The Barkalot Boyz

Counting Down to...TEN

2011-12-31T10:57:00.007-05:00

OK, so this is all about me, Jake, again. But it's for -- I think --- a REALLY good reason: tomorrow, January 1, 2012, I will be TEN YEARS OLD.

Just Harry and I -- and the Flat Guys -- have lots to tell you about how we all have spent the last two weeks of December. The Flat Guys went to St. Louis for a quick trip with the folks. And then we got to go to Orlando to spend Christmas with our sister and her new husband.

We'll tell you about all that later (if our Mom remembers we have a blog). But for now I've been pondering what it will be like to be in the double digits. Mom still calls me her puppy. Is that OK for a ten-year old? Will I have to be more serious?? Will I have to yield more territory to my brother who seems to be getting more pushy???Maybe not. After all, my grandpaw celebrated his 100th birthday this past September, and he still has a great sense of humor and enjoys life and, thank doG, gets to do pretty much what he wants.

So I think I'll just continue being me, and enjoying life! What do you say, everybody?

Let's stop to send our love to everyone who's not feeling so well, pause to remember our good friends who said good bye this year, and open the new year with fresh hopes for -- this is for you Archie -- peace in the world. And if it's not too much to ask, an end to the mean-spiritedness that seems to have permeated daily lives. (OK, and maybe lots of treats and regular tummy rubs!)

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBODY!!!!

Jake (and Just Harry and Mom and Dogdad)

Just Harry Demands Equal Time

2011-12-14T11:22:00.004-05:00

So, has anybody noticed that our last three blogs have been all about Mr. Adorable, Mr. One-Ear Up, Mr. Perfect, aka Mr. Jake? Well, I live here too, And I can sit in a chair.

And I can look adorable even if both my ears usually stay down .

And I can get into the cushions. But when I go after the cushions, I really go after the cushions. Can Mr. Perfect achieve this degree of remodeling? I don't think so.

Just sayin'!!!

Just Harry

Another Day, Another Cushion!

2011-12-04T16:39:00.002-05:00

Not quite sure how he does this! I keep telling him that this is MY chair -- but he has his own ideas.

Joan

Wordless Wednesday: Jakey in the Cushions with SQRRL

2011-11-30T09:36:00.003-05:00

Ever hopeful. Ever thankful!!!

2011-11-24T08:49:00.003-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all! Jake and Just Harry

Finally! Flat Jake and Flat Just Harry Tell Seattle Tales

2011-11-15T10:42:00.014-05:00

Uh, Mom, our flat selves don't have tails.

Of course, not, Flat Boyz. But we're talking tales, not tails...Remember, like the Heron-Cam used to do when Jake and Just Harry couldn't be present.

OK, Mom, we get it!

So, hello everybody!!! Here we are (two months ago) in Seattle, Washington, for the annual seaport convention that Mom always attends.

The first thing we did when we got there was to go to the famous Public Market.

On the way, we saw this interesting sign...but somehow we never found the shop because the humans were distracted by a French restaurant where Mom ate escargots (and drank lots of wine).
And then they were distracted by the amazing fish and flowers and exciting ambiance. We were shocked to see that our Dogdad has his own fabulous fish shop!!! The flowers, grown nearby and not imported from Colombia the way the flowers at home are, were spectacular!!! Huge bouquets for $10. We bought some for the hotel room -- and then stopped to sample some delicious cookies!

The next day was September 11 -- and from our room we could see the American flag at half mast on top of the Space Needle. It was an emotional moment.
We visited Washington University... where of course we saw our first president, for whom the university (and the state) were named.

The grounds of the university and the buildings are impressive. Lots of the buildings are named after one of the uniiversity's benefactors -- including Bill Gates and members of his family.Not all of those on the campus were students or faculty members. We found splendid Canadian geese -- including one who reminded us a bit of Ms. Lacie, our Lakie friend ... An exciting museum -- the Burke Museum -- that features Northwest native art is right next to the main campus of the university. Of course, knowing how much Mom loves that art, we had to visit.

Mom and Dogdad each had their eyes glued for their special interests. For Mom, it was the gantry cranes at the port.
For Dogdad, it was the articulated buses...
And the monorail. The convention included three delightful evening events. First a cocktail reception at the Space Needle, where everyone (except us) watched the sunset, ate prodigious amounts of oysters, shrimp, and Dungeness crab, and then viewed Seattle by moonlight.
Next evening's event was at the Aquarium, where jelly fish, star fish, and a seductive octopus were the stars.

And the third evening event was held at the Museum of Flight, a gala, where everyone (except us) sat and ate under an array of airplanes -- including a drone.

Seattle is a fascinating city, and is proud of its world-recognized companies: Boeing, Microsoft, Amazon, and Starbucks... as well as the original Nordstrom's, which is in an elegant plaza, with an extraordinary bird. (Did Mom buy anything? We're sworn to secrecy.)

And those are our Seattle tales, two months late for reasons beyond our control.

Flat Jake and Flat Just Harry

Remembering what 11-11-11 remembers

2011-11-11T09:20:00.006-05:00

IN FLANDERS FIELDS

By Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place: and in the sky

The larks still bravely singing fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead: Short days ago,

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved: and now we lie

In Flanders fields!

Take up our quarrel with the foe

To you, from failing hands, we throw

The torch: be yours to hold it high

If ye break faith with us who die,

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields

Composed at the battlefront on May 3, 1915 during the second battle of Ypres, Belgium

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-01T16:46:00.002-04:00

A tease from our Seattle trip!!!

The Lambshank Gang

2011-10-30T15:09:00.005-04:00

We know. We've been away. Really away. While we were in camp for TWELVE DAYS, our humans -- and our flat selves -- were in Seattle for a week. Then they came home for two days and celebrated our Grandpa's 100th birthday (without us). Then our Mom went to Panama City Beach (Florida) and our Dogdad went to Raleigh (North Carolina). When they came home, they FINALLY remembered they had two dogs -- us -- and they graciously came and got us from camp.

But then they went away again. So we were back in camp again for TWELVE DAYS. Mom went to Panama City Beach again and Dogdad went to Raleigh again and then they came home for a day and went to Washington, DC.

So, we ask you, as you look at these photos: Is it any wonder that we founded a GANG? The LAMBSHANK GANG, to be precise? (Mom: The last day of their stay, we had their toofers cleaned and a front paw each was shaved for the anesthesia IV.)

If any pup wants to join us, just let us know. But we hope you don't have to be exiled for such a long time, twice, to be interested.

We have been told there are many many pictures to share for the trips to Seattle and Dee Cee and our Grandpa's 100th -- but who know if our humans will ever get to it.

By the way, in case you haven't heard: THE ST. LOUIS CARDINALS -- who were 10 1/2 games behind on August 25, rallied like never before, and WON THE WORLD SERIES IN SEVEN!!!!! WOOHOOOOOO~~~~~ Somehow it is all the more sweet because so unexpected. And the life's lesson learned: NEVER EVER GIVE UP!!!!!

Jake, Lambshank Gang Chief Executive Officer

Just Harry, Lambshank Gang Chief Operating Officer

PS: Happy Hallowe'en!!!

Rally SQRRL

2011-10-06T18:54:00.009-04:00

I know we owe lots of explanations -- and we have lots to share from the last month. But for the moment, it's all about the National League Playoffs and, in particular, the Phillies versus our Redbirds. Last night, if anyone was watching besides Khyra and Gussie and us, a SQRRL ran across home plate. Actually he was the second such creature to penetrate the baseball inner sanctum, as one of his relatives was seen scurrying across the field the previous night. (Nary a canine seen in chase, sadly! Just a few distoibed players and fans.)

To commemorate the event last night, however, (which the Cards won, to tie the series), the local TV station created the RALLY SQUIRREL!!

So who let the SQRRLs out???? Who? Who? Who?

Tomorrow night is the be all end all.....GO CARDS!!!

Jake

Whispers

2011-09-02T20:48:00.002-04:00

We overheard the folks talking about taking us on a trip!!! Shhhh. Don't let them know that we know, OK???

Things we've learned in past hurricanes

2011-08-26T09:28:00.004-04:00

Jake the Weatherdog's Mom here.

This feels really strange. Usually we are in the "cone of uncertainty" -- not to be confoosed with the "cone of shame" our poor pups sometimes have to wear --and getting ready for a hurricane that may or may not happen. Instead, we are seeing our hero, Brian Norcross on the Weather Channel, spread the word that something really dangerous is about to happen to millions of people who may not have seen a hurricane in decades -- if ever.

Friends, listen to Brian and to the others. Mr. Norcross is a hero to us because when Hurricane Andrew hit Miami in 1992, he stayed up through the whole event and kept everyone informed and hopeful. I remember, huddling in my downstairs bathroom as the roof lifted off over half of the upstairs, that his words --"just another 15 minutes, folks!" -- kept lots of people sane.

Here are a few things we've learned. First, if you prepare and it is less than you thought, be happy not mad. Lots of people get upset because they say, we did all this and nothing happened. That's a good thing! Be prepared!

Before the storm hits, we always make sure we have foodables and snacks that don't need cooking for humans and canines. And a manual can opener. As Asta said, peanut butter and treats and toys are essential!!! Most of this is in anticipation of the power going out and stayng out for a longer-than-usual time.

Lots (at least a gallon per day per person and dogs for several days) of bottled water -- including, in case the pumping system goes out, extra water in a bathtub for varied uses, including flushing. We fill large empty water bottles with water and freeze them for ice to be used in a cooler or two with food from the fridge if the power stays out for a long while. Some folks have a small sterno stove for cooking once the storm has passed. -- We have an outside grill, so that works for us.

Flashlights with extra batteries. Portable radio or TV with extra batteries.

Paper plates and cups to avoid using dishes that have to be washed.

Big plastic bags, both to cover valuables pre-storm and then use to pick up junk if necessary after.

Since I hate being in the dark, and since regular candles can be dangerous in case of wind, I stock up on the 24-hour memorial candles that come in little glass containers and can be stood in a sink or pot for extra safety. Medicines, of course.

I often make coffee and put it into a thermos or two to have later, after the power has gone out.

Then, during the storm, stay away from windows! Get into an inside room if at all possible, Humans, dogs, cats -- everyone -- with flashlights and either a battery-powered radio or TV, water, and whatever else to be comfortable.

We've never had flooding,and that's a whole other concern that requires even more preparation, if you're somewhere that may flood. And we have pull-close and roll-down shutters, but since most folks don't -- stay away from the windows and protect valuables that may be affected if windows break. Also,we have a landline phone because, in the past, it worked when cell phones didn't.

And cash -- lots of cash! And gas in your cars!

I get really anxious, but I've learned that knowing where everything is and doing whatever makes sense helps us all stay calm.

Please stay safe dear friends!!!! We'll be with you all in our thoughts as the weekend unrolls.

Joan and the Barkalots

I must have been sleeping in class...

2011-08-24T14:57:00.004-04:00

Jake the Weatherdog here again.

It's the same bittersweet story whenever a hurry cane is in the offing. It's happened so many times to us. Once we realize we're not in the path -- as now -- we breathe a sigh of relief and then turn our worry towards all those who are in the path. For now Irene is clearly going to devastate the beautiful Bahamas -- 29 islands off our coast -- as a Category 3 hurricane. And then call on North Carolina barrier islands and the Northeast -- all the way up to Maine. So those living in these areas are in our thoughts because we know too well what these storms bring. Mom went through Hurricane Andrew in 1992 before she had Dogdad and us to keep her safe (and today is the anniversary of that powerful Category 5 storm); JH was abandoned when Katrina hit Florida in 2005 before moving on to the Gulf Coast and that's how he came to live with us; and we all went through Hurricane Wilma together later that year.

But yesterday, I realized that I must have been snoozing in weather school because all of a sudden instead of hurry canes, the weather folks were talking about an earth cake... whose center was right near where Gussie and Teka live -- and was felt where lots of our other pals live.

Mom has always said she'd rather know when a hurry cane is on the way so she can prepare; some folks, however, are so experienced with earth cakes that they just shrug. We wonder what our pals think. Hurry cane? Earth cake? (Not to forget tornados, floods, ice storms, heat waves, etc.)

We're just glad no one was hurt by this surprising event.

And I guess I'll have to go back to weather school.

Jake

Rut Roh....

2011-08-21T13:09:00.003-04:00

Jake the Weatherdog here. Yep, we all know it's that time of the year -- and this morning we awoke to tropical storm/hurricane warnings for Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, the Virgin Islands --- and South Florida later in the week. The potential visitor's name is Irene. And we are hoping that she will heed the words of that classic song: "Good night, Irene, Good Night!" and decide just to take a gentle, if rainy, snooze...

Jake

"Not by the Fur of My Chinny Chin Chin..."

2011-08-03T11:11:00.003-04:00

Uh, Are WFTs supposed to be lap dogs?

2011-07-29T16:51:00.001-04:00

That Time Again...

2011-07-18T10:20:00.007-04:00

So there we were minding our business when Mom and Dogdad looked at us then looked at each other then looked at us again -- and we knew it was "that time." Here we are in all our furry glory before the fun began... Here am, I, Jake,anticipating the inevitable.

