Did Someone Say Strudel?

2011-12-22T07:57:00.000-08:00

OH YES

Many of you had been wondering after my last romp through the Christmas Village if I indeed got any of that yummy strudel. THE ANSWER IS YES

But I'm not very good at waiting for it, you see. Patience is not a virtue in my book. When in doubt, GO ALL IN I say...

All schnoz in, that is.

Push your nose all the way down towards the yummy goodness of the apfel strudel. YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO

NOM NOM NOM

Oh thank you again, dear Helmut. I am a huge fan of your work.

Mmm... Mmm... Goodness

There really was no stopping me after mama foolishly waved the box in my direction. And then she couldn't stop laughing so I continued digging for the gold-en goodness at the bottom of the box. No need to warm it up on my account, just GET IN MY BELLY

Love and happy strudel-y thoughts,

Bogart

Here We Go a Strudel-ing

2011-12-18T16:45:00.000-08:00

The Christmas Village has moved from City Hall over to Love Park - and we almost missed it!

There's a big Xmas tree, the giant macaroni-and-cheese noodle, and lots of German specialties. The tree kind of freaked me out.

To get into the proper spirit I tried to yodel - which I could tell was appreciated by all as they turned their heads toward me and clutched their children closer to themselves.

YOU'RE WELCOME PHILADELPHIA

It's a very cool setup, with lots of small gingerbread-house-type stalls selling all sorts of lovely and yummy things.

You should go full-on traditional I think. The folks selling earrings and scarves (and burritos), yeah well, that just didn't seem as in the spirit as it could have been. And it was freezing cold today for the first time this year - I wasn't allowed into the come-inside-and-get-warm-with-some-hot-alcoholic-beverages tent - so really, go with the fun traditional stuff.

Hey, what's that?

Austrian strudel - MMMMMMMMMMM

Yeah, that's right. Dogs don't generally eat apfel strudel. But I'm not just any dog, and since my dad was from Austria I AM ALLOWED TO EAT APFEL STRUDEL. It was tasty indeed, not as good as mama has had actually in Austria, but still yummo. Don't let one bite go to waste!

Love,

Bogart

2011-12-12T08:06:00.000-08:00

Ah, the Golden Hour approaches, and we are going to be in the right place at the right time for some superb Dale photography...

This is the new Race St. Pier here in Philadelphia. What was once a crappy old pier is now an urban park with super-cool vistas.

So come along with me - I've got a nice big stick for us - and lets explore!

On my left is the Ben Franklin Bridge. Busy, noisy, but damn it looks cool from this vantage point.

Lots of trees = good. Not being allowed to pee on said trees - not as good. But fine. I have a stick to distract me.

Yes this is a civilized urban park, and doggies are allowed. Even off of the end of the pier...

All the better to pose majestically, my dear.

And stare wistfully off into the distance toward beautiful Camden, New Jersey.

With no people around, the opportunities for Airedmiration were few. Not that I didn't try.

YOU LOOKIN' AT ME?

Really, all of this posing is getting a bit silly mama. Although I am thoroughly enjoying barking in a spot where my mighty bark reverberates like crazy. I think even the folks on the trains above me can hear.

Handsome, eh?

Yeah, I'll toss out a few model-esque poses for you.

And one with my ear fuzz whipping in the wind.

So this si where I'm going to briefly explain the lovely golden tones in my yes normally quite dark tan fuzz but today even especially so. This is the "golden hour", the last hour of sunlight, a time when the sun makes me look especially tall, dark, and handsome.

Not that I have the patience to deal with this - being a model is ridiculously hard work, after all - but there it is.

Really, mama? STILL HERE? Still laying on your back taking photos of me?

Ok, one final truly majestic one:

I am quickly losing patience with you, mama. See that train? I'm gonna let loose a howl that will wake 'em all up if we don't move on soon.

Fishing? Really? You humans are funny.

But see how the quality of light has changed dramatically in only a few minutes?

Not that the quality of DALE has diminished, nor has the quality of this fine stick.

I like the Pier. It's cool. And dog-friendly. We shall return.

Love,

Bogart

The Pine Cone Spirit of the Holidays

2011-12-11T10:16:00.000-08:00

OK, mama, I will pose with the pretty-lit-up tree. I won't look directly at you, but I will give an obligatory look-the-dog-is-standing-next-to-something-mildly-interesting look.

BUT WAIT. The obviously intelligent makers of this tree saw fit to place a large bowl featuring PINE CONES in the center. Just far enough away that I can see and admire them, but cannot chomp them.

Although I am actively considering it. Really actively considering it. Perhaps once the holidays are over, I can make my move...

Love,

Bogart

Airedale Puppies Have Arrived!

2011-12-05T10:15:00.000-08:00

THE DALE BABIES ARE HERE!

Six boys, two girls, not all are yet spoken for.

If you're lookin' for a lifetime of Dale lovin', give Cheryl of Arley Hall Airedales a shout!

Love,

Bogart

The Street Spiderman Scarecrow

2011-12-04T08:59:00.000-08:00

Spider-Scarecrow, Spider-Scarecrow... does whatever a Spider-scarecrow does.

Can he swing? From a fence...

No, he can't. He's stuffed with garbage...

LOOK OUT

Here comes the Spider-Scarecrow!

Love,

Bogart

Soup Weather

2011-11-29T17:31:00.000-08:00

It's raining, it's pouring, this Dale thinks his mama is BORING...

Oh really mama, it's not raining that hard. Ok, maybe it is raining that hard, but since I'm relatively waterproof (AND wearing my spiffy raincoat), there is absolutely no reason to not go for an hour-long evening walkie.

I'm W-A-I-T-I-N-G

See? That wasn't so bad. And there is chicken-lentil-vegetable soup waiting for me. The house smells delish and I've worked up quite an appetite. YUMMO!

Love,

Bogart

Giving Thanks (for Airedale Puppies)

2011-11-23T06:46:00.000-08:00

Looking for a little something to make your holiday season bright? Love a challenge? Cannot resist the cuteness that is the fuzzy mug of a baby Airedale?

