Time to get in some good, hearty sniffing time.  While I’m always looking down because that’s where the good smells are, mama is usually looking down to be sure she doesn’t step in those good smells.  And sometimes she catches something interesting…

Looks a little like a heart, doesn’t it?  A heart with a polka dot, or some sort of grass-y blockage, I suppose.

This stick was taunting me from a block away.  At first I stealthily snuck up behind it in a bid for a surprise attack…

But each time I tried to get it into my waiting jaws it would turn and bounce away.

Which kind of freaked me out.

So tougher measures must be taken, perhaps coming around from the opposite side might work…

Yep.  I can get a mighty paw down on it so that it can’t squirm.

Until, of course, something more interesting comes along taking me away from the hunt.  In this case, another doggie.

But since there would be no raucous playing, I decided to teach that stick a lesson.  One it would never forget.  Stick you shall not mock me!

I shall pick you up and then leave you over here, in another part of the park.  So there!

Trees are really fascinating things.  In addition to the production of the sticks I love so much, they do tend to grow into weird and interesting shapes at times…

Obviously some extra special “watering” was done here.  Well done my canine friends!

Love,

Bogart

BookmAIREk Me!

Is it a bird?  Is it a plane?  NO!  Look out, it’s a giant crawfish!  AND IT’S GIVING US THE FINGER (ok, the claw, but I bet it’s the same in the crawfish world)!!!

That was a little disquieting.  Giant crustaceans aren’t on my usual walkie.  I usually see things involving dirt and greenery…

I’ve gotta get that giant crawfish out of my head.  And today is a fantastically spring-like day.  I’m thinking a quick trip over the Hawthorne Bridge…

And a dip in the Willamette!  Come on mama, the water is n-i-c-e…

Ok, the water is filthy but it’s cool and incredibly fun to run in.  Lots of boats out today making little waves that come crashing onto shore and excite me to no end.

I run back and forth multiple times, each time getting more and more excited.

Occasionally I will stop and pose majestically for mama.  You know, she’s a sucker for a cool photo.

Need another angle mama?

Oh yeah, I’m nice and wet and muddy now.  What’s missing from this picture?

That’s right, A NICE JUICY STICK.

Don’t even think about saying no mama.  I know it’s about 6 foot long.  WE ARE TAKING THIS STICK HOME.

Hehehe…

Love,

Bogart

BookmAIREk Me!

As you may or may not know, I have a few dog blogging related lenses on Squidoo.  I have not had the time lately to prod mama into updating them, and left to her own devices, she has managed to not update them either.  I have been spending far more time with my sticks doing important things.

So the first one I’m going to tackle is the Airedale Terrier Bloggers page.  Please go and check it out, and if you see an Airedale blog that’s not listed please let me know.

You can leave me a comment here on my blog, or send me an email:  bogarthandsomedevildog@yahoo.com.  Don’t forget to give me the URL of your Airedale blog.  I read ‘em all you know, some of them make me laugh…

Next I’ll be moving on to my Terrier Bloggers page, and then the more wide open Dog Blogs page.  So if you’re not an Airedale, hang in there.

Help a boy out, will ya?  Mama isn’t much help these days.  I want my Squidoo list to be as complete and full of Dale-ness as possible.

Love,

Bogart

BookmAIREk Me!

The 1 on the cupcake is for two things – acknowledging that it has been one year since Klaus has been gone, and also that it has been one year into my new life.  So technically I turned 1 today.

My life as I knew it ended when I lost Klaus, and it’s been a rocky first year of life without him.  I suppose that for any creature the first year of life is difficult – you have to learn how to do so many things, you make lots of mistakes, and you are very dependent on everyone for everything – you learn how to eat, how to breathe, and how to live.   I have new eyes now – the old ones weren’t good anymore – they still have that “new eye smell” and are still a bit hazy, with lots of floaters.

I can’t say that I’ve done well, only that I’ve done things truly “My Way”, which is the best and only way I know how.

My ever-constant companion Bogart has truly kept me alive.  His devotion, his protection, and his ability to make me laugh out loud every single day help me believe that still being alive is maybe not such a bad thing.  Every person who has touched me this past year has made an impression, but no one could ever be close to what Bogart has done.

And of course my kitties – the little furry devils of my heart – sleep with me every night, helping me to chase away the perpetual nightmares (that’s Aeon, trying to score some frosting)…

Again… Thank You All for your love and support.

And to my dearest husband-o Klaus, I love you, I miss you, and I will see you in my dreams.