First the furmination.
Then the plucking.

Mine, those furs are mine. Why are they detached from me and just sitting there on the coffee table?

But I was not alone in this fur thievery. Here's JH also waiting for the inevitable.
Dogdad, Mom, have you no shame?
Isn't there anybody out there to take pity on us?
I guess we truly are brothers now, fur brothers, with JH's darker fur blending into mine. Oh dear, just when JH thought he was done, he was summoned back for some final touches with the clipper. Me too for that matter.

At last, at last we were liberated and got to go outside. But just look at those svelte, speckled bodies!I guess you might call this a form of male bonding -- Dogdad treats us with the utmost care. His method of grooming us is a bit unorthodox, as it mostly happens on his lap, with lots of scritches and guy talk one to one.So I guess, when it's over, we're still pals!

And here's our "after" shot: two lean, mean terrier machines!

Jake

"Allons, Enfants..."

2011-07-14T14:59:00.003-04:00

As she does every quatorze juillet , Mom woke up singing La Marseillaise to celebrate what we Americans call Bastille Day! She can't help herself. Neither could we, so we just covered our ears with our paws until she was done.

It happens just once a year, so we forgave her. (After all, she does let us bark our heads off most mornings at 6:39 am.)

Joyeux fete to all our friends in France and to all francophiles everywhere!!!

M. Jacques

Jake and Fergie Said,"Let Them Eat Cake!"

2011-07-13T14:07:00.006-04:00

So, on Monday, Mom was in Panama City Beach on business. Knowing that Aunt Sally was there too visiting her mom, she wondered if they could get together. It turned out that Aunt Sally's mom lives just around the corner from the hotel where our Mom was staying -- so she did get a chance to meet Aunt Sally and her mom and her sister Judith. And of course, JAKE AND FERGIE AND ZOE AND BELLA.
We're not sure how we feel about this: our Mom and four other dogs? What about us?

Well it seems that Aunt Sally thought about all that and gave Mom something scrumptious to take home with her. CAKE for us that she baked herself in a bright red polka dot tin that Mom was able to cram into her suitcase. YUM!!!

OK Mom, enough sniffing. What about the REVEAL??? Thank you Aunt Sally! Thank you Jake and Fergie! We hope we'll get to meet you in pawson some day -- but in the meantime, Mom tells us that you two are dear, dear foxies!!! And she loved meeting your mom and her mom and sister. And sharing some fun with Zoe and Bella too.

Dog pals are the best! The very best!!!

Jake and Just Harry

PS, Mom didn't have her camera with her, but Aunt Sally put a few photos on FB.

Oldie but Still Goodie...HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY EVERYONE!!!

2011-07-04T12:47:00.002-04:00

A Different Kind of Fireworks

2011-07-01T11:29:00.004-04:00

Last Saturday afternoon, Mom was reading and we were peacefully waiting by the door for our Dogdad to come home from the grocery store. All of a sudden we heard a commotion outside and sniffed something unpleasant. Our immediate response was to do what we do best: bark loudly and long. Mom finally looked up from her book and discovered that a car was on fire just outside our driveway.

She joined a bunch of neighbors outside and learned the car belonged to our next-door neighbor's nephew. He thought he could make it home -- but sadly not.

Neighbors started spraying water on the car, but the flames kept shooting into the sky. First a policeman appeared. Next the fire department came and thoroughly drenched the car, finally putting out the fire. And then a tow truck came and took the car away.

Just like that, these unexpected "fireworks" were over. (There were a few "booms" when each of the four tires exploded, but all in all it was much less damaging to our senses than what will happen this weekend.)

Were Dogdad home, he would have been the first one out there with a hose. Mom kept him apprised of what was going on by cell phone -- but he missed all the excitement and, indeed, couldn't have gotten back into our driveway anyway until all the other vehicles were gone.

If we hadn't barked, Mom might never have known what was going on, that's how engrossed she was in her book -- which, by the way, she recommends to everyone: Forbidden Lessons in a Kabul Guesthouse by Suraya Sadeed. (FYI: When she starts reading a book she likes, we could starve to death...)

Jake and Just Harry

Almost Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-29T11:12:00.003-04:00

Someone forgot to show how Flat Jake and Flat Just Harry spent time relaxing in Orlando before their sister's wedding earlier this month.

Snoozing...

Enjoying downtown Orlando from on high...

Wondering if fluffy Jake and Just Harry could have stayed here too...

Wondering if that darned laptop ever sleeps...

And helping make the sake choices at Total Wine...

Converses, Sake, and Space Ships, Oh My!!

2011-06-20T14:20:00.012-04:00

Remember when we said we were getting ready for a WEDDING? Well, it happened on June 18 and, although our furry selves couldn't be there, our flat selves got to drive to Orlando with our Mom, Dogdad, and Grandma and, we are told, were the hit of the event -- except of course for the bride (our human sister, Stephanie) and her groom, Eric.

Why, here Stephi and Eric are now at the rehearsal dinner -- And here are our human brother and sister-in-law.

The restaurant, Bikkuri, is a favorite of the bride and groom -- and after consuming sushi, sashimi, tempura, and 48 garlic rolls, we all understood why. Also several rounds of drinks -- including cosmopolitans for us!!! Saturday morning, we all headed for the Orlando History Center. This is Florida, after all, so we were greeted by an alligator -- but Dogdad lifted us out of harm's way. We got a peek in the ladies' dressing room. Here is Sadie, the flower girl, happy with her special hair-do.
And Manolo B's for the bride? Not for this bride! Nothing but the finest sparkly Converses!

This is Aunt Val, who officiated at the wedding, telling Sadie what a nice job she did with the flowers.
And here are the bride and groom, listening to our brother play "Give Me a Kiss to Build a Dream On," while Sadie's mother sang.

A special moment in the ceremony was when the bride and the groom each shared three sips each of three cups of sake as part of a special Japanese ritual called San San Ku Do -- which means three, three, nine. For the last cup, all the adults had their own little sake cups to share in the moment (and the under-adults had their own little cups of Sprite).

Then it was reception time. Instead of numbers, all the tables were marked with the names of space ships. Ours was The Enterprise!
We got to tell the bride how beautiful she looked! And then the dancing began: Stephi with Dogdad. Eric with his mom. And Sadie with a special friend. Cake time! We left out the incriminating icing on nose photos!

A tired but happy bride with her grandma -- the matriarch of our family!

And the next morning at a parents' breakfast!

For their honeymoon, Stephi and Eric are off to Vancouver -- where we hope they will meet up with two of our favorite terriers and their humans!

Sigh, it was an exciting three days -- and we now have a new brother-in-law who gives really good scritches -- even though he specially loves C.A.T.S.

Weddings are a good thing!!

Jake and Just Harry on behalf of our flat selves, Flat Jake and Flat Just Harry

Simple pleasures

2011-06-13T13:32:00.007-04:00

One of the things I , Jake, like to do best is help solve the Sunday New York Times Crossword Puzzle. They'd never finish it if I didn't paw a few words. (Grandma (Dogdad's mom) was amazed at my vocabulary! )

Our grandpa (Mom's dad) likes to play the violin...

Our grandma likes to read mysteries. Here she is reading Lee Child's "Killing Floors!"
Dogdad can't help himself, he has to work. (But why on the stairs? We think he got tired of sitting at the computer. )

As for us, a nice chew is kind of fun (and keeps us from barking, especially when he is on the phone). Just Harry likes his on the rug in the foyer.

And I prefer mine under the dining room table -- safe from intruders such as pesky brothers.

Simple pleasures!!!

Wirey woofs,

Jake

PS If anyone sees this box somewhere, please let us know!

Just Harry helped wrap it but wasn't sure where it was going...

Three Times Sad

2011-06-01T12:25:00.006-04:00

The Rainbow Bridge is getting way too crowded for our liking. Three of our guy pals have left us way too soon, First Butchy.

Then Deacon of the Key West Collies.

And now Joey.Alll we can say is we'll miss them and hold them in our hearts. We just hope they are having a paw-kicking reunion with all those who have preceded them.

With wirey woofs of love and comfort to their families!

Jake and Just Harry (and Mom)

Mr. Jake on a Sunday Afternoon

2011-05-16T09:19:00.005-04:00

I look pretty calm, don't I? Tranquilissimo. But you won't believe what is going on here. My human sister is getting married in a month (June 18) and my human grandma (Dogdad's mom) is coming to stay with us next Sunday until the wedding, when we'll all (except us dawgs) drive to Orlando for the big day. Fun, right? Exciting, right? Well, yeah -- except, Except. EXCEPT!

For some reason, Mom thinks the whole bleep bleep house has to be cleaned from top to bottom and tons of stuff -- mostly her and Dogdad's old reports and files and non-functioning appliances and miscelleaneous unloved objets d'art -- you get the picture -- must be removed from the premises.
So last weekend and this, it's been like Mr. Clean invaded the place. Just Harry seems to like all the fuss and chaos -- and he nuzzles up big time to Dogdad as his super duper helper. But moi? I just like to repose on my bench and survey the world around me.

Oh, one more thing. The folks got a bit irate when the Cincinnati Reds swept our Cardinals this weekend -- especially after last year's messy brawl. And our boy, Albert, is not having a good year so far.

It's enough to make a dog turn to drink. Thank doG for my bench.

Jake

Mothers Come in Feathery Packages Too!

2011-05-08T10:38:00.005-04:00

By the lake this morning, Mama Muscovy looking after her brood...

Happy Mother's Day to All!!!

Jake and Just Harry

Le Premier Mai

2011-05-01T11:41:00.005-04:00

Just reading Wilf's blog reminded me of the French tradition of exchanging lily of the valley -- muguet -- on May 1st to celebrate spring and to share good fortune. And then it reminded me of a song Rosemary Clooney as well as Mabel Mercer used to sing:

"On the first warm day,

On the first warm day in May,

I hope you come a calling,

And bring me a big bouquet..."

A day to enjoy, yes, -- but we're keeping a huge place in our hearts for those who have suffered so badly in the path of those fierce tornados.

Joan

Wirey kisses to my sweet Gabbi

2011-04-25T20:12:00.006-04:00

I learned yesterday that my special girl friend, Gabbi of the Dughalmoor Beagles, passed over the Bridge. She was young, so very young, and I shall miss the fun we had when we were sharing virtual romantic adventures.

She was a beautiful girl, and I shall miss her a lot! She stopped blogging a while back, so I kind of lost track of her except every once in a while on FB -- but I still have the memories of all the fun we had.

Run free my sweet beagle baby!!!

Your Jakey

Jake Elijah: Our Passover Puppy

2011-04-20T16:43:00.007-04:00

This is the time of the year when Jack and I get nostalgic about those sweet puppy days when Jakey first came into our lives. It was in March 2002, just before Passover. But let Jake tell the story himself -- very fitting because during Passover we tell the Exodus and other stories and talk about what freedom really means.

Our old friends may remember this story from a blog in 2008; but here it is for our new friends.

(Yes my ears were both down when I was a puppy.)

It seems that I was an unplanned addition to the family. Mom and Dogdad had been at the hairdresser in a shoppng center in her old neighborhood. After she was groomed, they walked over to the nearby pet shop, just to look!! (I know, shame! shame! shame! but what if they hadn't?) There I was in the first pen, all of twelve weeks old. Cute? How not? They walked around looking at all the other sad, sleepy guys in their pens, and kept coming back to me.

After a moment, they asked the attendant if they could see me out of the pen. I was brought out to the front and placed in a shallow oxagonal pen filled with shredded newspaper. I was so excited that I kept scratching at the paper and scratching at the paper -- never even looking at these two people. But they were looking at me, and looking at each other -- and before I knew it, I was family!!!

A name? What about a J to go with Jack and Joan? Mom pondered, and Dogdad pondered and when Mom finally said, "What about Jake?" Dogdad said, "That's what I was thinking." So Jake it was.

I got cleaned up, with a bow around my neck, and the Live Animal plastic crate in which I had come from a puppy mill in Joplin Missouri, and off we went to the PetSmart next door, to buy food and a few other necessities --- and home we went.

They forgot one thing, though. I wasn't potty trained!!! And Mom, bless her ignorant heart, didn't have a clue as to what to do. Little by little, though, she figured it out -- or rather, I should say, I figured it out. They put baby gates at both sides of the kitchen, and that was my paper-covered palace. Since Mom works from home, I got to go outside pretty frequently, and we managed.

But then, Mom had to shop for Passover food and left me alone for an hour or so. I don't know what got into me -- or what got out of me -- but when she came home, the kitchen was a mess -- and so was I. She screamed. I just put my little poopy paws on the baby gate and smiled. Her reaction? She called Dogdad at work, and screamed again COME HOME!!!. They needed their combined four paws to handle the situation. And that was what came to be known -- fondly in memory -- as Black Friday.

Once the kitchen and I were pristine again, Mom started cooking for the holiday. Her dad and brother and sister-in-law were coming for the Seder, and she had lots of special foods to make, including chicken soup with matzoh balls, brisket, "charoset' -- a combination of apples, nuts, cinammon, and wine, to make a paste that recalls the mortar used in building the pyramids -- boiled eggs, bitter herbs, and other items for the Seder plate to commemorate the Hebrews' flight from Egypt.

