A rare Saturday post!

It's the weekend!  Yippee!!


We didn't post Friday - oooops.....  Well, I tried to post, but blogger ate it.  Spent all sorts of time to get it just right, one last tweak before publishing and *poof*.  Gone.  Aaaaahhhh!  Nooooooooo!


Ahem. So, I have regained my composure after a good nights' sleep.  Here we go again....


Today is Ohio State's last game of the season, going out with bang in the annual game against our biggest rivals from Ann Arbor, Michigan.  It's an early kick-off, so Brutus is already in his pre-game routine.  He he is whispering a few tips to Tressel...

Those of you who are regular followers will remember that we spent most of the season trash talking with Sasha about her Wisconsin Squirrels Beavers Badgers.  After having properly dealt with Bucky, we now turn our attention to the Michigan Wolverines.  Need I mention that they haven't won a game against OSU in over 5 years?  

Don't even think about touching this football if you are a Michigan fan.  That is unless you don't like your fingers (hehehe).

Hey, Oskar .... Isn't that you team???  Any last words, buddy??

Ohio Sate already has their appearance in the Rose Bowl locked in, so todays game is just for fun.  A nice little butt-kicking to end the season on a good note.

Speaking of butts*, I am also posting our entry into JD & Max's Bootylicious contest.

*If that seems like a strange segue, consider that all Michigan is going to see are the behinds of the OSU players as they run down the field!!

Anyhoo...  There are several categories, some Brutus really doesn't qualify for since he almost nothing to speak of as a tail. So I picked out a bunch of my favorites.

This is one of our most popular photos ever with our followers.  Looks like Brutus is a bored little kid peering out the window.  The best part is how the jersey just barely covers his little hiney.

Here is Brutus' derriere doing what it does best, agility.  How do you think we build up those fabulous muscles anyways?

If there is a "Shiniest Buns" division, this photo would be a perfect entry!

I like to call this shot "Drumsticks" or "Thunder Thighs"

Thanks to Max & JD for hosting such a fun contest.  We know how much work it is to put something together now, so really appreciate all our friends creativity and efforts in holding contests!!


Phew!  I did it.  Posted.  And my browser only crashed twice while I was working.  Anyone else having problems with the "new & improved" editor from blogger??  Yikes.


Have a great weekend everyone!  See ya Monday!

We Pawed it Forward!!!

Hi everybody - Brutus here!  

Mom is letting me do the post today because I was just SOOO excited about the project we just wrapped up.  You might remember that a few weeks ago we received a fantabulous package from the relentlessly huge himself, Mango.  It was really fun to get a gift like that, and I am still enjoying all the wonderful things he picked out to send me (I even shared a little with Mason).  It was part of a game called Paw it Forward, and to keep up with our part of the deal in playing, we needed to send gifts to three of our friends.

A few days ago mom loaded me up in the car & strapped on my harness.  It wasn't time for agility or any of my training, so I wondered where we were headed

After a short ride, I found out: we were going SHOPPING!!!  Oh man, I love this place!

Mom said we were there to buy the gifts to send to our friends for the Paw It Forward game.  She let me help pick things out, so of course I headed right for one of my favorite aisles!

We had tons of fun picking out fun things to send.  I wanted to make sure we had the perfect pressies for everyone on our list!  Let's see - there's the stuff for Lucy & Tank....  Got some things for Captian & Candy....  What about Deborah's dogs??? 

We finished up our shopping, including a bag of food for our Mason.  We were in the store for a LONG time!  BTW, I always walk around and help shop from the ground.  Mom just plopped me in the cart to inspect the goods (or do you think she did that just to take a picture? Hmmm...).

When we got home mom unpacked everything and laid it out so I could make sure all my buddies had enough stuff.  She also got out some other things she had picked up on a separate shopping trip (without moi, the nerve).  Look at Mason in the background - he was saying "Dude - Mom said to stay away!!  You're gonna be in trouble!  I'm telling...."

Mom found boxes to pack up all the goodies, so that the postman could take them to our friends.  Mason & I kept a close eye on things to be sure that nothing got left out.

I insisted on testing a few things to ensure they were safe for our little friends to play with. Can't figure why mom kept taking them back.  I was only trying to help.....

Next I got busy on the cards.  Mom wrote the notes (my penmanship isn't so hot), but let me sign each one to give it a more personal touch.  As you can see, I took this responsibility very seriously!

I guess you could say that she caught me red-pawed here BOL!

Mom took care of the final packaging details while Mason & I rested on the couch.

After a power nap, I made sure to inspect the packages to make sure she had done it properly. Looked like a good job to me (I would have had a heck of a time with that tape gun myself!), so I gave her packaging job my seal of approval.  

Last thing was to check and make sure that all boxes were labeled & addressed properly so that the postman can deliver them to my friends.  Gee, he must be in really good shape to carry these boxes all the way to California, Arizona & Massachusetts!  Poor guy....

Well, off to the post office they go.  Mom said she had to do that part by herself, since doggies aren't allowed in - whatever!  Actually I was so tired by this point that I was glad to have a little peace and quiet.  Supervising is hard work, you know!!!

