tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6782968915425641962023-11-16T03:45:54.716-08:00Life with Dude, an amazing Boston TerrierBrought to you by Clair Schwan and his canine companion Humper Go-Play Lickerson (a.k.a. Dude).Clair Schwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13235279064564033925noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-678296891542564196.post-5891222321198199012012-10-29T11:34:00.000-07:002012-10-29T11:35:21.270-07:00Dude is the Captain of the Row BoatPeople have told me that this photo looks like Dude is giving me directions from the stern deck while I work the oars. It's not exactly that way. We're more like a team. He enjoys the ride, and I enjoy taking him for a ride. It's an adventure for both of us.<br />
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He's all decked out in his pink life jacket. It's not a very manly color, but neither one of us care. It's a handy piece of gear. When Dude gets a bit hot from sitting in the sun, I grab the handle on the back of the life jacket and hoist him overboard into the water for a quick dip, then lift him back into the boat. He's cooled off and stops panting, and we both like that. Like I said, we're a team.<br />
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Rowing is a favorite activity of mine and like all of my favorite activities, I like to have my favorite dog tag along, so off we go for a leisurely stroll around the lake.<br />
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Life at the lake is good, it's better with the Dude.<br />
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By the way, the wheels on the row boat are permanently mounted on the "Dude platform" so I can turn the boat over and easily wheel it up and down the driveway. Here's more information on this easy project: http://www.self-reliance-works.com/2012/10/aluminum-row-boats-an-easy-way-to-transport-them/ Clair Schwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13235279064564033925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-678296891542564196.post-7693115554382104352011-11-09T19:36:00.000-08:002012-10-29T08:22:47.994-07:00Oh no! You did not slap me upside the head with that fish!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What's the point in having a dog if you can't have a little fun? Fishing is fun, I know that.<br />
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Licking, pawing and nipping at fish is fun, Dude knows that.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNeuUwBhMMNltYjuOSU0tGTBBfw2cO5aaZEhbP-j8BZDWt07y29oDy-owbPDABUYiXOO_HQ7P8cOjdly_KS7dS57bZuAOH5xit9WlNyYrrIq2GVsbiPW0aoqskcOIwi5yWUyYXtnpIyVM/s1600/Slapped+Upside+the+Head.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNeuUwBhMMNltYjuOSU0tGTBBfw2cO5aaZEhbP-j8BZDWt07y29oDy-owbPDABUYiXOO_HQ7P8cOjdly_KS7dS57bZuAOH5xit9WlNyYrrIq2GVsbiPW0aoqskcOIwi5yWUyYXtnpIyVM/s200/Slapped+Upside+the+Head.jpg" width="187" /></a> And, getting slapped upside the head with a fresh fish is lots of fun for my little buddy, especially if it means he gets a chance to grab it and hold on every now and then.<br />
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And, I get a kick out of it too! Duh! It's my double dose of fun when I've hauled in a fish, or we're getting ready to clean them on shore.<br />
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Okay, so it means that my dog wears catfish snot on his head for the rest of the day. He doesn't seem to mind, and we both have a lot of fun putting it there. Whap, whap, whap! It's a good sound, and lots of fun to watch Humper try to grab the fish tail as it slaps him about the head.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqVJzpCOU06JdT4-Ec6PRCw2IszWGZOLwz-RZ0NnMgiZ-IQYsJx5YvyXcbdALYZaDsCP64MpZYg60yrZiAbd55sH6l-yPAf0jNIFWT9rVmZJSCQQ0tvquoCnIj-x-Kzpbqal1iUOmzjfA/s1600/humper+grabs+a+fish+from+the+bucket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqVJzpCOU06JdT4-Ec6PRCw2IszWGZOLwz-RZ0NnMgiZ-IQYsJx5YvyXcbdALYZaDsCP64MpZYg60yrZiAbd55sH6l-yPAf0jNIFWT9rVmZJSCQQ0tvquoCnIj-x-Kzpbqal1iUOmzjfA/s200/humper+grabs+a+fish+from+the+bucket.jpg" width="200" /></a>The funniest part is that at first he thinks I'm trying to get the fish positioned to where he can grab it in his mouth, but it's apparently wiggling too much to hold still. I think he's largely caught on that I'm just messing with him. In any event, we both enjoy this ritual after catching a nice fish and getting ready to clean them. It's my way of letting him get his fill of the fish so perhaps he'll lose a little bit of enthusiasm for interfering with the fisherman and his duties.<br />
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If you ever run into a lovable, obedient and well-behaved Boston that looks buff and smells like fish, that would be my dog. Please send him home at your earliest convenience - after you've washed his face, please.Clair Schwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13235279064564033925noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-678296891542564196.post-82875220151007534632011-11-09T11:36:00.000-08:002011-11-09T11:36:22.573-08:00Dude, seahound first class<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Whether it's the car or the boat, all you have to do is say, "saddle up" and my Boston Terrier companion hops aboard in anticipation of a ride. When it comes to boats, he anticipates a bit more, perhaps some fish brought on board for him to lick and nip at, or a live box full of fish that he can investigate and watch as they splash around in there. He's been known to lift the live box lid on his own and peek in.<br />
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Oddly enough, I don't know if he swims, but he seems to know enough to stay out of the water and in the boat. Hes' perched himself up on the gunwale once when the excitement of a fish breaking the water was more than he could handle, but so far he hasn't jumped in. If he ever takes the plunge, you can be sure I'll be hopping overboard to retrieve him.<br />
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To get Humper accustomed to being in a boat, I first took him out in a canoe just a few feet from shore for just a few moments and then brought him back to shore. A short while later I took him out again in the canoe and paddled much farther from shore and spent a couple minutes on the water before returning to shore. Each time I gave him the command, "saddle up" to he knew I wanted him to board, and when we returned to shore, "go on" was his clue to jump out. When on the water, I used the ever popular "stay" command just to let him know that his place was exactly where he was, whether seated or standing or perched on the gunwale to get a better look.<br />
