changes

I know all y'all have met my muzzer.

And I am pretty sure that I have been most open and forthcoming about her quirks and oddities.

Like....she reads a lot.

And....she eats a lot.

And....she is short.

And...she is a sucker for the sweet puppy look I give her.

But we have had so many people ask why we have been absent from our blog, and others who have politely inquired to see if everything is OK, so I thought I should tell you what is going on around here.

NOT MUCH!

Except, as part of "settling in" to our home in Virginnyah, we have all had to find new Dogtors.

Me and Teka have a new Dogtor. He is just about 8 blocks from our house, and I like him fine, even if he does do unspeakable things to my rear end.
And Muzzer and Dad have a new Dogtor too.

They seem to like him a lot, and he has changed some of Muzzer's meddy cations - and he also told her that her thyroid is not acting the way it

should, and he suggested that it might be that she caught it from me!

I am not sure I like him much at all!

Anyway...for all the time I have known her, muzzer has been a big fan of PEPSI! In fact, she is kind of addicted. Ya know.

But the Dogtor also told her that if she wants to lose some pounds, she might need to give

up the Pepsi Real and switch to a di ette soda.

So muzzer thought about all

the people she knows who drink the di ette stuff, and she remembered that Mumsie and a few others drink this Coke Zero stuff.

And so she has switched! And I don't like it.

She is crabby, she is short tempered, and she says I smell!

Plus, she has "too much to do" and never can help me with my blogging.

So, I am asking all my friends if they think this stuff could be affecting her "mentals", as Mango calls them. I think I must hide all her supply until I can research this a bit more.

Because while I am accustomed to her being short tempered and crabby, this is the first time she has mentioned that she thinks I smell.

Not a happy doggie

gussie

Happy Epiphany - and we promise, this is the last one this season!

We Three Terriers from da' Burgh
Came to find the ultimate curb
New Yawk, Boston, even Lunnon

Concrete is all we seek.

Ohhhhh
Curb of yellow
Curb of white
Curb that looks so sharp and white
Some Misleading, Others reading
"Doggies do not stop here!"

Finally to Mayemphis we came
Found a curb worthy of its name
Right by Graceland
Near the pop-stand
Wonderous sight to see...

Ohhhhh
Curb of yellow
Curb of white
Curb that looks so sharp and white
Some Misleading, Others reading
"Doggies do not stop here!"

Lacey found some Elvis Perfume
Stanley got a funny cartoon
But poor Scruffy, just a Stuffy
All got some barbeque

Ohhhhh
Curb of yellow
Curb of white
Curb that looks so sharp and white
Some Misleading, Others reading
"Doggies do not stop here!"

Where then is this curb of renown?
Memphis is a fairly big town
It's in Midtown, near the Downtown
Right there at Gussie's door.

Ohhhhh
Curb of yellow
Curb of white
Curb that looks so sharp and white
Some Misleading, Others reading
"Doggies do not stop here!"

Five tired terriers sleeping in bed
Three at the bottom, two at the head
Where is Muzzer, Where is Fazzer
They're in the living room

Ohhhhh
Curb of yellow
Curb of white
Curb that looks so sharp and white
Some Misleading, Others reading
"Doggies do not stop here!"

Eat some breakfast
Head for home
Mumsie called here on the phone.
"Send them back here, Gussie you hear?"
Never the more to roam.

Ohhhhh
Curb of yellow
Curb of white
Curb that looks so sharp and white
Some Misleading, Others reading
"Doggies do not stop here!"

Posting from Lunnon

We have been having a wonderful time in London!

Eric Square is the consumate host!

He even found a sale for the girls to visit this morning!

Here you see the ever-lovely basset ladies and Teka in line to enter Harvey Nichols - ready for the big sale.

Ummmmm ......yes, that is Lacie at the front of the line. She wanted to be first to get to some of the sale items, and she dressed to be able to try things on quickly. The bloomers you ask? Seems Mumsie has been kee

ping her in knickers since the last "incident" and she finds them quite comfortable.

