Educating Liza

Heading Up and Moving Out

2008-12-22T08:07:00.004-05:00

Hello All! We are going to Gramma's house for Christmas - so I thought i would prod my human into one more post before we leave.

I wanted to share some pictures of my humans - including my new guy. Here he is scrunching my ears when we were hiking this fall. We do a lot of cool trips to waterfalls and other pretty places and most of the time my humans make sure I can come along. My favorite part of any trip or for that matter any day, is when Don does some serious ear scrunching with me!
This fall my humans went on a trip (without me *SIGH*) to New Hampshire, where they attended the Loon Mountain Scottish Games and Festival. Since they both have ancestors from Scotland - they dressed up fancy and went to dinner.

My humans are pretty cute and they are taking good care of me - I'm excited to be going to Gramma's this wee and I hope to have lots of good pictures! Gramma said she has even more snow than we do out at her house! Woo Hoo!

Merry Christmas everyone!!!!

Some 'splaining to do...

2008-12-15T11:49:00.006-05:00

WOW - where to start, I know my human has been neglecting my blog, but I have spoken to her and she has agreed to amend her ways. As Ricky Ricardo on TV says - I have "some 'splaining to do"!

First off - did you guys hear about the ice storm that happened outside of Boston?? We were at Don's house when the storm barreled through and here are some photos of what happened!

Trees down in Westford MA
Traffic problems here too

Those trees are in my walking path!

Well enough of that and on to other news - yesterday was my SIXTH BIRTHDAY! I got a BIG rawhide treat and a new stuffed toy and even got a special decorated doggie cookie. It was a great day and I appreciate all the warm wishes from my furry friends!!

The other news I have is that my human is getting married this coming April. Ever since Thanksgiving she and her "fiance" have been doing wedding stuff - BLECK. I hate all the lovey dovey stuff, but I am excited that TWO humans are going to buy me a new house with a yard and everything. Who knows maybe I'll even get my own room!!

So I am very sorry that we have been away from the blog - but as you can see I was hard at work match making! How could my new guy no fall in love with me, and my mom isn't too bad either!

My mom has sworn an oath to help me post more really soon. Have a great day everyone!!

Love, Dory

Gramma Bound!!

2008-08-14T11:09:00.003-04:00

I'm ready to go - but sadly my human and her guy have to WORK and we can't leave until tomorrow afternoon!! PHOOEY! I told my mom that this work stuff is really cramping my style, not to mention my social calendar - but then she reminded me that if she didn't work she wouldn't have money and without money I wouldn't have a house and all the kibble I can eat. So hi ho, hi ho Mom - it's off to work you go!!
While the humans toil away I can fill the hours until we depart by daydreaming of romping in Gramma's super awesome yard and playing with my pals Mac and Mollie!!
So Gramma - Mom, Don and I will see you tomorrow night - tell Uncle Harvey to be prepared for some ear scrunching and let Mac know I am ready to romp in the yard!! (Oh and Mom made it clear that I was allowed on the good sofa for picture taking pictures only - she is such a party pooper!)

Wishing all my doggie pals and their humans a great weekend - see you when we get back from New York!!

We would love him...

2008-08-06T08:25:00.003-04:00

My human read me this story in the Boston Globe all about a dazed and confused seal. Apparently the cute fella hopped aboard a sailboat and had to be chased away twice. The news report said that out on the west coast there is an issue with the algae.

"Marine mammal rescuers said the animal is likely suffering from the poisoning effects of a toxin found in algae. Such unusual behavior is a red flag for domoic acid poisoning, said Amy Traxler, coordinator at the San Juan County Marine Mammal Stranding Network in Friday Harbor. Domoic acid is a neurotoxin that occurs naturally in algae. Marine mammals affected by the toxin can display erratic, aggressive behavior and often become disoriented, said Mieke Eerkens, spokeswoman for Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, Calif."

So hey seal dude, if you can, just swim on over to the North Atlantic, specifically Salem Harbor in Massachusetts - we are very seal friendly. All my human and I can say to you is that to paraphrase the immortal Bugs Bunny - we would keep you and love you and pet you and name you George!

For the full story, click here!

On the water

2008-08-04T11:08:00.005-04:00

Okay my human is possibly the goofiest person in the world. We went boating this weekend and here she is on her "float" as she calls it. I get to go swimming, but I don't have a float - totally not fair. I also think it is very funny that I get to swim around free as a bird and here she is with a leash attached to her raft!! HA HA! Now you may be saying Dory - where is the picture of you in the water - well I have nervous humans. My Mom and Don said they need both hands free when I am in the water, they said they don't want me to be swept away - I just think they like relaxing too much on the boat!

The weekend was nice, but Saturday and Sunday there were storms in the afternoon so we had to cut our trips short.

Stormy skies over Beverly, Massachusetts - the view from our boat.
Cool clouds - Salem Harbor.

The weather moving in - scary even though it is miles away. That's the story from Boston this week. No specific plans for next weekend yet, but whatever we do I'm sure my humans will be keeping me busy.

Thank heavens for the weekdays! My humans have jobs to go to and it is the only chance I get to rest! A Lab needs her beauty sleep after all!!

Call of the Wild

2008-07-29T07:59:00.004-04:00

My humans took me camping this weekend - WOO HOO it was fun!! Here I am guarding Don's truck - at least that's what they told me! We cooked out, went on hikes and sat around the camp fire! Here I am playing with my friend Stephanie - she gives lots of good petting! Her parents are friends with my humans and they brought their house camping too!
As you can see in the back ground - lots of people camp. There was even a dog that looked just like Joe Stains! I was so confused! Here are Don and Stephanie participating in my favorite activity - petting me!!
I am also in charge of guarding our house! Mom says it's a camper not a house but to me anything with a bathroom, bedroom and kitchen is a house. Stephanie even trusts me to guard her bicycle too. Even my humans had a good time and went on a hike to take pictures in the woods. My humans need to get a life - no pictures of them together but plenty of shots like this silly one!

Oh and for those of you who asked - I couldn't go to the Scottish Games last week because it was in the 90's and humid and my humans were afraid I'd get overheated or worse. I stayed home in air conditioned comfort and was very happy when they came home and cooked out!

Have a great week everyone - my humans say boating is on the schedule for this weekend! I think Miss Sophie La Brador was in Marblehead looking at my boat - I can't believe I missed her!!!!!

I wanna be SCOTTISH

2008-07-23T11:03:00.003-04:00

Labrador, smabrador - I want to be Scottish!

My Mom's ancestors were mostly from Scotland and so are her new guy's family! So for fun, my humans went to Scottish Games in Northampton, Massachusetts this weekend and they saw all kinds of really cool stuff! There were men in skirts playing the bagpipes and tossing around all sorts of stuff.
And there were all kinds of Scottish doggies there too! Some of them even got to play with sheep and ducks!!
I would look AWESOME in a kilt - PLAID is my color!!!
Three cheers for Scotland - just call me Dory the Scotland Retriever!

High Seas Labrador

2008-07-14T18:54:00.002-04:00

AHOY!!!
Dory here reporting from Hawthorne Cove Marina in the heart of Salem, Massachusetts!
Last weekend was all about hiking and fireworks - this weekend - shenanigans on the high seas of the Atlantic Ocean. We saw lots of other boats...
Lots of lighthouses too and we even got to go swimming - Wooo Hooo!
Here I am aboard the Halosydne - our little boat! Nothing beats a great day at sea!!!!

I'm back...

2008-07-07T10:48:00.004-04:00

Okay - my human was distracted! I have forgiven her and she has guaranteed to post once a week. Crisis averted.

So what have I been doing - well boating, hiking and spending time with my people. On the 4th of July we went for a hike and saw lots of neat waterfalls - here is one of them.

And here I am at another - gazing at the beautiful Massachusetts scenery!

So not to fear, aliens have not kidnapped me and you don't need to call the coast guard! My human and her new guy have been keeping this Lab girl busy, busy, BUSY!

Oh and Happy Belated Fourth of July everyone!!!!

Wordless Watery Wednesday

2008-05-28T09:01:00.003-04:00

Camping

2008-05-27T09:02:00.002-04:00

Okay dear readers - I haven't fallen off the face of the earth just yet. My human has been super busy and when she is not busy with work we are spending lots of time with her new guy. This weekend we went camping in the woods of Massachusetts and had lots of fun!!
I got to go hiking on trails....
Explored rivers....
Had a cool drink by a waterfall....
And we got to see and spend time around beautiful things like this waterfall. Camping was fun, the new guy has a camper which is kind of like taking along a vacation house on wheels. Even though we had a "little house" we still got to have a campfire and Don made me hot dogs and Mom gave me a really tasty toasted marshmellow. All weekend while camping my humans gave my lots of good ear scratches and loving because I was such a good camp dog.

I'm hoping that now summer is here that my mom will be less busy at work and more helpful in typing for me. I also hope we get to go camping more too!

It was a FOUR PAWS UP Memorial Day Weekend!!!

Happy Mother's Day!

2008-05-08T07:47:00.004-04:00

Hey guys - Dory here, doing my own typing while I review resumes for a new (and more reliable!) typist for my blog. I am excited today because we are off to Gramma's house this afternoon. By this evening I will be frolicking with Mac, Mollie and Zach, getting my ears scrunched by Uncle Harvey and cuddling up with Gramma. This is a picture of Gramma giving me lots of love!
Since we will be away - I wanted to take this opportunity to say Happy Mother's (and Gramma's) Day to my super awesome Gramma. She's the greatest Gramma ever. She loves my mom, looks after Uncle Harvey and is the bestest doggie mom to Zach, Mollie and Mac.

Three cheers for my Gramma - Hip Hip Hurray, Hip Hip Hurray, Hip Hip Hurray!

Oh and this one person, well she takes me everywhere she can, includes me on boat trips, buys me good food, gets me lots of snazzy collars, provides me with a ton of toys and gave me a great home - she's an okay dog mom too!

Liza here, interrupting this post - on behalf of Dory, Mac, Mollie and Zachary we would like to wish my mom a very Happy Mother's Day!!! See you tonight!!!!

Happy Mother's Day to all the doggie and human moms out there - even though sometimes we forget to say it, YOU ROCK!!!

2fer Wordless Wednesday

2008-05-07T07:58:00.003-04:00

(Annisquam Lighthouse - Gloucester, MA - 2008)

(Sunset on the Annisquam River - Gloucester, MA - 2008)

Help Wanted

2008-05-05T11:26:00.001-04:00

It's a Movement!

2008-04-16T08:10:00.001-04:00

Dory the Good Will Amblabrador... Working around the world to eradicate Black Dog Bias and Discrimination!

A chat with Mom...

2008-04-10T20:17:00.004-04:00

So Mom and I were chatting today and this is how it went:

Liza: Dory there was a really interesting article on "Big Black Dog Syndrome" on CNN.com yesterday, would you like me to read it to you?

Dory: WOW they named a syndrome after me? Is that bad or good? Do I get royalty rights? Did they use my picture?

Liza: Dory - slow down, "Big Black Dog Syndrome" is a term used because most people are fearful of and reluctant to adopt big black dogs.

Dory: So is having a syndrome like having my own month, you told me back in February it was Black Lab Month and I never got any cards and no presents - that was a total disappointment...

Liza: Oh good grief, Dory I told you February was Black HISTORY month, NOT Black Lab month! You never listen to me.

Dory: I mean you know how black labs are special, so if I have my own month AND my own syndrome I at least expect treats!

Liza: Dory, do you want me to read the article to you or not?

Dory: Does the article mention me specifically?

Liza: No, it's about how many great black dogs go homeless because of bias against big black dogs.

Dory: I got a great home, not to mention a loving family and I get to go for boat rides - you mean there are black doggies who don't get that?

Liza: Yes Dory, this is an important issue - we need to be goodwill ambassadors for "big black dogs" so that others can find good homes, just like you did.

