Etcetera

Correction - I guess even canine journalists get names wrong sometimes. It turns out that CoCo is the right name of the lovely Dane who appeared in my Doggy Day Afternoon posts. I had spelled it as Cocoa - as in chocolate, but she's really CoCo as in CoCo Chanel.

Chabela - I just wanted to say I got a lovely e-mail from Chabela and she plans to be at some of the same horse shows I'm going to this season. If we are able to connect expect to see more of her in this space.

Eye Candy - Oh, what the hey. Let's have one more photo of Schooner just for woofs and giggles and because he's just so cute.

Say Hi to Schooner!

We want to give a woof-out to Schooner, a Maine Coon kitten who has just moved into his forever home with a good friend of ours. Schooner has no plans to blog so I can't send you over to say hello, but his new Mom does check in here once in a while.

Here is Schooner suggesting a nice composition for a portrait in oils - in case his Mom should want to commission one.

And here he is in a more casual mode, just ready to have a bit of a chat. I really want to wish Schooner all the best in his new position. It seemed as though he was going to face some challenges in the form of two established adult kitties, neither of whom were thinking, "Oh, it would be so great if Mom brought home a kitten." In fact, they don't even speak to each other much from what I've heard. Schooner, however, is working his charms and making good headway in worming his way into the affections of the senior kitties.  It seems he's going to do just fine.

Doggy Day Afternoon Fur Real Part II

I believe we left off during our water break. After some nice long drinkies I felt the need to regroup in the semi-shade on the coolish concrete. Chi felt just fine, but was willing enough to hang around while I got a second wind.

At one point in the festivities they had a breed parade and one dog of every discernable breed they could round up represented. CoCo and I were asked to represent our respective breeds. In my case, I was the only Pei on the grounds, but there were a number of Danes, so it was a bit of an honor for Cocoa. We lined up to take our turn.

There's CoCo. Great Dane represent! I was number 11. Cocoa went earlier so I was waiting on line after she did her bit.

I passed the time making conversation with even more new friends. This was just the best day ever. Did I mention that?

My star turn came out a little blurry. Sorry about that, and blame Blog Mom, as usual. She's also my personal photographer.

So here I was, just getting some shade. Shade is nice when it's 3,000 degrees out and humid. A nice lady who was working at the event decided I was overheated. Well, define "over", I guess. I was heated, but the Moms are pretty aware of a Shar Pei's needs in weather like this and were already talking about it being time to head home. In the meantime I was hydrated and in the shade, right? We just pant a lot, lady.  But the lady was worried and pretty much insisted that we take advantage of a thing they had set up just for dogs who looked like they were about to have heat stroke. So I had to do this:

Soooo unfair. I'd already had a bath that day and now they put me in a pool with ice cubes and act like they're doing me a favor. Shar Pei don't do water, people! I stayed in  for all of about 5 seconds and that was more than enough, thank you.

Around then we did head home where I had to start a napathon that lasted well into today, with food and potty breaks, of course. I did not make the horse show and neither did Blog Mom who didn't do her foot any favors at the doggy event. Alpha Mom went, of course, since Sarge was in it and he did very, very well. It would have been nice to see, but I think we made the right choice. Alpha Mom says there will absolutely be lots more horsie shows with Sarge this summer and this was the only doggiecentric event that we're aware of for some time. Horse shows are wonderful fun, and there are usually quite a few dogs in attendance, but let us face facts. Horse show are about the horsies. This was about us. The doggies. It was kind of special in that way. We are talking about my going back to school to get my degree and to be able to have a more rounded canine social life. I think it's not a bad idea and I'll probably do it.

Doggy Day Afternoon Fur Real

Well, that was just pawsome. I could not have had a better time in a roomful of cheese! As soon as we arrived at the place where the Expo was being held I was all excited. I wanted to get out, out out of the car and zoom right over to the grounds. I could smell the excitement in the air. Or at least I could smell something I liked a lot in the air. There were so many doggies to meet. It seemed like everybuddy there was accompanied by a doggy or two. We met friends we knew and friends we'd never met before.

This little girl was one of the first pawple we met. I didn't catch her name, but isn't she darling? As soon as she saw Blog Mom pick up the camera she smiled and posed for us. Her own Mom didn't even know what was going on at first, which was pretty funny. Even though I don't think she's a doxie her smile kind of reminded me of Mona.

