Loup's Letter to Santa

Dear Santa,

How ya been this year? Hope there is lots of snow up at the North Pole. We have none right now in Ottawa, Ontario since it all melted away. Just lots of rain and that’s no fun for a snow dog like me. Sigh. Could you bring me some snow from the North Pole when you come if we don’t have any by Christmas? I bet that North Pole snow is magic snow. I’m sure of it.

Hope you’re not still sore at me for that time I helped pull the sleigh. The toys only got a tiny bit wet and muddy (Okay, they got soaked) when I dragged the sleigh through that mud puddle. No harm done. Let’s put the past behind us, shall we? Forgive and forget and all that. You’re a jolly old elf, right? *Grins and teeth ping*

 Unlike those naughty cats B.f. Thorneycroft and Gordon Drummond, I’ve been a really *COUGH* good doggie all year long so I’m hoping you will bring me all the gifts I want this year. You are going to give them coal, right? *looks hopeful*

Now for my gifts, first I’d like my own hot tub mud bath. You’re welcome to join me, too, of course. I’m not selfish like those cats, Big and Gordie. *rolls eyes* Of course I may need the deluxe extra large size if you’re going to join me, Santa.  *Winks* Guess Mrs. Claus has been baking again, hasn’t she? Getting quite the tummy, aren’t you?

Speaking of baking, does Mrs. C. have any cookies for my pal Rumpy T. Drummond and I? My pal, Rumpy, just loves cookies. You remember him, right? He lives in Florida which sure is a hot place for a Malamute to live. Don’t know how he does it. Phew! I get hot just imagining it. UGH!

Hey, do you think you could get me one of those little rooms like they have at Mark’s Work Warehouse where you can make it freezing cold and windy in summer time to try on heavy coats? I’d love one of those rooms for summer time as it can get mighty hot and humid around here.

Cathy has a paddling pool for me but only my front feet fit. It’s a joke really. *rolls eyes again* I know she does try, poor girl. We don’t have an in ground pool like some of my lucky doggie friends south of the border.

For my next present, I’d like a new garbage can to hold all the garbage I’ve been collecting lately. It’s starting to pile up and I need a place to store it. Do you have garbage cans the size of a grain silo? Or better yet, maybe one of the farmers around here has an extra silo they don’t mind giving me. Can you arrange it, Santa? You’re so good at that.

And finally, for my last present, I’d like a fresh toy delivered each day since I keep losing and destroying the ones I have. Can you arrange that? I don’t need anything fancy. Cathy gets me toys at the dollar store and not at the expensive doggy boutique where the chic dog owners shop. Hey, I’m okay with it, really. *Cheap Creep....grumbles under breath*

So I hope you will have a good night for flying, Santa and that the reindeer don’t give you grief. That Rudolph is a saucy one, isn’t he? Must be that red nose of his. Better check he’s not flying under the influence. Thought I smelled candy cane brandy on his breath last time.

So have a great Christmas yourself, Santa! Hope you get a break after working so hard on Christmas night to bring joy to everyone.  

All the best for the New Year and drop by sometime. My doghouse door is always open and I’d love to see you. Just don’t touch my dog dish while I’m eating. GRRRR!

Love Loup

I love Autumn, don't you?

I love Autumm

by Loup A. Graham

I love this time of year, don’t you?

It’s truly a time to start anew,

I love my walks in the woods so much

So much to smell, so much to touch,

Colourful leaves crunch under my feet

The air is fresh and smells so sweet,

No horseflies or mosquitoes driving us mad

No heat and humidity making us sad,

Fall makes me feel like singing and humming

It reminds me that winter will soon be coming,

Cause everyone knows how much I love snow

I can’t help it, I’m a snow dog, don’tcha know?

Cornelius Krieghoff liked winter like I do!

I just love the artist, Cornelius Krieghoff and you know why? Because he loved the great Canadian outdoors and winter as much as I do. His paintings often show Canadian settlers and aboriginal people in Canadian landscapes. I especially like this painting since it shows sled dogs. I've always wanted to be a sled dog. Sigh.

Krieghoff lived long ago in the 1800's when there were no cars or big cities. No paved roads, no computers or Internet. Canada wasn't even a country for most of the time that he lived as he died in 1872 when he was 56 years old. Canada only became a country in 1867. Krieghoff did travel a lot considering that he couldn't hop on a plane easily like people do these days. He went to the US for a while and studied in Europe, too. I think he liked Canada's rugged wilderness the best though. Don't you agree? And I'm positive he loved winter best of all since he has so many paintings about my favourite season of all.


Krieghoff was a great artist
He really had a way,
To capture scenes of Canada
Back in the early day,
I like his paintings very much
They make me long for snow,
Now it's fall and it's cooler now
Not much longer to go!

Until next time, be good and don't do anything I wouldn't do. In other words, the sky's the limit. Go for it!

Interview with Bigfoot

Welcome back, everyone! I know I haven't blogged in ages and my fans have been asking about it. I'm sure you've been missing my brilliant insights about life. (Well, maybe you haven't but I'm back anyhow. Live with it! GEESH!)

