The Heavenly Contraption Located In Our Kitchen!

This Strange White Square In The Kitchen

It Produces The Most Delicious Treats!

In my home, we have this big white square "box" that sits in one corner of the kitchen. Actually, we have a big white rectangle "box" as well, but for now, I will talk about the square one.

The humans stand at the square box and they turn dials and fire juts out of the top of this thing. Then, they stand there and when they are finished they come up with the most amazing treats!

Most of the time, the treats are not for the furry children of the family. The Mom or the Dad will stand at this box for awhile and when they are finished they will bring what they have created to the humans dinner table. For the longest time, I had hoped they would give some of that great stuff to me. So, since they haven't, I have had to take matters into my own hands... ummmm errrr... PAWS.

One day, the Dad was at the white box for a VERY long time. He would stand there, do something, and then leave for a bit and return and repeat his same behavior. Can I tell you... whatever he was creating on the top of that white box smelled DELICIOUS!!! I knew I wanted some and I spent the entire time at his feet. I tried looking at him with my sad and soulful eyes and yet, he didn't fall for it.

I knew at this point I had to step up my game! So, I began to observe his comings and goings. He would leave the white box for awhile and return and each time he did, the pile of delicious-looking goodies on the counter began to grow. They smelled absolutely amazing! By now, that pile had grown substantially and I knew I had to time his comings-and-goings if I wanted to make my move.

He was gone, playing a game at the computer, and the white box was still on so I knew he would eventually return. I HAD to time this perfectly or I would be caught. The kitchen was empty and I was alone with the white box and the pile of goodies on the counter. I s-l-o-w-l-y and quietly lifted myself to the counter, being careful not to make a noise so as to alert the humans. SUCCESS! I was here at the counter and the pile of goodies was inches away. There had to be at least 40-50 of this little brown balls! I began to eat slowly so I would not make a noise but as I ate I realized how truly wonderful these things tasted so I ate faster, oblivious of the noise I was making while I moved the plate they stood on.

I had polished off about half of the "meatballs" before the Mom entered the room and yelled my name - BUSTED - darn it! I ate faster as she approached but once she got near I got down from the counter and just looked at her innocently. Maybe she would think I was just stirring the meatballs like the Dad had been doing? Nah... she knew what was going on. I had made a significant dent in that huge pile of meatballs so she knew they were missing!

I ran to my kennel so I wouldn't have to hear the yelling once the Dad came into the kitchen! I listened intently as they discussed what had happened. At this point, I was re-thinking whether it was worth it or not. Yep... it was worth it! Those meatballs were absolutely scrumptious! I could hear the humans in the other room and they were discussing what I had done. To my surprise they did not look for me or yell anymore. I could hear them kinda laughing. Hmmm... maybe I did a good thing?!?

I exited my kennel and entered the kitchen so that they could praise me for the good thing I did. When they saw me, they asked me what I did. Well humans.... DUH... you know what I did, don't you?!? I just looked at them and I could see they weren't happy but they didn't seem TOO angry with me. I turned on my charm by sitting on the floor and giving them my puppy-dog eyes. They told me what I had done was bad and that I should never do that again. Then they went about their business in the kitchen and continued what they were doing.

I will admit I kinda felt a little bad because I think all of those meatballs were going to be for a special occasion. But... what could be more special than those of us who wear the fur in the family?!?

Winter Wonderland!

January already?!?

Time really does fly!

Well, here we are, already in 2010. I can't believe how quickly time has flown by! I haven't updated my blog nearly as much as I thought I would. Time has seemed to slip away from me but one of my resolutions for this new year is to try to update monthly! Ummm... I did say TRY!

We are having a winter filled with snow and lots of outdoor fun! I just love running around and getting my face full of snow. Speedy likes to play in the snow also but he has a disgusting habit that I don't dare speak about. Suffice it to say it involves "poopsicles".

'Nuf said!

Looking for some spring fun to brighten up this snowy January? Check out THESE fine artistic designs to bright up your environment!

Gifts For Animal Lovers!

I just love the smell of the holidays

Christmas is a time for sharing your love with family and friends. Don't forget to share that love with your furry friends also! Here are a few stickers of me and my friends. You might be familiar with some of these dog breeds. They are, from left to right, Labradoodle (me, of course), Siberian Husky (Savannah), Miniature Schnauzer (Heidi), Golden Retriever (Cooper).

Dogs like to get gifts at Christmas too! You can wrap up our favorite treat on Christmas morning and then watch the fun as we tear through the paper in an effort to get to that delicious delight. While you are enjoying the show, enjoy a warm cup of your favorite beverage in one of these sturdy dog breed mugs:


Looking for more unique gifts for animal lovers? Check out THESE great designs!

