We went with the Large and mama is very pleased with the way it fits!  I don’t have any issues putting things on over my head, and then it just clips on both sides of my shoulders.  A snap to put on.  The thing that mama liked about it the most was that this vest works with just water – there is no freezing of inserts and no possibility of anything hurting me – and after the initial soaking you can reactivate the cooling powers by just pouring more water over it.  Perfect.

And yes, it seems to work!  This covered my entire back – which, being black fuzz, gets very hot in the sun – and the coolness of the vest keeps my skin cool.  Most importantly to me, this vest doesn’t limit my ability to do some of my favorite things, like trampling plants…

Going for long walkies…

Finding interesting things to add to the “Keep Portland Weird” file…

And of course, peeing.

The vest is from Ruff Wear – it’s their Swamp Cooler vest.  It works well with my deep, manly, muscle-y chest, is easy to use, and most importantly, IT WORKS.  I was definitely more comfortable in the 90+ degree heat with this on, and during our hour-long walk mama poured a cup of water over me two times for added refreshment (it’s SO GREAT to not have her pour water directly on me).

And see?  It’s actually quite dashing on me.  And I can wear my favorite harness over it.

Of course we still take it easy on our walkies – mama still has that broken toe and it is going to be 90+ for the next few days – but now I don’t feel the need to plop down in the middle of the walkie because I’m too hot.  I can go back to plopping down for more important things…

Like eating sticks, of course.

Love,

Bogart

BookmAIREk Me!

Luckily, just as mama was about to give up, this appeared courtesy of Kafka (yes, it’s cat puke):

And he was kind enough to “produce” on the off-white carpeting that covers our place.  Purrfect.  So we first cleaned up the “extra” bits per the instructions, and then soaked the new stain:

After waiting for about 15 minutes, most of the stain was gone, with no scrubbing:

After another round:

The stain was almost completely gone.  And mama can confirm that the smell was gone as well.

At the get-go, we weren’t expecting much.  Mama has tried almost every product out there that claims to get rid of pet-related stains.  We were really pleasantly surprised.

This product worked really well on fresh stains – it was a bit more challenged by older ones (yes, we have a few of those around as well).  It definitely faded them (even one that wasn’t pet-related) and didn’t do any damage to the rug itself which was great.  The can itself is large but empties rather quickly (after soaking the one new stain 2x and trying out 5 smaller older stains), but maybe mama soaked them more than necessary – if you have a lot of stains to remove, definitely get more than one can.  I’d say that this was a really tough test for this product, as our carpet is both lightly colored and fuzzy and therefore difficult to clean (I can hear mama whining about it now), and it performed well and as advertised.

The bottom line is that Clean + Green is a definite Buy Me product, super to have around for “accidents” – especially ones that you find quickly.  It’s completely safe and non-toxic for pets (a BIG plus), and I saw some at my local pet store the last time I was there.  Take a look for yourself at their website, you can buy online too!

Love,

Bogart

BookmAIREk Me!

Bogart and I are pleased to pass along the information about this documentary, and we will definitely be watching.  If you can get through the preview video above without tearing up, well, you are made of stone.

“Through a Dog’s Eyes” Highlights a Unique Teaching Philosophy Based on Love and Kindness; Documentary Will Change the Way People Think About Their Own Dogs

Millions of Americans with disabilities rely on hope to get them through each day; hope for a breakthrough; hope for gaining or reclaiming independence; and hope for a friend. Each year, hundreds of them find hope at a handful of organizations across the country that train assistance dogs for people with disabilities. The new primetime PBS documentary, Through a Dog’s Eyes, follows the life-changing journey of recipients as they go through the heartwarming and sometimes difficult process of receiving and being matched with a service dog. Jennifer Arnold, founder of one of the nation’s largest service dog organizations, Canine Assistants, shows her unique teaching methods and lets viewers have an intimate look at the canine-recipient matching process. Based on the book of the same name by Jennifer Arnold, Through a Dog’s Eyes, premiering April 21, 2010 at 8pm ET/7pm CT (check local listings), will have you seeing dogs in a whole new light.   The documentary is narrated by Neil Patrick Harris and funded by Milk-Bone® brand.

