One Paw Ahead of the Law

Now this is a rare picture - that's me in silhouette - from Tommy Jefferson's building. No cockapoos supposed to be in there. But we pretended we didn't know and my daddy and I snuck up fast, I posed, and had my picture took, before the cockapoo police knew what was happening and chased us away. In the background, you can see that big tower in honor of George Washington, our first president and father of our country. I pee'd on it last year.

See that guy with his hand held up. He was the snitch that alerted to police that I was up there. I coulda sniffed around for a while up there if not for him.

If you look real carefully, you can even see the place where the President's dogs live. But you gotta click on the picture and make it big. Fala used to run around there, and Barney does now. That's a big yard to sniff and pee in.

In the Temple of Greatness

Here I am with a real famous dog, FDR's dog Fala. Don't worry, he's not going to eat me, it's just a statue. He's very BIG as you can see, but I hear he was a real friendly dog. Fala was known to have a second-class mind but first-class temperament (you know, like a lot of dogs). The little known fact is how influential Fala was over the course of history. FDR would ponder important decisions, and be pretty indecisive. So he would ask Fala's advice and whatever Fala woofed for the loudest is the course FDR would take. Like take Social Security, for instance. Roosevelt was against it at first, arguing it's just a Ponzi scheme and socialistic. But Fala was so emphatic in his support that FDR finally relented. Roosevelt kinda blundered on that one, though, because he forgot to include the canine provision in Social Security. Fala was quite angry when he heard about the final legislation, but being a dog, he quickly forgot and was still excited and wagged his tail when FDR entered the room.

Frank and Me

Here I am with Frank Roosevelt, some called him FDR (not sure what the 'D' stands for, maybe Dog or something). I was scared here too. I've been told that this FDR fella was a real powerful man, so I assumed he could break a cockapoo with his bare hands. But look closely. It's just a statue like a lot of other stuff I saw. There were a lot of people around, wearing shorts and some with baseball hats, and some with funny accents. But there were a lot of statues to.

Now here is an interesting historical fact related to this exhibit. This FDR guy, see, he's in a wheelchair. That's what's ironic. I heard that when he was living, he didn't want word to get out that he rode around in one of these things. See, this FDR was a real smart politician and he wanted people to think he was a 'man of the people' even though he had enough money to eat hamburger every day and to have a whole farm of cockapoos of his own. He didn't want word to get around that he had this cool chair to ride around in all day, when the rest of the folks were hungry and had to walk everywhere.

Funny how it hasn't changed too much today with the politicians wanting everyone to think how bad they had it when they were younger and how good the other guy's got it -"my daddy ran away", "oh yea, I was tortured", "your dog eats from gold-plated Kong toys", " oh yea, your an elitist and eat foie gras [whatever that is]".

Where Am I?

Really, I'm asking, I don't know. This is Part II from my exhotic sight peeing adventure last weekend. Daddy made me go up close to those men. I was real scared and he had to struggle to get me over there. They don't look any too friendly and they look hungry enough to eat a cockapoo. But then as I got close, I noticed they didn't move. They are statues - get it? So I felt a little safer and posed for this picture. But what is it? They don't look like presidents or soldiers or anything like that. It's a good picture of me, but what's the point?

Sight Peeing

I was out sight peeing with my mommy and daddy this past weekend. I saw some great sights, some that dogs from all over the world can only dream of seeing. Can you guess where I am? Here's a hint - that building behind me has a statue of another great Tommy.

My endorsement

From the picture at the left, you probably think I'm endorsing myself, Tommy. Given my choices of the other two, my candidacy is looking more attractive. But now that I've 'boned up' (so to speak) on civics, it's obvious that, at two years old, I'm constitutionally ineligible to be elected (even if you apply a liberal 'dog-year' factor). I'm just luke warm on the choices, so why not just post a picture of me. After all, I've got better fur.

So these are the choices. Nice man Biden running with the dog-hating, over-promising Obama. And nice man, animal lover McCain running with animal killer Palin. Here goes. I'm going to cover my nose and pull the lever for the Biden / Obama ticket.

I know I'm voting for president and McCain is the better pick that department. We dogs would have a friend in the White House in a McCain administration. But he's so OLD. I mean he's 72 or something. I'll be lucky to make it to 15 years, forget about 72! He's not going to make it and then what - we're stuck THAT WOMAN.