Dory: HMMMM - I like it Dory the Amblabrador. It has a nice ring - do I get a crown or something, maybe treats???

Liza: ARRRGGGHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

For some reason at that point in our chat Mom left the room? Go figure. Anyhow check out the article at CNN.com.

Please help spread the word that
BLACK LAB is BEAUTIFUL...

UNCOOPERATIVE!

2008-04-07T21:22:00.003-04:00

Hi everybody.... Dory here!My human has been uncooperative! I want to blog, she has to work. I want to blog and she wants to go on dates! I want to blog and she says she needs 8 hours of sleep each night!

PHOOHEY!

On the upside dating means me and Mom go hiking and spend time with the world's best ear scruncher -well actually second best next to Uncle Harvey. Mom's boyfriend even let's me help cook when we go over to his house, but just like Mom this guy sticks to the no treats at the table - NO FAIR!

Here is one of the places we like to hike - it's very pretty...And here I am helping with the cooking!!! I am the official kitchen supervisor...Notice Mom is NOT helping with the cooking - but it's okay cause afterall she is busy petting me.

Anyhow, the weather is getting warmer, boating season is coming closer and love is in the air - Mom may be uncooperative, but she does lots of fun stuff with me. Oh and tomorrow is opening day at Fenway -

GO SOX!!!!!!

Watery Wednesday!

2008-03-26T13:49:00.001-04:00

Strike a Pose!

2008-03-24T12:42:00.004-04:00

My mom is a photographing fool. Mom and her friend Don take more pictures than most paparazzi do!! This weekend was no exception - when Mom was done taking pictures of me at Winter Island - she and Don took me for a walk in the woods and took pictures of waterfalls on Sunday.

I really don't like having my picture taken - but as long as the treats keep coming I could really get used to this super model thing!!

Hippity Hoppity Easter

2008-03-22T19:40:00.004-04:00

Hey gang! It's a lovely spring weekend here in New England!! I spent so quality time with Mom up at Winter Island Beach - it was great frolicing among the rocks and spending time daydreaming of boating season! Boating starts May 1st - only 39 days away!

Then Mom and I decided to bake some Lemon Squares for Easter - no I'm not turning into a dalmation we had some issues with the confectioner's sugar!

My mom is a baking fool - if you want to see the recipe - check out Mom's food blog - From the Card Box.
We hope every one has a great spring and that the Easter Bunny brings everyone lots of doggie treats!

HAPPY EASTER!!!

Happy Evacuation Day!!

2008-03-17T10:50:00.003-04:00

Today is not only Saint Patrick's Day - but here in Boston it is "Evacuation Day"- which is a holiday! Now not all of you may be as much of a history loving geek as my mom so let me fill you in...

March 17th in the greater Boston area is Evacuation Day, an official holiday commemorating the evacuation of the city Boston by the British forces during the American Revolutionary War. (My human says if you get HBO you really should watch the Adams miniseries all about John Adams - Bostonian and founding father. All I can say is I slept through the whole show - YAWN!)

ANYHOW......
On March 17, 1776 the 11-month siege of Boston ended when the Continental Army, under the command of General George Washington, fortified Dorchester Heights with cannons captured at Ticonderoga, forcing General Howe’s's garrison to attack or flee. To prevent what could have been a slaughter of his troops, Howe agreed to retreat to Nova Scotia via his ships without setting the city on fire as he left.

Boston was one of the most important ports in the New World, and one of the most defensible (there is only a single channel into Boston Harbor which is ringed with islands). That the Americans were able to drive off several thousand hardened troops and 1,100 loyalists with only a few warning shots fired and no loss of life or property was a major accomplishment and was Washington's first victory of the war. It was also a huge morale boost for the new country, as the city where the rebellion against England started was the first to be liberated. Boston was never attacked again.

My mom loves this holiday, not because it is really Saint Patrick's Day and not because it commemorates a historic time - she just thinks it's cool that the cannons came from her very own beloved upstate New York to save the day!!
I like the holiday because I am styling in my shamrock collar! Have a happy day!

Wordless Wednesday (kinda)

2008-03-12T07:40:00.003-04:00

OKAY MOM - How many more days until boating season??

AWWW PHOOEY!

2008-03-03T19:39:00.002-05:00

Awwww phooey! My human has been busy all last week. You may ask - "Dory what was you human busy doing?" SHE HAD TO WORK!

I know my Mom works really hard to make sure all the kids in Massachusetts have good public schools to go to, but GEEEZZZZZ! What about ME!!!! While she was visiting a school district last week there was no blogging, no extra long walks and no dog park. I even had a dog sitter come one afternoon cause Mom was so late!

I'm thinking of starting a NO WORK for Doggie Parents Petition - who is with me. Just think, we could have our humans home all day, throwing balls for us all day, making yummy homemade treats for us all day - it could be doggy heaven right here on earth!

Silent Sunday

2008-02-24T13:14:00.002-05:00

Playing with some of my favorite images...

I LOVE GRAMMA

2008-02-19T11:27:00.003-05:00

Mom and I went to Gramma's for the long Presidential Weekend! I must say I had certainly had Presidential treatment all weekend. As you can see it was snowy and icy at Gramma's House.

I love Gramma and today I decided to list my TOP FIVE REASONS!!
NUMBER 5: Gramma has a great yard to play in - no matter what the weather!
NUMBER 4: At Gramma's it's okay to play rough because she simply "Throws us out in the yard".
NUMBER 3: There are all my doggie cousins to play with - Mac, Mollie and Zachary.
NUMBER 2: Gramma and Uncle Harvey give me lots and lots of love, cookies, tummy rubs and nibbles from the table (but don't tell Mom)!NUMBER 1: No "Health Care Sundays" when we are away. This Sunday I got to sleep in, play with friends and there was no nail clipping or teeth brushing at all! WOO HOO!
So that was my weekend at Gramma's in pictures along with my Top Five Reasons I love Gramma. Have a great week every doggie!

Oh, and since Gramma reads my blog me and Mom just wanted to say:

THANK YOU and LOTS OF LOVE TO YOU!!!!!!

Wet Nose Smooches All Around!

2008-02-13T20:10:00.002-05:00

Hey gang - Dory here! Whew New England - one minute it is snowing the next rainstorms with thunder! The weather has been crazy and my crazy mother has been baking again! When she told me we were going to make cookies - I thought she meant DOGGIE COOKIES - but no such luck. Mom made heart shape shortbread cookies...
Some had chocolate drizzled all over,
Others had pink icing.
And sadly all of them, red sprinkles, pink icing and chocolate drizzle - well they all got packed in a box and Mom took them to work.
A few cookies did come my way, and my mom said it is good to share our home made goodies with our friends. Mom says we are off to Gramma's tomorrow after work - so we wanted to take the opportunity to say....

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY EVERYONE!

I'm sending every doggie out there some wet nose smooches!!

I want one!

2008-02-11T15:22:00.000-05:00

As many of you know the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is going on and my human was looking at some of the breed footage from today and man are there alot of good looking doggies out there! Whew.

Anyhow my favorites from today were the Cardigan Welsh Corgis - talk about cuties!! You can click here to see for yourself!

I asked Mom if I could have one but she said "NO"! What no discussion?? That's not FAIR!!

I would love it and play with it and name him GEORGE for heavens sake! I mean really! How can she say NO to this face?

I hear there is a woman named Elizabeth in England who has Corgis and Labs and they liked her so much for being a good dog mom they made her QUEEN OF ENGLAND! My mom could be QUEEN OF MASSACHUSETTS if she would only get me a cute little Corgi dog!!! How about THAT Mom?!?!?

Even after my excellent argument, my mom still says "NO" and said even if I loved it and played with it she would still have to feed it and clean up after it so no means NO.

HUMANS STINK!

Just a regular Sunday...

2008-02-10T15:17:00.001-05:00

So my human was a little slow today. Her barkday was this week and all the humans kept her busy, she was even out last night at a hockey game and didn't take me. (Being out late is not a good look for Mom - or maybe it was the beer?) SO after some major cuddling this morning I convinced her to go to the dog park and maybe up to Winter Island so I could play by the ocean.
Of course in order for me to have some time for fun, I have to sit for all these stupid pictures!
Isn't my ocean pretty?
The only thing that makes the photo shoot bearable is the COOKIES in Mom's pocket!
It was a nice time at the beach, but like all good things, you have to go home. Mom says we are going to bake some cookies for Valentine's Day - could those be DOGGIE COOKIES?

Have a great week everyone!!

Wordless Windy Winter Wednesday

2008-02-06T07:53:00.001-05:00

Super Tuesday

2008-02-05T08:23:00.001-05:00

Dory has let me hijack the blog today and of course I am on my soapbox because today is very important. Today in Massachusetts and in many other states around the country - it is primary day. On my way to work this morning I stopped by the Senior Center and voted.

I saw an interview on TV a while back with a World War II veteran who said, "I fought for America, I fought for freedom and I fought so future generations can have the right to vote."

So be you Democrat, Independant or Republican - if you are in a "SUPER TUESDAY" state, please enjoy your freedom, honor our veterans, remember our founding fathers and take the time to vote.

Time to say so long...

2008-02-04T08:21:00.000-05:00

Well our beloved Patriots didn't win, but it was a heck of a season and a heart stopping game. My human says we should be good sports so we would like to say CONGRATULATIONS to all our friends who are Giants fans.

Secondly as we head back to our homes I would live to give a huge hug and thank you to Gussie, Joey, Tanner, Teka, Asta, Ruby and all the other "PAWTY goers" who made this a great weekend no matter what the outcome! We loved being included in the Superbowl Pawty and have some great memories to take back to Boston.

After all good friends, fun times and wonderful memories are worth more than any old trophy. Thanks guys...

Superbowl HOOPLAAAA!!!

2008-02-03T11:19:00.000-05:00

Reporting from Superbowl 42 in fabulous Arizona:

WOW - Gussie and Joe REALLY know how to host a PAWTY!! Here I am relaxing at the SPA - let me tell you pawdicures alone were worth the flight out! Some of the gang indulged in mud baths, but I myself chose a sea salt bath and massage! The sea water doesn't feel that nice back home - I wonder what the secret is?
Gussie and Muzzer planned a special day at the Grand Canyon for us - I love New England but have to say the desert is just beautiful. I also took a special side trip over to Window Rock Arizona where my mom spent some time a couple of years ago. It was stunning.

Then who can forget our oh so romantic "Sentimental Journey". I was going to ask Mac to come out and join me, but living with Gramma in New York, he has become a NY Giants fan and under the circumstances I just can't fraternize with him right now.

The whole gang had a love time, learned many new dances and danced their paws off!! Aren't Flash and I cute!
Oh and did I mention the Guacamole dip! Mucho Gracias to Albert - it gives new meaning to the word YUMMOOOOO!
Whew - I'm gonna need a power nap so I can get my game face on for tonight! GOOOOOOO PATRIOTS!!!!!!

Reporting from beautiful Arizona, this has been Dory the EXHAUSTED LabraDory!

For more news from the Superbowl PAWTY check out Gussies's blog, Joe's blog, Asta's blog and Ruby too! (Oh I hope I haven't forgot anyone, my body and brains are tired!) - So check them all out...(Yes Gramma, that means YOU!)

I'm a leavin' on a jet plane...

2008-01-31T20:53:00.001-05:00

ATTENTION READERS: I woke up this morning and Dory was nowhere to be found. All she left was this post and some pictures. I believe she is aboard Aire Ruby Flight 2008 headed for Arizona and the Super Bowl. On behalf of Dory I apologize to John Denver and Peter, Paul and Mary for Dory's (ahem) "adaptation" of a great song. Here is Dory's post...

