Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Brutus shows his softer side


Brutus is great with kids.  This is a good thing, as he is a magnet for them!  He got comfortable with my nephews & nieces early on, so it doesn't phase him when little people no taller than he is (standing on his hind legs I mean) run up & hug him.  Brutus might forget his manners on a regular basis when an adult comes over, but with kids it's another story - he lives up to every last detail of his Canine Good Citizen (CGC) recognition!

This was evident this weekend at Paul's softball game.  BTW, the team is 6-2 on the season now, not bad!!  We blatantly ignore the "no pets" sign, since Brutus is an important part of the team (what good would Georgia college football we without Uga, after all?).  There are usually kids around, and they always gather around The Brute.  One of the other players' little girl was smitten with him, and decided to show her affection by bringing Brutus flowers.  Of course, his first reaction was to try & eat them (not very polite...), but she figured out how to tuck them into his collar so he couldn't get to them.  Brutus patiently allowed her to do this for quite some time, and then let her parade him around to show everyone.  I was proud of my little guy, had to take some photos!!  I can't remember the little girl's name, but she was just adorable as well, see for yourself:

One should never take candy form a stranger, but what about a flower?



It's important that we all take time to stop & smell the flowers - or was that stop & eat the flowers?


Such a patient guy for  his adoring fan...



Awwww.......  


Monday, June 29, 2009

Frenchies have quite the vocabulary...

Sorry my post was a bit tardy today - had internet issues and just got back online (phew!).  Today's post is in the form of a video, which should give our followers an increased appreciation of Brutus' personality.  

I once read that Frenchies are quiet dogs and rarely bark; despite re-iterating this point to Brutus many times, and it hasn't sunk in yet.  If I don't know where Brutus is in the house, all I have to do is stand still & listen - he almost always has something to say, whether it's in the form of a snort, bark, snore, yodel, or some other indescribable sound.

What I captured in the following video started when he noticed that there were a few Nylabones on the table, which he spied while climbing in his usual look-out position on the sofa.  Being a typical Frenchie, Brutus can produce an astounding variety of sounds, which he will now  demonstrate for you in this video.
Enjoy!





In case you are wondering, we refer to Brutus' yawns as "headsplitters", since it looks like his whole head opens up as he does it. You can hear me say it in the background, so I thought I'd comment just in case anybody wondered....

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Dog days of summer



Just in time for the official beginning of summer, hot & humid temperatures hit Ohio this week.  That means minimal outdoor time for Brutus: along with the infamous intolerance of heat that Frenchies are known for, his nearly-black coat makes him a hot tamale in an instant.  His limited ability to cool off consists of unfurling his gloriously large tongue & panting like crazy.  Overprotective as always, I am constantly coming up with new ways to cool him off, from cool coats & swimming pools to ice blankets and cool-mats for his crate.  We even have a battery-powered fan we take with us when if there's a chance we'll be somewhere without air-conditioning to escape into.

My weekend post consists of some pictures from a short outing in the back yard yesterday - I picked an awful week to start invisible fence training, but we'll get it figured out eventually!  Gotta keep the Brute from running out & jumping into the cart of every golfer that goes by :)

Here's lookin' at ya!


Up to no good in the jungle.


Which frog is the lawn ornament? 


Poser

Friday, June 26, 2009

We've been tagged!!

I guess we are official in the blogging world now, as we have been included in our first blogging "game."  One of our fellow bloggers & followers, Sedona (a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever)"tagged" us with a little assignment.  Here is the assignment:

1. Open your "My Photos" folder and select the 6th folder.
2. Select the 6th photo in that folder.
3. Post the photo along with the story behind it.
4. Tag 5 of your friends to do the same thing.
 
Following those rules, here's what I came up with:

Brutus was just a wee little puppy (5 months old), and lots of people were dying to meet him.  He accompanied me to a party,  were we stayed for quite a while so that The Brute was exhausted.  I had been carrying him around for hours, ended up standing next to this little half-wall, so I rested his weight on it.  Next thing I knew he was out cold on the ledge, slept there until I got up to leave.  Note my protective hand in the background, as I was afraid he was so relaxed that he'd just flop right off.  You can't see it in the picture, but his other leg was hanging down the same way on the other side of the wall.  The quality isn't great (iphone photo), but it's still pretty darn cute.  To this day, he has retained the ability to sleep in odd places/positions, but this is one of the funnier ones!

