Who's my daddy?

Last night at the pool, they were trying to figure out what I am. Their final conclusion was a Newfie-Lab mix. So, what do you think?



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There are a variety of companies that do DNA testing on dogs. Should I do it? Would it ruin the mystery and allure of my SuperMutt status? I set up a poll to see what you think.

What is statute of limitations on a treat?

At what point do we move from "Keaton's stealing Alex's treats" to "Keaton's helping to clean up"? The aforementioned (yes, a big word for a dog) treats have been on the floor for approximately 10 hours.

One more shopping day . . .

I haven't seen any packages arrive. Just a reminder - my list. And I wanted to add one more thing after sleeping on a cold floor in the cabin - REI Adventure Dog Dream Bed.

Sometimes plans change

On Saturday, we headed out to Shenandoah for our winter cabining tradition. We had the Pocosin cabin in the Central District rented for two nights. We arrived late Saturday afternoon. Skyline Drive was open so we had a short (0.2 mile) hike into the cabin. Alex and I romped around the cabin while the humans got water and wood. Ahhhh, the freedom of being leashless. Alex and I also cornered a creepy looking opossum in a tree.

We woke up Sunday morning to wind (>20mph), rain, and fog. I was looking forward to a long hike to South River Falls. Unfortunately, the humans are a bit on the wimpy side and decided that we couldn't stay. Something about wet wood. Alex and I did some more romping before heading out. On our way out, we ran into the park ranger, she told us it was going to get worse and it was probably a good idea to go home.

Here's a picture of me ready to head out. I'm nice, so I carry all the food for me and Alex. Actually, it's because Alex won't move if he has the backpack on.



Here I am headed out for a romp. Notice how yucky it is.



Big Al watches the door.


There's a few more photos here, including the reason we left.

I'm the top dog today!

That's right. I'm home alone. Alex is at the vet today getting his teeth cleaned and a lump taken off. The couch is all mine today.

Well, I better go practice my menacing bark before the mailman gets here.

UPDATE: Big Al is home and doing well. Though, apparently there's no roughhousing allowed for a few days.

Who do you think you're fooling?

Contemplating a hungry strike.
Ok, not really.

My year-end giving guide

I've compiled a list of some of my favorite animal charities, in case you are looking to do some end of year giving.

1. Washington Humane Society I did some at the DC Shelter. These guys are responsible for saving my life! They are ambitiously working towards a 100% placement rate by 2010.

2. Animal Rescue of Tidewater ART is responsible for saving my brother, Alex. They pulled him from the Virginia Beach Shelter on his last day and found him a foster home. Lucky for him, his foster home became his forever home. ART does great working rescuing animals, especially those out of time in the local shelters, in the Norfolk/Virginia Beach area.

3. Best Friends Animal Sanctuary A really neat place in Utah. A huge sanctuary with over 1,500 animals. They are working towards a simple mission of "No More Homeless Pets."

4. Cesar & Ilusion Milan Foundation A relatively new charity, but who doesn't love the Dog Whisperer. He helps really "bad" dogs, but mostly their owners.

Disclaimer: You should definitely check this charities out on your own before giving. Otherwise, you're taking money advice from a dog.

A Pup Quiz

These are pictures of . .

a. A newly approved torture device
b. Canine bondage equipment (I'm not that kind of dog)
c. My running gear
d. A and C

The answer is D, of course. It's really called a Halti and I hate it. Mom connects it to a leash that she wears around her waist. As if trying to pull her to wherever I want to go isn't hard enough, this Halti-thingy prevents me from even doing that. It's fall, my duty is to pee on every leaf pile in this neighborhood! I'm working on figuring out how to take this thing off, but the other day I stabbed myself in the eye trying.

Dear Santa . . .

Dear Santa,

Despite what you may have heard, I have been nice this year. I'm sure you'll have my name on your list. If not, there must be some clerical error. In any case, I've put together a list of some things that might be nice from you or anyone else that might want to get me a Christmahanakwanza or Festivus present.

1. Outward Hound™Portable Water and Gear Pack
I like to be independent, so carrying my own water would be a good thing.

2. Outward Hound™ Cool-it Bandana™
For those summer training runs.

3. K-9 Quencher
Actually, an endorsement deal with them would be great.

4. Happy Tale Ale For kicking back after a tough workout.

5. Treats - I'm not too picky in this category. I like everything! Bring some for my brother too or he takes mine.

Actually, Santa, I have a pretty good life, so if you decide to help the homeless puppies this season, I'll understand. Later I'll post my list of favorite animal charities.

