Pup Tents

We totally are into the camping / road trip thing, but we do like to have a few luxuries - like our beds, for example.  And, maybe heat - if it's really cold.  And a refrigerator - you know, for eggs and stuff.  We LOVE eggs!  BUT, we discovered a whole other breed of dog out there that really likes to ruff it - with (gasp!) TENTS!  We tried a tent once, but no one could really get comfy 'cause we didn't have our orthopedic beds and it was all slanty on account of the ground and we kept sliding all over the tent floor 'cause it was slippery.  Guess we're not one of the Pure Ruffin' It Breeds like these guys -

ALL these dogs stayed in THESE - 

Four dogs + two tents + four humans = a coupla stinky tents!

Hey, humans can be stinky, too!

(PeeS - We met those four dogs and wrote down their names somewhere, but someone seems to have lost it - sorry guys!)

Looks like these guys are getting ready for a weiner roast!

Wonder how come we weren't invited?

Here's the spot where all the dogs and humans were hogging the whole lake!

Okay, not really, but when we've driven thousands of miles (and some of 'em were really bumpy!), we don't want to share space with anybody!  Know what we're sayin'?

Okay, so this isn't a tent, but it was hardly bigger than one! Maybe a pup trailer.

We thought it was so cute we had to snap a pic.

The Road Dogs (sorta ruffin' it)

So, what is everybody up to today?  Hope everybody's having a fun day!  Here's a little something Taz likes to do to relax and unwind from a busy week.

He's a little guy, but he sure can handle a tractor!

Wow! That's a lotta grass to mow!

This will take hours!

Hours later - and a job well done.

Now, time to cool off with a little swim . . .

Now off to the blog hop . . .

The Road Dogs

Monkey Butt No More

We are taking a short break from our regularly scheduled posting to share an important new find with you, our readers.  We feel it is our duty as responsible bloggers to keep our readers informed of new and exciting discoveries we make that could enhance your quality of life.  So, without further ado - we present Anti Monkey Butt Powder.

This revolutionary new powder-like substance has been tested and approved for the relief of monkey butt.  We're guessing this is a condition that plagues only primates.  And we know that most humans fall into that category. So, you're probably wondering - why do I care?  Well, more than likely, you're living with a (gasp!) primate who might become irritable because they suffer from monkey butt.  This could have the undesirable trickle-down effect of causing you to suffer, also.  Does your human act grouchy it you eat poop?  Does he/she get crabby if you chew, break or otherwise destroy something absolutely meaningless and worthless, like a new pair of shoes or a really old glass vase that's ugly anyway?  Does he/she raise their voice a little too loudly if you go counter surfing and snag the last half of the pizza?  Does he/she get a little testy after you've had a nice swim and perhaps walked through a little mud and then tracked it into the house and laid on the sofa? Well, our furiends, your human could be suffering from monkey butt.  So click on this link, post haste (that means really fast) and order up some Anti Monkey Butt Powder for your human. 

*** We were not paid, bribed or otherwise compensated for this advertisement, nor do we have any personal knowledge of this product's effectiveness in relieving Monkey Butt or any other condition that causes humans to be grouchy. ***

The Road Dogs (at your service)

We Spy Something BIG

The ghost town adventure might not have lived up to its hype, but hold on to your chew toys boys and girls because the next thing we saw sure did!  Let's just say - we think we found the dude or dudette that lives behind this gate -

Wait for it . . . wait for it . . .

That, our friends, is what you call a grizzly bear butt!  In the FUR!  We were driving through Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest on the way back to the campground.  We were sort of disappointed that we hadn't seen any bear yet.  After all, we had driven all the way around Yellowstone TWICE.  There were rumors of bear spotting, but none for us.  So, seeing this bear was extra exciting 'cause we weren't expecting it.  It was on a long, winding road.  Dad was driving, Mom was looking out the window, we were sleeping.

All of a sudden, Mom says "There's a bear, there's a bear!" 

Dad says, "Where?" 

She says, "There!" 

Dad says, "Where?" 

She says, "Right there!" 

Well, you get how the conversation went. 

She says, "It's right there, running through those woods!  Keep going!  Keep going!  The road curves back around!  Maybe we'll catch him coming through the other side."  (She didn't really mean "catch" him, you know, just "see" him.) 

Mom's getting out the camera and telling Dad to step on it.  But, Dad didn't see the bear, so he's not really getting what she's talking about, so he's poking along. 

And Mom's saying/yelling, "Keep going!  Keep going!" 

So, we finally rounded the bend and sure enough, there's this big old bear hauling butt out of the woods and across the road right in front of us and then into the woods on the other side.  All Mom gets is a picture of his butt, but that was enough to prove we saw him. 