So there you have it.  Now, I have to tag some others to keep this going.  We don't have that many canine friends that haven't already been tagged, so I'll include some humans in the mix.  So Lexi & Mayna/Aimee, you're on the list!  Tag, you're it!!

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Yet another waste of time...





Yesterday I was browsing around on "Club Chein" ( a fun Frenchie site) I found a link to a paper project for a French bulldog.  The person who posted it said she did hers in about an hour.  Looked like fun, so I printed out the templates, along with their Japanese instructions.  After FOUR HOURS of cutting, folding & gluing, this is what I came up with.  Pretty cute, huh?

Naturally, Brutus did not find my expenditure of time on this project to be amusing.  I didn't do it all at once, but any work was accompanied by little cries & snorts aimed at re-focusing my attention on the REAL Frenchie in the room.  When I finally finished it, Brutus got to meet his new little friend.  Initially he was inquisitive, but when he found out it wasn't a toy for him, he was disgusted.  During his final moments with his paper likeness Brutus resorted with his default maneuver: he tried to eat it.  I snatched it away just in time, and now have my handiwork proudly displayed out of Brutus' reach :)

Who's this?

Hey there little guy!  Wanna play?

Well, if you're not good for playing, 
then maybe you're good for eating...

Just look, don't touch?   Sheesh....  
The things I have to put up with! 

 http://www.e-maruman.co.jp/download/craft/frenchbull/index.html

Time to go wash the Elmer's glue off my hands before I start sticking to the keyboard!


Wednesday, June 24, 2009

(almost) Wordless Wednesday


"I am the master of all I see"

"Yeah, it's tough being me - 
but I wouldn't want it any other way"

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Lightweight or Featherweight?

By now, anyone who follows this blog knows that Brutus' personality is much larger than the size of the package it comes in.  No one Brutus encounters is ever as big as he is, at least in his own mind.  Oddly enough, it is his reaction to everyday, seemingly ordinary things is what brings him down to size & keeps us laughing!

Last week we encountered one of these priceless moments in our own backyard.  In the end, Brutus came out on top, getting the best of a solitary, discarded feather.  Surely it came from a vulture or pterodactyl - whatever it was, it wouldn't have harmed us, as it would have been laughing too hard to attack.  

The confrontation lasted 15 minutes, getting more intense the closer that Brutus got, since his snorting caused the feather to quiver & flop around.  In the end I had to pick it up, since Brutus decided to eat it once it no longer posed a threat.  

Just another day in the life of a Frenchie!!


Intruder alert!


Don't worry mom - I've got it cornered....


(action shot, imagine music from Mission Impossible soundtrack)


Getting closer....


OK, now that I got this under control, what's for dinner??  I could go for something light...

Monday, June 22, 2009

Back in Ohio

Happy Monday everyone!  I'm happy to report that Brutus & the pack survived 5 uneventful days with Paul (Brutus even stopped looking for me by day 4)!  Thanks to Paul & my Dad for taking care of everbody - I know that meal-time (AKA the soup kitchen) is an interesting challenge, especially if you aren't used to the routine :)

So it's back to our "normal" schedule.  That means sitting down at least once daily, loading photos and composing a post.  Brutus has never been able to figure out how I can stare for so long at the funny little box on my lap (I has an apple on it, but sure doesn't taste like one...), pushing buttons.  He comes up and tries to close the laptop, hoping that this will re-focus my attention to something much more important (like his royal Bruteness).  

The computer again?  Really??  Well, you'll have to get through me first....

In case y'all are wondering (I was in the South for the last 5 days, you know), Brutus is the mastermind behind the photos.  I really do find him in most of these situations of his own accord, I just enhance them a little :)  There are actually countless moments each day that would make great blog posts, that's just the way Brutus is.  If only the camera were always on & ready!

