Humans often talk about unconditional love, and how we dogs and cats are good at that.  I consider myself a top-tier provider of love for my mama, but well, I do have conditions.

I like my food homemade, my grooming occasional (but enough so that I maintain my rugged outdoorsman look that’s so popular with the ladies), minimal hugging, at least 3 walks per day, and LOTS of kisses.

Luckily all of these things seem to fit in with mama’s conditions as well.  We are a pretty darned good team.

I don’t judge her when she throws on her old sweatpants to walk me at 6AM in the rain, nor do I bust out the yardstick when my dinner is late because she forgot to turn on the stove.  I mean, right now I am cuddling on the bed on her pillow and the bed isn’t even made… and yet I say nothing.  In return I always try to keep her spirits up, make her laugh, and smother her with kisses.  A fair trade, I’d say.

Oh, there are pine cones too?  OF COURSE THERE ARE…

Love,

Bogart

BookmAIREk Me!

“In Your Eyes”  Peter Gabriel

love I get so lost, sometimes
days pass and this emptiness fills my heart
when I want to run away
I drive off in my car
but whichever way I go
I come back to the place you are

all my instincts, they return
the grand facade, so soon will burn
without a noise, without my pride
I reach out from the inside

in your eyes
the light the heat
in your eyes
I am complete
in your eyes
I see the doorway of a thousand churches
in your eyes
the resolution of all the fruitless searches
in your eyes
I see the light and the heat
in your eyes
oh, I want to be that complete
I want to touch the light
the heat I see in your eyes

love, I don’t like to see so much pain
so much wasted and this moment keeps slipping away
I get so tired, working so hard for our survival
I look to the time with you to keep me awake and alive

and all my instincts, they return
and the grand facade, so soon will burn
without a noise, without my pride
I reach out from the inside

in your eyes
the light the heat
in your eyes
I am complete
in your eyes
I see the doorway of a thousand churches
in your eyes
the resolution of all the fruitless searches
in your eyes
I see the light and the heat
in your eyes
oh, I want to be that complete
I want to touch the light,
the heat I see in your eyes
in your eyes in your eyes
in your eyes

BookmAIREk Me!

There they are!

And the horses too!  We had some extra rice left over from a batch of gumbo that dad made… and it had formed into a sort of rice-cake.  So we cut it up into wedges, and…

Both of the horses seemed to enjoy it, as did the nubian goats.

Or did they…?

On the way home, I felt the need for speed.  Yes, I wanted to chase some sticks around.  Come on dad, try me out!!!

Got that one!

Come on, come on, come on, THROW THAT STICK!!!

Ok, you’ve got it in your hand… which way are you going to throw it?  Are you going to make me run uphill – again – or make it easy for me doing a nice downhill run?

I AM FOAMING WITH ANTICIPATION – THROW THAT STICK!!!

YESSSSSSSSSS!!!  First to the left…

Then to the right…

It doesn’t matter which way you throw it, I’M GONNA GET THAT STICK!!!

One more time?

Ohmydog, I am so freaking tired.  Panting like a maniac.  Drooling all over myself.  Uh, I mean, THROW IT AGAIN!!!

Love,

Bogart

BookmAIREk Me!

My Choodle/Poohuahua mix pal.  Check out his sweet mohawk!

I had to let him know that I get to eat first – especially the cat food, which we both enjoy far more than the dog food they try to feed us.

Yup.  He waits like a champ.

Just another minute Dre…

Even my cat Behemoth is bigger than Dre!

We’re gonna hang out tomorrow too – I can’t wait!!!

Love,

Bogart

BookmAIREk Me!

Unfortunately, mama did not bring along her camera to capture any of the golden moments.  And for that, I’m afraid, she will have to suffer the PAW OF DOOM…

Yes, the mighty PAW OF DOOM is something that must be brought out sparingly as it is very effective.  Notice how this frisbee is NOT GOING ANYWHERE when it comes into close contact with said paw (of doom).

Even as it tries to escape it must know… RESISTANCE IS FUTILE

You will take the PAW OF DOOM and like it!!!