Anyway, here's the bizarre part.  Dad stops the car in the middle of the road - grabs the camera from Mom - jumps out of the car - and runs after the bear.  If you had any question about Dad's, um, sanity, well that should tell you all you need to know!  We will say that there were no other cars and we hadn't seen any others the whole time we were in the forest, but STILL - he was chasing a bear with a camera! . . . 

That bear had hauled butt pretty quickly and was nowhere to be seen.  Dad finally got back in the car and we drove on looking for another sighting of the bear, but he was obviously smarter than us!  We even went back the next day looking for ole grizzly butt, but that dude/dudette was hiding from us!  Probably scared of Dad! hehe

The Road Dogs (stalking grizzly bear)

Ghost Town, USA

FINALLY!  A ghost town for Dad!  You may remember that we traveled down a couple dead-end roads in search of the elusive ghost town.  As it turned out, there was a writer - a real live professional author-type person - staying at our campground.  He was on a book tour and since his books are set in the West, he was touring - you guessed it - the West!  Turns out his first book was inspired by a ghost town not too far from where we stayed and he thinks there is a good possibility that a real-live ghost hangs out in one of the buildings in town.  Wait a minute.  Real-live ghost - isn't that an oxymoron?  Or maybe we're just morons.  Anyway, off we went on another ghost-finding mission. 

Where's that darn ghost town?

Ah!  Finally! 

 

Ummm, really?  This is what we were looking for?  A bunch of old empty buildings?





Huh?  Wait!  Where'd everybody go?



Whatever.  I know how to have fun!



Cooper's alligator imitation.

Ack!  Swallowed too much water!

Shake it off!

And . . . again!

We'll just relax right here!  Some of us aren't as young as we used to be!

I'm boooored!  Can we go get lunch now?

How about if I put flowers in my hair?  Aren't I cute?  Are you telling me you can resist this face?

Thank dogness I brought a magazine to read!

You might have gathered that we weren't all that excited about finding the ghost town, but Mom & Dad insisted that we tell you some stuff about it.  This ghost town is actually in Bannack State Park in Montana.  You can click on the link if you want to read all the really boring very interesting details and history.  They actually do allow dogs on leash in the town and in all the buildings.  So, if your parents are as boring interested in this stuff  history as our Dad, you would probably like it.  But, be warned, there's not a McDonald's in sight! Oh, yeah, the author we met is named Doug White and The Load is the book that was inspired by this town.  Let's hope his book is more interesting than this field trip.

Ho hum . . .

The Road Dogs

Saturday Blogging and Thanking

Wow!  This week has gone by super fast and it's another Saturday Blog Hop!  Lots of exciting stuff going on out there . . .

We just received an email from the ASPCA in our inbox this morning and wanted to share it in case you haven't seen it.  We'd love to know if  anyone is reading book and what you think. We just hope Michael Vick is NOT getting any of the rewards from the book. 

 "The Lost Dogs: Michael Vick’s Dogs and Their Tale of Rescue and Redemption by Jim Gorant, an in-depth look behind the scenes of the Michael Vick case and “where are they now” account of the dogs rescued from his property, hit bookshelves nationwide on September 16. The Lost Dogs can be purchased at your local bookstore and through online retailers including Amazon.com. (Tip: If you purchase the book on Amazon.com using this link, the ASPCA will receive a small donation at no extra cost to you!)

Next up, we want to add our THANKS! to all the bidders and to Frankie for hosting the auction for "Shelby's Dog Bone Pendant." There were TWO winners - Pip and Ruby & Penny - so that really makes three winners doesn't it.  And, of course, Shelby and her pups are winners 'cause they'll receive the donations.  And all the generous people out here in blogland for all the kinds things you do - you are certainly winners - so, really everyone's a winner! :)  Mom is working on the pendants and they should be mailed out by the end of next week.

Speaking of winners - we think Pedigree's a winner for their dog food drive.  If you haven't already blogged for dog food, there's still another day left to do it.  Visit Life With Dogs if you want the details.

We also want to thank the Blab Labs for honoring us with the Doggie Blog Award created by Miley the Curious Cavorting Cavoodle!  We're fresh out of interesting things to say about us that you don't already know - must be end-of-summer blahs - but if we come up with something, we reserve the right to mention it at any time in the future.  That goes double for passing along the award.  However, please know that we appreciate the recognition!

Next week, we hope to pick up where we left off in our search for a ghost town in Montana.  The saga continues . . .