Gotta go, time to clean up the soup kitchen!

Friday, June 19, 2009

Happiness is....

Wasting away a summer afternoon out on the deck, gnawing on  a nylabone!!!

 I'm still posting from the road, so that's it for today.  Stay tuned for the next installment on the bullblog tomorrow!

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Missing my mom....

According to Paul, Brutus is coping with my abrupt absence pretty well.  He was worried when he had to go to bed without me being home, but eventually settled down just enough to let Paul get some sleep.  One day down, 3 1/2 to go!

I took these pictures ahead of time so that I could blog from the road.  Even though I'm at a dental seminar, somehow Brutus finds his way into the conversation on a regular basis - maybe it's because I keep telling people that my dog has a blog....  He even found his way (albeit briefly) into a presentation I'm giving tomorrow morning :)

Where is she???


I still can't believe it she actually left me.  And for what?  How can talking about teeth be more important than me??


When the going gets tough, the tough take naps....

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Hittin' the Road

Tomorrow I am off on a work-related road-trip to Charlotte, NC.  That leaves Paul in charge of Brute & the pack - a daunting prospect for all involved.  Good luck, honey :)

So as I packed today, Brutus was up to his usual antics.  He was initially interested (& wanted to help), but is starting to figure out that suitcases usually mean an unwelcome change.  It's only for a few days, but I'm sure he'll spend the first one looking for me.  Even if I thought taking him with me was a good idea (it's not), being stuck in the car for almost 8 hours straight, then arriving in what promises to be several days of +90F temperatures - not fun by any Frenchie standards!  I'll just have to check the suitcase one last time before zipping it to make sure I don't have any extra cargo!!!


Hey, this looks like fun - is it a new bed?


Oh, now I get it - it's for going places.  I'm sure she needs me to help pack.  Let's see, so far we have shoes, shoes & more shoes...


Hmmm... No dog toys or treats.  Wait a minute - is she thinking of going without me?


No worries.  I'll just hunker down in here, be a stow-away if I have to.  She'll never notice if I hide...


Darn it, I'm busted! Was it the ears that gave me away again??


Puh-leeeeeze, can I come?   No one will ever notice me!  I'll be an angel, I promise!  Oh, who am I kidding.....


Monday, June 15, 2009

Our First Video

I recently bought a new "little" camera (my Rebel XSi is my favorite, but it's too big to carry around to many places).  For the primary purpose of sharing some clips of Brutus in action, I made sure it had a video function.  Now blog viewers can have the full audio & video experience of a Frenchie!

There is a large couch in our great room that Brutus has always had issues with.  Don't know what he sees in it, but with no warning he attacks the skirt at the bottom.  It's actually the first thing he does each morning when we come out of the bedroom.  Luckily the couch has held up flawlessly to Brutus' fury, so even though it's not a behavior we encourage, we can't help but laugh at the enthusiasm with which Brutus taunts his upholstered foe.


Sunday, June 14, 2009

Medina Swarm USDAA Agility Trial

Brutus spent a good part of his weekend at an agility trial hosted by our club, Medina Swarm.  We went as spectator for the most part, as he is too young to compete (dogs must be 15 months old, so he can't be entered for competition until October this year).  So that I could still be part of the action, I volunteered - building courses, setting jumps, timing runs - all sorts of jobs that I'm not really qualified for, but enjoyed nonetheless!!  This was a USDAA trial, and I worked in the masters' ring; got to watch & learn from many experienced dogs & handlers.  While I was busy in the ring, Brutus was a guest in a primo tent of our friend/agility instructor Jean, along with her JR terriers & a foster border collie.  Despite being crated away from home (he hates this, but it's good therapy for his separation anxiety), Brutus was a good sport overall.  Even though it got a little warm (75F), he had shade & a fan to keep him comfy, so much better than being stuck at home :)
Below is a shot of one of the agility courses, showing the very obstacles we are training on right now. Also shown are photos of Brutus at his campsite, being an almost-gracious guest (although he would have rather been out on the course himself).  BTW - if you are looking for healthy, home-made corn/wheat-free treats, check out our friend's business at www.3jacksdogbakery.com!