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By now, Dude knows the drill, we get him on board, I untie the boat, and we shove off for adventure on the water. He's a seagoing pup, but he isn't worth a damn when it comes to landing fish, steering the boat or messing with the anchors. Perhaps I'm expecting too much. Then again, it may be that I haven't yet found his natural aptitude when on the water.Clair Schwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13235279064564033925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-678296891542564196.post-17588982692321970502011-11-08T15:11:00.000-08:002011-11-08T16:17:18.253-08:00Dude has a hard life at the hardware store...yeah, right!I spend time in Winnsboro, Texas when I get the urge to go fishing. Of course, the Dude goes with me because he likes fishing too. His job is to lick the fish and give them a nip every now and then too. He knows there are creatures in the water, and he wants to play with them. His middle name isn't "Go-play" for nothing!<br /><br />Invariably, there is something that needs maintenance, repair or improvement at "Camp Clair," so I blend this in with my fishing time. On my most recent trip, the need for my handyman services included plumbing repair and improvement, so off to the hardware store we went.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbmBXgcwEsQb67qvQY2CEtRK0rURINhusK5-Cqm0nzmtarIPmPM6P8CKcjrgXn8HgVYurbp55OT6ueJaap52Ql53CikbqPxnnjkwvr1GIdsgAoEF_RC6B7BJps6pccv3I_wM9tj_FGuVY/s1600/Kacy+and+Dude.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSNinKqyjIsPUa-z9EGuKQ_Y6VcDJO0K6nI6ARAePp3-NklwuFy9GBP4HVeR0kh59xdAvapTsZLhit5OFrZ5JrosOQgLFJVhrMl99zvwoVnrh7hc1AYtkrNUk3ea916rNBG7v5KDrDX5w/s1600/poultry+plus.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 307px; height: 172px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSNinKqyjIsPUa-z9EGuKQ_Y6VcDJO0K6nI6ARAePp3-NklwuFy9GBP4HVeR0kh59xdAvapTsZLhit5OFrZ5JrosOQgLFJVhrMl99zvwoVnrh7hc1AYtkrNUk3ea916rNBG7v5KDrDX5w/s320/poultry+plus.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672781596577479666" border="0" /></a><br />Yep, the Dude goes shopping too. What could be easier than shopping when you have your own personal shopper to assist you in the selection of the proper parts, materials and supplies?<br /><br />Our favorite hardware store in Winnsboro is Poultry Plus. It's a funny name for a hardware store, but it's a fine place with great people and reasonable prices. And, they usually have what I need. Best of all, I don't have to drag off 30 miles to shop at a "big box" store to find what I need. I like the idea of spending my money at a local store, and Humper likes the idea of spending time with local folks as well - especially those with a little treat for well behaved four-legged companions like my buddy, Mr. Lickerson.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbmBXgcwEsQb67qvQY2CEtRK0rURINhusK5-Cqm0nzmtarIPmPM6P8CKcjrgXn8HgVYurbp55OT6ueJaap52Ql53CikbqPxnnjkwvr1GIdsgAoEF_RC6B7BJps6pccv3I_wM9tj_FGuVY/s1600/Kacy+and+Dude.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 310px; height: 235px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbmBXgcwEsQb67qvQY2CEtRK0rURINhusK5-Cqm0nzmtarIPmPM6P8CKcjrgXn8HgVYurbp55OT6ueJaap52Ql53CikbqPxnnjkwvr1GIdsgAoEF_RC6B7BJps6pccv3I_wM9tj_FGuVY/s320/Kacy+and+Dude.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672781856186637714" border="0" /></a><br />Meet Kacy Morris, expert in customer service and a certified dog lover. Fellow employees have referred to her as a "dog nut" but let's not go there. According to Dude, she's the official "snack lady" at Poultry Plus who is always at the ready when it comes to healthy dog treats for pooches in dire need of a snack and a little attention.<br /><br />A snack you say? This is something that my four footed friend isn't going to miss out on, come hell or high water. If there is a treat in the house, he's going to do his best to sniff it out, beg for it, and as a last resort, simply sit there looking cute until someone gives in. When he's not helping me shop, he's looking for a treat or entertaining other customers with his friendly antics.<br /><br />So, what more could a couple of guys ask for - good service, convenient location, reasonable prices, a great feeling of being welcome, and a healthy snack. Dude comes back for the dog treats and petting. I come back because these folks have what I need, and they're very helpful in making certain I'm getting what's necessary to complete the job.<br /><br />Oh, I almost forgot, returns aren't a problem either. In fact, Dude is always trying to coax me into buying too much just so we have something to return. Do you think he's just trying to get more time with the snack lady? I think so.Clair Schwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13235279064564033925noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-678296891542564196.post-79650015030181240122011-05-11T16:27:00.000-07:002011-05-13T13:36:56.432-07:00The Cool Dude is Patient Too<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCN8HBLzV_SZRgiVRpMkm8wW6duDNuDL7RTTYtw-lN3E_oI1MRby3bK7xTm57_NsullDH4IJwHaNkaVXDyrlBootcS2atNre4OALzFBX61qzO-5UxJ8gGDvJwqHRSJoU8kHJ0CaPj5poY/s1600/cooldude.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 248px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCN8HBLzV_SZRgiVRpMkm8wW6duDNuDL7RTTYtw-lN3E_oI1MRby3bK7xTm57_NsullDH4IJwHaNkaVXDyrlBootcS2atNre4OALzFBX61qzO-5UxJ8gGDvJwqHRSJoU8kHJ0CaPj5poY/s320/cooldude.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605604805491186450" border="0" /></a>As you are aware, I really like my dog. He's a good companion and game for just about anything because he trusts me. All I have to do is tell him "hold still" and he can be adorned with just about anything you'd like.<br /><br />On a recent fishing trip, the Dude takes time out to don a pair of stylish sunglasses. They're a little too big, but just the right style for my black and white and reverse brindle buddy.<br /><br />He's quite patient as we fit them on and get him posed for a picture. I suppose he'll need a ball cap next.<br /><br />This is good practice for him since I intend to get my motorcycles outfitted with a dog bed and harness so he can scoot around with me. He'll be outfitted with a pair of Doggles so he won't have to contend with the wind while he rides on the back seat. This experience with eye wear will come in handy.<br /><br />Perhaps he has a modeling career ahead of him. Wow, he would love that. Just think of all the people that he'd meet.Clair Schwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13235279064564033925noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-678296891542564196.post-62229554338483209322011-05-05T09:33:00.000-07:002011-05-05T09:57:51.959-07:00A Well-Behaved Dude, Indeed<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXpBNllMElAyWw2Z9NNBt_EYBLU2uFGiMMWXbBjLiucHOMy6WgGdrm0Y5IE7quHT7TxrgvZlWGcOTESAL9WhV3SRGY0UUdzA20daxKgoSKmzyrekVtgd29KItHW2AwlZqQrRsYEav8MZs/s1600/momanddudewalk.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 260px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXpBNllMElAyWw2Z9NNBt_EYBLU2uFGiMMWXbBjLiucHOMy6WgGdrm0Y5IE7quHT7TxrgvZlWGcOTESAL9WhV3SRGY0UUdzA20daxKgoSKmzyrekVtgd29KItHW2AwlZqQrRsYEav8MZs/s320/momanddudewalk.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603271294405144402" border="0" /></a>I don't know anyone who doesn't like the insights of Texas Bix Bender. He has plenty to say about dogs as well as cowboys. He points out for those of us who think we're "...a person of some influence, try orderin' someone else's dog around."<br /><br />Ain't it the truth! Well, mostly it is, but not with the Dude. He's a dog that is perfectly happy to please whomever he's with.<br /><br />Photo left shows my mother on her way back from a lengthy walk with Mr. Lickerson, down at the lake. He'll lead, follow or walk alongside, whatever you'd prefer.<br /><br />And, like always, my Humper Dude is never on a leash because he's controlled by voice command, and he doesn't much care whose voice, as long as he knows that he's been handed off to another temporary pack leader.<br /><br />This makes life with Dude so much easier. When I give him to my neighbor for a few hours or a day or so, I know that he's no trouble because he recognizes who's boss for the time being, and gladly follows commands.<br /><br />Once I demonstrated this at a friend's house in Colorado. I told my friend to say his real name (Humper) sharply to get his attention and then tell him K-E-N-N-E-L. I had to spell it out because he was standing right there. After a moment, she did exactly what I suggested, and Dude turned around and immediately went into his kennel and sat there waiting for her next command.