Pooscapades

2010 Update

2010-08-04T19:26:00.006+10:00

Maggie thanks all those who have followed her Pooscapades over the years for their ongoing interest in her activities. She has asked that you all be informed she is loving life, having loads of fun and is currently enjoying her sabbatical, which consists of:

Some walks on the beach....

Blarneys with her bedding followed by protracted exhaustion from the effort,

And tucking into bones!

Bah! Humbug

2009-12-22T08:34:00.011+10:00

Season's Greetings to all of you! I wish you all a safe and restful Festive Season. I only put the "bow" photo up because I'm a good sport, it's the season, and I thank my lucky stars Aunty Amanda didn't get a hold of me like last year and dress me up with antlers and bells!

The only reason she didn't is that she's very busy moving herself, Uncle Brian, Eric, Elsie and Max to a new home and they won't be my neighbours anymore. I'd wear the antlers every day if it would make them stay. I'm going to miss them SO much! We were all puppies when they moved in just a few months after me and my house started life together. My house was built for me, but I was just plain lucky they moved in next door.

I know they didn't miss getting dressed up this year either...

I've been trying to enjoy myself despite the impending doom and gloom, and I hope you are all winding down for the long, hot, lazy days of summer. I'm stuck with Him at home all the time, which has its advantages, like our successful lizard hunt yesterday, and it's disadvantages, like sharing my space and not getting hidden treats left in obvious places as distractions for being left alone at home. She on the other hand is in and out, although She does respond more frequently to my demands when She's at home than He does.

I've had quite a few car trips too. The most exciting event that I engineered was a cocktail party. It's not all that hard to imagine. She was in the kitchen making food, which actually only happens when it's for me, so I had a right to think I was up for something special.

The next thing was He hauled out the chilli bin, which usually means a road trip or a vacation that includes, or is especially for me. After all, all my food is personally prepared by Her and its all I'm allowed to eat. Which in itself is another whole story which has its advantages and disadvantages, but I digress...

So what was I supposed to think. He's getting stuff together that looks like a car trip. She's making food AND the chilli bin is out, and so, smart dog that I am, I got excited at the prospect of some adventure. I mean really excited - yapping and spinning and yapping and dancing and yapping and you get the picture!

Anyway, She's wearing a pretty dress (or She thinks so, but She's worried because no one ever compliments Her on it, so now She's not so sure) and He's not in shorts, so I'm thinking only half the cues are in my favor, but if I yap and spin and yap and dance and yap pleadingly with my cutest face, I'll be going for sure! I see Him haul the iPhone out (She hates that thing, because after His bicycle, computer, kitchen appliances, coffee machine and me, She's moving further down His list of favorite things, notwithstanding that's what She ought to expect if She gives Him presents He wants for His birthdays). Anyway, She's shaking Her head and blushing scarlet, while He talks to the iPhone, and next thing you know, I'm loaded in the car with the chilli bin.

I've been to that house before and the people that showed up all think I'm pretty cute. I'm good with children and I behaved. Sadly, I wasn't allowed to eat what was in the chilli bin, but She did sneak me a few tasty treats as reward for my good behaviour. I felt very grown up going to a cocktail party, but I was knackered for a day or too after that! Not sure what they had in the water...

The dress has come out again, but not the chilli bin, so I guess that was the only Christmas do I was able to get myself invited to. That's okay, I'm over it. I think They are too, what with Her being such a fussy eater and Him hating to wear smart clothes in the heat! Only 8 more sleeps until 2010, so hang on to your hats and enjoy the new decade! I'm signing off for 2009, unless a really big story breaks!

Toad you so!

2009-12-03T11:14:00.031+10:00

No, it's not a typo, this is an important post to inform fellow Westies of the dangers lurking in Australian Adventure Playgrounds. A timely reminder to stay safe over the summer. We Westies and other terriers were bred to hunt and hunt we do! But, like all highly skilled activities, success can come at a price.

So your Pack Leaders need to be trained to know what to do when our enthusiasm overwhelms our judgment and we come face to face with a Cane Toad! Lucky for my friend Marlee-Jane(seen here on the right with me in the middle and Tiff on the left ), her Pack Leaders, Aunty Kim and Uncle Paul knew EXACTLY what to do and saved her life!

Now, for those who like to read stuff for themselves, follow this link. For the rest of you, here are the important points:

1. Toads gets scared when you get close and release a WHITE POISON onto their skin.

2. DON'T sniff, lick or get so close the poison goes in your eyes - it can KILL YOU (or even your Pack Leader) within 15 minutes.

3. You may get any one or more of these SIGNS: start to salivate, retch or vomit, get a bit disorientated, stare into space, have a fit, have trouble walking, and it could make your heart stop.

4. If the poison got in your mouth, your Pack Leader must WASH AND SCRUB YOUR MOUTH OUT and get rid of all the poison from your teeth and gums using water. The water must go forward OUT of your mouth so that you don't swallow the poison!

5. If you are having a fit, get your Pack Leader to take you to the VET immediately!

6. Toads come out at night, so don't go hunting by yourself then and make sure your Pack Leader doesn't leave water out and they must cover any pools and ponds.

For myself, I've decided to stick to sunbaking:

On the deck

On the grass

On border patrol

And when I can't find a beam:

I just dream of hunting

Or get a bone held for me

Or make my own fun

Or stick to flies

Ode to Hamish

2009-11-25T19:39:00.009+10:00

Suddenly and without warning, I have to say goodbye to one of my friends. I have known Hamish Arber since 2006, when I founded Westie Walkers. I was hoping to see him this Sunday at the year end Westie Walker social walk for 2009 called "Woof 'n Walk".

Hamish and his pack live nearby me and I often bumped into him on my "duck walk". That's the walk down to the creek where the ducks get fed and round the back under the bridge and past the library and back home. It's a long one, and one I make reluctantly when it's hot. But other times, when I bump into Hamish on the back straight, we commiserate about how our pack leaders feel obliged to take us out walking in the evening when all we really want is dinner! We have a roll in the grass, a good old sniff, perhaps a bit of a play and then it's "see ya later" until next time.

Today, Hamish's Pack Leader sent me an email saying how Hamish, who harbors some distaste for the postie, got out the house, chased the wretched scooter in earnest, and was hit by a car in full flight. I for one admire his determination, a fallen hero, taken down in his prime protecting his territory from noisy strangers daring to cross his path. I'm going to miss you Hamish - my heart is broken.

Ode to Hamish
My dearest Hamish,
You got your wish,
Living larger than life
And heedless to strife,
You grabbed an opportunity
To nab a wretched postie.

But fate intervened
And sadly deemed
That your wondrous courage
Was needed on a Higher Stage,
And so I remember you always fellow Westie
You are simply the Bestie

With much love and sadness, Maggie

September Adventure

2009-10-04T11:22:00.018+10:00

Well, I missed September altogether! But not because I was lazing away the hours, I was Very Busy doing dog stuff!

First stop was Teagin who returned from holiday to wave her magic wand and re-discover me under all my winter layers. I had to suffer the bow indignity again, hoo boy!

I didn't make her task easy, getting in some good days of hunting with the extremely warm weather which inconveniently came before my haircut. In the course of the chase of a particularly slippery lizard, I took to the destroying the plants.

But I did enjoy myself immensely!

It was hot, and I tried hard to stay comfortable before my haircut.

Second stop was a Simply Social Walk with all my Westie Walker friends at New Farm Park. There was a great turnout with everyone looking very glamorous and shiny, clearly having been put through the same re-discovering ordeal as me.... successfully!

Third stop was a much awaited vacation. It sounds idyllic, you know, eating, sleeping, hunting, sleeping, walking, eating, sleeping interspersed with barking, treats, cuddles, playtime, staring vacantly into space, watching TV and so on, but the routine can wear me out. So She arranged a vacation for me at Aunty Kim, Uncle Paul, Tiff and Marlee, where I do all the same stuff except in a different location and importantly, there are a lot less rules!!! So I sleep, but on the bed; and I eat, but I get Schmacko's treats; and I play, but with Tiff and Marlee; and I bark, but I carry on until I get my way and so everything's the same, but better! Thanks, Tiff and Marlee, for letting me be Top Dog at your house too!

Fourth stop was a return home, much inspired to put paw to keyboard. But despite the fact that Aunty Kim washed out my color rinse from the dust storm, when I got home there was another one. She is beside herself, frantically cleaning and cleaning and cleaning and contemplating moving because She thinks She'll never get the house clean again.

And then there's me... every time I venture outside to hunt in the dust, I come back a darker shade of orange. I've been checking out my handiwork from before the vacation too. Eventually She tossed me in the tub and gave me a very thorough scrub! Actually, I feel a lot better for it.

Bring on the summer of lizards! I have been practicing on the flies...

Shaggie Maggie (aka Woolly Wonder)

2009-08-29T14:23:00.026+10:00

Hoo Boy Folks,

It's not even 1 September and its way over 30 degrees C (that's 86 F for my overseas fan base)... in fact last week it was 38 degrees (or 100 F)!

Yeah, no kidding and to make matters worse, He forgot to schedule an appointment for me at the cleaners last time I was there, which was so long ago, I forgot I had to suffer the ignominy of the whole process (which includes a mortifying bow and obligatory photo op). Anyway, He called up about 4 weeks ago, because it was already getting hot even then, and Teagin of Four Paw was too busy and then she was going on holiday. So because I can't be trusted to any other groomer on the planet, I have had to wait until Teagin gets back, which is thankfully next week. I've been sweeping the floor ahead of me with my tongue it's been hanging out so far in the heat, and quite frankly, I've had enough of the grit!

Anyway, They've tried frightfully hard to alleviate my suffering, and a couple of weeks ago They came up with a Road Trip! They feel bad that Elsie, Eric and Max have a weekender at the beach and I don't, so They finally arranged with Aunty Amanda and Uncle Brian that I could go too. So on Friday evening, even though I had no idea anything was happening because I had my Pooscapade and dinner as usual, suddenly there was this flurry of activity. She packed my blue and yellow back pack with my bowl and my food and I knew this was gonna be good... Then, when everything was in place, I got bundled into the car and off we went. It's generally a lovely soothing drive (until the inevitable roadworks soon followed by the directions argument) all the way up there, and it wasn't too late when we got there. Boy was I excited when I saw My Best Friends; we had a good old chat about what was going down and settled down for scraps from the beautiful meal Aunty Amanda made for Them.

I got to sleep on the bed with Them ( Forbidden Behaviour at home - in fact, I don't even know if They have a bed, because I'm not allowed where ever it is They go after lights out). She didn't have a good night sleep what with me and Him occupying most of the bed; and I guess I do feel lucky I don't have to sleep with His snoring all the time!

The next morning we all went for a long walk on the beach. She had made chicken treats for me, so I was allowed to run and walk off lead, because well, I have to confess it's not worth running away if there's chicken on offer... and She knows it!

I went exploring

I tried to get the fisherman to show me how to do it, or in the alternative, give me some of what he got (no bites there...)

I took a moment to enjoy the moment

I took a rest (note aforementioned tongue!)

After the walk, They took me with to breakfast at the local cafe, and then I followed Max and Elsie's example because a place can be very comfy place when you're allowed on the furniture!

I lazed around reading the latest journals and watching Tiger play golf

and sunbaking

Eric was too busy requesting food as a reward for a good sit. He's looking hot after all his beach walks, but it sure makes him even more determined to find (or make) that elusive food opportunity.

Later as promised, They took me along to look at some real estate to see if there was a place I liked that They could get for me to have more frequent weekends at the beach.

I don't remember much of the drive home though, because it was late in the afternoon and I was all tuckered out. It's hard to be a ball of energy where you're hot and shaggy! Lately, my most important task of the day is to find the breeziest spot and play possum! Roll on Saturday, I don't even care about the bow any more...

It is possible to have too much fun!

2009-08-04T19:01:00.019+10:00

I've finally emerged from my state of overwhelming exhaustion following my long anticipated visit to Aunty Kim, Uncle Paul, Tiffany and Marlee-Jane. A few weekends ago we stopped by their house, but noone was home. Much to my embarrasment, She let Aunty Kim know how disappointed I had been, and practically invited ourselves over. But Aunty Kim is very kind and she arranged for us to visit this weekend gone by. Now I didn't know that, so you can imagine my delight when I got ushered into the car bearing gifts. I personally picked out the one for Tiff and Marlee, but that doesn't mean I didn't have an interest in it myself, being edible and all...

Anyway, the miles whizzed by and it was soon exit 20. I know where that is (I'm good with directions), and I am sure to let Him know, because He always says He knows where He's going, but actually has No Idea. Then She gets annoyed because we go round in circles or miss the turn or Whatever, and then there's some raised voices and then ultimately silence and I don't get to go where we were going.

So when We pulled up everyone was waiting for me. But I was so excited I bowled them all over and raced around leaving pee - mail in my favorite haunts and reacquainting myself with all my favorite spots in and out the house. I barked and barked and generally just ran around like a mad thing until I had to make my I'm-so-excited-I-have-to-poop poo. It was with some consternation that I noticed the poo patch out front is now pebbled, but I chose a discrete, distant corner and She dutifully made sure my present wasn't left behind for some unsuspecting passer by.

Since I was there on vacation, there have been some other changes. The budgie barks regularly and if I didn't know better would be completely fooled into thinking there was another pooch on the premises. Uncle Paul turned his deft DIY hand to some bifold doors which when folded back I learnt the hard way by knockin' my noggin on the glass, make the garden seem twice as big ... Uncle Paul also got a flash red Mustang for his birthday, but try as I might, I wasn't allowed to go in and check it out.

Also, much to my surprise and delight was Aunty Kim's neighbour Maggie was there. Maggie is just like me, bright, beautiful and full of fun! She babysat me, Tiff and Marlee the first night of my vacation at Aunty Kim's and Uncle Paul's, but she pointed out that I never so much as gave her a mention! Even with my extensive imagination, I can't come up with an excuse, so I'm sorry Aunty Maggie, and I do love being around you!

So after watching dance video (actually me, Tiff and Marlee were just tussling it out for the best spot on the bed to watch said dance video), scoring scraps from the beautiful lunch, and performing my repertoire of tricks designed to impress, all too soon it was time to go home. It's fair to say I collapsed in a heap that evening

There were absolutely no signs of life the following day...

Late in the piece I moved a shade when the word "Dinner" was yelled out

But immediately after that, once again I couldn't keep my eyes open... So its absolutely true, I can have too much fun! And losing a day is a small price to pay.

Masterpooch

2009-07-26T12:45:00.020+10:00

Good grief! It's been a while since my last blog. The main reason is that life in my household was put on hold for Masterchef. Now as you can imagine, because there were 72 episodes, that was a significant period of time. And I am not accustomed to being ignored for that long. So long in fact, that even a turn on the Leather Chair went unnoticed...

Well, that's not entirely true. You see, Masterchef initiated a domino effect on the usual military organisation of my household. The first domino to fall was that He, as self appointed household Masterchef, is responsible for dinner. As long as Masterchef The Show was on, dinner could not be made or served at such a time that would interfere with the scheduled (nightly...) screening.

So the next domino to fall was Her, being the epicenter of household military precision organisation and pinnacle of aversion to anything that disrupts the routine as declared by Herself. The reason was that nothing was happening when and as it should because of Masterchef.

That of course was gravely compounded by the fact that He, immersed in all things related to food and cooking, became totally unaware of Her existence and didn't really pay attention at essential times, like when She's talking, which could now only be while He was hurriedly preparing dinner before Masterchef . In itself, not listening to Her talk is not really a new phenomenon, but that's a whole other story...

In any event, The Disruption of Routine was of a magnitude so grave, the next domino to fall was my regular Pooter access and I just could not get a blog in. That's because normally my best chance to get uninterrupted Pooter time is while They're having dinner. I have until the tinkle of cutlery subsides and the dishwasher door opens to think and doodle and edit and come up with my posts, because after that if I lie on my mat promptly I get treats.

What really annoys me is that I am already an online Celebrity Chef, having published episodes of Maggie's Kitchen long before all this Masterchef nonsense began. Here's one of my specialties - Moroccan Chicken Wings: chickpeas and avocado mushed up with my veggies and a chicken wing. Note how well it's been plated up too... very appealing!

In fact, I've decided I might make a new a new series called Masterpooch, featuring my healthy-baking expertise, which I indulge in from time to time to make treats.

That includes things like "Little Eataly Meatballs" (seen here in the making), "Pupeye's Grrreek Spanielkopita" and "Mad Dogs and Englishman" scones courtesy of the 3 Dog Bakery Book. They taste a whole lot better than stuff out of packets! And I think I should get my very own Pooter.

Big Night Out

2009-06-21T19:40:00.007+10:00

Last week as anticipated I got hauled off to the cleaners. I got a green eco-friendly bow, so I don't mind too much that She made me share the photo op with you. It didn't last much longer than that though... straight into the bow bag. She insists on collecting them - She's like Imelda Marcos and her 1060 shoes. Although I guess if She opened a Maggie's Memorablia Museum, I could use the money raised for Philanthropoochic endeavors.... But the prospect of 1060 visits to the cleaners? Don't know about that!

On Saturday night I went out for dinner! I was invited to Bonnie and Kenzie's house. Of course, They had to come too, because well, as accomplished as I am, I can't drive and it was too dark and drizzly and far away to make my way over there on all fours. But They were pretty well behaved overall, and only interfered when I tried to eat Bonnie and Kenzie's food or bones. We chased possums and did some investigating and playing and behaving for treats. I'm not accustomed to staying up late though, and I got a little cantankerous. That's when She decided it was definitely time to go...

Needless to say, I was exhausted and when it dawned grey and wet on Sunday morning, getting out of bed was decidely difficult. I dutifully performed my ablutions, but I gave border patrol a miss. Sunday breakfast is always good and I scoffed that down no problem. But the effort, on top of last night, was too much for me and I mooched around in a bit of an exercise haze. It's a zen like state of bewilderment that follows an extended period of concentrated activity. I collapsed in the inelegant heap shown here, where even rolling over was mission impossible. It lasted the whole of Sunday... although I did perk up enough to squeeze in a walk between showers and made sure I got my dinner! Luckily it was the shortest day of the year, so that happened sooner rather than later and I could settle down on my purple heart blankie and snore my way through the news.

Liquorice Outta Sorts

2009-06-09T12:45:00.014+10:00

Hey Everyone
My best friend Eric caused a bit of kerfuffle last week when Uncle Brian, about to embark on an Important Mission by aeroplane, left his suitcase zippered and waiting while he and Aunty Amanda went for breakfast. Eric had dutifully (and strategically) helped with the packing, so he knew that Uncle Brian hid his favorite liquorice snacks under the socks under the pants under the shirts so Aunty Amanda wouldn't know.

So while Uncle Brian and Aunty Amanda were tucking into scrambled eggs on toast at the local cafe, Eric unzippered the bag, scrambled the clothes, and made light work of the whole packet of liquorice - wrappers and all! Needless to say, he was toast - the consequences he suffered were far worse than any trouble he might have gotten into from Aunty Amanda if he hadn't gotten so unwell. Instead, she had to race him to the vet at 1 am and he stayed there for 2 days getting patched back together.

Poor Aunty Amanda was beside herself; it not being the first time Eric has eaten something he shouldn't have. When he comes here to play, Eric stakes a vigil at the door of the pantry because that's where the bin is kept. She knows to keep it closed, because there isn't anything Eric isn't capable of getting to or eating...

I have tried to teach Eric to hunt lizards when I'm over there, but what with him being the Master of Fast Food and Available Appetisers, I guess I have my work cut out for me. I still have a lot to get right myself with the lizards, but I practice a lot. Hunting lizards requires vigilance, patience, knowledge of the prey, fearlessness, subtlety, quickness of foot, agility, and help from Her when I need it. These are not things that come in packets...off a shelf...

Anyway, Eric got whisked off to the groomers to get his hair evened out. The vet had shaved him in all the wrong places to put in drips and take samples and stuff. He looks like a GI now, but before I could ogle at him, he was taken to his beach side retreat for some R+R. He sent me this picture.

