Autumn Dog's Life

We are still celebrating that the beaches are free of tourists and full of dogs :-) We have had some exceptional visits recently and some serious bodysurfing - of the four footed kind I mean :-)

I think Bailey over did it on Sunday, she woke the man human up at 3.30 yesterday night to get let out - it is still strange that this, woman human, did not wake up - but Bsiley's pitch is obviously tuned into the male ear :-) (Thanks girlie!!!0 I found out later that she had had several mouthfuls of horse crap - "now the money comes out of the sleeve" as they say in Holland!

I am away from home on business and miss my family so it a bit of a ramble this evening. However, one thing that Bailey fans may appreciate, she has found this incredible knack to charm little people - those under 5 I mean! She simply sits next to them and does a 'seal face' and they lose their fear and stroke her. I am thinking about taking her to some kid’s hospitals to do that once in a while - does anyone know of other dogs doing that?

Signing out and thanks to the two recent posts. I just wish we could get out to the US/Canada to do a visit - but Bailey in a cage in the hold for 10 hours?? Hummm… I still would love her to meet all her buddies though!

Naughty Dog!

Bailey having destroyed a toy - again - caught on camera/phone!!!!

Almost Perfect !!

Just in case you were worried that Bailey is naughty all the time - here is a video of her being really sweet - hey what's a little sock theaft between friends????

Marley & Me - Another Labrador Book Makes It Big

I have just started reading a book called Marley & Me by John Grogan. I have yet to get into it (only on page 8) but by all accounts, it makes Bailey look almost 'boringly angelic' which is hard to believe after this afternoon's capers in the park......

She fell in the river 4 times, exhausted two other dogs in a 3-way tug of war and did at least 30 rounds of her favourite 'hamster wheel' tree! Its still amazes me that she runs so fast she still runs in the branches full force :-) This is all after an hour run this morning!!!

One thing on the book's web site are the stories from other lab owners - this one about the most expensive chicken in new york made me smile: http://www.marleyandme.com/ubb/Forum3/HTML/000406.html It reminds me of my brother's lab, (Pan)Dora, who had the most amazing trick of running into my parent's house and in one fluid jump ate the cat food (put on a shelf) and then land on the floor in perfect formation to reutn to give my mum and dad the biggest hello ever! She also did the same trick across the kitchen table at my brother's place and ate the Sunday roast!

Funny picture time. Now, is this just a VERY small chair or an ENORMOUS dog???? CLUE: The chair belongs to a friend's 3-year old !!!

Talking Cats - As if you'd ever get a dog doing that!

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7199158973758073420&hl=en

Since Google launched its video service, I have seen nothing that you cannot fring on MySpace or Flicr, however, this one made me laugh - enjoy !

Me - Tagged - oh yikes!

Want to play? Sadie Mae dog has started a game of TAG - check it out at: /sadiemaedog.blogspot.com/

She TAGed me - sooooooo....where to start: Five funny things about me.....

1. I look like a dancing bear when I sit on my backside having my tummy tickled and I put my paws on the arm doing the tickling
2. I nibble my food – yes, I am a Labrador!
3. I charge at my boss and any bag on the ground when ever I can - we play chicken all the time :-)
4. I love to put my front paws onto counter tops when my boss is shopping – or buying cinema tickets – those people think I want a ticket too!
5. I love riding trains and climbing stairs – give me a double dekker train as we have in Holland and I wm in my element
6. I can type !!!! – just had to add that one

My mate Stan

www.snowjob.de/stan-en-bailey - check out some SERIOUS play time

Meet Bosco

Have just been browzing http://chocolate-dog.blogspot.com/ some greast videos from Bosco's humans!

Sizzling Summer

It’s been a while since our last post, main because its more tricky getting photos from my camera to the computer (both new). However, in the last few months, things have been heating up - like most of Europe with record temperatures both home and abroad. We have just returned from 2 weeks in Cortona staying at a wonderful place where there was a good mix of families, pool and surrounding beauty. We braved the heat and went to Siena, Assisi and Montechino. All wonderful.

Bailey and Jules did great with the two day car journey, stopping in Switzerland on the way out and France on the way back. We have decided, however, no pooch on next summer trip - it was just too hot to be interesting for her and sneaking in swims in the pool was not ideal. When we returned to Holland, it was no less warm but for once I welcomed the North Sea wind.

