Larry Merrill Year of the Dog Project

Hello everypup! Poking my nose back here from bounding here and there in throughout the universe to tell you about my new friend, Larry Merrill and the wonderful memorial he did for me in his Dog Each Day, Year of the Dog project.

My Daddies heard that Mr. Merrill was doing a different portrait every day in 2006 to commemorate this being the Year of the Dog. After visiting his website and seeing the wonderful work he did in capturing the true nature of his subjects, The Dads decided to submit a WHOLE BUNCH of my photos for Mr. Merrill (you all know how enthusiastic my Daddies are about their kids BOL). That same day, The Dads received an email saying that Mr. Merrill would be honored to include me in his project and would let them know when I would be picked.

Well... TODAY IS THE DAY!! That's right my fabulous Dogster pals... I am Larry Merrill's subject for his Dog Each Day project for Wednesday, July 12th, 2006!! WOOHOO!! Imagine it... a famous artist drew ME!! WOOHOO!! The Dads were so moved by the piece that they just stood there and stared at the screen. Needless to say, they were both more than a little stunned and choked up. Good thing I sent them Apollo to hug...

Please go to Mr. Merrill's Website and let him know how wonderful his artwork is. I am honored that this man took the time to capture me forever on his canvas and I am excited to share his work with you.

Thanks Larry... WOOF!!

A Final (?) Word from The Center of the Universe...

Hey there everypup!! I wanted to pop in one more time to put in my two cents... even crossing over the bridge can't stop me from talking!! BOL!!

I wanted to say thank you to all of the INCREDIBLE pups and their equally WONDERFUL humans here on Dogster. While I was here in this little corner of the universe, I was lucky enough to find two of the best Daddies a pup could ever ask for. I loved them with all of my heart and soul and they loved me back with all of their hearts and souls. I don't think there was ever a luckier pup than me. When it was time for me to go, my Daddies had a really hard time accepting that I wouldn't be around anymore. Even though I didn't feel very good, I still wished I didn't have to leave my Daddies while they were in so much pain... I held on for as long as I could until they gave me permission to go on and be at peace.

Now I am at peace and the only thing that would make this side of the bridge better would be if my Daddies were here with me. I watch them every day and I know they feel the same... this is where you Dogster folks come in. When I thought that Daddy Shannon and Daddy Jason's hearts were really going to break, I led them here to Dogster and they read the words of encouragement and felt the loving energy you all sent them. Thank you for that. I still love my Dads with every little bit of my energy... I'm still glad, though, that they have pups and people like you Dogsters to pick them up and carry them along when they couldn't get through on their own.

My life may have been short, but my Daddies said something to me that made me feel good. I was sitting there next to them one night while they were talking about me. They were finally starting to feel a little better and they told me that I had done more in my few short months here than they had been able to accomplish in their whole lives... more than most people they knew EVER did. You see, after reading all of your pawmails and posts, the Dads realized just how much I meant to all of you too. Hey... I'm a big energy in a little soul!! BOL But you folks carried my energy out into the universe for me when I couldn't do it myself anymore.

Thank you for making donations to shelters and research facilities in my name. Thank you for passing on life saving health information to your vets and friends. Thank you for sharing your stories of how my Dads and I touched your lives... it makes them feel better knowing that I still live on through the energy you all share.

That said... I want to make sure that ALL of you go over and check out my little bro's new page here on Dogster!! WOOHOO!! Apollo is one heck of a little guy and I did a LOT of work trying to get the Dads to move forward and love him the way they loved me. That much love has got to be spread around!! I picked a very special little guy for my Dads and he is taking good care of them already... with a little coaching from me... hehehehehe... I know you will all love him as much as you loved me.

It's been fun Dogsters!! Remember, walk away from your computers when you think of me or my little bro, Apollo, and hug your pups. Take a walk or just play with them and their favorite toy. We aren't here for long, but we have a lot of love and joy to spread around!! WOOF!!

bark to you on the other side...
Ares - Now REALLY the Center of the Universe!!

A word of thanks from Daddy Jason

While not the usual transcriber of Ares' thoughts and actions, here is a message certainly heartfelt and well thought from the fingers of Daddy Jason:

Dear 2 and 4-legged friends

Friendly, sweet-natured, loving, loyal faithful, true, honest, stalwart and honorable. These are just a few words that can describe the wet nosed wonders that we share our lives with. But they can also be used to describe the wonderfully caring subscribers and staff of Dogster.com.