<br /><br />Perhaps I don't deserve such a great dog, but I'm always thankful that I have him. I think he feels much the same way.Clair Schwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13235279064564033925noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-678296891542564196.post-79837711880753969572011-03-06T11:58:00.000-08:002011-04-25T13:40:39.911-07:00A Visit from Wiggler<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5OPjNSjUU8GGW-VL1YKGAZ0mwfxy2KlajzCYbYobBF5jRE650p7JMCKgkwRHOKsJaIl5Vf2a0AOwaUE_nnz2om0lMvCBd2LrVOFZcuOlD8M-bh5xM8x41_EQ_M-QeHQTefO45qgxSs1k/s1600/bbq+027+%2528Medium%2529.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5OPjNSjUU8GGW-VL1YKGAZ0mwfxy2KlajzCYbYobBF5jRE650p7JMCKgkwRHOKsJaIl5Vf2a0AOwaUE_nnz2om0lMvCBd2LrVOFZcuOlD8M-bh5xM8x41_EQ_M-QeHQTefO45qgxSs1k/s320/bbq+027+%2528Medium%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581062853821461186" border="0" /></a>If there's one thing that Dude is good at, it's visiting with others. It doesn't matter what or who, he'll spend good quality time and enjoy every minute of it. Once I caught him frolicking along a barbed wire fence and on the other side was a young calf frolicking too.<br /><br />Visiting with others is big fun simply because it's someone or something paying attention to my "attention hound."<br /><br />Enter, a rather large guest, Wiggler.<br /><br />Brad and Barb, our friends in Cheyenne have their share of dogs, and Wiggler is one of them. She's a nice dog with a great temperament. Her and Dude could have been litter mates - neither had such a bright future before they were rescued, neither are inclined to bark, both love to play, both get along well with others, and both are attention hounds.<br /><br />If Wiggler wasn't playing with Dude, she was under the table nudging me for a little clandestine petting. Sorry, I just can't keep a secret.<br /><br />Anyway, it was a nice evening with friends and loyal four-footed companions. It was fun to watch Wiggler run through the house with Dude chasing after her. It was like a small white horse being chased by a regular size dog. (It's a perspective thing.) And, it gave both Ellen and I a chance to spend time with a breed of dog that has always interested us. If we didn't have a Boston Terrier, we'd likely have a Boxer.Clair Schwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13235279064564033925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-678296891542564196.post-56994045134237601002011-03-06T10:14:00.000-08:002011-11-10T20:06:00.424-08:00Toe the Line - or get out of the kitchen<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG0MxTYAySOMJfECubvUCdv_8P8YP9tAMjP-wcvophyphenhyphenGcA-G4cOw2vSR9r0JH7gA-_7zWYZ9asJ_Oc8-At_L7jhyphenhypheniV33PaoukcemB5sLsfZehdgsxO03EJRk2ri93Pa-laYZAOqjgv6UI/s1600/eggplant+022+%2528Medium%2529.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="133" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581052397477854066" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG0MxTYAySOMJfECubvUCdv_8P8YP9tAMjP-wcvophyphenhyphenGcA-G4cOw2vSR9r0JH7gA-_7zWYZ9asJ_Oc8-At_L7jhyphenhypheniV33PaoukcemB5sLsfZehdgsxO03EJRk2ri93Pa-laYZAOqjgv6UI/s200/eggplant+022+%2528Medium%2529.jpg" style="float: left; height: 213px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 320px;" width="200" /></a>Like any dog, my Humper Dude is a snack hound. We're good about not feeding him junk, but he recognizes Ellen as the "snack lady" and so he patiently sits in our kitchen waiting for scraps of meat, cheese, and chips, or his favorite - baby carrots.<br />
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And, he's no dummy either, he knows exactly where "the kitchen" begins and ends - it's the line formed by the light colored carpet in the living room and dining room, and the dark colored indoor/outdoor carpet that is found in our galley style kitchen.<br />
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I'm certain my buddy Dude is tired of hearing, "Out of the kitchen." But, I'm tired of saying it too. It seems that his overwhelming tendency to be a mooch has him forgetting anything he learned about boundaries associated with the kitchen.<br />
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In the photo above, you can see that when he's on his best behavior and his memory banks are working, he knows exactly where the line is drawn, and he doesn't have so much as a nail across the line. If he does, I motion with my index finger and he'll back up an inch or two to fall into compliance.<br />
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Not a bad Dude in my book, just a boy who is as much of a "mooch" as he
is a pooch. Here's a video that shows how mindful he is.<br />
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Maybe that was just luck. What happens when only his toes cross the line? Let's see...<br />
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What more could a guy ask for? What a well behaved Dude.<br />
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<br />Clair Schwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13235279064564033925noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-678296891542564196.post-37245226843154302482011-02-26T21:08:00.000-08:002011-02-26T21:34:09.808-08:00Five Tricks - all require that he rolls over<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTSezY86pjKTPMYnzfkwlraJWnt7ExTT53LTaDcYt-cMG04_oAzY5LFMaJrGnNNH4l8z3X4Auk2tpr7OYgayTRU34d7LUGdPvufpfNRFKhSXfTCrqq2sWvX5DvaaR8IxtujNlG48raIq0/s1600/dude+on+his+back.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 216px; height: 151px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTSezY86pjKTPMYnzfkwlraJWnt7ExTT53LTaDcYt-cMG04_oAzY5LFMaJrGnNNH4l8z3X4Auk2tpr7OYgayTRU34d7LUGdPvufpfNRFKhSXfTCrqq2sWvX5DvaaR8IxtujNlG48raIq0/s320/dude+on+his+back.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578236620165242738" border="0" /></a><br />You might know that Dude can perform tricks. He knows five of them, and they're all performed by rolling over on his back. I don't know exactly how it happened, but I suspect that he got the idea that rolling over pleased me, so he simply tried it repeatedly. And, that gave me the idea to develop more tricks that are a variation on him laying on his back.<br /><br />Here is a rundown on the tricks:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Roll over</span> - this is self-explanatory.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Spot check</span> - a trick that obligates me to touch each of the spots on his underside and count them. After all, with all of his running and playing, he might lose one, so periodically they need to be checked.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Belly rub</span> - it's really a chest rub, but he doesn't know the difference.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Blow on your belly</span> - it's a bit like one might blow on a baby's belly, but it involves dog sweat on your lips. It's not his favorite, but he puts up with it. It's not my favorite either because sometimes he kicks my glasses off. Such are the hazards of having fun with my 32 pound buddy.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Kink</span> - a special term that refers to using your index and little finger on one hand to jab his inner thighs and holler out "kink." This immediately gets him to jump up and run around the room. It's a bit like the starting gun for lots of fun. The most fun is circling him and making him wait for it. He never knows when it's coming, but he always has an enthusiastic response - mainly because the deed is done and he gets to play on all fours instead of on his back.<br /><br />So, it can't be said that Dude doesn't have a knack for tricks. Indeed he does, provided all of the tricks involve rolling over on his back.Clair Schwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13235279064564033925noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-678296891542564196.post-71035614246266894322010-11-14T11:40:00.000-08:002010-11-14T11:51:23.729-08:00Get a handle on it Dude!