BIG dog

We went to visit some friends last week, and they introduced us to their one-year-old Irish Wolfhound.

Let's just say he was a BIG DOG.

How much is that doggy in the window?

Remember that old song, "How much is that doggy in the window?" Here's a version sung by Patti Page:

That's the song that came to mind one day as I sat in the car in the parking of a hardware store. Don had dashed inside for just a moment. Idly glancing in my side view mirror, this is what I saw:

Is this not the most photogenic group of canines imaginable?

There's some serious Irish Wolfhound genes in this truck, except for the solo black Lab.

This is why I always try to keep my camera on me. Ya never know what kind of "doggies in the window" might come along.

Funny photo

Saw this today and it cracked me up. The photo was entitled "Chewbacca Cosplay."

Your smile of the day

Let's step back from serious subjects and put a smile on our faces.

Here's a dog who loved the sprinkler so much, he brought it inside the doggy door.

Isn't this nice? Now he gets to share the fun with his humans.

(Original article here.)

"Toto, I don't think we're in Kansas any more"

Too clever not to share. These are some very patient dogs.

And this, you must admit, is the ultimate book-lover's cake.

Help with dog breeds

I received a comment on an older post concerning Great Pyrenees (like our beloved Lydia).

"I know this is an old post but it has stuck in my mind. We are about to close on a 15 acre property and I was thinking that a Great Pyrenees might be a good dog for us. In rereading this, I think maybe it would be more than we could handle as we've never had a dog before. Do you know of any other breeds that are great with children but would also make a good guard dog? I don't think a lab would fit the bill for the guard dog."

I thought I'd put this up for general discussion to help this person out. What's a good guard dog breed which is also great with children? Keep in mind he/she has never owned a dog before.

Patient canines

A friend just sent this, entitled "Merry Christmas from the Dog Farm." Someone has a sense of humor and some patient canines.

Chuckle du jour

A friend sent these photos. Good for a laugh.

Major update

Several readers have asked about our dog Major after his appointment with the vet to be put down, and his sudden reprieve of last week.

I'm pleased to report he's doing excellently well. Now that the antibiotics have kicked in and cleared the infection on his head, he's back to his usual duties of sleeping on the couch.

But you know what? That's fine with us. He's a senior citizen and has earned his retirement. But he's also active in the yard, joining Lydia to bark against strange vehicles and nearby deer. We're just so glad to have him healthy again!

And for your Chuckle du Jour, a friend sent me the following and advised that this should be placed very low on your refrigerator door:

Rules for Dogs

Dear Dogs:

• The dishes on the floor with the paw prints are yours and contain your food. The other dishes are mine and contain my food. Placing a paw print in the middle of my plate does not mean that it is suddenly your food, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.
• The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Racing me to the top of the stairs is not the object. Tripping me doesn't help because I fall faster than you can run.
• I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort. Dogs can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep. It IS NOT necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other, stretched out to the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out on the other end to maximize space that you are taking up, is nothing but sarcasm.
• For the last time, there is no secret exit from the bathroom! If, by some miracle, I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, growl, whine, try to turn the knob or get your paw under the edge in an attempt to open the door. I must exit through the same door I entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years – canine attendance is not required.
• The proper order for kissing is: Kiss me first, then go smell the other dog's butt. I cannot stress this enough.
• Finally, in fairness, dear pets, I have posted the following message on the front door:

To All Non-Pet Owners who Visit and Complain About our Pets:
• They live here... you don't.
• If you don't want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture. That's why they call it "fur"-niture.
• I like my pets a lot better than I like most people.
• To you, they are animals. To me, they are adopted sons/daughters who are short, hairy, walk on all fours and don't speak clearly.

Remember, dogs are better than kids because they:
• Eat less
• Don't ask for money all the time
• Are easier to train
• Normally come when called
• Never ask to drive the car
• Don't hang out with drug-using people
• Don't smoke or drink
• Don't want to wear your clothes
• Don't have to buy the latest fashions
• Don't need a gazillion dollars for college; and
• If they get pregnant, you can sell their children.

Say your prayers!

Here's a hilarious video clip a reader sent about dogs saying grace before meals. Woof!

A guide dog for a blind dog

A reader sent this to me.
________________________________

Lily is a Great Dane that has been blind since a bizarre medical condition required that she have both eyes removed.

For the last five years, Maddison, another Great Dane, has been her sight.

The two are, of course, inseparable.

Problem solved

Problem: Deer in the wheat field, grazing contentedly at dawn.

Solution: The white and black blurs are the dogs discovering the deer in the wheat field.

If you look closely you can see the deer leaping the fence, their white tails flashing. Don't worry, the dogs are in the yard and can't chase the deer.

Goofy dogs

Lydia loves the snow.

Even Major, who is getting up there in years, has been enjoying a few nice romps before coming in to wrap himself around the woodstove.

(Those are Lydia's jowls you see, flapping in the breeze.)

Even back in the house, Lydia was in play mode.

Away in the Manger

A reader sent this.
_________________________________

A nativity scene was erected in a church yard. During the night some folks came across this scene. An abandoned dog was looking for a comfortable, protected place to sleep. He chose the manger of baby Jesus. No one had the heart to send him away so he was there all night.

We should all have the good sense of this dog and curl up in Jesus' lap from time to time.

By the way, please note that the dog breed is a “Shepherd.”

Blender dogs

I have a new column up at RegularGuy.com!  This one is called "Blender Dogs."  I apologize in advance for the millions of readers I will offend.

Romping dogs

Just some random and cute pix of the dogs romping. Awwwww.....

Nice doggies...

The caption that came with these photos was: Be nice to others...because one day you may not be the "big dog," just the "old dog."








I found these photos especially interesting because I used to have an Alaskan Malamute that was a dead-ringer for these dogs.

Barking Christmas dogs

I'm sure this video clip of dogs barking Jingle Bells is faked somehow, but even so - what a hoot!

Wrestling dogs

Just some action shots of our dogs romping. Mostly it's Lydia that did the romping while Major just stood there, but hey, it was cute.