Featured Duke Diaries

Hey, Dogster made me one of today's featured diaries and it will be displayed all day on Dogster's Diary Central page. I am so awesome. Now I can strut around like alpha and Ruby will just have to take it. BOL

Momma did something rather cool with me today. She took me with her on her bike. This was my first time ever running alongside her while she was biking. It was fun. Mom has this cool little dog walkie thing attached to the bike so I can pull without much interference. I did see a squirrel and try to get it but the device is really reliable because with all of my weight I couldn't pull my Mommy off the bike and she weighs just slightly more than me. Pretty fun. I hope she takes us out again. I am tired though after that run. I'm gonna lie down and take a nap. Running is so much more of a workout than a couple walks a day.

-Duke Boy

"Rain, rain, go away...That's an order!"

Howlly Pups,
It's Duke.
I went to my Dad's baseball game on Sunday and We WON! Yeah, Looks like I'm a good luck charm now...So, I...um...I'm kinda low on cash so...if anyone out there's looking for a good luck charm you can now rent me by the hour. Reasonable...very reasonable.
Email for prices!! Eh-hem anywho...
It started out so HOT and Muggy and all of a sudden we kinda got rained out. The moment we got to the field Momma just sat down to watch and a rain cloud literally came outta nowhere and just opened the flood gates. Momma couldn't get us going fast enough because she had both Ruby and me and we were like, "WHAT'S GOIN' ON HERE!!" And she was trying to balance her camera, our equipment (collapsible water bowls, poop bags, etc the important stuff), and who knows what else and then her Hat blew off...There was some crazy stuff goin' on lemme tell ya.
Dad came to save her and helped her by taking my leash so she could get a handle on everything else. The rain stopped after 20 min or so and the game began. The temperature was so much more enjoyable now. Dad's team slaughtered them 15-2. Then came Lunch for all and then a Double Header second game.
Luckily I was there so I guess you can guess the outcome...com'mon you know this...Fine! You're no fun. I guess I gotta tell you everything. Slaughtered them! Yes, another Murderous attack by Dad's team. I was GLORIOUS. The second game only went to the 6th inning because that crazy rain cloud came back again. He wasn't sneaky enough this time to catch us unawares. We gathered up all our stuff and headed over to the sheltered area and as soon as we got there-DOWNPOUR! As bad or worse than before. Thunder came with it this time and lightning. Good thing Ruby and I don't mind the Thunder and Lightning.
It got real crowded in the shelter and we just waited and waited. There was food but we all just ate, so Dad ate again and we talked and Ruby and I got petted by all the children and some adults and then I got bored. I lay right down on the cement floor with the most boring look upon my face. I figured my folks wouldn't be dumb enough to miss this pose. They weren't. Momma noticed it and told Dad we should get going and a few minutes later I was being pulled into the downpour.
I don't think this is what I was asking for...didn't anyone bring an umbrella com'mon look who you're walking. I'm your lucky charm Duke. Oh, well off into the rain we went. Momma had my leash and we were parked so far away that she decided to have a People-joring race. She knows I'm not fond of getting wet so I appreciate her insightfulness. Off we bound.
I Win Of Course, by a hair. I don't think you're catching on to this lucky charm business. We hurry into the car and all relax for a moment. "AH." That was alot of fun.
Mom took lotsa pictures of us and the kids and all the baseball players but the rain ruined her camera and memory card so unfortunately for her it is all but a happy memory. Lucky for Dogs we can't see in 2-D so everything is only a memory and this was a good one.
Keep Cool,
Dewey

P.S. I forgot to tell you I got hit in the rump by a stray ball...how's that for gratitude. Oh well, something to tell the Grandchildren someday.

http://www.lakotasong.com/sleddogs/

We love our dogs...but that isn't always the case with other sled dogs. Here is a site I stumbled upon.

http://www.lakotasong.com/sleddogs/

It's worth taking a look at and thinking 'bout. Comment back if you'd like.

Doctor, Doctor, Give Me the News...

