Yappy New Year

To the end of another doggone good year in the Knowlton household. Don't know how 2011 can be much better, but my resolution is to become the best Dog Scout that I can be. Our motto is "Let us learn new things so that we may become more helpful," so my New Year's resolution is to earn at least three merit badges in 2011. I currently have my sights set on the Community Service Badge, Clean Up America Badge, and the Backpacking Badge.

Newman shows off his newly earned Dog Scout bandanna 

Roger's resolution is to not destroy a stuffed toy within five minutes of receiving it. I'm fairly certain that he doesn't plan to start abiding by that resolution until the clock strikes twelve since he gutted a new Dogzilla bone within minutes of getting it. Thankfully, Thelma Lou and I had about thirty minutes of prime tug-of-war with it before the little Frenchman stepped in and decided to kill it. Visit Tuffzilla vs. Snub-Nosed Beasts to view a particularly graphic kill in the past.

Roger breaches the integrity of his new Dogzilla bone in under five minutes

Thelma Lou's resolution is to take out the leaf blower that she obviously thinks is attacking Dad when he's blowing leaves off the deck. Got a New Year's resolution? Share it with us in the comments section.

Wishing you health, wealth, and happiness in the coming year, from three pooped party pups!

And so ends the Twelve Days of Lucy

Our house guest Lucy Lou, Thelma Lou's older sister, checked out of the Brushtown Area Resort and Spa earlier this evening. Pretty, pampered, and pleasantly plump. She will be missed, but we were all glad to see the wonderful reunion she had with her Mom. And so ends the "Twelve Days of Lucy."

Lucy patiently awaiting the arrival of her Mom who got stuck in traffic

Tomorrow Katandy's Triple Threat will get to open their Christmas presents in the comfort of their own living room — no Bullies barred. Stay tuned for the production of "Boxer vs. Bullies" unplugged.

Deck the Halls

While I just hung out around the house today with Dad, Roger, and our house guest Lucy, Thelma Lou and Mom decked the halls at Manor Care Health Services spreading Christmas cheer to many of the residents. Mom said that the smiles on the residents' faces were the best presents that we gave this year.

Thelma Lou gets a treat from Aunt Mary

When not in the presence of her big brothers, Thelma Lou can be a big scaredy cat -- afraid of her own shadow. Mom was really surprised about how well she behaved in an environment surrounded by unfamiliar objects -- like wheel chairs, walkers, and large laundry bins. I can definitely see a Dog Scout therapy badge in the future.

Thelma Lou sets the record straight about Santa Paws

'Tis the Season for Sharing

Last weekend Mom and I froze our butts off outside the local Walmart Super Center as Bell Ringers for the Salvation Army. Unfortunately for Mom, her big butt found its way back. Bad for her, "butt" good for me because it makes a wonderful pillow when I'm snuggled up to her in bed. She says she hates it, but I know differently.

Newman begs for contributions

All joking aside, we really had a wonderful time with our fellow Dog Scouts "ringing in" what will soon be a New Year and helping those less fortunate than we are. It's a crazy world when Mom debated whether or not it was politically correct to say, "Merry Christmas!" for fear it might offend someone.

As our astute Scout Leader Ms. Ann pointed out, Christmas is a federal holiday in the United States. Quite frankly, not many people cared what was coming out of our humans' mouths. They were much more impressed by Rowdy's bell-ringing and dollar-collecting abilities, as well as my tolerance of wearing a Santa hat.

Rowdy rolls in the dough while I pose for a photo with my cousin Ally

Wishing you and your families a very Merry Christmas! There, I said it and I'm doggone proud of it!

Cookies, calendars ... now on to cards!

Mom and I finished our Christmas cookie baking and bagging this past weekend by topping it off with a new Gingerbread muffin recipe! Daddy Dawg thinks that now Mom has finished baking cookies for all the dogs on the East Coast that maybe now she can bake some human cookies for him. While 1,662 homemade dog cookies seems like a lot from one dog's vantage point, it's really a drop in bucket when it comes combating the hunger in this world – whether K-9 or otherwise.

Baker's Dozen of Homemade K-9 Cookies

Even though Roger and I recently won $1,000 for an entry in a photo contest, I know that we can't save the entire world. Howl-ever, we're making our mark as best we can by donating the proceeds of calendar and cookie sales to Adopt A Boxer Rescue and Dog Scouts of America.

Thanks to all of our faithful fans for supporting our endeavors. Wishing you health, wealth, and happiness in the coming year.

View a copy of the 2011 Calendar compliments of Scribd.

