Goodbye 2007, Hello 2008

Happy New Year to everypup!

Sorry we haven't been around - Patches had his manly bits removed, and it's been quite an experience here for the humans trying to keep us separated, and keep Patches from running and jumping. So far, he hasn't had to wear the collar, even though he can totally reach his wound! (I could never reach mine, since I had, and still have, a little belly chunk in the way.)

I think it would be fun to recount the year, and all the adventures I had along the way. I also think that everypup should play this game...so if you are reading this, consider yourself tagged!!!!!

January - I met every human in my new family.

February - I learned how to poo in the snow and started blogging!

March - I was neutered, which was a breeze, celebrated with a huge bone, and learned that I like asparagus.

April - I became a back-up dancer for the Howling Jowls, destroyed some bunny ears, and graduated puppy class!

May - Someone destroyed my Mama's couch, I gave instructions on how to Party like a Rock Star, and introduced my beloved Black Dog.

June - My pop and I were almost attacked by a pack of Pitt Bulls (we weren't hurt), and I ate Frosty Paws for the very first time.

July - I celebrated July 4th by noshing on a marshmallow, and ran for Mayor without even knowing!

August - Patches arrived!!!!

September - I celebrated my birthday, and in a totally unrelated act, snuck some of my mama's cake. Patches and I also mastered the "dual-leash."

October - We went camping and hung out by the fire, and ran off-leash for a while....and, we were forced to dress up in silly costumes.

November - I ate my mama's Ocean's 11 DVD, but as Sophie LaBrador pointed out - I didn't eat the faces of the mega-stars. See, I'm not that naughty.

December - Merry Christmas!

Patches goes to work

This morning I was rejected for the very first time.

It hurt like crazy, zipping right through my fragile heart!

Bright and early, Sparky and I packed up our things and headed off to Doggie Day Care for the day, while Mama went to work and Pop went to the Casino to hang with some buds. Because I am 6 months and 1 day old, and not neutered yet (whatever that means!), I was told that I could not stay. Mama tried to get them to bend their rules, since I am getting neutered next Friday, but they didn't budge. Sparky got to stay, but I had to go.

But that's OK, because I get to hang out with Mama at her work! I've been really busy sniffing all the corners and barking at everyone who walks in the door. I'm like, the official mascot of the office! Mama made me a bed out of a box and her coat and I took a little nap right under her desk.

This afternoon I am going to help everyone with their lunches. After all, I have to make sure that their sandwiches are fit for human consumption now that I am in charge of keeping all these people safe and sound. I can't wait to tell Sparky all about my day...he's going to be so jealous!

Today is my Gotcha Day!

1 year ago today (at around 3:00pm, EST) I was found by my mama. I'm going to do something a little different today, and let my mama tell you all the story of my homecoming...

Last year, on December 20, I woke up and announced to Nathan (Sparky's Pop) that I would be getting a dog that day. We had had the discussion for about a year, and I was always shot down - but that day I was not taking no for an answer. That day began a 10 day vacation from work, so I had the time to spend with a new dog to get them accimated into our world. Of course, Nathan did not believe that I would be so bold.

I had no idea what kind of dog I wanted, except that I did want a puppy - - I just sort of felt that the dog would pick me and not the other way around. I visited the local animal shelter and played with a couple of the dogs there (not puppies), but none of them felt right. I spoke with the staff at the shelter and they explained that there was a waiting list for puppies, and that they don't receive them often. After careful consideration, I made my way to one of the pet stores. (I have gotten some negative feedback from some about purchasing a dog through a pet store, but that is a choice I made that worked for us.)

I peaked inside the kennels and this little black dog with soulful eyes peered back at me. I immediately knew that I had to visit with him. This puppy was the most hugable dog I have ever had the pleasure to meet. He kissed my cheek and nuzzled into my neck, and when I put him down he immediately wanted to be picked up again. His birthday is September 29 - which is the anniversary of Nathan and my first date! I knew right then that I would be walking out with this dog!

