French Bulldog Pup

Here's a puppy for this morning's cuteness to brighten your whole day. He's adorable, isn't he? I saw my friend Piggy, the little white Frenchie earlier this week and he was glad to see me. Today is called the gateway to the Labor Day weekend. Get an early start if you will be driving and be safe. via

Pile of Sleeping Black Puppies

Good night, everyone. See you in the morning. via

Little Dog Plays Ball Alone on A River

This is so cute.

Playing fetch by himself. Click here if you can't see video above. via

Dog Rules for the Literary Canines

I took a quick iPhone photo of this sign in a house I was showing yesterday. It was hanging over two dog beds.  Webster can't read so he doesn't need a sign. He's practically perfect, you know! 

Blue Plate Special Dog Breakfast

Henry always eats his fried egg first.

Webster eats his mixed with water, like soup.

Blue Plate Special. Fried egg, kibble and oatmeal.

When is dinner? May I have mine on a plate too?

A Soft Summer Rain Today

I was jolted out of bed this morning by knocking at my door. I forgot I was taking care of Henry, the cavalier king charles spaniel for a couple of days. It was also raining. So there you have it. My morning has calmed down now that I've had breakfast coffee. Now I must prepare some oatmeal and kibble for Webster and Henry. See you later.

Bull Terrier Pup in a Basket

"Take me with you, pretty please with sugar on it."

I have always loved this breed. You see bull terriers often in England but almost never around here. This pup is especially sweet and he's ready for the weekend. via

Blackberry Winter

Webster woke me up very early this morning barking his head off from the attic. He wouldn't stop so before he woke up the neighbors I dragged myself out of my warm, cozy bed to see what the commotion was all about and found two runaway dogs in the front yard. One was a beautiful wet, muddy chocolate lab and the other was a yellow lab also wet and both were starving. I called the number on their tags and the owner came right over. She said they had been out all night and she was so happy they were okay and that I called her before the police found them. It was so chilly outside before 6am I could hardly believe my eyes. The temperature was in the 50s and right now at 9:15 am it's only 61° -- a true blackberry winter. I'm not complaining either because it feels wonderful and I feel energized in spite of my lack of morning slumber time. I hope your heat wave is over too. See you later.

Outdoor Shower Ideas

Nothing says summer like an outdoor shower.

Do you have a favorite? There are more choices here. Stay cool and shower outside if you can. That's one of life's simple pleasures and dogs like them too.

Happy Monday

There's nothing like a cute puppy to start your day week, is there? via

Lazy Sunday for Cottage Pets

Webster is on the mend and enjoying his dog bed in a new location. I brought the one down from the attic because it has an egg-crate foam mattress and a rectangular shape so he can stretch out. I put it in his favorite spot so he can see me in the kitchen and look down the hall into my bedroom. He's such a good patient. I'm still at a loss about what was wrong with him but I'm pretty sure he was stung by yellow jackets. I have to remember to replenish my supply of antihistamine capsules that helped his rapid breathing get back to normal. He had the same reaction once before when I witnessed the evil insects stinging him. 

Tabitha insisted on spending the night outdoors last night and she promptly crashed on the nearest chair this morning after she ate and she hasn't moved a muscle in hours. We are all enjoying the air conditioning. Hope you are too.

Compawssion: Portraits Of Rescued Dogs

photos by Frank Bruynbroek

There are more photos here. Some were too painful for me to post. I'm so glad this Belgian born photographer took on this project called Compawssion, and published them in a coffee table book. Click on the previous link to read more about this amazing book. The website that has all of the photos in my post plus more is in Russian but here's a rough translation describing these rescued dog photos. "By not quite the usual black-and-white portraits, Belgian Frank Bryunbrok on for fifteen years, tells the heartbreaking stories around the world salvation. project entitled 'Compawssion' are more than hundreds of pictures of dogs, once in trouble. accidentally forgotten in the park with restless puppies burning eyes, cast once to the special dogs that are now barely fit in a rectangle frame, deadpan kind of complacent mutts, born by a crowd in the basement of a residential high-rises. They vied with each drop in the audience certainly in the area of the soul. However, this bitty 'tailed rabble' together one small, simple as a penny, the thing is - the human indifferent, through which the dogs finally found the 'Fire', his corner, his home." I used Google Translate. I'm so glad all of these dogs got the dignity due them via these heart-felt portraits. Warning: They are all beautiful but some might make you cry.

Corgis with Long Stick

But it needs to be longer so all can participate in carrying it. via

Webster On The Move

Click photo to enlarge.

Webster and I just got back from a walk after a brief shower. It's so muggy out there you can hardly get your breath. My camera lens was fogging over after a minute or two but I did manage to get a decent picture of the Wonder Dog. Did I ever mention he's addicted to air conditioning? Last night was the first time this year I left it running all night long. I think I'll leave on tonight too. Good night all. Have a great July 4th.

God Made a Dog -- Wonderful Video

Great video.

Get out your hankies. Click here if you can't see the video above.

Summertime at My Cottage

Here is a photo from a recent walk with the wonder dog. He got way ahead, choosing shade over sun just like me.

Then Webster enjoyed a good roll in the tall grass and clover. I see a good mowing in my future sometime soon. We are enjoying air conditioning again for only the second time this year and the house is very comfortable. Stay cool and I'll see you later. 

Perfectly Captioned Dog Photo

No one appreciates the very special genius of your conversation as the dog does. ~Christopher Morley~ 
via Love, love, love this. Just look at that dog's captivated expression!