But then, what to do with me while the family had the Seder? Remember, this was before I had learned manners. It was Dogdad who decided the upstairs bathroom would be the answer. And up I went after greeting everybody. Well, I'm sure you all can anticipate what happened. First there was the non-stop barking that accompanied the meal -- but second, let's just say that when Dogdad went up to get me, he came back down pretty quickly and said to Mom, "You don't want to go up there. I'll take care of it."

And that was my first Passover.

But how did I get my middle name? Part of the Seder includes pouring a special cup of wine for the Prophet Elijah, who, it is hoped, will come to spread peace throughout the world. And Mom and Dogdad, who love me lots and lots and think I brought them joy, decided that I was now an integral part of the holiday and deserved the middle name of Elijah.

So that's my Passover story!!

Hag sameach to all who celebrate!!

And just in case you're wondering: Things got a lot better very quickly, and now I and Just Harry get to sit at the table, or at least enjoy the food and songs with the family.

Jake Elijah

Clever Dog? Naughty Dog?

2011-02-28T11:38:00.006-05:00

Here's a "clever dog? naughty dog?" tale about my adorable ever-loving, ever-enthuastic, often skittish, but always curious, Just Harry.

First the "clever dog." Saturday morning, we all slept a bit late. Usually that's not a problem as the Boyz can "hold it" without any difficulty. But as I stumbled out of bed and went into our bathroom, whom do I see stepping out of the shower but no other than JH himself. "Hmm," thought I. He rarely goes in there. The last time was last winter when some kind of four-legged intruder apparently had made his way into the attic, causing JH great consternation. Even though it was in the middle of the night, he barked and barked and barked until I managed to reassure him that we were not under attack. Nevertheless, he spent the rest of the night paws crossed in front of the bathroom door -- just in case.

So "hmm," I thought. And then I looked at the shower floor and saw the grout between the tiles where he had been was a bit darker. "Hmmm," again. Yep, Just Harry had gone into the shower stall to relieve himself, rather than on the bedroom rug. Clever dog!!!!!

Ah, but Sunday is when my little wirey boy showed his other irrepressible side. We had taken my dad out to lunch and he had given us a little plastic bag of rugelach -- a delicious often jam-filled pastry that is a Jewish favorite, especially on certain holidays. We had that little bag and a few other things in a larger bag that I set on the floor of the foyer when we got home. (You see where this is going, right?)

Both dogs sniffed the bag when I set it down, but I forgot about it until later that afternoon when I was thinking about dessert for dinner. "Jack, did you move the bag with the rugelach?" "No," replied husband. "Where did you leave it?" "In the bag in the foyer. And it's not there."

Search party assembled, we didn't have to look too far before we found an empty plastic bag on the sofa in the living room, nary a crumb left to tell the story. Only the tooth marks on the plastic (fortunately still 99 percent whole), bore witness to the feast.

Fortunately too, no chocolate was involved. And no tummy aches or other disturbances. No dessert for the humans, either.

When interviewed (on the very scene of the crime), Just Harry simply said, "Hey, a dog's gotta' do what a dog's gotta' do!

(How did I know it was Just Harry and not Mr. Jake? Sometimes a mom just knows.)

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-23T11:02:00.004-05:00

What'cha doin' out there, Dad?

A special day for a special dog!!!!

2011-02-20T20:18:00.004-05:00

Most of us have secretaries who are derelict in their duties when it comes to blogging. But here we have Wilf, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog (PON) so many of us have come to love, who is celebrating his human companion's 1,000th post today -- all in the space of some three years.

We think that is an amazing feat -- and especially when every single post brings some new insight into what life and the cherished relationship between dog and human are all about.

Wilf, we do love you, and thank you for all the joy your blog has given us, tinged, however, with the sadness of your illness and that awful tick bite that led to your brother Digby's death last year.

Every day, we look forward to the latest news from France profonde to savor (savour) with our morning coffee. We have vivid images of the intriguing folk who populate your village and picture them scritching your ears, tickling your tummy, and sharing bits of croissant and that extra special treat -- coconut ice cream.

So Wilf (and M. Angus and Mme. La Font), we couldn't let this day pass without telling you how much you mean across this blogosphere!!! We wish your days remain peaceful, with all the delights you've earned just by being Wilf!

Jake and Just Harry

Oh dear...

2011-02-14T18:12:00.003-05:00

Once again our silly Mom almost blew it. Almost blew right by one of the best days on the calendar. If we hadn't checked and seen all the special Valentine wishes from our friends, why we bet she would have just continued working on her dumb reports and let the day go by. Good thing we're around to remind her of all the love floating through cyberspace today!!!

Happy Valentine's Day, pals!!!

(Good thing Dogdad remembered too, huh?)

Jake and Just Harry

"Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me!"

2011-02-04T09:42:00.005-05:00

This is for all our fellow NPR (National Public Radio) fans. On a recent pledge drive, Mom and Dogdad kicked in some "green papers" to see a live taping of one of their favorite shows, "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me!" The taping was last night at Miami's Lincoln Center equivalent, the Adrienne Arsht Center, and will be broadcast this Saturday, February 5th.

Before the show, the folks --- after leaving us alone with the customary bribe -- dined at the bar of a lovely restaurant, Prelude, inside the Center. Mom had a martini with olives and smoked salmon carpaccio. Dogdad had a gin and tonic and pot pie. No camera to record the meal, so you'll just have to imagine the deliciousness.

The restaurant was filled with folks who were also attending the taping, and lots of lively chatter echoed through the room.

Ah, but then the show. One word: hilarious! The guest was Carl Hiaasen -- famous for his columns and novels about our fair state: Flori-duh. And especially South Flori-duh.

We will say no more. Turn to NPR on Saturday morning and imagine our Mom and Dogdad convulsed with laughter in the audience.

Wirey woofs,

Jake and Just Harry

Enjoyng a Chilly January Sun...

2011-01-09T12:20:00.003-05:00

Celebrations

2010-12-31T10:06:00.012-05:00

This time of the year is special for everyone. Chanukah, Christmas., Kwanza, New Year's... But for me it's extra special because tomorrow, New Year's Day, is my Barkday. Yep, tomorrow I'll be nine years old. Nine! And I've lived all of that time -- except for the first two and a half months -- right here with my Mom and Dogdad.

It's an extra special time for them too though. A few days ago -- on December 28 -- they celebrated their tenth wedding anniversary. Yep. Ten. (I was going to ask why they spent more than a whole year without me -- but then I realized that was pretty silly, because I wasn't even born yet when they were married. Hehehehe. I guess even a smarty-pants like me can be dorkish from time to time. Or maybe I caught it from my doofus brother.)

So how did they celebrate? They went back to the place where Dogdad had proposed on July 28 of that year (2000).They toasted with Prosecco. They made their way down the narrow sea-grape-tree lined path. They walked on the beach, which was pretty much deserted because it was still a bit nippy (55F is nippy here in South Land). But they saw a bird. And some bird tracks. And heard the strains of bagpipes -- which turned out to be brothers practicing for a parental (second, we guess) wedding.

Unlike the past few years, we weren't with the folks over Christmas this year -- but our pal H.C. Bird, our intrepid heron-cam (NO relation to the evil heron who likes to eat kois chez les Lambs), flew with them, despite the cold (temperatures dropping to 17F or so) and caught lots of the action.

Like this snowfall which covered everything.

And this strange-looking person on her way to Christmas Eve service as the snow continued to fall.

And Dogdad's brother's house for the traditional Christmas Eve family get together...

The "fourth" generation cousins waiting patiently for Santa Claws.

The annual Christmas Story marathon.

The Christmas tree "before"

"During"...

And "after."
The next day, H.C. Bird accompanied the folks on a trip to Schlafly's Bottleworks for lunch with human brother and his wife and human sister and her fiancee (more celebrations this coming June!).

And finally, home to me and Just Harry.

So, now that they're home, having gone from this --

to this --

I'm looking forward to tomorrow.

Who knows what the New Year will bring!!! So I wish everybody -- the furry ones and their asssistants/ servants/ parental units/ companions/ peeps/ pinkies/ muzzers/ momsters (and popsters)/ mumsies/ mommis and daddis/ secretaries -- all the best in this New Year -- always promising, always unknown, always interesting!!!

Your pal,

Jake

We saw it!!

2010-12-21T10:36:00.004-05:00

2:45 am, December 21, 2010:

Dogdad whispers to Mom, "Shall we get up?"

Mom whispers back to Dogdad, "Mmm?" "Will there be ice cream?"

And before we knew it, the humans were up, with robes on, asking us if we were coming too.

Dogdad reconnoitered outside in the front of our house and decided what we needed to see could be better seen from the fenced back patio. So out we went.

And this is what we saw (and Dogdad photographed):

Or at least I saw it, having sat down quietly while my brother, even in the dark, scurried around sniffing under the plants. (He is such a terrier!!!)

It was a spectacular sight, even so far away.

After a chilly while, we went back inside and sure enough, out came the ice cream -- and a lick of peanut butter for each of us.

And back to sleep for all.

Jake

"I won't eat my kibble unless I have some pumpkin!"

2010-12-19T20:41:00.002-05:00

This is Jake's mom musing over what happened today. Usually Jake gets two meals a day. The finest of kibbles. Usually he eats hungrily, after making sure that his brother has gotten his own food. Sometimes, however, he doesn't eat right away and I'll spice things up with a bit of pumpkin.

This morning that's what happened: kibble in bowl, Jake looking at it disinterestedly, wandering around until I added the pumpkin, but then crunching merrily away. This evening, same scenario -- kibble in bowl, me in kitchen, Jake not eating. Suddenly I feel two paws scratching at my back insistently. Message clear. Out comes the pumpkin, in goes a spoonful into the bowl. Cue sound of happy dog crunching merrily away. Close in on empty bowl

Who says dogs can't talk?

Joan

Outdoor Christmas Photoshoot

2010-12-12T17:28:00.009-05:00

I was looking at the calendar this morning and suddenly realized that it was December 12 -- 13 days until Christmas --- and we didn't have a holiday photo to send to our friends. So I asked Mom what the deal was.

"Well, Jakey, we can do an outdoor Christmas photoshoot today -- but you have to find your Christmas collars. If you don't, we'll just have to go with antlers."

"Rut roh, " I thought. You can imagine that those words helped me focus. And after a bit of head scratching, I remembered that our Christmas collars were probably upstairs with our wooly fisherman's sweaters in a bag from our Christmas trip last year to St. Loulis.

Yep, there they were -- along with two forgotten Christmas toys. So we put the collars on and out we went.

When we got outside in the backyard, Just Harry wasn't quite sure what to do. He remembered his elegant runway stint with Just Martha -- and was kind of confused at this low end photoshoot. "It will be OK," I said, "Trust me. Just do what I do."

So when Mom and Dogdad tried to capture our terrier cuteness, we were in pawfect sync. At my instructions, we looked to the left.

And we looked to the right.

We looked up. Way up.
And we looked down. And then, just when our folks thought we'd never get it right, we looked straight at them and asked, "Is this what you were hoping for?"

And finally, we got to play a bit with our new (year-old) toys.
Of course, JH had to have the toy I was playing with. Actually both toys. But that's my brother. What can I say???

Your pal,

Jake

We Ain't No Turkeys, but We Wuz Plucked...

2010-11-27T14:53:00.007-05:00

... and clipped and scissored and -- all in the name of handsome. Sure, Mom says it's important that we wirey guys (and gals) take good care of our furs to avoid health problems -- and we do like to look sharp -- but it's not something we -- especially me -- enjoy. That I can tell you.

Remember all that stuff a few days ago about gratitude??? Sure. Am I supposed to be grateful for being forced to have my jacket stripped and then the rest of me subjected to the clippers? And my paws? DON'T TOUCH MY PAWS!!! I don't think so. Even if it's true that Dogdad is kind and gentle and only plucks the parts that don't hurt (too much), I do not like it. Not one bit.

Accordingly, I have a carefully developed avoidance strategy. Ask Mom. She'll tell you.

Usually we groom Jakey first. He doesn't seem to mind -- even though his fur is woolier and takes longer to do. He's a much more stoic dog, But when JH sees any of the "instruments of torture," i.e., comb, furminator, brush, clippers, scissors -- he disappears. So when Jack was ready for JH and we called him in a normal voice, no answer. I added a usually irresistible "treats for dogs" to the call. Still no answer.

So I began to search: Pillows under the chair by the window in the breakfast room? Bed next to the red chair in the corner of the living room? Comfy pad under the coffee table by the couch? Middle stair? Jakey's crate under the stairs (which Jake never uses and JH has adopted as his private retreat)? No sign of errant terrier.

But then, one more possibility: Next to Jakey's crate is a second crate in which JH eats his meals. In desperation, I looked in there and saw him huddled as far back in the corner of the crate, behind his food bowl, as he could get! Poor baby.

We didn't want to trick him, so Jack let out his traditional "Calling all dogs, Please report to the East Gate for your evening walk." That truly is irresistible. Off he went with Jake and JH and when they came back, the jig was up for one young WFT. Once the grooming has begun, though, he accepts it without much fuss-- except for the paws part.