Oh my bag is packed
I’m ready to go!
I’m standing here by the back door
I want to go, no time to say good bye
Hey the sun is up
It’s already today
The T is coming
I hear it rumbling
I’m already set to go
Ready to fly…..So hand me my ticket and wave good bye
Tell me you’ll look for me on TV
Cause I’m leavin’ on Aire Ruby
Logan Airport leavin’ at 6:30
Oh mom I’m so happy to gooooo

There’s so much to do and places to go
So many doggies to see and players to watch
I tell you now I promise to write
Every place I go I’ll look for Vrabel
Every song I sing, I’ll sing for Bruschi
When I come back, Moss will have a Super Bowl Ring!
So barbecue the ribs and wings for me
Tell me there’s a sky box at the game for me
Hold my place in line to kiss Tom Brady
Cause I’m a leavin’ on Aire Ruby
Don’t worry I’ll be right back again

Oh Mom I can’t wait to goooooo
Now the time has come
I’m on the plane
One more time
Hear me exclaim
OH PATS - I LOVE YOU SOOOOO

Feeling Lucky

2008-01-30T08:59:00.000-05:00

Okay, my mom likes doing the "Wordless Wednesday" to show off some of her photos, but this week I am taking over Wednesday and calling it a "Wednesday with fewer words!".

First of all we are sending out many thanks to our friends who recently voted for us over at the Dogs With Blogs site - my human and I are delighted that we are co-winners of the DWB Awesome Blog Award with our gal pal Amber!

So, logically speaking if a rescued Labrador of simple means from a small southern town can move to Boston, get her own blog and win this wonderful honor.....

Can't a gangly, football loving, simple kid from California, move to Boston, become a football god and win the Super Bowl four times?

I say YES!! We are feeling lucky and can hardly wait until KICK OFF!! GO PATS!!!

SNOOOOWWW!

2008-01-27T15:44:00.000-05:00

I think my new pink collar with snowflakes is good luck, because today it SNOWED! The snow was pretty tasty! And I had a lot of fun walking around in it....
But I had even more fun RUNNING in the snow!!
WOOO HOOOO!
I can run really fast, as fast as snowflakes fly!

I can gallop like the north wind blows!
I hate to go in, but Mom's nose is running and she says her feet are cold. Good bye snow - see ya later!

It's all about TOM!

2008-01-20T08:27:00.000-05:00

Okay, it used to be all about DORY, NOW it's all about the Patriots and TOM BRADY!!! For those of you who may not know, our beloved Patriots will be beating the pants off the San Diego Chargers today so we can play another team yet to be determined and WIN the Super Bowl! Everyone in out family, Mom, Gramma, Zach, Mac, Mollie Uncle Harvey and I are all huge Patriots fans, so are Agatha and Archie, Lorenza and our new friend Mango, but friends I am here to tell you my human has lost her mind over this guy - TOM! (Liza: Dory, I have not lost my mind, but he is a great football player, unmarried and very dreamy looking. Dory: Mom you don't have a chance, he is dating a supermodel, so wipe that starry eyed look off your face!)

Anyhow, in preparation for the big day we got some chips, dip, cheese and crackers.
We also got wings and of course Sam Adams beer. Mind you I get NONE of these goodies. (Liza: Dory that is not true, you regularly steal something off the table on every game day.)
Ahem, yes, well as I was saying we are huge fans, but the most embarassing aspect of my day is when my human puts me in a University of Michigan jersey and dog collar. Now I know you may be asking yourself dear readers, "Dory why Michigan gear?"
Well according to my mom, we are University of Michigan people and since "Tommy" went to the University of Michigan we are supporting his football genius by wearing our Michigan stuff, drinking out of Michigan mugs and singing some stupid song called "Hail to the Victors" everytime the Pats score. I personally think she nuts! (Liza: DORY!) Okay, maybe she is just too cheap to buy Patriots gear - I have no idea. (Liza: Okay Dory, I was going to buy you a Pats collar, but it was over priced and half the quality of the collars I get you from Kathleen at Snazzy Petz - deal with it! Besides, wearing our Michigan gear just shows what dedicated and thoughtful Brady fans we are.)
Alrighty then, enough of all this chatter, I have to settle in and watch 8 hours of pre-game shows!!

GO PATRIOTS!!!!!

Make It Count!

2008-01-19T10:08:00.000-05:00

It's time to go vote!!!!! Our dearest four footed blog friends, The Brat Pack and Maryann, nominated me for the Awesome Blog Award!!
Can you believe how nice they are - I know it is hard to tell but this honor has made me BLUSH!!
So, your first task it to check out all the lucky critters to be nominated - they are all SUPER BLOGGERS! Amber Mae - a beautiful golden retriever, Charlie the Coyote - with awesome photos and BLU and Comet -the cutest Spitz dogs we know - they are all PAWESOME!

So MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNT! Head on over to Dogs With Blogs and vote for your favorite!!!

Wordless Winter Wednesday

2008-01-16T16:40:00.001-05:00

My mom went to....

2008-01-13T09:51:00.000-05:00

My mom went to the Boat Show in Boston yesterday....

AND ALL I GOT WAS A LOUSY HAT!!!!!

No she isn't choking me, I got over excited and leapt on the couch during the photo session( we used the time on the point and shoot to get the photo).

Here is my hat and Mom isn't crazy - she is modeling her new rain coat.

Mom said pups weren't allowed at the boat show, even though I am a water dog! I shouldn't be too mad though...
Mom bought a new rain coat and she got a free hat to go with it. The special part is that the coat and the hat are from The Black Dog on Martha's Vineyard Island.

Can you belive they have a whole store, cafe and bakery named just for me??

I hope mom is getting royalties, because obviously they used me as inspiration for their logo. How many moms do you know that wear a portait of you on their rain coat????

I'm still miffed that I didn't get to go see all the big boats, but how can I hold a grudge when the one thing Mom buys at the boat show has my name written all over it!

Oh and we are so thrilled that our beloved Patriots and the oh so hunky Tom Brady will be moving on to the next playoff round! GO PATS!! We hope everyone has a PAWTASTIC week!

So honored.....

2008-01-11T08:28:00.000-05:00

Oh my stars!!! My friends have been so wonderful to honour me with two awards and I am absolutely speechless!!

First off the handsome Marvin Braveheart (I would be Sophie Marceau to his Mel Gibson any day - with or without the kilt!!)

Marvin and the ever so FAB Jeannie gave us the Bloggers of the World Award - we are so humbled by this - truly!!
Then, my "Sorta Sis" Kaos and her mom Hilary were so very thoughtful too.... and gave us this Best Friends Award! How can we ever thank you!!!
I know it is hard to tell, but I am blushing!! You both have honoured me, but the biggest honour of all is that I call all of you my friend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Have a happy weekend one and all and GO PATS!!!!

Wordless Wednesday

2008-01-09T08:40:00.001-05:00

(okay not quite wordless, we are Patriots fans! Go PATS!!!)

I'm a big girl....

2008-01-07T18:48:00.000-05:00

Today when my human got home she told me what a good girl I was. Now normally she always says I'm a good girl and gives me lots of love once she gets her coat off, but today was special.

This Christmas Mom folded up my metal crate to make space for the Christmas tree. This was the first time since I was adopted that I didn't have to go in my crate when Mom was at work - instead I got to stay in the bedroom which was nice, and I was a good girl all day for the whole month of December.

TODAY Mom said I could be loose in the house, not just the bedroom but the whole house! She put the garbage can on the table and made sure I had fun toys, bones and my kong was full - but then she went off to work saying "Be a good girl Dory and watch the house!" Well I was a good girl and I did watch the house and my human was very happy. She said the crate could stay folded up and put away unless we really need it. I am happy because my Mom trusts me to watch the house and Mom is happy because she used to call my crate an eye sore.

As part of my "big girl" celebration my had ordered a new collar for me from Kathleen over at SnazzyPetz!
It is a pretty pink collar, with adorable white snowflakes all over it. Kathleen and Wally Cat make the bestest collars!
Mom measures it next to my Christmas collar to make sure it is the right size. Kathleen made my plaid collar too!
Then my mom puts my tags on!
Mom says sorry for the not so good photos, her big fancy camera needs it's battery charged so she was using her small camera.
The photos don't really do my collar justice - it is EXTREMELY pretty on and very girly too!!!!! So even though it was a "Monday, no fun day" as Mom calls it - it turns out I really did have fun today and I love being a big girl who can behave when I am home alone.

Have a happy week everyone!!!!

At first I thought....

2008-01-06T12:21:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone, this is Liza and I will be doing today's post. Life with Dory is never dull and the other night was a perfect example of that.

Since the holidays are pretty much officially over, the tree ornaments all packed away and the poor tree itself resting unceremoniously at the curb; life has gotten somewhat back to normal. Of course normal means my job gets busy too and on Thursday night I had to go out an do a presentation to a group of parents and school committee members. I don't have to often work at night, but when I do I always feel bad for Dory.

So I came home, spent a couple hours with her, gave her a nice dinner and told her I'd be back as soon as I could. She knew something was up because I rarely stay in my work clothes once I'm home. Anyhow I went and what was supposed to be about a two hour thing, turned into a 3+ hour thing and I got home late. So I took Dor out for a brief potty break and went to bed falling into a deep sleep.

At first I thought I must be dreaming, because I felt like someone was staring at me. The I realized there was Dory sitting up on the bed next to my shoulder looking down at me. I turned on my back and then Dory with a huge sigh put her head down on my shoulder. From my perspective it was so strange - like being smothered by a big black fur coat.

Now normally Dory sleeps in/on her own arm chair in my bedroom. She can come on the bed, and has every so often, but with my artificial knee and my typical tossing and turning as a result of knee pain, Dory is usually more happy on her chair.

I'm no dog whisperer, but I guess she was trying to tell me in her own furry way she missed me and doesn't like it when I go out at night and break our routine. Dory stayed there on my bed, with her head on my shoulder, at least until I was back to sleep, in the morning she was back in her own chair.

I have friends who every so often will end a story with, "oh you'll understand about guilt when you have a child" - I may not have a human child, but my partner in crime Dory can certainly make me feel guilty when I can't always be there. That and scare the heck out of me in the middle of the night.

Potpourri

2008-01-02T12:02:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year everyone - Liza here posting today! Thanks so much for all your super nice comments on our video. If we had known it would make so many people teary we would have bought some Kleenex and mailed them out before we posted!
I must confess today’s post is sort of like the Jeopardy! category "Potpourri", just a good old hodge podge of items.

I realized only AFTER the fact why we used the Sarah McLachlan song ANGEL for our New Years Wish video – I must have had it on my mind because she has been doing public service announcements on TV lately and that song is playing in the background. You can check out the video and more information by clicking HERE. If you are looking for a group to donate to or volunteer with this year the ASPCA, Guiding Eyes and Labs4Rescue are our personal favorite groups.

As you guys may have remembered we said we would have a LabraDory drawing to send out a special New Year’s surprise to some lucky pups who participated in the DWB Christmas Card Exchange. On Monday a friend mine drew the names of six DWB friends and we will be mailing out something special to each! We don’t want to spoil the surprise so we won’t tell who got drawn just yet.

Dory and I have made some resolutions for 2008 and we thought we would share them with you: I, Dory the Lab, resolve to:

- To counter surf less.
- To get more exercise.
- To be kinder to squirrels and cats.
- To stay more focused at CGC dog class.

I, Liza the human, resolve to:

- To be more patience when Dory has a hard time at dog class.
- To get more exercise with Dory.
- To post to both our blogs more often.
- To get more pictures of Dory and I together for our blog and online album.

So we hope every one has rested up after all the big festivities and let’s all have a great 2008!!!

Our wish for you in 2008...

2007-12-30T19:13:00.000-05:00

Dory: Okay Mom, tell the folks a little bit about our video here.

Liza: Oh you mean I should tell them how I couldn't get you to cooperate without treats?

Dory: Errr, ummm, no just tell them why we put this together.

Liza: Oh and maybe I should tell them how you let me show up on this video with my hair sticking out like a big old wing coming off my head?

