We're going, We're going ... to the IKC!

Sorry I've been out of touch lately.  My paws and nose have not been near a computer for awhile.  Mom has done her due diligence for Izzy and me in terms of taking us out to the dog park every weekend day but she has failed to take written note of my magnificence.  

Well ... I now know why.  She and my dad have been busy preparing for the IKC show in Chicago (International Kennel Club).  She is totally excited but totally freaked out about it.  We' re going to be something called "vendors" (whatever that means).  It is kind of her "debut" (also whatever that means) of her online retail store www.bumperpet.com.  

But, what about me?  I'm not supposed to know this but Izzy and I are going to spend the day at the groomer's tomorrow so that we'll look our best for "show time."  Then we'll be at the show on Thursday and Sunday.  Are we being shown?  No.  I don't have the necessary equipment (if you know what I mean) and neither does Izzy.  We wouldn't pass muster.  But we get to see some of our full- and half-siblings, all Tibetan Terriers!

Do you think I'll look like this? 

What about Friday and Saturday, you might ask.  Mom has decided that 4 days cooped up in craziness with two Tibetan Terriers might be more than she could cope with .... so, we get to go to our favorite doggy day care and we even get to have a pajama party there on Friday night.  

Or do you think I'll look like this?

We won't be totally cute on Sunday, especially because we'll get all messed up on Friday.  Mom promises to take tons of pictures while she's there and to tell everyone interested both the good about it and the not-so-good about how our newest 'venture' goes (whatever that is).  Keep your fingers and paws crossed for us.  Actually she needs the luck more than me and Izzy.  We IS BLESSED (by our awesome-ness).  And we IS humble, too.   Mom needs some TLC from her buddies out there.  

More to come .... stay tuned.  

Queen Isadora Enters Adolescence

And my folks are re-discovering adolescent angst.  Poor mom.  Poor dad.  Poor me.  And I've been de-throned.   

Hey, this used to be MY chair!

No one is sleeping at night .... Read about it! (Hint:  click on the link to the left)

I must be an adult ... or maybe I'm simply proud

No pictures, here.  My mom wishes she had had a camera with her, but even if she had one, it was too dark to take a picture of this interaction.  I wonder if any of my TT buddies have had this happen to them, too.  

Picture this:  My mom has taken destructo-girl, Izzy, out for a walk alone.  She doesn't do this often, but Izzy seems to like it.  Mom knows that I like it as well, so after she dropped off Izzy at home (who by report, waited patiently at the door for my return for over 30 minutes), she put the lead on me and we went for a walk in the dark.  Mom walks pretty fast.  Actually our gaits seem to match up well as I can trot along side her.  We walked about one block on a major street and then turned the corner into a more residential setting, when we both saw a woman walking her young dog about 50 feet in front of us.  


Normally, in the dark, I would have taken a barking pre-emptive stance to let the dog know that I am around and to watch out (as well as to warn my mom, who at times is totally clueless).  This time, however, Mom saw the dog and although I was pulling towards the dog, she stopped me with a "settle" command and we simply watched until we walked up to the woman and her dog and introduced ourselves.  


The woman seemed nice.  She told mom that her dog was a 'small' Swiss Mountain dog who had very "alpha" (her words) like behavior and was very dominant even at home and she was uncertain about how her dog would react to me.  Mom stood very still, listening, and so did I.  Actually, I was in a great stack ... head held high and watchful.  Mom couldn't tell if I was staring at the dog because my head fall has gotten rather long and she has trouble seeing my eyes.  The other dog was 2 years old and alternated between trying to be dominant with me and then placating me with a puppy bow ... back and forth, not really knowing how to react to me.  


As mom later told dad, it was one of the most interesting 10 minutes of her life with me, watching me and how I handled it.  Normally, I would be barking or pulling on the lead with my butt wiggling (as per my name).  This time I was a statue, standing proudly.  I allowed the "meet-and-greet sniffs" and I sniffed in turn.  But every time the dog tried to lay his head on my back, I back off with a jump, then scratched my hind feet out like a stallion or bull (with its front feet, however), then returned calmly to the other dog and simply stood.  I never barked.  I was not aggressive in any way.  I just .... WAS.  The other dog didn't know what to do to engage me.  I was very calm.  Now all of you know that Tibetan Terriers are not noted for being calm, non-barking dogs.  But this time, I was the epitome of .... whatever. 


This went on for several minutes.  I stood proudly and fearlessly.  Then mom said, "Let's go, Dunk" and off we went.  


My mom continues to be perplexed by this new behavior.  I didn't seem anxious to her ... a better word would be 'watchful.'  She needs to look this up in her books, unless any of my friends or followers out there can explain my behavior to her.  


