For Giacomino

Giacomino, the elder statesdog of the whippet waggle, lovingly known as Very Old Dog, left his family today. He was so beautiful. We know for sure because we sniffed him and his seven sisters and brothers when we were in Paducah on our Christmas holiday. And Mom felt his delicate head and his soft soft fur and looked into his warm, knowing eyes.

We are sending Patience and Bill and the whippet waggle all our love. Patience always admonishes our humans to hug us. And now we and our humans are reaching out to hug all of them.

Goodbye dear Very Old Dog,

Jake and Just Harry (and Joan and Jack)

The Girl (Almost) Next Door

Pals,

You've all been so kind and helpful in my quest to find a date for Myrna's wedding in Salzberg. I've had lots of suggestions as to whom I should ask, and even a few "volunteers" -- all of whom are very attractive ladies. And I don't want to disappoint anyone...

But this morning it hit me. Of course!! She's the one.

A few discreet queries of her family to see if it would be OK, to see if she might accept. And, when the answer was Yes! I did a little wirey jig (Jake and I are Brits at heart, you see).

I know my brother Jake is smitten with a girl who lives across the pond -- and so they're in for all the fun and challenges of a long-distance romance. But, as for me, I realized that someone I fancied was just 150 miles or so away -- comparatively kind of in the neighborhood, right?

[OK, as I'm writing this, I hear my Mom humming one of the tunes from Meet Me in St. Louis, which, if I might paraphrase, goes something kind of like this (with apologies to Judy Garland):

"The moment I saw her smile
I knew she was just my style
My only regret is we've never met....
Though I live in Plantation, Florida
And she lives in Key West, just down US One a Da...
So I can't ignore her
The girl (almost) next door.]

But I digress.

For all of you romantics who believe love is just around the corner, perhaps in your own backyard - here is Ms. Essex, of KeyWest Collies fame.

Essex lives with her nephew, Deacon, and her human dad in Key West. We've all shared lots of worried moments wondering about the next hurricane -- and they appreciate it when Jake the Weatherdog swings into action.Like me, Essex is a fun-loving lass. Dressing up as the Red Baron. And enjoying the wearing of the green.

What a smile!!

So, I'm one happy dog today -- and look forward to fun and frolicking in Salzberg.with such an interesting companion.

Essex did ask about what to wear -- so I'm hoping some kind canine lady with fashionista talents will help me out here, although I think her natural coat is just beautiful.

Lots of wirey love

Just Harry

Just Harry Has a Request

This is really hard for me to write -- but I have to tell it like it is. Despite our romantic moment at the Rainbowwow Room, I have had to conclude that Princess Willow is just not that into me. How sad is that? Mom has tried to console me.

But, like my brother, Jake, having experienced a moment of joy with a lovely lady, I think I'm ready for more of a reciprocated relationship. Chew bones just don't do it anymore.

So here it is: I would love to escort someone to Myrna's wedding, and if anyone out there -- who may have read my posts and seen my photos and enjoyed my antics -- thinks she'd like to be my date -- well please write to me ASAP.

I've already booked seats on AireRiby -- or rather Jakey has done it for himself, Gabbi, me and Miss Unknown, and our two wheelie look-alikes -- Professor Jacques Maigret and Justin Herkimer Clouseau. (I know, they've been really scarce since they immigrated to South Florida from France -- but they can't resist the opportunity to revisit Europe for such an extraordinary event.)

As I said, this is really hard for me to write, but I guess I'm maturing beyond that first intense crush!!!

Lots of wirey love for the right lady,

Just Harry

What's Happened to My Bachelor Life???

Since last I put paw to keyboard, I've had several conversations with the beautiful young Gabbi who shared dances, and champagne, and loving whispers with me at the Rainbowwow Room. It's taken me a while to realize how much more fun life can be when you can share it with another interesting canine. I know, I know, I have a brother -- but somehow it's different, right???

After a few misunderstandings, I invited Gabbi to be my date at Myrna's wedding on May 1st -- and she said yes. Between now and then, I hope we can take a few trips to the exotic places she says she loves -- although for me, the beautiful Scottish Isles where she lives is pretty exotic.

For those of you who may not have seen what a beautiful beagle she is -- here's her photo:

Isn't she lovely?

When I read of her escapades with her siblings on the beach and in the woods, I confess I'm jelly that she can run off leash and have such a good time. Perhaps she'll teach me!!!

So, this is for you sweet lady!!!

Jake

Me Too, Me Too!!!

My paws haven't touched the ground since I met lovely Gabbi at the Rainbowwow Room over the weekend.

One minute I was just showing off my Fred-like moves while other couples, including Lucia and Buster, my younger brother and the elegant Princess Willow, my pals Asta Fashionista and her Gooberlove Stanny, and young Stella and Toffy danced to the romantic music -- and the irrepressible Lacie made her entrance in a flowing lavender gown.

But then, the next minute, I was alone with Gabbi, the elegant and exotic young beagle of my recent dreams, and we were exchanging wirey woofs and houndy howls and pee-mail addresses and mobile paw numbers. I hope she meant all the things she said. After all, we were in the city that never sleeps, where the champagne was flowing and everything is possible.

Could this be love? Love across the miles? Or just one of those unforgettable moments?

Only time will tell.

In the meantime, Gabbi, please send me your photo and, in all the enchantment of the moment, I forgot to ask you one important question: could your family accept another terrier-beagle romance? Or is one enough?

My Mom always says, "Life is merrier with a terrier (or two)." But then, she's kind of looney that way!

Wirey love,

Jake

Please note: photos courtesy of Asta and Petey!!!

A Dream Come True

For months now, I have had this profound crush on the most beautiful Dane in the world, Princess Willow of the Zoo Crew. I have beseeched her for a sniff, a lick, an acknowledgement of my passion -- but to no avail. But suddenly, thanks to the intervention of my terrier pals, Asta Urbanista and Petey the Pawfect Pawty Planner, she suddenly appeared at the Rainbowwow Room -- and we danced and danced!!!!!!

Doesn't she look beautiful in her red gown? Be still my heart!!!!

So thank you to those tireless matchmakers, Asta and Petey!!!

Just Harry

Dressing for the Occasion

When Mom and Dogdad were at Spring Training a week or so ago -- they bought us new collars to show our support for our favorite team. Then, of course, Mom said we had to have matching harnesses -- so, of course, we agreed (it beats our previous attire -- kilts with lace and/or a pink Turkish towel).

Dogdad is the one who knows how to fit us.

Just in case you don't know which team we're talking about...

This is very serious business!!
Yep, very serious!!

Even Just Harry stayed combed for half a second while Mom shot this photo.

Just two more weeks until the season starts. We're ready!! GO CARDS!!!

Jake and Just Harry