On May 9, 2006 our little boy, Ares, was cruelly torn from our lives. Misdiagnosis coupled with inadequate veterinary care took his life in just a couple short days. Unprepared as we were for such a horrific experience we were less prepared for the overwhelming response for the Dogster community.

The very day we posted the news of Ares’s passing we began to receive notices of sympathy from all around the globe. From New Zealand to New York people were gathering together to lift up two complete strangers with love and support. The only thing we held in common was our love for the animal companions in our life. Every few hours we were more surprised to see a plethora of:
• Rosettes
• E-mails
• Strolls
• Memorials
• Thoughts
• Prayers
• Poems
• Gifts to rescues organizations in his name
This last one personally warmed my heart more than I can say.

Then, just a day after our posting we open our Dogster account to see that there is a link to Ares’s page and a memorial listed by the Dogster staff with messages from his Dogster pals. I’m not sure when I cried harder, after his passing or with the coming realization of how this little 5 month old puppy had touched so many lives, and how each of those lives were in return reaching out to lend a little light in a dark moment of our life.

Thank you barely seems to cover it all, but it is all we can bring ourselves to say. Thank you to all the people who e-mailed their sympathy, warm wishes, ideas for coping, and heartfelt correspondence. Truly we could feel your love and support! Thank you twice to the folks at Dogster.com. First, thank you for the beautiful memorial. Ares would have loved being the center of attention for one last day! Second, thank you for creating a safe haven where people like us can do everything from swap prize winning dog biscuit recipes to give emotional support to complete strangers mourning the premature loss of a close companion. Ares changed our lives forever; you gave us a place to express that change!

Because of all the notices to not give up, and blessings to grieve for our little man we have given ourselves permission to try again with a new Shiba Inu pup. We are certain it is the right thing to do and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to turn our lives upside down again. Later this summer there will be a new center of the universe, so prepare yourselves.

THANK YOU ALL AGAIN!!! Although we all survive loss and grief, it is our opinion that we are making it through because of all the Dogster subscribers and staff.

Daddy Shannon
Daddy Jason
Hera the cat


How far that little candle throws his beams!
So shines a good deed in a weary world.
~William Shakespeare

the hard part...

I don't know how to even begin this topic. I just wanted to say thank you to all of you for your support and kindness.

Unfortunately, Ares' little system just couldn't take the shock from this illness. He passed this morning in the arms of his pack. He was only with us for a short time but he was indeed the center of our universe. We are going to take a few days to deal with this then we'll post the details of his passing.

Please... walk away from your computer screen right now, go hug your buddies and take them for a walk. Rain, sun, snow... whatever... go be with them. Spend every moment with them you can while they are here.

We miss our little man so much. Again, thank you all for being so fantastic during the past few days. It has given us strength more than once to come home from a long night in the hospital to see so many messages and rosettes for our dear little guy. You all have helped us give him every bit of strength we could. Thank you.

Jason said: "He just loved so much and gave so much energy that he didn't have any left." I think that sums Ares up perfectly.

Hugz and love to all our Dogster buddies and their Moms and Dads. - Daddy Shannon and Daddy Jason.

Singing the Teething Blues

Ares - This growing up thing SUCKS!! I would say it BITES but that is the last thing on my mind right now. Wouldn't you know that if I'm going to do something I'm going to do it in a big way. Apparently that includes shedding my puppy teeth and cutting my new ones.

For the past two weeks, I've been loosing teeth left and right. Every time I turn around, there is another one falling out on the floor or getting stuck in one of my chewies. Not only is this a real PAIN, but the new teeth coming in are downright cruel! Talk about sore looser! I'm not sure if it's the loosing or the cutting that is hurting more.

Daddy Shannon and Daddy Jason have been giving me frozen rags and ice cubes to chew/gum on to help numb me up a bit, but nothing can stop this misery. I'm definitely looking forward to THIS little part of growing up being over.

To top everything off, my Dads thought it would be a good idea to give me some soft food since I was having trouble eating my regular kibble. Now, I know they were trying to help, and dog knows I thought it was a good idea as well... the one thing none of us considered was my touchy tummy. When it comes to eating new foods, I'm not exactly the adventurous epicurean. So, now I'm not just dealing with nasty teeth and gum pain, I started throwing up everything... ick... fun fun fun... I'm just glad it has been cloudy and rainy this weekend. Good weather for lying in front of the patio door in my wooly bed.