Dory: Nooo, I guess I'll tell the folks about our video.

As many know we are members of "Dogs with Blogs" and recently on the chat board - The Bone Zone, people were talking about seeing what the humans behind all the dog blogging look like. We we made a resolution for 2008 to incorporate more photos of me AND MOM! (Liza: I hate my picture being taken, but I'll do anything for Dory - including humoring her in this endeavor.)

So - here is our New Year's wishes - going out to family and friends, two footed and four footed! HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!

Dory's Family Christmas!

2007-12-28T07:57:00.000-05:00

Okay, Mom and I miss posting everyday so we cut our posting break short to bring you my Christmas experience in pictures. Besides, even Gramma said it was weird not to read a daily post from us - so what are two urban girls to do, we can't disappoint our readers (even if they are a relative)! As you recall, we hung the stockings by the chimney with care....
Gramma and Uncle Harvey had an awesome tree and just look at what Santa Paws left!
Here I am waiting for Santa Paws on Christmas Eve!! Oh when, oh when will he get here!
Gramma is giving me ear scrunches - I love Gramma!
Mac and I are talking to Mom and waiting patiently to go open our presents from Santa Paws.

So can we open the packages now?? Me and Mac are ready!
Okay, here is me, Mac and Mollie - let's get this party started!!!
Hmmm, my cookies were very tasty - do you think Mac would miss his???
Here is Mac - upon close inspection you will notice the green tissue paper hanging from his mouth after opening his gifts - what a goof!
And here is Mac with his favorite toy and thank heavens it's a Tuffie toy because he really gave it the once over. We aren't really sure what kind of a life Mac or I had BEFORE, but we are BOTH truly grateful for the lives we have now. We have a family in our lives that love us no matter what, and what more than that can doggies in this life ask for!

The 25 Posts of Christmas

2007-12-25T17:31:00.001-05:00

Twas the Night Before Christmas...

2007-12-24T07:22:00.000-05:00

Here are Dory and Mac's new stockings I sewed for them this year...
As you can see the mantel it too high and wide to hang from - but we make sure that our stockings are close by.

Today's post is a parody of Clement Clarke Moore's "The Night Before Christmas" - This is dedicated to all our friends, family members, Dogs With Blogs Community, Labs4Rescue group and every friend of animals near and far have a very happy holiday and a joyous New Year.

With love and best wishes, Dory, Liza and Santa Paws!

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the town,

Not a puppy was barking, not even Mac our clown;

The doggie stockings were hung from the mantle with care,

In hopes that Santa Paws soon would be there;

The puppies were snuggled all warm in their beds,

With visions of rawhide treats dancing in their heads;

And Gramma in her nightie and I in my wrap,

We had all settled in for a long winter's nap.

When out on the front yard there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a bird,

To opened the window to see what I had heard.

The moon on the edges of the new-fallen snow

Gave the luster and shine of mid-day to objects below.

When, I spied something to out there – I was agog,

A sleigh, and eight furry bloggers all of them some kind of dog.

With a little old driver, so lively and attentive to dog claws,

I knew in a moment it must be Santa Paws.

More rapid than eagles his doggies they came,

And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;

"Now, Peanut! now, Sparky! now, Lenny and Sophie!

On, Mitch! on Lorenza! on, Tanner, and Gussie!

To the top of the porch! to the top of the house!

Now dash away! dash away! And be as quiet as a mouse!"

So up to the house-top the dog bloggers they flew,

With the sleigh full of chew toys, and Santa Paws too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof

Some jingling and pawing and a definite doggie woof.

As I drew in my head, and was turning around,

Down the chimney Santa Paws came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,

It was PETA approve fake fur covered in soot;

A bundle of toys and bully sticks he had stuffed in his sack,

And he looked PetsMart salesman just opening his pack.

His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,

And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;

He had a broad face and a little round belly,

That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,

And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,

Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,

And filled all the puppy stockings; then turned with a jerk,

And laying his finger aside of his nose,

And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;

He sprang to his sleigh, to his doggies gave a whistle,

And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But I heard him exclaim, as he drove out of sight,

"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night."

I Spy.....

2007-12-23T07:58:00.000-05:00

I spied turkeys and lambchops - but I didn't get either one!! I love Gramma's because she lives out in the country and I can play in the snow and see all kinds of things. Here I am spying things while I am on the porch... Mac came to join me while I was spyng things - we actually saw wild turkeys walking around!
By the time Mac, me, Mollie and Zach had alerted Mom to get her camera, they were getting a little too far away. If you look close you can see three of the turkeys in the woods! (Maybe next year Santa Paws could get a zoom lens for my mom's new camera? Only 267 shopping days unitl next Christmas - hee, hee!)

Then at supper time Uncle Harvey got out some great smelling LAMB CHOPS! He actually wen t out in the cold to grill up those lamb chops.
Here I am assisting Uncle Harvey and telling him how I like my lamb chops done!
Here are the fantabulous lamb chops and did I get one - NO I DID NOT! This is so unfair!
So no lamb chops for Dory and no turkeys either - is this what Elvis meant by a Blue Christmas?
So in the spirit of Christmas I will leave you with this picture of Gramma's Christmas tree! Only one more posting day until Christmas Day!!

Love, Dory

Oh Dear...

2007-12-22T08:02:00.000-05:00

It appears my mom is baking again - as you can see I am helping! Friends were coming to Gramma's house for some early Christmas celebrating and Mom made apple pie...

And Gramma made the bestest tasting stuff of all - LASAGNA! YUMMOOOO!

Oh and Mom made Chocolate Molten Lava Cakes too. (I'm not sure what molten means, maybe it's another word for tasty?)
Here is what Gramma's house looked like before the feasting - it was very Christmasy!
Mom said that was the last of the baking, personally I think she is just trying to cook something in every state of the union!!

I am loving visiting with my doggie cousins Zachary, Mollie and Mac - my human promised to take more pictures of us over the next few days!

Oh and Mom says all the recipes will be on HER blog, From the Card Box in the next day or so.

Ho ho ho.... Love, Dory

A narrow escape!

2007-12-21T08:33:00.000-05:00

WOW! Boston was supposed to get 1-2 inches of snow yesterday and got 7+ depending on where you on are the greater Boston area.

THANK DOG mom and I hightailed it out of town just in the nick of time. The first hour of our drive was a little messy and slow going, but once you made it past Worcester it was smooth driving.

Even the news guy in the talking box at Gramma's house was talking about Boston's big snow! This December alone we have gotten 27 inches of the white stuff!
We are here safe and sound at Gramma's and looking forward a peaceful weekend. I just hope that Santa Paws remembers that I am here instead of my house. (And of course I am praying no one mentioned the garbage incident to him too!)

Mom is slow on getting up today, so she hasn't unpacked her cameras yet but she promises lots of doggie pictures of me, Mac, Mollie and Zachary! Stay warm everydoggie!

On the road again...

2007-12-20T08:47:00.000-05:00

Today we are leaving for Gramma's house around noonish, so in her honor we are posting our favorite verison of "Over the River, To Grandmother's House".

Over the Charles River and thru the tollbooth,

To Gramma’s house we go;

My Mom knows the way

To drive the Cherokee,

On the highway and traffic, oh!

Over the Connecticut River and thru the tollbooth,

Oh, how the traffic does bog down!I

t makes Mom grumpy,

And makes us late,

As over the state line we gooooo!

Over the Hudson River and thru the tollbooth,

To have a first-rate Christmas;

Oh, can almost see the house,

As we exit the highway!

Hurrah for Christmas vacation!

Over the Mohawk River and thru the woods,

Go-fast Mom go fast I say!

Drive up the driveway

And get me outta this car right away!

For it’s almost Christmas Day!

Wordless Wednesday

2007-12-19T09:40:00.001-05:00

Liza's Class/Course Catalog

2007-12-18T09:05:00.000-05:00

Jen over at The Dogs of Jackman Avenue tagged me to play along and "Devise a list of 5-10 courses you would take to fix your life. It’s more fun to be in classes with friends, so include one class from the person who tagged you that you’d also like to take".

Dory has graciously let me do the blogging solo today so here are my classes:

Don’t Try to Chop Mint in the Coffee Grinder and other Life Lessons 101 – Yes, what often seems like a natural substitute for something else often goes askew. The coffee grinder/food processor both has blades that go around why wouldn’t it chop fresh mint for a dog cookie recipe? Minty coffee anyone?

Grace and Rhythm for the Challenged – This is a pre-requisite class for How Not To Spill Stuff on Yourself. I am a klutz and if there was only a course to help me make it through the simple act of walking across a room, across the street, etc. You get the picture.

How Not To Spill Stuff on Yourself (also listed in the course catalog as White Blouse Rules) – I’m with Jen on this one big meeting, nice outfit all set to go and BLAM coffee, jam, black dog fur, paw prints or some other stain related disaster.

Technology Juggling for Idiots – I love my tech toys, but usually forget to charge them. The phone, my palm pilot, the MP3 player are all fun but only if I remember to stick them in the charger, or even if I remember to plug in the charger!

How Not to Raise Your Hand – I love to volunteer but often get over extended and as a result tired then crabby because I tired. This class will work on how not to be the eager beaver, over scheduled hand raiser!

Thanks Jen - this was fun! But then again my mom swears I am a professional student!

Got Caught Being NAUGHTY!

2007-12-17T07:40:00.000-05:00

When Mom went out to shovel out her car during the storm, I was very naughty - I didn't mean to be, but I was.

(To the tune "We love you Conrad from Bye Bye Birdie)

I was naughty, oh yes I was

My name is Dory and I was bad

When mom was out shoveling snow

I DID IT

Oh I DID!

Or if you prefer the MUSICMAN:

Oh we got trouble, right here in Beantown City.

Trouble with a captial "T"

That rhymes with "G"

And that stands for GARBAGE!

That stands for Garbage.

We've surely got trouble!

Right here in Beantown City, Right here!

Gotta figger out a way

To keep the furry ones outta the trash after school!

Trouble, trouble, trouble, trouble, trouble...

Mothers of furry ones! Heed the warning before it's too late!

Okay, so my human really likes show tunes - apparently the farm didn't have cableTV when she was growing up, but there was a record player and soundtrack albums aplenty.

Anyhow - I am sorry and I promiss never, never, never to get into the trash again. SANTA PAWS, please know that I am very sorry and I promise to be good so please don't forget to come to my house or bring me COAL!

Love, Dory

NOREASTER

2007-12-16T08:31:00.000-05:00

Yikes!

We went out this morning and WHOA - I nearly got blown off my PAWS! The wind outside is fierce!

Mom says I need to be brief because she has to get the snow off the car before the sleet that is now falling gets worse.

I hope my favorite football team the PAWTRIOTS have gloves - it looks to be a snow bowl type day for the game this afternoon!

We will give you an update tomorrow - I hope all my doggie pals stay warm, dry and safe. GO PATS.

Love, Dory

Cupcakes and Frostypaws and Presents - OH MY!

2007-12-15T07:16:00.001-05:00

When Mom came how we did fun stuff on my barkday, we checked out our birthday ecards from Ruby and Gramma, we read our Christmas card from Sparky and Patches, then we frosted some of the doggie cookies we made with yogurt and carob chips. They were very tasty and we are packing them up for our local dog pals!
Then Mom gave me my barkday cup cake - check out the special dog bone sprinkles - and a homemade frosty paw too. Yum, yum cake and ice cream on my barkday!
TASTY! Then finally I got to open my barkday gift from the Brat Pack.

I love sticking my head in the boxes that come - even if they aren't for me - I give then all a good snuffle!
Woo hoo - toys and a card!
I love these - they are SUPER DUPER - thanks to Dot and Samantha and Tucker and Bear and Thrawn.
I love my card too.
The musical cake was my favorite. Oh and here is video - it is a little dark and mom says she is sorry she tried her best.

