The Tucson Canine Classic Fashion Show

Mom got a special request from Pam at Paws & Claws Pet Boutique and Grooming Spa- she wanted me to participate in the 2nd Annual Tucson Canine Classic Fashion Show on April 3rd.

The day started off with me getting a bath and brush at my favorite Petsmart (Mom was too lazy to do it herself). The groomers there love me so much they didn't want me to leave, telling Mom I wasn't even there, and that she must have dropped me off somewhere else! Anyway, we headed back home to get me all dressed up for the event.

I must admit, I look pretty dashing in my tux. People were asking to take my picture even before the fashion show started. When the show began, I was the seventh dog to hit the runway, following a tiny Chihuahua wearing an identical tux! I think I was the biggest dog in the show. Mom didn't enter me in the talent contest this year, so we got to watch the other dogs do their tricks. We then browsed the exhibits and bought some raffle tickets. Mom managed to win a prize, and selected some home made dog treats made locally by Zack N Boo's Kitchen.

All in all, it was a fun evening. I hope I don't have to get dressed up again until Halloween, but it's hard to tell what Mom has planned for me until then...WOOF WOOF!

A Week To Remember

This past week was so exciting for me and Mom. I’m just now settled down enough to tell you about it!

On Saturday, November 7th, we attended the Greyhound & Friends Fall Festival Fundraiser at Brandi Fenton Park. The Arizona Greyhound Rescue group sponsored the event to raise awareness for greyhounds needing homes. We figured it would be a good to attend and show our support for these dogs, and the group for their efforts.

As it turned out, there was more than meets the eye going on that this fundraiser, something called the Canine’s Got Talent & Style contest. I should have known something was up when Mom and I left the house wearing our matching Hawaiian shirts. Anyway, I took second place in the Best Dressed category. Mom and I finished first in the Canine/Owner Look-Alike; we were the only pair wearing identical shirts, so this was practically a shoe-in. The icing on the cake was winning the Canine’s Got Talent category for my ever popular “dead-dog-resuscitated-with-CPR” trick. I even got a very snazzy plaque for this win, which Mom proudly has on display.

You can view a video of my award winning performance in my Dogster video album, courtesy of Ryn Gargulinski at TucsonCitizen.com. Her dog, Sawyer, has a blog you should check out for complete coverage of the event, plus other cool pet related stories and information- http://tucsoncitizen.com/sawyer/

To top off the week, we get news that I was selected Dogster Dog of the Day for November 12th. I’m really honored to have been selected and would like to thank all my new Pup Pals for taking the time requesting we be friends!

Things have finally gotten back to normal for me. I'm back to pestering Mom for ignoring me while she plays on her silly computer, sleeping on the couch, and playing with the neighborhood dogs that wander into our yard. If case you’re wondering where the Scout-Cam went, Mom promises to turn it back on when she finds work- unlike me, she’s a bit camera shy…WOOF WOOF!

I hate swimming!

Yesterday started out like any other weekend- a trip to the dog park. After only an hour, Mom gets me into the car and we head off to a place we'd never been before, the Lighthouse City YMCA. We get there and heard some dogs barking, then weaved our way back behind the building, passing tables selling people and doggie snacks. Inside a gated area was something much, much larger than any wading pool I'd ever seen- it was a swimming pool!

I watched several dogs running around the pool, and there were even a few dogs in the pool, playing with balls and other toys that floated on the water. Mom tried to get me into the water, but I only stepped down the first couple of steps before I decided I wasn't sure if this pool thing was going to be something I'd like. I then spotted a ball near the edge, so I went to check it out. Mom said I should get the ball, so I crouched down to grab it. Before I knew it, I had slipped and fell head first into the pool! Boy, was I scared! I started kicking around, and when I came back up to the top of the water, Mom grabbed my shoulders and tried to pull me out. One of the lifeguard ladies in the pool boosted me up by my butt, and I was finally out of the water...WHEW!

Mom kept trying to make me play with some of the toys in the pool, but I didn't stray past those same two steps that lead into the water. At one point, Mom picked me up around my chest and threw me into the water again... WHAT A MEAN THING TO DO! Thankfully the lifeguard lady was nearby, and boosted me out again. Later on, a lifeguard guy talked to my mom, then before I knew it, he picked me up and carried me into the pool! He kept my head above water, and carried me away from Mom. He held me up for a while by my belly while I flopped me legs around, then pointed me toward those steps again and let go. I moved my legs as fast as I could, splashing water everywhere, slowly making my way back to Mom. When I finally got back to those steps and walked out of the water, all the people clapped for me, happy that I completed my first swim! I took one more swim (unwillingly, with the lifeguard guy's assistance) before Mom finally decided swimming wasn't for me, and we headed home.

Hopefully, Mom won't try taking me to a swimming pool again anytime soon, though she's been talking to people about some place called The Dog Beach in San Diego. With any sort of luck the beach won't be as scarey as a pool, but I'll let you know...WOOF WOOF!

What a busy month I've had!

October was such a busy month for me. Let me tell you all about it!

First off, Mom and I met a nice lady at the dog park (Hi, Sawyer!). The lady works at some place called a newspaper, and she posted a couple of blog entries (complete with photos Mom sent her) about yours truely! Someone else at the newspaper talked to Sawyer's mom, and within a week my picture was in the newspaper! Mom bought some extra copies to show some of her family members, though I don't think my cousins Max and Sugar will be too interested.