Through a Dog’s Eyes will explore the science behind Jennifer Arnold’s teaching methods and follow the stories of recipients as their lives begin to change with the help of some very special dogs. Produced by tpt National Productions, in association with Partisan Pictures, Through a Dog’s Eyes offers inspiring, hopeful stories that show how dogs can affect everyone’s life.

“This film will change the way people think about their own dogs,” said Naomi S. Boak, Executive Producer, who also produced the critically acclaimed and Primetime Emmy Award-winning PBS documentary The Forgetting: A Portrait of Alzheimer’s. “Through a Dog’s Eyes shows the importance of the human-canine bond and how, when fostered, that bond can grow into a beautiful, life-changing relationship.”

Through a Dog’s Eyes is an optimistic, buoyant documentary that follows the journey that a handful of recipients go through as they meet their new best friend—a Canine Assistants dog.

• Bryson Casey, 30, served in Iraq as a captain with the National Guard. Upon his return home to Kansas City, Mo., Bryson suffered a debilitating injury in a car accident, and is now a quadriplegic.  Will Wagner, Bryson’s Canine Assistants dog, be up to the task of providing him with companionship, as well as helping to navigate the simple tasks of daily life?
• Aiden, 6, lives in Denver, Colo.  Aiden was born with cerebral palsy and spends most of his time in a wheelchair.  Aiden hopes that his dog Nala will help him at school with routine tasks such as picking up pencils, as well as offer silent support in social situations.  Will Nala’s presence helps break down barriers and allows other children to feel more comfortable around Aiden?  Viewers will be inspired by Aiden’s never-ending optimism and his zeal for life.

• Destiny, 11, lives in La Vergne, Tenn.  Destiny and her dog, Salsa, immediately fell in love with each other during Canine Assistants’ training camp in November.  Suffering from a rare form of epilepsy, Destiny has constant low-level seizures around the clock.  Will Salsa have the ability to alert Destiny of impending seizures, providing comfort not just to Destiny, but to her family?  Her parents are hoping to offer their daughter a measure of freedom she has never before experienced.
• Twins, Chase & Connor, 7, live in Largo, Fla. The twins both have a form of cerebral palsy known as spastic diplegia, which affects the muscles of the lower body. Both boys hope their Canine Assistants dogs will help with everyday tasks and be companions.  But will Chase realize his dream of one day walking with the support of his dog Oakley?

Through a Dog’s Eyes also follows the drama as recipients are matched with their canine companions and as they learn how to work with their new partners. It’s an inspiring family journey. Arnold describes her teaching methods and discusses the life-changing impact these dogs have on recipients. In addition, the world’s foremost dog expert, Dr. Ádám Miklósi, head of the Department of Ethology at the Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest, Hungary, and founder of the Family Dog Research Project, takes a role in Through a Dog’s Eyes by analyzing the organization’s training methods and discussing how science supports the training philosophy.

“Milk-Bone® is proud to sponsor Through a Dog’s Eyes,” said Christie Fleming, Vice President of Marketing, Del Monte Foods. “As a long-time supporter of Canine Assistants, we hope this documentary will create greater understanding of assistance dogs and the ways they can change the lives of people with disabilities.”

Jennifer Arnold’s teaching methods will be the subject of a memoir, slated to be released in early September. The book, also titled “Through a Dog’s Eyes,” is being published by Spiegel & Grau, a division of Random House.

BookmAIREk Me!

Now I am a man who takes his poop seriously.  While I am happy to leave it behind (hey, I’m done with it), mama always carries enough poopie bags and we adhere to the NO POOP LEFT BEHIND doctrine.

However… I hate to rain on the parade of the folks who spent some time, brain cells, and a little cash to print up these little ditties, but…

An awful lot of the poop in this area DOESN’T COME FROM DOGS if you know what I mean.  So I left them a message about it.

Another fine Public Service Announcement from Bogart Handsome Devil

Love,

Bogart

BookmAIREk Me!

Paw to the head.  Works like a charm.

Got mama to stop talking almost immediately.  Of course it doesn’t hurt that my mighty paw is almost the size of her entire face.