Now, on to the hop -

Blogging for Dog Food

Okay - here's an easy one and it won't cost a dime - just some time!  Didn't know we were poets, didja?  All right, so we're not very good poets ;)  Anyway, here's the scoop:

We all know animal shelters function on lots and lots of donations - of time, money, food, blankets - the list goes on and on.  Well, today all of us - with the help of Pedigree - can donate a bag of food to a shelter by doing what we're already doing right now - blogging!  That's right!  Write a blog post today through Sunday, September 19 about animal shelters and adoption and Pedigree will donate a 20 pound bag of dog food to a shelter.  Hey, that would feed all of us Road Dogs for a couple days, at least.  The food drive is not limited to pet blogs, either.  Apparently, there are other kinds of blogs out there, if you can imagine that!  Here's some bullet points to mention in your blog:

•Each year, more than 4 million dogs end up in shelters and breed rescue organizations. Pedigree created The PEDIGREE Adoption Drive to help shine a spotlight on the plight of these homeless dogs.

•This year the PEDIGREE Adoption Drive is raising awareness for homeless dogs by donating a bowl of food to shelter dogs for everyone who becomes a “Fan” or “Likes” The PEDIGREE Adoption Drive on Facebook. So far more than 1 million bowls have been donated.

•Special for BlogPaws West: For each blog that posts about the PEDIGREE® Adoption Drive through September 19th, PEDIGREE® will donate a bag of their new Healthy Longevity Food for Dogs to shelters nationwide. It’s simple: Write a post, help a dog.

•Thursday, September 16 through Sunday, September 19, the Pedigree BlogPaws bloggers will host a Blog Hop, to help raise awareness for the “Write a post, help a dog” effort.

Please share this post with everybody, write one of your own, and go to Life With Dogs on Thursday to leave a link to your post so Pedigree can find it and count it!  Now, how easy was that?!

We're sharing the following from Pet Helpers' website, one of our local shelters here in SC.  We're not sure who wrote it, but we thought it was sweet and approprite to our post today.  We're sure they would like it that we shared it with you.

I RESCUED A HUMAN TODAY

Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her.

I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid.

As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn't want her to know that I hadn't been walked today.

Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn't want her to think poorly of them.

As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone's life.

She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her.

Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship.

A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well. Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms.

I would promise to keep her safe. I would promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes.

I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven't walked the corridors. So many more to be saved.

At least I could save one. I rescued a human today!



The Road Dogs

Go Pet Friendly Interviews The Road Dogs

We recently had the privilege of being interviewed by the fabulous folks at Go Pet Friendly.  Thanks Rod and Amy for giving us the opportunity to share our travel stories with your readers!  You can read our interview on their blog, Take Paws, here if you want.  We also wanted to take this opportunity to share some info about Go Pet Friendly and the people, Rod and Amy Burkert, and dogs, Ty and Buster, behind that adorable logo for those of you who might not know them yet.
 

Go Pet Friendly is like AAA for traveling with pets.  If you're planning a trip with your humans, make Go Pet Friendly's website your first stop before you leave the house and let them help you sniff out a hassle-free plan with their Road Trip Planner.  They'll let you know pet-friendly things to do and places to stay and eat wherever you're going.  And even let you know about online discounts.  All this from the comfort of your favorite chair and computer and it's free!  And we've got the poop that they will be rolling out a new and improved Road Trip Planner at the end of the month.

We think the Campground feature is pawsome!  But, if you're not into ruffing it and are looking for a comfy bed, you will find the Pet Policies button on each hotel pawticularly helpful! (But, they do recommend double-checking policies before you book just to make sure they didn't change them :) 

And if you or your humans have a juicy tidbit about pet-friendly traveling that could help someone out, send it in to them.  PeeS - They're people friendly, too!

Wish we had known about them before we took our road trip!  

And Go Pet Friendly isn't the only thing Rod, Amy, Ty and Buster are up to!  Nosirree!  They also joined forces with Kim Clune at This One Wild Life to form Be The Change for Animals to offer a forum to champion a different animal cause every week and let you know how you can help, usually by signing petitions or writing letters.  This is the same organization that sponsors those cool Blog the Change for Animals Days that allows all of us to blog about animals causes close to our hearts!  By the way, there's another Blog the Change Day coming up October 15.  Don't forget!

We have to say we are a tiny bit jealous that they're getting to travel a lot longer than we did, even though we did sniff out some of the exact same roads they're traveling.  Heck, who are we kidding?  We waaaay jealous!

And one last note - Ty just celebrated his 6th birthday!  Happy Birthday Ty! 

Happy trails everyone!

The Road Dogs

Blog Hop Saturday!

It's Blog Hop Saturday and we've been waaaay behind on posting and commenting and all other things blog related.  So, a couple of notes before we go hopping . . .


