Vampire Dog is no Bunnicula

I fully realize that the title of this post will make no sense to the majority of people. Such is the life of a pop culture addict.

Anyway, this is the trailer for a real movie:

It looks… not great. However, I may have already added it to my Netflix queue and might secretly watch it one night in the privacy of my living room. Only the dogs will know, and they won’t be telling anyone else about it. (Maybe they should have called it Dogcula instead.)

What it really makes me want to do, however, is revisit the Bunnicula books of my youth. Anyone else remember those?

(Want to read about more crazy canines? Check out the Monday Mischief blog hop!)

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Girls just wanna have pun…

It’s Friday… let’s get to the linkage!

  1. First up, your punny pet names are inspired by this slideshow (oh… hello there, Slide 15): Cullen Bones, Nathan Blue Jaydrian, and Pom Daley. (Seriously, I want to meet a Pomeranian named Pom Daley. It’s my new dream.)
  2. Speaking of punny pet names, this week I learned that Prince Harry owns a racehorse named Usain Colt. How is it possible that I never came up with that one on my own? (Bonus link: Animals with misleading names.)
  3. Emmylou Harris rocks. Check out her new project, Woofstock.
  4. Um, I would watch the heck out of Animals Acting Like Sharks Week.
  5. You know I’m a fan of all things Seussical. Thus, I loved this collection of advertising artwork from Dr. Seuss.
  6. I’m not even going to pretend that I don’t love these new ads from Old Navy featuring 90210 actors.
  7. On another nostalgia-related note… moves like Chandler!
  8. Here’s one for the Things Bella and Tavish Will Never Do files. (Oh, Corgis. Always good for a smile.) Yup… I adopt dogs that take their cues from the Gremlins.

You didn’t think I’d make it through this post with only one Olympics reference, did you? As if. Today’s video reveals the results of the Cat Sleeping Position Olympics:

That’s all folks! Hard to believe the Olympics are almost over already. Will you be spicing up your life on Sunday?

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May the kibble be ever in your flavor…

Apologies for the post title… I couldn’t resist. (Also, it will make much more sense when you reach the end of today’s post.)

I did see The Hunger Games last weekend, and it’s been on my mind ever since. I took a dystopian lit class in college – so when I read the book (and again when I saw the movie), it activated that English major side of me that absolutely loves analyzing literature. Yes, I’m aware that I am a dork.

Moving on, it’s time for your Friday linkage…

  1. This week’s punny pet names: Haymitch Aberwaggy and Effie Trincat.
  2. Check out this video compiling the 50 best (?) “very special episodes” of some favorite TV shows. I have to admit, I thought #2 would score the #1 spot, but I can’t really argue with the one that they chose. (I’m not crying, it’s just been raining on my face.)
  3. You can’t go wrong with dogs in party hats.
  4. Just because I’m feeling generous, here’s another puppy slideshow.
  5. Forget the Sorcerer’s Apprentice… the mascot’s apprentice is way cuter. (I hope that Jack the bulldog gets well soon – poor pup.)
  6. I’m pretty sure Bella isn’t really qualified to be the mascot for a sports team. Have you seen her catch? (I kid, I kid…)
  7. I love that Jon Hamm is actually kind of a ham. These goofy photos endear him to me even more. (Speaking of Mad Men, surely I’m not the only one who has been singing Zou Bisou Bisou all week? And by singing, I mean singing only those three words, because I do not know the rest)
  8. I’m easily amused – thank goodness the Internet is always there to amuse me. The They Volunteer tumblr is one-note, but still amusing. These two were my favorites. (Apparently I have not recovered from last week’s obsessions. Or my other obsession.)

Time to give cats their due – this week, enjoy a tribute to felines on film. (Also, a warning: there may be one word not for sensitive puppy ears in there. It’s not my fault – blame Brad Pitt. Geez, the nerve of that guy.)

I can’t even decide which one is my favorite, but it’s kind of hard to top Say Anything.Okay, I’m going to go off book here, and share a second video today. Behold, the most adorable hunger games ever played:

I bid you farewell for today, dear readers… may the kibble be ever in your flavor!

 

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A blogger’s fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love

My apologies to Tennyson

Anyway, I am very excited about the weekend ahead. Dinner with old friends tonight, more March Madness… not to mention The Hunger Games and Mad Men.  Lots to enjoy! For that reason, today’s post has a simple, not-so-much-a-theme theme: stuff I love!

