More Christmas Pics

Under the big Christmas Tree....

Visiting Santa ~December 9th, 2008

What an eventful night this was. First we stood in line for over an hour, although I have to admit both Shaughnessy and Cassidy were very well behaved during that time. Then all the digital pictures with Santa came out blurry (see above); the professional pictures were not what I wanted either (they didn't date them and Cassidy's dress was barely showing); then after the pictures were taken, Shaughnessy decided to run off in the mall!!! (He was caught after a short chase)

So after almost $50, over an hour of time and more stress than I care to remember....the Christmas pictures this year are pretty disastrous.

Christmas Time

Here's Shaunie and Cassie with "The Girly Tree"

Shaughnessy's Halloween Costume Revealed!!

This year Shaughnessy's new costume is Jack in the Box. I built it from scratch and he even has a sound box that plays "Pop goes the Weasel". Obviously we put alot of work into choosing and then creating his costume each year....probably too much. I know it seems like I have to much time on my hands, even though that couldn't be further from the truth. But it's fun so it's worth it. Here are some up close pics of his costume.

Divas Unleashed 2008

Today was the annual Divas Unleashed Halloween Dog Costume Parade in Boston's South End. Each year this event gets bigger and bigger. There were about 500 dogs entered in the contest. Randy Price from channel 7 news was the special host and the Salem High School marching band led our parade as we made our way down Tremont street to the Boston Common.

It's all for a good cause as all money raised is donated to the ASPCA.

This is our 3rd year participating. This time Shaughnessy's costume was Jack in the Box. Cassidy also dressed up, as El Diablo Piqueno (The Little Devil). Shaughnessy was one of the winners again this year, very exciting!! Enjoy all the pics from our fun day...

Shaughnessy Turns 3 !

Can't believe it but my baby boy was 3 on 10/10/08!! We had a small family party for him. He got gifts from Grammie and a birthday cookie!

Plymouth Barktoberfest

Yesterday was Barktoberfest on the Plymouth waterfront. It's a beautiful spot but it was a little windy and cold. The dogs still had a great time "trick or treating" through all the vendors. There were contests and again Shaughnessy entered the costume contest. This time he won 1st place!

His Herbie costume is showing a lot of wear and is being officially retired. Next week, for the annual Divas Unleashed Halloween Parade in Boston, Shaughnessy will reveal his brand new costume!!!

P.S. If anyone is wondering....where is Cassidy in all these events?? Well she is always there with us but she prefers not to dress up and is there for not entered into the contests. She's much happier watching from the sidelines. Don't worry though, she gets PLENTY of attention just being there! Halloween is always Shaughnessy's time to shine.

Pug Social

Every year hundreds of Pugs and their owners gather in Spencer Mass. for the annual Pug Social. It is a day long event full of fun things to do. There are vendors, services, games, contests, food, even an obstacle course. This is our second year going. This year Shaughnessy entered the Costume Contest and won second place.

Fun at the Dog Park

Apples, Apples, Everywhere

We went apple picking this weekend. Unfortunately, they do not allow dogs on the premises, but they've been having lots of fun making pies with me. (well actually, I make the pies and they sit next to me waiting for peels or apple pieces to fly off the counter) I've made a few pies and apple crisp but still have LOTS of apples left. Looks like I'll be baking for a while yet.

If anyone is in the Southern New England area, I highly recommend The Big Apple for apple picking. They have lots of activities like pony rides and hayrides. They also have a big store where you can buy freshly made apple sauce, jellies, pies, candy apples, etc....

Here's a link to their website:

http://www.thebigapplefarm.com/index.html

Milo and Otis

Milo and Otis is an adorable film about a cat and a pug. Anyone who hasn't seen it, should be a kid for a day and watch it. You don't even have to be a kid to find the humor and emotion in the film.

I found this clip on Youtube. It features scenes from Milo and Otis, set to Runaway Train by Soul Asylum. It's just too cute, a must see!

Here's the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLMouezq6ps

Last Week of Summer :(

As much as I love the cool Fall weather, I'm very sad to see Summer end. No more flip flops, tank tops or lying on the beach. My tan is already fading fast.

So as we get ready to usher in Autumn next Monday, let's look back on some random photos and awesome memories from Summer 2008...

Pug Clothes

Do you dress your doggies ? I do but not all the time. If it's cold out they'll wear a sweater; if it's raining out they'll wear their raincoats and on special occasions, like holidays, they'll wear a nice outfit.

If you do dress up your doggie(s), do you purchase high-end merchandise? I cop to spending more on some of their clothes than my own!! **blushes** (They each have Burberry collars and Juicy Sweaters) I figure that I would dress my "real" children in the best clothes and accessories. So even though my current children happen to have four-legs, shouldn't they still get the good stuff?

Here are some links to great dog clothing sites online.

http://www.lushpuppyonline.com/store.html

http://ziggysboutique.homestead.com/patchesweater.html

http://www.pugsnuggly.com/index.html

Playtime

I' ve read that pugs are not the type of dog who will play fetch, but mine do. Shaughnessy loves to take a toy and tease you with it. If you don't pay attention to him, he will bump into your shin until you notice him and chase him for the toy. When you catch him, you have to play tug of war for the toy. Eventually he gives in and lets go. I'll throw the toy to another room....sure enough he'll go fetch it and the whole thing repeats. He could play all day sometimes. Cassidy is just starting to wanna play. I think she's just copying Shaun though because she doesn't seem really into it yet.

How do your dogs play? Do they have any favorite toys?

TGIF !

Here are some links to some very cute and funny videos featuring Pugs and Chugs on Youtube.

Enjoy, and I hope everyone has a great weekend!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7-EVK5NXkM&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzMpFP6rW04

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WElJp2Hj56U

MSPCA Walk for Animals

This past Sunday, we participated in the annual MSPCA Walk for Animals on Boston Common. The MSPCA is a wonderful organization that raises money to help animals in need. Thank you again to everyone who contributed to my fund raising efforts. Your generous support means so much!!!!

Shaughnessy and Cassidy easily handled the 1.5 mile walk. They got to meet many, many other dogs, including 2 other black pugs. However, there were no other Chugs that we met that day. Infact many people inquired about Cassidy. They were curious about what she was and where they could get one. Wherever Cassidy goes she seems to steal the spotlight. Poor Shaughnessy used to get all the attention until his little sister came around. It's ok because I make up for by spoiling him a little bit extra.

After the walk we visited the vendors who had set up to participate in the event. There were also contests and performances to see. Overall it was a beautiful day and a great time was had by all. We can't wait to do it again next year.