Aunty Amanda bought him this jacket, to keep him warm, but he steadfastly refused to wear it, and so, Aunty Amanda who has tried to give me clothes before, generating the same response, decided I could have it. But this time, I WILL wear it! In fact, I'm dreaming of running around in a paddock catching the sheep that donated their coats for me to be so cosy.

And what with the lovely toasty bed Max rejected and Aunty Amanda also gave to me, I'm going to be the toastiest dog in town. It is finally winter here, and for the couple of weeks that it lasts, I'm loving this coat, and my bed! Especially since I suspect it's soon to be my turn to spend the morning at the cleaners for my winter styling!

Maggie the X-terminator

2009-05-24T19:52:00.008+10:00

My duties around the house have X-panded!

The other day I X-pressed a profound interest in the corner of my Poo Patch and X-citedly danced around sniffing and yapping and X-tolling the virtues of my X-tremely loud bark, knowing as I do, that the louder it gets, the more likely They are to come and investigate what's got me going. So that's X-catly what happened! It took a few days, but at least Their suspicions were sufficiently aroused to come running every time I started the X-pression Session at the Poo Patch Corner.

Around the same time, there were a couple of Visiting Possums keeping me up at night, and because of the nature of things, if I'm up and yapping then They are up and concerned about me, and so the Vicious Cycle of sleepless nights for all of us begins... Anyway, She decided that the Visiting Possums wouldn't visit if the Lady Next Door kept her garden in check and cut back the vegetation at least once a year. Ho Hum. Given the drought has ended (and then some...), the weather's still warm, the LDN's passion fruit is outta control.

So She figures, if the passion fruit weren't there, the Visiting Possums would Vanish and She would get some sleep... She diligently picked up those that had fallen on our side of the fence, but got distracted and left them on my Poo Patch, meaning to toss 'em out with my next poo. Problem is, She forgot, and the next morning, the middle of one of the fruit was eaten out. So She knew something was out there, and thought it was the Visiting Possums who had taken up residence in the hidden corner of my Poo Patch that I was constantly investigating.

So the next evening, I was X-acting every last breath from my lungs in the corner of my Poo Patch and He stuck his head out and caught sight of a tail disappearing under the house! Bingo - unwelcome visitor sighted.

So the next evening, we went to the Possum Man's House down the road and we got some cages. The Possum Man is very scary, but I was very X-cited about the prospect of my mission being accomplished. And so it was... The next morning there was a little mouse wishing it hadn't taken advantage of the apple He left inside the cage under the house!

I supervised while He got the cage, making sure everyone in the neighborhood knew of our success. I was strapped into the lead on His one hand, while the little mouse was locked in the cage in His other hand and we ran all the way down to the creek. I barked and barked the whole way so people would know we were coming and move out the way promptly. He tried to shut me up by running faster (it's quite hard work to run and bark at the same time, I have to say, but boy, I had a good go at it...)

I made up a little rhyme for this bit -

When we got to the creek
We let the 'rat out of the bag' so to speak
I hoped he could swim
Otherwise he'd get very thin
But I did what I was bred to do
ID the bad guy and give Them the clue!

I kept watch of the cages just in case something else reappeared. It took a lot of concentration. The next night, we took the cages back to the Possum Man. He was still scary. Anyway, I thought I would get a medal or something for being such an intrepid hunter, but I just got lots of pats and proud looks. Maybe someone will nominate me for a Purple Heart... (other than the one's on my blankie)

Big Day Out

2009-05-04T08:52:00.024+10:00

Hey Folks

It's true - there is a pot of gold...

There I was mooching about waiting for something exciting to happen. They kept it quiet (although it could have been the case that I wasn't quiet enough myself to pay attention to the Secret Dog Owners Business) but I had a Big Day Out the other day!

I should have guessed because He got me out of bed while there was still a moon and stars in the sky and He took me down dark and dangerous streets... It was somewhat confusing because even though I couldn't see anything, I could detect evidence of my previous presence on the very same streets. I am accustomed to leaving Pee-Mail for myself, in case I ever get out and need to find my way around, or alternately, as a means of networking with other locals, and I recognised some regular mail boxes en route.

Anyway, it was still dark when we got home, my ablutions were attended to, and She was already up with my breakfast waiting. The car was packed and all my gear was bundled in. I need a lot of things, treats, poo bags, car seat cover, safety harness, portable water bowl, towel, lead, music collection.... the list goes on, but by then I knew what was up, and supervised as closely as I could to make sure it was going to be a great road trip!

And so it was:

I got taken out for breakfast (table reserved right at the entrance so that all the customers could admire me)

I got taken to the beach and got to race around. I obeyed all the rules. I had pooped at the service station facilities long before I got to the beach, and I was on my lead as the sign requires...

I collapsed in euphoric exhaustion

I went to several vantage points to appreciate the beautiful coast line

I got roast chicken for the picnic lunch which always puts a smile on my dial

I got treats for being so good although it didn't stop me trying to help myself to more...

I slept the whole way home

Easter Feaster

2009-04-15T20:51:00.006+10:00

Hey Everyone!

Well you know what a soggy Easter it was. I was bored stiff and downright cranky, but then they don't call Sunday Sunday for nothing do they? Easter Sunday was a cracker - it started off grey and grumpy, but as the clouds started to clear, so did my mood.

I knew something was up, but They weren't giving anything away. On Easter Saturday, Both of Them were in the kitchen. Now that in itself is strange, because She only goes in there to make food for me, and She's not allowed in there for anything else when He's around. Long story, and it's a boring one...so I won't bother! Anyway, it was pretty exciting, because all I had to do was lie down, stay still and look cute and I got treats the entire day! They're so easy! But I still didn't know what the fuss was about, and as long as the treats kept coming, to be honest, I didn't care.

Easter Sunday, it was the same deal - after my brekkie, lots of kitchen activity and tidying up (which is Thursday stuff, not Sunday, even stranger). Worse, I got tossed in the tub! Although that was coming, I could tell by the tilt of Her nose the few days prior - what's a dog to do when it rains so much and gets wet and a dog has to go outside to attend to things. If I had wanted to get wet I would have gone out and stayed in the persistent rain, but She sweetened the deal with liver bits and a hefty tussle between us with the towel when the deed was done, which is always fun!

Then, luckily for me my Sunbeam escaped from behind the clouds and I could dry off by toasting myself in its warm embrace (eat your heart out, Snoopy, how's that for a cracker of a line). Sunbeams mean lizards, and lizards mean hunting, and hunting means barking for help, and all of a sudden when things were falling into place, the doorbell rang and who was it, but Uncle Paul, Aunty Kim, Tiffany and Marlee-Jane!

And just as soon as we finished chasing each other around the house, the doorbell went again, and who was it this time, but Uncle Brian, Aunty Janet and Molly!
And just as soon as our jaws hit the floor in surprise, the doorbell went a 3rd time, and who was it, but Aunty Trish, Indy and Scarlett!

And just like that, the Usual Suspects were together and ready to wreak havoc! I could see it written all over Her face: "What was I thinking??" We had a blast - there was jostling for attention, frantic investigating, political positioning for BBQ treats and some rowdy rought and tumble in my Adventure Playground. By now my Sunbeam was smiling broadly over the entire Playground Planet and we pee'd and poo'd and played our little hearts out! At one point I got in trouble and got my lead put on and tied to His waist until I "settled down", but in my defence, its My House and I Rule, although She says I can't apply that Rule at home and everywhere else I go visit. But it doesn't stop me trying... Aunty Amanda knows that from Wednesdays, but she was up the coast ensuring Eric, Elsie and Max were receiving all the pampering pooches need at their personal beach house on a long weekend.

Just grumbling along...

2009-04-10T13:44:00.009+10:00

The diagnosis of Writer's Block has been upgraded to Lack of Interest. Grumble. Nothing much happens around here, and apart from meals and arrivals, there isn't much to get excited about. Grumble. My soapbox is soggy from all the rain, and I get in trouble every time I bark my opinion about something. Grumble.

OMG! It's Easter already. Hmmm. It's Very Quiet around here. Eric, Elsie and Max have gone up to their fabulous beach house for some R+R. She's working and He's doing what He always does - park me in a corner while He works away on His computer. Hrrrmph.

I suppose if I really think about it, there have been a couple of Highlights. Firstly, a few weeks ago, Aunty Amanda noticed that I always take over Max's personal resting space when I'm over there, so she decided to give it to me. It's not as if Max ever used it, and anyway, it was my way of telling him I'm in charge, even if it's just over him. It was a very generous and well informed decision, as is always to be expected from Aunty Amanda, but She says I'm just attention seeking. That's because it wasn't any fun to use it in my own house, because I wasn't displacing Max. Anyway, when Jock was here, he wanted to use it, so of course, I let him. Jock is a whole different dawg to Max. But after Jock left, I finally claimed it as mine - clearly a desireable piece of furniture - and I insisted it get placed in the library. That means She and I now have matching personal resting spaces, where we can retire to read, write and relax, as the occasion demands. And woe betide anyone who wants to use it now... (except maybe Jock...)

The other highlight was chasing reptiles and amphibians around my Adventure Playground. I started on a tunnel, but She put paid to that. She said if Brisbane City Council wanted me to connect with the North South tunnel, they would have put out a tender for the addition and made me submit my plans for approval.

As I understand it, indiscriminate digging with no end (or reptile) in sight is not going to be tolerated, regardless of my engineering skills. As a consequence, I paid the ultimate price!

Writer's Block

2009-03-29T13:31:00.022+10:00

"It was a dark and stormy night.. "

Yes, folks, I've had writer's block and I've been looking to my hero, Snoopy, for inspiration.

Nothing's working. It feels like I haven't got any new bad habits I can tell you about.

I still Bark, make demands (often the last 2 simultaneously),

hunt lizards (this was one of my successful attempts), have temper tantrums and refuse good food for no apparent reason (actually, its because I want something not on the menu for a change please...).

I still do good deeds like greet Her with wild enthusiasm when She gets home, supervise rescue of exhausted doggies swimming in the creek unable to get out, have my old friend Jock for a 3 night sleepover and share my toys, treats and favorite spots with him.

I still go play at my best friends Elsie, Eric and Max and drive Aunty Amanda insane every week, suffer the indignity of my 3 monthly makeover (temporary) and come home with a bow (UGH!) in my hair.

I'm still just a dog with blog stuck in writer's fog... and there's no real poetic way to say it! I think I'll extend my break, chilling out like this,

or like this, until I think of something important to say!

Paparazzi'd Pooch

2009-02-21T09:13:00.017+10:00

Well, its not as bad as Paris Hilton's infamy, because of course I have tons more class and I am a famous Philanthropooch , but some photos have surfaced on the internet of me on vacation! So, I thought I'd post them here, because, well actually I'm quite proud of the luxury to which I became somewhat accustomed at Uncle Paul, Aunty Kim, Miss Tiff and Marlee Jane's... In fact, I reckon, the more She sees what is considerd the minimum to be provided for of a Philanthropooch of my standing, the more likely I am to see improvements at home. I had The Most amazing vacation imaginable! I was feted like royalty with play time, TV time, garden time, walk time, meal time, spa and beauty packages, cuddles and access to luxurious bedding and sofas whenever I demanded. It's not that these things aren't provided to me at home, but I ask you, how can you compare this....

to this...

I know I look pretty regal in this photo, as you do when you are the sole occupant of a large and Very Comfy sofa from which you can command others to do your bidding, like, lets see, change the channel... so I was secretly pleased when She saw this picture given that I am not allowed on Their furniture unless I'm on a lap, which you know, is not always conducive to a good stretch and getting comfy, and also, since I'm on the lap, They can't go and get me stuff without moving me, which essentially just totally defeats the purpose! Why, I ask, is that so hard to comprehend, along with the fact that the thing I treasure most after food, hunting lizards and sunbaking, is my Personal Space. Now, on This sofa, Personal Space was never at issue... How can you compare it to this (even if you are getting a tummy tickle)?

The other place I was surreptiously snapped, was in my attempt to blend into the background (actually it worked better if I had just had a beauty treatment as opposed to a vigorous search for the local lizard population) and enjoy the ultimate in luxury on the blanket box positioned at the end of the Bed with the Red Satin Sheets. I started there for fear of being detected and ultimately evicted, but since that Never Happened (except clearly for the instance I was detected and this photo was snapped), I later boldly made my way to the other end of the bed to hang out and relax in style.

On Vacation!

2009-02-02T01:55:00.007+10:00

This is me hunting - I mistook the leaf from Aunty Amanda's passion fruit for an exotic, edible creature, that required a stealthy stalk and attack from behind...This is the moment before impact! I was too embarrassed, yes me, to show you the moment after. How could I have got it so wrong, I ask myself... But I thought my stalking techniques had improved dramatically, and I'd appreciate any advice on netting those lizards Every Time!

Moving on to happier tales, my much anticipated and long awaited vacation has finally arrived and I am living the high life at Uncle Paul, Aunty Kim, Miss Tiff and Marlee Jane. I had visited a couple of times before, but nothing compares to actually staying here! The fun started within minutes of my arrival.

I knew the time had come because the day before, She tossed me in the tub, and I was snowy white and smelling too good to be true (that can Always be fixed...). She had packed up my backpack (it's yellow and blue with lots of compartments) with all my important things, favorite toy, purple heart blankie, food bowl and water bowl, clean mat, towels, lead, poo bags and some odds and ends I just can't do without. She also packed up the chilli bin with all my meals, each one carefully dated and labeled with instructions. She does make a fuss, but then, I'm pretty fussy about what I eat.

Anyway, after She got the whole lot together, They tossed me in the car and off we drove. It was very exciting! When I got to Uncle Paul, Aunty Kim, Miss Tiff and Marlee Jane's, I gave a couple of welcome barks and ran off to check all the places I had earmarked in my prior visits as places of interest. But lo and behold, I don't know how I missed it before, but there was this kinda ledge thing with some plants in it, just like my own adventure playground, and I decided to investigate for lizards! Only problem was, it was full of water and mud and fish, who swim faster than the lizards run..., and I Don't like getting my feet wet, oh no! So out I hopped and ran inside to tell Her. And there He found me, sliding all aver Aunty Kim's clean white tiles, unable to get a grip on the floor and leaving muddy, wet trails from the door.

I guess I had a look of considerable consternation, but I have to say, it could not have matched Her jaw drop, deep red hue and general total embarrassment. Aunty Kim wasn't too upset (or so it appeared) and she just tossed me in the tub and started hosing me off. She finally came over to help and since Mud Sticks (She whispered in my ear) I got a very firm rubbing all over in the name of removing said Mud. Anyway, I bounced out of that enjoying all the attention only to find Uncle Paul had in the interim, wisely placed some fencing over the pond, so that I wouldn't try that trick again!

In the mean time, She remembered She had forgotten all my breakfasts, so They had to leave and got get them. By the time They got back, Uncle Paul, Aunty Kim, Miss Tiff and Marlee Jane and me, had had dinner and were on our evening walk. They stopped to give the packages to Aunty Kim, but I just gave them a carefree toss of my head, a casual look back, and continued on marching out in front with Uncle Paul

Now, I am well ensconsed over here. Marlee has informed me in no uncertain terms that no, I'm not the boss and now we all get on famously. I watch TV in bed, I play and I don't seem to get in as much trouble as I do with Her. Only problem is, She didn't pack my camera, so I can't show you just how much fun it is! And the best part is, I still have some more time on vacation!

Last Bark of 2008!

2009-01-01T17:30:00.015+10:00

Well I've been cruising along in December. The weather's pretty ordinary - not a day goes by under 30 degrees, which makes walks a chore! The lizards are out, but it's hard work catching them - the heat impairs my judgment and agility.

Christmas is Bah Humbug around here. Here, the belief that a bit more humbug benefits us all by forcing us to reevaluate what we do and assume, led Them to decide that my well used Adventure Playground required an upgrade for 2009, and so, Bless Their Cotton Socks, They ordered 4 cubic meters of Tea Tree Mulch on Christmas Eve, and bravely spent Christmas Day remulching for me. Tea Tree also repels fleas, so apart from its garden advantages, its good for me too!

So the next unanticipated Christmas adventure around here was the advent (hehehe) of Jock, a Fellow Westie with a diametrically opposite personality to me. He's the Westie version of Crush and I have a Big Crush on him.

I let him lie on my blankies, go through the door first...

I let him play with the toys and sleep in my room.

I shared my treats with him and waited (and waited and waited - he's the tortoise to my hare) for him on our walks. He's as laid back as I am hyper and as quiet as I am loud. Truth - he didn't bark even once the entire week he was here. Go figure! They wanted to trade me for him on that fact alone...

Life's been pretty quiet around here generally. Eric, Elsie and Max are up at their beach house and after Jock left, despite the lack of action even while he was here, I was exhausted from the excitement and so, along with the heat wave, I've been lazing around, conserving energy to think up all the blogs I have to publish next year to deal with the economic crisis, the dawn of the Obama era, and the crisis of global warming. All the best for 2009 folks!

White Christmas!

2008-12-18T18:21:00.010+10:00

No, its not what you think! It's about as far from snowflakes as you can get around here. Stinking hot, and She said I stink... yes, I've been doing dog things, as you might expect - hunting lizards and patrolling the garden and playing over at Eric, Elsie and Max's house (more about that later) and supervising the tree loppers.

She leaves the airconditioning on for me during the day, which worryingly is increasing my carbon footprint beyond just my gaseous emissions. But its so hot, and She worries She'd come home and find a Poached Pooch. Anyway, I have my own carbon trading scheme - my poops are environmentally friendly because I eat raw unprocessed food.

Sigh, I digress - so She said I stink and after Her run this morning, She tossed me in the tub for a Pooch Pamper session. She lays out the towel with treats on it, so I can peck away while She gets organised. She leaves the remaining treats in a pile out of reach where I can be sure to see them and She starts by washing my feet, then my tail, then the rest of me with my head last. She stays in Her running clothes because She also gets kinda wet - I mean what does She think, treats will stop me splashing and wriggling and shaking? Anyway, we have fun and we play after for a bit, before She goes and has Her own shower. So now I'm snowy again, just in time for Christmas!

So about what happened to me when I went to Eric, Elsie and Max's house earlier in the week. Now I know Aunty Amanda loves me, but I think she's teaching me a lesson for barking so much when I'm over there.

After all, it wasn't that long ago she brought me that stuff from Hong Kong, and now this....

However, Eric, Elsie and Max had to suffer too, but they told me secretly that she has these "episodes" and they just go with it, because well you know, she loves them and feeds them and chauffers them to their own beach house and all that stuff. So, I figure, if it makes Aunty Amanda happy, I'll find a way for it to make me happy. Eventually.

Boy, Have I Been Busy!

2008-12-04T20:24:00.013+10:00

Omigosh - I have been So Busy, I haven't got round to my blog for a while. Well, since I last filled you in on my adventures, an appointment with Teagin at Four Paw was looming ominously on the horizon. To make the most of it, though, I chipped in with a monster lizard hunt and catch just minutes before departure... see the rain finally stopped and I went out to hunt and what with the sun and all, it wasn't long before I detected a lizard on my routine border patrol up near the rain tanks under the water collection bucket for the air conditioner. I yapped excitedly for assistance, because of course the bucket was full and I couldn't be expected to move it. She dutifully came outside to shift it for me, and this time we coordinated our attack well. I was ready to pounce the nanosecond She got to the count of 3. Well, I'm pleased to say the lizard didn't last a nanosecond after that. So there I was, proud as punch, a nose covered in gravel, a face full of lizard and within another nanosecond I was tossed unceremoniously into my crate and off to my appointment, from which I emerged looking decidedly less like the hunter I am...

Notwithstanding the makeover, I was at it again 4 days later. I was home alone, and this dumb lizard decided to pay me a visit INSIDE. All I can say is the Department of Lizard Homeland Security isn't talking to its lizards. It didn't stand a chance. With not a nanosecond of thought to the fact that the cleaning lady had just left and spent 3 hours vacuuming, mopping, dusting and getting the place shipshape, I thrashed that lizard leaving blood splotches on the floor, the walls, the door and my newly cropped face. I don't think it requires much imagination to work out what sort of a response I got when They got home. Of course, the first exclamation on seeing the lizard tail was quite rightly, 'where's the body?', which I might add, I myself had been pondering ever since the actual thrashing. Needless to say, I was hauled unceremoniously into the sink, the floor got mopped, again..., the walls and door got washed and all that, and still no sign of the body. But once again on patrol, I found the body under Her Big Brown Leather Chair, and yapped for assistance. He came to help me, but She would have none of it and made Him get the dustpan and get rid of the remains. Hrrmph.

