Jan 31, 2008
Poltergeist Pug
Jan 27, 2008
Burning The Candle At Three Ends
I spent today at a seminar co-hosted by 4 Paws University and Positively Trained. Nicole Wide was the speaker and the topic was "Helping The Fearful Dog."
I have been a fan of Nicole ever since reading her book "Helping Your Fearful Dog."
This book became my bible during the period of Bruno's fear issues. Well, heck, who am I kidding? I should say Bruno's continuing fear issues.
Ironically, this morning as I was getting ready, Bruno emitted a very low, deep growl. I only hear this type of growl when he is trying to scare an object that he is deathly afraid of. It took me a while to figure out that he was growling at a feather.
Yup, you read that right, a feather. The feather had come from our down comforter and it was obvious to Bruno (and no one else) that the feather was an alien beacon. Really, only Bruno can see the danger in a feather that looks like this...
I didn't get the chance to help him over his fear, because immediately after I asked him to check it out, Vinnie came over and ate the feather. See, ya'll, it never is a dull day living with these knuckleheads.
Over dinner with Nicole the night before, I realized that I was not alone in the frustrations I have dealing with Bruno's neurosis. She laughed at the stories I had of Bruno but at the same time could empathize 100% how hard it is living with a dog who shifts on a daily basis what is considered scary.
However, now I am home and beyond exhausted. Bright and bushy tailed I must show up to my new job tomorrow and I really feel that I am going to drop dead from exhaustion at any second. Sometimes I wonder how much longer I can keep doing this.
Wow, my cell phones takes some
crappy pictures!
crappy pictures!
I have been a fan of Nicole ever since reading her book "Helping Your Fearful Dog."
This book became my bible during the period of Bruno's fear issues. Well, heck, who am I kidding? I should say Bruno's continuing fear issues.
Ironically, this morning as I was getting ready, Bruno emitted a very low, deep growl. I only hear this type of growl when he is trying to scare an object that he is deathly afraid of. It took me a while to figure out that he was growling at a feather.
Yup, you read that right, a feather. The feather had come from our down comforter and it was obvious to Bruno (and no one else) that the feather was an alien beacon. Really, only Bruno can see the danger in a feather that looks like this...
I didn't get the chance to help him over his fear, because immediately after I asked him to check it out, Vinnie came over and ate the feather. See, ya'll, it never is a dull day living with these knuckleheads.
Over dinner with Nicole the night before, I realized that I was not alone in the frustrations I have dealing with Bruno's neurosis. She laughed at the stories I had of Bruno but at the same time could empathize 100% how hard it is living with a dog who shifts on a daily basis what is considered scary.
"But you don't understand!
I am trying to protect you from
THE ALIEN BEACONS!!"
I was impressed and surprised that most of the attendees were not dog trainers but members of rescue organizations or shelter workers. It is awesome that this population came out to further educate themselves. Rescue and shelter workers mainly deal with fearful dogs and it is awesome that they attended the seminar to learn how to better read frightened canines.I am trying to protect you from
THE ALIEN BEACONS!!"
However, now I am home and beyond exhausted. Bright and bushy tailed I must show up to my new job tomorrow and I really feel that I am going to drop dead from exhaustion at any second. Sometimes I wonder how much longer I can keep doing this.
Jan 20, 2008
Baby Morgan
The Canine Mafia wanted to send out their respects and congratulations to Marianna.
Naturally, I was sent to be their spokesperson.
Naturally, I was sent to be their spokesperson.
"OMG! I can't believe you
came to see me!" exclaims Morgan.
came to see me!" exclaims Morgan.
Morgan and I laughed...
And cried...
And ate...
And we posed...
But mainly, I admired her irresistible cuteness...
We also said hello to Miles...
And Daisy...
After, we left to meet up with Parker
at McKinley Park.
And Daisy...
After, we left to meet up with Parker
at McKinley Park.