Love,

Lulu

BookmAIREk Me!

As you can see, we are again experiencing some fine Northwestern weather.  No complaints, the rain doesn’t bother me one bit.  Mama on the other hand…

She sees the vast open area of the North Park Blocks as as a kind of muddy minefield.  Valiantly she tries not to step into its muddy goodness while I explore, but some days I really feel like exploring…

A smile?  A grimace?  A slightly snarky eyeroll?  Some people just see crap on the ground, occasionally mama sees something more interesting (of course I noticed it first, but then again, I AM closer to the ground)…

Oh mama and her pictures.  Sometimes I do my model thing and then bam!  we’re done, but other days it takes a little longer.  Over and over and over again, come here Bogart, stand there Bogart, just a quick pose Bogart…

Mama, you know I’m kidding, right?

Oh… of COURSE I’m kidding around!  I’m just testing your photography skills with my advanced modeling.  Not every mama can capture all of my personality the way that YOU can!  Not everyone is good enough or fast enough to record my every golden moment to film (uh, memory card).  That makes you one special mama!

So now I will jump up and give you a big, sloppy Aire Kiss, to show my appreciation.  And you will miss the photo.  Because you’re getting a big sloppy kiss.  AND YOU WILL LOVE IT

Love,

Bogart

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!

It’s actually pretty darned cool – made of weird metal pieces – and wasn’t scared of me at all.  Unlike most birds.

It was another sunny day here in Portland – cold but sunny – and since yesterday we hit the east side, today we ventured toward Forest Park.

It’s still kind of wet and cold here, but we haven’t been here in a long time.  And walking up hills works my fine butt muscles and keeps me warm enough.

Ah, the stone house.  It’s nice and mossy today, just the way I like it.

Ok, just because mama sometimes forgets where we are and where we need to go, doesn’t mean that I do.  I remember the way, follow me mama…

Time to head up the hill, into the sun, at a full Dale clip.  Notice my ears flopping in the aire…

You never know who you’ll meet on the trails.  That’s part of the fun of hiking.  Always lots of doggies too.

Hiking can take a lot out of a dog.  Rather than hopping up onto this water fountain like I usually do, I just went for the dog-hole…

Perhaps a bit lazy, but it works.

Could it be… are we heading toward… OHMYDOG, on a sunny Sunday there is a spot for us outside at Kettleman’s!  I haven’t had a fine toasty pumpernickel bagel in ages, and I am a dog who enjoys his bagels…

And of course a fine drinkie to wash it all down…

On the way home, we ran into some Airedale People!  Notice the fine airedmiration…

They were awfully cool, and anyone who has an Airedale is an automatic friend of mine!  Thanks ladies!!!

Love,

Bogart

BookmAIREk Me!

Oh mighty wild boar, how kind of you to sacrifice yourself for my treat needs… I salute you, oh wonderous beast, and raise a glass to your tastiness.  Mama’s friend Barbara sent these little squares of goodness for me (and some amazing smelly things for mama to take her baths with… thanks for making her not stinky!) and they are YUM!

Love,

Bogart

BookmAIREk Me!

I suppose it could be because of all of the sunshine we’re having today, but there could of course be far more nefarious reasons for things to be following me.

Like… SQUIRRELS

Oh how you twitch your tiny nose in my general direction.  How your tail darts to and fro as you fly from branch to branch, just out of my reach.

That’s okay… I CAN WAIT

You see?  Your presence does not bother me, I barely even notice that you are on that branch just above me and slightly to the right.

I will even chuckle at your adorable antics, and marvel at your skills in stick-sitting.

And of course if you are feeling as though you might like to frolic a bit down here on terra firma, I can always be counted upon to be up and ready for a good ol’ frolic.  Especially with you my squirrel-y friend.  A FROLIC – yeah, that’s what it would be.  Just a lovely, little frolic.  No thoughts of your imminent destruction or your tasty innards, just a frolic.

Love,

Bogart

BookmAIREk Me!

One year ago today my life changed in a way that I never saw coming, and never thought could happen.  On February 17th 2009, my dear husband Klaus woke up freezing cold and convulsing.  The emergency crew arrived within minutes and took him to the hospital.  I arrived a few minutes later to the news that my husband was going to die.

But Klaus was a tiger, and through the next 12 days he surprised everyone at the hospital – and around the world – with his determination, strength, and the overwhelming amount of love that poured his way.   Although he could not communicate at all during that time, I know that he knew that I was there, that people (and dogs and cats) all over the world were pulling for him, and that his loyal dog Bogart would manage to charm his way into the ICU.  The only real reactions he had were early on when I asked him for a kiss (I swear that his lips moved around his ventilator tube) and when Bogart visited and would kiss his hand.  Not much – but priceless.

