The Garden & Camera Vet

Last night, I had a feeling that an adventure was in the works. Mom got her Canon gear out, charged the battery, packed bottled water and treats into my bag. Then when we woke up Sunday morning, Mom checked the weather... burrrr. 36 degrees. Back to bed for until it warms up outside. Sleeping in AND an adventure... this is going to be a good day.

After sleeping in, it was finally warm enough to go to my favorite place, The Garden. While I posed for the first picture, Mom was grumbling and mumbling under her breath, looking at the Canon and shaking her head. Then she smiled & the iPhone emerged. Thank goodness for a back up plan. After this shot, we sat down on a bench, Mom disassembled, reassembled the Canon, trying to make it work. Canon was kaput, dead as a door nail and hopefully Not a goner for good. How can this be? This has never happened before. This adventure is brought to you by Mom's iPhone.

Posing for the iPhone is sweet... since it doesn't click when taking pictures, I got lots of treats for staying.

While exploring the Garden, I discovered a dino track. Arnie & Gracie, I'm getting closer to finding the elusive dinosaur.

Then it was time to go the the Camera Vet. Since we hadn't been before and this was an emergency visit, Mom wasn't sure if Camera Vet would be Pug friendly.

With Canon and leash in hand, Mom & I walked in into the vet. Wow, I felt like a celebrity... "Oh, look at the little Pug!" Another comment which I get quite often... "How old is the puppy?" Mom loves the reaction of people when she says "She's 4 years old". Hehee. Reply: "But, she's so tiny." My thought, good things come in small packages... Tiny, Mighty AND Bionic!

This store is awesome plus they had treats. The Canon dude preformed a couple of tests on the camera and revived the Canon with a new battery. Apparently the battery had a bad cell. Now we are ready for the next adventure. Thank you Canon dude and all the nice people at the Camera Vet.

Practice, Practice & Practice Posing

Where do I begin, how about with everyone's friend Puglet. As you know his human is going on tour across the United States and into Canada to shoot 1000 Pugs. Once the schedule was announced, I was super excited! 1000 Pugs is coming to TEXAS! I quickly called and emailed my friends Gracie and Arnie. We just had to be apart of this wonderful tour. Our Mom's came up with a plan and waited anxiously for the time to sign up. WE DID IT! We are 3 of 1000! Whoo Hooo! My bags are packed already, I can't wait to see Gracie and Arnie. It will be an honor to meet Amanda in person.

Then it was time to get serious. The 75 degree weather was perfect, so Mom grabbed her camera & we went to practice, practice & practice posing. You may not know this, but I have a habit of breaking my pose when I hear the shutter click of the camera and running to my Mom for a treat. Hmmm, wonder if Amanda's Nikon clicks when it takes a picture?

After a few shutter clicks and running for treats (not when called), treats wouldn't be scored that way. Besides being a wirey cookie, I'm a smart one too.

I quickly figured out how to stay and look cute thru the series of shutter clicks, then the treats would end up in my tummy. Yes!

All this posing practice is hard work. I discovered something I haven't seen in a long time... a small patch of green grass. It must be the only one in the state of Texas. It was time to take a break and enjoy the coolness on my tummy.

Special Pug Guest

My special Pug guest was none other than my very good friend Payton! Yes, the one and only. I was sooo excited to see her and her parents. But where was Gampy & Gammy? Unfortunately, I didn't get to see them on this trip... next time.

I couldn't wait to show Payton Grandma's player piano! This was going to be great, Payton can sing a romantic ballad for her guy, Mack & I could sing one for Arnie. Player piano, easy right, it plays music by itself, wrong. Apparently to make it work, you have to pump the pedals with all your strength. With our short legs, we were out of luck. Being two resourceful gals, we came up with Plan B... Sing a cappella.

Then it was present time! Oh my goodness, Payton is The Pro-Master at opening presents.

Tissue paper was flying everywhere. Then it was my turn. Payton's present opening technique worked well for her, it was my turn to give it a try.

