Do you know what day it is? It’s National Mutt Day! We hope that means more shelter animals are getting adopted and more cake for Mutts like us!
Have a fury fun kind of day!
Benji and Sky
Conquering the heart of The Beast has become part of our tactical training. Sky seemed ready for this so M took him to The Beast Park. The Beast looked older. There is some wear and tear on him. I think he needs some pampering from a real Dogtor.
Is this the one?!
He is purretty big!
To win your adversaries heart you say goodbye with a kiss. Sky didn’t have to do that yet; that’s for his next lesson.
Moi in 2017: Till we meet again!
Benji
Another Mission Impossible became Possible. I was called up for duty to the emergency center for the second time. As we walked from the car to the entrance an ambulance came up with its siren on. It didn’t distract me as I munched on lots of treats. It’s always nice when they show up at the right time. The need for me must have been high because lots of people were standing right at the door to greet me. Needless to say, I did a lot of pawshaking. The youngest guy I saw was three years old. I helped him and his dad ease their stay.
When we were done we went to my favorite store. There were numerous interruptions as we walked through the petstore. People kept asking us about my Dogtor status. We were supposed to get one bag of dry food and one bag of treats. We walked out of the store with a big bag of dry food and eight different kinds of treats. I guess I had earned my keep.
Happy Wednesday,
Benji
Hi peeps, just wanted to let you know that another super-secret mission is behind me. The covert operation was yesterday while the actual mission in Dogtor uniform was today. No gates this time, but impressive heavy wooden doors and lots of small corridors with people coming from nowhere and everywhere. We passed a cook in one of the corridors. I detected him from miles away. I liked him a lot, he smelled delish. He can come to my house anytime.
And guess what: there was another big box in the building! Before I started my missions, I never saw one and now they show up out of nowhere. M found it to be a sign. I have to agree with her. So after we had completed MP-3, we went into the city and found one to practice with. This one was pretty obvious as you can see. It said Dream Big in 3D. I guess higher authorities didn’t want me to miss the big box. The only thing that was missing was my S-SD device.
Happy Dreams, make them big,
0011
On my drive home from the shelter (11-3-15)
Remember this picture? Not sure if I have shown it to you before. This is how I used to be transported. No expenses were spared, WOL. The day M adopted me from the shelter (November 3, 2015), she used the big box to bring me home. It was the first big box I ever traveled in. That’s when I learned that big boxes can take you to new worlds, to boldly go where you have never gone before.
I was only 6.5 weeks old when M saw me and she hadn’t anticipated that she was allowed to take me home. But the lady at the shelter said she could and of course M was so smitten with me that she had to take me home before someone else did. Because of zero preparation time, yes this is very unlike the normal procedure at headquarters but I think seeing my picture on petfinder.com threw all caution to the wind that morning, M didn’t have a crate in her car. After desperately rummaging around in the trunk of the car, she did manage to find a big cardboard box and a blue beach towel. Before anyone could argue she had me in the car and drove me home sweet home in the big box.
The first box shrunk at some point. Why? I don’t know. Maybe it was washed too many times. Anyhowls, the box was eventually replaced by, how could it be otherwise, another “expensive” big box. I traveled in that one many more times when the car was full with people and my crate just wouldn’t fit.
No expenses were spared… (12-3-15)
These days I travel in style on the back seat in a hammock. I was so proud when I was finally allowed to sit in the back seat without the crate. The arrangement is very comfortable and most of the time I sleep meditatively when I am driven to my missions.
First time without a crate (1-24-16)
Sometimes I can even travel “shotgun” when the backseat is taken by other things that have to be driven around. Those times M drives like a snail on muscle relaxers while she normally tends to drive like a car racer on steroids. Not my words; just repeating hearsay. In her defense, I’ve never seen her drive like a maniac when I am in the car. Either way, we are still trying to find a dependable safety harness for me. Have you found one? We have asked around and researched the topic but the jury is still out on whether there is such a thing as a dependable safety harness for canines.
Traveling in style (2-14-17)
Wishing you happy and safe travels,
B
The day after MI-2 was supposed to be a lazy office day but instead, we found ourselves tackling a dangerous affair. At headquarters they decided that it was time to burn down the house! At first I thought that they wanted to put up a smokescreen. But then it got closer to headquarters, so I thought maybe they want to burn all evidence of our missions. But no, wise Ms. Zulu told me that it is a yearly affair.*
Ms. Zulu has many missions that went up in smoke under her belt. The belt became so heavy that she eventually had to take it off. Yesterday’s flaming affair was my second time but I don’t really remember the first one. I must have been itsy bitsy teenie weenie. This time, Ms. Zulu and I took it upon us to supervise the event. Of course safety first, so this was all done from within headquarters behind a fireproof window. When all was behind us, M gave me a glowing review. I had remained calm and relaxed in a smoking hot situation. That is not an easy feat she said. I guess we can say that Ms. Zulu and I have deserved our rest.