Then Cheryl of Arley Hall Airedales might be the right person to talk to about making those holiday wishes come true. Callie and Chip and also Glory and Rhett are going to be proud Dale parents!

There will be 2 - yes, 2 - litters in December so if you yearn to hear the pitter-pat of puppy feet go fill out her puppy questionnAIRE now!

Love,

Bogart

Me and Marjorie

2011-11-18T16:36:00.000-08:00

Meet Marjorie.

Marjorie is AWESOME. Marjorie came running - not walking, RUNNING, out of Starbucks when she saw my fuzzy butt walk by. Marjorie also has an Airedale (awesome points), she recognized me from my blog (major awesome points), and she's an avid follower of my adventures and has turned on all of her friends and family to the coolness that is To Aire is Divine (too cool for school, Marjorie!).

YOU ROCK Marjorie! Big Aire Kisses to you and your sweet Dale!

Love,

Bogart

Do Your Doody (uh, I mean Duty)

2011-11-13T09:56:00.000-08:00

Have you done your daily doody (uh, I mean, duty) today? Click and vote for the Northwest Airedale Terrier Rescue folks in OR on the Animal Rescue Site each and every day! Lets help 'em win some cash to help rescue Dales!

Love,

Bogart

Barksters

2011-11-12T12:53:00.000-08:00

As you may already know, I am always pleased when packages arrive with my name on them. You want an opinion? YOU GOT IT

Today a box of treats arrived from the fine folks at Barksters. But these weren't treats like anything I've ever seen before - they're "krisps", mama says that they have the texture of Munchos (all of the gourmet humans with fine, exotic taste will understand this). They're all-natural, wheat-free, glute-free, low in fat (take note pups who have been told they need to shed some poundage - get your humans to buy these!), and made in the good ol' US of A.

I got a brown rice and chicken package and a sweet potato and beef one. I made my choice of which to try first...

And then tried to open the damn thing myself.

If the beef one won't open, try the chicken one, I thought to myself as I used my mighty paws to destroy the packaging.

So here is a closeup of the texture - they're light and crispy as opposed to the crunch of a traditional dog biscuit. Different, indeed. This is the very last thing that this particular Barkster will ever see...

They come in a plain inside bag that doesn't look that interesting...

Until you get your whole nose inside. Then... INTERESTING

The bag is well-sized for the mighty Airedale nose. Some of you with smaller schnozolas may encounter more difficulty getting into the bag. For you I suggest grabbing it, and shaking violently from side to side - a Barkster snowstorm!

At first I wasn't sure - that texture sure was something I had never experienced before - but after a few tries I was convinced. Thanks Barksters!

Love,

Bogart

Strutting the Red Carpet

2011-11-05T17:39:00.000-07:00

Of course this red carpet must be for me - WHO ELSE COULD IT BE FOR?

Come on - THIS IS A MIGHTY STICK - that I have dragged all over town. Humans have been smiling and laughing for almost two hours now at my adorable Airedale antics. They MUST have rolled out the red carpet for me.

No autographs, please!

Love,

Bogart

Airedale Security System

2011-10-23T16:47:00.001-07:00

Yeah. You're not getting past me. I even have a stick ready to go should you be foolish enough to try to break into my apartment. I protect my kitties, and I protect my mama. I am the Ultimate Airedale Security System!

Love,

Bogart

Airedale Action Hero

2011-10-22T05:30:00.000-07:00

A superhero must possess...

Patience...

Intensity

Strength

Handsomeness...

Raw power...

Big teeth...

And Great Accuracy.

And of course, an action hero must have a great butt. With or without spandex.

Love,

Bogart

The Great Bed Takeover

2011-10-19T08:40:00.000-07:00

It's almost too easy.

First, make sure that you lie diagonally across the bed. Take up as much space as possible. Use your mighty paws to move the covers and pillows around until they are exactly to your liking (and taking up as much space as possible).

If your mama should question you, first keep your eyes closed and pretend you cannot hear her. Then slowly open one eye if she waits. A deep sigh may help at this time.

And then, if you need the big guns, bust out this:

No human can resist. Sleep well, my friends...

Love,

Bogart

An Apple a Day...

2011-10-16T09:49:00.000-07:00

Keeps me running down the street a top speed because damn does it look like a rogue tennis ball...

Really. Tell me that doesn't look like a tennis ball. Doesn't taste like a tennis ball, but looks disarmingly like one.

And then I spotted THIS. The apples are messing with me today...

Love,

Bogart

Sleepy B'Aire

2011-10-13T17:10:00.000-07:00

I do not believe in doing anything uncomfortable. Ever. Especially after a hard days' worth of sleeping, walking, eating, and pooping. This pup is pooped, and I believe that only a human-sized bed will do.

So I curl up on mama's covers, slide on up against the nice, soft pillows, and hunker down for a nice, little nap-ola.

It is difficult to sleep when your mama is constantly putting a camera in your face.

Fine. Fire away mama. I'll be asleep in minutes, anyway. ON YOUR BED. With all of your covers under me.

Love,

Bogart

Airedale Mission: Entirely Possible

2011-10-09T10:12:00.001-07:00

Wanna do some good for Airedales needing rescue without spending a dime? Without getting up off of the couch (or wherever you are presumably sitting whilst reading this)? Well... The next round of voting has begun at The Animal Rescue Site and we've been very successful on the last few go-rounds at winning for Airedale rescue groups.

Your Mission - should you decide to accept it - is to click on each link to vote for Northwest Airedale Terrier Rescue in OR each and every day.

This blog will *not* self-destruct in five seconds. Unless you don't click on at least one of the links. Then it might. But it won't. Because you are cool - obviously, you read an Airedale blog everyday - and I know there will be some clicking happening. So go on, SPREAD THE COOLNESS.

Love,

Bogart

I'm on the PetAg.com Blog!

2011-10-06T06:49:00.000-07:00

Check me out - I've just done an interview for the PetAg blog - leave me a comment there or "like" my interview on their Facebook page and I can win some cool stuff!

Uh, thank you very much (said in my best Elvis voice)...