*Snaps at horse fly buzzing around head* Pesky creatures. Good thing I have so much fur but they do like to bite my ears. Come on, winter. Oh, sorry to all you summer loving folks but I am a snow dog after all. Can't help it.

Okay, where was I? 

I do apologize for my absence for such a long time. In order to rectify things, I have a treat for you. My Uncle Bigfoot. (I know. I don't get how an orange cat can be my uncle but apparently it's true) has agreed to an interview and here it is.

What is your full name and how old are you? How did you get your name?

Well, Loup, I never thought that I'd be sitting here being interviewed by a DOG, but here we go! My name is Bigfoot Thorneycroft, but on Facebook I'm B.f.Thorneycroft because they said the name Bigfoot was frivolous and they wouldn't accept it! Imagine -  FRIVOLOUS!! PFhhtt! I guess that I'm about five years old, more or less. I don't have a birth certificate and I don't really care anyway. Surprise! Surprise! I got my name because I have big feet! -- extra toes -- polydactyl.  I like having big feet. First of all, it's fun to see how long it takes for people who meet me for the first time to say "Look at those big feet."  Then there are the advantages when walking on snow in the winter. Also, you should see the way I can stir up a litter box! Oh, big feet are great in every way. 

I have big feet, too, Big so I can commiserate. They do prove useful though, don't they? I do like your extra thumbs on each front foot. They must come in handy when vole hunting, I bet. Then again, maybe not. Must be hard to be "all thumbs". Get it! Hardy har, har. I'm hilarious. I know.

Where were you born? Where do you live now? Who are your humans?

I was born in Montreal but at a very early age, Cathy's brother, Ken, put me in his car and drove me all the way to Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia where I live now on the shore of the Bras d'Or Lake. It was a long drive and they say that I yowled in the car the whole time, but I didn't! My humans, Berni and Gerry are retired and live in Cape Breton because they have travelled around a lot and think that they have found the best spot here. I agree. It's a perfect place to fish, sail and, best of all, hunt voles!

You lived in Montreal as a kitten? Cool! Always wanted to go there. And Cape Breton, too. I don't get to go many places as Cathy says I'm too rambunctious. Bummer. Good thing I can travel in my imagination.

What kind of a cat are you?

I am an orange tabby cat and that's about the best there is! You hear about Siameses cats and Calico cats and my friend Gordon Drummond is a Persian cat, but when people choose a cat they can't do better than an orange tabby cat. We just look great whether we are inside a house or outside. We look especially good when we're in the bush sneaking up on a vole!

Watch out for that orange streak, voles! Big is on the prowl.

What is your favourite food?

This is easy! I love creamed wuna. Okay, I know you are going to ask why it's called wuna and not tuna. Wuna is Berni's cat-talk for tuna and it's creamed with tinned condensed milk. It is just delicious and everyone tries to steal a bite of it when I'm not watching. I saw you when you cleaned off my dish just now, Loup!

OOPS! You weren't supposed to see that. *Wipes drool from furry lips*

Do you have a favourite toy? If yes, what is it?

No, I don't have any special toy that I play with. If you toss me a ball, I'll bat it around a little, but that gets ho-hum pretty quickly so don't bother if you don't feel like it. I usually just nose around and find stuff to play with if I'm in the mood, so don't fuss.

Gee, you're no fun. I love playing catch and bringing back the ball. Guess I won't ask you to play with me then.

How do you spend your day?

For me, every day is different. I don't want to get in the rut where most of you dogs are. Every day you guys eat dog food, bark a bit, chew on a bone, chase a stick, sit, lie down at your human's feet hoping he will give you a little pat or put a LEASH on you for a walk.You won't see ol' Bigfoot doing any of that! You have probably noticed that I'm an enterprising cat and that's what I do every day. Think up new things to get in to. I'd give you a list of all my achievements but you don't have room to print it all. 

Rut? What rut? Oh you mean this hole I dug. Yes, I guess it is a bit like a rut. But don't you think it's impressive. Look how big it is.

What is your favourite colour and why?

I don't have a favourite colour. Why should I have a favourite? Well, on second thought, maybe orange, but I like them all. Grey -- like a vole, blue -- like the sky, green -- like the grass, white -- like the snow, etc, etc! I'll bet that your favourite is mud-puddle brown! Right, Loup?

So poetic, Big. You are a true cat of nature. And how'd you guess I loved mud-puddle brown?  You know me well.

If you could travel through time to any time period, what time would you choose and why?

I can travel through time already. I did some last week. The best place for a cat to go is to Ancient Egypt because they worshipped cats and made idols and stuff like that. I had a great time and never wanted for anything all the time I was there, although it was a bit hard to find tinned milk for my wuna. I spent a lot of time posing for tourists and sphinx builders. I don't know where you could go, Loup. I've never heard of ancient dog-worship! Hee! Hee!

You'd be surprised, Big. Anyhow, I don't need to time travel to be worshiped, right ladies? They all love me. I know you and Gordie are jealous of that but it doesn't bother me. I'm comfortable in my fur and confident of the adoration. I deserve it.

What is your favourite TV show?