Anniversaries, special dates, holidays have hit me hard this past year.  Understandable.  But today has really torn me apart, remembering the day that this all started.  They are memories that I treasure because they are of Klaus, yet they are absolutely horrible because of the outcome.  Lots more crying than usual.  The first day I really broke down at work and had to leave.

Anyone who says this gets easier as time goes by is full of shit (uh, I mean poop).  At the beginning my brain was kind and anaesthesized me – everything hurt, but the pain was dull.  Now some days it feels like getting a full-on root canal with no novocaine.

I WANT MY ANAESTHESIA BACK, PLEASE

I truly don’t know what I would do without Bogart and the kitties.  They are truly the best medicine.  This has been a year full of challenges, hardships, and all-out pain, but between the social interaction that Bogart forces me to have and the at-home forced cuddling that the kitties do (there is always someone on my lap or calculating a way into my lap) they keep me alive.  Whether I like it or not.

Did I mention that I’d like my anaesthetic back?

Love,

Lulu

BookmAIREk Me!

I like my fiber the natural way – via eating sticks.  The little ones are the crunchiest.

To get them into bite-sized pieces, simply place a mighty paw onto a large stick and use your jaws to pry the yummy smaller pieces off.

You may not find the tastiest pieces on the first try – so feel free to move all around that large stick to find the best bits.

This is the proper stance for stick destruction and eating:

More words of wisdom from Bogart Handsome Devil.  I’m just here to help.

Love,

Bogart

BookmAIREk Me!

It is the Year of the Tiger Cat – Belly

Tiger Cats are the tubbiest sign on the zodiac, methodical in their purrsuit of food (especially from other cats’ plates), intelligent deep inside that they choose to hide with a somewhat goofy demeanor.  They sleep more than any other astrological sign because they are deep thinkers and imaginative players.  They rarely jump and miss, for their internal upward-motion calculator is top-notch.  Catnip can be a problem if they overindulge.  They can be possessive of items they deem to be their own (if someone else is sitting on or playing with it).  But more of a lover than a fighter.

I too am celebrating the Year of the Tiger – Cat with my favorite tiger striped blanket.  If I’m not sleeping on mama, I’m sleeping on this.

Happy New Year everyone!

Love,

Bogart

BookmAIREk Me!

Welcome Year of the Tiger!!!

Love,

Bogart & Lulu

BookmAIREk Me!

Now you see me…

Now you (almost) don’t.

The trees are a bit bare, but there are still patches of green everywhere.  Part of the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

But I’m a bit too busy to slow down and appreciate nature at all times.  Especially when nature calls!

While mama was waiting for me to finish pooping, she looked up and took this photo.  Those trees are amazing…

And now for a little hide-and-go-seek.  Spot the Dale!

Now lets get serious.  There are cones here everywhere.  BUT THESE ARE MINE

They’re tasty and they belong to me.  I have carried them for some time now.

If I can’t scare off any potential interlopers then I’ll just turn on the charm.

That works every time.

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!

This is Woody’s dad.  He and Woody come out to play a little basketball when the weather is nice – and today it was cold but beautiful.  I offered to show him a few of my moves…

Which mostly involve methods of stealing the ball from whoever currently has it.

And then trying to chomp on it.

I busted out a few of my finer tricks…

And then showed him how it’s done when you’re playing against The BogTrotter…

I play for real – no pussyfooting around – I will try to steal that ball with all of my fuzzy might.

Get behind him Woody – distract him! – good work, NOW I CAN STEAL THAT BASKETBALL…

Love,

Bogart

BookmAIREk Me!

That little fact didn’t slow me down though – I have to hop in and investigate

And of course add a little personal touch of my own – some extra digging.  Having a big hole like this inspires me, as all great artists get inspired.  Dirt is my preferred medium, and I paint with my wide paw-brush.

Bwahahahaha… my newest creation!

Oh, can’t take it with us can we mama?  It will have to stay in situ?  And we probably can’t sell it.  Hm.  How about these tasty sticks then?

Yes, these are portable art – I can take them with me anywhere.  And I plan to take them home to add to my permanent collection.

Love,

Bogart

BookmAIREk Me!