Speaking of my bed... I think I'll go back now...

bark to you soon??
Ares

Daddy Jason and Daddy Shannon - I'm not sure who is worse off for this whole ordeal, Ares or us! Seeing our poor little guy like this has just been terrible for us. We've been softening up his regular food with warm water and giving him plenty of frozen rags to chew on to help his teeth and gums.

Unfortunately, our idea of giving him some soft food backfired horribly. Now not only does he have a sore mouth, but he has a messed up tummy... ugh... We've been keeping him as comfortable as possible with plenty of fluids close by and lots of warm, fluffy blankets and his fuzzy bed in front of his favorite patio door. It's just to hard to see our little guy in such misery and not be able to fix it for him... something I'm sure you are ALL familiar with.

Well, we'll keep you all posted on how he's doing... if all goes well, he'll be back up and romping around tomorrow. Hopefully there will be more fun diary tales to read soon...

talk to you soon...
Daddy S&J

You LIKE Me... You Really LIKE Me!!

Diary of the Day?? Who, ME?? Why... I just don't know WHAT to say!! I mean... I haven't prepared anything at all...
*ahem*
First, I'd like to thank my Daddy Jason and Daddy Shannon. Without their fingers, my paws would never have been able to manipulate the keyboard properly.

Second, I'd like to thank Dogster for creating such a wonderful forum for me to broadcast my musings and adventures from the Center of the Universe.

Last, I'd like to give a big hello to my wierdo cat-sister Hera. Nothing else to say about her... she's a cat... she's wierd... there ya go...

Finally, to my Dads, thank you for taking me on all of my great adventures over the past few months. We've been through mud hikes and vet visits, personal trainers and long hours of "Sit... Stay." You have documented ever moment of my grand existence from the moment I stepped foot in the house till our foray into the world of roller blading. You keep me in chewy toys and food fit for a... well... ME!

Although, I have to say... I'm not really THAT surprised... it was only a matter of time before my greatness was recognized... hehehehehe...

You keep reading and I'll keep telling Daddy Jason and Daddy Shannon what to type! WOOF!!

bark to you soon...
Ares

I Feel the Need For Speed!!

Ares - You are NOT going to believe what my Dads did tonight!! They left me all alone tonight after our regular walk... yes... ME!! They left me alone!! What could have been that important, you might ask (I know I asked!)? Let me tell you.

After being gone for a couple of hours, Daddy Shannon and Daddy Jason came in carrying these big boxes. Normally, I would think those boxes were for me. They even talked to me like I should be excited about the contents of the boxes. Well... imagine my surprise when they opened the boxes and took out these wierd looking boots with WHEELS on them!! WHEELS!! Why in the name of Dog would they buy boots like that??

I let them know I was NOT amused with their little purchases. I barked at the strange boots just to let them know I thought this was all a little strange. Then there is the fact that they kept talking like these wheeled abominations were something I should be excited about. As my loyal readers know, my Dads are pretty strange sometimes... but this time I was really worried about them.

Finally, we all made peace with the wheel-boots. Daddy Shannon and Daddy Jason set the boots on the floor and let me explore them until I was content with the idea of letting them in my house. This is when it got really wierd.

We went downstairs to the same part of the parking garage that my Dads used to take me to when they were training me to walk on my leash and I was too young to go outside yet. Daddy Shannon and Daddy Jason sat right down on the floor and put those wheeled freaky things on their feet!! They just put their feet right in them!! I was NOT okay with that. What were they going to do with me? Were they just going to roll right off without me?? This was not going well at all...

Then, it happened. Daddy Shannon took the leash and told me to sit on heel. I looked at him with my best training face and got ready. I could not have guessed what happened next. Daddy Shannon said "Ares, heel" and away we went. He was rolling with me next to him!! After a while, Daddy Jason took the lead and we went around and around. This wasn't so bad after all. And it only got better! Daddy Jason kept going faster and faster until I was going at a full jog around the garage. Everytime we went around we went faster and faster. We were really going someplace now!! Daddy Shannon took the lead next and we didn't go quite as fast (something about protecting his knees??), but I was still going at a pretty good clip. WWWHHHHEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

After about a half hour of this, we all came back upstairs and we played our usual games of sit, sit/stay, down, down/stay... you know... the usual stuff my Dads seem to think is magic when I do it. Then I ate dinner and played with my chew toys and ice cubes (still teething here... ugh...).