After opening our presents, we bundled up in our winter coats & grabbed our gear. I took Payton outside to show her what items I discovered before she arrived. It was a top secret mission... Boy oh boy we were bad! Super bad, but in a good way. Hehee, snort. Unfortunately, the pictures are classified at the moment.

Once our mission was accomplished, it was time to warm up by Grandpa & Grandma's wood stove.

Our day went by to fast, then it was time for Payton & her parents to continue on their journey to the Windy City to meet our friend, Sid. It was a great day with my friend, her parents and my family!

GUESS WHAT!!! I am super-excited to announce with much delight, I will be part of the 1000 Pugs! Mom can't stop dancing around the house and at work, the grocery store.... you get the picture.... We are looking forward to meeting Puglet's human. My paws are crossed that Puglet will be there too. Mom also gave me more exciting news! I will get to see My Arnie & Gracie, they also are part of the shoot! Whoo hooo, I better rest up my bionic powers, there will be a lot of running and playing chase at Arnie & Gracie's house. They have been very gracious & we get to stay at their home.

Winter White

While on vacation at Grandpa & Grandma's, one early morning, Mom jumped out of bed, looked out the window and interrupted my blissful sleep. What the heck? Then I heard... "Oh my Goodness!! Hurry, HURRY!" Not sure what all the excitement was about. Before I could blink, my skully parka was on, Mom grabbed her camera, coat and we were out the door.

Everything was covered in Winter White. It SNOWED! It was silent. No traffic noise, not even birds singing or squirrels barking. Just the sound of the snow crunching under my toes. Priceless...

(Just between us, Mom was so excited about going outside in the snow, she was still in her flannel jammies. Thank goodness she grabbed her coat, scarf & slippers... hehee snort.)

After playing in the snow, it was time to go inside & get warm. Then Grandpa headed outside with snow shovel in hand, to clear off the driveway for the surprise Pug guest and her parents. My Grandpa is awesome.

Flying to Christmas

Rise and shine came early on Christmas Eve, 5am. My wheelie bag was packed with food, treats, toys, Skully coat from Puglet & my Noodle Sweaters. Destination... Grandpa & Grandma's home. The plane arrived and we were ready to head into the wild blue yonder. Yeppers, almost to where the astronauts fly. 34,000 feet altitude.

This wasn't my first flight, last year I flew to Neena & Papa's and acquired my first wings... The pilot bestowed my first wings. Proudly wearing them on my coat, I think it makes me run even faster, jet propulsion speed.

Once we arrived in St. Louis, we headed to the car rental shuttle. Waiting in the cold, a dude in a suit, holding a clip board asked, "do you have a confirmation?" Mom's reply, "Yes". Then we were told, "well, we are sold out." What the heck! So much for a confirmed reservation. How were we going to get to Grandpa's? I can't hitch hike, no thumbs. Then the suit dude offered a solution with another rental car place that would honor our reservation. From a puddle jumper car to a Lincoln for the same price, SWEET! Cruising the 3 hour drive to Grandpa's in leather heated seats...Nice! How apropos, riding in a Lincoln to The Land Of Lincoln.

Leaving behind the hustle & bustle of the city, driving down a single lane road with no dividing markings, when you meet a passing tractor or vehicle, there is a friendly wave. Sigh, its good to be home!

One of my favorite traditions of Christmas is viewing Christmas lights. Grandpa discovered this awesome display coordinated to music, to listen we tuned into the designated FM station on the radio.

Stay tuned to the rest of the adventure...

Christmas Is Almost Here

The weather is still broken... Christmas is almost here and the leaves finally turned to Fall colors this week and fell off the trees.

When we got home it was time to pack my suite case. Yep, I'm going on a jet plane to somewhere that is really cold. Skully & Pug Tooth sweaters - check... Skully coat - check... now where to find room for my toys, treats & food.

Wait! Will Santa know where to find me? Mom say's Santa knows, not to fret. She also said there will be a special surprise on the Christmas adventure.

Christmas Shopping

My friend Puglet... viewer discretion is advised for the first picture....