Anyway, I was looking spiffing for the March of the Westies Walk on Sunday. We went to fetch my friend Molly and Aunty Janet and then headed off to Merthyr Park to get set up. Well, it was pandemonium. She was able to record the presence of 75 Westies and their Packs, and we raised money for Guide Dogs Queensland from generous donations and a raffle.

We also sold Westie Walker caps, which I organised - remember I have been collecting money all year for Good Behaviour? 50c for every "Quiet" on command when I bark, and 50c for every "Poop" on command. Well, I not only raised enough money to be in the 2009 Aspen Animal Shelter calendar with my snow patrol buddies, but I also raised enough to manufacture the Westie Walker caps for fundraising which I have donated to Guide Dogs Queensland too. So between me and Westie Walkers, Guide Dogs Queensland got $729.

Actually, I have done quite a bit of promotional work this year; I inspired the logo for Westie Walkers which was used on the cap, and I had to do some work for di Bella coffee, one of the generous sponsors of the walk. Although to be fair, He buys so much di Bella coffee, He probably keeps them in business... Just this week the Aspen Animal Shelter notified me that the 2009 calendars have been published and have sent me my complimentary copies. I can't wait to see myself opposite my birthday week in October! I also featured in a 'Packs and their Pets' photographic documentary by a photojournalism student, so it's been a busy year in front of the camera.

Just to top my week off, I helped Her mow the lawn. She worked really hard to ensure my Adventure Playground doesn't get out of control with all the hot weather and rain. We had to go to the Mower Center to rent a gas mower because He couldn't push the push mower through the long grass. The Lawn Mower man liked me... and said I was welcome there anytime and he was very impressed with my good behaviour. What he didn't know was what else could he expect at 6:30 in the morning - She'd hauled me out of bed, I'd only just managed to poop and have breakfast before She bundled me into the car to go to the mower center. I didn't know what was going on. I sure hoped it wasn't another trip to the salon... But when we got home, we got straight to work, I highlighted areas that needed serious mowing so that I could get at the lizards easier and She obliged. It was a tough day at the office, and aaaagh, dare I say it, once again, there was reason for me to be tossed into the tub and washed all over again....

The Adventurous Life of Me

2008-11-20T10:56:00.024+10:00

I've had a few adventures lately, but don't worry, I'm not in trouble (for a change).

The first is my new object of undivided attention. It's now mandatory that I get to see this new Cat that's always lying on a patch of dirt just across the road and 4 doors down as often as possible. Although on the way there, it's always worth checking every house, in case there is some wildlife of interest to stare at.

So I wait at the front door in an anxious 'Hunchova', which is the pose I have to adopt to indicate my displeasure at not having things go my way exactly as I want them right this very minute. Eventually, there is some remorse on Their part in seeing me like that, and the more I splay my back leg out to the side and look mournful, the more likely They are to agree (albeit reluctantly) to take me over the road to visit the new Cat. Unfortunately lately, its been raining and raining and raining and raining, and so as much as I have wanted to go and see the new Cat, I'd rather not get wet. Luckily yesterday, there was a break in the torrent, and I got to go see the new Cat.

The second is Eric, Elsie and Max's Pack Leader went on a shopping trip to Hong Kong. She got some clothes for all us which is quite ironic. See, there's a bit of background here, just before Aunty Amanda came home with all the designer duds, She had called the newspaper to request a story be done in the local Times to promote our upcoming Westie Walk Fundraiser. He had managed to get some great prizes from Di Bella Coffee and Zone Fresh, and She thought it would be absoloodley tragic if Westie Walkers couldn't raise as much money for Guide Dogs Queensland as the prizes were worth.

So She sprung into action and called the Ed of the City North News. Who clearly had No Idea what a Westie is. After explaining who we are and what we do and that twice before my cute little face has adorned the pages of the paper, he said well you'll have to dress your dog up, otherwise its just another person and a dog story. Not being privy to the other half of the conversation, when She turned white and Her jaw dropped to the floor, I thought She was having a heart attack and I was concerned I wouldn't get my dinner. But after the color returned to Her face, albeit only a pale shade of pink, She composed Herself to be able to decline and draw the conversation to a close... I simply cannot explain my relief in words, mostly that I was going to get my dinner after all, but also because I wasn't going to have to get dressed up!

So back to my designer duds. So Aunty Amanda who loves me 5th in line after Elsie, Eric, Max and Uncle Brian, shopped for me in Hong Kong. Knowing how much I admire my Search and Rescue Friends, she brought me this ultra cool, bright yellow, glow in the dark jacket - very appropriate for the flooding conditions of late, if I felt like getting my feet wet as a Search and Rescue Dog, so to speak...

Actually, she also brought me a quadruple (?) of shoes. When I had an operation on my foot a while back, she got Elsie to lend me one of her shoes so that I wouldn't lick my foot till after it was better. Elsie hates her shoes, which she sometimes has to wear for her grass allergies. I got very attached to that solitary shoe, and I learnt to climb stairs with it and all sorts of things.

So Aunty Amanda thought I could do with some Manola Blahniks of my own. One was OK, but 4?? Much as I love Aunty Amanda, I don't think so... if anyone saw this face in the paper to promote a fundraising dog walk, I don't think anyone would come. So Mr Ed, put that in your pipe and smoke it! Dog's don't need clothes, just the occasional jacket...

Finally she bought me a cute little scarf to add a dash of style. I can definitely see myself wearing that on occasion.

And so I've got my fingers crossed that its a fine sunny day on 30 November 2009 and I can't wait to see all my wonderful Westie friends! I'm getting dragged off to the cleaners this weekend, and I'll be lucky to come out with a #1 all over, the way She's talking. Last weekend I got dragged off to a party in Fingle Bay and I got a pedicure, manicure, soapy massage and facial that morning so that I'd be the ultimate accessory. Hrrmph. Although I did get treats the entire time to ensure compliance. I wish I had been allowed more time on the beautiful beach at Fingle Bay nearby instead of being on my best behaviour for 3 hours watching feet! I did stick my nose under the fence to chat to the fluffy white thing from the next door house and blacken my face in the dirt (poor thing had suffered the same fate as me, but got a bow in it's hair - must have been a commercial job, rather than a homebaked one like mine). She did have the foresight to bring my dinner, which I got on schedule, wasn't I half worried I'd miss that I tell ya, and She had my water bowl topped up right next to me, so it wasn't all bad. I got to sleep all the way home too, which was necessary after the exitement.

Happy Birthday to Me!

2008-10-26T13:06:00.012+10:00

Hey Everyone

It was my birthday last week and I turned 4! I had a great time. Celebrations started the day before and we went on a Pack outing to Merthyr Park, location of March of the Westies on 30 November 2008.

She baked me some Banana Yip Yaps, although I ate too many and got reflux, so She tossed those and baked me Spanielkopita instead which are essentially spinach and lite cheddar bites. Yuum, although She has a penchant for them too, so She gets one for every one I get, which isn't really fair because it wasn't Her birthday.

I got to pick my own bunch of flowers at the florist down the road, and I chose the sunny bunch to match my disposition. She also played with me and helped me hunt lizards, and I got 2 licks of vanilla ice cream (Very Rare Treat!). I know a border collie who gets to go to the Macca's drivethru and gets a soft serve all of her own on her birthday, but you know, I look pretty good for 4, and I intend to keep it that way!
Now that my Birthday's passed, its that time of year when it's definitely getting warmer and instead of curling up in a comma for a nap, I can unwind and relax sunny side up, as all busy dogs need to do.

I showed you this before, but I made a new friend and now he comes to play every so often. The lizards aren't quite as forthcoming, but that's maybe because I can actually catch them by the tail, and when I do, I thrash them around. After that they stop playing, so they're no fun. Although She's quick to point out that despite all my practice and paths of destruction after a hunt, I have very little to show for my efforts in general. She says it's just as well She's the food dispenser because with my hunting skills, it wouldn't be long before I was back begging for a bite...

Vacation Station

2008-10-17T21:41:00.011+10:00

Hey Everyone

I'm back from my vacation at Molly"s House and I had the best time! I had Uncle Brian and Aunty Janet doing my bidding within hours of arrival and they took photos so's I could show y'all what fun it was.

Molly's house is up on a hill with spectacular views and it makes for challenging afternoon walks which happened daily at 4pm after playing all day in the rocks around the pool and getting my face and legs covered in blackjacks. I tried to play with Molly all the time, but I guess she felt a little put out that I was demanding attention from her pack and wouldn't play with me always. I didn't mind though, I thrashed my blankie and toastie about until she wanted to play again. I found 2 great spots to chill on; one on the mat in front of the kitchen sink so Aunty Janet couldn't wash up (although luckily she didn't toss me in there, or out with everything other than...) and the other of course, was Molly's preferred spot at the door watching the world go by and detecting opportunities to bark.

She had packed all my meals and labelled them by day and contents, so Aunty Janet didn't have too much trouble getting me fed. The same can't be said for the rest of my foibles. She had tried to limit instructions for me to a page, which any monkey knows is not nearly enough, so as not to frighten Aunty Janet when I showed up with all my belongings for 4 days. So that's why it was so easy to rule at Molly's house. Aunty Janet thought my meal plan was So Great she asked Her to provide the details for Molly, who has skin problems from time to time. Actually, I'm not so sure Aunty Janet and Uncle Brian didn't want my meals for themselves, they're so good!

Of course, I was allowed to sleep in the bed with Aunty Janet, Uncle Brian and Molly. Stark contrast to my place, where I have never even seen a bed.

I was allowed on the sofa and didn't take long to displace Molly to the back benches. At my house I have my mat and purple heart blankie and I am not allowed on the sofa unless one of Them puts me on Their lap, which is lumpy or knobbly, depending if its Him or Her and I usually try to jump off at the first opportunity...

It was also the best spot for prime time television, although poor Aunty Janet didn't realise she couldn't watch her long awaited John Wayne movie because I actually watch TV and don't like it much when the horses, or any other animal, insect or cartoon character appear and boy, do I let them know about it. So they all had to watch a thriller instead, although when it gets tense and the music becomes scary, I have been known to growl at the threat of imminent danger... I have my favorite advert jingles and other bits and pieces set me off from time to time. She keeps saying She needs a mute button and remote control for me, not the TV, but who knows what She's on about. The TV's my Wii - interactive and for fun!

It was also the best spot to ensure I got lots of cuddles and Aunty Janet was kind enough to make me feel as, if not more important than Molly, although She said disparagingly I didn't exactly give Aunty Janet much choice...being the bossy, demanding, Princess that I am!

All in all I had a great time, although I did give the appearance of being happy to go home, even if it is to a whole Bunch of Rules. I'm looking forward to my friend Jock coming to stay at my house and I really hope Molly will come stay with me too. She's like a Big Sister to me! Thanks for all the love and cuddles Aunty Janet and Uncle Brian.

Temporary Update

2008-09-30T12:28:00.005+10:00

Once again, I've had to resort to a quick wee blog to let you all know I'm Alive and Barking... Oh yeah, that's in case you hadn't heard me where you live...

She's not too happy that I dragged her dripping out the shower. I was having my say on the deck, and She had been for a run and kindly taken me on an unexpected early, neighborhood jaunt, so was deservedly enjoying a refreshing shower (not my favorite thing, but well, what can I say), when I joined in the local chorus serenading the hot air balloons as they fly over. When I went on a little longer than necessary, She emerged bedraggled and unimpressed and wrapped in a towel to dump a bucket on me, as She's been told to do by Tabitha. But of course, I'm adept at being quiet just as I hear Her approaching, so She can't give me the shower treatment. He wants to get me a Bark Collar, but I'm lucky because He's the World's Best Procrastinator, and He hasn't done anything about it. I guess I'm living on borrowed time, but in the mean time, I'll bark all I like when She's in the shower...

On the other hand, I'm so cute, and no matter how much She tells me I'm ugly when I'm wet, She can't get near enough to me while I'm barking to throw the water over me! Anyway, I believe such treatment is against Constitutional Principles in the USA, even Barack Obama says so, and I reckon She doesn't really have the heart to Actually dump the water on me, let alone put on a bark collar! But I am testing Her limits, make no mistake.

Hoo Boy... Confession time

2008-09-03T21:48:00.007+10:00

This my Good Behaviour Pose. She demanded I get back on line and finish my August wrap up! She said it was all very well to tell everyone about all the fun I had in August, but that it wasn't complete without an honest account of all the trouble I caused too... So here goes.

The first bad thing I did was Not-Come-When-Called-In-The-Dog-Park. See She planned this whole girls' morning out and packed me willingly into my crate and into the car and down the road and even managed to sweet talk her way through a road closure (I gave a little yap from the back to back up her story that we were just going to the dog park and didn't know the road was closed). Anyway, we got there and She bundled me out and off we trotted to the park. Well, I got to playing and sniffing and peeing and checking out the other dog park visitors and just generally having a good time. It was early, and after a while the other dogs started to leave. She had already done a test recall to get me, and I flew across the park like a bullet to where She was standing. But She knew I was not on my best behaviour and I have to admit, I was feeling Very Cheeky. The long and the short of it was I wouldn't go close enough for her to put my lead on. She tried every trick in the book, but because I knew She didn't have treats, there was No Way I was going to obey. Eventually, and it was some time later because Everyone Else had long gone, She left the Park and hid to see what I would do. I did catch a bit of a fright because I didn't know where She'd gone, but not enough to make me come when She finally returned to get me. She got Very Mad! I was in Her bad books for about 2 weeks, and I tell ya, it wasn't pretty. Now She says, I love you (...but I haven't forgotten what you did in the dog park).

The second bad thing I did was up the barking ante to the point where She got Tabitha to come and tell Her what to do. Just as well, because after the dog park incident, I was this close to being left on the sidewalk with a "Will pay to take dog" sign, although She did say She didn't have enough money for that to be successful... Tabitha came for 2 hours and of course, I remember her well from all the levels of obedience class I was dragged off to when I was younger. So I was on my Very Best Behaviour and She couldn't really show Tabitha how bad I'd been. But after listening to Her for a while, Tabitha saw right through me and told Her what She had to do to make me curb my propensity to express myself vocally. So now I've been Tabitha'd and I'm pleased to report I've been working hard on Bark Control. And She says She loves me (...but She hasn't forgotten what I did in the dog park).

Mixed Bag

2008-09-01T20:41:00.018+10:00

August passed by in a flash, and I was so busy enjoying myself, I forgot to share it all with you! Plus I had to wait my turn...

Early in August was my play date with new Westie friends Bonnie and Kenzie. We trekked over to the South Side to visit with them in their local Dog Park and met Patch and some other regulars. It was a wonderful outing and I had a lot of fun with the li'l one, when she wasn't having a good ol' sniff up my behind... I guess that was the price I had to pay for digging up the bones in their garden and eating them all myself, but hey, I never turned a good bone down!

After all, I had been given my own bone a few days before... I chewed on it all day and buried it in a great spot in the corner of my adventure playground. I offered to show Her where it was and I proudly dug it up and thought I could get away with hiding it my bed, but She wasn't having a bar of it. She took a photo for posterity and promptly took it away. Fair enough though, I had had a huge Fat Hit by then and really needed a sleep!

Then there was the Sunday Family Breakfast outing. They took me to the beach, and after our walk, we had breakfast at the Full Moon Hotel.

Thoughtfully, they have a section cordoned off for people, so They could come too, but I could enjoy myself without being interrupted. I brought my spinach and lite cheddar bites to go with my water, while They had toast and coffee.

After He saw the quality of my quiche, He took it upon himself to have a Bake Off. So, He took the opportunity to do some good, and baked cupcakes for the RSPCA. It took Him ALL afternoon, but He had a lot of fun! Being the inspiration, I have to say He achieved a very good likeness - I sat quietly for hours to ensure accuracy with every detail (and of course, be Floor Supervisor...). Unfortunately, though, I wasn't allowed to be part of the Quality Control Team, no matter how cute I tried to be. Of course, when She took them to work to sell them, they sold like Hot-Cupcakes!
And to cap the month off, with the warmer weather, Larry the Lizard has resurfaced and I am all over him like a rash. I've been stalking him for days, and today, BINGO, I got him! I am glad Summer's here, I can hunt with purpose!

Silence is Golden

2008-08-01T11:40:00.011+10:00

Well now, its not my best excuse, and She's not buying it.

I finally asked to use the Pooter to make a Pooscapade Post, and She just about fell over exclaiming "It's been nearly 2 weeks since the Last Post (and She didn't intend that pun) why can't it be that long since your Last Bark!" Actually, I think my Posts could win gold blogging awards, but I bark louder than I blog unfortunately, and the only award I get for that is when I keep quiet. Go figure. If there was a Bark Olympics, I'd be in with a medal shot for sure! She on the other hand was talking about starting Barkaholics Anonymous, but I am living proof that talent defies all obstacles, including Her barking rehabilitation program.

So what have I been doing in my self imposed Pooter Exile? A lot actually, and no, not just barking!

Speaking of the ANZAC tradition, albeit inadvertently, last weekend They went to see Their beloved All Blacks get thrashed by the Wallabies. I went to stay at Indy and Scarlett for 1 night, where the crowd wasn't too partisan and I was welcome anyway. Along with my Crate, She packed all my stuff in my Yellow Bag - my Toastie (wheat pack for cold nights), my Purple Heart Blankie, my food, my food and water bowls, my jacket, my lead, and the spray bottles (see previous post) and bark pillows to stop my barking... I had been to visit at Scarlett and Indy's house before, so I knew where the treats were and obviously there wasn't going to be any problem in that regard! Scarlett and Indy's pack leader is the kindest, bestest pack leader. She let me watch TV, she let me out at 5 am in the freezing cold, and she let me get the best spot in her bed overnight. When I got picked up, I was sorry to go, and what She doesn't know about that visit will stay at Indy and Scarlett's house!

So that little adventure was so succesful, I set about finding a couple of vacation destinations for myself. In October, we agreed She could go to Wellington for work, but He invited himself along, which has worked wonders to my advantage. After posting a tender for offers of accomodation on the Westie Walker Website, I got no shortage of invitations to 5 star accomodation where, as the guest of honor, I'll be treated with all the respect I deserve. I chose Molly, we go way back, who sent me a program of her daily activities, which I am allowed to join in, and not only that, it includes lots of things to bark at. I didn't want to impose on Indy and Scarlett again, and I figure if I spread my goodwill around, maybe I can have my friends come stay at me, provided they can negotiate a dog flap (that's a Whole Other Post, that I don't have the heart for now...) and obey rules galore!

I also had so secure accomodation for the Annual February Snowboarding Trip I send Them on to attend to my responsibilities as a Philanthropooch, which include checking on my search and rescue friends in America, and ensuring that all the good causes I support are going well. Now as you know, Cath usually comes to stay and look after me at home, but I worry about Them and annoy Cath who's too kind to say anything, so She just won't ask her again. She told me I'd have to sort myself out, because for about 24/7/344 She attends to my every need, and She's not missing snowboarding on my behalf for the rest of my life!

Well, that wasn't hard, I got to take up some of the other offers that poured in from my Westie Walker friends for the October break, and I'm probably going to stay with Tiffany and Marlee-Jane. I don't know them too well, but they're Westies, so what's to know? And we're going to have a few play dates and maybe sleepovers to make sure I don't disrupt another household. Hamish said I could maybe stay at him, so there's Plan B. And Nolan too, so there's Plan C. Hamish might need to come stay at me over the summer, so that would be cool! Molly and Bonnie each said they might be on holiday at that time, so I couldn't stay at them.

Following in Her footsteps of wanting to be a Social Entrepeneur, I've also been working on a business plan to expand my Philanthropooch endeavours. Actually, I think She's secretly hoping I will be so succesful before She gets going, She'll be able to continue as my Personal Assistant... Anyway, recognising the importance of branding, I've been working on a logo with the aid of Kylie at Logomotion. I should have something sorted by the next couple of weeks.

