Getting entrenched in Marquette

Digby, SusieQ and I are getting used to being Yoopers, although I've been told if you're not born here, you're never a Yooper. Anyway, we are developing favorite haunts, including the Lake Superior shoreline by the Dead River. Could Digby and SusieQ become wilderness dogs? Doubt it. I'll settle for them getting less afraid of the shoreline waves.

Soon a farewell

Digby, SusieQ and I are moving to Marquette on Sept. 16. So it's good-bye to the Northern Tail Dog Park, which I will miss dearly. In fact, when I make a list of the things I'll miss in mid-Michigan, that's at the top of the list. Angel is in a good new foster home now, but I'll take the little ones in the car. They like it with Dave and me!

The Return of Hamlet Part II

Hambone still has that Hereford-cow look, with the brown body and white head. He really scoots fast, too, for a Hereford imitation. Brother Bruce wasn't at the park, but Hammy's mom and dad brought a beagle, Copper, that they were babysitting. I want another bulldog...someday. No exclamation mark needed.

Let sleeping dogs lie

Angel and SusieQ (on top) lounge after a very full Sunday. Digby is in another room. I love scenes like this...placid, satisfying and low-maintenance (for me).

Half Frenchie/half bulldog!

Two of my favorite breeds, a French bulldog and a "regular" (English) bulldog, have been mixed in the form of Jigsaw, a white hybrid who showed up at the park Sunday with his friend, Fiona the Presa Canario. Jiggie really flew, although his legs were a bit awkward, and played very hard until he finally pooped out and flattened out on the cool ground. Plus, he was all white! Hopefully I'll get a photo sometime soon.

New foster!

I am now the proud owner, or temporary guardian, of Angel, who happens to be one-third bulldog (the other ingredients are Boston terrier and pitbull terrier). It's quite the combo. She's a sweetie who loves to snuggle and rest her head on my head, sometimes simultaneously snoring. However, Angel's still a bit undisciplined, so we're working on that. After great soul-searching, I decided to close the door of my spare room because it contains too many vulnerable stuffed animals.
Anyway, Angel, Digby, SusieQ and I had a very fun day at the dog park on May 19. They frolicked near the pond that's really full because of the recent heavy rains. Plus, many gray tree frogs and toads were out, spewing their spring songs. Angel played tug-of-war with a vine with another dog and showed great interest in other dogs' rough-housing. More fun to come, I'm sure.

Bulldog blue

I'm sorry Butler didn't win the NCAA men's hoops championship. Actually, "didn't win" is an understatement, considering the 18.8 percent shooting percentage. Yet, they made it that far. Besides, Blue the bulldog is its mascot. Speaking of blue, I'm really into Blue Buffalo dog food, providing I can find it someplace. It's coming to Soldan's in Charlotte soon, I'm told.

The Return of Hamlet

Hamlet, the former-puppy-now-adult bulldog, made a return appearance to the dog park Monday, Feb. 14, along with parents and "brother" Bruce. I can give him a big juicy butt rub as I did my Tugboat. I didn't spend enough time with him, but I'm hoping their schedule opens up so he and Bruce can frolic more at Northern Tail.

Tempting

I saw an online classified ad on the Lansing State Journal Website about bulldog puppies for sale. One was all white, another was mostly white with a dark eye patch and the others were various other colors I can't recall. Boy, did I want one, or two, but not yet. Someday, though, someday.

Cold, early darkness, laziness, whatever...

...are the excuses I'm using for not having been to the dog park as much lately. The thing is, if there's snow on the ground and a full-stratus sky, you can see fairly well. And it hasn't been that cold lately. So, chalk it up to a bit of laziness (also, I've been out of town a lot lately). However, I did make it to the park Wednesday, and Digby and SusieQ seemed happy to be there. A black pug whose name escapes me also took a special liking to SusieQ, fellow smooshface.