  1. Your punny pet names: Catnip Everdeen, Peeta Mebark, Primnose Everdeen, and Gale Pawthorne.
  2. A few things I love: Downton Abbey, Mad Men, and puppies. It’s hard to decide which is more awesome – imagining the characters of Downton Abbey as different dog breeds (Dogton Abbey lives!) or comparing them to the cast of Mad Men.
  3. A Mad Men choose your own adventure game? Sold! (However, I will be forever loyal to the Saved by the Bell one – it’s first in my heart.) Have I mentioned my childhood obsession with both Choose Your Own Adventure books and fuzzy posters? Where is my Mad Men fuzzy poster? 
  4. You know I love Dr. Seuss… so of course I enjoyed this Dr. Seuss alphabet!
  5. I also love turtles (as you know). This turtle is no exception.
  6. I’m planning to see The Hunger Games this weekend. (Have you read the books? I am always searching for more people to chat with about them, as I have thoughts… lots of thoughts.) Speaking of both games and hunger, these cakes are awesome.
  7. The love doesn’t stop there… I love this song, which I happened to hear on the radio yesterday. It’s been ages since I last heard it, but it’s perfect for the dog lover!
There are many things to love about the following video…

(via Jezebel)

What are you up to this weekend?

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I’m not very musical, but this post is quite Seussical

Thanks go to Kolchak Puggle for inspiring today’s theme – I just hope that my bad rhymes do not make you scream…
  1. Today’s punny pet name has both brains and good looks – it’s Fleaodor Seuss Geisel, author of many great books!  (If you have the time and are feeling quite able, you might want to check out this Lorax dessert table.)
  2. Speaking of books, not to be quite contrary, but I don’t think I’ll fit in this little library.
  3. I hear that the ’80s are making a sartorial comeback – will fashion soon be inspired by volumes in my childhood book stack?  (It seems that everything comes back around, from clothing to music, such cycles abound.  This fashionable news fills me with neon-colored dread, but I suppose I should just be thankful we aren’t chasing the ’70s instead.)
  4. If fonts were cats, would they wear hats?  By that of course, I mean the thing called a serif – that a letter sometimes wears a pair of.
  5. This next link will mess with your head and your brain – it’s inspired by Escher, and it’s right up my lane.
  6. Now, Bella gets carsick and can’t go too far, but if she could travel I’d want this plate for my car.
  7. Last week I took the adorable Willis to an adoption event as my friend – although he did like to hug, I’m lucky he did not try to fully ascend.

Before I must go, I shall whisper a secret.  It should fully explain the final thing in this link set.  Dr. Seuss isn’t the only one who entered the world on this day – a certain pup-obsessed blogger also came out to play.

Now that you know of this Seussy connection, perhaps you will realize upon further reflection, that the puns and the parodies are fully explained, and my all-around goofiness was no doubt preordained.Anyway, if you’re feeling inspired by this meandering post, and wish your blog had a similar rhyme scheme to host – sit down at your keyboard and let the creativity pop, then head on over to join up with this Seusstastic blog hop.

 

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Attack of the tiny tomatoes

It’s the first No Frown Friday of 2012… let’s jump right in!

  1. Your punny pet name: Meowrio Lopez.  (On a related Saved by the Bell note, can we all agree that Lark Voorhies would be the perfect name for a pet bird? No punnification needed.)
  2. Speaking of puns, these classic book covers updated with cats are fantastic.  I think Litterbox Five is my favorite.
  3. Apparently even those who profess to be anti-pun fall victim to them every now and then. I was honored to learn that one of my punny posts made Rescued Insanity’s list of eleven must-reads for 2011.
  4. This cat is way better than I am at Fruit Ninja.  I’m beginning to think all cats have secret video game skills
  5. I’m craving all of these pieces from Have you met Miss Jones.
  6. You know what you need? An awesome video. Lucky for you, this one over at No Dog About It is extra awesome.
  7. Is this the best dog-related picture of 2011? You be the judge.
  8. You know I love any excuse to break out my best nature show narrator voice (see, e.g., the Cave Dog). So I had to share this post from Something Wagging about the migratory patterns of the Fuzzy-Bellied Honey.  Don’t be ashamed to read it out loud, Discovery Channel style – I did.
  9. Enjoy some pretty and get a few photography tips courtesy of Alfie’s Blog.
  10. I adore animal odd couples.  This fawn and kitten just made my hall of fame.
Finally, I saw this video and just knew I had to share it.  My love of turtles and tortoises is well-documented.  The baby tortoise in today’s video reminds me of my own childhood turtles, George and George.  They loved tomatoes too.
(via Cute Overload)

I want to give this video a high five, in the style of these two awesome sea turtles.

