arnold's dog blog

Goodbye Dear Friend...

2009-10-18T10:49:00.002-04:00

January 1994 - October 2009

Now that's traveling in style...

2009-04-17T10:43:00.004-04:00

Hey bipeds, I want to travel with Pet Airways on my next cross country adventure...

I like their mascot too...

I want to be a Sheep Dog when I grow up...

2009-03-31T11:58:00.003-04:00

So, I'm ready to admit it......

2009-03-12T15:31:00.005-04:00

I've been keeping a secret. There's another feline in my life... This is Olive, actually this was Olive when she first came to live with us.

And this is Olive now. Yes, a trip to the cattery for a couple weeks while the bipeds were in NZ did fill her out.

Actually this is probably a more flattering photo of her....

Just kidding!

Actually I think I really love her, she doesn't beat me up like Minnie used to....

Kidding again, gee I'm a funny guy. Actually she is the most laid back cat I've ever known - but don't tell her I said that!

Anyway, here's a proper one folks...

Isn't she pretty!

There's a new love in my life

2009-03-11T15:27:00.000-04:00

I just don't know when I'll get to meet her...

To my Best Friend,

2008-12-05T09:15:00.005-05:00

Minnie

December 1993 - December 2008

I'm going to miss you Girlfriend!

Knock Knock

2008-06-23T13:12:00.004-04:00

Cody: Can Arnold come and play?

Biped Girl: I'm sorry but Arnold's napping

Duffy: Couldn't you wake him - I'm sure he wants to have a run around the neighborhood

Biped Girl: You know, I don't think that's a good idea...

Cody: Our bipeds let us!

Biped Girl: Maybe next time... I think they're calling you...

Cody & Duffy:Bye Arns, see ya around

Moments later, around the corner...

Cody: Poor Arnold, he never gets to run around with us

Duffy: Yeah, his bipeds don't let him tear around the neighborhood, chasing cats like ours do...

Cody: Hey, you know, we're the only dogs who actually tear around the neighbor...

Duffy: Watch out Cody, that car just missed you...

Minnie is that you?

2008-06-07T20:05:00.002-04:00

And who is that guy you're with?

Seen Pluto?

2008-05-31T12:06:00.002-04:00

Guess where the Bipeds went without me and Minnie... I would've liked to meet Pluto! But I did get to catch up with my friends at the Kennel :-)

Cats: and Treadmills?

2008-05-12T17:09:00.005-04:00

I was surfing this afternoon and came across the following video I had to share.

Minnie's been concerned about her weight lately, so I've been on the lookout for new and exciting ways to help her exercise. I think this one could be a winner!

Later

Arns

Raining Cats and Dogs...

2008-05-09T15:09:00.002-04:00

I've been watching out the window all morning with Minnie, and we can't see them... I don't know what the bipeds are talking about!

Photo by parejka

Valley Forge: and only just recovering

2008-04-23T09:30:00.003-04:00

I've been trying to get enough energy to update my blog since Sunday but that five mile loop I did at Valley Forge with the bipeds on Saturday really knocked the wind out of me.

Here are some of the highlights:

I got to go in the car - I love the car! I would stay in the car all day, every day if they let me.
Valley Forge is my most favorite park in the world - there is lots to see, smell and chase.
The weather was absolutely glorious - I hope that doesn't come across as too gushy but it's been awhile since we had beautiful sunny days that aren't too hot and no humidity.
We saw a "herd" of Jack Russell Terriers walking with their bipeds - there were lots of the little guys! My bipeds wouldn't let me stop to say hi, we'll catch up next time guys...
There were LOTS of other doggies out for the day and everyone had their tails wagging!

Well, better go back to sleep - I need to save my energy for my evening trot around the neighborhood.

Photograph by: zrim

Minnie: and the pet snake

2008-04-15T13:56:00.006-04:00

One thing you probably don't know about me, is I'm almost totally deaf - the old age is creeping in... I say almost deaf because I can hear high pitched screeches which is exactly what woke me from my afternoon kip today.

Here I was dozing in my comfy bed, basking in the afternoon sun, dreaming of the wild turkeys I saw over the weekend when Minnie should appear making a low pitched growling noise (I'm imagining that part because I didn't really hear it, but that's what Minnie does when she catches wildlife). The next thing I know, the girl biped is screaming at the top of her voice as Min presents her with her latest catch - a live snake... I don't think I've seen the girl move so fast, I didn't even get a chance to have a sniff but at least I have the photos to prove it.