Bouncing Bertie came down from Scotland for the day and tipped a few pints at the "Green Man" which is close enough to the shopping district so the ladies could find us, but far enough aw

ay that we did not have to offer opinions.

Like my kilt? When muzzer saw it, she thought it might be one of my Dad's family plaids. But my sissie "she who knows all" tells us that it is not th

e Davidson tartan, because it has no red. I like it anyway...and it was on sale!

Muzzer asked me to make a sentimental visit to this address for her. She goes every time she is in Lunnon, even though

Marks and Co. is no longer in business. She loved the book when she was an "itty bitty" and allows as how the movie of the same name was a "reasonable effort" to capture the spirit of the story.

We will have more to report later, but right now I need to go help Butcho figure out how to get all the packages on the plane.

a busy day, in London towne

Just wanted to fill you in on what

we are doing today!

We are meeting Eric the Square at

Sloane's Square, in the center of London.

Beautiful fountains, colorful people, a great

pub called "The Green Man" where Eric and I will

tip a few pints with our pals, and perhaps

play a quick game of darts.

Meanwhile, the ladies on the trip are going to:

HARROD'S!

Where I am sure they will set new trends

and make serious inroads on their

plastic cards.

We will join them for a quick trip to the

pet area of Harrod's, which muzzer assures

me I will enjoy. Do not, however, expect to see

me in that silly green coat.

Unless Miss Asta requests it, of course.

Pawsonally, I am saving my plastic points for

The Cheese Aisle

which is my very most favoritest place in Lunnon.

I guess it is a good thing we are flying back in an

open aire plane, because some of those cheeses

are pretty stinky. Especially my favorite Stiltons.

Yum.

Gussie out.

Annnnnnd We're Off

So, after not too very much sleep at our slumber pawty last night, we are heading across the big pee to meet up with Eric the Square in Lunnon....and it will be pubs, pawty and shopping until it is time to head back home.

New Year's eve

Just after I left St. Loulis, this terrible tornado hit

near Interstate 40 and Lindbergh Blvd.

I feel terrible about the people hurt and the

damage to buildings. I left Teka behind to help

the firemen and headed toward New Yawk City.

As you may have seen in my Sweet Friend Asta's Bloggy, we

had a wonderful ride through Central park, and we had just

gone back to her apartment to watch the fireworks over the river.

We were sharing another Pawtini in front

of her windows, when suddenly we spied a

plane flying straight toward us!

A purple Plane, flying over New Yawk City.

A Very, Very Crowded purple plane!

OMD!

It is Butcho! And all our pals.

And they are buzzing Times Square.

Oh my.

You know, there are reasons

that the Air Traffic Controller folks are

touchy about the air space over NY City!

I was very nervous. I was hoping that Butcho

did not get into trouble.

We heard on TV that they scrambled the Blue Angels

Flying Team and made the purple plane land at La Guardia.

Asta and I were soooo anxious about our pals. We held paws and

told each other to be very brave. We heard lots of sirens and stuff and

then the door man called to say that the police were in the lobby of Asta's

building with a bunch of dogs in tow!

So we went down in the elevator and signed my dad's

name to a lot of papers saying that he would be responsible

for any further disturbances.

Well, that was the end of the romantic evening I had planned.

Instead we are having a slumber pawty with lots of our friendses., and

tomorrow we will finish the rest of the surprise for Miss Asta.

I Am the Most Fortunate of Dogs!

I am spiffing up the Gussiemobile for a bri ef trip to New York City!

I will be spending New Year's Eve on the town with the bootiful Miss Asta and her Mommi and Daddi, and then flying via Aire Butcho across the big pee to visit with Eric the Square and a few of our other friends and to spend a day on the town in Lunnon.

You are welcome to join us for the trip across the pee, but you must make your own arrangements for New Year's Eve, because I am a most oldfashioned type of guy, I don't kiss and tell, so I certainly don't kiss with an audience.

Kisses to all of you, power of the paw to Jake and Fergi's grannmamma, and blessings to Benton, Brooke, Greg and the new puppy.

