The REAL update on Abby, and MangoMinster

Disregard anything that Mom wrote about Abby being “mellow”. She’s a MONSTER! Oh, Mango, why didn’t Mom listen to you about Puppy Monsters?!? Now it’s too late, we’re stuck with the little thing.

*ahem.

TaiChi and I have been busy trying to prep for the Best In Show competition, and the Abby Monster has totally ruined our beauty sleep, chewed through our evening wear gowns, and heavens knows what happened to my bikini, but I don’t think those stains are water! Eeeew.

Speaking of MangoMinster, since both TaiChi and I are competing for Best In Show, we just urge you to go vote. Preferably for one of us, but go vote! Me? I’m actually throwing my vote in for TaiChi; she is so old and venerable and wise that I think she is definitely the Best In Show. Me? I’ve got plenty of time to be Best In Show; TaiChi deserves the honors while she has the chance.

There is No Way that I was ever this young.


Not possible. I am certain that when I came to Mom and Dad, I was perfectly well-behaved, house-broken, and the model of a perfect puppy.

Note from Fi’s Mom: No, actually, you weren’t. In fact, Dad was just talking about the time when he was on the couch and you were sleeping on his stomach, and completely without warning, you peed all over him.

I don’t know what you’re talking about, Mom. I think you’re smoking crack. I never did anything like that. End of discussion.

I know, she looks all innocent and everything, but trust me, Mom brought home a MONSTER. If you put her in her crate, she immediately starts protesting like someone is trying to pull her tail off!

Monster, I tell you! The noises that come out of this thing!


And don’t let this picture fool you. I’m not relaxing around her, I’m just keeping a Very Close Eye on her.



TaiChi doesn’t trust her, either!



And here she can’t decide if she should chew on her toy or my tail…. If you can't tell, I am using my extraordinary mental powers to convince her that she really doesn't want to chew on my tail...


Mom doesn’t have any ‘action shots’ yet because whenever Abby is up and moving, so is Mom.

Personally, I think Mom and Dad should buy stock in the Nature’s Miracle company, the way they are using that stuff up!

But, when Abby sleeps, we all take the chance to get a little shut-eye.


*kissey face*
-Fiona the ever-suffering.

PeeEss: Go to MangoMinster and vote for TaiChi. Or me, but I think TaiChi really deserves it more than me.

Must type quick!

Mom better type fast because the P-U-P-P-Y is S-L-E-E-P-I-N-G. (Maybe Mom should type quietly, too, huh?)

Yes, that's right. Puppy!!! The weather is supposed to get worse as the weekend starts, and Dad didn't feel like skiing today, so Mom and Dad decided to pick up my little sister Abby today instead of tomorrow. After some frantic preparations on Mom's part, we all (well, TaiChi stayed home, as she really HATES the car) piled into the Box on Wheels (not to be confused with the House on Wheels - the box on wheels is the Jeep) and drove to my very first home to pick up my little sister.

She is truly my sister because we have the same biological mother and father.

Here she is!

Dad with Abby

The fat-bottomed girl on our pit-stop on the drive home.

Our first snooter-to-snooter. (Mom has better pictures, but Abby came up to me! The little devil! But she's very respectful for a little squirt. Hopefully she'll stay that way!)

TaiChi, at the moment, couldn't care less one way or the other. (I guess that's what Bad Sports do, huh? Or maybe just OLD bad sports!)

The official "welcome-to-the-family photo.

The girls!

Note from Fi's Mom: Fi is VERY excited about Abby, and Abby seems to be taking the sniffing and licking with aplomb. Actually, so far, everyone has been very mellow, although that may be that Fi and Abby are worn out from the drive. However, Fi and Abby both have tails wagging like crazy when they are checking each other out, and I think Abby has (for now at least) a good sense that TaiChi should be respected from afar. So, so far, so good. We'll keep you posted!

*kissey face*
-Fiona, Abby and TaiChi

OMD, OMD, OMD!!!!