Well, I got through it -- and I have to admit, I don't miss all that curly stiff around my face and the long black fur down my back. Yesterday we had a photo shoot outside and as you can see, I have my polka dots back -- and my brother can see again.

He consoled me for all my fears and told me to be on the look out for anything unusual in the neighborhood .Not so bad, I guess.

After we satisfied the folks' thirst to record our striking looks, Jake let me sit on his bench for awhile to chill. (It's truly Jake's Bench. Often when we come back from a walk, Jakey will jump on the bench to sit for awhile, catching the smells on the air and observing what's going on. JH never does that

Later, I settled down with my red rooster to ponder a new strategy.

And since Jake was so cool with me, letting me share his bench and explaining how to deal with life's apparent inevitabilities, I let him settle with one of the other toys I choose to call my own. Not that I want him to get used to too much brotherly love or anything... but it is the start of the holiday season and all that!!

Just Harry

Gratitude

2010-11-24T10:33:00.008-05:00

When Mom isn't working or taking care of us, what she likes to do best is read. And one of the authors she likes to read when she's feeling all the upset of this angry world is the Edinburgh author, Alexander McCall Smith. She first discovered him when he wrote the No 1 Ladies Detective Agency, which, by his own admission was just to be a short story and is now into the 12th book. Then she discovered two more of his series, both of which are set in Edinburgh: The Sunday Philosphy Club series and the 44 Scotland Street series. The latter features a character named Bertie, a precocious boy of six -- no relation to our Bertie who is indeed precocious but a WFT and not a Scottish lad. The former revolves around a fascinating lady, a moral philospher, named Isabel Dalhousie. It also features a fox, Brother Fox, who lives in her garden and appears at special moments. He's a cool character who makes us rethink the idea of what we fox terriers are supposed to be about!

In this latest novel, The Lost Art of Gratitude, several events happen where a simple thank you would be appropriate -- but is not proffered. And then, when someone actually does thank her for resolving an embarrassing situation, Isabel ponders (yes, Wilf, people often ponder too) that she has come to no longer expecting people to say thank you -- rather, they accept things, take them as their right, and have forgotten to give proper thanks. Thus the title of the book, a lovely book, especially if you've come to know the other characters and how they look at life. After reading one of these books, our Mom is much calmer, more given to idle musing, and a lot more fun to be with. So we approve her spending time with them.

Yesterday, as Mom discussed this idea of gratitude with us, Just Harry and I decided that we hadn't said enough thank you's -- tomorrow is the big T-Day after all and we have a gazillion things to be thankful for. Most of them are the every day kind of things that we've come to expect as our right:

At least three walks a day -- two of which --- morning and evening -- Dogdad takes us on together around the golf course and into the sand traps and lets us run and chase each other -- and one of which, our mid-day "pee time," when Mom takes each of us on a slow walk with lots of sniffing.

Breakfast and dinner with as many in-between snacks as we can wheedle out of Mom.

More toys than we can ever destroy.

Beds and pillows everywhere for us to sprawl on or curl up on. Plus the couch, my bench near Mom's computer, the rocking chair by the big bed, and any other chair we choose.

A backyard to romp and sniff in -- even if it's not very big.

Daily scritching time. Sometimes full body rub downs before going downstairs to breakfast.

Infrequent baths and plucking. And Dogdad's switching from plucking to clipping at the point where it makes us uncomfortable.

The bedtime snacks that Dogdad gives us when Mom isn't looking.

And love, lots and lots and lots of love!

And then there are the big things:

Our friends, virtual and real, who have taught us so much about sharing joy and sorrow.

The Circle of Paws and the caring community we've come to know through both giggles and sobs.

The feeling of being connected across the globe!

For all these things and more, we are grateful and do bark a loud (very loud, says Mom) THANK YOU!!!

And one thing more:

Like those books which Mom says calm her in the face of the angry world, she says we -- yep, us, Jake and Just Harry -- are her antidote to all the nastiness out there.

Happy Thanksgiving every body!!!

Jake

In Flanders Field, a Poem for Veterans/Armistice Day

2010-11-11T11:07:00.003-05:00

In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918) Canadian Army

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Canada Surprise

2010-11-09T10:39:00.009-05:00

Life around here had been pretty boooooring. Mom " en derangement." Dogdad working and traveling. Booooooring.I try to keep up with the news. But a dog can just read so much and then it's same old same old..Ah, but suddenly, with an e-mail to Mom, life took on a new dimension. Remember when our humans went to Vancouver with our flat selves????? And they got to meet Sunshade and Jaffa Man while our fat selves stayed home? Remember? Well, thanks to this beautiful ship called the Oasis of the Seas - the largest cruise ship in the world -- which cruises to the Caribbean every Saturday from Port Everglades, just fifteen minutes from our house. WE GOT TO MEET SUNSHADE AND JAFFA MAN'S MOM AND D-GUY!!! Elaine e-mailed Mom when they would be debarking (BOL) from the ship after their cruise and wondered if Mom and Dogdad wanted to have lunch with them. SILLY QUESTION!

Our folks found them easily outside the cruise terminal and before lunch took them for a ride around Fort Lauderdale to see some of the sights.

They stopped at a market by the river and found a lady selling organic dog treats -- which we actually got to sample later in the day.

Lunch was something special: Stone crab claws! The Florida stone crab loses its limbs easily to escape from predators or tight spaces, but their limbs will grow back. So here in Florida, between October 15 and May 15, the claws can be taken for human consumption!!! (When a claw is broken in the right place, the wound will quickly heal itself and very little blood is lost. It only takes about one year for the claw to grow back to its normal size. Each time the crab molts, the new claw grows larger. )After lunch, for once thinking about us stuck at home and rarely getting to meet dog friends, Mom asked Elaine if they had time to stop by our house before they took off on their own. And the answer? YES!!!

And that's how we got to meet two of the coolest dog people on the planet. Elaine sat down with us and we had a long conversation about our pals Sunshade and Jaffa Man. She laughed at Jakey's jokes -- although he's not all that funny.
And then she let us both give her wirey kisses to take back home to Canada.

Not shown, by the way are pictures of how I licked D-Guy's face and made everybody laugh at my enthusiasm. Maybe they'll show up on Sunshade's blog. In any case, we had so much fun and we really liked them!!! Really really liked them!!! Please come back soon. Please!!!

Just Harry

En derangement...

2010-10-27T15:35:00.006-04:00

When our mom lived in Paris a hundred years ago, she always laughed when she saw a sign affixed to an out-of-order telephone that said: En derangement.

Now that she's translated the French for us, we can laugh too as we think how many other ways we'd like to use those words to explain our mom's current condition. Out of order? Yes. Way too busy? Yes. Thoroughly deranged? Absolutely.

We think she'll be back in order before too long. Still busy, but perhaps less so. But that deranged? No hope for a cure.

As we face the last month of hurricane season here in what has been a comparatively peaceful time, we feel awful for those elsewhere who seem to have gotten the brunt of winds and rain and even worse. No predicting anything anymore!!! Not even for this so far happily unemployed weather dog.

Jake

Life's incomprehensible equations

2010-10-13T16:14:00.006-04:00

Some things are just too hard to understand. Neither by human nor by dog.

Today -- since last night at midnight actually -- we should have been feeling unalloyed joy as 33 men were removed one by one from their 70-day confinement almost a mile below the earth in the Chilean desert. Joy not only at their rescue, but at the sense that when people in dire circumstances stand together, positive things can happen. Joy that technology when used for man's good, can do miraculous things.

But no, on the other side of the world, this morning we learned that one nine-year old Polish Lowland Sheepdog named Wilf received anguishing news -- and the only option his family -- Angus and the Font -- have is to love him and keep him happy and free of pain.

No, there is no way we can understand life's equations.

Wilf, we love you. You have brightened our mornings for so many months now. You and your brother Digby, who left this earth way too soon, have been like part of our family. We can only hope that whatever time you have left will be surrounded with love and all the things you enjoy so much -- including sausages and Jaffa cakes.

Joan and Jake an Just Harry

Happy Thanksgiving to All Our Friends in Canada!!!

2010-10-11T12:24:00.004-04:00

Mom and Dogdad want us to say how very thankful they are that they got to visit two parts of Canada this year -- first Vancouver in British Columbia, where they ( and Flat Jake and Flat Just Harry) met Sunshade and Jaffaman and their lovely mom, Elaine -- and then just a few weeks ago, Halifax and other parts of Nova Scotia. They -- and so we -- think Canada is a very cool place and we hope we get to visit it someday soon .

Just Harry knows that not everyone in Canada wears a kilt -- but he likes the look so much he was thinking he might move there and at least start a new canine trend.

In the meantime, we're wishing our Canadian neighbors a very HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Jake and Just Harry

So what will she bring home next????

2010-10-07T14:13:00.007-04:00

Whenever our mom goes on one of her "business trips," we both know she'll be bringing lots of stuff home with her. Sometimes it's treats for us. Sometimes new collars. Sometimes a stuffie or two. But most often it's something that goes on a wall (except we're pretty much out of wall space). Or something that goes on a shelf or a table (except we're pretty much out of empty flat surfaces too.). Or it's something that goes into a book case (30 pounds came back from Vancouver... and there's not much space to spare in the book cases either).

So we were kind of holding our breath when she came back from Nova Scotia. A few books, check. A calendar, check. A few prints, check. But nothing prepared us for this:

What is it you're probably wondering ?

According to mom, it's a musk ox sculpted by an Inuit artist. Just what we needed, eh?

According to Inuit.net http://www.inuitarteskimoart.com/m-About-inuitarteskimoart.php, the musk ox plays an important role in the Inuit's lives and the musk ox is a favourite subject, especially among male carvers who are also hunters..

Muskoxen *
Should you be lucky enough to see the trademark shaggy coat of the muskox (umingmak), you may feel like you've been transported back in time. Indeed, it's easy to imagine continental ice sheets covering much of North America — as they did some 18,000 years ago — when in the company of the "bearded one."

Unlike the caribou, which prefer slow-growing lichens, muskoxen depend largely on grasses and sedges that recover relatively quickly from heavy grazing. In the summer, these herbivores may be seen in river valleys, along lake shores and near damp meadows. If grasses and sedges become unavailable in winter, muskoxen move onto ridges and hilltops to feed on willows and other plants. They are often seen in groups of 10 to 20, depending on season and location. When threatened, muskoxen form defensive circles with adults facing outwards and calves in the centre. This behavior, while effective against four-legged predators, makes muskoxen easy prey for human hunters.

Large numbers of muskoxen roamed the tundra of Nunavut before the arrival of European and Canadian traders. The subsequent market for meat and hides reduced their populations to dangerously low numbers until Canada protected them in 1917. Since then, muskoxen have recovered and recolonized most of their historic range so that closely regulated harvesting can be sustained. Today, Nunavut holds most of Canada's muskoxen, with about 60,000 animals. The species occupies much of Nunavut, except for the eastern mainland and Baffin Island.
Inuit do not usually prefer muskoxen over caribou, although the meat can be delicious and the skins produce warm sleeping robes. Beginning in May, muskoxen shed large quantities of their underfur (qiviut), which can be spun into a luxurious wool. Bulls weigh about 350 kilograms, some 50 kilograms heavier than cows. Muskoxen mate in the summer; bulls can become unpredictable during this period. Do not approach muskoxen too closely, especially if you're not accompanied by an experienced guide. They can be aggressive.

ABOUT THE WOOL²: The Oomingark [as the Inuit call it] is covered all over with "wool", except for it's horns,hooves, lips and nose, with an underlayer of short fine wool for exceptional warmth. Amuch longer outer coat composed of shaggy hair up to 24" in length covers theanimal, hanging nearly to the ground and giving the muskox its mystic appearance.

The coat is generally dark brown or nearly black. About the shoulders it is extremelyshaggy and forms a distinct mane, especially noticeable on bulls. Behind the shoulder is a short white or creamy yellow "saddle". The lower legs have light brown to white "stockings".

* - Reproduced from an article Land Mammals by Marian and Mike Fergusoncontained in the Nunavut Handbook
2 - Reproduced from NWT Wildlife Sketches Series - Muskox of tje Northwest Territories

This new guy, who apparently is to make himself at home somewhere up high where we can't reach him, is kind of heavy -- his dense little body weighs about two pounds. And -- this is for Gail and Bertie -- we think he's made of serpentine, one of the rock formations prevalent in parts of Canada. He does have a few Inuit cohorts here from previous forays -- but so far hasn't joined them.

We do seem to have one thing in common: musk oxen have double coats, just like we do. But is that enough to be BFFs?

So far, he hasn't a name -- although Mak, short for umingmak, the Inuit word for musk ox, is a starter. And he seems rather staid (no, Lacie, we're not sure if he dates or not). But we can't help but wonder: who needs this?

When you have one of these??? And one of these???

Just askin'.

Jake and Just Harry

More Nova Scotia: Lunenburg and Peggy's Cove

2010-10-05T08:48:00.008-04:00

Before we go back to our regular programming, Mom wanted to tell you about two unique coastal towns just a short drive from Halifax.