And if they try to move the mighty paw?  Well, you can play that game too.  Just dig in your toes so that they don’t want to move for fear of their eyes.  Trust me, they like their eyes too much to move.

Be sure to keep your paw there for awhile – so that they LEARN when it is ok to yap and when it isn’t.  No bark collar required!

This has been a public service message from Bogart Handsome Devil.   You may now recline and resume your belly scratching.

Love,

Bogart

BookmAIREk Me!

Before you read
We ask you to please help spread this message as quickly and as far as you can
So as many dogs and cats and families as possible
Can read it prior to 5:00 PM, Saturday, 14 Nov 09, Iowa Time
(11:00 PM, 14 Nov 09 GMT)
Copy it.
Paste it.
Link to it.
Whatever.
Just please help us get the message out.

As you may know
Miss Snickers is struggling
Mightily
Along with her family.

(The best place to keep up with updates is her Gussie’s blog.)

Last night looked as if it might have been her last.
This morning she rebounded with improved symptoms.

She is far from out of the woods
But she and her family
Including her gentle and loving brother Butchy
Have been granted another day.

We can’t help but believe
that part of the improvement is because of
The support and love that have surrounded her
From all around the world
Thanks to the linked paws
Of her blogging friends.
The Power of the Paw

We are asking everyone to set your alarms
And at exactly 11:00 PM GMT on Saturday 14 Nov 09
(Go to this link to find what time that is for you)
5:00 PM Saturday evening in Iowa
as Snickers’ family sits down to eat
Turn toward them (in the central USA)
And join together in a silent minute
Of prayer, meditation, contemplation, reflection
Whatever feels right to you.

Followed by whatever means of communication
You choose.

Arrooing
Barking
Howling
Yipping
Yapping
Wooing
Meowing
Mewing
Purring

To wish and send Miss Snickers and her family
whatever is in your hearts
That will help them feel the Love and Support
They need right now.

Personally, we’ll be praying for a Miracle.

Then

Blow a Kiss
and send your Love and Prayers and Best Wishes
to Miss Snickers and her Family
and they will feel their arrival
in the breeze.

OK?
We believe it will help.
And we’ll do anything in our power right now
To help.

Love,
Bogart

BookmAIREk Me!

Love,

Bogart

BookmAIREk Me!

While you’re waiting for your daily dose of Dale dog-gone goodness, I thought I’d tell you about something I make mama do each morning. Every day an email pops up in her mailbox (because she would forget her head if it wasn’t attached) reminding her to click and support The Animal Rescue Site. There is no catch – you just click and their sponsors pay for food and care for animals. You can shop there too and find unique dog and cat items whenever you need a gift for a fellow pet lover.

We are not affiliated with these folks – we are just ardent click-ers for the last few years – and thought it was time to spread the word. Especially since there are still no new Airedale photos because the memory card is on a plane somewhere, waiting to be united with mama’s camera in an unholy union meant to spread the overwhelming cuteness that is my fuzzy butt throughout the world.

So check out The Animal Rescue Site
Or become a fan on Facebook

You may now return to your regularly scheduled programme.

Love,
Bogart

BookmAIREk Me!

By now we’ve all heard about the devastating fires in Australia – it’s truly, truly terrible and our hearts go out to everyone there…

The RSPCA Victoria has set up a place to donate to the emergency effort to assist animals effected by the fires:

http://www.rspcavic.org/campaigns_news/news_bushfires.htm

Love,

Bogart

BookmAIREk Me!

Saturday, February 7   8p | 11p ET
Sunday, February 8   10p ET
Monday, February 9   11p ET
Wednesday, February 11   9p | 1a ET
Sunday, February 15   8p ET
Monday, February 16   3a | 12p | 7p ET

2009 Westminster Dog Show
Live Opening Night Coverage begins Monday, February 9th at 8 p ET on USA before switching to CNBC at 9p ET. USA will broadcast the complete Closing Night competition at 8p ET on Tuesday, February 10th.

GO AIREDALES!!!

Love,

Bogart

BookmAIREk Me!

