Frankie Goes to Central Park

I met another one of mom's co-workers today. Her name is Ms. Erica and she is the proud mom of Frankie. Normally Frankie lives on Long Island with his Gran-mom, but Ms. Erica brought him into the city for some Urban Experiences.


And one of those experiences, of course, is ME! Mom and Ms. Erica thought it would be a lot of fun to get the two of us together for some puppy play time, and Central Park was the common ground.

Mom, Glenn and I walked through Central Park and met them at the 96th street entrance. I saw them from a long way off and pulled to make us move faster. I just knew Frankie and I would be friends.

We got to know each other a little bit through our normal greetings (the butt sniff) and began our hour and half trek. I wanted to show Frankie some of my favorite spots, like the Met, the Turtle Pond, the Great Lawn and Oval, as well as the Upper Central Area where the ball fields are found.

Dear Hollree

I was so happy that you came over last night to meet me!



You fed me my favorite treats and let me lick your face even though I had just been gnawing on my Nasty Knuckle.

Actually it's not a pig's knuckle at all -- it's actually a cow's knee cap -- but that didn't matter to you!

Mom never lets me lick her face after I have been chewing on one of those. And you tasted like salty chips, guacamole, and something mom called "Grey Goose and Soda."

I wuff you!

Wuff,
Brisztow Jones

Leisure Time Means Movie Time

Now that I have all of this leisure time, I shall delve into more movies, I think.

I was recently exploring the Amazing Adventures of Ditto who is yet another Vizsla puppy across the pond. She is sister to Troon, and has an older brother Dexter.

I can tell they really wuff each other. Someday, I hope to have a sister or brother to play with!

Anyway her site is chock-full of movies and it has really made me realize movies are an important communication tool and that I really need to do more.

Let's see what I can come up with...

Training: Day 1

Sure enough, this morning Mom and I rolled out of bed and put on our running shoes.

To be honest I didn't really think that she was serious. In the past, she threatened running in the morning but we never really did too much. It used to be all fun and games.

Now it's running through the park not slowing for Tasha, constantly barking beagle or even Dugan. Mom barely slows for me to "perform" I simply have to keep up.

Now I know what it means to be in Boot Camp.

We ran from the apartment on 101 and Amsterdam, over to Riverside, then all the way up to 125, and finally back down to 99th street to our normal play group. I figure it was about 3 miles.

It was only when I saw Laika that I had to put on the breaks. She hadn't been told of my weekend success yet, and I just simply had to tell her.

That was ok with mom though since she is really out of shape and was sweating like a pro. It was a great way to start the day!

Ribbons

Here are my ribbons from my last two shows...

Ever. Sigh...

Now that I have my CH title, I probably won't go back into the show ring again. You see as a Champion, the completion is even more fierce because you compete only against the other Champions. You compete as a "Special" and that is what Hanna Banana does.



I just don't have my heart in it, though, and I think I would like to try some other things.

Mom and I were discussing our future competitive plans and we are thinking: AGILITY.

After the F-A-T comment, mom said we better maintain a healthier lifestyle, and Agility is the perfect mix of completion and athleticism. Plus is it just plain fun.

There is always going back out into the fields for more bird action, too. I would really wuff to go hunting again. And bumping up a JH to an SH would be really cool.

So, we'll need to figure out just what is next on the horizon. Until then, I'm just going to bask on the glory of my CH.

A New Word to Spell

Today I learned how to spell a new word:

C-H-A-M-P-I-O-N

Yep. And I learned it because now I am one!

CH Tivoliz CC Freelancer JH.

Woah. So official and so cool!

I went to the show again this morning, waking up at 6:15, pushing mom out of bed, and dragging her out the door. Mom isn't a morning person, so getting up early was tough for her, but we manged.

We made it to the Expo Center just in time, and mom handed me off to Ms. Jenna so that I could settle into my show mode. Whenever I'm in a show that is what always happens. Mom brings me, then I can't find her once she gives me to Ms. Deb, or one of the other handlers. I look and I look. But no matter how I whine, she doesn't come back. It usually takes me a few minutes to focus on my task head of me, and eventually I always settle down, but until them it is a tough job to hold my lead!

