Sunbather

First, I want to take a minute to welcome the new batch of dog lovers who stopped by here today, thanks to a terrific website called Draw the Dog. There's a talented pair of guys over there who were kind enough to feature Stella on their website this morning (in a wonderful cartoon) that depicts me getting her into the shower. The story that inspired them (Suds Your Duds) has eighteen comments on it now, which is an all time record. From a virtual standpoint, I can't think of a more fun day in recent history.

Second, with regard to today's photo, I'm not sure you can see that tease of a cat (Gigi) looking through the door at us or not but I wish I could get in her head sometimes. For the first six years of her life, she was actually kind of shy and now that we have Stella, she's turned into a completely different cat. It's taken some time but I honestly believe she thinks Stella is her dog, not mine. They're sweet on each other but in a careful - I'll snuggle up against you if you promise not to look at me - sort of way, unless of course there's a door between them, which apparently makes it safe to act like a maniac.

Amusement Plus Fun Prizes

I recorded a little training session I had with Stella two days ago. I then downloaded it into the computer and watched as she eyed me suspiciously and began taking orders from the speakers. Recording to follow (if I can get over hearing myself sing).

We Love Prizes

Many thanks to Princess the Pitbull, for being the bearer of our first blog award here at Carny Dog. I never knew there were so many wonderful and funny dogs and/or dog lovers online. The rules are as follows:
1. Post it to the blog and link to who gave it to you.
2. List seven things you love (I'll list seven things Stella loves since this is basically her show)
3. List Seven blogs you love, then comment on the blog and let them know you've given them the award. Here we go:

Things Stella loves: Men, the dog park and Home Depot (or any other place where someone might pet her - particularly men). She loves peanut butter, baby giraffe, string cheese and the creek by our house.

Blogs I love: a very short list.

Percy's Adventures.. Because seriously, how can you not love a poodle who goes to France on weekend holidays?

Riptide and Tempest at A Dog's Beach (this blog makes me want to move immediately).

Princess, of course gets another mention. Her mom gave us this award and could be the only person who's read this entire blog besides maybe that guy at SkateTruck.

What Spare Time is a blog by new real-life friend, Jesco, who is a darn good writer plus has promised me fresh vegetables so you know, I've got to give him an award.

I get a lot of good dog training hints and advice from Lindsay at That Mutt. I told her a few months back that Stella didn't have her own blog but I was in denial then. I apologize.

And finally there is the very talented Beth from Switched at Birth. Beth (and her dog Maggie), already gave Stella a big shout this week and needn't do another thing but enjoy this award and keep on writing every day so the rest of us closet writers will have something to strive for.

Thanks to all of our new followers at Twitter. We hope to hear from you often.