Thanks for all the shout outs, cards, presents and best wishes - this was the bestest BARKDAY ever!

Love, Dory

(Special editor's note: Dear Thrawn passed away on Thursday - if everyone could go over and give Maryann and the rest of the gang some comfort and cheer it would be so appreciated - Thanks , Liza)

TODAY IS MY BARK DAY!

2007-12-14T08:05:00.000-05:00

We had SNOW, so Mom says we have to get right to the point! (For some reason she says we have to shovel snow - I think we should just stay in!) Mom made up lyrics to the Beatles "Today is my Barkday" - JUST FOR ME:

They say it’s my BARKDAY
I’m gonna have a good day – YEAH!
It snowed lots last night
And I’m gonna go play in it!
I’m glad it’s my bark day!
Happy BARKDAY TO ME!

Yes I’m having a Barkday party!
Yes I’m having a Barkday party!
Yes I’m having a Barkday party!

I would like to play – BARKDAY
Have some ca-ca-ca-cake – BARK DAY
I would like to dance – BARKDAY
PLAY!

They say it’s my BARKDAY
I’m gonna have a good day – YEAH!
It snowed lots last night
And I’m gonna go play in it!
I’m glad it’s my bark day!
Happy BARKDAY TO ME!

Okay - if you are not familiar with the song - here is the original from YOUTUBE:

I am so looking forward to opening my presents and eating CAKE and all the special things my human does for my BARKDAY!! I hope everyone has a great weekend andbe sure to check back as the POSTAPALOOZA to Christmas keeps on rolling.

Love, Dory - who is now proudly FIVE YEARS YOUNG today!

Cookies - The Neverending Madness

2007-12-13T08:17:00.001-05:00

If you are getting tired of hearing about my Mom's baking - JUST THINK HOW I FEEL!!

Last night was shortbread cookies. Just click here for the recipe!

Mom says they are the easiest and tastiest to make.

And this weekend we are going to dip them in chocolate and add pecans and toffee chips! Martha Stewart... er, I mean my MOM says they are good this way and excellent with coffee. Frankly, I think she needs to start drinking less coffee!
Then she moved on to Minty Mutt cookies and yes you can get the recipe!
They smelled great even before they were cookies.
Then Mom used our doggie themed and Christmas cookie cutters to make them cute.
My mouth is watering....
I finally got to taste a cookie and let me tell you one thing - YUMMMOOOO!
Then Mom made Easy Cheesy Doggie Cookies and you know the drill - click here!
They were so good I actually had to lay down!
Finally Mom went back to baking human cookies - these are her "oh so lemony" cookies.
I think they actually have another name, oh and yes the recipe is here! So now you have visual confirmation that my human, though talent is INSANE!

Mom swears we are all done baking and the only task left is to decorate the shortbread and doggie cookies - I just hope in her altered state she doesn't confuse the two and put chocolate on my doggie cookies and carob and yogurt on the shortbread!!

HELP!

2007-12-12T08:04:00.001-05:00

2007-12-11T07:51:00.000-05:00

Hi!

My friend Lenny asked me how old I will be on my Bark Day this Friday and I will be five years old. Humans go to Kindergarten (human school) when they are five; at least that is what my Mom said. For a dog five is more like being 35 years old in human terms, so I am just hitting my prime!

My friends (even though they were supporting the dreaded Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday) Maggie and Mitch tagged me the other day and said I had to list seven things that annoy me. In an effort to be nicer to my human (and hopefully have her make me more cookies) I am letting her list her seven annoyances too. I’m kind of worried because she said they were PET PEEVES – I don’t know what that means but I hope it’s not contagious.

DORY:

I hate when Mom says in a loud voice, “Dory I have my eye on you.”! She says this even when she is in another room and I know she can’t see me. You don’t think she has surveillance cameras in the house do you??? YIKES!

I hate HEALTH CARE, this includes the weekly nail clipping, teeth brushing, ear washing that goes on every Sunday at our house – YECK!

I don’t like the Vet Office, they are all sweet and pet you then BLAM – some sort of HEALTH CARE related activity happens. They are sneaky and I don’t care if you give me a cookie when I get ready to leave. SO THERE.

I hate it when I am enjoying my “Girls Only Friday” at the dog park and Mom says it is time to go home. I want to play Mom, it is my one job and I do it well, so don’t make me go home so soon.

No offense to my human, but I really can’t stand it when she sings in the car. Long trips are endless due to her tone deaf, non-stop singing. Just shut up and drive!

I don’t like it when my human goes somewhere in my Jeep with out me (Kaos, my sort sister and I are unanimous about this one)! People shouldn’t go anywhere in the Jeep without their four-footed pal along.

I get annoyed when the Pizza Guy comes and my human won’t let me near the door to personally thank him! For heavens sake let me at least give the guy a doggie kiss – after all he is bringing manna from heaven right to our door.

LIZA:

I get annoyed when Dory conveniently forgets her name after I have called her.

I get annoyed when Boston drivers blare the horn when I am driving safely.

I dislike waiting in line to check out in the mall – this is why we have the Internet and can shop on-line.

I get annoyed when people assume large black dogs are mean and aggressive. Don’t judge a beautiful, trained and loving dog by the color of its fur!!

I hate it when adults discipline their children inappropriately in public. As an educator, it is just so frustrating.

I get annoyed when Dory counter surfs. I have tried everything to curb this, and some days I just simple forget and Dory gets whatever I left behind on the counter.

Football announcers really annoy me. They shouldn’t be pro-one team and anti-another team. It makes watching a game very irritating, all they should be doing is announcing the game and giving fair and accurate information on both teams. This team bashing behavior is just so wrong and not good role modeling for children.

So we are tagging, Charlie the Golden, Peanut, Sparky and Lizzy, the Brat Pack and Lenny!

(OOPS - Lizzy and Sparky, please forgive my human she is losing her mind, we realized after the fact that we had read your annoyance post a few days ago - SORRY! Just ignore the tagging!)

Cookies (and an apology)

2007-12-10T10:04:00.000-05:00

Hi, Dory here on DAY 10 of the POSTAPALOOZA, and I have to apologize to my human. I called her a party pooper, which wasn't a good choice and not very nice. Mom says I am a good girl but not very patient, and patience is important. So, I am sorry Mom.

As you can see on Sunday we started our Christmas Cookie baking marathon. Today's ccokies were Italian Christmas Cookies (click here and get the recipe).
Mom is not Italian, but she makes a great cookie. These are almond flavor, dense and tasty - great for having with coffee. (Okay, my human made me say that last part - I find them good all on their own.)
They have a drizzle of icing and little red, white and green sprinkles - these are not only seasonal but the same colors as the Italian flag!
They are very pretty. And Mom says to get cookies all the same size, first scoop out the dough in a melon ball scoop befor your roll it and shape the "S".
The best part about Sunday (aside from the Patriots thrashing the Steelers) was that Mom made a special cookie just for me!!
"D" is for Dory!!
It looks really good!
But now for the taste test!!
I have one word... YUMMMOOOOOOO!!!! So you see, how can I stay mad at a human who makes me my very own cookie. Have a great day everyone.

Mom is a PARTY POOP!

2007-12-09T09:53:00.000-05:00

It was very exciting yesterday!! The mail man not only brought excellent Christmas Cards from Putter and Asta, he brought a box too!!

It is a box with my name on it from Maryann and the Brat Pack!!! It also says I don't have to wait for Christmas!

It says it's for my BARKDAY - Oh my stars my friends Dot, Tucker, Samantha, Bear and Thrawn REMEMBERED my BARKDAY!

Okay mom let's get this package open here!!!!

So then my HUMAN says "Dory your birthday is this Friday you have to wait - no argument!"

MY MOM IS A PARTY POOPER!

Cards - A Poem

2007-12-08T07:52:00.000-05:00

Cards: A Poem by Dory Blue Young

Cards and emails by the score,
Each day I excitely look for more!

Comet, BLU, Beagledom, Cairo and Frankie V.,
Ezzy and Jag, Roy and Gwen have sent holiday cards just for me!

Randi, Sparky, Pearly, Sitka, Tia, Willie, Waylon and Simba too,
Katie, Zorra and Sam, oh so many cards I don't know what to do!

Cards from Canada, the US, Australia and all over the place,
Oh my stars Mom, we are gonna need a bigger space!
DWB Doggies of all shapes, sizes breeds and colors,
They all sent cards do you think the post man will bring others?

The cards all so pretty, funny and bright,
Wishing Merry Christmas, each one I think is just about right!
Dogs with Blogs doggies have made the holidays so much fun,
Let's all give CHEERS to Brooke, Opy, Greg and Charlie - to us they are #1!!

The Labradory Awards...

2007-12-07T08:30:00.000-05:00

Hi there - Dory here...

Mom and I decided while we were making our Christmas cards this year that we would send a Labradory Award and special gift out to the pup that sent the first card we received. This is the first award of it's kind and it was really fun putting it together.

Well Lenny and his family’s card arrived first all by itself so we sent a ball pull toy and certificate out to Lenny in honor of his being the first card received.
Well this was so much fun we wanted to do a second award. At first we thought maybe an award for our favorite card – but honestly they all are so PAWSOME that we would never be able to pick just one.

So we decided to put all the names of dogs who sent us snail mail cards in a hat and draw a winner. That was a good solution, but it left out our cyber buddies who sent e-cards, soooo.....
We will have two drawings one for snail mail and one for email – the drawing will be done on New Year’s Eve and each pup will be receiving a Labradory special prize and certificate to start off 2008 with.

So please check back and we will announce our prize winners.

Oh and by the way - Dory: a Billion Christmas cards received and no catalogs, Mom a billion catalogs and NO Christmas cards received - PRICELESS!!!!!!

Have a great weekend - the POSTAPALOOZA just keeps on going...

CALENDAR!!!!

2007-12-06T07:58:00.000-05:00

The calendar is here, the calendar is here
Oh my stars the calendar is here!

With all my friends from DWB
Each month I can hardly wait to seeeee!

The Dogs with Blogs 2008 Calendar arrived yesterday! Oh my DOG - Marvin is "Mr. January", I love MARVIN!!!! Look at all my other friends too!

Oh my - I am so overwhelmed! There I am right next to my BFF gal pal Lorenza in June. Oh and there is Fei and Jackson! Woo Hoo!!!

I am so honored to be part of the group and part of the calendar too!!!!!!!!!!

So if you are looking for a great, high quality, good looking calendar; NOT TO MENTION the profits go to doggie rescue - Run don't walk over to:

http://www.cafepress.com/dogswithblogs.191535066

and pick up a DWB Calendar NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Peanut, Peanut Brittle

2007-12-05T08:55:00.000-05:00

Day 5 of Postapalooza to Christmas!!

My human and I made Peanut Brittle last night. Apparently each Christmas humans enjoy this treat and my Mom makes it from scratch the old fashioned way. First you have to get raw, blanched peanuts!
The you find a marble slab, clear off your knick knacks and make it all slippery with butter!
You then enlist your trusty helper - Dory the Lab - to assist in all things cooking related.
You take corn syrup, sugar and water and boil it until it gets very, VERY HOT!

Then you make sure all the tools and pullers have butter all over them...
As you can see my assistance in reading the recipe is a key factor to success in this process!
I also tried to do some quality control, but my mom said, "NO LICKING!", she is totally no fun.
Then you mix the peanuts with the sugary stuff and boil some more until it gets SUPER HOT!!!

Then once the whole thing get tremendously hot and brown you pour it out on the marble...
And use tongs and stuff to pull it all out to the edges.
When it cools it really is "BRITTLE" and the human breaks it into small pieces.
Then later on it gets put into containers so people can get the peanut brittle as gifts.
It was a lot of work, but with my able assistance Mom was able to complete the task. If you would like the recipe click here, FROM THE CARD BOX and check out my humans recipe blog under "candy".