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrYTm9ULJDMELVNDK2jkpUmQaFuxeVCk21UDA4vCDzKGlejJazZOCOJKZUS-fRLuQQnNW2fmDQprlCebzLA3yHdVTeTVK693Yix8wBaVAR1RtaNiErGKMsVTb_dqe5Y32XLvBO8pZ65JQ/s1600/florida+trip+153.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrYTm9ULJDMELVNDK2jkpUmQaFuxeVCk21UDA4vCDzKGlejJazZOCOJKZUS-fRLuQQnNW2fmDQprlCebzLA3yHdVTeTVK693Yix8wBaVAR1RtaNiErGKMsVTb_dqe5Y32XLvBO8pZ65JQ/s400/florida+trip+153.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539492799807969282" border="0" /></a>Dude is fond of fishing, especially if it means he gets to ride along in the boat. He's not much help out on the water, but he sure enjoys it.<br /><br />After we have the catch back home, he starts to become a bit more helpful. Here you can see he's pulled a nice size channel cat out of the bucket so I can start cleaning the fish. Thankfully, catfish have barbs that double as handles. This allows the Dude to pick up those slippery creatures when he's in the mood for a little fish licking.<br /><br />He's not called Mr. Lickerson for nothing - he enjoys giving those fish a little tongue bath.<br /><br />Anyway, my little buddy loves to interact with creatures of all sorts, and fish are no exception. Whether it's licking, pawing at them, or simply getting a nibble in here and there, it's all in a day's effort for the Dude.Clair Schwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13235279064564033925noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-678296891542564196.post-54986190932162465852010-08-27T11:53:00.001-07:002010-08-27T12:14:55.203-07:00Even "the Dude" takes a vacation.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik7IBr8XBYAmDIFYt9KwL9LBHeMPHtm2d2I666ZtHL30Tbv67CiVbyDJ9lORkFrHNCVqGDkavgU8jaDjzLazlWOGv2DpAHPw94Y9XqY-g6z9Smx-2NfGjxl9DGc7d6_Sli5V4EMVGThlc/s1600/Dude+on+vacation.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 353px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik7IBr8XBYAmDIFYt9KwL9LBHeMPHtm2d2I666ZtHL30Tbv67CiVbyDJ9lORkFrHNCVqGDkavgU8jaDjzLazlWOGv2DpAHPw94Y9XqY-g6z9Smx-2NfGjxl9DGc7d6_Sli5V4EMVGThlc/s400/Dude+on+vacation.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510164908261408178" border="0" /></a>When the mood strikes us, and the weather is cooperating, "the Dude" and I go on vacation. Our favorite vacation spot is a little lake in northeast Texas. It's a nice place to be because it's private, peaceful and loaded with fish.<br /><br />People say that east Texas has some of the best fishing on the planet, and I'm here to say that isn't far from the truth. I always tell folks, "They don't jump into the boat, but that's not far from the truth."<br /><br />This photo is Dude and I relaxing on the front porch of the lakeside cottage, enjoying the nice warm day under the shade of many trees. I'm ready to go fishing, seeing how I've got my "fish wrestling" shirt on, and my little buddy is ready to go as well. When isn't he ready to go?<br /><br />No matter what kind of fishing I'm up to, Humper is up for it too. Whether I get the fish on the dock or in the boat, he likes to paw at them and give them a few little bites as well. He knows that there are small animals in the water, and he just waits patiently for "the pack leader" to haul them in where he can get a chance to investigate.<br /><br />I haven't seen Humper swim, and I'm not certain he can, so I'm careful with how excited I let him get when I land a big one. I'm also careful about him being in the sun too long when we're out on the boat, so I bring along a long ladle that helps me wet him down with water from the lake so he'll stay cool while I get in a few more casts.<br /><br />My faithful Boston Terrier companion is at home just about anywhere he goes, whether we're running errands around town or on vacation in Texas. It seems he enjoys life with the pack leader as much as the pack leader enjoys life with him. He must know that he's not a water dog because he prefers to stay on the porch or run along shore, but when it comes to fishing, he's eager to hop in the boat - he knows there's critters in them waters.Clair Schwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13235279064564033925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-678296891542564196.post-25307489121294484722010-06-15T16:44:00.000-07:002010-06-15T19:01:40.002-07:00Dude's #1 fan - it's Megan!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvnuSvmS-JDyDH_Dfc4gr8lDajGrzEKI1eE3J8P0o1WCV4SYhIgN6EW7VxejccIViu-Qa-yzFJTowgeY3dgI2lnTGQZD1obeZtH_GIIjbC3ZAjpoRO8zTZC4xrHMuGkiFqVqsvRgq6Lo8/s1600/MeganandDude.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 248px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 398px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483157249940794146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvnuSvmS-JDyDH_Dfc4gr8lDajGrzEKI1eE3J8P0o1WCV4SYhIgN6EW7VxejccIViu-Qa-yzFJTowgeY3dgI2lnTGQZD1obeZtH_GIIjbC3ZAjpoRO8zTZC4xrHMuGkiFqVqsvRgq6Lo8/s400/MeganandDude.jpg" /></a><br /><div>I never thought that I'd run into a real fan of my buddy <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Humper</span> Go-Play <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lickerson</span>, but I've done just that here in Michigan. While visiting with friends and family, I met our new friend Megan, a wonderfully interesting young lady with an amazing resume. She's completing high school a year early following a program of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">homeschool</span> study, an important volunteer in her community, one of the best writers I've ever had the pleasure to read, and she's bi-lingual.</div><br /><div></div><div>Oh yeah, and she's a big fan of the Dude. I'm convinced that she is Dude's #1 fan. After all, you see who is sitting on her lap. What a lucky dog! Am I just the road crew?</div><br /><div></div><div>My dinner invite for the evening with Megan was carefully crafted to include a regrettable caveat suggesting that my canine friend was the real dinner guest, but everyone would put up with me if I would simply be his driver for the evening. Okay, so I was a bit hurt, but I figured that I'd get over it. And, I did. I accept my position as the Dude's road crew.</div><br /><div></div><div>Had I missed the dinner, I'm not certain that Dude could have gotten over the hurt as quickly as me. He loves meeting new people, and especially attractive females, so I didn't dare risk an upset puppy over a silly thing like me taking a back seat to my four-legged travel companion.</div><div></div><br /><div>The evening turned out great. The meal was wonderful and I was so pleased that they didn't make me eat out of a plastic bowl on the concrete patio while <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Humper</span> sat at the table with a proper place setting. Of course, the best part of the evening was the great company.</div><div></div><br /><div>It didn't take long before Dude was given a tour of the house and started helping out on the patio, in the kitchen and in the office. He was quite comfortable going downstairs and upstairs on command, and performing his limited <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">repertoire</span> of tricks like the ever popular "spot check".</div><div></div><br /><div>We're having so much fun here in the Great Lake State that we've decided to stay a while, using Internet resources from friends and family to make our posts.</div>Clair Schwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13235279064564033925noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-678296891542564196.post-43558028471461198932010-06-13T18:41:00.000-07:002010-06-13T19:20:40.305-07:00Dude has good horse sense...kind of<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQYesNWTjXx_c9r1aObcBC_gI_C6G7lTBzuqILN-Elbf1_k-VaAoa9z6luHa0ZbKbjQDk6alaHnx-m44gY0oKMtSPpny76qoGOqW4FNCjTiC2oUX2ToRBw6-xaXdvj_3QO7bUZs_eUhN0/s1600/2122.