So mama, because of your forgetfulness in not capturing my very first time at the beer-making store, I will give to you the PAW OF DOOM (just let me get these frisbees lined up so that I may perfectly show you THE PAW)

Ok, I think you’ve suffered enough.  Time to move on to the feared CHOMPERS OF DOOM…

You wanna give it a whirl?

Love,

Bogart

Chez Bogart

BookmAIREk Me!

The only way to get one is to go in, go deep, and dig in with all you’ve got!!!

Use all of your resources… (i.e., front yard AND back yard)

Instinct takes over… nose down, going to ground…

Paws optional – mostly for style and flair…

Full schnoz!!!

And the result…

Another public service brought to you by Bogart Handsome Devil, trendsetter.

Love,

Bogart

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

BookmAIREk Me!

As we just moved here not too long ago from Los Angeles, as you can imagine we weren’t really prepared for the “Arctic Blast” (as it’s being referred to on the TV news).  Even tho we just heard that there hasn’t been this much snow in Portland in over 40 years, that doesn’t make it better.  I’m definitely helping mama keep warm, but there isn’t much I can do about the snow at this point – it’s almost too deep for my legs now, and that is freaking me out.  But we are missing a very important piece of equipment – the SNOW SHOVEL.

No money to go buy one, car not prepared for snow and no buses running.  What’s a boy to do?

That’s right, dad and I decided to make one ourselves.

I know it looks like I’m just sitting there but in reality I’m helping – someone has to come up with the design and supervise the workers.

I’ve gotta be sure that dad is doing this right.  It’s totally makeshift – an old rake that he is attaching to a piece of an old sign.  Prehistoric, eh?

Come on dad, get crackin’!

I need to go out for a little bit to at least do my business, and I’m not walking through that snow again…

Did you hear me?  I’m not walking through belly deep snow again just to poop!

Good.  Just checking.

Almost done…

Allrighty dad, nice work… I will sing your praises…

Stand up, proud snow warrior, and brandish your weapon!

The snow is really INSANE… this is my backyard…

There has to be over a foot of snow – in only a few days…

And IT’S STILL SNOWING

I’m working on my Snow Stache… hey, I smell a fun contest in there somewhere!

Look how pronounced my beard and stache are when fully covered in snow!

And how do I get such excellent snow stache satisfaction you ask?  Never forget where the word TERRIER comes from…

Love,

Bogart

BookmAIREk Me!

Check out this monster paw print – was it from some wild animal?  Are the dinosaurs still roaming around?  Could it be Bigfoot?

Nope, just little old me.

Mama has a snow day today from work – so we’re off for a special midday walkie.

Can you tell what it is?

We head off down the reedway (on a non-snowy day you would be able to see Mount Hood in the background, but not today!) toward…

HORSES!  And GOATS!

These guys just love the grains that are left over after my Black and Tan Brewery (uh, I mean my dad) is done with brewing beer.

There are two horses and four goats… the goats are about my size, I keep thinking that they are some sort of dog, but nooooooooo…

Check out these faces!!!

I couldn’t get a good closeup shot of the black and white goat, but the brown ones look so cool, don’t they?  They’re really friendly too.

Love,

Bogart

Chez Bogart

BookmAIREk Me!

Ohmydog you guys, this is my first real snow – so even though it’s Sunday, I woke mama up at 7 AM so we could go for a brisk early-morning walkie!  I just KNOW she appreciated this, I could see it in her face (well, just her eyes because the rest of her was completely covered to protect her from the cold)…

Slippery… but COOL

Come on mama, there is no need for a short walkie because of the snow – I’M NOT COLD

The forest is really beautiful during the snow – we haven’t seen another person or dog – so we’re making the first footprints…

So now it’s time to make the ceremonial first footprint in the snow in our backyard.

Then… time to PLAY!!!

A little snow on the button…

PLAY WITH MEEEEEEEEEEEEE

Mama and dad didn’t know exactly what to expect during my first romp in the snow, but I’ve gotta say that I took to it like a champ.  It’s AWESOME and since it’s going to snow all day it looks like we’ll have some for awhile!!!

Love & Snowy Aire Kisses,

Bogart

Chez Bogart

PS – We’ve been having SO MUCH FUN, mama just had to add some new pictures:

Love,

Bogart

BookmAIREk Me!