I don't watch T.V. much, but I have a favourite musical! It's called CATS and is really a good show! I don't think they would let YOU in to see it, Loup, but I've got a DVD that I'll lend you.

Gee, thanks, I think. *Rolls eyes*

If you had your own reality show, what would it be like?

I hear that a reality show is about ordinary people doing ordinary stuff in ordinary ways. I don't fit in that category so I guess I'll give it a miss. If I had a show it sure wouldn't be ordinary! It would have a lot of exciting vole hunting in it and be of great interest to everyone. Maybe I should do that.   

*Yawns* What was that, Big? Oh sorry. Where were we?

How do you feel knowing that dogs are so superior to cats in every way? Does it bother you?

Loup, you are suffering from what is known as 'Word Substitution Phobia'. In your question you inadvertently used the word DOG instead of CAT. It is treatable if caught early so I think you should see your Vet about it right away! 

Oh, good grief. Has this cat got CATtitude or what? What an ego! I never act like that, do I gang? *Looks into mud puddle and admires reflection. Grins making teeth ping*

Is there anything else you want your fans to know about you?

Well, my fans know quite a bit about me already. After reading this I suppose that there will be even more people joining my fan club and wanting pawtographs and all that. I'll still be the same modest, somewhat shy, and lovable Bigfoot.

Modest? HA! Somewhat shy? Double HA! Lovable? Well, kinda I guess though when you get together with Gordon Drummond, that saucy white Persian from New Zealand, I'm not sure how lovable you are. You two cats are double trouble.

Thanks for the interview, Big. Appreciate it. You can get back to your vole hunting and time traveling now. See you on Facebook, Uncle! 

Big. Oh, Bigggg! Are you listening to me? Geesh, he fell asleep. Guess the interview wore him out.

Interview with Bigfoot

Welcome back, everyone! I know I haven't blogged in ages and my fans have been asking about it. I'm sure you've been missing my brilliant insights about life. (Well, maybe you haven't but I'm back anyhow. Live with it! GEESH!)

*Snaps at horse fly buzzing around head* Pesky creatures. Good thing I have so much fur but they do like to bite my ears. Come on, winter. Oh, sorry to all you summer loving folks but I am a snow dog after all. Can't help it.

Okay, where was I? 

I do apologize for my absence for such a long time. In order to rectify things, I have a treat for you. My Uncle Bigfoot. (I know. I don't get how an orange cat can be my uncle but apparently it's true) has agreed to an interview and here it is.

What is your full name and how old are you? How did you get your name?

 

Well, Loup, I never thought that I'd be sitting here being interviewed by a DOG, but here we go! My name is Bigfoot Thorneycroft, but on Facebook I'm B.f.Thorneycroft because they said the name Bigfoot was frivolous and they wouldn't accept it! Imagine -  FRIVOLOUS!! PFhhtt! I guess that I'm about five years old, more or less. I don't have a birth certificate and I don't really care anyway. Surprise! Surprise! I got my name because I have big feet! -- extra toes -- polydactyl.  I like having big feet. First of all, it's fun to see how long it takes for people who meet me for the first time to say "Look at those big feet."  Then there are the advantages when walking on snow in the winter. Also, you shouild see the way I can stir up a litter box! Oh, big feet are great in every way. 

I have big feet, too, Big so I can commiserate. They do prove useful though, don't they? I do like your extra thumbs on each front foot. They must come in handy when vole hunting, I bet. Then again, maybe not. Must be hard to be "all thumbs". Get it! Hardy har, har. I'm hilarious. I know.

 

Where were you born? Where do you live now? Who are your humans?

 

I was born in Montreal but at a very early age, Cathy's brother, Ken, put me in his car and drove me all the way to Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia where I live now on the shore of the Bras d'Or Lake. It was a long drive and they say that I yowled in the car the whole time, but I didn't! My humans, Berni and Gerry are retired and live in Cape Breton because they have travelled around a lot and think that they have found the best spot here. I agree. It's a perfect place to fish, sail and, best of all, hunt voles!

You lived in Montreal as a kitten. Cool! Always wanted to go there. And Cape Breton, too. I don't get to go many places as Cathy says I'm too rambunctious. Bummer. Good thing I can travel in my imagination.

 

What kind of a cat are you?

I am an orange tabby cat and that's about the best there is! You hear about Siameses cats and Calico cats and my friend Gordon Drummond is a Persian cat, but when people choose a cat they can't do better than an orange tabby cat. We just look great whether we are inside a house or outside. We look especially good when we're in the bush sneaking up on a vole!

Watch out for that orange streak, voles! Big is on the prowl.

 

What is your favourite food?

 

This is easy! I love creamed wuna. Okay, I know you are going to ask why it's called wuna and not tuna. Wuna is Berni's cat-talk for tuna and it's creamed with tinned condensed milk. It is just delicious and everyone tries to steal a bite of it when I'm not watching. I saw you when you cleaned off my dish just now, Loup!

OOPS! You weren't supposed to see that. *Wipes drool from lips*

 

Do you have a favourite toy? If yes, what is it?