Love,

Bogart

Paint Torch (with Bogart and Claes Oldenburg)

2011-10-01T18:42:00.000-07:00

So mama told me that there was this artist - a very important artist - who would be having a big opening of his newest project, right here in Center City. You can always count on me to attend such things as the potential for Airedmiration is HIGH.

And oh yes, the worship started early.

The artwork is Claes Oldenburg's "Paint Torch". It's at PAFA. And supposedly it lights up. And supposedly the artist is going to be here. And yes, I am a ROCKSTAR and taking attention away from the artist because no one else was smart enough to bring their Airedale along to an art opening.

Not really kidding, actually.

Oh wait, are they going to fire up this sucker? Maybe I'll saunter over to watch.

A little education is always a good thing...

This is me AND Claes Oldenburg. Sadly mama managed to mangle the photo a bit. Lets try that again.

In the meantime, I managed to get a head pat and a "nice dog" from the artist. So now I've got my semi-smug, oh yeah you wish you were me right now face on.

This was the very first moment that they lit up the top. Kind of like firing up the Xmas tree. Lots of cheers and excitement...

I watched from a respectable distance so as not to take anything away from the artist on his special day because everyone was paying so much attention to me.

Did you notice the paint plop at the bottom? I did. And speaking as someone who produces his own artful plops daily I say, GOOD JOB CLAES.

Love,

Bogart

No Pile Left Behind

2011-09-28T19:30:00.000-07:00

I simply must agree.

Love,

Bogart

Shrine to Cones

2011-09-26T17:07:00.000-07:00

OH YES.

There it was - innocently sitting outside a building in Philadelphia - A SHRINE TO MY BELOVED PINE CONES. Was that a tear of joy in my eye, or just something stuck in my mad scientist eyebrow that was tickling me?

TEAR OF JOY

Love,

Bogart

Here, Tiger Tiger Tiger

2011-09-19T10:01:00.000-07:00

A spiffy tiger print new treat bag, that is! And yes, I needed one. See the photo below as proof:

See the crappy plastic baggie on the left? That's what mama usually uses to carry around my treats on our daily walkies. I always hear about plastic not degrading, but can attest to the fact that when inside mama's hip bag and carried (and refilled, naturally) at least twice a day that the plastic does indeed slowly disappear. Which is good - scientific in a definitely un-scientific-kind-of-way - but which necessitated our finding a new treat bag. Mama got this one on Etsy - it's apparently supposed to be for baby treats (baby humans eat duck jerky and liver crackers? who knew?) - so it's made with all sorts of nice materials that won't poison me. Which I suppose is just fine. Most important for me is that it's about the same size, so mama cannot skimp on the cookies. And she likes the kitty print, so I guess we're all happy.

Love,

Bogart

Run Wild and Free Jupie

2011-09-14T17:54:00.000-07:00

My heart is broken. My dear Airegirl friend Jupie has passed away.

Longtime followers of my blog know Jupie well - along with Kermit and Robin (who has also sadly left us) - as either the Mareike-Dales or more affectionately, The Mobsties. There was nothing - NOTHING - so good as going over to Mareike's house with my dad (damnit, who also has left us) to see my Dale buddies and run around Mareike's back yard. Occasionally visit the Good Microbrew for some beer (dad's) or some cheeseburger (most of Mareike's). Then coming back to Mareike's back yard so that dad could give us treats (or we could just take them by conveniently ripping a hole in his jacket or pants pocket - he was such a sucker for a Dale face).

Jupie was truly the Queen of the household - I remember that girl as being able to put all of us bigger boys in our place with just a look, not even a growl was required. She was small, but mighty, and you wouldn't want to mess with Jupie.

We love, love, love her, and tonight when I look up into the sky to see the newest Airedale-shaped star I will be thinking about my buddy Mareike, and the fun times we all had and how much I miss all of that. I miss my most-understanding pal Kermit (mama says that you and I have to stay healthy FOR A LONG TIME, ok?), and the ones who are missing from our happy group - Robin, Jupie, and Klaus. I hope that somehow they're all having a beer and relaxing on a deck somewhere...

And some EXTRA SPECIAL SIZE Aire Kisses to you, my dear friend Mareike, from mama and me. WE LOVE YOU

CHICKS WITH BEARDS RULE!!!

Love,

Bogart

Stick-ebana

2011-09-11T16:18:00.000-07:00

Most days, this is what my front door looks like. An assorted pile of sticks that I have brought home from my daily travels. I like it this way - if I decide to take a stick with me it is waiting for me, and if I don't then I know exactly where I left them.

But today when I returned from my walkie, my front door looked like this:

Someone - I am informed that it was the cleaning crew who periodically clean and vacuum the hallways of my building - ARRANGED my sticks. The nerve! Some stranger was touching my sticks - I just cannot stand for such things. So I immediately pulled one from it's boring symmetric arrangement and the entire pile all fell back in front of my door.

JUST THE WAY I LIKE IT

Love,

Bogart

Riders on the Storm

2011-08-27T15:06:00.000-07:00

Hurricane, eh?

I am suited up, and ready for you Irene. I pee in your general direction.

I see absolutely no reason why I should curtail my normal walkie pattern because of some wind and rain. What else is a raincoat for?

I still want to go to the park, I still want to walk in the grass, and I still want to delay going back inside for as long as possible. The wind and rain in my beard is just a bonus.

Yes, yes, yes, I have heard that the hurricane is going to be much worse tomorrow. I will be careful. But I will also be outside as I am not a poopy-pad kind of guy.

Love,

Bogart

Today, I Am Six

2011-08-14T18:31:00.000-07:00

Today I am a fuzzy man of 6. And being that I am a fine, mature Airedale I require a gift which befits my status.

That will do.

NOM NOM NOM

I don't get these very often - my silly vegetarian mama apparently has difficulty buying them (she never remembers which kind of bones they are, where they are located in the ShopRite, yada yada yada) - but I'm happy she remembered to buy me one for my birthday.

Marrow bones are delicious - but not the easiest thing in the world to eat. By design? Perhaps. But an advanced canine mind such as mine will figure out a way.