While there, we ran into a
good friend named Lucy.
good friend named Lucy.
Lucy's cuteness is almost borderline illegal!
We also saw Siren!
Siren's lucky--his Momma gives him baby food
when he returns from a recall.
when he returns from a recall.
Now it's back home and back to the regular bump and grind. It's been a fruitful weekend!
Jan 19, 2008
I told my Ma today that I was bored.
*Really* bored.
*Really* bored.
So she went to the toy closet and brought
out a stuffie for me to play with.
I was enjoying my stuffie until the Pugs told me that only babies play with stuffies.
So I went all Cujo on my stuffie to show
them stupid pugs that I ain't no baby!
out a stuffie for me to play with.
I was enjoying my stuffie until the Pugs told me that only babies play with stuffies.
So I went all Cujo on my stuffie to show
them stupid pugs that I ain't no baby!
That'll show them!
Hmmm...
wonder what I can destuff next?
wonder what I can destuff next?
Jan 17, 2008
The Theme of The Day
Seriously. This is exactly how I feel.
Only I have somewhat of a nose.
And not that many forehead wrinkles.
I hope.
Only I have somewhat of a nose.
And not that many forehead wrinkles.
I hope.
Jan 13, 2008
I have to post this....
I was scrolling through Flickr when I saw this:
And I immediately thought "Bruno and Vinnie in 10 years!"
This is only the second picture I have seen where an American Bulldog and a Pug were buddies. Maybe it's just me (or the margarita I just consumed), but I find it comical to encounter pictures like this one!
And I immediately thought "Bruno and Vinnie in 10 years!"
This is only the second picture I have seen where an American Bulldog and a Pug were buddies. Maybe it's just me (or the margarita I just consumed), but I find it comical to encounter pictures like this one!
Jan 12, 2008
The cute faces make it worthwhile...
After a much needed holiday break, the paws are back to hitting the pavement.
I do have to admit that I was a little bit self-loathing going back to training as I had learned to enjoy having two days off in a row instead of only one.
However, all those emotions get thrown out the window the minute you see cute puppy faces.
Especially when the first one you see is like this!
He was like a little baked potato with legs. I was really tempted to scoop him up and just put him in my camera bag. But his Mom couldn't take her eyes off of him, so my plans were foiled!
And fluffy ones like this..
I also learned an important lesson today. It is 99.99% impossible to take a picture of a Chocolate Lab puppy. Nearly impossible I tell you! The combination of spring legs and an inane determination to give millions of kisses makes it damn near impossible to get a still shot of a Chocolate Lab puppy. But I was determined...and I won.
This puppy solemnly proclaimed to me that he would like to join The Canine Mafia. To show me his sincere interest, he came dressed to play the part. Complete with the gold chain and everything!
I had to inform him that he was too young. But perhaps when he gets a wee bit older he can come join the "Waste Management" business.
I think I crushed all of his dreams.
And then there was the puppy that had the entire class laughing. Miss Sadie here came into the first class with her tail tucked between her legs and nervous of anything and everything. In less than 3 weeks, she came out of her shell, producing a cashew-shaped wiggling puppy whenever she approaches the building.
I feared my camera would scare her, but boy did she ever prove me wrong. She actually posed for me! Which brought the entire class to erupt in laughter.
I think Linda Evangelist is her idol because Sadie proceeded to tell me that doesn't wake up for less than $10,000 a day.
This fluff-o-puppy was a riot. He lives to work and was all about working. He was so intense!
The day isn't complete without a Golden puppy smiling at you. It should be a required prescription. One Golden smile a day to keep the sadness away.
Except I think this Golden Puppy is broken! No smiles from this puppy today.
If you happen to die from cuteness overload often, I'd suggest you skip the next two pictures. Seriously, I am warning you...the following pictures may be too much for anyone to handle.
AND THEN...he cocks his head to the side if you make kissy sounds. Only this puppy can make a titled head be to die for!!