Gussie

A few of My Christ - uh - muss things

We left Richmond Monday, and drove through snow, sleet and dark of night, arriving in St. Loulis yesterday afternoon. We are finally catching up on blogs, and wanted to share a few of my most favorite fotos from Christmas at our house.

Photos of Teka that make her look scarey

Toys that think they're tuff make Christmas

quite merry

Same toy post Teka is not quite so hairy

More scarey photos this time of the tree

These are a few of our Christmassy things

Pie made of Lemons and Chocolate and Sugar

Yummy dessert and I wish I could have more

Pictures of me wearing my newest T-shirt

Showing my loyalty - it never can hurt

Teka so jealous she barks out her mad

Makes this a great Christmas that we just had

When the snow falls

And the trains creak

Eartha Kitteh plays

With all of her Christ uh Muss

Toys....all from me....

And it makes me glad.

Boxing Day! A Memorial Reprise

This is a total reprise, in honor of our Pal Wally, who now greets travellers at the Bridge.

With apologies to Edgrrr....Wally would've loved you if he had known ya!

December 26th is known as Boxing Day, but also as the Feast of St. Stephen. The English Carol, Good King Wencelas tells us the story of St. Wenceslas and his page.

We have taken liberties with the lyrics here to honor our pal Wally the Corgador, a saint among dogs and benevolent ruler of his pack.


Good King Wally, he looked out,
On the Feast of Stephen,
When the snow lay round about,
Deep and crisp and even;
Brightly shone the moon that night,
Tho' the frost was cruel,
When a poor dog came in sight,
Gath'ring winter fuel.

"Hither, Ethel, stand by me,
If thou know'st it, telling,
Yonder canine, who is he?
Where and what his dwelling?"

"Sire, he lives a good league hence,
And his name is Oscar;
Right against the forest fence,
By Saint Agnes' fountain."

"Bring me flesh, and bring me bones,
Bring me pine logs hither:
Thou and I will see him dine,
When we bear them thither. "

Walls and Ethel forth they went,
Forth they went together;
Thro' the rude wind's wild lament
And the bitter weather.

"Wally it is getting dark,
And the wind blows stronger;
Fails my heart, I fear to bark,
I can go no longer."

"Mark my footsteps, good my page;
Tread thou in them boldly:
Thou shalt find the winter's rage
Freeze thy blood less coldly."

In her master's steps she trod,
Where the snow lay dinted
Heat was in the very sod
Which the saint had printed.

Therefore, all ye dogs, be sure,
Wealth or rank possessing,
Ye who now will bless the poor,
Shall yourselves find blessing.

This is also in honor of Wally's ma Ape, who does so much with the SPCA, for Khyra's mom and the Bumpass' mom and dad, for Mackie's Mom and Bussie's Mom and all the rescue volunteers. And special thanks to foster families who help doggies find their furever homes. Thank you very much.

buon' natale

We pause in the midst of our Italian Christmas feast, spanning two generations, two days, and at least two pounds, to offer our friends a Merry Christmas in Italian!

The hoomans are being good about sharing, so last night we had our share of the cod and one shrimp- each from the cioppino, and this morning we had a piece of pannetone made like French toast and decorated like Italian Flags although our pieces did not have quite enough of the red and green sugar sprinkles to suit my taste.

Tonite we have a pork roast that muzzer is stuffing with spinach and provolone, mashed Yukon potatoes with lots (and lots) of garlics, and a dish that has two of my favorites in it: Broccolini and Burratta cheese! mmmmm and Pine Nuts! And my sissie made this torte that has Meyer Lemon and dark chocolate layers. But we don't think we will get anything of that, except maybe the crust.

We hope you enjoyed the Italian Carols, and We will see you tomorrow with our favorite tune for Boxing Day.

kisses

Gussie and Teka

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.

And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

"Now Mango, now Dexter! now Aggie and Archie
On, Ozzie On, Square Dog! on Jake and Just Harry
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.

His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"

Here we Come.....

Here we come a-wassailing
Among the leaves so green,
Here we come a wand'ring,
So fair to be seen.

(Chorus)

Love and joy come to you,
And to your fox terrier too,
And God bless you and send you a happy new year,
And God send you a happy new year.


