Seuss-obsessed blogger on the loose (plus… cats in hats!)

February has passed, and March has slid into its place. The first signs of spring are slowly showing their face. Today is the first day of this glorious time, but do you know why tomorrow has inspired me to rhyme?

If you’re a studious scholar of literary renown, it’s likely this riddle will not cause you to frown. It just so happens that many years ago on that day, a man named Theodor Geisel joined our great mortal play. That’s right – tomorrow’s the birthday of the fab Dr. Seuss, so now you know that my rhyming has a fantastic excuse. I became similarly rhythmic at the same time last year, so I hope that this format will not cause you to jeer.

  1. First up, I present you with a new punny pet name. Last year, Fleaodor Seuss Geisel was my entry of fame. Repeating myself would be cheating a tad, so instead I introduce you to Ms. Feral Ladd.
  2. Fun flights of fancy seem quite fitting today, so enjoy these whimsical paintings without further delay.
  3. Do you find the alphabet much, much too tame? Use the Seussabet instead – you’ll not again feel the same.
  4. Dr. Seuss is remembered for the Grinch, green ham, and a cat, but his body of work is far more extensive than that. Before all the Sneetches or an elephant caper, Seuss was in the same business as one Mr. Don Draper.
  5. Speaking of hats, it seems the good doctor had quite a flair, for finding charming haberdashery to cover his hair.
  6. I think that this story is worth sharing, so go take a quick look. I wish that someone named Martha Graham Cracker was here to read me a book.
  7. Here’s the answer to a question you likely did not ponder: it’s Star Wars redone in shades of Seussian wonder.
  8. Although the Lorax is often quite busy speaking for trees, he still inspires fantastical parties with the greatest of ease. (Yet if you may permit me one quibble with that adorable scheme, the use of all that paper might somewhat contradict the book’s theme? I’m probably being a picky old grouch, but if I’d kept my mouth shut, I’d have felt like a slouch. In my mind, I’ll just hope that this use was excusable, and that these cute decorations will prove to be quite reusable.)
  9. This story is old, but some might find it surprising. Who knew that Yertle the Turtle posed the danger of a grade school uprising?
  10. If you’re not anti-Yertle and hosting a Seussian soiree, put these dishes on your menu to simply blow guests away.
  11. We’re not the only blog paying tribute to this brilliant writer. This poem from Cat Chat is another one to help make your day brighter.
  12. Oh, and in case a product rep is here doing some reading, I have some advice that might help if you think of proceeding. Before you request a humble blogger work for free, I suggest you take a moment – or perhaps even three - to read this cautionary missive that will help in gauging, just why your unsolicited email could prove to be mildly enraging.

Now it’s time to abandon the numerical form. I end with a video (as is often the norm):

How will you celebrate this prince of the book? Perhaps channeling his characters with your next fashionable look?

If I can make one final request of you at this time… if you’re going to comment, maybe do it in rhyme? Rhyming comments would fill me with utter delight. Then I’ll know that this post did not lead to mass reader flight.

(I hope that this format did make you feel glee, but regardless, dear reader, the choice was not up to me. For you see, I’m not only a great Seussian fan, I happen to share the day of my birth with the man. Now that my motives have been fully explained, I’m sure you’ll agree that my whimsy was no doubt preordained.)

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Puppy Bowl… Monday?

Okay, so I know I’ve been a bit MIA (and left you hanging without a No Frown Friday post last week). I hope you can forgive me. It’s all due to a lack of poor planning on m part.

You see, each year we throw a Super Bowl party at our house. We had some work done on our basement recently, so I got behind on party prep. I spent the weekend cleaning, grocery shopping, cooking, etc. I meant to take a photo to post for Super Dog Sunday, and didn’t even get around to that. (I’m usually ready with a sporty photo in advance, as past years would indicate.) I even forgot to take photos of the spread for my baking blog (and actually forgot to bust out the camera at all this weekend). So, to apologize for being a bad blogger, I figured I’d atone with some adorableness…

Not impressed by the Super Bowl...

Not impressed by the Super Bowl…

Not impressed by the Super Bowl...

Ditto.

As you can see, the dogs were unimpressed by all of that party prep. Though they did enjoy getting attention from all of our guests (and they did join me to watch the Puppy Bowl before bed).

Anyway, back to regular posting soon… I should finally be able to start catching up on life this week.

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One more reason to love a herding dog…

So, another Friday is upon us.  Let’s get to it.