 

No, I don't have any special toy that I play with. If you toss me a ball, I'll bat it around a little, but that gets ho-hum pretty quickly so don't bother if you don't feel like it. I usually just nose around and find stuff to play with if I'm in the mood, so don't fuss.

Gee, you're no fun. I love playing catch and bringing back the ball. Guess I won't ask you to play with me then.

 

How do you spend your day?

 

For me, every day is different. I don't want to get in the rut where most of you dogs are. Every day you guys eat dog food, bark a bit, chew on a bone, chase a stick, sit, lie down at your human's feet hoping he will give you a little pat or put a LEASH on you for a walk.You won't see ol' Bigfoot doing any of that! You have probably noticed that I'm an enterprising cat and that's what I do every day. Think up new things to get in to. I'd give you a list of all my achievements but you don't have room to print it all. 

Rut? What rut? Oh you mean this hole I dug. Yes, I guess it is a bit like a rut. But don't you think it's impressive. Look how big it is.

 

What is your favourite colour and why?

 

I don't have a favourite colour. Why should I have a favourite? Well, on second thought, maybe orange, but I like them all. Grey -- like a vole, blue -- like the sky, green -- like the grass, white -- like the snow, etc, etc! I'll bet that your favourite is mud-puddle brown! Right, Loup?

So poetic, Big. You are a true cat of nature. And how'd you guess I loved mud-puddle brown?  You know me well.

 

If you could travel through time to any time period, what time would you choose and why?

 

I can travel through time already. I did some last week. The best place for a cat to go is to Ancient Egypt because they worshipped cats and made idols and stuff like that. I had a great time and never wanted for anything all the time I was there, although it was a bit hard to find tinned milk for my wuna. I spent a lot of time posing for tourists and sphinx builders. I don't know where you could go, Loup. I've never heard of ancient dog-worship! Hee! Hee!

You'd be surprised, Big. Anyhow, I don't need to time travel to be worshiped, right ladies? They all love me. I know you and Gordie are jealous of that but it doesn't bother me. I'm comfortable in my fur and confident of the adoration. I deserve it.

 

What is your favourite TV show?

 

I don't watch T.V. much, but I have a favourite musical! It's called CATS and is really a good show! I don't think they would let YOU in to see it, Loup, but I've got a DVD that I'll lend you.

Gee, thanks, I think. *Rolls eyes*

 

If you had your own reality show, what would it be like?

 

I hear that a reality show is about ordinary people doing ordinary stuff in ordinary ways. I don't fit in that category so I guess I'll give it a miss. If I had a show it sure wouldn't be ordinary! It would have a lot of exciting vole hunting in it and be of great interest to everyone. Maybe I should do that.   

*Yawns* What was that, Big? Oh sorry. Where were we?

 

How do you feel knowing that dogs are so superior to cats in every way? Does it bother you?

 

Loup, you are suffering from what is known as 'Word Substitution Phobia'. In your question you inadvertently used the word DOG instead of CAT. It is treatable if caught early so I think you should see your Vet about it right away! 

Oh, good grief. Has this cat got CATtitude or what? What an ego! I never act like that, do I gang? *Looks into mud puddle and admires reflection. Grins making teeth ping*

 

Is there anything else you want your fans to know about you?

 

Well, my fans know quite a bit about me already. After reading this I suppose that there will be even more people joining my fan club and wanting pawtographs and all that. I'll still be the same modest, somewhat shy, and lovable Bigfoot.

Modest? HA! Somewhat shy? Double HA! Lovable? Well, kinda I guess though when you get together with Gordon Drummond, that saucy white Persian from New Zealand, I'm not sure how lovable you are. You two cats are double trouble.

Thanks for the interview, Big. Appreciate it. You can get back to your vole hunting and time traveling now. See you on Facebook, Uncle! 

Big, Big. Are you listening to me? Geesh, he fell asleep. Guess the interview wore him out.

A few of Loup's Pet Peeves

Here are a few of my pet peeves. I could probably think of more but didn't want to be seen as being negative since I am "Happy go lucky, Live in the Moment" Loup and nothing much gets me down.

Loup's Pet Peeves

My red nose harness

Can’t stand the thing. It drives me completely bonkers. I know it means I don’t yank as much but come on peeps, a good yank from Ol Loup makes for an excellent upper body workout and you can surely use that at this flabby time of year, can’t you?

Cats

They drive me nuts and are the bane of my existence. Such spoiled, pampered creatures sleeping on beds and getting kisses and cuddles 24/7. Even on Facebook, Gordon Drummond and B.f. Thorneycroft are two cats who love to bug me all the time and you know I never do a thing to deserve it, do I? Don’t answer that.

Blue Jays

They drive me crazy with their shrill squawking and how they swoop down and take food out of my food dish. One of these days I’m going to have some Blue Jay for dinner. It’s only right since they eat my food.

Tanner

He's always in my face and trying to pick a fight. I can’t help it that I’m so incredibly macho and virile. Come on, Tanner. Face it, ol boy! You just don’t have the winning combination of matinee idol good looks and charm that I’ve got. Girls don’t squeal with delight at you now, do they? I’m Alpha Dog and always will be. Get over it, already, Tan Boy!