OMD!!! I have to say, we are Totally Overwhelmed with the enthusiastic reception we have received at MangoMinster. Honestly, I thought that as a relative newbie, we’d show up, party at the Mango Estate (after the pre-show partying with Moose), make some new friends, pay homage to HRH RH (heehee – I couldn’t resist!), chase a few balls and go home with good memories and lots of new bloggies to follow.

I NEVER expected the huge outpouring of support we received after the loss of Mr. Bufus. Thanks to everyone for all the wonderful pee-mails and comments we received. He is truly missed, and his Reader’s Choice award will be a lasting testament to the fantastic Man-Bear-Dog-Cat-Pig that he was.

(And a Daddy's Boy!)

And TaiChi and I figured that we were both in such tough classes that we’d be lucky to make a decent showing. There are So Many good athletic sporty dogs (not to mention the good sports!), that I didn’t think I’d be able to compete with like of the body-surfing Teal'c and the flying, swimming Samantha. So when Mom read me the results last night (I was too nervous to read them myself!), I was beyond stunned. I was so excited, in fact, that I went zooming around the backyard!


Me? First Place in Sporty Athletic Dogs?!? No. Way!!!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!

And I was a little nervous when it came to TaiChi. Because while I know what a Bad Sport she is, she looks so innocent and unpresuming that I was worried that Mom might not have enough pictures to capture her in all of her Bad Sported-ness, and thus not be able to communicate the true depth of TaiChi’s cunning ways. But I guess I should have had more faith; apparently truly Bad Sports like Ike can recognize kindred spirits from miles away! (Although I can't believe that Mom forgot to mention TaiChi's stint in the 'clink' for biting a missionary when Mom made the list of TaiChi's Dirty Deed - but in fairness to Mom, that was before she had met TaiChi...) Rather than racing around the yard (TaiChi’s zoomie days are behind her, I’m afraid) she decided to celebrate by noshing on Dad’s dinner. What else would you expect from a Venerable Bad Sport?


Me? I’m just, uh, observing. Yeah. That’s it. Observing. Because I want to have TaiChi’s Magical Powers that cause Dad’s fork to gravitate right to her mouth when I get old and venerable!

A big thank you to everyone who voted, and to the judges for honoring us with their decisions, and, of course, thanks to the Relentlessly Huge for hosting this entire event! And now I’ve got to help TaiChi decide what to wear for the Best In Show competition, and then she’ll help me figure out what to do with my hair! And pictures! We’ve got to help Mom pick out pictures, and type our statements! We have So Much To Do!!!!

*kissey face*
-Fiona and TaiChi

It's time for the Bad Sport Category!!!

And now we move on to the Bad Sports in MangoMinster. My little big sister TaiChi is entered as a Bad Sport, and boy is she ever!

You would think that this cute little 18 year old miniature poodle would be just that: a cute little fluffy dog.

But no. But let me tell you, underneath that innocent-looking face is the brain of a scheming and cunning Mastermind. If SPECTRE was still around, TaiChi would be running the world, and having 007 bringing her filet mignon on a silver platter. Being as old and venerable as she is, she has learned a lot of sneaky tricks, and has done very well in passing them along to all of her charges over the years (and I think that she should get extra points for not only being devious and sneaky, but also for being a mentor to others). What, you ask, could she possibly do at her advanced age and at a mere 14lbs? I’ll give you the short list:

Used to sneak into Mr. Bufus’ lair and to eat all his food;

Sneaks her snooter closer and closer to Dad’s dinner plate while he is eating until he gives her tasty tidbits;

Sits on my head! (This was NOT staged. She just walked over me and sat on me!)

Did I mention that she walks all over me?