I have found, through trial and error, that this is the preferred position for maximum bone-crunching goodness. Well, this position does hold you down, and it lasts until you've got to get your mighty paws around the bone to keep it from launching across the floor.

Damn, this is good.

I know I shouldn't talk with my mouth full but who could resist? Oh wait... we're going to go for a midday walkie? But it's raining - hard - outside. Hell yeah I wanna go - saddle me up, mama!

Drowned rat hairdo - check. Slightly glazed over look in eyes from walking through monsoon - check. Happiness to be both indoors and in Just Dogs Gourmet - priceless.

Oh, the agony of choice.

I'll take one of those, and one of those, and two of those...

I could just stay here mama, you know, to do some quality control, make sure that everything is being prepared just right...

I did well. Being six is a very good thing. I got one cookie for each year I've been here with mama - two little ones count as one! A burger, a squirrel, a black cat, a penguin, two hearts, and two carob cups.

I won't eat them all - I'd like to avoid this embarrassing fiasco again (not to mention that I don't have my Airedale buddies close by to, uh, "help" me out). Some for today, some for tomorrow.

Love,

Bogart

What Am I, Chopped Liver?

2011-08-12T18:00:00.000-07:00

I am a BIG fan of freeze dried liver. Cannot explain it, but it's fantastic. And it's one of the only ways that mama can stand to feed me (well, us, because the cats love it too!) liver.

Usually we buy the beef-liver-in-a-bucket, but this time at the store mama found chicken-liver-in-a-bucket, so I thought I'd give it a whirl. And I can report that it is just as tasty, if not more so, than my beloved beef liver.

There's just one thing. The chicken liver is in the same kind of bucket as the beef liver - the main difference is that the trusty beef liver is in a blue-ish bucket and the chicken is in a yellow-ish bucket. But when you turn around the yellow-ish chicken liver bucket...

Yep, it says 100% beef liver. But it's definitely chicken liver inside, the beef liver looks and smells different. Someone in the graphic design department may need a vacation!

Love,

Bogart

The Maine Event

2011-08-10T19:22:00.000-07:00

It is ALWAYS a good thing when a package arrives addressed to me. Always.

And packages addressed to me ALWAYS smell good. From the outside. That's how I know the packages are for me. I have this amazing nose, you see, it's just a simple biological fact.

WHOA!

PINE CONES!!! I thought this package smelled extra amazing!!!

The package is from my pal Hobbes - a very intelligent Dale indeed - who collected them from the coast of Maine. THAT'S LOVE AND TRUE FRIENDSHIP

I once again feel like a mighty oak with my mighty cones. Philly is woefully underserved in the pine cone area. And damn, but I miss these things...

Yep, they still taste right...

And now they're ALL MINE

Oh my dear Hobbes, you are the bestest friend ever - I thank you from the bottom of my fuzzy heart. These have made me so ridiculously happy, they take me back to my puppyhood and lovely days spent chasing fine cones.

Really, man. I mean it. YOU DA MAN HOBBES

I have already started the enjoy-ment of the cones my friend. From the moment I tore open the box.

Mama and I send you LOTS of love and happy thoughts from us in Philadelphia up to you and your mama in Maine (are you going to be a part of the wedding? - I think you'd make a very dashing Best Man...)

Love,

Bogart

Hail Cesar!

2011-08-07T09:50:00.000-07:00

Whoa, Nelly! Lookie what arrived for me!

Ok, stop looking at it - MAMA OPEN THE DAMN BAG OR I SHALL BE FORCED TO OPEN IT MYSELF

Goodies! Goodies! Goodies!

The kind folks at Cesar dog foods sent over a care package chock full 'o goodness for me to sample. Dog food, dog treats, and yeah some silly t-shirt for the humans. GIMME THAT!

Yeah, yeah t-shirt, yada yada yada. These smell awfully darned good...

Anything with the word Treats on it is fine in my book. These are really cute, a sweet mixture of shapes and flavors. Semi-soft for those times when crunchy just won't do.

Not just one bag was inside but two - making me believe that a dog was responsible for sending out this package. A human might put in one little bag of treats, but a fellow dog KNOWS that ONE IS NEVER ENOUGH.

But this is what I've set my sights - uh, paws - on. I could smell these through the box. And I generally don't care for cans of dog food - mama makes my dinner in the crockpot each night (when she's not breaking them, that is) - but this is INTOXICATING.

All different flavors - this one is filet mignon - yeah JUST OPEN THE DAMN THING MAMA!

Hm. I don't think that even when I was a puppy I was a particularly small dog. Maybe compared to now. But it's a cute t-shirt. Kinda looks Westie-ish to me (woo-hoo fellow terriers!).

I have to say that mama wasn't expecting this - I generally turn up my substantial nose at store-bought dog food. I suppose I'm a bit of a foodie (i.e. snob) about what I eat - a boy does get spoiled when he has a home-cooked meal every night after all. But I went NUTSO for these and while one may be a satisfying meal for a little dog, 5 might be more like it for a mighty Dale of my impressive stature.

And a side benefit? Guess who cleaned out the containers for easy recycling? Thanks Behemoth!

This Cesar dog food gets a mighty 8 paws up (4 canine, 4 feline). Every single flavor was gobbled. I took the majority while my feline friend did the back-up work. HAIL CESAR!

The kind folks at Cesar sent us two of these lovely bags-of-goodness and I'd love to share one with one of my blog readers! The kit had a whole bunch 'o Cesar wet foods, two - count 'em, two! - bags of semi-soft treats, and a purple Small Dog, Big Love t-shirt. Mama also wants to pass along the hot pink Small Dog, Big Love t-shirt as well, I'm not a small dog. So rather than make this difficult, how about two folks who leave a comment on this blog including the words "ET TU, BRUTE?", add something amusing of their own, and provide their email address get one? Before next Wednesday (August 10)?

Thanks again, Cesar! DEE-LISH!

Love,

Bogart

A Dale is a Girl's Best Friend

2011-08-06T18:10:00.000-07:00

Make that BESTEST friend.