I guess these things... what did my Dads call them?? "Roowlrr-blayds" I guess they aren't so bad. Especially if I get to RUN FAST more often!! Usually, we only get to do that at the park. Now we will get to run anytime we want every day!! WOOHOO!! No wonder my Dads were talking like these things were exciting for me. I get to do one of my favorite things... RRRUUUUUNNNNN!!! WOOF!!

Daddy Shannon & Daddy Jason - The roller blading idea came from watching too many episodes of the Dog Whisperer. Heck, if it gives Ares more of the exercise he needs and we get to loose some of those extra winter pounds, why not?? We both HATE going to the gym so we're just going to spend those hours with our little guy (not so little lately, by the way!) making sure all three of us get the exercise we need.

Thank goodness we have a parking garage level that is rarely used and is flat where we can practice blading with Ares. We will try this for about a week before heading to our favorite roller blading park with him. Ares LOVES to run and LOVES to play with his Dads so this will be a perfect activity for us all.

Running With a Pack of Supermodels

Ares - I am sooo worn out right now that I can barely keep my eyes open... but I will press on to bring you the latest episode in my life at the Center of the Universe. hehehehe...

Today, Daddy Shannon and Daddy Jason got up really early and we drove WAAAAAYYY out in the middle of NOWHERE. We met my trainer, Diane, at the Bear Creek Starbucks and we drove and drove and drove while my Dads drank their coffee and Daddy Shannon grumbled about it being so early in the morning for a Sunday. Daddy Jason was wide awake and kept talking about running out of gas out in the middle of the country.

A full tank of gas and a mocha later, we finally arrived at our destination!! WOOHOO!! When I got out of the car, I couldn't believe what I was seeing!! Not only was Frasier, my bestest buddy ever, there, but his little brother Chase was along as well. I've only heard my Dads talking about Chase and we had the best time investigating each other and rolling around in the parking lot while my Dads and Diane tried to get their gear together for the walk ahead.

Then, as if it couldn't get any better, a friend of Diane's joined us with her two pups, George and Ringo! What a great day for me!! More people and pups to pay attention to me and see how cute and talented I am!! WOOHOO!!

And what a sight we all made. Along with our Moms and Dads, there was me - a Shiba Inu, Chase and Frasier - two beautiful Dobermans, and George and Ringo - two great looking Salukis. All of us looked great and were just trotting along the path in our own little pack of Supermodel-Pups!! There wasn't a person there that didn't stop and look as we all strode by. What a fuss we made!! No more than we deserved, mind you, we are, after all, superstars. WOOF!!

The best part of the day was when we went down to the river. There was sand and rocks and water and MUD!! MUD EVERYWHERE!! Frasier and I ran and ran back and forth in the mud and water until I was covered from nose to tail in sand and mud. Daddy Shannon and Daddy Jason just kept laughing and taking pictures and videos of me while I chased Frasier up and down the banks of the river. I even look good covered in mud!!

I met all kinds of new friends today. There was a little garter snake that scurried away from me when I tried to pounce on it. Daddy Shannon wasn't too thrilled about that one. Then there were these REALLY REALLY HUGE dogs!! They were all dressed in wierd clothes and had strange looking leashes and collars. And some of them had them Moms and Dads on their backs carrying them along the trail!! Can you imagine it??? I mean, sure they were BIG but I hope Daddy Shannon and Daddy Jason don't get any big ideas about making me carry them around the trails! I'm not sure about these humongous dogs... my Dads kept calling them by some wierd names - horrz?? I don't know what kind of dog that is, but they smelled strange and I just don't see the point in having to carry your Moms and Dads around on those strange seats they were wearing on their backs. Don't get me wrong, they were pretty... but I was a little freaked out. Finally, we met these BIG birds!! Daddy Jason said they were Emus. What the heck?? Giant, smelly dogs with seats on their backs and huge chicken-looking birds that smelled like really nasty kitty litter??? Living in the city, I'm used to seeing a lot of strange things... but I have never been around such strange dogs and birds before in my little life.

All in all, it was a great day... but, as I said... *yawn* I'm too pooped to pop! *yawn* For once, I'm not going to fight it and just give in to the rest of the road weary explorer. As always, Daddy Shannon and Daddy Jason took a LOT of pictures of me and my Supermodel Pack. Check 'em out on my front page and in my DogsterPlus photo album. *yawn* Daddy Shannon is talking about something called "rolerr-blayting" tomorrow... I think Daddy Shannon better be ready *yawn* for this Superpup *yawn* because I'm gonna give *yawn* him a run for his money... zzzzzzzzzzzzz...