By the way, I'm sure that the girl is going to tell everyone it was a enormous deadly python but as you can see, it was just a little one.

Off to calm everyone down and do a perimeter search.

Arns

Maryland: and a road trip for three

2008-04-14T07:48:00.006-04:00

I have to be the luckiest doggie in the world. I got to go on a road trip with the bipeds and we even stayed over! The boy biped started a new job today, so we packed up the car on Friday and headed to a dog friendly inn on the eastern shore of Maryland.

We went for a long walk along the shoreline before dinner. Despite all the talk about bad weather, it was a lovely warm sunny day. I was really keen on having a swim but they said no :-( I was also pretty excited about playing with the resident Poodle but the bipeds said my social skills aren't that good with other dogs - party poopers.

Here is the view from our room, isn't it beautiful:

I always try to make the most of a photo op - here I'm sitting on the "dog bed":

As we left the inn, look what we saw wandering around a field - gobble, gobble, gobble:
Gotta go, I need to catch up with my beauty sleep - road trips are tiring...

Something for the girl biped...

2008-04-08T17:45:00.004-04:00

If only it was a Jack Russell... From Rootote

My Favorite Walk - what I see...

2008-04-08T11:52:00.004-04:00

New Camera

2008-04-02T14:33:00.006-04:00

The girl biped has a new camera and she's been trying it out on us...

Minnie's a real attention seeker....
Me, I'm more of the quiet confident type....

Later

Arns

On my wishlist...

2008-03-31T13:43:00.003-04:00

I'm normally not a "Green" kind of guy, but these Sailors Knot Collars from Mascot are really cool. If green isn't your thing, there are plenty of other colors to choose from.

Arns

I'm Famous!

2008-03-19T10:22:00.002-04:00

The biped aunt just forwarded me this...

I never knew I had such a fantastic singing voice!

If you're nice I'll sign autographs - thank you, thank you very much

Arns

Something for my wishlist dear bipeds

2008-03-18T15:03:00.002-04:00

Dear Bipeds,

I know it's not my birthday or Christmas yet but I was thinking this would be wonderful not just for me but for you too.

Your ever faithful canine

Arns

Traveling Accessories

2008-03-12T10:15:00.003-04:00

Apparently I'm going to "holiday camp" in a couple of months, so I've started keeping my eye out for some creature comforts for my stay. I thought this would be perfect for keeping me cosy on those long lonely nights.

Actually there were lots neat things over at Bowsa Wowsa! Where is the bipeds credit card...

Holy Moly

2008-03-11T15:55:00.004-04:00

Doggie Cannoli - Yum Yum!

Dinner Central

2008-03-04T15:07:00.004-05:00

The bipeds have been at it again. More banging and thumping but this time I really did get something for my headache...

A new dinner area!

I'm a little sad that they've put Minnie's dinner out of reach - I love to have a little snack on her leftovers but I'm really pleased with my new "buffet". The cupboard with the dog treats (oh and cat treats) is just above nose level so if I sit on my back legs I can see right in - yum yum

In celebration of my new space, I did a bit of surfing and came across a really cool site: Isabella Cane - they have some really cool things for me and the bipeds.

I think this would be the perfect bowl for my new area - hint hint....

And I so need one of these collars - I mean, if I'm going to have a new space for dinner, I have to look the part - don't I?!

See yah

Arns

New office but where's my new office furniture?

2007-09-07T17:15:00.000-04:00

Sorry I've been so slack with my updates. I've had quite a busy summer and the girl biped took it upon herself to update our Internet connection to something faster - now she doesn't get off the PC. I guess I really need to put in a request for my own.

The bipeds have been so busy lately I almost needed to make an appointment to see them - especially the boy one. I have to say though, it's worked to my advantage because they feel so guilty that they take for nice long walks almost every night at the moment.

Progress on my new backyard hasn't happened but I'm pleased to report they've finished my new office. The gray walls and nasty carpet are distant memories, Yippee! But hey, where's my new office furniture - I need to make sure that gets ordered! Perhaps I'll just stick with the comfy sofa...