Puppies of all sizes run around inside a mini football-stadium.  They wrassle, they play with toys, and when they take a drink from the water bowl look out – there is a camera underneath catching the puppies in a moment of particular adorable-ness.

And again this year, the kitty half-time show! And if that weren’t enough, Pepper the Parrot will sing the national anthem!

Here’s some footage from last years’ Bowl:

I know I’ll be watching!!!

Love,

Bogart

BookmAIREk Me!

On this Saturday, Kyra Sedgwick & her adopted dog Paulie will be teaming up with Hill’s Science Diet Shelter Nutrition Partnership for Change A Pet’s Life Day.

This is a national free adoption drive

*  The free adoptions are limited to the first 10 adoptors at each participating shelter *

Do you have room in your hearts & homes to adopt a homeless pet for the rest of it’s life??? Do you have room in your lifestyle to devote QUALITY time to a homeless pet??? If so, please visit this site for participating shelters in your area…

Before adopting any pet, be sure to discuss this issue with the entire family. Here are some questions to ask yourselves before adopting a pet:

Is your family ready to adopt a pet?

If you already have pets, do you have room for another pet?

What type of pet is best for your family?

What type of pet will get along with your other pet or pets?

Are you willing to spend time training your pet?

Can you afford yearly health care maintenance for a pet?

Is your home & yard set up to keep a pet safe?

There are many more questions to think about. Seek advice if needed from your local shelters, veterinarians, pet trainers, etc. Please be informed about pets before adopting so that you can make the right choice for a homeless pet & for your family.

Please help transform the lives of shelter cats, dogs & other pets by giving them a second chance for love & a happy healthy life.

If you aren’t able to adopt a pet, you can still make a difference in the lives of shelter pets by visiting www.feedingisbelieving.com and entering the Three Bag Challenge Sweepstakes for a chance to win a five thousand dollar donation to the shelter of your choice.

Please help save a life.

Love,

Bogart

BookmAIREk Me!

Ok pups, listen up.  It’s now been over a week since I started treatment for my dry, itchy skin with some neem oil products.  Mama wanted to wait awhile to really test the products before she “went public” with the results…

My skin was not only dry and flaky, but also red and super itchy (especially near my fuzz-butt).  Nothing else we’ve tried has worked – treatments, washes, supplements.  So we have not had faith in products to help for some time.  We’ve been to many really cool doggie stores asking for remedies, and tried things both inexpensive and expensive – with no results.

Complicating matters has been that mama really wanted to find something that was natural, not full of chemicals, and that would actually be GOOD for me, rather than just another tub of stuff that we’ll never use again and be annoyed at how much we paid.

So when we tried out the neem oil shampoo and salve, we didn’t have any expectations.  They were natural, and after doing research mama found that neem oil has been used for a long time in Ayurvedic medicine for skin irritations.

I am now ready to announce it to the world – The results have been really, truly amazing!  My skin looks SO MUCH BETTER, is much less flaky, and is not nearly as itchy as it was.  We are all very, very impressed with these products, and recommend them to any dog who has issues like mine – itchy, dry, red, irritated skin.

I am also ready to announce where I got the products to the world – www.neemresource.com – and say what happy, satisfied customers we are of their neem pet products and their service.  We have emailed Usha, the owner, and received lovely emails about products (they have a dog too!) and had all of our questions answered.

The products we ordered are:

Neem Oil & Karanja Oil Soap – 5 oz. (we haven’t used this yet)

Extra Strong Neem, Karanja & Sesame Oil Salve – 2 oz.

‘Organix’ Neem Pet Shampoo – 12 fl. oz.

We are using the shampoo once a week, and the salve every other day.  I am also getting flea-combed every day (the neem also has some insect-repelling qualities) for my flea issues, and brushed each day.  I smell really good (the shampoo leaves my fuzz nice and shiny – it has to be left on my skin for about 5 minutes in the shower to really soak in) even days later, despite my best efforts to “funk up”.

So… I just wanted to let everydog know that if they have a similar problem, these are the best products I’ve found, and I’m getting better every day!  If you have them too, drop Usha a line at Neem Resource (neemlady@neemresource.com), I’m sure they can help!