The first is Lunenburg, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. German and Swiss immigrants settled the area in the 19th century -- and UNESCO recognized it as an outstanding example of a planned European colonial settlement.

Lunenburg is also honoured to be the birthplace of Canada's famous racing schooner: Bluenose and her descendant, Bluenose II. Bluenose II wasn't in port when we were there, but other much smaller sailboats lay at anchor.The town is filled with brightly coloured houses. This mural -- inside the restaurant where we had lunch -- bacon-wrapped local scallops -- shows the town's waterside, which includes a popular fishing museum.

And here a few samples of the actual houses, with their unusual colours. It was raining, but looking at them made it impossible to kvetch at the weather.

In addition to their uncommon colours, many houses sport a variety of ornamental details.
And some pay tribute to the fishing industry that is still a mainstay of the community.

Churches of all denominations adorn the landscape. This striking Presbyterian church speaks for itself.

Between Lunenburg and Peggy's Cove is Mahone Bay -- not as brightly coloured as Lunenburg and not as unique as Peggy's Cove, but with fun shops and lovely views.

On the way into town, we spied this florist shop with pumpkins on the roof.

On the way out, we caught a glimpse of Garnet McPhal. We stopped to ask who she was and how she got there. It seems that the site once housed a folk art shop, where Garnet took up residence. Although the shop is long gone, she's still there and folks come by every so often to give her a touch-up and make sure her speckles and blue eyes are still in place.
And then we found Peggy's Cove, with its stark lighthouse and breathtaking granite boulders. The town dates back to 1811 and, at its peak, was home to 300 people.Today, no more than 50 people live here -- but a steady flow of tourists, artists, and photographers keeps the community going.

This church calls itself the heart of the community -- so different from the one in Lunenburg!

These are a few of the bare houses that nestle against the granite boulders, which are reputed to be some 40 million years old!

And this is the lighthouse. The Canadian Navy used it as a radio station in World War II. It's now automated and doubles as a post office in the summer.

An awe-inspiring place. Spare. Timeless.

Images from Halifax

2010-10-01T10:42:00.020-04:00

Before we pick up our tales of Nova Scotia, as reported to us by our mom, first a word to blogger: PLEASE FIX YOUR NEW PICTURE UPLOADING SYSTEM!!! In desperation, after reading scores of complaints on the dashboard help site about the same problem we had experienced, we went back to the old editor -- and even that gave us a few of those lovable "503 service unavailable" codes. But with a few irresistible wirey kisses from us -- even though we're not included in this post -- she prevailed, and here are the photos that should have accompanied our previous Nova Scotia post.

First, here's the restaurant where they had their first meal after landing in Halifax -- and their last before leaving. Oysters, shrimp, scallops... The next day was kind of a free day for mom, so she took off to visit the museum (where she made a significant contribution to the Canadian economy -- to be shown in a later post). These interesting fellows -- seahorses -- are on the facade of the Bank of Nova Scotia. And this is the outside of the museum -- formally called the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia. This amazing bird is an Inuit sculpture. The name of the cafe, Cheapside, is a reference to the past, when the area was known for having less expensive goods for sale. But the cafe inside the gallery is anything but cheap looking -- warm russet walls, black tables and chairs, harlequin tiles on the bar, and dark blue on the ceiling. Among other art, the gallery is known for its collection of Canadian folk artists. One of the most well known is Maud Lewis, a self-taught artist who painted life around her -- and also everything inside her house. The house -- just one room -- has been preserved in the gallery -- along with many of her original paintings. They are just delightful. Check her out on the gallery web site: http://www.artgalleryofnovascotia.ca/en/AGNS_Halifax/about_us/collection/aboutmaudlewis/default.aspxArt is everywhere. Dogdad spotted this trompe l'oeil on a building while they were waiting for a shuttle to take them to the convention site one evening.

And lots of it is in the statues of hearty Scotsmen and fishermen and the prows from sailing ships. Below is the Red Stag Tavern, part of Keith's Brewery which dates back several centuries and is now a favored tourist stop, especially for the thousands of cruise passengers who visit Halifax in the late summer and early fall.

The Old Burying Ground is also a touching part of Halifax' history. When mom stopped there, she found both locals looking at gravestones and trying to make out the names as well as tourists imagining what the times were like in the 18th century when the city was founded.

This is the Welsford-Parker Monument, a memorial standing at the entrance to the cemetery. It commemorates the Crimean War.The tombstones are weathered and almost impossible to read. Many have images of winged angels above the tributes to departed loved ones. Just near the cemetary is this striking contrast of the old and the new.

Ah, but this is a seaport -- and, something mom didn't know until she saw this -- the birthplace of Samuel Cunard. The venue where the convention was held carries his name: the Cunard Centre -- adjacent to the piers where the cruise ships berth, including Pier 21, which was the site of so many immigrant debarkations in the past two centuries.

Oops, you're not a prow figure -- and who do you think you're fooling with that camouflage?The interesting Maritime Museum pays tribute to centuries of Halifax history and seafarers. This marking buoy is on the street next to the museum -- which mom will remember for one Cape Breton oyster that was the best oyster she ever ate... just one because so many people were crowding the man shucking them that she had no other choice! Dad, on the other paw, who isn't a raw oyster person, will remember the museum for its lighthouse lenses and other awesome technological exhibits.
The statue of the sailor is a tribute to all who have served Canada -- but may not have returned.

The Halifax waterfront is edged by a boardwalk that is also filled with local people and tourists/cruise passengers enjoying the sights and the weather -- post-Igor, the day was beautiful. Cool, not humid, bright sun -- very different from summer --or fall -- where we live.

Teddy Tugboat Too takes people on sightseeing tours. And the historic properties, restored with shops and restaurants, are part of the old town.

Below is the view from their hotel room -- and the Waterfront Warehouse, which used to be a tugboat repair shop but now serves delicious seafood. On the walls are the names of tug boats and companies that used to serve the area's maritime industry.

But what about the convention, Mom? Didn't you go to Halifax on business?????

Ok, Jakey, shhhh. I'll take over from here.

Remember one of the lobsters in our earlier post? Well, picture long tables at the Cunard Centre. Picture 740 almost-drooling people from all over the continent with black cloth bibs bearing a red lobster on the front, picture bottles of red and white wine, and now hear the bagpipes as waiters and watresses holding platters of lobsters on high circle the room and set one of those platters in front of every person. Sorry for the blurry photo -- but shut your eyes and you will understand one of the reasons why mom goes to conventions.....

For the opening session, we were greeted by these very well-clad gentlemen, while more bagpipes echoed on the air.

They brought in the colours.

But you have the picture, Jakey, so let's just skip to the final gala. One of our colleagues -- of the Ferguson clan -- dressed for the occasion.

Sporn and all...
The entertainment included the Canadian tenors, who we were not allowed to video -- but they were great. And just like that, it was over.

But there is more, as we still had a day to really relax before flying home -- so next post will be about the unique towns of Lunenberg and Peggy's Cove...

Woof!

We interrupt our tour of Nova Scotia (New Scotland)...

2010-09-29T11:54:00.000-04:00

to press our candidacy for inclusion in Bouncing Bertie Boffin's next Earth Science class. He suggested that applicants should be ready for all kinds of weather -- and we hereby attest that neither rain...

Nor snow...

can keep us inside.

He also suggested that we not wear frou-frou clothes. But what is more manly than our two oatmeal fisherman's ~~sweaters~~ jumpers???

And finally, he intimated that some familiarity with Scottish customs, such as the wearing of the kilt might be an asset. Remember elegant Just Harry and glamourous Just Martha? And of course, our case would not be complete if we did not take this opportunity to reminisce a bit about one of the proudest moments of Jake's life: when he stood side by side with Hamish at a spectacular nuptial celebration. There's more, so much more, but we hope this pictorial evidence of our commitment will be sufficient to allow us to continue with this exciting programme.

Once upon a week in Nova Scotia

2010-09-27T20:32:00.003-04:00

So, while we were in animal camp for a week (eating our daily dog's breakfasts and dinners), our humans were off to a delicious place called HALIFAX in NOVA SCOTIA where they dined on CAPE BRETON OYSTERS and DIGBY SCALLOPS and SMOKED SALMON and FISH AND CHIPS and CRAB CAKES -- and LOBSTER, lots of LOBSTER

Some of our long-time pals will recall that every year around this time, Mom gets to go to a different port city in the US or Canada or occasionally the islands for an annual seaport convention. And Dogdad gets to go along as a SPOUSE. (While we get to go to animal camp.)

Last year, they were in Galveston, marveling how the city had recovered from Hurricane Ike, which had struck the island the year before. Previously, when the convention was scheduled in New Orleans, Hurricane Katrina had visited the year before as well. And now this is very weird -- it didn't happen the year before the convention -- it happened this year. First Hurricane Earl came to visit Halifax. And then Igor decided he wasn't going to miss this convention city either. Both storms bypassed the East Coast of the US (including South Florida for which Mom was extremely grateful, as she thought they might have to miss the trip) and then curved northeastward to see what Nova Scotia was all about. Fortunately, all Halifax got was a lot of strong wind -- the brunt of the storm hit further east in Newfoundland and did cause a lot of damage and one death. But it was ironic all the same. Think of Somerset Maugham's tale, Appointment in Samarra!

Mom was in Halfax before so she was eager to return. In between business events, she visited the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, where she discovered two amazing folk artists -- Maud Lewis and Joe. Norris; the Old Burying Ground, with weathered tombstones from 1749 to 1844; and the Maritime Museum, which houses amazing photos and memorabilia from Halifax' fascinating history -- and just strolled around the historic areas of the town. (Poor Dogdad, who had project deadlines, stayed in the room to work during the day, emerging only at night, blinking his eyes at the world, but licking his chops at the lobster...)

Halifax, with its easy sea access served as the Ellis Island of eastern Canada -- welcoming immigrants in the late 19th century and in the post-war periods in the 20th. When the Titanic sank, people from Halifax were the first to help retrieve those lost in the shipwreck. Conversely, when two munitions ships collided in the Halifax harbor and caused severe damage to the town, the people of Boston extended their help and the two cities still have strong ties. Every year, the people of Halifax send a large Christmas tree to the people of Boston in gratitude for their assistance. The region, as the folks can attest from their drive through the countryside, is the Christmas tree capital of Canada -- and perhaps the world.

We have lots more to say -- with pictures -- about Halifax and the other places our humans visited and about how much they enjoy Canada, but blogger is being a pain in uploading photos -- so we'll be back when we figure out what we're doing wrong! In the meantime, we're just happy to be home!

Jake and Just Harry

A Dog's Breakfast?

2010-09-14T11:01:00.001-04:00

We stopped by our fellow wirey pal Bertie's blog this morning and discovered he and his mom are planning an agenda to enlighten us canines about all kinds of super scientific things. Considering Bertie's young age, we were truly impressed at this proposed endeavor. But one of the things he said had us kind of stupefied.

Bertie said that it would be kind of like "a dog's breakfast." Those words echoed in our wirey ears because we've been hearing that phrase in a totally different context. You see, as we told Bertie, the company our Dogdad works for, a 50-year old employee-owned engineering company, is about to be acquired by a very large UK firm. It's kind of a bittersweet moment. But, to make the best of it, we've been trying to learn proper British expressions. "A dog's breakfast" is one of the first that came up -- and, since our breakfast (and our dinner) is mostly same-old, same-old kibble, with an occasional dollop of pumpkin if we look bored enough -- we're kind of suspicious! And then to hear Bertie use it, only heightened our suspicions.

We're OK with adding a "u" to lots of words -- glamour, favour, labour -- and replacing an "s" with a "z" in certain words -- or is it the other way around?. But kibble? C'mon!

Wirey woofs of concern,

Jake and Just Harry

A LITTLE UPDATE: While we've been talking about a dog's breakfast, it's appropriate to mention the Pedigree Adoption Drive and Pedigree's commitment to donate 20 pounds of food to animal shelters for each post mentioing the drive. Thank you Pedigree!! Dog's Rule. You've said it. We know it!

A time to remember what our Lady Liberty stands for!

2010-09-11T10:45:00.001-04:00

We found this photo on Asta's blog -- and think it tells the story more than any words can express.

Being a bit of a dinosaur, I remember, before the towers were built, grousing about how they were going to ruin the New York skyline that I had grown to love when I lived there during my college years. Never could I or anyone else imagine how those towers would come to bear such a heavy burden and even in their demise remain standing in our minds as a symbol of what unites us in spirit.

Is there anyone who does not still see those towers when they look at the New York skyline? Or remember the valor of those firefighters and and dogs who braved their lives to rescue all they could?

We remember. We can't allow ourselves not to.

Today We're Celebrating My Fifth Anniversary Gotcha Day!!!!!

2010-09-10T11:46:00.001-04:00

Well, Jake and I have been wondering what it would take to get our Mom back to OUR BLOG instead of all the SELFISH THINGS she's been doing in lieu of being our dependable secretary. If you look at the date on our last blog -- you'll see it's been more than a month since she devoted her time to our musings. But fortunately, today is my very special anniversary -- something even she couldn't miss.