Signing off for now ....


Wigglebutt Duncan

The long, long journey home .....

I was actually a good boy.  In fact, I was a very, very good boy.  Only whined once for about 15 minutes because I was bored and a little hungry and wanted some special attention.  I needed to behave; as the older brother I had to set a good example for Izzy because this was her first long distance trip back and forth from Chicago to Colorado and she takes all her cues from me. The only cue she doesn't take is when I want to be left alone!!!

Let me talk from the perspectives of both Izzy and me.  I wasn't happy when the packing started.  Before that, I was my typical "slug" boy lying about when I wasn't being challenged by physical exertion (namely, walking).  

My 'fav' position!

Izzy, as usual, was oblivious to what was going on, and simply wanted belly rubs and to smile at anyone who would look at her.  
 

I am just a happy girl!

Mom was stressed by trying to clean up everything all around her to put in special bags.  Our dad was simply trying to stay out of mom's way.  (Good choice, Dad).  Then he brought us to the main floor of the condo building to bring up the luggage cart.  Who could resist a ride on that?  Izzy and I certainly couldn't:  

We aren't sure about this.  Does this mean we're gonna leave?

I know I'm hard to see.  I was BURIED in stuff!

We left around 10:30 MT and the ride up and down the passes weren't too painful for my ears although I whined a bit (Please note that I am a very expressive TT.)  Then we were in west Denver where Mom and Dad did some shopping.  Dad bought an audio CD book set for the long journey home, and Mom had to buy a new bluetooth ear piece because Izzy chewed up her old one a day ago.  The car was so packed with stuff that you could barely see out the back to see my smiling (?) face.  

This was in Nebraska.  It was 70 degrees on January 5th!

After multiple stops for peeing, getting gas, and pooping, we arrived home at 5 a.m.  Being in the car for about 16 hours, we were plenty rested and wanted to play and romp around.  Mom and dad were NOT happy.  Eventually we allowed them to settle down for a nap after insisting on being fed.  


I'm learning the art of the scam.  Maybe I've already mastered it; I'm not sure.  The basic tenet is that if your owners are tired enough and if you are persistent enough, they will eventually give in to whatever you want.  I got FOOD!  Now .... if I could just figure out how to use the 'scam skill' on IzzyDunk.  Hmmmm.  That would be interesting.  

Something is going on ....

There is chaos in our condo right now.  Things are all over the place.  Suitcases are out; bags are all over.  I'm salivating as the refrigerator is being emptied.  No one's giving me any treats, though, despite my use of "the stare."  I'm not sure what's going on, but I think we're leaving Colorado and going on another journey.  I've been through this before, 3 times, because I'm going to be 4 years old in February.  

I'm not sure I like this.  I've gotten used to going up and down halls and trying to not bark; I've gotten used to going up and down elevators; I'm even getting better at being around little kids. 

But ..... I DON'T WANNA LEAVE HERE!  Look at all the things I'll miss doing back in Chicago.  I won't be able to climb up mountains (like my ancestors did when they helped their owners in Tibet herd goats); I won't be able to roll in mush and interesting animal poop.  I won't be able to go on very long (3 hour) hikes; I'll be stuck in an office all day with my lil' sis, IzzyDunk.  And then I won't have as many adventures .....

I love it here.  Don't wanna leave!

I can have fun alone .... or ....

I can have fun with Izzy!

Hmmm.  Not sure this is safe, but I'll try

Believe it or not, Izzy is one spunky little girl.  I couldn't believe it.  Today she clawed her way up the side of a mountain (snow and all and rock) that was about a 45 degree angle ... up around 40 feet where she looked down at me and dared me to go up and be with her.  I tried, but only got about half way before I slid down.  Then Izzy was afraid to come down (it really was steep), so our mom with her special YAKTRAX climbed about half-way up and finally she came down.  Then she ran up again.  Hmmm.  Note to self:  "Must get in shape for climbing.  Can't have her beating me."  Will do.  

Izzy scrambled up something steeper!

I'm still not sure what's happening, but something is ..... will let you all know what tomorrow and the next day brings. 

The home of www.Bumperpet.com

IzzyDunk is featured on the computer.  I'm wondering if Wigglebutt's jealous? 

No, he's not jealous!  He has his own 'puter. 

My love affair with Tabasco Sauce

I seem to remember an awful news story a year or two back about a man disciplining his dog by literally pouring Tabasco sauce down the poor dog's throat.  It made headlines, and of course, now I can't find it on any online searches.  I vowed at that time to never be that sort of owner.  


