Guest post: great auntie Robyn

This in from my great aunt Robyn who has been minding me:

At lunch time when I went upstairs after the gym I found my uggh boots placed next to each other at the top of the stairs. After my initial alarm at someone being in the house I realised that the someone was Sophie-May who must have gone into my wardrobe and bought them out, singly, I assume (as I am sure she could not carry 2 sized 91/2s together), and placed them next to each other, Left and right in correct position, waiting for me!! And no there was not a chew mark in site!!!

Robyn, now chew marks...yet. Watch this uggh space.

Happy First Birthday To Me

SUCH a nice day - my very first birthday. This afternoon we took a Birthday Walk, which was particularly satisfying as they've taken down the footy goalposts and the whole Cremorne-Cammeray dog community were out celebrating being able to reclaim Primrose Park.

When we got home Buzz gave me a yummy Birthday Bone (lamb). I had to eat it on my ikea rag rug, it was a messy one and I invested a lot of rewardig time and energy into it. Buzz reckoned it looked like I'd slaughtered an antelope!

That was followed by a Birthday Bath because I was v whiffy, and I was so relaxed by then that I submitted to a Birthday Brush and the removal of several dreadlocks. Finally, a Birthday Nap.

DIY Toys 4 Dogs

There are never enough toys for little dogs like me. If you are bored with your current collection, here are three simple steps to construct your own unique chew toy.

1. Next time you get a haircut, hide a pile of fur before your owner has time to throw it all out.

2. When no one is looking, chew the fur and swallow. Important: this behavior results in confiscation of fur, so be discreet.

3. After a little time, regurgitate the fur. Do this also with discretion as hacking can alarm yiur owner. The combination of fur, spittle and chewing has created a fun felt toy. Allow to dry. Congratulations.

How to gain licking rights to a finished bowl of icecream

Gaining licking rights to the leftovers of a bowl of icecream is a delicate task in diplomacy and manipulation. Charm is the key. I recommend the following strategy.

1. Maintain close proximity to the icecream bowl. It is important to ensure whoever is eating the icecream is aware of your presence and connects you and the bowl in their mind.
2. Maintain eye contact with whoever is eating the icecream. DO NOT give away the game by looking at the icecream itself.
3. Exercise charm via head tilts, the slow blink (not too slow, you don't need to look like a stalker nor like you are about to slip into a diabetic coma), and cute noises (use with caution: you do bot want to be accused of barking or similar noise offences).
4. When they are finished, they will reward your cute behaviour by placing the bowl on the floor or holding under your nose. DO NOT preempt licking rights by jumping up on whoever is eating the bowl. Occasional gentle nudges are acceptable. If the temptation is too much for you, avoid all physical contact.
5. Basic manners are essential even when the goal is achieved. Any lapses will affect future bowl licking rights and similar. Finish the bowl tidily, no spills nor knocking over the bowl, and ALWAYS so thank you when you've finished.

Enjoy your icecream!

Dog News Today

Happy stories from around the canine world:

Paws for style (Fairfax): Fashion lovers take their pooches for a stroll on the "dogwalk" at the Paws For Style charity event to benefit the New York Humane Society.

Stray dog adopts cubs at zoo in Hefei, China (News Ltd): A PLUCKY stray dog has saved the lives of a tiger cub and lion triplets who were abandoned by their mothers at a Chinese zoo.

Blind canine has his own guide dog (News Ltd): A BORDER collie overcame some of the difficulties of being blind – by having his own guide dog. The inseparable pair, named Bonnie and Clyde, do all everyday activities together – including eating, sleeping and going for walkies.

Movie Review: Beverly Hills Chihuahua

Look what we found on Buzz's dad's phone camera? This is me at 8 weeks old! I was 1.2kg and had to be weighed on the bird scales. Now I'm 10 months old and pushing 7kgs! What a fatty!

Today I'd like to post a brief movie review. Last night we watched Beverly Hills Chihuahua. So many dogs, I didn't know which one to bark at first (but I tried). Buzz would normally get cross with me about this, as it contravenes our Stealth & Cunning Living Arrangement, but she apparently figured if anyone complained about a mysterious barking dog, she can blame the movie. I thought Beverly Hills Chihuahua was a bit annoying, and nowhere near as good as my favourite movie, Wall-E.

In Dog News Today...

I'd like to send a nod and a lick across the pond to Scooter in NZ, possibly the world's smallest dog at 8cm. He eats out of an egg-up and has to wear a purple sock so his owner, Cheryl, doesn't accidentally stand on him.

Scooter'd make me look like a great dane, and I remember well the first time I bumped into one of those! Frightened me half to death, although he was really a very nice dog.

Good luck to you Scooter, I think you are extremely cute and would love to have a little sibling-pup just like you one day! We could play hide and seek together (you could hide in my Kong!).

I'd also like to send my love and get-well-soon wishes to Smokey in the UK. That's way harsh, what happened! But its good that you are doing well, and I promise that you won't miss your sight too much in that eye -- I get along just fine without mine!

Out of office reply

I am currently on hiatus in Novocastria, with Madison Rose and Buzz's mum and dad. I am too busy exploring the yard, convincing Madison that I am her best friend but she should leave my treat toys alone (or else), begging for BBQ chicken, and colonising laps. I will return to my blogging responsibilities as soon as I have a moment to spare.

One More Sleep

Only one more sleep till Buzz's mum and dad come home! That means one more sleep till I see Madison Rose again, and one more sleep until I get some serious backyard activity time. I am SO EXCITED!

I've had a bath, a maniac attack, didn't eat my dinner (don't panic, I'll just get up and get some food out of my Bob-A-Lot later), and now I am trying to calm down.

I wonder if they brought me home some souvenirs? They went to America, where I am reliably informed they have the most magical pet toys, treat dispensers and accessories in the whole world. Puppy-paws crossed!

Ice Ice Puppy

My new most favourite food: coconut ice.

Awmygod such magical burst of lfavour in my mouth. Coconut. Condensed milk. Sugar sugar sugar (icing). Coconut ice makes me act like a crack whore, I can't control how much I want it and will do anything (ANYTHING) to get some. I haven't felt this intense about anything since the last time Buzz brought home a BBQ chook.


-- Post From Sophie May's iPhone