Its 3o de

grees still at 7 pm at night so down to the river for a swim tonight I think! Talking of swimming here are some wonderful pictures from the pooch reunion earlier in June. We had an amazing time with 6 pups all going crazy.

One more week of work and then a week in the UK. Looking forward to that too but know we will need a rest afterwards ;-)

Brown Dog Adventures

Cool blog site fromour friend across the water - Brown Dog Adventures

The most affectionate creature in the world is a wet dog.

-Ambrose Bierce-

Smart Dogs Go To School

Well, who said school was just for humans???! Already armed with my diploma, Jules and I presented....well.....me to her class a week or so ago! Look closely and you can see pictures up on the board and me BEHAVING in the corner :-)

Not only did we go through my daily routein and all the cool tricks I can do, Jules played a trick herself and pretended I had done a poop in the classroom! It was really a cookie which made it irrisistable of course - much to the horror of the squeeling kids!

She did brilliantly - of course - so did I !!!

Climb On!

Had to show off how amazing Jules did climbing while we were had our 'eenie-meenie' holiday on the Dutch/Belgium border a few weeks ago. She was like a rat up a drain pipe climbing - really impressive and loved the ab-sail down too.

Cousin Lotte did great and with Theor, the four of us felt invincible after scaling walls for a couple of hours. To "relax", I joined the kids at an adventure swim park which was a riot. I have not laughed so much underwater in years! After an amazing dinner with the family, I hobbled to bed, exhausted - so much for a holiday!! holiday!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

ITS MY BIRTHDAY....ITS MY BIRTHDAY....ITS MY BIRTHDAY
1 year in people years, 7 in dog - whatever - time to celebrate. Jules came to stay last night which was cool so the people had a big breakfast - me not, but the idea was nice. The day has not been so spectacular so far, but a run has been promised :-) The big party is June 17th with my brothers and sisters at Katwijk, which is about 20 minutes away. I will be fully play fit by then and man, will I enjoy that.

Cousins Stich and Pandora sent me a crazy card today and I have been promised a new bed for my present. The trouble is, the people think I will eat it - let's see what happens over the weekend. News from here, I can now run next to a bike and climb the stairs. Both mean more time with the people and a lot of encouragement - especially coming down stairs! My elbow is fully healed but still no intense playing allowed which can be irritating. Swimming is well allowed. Here is a picture to prove it

Hey - open invite to those who can get to Holland on June 17th to join the fun! Could be tricky for my Canadian buddies but we will have a good romp all the same!

Big licks, Bailey-the-birthday-brown!

Bailey Doing Great

Hey, its me. Chocolate in a T-shirt! Well as of this morning, no more walking around in a Los Angeles Angels shirt - complete with glitters! Man was that embarassing. I am mending well and am going back to the vet next Wednesday for a check up.

Right now life is just so BORING. No play. No long walks. Nothing that basically uses my front leg - even the eating has been cut back to stop me getting podgy!!! Anyway, people have been really kind and I am counting the days until I can run, jump, swim, play and do all those cool things. Photos will be posted as soon by one of my people.

Big lick, B

Dog In Recovery

Its 7 hours since the opearation and Bailey is recovering - fast asleep in her 'pen'. She had a tiny piece of bone removed from her left elbow and is now sporting of my green T-shirt!


I have to confess, seeing her 'coming round' crying and falling all over the place was horrible. I just hope we don't have to go through something like this again for a very long time.

Our surgeon is a lovely guy who said Bailey is totally different from her brother Wessell who he said is a gorgeous big guy - a lot more dominant than Bailey. Here is Walter Strikkers in action!

The one person I was particularly proud of was Jules who at only 71/2 was wonderfully supportive and interested in seeing how things were done, how Bailey was etc. As an only child seeing another member of the family being centre of attention is not easy but she did great. Here she is with Bailey and I in the recovery room - she (Bailey) had still not worked out how to stand at this point!

The next few weeks will be interesting as we try to keep Bay rested and not allow her to walk too far. Even this evening as I took her outside, she picked up a stick, staggered after a black bird and greeted two somewhat concerned neighbors with a slow but strong 'wag'.