Bake This

While I haven’t baked homemade K-9 cookies for awhile, I seem to have some free time on my paws since Mom had our calendars professionally printed this year. So I am pleased to tell you that we will be selling homemade K-9 Christmas Cookies this year. We baked our first batch of Gingerbread man shaped cheddar cheese cookies today, which had the house smelling delightful and even had M&D drooling. While not from Wisconsin, they are both cheese heads, so I guess I get it naturally. Swiss, Cheddar, Bleu. There isn't a cheese I've met that I don't love.

Cheddar Cheese Gingerbread Man Shaped K-9 Cookies Fresh From the Oven

As always, there will be an assortment of tasty flavors and shapes. The cost is $3 per Baker’s Dozen with the proceeds benefiting Adopt a Boxer Rescue and Dog Scouts of America – which will get me one step closer to earning my Dog Scout Community Service Badge.

Wishing you and your family a Happy Holly-day Season.

Shop 'til you drop

We hope your Black Shopping experience was more eventful than ours. No early morning runs to PetSmart for any door buster specials. As a matter of fact, we spent most of the day on the couch. But Mom was pleasantly surprised to find that the check from winning the BigDog.com Howl-o-ween Photo Contest had arrived via snail mail, so we hit the computer for a little online Black Friday shopping.

Roger ridicules remnants of former beds

Roger contemplates the overthrow of Newman

Newman patiently awaits new bed

After checking out some of our favorite shopping spots and then comparison price shopping via Shopzilla, we ended up at Five Star Fido and purchased two new Chocolate Cuddle Soft Lounges to replace our dilapidated Fido Fleece beds. Don't worry. The bed is not made of chocolate. Mom knows that chocolate is not safe for dogs. Chocolate is the color of the beds -- at least for the time being -- until they become covered in drool and dog hair. Daddy Dawg is particularly happy about the  removable, machine-washable cover which will make his weekly house cleaning chores much easier.

New Chocolate Colored Cuddle Soft Lounge

Happy Thanksgiving

A Thanksgiving Poem

May your stuffing be tasty

May your turkey be plump,

May your potatoes and gravy
Have nary a lump.

May your yams be delicious

And your pies take the prize,

And may your Thanksgiving dinner

Stay off your thighs!

Squanto and Pocahontas prepare to give thanks with Captain John Smith

Persistence Pays Off — Big Dog Time

Howl-a-lejah! Mom's persistence in dressing us in stupid costumes finally pays off — Big Dog Time! Earlier last month, Aunt Cozy sent Mom a link to a Howl-o-ween photo contest being sponsored by BigDogs.com. After having witnessed one fifi dog after another winning contest time and time again, Mom had become jaded about entering us in such popularity contests.

But she figured, what the heck. Aunt Coe took the time to send the information which took less than two minutes to complete, so why not? After completing the entry process, Mom chalked it up to two minutes of her life that she'd never get back and forgot about it. That is until Monday night when her computer chimed, indicating that a new e-mail message had arrived. Expecting nothing but an e-bill, she was greatly surprised to find out that Roger and I were the Grand Prize winners of the Big Dog Howl-o-ween Photo Contest.

What does that mean? Rog and I have a check for $500 and an e-check for $500 to BigDogs.com coming our way. Dad said that the $500 will help offset this year's heating bills. Mom, on the other hand, has plans for a shopping spree. What a fitting birthday present for Roger who turns 4-years-old tomorrow. Happy Birthday, Little Man! We're all so very fortunate to have you in our lives. 

While tomorrow is going to be "all about Rog", Saturday marks the one-year Animal-versary of Thelma Lou becoming my little baby Bully sister. Here's to celebrating two momentous occasions in one weekend. Let's get this party started.

K-9 Calendars Back By Popular Demand

Many of you have asked if there will be a 2011 calendar featuring Katandy's Triple Threat – Newman, Roger and Thelma Lou.

Of course! How can we stop a tradition that Beulah Ruth started?

Because of their overwhelming popularity, it has come to a point in time where I have decided to have the calendars professionally printed. Rest assured they will be of the same high quality that you have become accustomed to receiving. While there is something to be said about receiving a "homemade" calendar printed from my personal printer, the demand has reached a point where that process is no longer feasible.

The wall calendars will be printed on premium glossy 8.5x11 paper and saddle-stitched. Cost will be $15 per calendar ($17 if being shipped to you via USPS). Any proceeds made above cost will be donated to Dog Scouts of America.

If you would like to order a calendar(s), please let me know no later than November 22 in order to get them to you in plenty of time for Christmas. Please keep in mind that because Mom is having them printed professionally, we will not have the capability of last minute add-on orders. So, please make sure to order enough for friends and family. They make wonderful Christmas presents for dog lovers who have everything.

If interested, please e-mail me at newmanontheblock@gmail.com with your order. For quantities of 5 or more, payment is requested at the time order is placed. Checks should be made out to Mom and mailed to: Knowlton, 1167 Centerville Road, Newville, PA 17241.