Love and less-itchy gratitude,

Bogart

Chez Bogart

BookmAIREk Me!

First, a sad note…

Socks Near Death

Socks the cat – the Clinton’s “First Cat” – is very ill.  Sending ya lots of Aire Kisses Socks!!!

Then a sweet one…

Biden Adopts Puppy

Look at the adorable German Shepherd puppy that Joe Biden got!!!  What a little cutie-pie.

Love,

Bogart

Chez Bogart

BookmAIREk Me!

Ok, that’s not me that’s my feline sister Sekhmet, and she is checking out some products that mama just ordered.  My skin is soooo itchy and flaky, she did a lot of research to try to find out something that was natural and that worked… she was open to pretty much anything except nasty chemicals.  And she thinks she may be on to something…

Neem oil has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for all sorts of skin issues, including mine!  It naturally repels insects as well as soothes unhappy skin.  Sounds like just what I need.  So she went whole hog and ordered a special shampoo (made for pets), a soothing salve, and a bar of special soap.  Sounds great mama…

Oh crap.  That means I have to get showered doesn’t it?

H-e-l-p M-e-e-e-e-e-e-e

I mean, it’s nice to be washed inside rather than tied up outside and get squirted with the hose and all, but daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad…

Dogs, I’m taking one for the team for all of you this time.  I just hope that it’s appreciated!!!

This is taking an awfully long time… what’s that mama?  The shampoo is thin so it can sink down into the skin rather than just sliding off and it needs to sit on my skin for 5 minutes?  Damn…

So I’m thinking that you all will have to feel comfortable being in the tub (or as mama suggests, you have a tub with doors) so that you can stay while the shampoo does it’s work.

I kept trying to escape but to no avail – with dad inside and mama running defense, I’m stuck.

How much longer – am I done yet???

Ah, sweet freedom – time to run around outside and do a little Aire Drying.  Perhaps Mingo will understand all that I’ve been through…

Now it’s time for some salve.  Mama spread it all over my back, directly on my dry skin.  It feels really good, mama is surprised at how I stand still until she’s finished.

The salve is really interesting, and smells nice (so does the shampoo and the soap, by the way).  All natural, and none of these items were tested on animals.  The Salve is almost a solid, but when mama put her finger on it it kind of melts into an oil.  So far, so good.

If any dogs are interested in these products I will happily give you the website that I ordered from privately.  Drop me an email (bogarthandsomedevildog@yahoo.com).  As of right now, since I have only used this today, I cannot give a full report on the product’s efficacy and would not want to recommend something that I cannot completely stand behind!

That being said, mama says that my fuzz looks fantastic and shiny, and I smell awesome.  My skin looks good so far, but it’s too soon to tell if this will be the super product that she hopes it will!  We both promise to keep you updated as to how it goes.

Love,

Bogart

Chez Bogart

BookmAIREk Me!

Woof! Writers on Dogs is a collection of original essays, featuring pithy observations and heartfelt confessions from the acclaimed writers about the dogs they love. Editor Lee Montgomery and contributor Anna Keesey will read from and discuss Woof! Writers on Dogs. The event is sure to be delightful to dog lovers and literary buffs alike.

In the introduction to WOOF! Writers on Dogs (On-Sale date: November 3, 2008/ ISBN: 978-0-670-02029-4), Elizabeth Marshall Thomas, one of the most beloved and celebrated writers on the subject of dogs, writes that few books truly capture the essence of dogs; this canine-themed anthology is the exception. Pithy observations and heartfelt confessions from the acclaimed writers who love them lay bare the relationship of human and dog. Original personal essays include Rick Bass’s poignant tale about the week his hunting dog, Point, was given a fatal prognosis.  Abigail Thomas writes about the hilarious maneuvering it takes to share a bed with three dogs. 2007 National Book Award winner Denis Johnson gives voice to The Colonel, his bull mastiff, and recounts a day in his and Johnson’s lives. Michelle Latiolais introduces readers to her bull terrier, affectionately called “Damned Spot” as a hilarious attempt to get her mother-in-law to swear.  Editor Lee Montgomery describes life with a schnauzer that masturbates with clockwork regularity.  Memoirs such as Marley and Me and Dog Years tell stories of normal dogs living their normal lives with normal people. Why, then, do we eat these stories up faster than our loveable mutts chew trough our shoes? Perhaps it has something to do with what it is we love about dogs in the first place: the uncomplicated, dependable love they show us day after day.