I was entered in the Open class, with 10 other bitches. I won my class, advanced to the next class with the female winners of first round of classes, and that is when I got "the nod". Yippie!

Later, mom said that she wasn't sure if I had really won or not when she was watching the classes because it was all over so fast. But then Ms. Deb handed her my purple Winners ribbon, and said that I was a New Champion! I could tell she was so proud of me!

Thank you Ms. Deb for doing such a good job with me in the ring!

It's Ripley, Believe it or Not

Today at the show, I also met another Vizsla who lives in the Big Apple.

His name is Ripley, and it turns out that not only are he and I related, but he also lives right near where Glenn USED to live. What a small world.

He's 14 months old and quite a handsome little man.

Every afternoon he and his mom and dad romp through Ward's Island, which is situated just east of Manhattan in the East River. Ripley gets to hunt rabbits, birds and run through the fields. Wow. I am in awe.

His mom, Ms. Meryl, wrote to my mom this afternoon and has invited us to go along! Score!

This is going to be a great jump-start to my new "heatlhy" lifestyle.

F-A-T

Today when mom and I arrived at the NJ Expo Center the first words out of Ms. Deb's mouth after "She's here!" was "She's F-A-T!"

Augghghhhhhh-Gasp! Choke!

Ms. Deb! I know what F-A-T means. It means fat! I write a blog, I can S-P-E-L-L after all!

Yes, Ms. Deb thinks I've packed on the pounds (or L-Bs as we call it in the Big Apple). I guess I've been over indulging on my bully sticks, Duck strips and other snacks. But they taste sooo-o good. I overheard mom and her talking about running, cutting back on food, and giving me less treats.

Rut-Row!

Life as I know it, I fear, is over. It's going to be celery and cottage cheese, long runs and extended play sessions from here on out.

I tried to put it all out of my mind and put on my game face. I was entered in "bred-by" and won that class, which meant I moved onto the next class, to determine "winners bitch". I went reserve and had to settle for a purple and white ribbon, but no points.

Oh well, I had fun and Ms. deb I did well in the ring. So that's good. And afterall there is always tomorrow.

And I mean it. I'm entered in the show tomorrow, too. And it started even earlier than today! Mom parked on the street so that we can go right after our walk tomorrow morning. And yes she said she intends to thoroughly exercise me tomorrow. Oh boy.

I hear Rozie, my sister is going to be there. I can't wait to see her and catch up! She's been really successful the in the last few shows, going Winners Bitch at the Blennerhassett Kennel Club show and wins again at the Magic Valley Kennel Club show, both in Ohio.

Nice work Rozie! See you tomorrow!

Now I better go take a nap...

Show Time!

Today, I'm entered in the New Brunswick Kennel Club dog show in Edison NJ. Since it is so close to the Big Apple, mom and I are going to drive over in a few minutes. I can't wait to see the gang: Hannah Banana, Ms. Deb, Ms. Melissa, Ms. Jenna... And with 25 Vizsla entered it is going to be exciting.

I'll update you later about all that happens!

Double Duty

Now that Miss Penny is making more appearances in the park, Laika's herd of a single Vizsla has doubled.

Copy Cat

Since I have been looking at Charlie Morph's and my other friends' blogs who live across the pond, I have seen that they all have warm and cozy Gromits to sleep with.

Gromit is the coolest dog ever and is featured in the Nick Park classic Wallace and Gromit series.







Their moms and dads have given them water bottles wrapped in a nifty Gromit plush toys to keep them comfy-cozy at night.

I asked mom for one for my birthday (coming up on May 12!) and the other day -- it arrived! Yes, it was early, but mom wanted me to use it before it got too warm!

Mom thought that the Gromit cover was cute, but that the character "Shawn" was a better fit for me. She bought it on "eBay" beating out another couple people for it. Mom said the bidding was fierce but used expertise tactics to win the prize (thanks Mrs. Reusser!)

Here I am already bonding with my Shawn. Now mom has to find the huge water bottle to go inside!

Manic Monday

Mom took a day off from work so that she and I could really have some quality time with Caroline and Matthew. We certainly had a full day -- starting at 7:45 when Mutti dropped us off (mom's car was in the shop so Mutti was very nice to drive us to Ms. Laura's before she went to work), going all the way through until 5pm when we finally headed back home to the Big Apple.

