Animal Planet Expo

Wow, this gas stuff is expensive. Now I understand what mom complains about all of the time... but hey, it's the weekend and we've gotta gas up and GO!!! So fill up the Bog-cedes and lets ROLL!!!

Today is the Animal Planet Expo here in NE Portland, which sounds right up my alley. It's HOT again here today, so lets start off with a lovely misting of cool water...

And now back...

Ok, ready to go. A nice man handed mom these Meercat Manor fans and what does she immediately do with them? (hint: she's CRAZY sometimes)

I wanted to hop into this cool bike contraption - thinking that dad could get a workout while I ride in style - but alas, it was not to be.

The Oregon Humane Society was there as well... Feel the Love!

Oh, do we HAVE to do the silly Meercat thing again? Oh well, alright, if it MAKES YOU LAUGH MOM...

Ohmygosh, look who's here! It's Charlie!!! Nice to see ya pal!

And LOTS of other doggies, here we go in for a Double-Dale-Sniff

Dad, I've done many silly things for you in the name of art. I've stood in front of more things than I can count. I've let you photograph my butt. But I just don't wanna stand in front of the giant inflatable tabby.

Luckily, Charlie obviously hasn't had to do so many silly things yet, so lets let him do it! Thanks for taking one for the team buddy!

I was a little grumpy again today - it's gotta be all of the testosterone runnin' though me - but hey, it was also pretty darned hot outside.

And then I saw it in the distance... first just as red blobs enticingly placed at doggie level, and then as we got closer I could see them clearly - the doggie doody area with FIRE HYDRANTS!!! Dad tried to get the guy to give us one for the backyard, but alas, that was not to be.

Ah, more silliness. Since this time neither Charlie nor I were going for the latest hair-brained plan, mom and Claire had to be the guinea pigs (uh, I mean MEERKATS) for the next silly photo...

You should have seen the Border Collie frisbee show - they are INCREDIBLE!!! Charlie was taking notes for his sister Casey (the Border Collie with the pretty blue eyes), I'm sure she could do cool stuff like that!

Tons of swag, tons of people, and tons of girlie-dog-butt...

But mostly, time to sit while the humans talk and relax a bit.

See the bag behind me? WE FILLED THAT WITH SWAG

Sometimes the swag wasn't free, they made us work for it. No problem - we can participate in your silly games in order to get free stuff! First Charlie threw beanbags for swag.

Then we spun wheels for swag. First Charlie...

Then me.

Then we had free ID tags made. More swag!

But now it's getting awfully hot, and it's time for that ever-yummy frosty beverage. But where to go today? We're in a different neighborhood than we usually go... but hey wait, we're close to the Mississippi district aren't we? Lets try out the Amnesia Brewery...

Yummo - now this was a good one! Excellent food, great beer, good prices, and the dog-friendliness meter was on high.

Charlie, looking good as always...

I have a nose for good brewpubs...

Charlie my friend, once again I am sorry for my grumpiness. I see how cool you are with my mama (and boy does she love the kisses!) and I will work on my calmness. I hear the talk about finding a nice girl for me (what you humans think I don't understand what you're saying???), and this will surely help. Can't wait to see you again!!!

Love,

Bogart

To Aire is Divine

My New Pal Charlie

Hey... that's an AIREDALE!!! Mom, dad, did you know about this? Was this planned? Why yes it was, a playdate for me with a cool boy Dale named Charlie.

Ok, lets get the play bows out of the way... and get right to some sniffin'. You're an awfully cute boy, I really like your spiffy vest! And you know what... even tho I don't like most other boy dogs there is just something special about meeting other Airedales - so LETS WALK!

Isn't Charlie handsome? He's a little younger than me, so he's still got some puppy-black-face, but he's working on a fine beard and moustache. And check out that cool white patch on his chest! I want one of those... The pretty Border Collie next to him is his sister Casey. Doesn't she have the coolest eyes you've ever seen? She's a sweetie-pie :)

After the walkie and general get-to-know-you, we headed over to the Lucky Lab for some refreshment.

Follow me Charlie, I know the way...

I'm really impressed with Charlie's posture, he's quite a graceful boy.

Should we turn the cute Airedale Eyes on 'em to get some treats, Charlie? Whaddaya think?

Yup, he's a professional at this treat-getting, and he seemed to think that my Bogart treats were tasty.

Here I am exhibiting a slightly more refined technique of beef heart procurement...

There were lots of other doggies at the Lucky Lab, which was of course distracting. Made me a little cranky. Sorry for that Charlie, I didn't mean to growl at ya. It's just that I can be kind of weirdly protective of mama sometimes (even when she's begging for the hug and full-on Dale kissin' that you so expertly gave her). I promise to work on that, and you'll see, the next time we get together I won't be so growly...

So whaddaya say Charlie, would you like to hang out again sometime soon? I sure would!!! We all had a GREAT time with you, Casey, and your mama & dad, and are looking forward to seeing you all again!!!

Love,

Bogart

To Aire is Divine