This is Nancy and CoCo. That's Nancy on the left and CoCo is the Great Dane on the right. We do know them. Actually I had never really met CoCo before but we've both been in the same building at different times and for dogs that's a lot like having met. Nancy is Alpha Office Administrator where both Moms work and also CoCo's Mommy, of course.

CoCo is getting to know me better there. I couldn't return the favor because I failed to bring a ladder with me. Despite my having to dispense with some of those formalities, I think we hit it off quite well. CoCo is a very gentle lady dog and I like to think I'm the same.

 No sooner had we spent a few minutes with CoCo and her humans Chabela arrived with her Mom, Dina. Dina is a horse person like Alpha Mom and  Chabela goes down to the barn sometimes. We ended up spending quite a bit of time together and I hope we get together again soon. She is excellent company. Most pawple were very nice and as far as I could see ALL the doggies were pawfectly behaved and friendly the whole time, but there was this one weird moment. Chi (Her Mom calls Chabela "Chi" so I do, too.) was just sitting there, kind of under a table getting a little shade and this lady came over and bent down a little and looked like she was going to say how cute she is - which she certainly is. Instead the lady said, "It was a dachshund that ate my baby chicks.",  looking at poor innocent Chi as though she had something to do with it. How rude! We were all kind of dumbstruck. There are a lot of things you can say at times like that, but nobuddy thought of any in time. I just kept thinking I wished Puddles was there. I'm sure she would have told that lady off.

There were vendors so we did a little shopping. Actually, what happened was that Blog Mom just wanted to point something out to Alpha Mom and I wandered into the booth. Before you know it, Alpha Mom had purchased a harness for me that we didn't need and she hadn't planned on. It is very nice. It's quite dressed up looking. I'll model it for you as soon as the matching collar and leash that we also didn't need but Alpha Mom ended up ordering comes. And if I get invited to anything formal, I'll be ready.

Well, you know who we thought of as soon as we saw the Grateful Greyhounds tent, don't you? Of course you do.

Before you knew it, it was time for a little something. I don't think that greyhound was really going to lift that lady's wallet, do you? I'm sure not!

Do I still have your attention? Because I want to tell you about something that I don't have a picture for. Then more photos, OK? We met this lady. She didn't bring her dogs with her because she was vending, but she was a Shar Pei person. She said she'd been in the breed for 20 years. When someone says they're "in the breed" you know they're serious. She was there selling doggy related jewelry, and she has a website for her Peis, too, who certified, ribboned and medalled in just about everything. And one of them is named Lola! How about that. Well, this lady said she didn't think I looked 7 years old. I mean, not just, "Oh, you don't look a day over 5, my dear." She had specific reasons. The Moms and I decided to believe her. She sure seemed to know what she was talking about. There are reasons why we were never 100% sure, which I might discuss on Frankie's Name Game day on the 4th. So now my age is no longer 7. It's officially "A lady doesn't tell her age, especially if she doesn't know it." We're kind of happy about it because Shar Pei are not known for longevity, although I believe we're improving there. So not being seven yet would be very nice. K, back to the photos now.

This doggy was an agility madman. He or she (furry down there) ran the course several times just pawfectly. It was quite thrilling to watch.

In between demonstrations by madly skilled dogs of all sorts the agility course was available for newbie dogs to try out. I really wish we'd gotten a shot of Chi going over a jump or something but she was too fast for our camera. She did great. She went over jumps and through the tire and did whatever she was asked. And she's a mini. I mean, she's rather short, you know. That didn't even slow her down. I think she probably has a future in agility.

We encountered all sorts of beautiful furiends who we didn't know as we went along. Everyone was friendly. This brindle Frenchie seemed like a very mellow sort.

Some dogs were taking a working holiday. We knew not to bother them while they were attending to their responsibilities, of course.

Magnificent was the only word for this Golden. The photo doesn't really show how large he is, either. Definitely an XL Golden. And he was very friendly. As if there's such a thing as a Golden who isn't.

 Oooh, twins!

 This little guy was such a gorgeous shade of pewter. I wish it had shown up better on camera.

This is a Westie who we met along the way. Her owner says she's a very good dog. She looks lovely is all I know.

Somedogs know how to travel in real style. Way to go little fella.

Well, I can tell you  one thing. It got hot as the day went on. Really, really hot. There were water stations everywhere with big foil pans of water and hoses so they could be constantly refreshed. I would only just drink enough out of them to keep me alive. I mean strangers' germs - eeew. Fortunately, this time my own heart shaped pink water bucket was in the car. It only required someone to make a trip back to the car to get it. 