This Great Pyrenees is another fluff-o-puppy! He needs some static guard for his hair!
At the end of the day, my puppy and I were glad to be home. But we have to admit that we had a great time and wouldn't want to be anywhere else on a Saturday.
I do have to admit that I was a little bit self-loathing going back to training as I had learned to enjoy having two days off in a row instead of only one.
However, all those emotions get thrown out the window the minute you see cute puppy faces.
Especially when the first one you see is like this!
"Oh, hi! Do you have a cookie for me?"
He was like a little baked potato with legs. I was really tempted to scoop him up and just put him in my camera bag. But his Mom couldn't take her eyes off of him, so my plans were foiled!
And fluffy ones like this..
"You will soon have an overpowering sensation to give me a cookie...
you are mesmerized by my fluffiness..."
you are mesmerized by my fluffiness..."
I also learned an important lesson today. It is 99.99% impossible to take a picture of a Chocolate Lab puppy. Nearly impossible I tell you! The combination of spring legs and an inane determination to give millions of kisses makes it damn near impossible to get a still shot of a Chocolate Lab puppy. But I was determined...and I won.
"Cherish this moment, Lady.
For it will last merely a nanosecond!"
For it will last merely a nanosecond!"
This puppy solemnly proclaimed to me that he would like to join The Canine Mafia. To show me his sincere interest, he came dressed to play the part. Complete with the gold chain and everything!
"So I hears yous gots the books open..."
I had to inform him that he was too young. But perhaps when he gets a wee bit older he can come join the "Waste Management" business.
I think I crushed all of his dreams.
And then there was the puppy that had the entire class laughing. Miss Sadie here came into the first class with her tail tucked between her legs and nervous of anything and everything. In less than 3 weeks, she came out of her shell, producing a cashew-shaped wiggling puppy whenever she approaches the building.
I feared my camera would scare her, but boy did she ever prove me wrong. She actually posed for me! Which brought the entire class to erupt in laughter.
I think Linda Evangelist is her idol because Sadie proceeded to tell me that doesn't wake up for less than $10,000 a day.
"I do not accept bills larger than $50.
Thanks for understanding."
Thanks for understanding."
This fluff-o-puppy was a riot. He lives to work and was all about working. He was so intense!
"Excuse me, I'm working right now.
Come talk to me during recess."
Come talk to me during recess."
The day isn't complete without a Golden puppy smiling at you. It should be a required prescription. One Golden smile a day to keep the sadness away.
"Say cheese!"
Except I think this Golden Puppy is broken! No smiles from this puppy today.
"It's all downhill once you leave the womb, I tell ya."
If you happen to die from cuteness overload often, I'd suggest you skip the next two pictures. Seriously, I am warning you...the following pictures may be too much for anyone to handle.
C.U.T.E.
AND THEN...he cocks his head to the side if you make kissy sounds. Only this puppy can make a titled head be to die for!!
This Great Pyrenees is another fluff-o-puppy! He needs some static guard for his hair!
At the end of the day, my puppy and I were glad to be home. But we have to admit that we had a great time and wouldn't want to be anywhere else on a Saturday.
"I'm still your favorite puppy, right?"
Jan 11, 2008
Green Eating Machine
Oooh...what is this?
I think this stuff will help my muscles grow...
I'll just take one for now!
I'll just take one for now!
Jan 9, 2008
Damaged Ego
I am depressed.
Really depressed.
I am so depressed,
you could call me Emo.
Why am I depressed you ask?
Because I'm being forced to wear a girl collar!
It's not even Valentine's Day yet!
I'm pretty sure they make manly Valentine's Day Collars...
I think Maggie's trying to tell me she's
had enough of my camera.
Really depressed.
I am so depressed,
you could call me Emo.
Why am I depressed you ask?
Because I'm being forced to wear a girl collar!
It's not even Valentine's Day yet!