Mama says that I’m getting a copy, even tho we cannot make it to Tigard (damn Bogcedes).  Get your copy HERE or at your local bookstore (support local bookstores – YEAH!)

Love,

Bogart

Chez Bogart

Don’t forget about the Be My Baby Mama Contest!  Enter and WIN before November 30th!

BookmAIREk Me!

Shiba Inu Puppy Cam!!!!

Love,

Bogart

Chez Bogart

BookmAIREk Me!

After years of being walked on, tossed aside, and occasionally used as a marshmallow roasting utensil, the lowly stick finally gets its day in the sun. The National Toy Hall Of Fame in New York has announced this year’s inductees, and the stick, alongside the skateboard and the baby doll, will now be taking its place amongst the most revered toys in history. Celebrated for its versatility, affordability (every kid can find a stick), and power to fuel a child’s imagination, the stick joins a similar Hall of Fame inductee, the cardboard box, as a cheap, basic toy that appeals to all children. As Christopher Bensch, the museum’s curator of collections, says about the stick: “It’s very open-ended, all-natural, the perfect price — there aren’t any rules or instructions for its use.” So hang in there, bubble wrap! Surely, your day will also come. [CNN]

Truer words have never been uttered.

Love,

Bogart

Chez Bogart

Don’t Forget!  Contest Info and Entry HERE

BookmAIREk Me!

On that note, I’ve heard that our next president has promised his two daughters that after the election they could have a dog.  Excellent choice my friend, a good president MUST have a pet.  So now the big choice is what kind of dog will they choose?

Yes I can say that Airedales are FANTASTIC dogs, but knowing that they have not had a dog before I’m gonna have to pass on recommending that the first family starts off their dog-filled life with a Dale.  Mama says that I’m a HANDFUL AND A HALF, and not a good choice for someone who has not had dogs before.  There is apparently also the issue that one of the daughters may be somewhat allergic.

I was gonna throw out some breeds of my own that I thought might work nicely for them, and then mama saw this post that she thought was pretty darned funny.  Ultimately, I just hope that they find the RIGHT dog for them, that they do their research into breeds (whether they go for a purebred or a mixed breed pup) and everything that the First Dog is gonna need.

So Barry, if ya need any other assistance just let me know – I’M HERE TO HELP

Love,

Bogart

Chez Bogart

BookmAIREk Me!

We’ve got some of their deshedding shampoo, their deshedding conditioner, a special water-less shampoo, a Furminator, AND their deshedding treats!!!  Woo-hoo this is gonna be FUN.

So we decide to test out the shampoo and conditioner first.  This means that dad has to “suit up”…

Uh oh.  Looks like it’s time to be HOSED

Uh, maybe we could test the water-less shampoo first, huh dad?

Doesn’t look like it.  He’s getting fully suited up, this could be bad…

Heading out to the backyard for the wash, fluff and fold.

S-i-n-g-i-n-g i-n t-h-e r-a-i-n…

This stuff smells FANTASTIC, and mama was really happy that it wasn’t really sudsy – apparently many dog shampoos are very sudsy which makes it difficult to wash completely out of my fuzz which can irritate my delicate skin.  WINNER!!!

I also got to try out their treats – check out the video for that – OHMYDOG they are SUPER YUMMY!!!  All of the Furminator products are meant to stop serious shedding, not a huge problem for me as an Airedale, but they smell good and work really well.  The conditioner made my fuzz shiny!

I was going to test the Furminator as well today since now I’m nice and clean, but mama ran out of steam.  So that will be next.  I LOVED the treats, and mama LOVED the shampoo and conditioner.  So these products get TWO PAWS UP from me!!!

Thanks FURMINATOR!!!!

Love,

Bogart

BookmAIREk Me!