** The lovely quilt I'm snuggled up on was a birthday pressie for the girl biped from the biped in-laws - isn't it gorgeous! Biped Lisa did the piecing and biped Roy did the quilting, I'm sure the "Big Bros" and baby sis Tabitha were on quality control.

Minnie's Friend

2007-07-23T17:28:00.000-04:00

It all seemed so innocent. I mean, I'm not the jealous type really - unless it comes to food, that is - but this is different.

He was in her life and then he went away.

And I really I thought it was forever, but he's back... and her fixation with him has grown stronger.

I don't know whether I can stand her relentess displays of affection...

I mean, what about me Minnie?

Is it just me, or is the sky falling down?

2007-07-16T13:27:00.000-04:00

No Silly!

The bipeds are getting a new roof!

Well, can you tell them to do it quietly then, I need my beauty sleep...

Some call me a Dreamer...

2007-07-16T11:36:00.000-04:00

I can smell it...

It taunts me...

They taunt me, with their munching and finger licking...

"Can't I just have one", I ask - the reply, a firm growl "NO" from the boy biped...

"But I promise I won't choke"...

And the reply, "Well, we're not risking a late night trip to the emergency vet" from the girl biped.

"But it's CHICKEN bones and the smell, couldn't I just try one?"

"NO" - both of them this time.

Maybe next time...

Perhaps I need a better way of convincing them, hmmmmmm...

Additional Responsibilies

2007-07-06T16:55:00.000-04:00

Even though I love summer, there's one part of the season I despise with a passion - Thunderstorms. It means an "all-nighter" on the job.

On a more positive note, since I've lost most of my hearing, it's only the flashes of lightning that make me nervous now, before I had to bark at the lightning as well as the thunder.

I really can't understand why the female biped yells at me when I jump on her (preferably her head) - I mean, I'm only trying to protect her. It's not like Minnie's protecting her... she hides under the bed.

Better go - didn't get much sleep last night, so am off for a wee nap before walkies.
Arns

Image by DaFotoGuy

Happy 4th Everyone!

2007-07-03T12:37:00.001-04:00

Note: The quilt was a gift to the bipeds from Lisa at From The Quiltery.

Arnold's Doggie Guide to Biped Dinner Parties

2007-06-24T12:11:00.000-04:00

First it starts with a shopping expedition and this time of year, that means I'm left at home - some excuse about being too hot in the car. If I'm lucky I get a treat when the biped gets home, my puppy dog eyes pleading and a bit of moping gets me extras.

Then, usually, the blue monster is retrieved from the hallway closet. I love to chase and bite the end that sucks stuff up but for some reason the bipeds don't appreciate it. The long duster is also quite fun, especially if the biped decides to play with me and try and tickle me with it.

My most favorite part has to be the cooking. I make sure that I take up the best position in the drop zone to get maximum food potential. The biped is always positioned near the end of the kitchen island, so I pretend to cuddle her feet - yes friends, you do have to stoop that low if you want any chance of morsels.
Once the guests arrive it's time to pull out all stops and use those tried and true techniques. It certainly works more effectively on Doggie bipeds because they realize how smart I really am. My plan starts with the "Meet and Greet" where I rush to the door when they arrive - there's nothing better that being greeted with an adorable Jack Russell who hangs on your every word.

The next phase starts once the drinks and nibbles have been doled out. This most certainly works best in informal settings, especially outside. I usually find the biped visitor who appreciates me the most and smooch next to them. If I'm not getting the level of attention I need (read: being feed a snack) I sit on beg - I hear you, begging is not nice but you have to do what you have to do. By this stage I've worked the crowd enough so that when the main food event starts everyone shares with me.

Well, I hope I've given you guys some pointers. The only other piece of advice I can give you is practice, practice, practice. Gotta go - bipeds are going into the kitchen!

"Mr Brush, did we see your kids the other day?"

2007-06-18T17:44:00.000-04:00

Have I ever mentioned - I love Summer! It is the most fantastic time of the year - not only do I get to sunbathe all day long but the bipeds take me for lots of long walks. I heard them murmuring about feeling bad because they've been spending so much time working on "the house" and not spending time with me. Me, well I am milking it for everything it's worth - if having to watch them paint for hours on end gets me more yummy treats and long walks, I say "Bring it on".