  1. Your punny pet names: Colin Furrell and George Bernard Paw.
  2. Self-promotion alert… I finally updated my oft-neglected baking blog.  Even more surprising?  I updated it twice!  Check out my recipes for Green Beer Cupcakes and Spotted Dog.
  3. Speaking of recipes, I want to try this recipe and make my own Shamrock Shakes.  I do not, however, wish to replicate any of these cakes.
  4. Need a smile today?  Then check out this post about dog people.  Trust me.
  5. March Madness is here once again.  Not into basketball?  No problem! Check out Go Pet Friendly’s Best City for Pet Travelers Tournament instead.
  6. This next one is unrelated to the month of March or St. Patrick’s Day, but I just had to share.  Behold, a basic truth about Nutella.
Finally, here’s your video for the week… I’m loving this ad from Guinness:


What are your plans for St. Patrick’s Day?  I’ll be having a few friends over for dinner and beer.  Can’t go wrong with that, in my opinion. Well, unless you’re this guy.  (Might as well end today’s post on a beer-related note.  So, enjoy these videos of animals burping.  You’re welcome.)
Have a great 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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A salute to cinematic canines…

Well, the Academy Awards are on Sunday, so I bet you can guess today’s theme… movie madness and dogs on film!  (Sing that last part like you’re Duran Duran… that’s how it sounded in my head just now.)

  1. First up, your punny pet names: Billy Grrr-ystal, Barkin’ Scorsese, and Meryl Cheep (for a bird). 
  2. Throwing an Oscar party?  You could make some punny dishes inspired by the nominees and then decorate with these fun printables.
  3. At your party, you could reenact scenes from past winners.  Just be careful which role you let this guy play.  (In a moment of synergy, I just saw an ad for the re-release of Titanic in April. I’m so there. Be proud, 17 year old me. I’ll never let go.)
  4. If that’s not your speed, you could discuss the greatest movie quotes of all time.  The first category?  Legal movie quotes.
  5. Whatever you do, just make sure you’re comfy - it’s a long show.
  6. I could watch this funny clip of Oscar nominee Jean Dujardin auditioning to be a villain all day.  No joke.
  7. I usually try to watch as many Oscar nominees as possible before the big night.  What’s your favorite?  This year, maybe I should try to catch some of the nominated shorts too.
  8. It’s the year of the dog on the red carpet.  I just have to smile every time I see Uggie, the canine star of The Artist (and a former rescue pup, like our pal Chopper).   Check out this great interview with his trainer, and then get a glimpse behind the scenes with Uggie and Cosmo (star of Beginners). 
  9. Uggie’s far from the first four-legger to rock the red carpet – enjoy this slideshow to see more.  (Sadly, Uggie won’t be on the red carpet on Sunday.  He would have totally upstaged all of the starlets.  However, I hope he’s enjoying his recently announced retirement and that he’s doing well.)
  10. Why stop there? I’m totally into the Golden Collar Awards.  Most adorable nominees ever.
  11. What’s your favorite dog movie?  (Here are some of mine.)

Finally, this video made me smile… and laugh… and cry… and cringe a little. (In any event, I had to share it just for the punny name near the end.)

(via Best Week Ever)

Will you be watching the Oscars?


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Give the dog a bone (or a Buddy Band)

Happy Friday!  Time to send you into the weekend with some lovely links…

  1. This week’s punny pet names are for our feathered friends: Emerbill Lagasse and Wolfgang Duck. 
  2. I so want to throw a Saved by the Bell party.  Invitations will be in the form of Buddy Bands.  (Bonus nostalgia: this Jem cake.)
  3. Speaking of sweets, I finally updated my oft-neglected cupcake blog.  Check it out!
  4. Apparently I’m all about the food today… let’s tie it all together. Meet the world’s most patient dog at the Food On My Dog blog.
  5. Another awesome tumblr site?  T-Rex Trying.  It’s hard to pick a favorite, but I think this one might be mine.  (Thanks to Hey, Love for sharing this one!)  
  6. For another treat, check out all of the great posts submitted to Something Wagging’s Train Your Dog Challenge and get inspired.
  7. If I had to compare dogs to a state of matter (you know, because that comes up a lot), I’d say Bella is like a gas.  She expands to fill the available space.  (I wonder what Bella would say about me.)
  8. Dogs wearing crowns – it just feels right.
  9. You know I love Pinterest.  The collection of crazy pins from Pinterest, You Are Drunk is my new guilty pleasure.
Finally, I give you today’s video… I’m kind of in love with it. No joke.

Cute, right?  Have a fantastic weekend!