It's not just my GOTCHA DAY-- it's the FIFTH ANNIVERSARY of my Gotcha Day -- five years since the family drove to Orlando to meet me on neutral ground and see if Jakey and I would get along. When we did, suddenly I found myself in a comfy crate in the back seat of the car -- and homeward bound.

Mom tells me I've changed so much in five years. I was still a puppy -- about 8 or 9 months we think -- when I came to live here. And I was scared of everything. Umbrellas, little girls on bicycles, noises of any kind -- not to mention firecrackers. And my first official action the morning after they brought me home was to run downstairs and pee on the couch!

Ah, but it's amazing what lots of love and kind words and treats -- and frequent walkies -- will do. I'm still not crazy about loud noises -- and just recently I bolted away from Dogdad when a firecracker went off unexpectedly near us on the golf course (happily I had the good sense to run as fast as I could to our front door, my flexi-leash bump, bump, bumping behind me). But I've got that inside/outside thing figured out -- and the couch -- and carpet -- etc. remain dry!

Jakey and I have a decent relationship, even though we're very very different. I'm boisterous and energetic and loving and the very model of a model wire fox terrier. He's kind of a fuddy-duddy -- so we don't play as much as I'd like to -- but he's such a wimp when it comes to toys that I can always swipe whatever he's decided to chew on as soon as he turns his head.

Last year, Mom wrote lots of nice things about me -- and posted some of my sillier pictures. So if you want to read what she said then, check out our blog from September 9, 2010. The photo below is the classic that always has to appear when we celebrate my Gotcha Day. It was taken by our Aunt Brenda, the kind lady whose house was our meeting place. She just a few days ago brought a new WFT home and has an almost similar picture on her FB page when her Alle met her new brother Cooper!!

Wirey love to all -- and special wirey kisses to Aunt Jane and sniffs to our pal Petey who lost their pawsome cat Mica a few days ago.

Just Harry

Remembering Ms. Libby Longtail

2010-08-05T15:56:00.003-04:00

Dear Pals

It seems that Box of Chocolates lesson is all too real. Between Phantom's tumor, and what happened to Dre, and the shooting in Baltimore -- there's way too much going on for us to register. And then a short while ago I learned that one of the most adorable, flirtatious, feisty, wire fox terrier lassies I've ever known succumbed to nasal carcinoma today.

Her name was Ms. Libby Longtail -- and I gave my heart to her the very first time I saw her when we were little more than puppies. At first she told me she was too young to have a regular boyfriend. Later I think she just liked knowing how many smitten swains she had. But I loved her anyway!

And we had so much fun! Her lipstick-stained e-mails written in purple passion ink never failed to make my heart jump.

Lucky girl, she was surrounded by terrier brothers who both adored her and gave her plenty of space. And the best mom and dad possible.

And now, at the tender age of 7, she's crossed the Bridge, where I'm sure she is about to break a zillion hearts!!!

I can only send my wirey love to her mom and dad and remember what a special foxy girl she was.

A very sad Jakey

A Box of Chocolates?

2010-07-19T10:06:00.006-04:00

Remember Forrest Gump ? Remember this?

"My momma always said, 'Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get.'"
Well, we're dogs and we're not supposed to have chocolate so I don't really know what a box of chocolates looks like (OK, I did taste it just that once when I jumped on the chair Mom had forgotten to push under the table when she went out and opened the securely closed container she had left on the table after Dogdad's birthday and scarfed down half a dozen individually wrapped Ghiardelli chocolate squares and made her crazy when she came home and found the path of wrappers I had left behind until she spoke with Dr. Dan who told her not to worry because the ounces of chocolate I ate in proportion to my 25 pounds shouldn't cause any problems but she should monitor me which she did, discovering for sure that I was the perp when I produced a sliver of shiny wrapper the next day...).

But I understand the image. It's like us. Sometimes we get in the car all excited 'cause we're going for a ride. Sometimes it's for two weeks away with the folks for Christmas. Yay!!! And sometimes it's a long stay at Dr. Dan's animal camp. Not so Yay!!!

You never know.

And that's what life has been like these past days. All the excitement of the DWB pawty in Manhattan -- that --because of our Dogdad's unexpected horse piddle stay, we got to experience only vicariously through all the happy posts and photos from our pals' humans and their flatties.

And just when we got over our concern about Dogdad and were enjoying everyone's good times in NYC, then we learned about Scruffy, baby Stan, and Lacies's dad -- and concern for them and Mumsie replaced our own.

And then the old relentlessly huge Mango Man had himself a "seize her."

So -- I'm thinking that with all these ups and downs life delivers -- Forrest Gump was probably right.
But I think scarfing those chocolates was a lot more fun....

Jake

A Trial Fib Relation...

2010-07-14T15:23:00.004-04:00

You know, pals, our Dogdad always tells us the truth -- so when he disappeared last Thursday and Mom told us he was in (as Gussie calls it) the Horse Piddle for a trial fib relation -- we were pretty concerned. We dawgs definitely do not like fibs. So we really couldn't understand why he wasn't here to explain just why he was off somewhere trying them out.Being a pretty clever dog, even if I do say so myself, I tried to find an explanation all by myself. Mom, seeing I was unhappy, filled me in -- and told me I'd just have to tough it out for a few days until he came home. And that she was counting on me and Just Harry to be extra good while he was away 'cause she had to leave us alone for longer than usual while she went to see how he was doing with this unusual -- for him -- relation.

So we waited.

And waited.

But then, after the people at the Horse Piddle had enough of those fibs, they straigtened him out -- and lo and behold, yesterday my Dogdad came home as honest and truthful as ever before!!! Happy doesn't begin to describe how I felt.

And Just Harry was upside down himself with joy!!!

So hoorah!!! Our Dogdad is home. No more fib relations!

Today is Bastille Day, one of Mom's favorite holidays, and even though we aren't in France, we think it's the pawfect time for a celebration. Mom asked me to say a very special thank you to all our human and doggie friends who sent her such kind thoughts and prayers while she was a total mess wondering what all this fibbing meant!

Wirey woofs and love,

Jake

"Shave and a Haircut -- Two WFTs*

2010-07-05T16:51:00.006-04:00

OK, so we survived all the fireworks boomers last night -- but today was another matter: Stripping and clipping day! When I woke up, I had a sense something was up. "Harry dog, oh Harry dog?" "Jakers!! Jakey come!"

We know those enticing tones. The next thing we know, we're in lockdown with soothing words and treats to beguile us.

Here's the drill: first Jake and then I get plucked as much as we can stand -- usually just across our colored wirey jacket. Then we get clipped and snipped and it's not fun! Actually, it can be downright undignified!!!

The resulting fur balls on steroids from the two of us...

No, that's not another dog -- it's our stolen furs!!!

But then, once it's over, we start to feel good about ourselves.

Jakey looks trim, doesn't he? Mom can't call him her roly poly porky dog anymore -- at least until he blooms again.And. gee, my speckles are back!!!
So, we guess all's well that ends well. Dogdad reports that when he took us out after our ordeal, we raced and gamboled and stacked and ran circles in a way we haven't for a while. Could it be that our innate bouncy terrierness was weighed down by all that extra fur?

Just Harry

* For our friends who may not be familiar with the joke from "Shave and a Haircut, Two Bits," here are a few facts from Wikipedia:

"Two bits" is a colloquial expression in the United States for 25 cents, a quarter.

The tune has been used innumerable times as a "wrap-up" in musical pieces performed through the years.

The first known occurrence of the tune is from 1899.

In West Side Story, Leonard Bernstein incorporated the phrase at the end (and punch-line) of the song Gee, Officer Krupke, with the text "Gee, Officer Krupke - krup you!"

American captives in the Vietnam war would authenticate a new prisoner's American identity by tapping the first 5 notes of "Shave and a Haircut," against a cell wall, waiting for the appropriate response.

The couplet was a plot device in the film Who Framed Roger Rabbit, the idea being that Toons cannot resist finishing with the "two bits" when they hear the opening rhythm.

Happy Fourth Everybody!!!!

2010-07-04T13:28:00.002-04:00

Jake and Just Harry

Flying High Friday

2010-06-25T10:52:00.003-04:00

The Barkalot's Heron-cam here.

In all the excitement of the World Cup, I neglected to show you what it was like to be flying high over Washington State, the Cascade Mountains, and various other interesting spots on our way home from British Columbia two weeks ago.

Here we are looking westward at one of Washington's amazing mountains.These are the Cascade Mountains and Columbia River bed.

The snow-capped mountains were breath-taking-- especially for a waterbird such as myself!!!I had to ask the engineer what these interesting patterns were. For irrigation, he said. There are lots of different patterns in other places, but these were the only ones I got to see

It's not very often that a Heron such as myself gets to fly at 37,000 feet and I enjoyed every exciting minute of it. Thank you Boyz!!

H.C. Bird

Hail to the South Africa Bafana Bafana!!!!

2010-06-22T11:56:00.002-04:00

They gave it their all, won their game against the French team, and acquitted themselves nobly.

How sad that, for one goal difference, they won't be part of the 16.

The Barkalot BB

Vuvuzelas Make the Trek to South Florida....

2010-06-21T19:33:00.004-04:00

As reported in Fanhouse e-zine and heard by our own ears on local news this evening:

"That didn't take long. We're a week and a half into the World Cup and vuvuzelas have made the 10,000-mile trek from South Africa to the United States. Over the weekend, the Florida Marlins -- [our local baseball team] -- passed out 15,000 of these plastic horns to fans."

According to other reports, "Someone in the Marlins marketing department had the bright idea of giving away 15,000 vuvuzela-like horns to fans in attendance for Saturday’s game against the Rays. The horns the Marlins gave away were about a foot in size and much smaller than the vuvuzelas, but they provided no less of a distraction."

With all due respect to our pals in South Africa, this is what some of the players had to say:

"Outfielder Cody Ross called the horns “awful,” second baseman Dan Uggla said it was the worst giveaway ever, and Rays manager Joe Maddon said he thought they should be banned from baseball. As if that’s not bad enough, the Marlins believe a miscommunication between the managers and umpire Lance Barksdale may have been attributed to the distraction from the vuvuzelas. " Ah, but what do they know, right???

We tried to include a Youtuibe video but had to content ourselves with this link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kT5x3akgW0M

Tomorrow our Bafana Bafana play les francais. Although our mom is a francophile from way way back, in this case, we're hoping for a Bafana Bafana win!!!

The Barkalot BB.....

Happy Father's Day Every Paw!!!

2010-06-20T10:10:00.007-04:00

We're wishing dads everywhere a Happy Father's Day!

We love our Dogdad for a gazillion reasons!!!

And we're sending lots of love and thanks to our human siblings, Stephanie and John, for letting us come along and share their dad!!!

And then we also have a special father's day wish for Mom's Dad, our Grandpaw -- he's 98! Lunch at Bonefish Grill is on the agenda.

Here we're either watching the Cardinals -- or the Phillies!!! Notice the humans' concentration! It's one of our favorite things to do together.

Jake and Just Harry

More Fungus Anyone??? Anyone???

2010-06-17T12:00:00.004-04:00

The last evening of our stay in Vancouver, we went to a Sukiyaki restaurant with Miss Sunshade and Jaffaman's mom and beau. There are about 137 Japanese restaurants in the Greater Vancouver area -- and this one is quite unique. http://www.303-posh.com/

The restaurant specializes in what is known as a Japanese Hot Pot. You order all kinds of thinly sliced meat, vegetables, noodles, and rice -- all of which go into a delicious broth little by little -- and you wind up eating more than you'd ever think possible.

Some of the items we had were familiar: beef and pork, yams and zucchini, bok choy, and white, black, and enoki mushrooms. But then there were a few new things to try, including something called black fungus. It tastes kind of like the seaweed in various Japanese dishes and, despite the name, was quite good. We'd go back for more, if only it wasn't so far away!!!

The Barkalot Bafana Bafana First Go to Graceland for South Africa's Bafana Bafana! And Then They Listen to the Country's Moving National Anthem!

2010-06-15T10:18:00.005-04:00

When our mom thinks about South Africa, she remembers a sad but beautiful book by Alan Payton called "Cry the Beloved Country" which was later made into a musical "Lost in the Stars."

She thinks about amazing musical artists: Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela, the Ladysmith Black Mombazo, the Soweto Gospel Choir.

And she thinks about one of her all-time favorite American artists-- Paul Simon -- and his awesome 1987 Graceland concert that, upon reflection, was what Unity in Diversity is all about. This is him singing Under African Skies with Miriam Makeba.

And then she thinks about the first time she heard South Africa's moving national anthem. She has since learned that the anthem's lyrics include five of the country's eleven official languages - isiXhosa (first stanza, first two lines), isiZulu (first stanza, last two lines), seSotho (second stanza), Afrikaans (third stanza) and English (final stanza). Truly Unity in Diversity!