Summer

Way too hot for this snow dog. I know all you folks out there prefer summer to the cold of winter but not me. I live for winter. It energizes me and I just love snow as all my FB pals know so well. Summer makes my fur look like an old leaking pillow. I lie around like a lump panting my brains out. Even this sad excuse for a pool doesn’t cool me off much. Yep, much prefer winter.

So that's about it for some of my pet peeves. What are yours?

An Ode to the Snow

I can’t wait for the snow

To cover the ground,

To hear the wind blow

What a wonderful sound!

Cause I love the snow, so fluffy and white

I love how it glows both day and night,

I like to roll in snow and toss it in the air

I like how it glistens as it falls on my hair

(Okay fur, but it doesn’t rhyme with air. Artistic liberty, don'tcha know?)

I’m a Northern dog who likes the cold

I’m rugged, robust, brash and bold,

Hurry up snow, or I’ll have to chase a cat

Winter is my season, but I’m sure you knew that!;)

Canadian Thanksgiving

It’s Thanksgiving here in Canada today. What a glorious weekend we’ve had with summer weather! I loved my walk in the woods and hope I get another one today. Hint, hint! Oh yoohoooooooooooo! Arf, arf, roooooo! Can't be subtle with those humans. I have to make myself heard!

This weather is unreal for Canadians who are used to freezing their butts off most of the year. I like the cold weather myself but I know the humans prefer it warmer. Guess they don’t have as much fur as me to keep them warm.

My humans had their turkey dinner yesterday. As usual, we dogs didn’t get invited, but they were kind enough to give us a few leftovers. Slurp. YUM! Turkey hash, delicious!

Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful and give thanks for all the good things in our lives.

Here are ten things I’m thankful for:

1. First of all, I’m thankful for being so incredibly handsome and a chick magnet.

2. I’m thankful for being so incredibly handsome and a chick magnet. Oh, yeh, did that one already. Sorry!

3. I’m thankful for being so clever, funny and humble, too. *Grins and teeth ping in the sunlight*

4. I’m thankful for my four humans. They have their flaws but overall they’re a pretty good bunch and treat me well.

5. I’m thankful to live in Canada with so much fresh air and nice woods for me to romp in. I don’t like all the stupid cars on my street so I’m grateful to escape into the woods.

6. I’m thankful for old socks to chew on. The boys are good at giving me an endless supply. YUM!

7. I’m thankful for mud puddles to jump in. Wish there were more of them around.

8. I’m thankful that Canada has nice long winters with lots of snow for me to play in.

9. I’m thankful to have food in my bowl and love in my heart. Who could ask for anything more?

10. Finally, I’m thankful to have so many wonderful Facebook friends around the world. You guys are the best!

What are you thankful for?

A Walk in the Woods with Loup on October 8, 2011

A walk in the woods is one of my most favourite things there is along with jumping in mud puddles, chewing socks and roadside garbage.

Here I am with my trusty walker, Eric as we’re just about to enter the woods behind us. I’ve got my rubber bone to accompany me.

Here we are on the trail. LOVE IT! Hmmm, I sure have a cute butt, don't I? Eat your heart out, Tanner.

I love all the interesting sights, sounds and especially smells on my walk. Here Tanner, Tyna and I check out a really good smell. *Sniffffffff* AHHHHH! Rabbit and mice holes are my favourite and I especially like pee-marked bushes left from other dogs.

It’s fall here in Canada and the leaves are changing colour really fast. Cathy loves all the colours. I guess they’re okay but I go for the smells with a big nose like mine. Sniff, sniff, ahhhhh!

Already the ground is covered as you can see. Won’t be long til the big W. YAY! Can't wait for that!



Here is Tyna enjoying her walk.



I didn’t want to put this picture in but Cathy insisted. But why? It’s MY walk I’m writing about, not hers. Next she’ll want me to put in a picture of Tanner. NO WAY!



UGH! She made me put in a picture of Tanner. She said they should be included since they were on the walk, too. That Tanner is my nemesis. He's so jealous of me. I can’t help being so incredibly handsome and clever. It's not my fault. Sigh.

The day was so sunny and warm, it was almost too hot for October. *Pant, pant, pant*

Here I am resting up until the next time I get to go for a walk in the woods.



I’m panting cause I’m so hot. And you thought I was smiling, didn’t you? Well, I am smiling, too, cause I’m “Happy go lucky, live in the moment Loup” and am always in a good mood, except when dogs like Tanner try to pick a fight with me. He's just annoyed cause I'm the Alpha Dog and he thinks he is, too. There can only be one, Tanner, and I'm it. Get over it already!

Until next time, I send some nice slobbery and loving licks to all my friends.

Love Loup

Loup drops by to say hi!

Hi everyone! Hope you're enjoying the arrival of fall. I love it. The cooler weather suits me just fine and it's that much closer to W.. Well, you know what I mean. Cathy doesn't allow me to use the W word. She says it will come soon enough and then it's here forever.

Woohoo! My pal Rumpy interviewed me this week and a good job he did with it, too. He's a natural journalist. Look at all the interviews he's done lately. He puts me to shame.