Mama and I make a ridiculously good team. We far preferred when we had our team captain Klaus, but mama and I seem to do the co-captain thing pretty darned well. These photos are an excellent example. Both of us are hardcore camera hogs - uh, I mean that we both enjoy the spotlight - oh who am I kidding we are both start modeling before the camera is turned on. Both lookin' cute, without trying to outshine the other. TEAMWORK

Mama tells me every day that I saved her life - truth is that I need her as much as she needs me. Just don't tell her, I don't want her getting a swollen head (just think how funny that would look with that crazy red hair)...

Even on something as simple as a necessary sit-down to rest up during the wild and wooly humidity can be turned into a photo op. Of course some of us are more ready for our closeup than others.

Best. Buddies. FOREVER. Truly made for each other. Give your mama (and your dad, if you're lucky enough to have one) a big kiss today - I did, right after this photo was taken. Which is exactly why it was the last photo taken.

Love,

Bogart

The Humidity is Too Damn High Party

2011-07-31T18:15:00.000-07:00

Yup.

This heat and humidity has been kicking my butt. And it's seriously cutting into my walkie-time which makes me cranky. Too hot to walk and fully explore the city. But not too hot to collect sticks...

Yes, this one should do nicely. Uh, but I'm not going to carry it home, cause THE HUMIDITY IS TOO DAMN HIGH

Love,

Bogart

Tree... DOWN

2011-07-20T17:07:00.000-07:00

Gee, I knew that it was a pretty wild storm that raced through Philly last night - the rain started late and was so loud I was barking at the window - but I didn't know it was THIS wild!

That's a big tree, well it was a big tree. It looks like a lightning strike that took down this huge branch. Sad for the tree, kind of fun for me. LOTS of great smells here, and a fantastic place to be the first one to pee! WOO-HOO!

Love,

Bogart

Water-y Goodness

2011-07-16T19:58:00.000-07:00

Damn, it's hot here. This humidity thing is kicking my butt. This summer is my first real, full summer full 'o humidity and honestly, I don't like it much. Never thought I'd say it, but thank goodness for my aire conditioner, my own personal fans in each room, and a shady, cool spot in the grass.

We do try to explore a lot - you know, taking side streets, walking on both sides of the street, different routes back and forth to my parks. And so we've seen a lot of interesting things. But sometimes we miss something - something so very important and amazing that we wonder if we actually have eyes.

This dog and horse water fountain is right outside of Washington Square park. We come here every single day. And until today we NEVER EVEN SAW IT.

I wish I could say that it was hidden, out of sight, or disguised as something else, but no. It's right out in the open and both mama and I didn't see it. And it's DELISH...

Now that I know it's here we will visit on a regular basis. And it's good to know that when my personal stash of water runs out during a long walkie (mama always carries a bottle of water for me on every walkie) that there is cold, tasty water available for me. Thanks again, Philadelphia!

Love,

Bogart

Water is the Drug... For Me

2011-07-14T18:07:00.000-07:00

Late at night... I park my car... take my place at the DOG BAR

Oh yes. Words would only cheapen this special moment.

Love,

Bogart

The Theory of Rel-Aire-Tivity

2011-07-09T19:05:00.000-07:00

Einstein was a pretty smart, interesting guy. And he had a fine hairdo too.

Seeing him today on this wall I thought I might explain my Theory of RelAireTivity to him. I'll say this - he is a GOOD LISTENER

Love,

Bogart

Hot Dog!

2011-07-05T18:49:00.000-07:00

Damn, this humidity is kicking my butt. After only a few puny blocks, I'm already panting and shuffling along even with my water bottle handy. What's a hot, fuzzy boy to do?

Ah, yes.

I'm not allowed in this fountain (nor would I jump in as I'm not THAT fond of being wet) but mama has figured out a semi-genius way of cooling me down while still staying within the law. We sit on the side, mama scoops up handfuls of water, soaks me down, and then...

I shake it off all over her. I get wet, she gets wet, we both cool down. WIN-WIN

Love,

Bogart

Happy Birthday America

2011-07-04T17:08:00.000-07:00

Love,

Bogart

The Exploding Sky

2011-07-02T22:43:00.000-07:00

Oh damn.

It's that time of year again.

The time when you humans feel the need to blow things up in a pretty way.

Last night here in Philadelphia the walls were shaking with the booms. I was barking non-stop for almost an hour trying to chase 'em away. I wasn't really afraid, just kind of cheesed off.

But you humans are only human. I know you won't listen to me and not blow things up. So just try to be careful (and quiet), ok?

Love,

Bogart

No Bad Dogs

2011-06-29T16:21:00.000-07:00

During the evening walkie, we walked past the spot where the old Philly AIDS Thrift store was... it's just moved around the block, but they still have a box of books out front for the taking.

Guess which one I spotted?

And just in case you think that I'm going all soft and becoming a completely "good" dog...

I hid behind the book...

I moved just to the side so that the entire book wasn't in the photo (trying to prove my bad-ass-ness)...

I looked pensively off to the side rather than right at the camera...

And then finally... the money shot. There truly are no bad dogs - just occasionally badass dogs!

Love,

Bogart

Juicy Pear

2011-06-26T10:35:00.000-07:00

Water ice! Today they were out of my favorite lemon, so we went all wild and crazy and got the juicy pear. Yowza, is it good!

Mama and I share everything. And we have some very creative ways of sharing water ice. For the first few bites, mama loads up the spoon and slides it into my mouth so that she can still use the spoon without people walking by getting freaked out that we are both eating from the same spoon. Works like a charm. Then she gets brain freeze. That means that someone has to finish off the delicious water ice before it becomes just, well, water. That's when I get to go full-on with the spoon.

Yummo!

Love,

Bogart

Who Wants Whipped Cream?

2011-06-25T05:59:00.000-07:00

Bogart, Kafka, and Behemoth have their very first whipped-cream-from-the-can experience. Who likes it? Who hates it? And who hides from it?

Tune in for all the answers…

Love,

Bogart

My Dear... My Card

2011-06-24T09:12:00.000-07:00

Many humans think that we dogs have a very primitive way of communicating with each other. That we couldn't possibly be sending complex messages via something so simple.

I am here to prove you wrong.

First, locate the site of a fellow dog's important message.

Located!