However .... I now have IzzyDunk who loves to chew through my dining room table chair legs.  She had other options ... very expensive bully sticks to chew on and a bucket full of chew toys.  Is Izzy interested in them?  Absolutely not.  Whenever it is quiet in the house, and she is not in sight, the dining room table chair legs are getting thinner and thinner.  


I tried Bitter Apple.  No luck.  I tried wiping them with orange juice.  Again no luck.  To make matters worse, the chewed wood was unfinished whereas the finished wood obviously remained the same.  It looked terrible.  


Now, I never poured Tabasco sauce down her throat, but I did liberally paint the entire chair legs with the hottest Tabasco sauce I could find at Whole Foods.  (Of course, the Queen Isadora Duncan deserves the best Tabasco sauce available).  I watched and waited.  A miracle!  No chewing.  No more obvious bite marks!  And even better was that fact that the orange in the Tabasco sauce made the raw wood on the chairs looked as though they were finished (unless one looked closely).  

Found at Whole Foods

So,  I love Tabasco sauce, used judiciously.  But Izzy is now tearing the white cording off the dining room table chairs and Tabasco sauce does not come in a transparent color.  I am now searching for the equivalent of a malevolent tasting spray that won't harm destructo-girl, IzzyDunk, and preserve my dining room set.  

I am still the man in this dog family

Just look at who controls the remote.

No matter what anyone else believes

When did "I" become a "We?"

I guess it happened in January 2011 on the coldest day of the year.  I'm still adjusting.  It hasn't been easy.  Here is me:  

Me, the original Wigglebutt Duncan

And here is she, aka destructo-girl:  

Isadora Duncan, aka, IzzyDunk

And now we are a "wii"

(It looks better than it is ....)

I am still the "man" and muse in this family but WE may be posting together in the future. 

Happy New Year World!!!

 

Love to all from Wigglebutt Duncan and Isadora Duncan!

Woofs and licks and arfs to all.

Traveling to Colorado .... by Car

We really like our car crates. 

I came out with my mom, dad, and year-old sister, Izzy (aka destructo-girl) to spend 2 weeks in Colorado.  First, we decided to leave the Wednesday evening before Christmas for the 16 hour drive rather than on Thursday morning.  Our accommodations were first class!  Same size crates as we sleep in at home when we feel like it.  Everything was great, even the pet friendly motel in Des Moines, until we took a wrong turn off I-80 and ended up going to Kansas City where we eventually hooked up to I-70.  But I was a patient boy and decided to NOT howl the whole way.  In fact, I pretty much slept. 

Recommended by the Tibetan Terrier Community

We missed the snow storm in Kansas but got the snow blowing aftermath, kind of scary; Denver was kind of scary too as a storm had just departed 5 hours before we got there.  Just my kind of luck.  But all was well and we arrived safely.  Izzy was actually OK in the condo ... she recognized the smells of me being there before.  However .... I never peed on the carpet or anywhere in the condo, but not Izzy.  I thought she was housebroken but apparently she had to inaugurate her other 'home' by a quick pee on the carpet.  So we got bundled up and went to the local hardware store (thank you Ace Hardware in Vail) for a product mom had heard about on the internet called "Unique."  Mom followed the directions and the stain seems to have come up, but after it dried it was so wonderful that Izzy-girl had to roll in it.  Don't have a clue why.

Wanting to wander on the trail

This is Izzy!

For treats we'll do anything, even stay still for a photo

So what are we doing in the mountains?  Since there's no snow, we are not being left alone at the condo.  Hooray for our good fortune.  Sucks to be mom and dad.  Here's a few pictures of what we've done.  We have found all the good hiking trails around the Vail area and are exploring each and every one of them.  Just take a look. We have been doing this every day, sometimes twice a day.  I am very happy, although Izzy can be an annoying juvenile TT.  My folks are making the best of no snow, but are getting a lot of much needed exercise, and we are totally exhausted. I don't think there's going to be any snow in the near future, so mom and dad will be stuck with us and we'll get lots of exercise and lots of treats.  Hooray for Wigglebutt Duncan!

But what about ME????

Not feeling the love, here.  Sure, I enjoy the chase and play, but does it ever end?  I WANT HER TO GROW UP AND LEAVE ME ALONE.  (not really alone, just a bit more alone, actually I kind of like her .... she's actually kind of funny ... and I like the company .... and I prefer to play with her at the unleashed dog park much more than other dogs .... and we body slam and play growl and play snarl and scare all the people and dogs around us.)  Just take a look.  Maybe my life isn't so bad .... maybe it still is about me? 