Now for Obama. At the risk of sounding naive, let's take his word at face value. Maybe he really will keep his promise to his kids. Having a dog around the house may soften his heart - "The New Obama," like "The New Nixon." It could happen. And I think dogs get a much better shot at AFDD and universal pet health care with Obama. No way will McCain go for it. With him, dogs gotta be independent and on their own. But with Obama, he loves spending the humans' money on worthwhile government programs. And what's more worthwhile than AFDD.

But this is just a personal preference. It is such a mild endorsement, I'm releasing all my followers to vote your own conscience.

Rethinking My Endorsement

OK, OK, I noted that I am but a small, furry cockapoo (with floppy ears and a short stubby tail) and I am still a political neophyte. The e-mails have been pouring in informing me of my misunderstanding of presidential politics. Now I get it. You have to vote for President and VP FROM THE SAME PARTY. So if I want McCain, I have to accept Palin (ouch) or if I want Biden, I have to accept Obama (yuk). (In my defense, we never studied civics at U of PetSmart Falls Church Campus.) So . . . what's a cockapoo to do? I'll let you know.

I'm Endorsing the McCain / Biden Ticket

I'm so excited, being just two years old, here's my first official presidential endorsement.

Senator John McCain is a life-long animal lover and has a lot of pets and dogs. So I know I'll have a friend in the White House and who knows, maybe even be named Undersecretary for Canine Affairs. His opponent is the Dog Hating Obama, who refuses to get his kids that dog even though they beg him for it. Both candidates have remained silent on AFDD and universal pet health care. But I am starting this campaign is more about character than issues.

For Vice President, Joe Biden seems like a nice guy. But that Sarah Palin tracks down animals and shoots them dead. Then goes out and brags about it. I'm happy keeping her far away in Alaska and not bring her practically to my neighborhood. I like sight-peeing in the NW DC, and the Veep mansion would be too close for comfort if she moves in. I'd have my tail between my legs, looking over my shoulder the whole time.

So there you have it. All you dogs and concerned humans, go out and vote for McCain and Biden.

Initial Reaction to Palin

I know you are all waiting for my presidential endorsement. And it's coming. I just got a lot of facts to collate. At this stage, I'm still what's known as an 'undecided.' I watched Sarah Palin's speech while nuzzled next to my daddy. She seemed like a nice lady. So I did a little research on her. I turned up this picture here. Look what she does to these poor animals. Wow, does she do this to her dogs too? I don't even know if she has dogs, but maybe it's best that she doesn't? I couldn't help but notice that her speech was deafeningly silent on issues of importance to us pets. Well, gotta go. But I'll be coming out with my endorsement real soon.

Rough Night

I usually start the night sleeping on the floor beside mommy's and daddy's bed. But then in the middle of the night I like to hop up on the bed and we are all nice and cozy. But what happened last night? Mommy was keeping a vigil all night and as soon as I hopped up, she yelled at me to get down. Like I got fleas or ticks or something. So I spent a restless night on the floor.

On an unrelated note, what seemed like a pleasant surprise, I got to go bye-bye this morning. Nice long drive, but then we end up in the parking lot of that lady who likes to put that stick up my tush. Fortunately, she wasn't there, and I only got a mild going over. But I was shaking the whole time. I was glad to get out of there, return home, and take a snooze in my crate with two stuffed Kong toys.

Not Fair

So what do you think about this . . . my daddy and sister are going to Florida tomorrow to see my grandma and grandpa. And they are leaving me behind!! I wanna go too. It isn't fair.

So Sad

It's been a while since I've seen my brother, but it's vacation season and I figured he would be home soon, for school, you know. After all, I just got back from my vacation (had a great time and all). But when I got on-line again, I received an e-mail from him and he says "I hope he realizes by reading this email that I wont be coming home for quite a few months; I hope he is not too disapointed. He can go in my room anytime he wants to take a good snooze." "Quite a few months", that's a long time. What about our hikes?

Time to get serious

Hi everyone. I'm having a great time with my surrogate family. There are plenty of dogs, cats, and people here, not to mention the fish (yum). Sure looking forward to seeing my family again soon. But . . . not onto business.

I'll be paying special attention to the conventions and after the events, will throw my support one way or another. I'll be paying careful attention to the respective candidates stances on canine rights, universal pet health care, and AFDD. And naturally we all want to see whether Obama gets his kids that dog, as he promised (I got my eye on you Barack, and I'll be happy to call you out).

T.R. (and another T.R.)

Yep, that's me, T.R. Here I am out on a great hike with my brother. Can you guess where I am? Well, if you look carefully in the background, you see another great T.R. That should be a clue. Go ahead, take a guess.

My brother is away right now, but I have a lot of other great hikes planned for when he gets back.