AH-CHOO

Okay, that sneeze was a fake, but Momma tramped me off to the vet today. I was not feeling well the last couple days. I've been leaving really messy masses for Momma to clean up when she got home. I even let some go when I was sleeping and I vomited a couple times-just yucky yellow fluids but still a matter for concern.

Momma and Pops were really angry when they came home and saw an oowie-gooey pile on the couch. I wish I had thumbs so I could have cleaned up that one before they got home to see it. I felt real bad about it because I was just sleeping on the couch when I made that accident even though my folks knew they couldn't yell at me because I was sick and didn't do it on purpose. I still had to stay in my crate the next time they went to work after that incident. Hence, the vet visit today.

We went to a different veterinary clinic today from usual. We usually go to the Animal Welfare Clinic in Chicago Ridge, but when you go there you have to literally wait hours to be seen. Momma didn't want to do that today, so we drove approx 30 min to Animal Medical Center of Orland Park. We didn't have to wait at all. It was amazing.

Guess how much I weigh...com'on guess!

Nope...try again.
Nuh-uh.
No, but you're close. Okay I'll just tell you. I weigh the same as Momma weighs. 110lbs! Don't tell her I told you. She is kinda funny about her weight. She is petite and thinks she should weigh more...is that normal reaction for people?

I weighed 98.2 pounds last time I was at the vet...I believe. That means in 4 months give or take I have gained 11.8 lbs. Maybe I should lay off the munching of household objects between meals. It's catching up with me.

Anyway, Doc stuck two things up my butt while I was there. I didn't say anything but it was uncomfortable the first time for the fecal test so I made faces at her. The second time I tried to sit down on the thermometer and realized it wasn't only going to make her job harder so I lay down instead so the Doc had to get all the way down on her knees to finish the procedure. Oh, yeah, and I kept staring at her the whole time. Hopefully I made her uncomfortable as well...people don't usually like to be stared down. Eventually I guess it worked because she pulled it out and walked a few steps away.

The doctor cleaned my ears and asked me if I was growing potatoes in there...I didn't get it. She had to use 16 cotton balls and go way in deep. I am kind of used to this treatment because lately Momma's had to use a wash rag and put ear cleaner on it and dig for gold...in my case she only finds dirt. The doctor went in farther than Momma goes and I did some moaning. The doctor said, "Shut up or I'll give you something to whine about!"

I'm just barking up your collar, but you fell for it. You were about to call BBB or animal cruelty or some such nonsensical place...the doctor did say something but all I heard was mumbling because my ears were so clogged up and she had what felt like her entire arm jammed up my other ear.

When the feces test came back negative for parasites and the ear wax test came up positive for excess yeast the doctor came in with an antidote. She gave Momma a bottle of 500mg pills of Flagyl for the yeast and the most expensive ear drops you've ever seen called Mometamax. Doc Handke said the pills should get rid of the ranky smell as well...did I mention I am the smelly kid in class? Not that I like to brag or nothin'.

I took the pills like a champ. Momma put the first one all the way in the back of my mouth and closed my mouth. She rubbed my throat but it wasn't necessary the pill was already down the shoot. The second one took two tries-Momma's fault not mine. She didn't put it near the back of the tongue she put it closer to my teeth on the left side of my mouth so I put it on the kitchen floor. Next attempt was just as successful as the first time. For all my crazy antics and bad qualities I really am a superior specimen where tolerance is concerned.

The Doc put me on a special diet that I just love. Momma made the mix for me this evening when we got back. It is beef (chicken or turkey) with white or brown rice. Yum. Doc says it's bland but it's way better than kibble. Ruby got some too because Momma didn't want any feelings hurt. The Doc said Momma can throw in some Pumpkin or Sweet Potatoes to harden me up too. I hope I never get better; I'm eating like a King. I am supposed to eat this and nothing else in 3 small portions daily for a week after a week I can have some kibble mixed back in.