After the paperwork was completed, and I was several hundred dollars lighter, the little black dog and I walked out through the mall to my car in the parking lot. Of course, we stopped for every person who asked if they could pet him, and like a champ the puppy allowed it and welcomed it! Since our home was ill-equiped for an animal, I stopped by my sister's house and had her dog sit, while I did a little shopping. She and her children were thrilled that I had gotten a dog and were happy to play and cuddle our new addition.

I stocked up on food, treats, bowls, bedding, a kennel, collars and leashes and toys of all kinds - all before calling Nathan to tell him what I was coming home with! When I finally got around to telling him, he didn't believe me. We made plans to meet for dinner at a restaurant, but before I left I took a picture of our new baby, so he would know that I was not joking.

This is the shot I showed him during dinner...and have never looked back. Our little black dog was officially named two weeks later. (Yes, it took us that long!) Sparky gave unconditional love from DAY ONE. I can not imagine life without our little fellow.

Thanks Mama!!!

Dear Santa Paws

Dear Santa Paws,

I am sorry that I barked at you the other day when we attempted to have our pictures taken with you, but I do have to protect my mama. I hope you understand. I am so very excited right now because this is my first ever Christmas! I've been so good - - as good as a 6-month old puppy can be. I've kept *my* destruction contained to dog toys and bones, and not the livingroom couch like another pup I know. Overall I have been a loving, playful and attentive puppy, so I am hoping that you may grant me a couple of requests for Christmas...

Santa, please keep all of our DWB friends in your heart over this Christmas season. Some have lost family members, while others have gained. There are a couple in particular who are going through some tough times - so just look over them for me. If you could send them some hugs, that would be wonderful. If you need any extra drool - let me know and I'll make some for you!

Please send me 8 extra pounds so that I will be as big as Sparky. We are already the same height, but I need the poundage, so I can knock him over and pin him down.

Please teach my mama how to use her camera without the flash.

I would really like one of these for Christmas. Sparky tells me that the water in the toilet is tastier than the water in our dishes, but the bathroom door is constantly closed, and this would be a pawesome compromise.

Thank you Santa Paws!!! Merry Christmas!

Patches, the Beaglier

Torture

My mama made hundreds of these torture devices.

All they do is stare at me, and I am not allowed to approach at all. Kibble just doesn't compare.

(You can click here to view all of the recipes!)

Run Free Thrawn, Run Free

RIP Thrawn from your buddies, Patches and Sparky. We will miss you - but know that you are in a place where you can run free of pain. Please send your puppy hugs and kisses to Maryann and the rest of the Brat Pack.

Patches' neuter is scheduled

I try to be the best brother I possible can be to Patches...but sometimes he's just so hard to handle. Lately, he's been bugging me so much - grabbing my precious jowls with his sharp baby toofers and poking me in the eyeballs with his paws! It's all the additional testosterone. Which is why mama finally made an appointment to get his man tumors taken out!

Luckily, the pup will be able to fully enjoy Christmas before going under the knife. Unfortunately, his New Year may start out a little...empty. Patches' appointment is December 29.

Of course, when he is under the weather it also means that I have to behave as well. Hopefully Patches will be a little calmer than I was when I got out of surgery. I also hope that if he gets one of these, that I get one too because it's best to not play favorites.

I tried to fill him in on all the nasty details, but he paid me no attention. Can you blame him?

Tag!

I received a tag from Stella, the Queen of Gooberville and baby sister of our favorite Goober, Stanley to tell everyone 8 facts about myself! This is my first tag ever!

First off...here are the rules: List eight ( 8 ) random facts about yourself. Tag eight people at the end of your post and list their names (linking to them). Let them know they've been tagged by leaving them a comment on their blogs.

1. I'm a pup with four colors - white, brown, black and PINK! My belly has very little fur on it, so all you see is pink baby skin. Oh, and the brown parts are only on my face and bum! The great doG in heaven was being silly when he colored me.