Stay safe,
B
* Prescribed burns are done in this area to restore longleaf pine forests
Yesterday, I was called up for a second super-secret-mission (Mission Possible 2). This time the higher authorities wanted my expertise as a real Dogtor at a special community with gates and everything. Of course, as a real soldier, I did not refuse. My preparations for this mission was two-fold. The day prior we had a thorough scrub session to fight pesky microorganism. This part is getting a lot easier. M now knows that I like some good food with my bath and that the water temperature needs to be right, i.e. not too cold and not too hot. On the day of the mission I did the usual: go for a walk with my prep team, take an extra long nap, meditate, brush my teeth, put on my best suit and tie, and then I was finally good to go.
All suited up
My prep team consisted of Ms. Zulu and M. Ms. Zulu adds lots of practical wisdom to the team. She is especially well versed in Zuluism and she taught me how to take long refreshing naps. M is for tactical advice and general guidance. And of course, she is my chauffeur. Q was missing in action. He seems to be busy with other missions.
Once we were on the premises, the action began. I met B, another real Dogtor and her supervisor. We decided to walk around to sniff out if all was secure. Only after the OK sign from us Dogtors did we go inside the building. Doors automatically slid open with my magic harness and we were welcomed by lots of people who were happy to see us. I had to watch out for rolling wheelchairs that could easily squash my tail and frail toes that I tried to avoid. From time to time, big storage carts would come flying around corners. It looked like they had wings, they were so fast. They were noisy too, I can tell you that.
There was also a big box that we stepped into. It was located away from the main area, in a carpeted hallway. Doors closed once we were inside. Then a low hum, a bit of shaking, and the doors opened again. I made sure to take in the surroundings before I stepped out. I immediately noticed that something was off. I am 100% sure that the layout of the hallway and rooms was exactly the same but here is the kicker, the people were different and there was no carpet anymore on the floor. I must have time traveled! Now I come to think of it, the box kind of looked like the TARDIS, you know the time machine. This one was gray instead of blue though. Maybe this machine worked properly, contrary to the one my esteemed colleague Doctor Who uses.
If I would have known that I would time travel, I would have brought my S-SD. It probably would have helped on the way back to our timeline. You see, I had a bit of a problem getting back in the big box so the executive decision was made to take the staircase. Luckily this one did not end up in heaven so I was able to return sound and safely on solid ground. M said that we will try to find another big box (there are more?!) so that we can practice how to better commandeer the device. Sounds like a plan to me.
Double-O-Eleven
Mom is teaching me how to spell my name. We started with the letter B which stands for Braveheart. She says that I am a braveheart because I am courageous in anxious times. I barked at this lion when I was a pup but learned that when someone else is different it doesn’t mean they are scary. Lion and I are now best buddies and share our treasures.
Puppy kisses, Benji
2017: In the car
It’s Arbor Day again, well at least in our state! Last year, when I was four months old, was my first year. I made sure that everyone left with a free tree. There were long lines. Some people even thought they could take me home. Mom made sure that didn’t happen and kept a close eye on me.
This year I helped transport the trees from the nursery to the site where they are handed out on Arbor Day. These outings are always fun as I am bound to meet interesting new friends like Sunny.
Have fun, Benji
Life of a pup is not easy. One of the first hurdles were the stairs. It is easy peasy now.
It’s that time of the year again; foggy morning walks! At least we didn’t suffer from brain fog because we still remembered to ask for a treat once we were done posing for the photoshoot. After all, fair’s fair.
Happy tails, Ms. Zulu and Benji.
Another flashback. Here is me in the good old cave exploring days. I had just discovered this cave. I was quite proud of my achievement.
My exploration days (11-21-15)
For comparison, some more recent photos of me in front of the same cave. I don’t seem to fit in it anymore.
Tada! Me and the cave now! (12-6-12)
I honestly thought we would be done after one photo, but for some reason or another, it was decided that we needed more. With no treats in near sight, I had to make the best of it*.
Can I go now?
My feelings exactly
OK, I will be more serious
Hmm, what’s that?
Man, I’m bored. Are we done?
Non?
OK, I give up.
* I am happy to note that I was rewarded lavishly in the end.
Happy exploring! Make sure you take enough treats with you because you never know how long it is going to take.