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All I want is what I have coming to me…

‘Tis the season for wish lists.  I  haven’t really created a wish list this year (other than a few items I added on Pinterest).  I’ve been a bit of a proCATinator lately, in fact.  (Apparently I need to take a cue from Sally and demand my fair share.)

However, today’s post is inspired by the almighty wish list.  For each link I share today, I’m going to tell you what it makes me want.  (Not all of my themes are gems, folks, but I’m giving it the old college try.)

  1. Before we get started, your punny pet name for the week would be perfect for a feathered friend: Wing Crosby.
  2. Up next, enjoy this bonus unrelated punnage: Wu Tang Flan.  This makes me want to cook lots of punny food and share it on my other, oft-neglected blog.  It also makes me want to sit around thinking up other punny foods.  I think I’ll settle in with a Donna Martini and a PBJT (Peanut Butter & Jelly Taylor) sandwich.
  3. Um… anyway… this story makes me want to move to New Zealand.
  4. Apparently I’m all about the big life changes today, because this video makes me want a baby… psych!  It actually just makes me want more puppies, as most things do.
  5. Up next, this video makes me want to adopt a cat to help me practice yoga.  Bella doesn’t do yoga with me – she just thinks I’m hanging out on the floor so I can pet her more easily.
  6. I played the piano as a child and want to get one for my house.  Although, Bella hasn’t shown any musical talent, this clip makes me want that piano even more.
  7. This post from Something Wagging made me want to make up a silly song about puppy balls. (I can check this one off the list.)  If also makes me want to post some more dog song parodies, this time with Christmas carols.  So… check back soon if that sort of thing interests you.
  8. In other news, this tutorial shared by Doggie Stylish makes me wish I was a better knitter. However, I’m still working on my first project – a scarf.  Someday…
  9. These cookie cutters make me want to go on a baking spree.  I’m due for a good baking spree. (See #2 above.)

Finally, this week’s video makes me want to pen a Christmas story involving a giant cat.  It’d be sort of a Pride and Prejudice and Zombies kind of thing…



(via Life with Cats)

So, what’s on your wish list this year?  I think Bella is just hoping she never has to see those antlers again…

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Please tell me I’m not the only one who remembers this stuff…

Today’s links are even more random than usual, if that’s possible. Full disclosure: I considered doing a Twilight theme.  The punny names were especially easy – though I would not be surprised if someone already has a pet named Robert Cattinson.  (Yup. Someone beat me to it.)

Anyway, although I am going to see Breaking Dawn tonight (I didn’t love the book, but I can’t resist a movie night), I decided to spare you from my other puns (such as Edward Seagullen).  You’re welcome for the random linkage instead…

  1. First up, your punny pet name: Meowrice Sendak.
  2. Time for a little shameless self-promotion – I posted a new recipe on the cupcake blog!
  3. Now that I’ve gotten that out of the way, crack open a dog beer and let’s get to the fun stuff.
  4. The other day I wrote a guest post for My Brown Newfies inspired by Where the Wild Things Are. The Internet has returned the favor – it’s where the wild pugs are!
  5. So, I remember when Passions had that weird talking doll. (Anyone else? I didn’t watch that particular soap opera, but I would occasionally pass it when channel surfing and get creeped out.)  It appears that one soap opera has decided to top that storyline – it’s a talking dog trying to convince a talking baby to hand over some hidden paternity test results.  (Don’t worry, I’ll give you a few minutes to read that completely bonkers sentence a few more times.)
  6. In other “things no one else probably remembers” news, 2gether (MTV’s parody boy band from the ’90s) is considering a reunion. U plus me equals us, baby.  (Calculus.)
  7. Speaking of TV… I’m not normally one to share ads, but I giggle whenever I see this Microsoft ad.  After all, I was the type of kid who would have happily made a
    PowerPoint presentation about why I needed a dog.  (I’m also reminded of
    Marshall’s chart and graph obsession on How I Met Your Mother.  I can totally relate.)
  8. Bonus graph: things I associate with Sarah McLachlan. (Thank goodness for the series of non-depressing pet adoption videos from Will My Dog Hate Me, right?)

Continuing with the advertising theme… this FedEx ad featuring dominoes, a goose wearing a bow tie, and an adorable puppy is pure awesome:



(via Best Week Ever)

I mean, it’s not catvertising, but it’ll do…

That’s all I’ve got for you today.  Also, don’t forget to vote for The Old Dog House in the Pepsi Refresh Project once a day until November 30… it’s a wonderfully simple way to help senior dogs.

Have a great weekend!

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Weight Loss with a Wag Blog Tour

I have a real treat for you today… my pal Peggy Frezon, the author of Dieting with My Dog, has offered me the chance to ask her a few questions as part of the “Weight Loss with a Wag” blog tour.  Fun, right?