Back from my retreat

I just returned from a nice vacation. Here is a picture of one of my new friends who I spent a few days with. They have dogs and cats and it was just a lot of fun. I like chasing the little chiwawa around. My mom and dad picked me up last yesterday. Haven't seen my brother and sister. They probably went on their own vacations and will be back soon. I was a little confused this morning. All summer, when my mom, dad, and sister left for the day, I got to go in with my brother for a nice morning snooze before our big hike of the day. I went to his door this morning, but daddy wouldn't let me in. Then I realized my bother is probably still on vacation. Well, I'm sure I'll see him soon and we can start our hikes again!

Go Wille Bean!!

My dad forwarded me this one, initially discovered by my grandma.

http://news.aol.com/elections/article/labrador-runs-for-mayor-in-alabama/104299?icid=200100397x1206726359x1200342926

Wille Bean Roscoe P. Coltrane, an impressive yellow lab (he's the one on the right) is running for mayor of Fairhope, AL. With a name like that, you can be sure he is a well-bred dog. The newspapers are treating this like some kind of joke, but believe me, Wille Bean is nothing to laugh at. I just got off the phone with him and it's clear this guy is going places. He's a big supporter of AFDD and wants to expand and improve his town's dog parks. Wille Bean is natural charmer on the campaign trail: he does 'shake' with all the prospective voters and is out licking all the babies.

Tommy's Book of the Month

For the Love of Animals: by Kathryn Shevelow


Once I opened it, I just couldn't put this book down. A shameful blot on human history is only now being slowly rectified.

http://www.amazon.com/Love-Animals-Animal-Protection-Movement/dp/0805080902/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1217247897&sr=1-1

"the record of human treatment of animals over the centuries has been notable primarily for its cruelty, brutality and selfishness . . . Most people simply used, and abused, animals as labor, food and sport because that was what people had always done. "

To my canine readers, I encourage you to get this book. It is your responsibility to know the history of your ancestors, how they struggled, suffered . . . endured, in the hopes that their descendents, puppies of today, could live a satisfactory and decent life. To some extent, that hope has been fulfilled. But does any dog out there seriously think the job is done, that all we dogs live nice sheltered lives, that all we dogs get Kongs and have nice fenced-in back yards? The reality is NO, NO A THOUSAND TIMES NO. There are still dogs who suffer, even in this, the richest country the world has ever known!

Perhaps it's a bit like Germans being forced to read of the horrors their parents and grandparents perpetuated during WWII, but you humans must read this book too. It's not enough for you to say "I didn't do it, I treat dogs good." You must learn of the cruelty your species is capable of inflicting on poor, helpless dogs.

Dog Lady

I found a real cool web site, by Dog Lady.

http://askdoglady.com/

She didn't post a picture of herself, so I assume she looks something like the picture here. She seems like a very smart lady and you can look at the site yourself. But she's only part dog, and maybe that makes her qualified to help between us canines and our owners. But there's still a gap, she can't presume to speak for us dogs. That's where I try to fit in.

She did cover a very controversial subject on this page:

http://askdoglady.com/best_in_show.html

(Bleep) Happens At Dog Shows

What happens if, for instance, Uno goes poopie right in the middle of the show? She quotes someone who says “If your dog eliminates while showing in the ring, you won't be disqualified. The judge will ask the ring steward to call for the cleanup crew, whose job it is to dispatch such problems.

What do you think, should a dog be disqualified? I think 'yes' the dog should be disqualified. Because I know I would be disqualified as a pet by my mom if I went poopies or peepees at the wrong time or place.

Wow, was that close!

My daddy and big sister took me 'Bye-Bye' yesterday. We went for a long ride to downtown DC. But during the ride, I really had to 'go'. So I whimpered and cried and made it real clear that something just wasn't right. I guess they got the hint because shortly after, we stopped at East Potomac Park and, boy, I got out just in time - if you know what I mean. (I've been asked by some people why I blog about subjects such as these. It's really quite simple. We dogs are not as self-conscious as you people.)

Then my sister took me for a long walk around Haines Point. It sure was hot out there, with all my fur and all. But she didn't walk too fast or anything. She stopped to rest plenty of times and she called daddy a lot and complained about how long the walk is, like there's anything he can do about that! Finally, Daddy came up running up from behind us and grabbed my leash and made me run the rest of the way in. I napped the rest of the day, except when my brother came home and decided he just had to pick me up.

The Pet Ten Commandments

These Pet Ten Commandments were sent to my family by my human granndpa. I posted them for all my human readers. All my dog readers . . . well . . . you guys already know this.