We are not doggy beggars
Who beg from door to door,
But we are neighbor's family pets
Whom you have seen before.

Chorus

God bless the Wire Fox terriers,
Likewise the smooth ones too;
And all the little Jack Russells
That o'er the table go.

chorus

We ask your blessings for our friends

Both near and far away

For those who take good care of us

So we're not called to stray

Chorus

For friends who've gone before us

To wait upon the Bridge

And all of us who miss them so

On this side of the ridge

Chorus

And when that wondrous time has come

That we're all well and free

Perhaps then we can sing this song

And Dance around the tree

Love and joy come to you

And to you good Wassail too

And Dog Bless you and send to you

A Happy New Year

And Dog send you a happy new year.

Christmas makes humans feel emotional

They go to parties parties or things devotional

Whatever happens or what may be,

Here is what Christmas time means to me:

City sidewalk, busy sidewalks

Dressed in holiday style.

In the air there's

A feeling of Christmas.

Doggies barking,

puppies yipping,

Meeting smile after smile,

And on every street corner you'll hear:

Silver bells, collar bells,

It's Christmas time in the city.

Ring-a-ling, hear them ring,

Soon it will be Christmas day.

City street lights,

Have such nice posts,

With a newly wet sheen,

As the doggies rush home

On their leashes.

Hear the snow crunch,

See the pups munch,

This is Santa's big scene,

And above all this bustle you'll hear:

Silver bells, collar bells,

It's Christmas time in the city.

Ring-a-ling, hear them ring,

Soon it will be Christmas day.

Asta lives there,

close to Times Square

And we’re welcome to stay

And her Mommi will help with the shopping

From the Midwest,

And the Southwest

Here comes Stan and Lacie

To find the right present at Macy’s

Gussie’s shopping

Without Stopping

For his sweet muzzer dear

And for all of his favorite Girl pups

Mango's looking for a special

gift for each of his gals

And a really tuff stuffie

For Stella

Koobie hopes that

Her pal Lenny

Sends a new DVD

One where he provides all of the music

Doggies careful

Of the Traffic

And the Newfs watching out

To make sure that the puppies cross safely

Huskies hoping

Huskies praying

For a whole lot of snow

So that they can pull sleds for their buddies

Darting this way

Darting that way

Lot’s of noise in the air

And above all the bustle you hear

Silver bells, collar bells

It’s Christmas time in the City

Ring-a-ling, hear them ring

Soon it will be Christmas day.

Jolly Old Saint Nicholas,
lean your ear this way!
Don't you tell another dog
what I'm going to say:
Christmas Eve is coming soon;
now, you dear old man
Whisper what you'll bring to me;
tell me if you can.

Wirey dogs are oh so good,
when we're fast asleep
Down the chimney, broad and black,
with your pack you'll creep
All our stockings you will find
hanging in a row
Mine will be the shortest one,
you'll be sure to know

Ozzie wants a strong tug toy,
Scruffie wants a bone
Butchy wants big red ball,

One to call his own.

Now I think I'll leave to you
what to give the rest
Choose for me, dear Santa Claus;
you will know the best.


ps. cookies on the table in the living room
love gussie

A Breakthrough!

Well, we had a big breakthrough here today, so I will take a minute and tell you about it, then give you over to the big guy!

Me and Gussie have been reluctant to go out on walkies unless someone picks us up and carries us beyond the fence line. Ya know? This makes is difficult when there is one hooman doing walkies, like now, when Dad is off visiting Grandpa in Azrizona.

Every time we go out (5 or 6 times a day, cause I'm a diva) Muzzer puts us in the car, drives out of the driveway down the alley and around the corner, and we go walkabout.

Reverse on return.

But we have been working on WALKING out through the front gate! Muzzer has been bribing us. With treats. And today, we did it! And we came back through it to get in the front door! And muzzer was so happy, we got a slice of ham each.

Enough of my triumphs.

Here is gussie with his Carol.

Hi pals! This one is for my Dad, who will be on his way home tomorrow.