Tune in this week for a some video footage of the same scene (I got a new camera - yeah)!!



In the "3 Jacks Dog Bakery" tent, with Macy (rescue border collie) & Cookie (JR terrier)


Not happy, but coping!  Note the shady surrondings & fan (both courtesy of our friend Jean) that kept The Brute cool & comfy :)

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Me & my shadow


Brutus was  stuck in his crate for a good while today, as I had an all-day CE seminar in Cleveland.  By the time I got home the sun was starting to go down, so it was a perfect time to get him out for a walk & burn off some energy.   So not only did I have my usual little shadow (meaning Brutus himself), we each cast our own image on our way round the block.  Had to resort to catching the moment with my iphone, never can do this sort of artsy imaging on purpose!  

Friday, June 12, 2009

Good news!


Sorry to keep everyone in suspense, but this is the soonest I could post.  The good news is that WE HAVE POOPAGE!!  Either what he ate was smaller than we'd thought, or it moved through uneventfully.  There is a chance that something is still in him, but we are cautiously optimistic that this is behind us.  Phew...

No other big news today.  After two days of minimal activity, Brutus was unusually energetic at agility tonight!  He actually outran me a few times over obstacles, so I think our new plan will be for conserving energy before practices.  He is doing well enough that we hope to compete in some event later this year - the only thing that may hold us back is his age - all dogs must be 15 months old to compete.  His birthday is July 14, so by mid-fall we will certainly be ready!

Thanks for tuning in to the Bullblog once again!  Have a great weekend :)


Thursday, June 11, 2009

A long day

Yesterday was a long day for Brutus & his big brother Mason.  They both had vet appointments in the morning, and both had blood draws.  I'm lucky to have dogs that behave well at the vet - they don't seem to mind it at all, actually (despite the fact that I'm always erring on the side of doing too may tests if their health is ever in doubt).


Mason came through with flying colors - as much as they can fly for an 11-year old lab :)  He is not overweight (to the amazement of every vet we've ever seen), and other than some hip arthritis & fatty skin tumors, is in strapping good health according to his bloodwork.

Being a Frenchie, it's a good thing Brutus likes his vet Dr. Lori - seeing as we are already frequent fliers in her office!  She's been trying to get to the bottom of some bladder issues he has had for the last 3-4 months.  Thankfully we are finally making progress getting that resolved, at least under control.  

The newest fiasco is that Brutus ate something last night; we don't know exactly what, just saw the tail-end of some kind of fabric going into his mouth :(  So now, instead of watching him go #1, I'm anxiously awaiting some #2.  He is eating fine, actually seems to like the vegetable oil I'm adding to help "lubricate" the system.

Everyone keep your fingers crossed for The Brute.  If no poopage (as we so lovingly refer to this body function) by this afternoon (that would be 24 hours since the last action), it's back to the vet for emergency surgery to remove an obstruction.  Thanks to my dad & Barb for keeping an eye on things while I go to work today!

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

(almost) Wordless Wednesday

In what seems to be a blogging tradition, we will now observe "Wordless Wednesdays".

Brutus, bug-hunter extraordinaire. 
Where'd that ant go?  Darn, thought I had that one...

 

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Brutus has a lot of toys

We have a toy basket in the kitchen where all the dog toys are supposed to go.  It is quite the collection, as we are always bringing home things from vacation or the pet store, knowing all too well that it's the last thing the boys need.  Although there are 4-5 "favorites" at any given time, occasionally someone goes on a treasure hunt & turns up with something we haven't seen in a long time.  I caught Brutus in up to his elbows in the basket, and couldn't resist intervening to do a little staging for the camera.  That being said, Brutus certainly didn't mind being plopped in amongst all these fabulous squishy/squeaky things!

Can you find the Frenchie??


All I can think of is the scene from E.T. where the little alien hides in the middle of all the stuffed animals in the closet. Come to think of it, there are times that I'm not so sure the Brutus isn't an alien...