Doin' what the Doctor ordered,
Dewey

Exotic Animal Encounters

After going to the Vet, Momma took me to the place she volunteers. She had to do some cleaning up after the animals and feed all of them. Because I wasn't contagious I got to come in. I got to visit with their two dogs...under supervision of course. Then I waited in the Mud Room for Momma to finish in the basement. I wasn't allowed to go down there because Momma didn't want me to frighten or get frightened by the cougar and the alligator and all the other exotic critters.

Momma did let me foller her into the backyard where there were lots of other critters to detect. The first animal I saw was kinda scary. It was the BIGGEST CAT I'VE EVER SEEN! It was a lynx. I was taken back...literally. I was nervous to even pass the two of them in the cage. Yes, it's true, big bad Dukey scared of a little kitty...All except these little kitties were around 30lbs and 30 inches at the top of their heads. That's approximately up to my shoulder...That’s a Huge Kitty.

The next animal I saw, I liked it, was a coatamundi. Coati's are mammals in the raccoon family. They are from South America. They have a long tail that looks like a Ring-tailed Lemur and a face similar to an anteater but the nose isn't so long. The raccoons were in this enclosure as well. I didn't even want to follow Momma to see anything else. Momma went to feed the foxes and I stayed enjoying the company of the 2 Coons & 3 Coatamundi. Momma was kinda worried I would get bitten but I didn't. For Bark's sake she worries too much.

See ya,
Duford

Balto's Game...Lets Play

My Best Bud Balto has passed the torch to me...Well, actually I stole it with my WICKED AWESOME GUESS! Now it's my turn. Let's play (rules from Balto's diary posted below about how to play this game)!!!

Here's a toughy...

1. I am found in Africa, Asia, and southeastern Europe.

2. I am a member of the family Canidae

3. I live in a monogamous pair which defends its territory from other pairs, but occationally live in a pack.

4. Most vocal of all the Canidae family; pack members communicate with each other by a screaming yell, yapping, or a siren-like howl.


Hope y'all put on your thinking caps and send those emails my way. I'll bark back soon.

-The Dukester

Exert from Balto's diary page:

"I have a game for all you dogster's. I am going to describe an animal and you guys will e-mail me giving guesses about what animal it is. When some one guesses right then I will post it on an ENTRY. So on so on. Has to be at least #4 discription.

1. Is white

2. Is very big

3. Lives in the Arctic

4. And hunt's humans and us:) :)

There is the description hope I start getting lots of E-mail's with guesses:) THANKS, BALTO
______________________________

Duke guessed Polar Bear he was correct. Now every one should go check out his Entry to see if you can guess Duke's Animal, Place, or Thing he chose. You can find him on my friends list. If you forgot the rules check out me previous entry to refresh your memory. Thanks every one and I hope all who see this will play.

Good guess Duke darn you got me :)

P.S. Forgot to put this in my directions: put somthing nice for the person who guessed.

Thanks all Dogsters:)

BALTO"

Valentine

No this isn't an early Valentine's day message. Valentine is a white fox at the rescue organization my Momma works for with a brown/reddish heart shaped mark around his face.

Today, Ruby and I got to go over there while Momma was cleaning. I had to act all big and tough...to pass the large cats without looking like a frady cat myself. But all's well. I did it.

Ruby and I did some 'splorin' and I ran into these musky smelling creatures. They had to be some sort'a dog. Ruby and I sniffed through the fence. Then one of them came up to the fence face to face with me. I didn't know what he wanted...then he rolled over on his back to show me he was in submission to me. Yes, I wish I got this type of respect at home.

Then we played along the fence line and sniffed each other through the fence. He was cool. Hope we get to play again.

-DuDu

I am one of today's featured diaries -BARK ON

Thanks Dogster…I must be SUPER DUKE!
COME READ HIS DIARY AND LEARN HIS SECRETS TO WORLD DOMINATION!
More Charm than a snake charmer!
Able to cause trouble in a single bound!
Able to pass on his knowledge one mistake at a time!