2. I immediately settle down and take a nap if you put a blanket over my head.

3. I do not chew my food. My mama saw the evidence when I threw up a whole carrot she gave me.

4. I wait for Sparky to soften up his piggy skin roll treat, then I steal his and claim it as my own.

5. I can potty on command, which my mama and pop learned the hard way! They kept saying "Patches, do you need to go outside to go potty?" and I would squat and potty right there - on the couch, the floor, the bed - it didn't matter. It seriously took them a week to figure that out!

6. My bark sounds like a woman's scream. I think I could give Tadpole a run for his money in the sound department.

7. I'm being enrolled in Puppy Day Care for socialization, since I bark at every human and animal that moves. (I'm no longer allowed to go to PetSmart due to my excessive hyperactivity - mama's rules, not PetSmart's. She said I sound like an abused puppy and people come running to make sure I'm OK.)

8. My breath smells really bad, because I am finally losing all of my teeth.

Now for the tagging....baby Pinot, Joey, Toby, Balbao, Ozzy, Poppy, Gwen, and finally - Petra. Don't let me down guys (and gals)!

Chocolate is my crack

Dogs are not allowed to eat chocolate. Chocolate contains theobromine. A naturally occurring stimulant found in the cocoa bean, theobromine increases urination and affects the central nervous system as well as heart muscle. While amounts vary by type of chocolate, it's the theobromine that is poisonous to dogs. Granted, we dogs have to eat a large portion of chocolate to get sick, but like humans - once we taste the stuff, we want MORE.

I have never had a taste of chocolate. But, I do smell it all the time.

These are my treats:

These are my mama's:
They both look totally yummy - similar color, cool shapes. But let me tell you, her peanut M&M's make me drop whatever I am doing so I can get a fix! I come running when I see or hear her stick her hand in that bag. And luckily my mama will blow some of her chocolate'y peanut breath my way. It's heaven. It's also teasing...but it's better than nothing.

Since eating her treats would make us sick, she makes sure to put them where Patches and I can not even possibly reach. Sigh. It's tough being a pup.

Hybrid Photo Shoot

Yesterday began the never-ending quest for a very special Christmas Card photo. This new project is driving me BATTY!!! If it weren't for all the yummy treats, I would totally be packing my bags.

Out of 218 pictures (all with a flash, I might add), only 3 are even worth showing. Why? Because Patches will not sit still! He's blurry in almost every single one of them! I think it would be perfectly OK to use the pawsome shot of me alone, but mama did not agree. She said we can't leave Patchy out. Whatever.


The most perfect picture of all. Right?


See...blurry Patches ruining my shot.


A good one of Patches, finally.

Thanksgiving Thanks

Happy Thanksgiving to everypup and their human caregivers!!!

As I approach the anniversary of my "gotcha day" (December 20!), I remember everything that I am especially thankful for...

My mama - she is my all time favorite person in the whole wide world! She cuddles me and gives me ear scratches, and feeds me and walks me and gives me tons and tons of toys and treats. I just light up when I see her.

My pop - he is the super best wrassling machine! He doesn't care if I nip him or climb up his back or stick my bum in his face. When I hear his truck pull into the driveway, I park myself by the door and attack him when he comes in.

My food - what more can I say...I love the stuff.

My bed - made by nuns, and filled with good smelly stuff. It's the perfect new addition to my kennel.

Patches (yes, this is in order!) - he's a great little brother, always ready to play and run around the house. He's almost as tall as I am now, but I still have a couple more pounds on him.

I'm pretty sure that Patches is not thankful for that Hitler 'stash he's still sporting. Poor guy.

Our tails - NOT one in the same

Maggie and Mitch told us all about their tails on their blog, and I thought it would be fun to tell everyone about our tails, because they couldn't be more different.

My parents almost named me Wilbur (the pig from Charolette's Web!) due to the curliness of my tail (and my snorting issue). It's a total corkscrew! My tail only unwinds when I am sleeping, or close to sleeping - otherwise, it's wound up tight next to my bum. I feel sorry for those puggles out there with a straight tail, because having a cinnamon bun tail is awesome - no one ever steps on it, it doesn't bang into things or get caught in doors, and I never have to worry about the terrible poo schmear.