I’m sure I’ve shown you this, but all you doggies you should really get your humans to start cooking for you if they don’t already.  My mama cannot cook ANYTHING (dad was the good cook in our family) but somehow, she makes a mean chicken soup for me.  EVERY NIGHT.  Chicken, rice, and veggies.  Keeps my digestive system humming and my poop just perfect.

Oh what to do, what to do.  All of the daily walkies are already accomplished, and while I’m always up for more adventure, mama probably isn’t.  While she’s cleaning up, I guess I’ll just have a little rest here on the bed…

What is that, mama?  There’s a DOG SHOW on TV tonight… COUNT ME IN!  Gotta cheer on my fellow Airedale and all of the terriers…  oh, it’s on NOW – FANTASTIC!

And of course the Terrier Group will be coming up second to last.  In a three-hour dog show.  Wake me when the Terrier group is announced, ok mama?

Ooo… THE AIREDALE – Lucas is a very fine looking boy, isn’t he?

Check out that run, head high, tail just so… you just KNOW he sees someone in the audience that he wants to pounce on.

You are a fine specimen of the King of Terriers my friend, and I am pleased that you took one for the team with all of that grooming.  Looking REALLY good…

Other dogs just run about, but Airedales THINK.  I wonder what is going through Lucas’ fuzzy head right about now:

And amazingly for me – Lucas took third in the Terrier group!!!  I’ve never watched a dog show where the Dale was even pulled out for a second look – NICE WORK LUCAS!!!

Now I can sleep.  Party animals that we are.

Love,

Bogart

BookmAIREk Me!

A wonderful tribute to an amazing man – who LOVED HIS BEER.  Tonight at the Green Dragon, a special keg of Vienna lager was brewed and consumed and Klaus’ name.  Bogart couldn’t be there, so I brought Bogart’s mini-me:

This is a glass of Dragon Klaus, the beer of the evening.  The picture is dark, but it’s number 7 on the menu.

And yes, in honor of Klaus, I wore his favorite dirndl.  How could I not?

Miss you, husband-o.  You obviously touched SO MANY PEOPLE AND YOU ARE SORELY MISSED…

Love,

Lulu

BookmAIREk Me!

I do occasionally look over the side to see what’s going on below me.  I’m not technically afraid of heights, but lets just say that I don’t get too close.

Notice the shadows.  A few more of those occasional moments of sunshine today!

I spotted this on the other side of the bridge.  Is it a map of the area?  A treasure map of pirates booty?

Nope – the only booty around here is mine, apparently!

Look – it’s Stonehenge (on top of Woodhenge, apparently)

Whenever we walk up NE Broadway, I force mama to cross the street so we can go to this store.  I love to sniff EVERYTHING here, and they always bust out the good treats.

Ok, I ask you – HOW COOL IS THIS:

Yes, it is a tiger-shaped scratching post made of corrugated cardboard.  My kitties would LOVE this.  Year of the Tiger is coming up and this would look FABULOUS in our place.  And yet – the kitties would destroy this almost immediately, it wouldn’t have the chance to look super cool for super long.

Oh well – I know another pine cone spot (yes, I know ALL of the pine cone spots in Portland):

Mama throws them…

And I catch them!

Notice the advanced techniques:

Lots of twisty-turn-y action:

And some major power vaulting:

And of course, since we were in the area (yet again), I lead mama to Laurelhurst Park.  She thinks she’ll get to sit for a bit, but I always have other ideas.

And today we had the biggest surprise – this fine Aireboy is named Silas, and not only is he incredibly handsome he is also incredibly big – he is 100 pounds!  I’m only about 65, and I felt so small next to him…

He has all of the Aire traits and extra personality to go with his extra-ness…

And the biggest, juiciest schnoz I’ve ever seen.  A gigantic black button.

Silas I loved meeting you and hope to see you again – this was the only time in my life that I felt like a WELSH TERRIER

Mama you can go and just leave me here.  This is what my idea of heaven is:

Juicy cones.  Mine Mine Mine.

So today started out as a simple have-a-few-chores-to-do kind of day, yet turned into another one of those 5 hour marathon walkie days.  We were almost home and I needed a little time to catch my breath and relax the paws.  You might find a nice little cafe, or a bench perhaps, but I thought this was the bees knees:

A big patch of ivy.  It cradled me in it’s ever-so-slightly prickly bosom.

And whenever someone would walk past, I’d make this face:

After a few minutes of relaxation, I realized that I was disappearing into the ivy.  I guess it’s time to finish up the walk home and collapse there on my tiger blankie.

Love,

Bogart

BookmAIREk Me!