Tomorrow - Sunday 9/12 - is the last day to email a postcard for the CAMPAIGN TO END BSL: OPERATION DENVER.  Maggie (of Oh My Dog) has been working super hard on this campaign to collect a mile of postcards to deliver to Denver's Mayor Hickenlooper to convince the city to end BSL. Visit Oh My Dog for all the details. 

We want to send out a big "Thank You" to Frankie Furter for hosting an auction through Monday, 9/13, for a personalized dog bone pendant we talked Mom into donating for Shelby and her pups (we are so sad for Shelby that she lost little Molly - she's been through an awful lot in her life and still is such a sweetie). The thing is, we had wanted to donate something, then we got busy, Mom & Dad got busy and we let the auction for Shelby slip right by us. So Frankie was gracious enough to host a separate auction along with his splendid idea for the "Name-the-Pup Auction." We really don't know how he does it all, especially now that he's married to TWO girls! Anyway, we are grateful for his help, so if you wanna check it out, go visit this post at Frankie's blog blog for the details and tell him we said "hi" and "thanks!"


We also want to send out a big "Thank You" to Miley, The Curious Cavorting Cavoodle, for our fabulous award!  Miley, you're a cutie and we appreciate the award.

Now, we're gonna tweak the rules a little 'cause we're getting kinda slack about blogging lately.  Seems that Mom & Dad are hogging the computer more for work and we don't get to use it as much as we would like. 

So, we've done some of them -

1. Please thank the dog who gave this to you, and link to them. 
DONE

2. Name 10 (yes 10) things about yourself. Try to be as creative as possible.
Now here's where we start to go off track.  We told you some of our secrets recently, but we can't think of anything right offhand that you guys don't know already!  So, we're holding off on this until we think of something interesting.

3. Award 15 doggie bloggers. It doesn't matter whether they are old or new. I believe all furends deserve this and can't be denied just because you have known them for a while or not.
And here we go way off track 'cause we wanna give awards to every blog we read.  We love you all!  But, we've just found Neeko S. Spaulding, who we think has only been blogging for a couple of months.  We think he's a cutie patootie and we're sure you will, too. So, stop by and say "hi" to Neeko.  

4. Comment on the new receivers of this award's blog to let them know of the love.
Done

5. And the most important: HAVE FUN!!!
Doing it right now :)

Now, on to the blog hop -

BUMMER!

We had hoped we would be doing a happy dance today, instead we're blowing raspberries! Back in July, we did a post on David Tant (breeder of fighting dogs) who was requesting parole.  Sad to say, he received parole yesterday after serving less than 6 years of his 30-year sentence, which had been reduced from an original 40-year sentence.  We're bummed!  Especially after all the signatures on the petition - 7000 signatures collected AGAINST parole and only 24 in favor of parole.  I guess our signatures had no influence on the the people making the decision :(

If you want to read more, here are links to a couple of articles today: 

http://www.southcarolinaradionetwork.com/2010/09/09/attorney-says-tant-already-served-longer-than-any-other-dog-breedersaudio/
http://www.wtoc.com/Global/story.asp?S=13116499
http://www.sacbee.com/2010/09/08/3014831/dogfighting-kingpin-is-paroled.html


Now -

Okay.  Well.  Since this can't be undone (we guess?), we want to leave you with some happy thoughts and images, so here you go:

Luna's back! and Pip's modeling costumes for us!  Go get your smile on :)

PeeS - Smiley faces courtesy of http://www.bestofweb.com/ - we can't figure out how to make a link to the image.

The Road Dogs

Ghost Town - What Ghost Town???

We never did find that elusive ghost town on that long and winding (and bumpy) road, even after going at it from both ways!  Apparently, the "supposed" ghost town is now a part of private property - meaning roustabouts like us can't go see it.  Whatever.  This isn't where the ghost town was, but we liked this gate.  Bears must live behind it 'cause there's bear totems outside it, right?

Private property + Cool Gate = Keep Out!

Potential rock slide?  These rocks were pretty scary, but they were nothing compared to what we saw on the road in front of us a few minutes later.  We were so nervous, we didn't even get a picture of it!  What was it, you ask?  A guy in a pickup truck stopped in the middle of the road and aimed a shotgun out his window into the mountains and tried to shoot a deer!  We just didn't think it was very sporting of him to not even get out of his truck!  But since he had a gun and we didn't, we thought it best not to point a camera at him, especially since he wasn't playing by the rules!

More random pics for your viewing pleasure or boredom, whichever works for you. Our version of "almost Wordless Wednesday" - starting now, not another word. 

The Road Dogs