And for all our loved ones and yours who, for whatever reason, won't be with us on Christmas.

Happy Birthday Grandpa!

Today is my Grandpa's Birthday. He is 93 in Hooman years. I can't even count
that high in Dog Years!

And sometime between when I went to bed last night and when I got up this morning, Miss Lindy-Loo and Swede William had their babies. There are four of them, two boys and two girls. And word is that Willy is pretty proud of himself, but we think Miss Liny Loo deserves most of the credit!

And this is the song my muzzer was singing before I came to live with her:

I want a wire fox terrier for Christmas
Only a wire fox terrier will do
Don't want a pug, no tiny poodle toy
I want a wire fox terrier to play with and enjoy

I want a wire fox terrier for Christmas
I don't think Santa Claus will mind, do you?
He won't have to use our dirty chimney flue
Just bring him through the front door,that's the easy thing to do

I can see me now on Christmas morning,

creeping down the stairs
Oh what joy and what surprisewhen I open up my eyes

to see a wire fox terrier standing there

I want a wire fox terrier for Christmas

Only a wire fox terrier will do
No dachshunds, no boxers or spaniels
only like wire fox terriers
And they will like me too

I can see me now on Christmas morning,creeping down the stairs
Oh what joy and what surprisewhen I open up my eyes to see a wire fox terrier standing there
I want a wire fox terrier for Christmas
Only a wire fox terrier will do

rockin'

Rocking around the Christmas tree,
Let the Christmas spirit ring
Later we'll have some Bones and stuff
And we'll do some caroling.

You will get a sentimental feeling when you hear
Doggies barking " let's be jolly,
Deck the halls with boughs of holly. "

Rocking around the Christmas tree,
Have a happy holiday
Doggies are dancing merrily
In the new old-fashioned way.

Asta and Gus can jitterbug
In a great four legged way
Lacie and Mango disappear
For a while but nothing stops

Ruby and Mack have a grand old time
They are joined by Soph and Joe
Everyone knows that we write these rhymes
Never knowing who will show.

Mayzie and her Brudder
lead a big long line of dogs
Teka helps them get outside
where they all can hunt some frogs

Nobody cares what time it is
But the youngsters fall asleep.
Time to dim the tree lights low
And our promises to keep

We all get a sentimental feeling when we hear
Doggies barking "let's be jolly
Deck the halls with boughs of holly."

Rocking around the Christmas tree
May our friendship never stop
Everyone dancing merrily at the DWB sock hop.

carol of the year!

I consider myself to be a lover of great Christmas Carols.

But did you know that there was a gentleman who picked a semi-official "carol of the year" for 25 years? His name was William Studwell, and he died this past August, but not before researching and picking his final official Carol.

We are including two links to stories about him. The first is from NPR (yeah. like you couldn't guess, right?) and the second is from the Chicago Tribune .

So, the carol of the year for 2010 is (drumroll please Teka!)

We Wish you a Merry Christmas.

(OK, stop the drums already!)

It is truly difficult to improve on this song, so we give you:

We Wish You a Merry Christmas
We Wish you a Merry Christmas
We Wish you a Merry Christmas
And a Happy New Year

Good Tidings to you,

Where ever You are

Glad Tidings for Christmas

And a Happy New Year.

Milk Bones

We aree posting early today because we are (maybe) going on an adventure!

One of Muzzer and Dad's favoritest groups are singing (we hope) in Ashland, VA tonight.

They are called :

Robin and Linda Williams and their fine band.

And they have been on lots of shows, like A Prairie Home Companion, and last year they were in Mayemphis at the Center for Southern Folklore and Robin and Linda are just about right for old folkies (NOT Fogies!) like my hoomans.

So, we are hoping they can make it to Ashland in time for the show, and we hope Dad decides it is OK to drive, 'cause we are havin' a SNOW STORM! here.

But we wanted to share a couple of their songs with you (here is the carol part!) and because they are a little obscure, here is where you can hear part of the first one, so you can have the melody if you want to sing along!

And here is MY Version......

