Catching up: Mango Minster (Entires, Part I) & Pup Scout Oath

Is it Thursday already?

Yikes, we're so far behind.... Many things I've been meaning to post, so today's blog is part of a general catch-up in attempt to get back on track!!

First order of business, Mango Minster entries. I have Mason's entry ready, and - as suggested by the honorable RH himself - an honorary post-humous entry (although not being judged) for Duncan. I'm still waiting on files of a photo to use for Brutus, so his entry will be in a separate post.

MASON: Sporty Dog Entry

Despite technically being a "sporting" dog by AKC classification, Mason is more of a homebody. Labs are supposed to be water dogs, but Mason never got that memo; you can't hardly push him out the door if there is as much as a spotty drizzle going on. Mason has never done any actual "sporting" (unless you count being an avid Couch Potato as a legitimate sport activity), but is entering this category since he is the embodiment of the consummate good sport about life. In his nearly-12 years, he's taken everything in stride - several surgeries, multiple relocations, some unusual attempts at grooming (we used to shave him to cut down on the fur-tumbleweeds that are produced from the shedding of his undercoat), and even the addition of two packmates (after having been an only child for his first 8 years). Mason is always a good sport in playing with Brutus, letting him hang of his lips & ears, and bite his ankles (all in good fun) in never-ending games of bitey-face.

Moreover, Mason has never held a grudge against me for making a fool of him (to my husband Paul's chagrin). Even before my blogging started, I couldn't resist photo ops of Mason in silly/compromised positions. He's worn various apparel and accessories, having been adorned with everything from St. Patty's day hats, to antlers and pink bunny ears. For his entry, we picked out the most recent embarrassing moment, a batty headband from last Halloween. I like this one because although he sat patiently as I snapped away, you can see the look of boderline disgust on his face. I love the one raised eyebrow! Mason, all I can say is you are DEFINITELY a good sport for putting up with all the torment from me & your little brother Brutus. Thanks for being such a great dog (or as Paul says - The Best Dog Ever)!!

"Seriously??"

DUNCAN: CDIT Division (FEO Entry)

Onto my other "entry". I've picked up a bunch of followers since last fall when my old JR terrier Duncan crossed the rainbow bridge after nearly 17 years with me (to read more about Duncan, check out the memorial post I did for him back in September). Since post-humous entries are not within the contest guidelines, Mango suggested I do a FEO entry (as we say in agility, For Exibtion Only - what it's called when you run just for the experience, not to be judged) as a sort of tribute/reminder of Duncan. This picture is just too perfect, so I couldn't resist. Here is one of Duncan's "finer" moments, which would have been perfect for the CDIT (Cracker Dog Insane Terrier) Division:

In Duncan's defense, this photo caught him mid-yawn, my flash waking him from a snooze he had been taking. Like many of our older canine pals, Duncan was a bit of a grump in his old age (he couldn't hear, and I don't think he could see all that well either), and did have quite a reputation for snarkyness. Still he managed to tolerate the addition of a high-energy French bulldog puppy during the twilight of his days, that having already adapted to living with Mason in a new home as a senior citizen (he had been my mom's dog, spoiled beyond belief). So for those of you who never met Duncan, here is a photo of him from a warmer-fuzzier moment. It was taken only a few weeks before he crossed the Rainbow Bridge just weeks before his 17th birthday. We miss you, buddy!!

Think there is still room for one more item in this post, and far be it from me to NOT include something about Brutus (it's what you are all coming here for, after all).

My apologies to Martine and the kiddlets (Captain & Candy) for not getting this posted sooner, but here is Brutus officially taking his Pup Scout Oath (click the badge above to biggify and see the oath, or visit Martine's blog, I Need a Sugar Fix, to find out more).

I'm really going to have to work to hold Brutus to the vows he took (he tends to be an "It's all about me" kinda guy), but it'll be good for him!! Now I just need to find him a sash and pup scout hat... Or get a lot more proficient at using Photoshop....