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A weekend of puppies & football lies ahead…

It’s Super/Puppy Bowl weekend!  I’m sure today’s theme will not surprise you…

  1. Your punny pet name: Meowrio Manningham.  (I had some trouble coming up with one today – so here are some more punny football names.)
  2. He’s no football player, but Ozzy the balancing dog is the most impressive athlete I’ve seen in a while.
  3. Hello… is it blending you’re looking for?  If so, you’ll enjoy this Super Bowl commercial from Toyota.  (The obsession continues.)
  4. On a loosely related note, here’s a Mister T tea set.
  5. Moving on… I’ll be making some cupcakes for our annual Super Bowl party.  (One of these days, I’ll also update my baking blog again.)  I hope mine turn out better than these.
  6. Puppies predicting the Super Bowl?  I hope they are wrong, but I can’t deny the cute.
  7. Something else important is happening on Sunday too – the Puppy Bowl!  Who is your favorite player?  (See them in action!)
  8. Another great thing about the Puppy Bowl?  It’s encouraging adoption!
  9. No need to focus solely on the puppies – this year, you can check out the equally awesome Elder Bowl!
  10. Don’t worry… there’s a little something for the cat lover too.  Here are your 30 cutest moments from the kitty halftime show.
I can’t wait to watch the game and cheer for the Giants.  However, I doubt there will be any instant replays that use slow-mo as well as the video below…


(via Paw Nation)

So what are your plans for the big game?  Are you participating in Super Dog Sunday?  Bella did last year, and we’ll be joining in the fun yet again.

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When woofing worlds collide

Bella wasn’t the only furry family member at our holiday celebration. Her “cousins” were also there to open presents and beg for ham.

It’s always nice to have an overload of cuteness on hand Christmas morning, although it can be stressful if the pups decide to engage in some holiday bickering. However, I’m happy to report that last year’s peace treaty was still in effect.  All in all, it was a lovely visit.  

Roscoe


Nibbles
You didn’t think Bella would let me leave her out, did you?

Did your dogs have any “cousins” come to visit?  If so, how did it go?

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Eat pumpkins, not brains (or… how to survive a zombie attack)

This week, I can really use some smiles… thank goodness No Frown Friday is here when I need it most!  I also have an important zombie survival tip to share with you.  But first, a few things to send you into the weekend with a giggle or two:

  1. Your punny pet name: Tyribone Lannister.  (Confused?  See #2 below.)
  2. This might be the best PSA about spay/neuter ever… especially if you’re a nerd and into Game of Thrones like I am. (I’ll be adding this to the long list of puns I wish I’d come up with.)
  3. Bet you can’t top this senior portrait.
  4. So, I’ve told you how this blog got its name.  With that in mind, I’m sure you will understand why I giggled – a lot – about these posts from Smart Dog and Doggie Stylish.
  5. New post on the cupcake blog!  You’re welcome.
  6. With Halloween just around the corner, it seems that cute costumes are everywhere.  I couldn’t stop laughing at this gallery of 50 dogs in Star Wars costumes.
  7. Speaking of awesome costumes… it’s Ch-Ch-Chia Dog!
  8. This one has no real connection to anything else on the list… but it’s my blog so I can take some liberties right?  It’s a cheese grater that looks like a hedgehog!

Apparently I’m all about the pugs this week.  I found this video somewhat hypnotic (though not quite as hypnotic as those running geese):



(via Paw Nation)

I don’t know what you saw, but I’m pretty sure I just learned how to survive a zombie attack – always sit on a kitchen rug so that the zombies can’t quite reach you.  If only someone had shared this info with the cast of The Walking Dead.

Anyway… what are you up to this weekend?  I’m going to a corn maze/pumpkin patch with friends, and then we’re heading back to my house for a pumpkin carving party.  For Bella, that means extra people to pet her and give her love.  I don’t think she’ll mind that at all.

As for the pumpkins?  She isn’t all that interested.  However, some animals love to eat pumpkins – how does your pet feel about them?

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K9 Kamp Challenge #1: Make it work

PhotobucketThis week’s challenge?  Walk it off.

The first K9 Kamp task was to walk for 60 minutes this week.  Given the fact that it feels like it’s been raining here for a month, I had a feeling that completing this challenge would be… well, a challenge.

We did manage to get in two good walks outside.  For the first walk, we had some company.  Bella had a play date with our friends’ new dog, Dozer.  (Photos below.)  It was the first time the two had met, so we decided to take a walk around the neighborhood together before letting them run around in the backyard.  (In addition to our walk, Bella got plenty of running and romping in that day as well.  She was one sleepy pup that evening!)

For our second walk, we managed to get out during one of the rare sunny spells.  However, to complete our final minutes for the week, I had to get creative.  Things here have felt sort of like a monsoon – going outside was not a great option, so I decided to improvise.  Bella and I did some laps around the house instead.  I’m sure anyone looking through my windows would think I’d finally gone insane.  In any event, I convinced Bella to follow me around the first floor by carrying her favorite rope bone.  It ultimately became a walk/tug hybrid, but I think we did the best we could given the circumstances.

Be sure to check in with Kol’s Notes and Peggy’s Pet Place today to read more recaps of the first challenge, and then check them out tomorrow for Challenge #2.  To tide you over until then, I leave you with a few photos from Bella’s play date…

I’m not sure what’s up with Bella’s face in that last photo… she
managed to get stuff stuck to her face during the course of the play
date.  I removed it, of course – but not without taking a quick photo
first!

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