Just last week, Mom dressed me up again and took me to the annual Howl-o-ween party at our neighborhood Petsmart. There were lots of dogs all dressed up in costumes, and we even got to parade around the store for everyone to see. I got a nice photo taken of me (Mom didn't want to join in), along with a nice pumpkin frame. Mom took it to work so everyone could see how cool I looked in my costume. Anyway, both Mom and I were really surprised when they announced that Captain Jack Sparrow (aka- ME!) was the first prize winner...WOOF WOOF! Mom got a gift card and I got lots of praise from those who participated. It was great fun! (If you want to see me as a pirate, check out my Dogster Plus photo album)

The month ended on a more serious note. Mom had my blood tested a couple of years ago, and it turns out I have what they call a universal blood type. Mom got hooked up with a new blood bank, and I made my first donation to help save other dogs that might need blood if they're injured or ill. I didn't like being away from home (and Mom) all day, but I think I did a good thing, so it's worth it. I also didn't like getting some of my fur shaved off when they took my blood, but that will grow back soon enough. The doctor there told my Mom that I was a good boy (though I'm not sure she believes him!) and that they'll call me back in again in six weeks if they're low on blood. I would like to urge my four-legged friends to see if they can participate in a similar program. Tell them Scout sent you...WOOF WOOF!

The Dog Park finally re-opens!

After six long weeks of waiting, Mom finally takes me back to my regular dog park. Boy, did it look different! There was lots of pretty, green grass to walk on, and NO MORE MUD! The swimming pool is a lot smaller, but Mom said she and the rest of the committee were working on getting us a bigger and nicer pool...WOOF WOOF!

There's a photo of me with one of my girlfriends, Mookie. We're relaxing in the shade after testing out the grass. It sure feels nice on my belly!

Mom fixed my dog door...WOOF WOOF!!!

Mom is so smart- she fixed the broken dog door! She said something about some electronic part had gone bad. Mom came home yesterday with a bag of parts, and once she soldered them into place and hooked everything up, the door started to work as if nothing was ever wrong. I'm so happy to have my freedom back...WOOF WOOF!

The down side is that she'd already ordered a new fangled electronic door as a replacement. For now, the old door will be in place until the weather starts to cool off. Once that happens, the new door will be installed and the old door will go away.

My automatic dog door is history :-(

Well, it was bound to happen. My cool dog door that would open and close our patio door stopped working a couple weeks ago. Mom tried to contact the company for some assistance, but her email and phone calls were ignored. She later learned the company closed up shop and is out of the dog door business for good.

The good news is that I'll be getting a new automatic dog door very soon! It will go into the wall, but it will open and close automatically, so I don't have to push those flappy things with my nose- I really hate that! I'm sure it will take a little getting use to, but I'll still be the coolest dog in town with the best high-tech toys...WOOF WOOF!

The "Big Three"

I recently had another one of those birthday things. Mom took me to day care where I made new friends and played with them all day. She came back in the afternoon with a load of pup-cakes and other goodies. All my friends got treats (at least all the one allowed treats by their moms and dads) and everyone had a good time. I was treated like a king! Mom took pictures as usual, so they're posted in my photo book.

When we went home, the goodies didn't stop! I got this really cool (and yummy!) rawhide birthday card to eat. Mom also treated me to a special dinner of kibble mixed with my favorite- chicken gizzards! I went to bed very tired, but very happy.

Here's my biggest question - why is it that birthdays don't happen more often? Given the fact that dogs age faster than people, I figure I'm due several more birthday. Mom needs to get on this right away- WOOF WOOF!

What in the world???

Today started off like any normal Sunday. Mom took me to the dog park where I played with my pals (Hi, Snorty!) for a couple of hours. It was a little cold this morning, but sunny and pleasant none the less. I took a nice long nap when we got home while Mom played on her silly computer. When I woke up, Mom let me outside, but instead of going out to the back porch, she let me out into the front yard. To my surprise- there was this cold, white stuff all over the ground! I stood in my tracks on the sidewalk wondering what was going on. I could hear the kids down the street laughing and playing, so whatever it was must be too bad. I decided to investigate. Mom said the stuff was called "snow". I found snow to be very wet and cold. I don't think I like snow right now, but I would sure welcome it come July...WOOF WOOF!

My Second Birthday Party and the Arizona Animal Fair

I forgot to tell everyone about the birthday party they had for me at Doggie Day Care, so I'll fill you in even though I'm several months late!

I knew something was up when Mom took me to the pet store and bought a bunch of treats...none of which she'd let me eat! I thought she was being mean, but the next morning I forgave her when we headed across town to my day care, treats in tow. Later that day, the staff at Barkin' Garvin's had me wear a birthday hat and served up the treats. The staff took lots of pictures of me and my day care playmates having a grand time. Mom got copies of the pictures and posted one of them with me wearing my party hat. I guess you can call me a real party animal...WOOF WOOF!

I was pretty tired when Mom picked me up, but there was an additional surprise for me when we got home- a birthday card and some biscuits from my pal, Petey! I ate the biscuits, but fell asleep trying to read the card- who knew birthdays could be so tiring on a big guy like me?

Several days after my party, Mom and I attended the 5th annual Arizona Animal Fair at Reid Park. We were really surprised that the booth for my day care had lots of pictures on display...including ones they took at my birthday party! The staff pointed out my birthday pictures to everyone who stopped by to look- I felt like a real celebrity! While at the fair, I also got my photo taken and a caricature drawn of me. We also ran into several people and pups I know from the dog park, including my Dogster Pup Pal, Ollie!

When we got home from the fair, I slept like a puppy! I better learn to pace myself better or I'm going to sleep through the summer and miss out on a lot of fun...WOOF WOOF!!!