Dogs of a feather flock together

I’m back again with more Daily Dog Challenge photos.  It’s so fun to come up with photos that respond to the daily prompts.

Since I’ve been engaging in plenty of navel gazing this week, today’s photos follow on that theme. Although you won’t find any pictures of navels (if I’m being honest, I find bellybuttons gross – no offense, Koly), today’s photos are inspired by the reflective mood that happens as we transition from one year to the next.

Up first, the photo below was in response to the prompt: “Take a photo that signifies a great memory you have with your dog this year.”

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The photo in the photo (how meta) is actually from several years ago. However, I have to admit that giving Bella a bath has resulted in some of my favorite memories over the years. I know she’s not a big fan, but she’s always such a goofball once it’s over that I just have to smile.

The next prompt: “As we get ready to celebrate the New Year, show us your dog being a party animal!”

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Bet Bella wishes I hadn’t picked up this boa to wear to our Clue-themed New Year’s Eve party!

You can see all of the photos submitted as part of the DDC here.  Enjoy!

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The eyes (and ears) have it

You may remember that I mentioned I’m part of the Daily Dog Challenge group on Flickr.  There’s a new prompt each day for inspiration.  I thought I’d share a few recent shots I’ve posted for the various daily challenges in December.

Up first, the photo below was in response to the prompt: “Make a photograph with your dog that captures your idea of beauty today.”

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That one was easy – who could resist those eyes?

After the jump, find more photos for your viewing pleasure…

Another prompt from the holiday season: “However you and your dog choose to celebrate today, share it with us, and enjoy the day!”

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Roscoe chose to celebrate with a nice nap.

This next one is a bit more abstract.  The prompt: Take a high contrast photo of your dog today! Whether you use a background or some kind of photo enhancement, remember to have fun with it!”

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I don’t think I’ll ever tire of taking photos of Bella’s ear.  Is that weird?

I have a few more from December to share… but I’ll save those for next week’s Wordless Wednesday.  Have to keep you wanting more, right?

You can see all of the photos submitted as part of the DDC here.  Enjoy!

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When woofing worlds collide

Bella wasn’t the only furry family member at our holiday celebration. Her “cousins” were also there to open presents and beg for ham.

It’s always nice to have an overload of cuteness on hand Christmas morning, although it can be stressful if the pups decide to engage in some holiday bickering. However, I’m happy to report that last year’s peace treaty was still in effect.  All in all, it was a lovely visit.  

Roscoe


Nibbles
You didn’t think Bella would let me leave her out, did you?

Did your dogs have any “cousins” come to visit?  If so, how did it go?

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I just like to smile. Smiling’s my favorite.

It’s time for another holiday edition of No Frown Friday.  I’ve got an overload of awesome linkage for you today… consider it my Festivus gift to you.

  1. Your punny pet name: Yukong Cornelius.
  2. Self-promotion alert!  I updated the baking blog this week.  Check out these candy cane cupcakes. Bella and I were also interviewed at Coffee with a Canine – swing by and say hi!
  3. Hey, girl… this video contains the cutest sleigh full of reindeer ever (although these guys are giving them a run for their money).  It also contains Ryan Gosling.
  4. Two words: puppy Christmas.  (A reminder, however – a pet shouldn’t be an impulse buy or a last-minute gift idea.)
  5. The title of this post is “Light the Meownorah” – that’s just awesome. (While I’m at it, here’s some more Ryan Gosling.)
  6. Speaking of brilliant names… Ham Skillet may be my new favorite dog name.
  7. An easy way to help shelter dogs this Christmas – toss a virtual Angry Bird at your friends.
  8. Still have gifts to wrap?  Maybe your dog can help.  (Be sure to wrap the gifts… not the cat.)
  9. If not, perhaps they can help you with the caroling instead.  (Feel free to go traditional or mix it up a bit.)
  10. Finally, just for fun… here are a few of my favorite pop culture things, including holiday TV, Christmas movies, and the best Christmas special ever.
Maybe next year I should videotape Bella’s Christmas card shoot…
That’s all I have for you today… although I do encourage you to answer the phone all weekend by saying, “Buddy the Elf, what’s your favorite color?

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Bella the Snowdog

I told you I take requests… so, today I present with “Bella the Snowdog.”  (Hat tip to Pamela from Something Wagging for the suggestion.)

But first… a bonus video from 2010.  (We don’t have snow yet this year, and that’s fine by me!)

Bella the Snowdog

Bella the Snowdog, is a silly, happy pup.
With gigantic ears and a big black nose,
and a tail that’s always up.
Bella the Snowdog is a lazy dog they say,
Sometimes she runs around, but it’s pretty clear
that she likes to snooze all day.
There must be cozy blankets in that doggie bed she found.
For when she goes to take a nap, she doesn’t move around.
O, Bella the Snowdog,
dreams of chasing squirrels up trees.
When she dreams, she runs and barks and plays,
Happy to snooze the day away.


Before I go, I wanted to let you know that there’s still time to enter the Social Media for Social Good giveaway… today, the chance to earn entries through Google+ goes live.  I’ve included the Rafflecopter after the jump if you’re interested.  
(If you haven’t entered via Twitter or Facebook yet, you can still do so.  For Facebook, click here.  For Twitter, click here.)  Good luck!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

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It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas,
Everywhere you go.
Take a look at the tree in the den, a dog under it once again,
With twinkling lights and a puppy all aglow.
It’s beginning to sound a lot like Christmas,
Soon I’ll hear the puppy snore.
But the prettiest sight I’ll see, is the puppy that will be, 
Relaxing on the floor.

