Katandy's Triple Threat 2012 Calendar

In case you can't wait for your 2012 Calendar to arrive, here's a preview. All proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society and the Morris Animal Foundation Canine Cancer Campaign. Let's help find a cure for this horrible disease that affects so many people and animals in our lives.



Thank you to all who have ordered calendars to support our cause. Limited quantities are still available. If interested, email me at newmanontheblock@gmail.com.

Wishing you a healthy and happy holiday!

Happy Festivus

With M&D being such big fans of the TV show Seinfeld — evidenced in part by my namesake — it only seems fitting that we share the story of Festivus with you. 

Festivus is a secular holiday celebrated on December 23 as a way to celebrate the holiday season without participating in its pressures, religious aspects and commercialism. It was created by writer Dan O'Keefe and introduced into popular culture by his son Daniel, a screenwriter for Seinfeld, as part of a comical storyline on the show. The holiday's celebration, as shown on Seinfeld, includes an unadorned aluminum "Festivus pole," practices such as the "Airing of Grievances" and "Feats of Strength," and the labeling of easily explainable events as "Festivus miracles." Celebrants of the holiday sometimes refer to it as "a Festivus for the rest of us," a saying taken from the O'Keefe family traditions and popularized in the Seinfeld episode to describe Festivus' non-commercial aspect.

A Festivus for the rest of us

Dog Christmases

Deck the Halls and Brushtown Bullies and Boxer

Triple Threat decked out for Christmas

More than just halls with boughs of holly are decked out in Brushtown, Pennsylvania. Keeping up with Grammy Knowlton's tradition that Christmastime was the time to put your best paw forward, we decided to don our holiday attire a little early in hopes that we will inspire you too, to get in the spirit. 

PS - After countless hours and tutorials on how to remove red/green eye from photos using Photoshop, Mom gave in and allowed me to post this photo of me with my demon siblings. 

Times flies when you're having fun

Oh my how the time doth fly when you're having fun, and we have been having fun. The Triple Threat has been so busy as of late that once again it has taken away from my blogging duties. I know, I know. Everyone is busy during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.

So much for a white Christmas!

Speaking of the holiday season, Dog Scout Troop 161 once again participated in bell ringing for the Salvation Army at our the local Wal-mart in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. I must admit that we "rocked the Red Kettle" and brought in lots of Fi-dough.

Even though we contribute money to various causes throughout the year, bell ringing definitely tops our list for activities that we love doing the most. After all, we get to have fun and raise money for those less fortunate than our elf selves.

Relief ringers arrive for a changing of the guards

After a photo shoot for our 2012 Calendar, we were allowed to release some pent up frustration in the backyard by attacking a Mad Elf. Enjoy!

Wishing you and your loved ones a happy and healthy holiday Season!

2012 Calendars

The sky is not the limit

Many of you have asked if there will be a 2012 Katandy's Triple Threat calendar. Well, the news just surfaced and we are please to tell you that this year's calendar promises to be "out of this world!" After all, how could we possibly stop a tradition that began with my boxer predecessor Beulah Ruth?

October 2012 -- Happy Hula-Ween

Like last year, 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 the Morris Animal Foundation Canine Cancer Campaign and the American Cancer Society, in hopes of finding a cure for a terrible disease that has unfortunately has impacted our lives so much over the past year.

The calendars make wonderful presents for dog lovers who have everything and people who find it amusing to see pets dressed in silly costumes, so make sure to order enough for friends and family.

If you would like to order a calendar(s), please e-mail Mom at newmanontheblock@gmail.com no later than November 28 so that we can get them to you in time for Christmas and provide the following information:

• ____ Number of calendars
• ____ Shipping Address(es)
• ____ I will make arrangements to pick up my calendar.

If ordering a quantity of 5 or more, payment is requested at the time order is placed. Checks should be made out to me and mailed to: Pamela Knowlton, 1167 Centerville Road, Newville, PA 17241.

For those of you who have never had the privilege of seeing a Katandy's Triple Threat calendar, I have included a copy of last year's for your viewing pleasure.

2011 Calendar


You can also view a copy of photos from the Best of Beulah Ruth Calendar.

Neither rain nor hail nor sleet ...

"Neither rain nor hail nor sleet nor snow nor heat of day nor dark of night shall keep this carrier from the swift completion of his appointed rounds.”

Postal employee Newman after completing his mail route

Here’s a little known fact from yet another famous postal worker, Cliff, from the 80’s sitcom Cheers. Often incorrectly cited as the motto of the U.S. Postal Service, this quote actually is an inscription on the James Farley Post Office in New York City, derived from a quote from The Histories of Herodotus, referring to the courier service of the ancient Persian Empire. So there you have it. Right from a U.S. mail carrier’s mouth.