Slowly inhale every bit, byte, and piece via your superior sense of smell. Allow a few moments for your brain to reconstruct the message so that you can understand it. This may take some time and may involve your flavor-saver beard (if you are lucky enough to possess one). Do not allow your human to interrupt - this could be important!

Nothing too important today (no girlie dogs in heat, basically). So just leave a message of your own. Here I am simply leaving my calling card, to let other dogs (and especially squirrels) know that I have been here.

As always, I AM HERE TO HELP

Love,

Bogart

The Shit Sucker

2011-06-21T18:17:00.000-07:00

Mama told me a great story today during the evening walkie. Many years ago in Europe, she and dad saw one of these on the street:

Dad, in his normal fashion, called it a "shit sucker". Mama calls that a "Klaus-ism", which is an interesting way to describe something that, while it makes perfect sense, is nothing that a native English speaker would ever come up with on their own.

And she hasn't seen one of them since. So today, with some trepidation, I bring to you - THE SHIT SUCKER:

I do not trust ye olde shit sucker. Curious about it, why yes I am. But not curious enough to get close.

Love,

Bogart

Father's Day

2011-06-19T10:08:00.000-07:00

Happy Fathers Day Dad... wherever you are. Mama makes a decent dad, but nothing like you.

Love,

Bogart

Iron Butterfly

2011-06-12T14:04:00.000-07:00

Look at that... up in the sky... it's a bird, it's a plane, no...

It's butterflies made out of old soda cans.

Pretty darned cool, eh? Saw them on our way to watch the Pride Parade today. Happy Pride Month everyone - Lots of rainbow lovin' all around!

Love,

Bogart

Blame It on the Ra

2011-06-11T18:42:00.000-07:00

Thank goodness. Today mama and I got caught out in a rainstorm. AND IT WAS DAMN GOOD.

After an interminably long time without rain or break from suffocating heat and humidity, today it rained. Hard. For a rather short time, but since I was out walking in it, it was perfect timing. Put a new spring in my step. Made my butt wiggle. And made mama smile and get all goofy.

More. Rain. Please.

Love,

Bogart

Hole-y Crockpot Batman!

2011-06-09T06:04:00.000-07:00

Anyone who knows my mama knows that she's not the best cook in the world - but she's an AWESOME doggie chef. Every night I get fresh chicken or turkey soup brimming with veggies, rice, and lentils. And several times a week she uses my very own crockpot with which to make my soup-er good dinners.

Well, this morning after she put in the turkey and veggies and added a substantial amount of water, THIS happened:

Yep, the bottom literally busted out of the crockpot. Which took her a few minutes to realize what was happening as all of the water had suddenly gone from being in the pot to being on the floor.

6.5 quart crock pot. Now it makes a lovely frame.

Literal blowout. Bottom blown off. No other way to describe the clean-ness of the break.

Mama tried to save as many veggies as she could, and the turkey hadn't moved so that was ok, but the crockpot had suddenly gone to that great crock-pot-ery in the sky.

Mama thought about being all craft-y and making this into something, but I think it's best that we don't keep souveniers of our crappiest moments, just our better ones. Ok, mama?

Love,

Bogart

Drink Well with Pets and Beyond

2011-06-06T16:13:00.000-07:00

Well, well, well. Mama's photography skills seem to have failed her. Big time. I fully realize that this photo looks like I'm peeing. But it must be some sort of visual trick because I never pee in the house. So what is it then?

The lovely folks at Pets and Beyond sent us a new Drinkwell fountain to try out. Aha, that explains it!

It has been some time since I had the privilege to drink from a Drinkwell. I love 'em, the kitties love 'em, but apparently in the past they have been a bit, well, of a pain in the butt to keep clean. Mama mentioned something about my fine beard as being an all-purpose crap catcher... and since the kitties all lose fur in a puff whenever they move a muscle (which isn't that much, thank goodness, wouldn't want bald kitties), well, lets just say that keeping the Drinkwell clean was a real challenge for my cleanliness-challenged mama.

Behemoth wanted to try it out first, but I really had to insist that I get to do it. So he ridiculously gracefully moved over to the cat food bowl - pretending that HE MEANT TO DO THAT. That's fine with me Behemoth, as long as I get first dibs on the new Drinkwell!

This is the Drinkwell Platinum. It's much more compact that the previous Drinkwell fountains I have had, which mama says bodes really well for the keeping-it-clean issue. The back pitcher where the water is kept is easy to remove and easy to fill without as much spillage as the old ones did. Don't ask how she manages to spill kind of everything, she's just very talented in her own way.

So this is me taking my first sips from the new Drinkwell. It looks small compared to my big manly, muscle-y manliness, but honestly it's really a great size for us all. I can get the full beard in, and the kitties can slurp easily. Win-win!

Yes sure, there's a bit more spillage when I drink than when the kitties delicately lap up the water, but hey, I'M A DOG

Refreshing. Cool. AWESOME.

The free-flowing water is just dandy. I enjoy drinking from the waterfall as well as dipping in for a good slurp in the pool.

There isn't much that's better than a Drinkwell. Drinking from the hose is awesome, taking a couple of slurps while swimming is cool, but a Drinkwell has the added benefit of being able to do it inside, and all the time. Do not underestimate the convenience. Getting the humans to pull out the hose or take you to the pool, lake, or what-have-you takes up valuable cuteness, energy, and time. Why not just have it ready to go in your kitchen?

Really, there are only two choices. You can have the most amazing dad in the world like I did, who set up this in my favorite back yard in the world in Mareike-land a few years ago:

Yeah that's right. MY OWN DRINKING TOILET. This is the ultimate for ANY dog.

But we are not all lucky enough to have such intelligent humans with crazy ideas and mad skills to make them come true. So really, a Drinkwell is truly the very-next-best-thing. And highly recommended by all four of my furry kitty friends, so it's bi-species-al!

Want to buy your own Drinkwell? Visit the fine folks at Pets and Beyond - they have 'em ready to rush to your house as well as a whole lotta other cool stuff for you dogs and your feline friends. Oh, and mama recommends that when you buy your Drinkwell that you also invest in the cleaning kit and some extra filters - trust her on this, cleaning is easy with the right tools!

