A seasoned dog

The weather has really been pretty great these days, after a month of torrential rain.  We've been taking Harry out for a nice long walk through the neighborhood every evening after getting home.  The other day, we stopped by the Phillips Street park, which is just around the corner from us, and Harry made a friend- a cockapoo puppy named Oliver!  Harry is quite particular about dogs he meets on walks.  He knows from about 50 yards away, whether or not they will be friends.  I'd say 85% of the time, he decides that they won't and either 1.) crosses the street to the other side or 2.) pretends like he hasn't even seen the other guy and just walks on!  Silly dog.  This time though, he went straight for Oliver and wanted to play and sniff.

The park is not large.  There is a seating area with benches and then a fenced off playground area down below, where dogs are not allowed.  Several years ago, before the playground was put in,  Harry would get to play fetch down there.  Now, he is only able to hang around the bench area, and that is where they played.

Oliver's owner was quite exasperated about potty training.  He hadn't gone to the bathroom outside ONCE, she said.  She couldn't wait until he was Harry's age.  Later that evening, I realized that Harry has learned and experience quite a lot in his life.  Of course, there are the tricks and obedience things he knows, he's lived in 3 states (OK, NY, MA), traveled par avion to two others (CA, TX), traveled by train and automobile, learned how to do agility, and lived in 4 different apartments with us!  I'd say this dog is a seasoned pro.  Where else will he go and who else will he meet?  

 

:: Philips Street Playground :( ::

Le Alter Ego {vintage}

We have so many pictures of the animals.  Like, years and years of pictures.  I think at some point, we stopped taking pictures of people and only took pictures of animals.  I will post some old photos on the post and will label them "vintage" since they are not current, but from several years ago.  

Onto today's topic: alter egos!  Does your animal have an alter ego?  Ours definitely do.  I'd say Harry has more of them than anyone else around here.

When we first got Harry, we first noticed that he was a true Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde.  He would be bouncing off the walls-chewing things-eating your food crazy (Hyde) and then a sweet, sweet quiet, sleepy, cuddle-er (Jekyll).  I suppose if you know Harry, you'd think that this is how he acts now!  But trust me when I say: he's gotten more mellow.  Jekyll and Hyde have decided to meet (closer) to the middle...or shall I say "Binky" and "Chester," respectively, have decided to come to terms with each other.

Over the years, Binky and Chester have been joined by many other alter egos.  Let me introduce a third-- Francois.  Francois is refined, French, and oh so debonair.  He wears a dishtowel- er, I mean, a silk scarf around his neck and discusses all the current topics of politics, world news, and of course, culinary pursuits.  

:: Vintage: Francois in nyc, circa 2007 ::

 

Recycling toys

Ah, the wonderful week at home has ended and I am back in real life.  This means (much) less time at home and definitely much less time to photograph and document animals in natural day light.  So, fewer posts from now on, but I will definitely still be trying!

The other day, I decided to throw Harry's plush toys in the washer.  Some have inserts in them, that hold squeakers, so those had to be taken out for the plush toys to be washed and dried.  Well guess who thought those inserts were new, really fun toys... Harry, of course!  His toys are out of the wash and fully dried now, but he still chooses to carry around the furry insert to squeak and play fetch with it.  Some nights, he brings it to bed.  We call it the "toast" since it's essentially a small light colored, square piece of sherpa fabric.  Here he is lying on it...

I also decided to sprinkle some fresh catnip on an old toy and guess who loves her cat lounger again...Chantal, of course!

Recycling old toys is not so bad, they say.

A nap...update

Yesterday, I posted about the mid morning nap.  Later that afternoon, I went into the bedroom and look who I found...

:: If you can't beat 'em, join 'em ::

A Pet's Ten Commandments

This came as an email forward.  Really very touching and so on-point.

A Pet's Ten Commandments
1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.

5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.

10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.

 :: a man, a dog, a plan--the park! ::

A nap...in the company of another

I don't know if Chantal knows that she's down there.  I have a feeling, though that the little one know that Chantal is up there, and is taking a cue about what the mid morning activities around this place are.  Nap time, for sure.

A friendly visitor

 :: our visitor ::

We are fostering a visitor kitten until late spring.  She has only been with us for a few days and she is a riot!  The little one is only a few months old and really holds her own around the two resident cats.  Gregory and Chantal were mad with jealousy the first few days.  There was a lot of growling, hissing, and even swatting.  But the little one held her ground.  It was as if the two of them didn't know what to do about her boldness...they watched in horror and helplessness as she did not respond to their threats about getting off their cat lounger.  She's out-going, friendly, curious, and such a snuggle-er.  I think Gregory secretly likes having her company around.  I found them chasing one another this morning- for FUN!  In addition, there has been no hissing today.  This may be the beginning to a beautiful friendship...

:: Gregory: "and stay off..." ::

Le Barker Meridien

Welcome to Le Barker Meridien!  This is a place for me to share and celebrate all things cat and dog.  My animals live healthy, comfortable, and luxurious lives.  You could say that they live in an upscale, urban 'hotel'!  By far, they are living lives that most cats and dogs in this country (and world, for that matter) do not.  At one time though, all 3 were homeless and could have been near the brink of death, had some kind-hearted individual not take them into their caring hands.  

Documenting their bold, silly, and inquisitive personalities is a way for me to "stop and smell the roses", so to speak.  They never fail to remind me to enjoy the little luxuries in life- like letting out a great big yawn...

These are their "adventures." Enjoy!

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated" 

- Mahatma Gandhi