While we’re on the subject of the U.S. Postal Service, Mom and Pappy John stopped at the smallest working Post Office in the United States during their EcoTour while in Fort Myers, Florida. It was closed because it was a Presidents Day, but their tour guide assured them that a U.S. Postal employee reports to duty there every day. Unless they can freely lift their leg on some vegetation like Saw Palm, I don’t know where they relieve themselves. But that’s their problem.

Pappy John at the Ochopee Post Office in Florida

Finally, for those of you who are not Seinfeld fans, I would like to introduce you the classic, short, pudgy mailman for whom I was named.

Leader of the Pack

The Triple Threat takes a break from the trail

Thelma, Roger and I took advantage of the nice weather this past weekend and hit the trails at Kings Gap State Park and Environmental Education Center. As good Dog Scouts, we carried the requisite items in our backpacks to be prepared for the unexpected.

Mnemonic Chart Provided by Dog Scouts of America

For those inexperienced hikers who want to know what we carry in our First Aid Kit, I will enlighten you. Unlike Calgon, it’s not an Ancient Chinese secret. While I do have an uncle who is American-Chinese, he’s pretty boring and doesn’t really have any secrets to divulge.

First Aid medications to keep handy while hiking, traveling, and every day use*: 

• Benadryl (for bee stings and other allergic bites)
• PeptoBismal (upset stomach)
• Immodium AD (diarrhea)
• Melatonin (anxiety)
• Aspirin (mild pain relief)

Never give Tylenol or any product containing acetaminophen which is toxic to dogs.

_________
* Suggested by our primary care physician, Dr. Noelle Weeks of Shippensburg Animal Hospital.

Dog Nab It

Dog nab it! Last week was National Dog Week, and I missed blogging about it. What kind of Dog Scout am I? I just recently received a notice from Dog Scouts of America saying that I needed to pay my annual dues (which I had already done) and now this! I thought sure that it was this week – the last week in September. I made certain that I didn’t miss Grandparents Day or the 10th Anniversary of 9-11, but then this happens. As it turns out, it’s the last full week in September which has been duly noted for next year. I guess it’s like those other crazy holidays like Election Day which falls on the first Tuesday after the first Monday of November. 

In any event for those of you who don't know, National Dog Week was founded to encourage responsible pet ownership and promote good relations between people and their dogs – something that we, as Dog Scouts, promote every day of the year.

We have just been so busy with other stuff that blogging has been placed on the back burner. Thanks to Google Analytics, I know that the traffic to my site has been way up since our recent trip to the OBX. I apologize to you newcomers who visit day after day looking for new material only to find none. After all, my name is Newman, meaning “Man of all things New!” Actually, I don’t know if that’s what it means, but it sounds good.

While we’re on the subject of new, Roger finally got to go to a Dog Scout event with Mom. Quite frankly, I got sick and tired of hearing him moan about how he was the black sheep in the family, so I told Mom to take him with her just to get him to shut up his yapper. Seriously, on a cold, rainy day like last Saturday, I had no desire to spend it at Bark in the Park. I was all too happy to spend it with Dad and Thelma Lou on the couch.

Being the little charismatic Frenchman, Rog made the best of situation and managed to land a job at Metro Bank’s mascot. No stripes off my brindle back. Even Thelma Lou was “ok” with it so long as he keeps his endorsements with Metro Bank and don't infringe upon her duties as Buckley Beaver at ACNB Bank.

Roger as the Metro Man Mascot

Roger says, "You can call me 'The Man.' You can call me 'The Little Man.' You can even call me "The Metro Man.' But you can not call me 'The Metrosexual Man!' I was born naturally handsome and don't have to spend countless hours working on my appearance!" 

Talk Like a Pirate Day

Buccaneer Beulah

Ahoy mateys, did you know that today is Talk Like a Pirate Day? I threw together this list of classic pirate pickup lines for our fellow buccaneers trying to get some booty. 

• Have ya ever met a man with a real yardarm?
• You’re drinking a Salty Dog. How’d you like to try the real thing?
• Avast, me proud beauty! Wanna know why my Roger is so Jolly?
• How'd you like to scrape the barnacles off of me rudder?
• Let's get together and haul some keel.
• That’s some treasure chest you’ve got there!
• Pardon me, but would ya mind if I fired me cannon through your porthole?
• Wanna shiver me timbers?

IMPROV Sport Exposed

As many of you know, Mom and I made our debut in the first sanctioned IMPROV trial hosted by Dog Scout Troop 161 last month at Dandy Dog Training, during which time I qualified for the first leg of my IMPROV Novice Title (so in your face, Dad!).