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 194px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482447244545422482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQYesNWTjXx_c9r1aObcBC_gI_C6G7lTBzuqILN-Elbf1_k-VaAoa9z6luHa0ZbKbjQDk6alaHnx-m44gY0oKMtSPpny76qoGOqW4FNCjTiC2oUX2ToRBw6-xaXdvj_3QO7bUZs_eUhN0/s400/2122.jpg" /></a><br /><div>My buddy Dude enjoys time with people and animals. He's particularly fond of horses, but he's never had a close encounter - until today. While attending my nephew's Birthday party, complete with a pony, my canine companion got to come face-to-face with a tiny horse. And, even a tiny horse is a large animal for my pint-size puppy.<br /><br />Hey, it's a different day, so let's do something different - maybe something a bit risky as well - let's play with animals much larger and stronger than ourselves.<br /><br />While mom held the reins, and Dude perched on dad's lap, the Dude got to sniff and lick at the muzzle of a pony. The pony got a snoot full of Dude as well. Both seemed very satisfied and the encounter was over.<br /><br />What pleases me is that my little buddy trusts me to never put him in a bad spot, so when he was called up on dad's lap with a horse looming overhead, he didn't hesitate, he simply waited until there was sufficient room and then hopped up on his perch. What amazes me is that the Dude gets to enjoy such a full life of adventure and new experiences. And, I think it amazes him as well.<br /><br />Earlier that day, my Humper Dude was chasing around with this same pony. Perhaps 7 times as high, 5 times as long, and about 20 times as heavy as my pup, the Dude was a featherweight "in the ring" with this super-heavyweight. Nevertheless, the nimble Dude held his own, steering clear of the galloping pony and playfully dodging in and out of its path. Both were having fun.<br /><br />The handler was concerned about possible injury to my dog. I told her not to worry, that sort of risk naturally comes with a life of adventure and fun, and I thought he had good horse sense in more than one way - when the going gets too rough, Dude knows to back off and keep distance between him and the other animal.<br /><br />So, the day included Dude in the saddle, rolling down the driveway on a skateboard, and running through the pond as well. Quite an exciting and fun-filled day for the Dude, and it wasn't even his Birthday party.</div>Clair Schwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13235279064564033925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-678296891542564196.post-28406327243473499382010-04-27T11:19:00.000-07:002010-04-27T11:37:38.759-07:00It's All Dude, All Day!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXDhDWeRW91a3GyIxK7QjDVsgyrBk_35NllgkeNg7ZscXT3yZ2XD2BM2P8_zX9IZhyGUC_gIPt0HwPRBaQ0Hm7sg3zlnX5nric5ebk0QsXeUqxWq4p-aiYZkwTM8bj0NwmMCkJXIpfp5Y/s1600/alldayalldude.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 245px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXDhDWeRW91a3GyIxK7QjDVsgyrBk_35NllgkeNg7ZscXT3yZ2XD2BM2P8_zX9IZhyGUC_gIPt0HwPRBaQ0Hm7sg3zlnX5nric5ebk0QsXeUqxWq4p-aiYZkwTM8bj0NwmMCkJXIpfp5Y/s400/alldayalldude.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464885165105145122" border="0" /></a><br />I don't watch television for a range of reasons, mainly because there isn't anything on TV that is worth my time. I also consider the uber-commercial nature of TV to be an unwarranted intrusion in my life. I don't need advertisers constantly showing and telling me that I'm dissatisfied with my life.<br /><br />When it comes to TV, I'd rather watch my dog sleep. And, that's exactly what Dude would rather have me do as well.<br /><br />There's a television in my home, but that's for watching movies. And, there's a television cabinet at my cottage, and that's for watching the Dude while he sleeps.<br /><br />It's my version of what you might likely hear on TV, "It's all Dude, all day, on the weekend Boston Terrier marathon." It sounds a bit like one of those week long or weekend long movie channels or sports channels. I know my Humper Dude won't ever have his own TV show, but he seems to be perfectly satisfied to be inside the TV cabinet in his bed. And, that's close enough for both of us.<br /><br />Let's consider the advantages of having Dude in the TV cabinet instead of "on the set." First of all, he doesn't have to go through makeup and hairstyling. I'm sure he's rather happy about that. Also consider that there are no lines to memorize, no tele-prompter to read, and no long days at the studio. And, just think of all the autograph signing he avoids!<br /><br />He knows that he leads a dog's life - a rather exceptional dog's life. One that is very special, even without being on TV.Clair Schwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13235279064564033925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-678296891542564196.post-74558083308303854252009-12-29T19:45:00.001-08:002009-12-29T21:50:05.254-08:00A place at the table for a well behaved dog<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNXK7IRK81smuGZJCQ-_EsS0ZZr9eFbHpGz_U5_lFX8SdJxVXTVXyR5DPRFgoxLnXf76E46fdEqYKsBsWWF1tdF1Yj5SRYkoNVD_0Xt-1mJcitxNlCmFm8QUvhUa7WZ9-2xGNqV2fExhg/s1600-h/atthetable.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 173px; height: 343px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNXK7IRK81smuGZJCQ-_EsS0ZZr9eFbHpGz_U5_lFX8SdJxVXTVXyR5DPRFgoxLnXf76E46fdEqYKsBsWWF1tdF1Yj5SRYkoNVD_0Xt-1mJcitxNlCmFm8QUvhUa7WZ9-2xGNqV2fExhg/s400/atthetable.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420870542584185410" border="0" /></a>Dude is like anyone else in the house - if he's well behaved, then he can sit at the table. Well, why not? He might as well join the party so he can see what all the people are doing up there on that table top.<br /><br />The truth is that he likes the view from the chair, but doesn't much like the idea that the chair swivels. Nevertheless, he's glad to be in a better seat up off of the carpet where mere cats prowl.<br /><br />We don't make a habit of feeding him from the table - at least not while he's sitting at the table. If we did, we'd feel obligated to put another place setting there.<br /><br />And, can you imagine how difficult it would be to teach him to use silverware, drink from a glass and properly use his serviette? We're just not up to that kind of training assignment.<br /><br />Talk about a challenge for Amy Vanderbilt!<br /><br />So, we do have our limits when it comes to table manners and our Dude. When it comes to eating, he has his own place, but when it comes to social events, he can sit with the rest of us simply because he's part of our family and he's well behaved.<br /><br />He'll never meet the standards of social etiquette at anyone's table but mine, but then, that's all that matters. He's my Dude at my table, and he knows it. As long as it's alright with the pack leader, it's alright with "the Dude."Clair Schwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13235279064564033925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-678296891542564196.post-1544086978036724872009-12-29T19:17:00.001-08:002009-12-29T19:39:49.691-08:00The temporarily crippled DudeMy wonderful dog is quite a ground squirrel enthusiast. He spots 'em and chases 'em and knows exactly what their whistle sounds like. Most of all, he knows what their fur tastes like because he's had them in his mouth many a time.<br /><br />The Dude is a terrier, and that means he is bred to hunt, chase and kill small animals that live in and on the ground. If he thinks there is an animal under the surface of the soil, then away he goes digging at the ground until he's satisfied. Sometimes that means he's digging for quite some time.