We walked Caroline to the school bus first.

I was able to meet all of her schoolmates and watch her get on the bus. What a big girl!

Then it was back home for some "get to know you" time with Matthew. I licked his face, he fed me his Cheerios, and it was a match made in heaven.

Eventually, it was Mathew's nap time. After Ms. Laura settled him down, we women could really do some talking. I would have preferred to be outside eating the snow and mulch, but mom said Ms. Laura had to listen to the baby monitor. Bummer!

There was little rest for the weary because it seemed like as soon as we sat down it was time to back to the bus stop to pick Caroline up from school. She's in kindergarten, you know. And she can count to 100!

After that is was lunch at Friendly's, swimming lessons at the Swin-In Zone, and more Barbies in the playroom.

Go, go, go.



I was really happy once mom and I got on the road -- I needed a nap myself!

Busy Weekend

This morning, Glenn, Mom and I drove to PA to visit the Nelsons, cousin Christine, Mutti and Poppa Dino.

When we arrived at the Nelsons, Ms. Laura was throwing a party and there were tons of people. Ms. Linda and Ms. Meredith were there, as well as Ms. Beth.

I wuff them all -- especially Ms. Linda because she lives with 4 ponies, 2 dogs and 8 cats! woah! I have been invited to visit them all at her farm in Quakertown, so I am looking forward to eventually going there.

Shortly after our arrival, Glenn and Mr. Kevin high-tailed it to the local watering hole, so it was just us women.



During the party, it was my job to lead Matthew around. Everywhere I went, he followed. Under the tables. Through the dining room. Around the kitchen island. Since he's not even one year old yet, I gave him quite a workout.



Caroline played with me, too. She's so sweet! I wuff eating all of her Barbie doll shoes and mini hand bags. They are so pink and minty.

Mom's Snow Day

Mom was able to come home from work early today so that she and I could enjoy the snow in the park. We watched the sledding kids for a while and then played "dig up the ball" in the dog run.

Here is the park as we first saw it -- all powdery white!


















I've spotted some sledders mom! Let's go check them out!














I really wuff the snow --especially when it makes my nose numb!














Here's the tennis ball! It's nice and soggy.

Bumble Bee & Daisy

Here is the little man that I am going to visit this weekend.
















And here is the little lady! She just became a Daisy...

In Preparation for St. Patty's Day

All the Irish Wolfhounds had a convention in the park to decide the best way to celebrate their heritage.

Green beer, Shamrocks, and "Kiss Me, I'm Irish" t-shirts were approved.

Pretty as a Penny

There is a new Vizsla puppy in the park, and she comes all the way from Hungary.

Her name is Penny, and she is a thief.














Plain and simple, she stole not only my Qweeker man, but mom's attention, too! That is just not right!







Stop paying attention to her, pay attention to me, mom!

Bio Baggies and Babies

Glenn is an environmentalist and has decided that I, too, have to "Go Green".

Ms. Emily found these baggies that are made from corn and are compost-able, so Glenn researched it and bought 300 to start! You, too, can buy then at EcoAnimal or BioBag USA.

These bio-baggies are made to decompose in 40 days when the waste and the bag are thrown in your backyard compost, allowing both items to decompose naturally.

Or it can be buried, where micro-organisms will quickly eat both. Yummy!

And the third option is if the used baggie is set at curbside with your other yard waste in communities that collect biodegradable waste for composting.

Regular plastic takes well over 100 years to degrade. Woah, that is a really long time -- and in pup years it's even longer!

Ms. Emily bought some for Dannan too. Here she is putting that green goodness into practice...










On Glenn's Upper Green Side website, he has a contributing writer, Ms. Amber, who has educated the whole Upper East Side of Manhattan to G-Diapers... Similar in functionality to the Bio-Bag -- but these are for babies!



It takes up to 500 years for a normal disposable diaper to biodegrade in a landfill. But G-Diapers are flushable in addition to being biodegradable... What will they come up with next?

Walkin', Walkin', Walkin'

This weekend, Mom, Glenn and I did a lot of walking. We walked for about two hours through Central Park on Saturday. We walked around the Lake, and down along the west side to the Great Lawn, counting the number of Vizslas along the way.