Whew - only 20 more posts until CHRISTMAS!!!

Sparky Sent Snow!!

2007-12-04T10:37:00.000-05:00

Hello! yesterday three things happened. My mom lost her mind, we got a Christmas card from our friends Sparky and Lizzy and we had our first snowfall in Boston.

Since I already told you about my crazy human last night, I would like to focus on the last two items for my post today!!!

Sparky is a very cool little guy who lives all the way up in British Columbia, Canada - that is way far away from Boston. According to my research on the internet - they get lots of snow there too!

Well I don't know how Sparky did it - but not only did Sparky get snow, he sent snow to me here in Boston and it arrived with his Christmas card yesterday morning!!
I know you are saying, "Dory, why is it dark?" Well my human and I get up very early and at 6am this was the best she could do for photos of our snow.Now I don't mean to complain, after all Sparky sent me a gift, but I wish it had been the dry fluffy snow, not the cold heavy wet kind we got. Not that I am complaining Sparky!!It was so dark yesterday morning you can barely see me in the yard!!So Sparky and Lizzy - thank you for the snow, it was very fun to play in! Oh and we loved your Christmas card too! Merry Christmas to Sparky, Lizzy, their family and all our Canadian DWB friends!!

The 25 Blog Posts of Christmas!

2007-12-03T19:46:00.000-05:00

My human is INSANE! We were having a nice evening together, reading our Christmas cards that came in the mail today when my Mom got this glazed look in her eyes.

I was SCARED!

All of a sudden she says "Dory, we can do it, we can do 25 blog post from now to Christmas Day!" I said, "Oh no Mommie - we can't do that. What would we write about? With all the festivities we don't have the time..."

Well my mom persisted and we are doing 25 posts between now and Christmas Day - in celebration of the holidays. Mom said it was kind of like a Bloggy Advent Countdown to the big day - I SAY it is CRAZY.

So this is our third post in the month of December and it is December 3rd - keep your fingers crossed. Its a postapalooza until Christmas!!!

Oh My Christmas Tree!!!

2007-12-03T15:20:00.001-05:00

Gussie - my bestest, BFF, wft friend made up a song for me to the tune of "Oh Christmas Tree" and since my tree is now decorated this blog incorporates the photos and Gussie's song.
Oh Dory is a Labrador
Who puts stuffed lobsters on her tree!
She helps her mom withChristmas cards
And likes to sit at Grammas knee
O Dory my fine labrador
You leave me wanting to read more
O Dory lovely labrador
Your fur is black so shed some more!

( We love you Gussie - thanks so much for the tune! My Mom and I are honored and humbled!)

Humans - Why do they bring shrubs in the house?

2007-12-02T10:04:00.000-05:00

First of all - I would like to say... YIPPEEEEEE - we love all the cards we have gotten. Lenny was our very first card and all the cards have been just great. (Lenny, keep your eye out for something special in the mail!!!) Also - please don't be confused - my human not only sent out our snail mail cards(like she was supposed to), but she was so overwhlemed with Christmas spirit she convinced me we should send every doggie on the whole DWB list an e-card from our favorite website for cards - Jacquie Lawson. She makes awesome Labradory cards!!

Anyhow - this is what we did this week....

During our "Giving Thank Yous" vacation my human got a tree. The nice people at Bob's Trees put the tree in netting and tied it to the top of Jeep. Mom drove all the way back to Boston with that silly tree on our car and NOW that shrub is in our house.

I just don't get it - trees live outside all year long, but each year Mom drags one into the house?!?

Every year Mom says how much she loves Christmas, and get so excited and happy, then she brings the shrub in. There is sawing, grumbling, sweating, heaving and hooing. Mom at this point seems to loose the Christmasy glow.

I thought maybe this year we could hang my toys on the tree - I thought Lolly the Lobster would look fabulous hangin from a branch. Somehow my human and I didn't see eye to eye on this and she certainly didn't appreciate my decorating ideas.

Finally the shrub is upright! Mom is now slowly regaining her happy face...

Alright Mom - get going and cut the netting off!

*SIGH* Yes, sawdust, limbs and netting everywhere!

Woo Hoo - she looks to be a beauty Mom!!

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree - how lovely are your branches....

I give this tree FOUR PAWS UP!!

Mom put the lights and the garland on, but apparently not my toys - what am I going to do with her??

Anyhow, my human says friends are coming over to help decorate our shrub so I will have to take more pictures when that is all done.

I'm Royalty...

2007-11-29T14:46:00.000-05:00

We were over at Archie & Agatha's blog and noticed they had royal names so we tried our hand at it and look at my name!!!

Your Aristocratic Title is:

Grand Duchess Dory the Capricious of Walk upon Water

How approriate - I do walk on water, well okay I walk on BOAT in water - but it fits. This is a fun thing - go check it out!!!

http://www.masquerademaskarts.com/memes/peculiartitle.php

More soon!!!

A day of giving thank you...

2007-11-21T07:56:00.000-05:00

Mom spent all day yesterday with me and we had lots of fun baking! Mom went on and on talking all about "giving" thanks on Thanksgiving. I am not really sure what she means by giving thanks - but I can certainly say thank you for all the fun I had. Mom was home sick with bronchitis and an ear infection but needed to make pies to take to Gramma's house. Needless to say she toughed it out.
I was so excited, Mom let me help make the Pumpkin Pie!
Okay, well I didn't actually make the pie but I did help clean up!
YUMMMMOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Once we were done with that Mom made me a pie crust cookie!!! And it was shaped just like me!!!
Very cool - maybe I should give a thank you for this??
So then Mom went to work on the Pecan Pie while my cookie baked!
Baking takes patience! Good time for a nap. Oh and I have my pretty Thanksgiving Collar on too!
Mom made the Dory cookie with some cinnamon on top - look how it came out!! Woo Hoo! IT WAS YUMMY IN MY TUMMY!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh and Mom's pies came out okay too!
So we are off to Gramma's for the holidays and I want to give thank yous to my mom, Gramma, my friends at DWB, all the nice people at Labs4Rescue and all the great people in my life who give me treats, play with me, read my blog and love me so much.

I am a very lucky pup - and I guess that is what Mom meant about giving thank yous...

Happy Thanksgiving to all - Love, Dory

I LOVE NY

2007-11-13T08:50:00.000-05:00

I could go on and on about how much fun our trip to New York was, but today I have decided to let my human's photos do most of the talking!

I got to play in the yard with Zachary, Mollie and Mac - here I am investigating things under the big pine tree!
I got to spend time with my second favorite human - Uncle Harvey - here we are at breakfast time.
And this just goes to show....
Patience is a virtue and...
Good things come to those who wait!
Uncle Harvey is very good about sharing breakfast but for some reason he wasn't to quick to share his cheesecake??

I love New York!

11th hour, 11th day, 11 month...

2007-11-11T06:50:00.000-05:00

The story goes that in 1918 World War 1, the Great War as it is sometimes called, ended when an armistice was signed on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Thus Armistice and ultimately Veteran's Day began.

Thank you for everyone who was so supportive about the topic of our last post. Today Dory and I get to spend the day with our favorite veteran, Uncle Harvey who will turn 80 on Wednesday. He was in the Navy and served not only once, but was recalled and served twice in the late 1940's- early 1950's.

We also salute today all of our fellow DWB members who serve in the active military today - we know Peanut will be spending the day with dad. Thanks again for everyones supportive comments.

Liza and Dory

The Importance of Remembering...

2007-11-09T08:28:00.001-05:00

Dory and I are headed out this afternoon to visit Gramma and celebrate Uncle Harvey's Birthday over the long holiday weekend. Dory has graciously let me take over writing the blog today to write a post I feel strongly about.

This weekend is Veteran's Day in the United States, and this morning I was listening to the news when a commercial came on talking about a big "Veteran's Day Sale". As I heard this I was taken aback, I know in the modern world there is a certain amount of commercialism and in my life time I have seen the proliferation of merchants trying to fill our holidays with shopping and I get it, I don't like it, but I get it.

Anyhow, as an educator and as a citizen of the United States that it is my belief that of all the national holidays we have, as a nation should not commercialize and trivialize Veteran's Day.

The history of this day is November 11, or what has come to be known as Veterans Day, was originally set as a U.S. legal holiday to honor Armistice Day - the end of World War I, which officially took place on November 11, 1918. In legislature that was passed in 1938, November 11 was "dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be hereafter celebrated and known as 'Armistice Day.' As such, this new legal holiday honored World War I veterans.

In 1954, after having been through both World War II and the Korean War, the 83rd U.S. Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, November 11 became a day to honor AMERICAN VETERANS OF ALL WARS.

And honestly, I don't care if you are pro-war, anti-war, a pacifist, an activist or a militant - this is a solemn day and it is my belief and fervent hope that every citizen in the United States takes just a moment to honor those who served this country in a time of need and in some cases lost their life defending our nation.

I am by no means a big flag waving patriot, but I was born in the United States, educated in the United States, live in the United States and feel strongly that as a result of being a US citizen I have had more opportunities in my life. I also have had relatives and people in my life who have chosen to serve this country, I had a great, great uncle who fought in the Civil War and won the congressional Medal of Honor, my grandmother's brother lost his life serving in France during World War I and the list goes on.

The bottom line for me is that I find it disturbing that some major retailer has taken the tact to use a DAY OF REMEMBRANCE for commercial gain and I needed to get it off my chest. My biggest fear is also as we gain distance from September 11, 2001 we will start trivializing that rememberance as well, and heaven forbid have a 9/11 Sale event.

If you are one of our regular readers, please forgive this slight diversion from our regular blogging and if you live in the United States we ask that you join us on Sunday November 11, 2007 for just a minute, that is all it takes. Stop what you are doing on this day and remember all those who have served our country in the military, without their sacrifice we would not be who we are individually and as a nation.

Dear Santa Claus...

2007-11-07T22:35:00.000-05:00

Dear Santa –

I have been a very good doggie this year (and if Zachary tells you any different just remind him that it was HIS idea to steal the lamb chops off Gramma’s counter). My human told me all about getting coal in my stocking if I have been naughty and I want to assure you that the escape from my crate and eating a pound of packaged doggie treats off the kitchen table was my MOM’S FAULT for being forgetful and leaving them right there in my reach. SO NO COAL – okay??

Santa, this is my first time writing you because I am a rescue doggie and my first family didn’t really explain Christmas to me. So my first request is to get something nice for my Mom, maybe something sparkly because she seems to like shiny stuff A LOT. Bath products are a definite NO, as sometimes she uses them on me when she runs out of doggie shampoo *YECK*!

Secondly, I would like you to get something very, very nice for Gramma AND Uncle Harvey, because every time I visit they are very, very nice to me.

Third, I would really, really like it if you could bring nice fat juicy bones to all my DWB furry friends, they really rock and all of them deserve a nice treat.

Fourth, I would really like it if you could find nice homes like mine for all the Labbies at Labs4Rescue. All the doggies in foster care and boarding need good homes and we would all be very grateful if there were no more needy homeless Labs out there.

Santa, I know this list was supposed to be my Christmas list, but I must confess Mom has given me a nice home, cushy dog beds, pretty collars, lots of toys, good food, tasty treats and many wonderful days – so please just see what you can do for all the sad and lonely doggies out there and I will be very happy (and once everyone else has been taken care of, if you could swing a new Tuffie ring toy for me that would be okay too)!

I am looking forward to seeing you next month, however if you could tell my mom not to tie all the ribbons and bows around me on Christmas morning that would be appreciated – as you can see in the photo below, I looked very silly indeed. I will leave some milk and cookies for you and some carrots for the reindeer too.

Love,

Dory the Lab
Boston, MA

P.S. In case you get lost or mapquest is confusing you, to get to my house take a left at the end of the Mass Pike and go north over the Zakim Bridge – that should get you here - I will be sure to leave the light on for you and the key is under the doormat!