I’m all about the caroldies this week, apparently… any requests?

P.S. Guess who’s featured over at Coffee with a Canine today?
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Christmas carols for dogs & dog lovers



The title of this post was almost “Christmas carols, doggie style,” but then I thought better of it.

Anyway, I’ve been promising you some caroldies (a.k.a. carol parodies) for a few days now. It’s finally time to deliver.

There are already some great “12 Dogs of Christmas” songs out there, so I’m not tackling that one today.  I do have a few others for you, however.

Grab a cup of cheer and prepare to learn a few new songs…


Barkin’ Around the Christmas Tree

Barkin’ around the Christmas tree,
because the cat has climbed on top.
She is dropping ornaments on me,
if I bark, perhaps she’ll stop.
Barkin’ around the Christmas tree,
I wish I had some springs.
If I did, I’d jump so high
that the cat would have to flee.
You will learn a fundamental lesson, when you hear
Doggies barking at your folly, as the cat climbs up the holly.
Barkin’ around the Christmas tree,
it’s an eventful holiday.
As the tree comes crashing down,
you’ll wish you had kept the cat away.

Sleigh Ride Revisited

Just hear those dog tags jingling, ring ting tingling too,
Come on it’s lovely weather for a long walk together with you.
Outside the smells are calling and dogs are sniffing them too,
Come on it’s lovely weather for a long walk together with you.
Bark and yap, bark and yap, bark and yap, let’s go,
I want to play in the snow.
Why won’t you just grab the leash so we can go?
Bark and yap, bark and yap, bark and yap, it’s grand,
When the leash is in hand.
I’m ready to bark at the park,
it’s a puppy dog fairyland.
Other dogs may get quite nosy, but comfy cozy are we.
We’re playing fetch together, keep throwing that stick for me.
Let’s take the path before us, and howl a chorus or two.
Come on it’s lovely weather for a long walk together with you.
There’s a dog park near the home of Mr. Gray,
It’ll be the perfect ending to a perfect day.
We’ll be playing the games we love to play, without a single stop,
At the dog park while we watch the puppies hop… hop, hop hop!
There’s a happy feeling nothing in the world can buy,
when your favorite puppy looks you right in the eye.
It’ll really be such a perfect day, of wags and jumps and dives,

This wonderful day will be one we’ll remember all through our lives!

If that’s not enough for you today, I suggest you swing by Something Wagging and start humming along with “Walking in a Neutered Wonderland.” (Update 12/24/14: full version available here.)  However, you might want to use caution when singing that around your husband or other male friends.

Anyway, more caroldies to come later this week… stay tuned.

P.S.  I take requests.

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All I want is what I have coming to me…

‘Tis the season for wish lists.  I  haven’t really created a wish list this year (other than a few items I added on Pinterest).  I’ve been a bit of a proCATinator lately, in fact.  (Apparently I need to take a cue from Sally and demand my fair share.)

However, today’s post is inspired by the almighty wish list.  For each link I share today, I’m going to tell you what it makes me want.  (Not all of my themes are gems, folks, but I’m giving it the old college try.)

  1. Before we get started, your punny pet name for the week would be perfect for a feathered friend: Wing Crosby.
  2. Up next, enjoy this bonus unrelated punnage: Wu Tang Flan.  This makes me want to cook lots of punny food and share it on my other, oft-neglected blog.  It also makes me want to sit around thinking up other punny foods.  I think I’ll settle in with a Donna Martini and a PBJT (Peanut Butter & Jelly Taylor) sandwich.
  3. Um… anyway… this story makes me want to move to New Zealand.
  4. Apparently I’m all about the big life changes today, because this video makes me want a baby… psych!  It actually just makes me want more puppies, as most things do.
  5. Up next, this video makes me want to adopt a cat to help me practice yoga.  Bella doesn’t do yoga with me – she just thinks I’m hanging out on the floor so I can pet her more easily.
  6. I played the piano as a child and want to get one for my house.  Although, Bella hasn’t shown any musical talent, this clip makes me want that piano even more.
  7. This post from Something Wagging made me want to make up a silly song about puppy balls. (I can check this one off the list.)  If also makes me want to post some more dog song parodies, this time with Christmas carols.  So… check back soon if that sort of thing interests you.
  8. In other news, this tutorial shared by Doggie Stylish makes me wish I was a better knitter. However, I’m still working on my first project – a scarf.  Someday…
  9. These cookie cutters make me want to go on a baking spree.  I’m due for a good baking spree. (See #2 above.)

Finally, this week’s video makes me want to pen a Christmas story involving a giant cat.  It’d be sort of a Pride and Prejudice and Zombies kind of thing…



(via Life with Cats)

So, what’s on your wish list this year?  I think Bella is just hoping she never has to see those antlers again…

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Bella’s 2011 Holiday Tip… revealed!

Drumroll, please… you made your guesses last week, and now it’s time to reveal Bella’s 2011 Holiday Tip!

This face greets you on the front of the card:

Happy holidays!

Inside, you get another dose of Bella and this year’s tip:

Bella Holiday Tip #11


Even if you look good in antlers, you probably won’t be invited to join in the Reindeer Games.  Take a nap instead.

Finally, Bella leaves you with some additional advice on the back of the card:

It’s important to practice your landings.

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