Dog Days of Summer

Hi, it's me Ben.
I am blogging today to announce that we are officially in the Dog Days of Summer!

It's my favorite season of the year, can't you tell?

Trying to stay cool and well hydrated in Michigan!

Who Says Picnic Tables are for Picnics?

The sun has finally returned after three days of overcast skies. . .just spending the day soaking up the Vitamin D.

Happy Birthday to Me!

Oh, the joy of celebrating another birthday with my family! I can't believe that I am already three. . .which I heard converts to 18 in human years.

Fortunately, I don't have to register for the Selective Service; however, I sure would like to register to vote. After all it is just 3 short years before the Eagle should be retired and the Beagle take charge as a national icon.

I plan to spend the day taking a morning nap, going outside, taking an afternoon nap, opening presents, enjoying a peanut butter Frosty Paws, and then getting ready for Night-Nights. (Noche-Noches for you Spanish speakers.)

Happy Birthday to Me, AAAAAAAAAAAAOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Beagle Property Laws

1. If I like it, it's mine.

2. If it's in my mouth, it's mine.

3. If I had it a little while ago, it's mine.

4. If I can take it from you, it's mine.

5. If it's mine, it must never appear to be yours.

6. If it just looks like mine, it's mine.

7. If I saw it first, it's mine.

8. If it's edible, it's mine.

9. If you have something and put it down, it's mine.

10. If I chew something up, all the pieces are mine.

11. If I get tired of it, it's yours.

12. If I want it back, it's mine

Beagle Fashion?

Hi. . .it's me Ben!

The highlight of every school day is going with Chrissy to pick up Matt and Dave. Every school day at 3:00 pm we pick up Matt and then at 3:25 pm we pick up Dave. As we sit and wait for them to come out of school, I like to watch all of their "friends" come out of the building. I get really excited when I am finally able to pick Matt and Dave out of the crowd.

Some of their friends are girls, some are boys, some are happy and some are sad, some have band and orchestra instruments, and some don't, while others have backpacks and some won't. But one thing all of them have is their own individual style. Their individual styles range from no hair, to hair of different colors and different lengths. Their clothing runs the gambit from shorts and tees to sweats and jeans. Their shoes range from flip flops to Doc Martins. And I have yet to figure out why they have earrings in their noses and lips!

All of this gets me thinking that even though Beagles have their own style it is more of a "personality" then a "fashion statement". Beagles are one of the easiest dogs to maintain in the world. . .okay, the Chinese Crested may have it a bit easier. . .but what I am getting at is it isn't easy for us to change our looks. . .except for maybe one way. . .the way we wear our ears!

For example, here is the normal Beagle look:

Then we have the Tao-Ming Beagle look:

Then there is the Flip-Over Beagle look: (no offense to you Comb-Over Guys):

And finally we have the Princess Leia Beagle look:

Even though these are all cool styles for a Beagle, we can't be trendsetters to you humans because your ears don't hang low. But one area that Beagles can set a trend is for a human to copy our markings.

Check out Matt's sock tan resulting from two weeks of Marching Band Camp. It is the ultimate compliment to this Beagle Hound! Don't you just love it?

What Humans Can Learn From Dogs. . .

Hi. . .it's me Ben! I was just sitting here all alone missing my family as they have all return to work and school full time and I thought I would share with you some lessons learned that have been passed down through the ages from the dog star, Sirius.

1. When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

2. When it's in your best interest, practice obedience.

3. Let others know when they invade your territory.

4. Take naps and stretch before rising.

5. Eat with enthusiasm.

6. Be loyal.

7. When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.

8. When something you want is buried, dig until you find it.

9. Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

10. No matter how often you are scolded, don't dwell on it. Run right back and make friends.

Wouldn't the world be a better place if humans followed these lessons too?