We will keep you posted, but thanks again to everyone thinking of us.
Vanessa

Dogdog: China Dogdog

Dogdog: China Dogdog

Check out these lovely photos.

Chocolate Dog Never Tasted So Good! Happy Easter

For Chocolate lovers, thought you'd like to see this!!! How could any one actually EAT this!!!

I have to also add this one that made me smile!

Happy Easter :-)

Wednesday - The Big Day

The humans have finally managed to book me an appointment to go get my elbow operated on - this Wednesday. I guess the time is as good as any since they wont let me off the lead with other dogs - something about not been ready for puppies yet!!!

Photos will be posted no doubt of me looking sorry for myself in a few days, however, you can check out where I am going to at
http://www.dierenkliniek-sleeuwijk.nl/

Until then, have some good plays for me! Bailey

Diddle - Another Sister!

After makiing contact with Wessel and Luna, its great to now make contact with Diddle, another sister of Bailey! All we need now is to find the other 5 puppies ....now that would be a party!

Bailey Update

Apologies to everyone who is wondering about the status is of Bailey's operation. Well, it’s still to be booked since we need to a) make sure we have the best guy doing the job and b) make sure we have time to take care of her afterwards. The good news is we are going to have the surgeon who operated on Wessel, Bay's brother, operate - thanks Jacqueline!

Bailey is doing great, although I fear puberty is around the corner. She is more reserved than normal, well that is until we are in the park. She has discovered canals and mud and loves immersing herself in both.

I will keep you posted on her operation and in the meantime, thanks for all the kind messages of support.

“To a dog the whole world is a smell”
- Unknown

Soul Sister

After finding out about Wessel living close by, guess what... my bosses found out about Luna, my sister, who, well, looks just like me :-) I am so excited about the idea of us all meeting up, it really will be amazing. WOOF......

Hey Bro!

Woof, great news this week..... we found out that Wessel my brother lives close by in Katwijk and he looks just like me !! He is recovering from the same elbow operation I need to have so its all rest and no play for him right now - get well soon Wessel. Plans will be made to play together when we are both back on full form. Big lick, Bailey

Spooooooooky Dog!

This is a great picture of Leiden at night with a brown dog ... of course. Her eyes make her look a little spooky though! wooooooooooooooffffffffff

Fun and Games On The Beach

Hey, Bailey here. I had a blast with Jules on the beach the other day... she really is the best play pal you can have ! Woof!

What Is Your Daemon?

DOG - Your daemon may be a dog if you are loyal and caring, and like to know what is expected of you. You probably are very family oriented, and have a small group of friends that you are very close to, rather than a large group of acquaintances. You dislike confrontation, but you will stand up and fight for the people and issues that you really care about. You may prefer someone else to take the lead in a situation, although you would rather take the lead yourself than have the situation fall apart. You probably enjoy routine and order, but that doesn't mean you don't like to have fun. If anything, your friends probably know you for getting intense, child-like pleasure in the small things in life.

What Is Your Daemon?

Whos Been Sleeping In My Bed Then???

Jules and Bailey - Jan '06

Oi....who's this in my bed?? Jules is only just small enough to fit in here! She is such a cuddle junkie!

Buses, Trains and Trams

Woof, Bailey here! Guess what I got in the post this week? An invitation to my cousin Stitch’s first birthday on February 1st! The problem is that I cannot go there until April which is when my rabies sots are six months old. Shame, it looks like its going to be a riot.

I guess you read about the plastic bag incident – how embarrassing! I then had to have my elbow x-rayed. Some floating bone or something. I was out cold for hours. We are now waiting for a specialist to tell us what surgery I need …. Not looking forward to that.

On a lighter note we had a brilliant run on the beach on Sunday. My bosses were running all the time, I cannot really understand why they were in such a hurry and they looked bright red when we got to the car! Today Nessa and I went to Den Haag to go play with Lucky and Boofie in the woods. Man, what an adventure, bus, train, tram and all the same back again. We got pushed off a tram, nearly lost an arm in a tram door (Nessa not me) and it was not very nice. We managed though and I am getting quite handy getting around the city now. Tomorrow it’s Amsterdam – wow!