Santa Lucia - EXPLAINED!

Santa Lucia

St. Lucy's Feast Day also known as the Festival of Lights

St. Lucia is the patron saint of the city of Syracuse (Sicily), where she was born.

On December 13th we honor this saint with celebrations in Sweden, Denmark, Latvia, Estonia, Norway, Finland, Malta, Italy, Bosnia, Iceland, Bavaria, Croatia and some parts of the United States. Each country celebrates this day in different ways. Additionally, each individual household may celebrate by honoring varied traditions within their own family. Because there are so many different ways to celebrate this day, I will simply talk about how we (an Italian household) celebrate Santa Lucia.

Tradition dictates that Santa Lucia brings gifts to good children and coal to bad ones which is not unlike the celebration of St. Nicholas (Santa Claus). Children are asked to leave food for Lucia and for the flying donkey that helps her carry gifts. In return, Santa Lucia will leave candy canes for the children if they are good and nothing for those that were bad.

Santa Lucia is popular with the children in this household because she brings them candy! I might also add that she is popular with me as well because I have been able to... ummm, wellllllll let's just say I am quick on my feet when it comes to stealing food and leave it at that!

On the night of December 12th the children leave their shoes at the front door and when Santa Lucia and her donkey visit, she leaves delicious candy canes behind. (cue the Labradoodle - hee hee!)

Then, on the morning of December 13th, when the children awaken, they will find candy canes in their shoes (if I haven't gotten to them first, that is!). The day is also celebrated with a traditional meal including cuccia (or cooked wheat) that is specially prepared and served at dinner time. The tradition of serving wheat on St. Lucy's Day is to recognize her miraculous efforts of averting famine.

All this talk about food is making me hungry. I wonder what has been left on the counter for me to investigate . . .

Looking for gifts for St. Lucy's Day (Santa Lucia)? Check out THESE fine designers!

What is Halloween, anyway?!?

The Unusual Celebration Called Halloween!

Apparently in some human cultures October is the month in which people celebrate this strange thing called Halloween. I don't quite grasp the concept but I will attempt to explain the tradition.

The roots of this strange holiday trace back thousands of years. The ancient civilization known as the Celts celebrated their new year on November 1. This is the end of summer harvest time and the beginning of winter. This time of year was often associated with human death as many people succumbed to the elements during the blustery winter months.

The ancient Celts believed that on the night before the new year (celebrated on November 1st), the boundaries between the dead and the living were blurred. On October 31, they celebrated "Samhain", an evening they believed the ghosts of the dead returned to earth. During this celebration they wore costumes, had parades and made huge sacred bonfires in which animal sacrifices were made in an attempt to keep the evil at bay. (I am soooooo glad I didn't live back then because I would not want to be sacrificed in one of those ceremonies!).

In more modern times and with the influence of Christianity into the Celtic lands, the November 1st celebration became a bit more civil and was renamed as "All Saint's Day" or "All Hallows Day". At this time, October 31st became known as "All Hallow's Eve". Additionally, November 2nd became a celebration known as "All Soul's Day" which is in honor of the souls who have parted our world. Together, these 3 days of celebration became known as Hallowmas.

Eventually, October 31st came to be known as "Halloween" (derived from "Hallow's Eve"). Today, it is believed that the American tradition of "trick-or-treating" on Halloween dates back to the early All Souls' Day parades in England. Poor citizens would beg for food and families would give them bakery called "soul cakes" in return for their promise to pray for the family's dead relatives. Distribution of these "soul cakes" were encouraged by the church as a way to replace the ancient practice of leaving food and wine for earthbound spirits of the dead.

On October 31st (Halloween) it was believed that ghosts come back to the earthly world. People feared an encounter with these ghosts so to avoid being recognized they would wear masks when they left their homes after dark so that the ghosts would mistake them for fellow spirits. To keep these earthbound ghosts away from their homes people would place bowls of food outside their doors to appease the ghosts and prevent them from attempting to enter. From this ancient tradition, trick-or-treating was born.

American children dress in costume and sometimes travel in packs (not unlike my own ancestors!) going from house to house and asking for "treats" (again, not unlike what I do today!). The homeowner reciprocates with candy, gum or money in an effort to avoid being "tricked" by these costumed kiddies. I will also state here that I, for one, have NEVER tricked anyone who would offer a treat to me - just keep that in mind for future reference!

As the season nears it's end please use precaution and sensibility but above all, ALWAYS give those doggie treats out by the hand fulls!

Pet Lovers Halloween Designs

Celebrate Halloween In Style!

All your Halloween needs under one virtual roof!