Nkosi sikelel' iAfrika. Maluphakanyisw' uphondo lwayo,Yizwa imithandazo yethu,Nkosi sikelela, thina lusapho lwayo. (Xhosa and Zulu)
Morena boloka setjhaba sa heso,O fedise dintwa le matshwenyeho,O se boloke, O se boloke setjhaba sa heso,Setjhaba sa South Afrika - South Afrika. (Sesotho)
Uit die blou van onse hemel,Uit die diepte van ons see,Oor ons ewige gebergtes,Waar die kranse antwoord gee, (Afrikaans)
Sounds the call to come together,And united we shall stand,Let us live and strive for freedom,In South Africa our land. (English)

English translation of Xhosa and Zulu version
Lord bless Africa
May her glory be lifted high
Hear our petitions
Lord bless us, your children

English translation of Sesotho version
Lord we ask You to protect our nation
Intervene and end all conflicts
Protect us, protect our nation
Protect South Africa, South Africa

English translation of Afrikaans version
Out of the blue of our heavens
Out of the depths of our seas
Over our everlasting mountains
Where the echoing crags resound

This World Cup in South Africa is an inspiring stop on the road to Grace Land!!!

Go Bafana Bafana!!!

Two Travelin' (Flat) Terriers - Part 5: Gastown, Stanley Park, and A Surprise

2010-06-13T13:45:00.014-04:00

Earlier in the week, I, HC Bird, had escorted the visitors to one of Vancouver's historic places: Gastown. One of the oldest parts of the city, it has a special character that makes it very attractive to locals and tourists.This what Gastown.org has to say about it:

"Established the same year that Canada became a nation, Gastown grew into Canada’s third largest city and one of its most cosmopolitan. But the Gastown district today retains its historic charm, independent spirit and distinctiveness. There’s no mistaking Gastown for any other area of Vancouver, or of Canada for that matter.

1867: The south shore of Burrard Inlet was a wilderness. Its only non-native settlement was a lumber mill where the owner didn’t allow alcohol on the premises. One September day, “Gassy Jack” Deighton arrived (he received his nickname because of his penchant for spinning tall tales and talking without end). He stepped ashore with a barrel of whiskey, telling the millworkers that if they’d build him a saloon, he’d serve them drinks. The saloon was up and running within a day…just across the property line of the mill. Gastown was born.

1870: On March 1st, in order to give it a more distinguished name, Gastown was officially proclaimed to be “Granville”, after the British colonial secretary. But everybody in the rough and tumble settlement continued to call it Gastown.

1886: Gastown was incorporated as the City of Vancouver, after British explorer, George Vancouver. That was April 6th. On June 13th, a brush-clearing fire got out of control and turned all but two of Vancouver’s 400 buildings to ashes.

Into the 1920s: Gastown grew and prospered, as did the rest of the City of Vancouver. But good times couldn’t last forever.

Depression Years: Gastown fell on hard times and deteriorated into a stereotypical skid road area until the 1960s.

1960s: With talk of demolishing the area becoming more widespread, a group of dedicated citizens took it upon themselves to save Gastown’s distinctive architecture and character. The city rallied around them. Gastown was not just saved, it was reborn.

1971: The provincial government declared Gastown an historic area, protecting its heritage buildings.

Today: Gastown is a refreshing mix of old and new, downhome and upscale, a place for tourists, Vancouver residents and office workers alike. Various shops have the streets buzzing during the day. A host of restaurants and nightspots keeps the area humming into the wee hours. And, more and more, Gastown is becoming home to permanent residents…just like in the old days."
One of the most famous attractions in Gastown is known as the Steam Clock. Every fifteen minutes, steam comes out of the top of the clock; on the half hours, visitors are treated to a few seconds of music. (What you are treated to in the video clip below is a Dogdad Jack version!)

While walking around the city, I pointed out a shop that might be of interest to Martha and Bailey -- and perhaps to Bertie when he gets a bit bigger -- and maybe even to the expat Wilf.Earlier Flat Jake and Flat Just Harry provided a glimpse of another special place in Vancouver: Stanley Park. Here is the rest of their story.

Well, after meeting Christopher Robin, we walked to our destination, a horse-drawn carriage to take us through the Park. We met our escorts: Ace on the right and Clipper on the left.This is Ace. Apparently Ace and Clipper don't like each other very much and often try to bite each other if one gets in the other's way. (Mom suggested that this behavior was something we might know a bit about....)
The ride was very interesting (once we turned around so we could see where we were going).

We stopped to look at some of the totem poles that have been erected as a tribute to the various First Peoples, many of whom once lived on what is now park lands.This one is a mortuary pole designed by Bill Reid. Mortuary poles were built with a box at the top to inter deceased tribal members.
Along the way, we saw this somewhat bare lady who spends her life sitting on a rock. When the tide comes up, the water laps at her feet. Apparently, pranksters like to dress her in bizarre outfits to surprise visitors.Although it's hard to see his face, we thought it important to include this statue of Robert Burns for our pals from Scotland.

In addition to the beautiful forest lands in this 1,100-acre Park, a rose garden also caught our eye.As quoted in Wikipedia, "On September 27, 1888 the park was officially opened, where it was named after Lord Stanley, Governor General of Canada at the time. The following year, Stanley became the first Governor General to visit British Columbia when he officially dedicated the park. An observer at the event wrote:

“Lord Stanley threw his arms to the heavens, as though embracing within them the whole of one thousand acres of primeval forest, and dedicated it 'to the use and enjoyment of peoples of all colours, creeds, and customs, for all time. I name thee, Stanley Park.'

Stanley Park has something for everyone. Bikers, walkers, lazy folks in horse-drawn carriages, sports fields, wedding pavilions -- and dog walking!!!

Speaking of which -- our last evening in Vancouver, our humans had dinner with Miss Sunshade and Jaffa's human and her beau -- and then they stopped over at their home to for a surprise good bye. Jaffa showed his prowess in catching tennis balls.

And Miss Sunshade the SUPERDALE wished them well on their aire voyage! (In the background at the end of the clip is none other than Jaffa having a drink.)

We're so happy we got to meet Sunshade and Jaffa and their mom. And now, apparently, we need to lay flat in a suitcase for our trip home because of all the "stuff" our folks have to carry. H.C. Bird is making his own arrangements.

Flat Jake and Flat Just Harry signing off!

Two Travelin' (Flat) Terriers - Part 4: A Glimpse of Northwest Coast Art

2010-06-11T17:59:00.006-04:00

H.C. Bird and the Flat Boyz have the day off. This is their mom telling anyone who enjoys this unusual art about one of the highlights of the trip!

The Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia has an amazing collection of works by the various First Peoples who have inhabited Northwest Canada for 10,000 years or more. In addition, the Museum has collected aboriginal artifacts from all over the world. It has a digitized system whereby you click on a screen, then on a map, to tell it which country you want to visit -- and the screen displays many of the items in the collection from that area. It is an astonishing contrast: new technology and old, old pieces, including masks, totems, statues, blankets, jewelry, paddles, weapons.

This gentleman below is from the tribe that inhabits the land on which the museum is built and he graciously welcomes you to his home. He's holding a fish and the tree branch is providing some modesty.

The salmon is one of the creatures that unites all the tribes --so it feels right that this piece of art also greets Museum visitors. Yep, it was raining. Many of what we think of as totem poles are actually door posts to the various tribesmen's homes. Most are very very old, and have lost some of the bright paint that once adorned them. Another example of new technology and old pieces: infrared photography has allowed anthropologists to see inside the wood and discover the original paint colors.The door posts are carved with the personal crests, some human faces, and other elements that may be important to the inhabitants. It takes someone really into the art to decipher all of it -- but even without knowing exactly what you are looking at, it is very moving. The Museum has a Great Hall with huge old pieces and it's quite awesome.

This bear is very special. He was carved by Bill Reid, whom I mentioned in an earlier post, as an example of art from the Haida tribes, which he did a lot to revive in the 80s and 90s. Several years ago, before a seaport convention here in Vancouver, I won a plush version of this bear. He looks a bit less fierce as a stuffie, sitting on the bed in our guestroom.

Bill Reid also did something extraordinary: in the 90s before his death, he helped carve a canoe similar to those that once plied these waters and had Haida descendants and others paddle it some 650 miles from Vancouver to the Queen Charlottle Islands, the home of the Haida nation (Haida Gwaii). When he died, his ashes were taken back to Haida Gwaii by canoe for burial.Below is one of Reid's most famous carvings. It builds on a legend that the Raven, one of the two tribal clans (Eagle is the other), while walking on a beach, spotted a clamshell with people in it and coaxed them out -- one version of the creation story.

These are feast bowls, for when tribal families get together. And below are examples of the stylized forms and colors used to depict various animals: bears, birds, fish.

There's more, so much more. This is just a taste of one of the things that makes Vancouver so special.

Joan

Two Travelin' (Flat) Terriers - Part 3: Starring Miss Sunshade the SUPERDALE and Jaffa

2010-06-09T17:56:00.009-04:00

We were going to continue our trip narrative with scenes from Stanley Park and Gastown -- but something much more exciting happened! We Flat Boyz were honored to spend the afternoon with two of the most prestigious residents of this beautiful city: none other than the much loved Miss Sunshade the Superdale and her nephew, Jaffa. ( http://sunshadethesuperdale.blogspot.com )

And, of course, their lovely mom, Elaine.

Get this: Miss Sunshade and Jaffa have their own taxi service!!! (You may have seen their new personal vehicle in a recent blog when they took it to the breeder for grooming.)

We drove to one of Vancouver's many interesting places -- Granville Island -- a formerly industrial area that is now home to lots of shops, boating facilities, and a huge public market with fresh local vegetables, meats, cheeses -- you name it -- all displayed in artistic fashion.

Since this was first time we had ever met representatives of the breed known as the King (and of course in this instance, the Queen) of the Terriers, we were a little shy. Miss SUPERDALE herself was not convinced that she wanted to have anything to do with our flat selves -- but Jaffa was intrigued.

WTF was his first reaction; but then, being a quick study, he realized no, not WTF. WFT!!!After a while, Sunshade did finally consent to letting us approach...She allowed us time for a quick glance over her shoulder...

And a quick sniff... But then it was treat time.Our Mom seems to have hidden her face while talking to our new pals. Is it so that Jake and Just Harry don't get concerned that she might be trading up the terrier line???

But you can see why she might have fallen in love with these two dear Vancouverites and their mom!! Miss Sunshade the SUPERDALE: Jaffaman:

And their kind, fun, artistic, delightful Mom, Elaine:At lunch, Mom and Elaine spent hours chatting about everything under the sun -- and confirmed what we all know: there are no strangers among our Dogs with Blogs humans!!!

Flat Jake and Flat Just Harry

Two Travelin' (Flat) Terriers - Part 2

2010-06-07T17:23:00.012-04:00

The first part of this episode of Two Travelin' (Flat) Terriers is brought to you by me, none other than the internationally renowned H.C. Bird, Jake and Just Harry's heron-cam. It seems that, after their journey across the continent and their multiple trips up and down 30 floors of their hotel for you know what, Flat Jake and Flat Just Harry were too tired to go trippin' around the city.

Just as well because, while I flew over to give directions, the humans walked and walked and walked. They were intrigued by the many beautiful skyscrapers -- and their reflections of other skyscrapers -- that give Downtown Vancouver its distinctive look.

They walked down to Canada Place, home of one of the most striking cruise terminals in the world. This is the view of the other side of the Burrad Inlet, where the ships cruise out to sea.Two ships were in Port. One was being refurbished for the start of the Alaska cruise season; the other was getting ready to sail in the afternoon. We watched the ship being provisioned: pallets of food and beverages and all kinds of other supplies were being loaded.These are the sails thay give the cruise terminal its special identity.From Canada Place, they walked to Gastown, but that story will be for the next episode. Rather, Flat Jake and Flat Just Harry insisted that we show you a few teasers from the next day's adventures, when they got to go along. So they are taking over the rest of this episode while I go snag some of the yummy Dungeness crabs that are found in this part of the world...

________________________________________________________________

We saw this lonesome lady sitting on a bench near Stanley Park.So we sat down next to her to cheer her up a bit. Somebody had already left a flower in her hand. And then, as we entered Stanley Park, GUESS WHO WE SAW!!!!! Mom shouted WIRE FOX TERRIER!!! And his human, taken aback at first, brought him over to meet us. His name: Chris, aka Christopher Robin. We told him about all our wirey pals...He didn't say very much -- but his owner and our humans chatted for quite some time - comparing notes and stories and agreeing that we're kind of a fun breed! (We knew that.) As we said this is just a teaser. More about what we did in Stanley Park later.

And just so you know we haven't been starving on our trip, here are a few more teasers:

We went to Chinatown and saw all kinds of interesting foodables in the markets.

And we had delicious tea and noodles with green onions, ginger, and shredded pork in a small restaurant...

Much later, we got to meet Jason, the charming bartender in the hotel bar...

And shared onion soup, a crab cake, and an indeterminate number of martinis with the humans...

Woof!!!

Tomorrow Dogdad has to get serious and attend the conference that brought us here; but we'll go back and show you more of what we've discovered in this delightful city!!!

Flat Jake and Flat Just Harry and our pal, H.C. Bird

Two Travelin' (Flat) Terriers

2010-06-06T20:00:00.007-04:00

What fun!!! We dropped our full selves off at camp -- and we were off for the first time in our flat lives!!! Destination Vancouver -- diagonally across the continent!