And that's still not all. There was the Simply Social Walk on 27 July 2008 that went really well, despite gloomy forecasts by the weatherman. In keeping with the ANZAC Sporting Tradition, daring Bonnie was brave enough to wear her Wallaby jumper the day after the night before (which I had spent at Indy and Scarlett...) Fortunately by then, They were emerging from their depression about the Test match score. All this has taken up quite a lot of organising and bandwidth. So while I have been at my Pooter, it just wasn't for blogging!

"For every end there is a beginning"

2008-07-17T16:55:00.018+10:00

It feels like the World is Ending ... See next week, Eric, Elsie and Max are going on vacation with their Pack Leaders to a Dog Friendly Holiday House. Which is actually really a good thing for their Pack Leaders, because they need a break, seriously!

Not only do they have to put up with me letting them know any time anything's happening at my place, but as you all know, they have to put up with me on Purple Bag Day too. PBD is actually Wednesday, and is so called because She is often home late from work that day and so She makes her lunch ( I get to help with Quality Control!) and takes it in The Purple Bag. The moment I see the Purple Bag, I SO know I'm going next door to play so that I don't get lonely all by myself. It's very good of them to have me...

Luckily for me, on PBD, I go to Eric, Elsie and Max's house at 6:45 and get picked up about 10 hours later, much to their relief. I eat and go straight to sleep until the next morning! Its a Big Day for all concerned. She keeps offering to trade me for Elsie, but no bites yet...

So Anyway, now that Eric, Elsie and Max and their Pack Leaders will be gone for a few PBD's, life looks pretty bleak. Ho Hum.

But that's where there is a beginning! Being a cup half full sort of a dog, I've managed to wangle a sleepover with some of my mates from Westie Walkers! She tells me not to get too excited about it becoming a regular event, because noone in their right mind would put up with my barking if they didn't have to, no matter how cute I am. See, my Pack Leaders are going to see the All Blacks play while Eric, Elsie and Max are away, and so They have to put me somewhere. For an out of town event like that, I usually sleepover next door, but because they're away, Plan B came into being...

Indy (in blue) and Scarlett (in pink) said I could stay at them. Indy's been coming to Westie Walkers since it started out, even when he had to be pushed in a pushchair because he hurt his leg, and Scarlett got added to the Pack at last year's Year End Fundraiser when she was just a puppy looking for a home. They are great fun!

We all 3 got together at the Dog Park the other weekend.

In between having a great time running around and playing, well, me and Scarlett anyway, we found a lost dog. He was a lot bigger than us, but we kept him interested with our charm, personality and barking, until his pack leader came along after we called the number on his name tag.

Unfortunately, Indy strained his leg, so we stopped playing. It was actually a relief because I still had to walk all the way home... I'm a bit worried about how I'm going to keep up with Scarlett when I go over there! She's not even a year old yet, but I'm lucky I'm so fit for my age (Almost 4!) because I reckon I'll be worn out by the time They get back to pick me up!

My Carbon Trading Schemes (of sorts)

2008-07-02T19:40:00.023+10:00

OK, as you know, I've been in trouble lately for barking. Well, I've settled down a bit now and They have been pretty sure to keep the sliding doors on the deck closed when I'm at my chirpiest.

Two things are responsible for the improvement. Don't laugh, there are more than 2 bottles

The FIRST thing accounting for my improved behavior is my concern to contribute to Saving the Planet, in particular, water, which as you know, is a scarce resource from time to time. See that blip up in June? It corresponds with my failure to acquire any stars (see below) in my bad week!!!! The thing is, They got this idea, that before resorting to a (Heaven Forbid) bark collar, They would try the water thing! Now I'm not a fan of getting wet, so He bought these bottles and they are strategically placed all over the house; and I might add, now at Eric, Elsie and Max's house too, so that not only do I get squirted if I don't respond to the Quiet command, I don't get a gold star either. And of course, if They aren't home, Eric, Elsie and Max's Pack Leader can squirt me from their house! Which might be a problem when I have to pay the Calendar people and the fine for exceeding water consumption!

Which brings me right up to the SECOND thing accounting for my improved behaviour is, as you know, the fact that I am raising money for the Aspen Animal Shelter Calendar and supporting my Search and Rescue friends from the Snowmass Snow Patrol at the same time. The way it works is I pay to have my photo and my friends' photos in the calendar. The money goes to the Shelter, and my friends get the recognition they deserve for all their hard work and training.

I got my photo taken professionally, because you've all seen first hand what a pathetic photographer She can be. And of course, if my image was going to be distributed widely, I wanted to look my best. So Stephanie came one day and took some photos indoors...

... and chased me round the garden to get me in my natural surroundings, hunting lizards! Of course, I submitted this one for publication... I have insisted on having my photo opposite my birthday in the calendar (for those who want to send me birthday greetings, food or presents, it's on 20 October and I'm going to be 4), so that costs extra. But not as much as if I was going to be on the cover. But I digress...

She said I would NEVER raise enough money to be on the cover because you see, how I raise the money is that whenever I am Quiet on command while barking, I get a gold star, and each gold star is worth 50c. Each star is faithfully recorded in my Behaviour Diary, which was a present from Eric, Elsie and Max's Pack Leader at Christmas.

Some weeks I have good weeks....

And some weeks I have really bad weeks.... So because the Quiet thing is really rather a challenge for me, She instituted the Poo thing. She says since She has to get up in the dark and cold and early mornings to let me out to Poo, someone may as well benefit, because it sure isn't Her. So if I Poo on command during my allotted time in the rush to feed me, play with me, give me fresh water, make Her lunch (and share it with me), brush Her teeth (while playing with me), clothe Herself, hide my Kongs, take the Rubbish out (and that's NOT me, although I sometimes have to remind Her...) and get to work on time in the mornings, I get a silver star, which is also worth 50c.

So while on the subject of accounting, and it being the end of the financial year and all, for the record, for the 6 months to June 2008, I have earned 213 stars, which is $106.50. Hmmm, I had better do better for the next 6, otherwise I might be a bit short... any sponsors out there?

What's a Westie to Do

2008-06-19T20:29:00.007+10:00

Well my behaviour apparently still leaves much to be desired. I have been in a lot of trouble lately, but in between times, I have been looking to find ways to improve myself. Luckily for me, I found this good advice, and after indignantly pointing it out to Her, have decided to share it with all my fellow Westies who have a tendency to demand a share in the general conversation. Why, only the other day She said between me and Him, She couldn't get a word in...

Also, luckily for me, I'm so cute, I get away with a lot. When I'm in trouble and looking sheepish and trying not to be yelled at, I notice how She keeps reminding Herself how ugly I am when I'm wet.... I have been spending a lot of time with my Sunbeam to stay out of trouble's way. Its been a little lazy lately, but when it comes out, you can't beat it. I have a great view of my Poo Patch, I can observe the comings and goings through the door, and I can watch the fence for signs of Eric, Elsie and Max.

I can't be in too much trouble because the other day I asked her (loudly) to come play with me in the Adventure Playground and She did. I was happily trotting off to investigate the perimeters, but She kindly pointed out a lizard rudely sitting to my left with his head up and trying hard hard not to be noticed out on the grass. He was quite successful because I didn't see him at all, so I was pretty pleased when She directed me to him. Anyway, I made short work of him! He didn't play for very long and after I tossed him around a few times, he kinda stopped wriggling, so I lost interest. She brushed my teeth for me after too... because She said She didn't want a lizard face anywhere near Her!

Anyway, I live life in the moment and at the moment, I have a lot of important insights into life, the universe and everything which need to be shared and aired! I bark, that's what I do!

Wayward Westie

2008-06-01T20:57:00.013+10:00

Hello (said sheepishly). I have been in a lot of trouble lately. And I'm a bit nervous. She threatened to rehome me (She's been quite successful lately, what with Whiskey and Casper getting Pack Leaders from Westie Walker members in the last month or so).

The alternative plan is to put me on the sidewalk in my crate with a sign saying "Free Dog Looking for a Home" (given that She was similarly successful with 4 pot plants recently). But because I'm so troublesome, She isn't so sure that would work, so the sign might say "Will Pay to Relocate"... He says He might get me a citronella bark collar. The options aren't looking good either way!

Now in my defence, the reason I am being so Annoying is that ever since my nemesis Ruckus moved to Runaway Bay, the house next door has been taken over by Kids and Onyx, a black labrador puppy. Every Friday, Onyx's friend Ollie comes for a weekend sleepover and they're allowed to play all night up and down the fence line and in the yard, which they do...as you would. Ollie barks Really Loud and Scary - worse than Ruckus ever did!

Anyway, I'm supposed to sleep at night, but they keep me up and give me frights and make me bark and bark and bark and bark and bark and, well, you get the idea. So They aren't getting any sleep and it does take me quite a while to be certain we aren't in any immediate danger. Max (my NBF, but in the house on the other side) also thinks Onyx and Ollie are scary and he barks too sometimes, so it isn't just me.

Problem is, I've been barking at Onyx and Ollie in the day too. And also at the new dogs 2 doors down, who are the only dogs in the street to bark more than me. They live where Shorty the horse was living; but he's moved on now, and so when I see them playing in Shorty's old paddock, I kinda want to let them know I can. So all in all, She's had enough of me.

But not enough so's we haven't had any fun. Last week She and I got to baking yappetisers from the Three Dog Bakery book that She got from Her favorite bookstore for me, but hadn't got to using yet. A couple of weeks ago we baked Little Eataly Meatballs (chicken and cheese) - I supervised the preparation; monitored the cooling phase; and performed the taste test - see photo series!

Today we baked Spanielkopita (spinach and cheese). I make little parcels to take over to Eric, Elsie and Max because She says the Book says they only keep for 3 days in the fridge and I can't eat them all on my own. You can freeze and thaw them, but my lamb, chicken wings and veggie patties take up so much space in the freezer, She said No Way Jose! Anyway, She likes the spinach snacks, so I hope I get some anyway! I'm going to try and be good, but I don't know....

Winter Westie Wardrobe

2008-05-15T19:48:00.015+10:00

Well, I went to see my personal stylist last week and we were in agreement - black is back! This is my chic, timeless Audrey Hepburn look... I think the resemblance is clear!

I really enjoyed my visit with Teagin at Four Paw. I made lots of friends on the day too. It's one thing to have to go and have your haircut and a bow put in, its another to have fun doing it. There are always plenty of other pooches who are suffering the same fate, but we all play together after the deed is done. Some pooches get to go to Teagin just to play and have fun though, can you believe that?

I'm no stranger to fashion shoots this year. Unfortunately, this one didn't coincide with a makeover like the one I just got, but I did get tossed in the tub for it. See, I'm raising money to make sure my photo gets into the 2009 Pet Calendar opposite my birthday week. The calendar raises money for homeless hounds. In July I'll be reporting on how much money I will have raised in the first 6 months of 2008. It's going well

Anyway, now that I have set the haircut of the season, as a discerning pooch, you might like to do the same. Teagin can be contacted on (07) 3369 5175. Now I don't give her number out to just anyone, because she is the best personal stylist a dog could have, but I figure, those pooches who want to know what I'm eating, where I'll be walking and who does my hair and so on, read my blog and will benefit from this valuable bit of information.

The bow thank goodness is a distant memory - it lasted only as long as it was necessary to get the shot, but my haircut can be seen on Sunday at the Redcliffe Million Paws Walk. See you all there!

City Cat Tour

2008-05-09T20:51:00.014+10:00

Lately, I haven't felt much like walking. I dunno why, I just don't wanna. She's adamant I get my exercise though (I hate it when She thinks I have to walk as far as She runs each week; it's ridiculous, I'm a dog...) but anyway, I need a Pooscapade every afternoon because I just Won't Poo on my Patch in the afternoons. And that's that.

So She takes advantage of my need for a Pooscapade to trick me into a walk. She tempts me with the City Highlights Walk, which is that... and much more. On this particular route, I get to hunt City Cats ( that's poetic licence for Kitty Cats) or sometimes they hunt me.

First stop is Harry. He doesn't mind if I make my poo at his gate or if I leave pee mail. He's an old cat and we rub noses when he deigns to come to the fence to say hi. He likes me. Sometimes I walk past Harry as if I haven't noticed him, because mostly, he ignores me no matter how friendly I am. He never hops down from his sunbaking spot to come see me at the gate.

His Pack Leader brings him his meals at the required time. What service... I have to wait silently and obediently for like ever, before I get the nod to tuck in.

Next stop is the orange cat up the road an around the corner. I have only seen him from a distance, but he's a cool color. Sorry, you'll have to click on the photo to see him better.

Third stop is the black cat on the corner. He comes after I turn left then left again then race down the road to the stairs, and then along the road again to the corner. I start checking under the parked cars after we get to the bottom of the stairs. This is a very smart cat. It took me a while to realise he's often at home, although under the car parked out front, rather than sunbaking on the bonnet of the abandoned car in the garden like Harry. So far, I haven't seen him before he's seen me first, so I have to be more subtle in my approach. She's usually flying out behind me on the end of the lead gasping for breath as I sprint along , so I think it's Her fault he hears me first... It's unfortunate that the best city views are along this street, but finding the Kitty Cat is the priority mission here!

There's another cat if I go left out the house and left again towards the ducks. I Hate that cat. He is very handsome, even She says so and She Hates cats more than I hate that one. One day, there I was trotting along attracting smiles and comments and second looks as I do and being friendly because like She always says I have to treat others as I would like to be treated, and I sensed this cat under a parked car. So of course, I shuffled forward to sniff it out, and it darted out snarling and hissing at me. I yelped and lept back to hide behind her leg and do you know what, it chased me viciously. So she scooped me up and got me out of harm's way. I don't like that route anymore. I always feel I have to look over my shoulder now...

My Friends are My World

2008-04-29T18:35:00.019+10:00

Hi there

They are the luckiest Doggie Owners in the World because They have me (if I may say so...), and I am the luckiest Westie in the World because I have so many Wonderful Friends.

First there's my NBF, Max. I love Max and follow him around unashamedly. Last weekend he got tossed over the fence with my Best Friends (and his brother and sister) Eric and Elsie to play for a while. I chased him mercilessly and it didn't take long before he stood at the fence and asked to go home for a rest....

After that, I sat forlornly at the fence waiting for the next time I could flirt with Max.

But then, my prayers were answered and to my delight, I got to have a 3 day vacation at my favorite destination, Next Door - where Elsie, Eric and Max live. I could barely contain myself at the prospect of 3 whole days with them!
Its because there are like No Rules, I can go on the furniture, I get fed before the sun goes down, and I can pick whatever bed I like (even if it's their Pack Leader Amanda's).

In preparation, She packed my bag with all my personal items, prepared and labelled all my meals for each day and typed up a list of My Foibles (I was only allowed one page because Amanda has to look after 3 of her own dogs and I was told that I had to be on my best behaviour otherwise I wouldn't be allowed back for my weekly play-dates). Then She said the Magic Words - "In your crate!"- and after I complied without a moment's hesitation, She took me and all My Stuff over Next Door and left me there without a backward glance... I think I'd like a matching luggage set for my next birthday...

The 3 days flew by in a blur. Elsie, Eric, Max and I had the best time ever! I haven't slept so well in months. And Max shared the couch with me!!! But then They appeared, and I was kinda happy to see Them. I don't think They could have lasted much longer without me. It's not like They were off snowboarding or anything. But no sooner had I accepted I was back to Life With Rules, when the 3 Magic Words came up again!

Yup, 3 hours later I was off again! And where to? The Westie Walkers Simply Social 2 for 2008. We didn't know how many Westies would show up because noone actually emailed me and said they were coming. But I couldn't believe it when 42 other Westies, 2 Honorary Westies (Chloe and Perry) and 2 Wannabe Westies showed up! It was Awesome!!!

But best of all, my old friend Angus showed up having survived an Alsation attack when he stuck his nose under the fence just being sociable (as you do...). Luckily he only needed 3 stitches!

My new friend and namesake Maggie who was "lost" for nearly 5 weeks and then found came to meet us all was there. She sure has some special social skills Angus might want to adopt when encountering Big Black Dogs...

Now, unfortunately, He was left in charge of the camera while She and I met and greeted everyone, so I didn't get all the photos I needed. So because I can't show you, here are some special mentions:

My friend and fellow Westie Walker Nolan acquired an older brother Whiskey, who needed a new home, and came along to meet his ready made bunch of buddies.

And Pearl and Puppy Lotus spent nearly 2 hours in the long weekend traffic just to join us for the walk and then go home.

So all in all, it was a Whopper of a Weekend and the best thing of all is it's already time for my weekly play-date!

See ya.

My NBF's!

2008-04-15T20:08:00.016+10:00

Well, as you all know I'm a very sociable pooch and after eating, barking, chasing lizards and sunbaking, making friends is what do best!

Just when Onslow and I had clean run out of ideas to stay entertained, They took me to the New Farm Park Fun Day organised by New Farm Vet Surgery. That's not my personal vet, but I thought I'd mention them because they went to such a lot of trouble to organise such a great day for us pooches.

That's me checking out the stalls,

the trees

and leaving pee-mail so that everyone knew I came.

She had told all my friends about it on the website, and so of course, I felt right at home amongst all my Westie friends. There were Big Dogs and Ugly Dogs and Cute Dogs and Dancing Dogs, but best of all, I finally got to meet Pippa, a Westie who's journey from the UK to live here with her established group of pals has been well chronicled on the site.

And, just when I thought things couldn't get any better, my Best Friends' (Eric and Elsie) Pack Leader decided to adopt Max. Max has come to stay next door before, but this time, he's staying for good! First when he used to come, I wasn't allowed to go play because I was a little bit ...um...boisterous for the wee fellow, but now that he's gotten used to me, we play all the time. And now Eric and Elsie can't tease me because I can play with Max!

On Saturday, She got the shears out and took to my Adventure Playground with a vengeance. She said so long as the shears were out, Eric and Elsie and Max could come over to play. So they got tossed over the fence and it was So much fun... Max is a bit shy, but as soon as I can get a picture of him, it'll be up here for posterity. He's got a spiffing new collar and tag and he's getting his teeth done too. It sure will turn out for little Max, and I'll be there for him every step of the way!
When He got back from hunting, He was a little startled to find half the garden in the garage and the 4 of us running wild, but it sure is easier to find lizards, and we got to play for quite a while! Now Max is my NBF and I've been waiting patiently for 3 days at the fence for my turn to go play next door. Roll on tomorrow!

Taken to the Cleaners

2008-03-16T13:51:00.010+10:00

Hrrmph. I was ignominiously taken to the cleaners last weekend on the pretext of an outing in the car, which I might add, despite my best Pleading Performances, have lately been largely ignored. So when the command "In Your Crate" came, I danced around in glee with several delighted yaps (at the risk of a stern reprimand) to emphasize the point that such trips had been few and far between!

Anyway, it didn't take long for the disappointment to sink in when I recognized where we were, and although I love Teagan at 4 Paw, I would really rather play with her under different circumstances.

Fortunately, there was another Terrier (not a Westie, but he'll do as a very distant cousin, being a Yorkie) pooch already there, who made me look positively excited to be there!

Teagan puts bows in my hair and They don't tell her not to as part of Their thing of trying to have the last laugh with me. As yet, I haven't figured out what to do about it, so I endure the obligatory photo and the Bow Collection that is unfortunately growing alarmingly and will no doubt be used at some point in my future to make a point about something. See here how the bow matches my Purple Heart Blankie - it's hearts, but red ones, which ain't bad. My raincoat is red and my old collar has some red in it. What can I say, on the up side, red suits me.

She was looking forward to a couple of dog free hours and seemed to have a long list of things to be done in them. She gets ambitious like that, and always threatens that no doubt some other sucker would think I'm cute as pie and offer to take me home if She didn't show up to collect me. When She sees the "horror" on my face (gets Her every time...hehehehe) She tells me not to worry, it would only take as long as I took to start barking before their disappointment would sink in and they'd return me to Her post haste.