This leads me to my walk on Sunday. For some reason, the male biped had us all up and moving early on Sunday morning. Talking for myself, I could've done with a few extra ZZZs and the female biped - just don't talk to her before the first coffee!

So here were are, strolling down the street and in the distance we see some creatures playing on the road. As we get closer, we realized it was a family of six foxes - all of which looked like teenagers out having a bit of fun. I've never had the chance to meet up with these guys before so was I really keen on joining in but the bipeds didn't want to break up the party, so we turned around and headed back in the opposite direction.

This is not the first time we've met up with wildlife lately - Basil Brush has been a frequent visitor to our yard first thing in the morning, then there's Ricky the Raccoon who appears to be living in the yard behind us and a multitude of other species who distract me from my job as Security Analyst. I really need to do a better job of patrolling the perimeter!

Off to find someone to give me treats... Arns

Doorbells for Poochies?

2007-04-26T10:44:00.000-04:00

The bipeds are still doing that renovation business, so I have extra time on my paws.

I happened to be flicking through one of their magazines, which was lying next to my doggie bed the other day, and came across an advertisement for Poochie-Bells.

At the time I was admiring the picture of the "Pooch" but then I thought it was worth taking a look at their website. I think I need to add one of these to my wishlist... What do you think guys and gals?

I wonder if it will work for Minnie, hmmmm

Arns

Fan Mail

2007-04-24T16:56:00.000-04:00

Well, this week hasn't been my favorite so far. The bipeds are painting (again!) and they're using a big metal thing to stand on - it makes such a noise that I have to run and hide every time they bring it out.

On a more positive note, I've had my first piece of fan mail. The Little Bros sent me a great postcard with them on the front. I think I saw Mr. Mailman admiring it as he put it in our mailbox. What I want to know, is whether they made it themselves or did they have to have biped intervention? I might have to have a bash at making my own!

My Job and the Office Furniture Situation

2007-04-13T11:28:00.000-04:00

As official "Security Analyst" in charge of alerting the bipeds of two-legged and four-legged visitors, I have a lot of responsibilities. But since moving to our current residence, I have taken over as "he-who-looks-after-the-feline". Yes, my sister has a very bad habit of getting into trouble and it's my responsibility to chase away any unwanted "cling-ons" (read: golden retrievers, other cats and of course, rodents of every shape and size) she brings home. Now I've had this job for the past thirteen years unofficially, but it's become an official job for the past six.

Due to it's official nature, I've been asserting pressure for more appropriate office furniture and equipment. For the last few years, I've had a perfectly reliable doggie bed, somewhat boring but very practical.

But recently, when I was staying at Holiday Camp, I saw what the other doggies had and made it my mission to have my bed replaced when the bipeds finally get around to decorating "our" office. Don't tell the bipeds but, I was bored one night and decided to nibble on it. The bipeds weren't that happy but I've offered to do some investigation into some appropriate replacements - here are my favorites so far:

My favorite so far is the Mija, but I think the bipeds and I are going to have to discuss budget.

Later...
Arns

My Favorite Things

2007-04-09T17:00:00.000-04:00

I thought as I'm new to this doggie blogging thing I'd give you a bit of an insight into who I am, what I like to do and what are some of my favorite things. So here goes:

Favorite Dog Biscuits: I've never met a dog biscuit I haven't liked. The only time I'll turn them down is when the bipeds are shutting me away when I can't go in the car with them or when the vet has a biscuit in one hand and needle in the other. Actually, we have a very nice mailman who gives me treats every time he delivers a package - ummm, I do wish he delivered more, perhaps I should do some online shopping...

Favorite Daytime Activity: Well I actually have a few, first and foremost, sleeping - at my age you need so much more. Next on the list would be looking out the window to see who is in the street. And lastly, barking at squirrels - they come up close to our window, so when I bark they jump and run off.

Favorite Park: This is a tricky one, I've been to so many, that I do find it hard to choose. I think that at the moment, my all time favorite is Valley Forge park. There are lots of deer to scare and when they becomes boring I can try dragging my biped through the bushes to find other wildlife.