I am Glad y’all enjoy my Diary Pages.
For Dog’s Sake they are written for you.
I like my friends to know more about me.
It’s boring to hold ALL the world’s best trouble making schemes and not share them.

Today, I am one of today's featured diaries and it will be displayed all day on Dogster’s Diary Central page at http://www.dogster.com/diary/dcentral.php under 'Today's Picks'.

With Love,
Duford


P.S. Still waiting for the correct guess to the Game started by Balto (http://www.dogster.com/dogs/692002)

Clues:
1. I am found in Africa, Asia, and southeastern Europe.

2. I am a member of the family Canidae

3. I live in a monogamous pair which defends its territory from other pairs, but occasionally live in a pack.

4. Most vocal of all the Canidae family; pack members communicate with each other by a screaming yell, yapping, or a siren-like howl.

Continue Emailing me your guesses…I told you it was a Tough One!
If no one guesses it in a week – I’ll give you ONE MORE CLUE – But you’re all smarter than that. I’m sure you’ll guess it by then. Good Luck and continue guessing!

Duke's Life Rules

Duke’s life rules

 Always run to greet your family at the door.

 Anyone who arrives at your doorstep is a potential friend including people in uniform.

 Unexpected guests are AWESOME!

 When your family members are having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and show them you care.

 Don’t beg for food or you won’t get any. Act like you want it and then like it doesn’t exist and then you will get all the leftovers.

 If someone new is over and they are eating pretend like you have no idea begging is a bad thing. They don’t know the household rules and you can scam them for all they’ve got.

 Eat like your starving.

 Try to remember to take food gently. People are touchy about keeping their fingers in tact.

 Play everyday.

 Play fighting is fun until your big sister gets angry.

 Be the big, strong, silent type…ladies love it.

 When another dog is being walked near your house act like that’s your best friend outside. Whine and jump on the couch, the window sill, anywhere to get a better look out the window and try to get them to notice you.

 Beg all drivers to open the car windows.

 Head out the window, tongue out, and the wind in your face is the best way to travel.

 Always watch your folks leave…they’ll want to come home sooner.

 Window watching, counter surfing, and naps pass the time when the family is gone.

 Try really hard not to relieve yourself in the house.

 Don’t pout when scolded…. Plan next take over.

 Look at dead fish and road kill as opportunities to take an interesting aroma home. Your friends will be jealous and your parents will be appalled.

 Show your family how you feel by always giving off plenty of Calmin g Signals. No need to get stressed out. If your folks are versed in the universal language they will notice them and know that you are trying to stay stress free and resolve problems.

 If it’s Sunny outside drink lots of water and lie somewhere shady after playing.

 Run after anything smaller than you that runs first!

 If no one’s giving you attention Pass Gas…they’ll look your way – guaranteed =)

 Show off your private parts to all who’ll notice.

 Lick yourself at inopportune moments.

 Don’t get mad - Wait for the opportune time and Get Even.

 Jump on anyone who doesn’t tell you no!

 Enjoy every season for what it has to offer.

 Don’t get overwhelmed – take on life one bump at a time.

 Laugh at anyone yelling at you…it gets them madder but their facial expression is priceless.

 Slather on the Southern Charm.

 Enjoy life! It’s the only one you’ve got!

Game Answer: It was a Jackal!

Here are the names and pages of the smarty-pantses that got this tough question right:

Cap'n P. Nutty Snaggletooth

♥ Gypsy ♥

Mirra

Saphira, CGC
Prize

Ying Yang
Prize

Make sure you check their pages for another exciting game of THE NOUN HOUND created by Balto

Honorable mention goes out to Jesse ~CGC~ and Kallie. You guys were so close.

Everyone who played will receive a bone from the Dukester. Thanks for playing.

Good Luck with your Future Guesses!
-Duke

**Click on Name to visit my friend's page-look for Noun Hound Clues there also-and Click on "Prize" to see the fantastic Jackal Prizes**

If no prize button is available for a pup this means a photo was not available and another form prize was given.