Mom is in LOV*E

2007-11-05T20:39:00.000-05:00

Yep she is in love with her new VACUUM!!!!!

It's a Dyson, it has some sort of ball thingy and everywhere my mom goes she gabs about the thing like it was some sort of miracle!

I swear I thought she was going to stop total strangers on the street to talk about all the fur the STUPID thing was sucking up.

In the old days she used to talk non-stop about me and how cute I am and what a good girl I am and how funny I am.....

NOW - it's dyson this and dyson that. BLECK!

I am so embarrassed - I can't even show my face! Hey does anyone know if I can sign Mom up for Dyson Anonymous???

You Make the Call....

2007-10-29T19:36:00.000-04:00

Hi there!! Dory here reporting from the sports capital of the world. We have the Patriots who have a perfect season record so far, starring our hero TOM BRADY!And we are oh so serious about baseball here - or is that spelled "series-ous". Yep, our very own Red Sox have won the WORLD SERIES!!!! We are very proud and happy that our hometown ball players brought home the World Series trophy today. You guys ROCK!!

SO one fun thing about sports telecast when they used to do a segment called "YOU MAKE THE CALL" - the TV guys would show a football clip and asked the viewers what call the referees made.

Our objective here is I'm going to show you some photos I took around our house yesterday and you my dear readers will have to "MAKE THE CALL".... So here we go:

The back story is this, my mom has been making about 100 handmade cards each year for friends and family since college. This year mom decided not only to hand make her cards, but the cards we are sending to our DWB friends!! EGADS!!!!! Yesterday was the official start of card making season in our house.

There were "in process" Christmas cards and craft equipment on the the couch and coffee table in the den. There were cards drying on the book case in the living room...
On the occasional table in the living room...
On the living room couch (and I'm not even allowed on this)...
On the hutch...
and oh DEAR DOG!! There they are dozens and dozens of "in process" Christmas cards strewn all over MY CRATE!!! Is nothing sacred?

So readers - YOU MAKE THE CALL. Is my human a creative and ambitious Christmas Card making MVP??? OR is she just simply lost her mind???

You make the call, but my vote is going in the lost her mind category!!

Never Fear...

2007-10-23T14:19:00.000-04:00

Never fear, Dory here!! I must apologize for my over scheduled human, I have been begging her to help me post since we got home from Gramma’s house!!! Needless to say it took Peanut leaving a comment wondering where I was to motivate her!!

*SIGH* Mom tells me that her job is busy at this time of year, that we have lots of things scheduled like dog school and it’s hard finding time being a single dog mom!! You know humans, excuses, excuses, excuses!!

Well on to more important subjects... We had a great time at Gramma’s!!

There was good food, lots of playing with Zach, Mollie and Mac and LOADS of loving from everyone...

especially Uncle Harvey!!! :)

The humans spent time getting apples,

pumpkins and
CIDER DONUTS!! YUMMO!!!
My human also spend time with Uncle Harvey making stained glass things – I am not allowed to say more because the things Mom made were for Christmas presents, so no photos of that!!

Sadly we had to come home, but on the plus side Mom says we are going out in November TWICE, once to celebrate Uncle Harvey turning 80 and then for Thanksgiving!! It sounds like both upcoming trips will involve lots of good food and family!! More real soon – I PROMISE!

Love, Dory

WOOO HOOOO

2007-10-04T21:04:00.000-04:00

Well, we went to obedience class tonight and boy am I tired! Whew! Who knew walking, sitting and staying could take so much out of a girl!!

I was very excited to hear Mom say we are headed to Gramma's tomorrow morning!! YIPPPEEEEE!

Here is the little song I put together for the occasion - you sing it to the tune - OKLAHOMA!

"AAAAHHH Gramma's where the treats and petting never end!

And our Uncle Harvey, he sure is marvy, with the scratches all around your ears!!

AAAAHHH Gramma's - we are on our way there to - morrow!

The ride is long, and mom sings off key as we head out in our Cherokee!

We love our Gramma she is grand and my Gramma she is the finest in the land.

That's why I sing YO, you are the best Gramma aaaa, You are so fine Grammaaaah, Gramma Yiipee Wooo Weee Yee Haaa!"

Okay so I am no Rodgers or Hammerstein - but you get the point! Mom also said she emailed Sparky and Patches mom to see if we can meet them for a play date when we are out at Gramma's house - this is going to be the bestest Columbus Day ever!!

More news soon - Love, Dory

Teaching the teacher...

2007-10-02T15:18:00.001-04:00

I don’t care what anyone says – you can truly learn a great deal from your dog and last week I learned a valuable lesson from Dory.

Dory is probably the best dog I have ever had the pleasure of living with in the mornings, sure she loves to stick he large wet nose in my face and yes she likes to dawdle in the yard every so often but she is good about keeping out from underfoot as I race around trying to figure out what to wear and she never puts up a fuss when it is time to get in her crate.

As a matter of fact a several months ago I noticed that Dory was so in tune with our morning routine that often when I would go to call her to put her in the crate she would already be there curled up and sleeping.

After I realized this phenomenon, being the educator and researcher that I am, I decided to see what was it about our morning routine that trigger Dory to get up and go into her crate. Being the geek that I am I started logging our routine and when Dory went to her crate – yes, I know I need to get a life!

Anyhow, through observations and data collection I discovered Dory would go into her crate on her own 100% of the time if I put on my perfume and then brush my teeth. If I skip the perfume and just brush my teeth she goes into the crate 67% of the time AND if I put on my sneakers instead of dress shoes before brushing my teeth she only goes to her crate 10% of the time. Over our time together it is pretty clear to her that perfume means work and sneakers mean there is a good chance we are staying home or going somewhere together.

Okay, so now my readers know I am not only a nerd, but that I have way too much free time on my hands. Well the purpose of telling you all this is because on rare occasions Dory is so good and so quiet about getting in her crate that I forget to latch it before I leave, giving Dory free reign in the house while I am at work.

Well, while I was spending so much time researching why Dory goes in her crate I realized last week that what I should have been doing it teaching myself to always latch the crate when I go off to work.

I had purchased two bags of treats for Dory after obedience class last week and left them on the kitchen table when we got home. We spent the rest of the evening watching TV and then toddling off to bed. The next morning I got ready for work, Dory went to her crate and yes, being in a hurry, I rushed out without latching the crate.
I arrived home midday to Dory sheepishly looking at me while standing in the middle of the kitchen. At first glance there was nothing amiss in the house – then I started seeing bits of plastic and low and behold – Dory had eaten over 30 ounces of dog treats and proceeded to throw up the partially digested food in every corner in every room.
I couldn’t get mad at her – it was my fault for not paying attention. So while I was spending time analyzing Dory’s behavior what I should have been doing is modifying my own. As I began cleaning the floors Dory took to her bed with the mother of all tummy aches and now in an effort to train myself I now have posted a sign by the backdoor “Latch the Crate”!!

LESSON LEARNED! Well done Professor Dory!

Let's go ridin' in my car, car...

2007-09-20T08:17:00.000-04:00

I was reading the Army of Four yesterday and they did a post on what kinda vehicle they would be. Since my human comes from a “car” family – meaning BOTH her father and one of her grandfathers worked for car put together companies (Liza: Dory, that is Auto Manufacturer). SIGH!! Anyhow we thought this would be an excellent subject for us to tackle!!

Now personally when I think of myself and what kind of vehicle might I be, well, my first thoughts turned to this ultra cool American Muscle Car!
Sleek, black, strong and very fast – one might say sexy!!

Then I started giving this idea some MORE thought and I was thinking, hmmm maybe I am more a Jaguar. Faster, sleeker and terribly cool…. Then of course, I thought I am not only sleek, black, fast and cool but I am fabulous, a real classic– so really don’t you think that this Jaguar really says DORY to you?? Hmm? I certainly see it!
Liza here, I hate to break the news to Dory but the image that comes to my mind if I am thinking DORY as a car is more on the sturdy side. I gave it some thought and well Dory is more solid than a Jaguar and definitely slower than a muscle car.

Honestly, I think Dory – I think Sherman Tank! Classic, slow, solid, good at pulling things and sometimes grumbles!! Perfect fit!

**** THIS POST IS BEING INTERRUPTED!!! ****

The woman, formally known as my MOM is unable to reach the keyboard – all readers should ignore that last comment by this unauthorized writer.

We now return to our regularly scheduled blog…..

Lolly the Lobster Arrives!

2007-09-11T14:44:00.000-04:00

My mom is the bestest human! The postman arrived whilst I was playing with Hedgie, my very bestest toy/friend- Hedgie was a gift from SHERMAN over on Jackman Avenue!! When me and Mom opened the box there was a big SURPRISE!

A Tuffie Lobster just for me!! I am naming him Lolly the Lobster!! Tuffies makes excellent toys for us doggies that loves our toys. (Liza here - Dory, be honest. Tuffies are great for dogs that like to chew their toys to death!) Yeah, whatever Mom...
First I tried Lolly's tail - YUMMMOOOO!
It was so nice - I tasted it twice!!
Then I gave Lolly's middle a squeeze - excellent squeakage in this little fella!!
Hmmm, Gramma likes lobster claws to eat, let's see what all the fuss is about.
Very tasty!
This is Lolly's face - see he is smiling, he must like me.
Now the true test - is Lolly rollworthy?
Yes indeed, an superior "roll with me" toy. FOUR PAWS UP MOM!!!!
Well, that's about all from Boston. As you can see we New Englanders love our lobster - and I LOVE LOLLY! Have a great week, check back soon for a "doggie school" progress report.

Love, Dory

Ahhh, September...

2007-09-06T10:34:00.001-04:00

“September days are here, with summers best of weather and autumns best of cheer.”

Okay, that is part of a poem called September, by Helen Hunt Jackson, apparently when mom was a puppy she had to memorize it in school, anyhow I thought it fits the past week here in Massachusetts!

First we had Labrador Day Weekend to start off our September and I was so excited, finally a holiday all about Labradors!! So Labrador Day came and went without much notice – except from my good friend Gussie! I thought there would be cake and presents and parades, but all we did was do what we normally do on the weekends, visit our boat, play on our beach and hang out with my humans. There was no banners proclaiming it Labrador Day, no fuss at all – I was very disappointed. I think for next year I will start a campaign to promote Labrador Day as a celebration! I think there should be lots of fun activities including parades, cake and presents in honor of all of us Labradors who work so hard to take care of and help our humans! So who is with me on this?!?!

Then after Labrador Day my mom said we have to get ready for back to school. Back to School??? I was a graduate!! How come I gotta go back to school. I had to sit Mom down right away and have a talk with her.

First Mom explained that since her job was to help public schools that she would be very busy because all the human puppies around Massachusetts are going back to school. She said she would be busy and tired for the first few weeks of people school but she assured me we would still get to have our “Girls Only Day” on Fridays. Thank DOG for that!

Then Mom told me that I was going back to school just like all the human puppies!! I tried to say how could this be, I was a graduate of New England Dog Training Club! Well when I graduated last Fall I apparently only graduated from Beginners Obedience and now I have to, as Mom says “Further my education…” – what ever THAT means.

So tonight I start my Advanced Obedience Class. Mom says if I graduate from that I get to take a test and become a Canine Good Citizen!! It sounds like a lot of work, but it seems to make my mom happy that we will be going back to school together so I will have to work hard and do my best. Mom says I’m a good girl, but being a good citizen takes practice!

So I have to go pack my school backpack and get ready for class. Keep your paws crossed!

Love, Dory

All in the family

2007-08-27T13:30:00.000-04:00

I'm back and blogging...
I think the heat is giving me writers block!!! Sorry we have been away for a bit!! Between Mom being busy at work (UGH) and it has been unbearably hot (for New England that is) resulting in not much blogging this past week.