The Last Family In England

I have just finished reading The Last Family in England http://www.matthaig.com/home.htm and enjoyed seeing the world through the eyes of a Labrador. I thought I had got it pretty right, but I had not realised how much of my imaginary conversations with Bailey now make sense!!! In any case, she has certainly not learnt all of the Labrador Pact and sniffs for pleasure….Henry would not approve Bailey!

Here is a synopsis, Meet the Hunter family: Adam, a teacher, his wife Kate, and their children Hal, seventeen, and Charlotte, thirteen. And Prince, their black Labrador. It's Prince who is the narrator and protagonist of this tale. An earnest young dog, he strives hard to live up to the tenets of the Labrador Pact. (Labradors believe in 'Duty Over All', that duty being to remain loyal to their human masters, to serve and protect their Family at any cost. Other dogs, led by the Springer Spaniels, have revolted. Their slogans are 'Dogs for Dogs, not for Humans' and 'Pleasure not Duty'.) Mentored by an elderly Labrador called Henry, whom he meets each day in the park, Prince takes his responsibilities seriously, and as things in the Hunter family begin to go badly awry, his responsibilities threaten to overwhelm him. It all starts when a new couple move into the big house overlooking the park. Soon Adam is besotted with Emily, the beautiful aromatherapist, while her husband Simon seems to have played a significant part in Kate's past... Hal is tripping on acid and the house is invaded by his rowdy friends for a party; Charlotte's fallen out with Adam over her new boyfriend and tries to end it all with an overdose. And down in the park it's even worse: Henry has disappeared; Emily's dog Falstaff wants to lead Prince astray; has the terrifying Rottweiler Lear killed Joyce, the Irish wolfhound?

Who's A Clever Girl Then???!

I see the paw prints on the key board; however, Bailey failed to mention that she achieved maximum points (180) in her recent Gerhoomzam Hond exam!

Theor and Bailey braved the hail, snow and rain in mid December to do the test with Jules and I cheering from a freezing shed! Although we wonder where all this learning has gone sometimes, we are very proud of our girl! NOTE: She is not in prison here... it is her bed and she is there a lot!
The 'Man In The Hood' with his hond !!!!

Hello 2006 .. snow and football

Happy New Year! My bosses have been running around like cats with wind under their tails since the start of the year, so I thought I would put paw to pad and let you have an update from a brown pooch’s point of view!

Well, I am IN LOVE!!! I had the most the most amazing 10 days in Amsterdam when the two legged family went to England for Christmas. Thanks to Sonja and Huig I got to see a side of Amsterdam that most visitors never get to… the coolest and most social meeting spots around. I got to romp around with the big city dogs and they were sweet despite being so street-wise! From the start Sonja and Huig’s big white carpet drove me wild and I still cannot work out why they had a glittering tree IN the house – but hey it was nice to look at. Talking of white, what is it with this SNOW stuff!! However much I ate of the stuff, it never ceased to amaze me – wicked – shame it’s gone so quickly though. On the last day I get to cuddle on the couch with the lovely Sonja and even Huig.. Just as well I get to Sonja at Theor’s work most weeks so I can see her. J

When the time came to go home, we went to Schiphol to pick up the bosses and Jules of course, and swap cars. That was a little weird but it was good to get home. We were all up to 2 am so nice long lie-in before hitting the road to a village called Ane which is up next to the German boarder in a province called Overijssel . We were there to welcome in the New Year with Paul, Sasja, Jos, Corinne and I got to play with all their kids the entire time which was excellent. I was in trouble as I could not resist a few toys and Suus’ slipper, but hey, they still laid on the cuddle which makes it all cool, I invented a new sport too. FORREST FOOTBALL – come on FC Labradors! I learnt to tackle and to block the goal and even a great trick of grabbing trousers to really get those two legged players to the ground. Tijn really didn’t like that. Man I was exhausted but it was the best romp of the year …. So far that is.

Finally, we went for a walk in the dunes today. Real cool, on the beach too and got real close up to those really long legged animals – horses. Man they are amazing. I raced every other Labrador I could find and Theor took some more pics of me, I must say looking mighty fine!! Phew, time to sleep …again… woof!