<br /><br />His favorite means of getting at a ground burrowing animal is to find them hiding in pipes and tubes around the property. Whether it's PVC, steel or corrugated black drain pipe, he knows that there's a good chance that it holds either a rabbit or ground squirrel inside.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuEUetZ-JxPJqRtXkCqYwiIEHY3ti8OWeRZJK6EhACZYI9hvgIkOXTeGxlvgUiyzhAakQ4Yn1uLv-Dsmmt0WaSFy9E1s_M-CURf-2n6nZPeBv_g2nGy1WqmIdcdA7kWn3DKPK_qe8KR1Q/s1600-h/bandageddude.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 197px; height: 296px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuEUetZ-JxPJqRtXkCqYwiIEHY3ti8OWeRZJK6EhACZYI9hvgIkOXTeGxlvgUiyzhAakQ4Yn1uLv-Dsmmt0WaSFy9E1s_M-CURf-2n6nZPeBv_g2nGy1WqmIdcdA7kWn3DKPK_qe8KR1Q/s400/bandageddude.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420867100722814802" border="0" /></a><br />One day while I was working outside, I noticed that Dude had been away from me for quite some time - an hour or more. I called for him, but he didn't respond, so I went looking.<br /><br />Sure enough, I found him busying himself with a ground squirrel "stakeout" near the barn. He had cornered one inside a large piece of ABS tubing and had been trying his best to get at that little varmint.<br /><br />He didn't make much progress except to chew up the tubing a bit and tear up the nail on his dewclaw. It was a bloody mess. This showed just how dedicated a hunter he was. He was willing to hurt himself just to get at this little animal.<br /><br />Off to the vet we went as his nail had to be trimmed back or removed. A bunch of money later he was all bandaged up and limping around the house. It's funny that he didn't seem bothered enough by the pain to call off the "stakeout," but back in the house his pain was clear to see as he kept his foot off the floor and spent lots of time laying around in his bed.<br /><br />After a couple of weeks and a bandage change, Dude was literally back on his feet and ready for the next ground squirrel episode.<br /><br />Not so fast! From now on, the pack leader keeps an eye on the Humper Dude just to make certain his play isn't so enthusiastic as to cause additional vet bills. Until he starts paying the vet bills, his playful episodes with the local varmint population will be monitored with appropriate adult supervision.Clair Schwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13235279064564033925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-678296891542564196.post-66246689967737593482009-11-11T14:27:00.000-08:002009-12-29T19:41:23.028-08:00Supervision from "the Dude"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgulQvpnHosqTsVc0j9bqKN4cxNQ3yEneVDEHcL5QFS-y733yUg6A5VA7kMgXgm80EZXD5GR2e3aGfLd4B1RF6Nll_1xDSouk5heAzLxEIk4Lf19sPQ07WLyyOVa8B00j7zu_DIjFUDVl0/s1600-h/dudeonwood.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 228px; height: 198px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgulQvpnHosqTsVc0j9bqKN4cxNQ3yEneVDEHcL5QFS-y733yUg6A5VA7kMgXgm80EZXD5GR2e3aGfLd4B1RF6Nll_1xDSouk5heAzLxEIk4Lf19sPQ07WLyyOVa8B00j7zu_DIjFUDVl0/s400/dudeonwood.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402976561735919826" border="0" /></a>When you're cutting wood for the winter season, you need a helper or a supervisor. Dude isn't much of a helper, but he's a great supervisor and critter finder. If there's a critter in the wood pile, he'll find it.<br /><br />I mentioned that he's a great supervisor, because like all great supervisors, he stays out of your way when he sees that you know what you're doing.<br /><br />And, I like it that way because chain saws, splitting mauls and axes can be dangerous things for my 32 pound buddy. The more he stays out of my way, the better off he is.<br /><br />The truth of the matter is that I couldn't ask for a better dog. We've bonded quite well, and he doesn't have much interest in being too far from me, but he gives me plenty of "air space" for whatever it is I'm doing.<br /><br />Sometimes I wonder if he has a clue about what all the wood cutting and splitting activity is all about. I don't think he does, and I don't think he cares. As long as he can sit in front of the fire and stay toasty warm all winter long, he's a happy Dude.Clair Schwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13235279064564033925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-678296891542564196.post-75720095681048276122009-09-04T20:22:00.000-07:002009-09-04T20:30:40.299-07:00Dude in a box...what will they think of next?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDTQa_0_X1lWQ4GqMXFKY9K9qU2yPU_drPaGiUuPyWV5TVUv_2fwEP1K1Eo-JMRXzlqmCLU38nGPTyz9XaCWPbxgDajJNBIRDUNDMlGInlEbHkTWXWPkKsuQ2r-OredRNdRG76OC2uGug/s1600-h/dudeinabox.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 342px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDTQa_0_X1lWQ4GqMXFKY9K9qU2yPU_drPaGiUuPyWV5TVUv_2fwEP1K1Eo-JMRXzlqmCLU38nGPTyz9XaCWPbxgDajJNBIRDUNDMlGInlEbHkTWXWPkKsuQ2r-OredRNdRG76OC2uGug/s400/dudeinabox.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377818940035982818" border="0" /></a><br />While washing beds for my Boston Terrier buddy, I found a temporary solution for the Dude to take a nap.<br /><br />I put an old pillow inside a cardboard flat, and Mr. Lickerson immediately identified it as his bed.<br /><br />It looked a little tight for my 32 pound buddy, but he took to it right away. I've found that he'll make a bed out of just about anything, especially if you point to it and tell him to "get in the bed."<br /><br />What more can a guy ask for? The Dude isn't picky about where he naps. He just wants to be near you.<br /><br />Whether the pillow was inside or outside the box, it probably wouldn't make a difference. Anything like a pillow has to be a sufficiently comfortable bed for the little guy.<br /><br />When we're in the greenhouse together, he lays in the sand under the table, and that seems to satisfy him just fine. I have a couple of old pillows out there for kneeling, so perhaps he'd prefer to use one of those the next time we're out there harvesting kale or picking tomatoes.Clair Schwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13235279064564033925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-678296891542564196.post-58019108882229735822009-09-04T20:03:00.000-07:002009-09-04T20:19:54.142-07:00The Blue DudeThe Dude loves his basketballs. He chases them, rolls over them and shakes them up when he gets a chance to sink his teeth into them. They are his favorite toy, and he loves it when I kick them up the driveway so they bounce high and roll back down.<br /><br />If you watch him in action, you would swear that the basketballs are alive, and he's not going to let them get away. He's so intense about this driveway sport that he get's right up close to the ball, even when he knows I'm going to kick it.<br /><br />I have had to learn how to kick the ball over his head when it's on the ground, just so I don't smash it into his face. Not that he would mind, but I'd hate to do that to my little Humper Dude.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVXnsY40tk7WEOQGh-AWFZdC9xqDmsMWtB8QCE7g8IfC0DW_Ig64T3CrdcPxqS4eFheNmn_U1lMSC15ii83CcpPzwLze6P-HQW49gxLc6vLW8nLJu_KdAbWzACu5abVZCo13DV_iD4goU/s1600-h/thebluedude.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 188px; height: 218px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVXnsY40tk7WEOQGh-AWFZdC9xqDmsMWtB8QCE7g8IfC0DW_Ig64T3CrdcPxqS4eFheNmn_U1lMSC15ii83CcpPzwLze6P-HQW49gxLc6vLW8nLJu_KdAbWzACu5abVZCo13DV_iD4goU/s400/thebluedude.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377815315392103138" border="0" /></a><br />Recently I found one of his special basketballs in the weeds. It's blue, and after a bit of play with it, the Dude was blue as well.