Steals food off Mom’s dinner plate when she’s not looking;

Convinces Dad that Mom hasn’t given her a treat for going outside, and thus gets ‘double-treated’;

Gets under Mom’s feet while she’s making dinner and waits for anything that might ‘accidently’ get knocked off the counter when Mom is trying not to trip over TaiChi;

Bites the hand that feeds her (Dad has the scars to prove it);

Refuses to eat her own food, and then will eat all of Dad’s and Mom’s;

Suddenly, and without warning (but with complete malice of forethought) piddles on the floor;

Pretends she’s blind and walks over Mom and Dad and me, and into food/water dishes, and yet can find Dad’s dinner plate with No Problem;

Pretends she’s deaf until she hears the treat bag being opened (from two rooms away);

Has always decided when she wants to listen to you (which is pretty much only when Mom calls ‘Dinner Time’), and when she doesn’t (which is pretty much the rest of the time);

Stamps her feet, spins in circles, and whines under the dinner table until someone slips her a snack, thus inciting a riot among the rest of us;

Demands to be carried, despite the fact that (when she chooses) she will wander aimlessly around the house for hours on end;

And that’s just the short list. I could go on and on. And yes, I have A LOT to learn from this Criminal Mastermind. She is my hero; I want to be just like her when I am old and venerable!

So please go vote for Methuselah, erm, I mean, TaiChi as the Bad Sport dog!

It's Sporty Time!!!

Yes, I know this looks a lot like the post earlier today, but for those of you who receive this via email, I just wanted to let you know that voting for the Sporty Dogs at MangoMinster is OPEN! So, go vote. (Early and often, preferably!) And for those of you who didn't know that I am So Sporty that I have helped Tom Watson in the British Open, and ridden with Lance Armstrong in the Tour de France, well, now is the time to check it out!

Apparently, there are So Many Sporty Dogs, that Moose, the judge has decided to divide us into Good Sports and Most Athletic. Despite pictures of Dad sticking toys on my nose:

I have a feeling that I am really more of the Athletic Type, than the Good Sport Type. (Because let's face it, there is No Way I can compete with the picture of Dory (the consummate squirrel hunter) being put in a squirrel costume by her prankster Mom for being a good sport...) So, for those of you who might not know me, here are some of my Sportier Moments.

There is me playing football:


And playing football with Dad (not giving him the ball back right away is a game in and of itself!)


And here I am practing Doga:

And I am a consummate hiker:

Then there are all of my snow pictures...


I LOVE this stuff!

Faceplant!!!

Anyhoo, I could go on and on (and if you are really curious, just look at some of my older posts).

But I wanted to give you a brief look into me as an Athletic Sporty Dog!

Good luck to all my fellow competitors, sporty and otherwise! (And thanks again to the RH for hosting this fantabulous event!)

*kissey face*
-Fiona, Sporty (Athletic) Dog

It's Sporty Dog Time (almost)!!!

Mom has to get this post up this morning, even though it isn't entirely relevant until later today... And for those of you who are ready to vote, there is a slight delay of games, as Mango's Mom has to get his brother back from doggie day care, and Mango's paws are a bit too big to operate the computer all on his own. So... if you go over to MangoMinster and don't see the voting for Sporty Dogs yet, come back later. And you can be certain that Mom will personally send you all emails when the voting goes 'live'...

Apparently, there are So Many Sporty Dogs, that Moose, the judge has decided to divide us into Good Sports and Most Athletic. Despite pictures of Dad sticking toys on my nose:

I have a feeling that I am really more of the Athletic Type, than the Good Sport Type. (Because let's face it, there is No Way I can compete with the picture of Dory (the consummate squirrel hunter) being put in a squirrel costume by her prankster Mom for being a good sport...) So, for those of you who might not know me, here are some of my Sportier Moments.

There is me playing football:


And playing football with Dad (not giving him the ball back right away is a game in and of itself!)


And here I am practing Doga:

And I am a consummate hiker:

Then there are all of my snow pictures...


I LOVE this stuff!

Faceplant!!!

Anyhoo, I could go on and on (and if you are really curious, just look at some of my older posts).

And I will, briefly. Because I have ridden the Tour de France with Lance Armstrong, and I've assisted Tom Watson in last year's British Open (hey, it wasn't MY fault that he didn't win...)

But I wanted to give you a brief look into me as an Athletic Sporty Dog!