She also referred to the time She was talking to Her friend on the phone bemoaning the fact They can never get away for the weekend because of me. Her friend offered to look after me and exclaimed "She can't be that Precious!" Now understand this phone conversation was going on while I had Her holding my rawhide bone for me, so that I could get really good bites as I chewed it. Just so you know, it is a pain when the thing keeps falling over between my paws, and I often take it over to Her to get assistance!

I have also had a few cool trips though! One was to drop Their old snowboards at the Salvos. They got new ones last year and these have been the garage for a while. Well, as She was getting back in the car, a man who packed stuff saw them and said "Look here, snowboards! What's anyone in Brisbane going to do with those?" That's exactly what I thought, but was too polite to say, especially when it meant a trip in the car!

Then I had a Really Cool one, although the oxymoron only became apparent when we got there. There's this esplanade that's been revamped and They saw it on a bike ride one day and She pedalled home as fast as She could (included clipping His back wheel in Her haste and landing in the bushes for Her troubles) to tell me about it and promised to take me there the next day. Fortunately She didn't break anything except Her bicycle and so we were able to go. It was a nice long ride and we had a Very Long walk.

It was So Hot though, I got lots of water from all the specially placed taps and could shelter out of the sun at the lovely pavilions while resting and gazing out to sea. Although there's no beach, it really is a Great Spot and if She hadn't been working so many weekends, She would have taken me back for sure!

My place in history!

2008-02-23T13:15:00.018+10:00

I'm famous! That's my paver - spelling mistake and all! Everyone and their pooch who walks over this paver for all time will know of me....

So let me bring you up to date. I finally got my Pooter back! They went on vacation and put my Pooter in a safe place for the duration. She likes to supervise my online behaviour, just as She supervises my realtime behaviour. I was a bit of nuisance while They were gone. As usual, They arranged for Cath to come and look after me in my own home. The Maggie Manual She has left for Cath every year since the inception of February-Vacations-Requiring-Maggie's-Home-Supervision in 2006 is now an impressive inch thick, given the required annual updates for all my newly acquired habits, likes and dislikes. It's only fair, you know, as you get older you get more set in your ways, so to speak. What can I say in my defence? I'm a Pooticular Dog who likes things to be just so. And if things aren't, well, I can be a nuisance. Now don't get me wrong - I don't exactly misbehave, I fret because I am just used to having Them around. After all, I am highly pedigreed and its in my genes to make out things are worse than they really are.

Eric and Elsie's Pack Leader made sure I spent as much time as I could playing with Eric and Elsie to wear me out so that I would sleep so that Cath could sleep. I did oblige, given that extra play dates with my best friends are exceptionally entertaining, but on the other days, I did make sure to let Cath know overnight that while They were away, things were so, not just so... if you get my meaning. I know it was very ungrateful of me, because Cath loves me and treats me well. Anyway, I am sorry and I have been on my best behaviour since They came back, which I knew They would, but I can tell They are mortified about just how Pooticular I have become. Not only are They worried They'll never be able to go on vacation again, but They'll be taking Cath out to dinner a few times...

Anyway, while They were gone, They did attend to some of the finer details of my Philanthropoochic endeavors. First, They made sure that the Paver I sponsored last year for the Town of Snowmass Village Art Walk had been laid. Well, it had, but there was a spelling mistake, so She has alerted authorities and hopefully by next February it will have been relaid...

Next, She made friends with Avalanche Search and Rescue Dogs Caleb, Dante, Reina and Nicky and their Pack Leaders. As invaluable members of the Snow Patrol, the dogs have to learn to ride chairlifts, heel at high speed in the snow alongside their Pack Leader who is on skis and when commanded to search, find missing persons buried under 1-2m of snow.

To train the dogs to find missing people, the Pack Leaders dig 2 big holes in the snow in an area of 150 sq ft.

Then one of the Pack Leaders climbs in and the others fill it up so any old dog wouldn't even know there is anyone there.

Then a trained Search and Rescue Dog (here Reina) gets called and has the situation explained to them.

Then the Pack Leader says "search" and within 30s Reina finds the site of the first buried person.

And a minute or so later, she finds the other!

And then the best part is she gets to help dig the people out! Cool huh!

So, after letting me know what wonderful dogs there are in the world, that is, those whose work is one big game of "find it", I decided I had better do something meaningful to be a part of that or They might exchange me for a such a dog. I mean, in my version of hide and seek when I'm told to "find it", I'm looking for hidden liver bits. And I can do it in 30s too! But that doesn't save lives does it? Anyway, to avert any possible Pooch Exchanges, I put forward a proposal which She approved and is implementing for the benefit not only of the Search and Rescue Dogs, but also some of my homeless colleagues. Now remember I issued a challenge for 2008? Well, I have decided that the proceeds of my Good Behaviour Challenge will go towards sponsoring photos of the Search and Rescue Dogs in the 2009 Pet Calendar published by the FAAS. That way the Shelter gets money to help look after the dogs without Pack Leaders and the Search and Rescue Dogs get the recognition they deserve. She said if I was really good and raised enough money, I could get my photo in the calendar too! I'm going to try really hard.

Westie White Wash

2008-01-28T15:28:00.000+10:00

Hey Folks!

What a wonderful turnout - 32 Westies for a Simply Social Walk on a Long Weekend!! Give yourselves a Roll in the Grass for that...

I had the Best time catching up with everyone and it's great to see all the Puppies that are now big enough to walk with us - Scarlett, Piper, Abby and Fergus and all the new Westies that have found Westie Walkers is where it's at - Pickles, Buddy, Opal and Angus. And a huge welcome back to the Prodigal Westies Molly (B) and Jasmine. If you're a Hot Westie, you're a Westie Walker for sure.

And let's not forget Westies' best friends - Chloe the Honorary Westie (who is yet to miss a walk!)

and the new wannabe Westie (Silkie Terrier) Chloe.

A review of the walk and all the photos will be up on the Westie Walkers Website soon. But right now, I'm going to chase some lizards and have a nap!

Celebrities Support the Writers Strike

2008-01-20T19:42:00.000+10:00

Now that my scriptwriting Hollywood colleagues are nearing a breakthrough I thought I'd pen an entry. I was holding back because I thought they should have some support. After all, its not easy coming up with good ideas that entertain people all the time. Of course, my life is so interesting, everyone ought to know about it, so I don't have to think too hard about topics. What makes my blog special, as my legion of fans is aware, is not only the spin...but the infinite variety of topics I am an authority on!

Like last week, I ambled out onto the deck to survey the neighborhood and I was nearly rendered speechless. Yeah me, speechless - not possible you say. Well you're right. After a protracted pause, I barked my head off. She came running out to see what I was on about, and of course, I was forgiven because there, 2 yards down (that is on the other side of Eric and Elsie's yard) there was a horse.

I kid you not! See there - under the tree. I also blinked twice because I couldn't believe what I was seeing. She was flabbergasted herself, and declared that She didn't know that an 800 square meter block was acreage! Well, given that my own Adventure Playground, full of wildlife and plants as it is, is 400 square meters, it seems pretty obvious to me that 800 square is big enough for a horse.

Anyway, Eric and Elsie's Pack Leader went over with a bag of carrots and stuff and found out the new addition to the neighborhood is called Shorty. Shorty has diabetes and needs some extra TLC, so that's why he's here on vacation.

She introduced me to a horse about 18 months ago, but I found it a little intimidating. We were at a park and the policeman was sitting on a horse. Of course, I just had my nose to the ground following interesting smells and I came up to this rather odd looking paw that moved. I caught a bit of a fright and looked up and up and up and up....it was so big, I put my tail between my legs and tried to run away. She picked me up telling me it was alright and held me up to the horse's face, but he was a bit scary! I mean, his nose was as big as me - I might be a Big Dog in a Little Dog's body, but that was a bit much.

I'm braver with TV horses - I'm bigger than them. Over the Holidays, there was a lot on TV about horses because of the equine flu outbreak. I can go right up to them and tell them (loudly) to either play with me or go away! Usually, She presses the Remote and they magically disappear. She always mutters something about wishing the Mute button on the Remote worked on me...but so far, no luck on Her part! Hehehehe

It Never Rains but it Pours

2008-01-04T19:56:00.000+10:00

I'm 3 and a bit and I have Never seen rain like this before. The paper said that there is no drought: the weather systems have all changed and we'll just have to get used to hot, dry conditions. Well, admittedly that's a few 100K south of here, but up until (hmm when did the sun last shine? I can't quite remember, but it was last year...) a couple of weeks ago, the same could be said for here. But now, it just won't stop raining and I have not had a decent walk for days!! And it doesn't look like getting better any time soon. I just lay on my deck watching the yard get soggier and soggier. And I hate having to pee on wet grass in the rain!

Consequently, She has found it hard to keep me entertained and exercised. I worry a lot that She'll reduce my food allowance to take account of my shortened and infrequent walks. Yesterday I was desperate for a Pooscapade and asked very nicely. They took me but on the way back a shower came through and we got soaked. I refused to walk because the puddles were deep, there was a hurricane up my behind, and I couldn't see from my wet hair dangling in my face. So She grumbled at me, but She carried me under the umbrella He was dutifully holding (She's a princess too) until the shower passed. Let me tell you, none of us were happy!

My toys don't do it for me by Day Whatever number it is....

So She asked Eric and Elsie's Pack Leader if there was a spare hound that could come over and play with me. See, little Max is having a vacation over at their house while his pack are elsewhere, so there's 3 of them and 1 of me. Poor little Max is a somewhat neglected pooch and he is a little bit unsure around other dogs. Over the years, when he has come to stay at Eric and Elsie for vacation, he gets all his meals and lots of play and cuddles, but he has a very sad face.

Unfortunately, I disgraced myself on Wednesday when I went over to play as per usual with Eric and Elsie. I got very excited when He dropped me off first thing in the morning. I was a little boisterous and got into a blarney with Max and Eric joined in and the fur flew and the barks got louder and within minutes, I got shoved straight back in my crate and unceremoniously dumped back at at home all by myself as They dashed off to work (now late) for the day! I admit I deserved it, but I was ready to make amends - after that many days of rain, with no walks and no play date, I'd do anything for some 4 legged company...

So Eric and Elsie's Pack Leader offered for Max to come play. Now Max had come to play before, but it was my chance to make up for the other day, so I did. She supervised a bit, but then Max and I had a great time for a few hours.

After Max went home She took me on a road trip for my alfalfa supplement, so I got to have a walk in an undercover car park after the shopping was done. She also made me run up and down the stairs practising my "come", "sit" and "stay" for turkey treats. It's quite a high intensity workout, but the reward is worth it. It also meant I need an afternoon nap while She grumbled about the state of the floors as She cleaned the house - a week of rain with a dog doesn't need much explaining...

Anyway, then I asked nicely if I could go hunting for Larrys for a while even though it was drizzling. She said OK and let me out into Wet and Wild (My Adventure Playground as I knew it has been transformed). Unfortunately, I turned up looking like this (see left) and She wouldn't let me in the newly cleaned house.

Fortunately, He showed up soon after, took me for a short walk and tossed me in the tub so She'd let me back in! So now, I'm clean, the house is clean and my slate is clean for having played nicely with Max. And I'm knackered and I got all my dinner and so now I'm going to sleep!!

Maggie's Challenge for 2008

2007-12-31T12:10:00.000+10:00

I've been a little bit lazy about blogging. Its not because nothing's been happening, but because well, I've been enjoying hanging out, chasing Larry's (lizards), demanding attention from Them, and generally just having a blast.

I've been to the beach a couple of times too, north to Sunrise Beach,

and south to Kingscliff!

But I've taken time out from my summer vacation to show that this Philanthropooch is always thinking of new ways to make a difference. My next plan is to issue a challenge to all my 4 legged friends to do good. You know how Westie Walkers raised $291.70 at Westies on Parade for GDQ? Well, I think we can do better! In fact I know we can!

So, for the whole of 2008 until our final Westie Walkers Walk, I am going to raise money myself! I have declared that every time I poop on command or stop barking on command, a notation will be made in my Personal Notebook. At the end, I will count all my marks. For each mark I earn 50c. I reckon I can make a small fortune. I'm generally well behaved, and with a little extra effort on my part, and driven by the incentive to help others, there's no reason why She should be the only one to benefit from my good behavior.

Granted She has expended a lot of time, money and effort on my Good Behavior Education, but well, as JFK once said “Let us think of education as the means of developing our greatest abilities, because in each of us there is a private hope and dream which, fulfilled, can be translated into benefit for everyone and greater strength for our nation.”

So, my challenge to the Westie (and Wannabe Westie) Nation for 2008 is: "What will you do to benefit others in 2008?"

Third Life

2007-12-24T19:05:00.000+10:00

Those of you who read my blog on a regular basis will remember Cousin Hami ll who came to play with me while staying next door at Eric and Elsie and landed up getting a Second Life when he got a new home with Cath's Pack.

Anyway, She and Cath made plans to go out for lunch and Cath brought Hamill over to play for the duration. He was left in charge of supervising us and it was just as well. Now, although I am SO not a cuddle dog, it doesn't mean I have to like it when whoever is here playing with me gets cuddles from Them. There was Hamill being all cute and adorable and asking for attention. So He had Hamill on His lap and Hamill was having a great time! Until He found a Bump...

While stroking Hamill's head, He found a Bump on Hamill's brow. It was grey and big. So He was duly concerned and showed it to Eric and Elsie's Pack Leader. Although chatting over the fence, there was no sitting on the fence with this one - diagnosis - TICK!

Eric and Elsie's Pack Leader raced off to the vet with young Hamill, the tick was duly extracted and the verdict: he would have died within a day He hadn't found the tick right there and then!!

So Hamill, without even logging on, got a Third Life! And all was good in the world again.

Good Grief!

2007-12-08T16:37:00.000+10:00

She hates shopping. I mean Really Hates shopping. She can only do it in 2 hour spells (including travel and parking time) and even then only after two months of psychological preparation for the event. Its painful to watch. Invariably, She has nothing to show for Her efforts. Fortunately, if its shopping for me, then of course, its Girl's Day Out, I get very excited about the unexpected adventure, and we always find something - I am very easily pleased, even if its only temporarily and unrelated to food...

But life has taken a turn for the worse. She had a shopping experience somewhat equivalent to my bathing experiences - enticing and full of promise as the idea takes hold (see above - tail is up, just) but then sadly, the reality... I think you can see what I mean.

So She, who has made several attempts at sewing in the past, under my supervision of course, has decided to sew Her own clothes. Good Grief! At least the blankies She made stayed indoors and could be snuggled on to hide all the mistakes...no need to mention the people who got them are asleep when they used them.

Anyway, believe it or not, off She went and came back with some sewing stuff. She was only gone an hour. She seriously need help because She couldn't understand the instructions on the pattern. She asked Her friend Google what things meant, but Google said "Sigh, maybe you should get a book out the library".

Undaunted, She tried to drag me off to the library on the pretext of a walk, but after I poo'd across the road, I refused to go any further. It's getting pretty steamy these days and I wasn't about to walk on hot coals and She was forced to take me back home and go to the library Herself.

When She got back stuff was strewn all around our library. I tried to hide the pattern, close my eyes and pretend it wasn't happening. But if She's nothing else, She is persistent, determined, optimistic and I hope I don't have to go out with Her if She ever wears what She makes.

But I was proud of Her ignorant resilience in the face of adversity. It took a day, but She managed to pin all the pattern pieces on the material - I tried to help where I could, but tomorrow She is going to seek expert advice before She actually cuts anything up. She went to this store and the lady told her not to buy any of their fabrics just yet until She figured out how to sew something wearable. The lady was very kind and offered to help facilitate the process. The lady has no idea what she's in for...

Maggie's Kitchen Episode 2

2007-12-04T16:58:00.000+10:00

Well, I figured with the Hollywood Scriptwriter's strike going on indefinitely, I thought you could do with some quality material and decided it was time to bring you Episode 2 of Maggie's Kitchen. Just in time for Christmas preparations too. You know, us doggies like a banquet, and its important not to feed us the fatty, gravy coated scraps from the Pack Table. Cooked bones aren't good for us dogs either, no matter how good that BBQ smells!

So last time we covered my basic vegetable side dish. The vegetables accompany all my meals, although its not necessary to do it like that. You could for example, have your whole vegetable allowance as a meal either in the morning or evening. Generally speaking, my food portions are calculated as a % of my body weight, but I always get my daily allowance, well, daily.

Some Dog Food experts advocate a day of fasting or a day where a dog could just have a Big Bone to chew, but being a foodie, I don't respond well to missing meals and They would rather not hear about it...and believe me, They'd hear about it. As you can see here, I'll eat my meal before I get stuck into a bone any day! That's because my meals are so scrummy! Of course, I'll take food any time it's on offer, or even if it's not...

So the next thing I'm going to show you is how to make veal or lamb meals. First She goes out hunting and gets lamb and veal. Then She cuts the slabs up into bite size chunks so that I don't swallow the whole lot - because I do try to eat as fast as I can when I get it. She makes little packs of exactly the right amount for a meal.

As Head Chef and Floor Supervisor, I watch over the whole process. It's entirely possible that if the portion is not quite the right weight, I will get a random taste to ensure consistent quality across all packets. Then She puts them away in my freezer drawer in ordered piles. If She could, She would use Her labeller, but despite Her need to label, pack, tidy and color coordinate everything in the house, even She can see that meat is meat and vegetables are vegetables, so She doesn't label the packets. Some days I'm just grateful I don't have a label stuck to me saying "Dog - Maggie"...

I love my lamb or veal meals. She often adds a sliver of avocado to provide omega oils. I do love avocado mmmm.

But at meal times I have to wait until She says I can eat before I get to tuck in. Like cutting the meat up, it's one of Her strategies to make sure I don't inhale my food, so to speak. If I bark on the way from Maggie's Kitchen to my deck, I have to wait longer. I try Really hard not to bark, but sometimes I get pretty excited about the prospect of food! She stands next to me and when I've been quiet and good, She gives a nod or says OK and I scamper over to my bowl and down the hatch it goes! Yum!!

Poolitical Pooch

2007-11-23T19:02:00.000+10:00

(This is my Official Publicity Portrait for November - bears no resemblance to the real me. Hair by Teagan at 4 Paw)

Hello again

I like to be heard. Ruckus, my neighbor knows that. So does the whole neighborhood when he starts barking. I don't usually bark, until he barks first, and then I have quite a lot to say. It's secret Dog's Business, and needs to be said, but it drives Her insane. She always says I'd be the Best Dog in the World, if it wasn't for my barking. But my say is important, whether She agrees or not. I mean, its not like She's opposed to Free Speech ... except when it's me!

But I ask you, has there been enough barking on the Poolitical Stage or what? If you've missed all the Hoo Haa, it's general elections here tomorrow, and you'd have to be barking mad not to know it. There's the grampa guy who goes for daily walks without a dog (huh!?) and arranged all the tax laws to benefit retirees so that he does OK when he finally realises you don't say "Good Morning" on a You Tube video given that the internet is 247365.... and then there's the other dude who's right into You Tube, but for all the wrong reasons. Mainly it's about which of the two wants to squat in a piece of prime real estate at the public's expense, since no-one can afford to buy or rent these days anyway.

So my take on the whole thing is there's nothing in it for Poolitical Pooches, no matter how loudly I bark. If I was running, I'd campaign for the amenities they have in Telluride, Colorado, where Dog's Rule and they have Dog Parking Bays (see Season Feature half way down page) and every shop has a resident dog and dogs are welcome everywhere. I'm just glad I have a home and a Pack and I look forward to my daily Pooscapades, meeting and greeting and putting smiles on people's faces as all Poolitical Pooches should aspire to do! But it's life's simple pleasures that matter, so maybe over the next year I can draw attention to the homeless, and make a difference! I could do more as a Philanthropooch than a Poolitical Pooch, for sure!

Maggie's Kitchen

2007-11-22T18:08:00.000+10:00

Well, as a celebrity Philanthropooch, it was only a matter of time before I brought out a series of posts on food. Jamie's done it, Emeril's done it, Curtis' done it, so now it's my turn. And it's a topic close to my heart - food pretty much rules my day. In fact, if Greenwich mean time ever fails, just ask me what time of day it is: breakfast time, kong time, snack time, behaviour time, treat time, (opportunity time - although that's a whole post on it's own) and dinner time.