<br /><br />I felt a bit sorry for him because he looked ridiculous and didn't know it. Even if he was aware of it, I'm certain he wouldn't have cared much.<br /><br />As long as he's having fun, that's the main thing he's concerned about. That, and chasing rabbits.<br /><br />Apparently the blue coloring on the ball comes off easily after it bakes in the sun for a while. Instead of Cordon Blue we enjoyed a few moments with Cordon Dude before we got him cleaned up and a bit more presentable.<br /><br />With his incessant licking, I'm certain he had a blue tongue for a while as well. Poor guy, and it wasn't even Halloween yet.<br /><br />That gets me thinking. Perhaps I should take him into town and have him do a little door to door begging to see if he can get a doggy treat instead of candy. I know he'd like that.Clair Schwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13235279064564033925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-678296891542564196.post-45841279210218442692009-08-11T18:44:00.000-07:002009-09-04T20:03:00.156-07:00Mr. Lickerson gets his man<span style="font-family:arial;">As loyal long time readers know, Dude's full name is Humper Go-play Lickerson. Dude is just his nickname, and "the Dude" is more like a title. His last name comes from his interest in licking. He'll lick just about anything and anyone, and sometimes he just licks thin air.<br /></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivUe3isvIH7LlbOo-uw56NQs1ARCJTTcwDsD2V-5O5PKw2sXtL5m0R29rdXkJo2os0tPBRlc4Khus2WRO-0VKqqhBSeXdKsjlrSHAQUDyvMITMe-1s80lg2Ot7K5nOi_hkyWCXbhgb1PE/s1600-h/dudetongueanded.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 276px; height: 229px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivUe3isvIH7LlbOo-uw56NQs1ARCJTTcwDsD2V-5O5PKw2sXtL5m0R29rdXkJo2os0tPBRlc4Khus2WRO-0VKqqhBSeXdKsjlrSHAQUDyvMITMe-1s80lg2Ot7K5nOi_hkyWCXbhgb1PE/s320/dudetongueanded.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368891663687834482" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />Well, in the summer of 2009 we had a wonderful couple come and visit us here at Best of Both Worlds. Kitty and Ed stopped by to look at our greenhouses because they were on the cusp of getting one themselves. I was looking forward to their visit because I like to share what I know and help others when I can.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Dude enjoys the visits too because that gives him new people to lick.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;">As it turned out, Ed is a kind of animal magnet. He loves animals, and they love him as well.<br /><br />Dude was no exception, and Ed was more than willing to have a face-to-face encounter with Mr. Lickerson. Our darling Dude got to lick to his heart's content, and Ed didn't need to wash up for dinner. What a deal!</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAf5SP_yKcbx_bH_9oprKE_5_CCv-2FqTVz8dbEmwsJeoKPqydDjKbsFhTcTfOQo4gBCWYhtV6TZuc18zW3KZ_CkO2yf9vFcIRLqK97bb-zgcZRzTQJjDGt4F37UzTcnd8oyemdVNU2iA/s1600-h/Edanddude.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 269px; height: 183px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAf5SP_yKcbx_bH_9oprKE_5_CCv-2FqTVz8dbEmwsJeoKPqydDjKbsFhTcTfOQo4gBCWYhtV6TZuc18zW3KZ_CkO2yf9vFcIRLqK97bb-zgcZRzTQJjDGt4F37UzTcnd8oyemdVNU2iA/s320/Edanddude.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368893483730617890" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I've never seen a dog have so much tongue and such a need to share it with others. Lickerson is a good name for my Boston Terrier buddy. He lives up to it.<br /><br />Thankfully, most people understand doggy breath, and many folks don't mind doggy kisses, but the Dude just isn't satisfied with sneaking little kisses.<br /><br />We're talking Olympic level dog kisses.<br /><br />Ed was a great sport, and we all had a good time, especially Mr. Lickerson.</span>Clair Schwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13235279064564033925noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-678296891542564196.post-85532895096230714822009-06-11T17:10:00.000-07:002009-06-11T17:17:41.734-07:00Sore muscles and a slow moving DudeMy faithful four-legged companion went with me on a fishing trip and family visit. He didn't get nearly as much exercise as he should have during our nearly 4 week excursion, but he made up for it the first day he was back home. The rabbits knew that the Dude was back in town.<br /><br />And, the Dude paid the price - sore muscles the day after. Limping and crawling and hesitation when negotiating stairs or climbing up on my lap told me the Dude was a "hurtin' scooter" because of all his renewed activity.<br /><br />After a couple of days, he was back in fine shape, not knowing that his own activity was the cause of his aches and pains. No matter the consequence, Humper is going to "go-play" just like his middle name, and rabbit chasing is one of his favorite activities.<br /><br />It's a good feeling to know that my dog is okay. It's hard not to be concerned when he isn't himself. And, I'm certain he feels great too just knowing that we're finally back home again.Clair Schwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13235279064564033925noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-678296891542564196.post-76179393805177575012009-06-02T10:05:00.000-07:002009-06-02T10:19:10.004-07:00Dude loves fishingThe Dude and I went fishing recently, and we did quite well out there on the lake in the boat. I was a bit apprehensive about him being on the water, but my fears were unwarranted. He knows to stay out of the water, and <span style="font-weight: bold;">he knows what's in the water</span> too.<br /><br />So far, the Dude is a great catfish and pan fish angler. He can watch me reel them in with the best of them. When it comes to a 10 pound catfish, he loves to lick, scratch and snip at them. He's every bit as excited as I am when I get one near the boat to swoop it up with the landing net.<br /><br />Humper will respond to the catfish as they jump out of the water. He looks in the direction of the splash and then looks back at me as if to say "what are you waiting for?" He knows those are the animals we're after, and it fills him with anticipation.<br /><br />When I get some fish in the boat's live well, he'll go over every now and then to lift the top up with his nose so he can peer in. I'm not usually paying much attention, but when the live well lid drops closed with a thud, I know just what the Dude has been up to.<br /><br />Getting in and out of the boat is about the same as getting in and out of the car. He knows when to get in and when to get out, and he responds well to commands to stay or "saddle up."<br /><br />Life on the lake with my wonderful dog would be all the better if only he could hand me a beer or a landing net, operate the trolling motor, or pass me some tackle when I need it. For now, I'm just tickled that <span style="font-weight: bold;">he doesn't leap into the water</span> to get at the fish.Clair Schwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13235279064564033925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-678296891542564196.post-1148112714788468292009-04-27T07:15:00.000-07:002009-04-27T07:32:56.063-07:00The Dude is a basketball star<span style="font-family:arial;">For a short 30 pound dog, you wouldn't ever pick someone like the Dude to be on your basketball team, but I sure would. I've never seen a dog handle a basketball as well as the Dude.<br /><br />Basketballs are one of his favorite toys, yet it seems incomprehensible that he would enjoy them. First of all, they're too big to get in his mouth, so he can't very well carry them. But, that doesn't keep him from trying.<br /><br />Second, they bounce way higher than he can jump, so they wind up out of reach so very often. Third, the top of them are so high off the ground that it's difficult for him to get his paws on them.