I'm pretty sure they make manly Valentine's Day Collars...
On a side note...
I think Maggie's trying to tell me she's
had enough of my camera.
Jan 6, 2008
Storm Chaser
There was a break in the nasty weather today. There was even a little bit of sunshine! The rain let up for a very long time and I used the opportunity to go for a run. I cut my run short though after seeing all the damage around me. I ran back home to get my camera and tried to discreetly snap pictures...don't want the neighbors thinking I'm weird!
Or is it too late for that? :p
This is the school yard The Mafiosos romp and roam in. It now looks like a hurricane swept through.
These puny oak trees didn't seem to stand the chance against the strong winds. They lay toppled over like matchsticks.
And there are lots of homes that look like this...
Thankfully, our trees stayed put. Our large oak tree in the front yard is leaning towards a slant now.
Leaning we'll take. Leaning on the ground, no please!
Storm storm go away! Come back never again! Let's hope the rest of the week flies by without any trees toppling over.
Or is it too late for that? :p
This is the school yard The Mafiosos romp and roam in. It now looks like a hurricane swept through.
These puny oak trees didn't seem to stand the chance against the strong winds. They lay toppled over like matchsticks.
And there are lots of homes that look like this...
Thankfully, our trees stayed put. Our large oak tree in the front yard is leaning towards a slant now.
Leaning we'll take. Leaning on the ground, no please!
Storm storm go away! Come back never again! Let's hope the rest of the week flies by without any trees toppling over.
Jan 5, 2008
How we feel about this storm...
California is experiencing a severe Artic weather storm. We finally have power after losing it for almost 24 hours. The way amount of rain and the speed of the winds are out of this world. I drove to work on a part of the freeway that was later shut down due to high winds.
It was scary seeing a big rig toppled over and knowing that that if winds could do that so a massive vehicle, you might be next! Luckily I made it in to work safe and sound, but I do believe I saw my life flash before my eyes a couple of times before I made it in!
Four high-voltage poles were leaned over on the street where we live and the school yard located near us has all of the trees toppled over like dominoes. Mother Nature clearly is sending a reminder of how powerful she really can be.
If I could sum it all up in one word, this is how I feel about the storm:
Bruno has spent long hours wondering where all this water is coming from...
Not that he is complaining...severe winds mean lots of branches in the yard. And, if you know Bruno, branches are his #1 favorite thing.
And if you pay great attention to detail, you might have noticed how close the water is to our patio door! Our lawn is completely saturated with water and it can no longer absorb any more water. I guess we finally received that pool we've always been waiting for!
Bruno's constantly trying to bring his new "toys" indoors.
We are safe and sound for the time being, thank the Lord. No damaged property and we're managing the water as best we can. It was quite scary watching the 50-year-old oak trees' trunks sway with the power of the winds on our front lawn. So far, they are staying put, but we are expecting two more storms, so we are naturally a little bit worried!
It was scary seeing a big rig toppled over and knowing that that if winds could do that so a massive vehicle, you might be next! Luckily I made it in to work safe and sound, but I do believe I saw my life flash before my eyes a couple of times before I made it in!
Four high-voltage poles were leaned over on the street where we live and the school yard located near us has all of the trees toppled over like dominoes. Mother Nature clearly is sending a reminder of how powerful she really can be.
If I could sum it all up in one word, this is how I feel about the storm:
Bruno has spent long hours wondering where all this water is coming from...
Not that he is complaining...severe winds mean lots of branches in the yard. And, if you know Bruno, branches are his #1 favorite thing.
And if you pay great attention to detail, you might have noticed how close the water is to our patio door! Our lawn is completely saturated with water and it can no longer absorb any more water. I guess we finally received that pool we've always been waiting for!
Bruno's constantly trying to bring his new "toys" indoors.