If you have never seen a Knowlton calendar, you can view copies of last year's, as well as a Best of Beulah Calendar online.

Preview of November 2011

It's official!

I am now a Dog Scout of Troop 161! Mom passed the responsible handler portion of the test on Saturday by completing the requisite "Smart End of the Leash" course. While normally I'm not one to toot my own horn, this is a huge accomplishment for Mom, my handler, and me. I now have the privilege of proudly wearing an official Dog Scout vest and scarf which Mom ordered today. Roger and Thelma are still Scouts-in-Training and are not yet entitled to that luxury. So, now the badge craze begins.


I've already started to work on the following badges:

• Community Service
• Clean Up America
• PhoDOGraphy badge
• Overnight Camping
• Hiking

My first activity as a full-fledged Dog Scout is going to be bell-ringing for the Salvation Army. I am so excited it makes me want to go pee on a tree — only in my backyard, however, because elimination in an unseemly manner is forbidden by Dog Scouts. 

After bell-ringing, I'm thinking of maybe taking my show on the road. A trip to national Dog Scout Camp in Michigan could very well be in my future. I just happen to have access to a very sweet RV owned by Grammy Lee and Uncle Mark.

Newman's Tour Bus

I've taken the RV for a "virtual" test spin around the block already (while it was parked on risers), but that was before I earned my full Dog Scout title. I am sure that Uncle Mark will willingly hand over the keys for such an important educational trip where I will make him and Grammy Lee all the more proud!

On the Road Again

Community Outreach

Thelma Lou was not the only busy beaver this past weekend. Last Sunday, Roger logged in a few hours towards earning his Dog Scouts of America community service badge by selling Community Day Coupon Booklets at the Chambersburg area BonTon to help raise funds for Troop 161.

Roger greets BonTon customers while selling Community Day Booklets

Thanks to everyone who has purchased a booklet from us. Don't forget to use them tomorrow, November 13! Undoubtedly, the funds raised by Dog Scout Troop 161 will be put to good use -- like our recent donation of pet oxygen masks to local area fire departments.

Dr. Weeks explains the settings for pet oxygen masks

But I digress. Back to Roger's selling of coupon booklets. After an hour of moderate sales, Roger became anxious and started asking when he could go home.

One blurry-eyed, tired Pilgrim Pup

Mom told him to suck it up. He signed up for two hours of community service and by Dog he was going to fulfill his requirement. So, being a conniving little Frenchman, he decided that helping young ladies pick out sexy lingerie would be much more fun. Mom explained that time spent as a lingerie sales associate wouldn't earn him time towards his community service badge, but he didn't seem to care. Damn little Frenchman. 

Lingerie Junior Sales Associate in Training

Busy Beaver

In the aftermath of Boxer Fun Day, one might think that the activities of Katandy's Triple Threat have died down, however, the opposite is true. Yesterday, Thelma Lou made her debut as Buckley the Beaver at Children's Banking Day held at the Newville area branch ACNB Bank promoting the importance of saving money.

Thelma Lou's debut as Buckley Beaver

Buckley Beaver in her natural habitat

Buckley Beaver came out of her dam to show her true colors and seized the opportunity to share the idea of responsible dog ownership with the Lark children.

Thelma Lou promoting responsible ownership of dogs

As an older, wiser brother, I'm not sure if I should intervene or not. I've been told that Thelma Lou's popularity last Saturday at Children's Banking Day has gone to her big Bully head and she's thinking that she can overthrow the official Big Spring Bulldog mascot who was also participating in Children's Banking Day. 

We suffered a terrible defeat in last week's election. Just maybe we can vote in some-dog worthy of fulfilling a position for which she is clearly qualified. May the best dog win!

Bulldog #1: Incumbent Big Spring Bulldog Mascot

Bulldog #2: Challenger Candidate for Big Spring Bulldog Mascot

Who makes a cuter Big Spring Bulldog Mascot?

Mount Insane

As many of you know, my Uncle Mike and Aunt Sherry are quite the world travelers. Again this year, they went on a one-month safari to Africa. Hunting with Bushmen is not my cup of tea, but to each his own. Rumor has it that next year they plan to follow in the footsteps of Sir George Everest, the British surveyor-general of India and first person ever to climb and record the mountain's height and location in 1865.

Experienced Sherpa Guides

Here's tipping our Chullo hats to you for trying to make the trek. You might consider taking an experienced Brushtown Area Sherpa Guide to increase your chances of success. You know where to find us. Call 1-800-RU-OUTTA-YOUR-FREAKIN-MINDS?

Join us for a day of fun!

Once again, I find myself apologizing for my lack of blogging. So I'd like to take this opportunity to tell you why. Mom and I have been busy as beavers getting ready for Boxer Fun Day this Sunday, October 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis, MD. While I have never personally been to Quiet Waters Park, I've heard that it is an absolutely beautiful venue. We have tons of fun planned and hope that you can join us! Check out the schedule of activities below.