But first things first. I am closely attuned to the possibility of food coming my way. While I don't mind hunting when I have the chance, inevitably its more reliable to head up to Maggie's kitchen. Chances are, if They're in there, one of 3 things happen: a. I'm either supposed to get something, or b. if I behave, I'll get something for being good, or c. something edible might drop.

I have told y'all about the importance of a BARF diet, but like every Michelin Chef, raw ingredients are one thing, putting them together is another. Now after a couple of years in refinement, and numerous compliments about my shiny coat and bright black eyes, I'll share with you how to get the grub and with it the results. After all, I am what I eat!

Veggies are a big part of my diet. Every day, She takes a veggie patty out the freezer and I get half in the morning and half in the evening. To make a veggie patty is quite a process, and I am crucial to its success. She goes out hunting and comes back with the raw materials. These are - spinach, beans, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, zuchini and beans. Then She chops them roughly into chunks (this can be a moment of opportunity). Then She puts the chunks in the mixermincershredder and then the finely chopped veggies go in a Big Bowl to be mixed up.
Then She weighs out 75G and wraps it in Glad Wrap.

Now some might say this is another moment of opportunity, but its actually my moment as Head Chef. See I am the Floor Supervisor in charge of Quality Control. If (that's usually when, despite Her best efforts) something drops I'm right there, on the spot, focused intently on the task at hand, The Taste Test - flavor, coarseness of the grind, and color - too orange - too much carrot, too green - too little carrot...

Then when all the patties are done She packs them into the freezer. I have my own freezer drawer with all my food. Despite the fact that as Sous Chef, She has the whole process down pat, most times, there is about 25-40G left over; which is not enough to make a patty and too good to waste. So a moment of opportunity presents itself. As Head Chef, I get the left overs in my bowl! I do a good job of licking the platter clean... like all good chefs.

Temporary Update

2007-11-19T20:28:00.000+10:00

Hey Everyone!

Wasn't Westies on Parade simply Awesome! I had so much fun and it looked like y'all did too! The weather was great, the attendance was a record and we raised $300 for Guide Dogs Queensland! There were 43 Westies (provided y'all did register on the day...), 2 Wannabe Westies (Squirt and Perry) and 1 Honorary Westie (Chloe)! If Perry comes 1 more time, he'll be an Honorary Westie too! I am busting with Philanthropoochic pride and I can't wait to do it all again next year! Thanks very much for coming and giving so generously!

I think I've put too many exclamation marks in this post, but it's hard to tone it down when I'm so excited! So here's our group photo and sometime in the near future, He'll get the website updated with links to all the photos!

Winners and Grinners

2007-11-17T11:40:00.000+10:00

Well Folks

I've been inordinately busy since my birthday on 20 October 2007. So much to do, so little time - so I'll start at the beginning...

First, my 6 degrees of separation story. Hamill got a new home. Now remember just a few short weeks ago, Hamill came to play with me while he was staying with his cousins, my best mates, Eric and Elsie? Shortly after that, Hamill needed a new home. As heartwrenching as that sounds, the good news is, Hamill's a Grinner and his new Pack are Winners!

See, when my Packleaders go snowboarding, They get Cath to look after me. Having Cath look after me, is like being at Eric and Elsie's - no matter how thick the Maggie Manual She leaves for Cath with all the Rules about how to look after me, and believe me it gets thicker every year, I do what I please for the whole time They're away. Even better, generally, I get lots of treats for the things I'd usually be in trouble for... (our secret!)

So anyway, I digress. Over the years, when she's been here to stay, Cath has had to ask Eric and Elsie's Pack Leader to get me off her hands a few times, and in the course of despairing over how to deal with me while They're away, they have become friends themselves. So when Hamill needed a new home, Cath's Pack agreed it's hard not to love the little fella, and so just like that, he went from one of my favorite Packs to another. Cool huh! And we all plan to play together soon!

Now, the next thing that happened is that I've been busy dealing with correspondence and organising the Westies on Parade Walk which is tomorrow! There are lots of wonderful prizes , thanks to our sponsors. I put up a post online and we got a mention in the local paper. We also got invited to go to the WHWT Xmas Party, but I can't go because I've got a busy December coming up!

I organised for my Pack to take me to the beach again, and so we're heading up the coast to some Pet Friendly Accomodation. She's been grumbling about how much She needs a rest and how long it is still until the rest from me (when They go snowboarding) and how if it weren't for me She could go home and visit Her friends and I couldn't take it anymore. So I hopped on line and made the arrangements. We're all Grinners here, I get my beach holiday and She gets a break. Cool huh! I'll let you know when I get back if it was a Winner...

And finally, although October was hot and ugly, November has been blessedly cool. Winning already... but She was the Grinner. She made Him haul me off to Teagan at 4 Paw (I don't really mind because its a Play Date too, after the inconvenient truth of having my hair shorn off) and They had their last laugh. They didn't remind her Not to put a bow in my hair, and lo and behold, I came out looking like a Grrl. Hrrmph. Anyway, She got the photo opportunity and then it came out. I have to say, I did Love the color (a lovely summery watermelon pinky red), but what Lizard is going to take me seriously with a bow in my hair!

I'm Three!!!

2007-10-25T12:24:00.000+10:00

Hello

I had a great Birthday! It wasn't a surprise that it was deliciously tender roast chicken breast, but it was a treat to get an extra large portion of breakfast! Then I got my present. She always wraps it, but then She hides treats in the wrapper and so I can't tear it to shreds in case I miss one of those on the way in...

I got this great colored ball with bits of rope sticking out all over it and its fun to fetch and tug and roll around with Them! She had stuck liver bits into all the folds, so they were kinda hard to retrieve. I spent some time personalising it of course, but now I do let Them play with it too.

Then I got a great big bone which took me nearly all day to whittle down to nothing! But I made sure They didn't come anywhere near me while I attended to its demolition. No way was I going to share that with anyone! I didn't make any bones about that either, let me tell ya... ggrrr!

When I was done I did need a long drink and a sleep though. She kept calling me Lamb Chop and said I smelt like one too. I ask ya, give a dog a bone... I wandered around in a bit of a daze from the Fat Hit afterwards, but I felt Real Good!

Then They took me to inspect the proposed Westies on Parade venues. That was two journeys. One on my birthday, and one the next day. I spent quite some time deliberating and all, because there were pros and cons to both, but I think I've made a great choice and I know we'll have a fantastic afternoon.

Here's my latest favorite thing to do. See while They eat dinner, I'm supposed to lie on my Purple Heart Blankie (see previous post for pic) and behave. I hang out, watch a bit of TV (that's another Whole Story) and try to stay out of trouble (not often successful - a dog's gotta bark and investigate stuff, huh). But when They're done, and are busy tidying up, I sidle up to the Dishwasher and have a good lick around. It usually pays off big time! Except of course, if He's made one of those Thai dishes with a bit of chilli, or the other day when I found a good spot on the door, but it was too close to the blue rinse aid... But 9/10 its real good stuff and I've been gettting away with it too, so I think I'll keep on lickin'! I'm not sure how long this luxury will last now that She knows about it. Hoo Boy - Another Rule!!

It's My Party!

2007-10-19T19:08:00.000+10:00

Hello

October 20 is my 3rd birthday! Only 1 more sleep! She's been planning all sorts of surprises, but my nose knows everything... I bet I'm getting roast chicken breast (no skin) for my meals and I think I'm getting a Big Bone to chew all day. She's got me a present, but I don't know what that is yet. And Wilston Vet sent me a Birthday Card! I went to Puppy School there and they always send me one.

I've been pretty busy. Last month, Eric and Elsie got cousin Hamill to come stay. That's him up on the left. Unfortunately, Hamill got fixed at the vet, so he spent a few days recuperating with them. He is still a puppy and wasn't sure of his name. And despite his affliction, he had more energy than Eric and Elsie could handle. So I volunteered to play with him for a couple of mornings to give them a rest, and we had a blast! She tried to teach him to sit, but I cottoned on to that one and got lots of treats for setting a shining example, because he didn't exactly follow...

I also got a haircut in time for sauna. They always say there are only 2 seasons in Brisbane, summer and sauna. We had a scare for a week in early October that sauna was here to stay, but fortunately, its back to summer and I'm a lot happier. My skin itches so when it gets humid. Anyway, She took the opportunity to make fun of me and didn't tell Tegan at Four Paw not to put a bow in my hair. I am So Not a Bow Dog. Luckily for me, Tegan put in a purple bow, so I was content that my regal look would complement my favorite Purple Heart Blankie, from where I rule proceedings...

How are you all going with the bindies on the sidewalks! Ever since it rained for so long and I was dead keen to get out, it got warmer and now there are weeds and bindies everywhere! I will not place my precious pads on any green sidewalk any more, its tarmac or sit-and-sulk-and won't-move for me. No way on the planet I'm walking on bindies. But the good news about the warmer weather is all the Larry's are back! You know, Larry the Lizard. I see them sunbaking in my rock garden (She kindly toiled all day to cut the grasses to neaten it up to expose the rocks so the Larry's would come out and then I can go chase them...) and then She lets me go exploring. I do border patrol round the whole garden, and there are 5 spots I'm likely to get a Larry, but when there's a sighting, I go in nose and paws blazing! Sigh, I'm not Always successful at getting them, but boy, the chase is Fun!

Now, our final Westie Walk is coming up in November on the 18th at 4 pm. I personally prefer mornings in sauna, but She said not everyone seems to like getting up early, so We've decided that because we want a Bumper Turnout, we'll do it in the afternoon. So, book your grooming appointments, because we are going to be putting our best paws forward! You all wanted the Petographer to come and take your pictures, so he is!

The Fence Line

2007-08-22T19:43:00.000+10:00

Hello

Well I got in trouble again. See, She was toiling away in my Adventure Playground fertilising the flower beds in anticipation of some rare impending rain, and I of course, was patrolling the borders. Its what I do best, you know, and it reaps rewards.

Now let me fill you in on a little history. Eric and Elsie live on one fence line and Ruckus lives on the other. As you know, Eric and Elsie are my best mates and I play with them often, either at my place or their's.

Ruckus on the other hand, would have me for breakfast given half the chance, but I can bark louder and for longer. Luckily, there's a fence between us. I can tell when he's out, a good border patroller knows these things. As soon as I know he's there, I go off my rocker barking, giving my own meaning to the word ruckus. Over the years, She has trained me to Be Quiet, but I have to get the command, and the last bark in, before I'll Be Quiet.

When I am allowed out in my Adventure Playground, I like to spy on him through my "Wilson" Hole. I have quite a good view of his yard (see left). He doesn't pay me any attention, but I like to let him know I'm there. That usually gets me sent back inside, but it's worth it!

See, I have no doubt that I upset Ruckus' Pack with my protracted barking, and for that I am somewhat ashamed. But not enough to quit barking altogether when he's in the yard! At some point, Ruckus' pack cottoned on the fact that I'll do pretty much anything for food. So if I wouldn't shut up, they were going to do it for me! They bribe me shamelessly with biscuits, and who I am to turn down a biscuit opportunity.

And so back to the present. There She was working hard, and I was on patrol. I saw Ruckus, and started barking. Of course, I wasn't going to pay any attention to Her instructions to keep quiet. I barked until Ruckus' Pack Leader gave me my biscuit. That was not a good move. She got to me and the biscuit before I could finish it. See, I get Ruckus sized biscuits and it takes me a while to finish them off. I think that's part of their plan, because it keeps me quiet for longer of course.

Anyway, She took the remains of the biscuit away for later distribution in portions. She made me write a sorry for barking and thank you letter to Ruckus for sharing his biscuits. What She didn't know is I put some of my own smaller biscuits in a bag with my letter through the "Wilson" hole for Ruckus' Pack Leader to give me. See, She threatened not to give me dinner if She caught me with a Ruckus sized biscuit again, and I have to say, the thought just leaves me cold!

Weekend Away

2007-08-16T11:41:00.000+10:00

Well, I was Not a happy traveler and She was beside herself with consternation. See it all started when He got given a gift voucher to go to Cooking School for His birthday. Problem was, it was up the road on the Coast and it involved a night away from home. So at first it seemed like a good idea because Eric and Elsie, my best mates from next door, were going to be on vacation up there in a rented beach house, and His weekend Cooking Class was right in the middle of their stay.

So they invited me to come play and go for a walk on the beach and all that before His cooking class, and it all worked out splendidly. The drive up was very exciting and We had regular Pee stops and I got treats for being good. I knew it was going to be something special because it was chicken treats. Which was fine for me because I had been so excited about going somewhere, I didn't even eat my breakfast!

Finally We got there and a very excited greeting and some play ensued. I bet Eric and Elsie didn't know I was coming That Day, because it wasn't a Wednesday. Their pack leader gave us morning tea and we all went for a walk on the beach, which I might add, was the same beach I holidayed at last year, and I was really pleased to be back.

She has spent a lot of time implementing Meg's training and so I was allowed off on my own, which was really cool. Except They don't trust me enough to actually take the lead off, just to let it go.... so I do have to run around dragging it behind me in case a foot needs to be stomped on it if I was to be unduly distracted.

Anyway, after the long and happy beach stroll, They packed me all up again and we went down the road to the Cooking School. Well, even though it had claimed to be OK for a "wee pooch", it was anything But. First, there was no fence or gate to stop me wandering into the main road right outside; then, there was no fence to stop me wandering onto the neighbor's property and off into the distance; also, 2 other dogs already lived there and so I couldn't really get comfortable; and the final straw was that because I wasn't allowed in the actual house which had the cooking school and the upmarket suites, We were placed in the ostensibly quaint railway carriage a few metres from the house in the baking sun! Well, to cut a very long story short, I did not stop whining.

To her credit, She did Her best to comfort me and had brought all my most favorite things from home and laid them all out - my crate, my Purple Heart Blankie, our New tug toy (see left - I have to hold on to it to stop Her getting it), my rawhide bone, my water bowl and all my meals, just like they get made at home. But there was no comfort there....

In desperation, and by this time She was somewhat dismayed and upset and getting cranky, She let me curl up next to Her on the bed and sleep there for the night. He enjoyed His cooking class though, so overall, there was 1 out of 3 happy campers. It was horrible, but on the way back We stopped in again at Eric and Elsie and all was good in the world again. Especially when I got home and collapsed in an exhausted heap. I've been good since though; I was sorry to be such a nuisance, but I just don't like my routine being interfered with, especially if the new one means I'm not The Center of the New Universe.

Wonderful Westie Walk

2007-07-30T12:06:00.000+10:00

Hello Everyone

It was great to see y'all yesterday at the 3rd 2007 Simply Social Walk! There were new people too - Jock my mate from down the road (not really new, but hasn't been before), Hugo who just happened to be in the park when we all turned up, and baby Mia just 5 months old walking with baby Sophie, a Wannabe Westie (Mini Schnauzer) who might well make it to Honorary Westie like Chloe (Poodle) who has been at every Westie Walk bar one since inception. There was also Lachie and Jessie, whose Pack is new to Brisbane and made sure they didn't miss the opportunity to make friends, although they already know Nolan, who unfortunately couldn't join us because he was on Official Westie Business being a Team Mascot for his Pack. Then there was beautiful Lily, who has some seriously good tricks to perform. Angus, Frank and Ruby came and went but didn't stay because their Packs had Official Pack Stuff to do, and Molly, Abby and Savannah also missed the group photos because they had to leave early too. Check out the Website over the next week or so; He has been delegated the task of getting all the photos up there.

It was all just so much fun, I was Very Tired when I got home, but They took advantage of that and tossed me in the tub! The park was Really Dirty, Dry and Dusty and She said I wasn't going to be allowed in the house and on to the newly cleaned Persian Rug looking like I did (see left after a Major Shmoosh in the dirt). I do try hard to personalise the rug, and I was initially resentful that after all that work it had been taken away for 3 weeks to have every last vestige of my hair removed from it, but the Cup-Half-Full version is that I get to shmoosh and roll over and all that stuff on the rug all over again...

Anyway, I digress, back to the Tub - I didn't offer as much resistance as I could, should and would have, because I was So Exhausted. As a result, I am So Clean now, I glow in the moonlight! I did roll half heartedly on my Poo/Pee Patch, but honestly, all I wanted was my Dinner. I took myself off to bed after that, even though I missed licking the plates in the Dishwasher. I get in trouble for that, but its worth it usually!

I got a new toy last week. I thrashed my Old Favorite (see left) to beyond recognition - strands of rope had come adrift and it wasn't really recognisable. I was struggling to maintain interest in the rest of the Toy Collection, so She went and got me a similar one. Actually I think it was Her favorite toy, because She always wants to play with it with me and we have some serious games of Tug and Throw and Fetch. Occasionally I head butt Her in my determination to get the thing back, but the game ends soon after because She invariably bites Her lip accidentally when I butt. I'll get a picture up of my New Toy soon, although I sense the rope part again might be under threat...

Have a great day and keep reading my blog and put up some posts on the website for me about what fun you had and stuff!

Whassup?

2007-07-12T20:00:00.000+10:00

Hello

I got a new collar! They went away for a few days and that was the present They got me. It's baby blue with flowers and sparkles. I also had to get a new name tag to match because my old one only matched my old collar, which I still have (see - purple dog). So last week She took me shopping and at the Pet Store I picked out the tag that would match the best (see light blue flower) and She filled out the paperwork for me to have it engraved with my name, City Council ID number, and His phone number, just like the old one. So today, on my Pooscapade, I went down to the post office and I got mail! My new tag arrived and She put it on for me and I have to say, the whole look is very chic. It goes very well with my indoor coat too, which I wear in the evenings now with the chilly weather. So now I have two options for matching outfits and accessories, depending on what color day I'm having...

No doubt you've all found it colder than usual for longer - can you believe we are actually having a Winter? He says there are only 2 seasons here Summer and Sauna, but this year, there is definitely a winter - well it's relative... They say there's no snow for snowboarding, so it can't really be a winter, but I've noticed that They put on fleece in the evening too now. Our neighbours bought me a Doggie Dooner because they know I sleep in the laundry and felt sorry for me. Not to be out done, They hauled out the oil heater They brought with from home years ago, and after dusting off the cobwebs and cleaning it up, have put it in the laundry for me. It has a timer, so She sets it to go on and off automatically depending on whether my Sunbeam is out or not. So what with my wheat pack, which gets warmed up in the microwave at bedtime, my jacket, the Dooner and the oil heater, I am a very toastie pooch overnight, and my Sunbeam does the job in the day!

And that's despite the fact that I got dragged off to Teagen at 4 Paw for a haircut. She did a great job as always, but especially considering the inexpert job Dr Scott did with the shaver for my operation ... Luckily he's a much better vet than groomer! Unfortunately, She forgot to remind Teagen that a. I'm not a bow dog, and b. even if I was, I'm not a pink bow dog. Hell's Bell's, I demanded chicken to lie still for a Makeover Mugshot - I really wasn't keen on being caught on camera looking like this; but there's a lot of things I'll do for chicken...

Noisy Barker

2007-06-21T18:35:00.000+10:00

Yep that's me. I have lots to say so hear goes (that's one of my better puns in case you thought I made a spelling error in my haste to get it all down)
So firstly, I'm a LOT better since my operation on my foot. It's a little cold, because Dr Scott shaved off all the hair and She said it looked like a turkey foot! She shouldn't talk though, She's got funny feet Herself.

The only problem is, I can't climb up and down stairs anymore without freaking out and performing my best act - Noisy Barker. So She put in an emergency call to Meg at Training with Love and now we have made some modifications to the stairs. Much to Her chagrin, there is Miracle Grip taped to the stairs to give me more confidence. She did it very neatly but She grumbles and says it looks tacky. Anyway twice a day She makes me play a game called stair climbing and we go up and down and up and down and up and down and up and down and I get lots of treats if I do it. So I'm getting better, but I still won't go up and down by myself. The next step is to fill in the risers with cardboard, but She's holding out from doing that because She said She's not modifying the whole house for a dog that has been going up and down the stairs for nearly 3 years already! So I'm trying hard and the treats are worth it for sure!