It was time for a weigh in, which are a breeze. You know how humans are talking about weight gain during the holiday season from all the delectable savory foods, well I had a plan and it worked. I lost a little weight, not sure where it went, but it's gone. Now I can eat ALL I want over Christmas. Hehee, snort.

Then it was time to do my Christmas shopping.... Pursuing the isles with my long neck is perfect for searching for just the right gift.

Finally, found one... Over the intercom: "Can someone help with a carry-out on isle 5!"

When I got home, there was a special message from Santa waiting just for ME!

Surprise Package Delivery

Mom came home announcing "Surprise-Package Delivery for Suki!" What could it be? I couldn't wait to open the package, but dinner first, it's a Pug thing. After gobbling down my special allergy diet food, duck & potato, it was time to open the surprise package that was addressed to Moi.

Oh my goodness, the package was from my friend Puglet. If that wasn't the best thing ever, then I discovered the contents... A really warm and comfy-cozy Skully coat.

Puglet has had some weight issues recently, lets be realistic, what Puggie doesn't have this issue from time to time. Despite his best efforts, apparently he tried to wiggle & wedge himself into the coat but it wouldn't fit. Puglet was being Green-recycling and sent the Skully coat to the petite-est pug he knows.

I so can't wait for my weekend adventure, definitely have the perfect coat to wear.

Bionic Abilities Activated

Gracie is so cool, said she would have her Mom help me & my Mom with our very first Agility mini course. Mom has always thought I would have a blast at agility since my bionic knees help me run beyond the speed of light. So here it goes....

Over the first jump and thru the tunnel. The tunnel was awesome, After-Burners activated, Whoo Hoo! Not sure what those are, but if they make me run extra-super fast, I'm all for it.

It's suppose to go like this, when exiting the tunnel, Mom is suppose to be right there directing me to the next obstacle. Do you see her anywhere in the picture. Not mentioning any names, but SOMEONE needs to start working out to keep with me. Wimp, Hehee-Snort.

What seemed like days, she finally caught up, chop-chop! Then it was time for the last jump on the course.

My bionic knees provided lots of lift to clear the jump with room to spare. Gracie's Mom - Thank you for taking awesome action shots. As well as being a great teacher for Agility 101. It was sooo much fun!

Side note - Guess what?! I found out my super-model friend Puglet, yes the one and only(!), he knows my ARNIE! Puglet's Human shot Arnie running agility and he was featured on The Daily Puglet. Behold Agility Arnie, how cool is that!

After running, it was time for the humans to have Thanksgiving diner. As they were eating dinner, Arnie, Gracie and I put our heads together and came up with a plan for the SYOP photo contest. Dinner was done, time for our action plan. We called ourselves "Party Pugs". I so wanted to wear a lamp shade, it wouldn't fit. Instead I wore this groovy knitted, funky hat. Arnie was the D.J. in charge of the music. And Gracie, well, she just looked for left over morsels.

Arnie did a great job with the musical bottles. Disclaimer: No human-adult beverages were consumed by any Pugs, now it was a different story for the humans.

At the end of the day, we were three tuckered out Pugs. I found a comfy stop on the couch on Mom's left leg and Arnie was on her right leg. Sigh, what a way to end the day. This was THE best Thanksgiving EVER!

AND

What a wonderful Thanksgiving... Where do I begin?...

I knew something was up last weekend, lazy-lounging around instead of going on an adventure. Oh My Gosh, so glad I did. Mom loaded up the runner and we were off to a Thanksgiving Road Trip.

Once we arrived at our destination, I couldn't believe my brown eyes! Low & behold, we were at Gracie AND Arnie's house! Oh my goodness, tons of wiggly-tail wagging actions going on, commence an immediate game of chase. The humans had to stand still and not get run over. darn, no photos to document, my bionic abilities left Agility Gracie and Arnie in my dust! It was so awesome to see them again.

We all loaded up, destination, the dog park, which was waaayyy better than anyone dog park that I have been to before. The park had great shade trees & Mom was surprised that I didn't eat any crispy leaves. The park even had a brave, mischievous, dog taunting squirrel. Just like the dinosaur at the Garden, the three of us were oblivious to the rowdy, barking squirrel.