Before we dive into the questions, I’ll share some quick background.  Peggy has written a book called Dieting With My Dog: One Busy Life, Two Full Figures, and Unconditional Love.  I know I’ve had my own struggles with weight, although I never stopped to think about how that could affect Bella.  Peggy’s book is definitely food for thought (pun totally intended).  She muses, “Were my bad habits causing my dog to gain weight too?”  It’s a great question.

However, it’s more than a book about weight loss – it’s about a journey that Peggy and her pup Kelly took together and the bond that they have.  I couldn’t wait to ask Peggy some questions about the book.  Read on, friend…


1. What inspired you to write this book? 
When Kelly’s vet told me that she needed to lose weight or she’d be at risk
for diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and more…I realized,
I’d heard all those same warnings from my own doctor. I also realized
that there was a connection between overweight pets and overweight pet
parents, and many others were struggling the same as I was. I hope the
book will inspire others who want to get fit with their dog.

 

2. What is your biggest weight loss challenge? 
Probably exercise. I just don’t really enjoy running, dancing, lifting,
pedaling… and I’ve found that I have to keep doing it, and keep
working harder, in order to keep the weight off.

 

3. What did you find to be the most challenging part of the writing process? 
The writing part is easy, and I was lucky enough to get an agent right
away. Then came the long process of finding a publisher. This is
a difficult time in the publishing industry, with a shift toward ebooks,
and no one quite knowing how that is all going to fall, so editors are
skittish about taking new, unproven authors. I was lucky and my book was
accepted by an awesome publisher of great dog books.

 

4.  Do you have any tips for dieting with an older dog? 
Kelly is 9 so I guess she’s considered a senior now. I think it is always
important to have your vet check them over to make sure there are no
underlying problems that might contribute to weight gain. Next, I think
it’s important to know their limitations physically. Some older dogs
tire easily or have joints that hurt to walk and run. I think finding
the best, low fat, good nutrition food for your senior dog (whether you
prefer home made or commercial) will really help best in weight loss.
Also of course, healthy snacks like carrots and bananas.

 

5. Finally, a slightly off-topic question… what’s your favorite TV show? (You know I’m a pop culture junkie.)
Fun! Ok this is going to sound like I watch way too much TV!  I assume you
mean currently running TV.  I think 30 Rock is my favorite. No, Big Bang
Theory. Wait, I mean Modern Family. Parenthood. Wait!  I love Gordon
Ramsey! Ok, ok, do I have to admit it? I really enjoy Survivor.

Thanks again to Peggy for giving me the chance to interview her.  (Also, no shame on that TV answer… if I told you how many I watch, you’d think I do nothing else.)

You can learn more about Peggy’s book by following the “Weight Loss With A Wag” blog tour – so fun! You can also like Dieting with my Dog on Facebook.

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Corgis (and Ryan Gosling)… in… space!

Before we get into the usual Friday linkage, I wanted to take a moment to thank the veterans who have served our country.  We owe them a great deal.  As always on this holiday, my thoughts go to the poem “In Flanders Field” – those verses say so very much.  If you have a chance, I also recommend you check out these amazing and inspiring photos from a new book on canine soldiers.

Now, it’s time for your usual installment of No Frown Friday…

  1. We begin, as always, with punny pet names, this time with a farming twist: Billy Goat Idol.
  2. Take an iconic album cover.  Insert adorable kitten(s).  Achieve awesomeness.  (Bonus punny pet name: David Meowie.)
  3. Also awesome?  Puppies running in slow motion.  You know I can’t resist puppies having a Chariots of Fire moment.
  4. Apparently the Internet is all about giving me plenty of slow-mo dogs this week.  Thanks, Internet.
  5. This next one’s not slow-mo, but it’s fantastic… talk about a unique dog.
  6. Now it’s time to answer an age-old question.  Forget puppies versus babies, the real cute-off is between puppies and Ryan Gosling. (I’m beginning to think Gosling needs his own category on the blog.  Oh, fine – here you go.)

Another topic that makes frequent appearances?  Space.  So, without further ado, I give you this week’s video:  Corgis… in… space!



 (If you can’t get enough space, go watch Nyan Cat too.  Someone should come up with Nyan Gosling Cat.  Get on it, Internet.)

That concludes your regularly scheduled linkage.  Before I go, you should know that a pretty cool event is going on in blogland this weekend – it’s a Blogpocalypse!  A group of wonderful bloggers will be participating in a blogathon to raise support for various causes.  I hope you’ll check them out.  (If you do, you might even see a guest post from me over at My Brown Newfies!)

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