So to Captain & Candy (over at I Need a Sugar Fix), Lucy & Tank (from the Plus Size Pug blog) and Deborah and all her pack (at Amazing Animal Lovers' Blog), your presents are officially on the way!!  Hope that the snail mail isn't too jammed up with christmas catalogs, because Mom said they should take no more than a week to get to you.  

Thanks for playing along everyone!  Hope you enjoy having your gifts as much as we did picking them out.  It really is better to give than to receive!  

Now don't forget to Paw it Forward!!!!

(almost) Wordless Wednesday

Foot Warmer

Brutus lays on my feet each morning while I get ready. Maybe he thinks this will slow me down or keep me from leaving altogether?

My "Laundry" Room

So why would Brutus standing in my laundry room be of any interest, you might ask.  Seems like a risky place for him to venture into, considering the sink that I use for bathing him is right there. What could possibly be of any interest to Brutus in this room?  Why would he care about cleaning supplies?

Although there is still laundry done in this space a few days a week, it has become for all due purposes a small pet supply store.  Just about everything one could need to take care of a dog is in here.  Let's look in one of the cabinets....

That's pretty much all Brutus' & Mason's belongings, other than their toys.  Shall we have a closer look?

That's the veterinary shelf.  A brief inventory includes assorted prescription medications (that I keep stocked to use on short notice for the boys' most common issues), heartworm pills, allergy medication, skin/eye/ear care products, nail clippers, stethoscope, baby thermometer, toothpaste/toothbrushes, first-aid/antiseptic/bandaging items, pH strips....  Wow - serious pharmacopia, eh??

Above that we find the treat section.  Things to chew on, interactive toys, "high-value" training treats (we get bored with the same thing every day, must stock a variety), everyday treats. Moving on...

The neighboring cabinet is mostly for apparel of various kinds.  The all-important collar collection takes up a good portion of this area, stored in the tupperware containers - I think Brutus had at least 15 at last count, Mason has several as well.  Also located here are some of Brutus' hoodies, the treasured lint roller, and some "tinkle bells" (you can see how well that idea worked, considering I gave up & took them off the door).  Above that are mostly warm-weather items for Brutus, including four different cooling coats, ice packs, misters, ect.  The pedi-paws nail grinder never worked for us, so it takes up space here as well.

Moving upwards, you'll find Brutus cold-weather gear, some costumes and a few things of Mason's.  

Next to that are some more food-related items, more pertaining to meal-time itself (extra bowls, backstock of canned food, ect).  It's hard to see on the shelf top, but there are some grooming products up there, including Mason's Furminator (we'd be buried in brown fur-tumbleweeds without it).

On the opposite wall is what was meant to be a coat closet, but dog supplies have taken it over as well.  Although I have managed to jam a few coats in there, they are only the ones I use for dog-walking.  The bins are where I store the kibble, with the boys' favorite bowls perched on top.  I guess the vacuum is not specifically a dog item, but it might as well be since all it sucks up is dog hair!  I do manage to store some spare clothes hangers in here at least!!

Behind the door is a rack with things I might need to take with me anytime I walk out the door with a pooch - leashes, collars, tote bag. The requisite Frenchie calendar can also be seen here - need to keep track of Brutus' busy schedule!!

And finally, back to the counter for some frequently-used items kept within easy reach; things for quick treats and daily supplements.  On the magnetic strip are various reminders & dog-event info. Furthest away on the counter is Brutus' travel/training bag (my husband calls this the diaper bag), with everything we might need to hit the road at a moments notice - basically a miniature version of the cabinet above, insulated to ensure we always have cold/fresh water on hand.

Last but not least, here is the dreaded dog-bathing area (also known as a utility tub to those without pups).  As you can see by Brutus' reluctant demonstration, it's perfect for bathing a Frenchie - pull-out spray faucet & all.  The cabinet below is where all the bath products are conveniently stored (shampoo, towels). 

So is that crazy or what?  No wonder Brutus hangs out in there - it's like going grocery shopping to him. You'd think I had 10 dogs for all the supplies I've accumulated. Thank goodness that I have a decent amount of storage space!  And good thing the counter isn't any lower, or I think Brutus would jump up to help himself!

Speaking of jumping, did I mention that I've turned my basement into an indoor agility training center?  No?  Oh... 

Well, guess that's material for another post!  

WINNERS!!!

What a great weekend!  Our beautiful weather continued, so Brutus had lots of good walkie time, and got to play outside with all his buddies at the Funny Farm.  Ohio State not only won their game, but locked in a BCS bowl game.  It might be late fall, but everything is coming up Roses in Ohio!!

What could be better???  Thought you'd never ask....

We are ready to announce the winner for Brutus' "That's Ridiculous" contest!!!!

My husband, Paul, poured over the entries last week, even visiting blogs to see some more background on his favorites.  There were many great entries, but after much deliberation, one stood out in it's level of ridiculousness!  