We are safe and sound for the time being, thank the Lord. No damaged property and we're managing the water as best we can. It was quite scary watching the 50-year-old oak trees' trunks sway with the power of the winds on our front lawn. So far, they are staying put, but we are expecting two more storms, so we are naturally a little bit worried!
Jan 3, 2008
I'm on love...
How is it that when you fall in love you also end up poor?
I have managed to spend all of my Christmas loot on new lenses. Today I received a lens that everyone has been raving about--the EF f/1.8. And holy moly, am I falling hard for this lens!
Bruno thinks all my money should be spent on cookies and not dumb pieces of glass...
He totally refused to pose for me at all.
Those of you that know Bruno personally know that he has a GINORMOUS head. He is like 98.9% head and the rest skinny legs. I cannot take a picture of Bruno with this lens because his head won't fit in the frame! HA! I have to take gigantic steps backwards to fully frame him. He was all pissed his head didn't fit in the frame, so he refused to pose. Yeah, that's it...
I have no idea what the hell f/1.8 means or what it does. Well, I kinda know what it does. The focus is on the subject and blurs most the background.
Ask me after February what this means. After I finish taking this photography class at the university, I'll hopefully be able to understand more of what to do.
And Letitia, just for you...
I wish the lighting would have been better, but maybe this weekend I can take some better shots. And of Molly, too. As soon as she decides to grace me with her presence, I'll snap some of her, too.
As soon as Lisa finishes marrying her lens, I'm going to go ahead and send invitations to my wedding to this lens. Save the date! :p
I have managed to spend all of my Christmas loot on new lenses. Today I received a lens that everyone has been raving about--the EF f/1.8. And holy moly, am I falling hard for this lens!
Bruno thinks all my money should be spent on cookies and not dumb pieces of glass...
He totally refused to pose for me at all.
Those of you that know Bruno personally know that he has a GINORMOUS head. He is like 98.9% head and the rest skinny legs. I cannot take a picture of Bruno with this lens because his head won't fit in the frame! HA! I have to take gigantic steps backwards to fully frame him. He was all pissed his head didn't fit in the frame, so he refused to pose. Yeah, that's it...
"My head is perfectly sized, thank you very much!
Your camera is defective!
There's nothing wrong with my head!"
Your camera is defective!
There's nothing wrong with my head!"
"Now he wishes he was a pinhead!"
"I don't call ya meathead for nothing!"
I have no idea what the hell f/1.8 means or what it does. Well, I kinda know what it does. The focus is on the subject and blurs most the background.
Ask me after February what this means. After I finish taking this photography class at the university, I'll hopefully be able to understand more of what to do.
Gino says the camera picked the
better looking Pug...hahaha!
better looking Pug...hahaha!
And Letitia, just for you...
a classic "WTF?!" Maggie face.
I wish the lighting would have been better, but maybe this weekend I can take some better shots. And of Molly, too. As soon as she decides to grace me with her presence, I'll snap some of her, too.
As soon as Lisa finishes marrying her lens, I'm going to go ahead and send invitations to my wedding to this lens. Save the date! :p
Jan 2, 2008
The Results Are In!
And the award for the dog that missed me the most goes to....
He promptly set his little black butt on my luggage and firmly told me I was to never leave again. I get the message loud and clear!
I had a total brain fart and did not realize Frannie's Mom was coming home on New Year's Day. Not on the 2nd as I originally thought. I came home last night and oddly enough, even Blue missed me! Now that's saying something!
Nothing like home sweet home. :)
Drum roll please!
GINO!
He promptly set his little black butt on my luggage and firmly told me I was to never leave again. I get the message loud and clear!
I had a total brain fart and did not realize Frannie's Mom was coming home on New Year's Day. Not on the 2nd as I originally thought. I came home last night and oddly enough, even Blue missed me! Now that's saying something!
Nothing like home sweet home. :)
Jan 1, 2008
Nuovo Anno Felice!
What do you boys want to do this first day of the new year?