SHOT GUN SHELLS ON A CHRISTMAS TREE
by Linda Williams

as interpreted by Gussie

Thinking back on my best Christmas day
I see Lexington Virginia and a small place tucked away
And my brand new family was gathering there
And I was doing quite well going up and down the stairs.


Chorus: We hung milk bones high
On a little tiny tree
Pink and green and ones that looked like me
They still decorate my memories
Milk bones hung on the Christmas tree

We were livin very simple but we were warm and full

Had spaghetti for supper and taffy to pull
And there, high above the Lexington lights
Was lots of love to share on the cold winter night

Chorus

That little bitty place was a haven for me

And I knew I was right where I wanted to be

And folks from all over the world gathered there

'Cause I plenty of wirey love enough to share

Chorus

Milk Bones Hung on a little Christmas tree
Milk Bones Hung on a little Christmas tree

And then, it seems like maybe we should share another of their songs that was written about a Virginia Snowstorm a few years ago.

We hope you are warm and dry, and have paws crossed for Lorenza.

And we hope we get to go to Ashland tonight, 'cause otherwise, Muzzer will not be happy.

And when Muzzer is not happy...........

A personal favorite!

Teka Reprises "I'm Getting nuthin for Christmas!"

I broke my bat on Gussie's head;

Somebody snitched on me.

I hid a frog in muzzer’s bed;

Somebody snitched on me.

I made fresh pee on Daddy’s rug;

I made Gussie eat a bug;

Ate some gum and a little slug;

Somebody snitched on me.

Oh, I'm gettin' nuttin' for Christmas

Muzzer and Daddy are mad.

I'm getting nuttin' for Christmas

'Cause I ain't been nuttin' but bad.

I put a tack on E.beth’s chair

somebody snitched on me.

I did a dance on Noni’s plants

climbed a tree and ate my pants

Dumped the sugar bowl and then

somebody snitched on me.

So, I'm gettin' nuttin' for Christmas

Muzzer and Daddy are mad.

I'm gettin' nuttin' for Christmas

'Cause I ain't been nuttin' but bad.

I won't be seeing Santa Claus;

Somebody snitched on me.

He won't come visit me because

Somebody snitched on me.

Next year I'll be going straight;

Next year I'll be good, just wait

I'd start now, but it's too late;

Somebody snitched on me.

So you better be good whatever you do'

Cause if you're bad, I'm warning you,

You'll get nuttin' for Christmas too

I'm Gonna Snitch on you!

Floof!

You know Thunder and Phantom, Ciara and Turbo,

Mischa and Meeska and Shiloh and Shelby.,

But do you recall

The most famous sled dog of all?

Khyra the floof tailed sled dog

Had a very floofy tail,

And if you ever saw it,

You might even say it sailed!

All of the other sled dogs

Used to laugh and call her names;

They never let poor Khyra

Join in any sled dog games.

Then one foggy Christmas Eve,

Santa came to say:

"Khyra with your floof so bright,

Won't you guide my sleigh tonight?""

Then how the sled dogs loved her

As they shouted out with glee,

"Khyra the floof tailed sled dog

You'll go down in history."

Santa Baby (adapted for Miss Eartha Kitteh)

Santa baby, just slip some catnip under the tree,
for me
Been an awful good girl
Santa baby, hurry down the chimney tonight


Santa honey, a '54 convertible too,
light blue
I'll wait up for you
dear Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight


Think of all the fun I've missed
Think of all the tom cats that I haven't kissed
Next year I could be just as good
If you'd check off my Christmas list


Meow, Meow Meow.....Santa baby,
I wanna cat toy that's really hot
Feathers on it...
Been an angel all year
Santa baby,
so hurry down the chimney tonight

Santa honey, one thing that I really do need, the deed
To a scratch pad that's fine, all mine
Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight

Santa cutie please bring along a condo, for cats,
Sign your 'X' on the line
Santa cutie, and hurry down the chimney tonight


Come and trim my Christmas tree
With some decorations bought at Tiffany
I really do believe in you
Let's see if you believe in me

Meow, Meow, Meow, Meow
Santa baby, I forgot to mention one thing, a ring
I don't mean on a phone
Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight

Hurry down the chimney tonight
Hurry ... tonight

IT SNOWED

In honor of our first viable Richmond snowfall, we reprise:



Dog Tags Ring
Are you listenin'?
In the dark, noses glisten
It's Snowy and Bright
A doggie delight
Walking in our winter wonderland

See the trees, they're a great spot
Just to pee, in a straight shot
Watch out for the rocks, or wires that may shock
Walking in our winter wonderland

Asta Says she wants to build a snow dog
Khyra says she'll help us with the floof
Butcho brought his plane filled up with treaties
Including lights he dropped upon our roof!

