I saw puppies kissing Santa Claws

More caroldies from the requests file… credit goes to houndstooth from Tales and Tails for today’s inspiration.

I Saw Puppies Kissing Santa Claws

I saw puppies kissing Santa Claws,
over by the scratching post last night.
They didn’t see me sneak
with my camera to have a peek,
they thought that cat would let them play
while he was trying to sleep.
Then I saw puppies start licking Santa Claws,
underneath his chin furry and white.
Oh, how embarrassed he would have been,
if the cat had known I’d seen
all the puppies kissing Santa Claws last night.

 

On a related note, Santa Claws looks kind of grouchy…

I hope that Santa Claws visits your house tonight!
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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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A holiday bonus for you & for the animal charity of your choice

As I mentioned the other day, I’m taking part in a fantastic event this holiday season – Social Media for Social Good.  (Thanks to Two Little Cavaliers for the opportunity to be involved!)

The winner of this event will win cash and the chance to donate cash to the animal charity of his or her choice.  Pretty cool, right?  (For more specifics, check out my earlier post or visit Two Little Cavaliers.)

Today, I’m here to share another opportunity to enter.  Have a Twitter account? All you need to do is follow me on Twitter using the Rafflecopter below.  (If you’re already a follower, you can still earn an entry by confirming that you already follow me – just click on the Rafflecopter for instructions.)  You can earn additional entries by following the Twitter accounts of the other bloggers participating in this great event or doing the other items listed in the Rafflecopter.

Don’t have a Twitter account?  You can also enter using your Facebook account – please check out last week’s post to do so.  (Even if you have a Twitter account, feel free to do both!)

I loved hearing about the organizations some of you wanted to donate the prize to, and I’d love to hear from more of you.  If I won, I’d donate to a great local rescue like Friends of Homeless Animals. Check out some of their adorable adoptables looking for homes this holiday season in the video below, then scroll down to enter!

Such an adorable group…

Ready to get your entries on?  Here you go…


a Rafflecopter giveaway

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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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Adorable adoptables in northern Virginia: Desi & Ringo

Every week, I’ll be featuring adoptable pets from local rescue groups.  (I usually post this feature on Sunday, but a combination of holiday parties and a stomach bug resulted in a delay this time around.)  This week, I’m sharing adorable adoptables from the Humane Society of Fairfax County (HSFC) and A Forever Home Rescue Foundation (A Forever Home).  Ready to meet this week’s featured pups, Desi and Ringo? Here we go…

First up, meet Desi!  This cute Chihuahua is approximately 7 years old.   Here’s his bio from A Forever Home:

Hello! My name is Desi and I am a purebred Chihuahua and
weigh only 7 pounds. I was rescued from a place called a puppy mill. I lived in
a cage 24/7. I received little to no socialization so I need a lot of patience to understand that people are okay. I just learned what toys are and I LOVE to
play with my foster brothers and sisters. My foster mom and her dogs are
teaching me what it is like to be a family dog.

In time I am sure I will
overcome my fear of people and the outdoors, but I am going to need a family to
show me lots of patience. I will need a family to continue my socialization, to
teach me that I do not need to be so fearful with strangers. I am going to need
someone to keep me on a schedule so that I know what to expect and help me get
house trained and crate trained. I am looking for a family with older or no
children, as the little kids are very noisy and intimidating for a nervous guy
like me. I’m hoping my family will have another small dog as they could help
show me the ropes.

Can you be that family, to help me learn what it is like to
be free and live without always being in fear? It may take me time, but I
promise once I learn to trust you I will be able to return your love ten fold.

If you think you have the perfect home for Desi, visit A Forever Home for more information or email Info@aforeverhome.org.  To view the other pets available for adoption at A Forever Home, click here.

A Forever Home also has a weekly adoption event at the PetCo in Chantilly.  For the address and to find out more info, click here
(If you have your eye on a specific pet, please email for information
first – not all pets will be at the weekly event.  However, there are a
lot of awesome pets in need of homes, so if you’re in the neighborhood,
stop by and meet some of them!)


Up next, meet Ringo!  This handsome pup is a Husky mix looking for a home.  Here’s his bio from HSFC:

“Ringo is a star for sure! This beautiful boy is only a year
old and already a favorite of our farm.

He’s very sweet, loves to play, is
wonderful with other dogs and has personality plus. His longhair coat is tan
and white and he knows he’s handsome.

Come and meet Ringo and make him the star
of your home.

Attributes: SUPERSTAR!

 



Is this star the one for you?  If so, visit the HSFC website for more information.  To view the other pets available for adoption at HSFC, click here.

Do you have room in your home (and your heart) for one of these handsome guys?  Then contact HSFC or A Forever Home.  If you know someone else who might be in the market for an awesome companion, please share this post.  Let’s find some homes for Desi and Ringo!


Bios and photos used with permission from HSFC and A Forever Home.
 

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Dance of the Sugar-Plum Puppies

It’s Friday again, so I’m here with your weekly dose of linky goodness…

  1. Your punny pet name: Kitty Ya-meow-guchi.  (Fun fact: kittens are really into ice skating.)
  2. It’s definitely the party season – time to stock up on gifts for your hosts/hostesses.  If one of them happens to be a dog lover, here are some great ideas.  Another option – just get a gift for the dog instead.
  3. Once you have the gifts, you’ll need to wrap them. On that note, I have a feeling most cats would not be as tolerant as this one.
  4. Looking for some new Christmas music to sing while you decorate? Might I suggest The 12 Dogs of Christmas? (That post may inspire me to dogify some Christmas carols soon.  Stay tuned.)
  5. Does your dog inspire your holiday decorations? Maybe I should take a cue from Bo and make a Bella out of marshmallows and peanut butter cups.
  6. Speaking of my little blog star, want to see more photos from Bella’s holiday shoot?  Check out our album on Facebook. (While you’re there, you might as well like the page too, right?)
  7. Considering taking photos of your pet this holiday season but not sure where to start?  Lucky for you, I’ve rounded up some tips from our pals at Go Pet Friendly and Alfie’s Blog.
Finally, here’s a holiday treat – therapy dogs performing The Nutcracker.  Personally, I think the Mouse King steals the show.


(Visit here for more information about this performance.)

I was joking about creating a candy Bella (I blame last night’s Parks & Recreation for putting that notion into my brain), but now I’m wondering –  what candy would you use to make a replica of your dog?

(P.S. Parks and Recreation, much like Community, has a documented love of puppies. Yet another reason I love these two shows.)

Happy Friday!

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