Thanks,
Keaton

PS Uhhh, sorry about that plate of cookies.

Do you feel like swimming?

I hope that we can once and for all put aside these rumors that I once "almost drowned in a pond while chasing a duck." Let the video speak for itself. You'll notice that I am not even wearing a life jacket.

Born to run!

I finally got some running miles with mom in today. You see there's my pace and her pace. Unfortunately, I have to run at her pace. My favorite part of the run is when we turn onto our street and head for home, she lets me sprint it out. I like finishing strong.

Level of Difficulty: 3.5 tongue wags (our of 5)

I dig swimming!

I went to the pool yesterday. I swam hard for the full thirty minutes. My trainer said I was fast (and cute, but everyone says I'm cute). She tried to get me to rest, but I like training hard. Next time I'm going to try swimming without my life jacket, sort of like skinny dipping.

I'm such a swimmer now that mom got this shirt.

Happy National Flossing Day!

As proclaimed by the National Flossing Council, today is National Flossing Day. While I'm not much of a flosser myself (other than occasionally eating it out of trash cans), I did have my teeth cleaned last year. That was one heck of a nap. In any case, I wanted to do my part to "Help Spread Peace of Mouth." Happy Flossing!

The Competition

Well, I'm finally beginning to learn more about the field. Check it out http://www.nyctri.com/Event_Info/Iams_Doggy_Du_Competitors.htm So who do you think is my biggest competition?

The fans have spoken. . .

In response to the many inquiries, here's some video of my last session.

HappyBirthday to Me!

If there's an advantage to being an orphan, it's being able to make up your own birthday. And why pick just one day? Since I can't remember exactly when I was born, I think of November as my birthday month. I was adopted at ~3-4 months in February 2002, so that makes me 6.

Here's my earliest known photo. Back then I was known was Blue 84 or Popeye.

Notice the sad "take me home" eyes and the pouty face.

Happy Halloween!

First, I've outgrown the costume thing. Besides, it never yielded any treats. But I know there are those really liked seeing my brother and I humiliated every October 31st. So for you and my new fans, a blast from the past. . .

2001 (It was just my brother then.)


2002
It's been said I look like a goat here. Not sure what my mom was trying to tell me, dressing me like the devil?


2003
Well, I guess Alex did got the raw deal this year.


2004
Pirates are cool! Arrggghh!
My pirate name is Poop Deck Jacques. Get your pirate name here.


2005
Clowns are scarey, but I'm not.


Be sure to vote for your favorite costume!

Jake, the Golden Retriever!

Check out this story about a fellow canine swimmer, Jake.

Look out Michael Phelps!

Today I took the plunge - literally. I had my first training session at the Canine Fitness Center. The Fitness Center has 2 lap pools for dogs to swim. My coach (aka Mom) booked me for a 30 minute session.

Here I am ready to hit the pool.

"Does this life jacket make me look fat?"

The swimming thing was a little scary at first. But I figured out I could make it look like I was swimming by holding on to the side of the pool with my chin and front paws. Unfortunately, the swim coaches (I needed 2) were wise to that idea. They quickly figured out my weaknesses - Mom and tennis balls and used these against me. Here I am swimming with training wheels (leashes) towards my mom.



"Is this the penalty for counter-surfing? If so, I promise I'll be good from now on."


"Oh darn, they fooled me with that tennis ball again."

About twenty minutes into the session, I got in touch with my inner Labrador Retriever (I'm sure there's some in there). I started swimming to balls all by myself. I still think it's easier to get them by getting out of the pool and reaching over the side, but everyone seemed to love it when I swam, so I didn't want to disappoint.

Here I am swimming on my own.


Once I got the hang of it, swimming was pretty fun. But I'm pooped.

Level of difficulty: 4 tongue wags (out of 5)

Rain, rain, go away, I need to train today

It's been raining for four days. blahhhhhh!

Tomorrow is my first swim session. I'll have lots of energy for it.

Short days . . . blah

You know why I hate these short fall and winter days. . .

Here's why . . .



Seriously, I look like the great pumpkin.

Ready to take a bite out of the Big Apple!

Today I found out that my application to compete in the 2008 Iams Doggie Duathlon World Championship was accepted. My mom was going to do the NYC Triathlon, but this will be a lot more fun. In case you don't know, the Doggy Duathlon consists of swimming 1500m and running 10km. Stay tuned to my blog and follow my progress as I train.