Just because my tail is curly, doesn't mean it doesn't wag...

Patchy's tail is staight and boney, and constantly gets in the way...plus, it can't decide what color it wants to be - he's got 3 colors on that stick - black, white and a tiny bit of brown. The best part about his tail is that is it built for destruction. He's constantly knocking over cups and papers and he has the ability to bring young children to their knees in pain, his tail is that strong. Unfortunately, he has absolutely no control over the thing, and doesn't realize that when our Mama is in the kitchen, he has to curl his tail up. I don't know how many times the poor guy's been stepped on - you'd think he'd learn by now. Patches also has a cool hairy explosion at the tip of his tail! I think it's the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel part of him. I try to bite it off every day!

How we keep busy

We've been rather naughty lately, but don't take our word for it. Check these shots out...



...my mama's threatening to chain us up to a treadmill all winter, since we have so much energy to expel, and it's too cold to go outside for the walk we need.

Kissin' Pups

Sometimes, Patches and I will sit in the big chair and smooch.

Happy Howl-ween!

We're going trick o' treating tonight with our human cousins around town! I can't wait! Both Patches and I are dressing as pumpkins. My sweater is actually a hand-me-down from Sherman! It fits me pretty darn good, I must say...


It's classy and warm and eye catching. And, yes...that is a tear you see. I think I'm losing this "battle of the sweaters" with my mama.

Patches on the other hand, has to suffer with this monstrosity:


He seems to be taking it well though...the hat thingy stayed on all throughout our photo session, which is pretty darn impressive, even if his ear did poke out all wrong. It's terribly shiny!

Are you guys dressing up for HOWL-ween too?

Opposite Attract

I'd like to introduce you to Logan...he's a 15 month (!) old Great Dane who tips the scales at a very respectable 186 pounds. We hung out together this past weekend. We quickly became the Odd Couple of the dog park!

Logan is also built like a brick wall, or at least that's what my mama said when he ran into her and sent her flying onto her behind! Humans must brace themselves around Logan. Not only did Logan knock my mama down, but then he slimed her with all his drool when he apologized with a kiss! His humans felt so bad - but mama just laughed.

I hope we see him again the next time we go to the park.

Best dressed at the dog park

I went to the dog park for the very first time, and my doG! It was so much fun! Unfortunately, it was a cooler day and I had to wear my nifty sweater...strange that I was the only dog there in clothing! I wish my adult fur would come in so I wouldn't shiver every time I go outside when it is cool out.

I was the smallest one there, and the youngest...which meant that I was a target. But, don't worry - I can totally hold my own with the big guys. In fact, I think I prefer large breeds. We sniffed, and played and ran - and I went home nice and tired and happy.


After my intimate conversation with the lab above, I went over to hang out with a pack by the park's only bench. Actually, we were hanging around there because the pretty female Rotti was in heat. (Mama was a little upset that her humans would bring a dog in heat to a dog park.)


The Corgi was pretty darn awesome, and I hung out with him for most of the time...at least I think he was a he! He had a lot of fur and needed some serious grooming. I tried to watch him take a leak so I could tell for sure, but he must have an iron bladder!

Pressies from Mama

Mama did some shopping for us this weekend - a bag full of new training treats, plus a new "Fall" collar for both of us (mine is blue with colorful dog bones, and Patches' is red with colorful dog bones!) and a baby carrier and new harness for Patches. Yep, a baby carrier! He can't walk as far as I can, so mama bought it so that we don't have to stop our long walks. He likes it because he can rest a little while looking at the world!

Check out his humongous veiny ear!

This is our very first Autumn and it is so pretty outside. All of the leaves are changing colors and some are even falling off the trees and letting us attack them!

We've got something new going on this weekend too - mama has to work, and pop is going to Florida to visit his family (without us, boo-hoo!). We are going to doggie day-care! I am super excited, because there are going to be a bunch of friends to play with...and there will be a live web cam, so you all can take a lookie at us being crazy!