"I want to see a dam."
"Gasp!
Did he just say he didn't give a damn?"
"Momma! Vinnie cussed!"
"I did not, you meathead!"
Bruno decided he was going
to sport the bunny look...
And naturally the other two had to copy
his style...
Bunny ears on dogs are so in for 2008!
You just wait and see!
And this ladies and gentlemen is
why I love this man...
He goes to no end to help me set
up a shot!
And it was looking good...
(Yes, Gino did sit *that* far away from Bruno...ha!)
"What? He stinks real bad!"
But at least Vinnie received his New Year's Wish...
he indeed stretched his little Pug legs!
Bruno did too.
Although this wasn't his New Year's wish.
And his legs aren't so little.
But nonetheless, he still ran!
Notice the bunny ears... still in style,obviously.
But all that running quickly poops a big boy out.
And he needs quite a few pit stops along the way...
"I think my New Year's resolution
will be to increase my stamina! "
He truly is his Mother's son.
"Did my butt get bigger in 2008?
Honestly, you can tell me. I won't be mad. Did it?"
HEY PUGS!
What did we agree to do in the New Year?
"Sorry, Ma!
We promise not to fight again!"
"But I can still kick his butt if Gino
makes fun of my tongue, right?"
"Ok! Ok! I promise!
No fighting at all!"
Bruno took a moment to gather this thoughts.
After thinking long and hard,
he decided his New Year's resoltuion
would be to stop picking up fallen trees.
"Ayyy! What's this?
A fallen limb!
Must resist...must resist!"
"Screw it!"
"Well that didn't last very long did it?"
Gino decides he can carry rocks
just like the Big Boys do...
Just like Bruno,
I have no clue why he does this...
but I do know this will stop as
quickly as it started!
"I taught him how to pick the best rocks!"
And so 2008 begins in our house as it always does...
with very tired dogs. :)
"Gasp!
Did he just say he didn't give a damn?"
"Momma! Vinnie cussed!"
"I did not, you meathead!"
Silly Mafiosos! What Vinnie meant was that he wants to go run his little legs at Nimbus Dam. We rarely go there because of the numerous bikers and steep trails. But what the heck!
Let's go check it out!
Bruno decided he was going
to sport the bunny look...
And naturally the other two had to copy
his style...
Bunny ears on dogs are so in for 2008!
You just wait and see!
And this ladies and gentlemen is
why I love this man...
He goes to no end to help me set
up a shot!
And it was looking good...
(Yes, Gino did sit *that* far away from Bruno...ha!)
"What? He stinks real bad!"
But at least Vinnie received his New Year's Wish...
he indeed stretched his little Pug legs!
Bruno did too.
Although this wasn't his New Year's wish.
And his legs aren't so little.
But nonetheless, he still ran!
Notice the bunny ears... still in style,obviously.
But all that running quickly poops a big boy out.
And he needs quite a few pit stops along the way...
"I think my New Year's resolution
will be to increase my stamina! "
He truly is his Mother's son.
"Did my butt get bigger in 2008?
Honestly, you can tell me. I won't be mad. Did it?"
HEY PUGS!
What did we agree to do in the New Year?
"Sorry, Ma!
We promise not to fight again!"
"But I can still kick his butt if Gino
makes fun of my tongue, right?"
"Ok! Ok! I promise!
No fighting at all!"
Bruno took a moment to gather this thoughts.
After thinking long and hard,
he decided his New Year's resoltuion
would be to stop picking up fallen trees.
"Ayyy! What's this?
A fallen limb!
Must resist...must resist!"
"Screw it!"
"Well that didn't last very long did it?"
Gino decides he can carry rocks
just like the Big Boys do...
Just like Bruno,
I have no clue why he does this...
but I do know this will stop as
quickly as it started!
"I taught him how to pick the best rocks!"
And so 2008 begins in our house as it always does...
with very tired dogs. :)
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