In Other News (because while you might not be able to tell from the past several entries, there are a few other things going on besides MangoMinster), Mom went to the pet store yesterday and bought A Whole Bunch of Stuff, like little toys, and Nylabones, and piddle pads, and puppy chow, and a little bitty collar that most certainly won't fit me, and a name tag that Most Definitely Does Not Have My Name On It. It says 'Abby'. Last time I checked, I don't need piddle pads, I have a big neck, and my name is not Abby. Apparently, my little sister is coming home Saturday!

More on this later!

*kissey face*
-Fiona

A Shameless Plug for Mr. Bufus

In honor of the start of the Cat-Dog competition at MangoMinster I am re-posting the tribute to Mr. Bufus, as well as his original entry, so you can get to know more about him.

Thanks very much for all the kind notes about Mr. Bufus. I must honestly say that I was overwhelming by the outpouring of support, both here and on Facebook, both from friends and family as well as complete strangers (many of whom I hope will not be strangers for long; when I get a chance I’m going to come blog-visiting!). Thank you so very much. We received confirmation that Bufus did, indeed, have cancer of the stomach and intestine, and while it was not yet causing him pain, it was causing fluid build-up which made him bloated and was causing him discomfort. The reality is that the fluid build-up was a bit of a blessing in disguise, as Bufus didn’t have to suffer while the tumors grew to a size where they would be easily noticed. Ultimately, he led a long, full life replete with opportunities to harass a collective pack of dogs, while also having plenty of time to nap in the sunny places. Bufus’ entry in MangoMinster will stand, and I have faith that he will hold his own in the face of very tough competition!

As the Ruler of the Roost, everything was his, if he wanted it, including Fiona's chew toys. (BTW, Bufus didn't have any teeth.)

Or Dad's dessert....
He always found the best sunny spots

And traveled in the motorhome like a pro:

(When he wasn't throwing up in his Uncle Charlie's hat, which did happen on occasion... But that's what Charlie gets for not paying the proper respects!)

He was a fantastic Guard Cat

And, yes, he really did like taking showers.

Seriously.

Bufus was truly the King of the House.

Thanks again for all the words of support; Bufus really was A Great Cat (or, Man-Bear-Dog-Cat-Pig, if we are going to be technical about it) and he will never be forgotten.

Here is his original MM entry:

Name: Mr. Bufus

Gender: Male

Breed: Man-bear-dog-cat-pig (with apologies to South Park); the vet papers say that he is a Maine Coon, although I say he is a Very Large, Venerable Cat

Group: Cat Dogs

Blog Link: http://lizski.blogspot.com (that would be this bloggie).

Here is his picture:

I felt it would be helpful to include a brief statement with Mr. Bufus' picture.

Mr. Bufus is a rescued kitty who has risen to the lofty position of the head of Civil Defense for the Dranow household (the submitted picture shows him in his uniform). In this role, and over his 20 years of life, he has raised generations (note from Fi’s Mom: literally!) of puppies to be respectful of cats, despite having been declawed at an early age (he has a very wicked right cross; for a big lazy cat, he can be very quick when he wants to be!). Mr. Bufus is very much a Cat Dog, as many people has likened him to a dog (even his groomer has said "he’s a great dog" on more than one occasion). He also takes showers (seriously!) and will stand at the shower door when it is running and will meow to be let in. He doesn’t seem to care that he gets soaked. (Which might make him more of an alien than a Cat Dog, but that’s neither here nor there…) Mom and Dad say that he is a man-bear-dog-cat-pig, but I think that is because they watch too much South Park. Mr. Bufus travels Very Well in the House With Wheels, and likes throwing up in visitors’ hats (just ask my Uncle Charlie, who generously provided a hat for Mr. Bufus’ use). He also has the largest litter box on the market, and still manages to miss, which, I think, is a skill in and of itself.

So, now go to MangoMinster and vote early and often for Mr. Bufus!!!

*kissey face*
-Fiona, Official Ballot Box Stuffer