Monday, June 8, 2009

Take me out to the ballgame

Happy Monday everyone!  It turned out to be quite a busy weekend, so didn't have much time to post.  Brutus was on the go as well, so we have so fun new photos for the blog.  
Last night we went to watch Paul's softball league play.  Brutus was pretty tired already from a long walk in the morning & some agility in the afternoon.  Of course Brutus enjoyed lots of attention from everyone there, including the opposing team & even the umpire, and has become the unofficial team mascot.  He had some interest in the action early on, but somewhere around the 5th inning decided it was a good time for a nap.  I had to wake him up in order to  to stand up when I was ready to leave ;)  He must be more of a football fan.... 

Softball, huh?  Looks to me like a bunch of grown men playing fetch. Maybe they'll throw it to me sometime...

How many innings did you say they had to play?  And no tackling in this sport?   Why bother....


Just wake me up when it's over, mom...

And, yes, Brutus can fall asleep in any position.  It looks like someone took out his stuffing & threw him on my lap!  At least the snoring distracted the other team's 3rd base coach.  BTW, Paul's team split their two games, and now is 3-1  for the season.

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Dogpark response

Thanks for all the concerned comments about the dogpark.  Points well-taken!  Funny that what I thought was my least interesting post so far has gotten the more comments than any other post!

Luckily we went during the week, so it wasn't a busy time or we'd have passed.  Let Brutus meet the other two dogs through the fence first, only let him off-leash once they all relaxed.  Not to say that bad things couldn't still happen, though.  Saddest thing is that the humans are who is irresponsible, but it's the dogs that suffer the consequences!  

Frenchies have so many health issues on their own, we certainly don't need any extra/avoidable problems.  And I have to be very careful not to let The Brute exert himself too much (so easy in this breed).  Definitely needs very close body-language observation (Ceasar Milan-style) of all dogs and extra precaution to make up for those of our biped species who have no common sense!  All that being said, I still think having some outside social interaction is good, let dogs be dogs every once in a while!  

Thanks again to all our thoughtful visitors - I can assure you all that Brutus will continue to be as over-protected as ever :)

Have a great weekend everyone!  Tune in next week for the next installment of our French BullBlog!

Dogpark


After living here for over 5 years, I just discovered that my city has a wonderful dogpark!  It's less than 10 minutes from our house and has lots of wonderful shade trees, so we'll be able to visit on all but the warmest summer days.  Brutus & I stopped by the check it out this week and made two new friends. Echo & Izzy.  They were both female shepard-mix rescue dogs, and loved to play.  Brutus was quite the gentleman, played nicely & even shared his water with them.  They could run circles around him, but I think Brutus was just happy to have some female companionship for a change. So nice to see him behave well when on his own & off-leash!  Wasn't expecting any Kodak moments, so I had to resort to taking photos with my iPhone, not the best image quality!  We heard that there is a great park in Stow (7 acres, including a small lake), so now that I know Brutus can play nicely, think we might take a ride to check it out (I'll bring along a real camera when we do).

Friday, June 5, 2009

Why Brutus loves golf

Brutus loves golf!  Well, maybe not the actual game itself (since it distracts his humans from giving him their full-time attention), more like all the things associated with the playing of golf.  We live on a golf course, so it goes on literally right outside his window. Took him a few weeks to get used to the carts going by in the spring, but now Brutus loves to ride in the cart whenever he can!  He has recently discovered that stray golfballs can commonly be found in our yard; when he finds one, he picks them up & carries them around like a magnificent treasure!  It's supervised playing only (the ball would make a lovely airway obstruction I'm afraid), but quite fun to watch :)  


What do we have here?  Looks tasty..


Hmm... Seems sort of like a nylabone, but spherical - intriguing....


Anybody watching?  
Gotta make a break for it with this new treasure before she sees me...


Yeahaa!!  Caught in the act!



Hey - guys?  Mom?  Where'd everybody go??
(This photo was taken through the back door, so not such great image quality.  But I couldn't resist...)