Then, my best mates Eric and Elsie were having their Adventure Playgrounds installed and so to stop them from helping too much, they came to play at my house quite a lot. It was great! Sometimes they tease me by leaving me out of their games, but I make so much noise about it, they've got no choice but to play with me too.

Elsie got hold of Onslow, so we just picked on him for a while...

But I've saved the best for last! Today I was out hunting and I brought home a Big Prize - not a Larry, but a Lola Lorakeet. I carried it with pride all the way up the path and into my yard. She came running outside shrieking Oh My G-d and then a frantic "leave it" which made me drop it at Her feet in surprise, feathers flying everywhere! I didn't understand exactly why my contribution was not being appreciated. She picked me up and took me inside and called Dr Chris immediately. Next thing, Lola was being scooped up into a Poo Bag and dumped unceremoniously into the Bin. I didn't have to have my mouth washed out, Thank Goodness, but She picked off the feathers that were tickling my nose. Unfortunately, She was so freaked out that She didn't didn't let me near the camera, so this was one prize catch that got away - you know the "It-Was-This...-Big..."

Getting Well Soon

2007-06-09T19:43:00.000+10:00

Things didn't go according to plan after all. My foot was still swollen and I still wasn't quite myself after a few days, so They made me miss my breakfast and I got hauled off to see Dr Scott again. He confirmed what we already knew - my foot had an abscess and I had to have an operation.

It was very successful and Dr Scott found a Foreign Body buried in my foot. It came from being an Explorer looking for Larry Lizards in the clumps of native grass in my Adventure Playground. He took it out, cleaned up my foot good and proper and bandaged it all up. He saved the Foreign Body in a Specimen Bottle to show us, but I didn't want to keep it.

Things got better after that and the bandage is off now. Dr Scott said my foot had to heal by itself, but luckily I get to finish the antibiotics 'cos they taste good! I was threatened with That Collar again if I licked at my foot, but after a couple of hours with It on, I learned my lesson and haven't touched my foot since. She is contemplating pulling up all the grasses so the same thing doesn't happen again. What with the water feature subsiding and being out of action for over 3 months and now this Whole Business with the grasses, my Adventure Playground is rapidly becoming rather boring... Although I did catch a Larry a couple of nights ago, bandage on and all!

Here's a word of advice to Warrior Westies - make sure your Pack has Pet Insurance, it can become dangerous and expensive hunting in the wild! Dr Scott says he wishes more Packs had Pet Insurance, then he could give all his patients Top Notch care.

Woeful Westie

2007-06-03T18:15:00.000+10:00

Somehow I hurt my foot. It all swelled up and I licked it lots and it got all red and angry and He almost fainted and She rushed me off to see Dr Scott late in the evening and I was hungry and miserable and I just wanted my dinner! She wouldn't give it to me because She said what if I need an operation to fix it and I didn't care, I just wanted my dinner.

Dr Scott was busy and we waited a long time. He shaved my foot to have a good look and it didn't hurt too much and he couldn't see any Foreign Bodies, so he gave me some antibiotics which I wolfed down because I was so hungry I ate everything that came my way including all the liver bits they all kept feeding me because I was being so good. It pays to be good 'cos generally it means I get treats.

So my old Elizabethan Collar didn't fit anymore, thank goodness - I had to wear it when I was 6 months old and got desexed so I wouldn't lick my wound. So Aunt Amanda (Eric and Elsie's Pack Leader) has lent me a shoe so I won't lick my foot. I'm getting better with the shoe too! I didn't like it at first, but now I can go up and down the stairs and of course, it doesn't hold me back when I dash off and go bark at Ruckus next door.

They took me to see Dr Chris to have my foot checked today and he says its OK, its a little gland between my toes that secretes wax to waterproof my feet which probably got blocked and swelled up and infected from me licking it. Whew, no operation then and I won't have to miss any meals. So I have 2 weeks of antibiotics. I get about 3 foot spas a day in warm salty water and then it gets padded dry and put back in the shoe. I get lots of cuddles and the more mournful I look, the more They fuss over me and the more treats I get. Things could be worse...

Million Paws Walk

2007-05-20T19:58:00.000+10:00

I had a great day out today! After my initial freak out and subsequent urgent poop, I settled down into an obedient trot ready to meet all my mates down at registration. The organisers changed the start venue and the route along Redcliffe and it was awesome. There were shady places and playgrounds and water stops and all in all it was just the best fun!

I met up with Salty again (seen here on the left with me) - last year she made me feel right at home because at that time Westie Walkers didn't exist and my freak outs in large crowds were spectacular, and seeing another Westie made everything better.

So it was good to see her again, only this time, she joined me because a lot of my own friends were there - Jessie (see below on the left) who had "coffee" with me a couple of weeks ago, and was looking a million bucks with her new clip

and Bronson - Happy Birthday for today - he turned 1 and is still a bit camera shy

and Mac and Millie and Wilson

and 2 of my oldest, most adorable friends (with very trendy collars) who I haven't seen since the Dog Day Breakfast, Abby and Savannah (seen here below).

We know Piper's Pack was around, but they were attending something else and we also met Bonnie who's mom is Princess Elizabeth (although unfortunately the 3 Princesses weren't there today) and who's Pack Leader had a great Westie T-shirt (available here) but who got separated from us Westie Walkers

So I had a good sleep in the car on the way home and at home.... and I woke up to meet my Westie friend Minty and her Pack on the sidewalk while He was raking up leaves and then I had dinner and wrote this post and I'm going back to sleep...

Water Wise Westie

2007-05-07T15:01:00.000+10:00

I put these photos up for 2 reasons: firstly to show my water saving bucket

and secondly to show that even when there is a huge great big bone I always eat my greens first and my bone later....

The reason I have taken so long to write a post is that I am trying to establish a tradition of WWW titles to my post. Its quite hard, and I spend a lot of wrestling with words to come up with punchy alliteration - WOOF bet you missed that one, the w is silent in wrestling - to keep me amused and powerful in the market place! (see at the end of the article under The Name Game)

Now if you're new to my blog, it (my blog) came about after my Pack Leaders set up the Wilston Westie Walkers (WWW). Of course, I had to find a way to share with my fellow Westies my Pooscapades (afternoon walks in the Wonderful Wide World during which I poop, deliver pee-mail and come up with ideas). Fortunately, I am Pooter literate and so my blog began just over 1 year ago. Every now and then I think up a WWW title and I thought it would be cool to try every time. Clearly its not working, but I don't give up that easily...

So as I was saying, I am just plain out of vocabulary for the all important WWW 3 letter acronym to describe the host of adventures I have recently had that I really do need to share with you. I decided that in the interests of just getting a post on line, I would take a new approach - instead of trying to fit a title to my topic, I would fit a topic to my title. So I have a developing list of intriguing WWW titles and I present to you my first effort: I chose a topic that was important to pets, people and the planet.

So here are my 3 water saving tips specifically for Westies:

when your water is being replaced, make sure They pour the old water in a bucket so when it's full They can water the plants
pee on your patch - every drop counts
run away when you see the bath

WWW

2007-04-18T19:19:00.000+10:00

So it finally happened! www.westiewalkers.com went live - isn't that amazing!

I have been so hard at it, what with refining all the details and staying up all hours to launch before Sunday, I had to delegate some of the final tasks while I had a little power nap.

Or took some time out to puzzle life's little conundrums...

But it got done, and just in time too, because its our next Simply Social Walk coming up this weekend. There is going to be a bumper turnout, so practice answering to your Pack Leaders' calls, otherwise you might go home with the wrong one...

And don't forget to USE your new website, put up lots of posts, make suggestions, plan a Westie happening and turn up Sunday ready to walk the walk!

Angus and Easter

2007-04-14T20:09:00.000+10:00

Well folks,

This is about my weekend with Angus. How My Space

became Our Space for 3 days

Last time he came to stay, we spent the first day sorting out who was boss. This time, we skipped the pleasantries and got straight down to the business of vying for treats for good behaviour.

He took a shine to that rollerskate I mentioned before that They brought for me that I never liked. He exhausted himself playing with it, which was quite amusing. He got to take it home on Easter Monday.

He kept trying to take my spot at Her feet when She worked at Her desk. So He formed a Boy's Club with Angus and Angus got to make his own spot at His feet.

Sometimes Angus was a bit boisterous and I had to take some time out in my Sunbeam.

Or go play by myself with my Blankie

While he exhausted himself playing with all my toys

Every now and then he took a break

Or we had a good old fashioned play together

But mostly we had the best time!

Catching Up

2007-04-06T08:46:00.000+10:00

Hello all

Well I have LOTS to tell you!

Firstly my friend Khan who needed a home now has a new home and a new name. His name is now Eddie and his new Pack Leader is a friend of Wilston Westies Molly and Angus, so now he's still in the Wilston Westie Community! Isn't that great? Thanks to everyone who sent messages of support and participated in the endeavor to find Eddie (aka Khan) a new home!

So moving on to the second bit of news, cos it's related - its time for our next Social Westie Walk and its scheduled for 22 April 2007 at 16H00 (that's 4 pm) at Kalinga Park Dog Park where we had our Dog Day Breakfast (see my November Archives post 20061119) and our last social walk. My Pack Leader has been recruiting Westies at every opportunity - when we're out walking, when we go hunting, and when She's out running. So hopefully, we'll have a few more Westies joining our Social Circle! Today She paused to greet a Westie while out running and the Pack Leader said "You're the Westie Lady..." need I say more folks, Westies Rule! Anyway, we really want everyone to show up cos we're hoping Eddie (aka Khan) will be there as Dog of Honor and we can all give him a cuddle and a play!

Speaking of play, the third bit of news is that my mate Angus is coming to stay for a few days over Easter. Hopefully he'll remember who's Boss from his last sleepover! I'll keep you informed of developments...

I've been doing some training in preparation for Angus' visit in case he's forgotten how things work around here with my other friend Onslow. Onslow only plays with me if I ask nicely. He lives on a shelf in my house and if I lie down quietly under it and ask, he comes down to play. So while Angus is most welcome and I Love having playmates, it's my house and I Rule!

And finally, if you think its been all play and no work, you're wrong. In keeping with my Philanthropic Vision, a Mission as always, is in development. Now you now how They go snowboarding (after being with me, that's what They love to do most). Well, They can't take me with unfortunately, so I have asked for a piece of where They go, Snowmass, to be named after me and proceeds to go to charity. So, I sent off my donation and hopefully, by next visit, there will be a paver with "Maggie The Philanthropooch" (similar to paver pictured) in Snowmass. I hope one day, to have my photo taken next to my Paver, just like on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

And that's all for now folks - Remember 22 April we're all getting together. Tell all your Westie and Wannabe Westie Friends! And keep reading my blog!

Wrapping up

2007-03-22T19:54:00.000+10:00

OK, so you know how last time I was showing you what They didn't buy me - well, this time, I'll show you what They did. See, occasionally She leaves the Pooter on long enough for me to surf without inhibition, and I came across this site with cool stuff. So I placed an order, as you do, but the store wouldn't accept credit from Westies, no matter how cute or philanthropic they are, and my order got rejected. So bless Her heart, She organised that They go over there and hand pick items that I had left in my shopping cart:

First, my Purple Heart blankie - need I say more...its for winter to snuggle under. I sure hope winter comes soon, but that's not looking likely

Second, my color coordinated housecoat - see you may recall She bought me 2 jackets, one red and one blue (refer previous post 20060625). The jackets are fleecelined and waterproof and I wear them when its cold or raining (neither happen these days... so they don't get worn much). The idea behind 2 was if one was wet, I could wear the other round the house. Anyway, She decided that I would be more comfortable curling up in a nice, soft, fleece jacket rather than a stiffer, waterproofed one in the house, so we agreed on one that matched the color palette of the living room, which is where my above mat and blankie live. It did bother Her that the purple kinda clashes with the peaceful colors of the living rooom, but She chose the jacket colors and I wasn't budging on the Purple Hearts. Here's me reluctantly but bravely being made to pose in the heat in my new jacket for blogging purposes:

Next I got Henrietta and a rollerskate. I LOVE Henrietta - she's hideous, but she squawks and she's more robust than the chickens I've had before who never wore purple bikinis. She seems to quite enjoy Henrietta to, once She got over the purple bikini and red lipstick, and we often play with Henrietta together. The rollerskate I can do without, but She sneakily hides Kongs underneath it and I have to remember to look there...

Finally, They had a few days to Themselves in Snowmass but went to CB Paws, another fine pet store, and bought me a neverending treat, which tastes like chicken and is fun to lick for long periods of time!

OK so next time, I'm gonna tell you all about how the Wilston Westies helped Khan, a fellow Westie find a new home.

Global Economies

2007-03-04T20:04:00.000+10:00

Hello Everyone

Well it's been a while. They went away on a shopping trip for me and while They were gone I didn't have access to the Pooter. They've been back a while too, but She had some things to do on the Pooter first. So now its my turn.

Here are some of the things They thankfully didn't get for me....

I think I'd die of embarrassment if She took me anywhere in that. I'm a dog with simple rustic tastes, I prefer my crate - see me resting comfortably between engagements while being chauffeured around in my own bed during a Traveling Pooscapade. I like to call it on a par with International Business Class.

Then there was the Clothing Range. I ask you, a dog with a coat as beautiful as mine (I heard Dr Chris say that yesterday when I went to get my annual shots) needs clothes? Well, She did say its possible that I would have needed this one after I got said shots.... and I do quite like the sparkle detail

And it is also possible that there would be occasion to wear either one of these when I'm barking or just temporarily allowing a Public Display of Affection

And these may be suitable for Dog Park Visits when the bindis are out in force and I won't walk on them because they prick my footpads and I suppose then again, the first T-shirt might finish off the oufit to good effect

But I suppose just getting any of these items on could prove a challenge. So lets move on to House and Home. Now as I said, I like my crate, and although this little Space Age design has been growing on me, I don't know how They'd carry it around

And of course I deserve a Royal looking bowl for any number of reasons, not all of which should be elucidated here....but try crunching on a chicken wing outta that!

In the end They brought me 5 presents and only one has failed to enthrall me. But hey, They tried. I'll get some pics of them and post them next time. In the meantime, here's me doing what I love most... being a dog

Picture Perfect Princesses

2007-01-30T10:28:00.000+10:00

I guess I couldn't hide all the zooming, cutting and pasting I did to actually post a picture of Elizabeth, Margaret and Grace all that well! She didn't get a very good shot of the 3 of them and I slaved away on Sunday after the walk, trying to ensure their best profiles were put forward online. I know how disgruntled I get when She serves up photos of me not looking as beautiful as I really am...

Fortunately, King Roland and Queen Helen sent me a beautiful picture of the 3 Princesses, so I thought I'd do the right thing and put it up for all to see!

The Westie Walk

2007-01-28T12:34:00.000+10:00

So after letting you all know about heroes Indy, Chloe, Elizabeth, Margaret and Grace (see previous post for details and photos), here's other Important Stuff about the Walk:

It was early, but a whole bunch of you were there before me! In total 20 Westies showed up and 2 regular Wannabes. What a great Play Date you guys, I had SO much fun catching up with old friends and making new ones. Let me start there (that is Junior Westies):

New friend number 1 is only 9 weeks old! On ya Fergus, you Walked with the Big Guys...

New friend number 2 is only 4 months old! Beautiful happy Ruby, whose tail wags so much I was mesmerised. (It's going so fast here you can't see it!) She has a big brother called Frank, seen gathering treats for a really good Sit!

New friend number 3 is 5 months old! Zac is about to have his first Westie haircut and is just recovering from surgery this week, but nevertheless seen here on the left with an eye for beautiful Jessie whose more intent on rehydrating vigorously...

Other new friends included Piper

and Bronson, seen here in the middle saying hullo to Angus' behind saying hullo to me (out of picture!) and Hamish suavely avoiding the whole greeting line by sneaking out of the gate on the right!

Here's Dexter and Perry (who is a Schipperke not a Pom but nevertheless still a Wannabe...) trying to work out how to use the water bowl

but Nolan making light work of his trendy water dispenser and water all in one

And then, good friends Booker and me (on the left),

beautiful Jack and Harry

and delightful Molly

If you were there and can't see your photo, I am very sorry but She doesn't trust me with the camera yet and She did try hard to get Dogs in the photos and not Pack Leader shoes like all the times before. If you have a photo you want up on the blog, send it to me and I'll make you famous!

Westies Rock!

2007-01-28T11:22:00.000+10:00

Hey y'all

Hope you're all still basking in the glow of our Simply Social Walk!

Before I go any further, I have to acknowledge the astute perception of Indy and Chloe's Pack Leaders, Trish and Bev (all seen here looking after New Recruit Baby Fergus... and of course, note Chloe is a Wannabe almost Honorary Westie),

and the brave actions of King Roland (on the far left with the hat and striped shirt), Pack Leader of 3 Princesses (seen here) Elizabeth, Margaret and Grace, in rescuing a drowning spaniel whose trusty large DUO (Dog - Unknown Origin) friend raised the alarm by sitting close to the bank of the creek where the Dog Drama was unfolding! Earlier in the walk, the Ragged Pair had looked on enviously at us Westies, hoping to join in unnoticed (what were they thinking, but then again, there are Wannabes everywhere...). Well, they sure attracted attention when DUO friend beckoned Trish over to the river bank on the return leg of our walk a while later, where she saw the poor spaniel desperately trying to get out the creek.

Fittingly, in the year of the Life Saver and on Australia Day weekend (and for those of you who don't know what Australia Day is for...), when ordinary (although Westie Pack Leaders aren't exactly ordinary) Australians are honored for selfless acts and bravery, King Roland launched himself shoes and all into the Creek to ensure the tiring spaniel could continue his unsupervised Sunday adventures. I have it on good authority from My Pack Leaders who went cycling soon after the Walk, that aforementioned spaniel and DUO friend were still wandering aimlessly around the parks in a state of Pack Leader neglect. Hoo Boy, and who thought only cats have more than 1 life!

So after all that, for all the goss and photos from the Simply Social Walk, see next post!

Simply Socialising

2007-01-25T18:47:00.000+10:00

So the first Westie get together of 2007 is imminent. I'm looking forward to playing with someone my own size...

Anyway, no sponsor campaign, photoshoots, fundraising, letter writing, flyer making or website design - its quite liberating really, just a bunch of us Westies getting together early on a Sunday morning for a play, walk and chat. I've had a great response to my email - although quite a few are having a long weekend away, there are still going to be about 17 of us on Sunday morning. I'm really looking forward to catching up with everyone!

Welcome 2 007!

2007-01-17T19:53:00.000+10:00

That's a good pun, isn't it! Read it again if you didn't get it...

Life's been pretty good since my vacation. The Pack continued to hunt over the Holidays, but They were around enough in between things to ensure I was fed and walked and played with. They even took me to see the NY Eve fireworks visible from our street corner on the hilltop overlooking the city.

She succeeded in training me to "Come" when I'm in the Dog Park and preoccupied with other Dogs and Dog Smells and Things that are important to investigate in a Dog Park. While We were on Vacation, They arranged for Meg to come play (like a Personal Trainer) and she showed Them how to be confident enough to let me off my lead on the beach and in the Dog Park and be sure I'll come back. Now it's a win win situation; I get my "$100" treat (that's yellow cheese) and They get me back (although She might dispute that as a win sometimes...)

I've also had an appointment at the Four Paw Salon where I was treated to one of the best Do's I've ever had. She says I look like a million dollars (see above) and I am nice and cool! I have a nice bare belly so when I lie on the tiles I really cool down.

I have also spent quite a lot of time over at Eric and Elsie - seen here with me on the left (my best friends). Eric and Elsie had a pet sitter last year and Eric was nominated pet of the month! Check out his cool photo. Anyway, last week He was away for work and She was working All Day Every Day and so their pack leader said I could come play at their house (its great - no Rules there) and I was sure to be fed on time because She was home late. I behaved myself too, so now I've been invited to go play there one day a week!!

My Vacation

2006-12-20T20:08:00.000+10:00

So previously on Pooscapades....

Getting there and finding Life's a Beach.

At first, there was the odd moment of hesitation...