Benji
Ssshhhh….Benji is practicing Zuluism after a morning of intense focus and dedication (okay read playing hard) at doggy day care. We believe he is getting better and better. This type of meditation is bound to be helpful in Benji’s therapy dog practice. And practice makes purrrfect! On that note, Ms. Zulu reports that she is now convinced that there is such a thing as the P-state, short for Purrring-state. Previous research hinted at this and Andy the Cat has now proven that it does exist in feline species. However, there is still doubt that the P-state exists in canine species. A research proposal for a treat-grant has been submitted to ABC (Academy of Brave Canines).
P.S. Be on the look out tomorrow for a rerun of the interview between Ms. Zulu and the two cats Andy and Dougy.
Benji’s assistants.
The other day, I told you that I got very tired during the Thanksgiving Holiday. There was so much to do and so little time. Since we are close to another big holiday, I asked Ms. Zulu how she dealt with that issue. She gave me some valuable advice and I thought you would like to hear it too. I know she shared it with some of you already, way before I was born. Still, I think it is worth reading again. The approach itself is called Zuluism in my house. Ms. Zulu calls it reaching the Z-state. I will give Ms. Zulu the floor so that she can show you all the different steps:
Thanks, Benji. It’s really easy; follow my lead; You don’t have to get there through A-B-, etc., so don’t sweat it. What is really important though is that you set up a routine. Without this, you get easily lost in the woods, so to speak. My routine looks like this:
1) Start the day with a good stretch, then hug and kiss your loved ones; okay I like to lick, but that is a matter of preference.
2) Go for a short walk to get fresh air and enjoy your surroundings. Have a little bite afterward and make sure you rehydrate (no alcohol please).
3) Go back to bed. This step is VERY important as you will NOT get to the Z-state later on in the day if you skip this step. I call this the N-state (you may call this napping). So basically, you made it already from A to N in three short steps; amazing isn’t it?!
4) After a little napping, go for an extended walk. On this walk, you make sure you exercise your whole body. Get a couple of sprints in as well as twist and turns. Benji, you are good at this.
5) You definitely deserve a BIG break after your exercise (step 4) and a little snack (I said a little! Okay if you insist another little bite is fine too for those of us who really need it). Make sure you rehydrate too.
6) Next, you make your way to the Z-state. Go to a comfortable place for this. This should be a place where you are not interrupted. I like to be close to M. You will get to the Z-state by going through the S-state. During the S-state you will most likely snore. This is perfectly normal. Don’t let others tell you otherwise. The S-state can take up to an hour after which you slowly drift into the Zzzz-state. The Z-state is the most pleasant one as you do not remember any of it. So I can’t tell you more about it. I do know that I feel totally refreshed after I get out of the Z-state.
7) End the Z-state with another break. I like to run with M while she bikes, but you may prefer other activities. Sorry, no photo here as I still go VERY fast.
8) Try to get another snack by making sure you are in the kitchen while others are there as well. It is okay, maybe even better, if they stumble over you. Put on your most adorable face (I believe I have mastered this step) and try to look thin (tuck in that tummy; that is a good exercise too). Rehydrate.
9) Go back to bed. This time you will not get to the Z-state, but drift pleasantly in and out of the Y-state. Why is it called the Y-state you ask? Not sure, maybe because this state will help you get some answers to your questions. Your legs may jerk and you may barf (or talk when you are a human) some. You don’t get to the Z-state this time as you need to be able to wake up for alerts. This can be squirrels who have ventured out too far from their house, the mailman, deer etc. It is my job to alert the humans, they are often SO unaware of these things. Benji, I have been teaching you this step since you were a little pup. After all, two pairs of eyes are better than one.
10) Come out of the Y-state before you drift off too far, go outside, play some, go back inside, and eat your dinner. Rehydrate once more.
11) Go back to your comfortable place and drift off to the Z-state again.
12) Get out one more time before you call it a night. This time you get back up to snuff with the world. Sniff out what has transpired outside while you were inside. Follow EVERY trail. Benji, you were born ready for this.
12) Once back inside, get a little snack and go to bed. Take a friend if you don’t like to be alone. I used to sleep with Ducky. But I gave Ducky to you Benji, so these days I sleep either quietly alone or with another little friend out of our box with stuffed friends. After such an eventful day, I am sure you will be able to sleep well. You and your friends (stuffed or human) certainly deserve it.
Happy snoring,
Ms. Zulu and Benji
Mom has been sad for a couple of days now. Not sure what happened, but it seems to have something to do with an election of some sorts. Since I have been cleared to work as a therapy animal I thought I would make myself useful. So I gave her extra hugs and my favorite toy to chew on. It worked; I made her smile. Hope I can make you smile too, love, Benji.
Life of Benji 