Do I look totally fierce or what?

Professional Blog or Personal One?

Isadora Duncan aka "destructo-girl"

My mom is still taking pictures of me and destructo-girl, IzzyDunk.  Apparently, she has chewed underneath all the dining room table chairs.  Mom has tried everything and now will have to resort to coating the chair legs with Tabasco sauce, per her breeder friends.  Ha ha to my competition.  Can't wait to see what happens.  Just look at the smile on her face when she is out and about and destroying MY home. 


Don't for a minute be taken in by the innocent expression on her face!


My mom is supposed to be writing a polished professional blog for her company, but she likes writing about my antics much better.  If you want the "pro" version, you can visit it at the link on www.bumperpet.com, although I think my life story is far more interesting. 

I'm feeling ignored!

It's been a long time since I last posted.  More than 4 months and a lot has changed in my home.  My mom now has two jobs, her day job as a psychologist, and her after work job as the founder of www.bumperpet.com.  It's been an experience, to say the least and I'm not getting as many belly rubs as I would like and now I have to share her attention with my little sis' IzzyDunk who really should be called "destructo-girl."  My sister, Izzy, has a really sweet face, but DON'T BE FOOLED FOR ONE MINUTE!  Just look at that complacent face resting on what used to be MY CHAIR.  The nerve. 

For all of you other dogs whom have suffered through the addition of a sibling dog, it's not all what you think.  She's really pushy.  When mom comes home from work, she tries to edge me out of the way to be greeted first.  But mom won't let that happen and I get the first greeting.  That's before mom puts her purse on the floor and I dig my head into it to see if there's anything special there.  She chases me around the house.  I've been the pin cushion for her baby teeth (fortunately now gone), and she takes all my bully sticks even though she really doesn't like them and prefers to chew the squeakers out the of squeaky tennis balls.  But I get even.  When I've really had it ... like when I've feel as though I've been pushed over the edge, I simply sit on her, yes, sit on her.  Do you think it fazes her one bit?  GIANT NO!

I guess I'll just have to hang my head in shame until my next post.  That is, if Izzy stops chasing me around and around long enough for me to get to the computer. 


WigglebuttDuncan, signing off for now ....

Ooops .... Did I forget to mention?

I have a new sister.  Actually, she's not so new.  She arrived on the coldest week of January.  Her name is Isadora Duncan and she is now almost 7 months old.  She thinks she's coy and the best thing ever.  I think she's annoying, except when I want to play with her .... What do you think?  She looks kind of cute and mellow lying on the asphalt but don't be fooled for one minute!

My mom's starting a new business!

It's not running yet, but is being 'developed' as they say in "web-ese."  Of course, I am the STAR!  Major star.  The name is:  www.bumperpet.com.  Sadly, I have to share the limelight with my annoying little sister, Isadora Duncan (IzzyDunk).  Here's a little hint about what is to come .... (hint:  just look at the removable vinyl bumper stickers on the back of the car, created from photos my mom took of me ... and Izzy)

I Found My Voice - Again

No pictures, here, this time .... This is about "The Bark."  I know I was bred as a sentinel dog, but my owners didn't recognize that as I aged, I would find my voice.  Now that I am an almost adult TT, my bark reigns supreme.  My owners are still trying to figure out how to minimize it.  As if .... Let me tell you what I bark at: 


1)  The TV:  My owners are idiots.  Don't they know that the TV is a window to a world of danger out there?  It is my job to warn them, so I bark at other animals on the TV; I bark at dangerous looking people on TV; and I bark at dangerous looking objects.  Then I run into the room behind the TV to see if there is danger there to let them know about.  The room is always empty.  I get confused, but does that stop me from barking?  NO, absolutely NOT, not on MY watch!  This is called the "Crazy TT TV Bark." 


2)  Dusk:  It's a dangerous world out there.  It's my job to prevent bad things from happening to ME and to my owners.  So when I get taken out at dusk or at night, I either trot purposefully on my walk or I watch carefully for signs of danger.  That being said, I still announce going outside with a volley of barks to scare away anything or anyone who might hurt my family.  This is called the "It's my job to protect you Bark." 


3)  Un-neutered male dogs:  How dare they keep their 'parts' when mine have been eliminated?  I bark to let them know that even though they have testosterone, I am still one tough TT to contend with, especially the larger dogs.  They better not mess with me.  This is called "The Pre-emptive Bark." 


4)  Thunder:  I am NOT afraid of thunder, but it's important that I alert my owners that thunder is happening.  I bark loudly and fiercely.  My owners are now treating me during thunderstorms, waiting for a clap of thunder and timing it with a treat.  I'm not scared, but it's a win-win for me.  I must keep them engaged in this game.  This is called the "Let me scam you Bark." 