I wasn't exactly sure who I might meet, or on what terms.... (that's My pawprint on the left)

But then I discovered Scum Bubbles are good to play with and they make the scary pawprints disappear

My first face to face meeting with a Bush Turkey didn't go too well. I dragged Her along the road and up into a rockery in pursuit. After the dressing down I got when She finally caught Her breath and dignity, I decided some restraint was necessary the next time a Bush Turkey crossed my path. Indeed, so restrained was I, that a local who owned 2 Westies himself came over to comment on my Good Behaviour.

In between Pooscapades to the Beach and local Coffee Shop,

I made myself at home on the corner of the sofa reserved for Doggie Visitors clearly demarcated with a special purpose Dog Rug. This Dog Right is not part of the Dog Bill of Rights in my house, so it was something I indulged in for oh, lets see, about 8 hours a day; from when We got back from the morning walk, until it was time to go on the afternoon walk. From this post, I could sleep uninterrupted

Watch the English lose the Cricket

Supervise all activities, including most notably food preparation

And spend Quality Time

Occasionally I ventured out for some sunbaking, although strict rules applied to prevent sunstroke

All in all, I can't wait for my next Beach Holiday!

Pooch Overhaul

2006-12-10T20:03:00.000+10:00

So about that vacation... I got to experience the other side of life!

First, there was the surprise early afternoon snack and a visit to the Dog Park. I knew something was up. There were bags packed, including my personal backpack with My Stuff. Then, there was the looong trip in the car and we arrived at a place I have never seen before. That made me kinda excited. They tried to give me my own room but it was dark and scary. I soon organised that my crate was placed in their sleep space by barking mournfully. It took longer than I would have liked, but They relented and I felt a whole lot better.

It also gave me the opportunity to decide for myself when They had to get up, which was about 5:30 every day so I could go for a walk. The Beach was a Whole New Experience for me, but it didn't take long to get used to it.

I really like the Beach: it has all the amenities a Dog could wish for. There was also fresh water to drink at the end of the Outing and No Fence. That made the Pack nervous, because I have been known to ignore Them when I'm having fun and They are often just calling me to prevent me getting into unexpected trouble.

Anyway, the Ocean was Big Attraction. Free, Happy and Endless Possibilities....

See next post!

Vacation

2006-12-06T14:04:00.000+10:00

Hello Folks

Well, following a busy year of organising walks, photoshoots and PR, fundraising and setting up the Wilston Westie Walkers Community, I demanded a well earned Vacation.

We went to a place far away where I have had all sorts of fun which included meeting people, lots of exercise, interaction with native wild life, fresh air, food, TV and sleep and I will tell you all about each in the next few posts. Suffice to say I am well rested and looking forward to the upcoming Holidays!

In my spare time, I have been working on a website especially for the The WWW Community where y'all can talk to each other between Westie Walks and exchange photos and Chit Chat and Dog Stuff and see what's happening. As soon as I have it all figured out, I'll be inviting you to join in if you are on the Mailing List my Pack Leaders have been compiling for me at the Westie Walks held so far. If you aren't on the mailing list and want to be included, you can email me at the "Contact us" here

Stay tuned for tales of my Amazing Vacation!

Multimedia Maggie

2006-11-21T08:23:00.000+10:00

Hey Guys

Apart from being a successful Philanthropooch, I am also, as you know, a Pooter Literate Pooch, who blogs on a regular basis. But its no good to sit in front of a Pooter all day. So I thought I'd share with you some of my more high tech means of keeping myself entertained in between blogging, sleeping, eating, barking and organising fundraising Westie Walks. (see previous post for a wrap of the Walk)

First, there's the Puppet Show put on by the birds outside. Cirque d'Soleil has nothing on these guys. I sit spellbound in the comfort of my own living room, while the performance proceeds. They have to wait until the lighting is just right, so their silhouettes will form perfectly in my viewing window as they dance, preen and flutter away singing at the top of their voices.

Second, there's the Reality TV. I can sit and watch the world go by through my perfectly positioned wide screen. Its amazing how enthralling arbitrary activity can be. I can see all the lizards and bugs and birds and people and dogs going about their daily business. Sometimes I might offer my opinion about what they're doing, but She always tells me to keep quiet and mind my own business. Which is fair enough, since my business is important to me. I occasionally leave nose prints on the screen because when the action gets too close, I get a little excited. She kindly sees to it that they don't stay long and blur the next session.

Third, there's the Interact With Nature Program. Now that it's warmer, I get to play this most evenings. Some bug or other comes to play (uninvited of course) and They call me over to play until it can't play anymore. I'm always willing to oblige because I get quite a lot of fun out of it for a while. Usually it stops playing with me after being tossed about, but there's often another one who comes over the next evening.

Finally, there's the Intrepid Explorer game. Now that the Rock Garden is well established, I get to go hunting in it on a regular basis. There have been a number of creatures in the Rock Garden, but they have been particularly elusive and as yet I haven't managed to get one to play with me. Its my favorite thing to do, because I can keep an eye on what's going on through my Poo Patch fence and then when They let me out into my Adventure Playground I head straight for the Rock Garden.

THANK YOU!

2006-11-19T10:35:00.000+10:00

Hey Everyone

So this was me a week ago, hot, bothered and in desperate need of an appointment at the salon

And this was me a few days ago - all glammed up and keen to show off my new do at the Dog Day Breakfast!!!

And this was me today with my recently groomed friend Booker who had his photo in the City News to promote the walk to city folk

Thank you all SO MUCH for making it such Big Day Out. I'm pretty tired, what with all the preparations and so on, but I just had to share with you what a great event you all made it out to be just by showing up and eating!

Winona sure enjoyed herself watching us Westies contributing to such a good cause.

And this was everyone today enjoying the Walk. That's Winona and my friend Angus out in front (remember he came to stay for the weekend...) and then there's me and Booker behind Angus and little Alfie is from my school

And this was my Pack Leader along with Angus and his Pack Leader cooking up a storm.

So you guys, altogether there were 36 Westies and 10 Wannabe's that showed up today. Sadly, there were 16 Wilston Westies who wanted to come, but whose Pack Leaders must have thought it was too early to join us on the day! Happily, there were 11 other Westies that I didn't know were coming, who did come along to meet and greet and join the gang.

A special mention of thanks to Harry, the Pom - Wannabe- Westie, who has a very busy Pack Leader, but was able to persuade him that Westies are the best friends you can have and that he just had to be there !

You all raised $350 which I will be forwarding on behalf of us Westies to sponsor Ruby and Riley (login: R litter; password: regal) tomorrow. Hope you had as good a time as I did and that you remember to buy Christmas gifts at Urban Bites and get your Christmas dinner from Zone Fresh. Click here to see all the photos from the walk and feel free to add your own. Remember to let my Pack Leader know when you want to meet up again for a casual stroll and when I recover from all the excitement, I'll get it sorted!

Guess what, guess what!!!

2006-11-10T20:19:00.000+10:00

I've been having some fun with the balls I got for my birthday. They scoot and pop up all over the place when I'm chasing them. Its great - I've squashed a few, but there's a lot more...

OK so its nearly time for the Westie Walk! Things have been pretty hectic. We picked up the prizes from Wilston Vet and there are some really good ones - remember you have to be in it to win it! We have sorted the sausages for the sizzle from Zone Fresh and they smell real good; but I promise to leave enough for y'all...maybe...

And I got to be a celebrity pooch - the team from the Northside News came for my photo shoot. Unfortunately my appointment at the stylist is only for next week, so I look my best on the Big Day. So instead She brushed me till I shone (I sure earned that liver bit) because next week was going to be too late for the publication deadline. Then I had to do every trick in my book for the photographer (I got lots of cheese for that, so that was pretty satisfying) - it took him a while to get it right, but you know, I understand - I have several "good sides" and he had to capture them all just right so as to make sure the Best One goes in the paper! My friend Booker had to do the same for the City News and we will both be in the paper next week promoting the walk. I hope lots of Westies are inspired to come. She explained to the reporter how the best thing about us Westies is how we make people smile wherever we go. She also told them how we raise money for Winona and her mates

So last weekend my Best Friends Eric and Elsie came over for a play date. One of their Pack Leader's is away on a work assignment and the other works very hard. They get a Pet Sitter to come everyday for some company but its not the same. They seem a little sad. So I got my Pack Leader to get them to come over and we had a good play. I had to share my treats, but thats OK - when I go to their house first thing I do is eat the food in their bowls

Happy Birthday to Me

2006-10-21T21:09:00.000+10:00

Hey there

I am 2! And I had a Big Day! I got presents - there's me unwrapping Cocky the Rope Toy Cockroach, and my Clam Shell with Balls so that They can hide stuff (for example liver bits and Kongs) in it for me to find to try and keep my Short Little Span of Attention engaged for longer... I also scored in the food department, with gourmet liver biscuits and I went on a long pooscapade with both of Them.

Now the other good news is that Zone Fresh agreed to sponsor the Dog Day Breakfast, and now there will be a sausage sizzle breakfast on the day for all your Pack Leaders, the proceeds of which will be added to any donations made to our sponsored Guide Dog puppies.

Its come to my attention that the early start to the Westie Walk is a challenge to some. Let me remind you that its not called Dog Day Breakfast for nothing! It's gonna be quite hot later... and my Pack prefers snow. See, I love getting up just as much as the next Dog (see bottom left), but when there's prospect of meeting up with all my friends and for a good cause, no contest!

So keep those registrations coming and remember there are 29 sleeps to till we all get together! Hope the training's going well...

Sister Act 3

2006-10-15T12:17:00.000+10:00

First there was Whoopi, and then there was me and Cailan making Whoopi...

Cailan is my sister all the way from CelticBrae. We turn 2 next week (presents and good wishes are most welcome....) We came up on the plane together in the Crate which is now My Safe Place. She stayed with me and Her our first night in Brisbane, but then she went to live with her pack. She came to visit and play last week and I was very happy to see her again! I showed her my Adventure playground and made her chase me round and round and round the pond until we got dizzy. And then of course, just like Angus, she wanted my rawhide bone, but since she is my sister, it wasn't such a drama to let her have it and She gave me another one.

She also went into my Deck House which stores all my special artefacts and Rock Art that I collect from my secret- places-in-the-garden; I would have minded if she wasn't my sister... but she appreciated the stuff and after checking it out we just hung out until her pack leader came back.

He went with her pack leader to go hunting at my favorite spot. I am quite particular about what goes into my BARF diet, but He always manages to get my chicken wings and lamb flaps and veggies and mackarel. Since He hunts there so often, We have asked them to support our Westie Walk, so paws crossed they will. Anway She stayed to supervise me and Cailan because when we first arrived, Cailan tried to sneak under the fence, and He grabbed her tail just in time before she disappeared to yank her back. It would not have been a good look if her pack leader had turned up to claim her and there was no Cailan to be seen...

So Cailan's gonna come to the Westie Walk to meet all my mates. She's got a Scotty dog in her pack that's coming too, so maybe we can get international attention for our Westie Walk on a whiskey bottle

Dog Day Breakfast Goes Live

2006-10-09T20:57:00.000+10:00

Hey Folks

Remember to check out the details for the Dog Day Breakfast. We've gone live and the media blitz has begun. He printed the Flyers, She called the papers and I'm going on the Campaign Trail for Sponsors for Spot Prizes.

Actually I was out on a regular Pooscapade the other day and it turned out to be a very successful impromptu Campaign Walk. We were strolling by Urban Bites, as We do, and the Lady popped out to say hello to tell me how cute I am - clearly I made a lasting impression the first time we met! Anyway, she offered to sponsor the Wilston Westies again, and so there you have it - more coffee and petit four vouchers to win when you show up! Thank you Urban Bites.

Then further down the road, a man in a Big Truck smiled at me, as people do, and said to Them that he had a Westie too. So She told him all about the Dog Day Breakfast and next thing you know, We got a photo of his westie called Molly and a guaranteed attendance at the upcoming walk.

So I learned some important things about being an important Philanthropooch. Its important to stay well groomed at all times (I grit my teeth to say that because despite the liver bits I hate being brushed every day!), and its important to be well behaved on walks (that's OK I get lots of liver bits) and its important to meet and greet on the street (I like making people smile)! I could become accustomed to Celebrity....

So folks, sign up and stay tuned!

Oh and just to keep you interested...

2006-10-01T20:35:00.000+10:00

Now folks, just remember our next Wilston Westie Walk is coming up. Its called the Dog Day Breakfast and the preliminary date is 19 November 2006. We need to raise a whole heap of money for the R litter Ruby and Riley (remember, login is R litter, password is regal). Its gonna be real hot by then, so we're gonna get started early - at about 6:30 am at the Kalinga Park Dog Park north of Bertha St. Stay tuned...

Down and Out

2006-10-01T19:26:00.000+10:00

I've been sick, that's why I haven't finished telling you all about my Sleepover with Angus. See, after I was so exhausted from the weekend's excitement, I started to cough. And it got worse and worse. She was beside herself with anxiety, so I had to go see Uncle Chris. Actually, Uncle Chris was on holiday and I had to see Uncle Scott. He's nice too, but when They said I was scooting (ya know, a little shuffle while I sit to scratch my little Bum Ole) he interfered with my person to check why - I did get a little indignant about that, but I was feeling pretty sorry for myself so all I could managed was a little yelp. Anyway, I landed up with medicine and now I'm much better although I still get tired quickly.

So back to my weekend. Like I said, the first day sorted out who was boss and it turned out we decided to share the Top Job. We also shared getting treats, reading the paper, and my daytime corner under Her desk. We played and slept and chewed and all in all we had a very civilised day. I think we knackered each other out after day One. But just before Angus' pack came to pick him up, we shared going for a walk with Them. I am much better trained on the walk than Angus, but he's a fast learner when there's liver bits involved and by the end of it we were trotting along like a pack of well heeled huskies.

My first sleepover!

2006-09-18T20:20:00.000+10:00

Hey guys, I hosted my first sleepover last weekend!

I had a trial run with a visitor about 2 weeks before, a wannabe Westie called Charlie, who is actually a Labrador about 7 times my size. Charlie stayed a couple of hours while He hosted a bookclub meeting, and Charlie's owner was taking part. I kinda ignored him because there was yummy food at the meeting and I was on floor patrol (no one's ever allowed to feed me even if I try my cutest looks - Her rules) and I often get lucky.... anyway, Charlie wasn't allowed in the house so I left him to his own devices in my poo patch. He tried to claim it as his own by peeing on my curry tree pot, but I had the last laugh because he couldn't fit through my doggie flap and he was quite easy to tease from inside!!!

Well I must have passed that test because last weekend Angus came to stay for 2 whole days. I met Angus on the Wilston Westie Walk and his Owners went away for the weekend. The first thing we had to do was sort out who's Boss (see above). Then we had to sort out who got My Rawhide Bone (see above); that wasn't so easy - Angus didn't understand it was My Bone. So I tried to enlist Her help with my Help Me Before I Start Barking look , and to Her credit She tried to give him a different one so I could have mine back. I tried to bury in My Yard when he wasn' t looking, but he kept stealing it back. So in the end we shared it for the weekend and She gave it to him to take home and I got lots of treats and hugs for being so generous with My Space and Things. I'm still pretty tired from the weekend events and all the Lessons I Learned, so I'll carry on with all our Westiescapades another day!

Makeover Maggie

2006-08-20T20:08:00.000+10:00

Hey Dudes

So you know how its getting like real hot and its not even 1 September? Well I complained a bit and so I got to have a makeover just in time for summer. See that's me BEFORE on the left and that's me NOW down below! Cool huh? Now hopefully I won't need to get a bath so often. Also, I can see better now, so I have lots to bark at!!

I haven' t been to School for 2 weeks. Last week was Show Dog day and all the teachers took their well trained pooches to be in the Obedience Competition. One day I might get to go, but I don't think it will be any time soon. They have found a new Dog Park to take me to with Very Nice Dogs in it, so I get quite distracted playing with all my new pals and don't always come, actually that's never come, when They call me to go home. The last couple of times They have taken me out into the nearby field and have practiced quite hard to try and instil a more reliable response in environments other than the classroom. What They haven't figured out is I need poached chicken to be obedient at all venues... This week I didn't go to School because I was having my hair and nails done at the Groomers.

So She's working on teaching me a New Thing to do - I got a new toy out of it, and I get treats every time it comes out to work with, so life's not all work and no play. I'll make sure to get a picture of it and show you...

Oh and just so you know, I'm doing my bit for water recycling. I get fresh water twice a day before meals, and She empties the old water into a watering can and then when the can's full, She waters all the plants around my Poo Patch.

My New Adventure Playground

2006-08-01T16:20:00.000+10:00

Finally, my yard is complete and I like nothing better than to race around the water feature (that's me by the water feature) and sniff the grass and explore the rock garden (that's me leaving the rock garden) and find secret treasures (and leave them....)

Well this is going to be short because its only the 3000 gajillionth time I've tried to publish a post on the New Wireless Network He has tried to install it on Her new Pooter and it keeps disappearing. Noone thought to leave the old Pooter out and connected for me. Hrmph. I'm the only one with anything important to say, after all.

I had my teeth cleaned a couple of weeks ago and now I've got Pearly Whites to die for. Also, as I told you, I'm back in school in the Advanced Class. Last week we were doing an exercise and I got to go last (none of the teachers at school ever think I can do anything and always leave me until last...) and I did the stay, come from 20 paces, drop in the middle and complete perfectly, so much so that everyone burst into spontaneous applause! I like making Her proud - it's worth it for all the bits of chicken I get as treats during class for doing the Right Stuff. And I get to see all my friends there. Its so much fun!

Riley and Ruby

2006-07-17T20:23:00.000+10:00

So you guys, Winona sent me a letter with a picture of Riley and Ruby, the 2 labrador puppies that we Wilston Westies have cosponsored by doing our Wilston Westie Walk and raising $195.

Winona tells me they were born on 5 March 2006 in Tasmania and when they turned 8 weeks they came to live in Brisbane. They live with puppy raisers now. You can check on their progress by clicking on the Co Sponsor update. Each litter has its own login and password. The R litter login is R litter and the password is regal - the webpages are updated with new photos and information every few months.

Wassup?

2006-07-16T18:44:00.000+10:00

Hey Everyone

Here's the mat I picked out at the Pet Store a few weeks ago. It's good for playing and shaking and just having a good time.

The other thing I like doing is watching TV. I haven't worked out where the Animals that come up on the screen go to after putting in an appearance, but I always give them a friendly Greeting and invite them to come play. Over on the left there, is me and the pizza delivery dog having some fun before he ran away!

So I've been put back in School in the Advanced Class! It was good to be out on the field again strutting my stuff. It's fun - I always get special treats in School to make sure I do stuff and don't embarrass them. They make poached chicken for me and it's Real Good! My class mates are Jay the Italian GreyHound, Simone the Japanese Spitz, Darcy the Lab Cross, Lucy the One Blue Eye Border Collie and a Ridgeback. So She got all proud because even though I was new to the class and the smallest Dog, I did stuff on command. It's because there are so many Rules at home, the stuff in class was easy and I got chicken for doing it! And even though the others had been going for a few weeks already, I was the Star Poopil who did the off lead "come" from 20 paces, perfectly too, the teacher said. If only the Other teacher who called me ignorant during Level 1 was there to see me...wouldn't she be eating her words!

Now, I've had a little setback with my Pooscapades. I'm supposed to go before bedtime, but lately I've had to wake Him up between 3 and 5 am to go. He is getting a bit tee'd off about it, but I can't help it. So They are trying to reset my body clock, and it may turn out that I only get fed in the morning (I've heard Them discussing the options) So this morning, I took my lamb flap and buried it in the garden after I got given it. I had to have a face wash when He found me, but He didn't know what I had been up to. Later, I dug it up and hid it in my house on the deck. This is me burying it in the back corner for later. It sure tasted good covered in dirt 'n all when I finally tucked into it!

2006-07-10T21:08:00.000+10:00

Hello

Sorry about the pootracted silence, but the pooter is undergoing an upgrade and I have not been able to get online. Hopefully He'll get it done soon - I have lots to tell: I'm back at obedience school in the Advanced Class; the money we raised on our walk is going to the R litter; and a whole host of other Stuff. Stay tuned....