That was sooo much better. It turned out that Chi did not like to drink at at the public trough either, so I let her drink out of my bucket. Now we're saliva sisters.

 I have a few more pictures to share, but I think Blogger has about had it with this post. I'll do a Part II with the rest of the photos and concluding thoughts later or tomorrow, 

Dog Day Afternoon

We are falling behind a little in reading blogs, not to mention blogging. We're sorry about that, and as usual it's entirely Blog Mom's fault. I've got plenty to say, but I guess maybe it's the weather or something. She sits down at the computer and falls asleep way too early most nights. But all is forgiven for today because we've got big plans. After I get my furs done, the Moms are taking me to the second annual Dog Day Afternoon Agility Expo and Pet Fair, which is put on by the Suffolk County Bar Association's Animal Law Committee. The weather's looking good for the event and I'm pretty psyched about it. It's my first time going, but I'm not seeing a downside. If all goes well there'll be photos soonish.

Adventure Dog, that's me!

We were going to a horsie show tomorrow, but that's up in the air at the moment. Blog Mom is still lame - she goes to the foot vet several times a week now, but so far it's only a little better. Two days of this kind of thing might be too much and  I've also been just a little off my feed (with a bit of pukies) this week myself so the same thinking applies to me. I guess we'll see about that. Alpha Mom says that Sarge will be in many shows this summer so it's no worrries there. Anyway, being a dog, I take life one day at a time and this one is looking most promising.
Have a great Saturday, everyone!

All About Us

Lots and lots of furiends have done this quiz by now. Too many to list here, I think. I figured I'd better get on it now, and then there was some discussion as to whether the cats were going to do it, too. The blog is called Pei Days, not Pei and Kitteh Days, but the majority ruled in this case and we're all doing it at once.

This is our life

THE BASICS

Name and Age: 
Lola, 7ish years old. I could definitely pass for 5.

Simone: 12 or 13, we think

Happy: Could be about 7. No one really knows.

Breed: 
 Lola: Chinese Shar Pei

Simone: Domestic Short Hair mix of some sort

Happy: Domestic Short Hair mix of some slightly fluffier sort

Nickname(s):
Lola: Good Girl, Baby, Sweetie, Sweetie Pei, Beautiful Girl, Woojy Boojy Boo Boo Lovey Doggy, assorted others

Simone: Simoney Woney (Daddy only), Psycho Cat, The Evil One - Those last two aren't used quite so much lately, as she's either mellowed, stabilized or is just getting old, but are listed here for historical value.

Happy: Hapster, Captain Happy, Happles, Hapless, Doofus

The picture of feline grace - not so much

 Where’d ya come from?

Lola: Brooklyn, most recently graduating from the Sean Casey Animal Rescue

Simone: The people with the bouncy bulldogs

Happy: The eviction next door

Favorites 

Toy 

Lola: Right now I'm enjoying working with a rawhide chewy. I chase it around a bit, capture it and only chew it briefly, so it  lasts quite some time. Of course, you can't go wrong with a tennis ball either.

Simone: She likes to play with things that are dangled for her, except for anything that's purchased for that express purpose. Those things, she just ignores. Also likes long stringy things that pose a danger to her insides.

Happy: Not big on toys. Eat. Sleep.Eat. Go in and out. Eat.

Snack:

Lola: Cheese!!!

Simone: Whipped cream

Happy: Whipped cream with a salmon chaser

Human Person:


Lola: What an undiplomatic question. Well, if I must. Alpha Mom is called "Alpha" for a reason. 'Nuff said? I do have very close and individual  relationships with each of my humans. There's plenty of Lola love to go around.

Simone: Daddy

Happy: Daddy.

We call Daddy the cat whisperer.

FUNNY STUFF

Worst Habit: 
Lola: I don't have bad habits. There are a couple of areas of legitimate disagreement between the humans and myself, such as the optimal speed for a walkie, but my speed towing is not a habit. It's a choice. Same goes for my early rising. That's a lifestyle choice that I make for myself and Alpha Mom. And the picky eating thing? Just being a matter of taste is all. Nope, no bad habits that I can think of.

Simone: Shredding. Furniture and occasionally flesh. Thank Dog her aim is getting worse and she's slowing down a bit. Doesn't help the furniture, which is a lost cause anyway, but it's much safer for the rest of us.