Probably our biggest news is Mac, my foster brother has now officially become my cousin or maybe some would consider him my uncle!
I know it sounds a bit strange, but after much deliberation it was decided that it would be better for Mac to live with Gramma as his FUREVER home. Mom and I love Mac dearly but between space issues (Mac needed more roaming area than we have here in the city) and personality issues (I was having a very hard time sharing my mom or anyone else for that matter) it seemed all for the best. No one in the family wanted to see him be adopted out to strangers; he is such a lovable lug!

Mac is enjoying lots of yard space, enjoying fresh country air, love and attention from Uncle Harvey and a loving FUREVER home with Gramma. Zach and Mollie are very happy with their new brother, so sadly I am losing a foster brother but happily gaining a doggie uncle! After all it all in the family!!
Okay the sailing picture has nothing to do with the rest of this post - it's just it is hot and nothing says cool breeze like sailing. These are laser sail boats in Marblehead Harbor - we saw them this weekend!

Oh and if you haven’t had a chance, go check out DWB News – I am an aspiring reporter and leaving no stone unturned to get a scoop! (Okay so at first I thought scoop meant scoop of ice cream – but now I learn it means news story too. Humans can be so confusing!) Anyhow check it out and have a great week.

WOOF!

2007-08-16T15:04:00.000-04:00

I think this qualifies as a fair and balanced jury pool!! WOOOF!

Ode to Zachary...

2007-08-14T19:14:00.000-04:00

Dory's Note: We love Gramma's dog Zachary and since he is so special but doesn't have a blog, we thought we would write and ode, just to him! Besides - the third photo down just cracks us up!

Ode to Zachary:

Zachary you are quite cute, and sometimes even a pain in the patoot!
You are silly and furry, and certainly not a doggie to hurry.
You are goofy and fun. In our book you are number 1!
Your whiskers are getting quite gray, and we love you more each and every day!
Our dear furry friend Zach - remember - we always got your back!

Boston is the bloggiest!

2007-08-13T13:16:00.000-04:00

Hi! This is from today's Boston Globe. One thing the article didn't talk about is also that Boston is also incredibly "pet/dog" friendly and we are sure all those dogs and kitties are blogging fools too! At least that is our story and we are sticking to it!!

Post this: Boston top blog city:

Boston has long been viewed as the land of the bean and the cod - and now the Hub may also be the land of the blog.

According to OutsideIn.com, a website that tracks neighborhood blogging, Boston was the "bloggiest city" in America for the two-month period of March and April.

Behind Boston were Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Washington, D.C.

OutsideIn.com says it tracks blogging activity in about 60 urban areas and nearly 3,500 neighborhoods, and it arrived at its rankings through a "blogging quotient" that factors in a metropolitan area's population with the number of blog posts about a specific location.
By that measure, Greater Boston had 89 posts per 100,000 residents, edging out Greater Philadelphia, which had 88 posts, and Greater Pittsburgh, which had 53 posts, Outsidein.com said.

Surprisingly, perhaps, such well-wired metro areas as San Francisco and Seattle were farther down the list, with roughly 40 posts per 100,000 residents, Outsidein.com said.
Why was Greater Boston number one? Outsidein.com chief executive Steven Berlin Johnson offered this theory: Blogs thrive where locals are wired, well-educated, and obsessed with politics, a topic that inspires bloggers to unleash their prose. Another popular blog topic locally: healthcare.

Outsidein.com is focused on neighborhoods, and its business model is to attract advertising dollars from neighborhood merchants as well as from national businesses looking to target ads by zip codes, Johnson said.

Shortly after its October launch, Outsidein.com examined blogging by neighborhood, using a software analysis that tallied up the number of posts about specific neighborhoods.
Watertown and Newton ranked high, but Brooklyn, N.Y., was the bloggiest neighborhood - indeed, if Brooklyn were regarded as a separate city, it might have eclipsed the Hub as the bloggiest city, Johnson said.

A neighborhood undergoing gentrification is often fertile territory for location-specific blogs, and not only is Brooklyn gentrifying; it's also filled with people who either "write for a living or who want to write for a living," Johnson said.

Blogs are such a new phenomenon that methods for tracking blog activity are still in their early stages, said David Weinberger, a fellow at the Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard Law School.

And in seeking to pinpoint blogging hotbeds, he added, raw numbers may not tell the whole story; also relevant are the quality of the content and whether blog posts help build a community.

Still, Weinberger said, "I'm proud to live in the bloggiest city in the universe."

By Chris Reidy, Boston Globe staff

Crazy from the HEAT!

2007-08-07T08:14:00.000-04:00

Okay - so its been hot and sticky - so people are acting a little off, but Dory has compeletely lost her mind!

There she was just laying there quietly and luckily Mom was cleaning the new camera so she could catch Dory in action!
At first she looks peaceful - then it happens!
Rolling!
Writhing!
SHOWING HER PARTS!
It was a non-stop rollathon!
Feet up! Head twitched about!We thought she would never stop!
We were starting to get scared, but finally it stopped as suddenly as it had begun! Dory seems to have had a case of the Triple H (hazy, hot and humid) Crazies!
Love, Mac

We got mail!

2007-08-06T07:56:00.000-04:00

Hi! Mac here, I don't like this blogging stuff much, I much rather be chasing balls or running around out side!

Dory and I wanted to thank the pups over at Jackman Avenue (I'm not sure where that is but I hear they got a mom who cooks for them so I am planning an escape!), anyhow they were very kind and sent us some cool and tasty things. Mom and Dory had a "Girl's Day" yesterday so they opened the box and put together a little video to thank the whole crew over in Pittsburgh!

Dad says to tell you that Mom and Dory are addicted to Windows Movie Maker and he is trying to get them both into a recovery program.

Have a happy day - WOOF - MAC

Labbie Book Choices

2007-08-02T14:02:00.000-04:00

We have noticed that some of our friends have provided their readers with a special dog related summer reading list and We wanted to tell you all about ours:

In Seeing Eye by Jack Ellis, the main character, Campbell, is a blind guy who lost his eyes in an accident. He's not handling his blindness well, and is pretty upset at the world. His sister is dating a guy who is doing experimental research involving neural hookups between man and dog that allows a blind human to see through the dog's eyes. He finally consents to the experiment and travels overseas for the surgery. The process works remarkably well, and Campbell and Shadow(his black Lab!) start to bond tightly. But things start getting strange when he starts seeing visions involving kidnapped children. It appears that some psychic connection between Shadow and something else is bleeding through to Campbell, and he's the only person who can possibly track down a recently kidnapped child who is about to be murdered if the killer is not stopped.

The Labrador Retriever, The History... The People... Revisited is by Richard Wolters, author of many dog training books and a friend of my parents. This is a lavishly illustrated book that is just plain a treat for the eyes. It's also well written; slanted toward the working side of the breed, but my family used to field trial with Labs so it is a favorite. Some reviewers feel that the most controversial part of the book deals with Dick Wolter's theory of the history of the Labrador, but the theory is interesting whether or not you buy it, and the photographs and supporting documents of interest to any Lab lover. It's hard not to like a book by a friend of the family.

Zero at the Bone is by Mary Willis Walker. The story is about Texas dog trainer Katherine Driscoll embarks on a perilous quest to unravel family mysteries in Walker's gripping debut. Her mortgage in default, Katherine is devastated by the imminent loss of her house, kennel and beloved retriever. A startling solution presents itself when her father, whom she has not seen in 30 years, writes to say that her big loan will be paid in full in return for a small favor. A fun mystery!

Mad Dogs and Scotsmen by Gerald Hammond. The story starts with poor Cochrane has just retreived his pooch (a Lab named Jove) from quarantine only to have the poor doggie stolen along with his briefcase. Not only that, but the kennel owner's missing car and shotgun make the authorities jumpy. When the events lead to a murder case, as a woman's battered body is found near the burnt car, the kennel owner finds himself embroiled with trouble. Lovely outdoors adventure in Scotland with a clever mystery involving a dog... who could ask for more?

Marley & Me by John Grogan is an unvarnished look at the joys and tribulations of sharing your life with a dog. Grogan's account of his young family's first alfresco dining experience with Marley the yellow lab in tow had me laughing and I laughed and cried my way through the whole book!

Fear Nothing is by Dean Koontz. If you think you've got it tough, meet Christopher Snow, the hero of Dean Koontz's novel. Not only did his parents die under mysterious circumstances, but he's also being stalked by shadowy characters who want Snow to stop trying to find out how they died--or else they'll bump off his remaining loved ones (his supersmart, beer-lapping dog Orson,a goofy labrador retriever; his best surfing buddy Bobby; and his late-night deejay girlfriend Sasha).

Typical Koontz story - great for the beach or a slow snow day!

My final recommendation is for the younger set, readers grades 3-5.

Gooseberry Park is by Cynthia Rylant. When Kona, a Labrador retriever, meets Stumpy, a squirrel in Gooseberry Park, they're best friends at first sight. But after Stumpy’s babies are born, disaster strikes in the form of a violent ice storm. Kona is not a fair-weather friend; he’s worried sick! How will Stumpy and her babies survive? With the help of Murray, a hilarious bat, and Gwendolyn, a wise hermit crab, Kona shows just how true--and heroic--a friend can be.

Nice story for Lab loving kids!

HAPPY READING - Love Dory, Mac and Liza

Pardon our indulgence...

2007-07-29T21:25:00.000-04:00

Okay so the video is a bit long - but my Mom and I wanted to make something very special for Mac. So in his honor (and if you have a spare five minutes and like U2) enjoy our latest Labradory TV Production!

You will get to see not only me and Mac, but our doggie cousins - Zach and Mollie (Gramma's dogs) - if you think one Lab is good and two is better, wait till you see FOUR in action!

Who loves you Big Mac!! Well, we do!

Educating Liza

Heading Up and Moving Out

Some 'splaining to do...

Gramma Bound!!

We would love him...

On the water

Call of the Wild

I wanna be SCOTTISH

High Seas Labrador

I'm back...

Wordless Watery Wednesday

Camping

Happy Mother's Day!

2fer Wordless Wednesday

Help Wanted

It's a Movement!

A chat with Mom...

UNCOOPERATIVE!

Watery Wednesday!

Strike a Pose!

Hippity Hoppity Easter

Happy Evacuation Day!!

Wordless Wednesday (kinda)

AWWW PHOOEY!

Silent Sunday

I LOVE GRAMMA

Wet Nose Smooches All Around!

I want one!

Just a regular Sunday...

Wordless Windy Winter Wednesday

Super Tuesday

Time to say so long...

Superbowl HOOPLAAAA!!!

I'm a leavin' on a jet plane...

Feeling Lucky

SNOOOOWWW!

It's all about TOM!

Make It Count!

Wordless Winter Wednesday

My mom went to....

So honored.....

Wordless Wednesday

I'm a big girl....

At first I thought....

Potpourri

Our wish for you in 2008...

Dory's Family Christmas!

The 25 Posts of Christmas

Twas the Night Before Christmas...

I Spy.....

Oh Dear...

A narrow escape!

On the road again...

Wordless Wednesday

Liza's Class/Course Catalog

Got Caught Being NAUGHTY!

NOREASTER

Cupcakes and Frostypaws and Presents - OH MY!

TODAY IS MY BARK DAY!

Cookies - The Neverending Madness

HELP!

Cookies (and an apology)

Mom is a PARTY POOP!

Cards - A Poem

The Labradory Awards...

CALENDAR!!!!

Peanut, Peanut Brittle

Sparky Sent Snow!!

The 25 Blog Posts of Christmas!

Oh My Christmas Tree!!!

Humans - Why do they bring shrubs in the house?

I'm Royalty...

A day of giving thank you...

I LOVE NY

11th hour, 11th day, 11 month...

The Importance of Remembering...

Dear Santa Claus...

Mom is in L*O*V*E

You Make the Call....

Never Fear...

Mom is in LOV*E