=======================================

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments, but I have only you.

5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.

10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.

Pet owners prefer McCain over Obama

http://news.yahoo.com/page/election-2008-political-pulse-pets-and-politics

I think I was one of the first on this story . . . and this is a scandal that simply won't go away. Dog hating Obama has a lot of 'splainin to do to the dog lovers of this country and thus far he has been ducking the issue.

And don't be fooled by his mendacious campaign promises:

While he doesn't currently have a pet, Obama has reportedly promised his daughters a dog once the campaign is over.

I'm not ready to endorse either candidate yet, but McCain's obvious joy and celebration of animals will certainly weigh heavily.

The Fate of Vick's Dogs . . .

provides an important lesson. It's another blow to the breedests.


http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/06/AR2008070602351.html?hpid=topnews&sid=ST2008070602429&pos=



Some claim breedism is ingrained in American society, that we are irredeemibly breedest. But now comes an instructive and heartwarming tale of Michael Vick's pit bulls. Being pit bulls, many ASSUMED these dogs were hopeless and wanted to give up on them en masse. It turns out that, once you get to know them and treat them as individuals and not as caricatures, many of Vick's erstwhile killers are now sweet, lovable animals. Like Leo (pictured here)

a tan, muscular pit bull, dons a colorful clown collar and visits cancer patients as a certified therapy dog in California.

Or Hector

who bears deep scars on his chest and legs, recently was adopted and is about to start training for national flying disc competitions in Minnesota.


So sure, there are some bad dogs out there. But you "can't judge a bood by its cover" and you can't judge a dog by its breed.

Trakr 'most clone-worthy': to be cloned

Trakr, the hero who sniffed out survivors from the World Trade Tower rubble, will be cloned.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080701/sc_afp/usattacksskoreaanimalcloneoffbeatp://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080701/sc_afp/usattacksskoreaanimalcloneoffbeat


Trakr, a German shepherd who lives with his owner James Symington in Los Angeles, was picked by BioArts International as the most "clone-worthy" canine in a competition offering an owner a free chance to replicate their pet.

Good for Trakr; he looks like the kind of dog you can sit down with and hoist a few rounds of gravy. But what the article omits is where I came out on the 'clone-worthy' list. I'm in frequent communication with a dog whose owner works for BioArts International, so I've been following the selection process closely. He told me I weighed in at #53 overall and perhaps more important, #2 on the cockapoo list. So who knows, maybe if I improve a little, learn how to fetch better, eat my all my dog food in one sitting, things like that, maybe I'll move up. I'm not saying I want to be cloned and you, my readers, voted against it. But it's nice to be recognized, just the same.

Barack?

What a development in the presidential campaign. Barack and Hillary are quite close now. I found some private photos of the two of them and and they look very happy together.




They kiss










They embrace















They dance.











And they share private moments.








Maybe this Barack isn't so bad after all since it looks like he is getting his advice straight from Hillary. Maybe she will inform him of the importance of AFDD I will have to take a closer look at him too.

(By the way, let's keep this on the Q.T. I don't want Bill to get wind of this. He strikes me as the jealous sort and I don't want to get Hillary in trouble with her hubby.)

From Mt. Airy to the Top of the Mountain

All us Mt. Airy, MD natives are real proud of our Joe. Joe Alexander made it from humble Mt. Airy to the big show. When I was just a pup, still with my mom, Joe stopped by the farm once, to shop for a puppy. Well, he was already a big star around our parts. When he arrived at the farm, there was a big stir among the dobermans and they started to fight among themselves, each wanting to be the first to sniff him up and play some tug-a-war. We cockapoos kinda hung back a little afraid because he was so BIG. He talked to Mr. Burdette about buying a cockapoo and Mr. Burdette said, being a big star and all, he could give him a real good price. I remember my mom, Cherokee, quipped that he was too big for such a little dog. Well, in the end, he looked us all over, me too, but I think he said we were all too skinny and flea-ridden for his tastes and he would try the farm next door.

I wonder what dog good-old Joe finally decided on? That's one lucky dog because Joe's gonna be rich and be able to give his dog steak Kongs all the time and maybe get him in free to see the games in the VID section.

http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/articles/2008/06/27/sports/dsports062708.txt

The Spanish and Animal Rights

Praise for the Spanish who formally recognized the human rights of apes. It's a start; there's hope for us dogs yet, albeit in Spain, not my native USA.

http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/jun/08062605.html

Hard Times for Our Most Vulnerable

Yes, the economy is bad, in a recession, or whatever. But why must the consequences always fall the hardest on our most vulnerable, that is, our pets?

http://www.thestate.com/local/story/441103.html

Sad stories like this would be rarer if we as a society had more compassion. Mr. McCain, Mr. Obama, where do you stand on AFDD (Aid to Families with Dependent Dogs)? America's canines would like to know.

