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.