Daddy Shannon and Daddy Jason - Picture it: two sleek, shiny Dobermans (Frasier and Chase), two mature, graceful champion Salukis (George and Ringo) and our little guy - the most beautiful dog that ever entered into the physical universe. Was there ever a more stunning pack of supermodel pups ever?? We think not!

Today was our first walk with our trainer Diane and her friend. Our little temporary pack definitely made a stir while traversing the trails out past Carnation, Washington. We walked around the Emu pens at Remlinger Farms (where you get your jellies and jams) and played along the banks of the river.

Ares had his first romp in the muddy pools along the river's edge and met new animals he had never seen before. Along with meeting the Emus, he was a little taken back when the stick he tried to play with slipped away in the grass beside the pathway... Daddy Shannon wasn't particularly thrilled with this one either but kept a calm, assertive composure and just kept walking while the little critter went his own way.

Then came the big shock of the day for Ares. Looking down the path from us, we saw them coming in the distance: two gorgeous horses. Ares was quiet and stood there staring at our first sighting, then was a little more vocal and animated the second time we came across two more horses. We weren't sure which was more disturbing for him, the fact that these "dogs" were so huge or that they were carrying their Moms and Dads on their backs. He looked at them like they were aliens! LOL

Of course, we took our camera and the evidence of our adventure are on display on Ares page. As always, we love our little guy more than even we could imagine. And today was just another example of how well behaved he is. Thanks to good genetics from his breeder, Leslie, fantastic training from Diane and all the love and guidance we have to offer, Ares has turned into a perfect all-around pup. As we type this, he is curled up on his pillows and snoring away... sounds pretty good to us... thanks for reading about our little Supermodel's adventures. We love sharing him with you all. G'nite!!

Fun In The Sun!!

What a fun day!! Today, Daddy Jason took me to a new park where we played an ran and played and ran and played and ran... then we did it some more!! Then, my trainer, Diane, showed up with my favorite playmate, Frasier, and we played some more!! How cool is that!!

I met all kinds of new friends at the park today. There was this little Chihuahua that didn't seem to like me too much (she kept running away), then a Westie that I rolled around with for a long time. What fun!! I was playing so hard that one of my loose baby teeth just about came out and I just about scared Daddy Jason to death. Fortunately, Diane was there and she said it was really normal... silly Daddy... hehehe

Then, we went to see Daddy Shannon at work and WOW did everyone play with me a lot there!! I got to meet all kinds of new people and even met the parents of one of my cat-sister, Hera's, friends. All of the people at Daddy Shannon's work were really lovin' on me then they all left and I ran off across the dance floor to show off for all of the people who work with my Dad. You'd think I was able to walk on water the way my Dads were acting!! BOL

Finally, Daddy Shannon and Daddy Jason took me to two different pet stores looking for a REALLY REALLY REALLY loooooooooooong leash for tomorrow. Why you might ask?? Why would my Dads be looking for a twenty foot long leash for me?? Because we're going HIKING!! WOOHOO!! *Shiba Inu Happy Dance* Diane said I was doing so well that she wanted to invite us to go on a hike with her pack. There will be four other dogs there and we are going to go play in the woods for the day. The extra long leash will make it so my Dads can let me really explore and run with the other dogs in the pack without getting too far away from them. Diane says they can either hang on to me from a distance, or they can just let me go and step on my leash if I get too far away for their liking. I already promised them I would be on my best pup behavior and not cause TOO MUCH trouble. hehehehe...

After a full day of playing, romping, training and shopping, I'm ready for a good night's sleep before my day in the woods tomorrow!! WOOHOO!! I'm sure Daddy Jason and Daddy Shannon will take LOTS of pictures of me and I'll make sure they put them up for everyone to see!! I can't wait!!

bark to you soon...
Ares
WOOF!!

Check me out!!

Well, it was only a matter of time before I was recognized for my rugged good looks and photogenic profile. WOOF!! In celebration of the 140th Anniversary of the ASPCA, Daddy Shannon and Daddy Jason submitted my picture for the category of Always Dressed For The Occassion and now I'm on the ASPCA website!! WOOHOO!! Just click on the link and go to the photo albums for their 140th anniversary celebration! Check me out, then make sure you wear orange on April 10th to help us all celebrate this wonderful organization and everything they do for us animals.