We gave H.C. Bird instructions as to where to meet us -- and there he was, right on schedule as we walked to our gate.

Miami International Airport has lots of international flights -- and has just expanded one of its concourses -- so we had a long walk to our gate. But soon we were in our seats for the first leg of our flight...

We changed planes in Dulles/Fort Worth...And got ready to fly over some beautiful scenery as we sped northwestward.

Dogdad spent some time working on one of his projects and was very happy that we were there to help! (As we always do, right?) .

At last we reached Vancouver. The airport is filled with beautiful sculptures from Canada's many indigenous First Peoples (you may have seen some of them if you watched the Olympics last February). Mom is crazy about their art, so she was excited to see this initial glimpse of it!

Below is a blurry photo of a famous sculpture by Bill Reid. Called The Spirit of Haida Gwaii, it's a jade boat filled with human and animals -- Wolf, Bear, Raven -- spirits of the Haida nation. You'll see a better photo of it when we leave, because it's in the departure lounge of the airport. But if you're curious in the meantime, here's a link to a site that describes the sculpture. http://www.billreidfoundation.org/banknote/spirit.htm (The sculpture is also on a denomination of Canadian money.)And finally, here we are at our hotel. Thirty floors up, another first for us!!!

More photos -- with and without us -- tomorrow!!!

Jake and Just Harry's Flat Selves -- with participation by H.C Bird, our Heron--Cam

Barkalot Bafana Bafana

2010-06-03T13:39:00.009-04:00

Thanks to Maxmom, who's shared lots of the excitement about the FIFA World Cup coming to South Africa in a few days, we've adopted new names to celebrate the South African team. They're called Bafana Bafana -- which means boys in the Nguni people's language. Boys = Boyz, right? So for the duration of the Cup competitions, just call us the Barkalot Bafana Bafana. Thanks Maxmom!!!

Now, remember in my last post I said that I was at my post and on the alert for the Hurry Cane season? Well, what has my goofy brother bafana been doing in the meantime???? He did wake long enough for us to pose in our red bandanananas. No surprise, the ones we're wearing are our St. Louis Cardinal bandanananas.

Just so you all know, our flat selves are going to Vancouver tomorrow -- with H.C. Bird as our reporter. (Our full selves will be enjoying another stint at camp, where they like us, they really like us, and I can keep an eye on the weather.) Before we go though, one look at a few of the flowers that are doing nicely despite the scorching (90 plus) temps

Kalanchoe:

A new mussenda bloom:

And what can only be called a miracle of plant mind over plant matter. Ten years ago our Dogdad's grandmom passed away at 107!! His company sent him a spathiphyllum -- peace lily -- to express their condolences. We kept it inside at first. Then we left it in a pot outside, but kind of neglected it for several years. Last year, finally, we planted it in the ground, for which it was extremely grateful. And then -- yesterday -- we saw a single white bract, which is the way this plant flowers. The first in 10 years! We were awed at this example of perseverance amidst serious botanical adversity!

And that's the word from this Bafana!!

Jake

June 1 Message from Jake the Weatherdog

2010-06-01T08:13:00.009-04:00

Hello Everybody!!

Sad to say, it's that time of the year again: Hurry Cane Season starts today -- and runs, at no hurry at all, through the end of November.

This year, the predictions are for a very busy season. The Atlantic and Gulf waters are warm and El Nino, who helps keep storms away, has dissipated. Also the effects of bad weather in the Gulf with the oil spill are unknown. Already the first storm of the season -- Agatha -- no relation to the wirey lass who lives in Boston with her brother -- has left a deadly first impression in Guatemala and other countries in Central America. So I thought it important to let everyone know that I AM BACK AT MY POST AND ON THE ALERT!!!

Mom and Dogdad have three trips planned for this summer and are taking our flat selves -- so we've been hoping things will remain quiet -- otherwise plans may have to be scrapped.

In the meantime, it's warm and sunny -- and the beautiful Royal Poincianas, otherwise known as flamboyants, are in bloom

They appear at the end of May, and linger for a month or so.

Jake

Enjoying a Day in May

2010-05-27T09:42:00.010-04:00

A fox tail palm that was just a puppy when we planted it, now soars to the sky, enjoying the afternoon sun...
And, one sign of the subtle season changes in South Florida, our frangi pangi that blooms briefly in May. The rest of the year, it's just a trunk and bare limbs that defy imagining it will ever bloom again. It smells really good!But what smells even better? Burgers and corn on the grill. The corn looks like a charred mess ... but the inside is delicious...

What's taking so long???

Hurry up!!!

Uh oh, noises outside.

Just Harry, you watch the grill. I'll keep an eye on the outside.

It's good to be the dog.

Very good.

And now it's time for a snooze inside...

Butt to butt...

Jake and Just Harry

To Every Thing There is a Season...

2010-05-24T15:31:00.007-04:00

A while back, Maxdog's eloquent Mom included Ecclesiastes in her blog about Maxdog's illness:

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven..."

Yesterday was Max's time. He led a beautiful life, filled with love and laughter amidst an adoring family. And we've been the beneficiaries of his days with us in our heart-warming cyber circle of paws. So we sob for Max's departure and ache for his mom. But his passing was part of "every purpose under the heaven."

What I'm having so much trouble with is the contrast between the natural cycle of life -- the "to everything there is a season" -- and the egregious violation of that cycle with the seemingly endless spewing of oil into areas where animal life is meant to be nurtured, not destroyed. So while I mourn Max and other furry ones who have recently left us -- Digby, Jackson, Snickers, to name just a few -- what makes me so ill I can barely look at it are the miles of oil-filled marshes and the nameless and unborn birds, turtles, fish, and others losing their lives in this monstrosity.
You all know H.C. Bird, Jake and Just Harry's virtual heron-cam. Well, here is an all-too-real young heron dying in the marshes.

The irony, because of my work as a seaport consultant, I know that permits to do with anything relating to our marine environment -- seagrasses, wetlands, coral reefs, habitat, water quality -- can take years and years to be approved, lest sometimng miniscule be forgotten, lest all the i's not be dotted and all the t's not be crossed. It can take months to resolve issues of temporary turbidity during construction. More months to be sure no net loss of seagrasses occur. Huge debates as to whether the outlet for a cooling canal can be moved without disturbing a nursery for baby West Indian manatees. And now this. One has to ask -- has it all been for naught? When our environmental protection agencies and organizations have tried to be so careful, how could this have happened? Or have we all been fooling ourselves? Or being fooled?

There is no purpose under heaven that I can think of.

Run free, dear Max -- and if you find a new sanctuary for brown pelicans and terns and roseate spoonbills and gulls and herons across the Bridge-- tell them we miss them too.

Joan

Happy Again

2010-05-22T10:42:00.005-04:00

Mom tried to capture on video the moment of Dogdad's homecoming -- with extra loud woofs and wagging tails -- after what seemed like a really long week away, but she blew it. So we'll just have to let these stills say it all.

Jake and Just Harry

Flowers to Brighten Our Days while Dogdad's Away

2010-05-17T14:06:00.005-04:00

Yesterday was hot and humid... but that didn't keep Dogdad from being silly as we sat on the back patio. We found that Mom's favorite mussenda seems to have shaken off the winter chill. Here is one of the two blooms she decided to grace us with.Our plumbago also decided to bloom (notice H.C. Bird parked until his next adventure).

The walking iris seem to be happy too -- even though they can't go very far in their pots.

And desert rose has been quite splendid. We learned yesterday that her formal name is adenium -- and that a local attorney has been cultivating new varieties, including one that is blue.

Ah, but Dogdad is off to Birmingham for a few days to discuss the project he won last month - and his three sad admirers sat on the stairs to watch him cram all his stuff into his computer bag before he left for the airport. (Note from Mom: Jakey was getting so nervous watching the process, that I sat with him and JH on the stairs , with lots of scritches to keep them calm. Sigh.

Even sadder than we three, however, is the breaking news that the oil in the Gulf may have been picked up by what is called the Loop Current and may now be making its way down and around the Florida Keys and up the Atlantic Coast. Add irreplaceable coral reefs to the sickening damage to fish, birds, wetlands, and other God-given natural resources -- and the livelihoods of those who have worked with these resources for generations.)

The Sleep of the Just (Harry)

2010-05-14T10:58:00.001-04:00

Shield your eyes, ladies....

"Why Give Your Heart to a Dog to Tear..."

2010-05-10T10:14:00.005-04:00

This morning we learned that two of the bravest dogs we know have left this earth. Digby, below with his brother Wilf, has succumbed to the nasty brown tick bite he received a few weeks ago. And our beloved wire fox terrier leader, Jackson, died peacefully in his sleep after fighting so many serious ailments for so long with the help of his dear J1 and J2.

To say we are heart-broken would be an understatement.

Among the many heartfelt comments on Wilf and Digby's blog these past weeks was a poem by Rudyard Kipling that expresses our feelings better than we ever could.

God speed, Jackson. God speed, Digby. And to our dear human friends who loved you so, we hope you take comfort in the words of Digby's dad: "There will be laughter and mischief in heaven tonight!"

Joan and Jake and Just Harry

THE POWER OF THE DOG (Rudyard Kipling)
There is sorrow enough in the natural way From men and women to fill our day; But when we are certain of sorrow in store, Why do we always arrange for more? Brothers and sisters, I bid you beware Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.
Buy a pup and your money will buy Love unflinching that cannot lie-- Perfect passion and worship fed By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head. Nevertheless it is hardly fair To risk your heart for a dog to tear.
When the fourteen years which Nature permits Are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits, And the vet's unspoken prescription runs To lethal chambers or loaded guns, Then you will find--it's your own affair But . . . you've given your heart to a dog to tear.

When the body that lived at your single will When the whimper of welcome is stilled (how still!) When the spirit that answered your every mood Is gone wherever it goes--for good, You will discover how much you care, And will give your heart to a dog to tear!
We've sorrow enough in the natural way, When it comes to burying Christian clay. Our loves are not given, but only lent, At compound interest of cent per cent. Though it is not always the case, I believe, That the longer we've kept 'em, the more do we grieve: For, when debts are payable, right or wrong, A short-time loan is as bad as a long So why in Heaven (before we are there!) Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?

Dad's Little Helpers....

2010-05-08T14:06:00.006-04:00

So there we were outside on the back patio on this hot steamy Saturday afternoon, when Dogdad started to water the plants. "Can I help, huh? Huh? " I (Jakey) asked.

Biting water is one of my favorite things to do. But when I started to bite the water, my doofus brother decided that he wanted to bite the water too at exactly the same time -- and before we knew it, we were both tangled up, and snarling at each other as to whose water it was.

So what did Dogdad do? Unbelievable. He turned and spritzed each of us in the face -- and left us looking like -- what else -- two bedraggled wet dogs.

Shocked and insulted, we retreated inside, where we found Mom engrossed in reading a book until she realized someone was staring at her. She looked down and, when she saw what I looked like, she asked me what happened. "Well, you see, it was like this....."

Jake

For Martha, Just Martha

2010-05-03T12:42:00.011-04:00

Our hearts heve been so heavy, nestled far away in Southwest France with two fluffy Boyz -- Wilf and Digby -- as Digby fights the horrendous aftermath of a brown tick bite. Concerns for his plight have spread across our canine cyber world and, we hope, are helping his family during this sad roller coaster of emotions. We weren't certain whether we should write about anything else. But then we thought -- what do we wirey guys do best? We make our humans smile, even when their hearts are breaking for another doggie so far away.

So here's some nostalgia that might bring a smile or two to our pals who remember past adventures. This morning I checked in with the basset sisters, only to see the lovely Martha rolling in some exotic perfume. As her scent wafted across the waters to my sensitive terrier nose, I thought of Just Martha, the amazing runway star with whom I had shared a brief but dazzling career as a high-fashion model.

I told her of this -- and she responded that she too remembered. My muzzle started to quiver at the memory -- as it always does when anything exciting is about to happen -- a walk, a treat, a new branch to whizz on... So Martha, lovely Just Martha, I thought you'd enjoy a glimpse of my brave, if somewhat limited, attempts to perfume myself with nature's best smells in your honor (honour).
Yesterday afternoon, to enjoy the waning hours of the weekend, we all went out on the patio. Mom asked Charles Aznavour to sing. Dogdad opened a nice zinfandel. Cool breezes fanned us through the palms.

And I took off on my explorations.

I was having so much fun!! But, as I went from bush to bush, plant to plant, looking for lizards and toads and bugs, my brother watched sadly from the doorway.

The folks think he is still pained by his poodly paw -- and doesn't like to be where people might giggle. But I think he's just not as much of a true wire-haired fox terrier as I am. (Or could he be thinking of his eloozive Gabbi?)

That's OK. He knows how to organize things and keep the folks on their toes. And he is the one who gets them to feed us

So Martha, lovely Martha, just remember your pal Just Harry -- and let's hope that one-day our respective secretaries wil master the art of photoshopping so we can renew our collaboration wherever it may take us.

Your friend forever,

Just Harry