Tommy's Two

Yup, that's right, I turned the BIG '1 + 1' on Sunday. "TODAY I AM A DOG" and all that, you know. My owners made my day real special. I went to PetSmart for a sniff-fest, the doggie bakery for a treat, and a 4 mile run with my daddy (phew, I was tired). But I recoverd in time for the evening. i got a Tommy-burger dinner and, of course, THE PRESENTS. Here I am posing with my b-day gifts - a furry fox and a snout-wrestling giraffe. The fox is furry alright, but got nothing on me in that department. The giraffe is one mean wrestler.

I have to admit, I get a little nostolgic on my birthday, remembering the Autumn View Farm, all my friends and relatives, and of course, my (furry) mom and dad. I wonder what my brothers and sisters were doing and if they were thinking about me like I was them?

A Dark Day Dawns

HILLARY R.I.P

She's feisty, she hasn't given up. But even a dog can read the writing on the wall. What's to become of us cockapoos now? We've lost our greatest champion. And I suppose my appointment as Undersecretary for Canine Affairs is on hold.

I need to take a while to think things through. I'm not endorsing either candidate for president just yet. I'd like to explore their respective positions on pet entitlements.

Tommy's 'Book of the Month'

Barney tells all in this shocking book. Was Barney in it for the money? You decide:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/29/AR2008052903265.html?hpid=opinionsbox1

In the footsteps of giants

A lot of the dogs I talk to are so amazed that I, just a small furry cockapoo with floppy ears and a short stubby tail, can maintain a blog. But believe me, I'm not alone out there. There are hundreds of other doggie bloggers and I only hope that I can make some small contribution to the betterment of dogkind. Not that I'm all that special, mind you. Take a look for yourselves. Look at all the other dogs that also maintain blogs:

http://www.dogswithblogs.com.au/theblogslite.htm

He Got Game

Little did you know, I've working hard to 'up my game', Fetch, that is. You know, I've taken some knocks for not being so good at Fetch. I tried to pretend it didn't bother me, like I even posted to the blog that 'fetch is just not my thing.' But it always bothered me. I read biographies about one of my heros Ashley Whippet (http://www.highland-ohio.com/ashley%20whippet.htm), possibly the greatest frisbee dog of all time. I dreamt about joining the big leagues, performing before packed crowds at half-time. So I decided to take private fetch lessons, on the sly, no one knew about it. I finally got my game to such a level that I was ready to 'show off.' I begged my daddy to take me out for a friendly game. He was dubious, 'why bother' he muttered. No, no, seriously, I said, take your camera. So he did. And check out my form. I still have a lot of work to do, but you'll agree I've come a long way.

McCain: Taking a Closer Look

As most of you know, I've been a big Hillary supporter in this election. I've followed and documented the ups and down of her campaign with rapt attention.

But some new and rather exciting information has emerged about John McCain. It turns out he is quite a dog lover, as is obvious by this photo of him with his Springer Spaniel Sam. I don't know where he stands on the important dog issues, like universal pet health care, but he nonetheless stands in stark contrast to that notorious dog-hater, Obama.

Here you can read about McCain's love for animals: http://www.infoplease.com/spot/prespets.html

"So Tommy . . .

what do you want to be when you grow up?" I get asked this question more often than I can count. I'm leaning towards becoming a police dog. I'll learn techniques to be vicious and mean and then let's see the dogs in the dog park pick on me. Does anyone know of a good school I could go to?

On to Indiana

Hillary is rolling now and needs the support of all you dogs (and you humans, too) in Indiana. I've been getting thousands of e-mails from dogs around the country professing support for Ms. Clinton. Here are some of the more prominent pooches I've heard from:

Here is Larry Birds golden lab, Jumper.

"Ruff ruff ruff ruff ruff ruff, woof, Hillary ruff ruff!"

Here is Mike Tyson's doberman Mauler. Tyson only spent a little more than three years in Indiana, but they think of him as one of their own.

"Hillary woof woof woof woof woof woof, woof woof woof woof. WOOOOOOOF!"

And Dan Quayle's peekapoo, Potatoe. Cute little guy, floppy eared diverse breed dog like me:

"Yip yip yip yip yip yip Hillary."