Favorite Walk: One of my most favorite places to walk is at the Ridley Creek Park - the trail is really great and it runs near a river. Sometimes, when the biped is a bit zoned out, I drag her to the rivers edge and whimper until she lets me have a swim.

Favorite Things to Chew On: PIGS EARS - I love them!

Favorite Toy: I love to play fetch so my favorite toys are my tennis balls and my flydo. I also love to terrorize my sister Minnie, by stealing her toys and ripping them apart. They make a satisfying mess and many times get away with it by blaming her.

Favorite Biped Food: I know I shouldn't but sometimes when I've been a good boy, the bipeds let me have some of their pasta with a little sauce and cheese - to quote my favorite dog friendly tv cooking personality, Rachael Ray - "YUM -O". I've also started to watch my figure and have become quite partial to the odd raw carrot or orange segment. But don't tell the bipeds or they'll ground me.

Favorite TV Show: I love to watch Animal Planet but the bipeds won't let me because I get a little rowdy barking along with the other animals. Other than that I really like Scooby Doo - he's my hero.

Well there's so much more to say but it will have to wait - the mailman's coming...

Arns

I need to have one of these!

2007-04-04T17:38:00.000-04:00

I’ve been feeling a wee bit under the weather since getting back from holiday camp but I’ve not been idol. I’ve taken the opportunity to send a few emails to my pals – Millie, wink wink. And I've also been catching up on some surfing. You know the story, the bipeds wouldn’t spring for the Internet connection so I'm behind with the latest gossip.

In my latest travels, I stumbled across the most incredible thing – the PetPeek! I think this will be going on my Amazon wish list!

Back from Holiday Camp

2007-03-23T16:33:00.000-04:00

Yes, I'm sure you missed me! It seems that the bipeds didn't trust me to stay at home alone while they flitted around the world, so off I went to holiday camp.

Now, I know what you thinking, "Poor Arnold" but actually Holiday Camp is one of my favorite places apart from home and any park I've ever visited. Not only do I get to stay up late with the guys, I can bark any time I want without being told to be quiet and there are even a bunch of cool bipeds who'll play ball with me. My only complaint is the bipeds didn't splash out for an Internet connection for me, so I wasn't able to surf or update my blog :-(

Actually I'm not too happy with the bipeds at the moment. Not only did they visit with the "Little Bros" but also with the "Big Bros" - without taking me! Some excuse about quarantine - ha! Next time I'm sneaking in their suitcase.

Well, off to gargle - I seemed to have lost my voice for some reason...

The Little Bros

The Big Bros

I want to PLAY

2007-02-24T17:22:00.000-05:00

This week has been very disappointing - the bipeds haven't been around much, something about being busy. I can't understand it myself. To make matters worst, when they are around, they're tapping away at their computers all the time. There hasn't even been any time for me to update my dog blog! So, in a bid to have more play time, I have been greasing up to them and putting on the cute faces. It obviously worked because I got to go in the Jeep twice this week.

On the hunt for the last of the pigs ears - wish me luck!

Welcome to my Dog Blog

2007-02-17T11:08:00.000-05:00

My name is Arnold and I'm a Jack Russell Terrier living a privileged life with my biped parents in the USA. While they tell me that I am getting up there in dog years (I'm 13 this year), I still like to tear around the house at least once a day wreaking havoc and terrorizing my sister (Minnie, the cat).

Originally I was from New Zealand and the answer is "Yes", all of the American dogs did laugh at my New Zealand accent when I first arrived. Life was a little different there - I had a fenced backyard so I spent most of my days sunning myself on the deck. I even had a dog door into the laundry, so when it rained I could drag mud all though the house. My bipeds were busy people during the week hence my own yard and dog door but in the weekends I was able to go in their car, stick my head out of the window and sniff the wind.

I've been in the USA for the last six years and it has been a great experience so far. While I don't have a fenced yard at the moment (I'm working on it), life is good - my biped Mother works from home so I can bug her every time I want to play or need to go outside, I now have a Jeep which has loads of space and a huge back window, and the most important thing of all, there are so many more creatures and wildlife to chase here.

So what is this blog about? Well, everyone - bipeds, canines and felines - say to me "Wow Arnold, you have so many adventures!" and seeing as a movie/tv career is out of the question at my age, I decided to have a online literary presence instead.

Off for a biscuit but will be back soon!

Arns