<br /><br />Nevertheless, the Dude loves basketballs. His favorite basketball activity is to jump up and try to catch the things as they bounce around. He'll never do it, but that doesn't stop him from trying.<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMhEr1TqT4QO8hmhZRCCA6AFuSrhkNLseODWMnTQHy8WXeiEQyostDfBEcarMjaluSX0ESue0wWocVH2XBV713FJYj0aM_U44fiNz-Nz7k7wkPq87cHHZXNR0gzBEi5LhZDAPUS3_gbaU/s1600-h/dudeontheball.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 167px; height: 256px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMhEr1TqT4QO8hmhZRCCA6AFuSrhkNLseODWMnTQHy8WXeiEQyostDfBEcarMjaluSX0ESue0wWocVH2XBV713FJYj0aM_U44fiNz-Nz7k7wkPq87cHHZXNR0gzBEi5LhZDAPUS3_gbaU/s320/dudeontheball.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329377725680888402" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">His next most favorite activity with a basketball involves chasing it down the driveway and overtaking it by climbing on top. This usually results in him rolling over the top of the ball, and perhaps that's the thrill of it all.<br /><br />If not jumping or rolling over them, he's pushing them with his nose. I believe that he thinks they are animated to some extent because he sure loves 'em.<br /><br />I figure that since he loves tennis balls so much, he probably figures that a basketball is just a larger version, so there's bound to be more fun in it.<br /><br />Anyway, if Dude's happy, then I'm happy to get him some basketballs to play with on the drive.</span>Clair Schwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13235279064564033925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-678296891542564196.post-19748750016654096782009-04-26T18:20:00.001-07:002009-04-27T07:31:26.422-07:00The Dude and Kishi both learn about each otherThe Dude is a very playful fellow. "Go-Play" is his middle name - I'm not kidding. He likes to play with everyone and every animal he encounters. The only problem is that <b>not all animals are in the mood to play</b>, at least not all the time. Some aren't ever in the mood to play.<br /><br />Enter Kishi, our cat. She doesn't like to play, except by herself, or with her own tail. Otherwise, please keep the playing away from her.<br /><br />One day the Dude was enjoying his time with Clair the pack leader, when one day in walks Ellen with her cat Kishi. Both were coming home to stay. Mr. Lickerson was very excited - more people and animals to play with. Kishi didn't share the excitement, and neither did Ellen.<br /><br />Humper kept wanting to play with that black cat. Kishi wanted to keep away from that dog, whatever they called him. Humans had to intervene every now and then. Kishi had to swat Humper on the nose to get her point across. The Dude learned to dodge the swats, and continued to offer playful exchanges.<br /><br />It took a while, but eventually <b>both learned good lessons about the other through direct experience</b>. Humper learned that Kishi was an animal that didn't play. Kishi learned that the Dude meant no harm. Both learned to ignore the other except for the occasional sniff and glance.<br /><br />What started as a potentially annoying relationship eventually sorted itself out peacefully by <b>allowing the animals to interact</b> with themselves as they normally would. A bit of hiding out here, and a bit of nose swatting there, and some chasing around the house and hiding behind furniture was all it took.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_taYcsvxhJ0fFbpvZFhhXGBDUv83UXWd2BlZv3s_3TNFizQsbj0xGHfELzaosFjS-Oi5h_me_rOtCKNt0iYLCF5URGc78Fr76BP9-o1LRpSWkej-EGrsFdXNy2G44ZlGQ1aAITRDkZnU/s1600-h/DudeandKishi.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 262px; height: 196px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_taYcsvxhJ0fFbpvZFhhXGBDUv83UXWd2BlZv3s_3TNFizQsbj0xGHfELzaosFjS-Oi5h_me_rOtCKNt0iYLCF5URGc78Fr76BP9-o1LRpSWkej-EGrsFdXNy2G44ZlGQ1aAITRDkZnU/s320/DudeandKishi.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329378433174586498" border="0" /></a>We enjoyed the interactions more than our pets, but everything smoothed out soon enough. After 6 months, both Humper and Kishi can now share the same bed, drink out of the same bowl, and lay down next to one another without one being fearful of harm or the other expecting a moment of play.<br /><br />They now both understand that there's plenty of room under the same roof for both of them. Kishi now stays to herself, just like she wants, and the Dude plays with other dogs in the neighborhood, just like he wants.Clair Schwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13235279064564033925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-678296891542564196.post-41542461284593377212009-04-26T14:56:00.000-07:002009-04-27T07:38:10.713-07:00Stuffed animal fun...cloud cover indoors<span style="font-family:arial;">Stuffed animals are one of the Dude's favorite things to play with. He likes to shake them up, throw them in the air, and play fetch inside the house. They are the closest thing to a live animal he can get, especially when they have a "voice box" inside that makes sounds when he shakes it.<br /><br />I'm not certain if the Dude has the most toys of any dog, but he certainly has plenty. One of the reasons is that he destroys the toys relatively quickly. There is a method to his madness, so don't think he is purely destructive. <b>He savors the moments with each toy</b>. Some stuffed animals have more moments for savoring than others.<br /><br />The first step is to remove the eyes and any other hard object attached to the animal. Nothing is eaten, just removed as part of the ritual.<br /><br />Next, anything else that isn't a main part of the stuffed animal is removed. This could include a bow or a pillow or a hat or article of clothing.<br /><br />Next, if the animal has a noise making device or "voice box," then that is sought after and finally removed.<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvPYMrlUHOKiJEKpwuQtYX6-iuoxGl4WJZX3-BVRvApEJ-ttju-pDNnX1tuKTBxmWS9D51vdyhWqRS8usZP2FoQI_nGpsAA0amEH31vPo0d4yCg_OEep5JIEZcoTBRniR6TeZu6MiD8r4/s1600-h/cloudcover.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 185px; height: 269px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvPYMrlUHOKiJEKpwuQtYX6-iuoxGl4WJZX3-BVRvApEJ-ttju-pDNnX1tuKTBxmWS9D51vdyhWqRS8usZP2FoQI_nGpsAA0amEH31vPo0d4yCg_OEep5JIEZcoTBRniR6TeZu6MiD8r4/s320/cloudcover.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329380004365574898" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Also, if there are any sacks full of polyester beads inside to add weight, those must be <span style="font-weight: bold;">removed and shook up sufficiently to distribute small beads all over the house</span> - preferably by making them fly through the air and ricochet around a little. It's all part of the ritual.<br /><br />Last, the toy is torn at until the polyester stuffing can be removed and distributed across the floor. First a little, then a lot.<br /><br />It looks a lot like small clouds floating at floor level. I call it indoor cloud cover.<br /><br /><br />The Dude doesn't seem to notice that it's a mess on the floor. After all, <span style="font-weight: bold;">dogs like things just they way they like them</span>, and that often isn't the way you like them.<br /><br />If the Dude has a playmate come over for tug-of-war, then it only takes a matter of minutes before we have heavy cloud cover and two very happy dogs.<br /><br />Thank goodness for garage sales. At 25 cents a stuffed animal, the Dude can have at it with as many as he would like - to the extent that we don't mind the cleanup.<br /><br />Beanie Babies anyone?</span>Clair Schwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13235279064564033925noreply@blogger.com0