Love,

Bogart

Happy Birthday Dad

2011-06-04T19:17:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday Klaus - we still cannot believe that you are gone. A toast to the most amazing husband-o, an incredibly talented and creative soul, and the best damn Aire-daddy in the whole world.

Love,

Lulu and Bogart

Excessive Heat Warning

2011-05-31T17:57:00.000-07:00

That's how the diplomatic Weather Channel described today. I'd just say that it's freakin' hot, again. Too freakin' hot. Way hotter than it should be. Heat and humidity. It makes me not even want to take my normal walkies. Not a happy camper.

But wait, what is this?

Each day mama and I go to parks with fountains. I get a good soak as she scoops up water with her hands and dunks it all over me, and she gets the benefit of a cooling mist as I shake out almost all of that water all over her directly after she does it. Win-win.

I thought I might jump in this little one in the Magnolia Garden - no one was looking, but they seem to have put in an anti-jumping-in device that floats on the water for the foot or so that it is deep. No fun at all.

Keep cool everyone!

Love,

Bogart

Paying Respect

2011-05-30T16:59:00.000-07:00

Doing my part. We visited our local eternal flame - conveniently located right in my park - to pay our respects today. Happy Memorial Day to all...

Love,

Bogart

Full 'Stache

2011-05-28T08:26:00.000-07:00

I think that my mama has lost it. Look what she did today:

Yep, it's "inspired" by my sweet 'stache. I fail to see the resemblance. Mama you really need a hobby, or maybe some friends to be truthful with you about your little problems.

Ok, ok mama, you're FUNNY. Hilarious. A knee slapper.

But here is what a TRULY fine canine 'stache looks like:

Yes, that's right. Bask in the glory of it's goodness.

My flavor saver extraordinaire!

OH YEAH

Love,

Bogart

Staycation...

2011-05-25T10:36:00.000-07:00

Mama has a few days off from that "work" thing she goes to on a regular basis - happiness for me because now rather than the paltry 2 1-hour walks per day I am in a position to demand at least 3. Really, could you resist this face?

Yeah, we have been saddling up for 3 full walkies per day. It's really warm and sunny here, which tires us both, but that's no excuse for not walking. I am also not a big fan of just sitting outside, so even if I'm draggin' my butt along, I want to walk.

And jump (when there are either sticks or cookies involved).

And I always like to keep sharp on my stickwork.

Especially as the larger sticks are getting harder to find here in the city (so many people are amazed at the fact that I find giant sticks here "in the big city" but hey, there are parks and trees everywhere!).

This is a nice size. Long and light, well-balanced, few to no bumpy protrusions, and of course, portability.

Looks impressive, eh? Piece of cake.

This is the face I bust out when mama starts to head for home. Again - it makes no difference if I am already tired and/or hot. As much as I enjoy sitting in front of my fan while chillin' at home (yes, I have my very own floor fan set up perfectly in front of my bed) going outside is the best.

Yeah, resistance is futile. You humans can't help it. My levels of cuteness are just too strong. Don't fight it, GO WITH IT

Just follow me mama, I know the long way home.

Aiming straight ahead, eyes focused on taking the longest route home (as well as brain focused on passing as many doggie stores as possible within the current route), and of course chompers focused on keeping the stick at a level which can give me the widest swath of sidewalk.

See lazy mama? You could be taking the train if you were walking alone. But there's no reason for that, I am here to help keep you in shape. I think that deserves a (dog) cookie, don't you?

Love,

Bogart

Walking With Ben

2011-05-22T21:19:00.000-07:00

Ben Franklin, that is. We're going to go see his "house".

But first I've gotta let everyone know that I've been here - sign the guestbook, as it were.

Very cool indeed. Large metal structures that show where Ben's house was - without the pesky upkeep. Lots of history here, Ben was quite a guy.

I'm not sure if Ben had a dog, but if he did I'm sure he would have let him run all around with wild abandon - as I plan to do right now.

You know, just to make sure that everything was ok, to provide excellent security for ol' Ben and all of his cool stuff.

I'm sure he would have been smart enough to have a nice little pond or something for his pup to cool down on a hot day in. You know, after advising him on important matters and helping come up with all of those great ideas that he had.

Or maybe just a nice place to take a walk on a hot day. Apparently the walkway just in front of me was the original one that he used to pass through on his way to, well, everywhere.

An odd thing, I think, to preserve, but you humans think of the weirdest things.

Long walks through history make me a thirsty boy. So happy that I remembered my trough here in Old City...

Huh? What do you mean this is for horses? Really?

I shall watch him carefully, just to be sure that he's really supposed to be there. And that he doesn't take all of my water. Plus, he's HUGE up close I do admit to being a teeny tiny bit intimidated.

Run free my equine friend - nice to share a drink with you...

Now that I'm refreshed, I think it's time for more history. Luckily here in Philadelphia, you find that pretty much everywhere.

This is Elfreth's Alley. Been around since 1736. Pretty darned old for something American.

For me that just means an extra few hundred years' worth of smells. Which is never a bad thing.

Lets hear it for history! And water!

Love,

Bogart

Shadow Dancin'

2011-05-20T20:49:00.000-07:00

Damn. Mama's trying to capture my shadow again.

I have other ideas. There is something irresistible here, for example.

Not sure...

Mmmaybe...

Success!

Alright, alright. Try to capture the goodness of my shadow while I inspect this fire hydrant.

Finally, one good one. Now will you stop taking pictures and get down to the business of the evening walkie?

Oh mama, you're crazy. But I do love you...

Love,

Bogart

Ebony and Ivory

2011-05-16T19:19:00.000-07:00

Airedale... or Pointer? When you smell something right, sometimes you've just gotta point.

Ok, how cute is this - two sets of doggies coming toward me, both with a black and white one. Two terriers on the left, and two labs on the right.

These little guys were adorable - and fancy too! Their mama was the Scotty winner at Westminster a few years ago according to their dad. So it's like being in the presence of doggie royalty, eh? Their little butts did smell awfully good.