Celebrating America!

Celebrating Independence Day

Better known as: The noisy day that scares us furry types

July 4, 1776 the Declaration of Independence was approved by the Continental Congress, setting the 13 colonies on the road to freedom as a sovereign nation. Traditionally, this very "American" holiday will be celebrated with parades, fireworks and backyard barbecues across the United States.

It will be a fun-filled day with lots of food and friends and fun - even for us furry types. We enjoy the day but once the evening begins we tend to hide under the bed. All that noise and flashes of light can certainly set one's heart a-flutter!

While we celebrate our independence this July 4th let us not forget those furry types who are tucked away with their little paws over their ears just waiting for all the noise to end.

Celebrate responsibly at the grill


Use fireworks with caution


But most of all, let us remember those who fight for our freedom because freedom isn't FREE

Celebrating The Graduate!

It's GRADUATION time!

There has been so much action going on in my family - it's so exciting! We've had lots of people visiting and that means lots of treats for Speedy and me!

Just the other day we had a TON of people over for what is called a "GRADUATION PARTY". I dunno what that all means but what I do know is... all of the adults who loved animals simply LOVED me (translation: FED me).

All I had to do was put my head on their lap and look at them with my big hazel eyes and they were mine - or should I say - their food was mine! They happily gave it all up for me - parties are GREAT fun!

My 3 Year Anniversary!

My 3 year anniversary!

Well, I made it to my 3 year anniversary in my not-so-new home! I can't believe I've been here that long already. It seems like just yesterday that I arrived here.

Because I was adopted, no one knows exactly when my REAL birthday is so my family is kind enough to celebrate my birthday on the day they brought me home (or should I say, the day I ALLOWED them to adopt me!). So, technically, not only is this my 3 year ANNIVERSARY - it is also my 4th birthday!!!

By the way, if you have recently adopted a new best friend here is a great way to get the word out to your family and friends:

February is the month for LOVE

February 2010

February is the month of "Love"

The humans celebrate their love on February 14th also known as "Valentine's Day". I investigated the origin of this day and came up with the following information provided to you by Wikipedia.org

Saint Valentine's Day (commonly shortened to Valentine's Day) is an annual commemoration held on February 14 celebrating love and affection between intimate companions. The day is named after one or more early Christian martyrs named Valentine and was established by Pope Gelasius I in AD 500. It is traditionally a day on which lovers express their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as "valentines"). The day first became associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished.

Modern Valentine's Day symbols include the heart-shaped outline, doves, and the figure of the winged Cupid. Since the 19th century, handwritten valentines have largely given way to mass-produced greeting cards. The sending of Valentines was a fashion in nineteenth-century Great Britain, and, in 1847, Esther Howland developed a successful business in her Worcester, Massachusetts home with hand-made Valentine cards based on British models. The popularity of Valentine cards in 19th century America, where many Valentine cards are now general greeting cards rather than declarations of love, was a harbinger of the future commercialization of holidays in the United States.

Numerous early Christian martyrs were named Valentine. The Valentines honored on February 14 are Valentine of Rome (Valentinus presb. m. Romae) and Valentine of Terni (Valentinus ep. Interamnensis m. Romae). Valentine of Rome was a priest in Rome who was martyred about AD 269 and was buried on the Via Flaminia. His relics are at the Church of Saint Praxed in Rome, and at Whitefriar Street Carmelite Church in Dublin, Ireland.

Valentine of Terni became bishop of Interamna (modern Terni) about AD 197 and is said to have been martyred during the persecution under Emperor Aurelian. He is also buried on the Via Flaminia, but in a different location than Valentine of Rome. His relics are at the Basilica of Saint Valentine in Terni (Basilica di San Valentino).

The Catholic Encyclopedia also speaks of a third saint named Valentine who was mentioned in early martyrologies under date of February 14. He was martyred in Africa with a number of companions, but nothing more is known about him.

No romantic elements are present in the original early medieval biographies of either of these martyrs. By the time a Saint Valentine became linked to romance in the fourteenth century, distinctions between Valentine of Rome and Valentine of Terni were utterly lost.

In the 1969 revision of the Roman Catholic Calendar of Saints, the feast day of Saint Valentine on February 14 was removed from the General Roman Calendar and relegated to particular (local or even national) calendars for the following reason: "Though the memorial of Saint Valentine is ancient, it is left to particular calendars, since, apart from his name, nothing is known of Saint Valentine except that he was buried on the Via Flaminia on February 14." The feast day is still celebrated in Balzan (Malta) where relics of the saint are claimed to be found, and also throughout the world by Traditionalist Catholics who follow the older, pre-Vatican II calendar.