Schedule of Events

10:00 a.m. — Canine Good Citizen Testing ($10 test fee)
11:00 a.m. — Obedience  Demonstration
11:30 a.m. — First Costume Contest
12:00 p.m. — Kissing Contest (most kisses given to owner in allotted time period)
12:30 p.m. — Boxer Rescue Parade
 1:00 p.m. — Boxer Match ($8 entry fee - entries taken from 12:00 until 12:45)
 2:00 p.m. — Agility Intro
 2:30 p.m. — Second Costume Contest

Activities

Various games to run throughout the day include:

* Hide & Seek
* Bobbing for Balls
* Bobbing for Apples
* Find the Treat
* Tunnels
* Tic-Tac-Toe
* Guided Agility Runs

Other activities include: 
* Boxer Rescue table with adoptable Boxers
* Raffles
* Various vendors
* Meet the Boxer Information
* White Elephant Sale
* Microchipping
* Demonstrations

Come join in the fun! A portion of the proceeds benefits Adopt A Boxer Rescue, Inc.

Would you like that super sized?

While M&D do not allow us to eat fast food regularly, we have been known to pass through an occasional McDonald's drive-thru window while traveling. When asked by the attendant whether we'd like to super size our order, our big-headed cousin, Jax the Jowls of Death Knowlton, responds ...

The Knowlton Dawgs discuss their fast food order

Stop, drop and roll!

Did you know that October 3-9, 2010 is Fire Prevention Week? Roger and I are doing our part by alerting you to this little known fact! We beg of you to take a few minutes to visit the National Fire Prevention Association's web site to educate yourself on the importance of smoke alarms and to take the steps to maintain your home alarm protection.

Shark Attack!!!

So as not to freak out my friends and family while we were vacationing in the OBX, I waited to make this post until after our safe return.

"Shark attacks are a fairly rare occurrence. Sharks generally don't enjoy eating people, much preferring fattier nautical fare like delicious blubbery seals. Most attacks are a case of mistaken identity, occurring in low visibility situations where a shark is more likely to mistake a flailing human for a tasty sea lion. Still, attacks do happen, and when they do they're often terrifying and horrific." (Environmental Grapphiti.com)

Great White Shark (Photo courtesy of iheartapple)

While not as fierce, attacks by land sharks are much more common than those by their distant cousin the Great White. As a matter of fact within the past two months, I have spotted two -- one off the coast of Corolla, NC and the other on a sandy beach on Tybee Island, GA. Cast your vote on which Land Shark you think poses the greatest threat!

Land Shark #1 on OBX

3-year old Land Shark #2 on Tybee Island

Which land shark do you think poses the greatest threat?

Got an appointment?

Don't you just love doctors' offices. You make an appointment, but for what? To sit in the waiting room for dog only knows how long before they take you back to the exam room for yet more waiting. Take for instance my friend Canyon, who took her three toddlers in for their first wellness check today only to have them fall asleep in the waiting room.

Canyon's patience is tested

After the nap while waiting, Canyon knows that they won't go down for their afternoon nap and will be cranky the rest of the night. Oh, the trials and tribulations of being a parent. Not that I have to worry about any of that since M&D decided that I was not meant to procreate! Read more at "The Big Hard One."

 Priceless Puppies

Surfin' USA

We returned safely from the Outer Barks yesterday. While leaving is always sad, we all have to come back to reality sooner or later. Somebody's gotta make the donuts (that would be Mom!). A great time was had by all. We enjoyed the opportunity to provide some lighthearted beach entertainment for all the other beach bums vacationing as well, so I thought I'd share some film footage with those of you who couldn't personally join us. Of special note, is my work towards earning the Puppy Paddler Dog Scout Badge. After viewing, I think you'll agree that perhaps this is a badge that I should reconsider working towards earning.

Dawgs out muscled

Thelma Lou is still upset over the Dawgs loss to South Carolina last Saturday. I caught her on film staring out to sea pondering what coaching advice she can give to her Bully Buddy UGA for their upcoming game against No. 12 ranked Arkansas Razorbacks.

Broken-hearted Bully

Georgia mascot UGA coaching from the sidelines

I told her just to suck it up and quit acting like a Dallas Crybaby fan. We're at the beach for Dog's sake. You don't hear Roger or me crying about the Nittany Lions 24-3  loss to Alabama last week. 

Penn State Proud

The Real Magoo

"Will the real Mr. Magoo please stand up?

Magoo #1

Magoo #2

Magoo #2 is sired by Ch. CWMHAF Maestro "Dewi" out of bitch Ch. Jeagerhouse's Yama Canyon "Canyon."

Who is the real Mr. Magoo? Cast your vote now.