Speaking of the trees, Arnie and Gracie shared a new trick. I thought Gracie was pretty slick with her pizza plate grabbing technique, but this one equally good... "Tree climbing".

Arnie was suave in his posing. Sigh.

Then is was my turn...

Then it was time to run. As Arnie was running my direction, he gave me a kiss as he was flying by.

I didn't do any running, Gracie suggested that I save my bionic powers for something I have ALWAYS wanted to give a try and she would show me how.

Stay tuned for the rest of the adventure.... Continued...

Lazy Weekend

The past several weeks I have been on the go. Agility trials, kayaking, and shopping. Mom said this weekend was going to be a lazy, lounging, stay in pajama kind of weekend. I love being on the go, but when you say lounging, count me in. Mom said I need to rest and recharge my bionic abilities because they will be used soon. Hmmmm.... Here's a hint... "AND"

Gracie & Arnie

Oh my goodness, it was a stupendous weekend. I got to meet Gracie from Screaming K9 in the fur when she road into to Austin. (See really didn't really ride in on a Harley, but since she's kind of a biker chick, it was a perfect place for a picture).

Gracie is really sweet it was awesome to finally meet her and her Mom. As you may know Gracie does agility. And was in town for a trial, I was so honored to watch her run! She can run fast (but don't tell her, but I think I can run faster - since I'm bionic).

After Gracie finished running at the speed of light, jumping over the obstacles, while pointing her toes like a ballerina, we loaded up and went to the hotel where they were staying to pick up Gracie's Dad AND Arnie, Gracie's brother. It was a surprise, I didn't know Arnie was along for the adventure. Gracie's Mom said Arne & I would get along great, we are very similar. Oh my goodness, when I saw Arnie & our eyes met, I could swear I heard music playing, sigh.

After we picked up Arnie & his Dad, we headed to lunch on the patio of Home Slice Pizza. Mom says this place is always packed, has a great city vibe feel and everyone is always super friendly. Needless to say Gracie, Arnie & I got tons of attentions and pets. Arnie is such a clown. Look at him licking his chops wishing for a piece of pie.

Gracie is a smart cookie, while she was sitting on her Mom's lap, she spotted the waitress with the human's slices of pie. As the waitress was putting the plate down, in the blink of an eye, two shakes of a lambs tail, Gracie had her paw on the plate & slid it over in front of herself. I'm going to have to remember that trick. Thanks Gracie for that pointer. Gracie & Arnie are so cute!

As we were leaving the pizza place, we all stopped in our tracks, we couldn't believe our eyes. I think we all had the same thought at the same time... Graffiti, posing opportunity just like our friend Pug & Dutch from the Daily Puglet.

After lunch I wanted to share one of my favorite places with Gracie & Arnie, Zilker Botanical Garden. It was so much fun exploring the Garden, plus we were on the look out for the notorious dinosaur that lives at the Garden.

The Garden has several different areas to explore, Japanese Garden, a Pioneer Village where we discovered this cauldron. Hmmm, I heard something mentioned by the human's.. "Pug Stew".

Another area has nice wide paths thru the woods. This is Mom's favorite part, it makes her think of the Woods at the Farm. Did you notice in this picture, I think Arnie is checking me out, blush.

We searched & searched but didn't see any dinosaur. It must be like Big Foot or Sasquatch. Maybe next time.

On Sunday, I met up with Gracie & Arnie again, Gracie had more running to do. As she was resting for her run, Arnie & I spent some together. We went to play where Arnie grabbed my leash & tried to take me for a walk.

He also gave me a kiss on my face as well as a pug snort in my face too & even "boxed" my head with his front paws. Not quite sure if this was a first date, but it was the best time!

After all the adventuring, I'm one tuckered out Pug. I was super proud of Gracie's running and her sneaking pizza pie technique. Arnie was dreamy. Hopefully soon we all will have more adventures together.