Rem-ing-ton,
brought some more snow
From the land,
where the lakes grow
It'll make the snow dog don't ya know?

Down the block, there's a grade school
Stuff thrown out can be real cool
There's hamburger buns, and chewy green gum
Walking in our winter wonderland.

On the way home we will pass the poodles
Stir them up and leave them, ain't life grand
The neighbors will know, we'd love it to snow
Walkin in a winter wonderland.

Me and Teka like to go out walking,
Mom and Dad they kind of trail along
And all of us love, our sweaters and gloves
Walking in our winter wonderland




gussie

Too Good NOT to share!

see more dog and puppy pictures

DrrrrrrumRolllllll Plllllease!

Tadadadada.....

The grand count of replies through midnight yesterday is.......................

131! :)

That is less than we had hoped for, so later today we will use PayPal to make our donations to Fox Terrier Rescue (100) PetFinder (100) and a charitable effort to be un-named.

Because we will make the donation in honor of whoever guesses right first.

OK?

kisses

Gussie

Gotcha Day!

Well, five years ago I met my hoomans for the first time. And with all the worrying I did, I feel now that it all turned out for the best.

When the big Hooman (dad) and the little hooman (muzzer) walked into my Foster Mom's house, I didn't know what to think. They don't look like they match at all, and I was a bit worried about discord in the family, since I had heard stories about doggies who cam from Broken Homes!

But, they seemed pleasant enough, so when they sat down in the family room, I gave them some pretty good sniffs. The Tall Hooman just smelled kinda like soap, and maybe some maple syrup from breakfast . The the short, squat little hooman smelled like Philly Cheese Steak! Love at first sniff! I figured anyone who smelled like that was OK by me!

So we visited a while, and they asked about my temperament, and about what I liked to eat, and they asked if I liked to go for walkies? So, that started an uproar, and all four dogs and three hoomans went for walkies on their street. And I was very careful and walked nicely and only peed, but didn't poop, hoping that would get me on their good side.

And then we went back to the house and sat in the kitchen for a while, and the small hooman let me sit on her lap and lick her face, while the tall hooman signed some papers and didn't say much.

And then....we loaded my crate and my bowls and a chewie and me into the back of the very first Gussiemobile ever and we drove to Lexington, Va where we spent the next six and a half months.

Since then, we have lived in Azrizona, spent the summer in Santa Fe, came back to Azrizona where Teka came to live with us and Travis came to visit, spent the summer in St. Loulis, visited my bootiful Miss Snickers and Mama Lamb and Butcho and Daddy Lamb, went back to Azrizona, moved to Mayemphis, went to St. Loulis lots of times and then moved to Richmond, with a couple of weeks in St. Loulis along the way!

Here are some pictures of my first few days with my hoomans.... I quickly established my right to be on the Big Bed, my Sissie E.Rabbitt came to visit almost as soon as we got there, and I found out that the small hooman (aka Muzzer) cooks and the big hooman (Dad) plays lots of silly instruments. So far, it has been grand. Think I will hang around a while.

Y'all have till Midnight tomorrow to

post your comments, then we will tally up the damage and report to you on Tuesday.

Oh, and my friend Peanut has asked if s

ome of us would send Christmas cards to his Dad, who is spending his Christmas with his Army unit in Afghanistan. If you leave a comment with your e-mail addy, Peanut's Mom will email you with the APO address.

Think that is all for now.

Dec 4, 2005

From Gussie's diary

Today I had a bath and brush, then I just sat and cuddled with my wonderful Foster Mom.