Damn it cruel woman – HELP ME OPEN THIS PACKAGE!!!  Something FANTASTIC lies within…

Behold… THE CUZOSAUR

Love,

Bogart

Chez Bogart

BookmAIREk Me!

Shiba Inu Puppy Cam!!!!

Love,

Bogart

Chez Bogart

BookmAIREk Me!

No costume for me this year – I hope that everyone is having a FABULOUS Halloween!!!

Love,

Bogart

BookmAIREk Me!

Some days it’s clear enough to easily see Mt. Hood, other days, not so much…

Let me have a look dad!

Lets head up onto Powell Butte dad!

There is always a lot of nature around here – we see bunnies, birds, snakes, I even once saw a black-tailed deer – but sometimes it’s the little things that catch my attention the most.  Check out this orange and black little guy – he was just slowly crawling across the path in his perfect Halloween-themed colors.  Maybe an inch or two long.  Mama helped him across, I was just fascinated by his outfit.

And occasionally I see a kitty or two – this one looks just like my cat sister Sekhmet

Off into the forest we go!  Notice that I already have one stick…

Which I quickly swap for a BETTER one…

When I find a HUGE one, the holy grail of sticks, basically a LOG.

I WANT THIS ONE… you say you think there is no way I can pick this one up?

YOU WOULD BE WRONG

Stopping to smell the flowers – well, these are Arnica so it’s not about smell…

Coming down is always the best part after we “summit” at the top of Powell Butte…

Hey dad, it’s COLD at home – I’m thinking maybe we need some firewood…

Think this will do?

THE END

Love,

Bogart

Chez Bogart

BookmAIREk Me!

OK pups, listen up!

Mama says that she’s getting a little crazy watching all of my Airedale friends all over the world add more pups to their packs.  She wants us to join in the fun!

Guess I have to get crackin’ on the baby-makin’.  And why not – I’m young, virile, AKC-registered, intact, and FAMOUS – what girl Dale wouldn’t want to do some dirty dancin’ with me?

The problem?  I NEED TO FIND THAT SPECIAL GIRL-DALE

She should be young, bearded, AKC Airedale Terrier, living with a loving and responsible breeder, and of course ready to mamba with me!  Ladies, I stand ready to diversify your local gene pool.

The fine folks at Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing want to help me in my quest.  They have given me 3 brand spanking new copies of Chicken Soup For the Soul: Loving Our Dogs to give to my readers!  This book has 101 of the best stories they’ve ever published, heartwarming and humorous stories about dogs.

I think I need a classified ad for my, ahem, services.  Yes, I’m looking for my baby-mama.  Someone who will carry my fine, handsome devil Dale babies.

So here are the 3 categories for winning yourself a copy of this great book (one winner in each category):

1.  Create my classified ad photo – take any of my photos on my blog and create (photoshop, collage, macaroni art, it’s all good) the photo that will catch the eye of my future special lady…

2.  Create my classified ad text – Witty banter just isn’t enough.  Write my personal ad for me.  I do want my future baby-mama to learn all about me, but I know that I have to do something above and beyond to stand out in the seas of black-and-tan fuzzy men out there.  Double entendres are actively encouraged, the ladies do love someone who can make them laugh.

3.  Bogart’s Choice – I’m sure there will be one entry that will stand out… maybe it’s too risque, maybe it makes me laugh but it’s a close second to another entry… but it’s still deserving of a prize.

Ok, so you’re rip roaring and ready to go.  Here is the fine print:

Entrants MUST be members of Dogs With Blogs, that is, you must be a dog with a blog to enter.  When you send in your entry, please include your URL.

You can enter as many times as you like, with either photos, classified ad copy, or both.

I will be using your photo and text to find me a girl-Dale.  Via my blog.  So you’ll see your handiwork there and by entering you agree that you’re cool with that.

All entries must be received by October 31st, 2008 and the winner will be chosen by ME on November 1st.

I will ship these ANYWHERE, so feel free to enter from any country.

I will post entries and excerpts from this great book throughout the month so you can be a part of the process.  It should get interesting…

So… help out a dog, will ya?  Lets extend the Handsome Devil lineage…

Send your entries to me:  bogarthandsomedevildog@yahoo.com

Love,

Bogart

BookmAIREk Me!