Normally we see about 6-8, but on Saturday there are only three. Very interesting. Perhaps everyone took advantage of the great spring weather and went hiking outside the city?

After we played in the park and the off-leash time ended, mom and Glenn decided to walk home zig-zagging up and down the streets looking for management companies who run apartment buildings. Because we are going to be moving into a larger apartment (does that mean I can have more toys mom???) Mom and Glenn have begun the hunt.

Glenn says the best way to find a no-fee apartment in the city is to call the management companies directly and see if any apartments are available. So that's what we did.

We walker across 85th to Columbus, then back on 86th to the park, then back across 87th to Amsterdam, then back across 88th to the park, then back across 89th all the way to Riverside, then back across 90th to Broadway, and so on and so on and so on. I think you get the point.

Woah. I was tuckered out!

On Sunday, we tricked our friends Emily and Dannan into coming with us! We really we didn't plan on going for such a long walk but we got kind of "trapped" on the bike path.

You see, there are only a few (and far between) entrances to the bike path that runs between the west side highway and the river. And when we made our way to to the path, we thought the next exit would be only about 10 blocks away.... BUT it wasn't.


The next exit, we found out, is more like 30 blocks... which translates in to a mile and a half.

Then we had to walk back. I can certainly do an easy three mile walk, but this was all after an hour-long run off-leash in the park with my buddies.




Oh boy.

We had a lot of fun but it was quite a way to start off the day.

Barber Shop

My cousin Matthew is growing up so fast! He can walk around now, and has a new pair of sneaks.





Mr. Kevin took him to the barber today for his first hair cut --and he's just such a little man that he didn't even bat an eye. What a tough lil' tike. I don't ever need my hair cut because it always is the same length.

Whew! I get stressed out enough when I have to take a bath!

Mom says that she and I are going to visit him and Caroline next weekend for St. Patty's Day.

I can't wait! I wonder if he will remember me... Well, I'll be sure to remind him by giving him extra licks!

View from the Throne

While I have my minions (mom and Glenn) do my work for me, I wuff to sit on my throne and watch.

I find it so relaxing.

Roarrrrrr!

I am the terrible
ring-faced monster!










I have no eyes!









But I'll get you anyway with this ultra stinky sock!

On the Radio, woah-ooo-oo, on the Radio!

I think I have made another new friend who mom says lives "across the pond." This is Radio and he lives in Hackney.

Apparently he's a member of Parliament and argues for food rights. In this photo it looks like a tree is eating him! Watch out Radio!

I don't know where Hackney is. In fact I don't know what is across the pond or even where this pond is located. Why can't I just run around the pond and find my new buddies Charlie Morph, Troon and Radio?

Maybe they keep running around too like the minute hand chasing the second hand on mom's kitchen clock.

Someday, I would like to finally catch up with these pups and see what they are all about. But until then I just have to send my cyber-wuff.

Spinnanama

We all go by so many different names that is it sometimes hard to remember them all. And just like in the Broadway musical Cats, the names are all meaningful but some are secret and kept only to ourselves.

I go by --
Brisztow.
Tivoliz CC Freelancer.
Brisztow Jones.
BJ.
Da Bee-toe Jones.
The Jonester.
Miss B.
Munchkin Pupper Dogs.
The pup pup.
Silly goose.

I don't know all of the names other dogs have because usually they are so personal, but I do know Laika also goes by Timberwind's Like a Dream Come True. And Mom's work friend Erica's dog Frankie is also known as Frankenfooter, muffin man, scutchie noochie, and love bug.

Those are so silly!

Mom said that I some day I might even have a new name: Brisztow Jones Spinnanama





This weekend, Mutti and Poppa Dino came into the city so that they could meet Glenn's parents, Ms. Susan and Mr George.



Mom says this is a first step in making mom an "honest woman". I always thought she was pretty honest already, but I guess not.



And Glenn thinks that now we should be called the Spinnanamas. I kind of like that. Team Spinnanama. It's a doozy to spell, but means a lot.

Laundry Day

First Steps

Look at this little man just ready to cruise around! I can't wait for Matthew to take me on walks in his neighborhood!