Milan Dog Show 2011

Last weekend,my humans attended a dog show in Milan. As usual, they went without me. Hmph! Anyway, Missus took a lot of photos and I thought I would share them with you. 

First let's take a look at some of the hopeful owners with their 'pride and joy'...

This booti-ful big boy kinda reminded me of Lucille.

Man, they are so in love!

A Rottie and its owner gladly posing for the camera.

And a group photo of the Tosas and their humans.

Next, let's see some of the contestants getting ready for the show...

Check out this Giant Poodle with its frou-frou clad legs!

This little chap is getting a last minute touch-up before presenting himself to the judges.

And this Old English Sheepdog is all groomed and ready to go.

Things were quite lively elsewhere in the arena...

"Look over there!"

"What are they up to?"

Don't worry, it was just the huskies arguing over who was the most gorgeous looking Sibe amongst them!

Some of the other dogs were just taking things in their stride...

"Right! I'm fresh and perky and I'm ready to go!"

"We are taking it easy!"

This Bernese Mountain puppy was too young to enter, but he had big dreams: "One day, I'll conquer the show ring. I'm going to be a star!"

It was thirsty work for Paris, the Great Dane...

...and for some it was all too much...

This Briard was falling asleep on the grooming table!

A Collie snoozing behind its owner.

This Old English Bulldog was trying its very best to stay awake!

But this poor Tosa just curled up and went into la-la-land!

All dogs of different breeds lined up and waiting for their turn to be judged.

Some were more boisterous than others.

Getting stacked...

...a few finishing touches...

...and off they go! Look at her soft flowy hair.

The dogs might have enjoyed their day out, but the humans certainly did...

Prosecco (Dad's favourite!)

Mama mia! These Italian dog owners certainly know how to lead a la dolce vita!

To finish off, here's a short video of the dogs performing in the agility ring. 

 

Ciao!

PS: The Missus was touched by all of the birthday wishes she received and she wanted me to send a big 'Thank You' to everyone on her behalf. 

Birthday Wishes

Today I stumbled upon an old photograph which was taken five years ago. Feeling nostalgic, I thought I would share it with you...

That's me (with Missus and Dad) when I was about 5 months old.

The reason for the nostalgia is the fact that today is Missus' birthday. So, to Missus, I want to say a big:
Happy Barkday!

My Knuckle Bone

A couple of days ago, Missus gave me a knuckle bone so that I could exercise my jaws and clean my teefies at the same time. Do you want to see it?

Sorry, I couldn't wait to set stuck-in.

Of course, this was only a small bone by my standards. You should have seen the dinosaur bone I had in Holland!

Despite the size, I still love it! Yum!

Here's a short video of me enjoying my bone.



Enough of my scoffing...

...On a different note, I want to introduce you to this cute little golden retriever puppy. Her name is Bronte and she started blogging before she was even born! Check out her blog!

Got to go. Have a great weekend. Arrivederci!

My Open Fire

During these long, cold winter nights, there's nothing I enjoy more than to snuggle-up in front of a warm open fire...

But first, you've got to build it...

Then light it...

...Ta-da. Are you impressed with my fire-lighting skills? I'd make a good 'boy scout' eh?

Ahhhh, the open fire...

...sometimes I like to relax...

...sometimes I work on my blog...

...and sometimes, when no-one is watching, I just like to 'roast my nuts'!

But usually, I just like to drowse in the warmth and...

...zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

A New Year's Walk in the Countryside

Happy New Year to everybody! I hope your 2011 will be filled with happiness! 

Recently my humans have discovered a countryside walk, not far from our home, where they can finally take me for a walk off-leash. 

To kick-start the New Year, we all went out today for a nice long stroll. Here's some pictures which Missus captured on the way...

This is me and dad at the starting point, all ready to go.

I set-off, eager to explore the joys of the Italian countryside...

...which is filled with lots of interesting smells!

For most of my walk was there wasn't a single soul in sight. I loved every minute of it!

I went this way...

...and that way...

...and I even stopped occasionally to catch the wind!

To make sure that my Dad didn't abandon me, I always checked to make sure that he wasn't too far behind.

Close enough! I could wander around at ease!

Occasionally I strayed too far away for Dad's liking. (Can you spot me?)

But he always managed to tempt me back...

... with a treat!

Yummy!

'Sigh' What bliss!

Got to go now. Time for more exploring.

See you!