Changes

Wrigley is long gone. I scattered his ashes into the Lake where we spent so much of our time.

Life goes on. While Wrigley was an unflappable, food loving, easygoing soul, the two dogs in my life now are beautiful, intelligent, engaging and very intense creatures.

While Wrigley took me out and about to explore the city, meet people and dogs, my dogs now have taken me on a very different journey. A journey into the world of owning "reactive" dogs (Maybe I will qualify what I mean by that at some point), and into this crazy parallel dog-universe of performance dog training and dog sports - particularly dog agility.

So, this blog will probably go in a different direction than it went with Wrigley - but I didn't see any reason to start a new blog. Who knows how much I'll really post anyhow.

Them.

Brrr!

Its been a long time since my last post I know, but I'm a lazy dog! Here's a photo of me at the lake - my owner makes me go hang out in the cold while he takes art shots of me - apparently I am very photogenic...


Every once and a while I need to defend my pride against some young hothead.

Day Trip Review #1

Kettle Moraine State Forest—Southern Unit
Nothing like a walk in the woods to get back in touch with one's inner puppy -- or so I thought...

Walk? Hardly! More like endless, grueling miles of mountainous terrain, bugs, and extreme heat - and on an empty stomach to top it all off. The pace was arduous, my paws hurt. I tried to lie down but I was mocked and laughed at. In my delirium I actually heard them making jokes about the taxidermist we passed on the way.... (Of course,"Sister" Indi was bounding all over the place manically) I couldn't hold down any water and I couldn't eat for 2 days after the trip I was so thoroughly exhausted. This was also found to be a source of amusement for the rest of the "family".

Well, I'll show them. I am going to get in shape for swimsuit season. No more cheese-balls (well, or maybe I'll switch to Mozarella for a while). I think I look quite smashing for my age. I'll be 11 on Thursday, June 1st in case any of my readers want to mark that in their day books.

Restaurant Review #1

Restaurant: UPS Store #2850
1400 W. Devon Ave.

As far as food goes, this local spot was downright disappointing. What I ordered too crunchy, the presentation was uncreative to say the least (traditional 'bone' shape), and the portions were downright SMALL.

However, the service was fantastic - friendly and speedy, - waiter was really buttering me up - telling me how cute I was! The decor was simple but comfortable. (I took a quick nap on the carpet no problem.)

Overall I give it 3 paws.
Great place to stop for a quick bite!

One note of caution: Their peanuts are downright inedible! Never seen that variety before - I think the waiter called them 'Peking Peanuts'. Bleeeck!

Bloody Paparazzi!!!

Here I am, on my return from the Alps, just minding my own business and doing a little sight-seeing. I suppose this just comes with the territory when one is famous.... the tabloids are just waiting to catch you in a embarrassing position!

Olympic Fever

Bonjourno! I'm busy partying it up in Turin! - just a mad quick trip to the Alps to participate in the oft-under publicized event: The Dog Luge.

Smashing glasses, huh? Check out www.doggles.com

I'm Back!

First, I would like to thank everyone for their notes and words of concern for my well being, it sure makes this old chap feel good to know I have friends out there!

Anyways, now that my elbow has healed, I have been busy, busy, busy! Busy celebrating, that is. In case you all haven't heard. The Year of the Dog begins today! It's about time we get the recognition we deserve after centuries of loyal service and companionship!

For those of you who may not be aware of how you are supposed to celebrate this holiday, here's the deal: "The Year of the Dog, 4704, which begins on Sunday is a time to reconnect with families and friends, eat traditional foods and present gifts as tokens of good luck." Bottom line -- eating!... Now thats my kind of holiday.

Hoping owners will take me down to Chinatown for the festivities and so I can write a proper review!, hard to review things from inside the house, but they just sit around staring at those computer-things. Don't they know they are going to ruin their eyes....

Well, till later, good day and good cheese!

Laid Up for a Spell...

I would like to aplologize to all who have been waiting for my next report, I've had a series of minor setbacks here....


Well, of course, first there were the Holidays, where one's main priority is, obviously, eating, not being carted around town in the bitter cold!

And now, most recently I have sprained my elbow! No need to worry, my doctor says I'll be good as new in a few days, but until then I am on exercise restriction and cant get out to do my reviewing. At least its not FOOD restriction, I need my strength! In any event, its a good opportunity for me to catch up on some snoozing....

Fa la la la la......la la la la

Small Business Review #1: The Cheese Stands Alone

The words simply don't exist to describe just how confused I was when I learned of my first assignment - to review a quaint little cheese shop in Lincoln Square called The Cheese Stands Alone. Good lord, what could be better? A store that sells nothing but cheese, what's to critique? While the bright orange walls and clean, modern graphics are sure to impress, the fact remains, they could be selling it out of the back of their truck for all I care. Let's face it, my dinner is the canine equivalent of eating porridge twice a day, unceremoniously served out of a stainless steel bowl on the floor. The proprietors, Matt and Sarah Parker, are really nice, quite interested in my cheese-eating habits. Great selection of cheeses from around the world -- highly recommended, I give it 5 paws!

Good Day and Good Cheese!

The Cheese Stands Alone
4547 North Western Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
773.293.3870
Hours:
Tuesday through Saturday 10:30am to 7:30pm
Sunday 12:00pm to 5:00pm
Closed Monday