Love,

Bogart

C is for Cookie

2011-05-10T17:10:00.000-07:00

Everyone enjoys a snack. These birds and pigeons are partaking of a large loaf (kind of lazy way to feed the pigeons, my human friends, just hurling a loaf of bread into a park). And they were indeed enjoying it until I came along.

Not very tasty. But I know where to find something better.

There is a restaurant in my neighborhood that puts out both a bowl of doggie water and a bowl with doggie cookies in it. They're just the basic milk bone variety, but they are BIG ones. That gets major extra points in my book.

So what you do is pretend that you're going to go into the restaurant, remember that you are a dog, put your head down and scarf up a bone-o. Then head off to your favorite park.

You want to keep the pace up - not quite a full-on run, that would be too noticeable, but a trot at a good clip so that the bone doesn't begin to disintegrate in your mouth before you have a chance for a good flop onto the grass.

Like this.

Again, it doesn't matter that these treats aren't fancy or aren't my favorite. They are FREE and working out how to best snag one has been fun for me. Time to flop out on the grass and CHOMP

The sun is shining, the grass is cool, and the bone is delish. Never a bad way to do the evening walkie.

It's good to be smart AND handsome.

Love,

Bogart

Stop the Pigeon...

2011-05-09T17:29:00.000-07:00

In walking around Old City tonight, mama and I stumbled onto this scene:

We walk past here all of the time, and it's usually an empty lot. The chair caught mama's attention, but the pigeons caught mine.

Ah, it's art.

You could have fooled me. I was pretty intent on getting at some of those tasty pigeons.

I stared at them for quite awhile, waiting for one to make a move closer to my mouth. Alas, they don't move at all. Cool for mama, disappointing for me.

Love,

Bogart

Happy Mama's Day

2011-05-08T12:31:00.000-07:00

Are you as happy to have your mama as I am happy to have mine?

Yes, sometimes she makes me crazy, and we don't go on nearly enough walkies for my taste, but SHE'S MINE, and I love her. And we make a DAMN FINE TEAM.

Love to all the mama's out there - whether your kiddos have four legs or two...

Love,

Bogart

Guess Who?

2011-05-05T05:51:00.000-07:00

Love,

Bogart

Tip Toe Stomp Through the Tulips

2011-05-01T16:20:00.000-07:00

Who am I kidding? Who is going to tip toe when you can have the pleasure of stomping through tulips?

Yes, they're quite pretty. And fun to walk through.

It's a delicate game of navigation that humans cannot really understand. The way we swerve, move our bodies on 4 legs gracefully yet completely clumsily at the same time through a patch of greenery.

I don't expect you to understand. Just go with it, ok?

Love,

Bogart

PIFA Transe Express

2011-04-30T23:26:00.000-07:00

WOWZA. Tonight was going to be the end of the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts and was going to end with a huge performance from Transe Express that required this huge crane:

Mama thought about it for about two seconds, and it was decided that I would stay home and guard the house. While I wasn't exactly thrilled with this decision, once the bells started ringing and the music began (just 2 blocks from my house), I realized what a good decision-maker she can indeed be.

So Lulu here: The show started with this guy ringing his bell...

Then the crane started to slowly pull him off of the ground...

The musicians were attached to the large metal cage, which opened and closed like a giant steel flower - all around the edge were the musicians, who flew in a circle as well as went up and down. And then there were the trapeze artists inside.

At the finale, the bell-ringer dropped down and was hanging from a box with lots of lights and smoke...

They were all over 100 feet in the air - it was pretty magnificent.

Even from my crappy vantage point behind a tree, this was spectacular.

Thanks Philly and PIFA - I was feeling kind of crappy this week, but then you go and do something wonderful like this. Glad I came out and walked the 2 blocks. Not completely thrilled with the group of drunk Italian-American (I know this because they told me repeatedly) women drinking directly from their bottles of red wine right in front of me (or that they used some of the event's equipment boxes as "recycling stations"), and there was a lot of "interesting" trash around the hood this morning during Bogie-walk, but hey, you can't have everything. Still - Made me smile.

Love,

Lulu and Bogart

So Very Civilized

2011-04-25T17:46:00.000-07:00

Well, well, well... you just NEVER KNOW what you're going to see when you're out on a walkie...

Still hot.

But what is this?

OH HELL YEAH, the troughs that hold water for the horses that cart around tourists also have a handy-dandy fountain for dogs. Absolutely brilliant. I'm liking this city more and more.

You get to look around at lots of charming old buildings and things, AND there is a water trough.

YUM!

Love,

Bogart

Spring... What Spring?

2011-04-24T17:08:00.000-07:00

It appears that we will be skipping the spring season here in Philadelphia - the sun has come roaring out and IT'S HOT

So what's a fuzzy boy to do? Shorten the walkie a bit, have mama carry a bottle of water for me, and do some fine relaxation exercises in the park.

I find that I can relax better, concentrate deeper, when I find pieces of random tennis balls. Don't you?

I'm willing to work a bit to find them - this one was actually buried - and mama was truly impressed with my mad anthropological-dig skills.

See?

Yeah, it's hot outside. Mama dressed wrong, and I still have too much fuzz for 80 degrees. Oh but wait, I HAVE AN IDEA

The fountain in Washington Square Park is off-limits to swimming and dogs. Except that it hasn't actually begun working for the season yet. And there just happens to be some water inside from the recent rains...

Yeah, I'm going for it. You can't stop me. Even just a little refreshing water on my paws is helping.

And bonus - it's full of sticks! WINNING

Love,

Bogart

Art is Subjective

2011-04-22T18:03:00.000-07:00

Ok... what is this supposed to be?

Some sort of childs drawing - angry graduate, monster plate spinner, or grumpy frenchman?

I have no freaking idea. I'm going to have to plead "dog" in this case - as in, I'm a dog so I just cannot fathom what it could possibly be with my "he's only a dog" brain. Yes this doesn't happen often, but sometimes I just... don't know.

I'm thinking that if I get a little drool onto it, it will add to the artistic integrity of the piece. Give it that extra something. Or, well, just keep it from blowing around.

Love,

Bogart