Warmth

My name is Patches, and I'm a digger. But, it's totally not my fault...I learned it from watching Sparky!

Yep, that's right, we both like to burrow ourselves under the covers. Sometimes, when I feel especially needy, I'll wake up at 4:00AM crying and yelping and mama will come and let me out of my kennel and cuddle me on the couch under whatever blanket she drags out with her. I especially like the down comforter because it cradles all of my manly curves.


When we are allowed to sleep in the big bed, both Sparky and I nose our way down to mama's feet and chill out there the whole night, poking our noses out occasionally, to breath some fresh air. Sometimes mama gets nervous, and fluffs the blankets so we don't suffocate - but truth be told, we like the stuffy warmth.

It doesn't matter what I'm doing...if a human pulls a blanket out, I will worm my way under it and take a little nap!

The difference between us.

I think this picture just about sums it all up...


While I am constantly on the go, and checking out my surroundings, Patches will just sit and chill. Sometimes his being so chill makes me look like a total spazz.

While I show my blantant hate for sweaters in the winter months, Patches will proudly parade in one all day if allowed. He must have a circulation problem, or something.

I can control myself when offered a treat, Patches will knock you over and steal it from your mouth if Mama doesn't watch him closely.

Patches poops and pees as soon as he hits grass...I like to sniff for hours before unloading.

I can walk for miles and miles, and Patches begs to be picked up after a few short blocks.

I prefer to hang with dogs who are the same size as me, Patches loves big ol' giant dogs, like labs and rottis!

I like the water, and Patches hates to get wet. (But, he dries much faster than I do!)

Patches respects Mama and Pop's paperwork, but I like to lay all over it.

Patches has (had) fleas, and I don't!!!

Posing for Mama

Yesterday, Mama took us on a long walk around our city park. It was such a beautiful day - sunny, yet cool. I wore Sparky's old sweater to keep me warm. Sparky had a sweater on too, but it was a little too long in the front, and he accidently pee-peed on it!

Here we are at Grandma's house before going to the park. See how nice his sweater was? I think he may have done it on purpose, because he hates wearing clothing. Oh well...at least Mama got one picture of him in it.


We walked and walked, and I was so excited that I didn't even realize how far or long we were going. Usually, I get tired and asked to be picked up. We stopped by the duck/goose pond, and barked at all the birds swimming in the pond. They were quacking at us big time. I think a couple of them wanted to eat me for dinner!


Then, we went to the top of this huge hill and sat for a little bit and gazed out at the fountain and lovely scenery. I'm also happy to inform everypup that we have completely mastered the dual leash!


After that, we went to the rose gardens. I have to admit - I like this picture the bestest - because it is only ME! I hope my Mama frames it.


Don't I look like such a big boy puppy?

We had such a great afternoon! Dory, when you come to visit, we are going to take you here!

Holiday Camping Trip

Just a brief update before I get to the more important stuff - my stupid pop did not propose to my mama. She's really sad, but us boys have been loving on her big time. I'm not really sure what the next step will be, but I'll be sure to keep everypup posted.

Camping was on the agenda for this weekend...although not originally. The real plan was to meet up with Dory and her human Liza, but my mama flaked out a bit and totally forgot they would be in town. (A couple days off does that to a person, I guess.) I want to personally apologize to my friends, because I was really looking forward to our play time. My mama feels really badly too.

Camping was fun though! I've been a couple of time this summer, but this was Patches' first time camping ever. He was a little unsure at first, but he caught on quickly. Plus, mama brought some yummy stuff to keep us busy when we weren't playing or running. Knuckle bones are the absolute bestest!

Pop built a fire.

We got a little too close - but it felt so good, it was hard to stay away. The nights were nice and cold, but the fire (and mama's fuzzy blankets) kept us nice and toasty warm.

Then, we got to do something we've never done before...run around off-leash!!! Well, I was off-leash - Patches had two leashes attached to him in case he got into trouble, because he doesn't know the "come here" command as perfectly as I do. Lucky for my parents, he follows me everywhere anyway. Check out our floppy ears as we run.