And the winner is (drumroll, please):

LORENZA

Those who know this most fashionable dauschund from Mexico might think she won based on the fact that she must have 50 dresses made by her grandma.  That might win her a modeling contract, but it was her mom's sacrifice for Lorenza that Paul felt took things to a whole new level.  Her mom actually cut off her long locks because the hairdryer used to style them stressed poor Lorenza out!  Wow!  Some might say it's ridiculous, some might call it devotion, but we say it's prize-worthy!!

As her prize, Brutus and I are commissioning a drawing of Lorenza by the fantastic Lili Chin. Those of you who have followed for a while may remember her work when I posted it during Brutus' birthday week.  Others of you have met Flat Brutus, who is the slightly more 3-D version of that drawing.  For those of you who haven't seen Lili's work, here is what she did for Brutus (click here to see more of her drawings):

Lili also donates a portion of each drawing to a dog rescue group of your choice, so it is not only Lorenza who is winning here!  Several of our other blogging buddies have also commissioned her work, so I plan to do a post featuring those pieces, including the completed one of Lorenza.

Brutus and I want to say a BIG thank you to everyone who played!  It was so fun to host this contest, and we have a new appreciation to all you who have done the same.  Next time I hope to be better organized, seeing as a few of you had to remind me of your entries (sorry!).  But posting the pictures, sharing your stories, and linking to everyone's blogs did more than just make for a fun contest - we met several new friends who stopped by for the first time!  Our blog would be nothing without all you who follow it, so again we say THANK YOU!!!  

Well, all this excitement has completely exhausted The Brute!  Time to go recover from the weekend (look at that body outline - yowza)!

Oh my Gourd!

Wow - is it Friday already?  Seems like some weeks just fly by!  And now Thanksgiving is less the two weeks away - what??  We've had our first good frost.  Where did fall go?

A few weeks ago I took Brutus for a little fall photoshoot at a pumpkin patch nearby while the fall colors were still vibrant.  The farm is a picturesque place in the country not far from our home.  They have all this stuff sitting out at the corner of two old state routes, with an "honor-system" payment box.  You pick out what you want (mums, straw, corn, gourds, veggies) and stuff the money into a coffee can. There's even a note that you can make change for yourself if you need to.  Isn't it Good to know that there are still some sleepy places where people are honest enough to do this!

Here's the produce stand.  It's run by a little family farm.

In those big boxes were some beautiful gourds...

... in an endless variety of colors & shapes!

I couldn't resist posting Brutus amongst the goods!

Inquisitive as always!

Next we went next door to the pumpkin "patch" (they were actually already harvested, but it's the best we could do). 

Can you even see Brutus?  It's like "Where's Waldo"!!

There he is!!  His orange collar makes him blend right in!

My little pumpkin!

Brutus had been so cooperative, and there was no one else around.  I let him explore the place a little, so he can tell you about it from here:

Man, these things are everywhere....

Help - I'm surrounded!  

Gotta be careful - a Frenchie could get squashed in here!! 

(hehe - get it?  Squashed?)

What's the deal with these things?  Maybe they're tasty?  Hmm.. which one looks good?

*chomp*

Hmpf.  This one has no taste.

 

Nope, no flavor here either.

These humans are out of their gourds of they think these taste good!

I'm gourd silly, Mom...

Let's make like a tree & leave!!

I apologize for all those bad squash/gourd puns!  Didn't know Brutus had it in him. Frenchies are known for being comedians, after all...

Before we sign off for the weekend, it's time to wish the Buckeyes luck for the game Saturday.  If they can beat Iowa (who were undefeated until their loss to Northwestern last weekend), there is only our arch-rival Michigan to knock off in order to claim the Big 10 title!  

Go BUCKEYES!!!  Beat the Hawkeyes!!

Hey mom - Roll Me!!

Yesterday we read a post from Benny & Lilly at Doggy Days.  It was called "Roll Me, Please".  I assumed it had something to do with the new ramp their mom had bought to help them up to the bed.  I pictured the Frenchies rolling down the ramp like kids rolling down a hill.  How wrong I was.

Turns out the Benny (the creme male Frenchie) loves to be "rolled" with a lint roller.  There was a video of him in heaven, being rolled by his mom.  I thought that was a little odd.  But...

... it happens I had an very similar lint roller.  Thought I'd try it out on Brutus.  Turns out he LOVED it!!  Don't know what the fascination is, but my little Brutus - who never sits still for an instant unless he is sound alseep - laid virtually motionless to be "rolled".  Who knew??

Only thing I can think is that the stickiness of the roller reminds them of how it felt when thry were puppies & their real mom licked them. Only a video can do this justice, so here you go (make sure you turn up your sound to get the full effect with Brutus' snorting).

There are some transitions in this clip, but only because I didn't think everyone would want to watch 10 mintues of rolling.  It goes on & on!  Brutus just LOVES it!!  As the video shows, he is very thankful to our distantly related brother Benny (shall we compare pedigrees?) for this new fascination. 

Anyone else ever try this with their dogs???  If not, it's worth $1 for a disposable roller to give it a try!!