First dad set up the Waterproof Bench Seat Cover in the back of the Bogcedes.

It looks good, compliments the black and tan nicely, and doesn’t feel scratchy on the paws or the delicate, wiry fuzz.

I kind of like this actually.

It makes me feel like the entire back seat is mine (which is great, because I’ve always felt at home in the front seat, but sometimes I am forced to ride in the back…)

And now for the Pet Vehicle Safety Harness.  I’ve never worn one of these that’s this nice – mama tried one of these ages ago but it wasn’t padded and lets just say that I didn’t like it (rather than what actually happened – in my displeasure I destroyed it).

This one is adjustable at 4 points, helpful for a deep-chested male such as myself…

And it’s got a short leash that attaches to the seat belt.

Think you’re just going to strap me in?  HA HA HA

Ok, I’m sitting up straight like a good boy.  Looks kind of snazzy, doesn’t it?

It’s definitely comfy, a HUGE plus for me.  And it really does fit nicely…

Ah well, I guess I can’t run all around the back seat being strapped down, huh?

At least I can still look out the window…

It’s actually not that bad – I do feel pretty snug.

And if I want to jump into the car after getting all wet and muddy, I’ve got my new waterproof seat cover so dad doesn’t yell at muddy paws on the seats.  IT’S ALL GOOD

Love,

Bogart

Chez Bogart

BookmAIREk Me!

It is always a GOOD DAY when a package arrives from the Republic of Gooberstan…

I have heard – and seen – much of the fabled pink flamingo.  However, I have never personally experienced this rare bird… UNTIL TODAY

I must introduce my new retro pal to the expanse of my backyard…

Yes, he will fit in nicely with my stuffed squid, my orange flying saucer, all of my tennies, my squeaky steak and of course my half-deflated soccer ball.

Stanley, I gotta tell it to ya straight.  YOU THE MAN!!!

I really had no idea of what I was missing, how empty my life was until today.

The possibilities are simply ENDLESS with the furry pink guy.  I HAVE SEEN THE LIGHT

Oh and Kafka reminded me that you also enclosed a card… Mama LOVES that photo of you, she put it up on her wall in her office right away.  Amazing ear action there, my friend, A-M-A-Z-I-N-G

I just wanna tell you how very much you mean to me buddy, to have another male Dale pal who UNDERSTANDS.  Nose lovin’ to yo mama…

Love,

Bogart

BookmAIREk Me!

Ok, maybe not right away…

Wait a minute dad, did I say I was going to swim today?  Uh, I think I meant something else…  oh well, HERE WE GO…

The Sandy River isn’t that deep here which is FANTASTIC – it made me feel like I was swimming well before I actually was.

Can you see me here? I’M SWIMMING!!!

Totally wet, totally swimming.  Woo-hoo!

And even better, there are STICKS in this river – why didn’t anyone tell me this sooner? – and since it’s really hot outside today, I’m LOVIN’ this…

There were lots of people who had the same idea that I did about swimming today, and lots of other doggies.  There was even a human in a kayak who got a little too close for comfort…

This is me splashing him as he went by… he was really moving fast, but I think he got the idea that I wasn’t pleased by all of my fuzzy splashing.

Notice my technique here – paws straight out, nose up, stick in mouth.

Then… SHAKE SHAKE SHAKE

And of course then I had to pee on the sand castle that two little girls were building while I was swimming.  Just to show ‘em that I’M THE MAN…

Oh yeah.  Wet, muddy, AND sandy beard… whaddaya think ladies?

I’m feeling very rugged individualist here.

A final parting beard shot…

Ah, yet another thing that I have conquered.  Just like Michael.  I’m feeling good, but I’m also feeling thirsty.

EXACTLY what I was thinking… a quick visit to the Lucky Lab for some brewskis.

Please… NO AUTOGRAPHS…

Love,

Bogart

BookmAIREk Me!

Out! Out! Foul… whatever you are!!!

Love,

Bogart

BookmAIREk Me!

I wish I was there to give ya a big Aire Kiss (and run around your backyard, and play with your Dales, and bark at your hose…).  But I’m not, so this vintage moment of us kissin’ at the Good Microbrew will have to do.  Hope you had a GREAT ONE!!!

Love,

Bogart

BookmAIREk Me!