5)  Recycling bins and large garbage cans:  There may be something in there that could be dangerous so I used to avoid it like the devil.  But now, I'm finding that there may be good droppings around them, so I'm not so avoidant.  This is called the "Should I bark or not, so I may as well do so." 


6)  Finally, the bark at the door.  My owners are actually happy about that one because it means I really need to go out and do my business.  This is the only bark they REALLY like.  This one is called "The Do My Business Bark." 


In sum, my owners get annoyed, frustrated by my bark; however, they should TOTALLY appreciate the fact that rarely whine.  (Unless I want to be fed.) 


Wigglebutt Duncan (the master of the BARK)

The Stare ... (or am I a subtle TT?)

The stare .... especially the longing, but not disrespectful stare, is one of my best talents.  It sure beats getting scolded for jumping on the chairs or tables and I believe it garners me the respect due one of my breed.  After all, aren't we known for our independence.  Let the labs be the sloppy jumpers.  For me, it's just THE STARE with the correct amount of pathos delivered.  To be sure, I know what I am doing; I also know that my family (nuclear and extended) know what I am doing.  And even though I never will get fed from the table, if I am convincing enough, there is more than a slim possibility that I will be treated with some left-over scraps after the meal is done.  I have also learned that little morsels may be dropped onto the floor so I am now refining my scavenger skills so that my owners don't understand what I am doing and extinguish their behavior.  How many of you have mastered "The Stare?"

If you haven't, you must take a lesson from my playbook.  And as you can see, the type of the cuisine is irrelevant.  I especially love the edamame beans. 

I can look cute if I want!

Yes, can you believe it?  It's ME!  After the dreadful spa day.  Oh, I like the big tub with the non-slippery mat, and I truly enjoy the massage and rinse with warm water.  However, the blow dry?  Forget it!  I tolerate it and I absolutely hate the noise around my ears.  So what if I'm on a special grooming table?  I deserve it .... I'm a special boy even if I am neutered.  So what if I'm wet.  Why do I have to be subjected to the one thing that ruins my event.  Why can't they just STOP with the bath?  I don't think that they do that to humans at the Red Door Spa, do you?  The only think that makes the blow dry tolerable is the wonderful comb-out after.  I have a special comb ... one with rotating tines so that it glides through my double-coated fur and removes all the mats.  It feels like getting my whole body tickled.  Bring it on! 

But you have to admit it .... aren't I totally cute?

To Chew, Sleep and be in Prairie Heaven

It's been a long time since I've thought about my plight in life.  In fact, there's no need to do so, because I couldn't ask for more.  I have 3 favorite things:  1) an inexhaustible supply of bully sticks.  Do you all know what they are?  If you don't, I suggest you look them up on Wikipedia and gag, but they are heaven to me.  My mom gets me them at a specialty store where the bulls are fed corn or they are smoked.  I chew and I chew and I chew.  In fact, here's a picture of me.  Looks like my cigar, eh?  Not a great photo, but I'm sure you get the point. My second favorite activity is to be at the Prairie Dog Park.  It's totally fab, actually heaven.  And the mud baths are awesome.  Lest you think that I would be intimidated by mud, water, and dirt, just look at the pictures of me in my total element. 


Below are hopefully a series of pictures of my entry into the Elizabeth Arden special treatment spa mud baths.  Don't you think it's good for the skin?  I do ... In fact, I've been known as Crockodile Dunkie.



Ah, Sweet Mud!

 It IS a dog's world, isn't it?????  Don't you wish that YOU could do this with me????  (Almost worth the clean-up, but not too sure about that)  The best is after the park.  We have Doggy Spa Day in a big jacuzzi tub, with a shampoo massage followed by conditioning and a blow dry and comb out.  I should think about scheduling weekly appointments.  What do you think? 


Aren't I totally cute after a day in the park?

Finally, the skill that I am best at is SLEEP, sleep in many positions.  Lest you fail to believe me, just look below:

What do you all think?  Am I am the BEST sleeper?  Am I the BEST passed-out TT?  As my mom writes, I am passed out on her couch (being very dirty much to her dismay) on my back .... unmoving.

We shall soon adjourn to the bedroom for our night-time rest, with me on the bed, off the bed, on the bed off the bed, sometimes preferring to go into my special den (AKA my wonderful crate) where I scratch the bedding and settle down for the night.  Ta, ta, world. 













Maybe next time, I shall ponder on the usefulness of "The STARE."  It works miracles.  You should try it.