Feel free to read all about me right here.

http://rumpydog.wordpress.com/2011/09/10/friends-around-the-world-the-canadian-club/

I like rereading it myself but then I am rather narcissistic at times, Cathy says. Don't know what that means exactly but it is a cool word, don'tcha think? Nar SIH SIS TIC. I like it.

That Rumpy puts me to shame with all his blogging and networking. What a great dog he is! I'm so lucky to have him as a pal. He's the best! Glad to see his blog is taking off and he's getting the acknowledgement he deserves. And to think I knew him when. Sigh.

Until Next Time, don't do anything I wouldn't do...in other words, the sky's the limit. GO FOR IT! Love Loup

Interview with Rumpy T. Drummond

Hi everyone! It's been a while since I wrote on my blog but Cathy was away on vacation in Cape Breton and PEI. She took her laptop with her so what could I do? Wish I had my own laptop but them's the breaks! It was hard and I suffered terrible withdrawal but luckily I had some socks to chew on for comfort.

Today I have a real treat for you. I interviewed my bud, fellow Malamute, Rumpy T. Drummond who lives down in Tennessee. I wonder if he has one of those cool Southern accents when he goes woo, wooooo!

I just know you'll love getting to know Rumpy better and another way to get to know him is by following him on Facebook, Twitter and on his blog, http://rumpydog.wordpress.com/2011/09/04/a-day-of-rest-for-hard-working-dogs/#comments Enjoy!




1. So what’s it like being so popular on Facebook and Twitter, Rumpy? I have lots of female admirers and I’m sure you do, too. How do you handle all the fame and stay so down to earth about it all?

Oh Dog, it feels so good to be SOOOO well-loved! To think that I went from homeless to known around the world is nothing short of AMAZING! I guess sometimes I do let the popularity go to my head, but usually I'm too busy to think about it. Blogging and social networking is hard work and it takes alot of time out of my day!

2. Rumour has it that you like cookies. What is your favourite kind of cookie?

Did you say cookies???? *drool* I LOVE cookies! The highlight of my day is that every evening Jen gives us each a cookie after we go outside for a final perimeter check. If she's late in letting us out, I am quick to remind her of the time.

We have to eat special cookies because DeDe is on a restricted diet, so most of the cookies I eat these days are made with some kinda fish. Mmmmmm..... they are mighty good!

3. What is your favourite movie? If you could pick a movie to star in, what would it be?

Hmmmm..... that's a hard one. I don't watch many movies. My obvious favorite is Snow Dogs. I really think they should have waited a few years so we'd be around to star in that one. Nothing against that Demon dog mind you.

If I could star in a movie I think I'd want to be a detective- like Poirot or Sam Spade. All the ladies would love me and all the bad guys would fear me. Or maybe a musical. I am a talented crooner ya know.

4. So I hear that DeDe has her own advice column? How does that make you feel? Do you like helping her with it? Is all the fame going to her head?

DeDe is a goofball, but she's a good kid. I have to help her with that advice column, but I gotta admit she's getting better. I don't worry about her near as much as I do the kitties..... ever since I started this blog they've been plotting to take it over.


5. Is it true that you like Barney, the purple dinosaur? *shudders* *GAG* Why, Rumpy? Please tell us why. I need to understand.

Oh Loup! I LOVE Barney! I have this fantasy of singing and dancing and running through the park with him. I don't understand why nobody likes him anymore. Of course i can understand a dog not liking a purple dinosaur, but I do get upset with human adults who dis Barney and other icons that children worship. I think it's mean and sets a bad example to the children because it sends the message that things the child values are not important.


6. Why do you like cats? Doesn’t it go against your natural instincts? (I know I have trouble with that predator/prey instinct and don’t get invited out to parties much.)

You're right- most Malamutes don't get along with cats. But when I came to stay with Jen there were cats in the house and I stayed outside. But I wanted to be inside with everybody else, so she told me I could as long as I respected everyone else. It's been hard but I have done well I think. I learned how to not pee inside and live with cats. Now I feel like I can do anything!

Now I'm not gonna lie- if I was outside and a cat was in my yard, I'd treat him just like any other prey.

7. Describe a typical day in your life.

Well, you know that I USED to get to go to doggie daycare, but now that Jen has taken yet ANOTHER pay cut she says she can't afford to send me anymore. That's why I started blogging ya know, so hopefully I could eventually I could make some money to go back to daycare.

So anyway, we start the day by the cats waking Jen up as early as possible by acting like they're starving to death. They run and jump and meow and act all dramatical- it's quite a spectacle! Then after Jen finds her glasses me and DeDe go outside for an initial perimeter check. After breakfast and Jen getting dressed we each take a walk. Then it's guard duty while Jen works.

In the evenings we spend some time in the yard hanging out, playing, fussing at neighbors and squirrels. Then we get that final treat.... COOKIES!!! Of course I am working on my blog throughout the day, so there's always something to do.


8. What is your favourite season? Does it start with W? (Say yes!) Why do you like it so much?

Oh Loup, this has been a VERY rough summer on me. The heat, the humidity, and of course losing Sage was hard as well. I can't wait until winter is here again! I want to run and play and chase Jen all over the yard!