Tortitude - she's got it.

Happy: Well that in and out and out and in thing that he does every night is a bit annoying to everyone, but get this - after he's asked to out for the zillionth time the humans kind of stop jumping right up when he meows. So, he starts scratching. We all assumed he was scratching at the door and no harm seemed to be done. After all, who doesn't scratch at the door once in a while? I think we all do that sometimes. Well, they just recently noticed that it wasn't the door at all. It was molding around a doorway NEAR the door and he's just about destroyed it. Everyone was pretty surprised that a cat could even do that.

Most Embarassing Moment

Lola: I don't really have a lot of those. I'm not what you'd call a goofy doggie. But there was that time when I yelled at a doggie (in retrospect, a rather small doggie) who I assumed was bothering my neighbor Sambuca. It turned out that he was a friend of hers. A quite barky friend, but there was no threat. Go know.

Simone: She doesn't do embarrassment. She's got tortitude.

Happy: Well, just off the top of my head, there was the time last week when he fell off the kitchen table. For no apparent reason. And then he did it again the next day. You know what? They don't always land on all fours after all.


Family dynamic (this is a question for those of you with more than one animal in the house. i.e. who is alpha? who is the cuddler? who is the naughty one? etc. I just want to know how you fit into the family!)

We are all alphas in our own minds. We're a bit cautious about each of the others, too. I'm the only dog at the moment and I'm not terribly hierarchical anyway. It's live and let live as far as I'm concerned. Simone is a tortie. She feels she was born to be an alpha. Then there's Happy. He doesn't care about being alpha, I don't think, but like anyone, he's not crazy about being pushed around. As he's entered the prime of his life and Simone has gotten her AARP card, he's getting to be the one who stays on the table with the food on those days when they aren't into sharing space. She probably should have been nicer to him when he joined the family. On the other paw, she still rules Daddy and Blog Mom's bed.

Now I have to say that we're all cuddlers in our different ways, but never, ever with each other. We cuddle with humans. I'm never naughty. As to the kitties, I'll let the shredded furniture and molding speak for itself

Your humans’ FAVORITE thing about you!:

Lola: Well, that's hard to say. Is it my impeccable house manners and the peace of mind that my humans enjoy because of them? Or is it my sweet and loving disposition and mostly calm temperment? Or could it be the intelligence that helps me to be a true companion so they  know they can not only tell me anything, I'll give them good advice, too? I think it's the disposition that they love best, although really I'm a total package, so it's hard to say.

Simone:  Blog Mom and Daddy like the way she snuggles, especially when she sleeps with them at night. She licks their hands, too. They like that and after all, I can't be everywhere at once.

Happy: He might not be the Einstein of the feline world, but he's really quite a nice cat. Blog Mom also thinks he has a pawticularly pretty face and handsome whiskers, but that's kind of superficial, isn't it?

Happy Father's Day

I want to wish a happy Father's Day all the Dads out there, especially my Daddy. I've only had him for just over a year, but I have to say he's worked out very well. Mainly he just loves, loves, loves me, so of course, I love him back. He gives me treats when I want them, even if I don't ask. He'll give me the food right off his plate if I look at him right. If he goes out to eat he always brings home a doggie bag. He can give a great belly rub and he never minds when I wake him up, even if he's not feeling very well. We spend a lot of time together while the Moms are at work and he lets me know how much he appreciates my companionship and vice versa, of course.

In the interest of full disclosure, I have to admit he's also a devoted kitty Daddy.  I just feel he probably loves me best, but I can't actually prove that. We all got him pressies and cards. I'm pretty sure he's going to like them. I got him a pawsome Mets shirt and the kitties got summer weight plaid lounging around the house and/or sleep pants with the Mets logo on them. Both are in more subtle tones than the screaming orange and blue of the more traditional Metswear while still retaining their essential Metsness. Blog Mom functioned as our personal shopper and I think she did pretty well. To celebrate the day here on the blog I thought I'd put up a small photo tribute to Daddy.

Simone and Daddy

Happy and Daddy

Do you notice a certain similarity of theme here? Daddy is first come, first served when it comes to providing a sleep surface for kitties. There's a bit of competition to see who can get on him first when he looks like he's settled down for a while.

Me, telling Daddy I love him

So, that's Daddy in a nutshell and that's why I hope he'll have the best Father's Day ever. And I hope the same for all your Daddies, too.