Tomorrow those old folks come. I wonder if they will smell funny. I haven't spent much time with old folks, ya know. I am just barely past puppyhood.

Gussie

Dec. 3, 2005

from Gussie's Diary:

Not much to report today. Played in the yard with the dogs who live here. Spent a lot of time thinking about the family that might adopt me.

Talked to my foster mom at length about them. They are an "older" couple, and they have lived with terriers before, but their last doggie was an English Springer Spaniel.

I'm a bit worried about whether they can keep up with a young terrier, pawticularly because I understand that they are living in a small apartment with no yard, and it will have to be walkies on a lead almost all the time.

My foster Mom said wait and see. She also told me that they have a house in a place called Arizona, where it is almost always warm and sunny. That house has almost a half an acre for a play yard.

I will keep an open mind about this.

Gus

Where were we?

Oh yes, I remember .... I was in Merryland, Dad was in Virginia, and Muzzer is in St. Loulis.

I remember very fondly the days I spent with my foster Mom. She had wires of her own, and one little black dog who barked with a funny accent. He said he was a Scotch something or other, I think.

Anyway...even while in Phoenix and St. Loulis, Muzzer was calling and talking to the folks at rescue, and they were calling and talking to her. And the upshot was that she managed to talk them into holding me in Merry Land until she could get back to Virginia, and she and D

ad would come and pick me up.

Here is my picture from Petfinder. How could she reisist?

Happy Channuka

We're switching gears here, but muzzer said we could not post the Driedel song again for Channukah, so here is her favorite.

So, where were you five years ago?

Hmmmmmm.....

I remember where I was.

I was with my wonderful FosterMom somewhere in Merry Land.

My first hoomans had decided that two dogs in their house with their schedule was one too many, and, well.......they decided to keep the newer dog, who was a Italian Greyhound.

But I was lucky even then, because they cared enough to call Fox Terrier Rescue and the nice folks there put my picture on PetFinder.com.

My muzzer and Dad were spending his sabbatical year in Lexington, VA. They were 'sposed to be in New Orleans, but hurricane Katrina drove them out. The fine folks at Washington and Lee were kind enough to offer to foster my dad and some of the other scholars from Tulane, so that is where they went.

Lexington is a little (tiny) town, with about 7000 people living there.

Muzzer did not have a dog along, because Nigel, her ESS died in June, and she had agreed with dad that maybe they should wait until they got back to Tempe before they got a dog. Muzzer had made her list of places to eat and things to see in New Orleans, and she figgered she would be busy.

But Lexington....well, she volunteered at the Habitat store, and she walked dogs and dog sat when people would let her, but she was really lonely. So she started looking at doggies in the Rockbridge shelter, but they were mostly coon hounds and walking hounds, which are great dogs, but they prolly weren't inteneded to live in apartments, right?

And the ESS rescue people felt the same way....and Dad said NO to rescuing a Bernese Mountain Dog, something about the puppy being larger than muzzer, which is sizeism if I ever heard of it. (shhhhhh...I'm kind of glad he said no to the last one)

Anyway, muzzer had a wirey terrier when she was just a little girl, and she still loved us. So she started looking at Wire Fox Terriers on Pet Smart, and filled out the information sheets for the WFT rescue guys, and they contacted our vet in Tempe, and our pastor and our neighbors and.......well, they did a good job checking muzzer and dad out. And they finally said...."welllllllll, maybe if we get a really mellow wirey fellow we will give you a call."

And so, muzzer waited and waited and she saw my picture on PetFinder and she called and said "that one, I want that one!"

But they said, "no, there is another lonely lady ahead of you."

So muzzer went off to Phoenix to see her oncologist and off to St. Loulis to see Aunt Marie and Uncle Ray.

to be continued.......

OKAY! A comment on this post will count.

Remember...a comment here OR a comment on Facebook OR a note to my gmail address gets a green papaer in the pot.

kisses
gussie

oh, and if you have already left a comment DATED TODAY it will count too.....hey E.Rabbittttttt.....Sissies can play.

gus