9. If you could travel anywhere you wanted, where would you go?

I would go to the North Pole to visit Santa. Then I would apply for a job so I could live there year-round. I LOVE Santa, and it's always been my dream to be a part of his team..... even though I'm not a reindeer. I could LEARN to fly!!!


10. If you could help the world in some way, what would you do?

I think I help just by being who and what I am. Let's face it- in these days and times humams are hurting. They are angry, but most of that anger masks hurt. And it's not just in the US that happens. It's happening all over the world. So while a human would NEVER let their hair down and play with another human, they can feel free to play and sing and say whatever they want to me! And in return they get some time when life is good and happy again.

Heaven help us as Tyna speaks out

I just read on Rumpy's blog that DeDe got a chance to speak and she even has a help column. What is the world coming to?

http://rumpydog.wordpress.com/2011/08/14/our-new-feature-dear-dede/

A help column? Good grief! Now you've done it, Rumpy! She'll think she's the next Doggie Ann Landers at this rate. Now you're in trouble!

Tyna is really upset to hear that DeDe got to blog on Rumpy's blog and she is having a fit as I write. Always something. *Rolls eyes*

She is bellowing and insisting that her voice be heard. Oh, Tyna. Go away! I'm trying to concentrate on my blogging. Go brood somewhere else already. Go tell Tanner your troubles.

Now Tyna. You look upset or is that just your regular expression? Hard to tell sometimes with those droopy jowls. You know I was only kidding. My, you're looking lovely today. *Sniff, sniff* Is that rotten fish you rolled in? Smells divine. I like your makeup job though you do go a little heavy on the black eyeliner and you didn't need to outline your lips with it, too. Are you trying to look like a Goth or something? You do need a new hairdresser though. Your fur is a mess. I know it's tempting to roll in smelly stuff but it doesn't do much for your fur, Dear.

Now, calm down, Tyna. There's a good girl. *Pats Tyna's furry head* Want me to get some valium for you? Now just relax, my dear. You're getting much too agitated and ups

TYNA BUTTING IN HERE and believe me with my big head and shoulders, I'm good at butting in:

"Yes, it's me, the gorgeous and very intelligent Tyna, the St. Bernard who lives with those huskies (who rely on instinct more than brains), Tanner and Alex, and that incorrigible scalliwag, Malamute, Loup.

I've had it with Loup ignoring me and flirting with the ladies on Facebook. I put up with his fling with Winnie but don't think that it didn't sting a little or maybe that's the poison ivy I rolled in. Hard to tell.

Does he think it doesn't hurt to have him treat me this way? And I'm so good to him, too. I always visit him first thing in the morning and we have our little ritual where I let him chase me and let him have a good sniff.

And I let him use his pool and don't object when he won't let me use it, too. I know he has his selfish ways. I've put up with them for years.

I had my sights set on him when we first met but no longer. He was so rugged, mysterious, and handsome when he first arrived on our doorstep. What girl doggie wouldn't be swept away by him? I know Cathy was smitten and she's a human. She wants to write a paranormal shapeshifter story and have Loup be the Alpha dog or is it the Alpha male, I forget. Oh, Cathy, give me a break. *GAGS and big clump of slimy grass pops out*

But now I feel that Loup is just not worth it. I'm going to move on. I've started a self improvement course of diet and exercise and I feel great.

I go out to lunch with my girlfriends and they actually listen to me which is more than I can say for Loup who treats me like a bimbo.

Loup says I'm too high maintenance. I AM NOT high maintenance. Okay, so I whine and bellow a bit too much at the mere hint of a thunderstorm or when the wind comes up or when he goes out for a night with the boys. Excuse me for living! Hmph! I just need some attention now and then. Is that too much to ask? I really don't ask for much. I could be like that prissy Winnie who has her owner Wendy at her beck and call. I'm not like that. CATHHEEEEEE! Where are you? The wind just came up. BARK! BARK!

I might be a little on the neurotic side but like Loup's predator/prey instinct, my neuroticism is part of my charm along with my doggy smell. I can't help it.

There, I got that off my chest. Ahhhhhh, feels much better to be out with it. So freeing and liberating.

Here, Loup you can have the blog back. I'm done."

Loup here. *Scans the blog* So I go out with the guys? What's wrong with that? I am NOT selfish. So Tyna, you're all better now, eh? That's great. Glad to hear it. So could you rustle me up some dinner? I'm starved and I'm going bowling later with some of the guys. Oh, you know who they are. They're nice guys. You know. There's Rumpy, Archie, Chance, Dylan, Oscar, Elliott, Dugan and Hunter. All nice guys, each one.

Now could you get right on that, Toots? There's a good girl now.

Now, Tyna. Don't look that way. It's most unattractive. I didn't mean it. OUCH! Stop hitting me with that bone. I didn't mean it. OUCH!

Okay, readers. I'm outta here. This is too much to take. Off I go for a few beers and some rolling in gross stuff with the boys before bowling.

Until next time, be good the way I always am! *Fake halo springs out over top of devil horns*

*Makes note to always work on blog when Tyna is napping*

You can't rain on my parade!