Back at the camp site, I dug for truffles (wild mushrooms) and Patches chewed on some sticks. Mama was really hoping I would find a truffle, because she said it would've gone nicely with our grilled steaks.




I hope you don't get a tummy ache from that stick!


We had a great weekend, and I'm hoping that my pop takes me camping again this weekend when he goes out with the guys.

Lots of updates...little time

First of all - TODAY IS MY BIRTHDAY! I'm ONE! My mama wished me a happy birthday this morning, but told me that we are not going to celebrate until tomorrow because she has to work tonight at the Symphony. I hope she makes me a cake, or something...

It's also my mama and pop's dating anniversary! September 29, 2000 was their first date. Pop still has proposed, and he has until tomorrow or my mama, me and Patches may be finding a new place to live. Mama's a little sad - but hopefully pop will do the right thing. We'll know for sure on Monday.

Patches pooped on me. Can you believe the nerve of that puppy? Mama put us in the same kennel so we could snuggle, and in the middle of the night, he snuck into the corner and dropped a stinky load. I was not amused, and we both had to endure pre-breakfast baths. I never want to share a kennel with him again, until he can control himself.

Mama had a really bad accident on Tuesday night...her car exploded on her. The engine overheated, she pulled over and looked under the hood. Suddenly, the reservior that keeps all the antifreeze and water for the engine popped a hole, and all that yucky stuff got all over mama's neck, face, arms and chest. She has 1st degree burns on her neck and chest, and we are not allowed to lay on her anymore. (Luckily it wasn't as bad as it could have been - although she was taken to the ER in an ambulance!) Doesn't every human out there know that you shouldn't look under the hood if your car overheats?! Not my mama!

Tagged by Clover

Clover, the incredibly cute puggy puppy (and one of our absolute favorites), tagged us twice!

The first tag is to tell you five names we have for our mom. Some dog bloggers had a hard time with this...but we didn't! Having a brother means that you talk about your humans behind their back!

1. Mama
2. Miss Cheap-o
3. Kit-Kat (yum! Well, this is pop's nickname for her.)
4. Stinky...just take my word on this.
5. Pillow Chest

And now, for the car that is most like me....

A TOYOTA PRIUS!!!

I mean really, is there any other car we could've picked? (I think that Toyota should give us a Prius since we are both hybrids as well - - we particularly like the green model, and it doesn't have to be fully loaded...we're simple folk.)

We're going to tag Amber, Solid Gold Dancer and our new puggle pal, Cooper!

****

Mama tried so hard to take Patches' picture last night, but he was being such a puppy! He'd sit still for like, a nano-second - then jump up and try to lick the camera. I have no idea how this whole Christmas card idea she has is going to work. Mr. Poopalicious has finally grown out of the sleepy stage, and is now into the "play until you drop dead" stage....which is fine by me, because I am in that stage as well!

Sit down Patches Earlobe, and smile - you'll get a treat dontcha know. Oh, and try to look cute.

There! That's a good boy.

Sleeping arrangements

Ever since my first day home, I've wanted to snuggle. Usually I fill that need by cuddling up with my mama or Black Dog...but last night, I finally wormed my way into Sparky's heart!

Sharing Toys

The one drawback of having a younger sibbling, is having to share toys. We have a whole basket will of different kinds of squeekies, stuffies and chewies - but whatever I have, Patches wants. And, visa versa. It's just more fun playing with what the other has claimed as his own!

I can see that little puppy coming...

Sometimes, we share.

Patches, this is the way you bite it to get that squeeky sound!

Sparky is in trooooooooooouble!

Mama made a berry cake last night, and left it on the counter to cool. Neither of us can reach the counter, but when there is a will, there is a way...


Apparently someone has a sweet tooth and it isn't me. I didn't even have to tattle, because Sparky got caught in the act, the second time!!!

He couldn't even hide the evidence. Is that a strawberry on your head, or are you happy to see me? Ruff, ruff!