Since it's pouring rain out there, I thought I'd post some different Youtube videos of songs about rain. I just love rain, almost as much as snow. Only a few more months. Ahhh, can't wait!

I dedicate "Listen to the Rhythm of the Falling Rain" to Winnie. All you doggies out there, listen up. Listen carefully to the lyrics about broken hearts.

That Winnie. Sigh. Sniff. She knows all about breaking hearts, that doggie does.

Darn, got some rain in my eye. *Wipes eye* Ehem...where was I?

Here's something a little more cheerful to lighten the mood. *Grabs soggy Kleenex* HONK! Winnie, why did you do this to me? Sniff.

*Listens to Burt Bacharach music* Ahh, that's better. I can dig it. I'm feeling more cheerful already.

OOH, Cool scenery in this one. Wish I was there by that stormy ocean. I'd love that. So wild and unpredictable. Sorta like me that way.

So how does a rainy day make you feel? Does it make you happy or sad or just plain annoyed?

I'm all cheerful again. Even Winnie can't keep me down for too long. She broke my heart, it's true, but it's been a while now. I'm livin' the single life and lovin' it playin' out in the field.

Hear that Tyna and Winnie. I'm lovin it! No attachments for this doggie, except for my leash.

You won't rain on my parade!

Seven Wonders of Our World

Cathy asked me to guest post and write about "Seven wonders of the world" for her Writer's Post blogging group this week.

She said she could have done it herself, but thought I might give it a certain edginess and dramatic flair.

It is true that I'm the better writer, but don't tell her that. Don't want to burst the poor girl's bubble. I'm even more popular than her on Facebook. The ladies just love me. What can I say? It's a gift.

Here are our Seven Wonders of the World:

Here's Tanner who is trouble with a capitol "T"

He tries so hard to pick a fight with me,

Then there's poor old Alex who's blind and lame

At least his keen appetite is still the same,

Then there's Rosie, such a cheeky tabby

So haughty and smug, and a little bit crabby,

Then there's Tyna who is smitten with me

How much more lovesick can this dog be?

Then there's Maggie, both skittery and lazy

So weird in behaviour, she drives Brian crazy,

Then there's Daisy, the youngest cat

Cute and playful, and a bit of a brat,

And finally there's me, the famous Loup

I'm the most wondrous, yes, it's true!

They should erect a Loup statue under a tree

All the tourists would come and take pictures of me,

They would whisper my name with both awe and fear

And say that the wondrous Loup Graham lived here.

Friendship Day

My good pal, Rumpy, wrote about Friendship Day in his blog http://rumpydog.wordpress.com/2011/08/07/tails-of-friendship/ so I decided to do the same. Rumpy is one of my best FB pals. He's the greatest but then he's a Malamute. Was there ever any doubt? Even if he does like Barney the Dinosaur, I still think Rumpy is the best!

I think I like my FB friends best of all 'cause I don’t really have a lot of real life friends.

Oh, of course there’s Tyna but she’s so lovesick that it gets a little nauseating sometimes.

Tanner hates me so forget trying to be friends with him. Believe me, I have tried but he’s jealous of me being the Alpha Dog. What can I say? It’s a burden being so incredibly handsome and virile but I do my best to persevere.

Then there’s poor Al boy but he’s so aged that I can’t really play with him very much. He sleeps most of the time anyhow.

There are the three cats but I’ve got that predator/prey instinct pretty bad so friendship isn’t a good idea. Rosie would be mighty tasty to nibble on though as she is so plump and juicy. *Drools* Tanner almost got her yesterday when he broke off his rope. You should have seen it! *whistles* It was so cool! YEH! *Waves paw in the air* There goes another life, Rosie. How many have you got left now? Not too many, I imagine.

Of course I like my human family who took me in when I was a vagabond wandering the dusty roads alone. They’re the best friends around. They feed me, walk me, play with me, and take care of me. I owe them a lot.

Cathy read somewhere that Malamutes aren’t very loyal and like whoever is feeding them and being nice to them. That’s not true! By the way, got any toys or treats for me? If you do, I’ll be right over.

I am so grateful for my Facebook buds who enrich my life so much. You make me laugh. You make me cry. You teach me a lot since I don't get out much so thanks!

It's great to know you. Thanks, guys! You’re all the best!

Don't Worry, Be Happy

Here's my simple little message today delivered by Bobby McFerrin. Love this song.

*Wiggles furry hips and dances around the yard doing cartwheels and hip hop* YEH! Everybody dance now!

This song is directed at you, Tanner. Stop barking and making such a fuss already. Tyna, stop your brooding!

As Bobby says, "In this life, we got some trouble, but if you worry, you make it double." How very true!

‎And here's a good quote by Barbara de Angelis about happiness to keep in mind.

"No one is in control of your happiness but you; therefore, you have the power to change anything about yourself or your life that you want to change."

I'm always happy, well, except when Tanner or those mean German shepherds are trying to pick a fight with me. Then my survival instinct kicks in and I become "Kick Ass Loup".

What can I say? My name is "Loup" (Wolf) after all.

Love "Happy Go Lucky" Loup, living in the moment and loving it!

Hope you're doing that, too!