I am pleased to let you know that Dog Scout Troop 161 will be hosting another IMPROV trial on Saturday, October 22 at Fieldwood Dog Training Center beginning at 5 p.m. Entries will be $25 per run. Dogs must have DSA Competition Registration Numbers (CRNs) prior to event registration. Closing date for entries is October 15, 2011. Facility is indoors. For additional information, see the IMPROV Trial Premium or contact Troop 161 Scoutmaster Ann Withun.

Unbeknownst to him, Newman is waiting to enter the ring

If you're wondering what the sport of IMPROV is, see my post of July 24 — DSA Sanctioned IMPROV Trial in which I try to layout the basics. I must admit that IMPROV really is hard to explain to anyone who has not witnessed the sport. While I do not have as vast a vocabulary as some, the adjectives that first come to mind to describe IMPROV are: fun, hilarious, fun, entertaining, fun, challenging, fun, exhausting, but most importantly FUN! Did I mention that it was a ton of fun?

Newman exhibits some pre-ring jitters

You know the old saying, a picture is worth a thousand words. Well in the case of something as different as IMPROV, a video has to be worth a gazillion words — which is what it would take me to explain the two-day event. Seeing how my editor only gives me about 1,000 words to get my story across to my fans, I thought that video was definitely the way to go.

During this first video, the dogs demonstrate their knowledge of the commands touch and send.

In this video, Kozi demonstrates her ability to sniff out human remains, a task that she has been called upon   to carry out for law enforcement officers in Michigan.

And now the Novice Class demonstrates their IMPROV skills.

And here are a few still shots taken throughout the day for you to enjoy.

The Toy Story

What is a vacation without a new toy or two to enjoy? The Pooch Ball that Roger is playing with lasted almost two weeks before I breached the integrity of the rubber casing. After the security breach, Mom retired it from our toy system so that we don't swallow any of the pieces which could cause gastrointestinal upset or worse -- intestinal blockage. Been there. Done that. No fun for me or for M&D worrying whether or not I was going to have to have emergency surgery. 

Some dogs, like Roger and I, are natural born killers and destroy toys at an amazing rate. It is important for owners to supervise playtime with toys, especially those that can be torn to bits in no time, and to remove them as soon as they show any wear or tear. If your dog is a heavy chewer, you should restrict the toys that you provide for her to play with. Kong makes an excellent range of tough toys for heavy chewers. We also enjoy playing with durable plush toys made by Tuffy. Our favorite toy from the Tuffy line was Tuffzilla. If you haven't even witnessed our take down of Tuffzilla, we invite you to visit Tuffzilla vs. Snub-nosed beasts.

Beach Bums movie trailer released

Watch the trailer for Beach Bums a production of Katandy's Triple Threat featuring Newman, Roger and Thelma Lou with special guest appearances by Tooty and Jasper. Enjoy the preview.

Life is still a Beach

We're on week two of our vacation in the Outer Banks and the weather just keeps getting better. Yesterday, the sea was no longer angry and the red flags were taken down. It was the first day that we saw dolphins and we were allowed to swim -- that is those of us who know how to swim. Roger and I are definitely not in that category.

While not everyone is a dog person, the beaches of Corolla are very dog-friendly. Many people have told us how much they enjoy watching us romp on the beach, including Alex Moir of A.M. Bespoke Travel, who very kindly shared some action photos that he took of us this past week.

Thank you, Alex, for your sharing your photos with us.

Toots examines Newman's undercarriage

 Roger baits his brother

Roger continues to talk smack to his brother

Roger continues the juvenile, sibling banter

Tooty taunts the tempestuous two 

Happy Grandparents Day!

In light of the 10th Anniversary of 9-11, I decided to hold off on posting this message until a little later in the day. While not an official Penn State holiday for Mom, today is Grandparents Day! I just thought that I should alert my followers who may not have known about this ever-so-important holiday.

And here's a little bit of history for you. The impetus for National Grandparents Day originated with Marian McQuade, a housewife in Fayette County, West Virginia. Her primary motivation was to champion the cause of lonely elderly in nursing homes, something that The Triple Threat does with great pleasure on a regular basis. Ms. McQuade also hoped to persuade grandchildren to tap into the wisdom and heritage that their grandparents could provide. In 1978, President Jimmy Carter proclaimed that National Grandparents Day would be celebrated every year on the first Sunday after Labor Day.

Love your neighbor as yourself 

The Triple Threat really does not have a particular photo that portrays how much we love our grandparents. However, having just received an e-mail message from a friend quoting Perry Smith's poem "To a Keeper" we thought that a modified version was particularly appropriate to post considering that the 10th Anniversary of 9-11 and Grandparents Day fell on the same day.

Triple Threat "Remembers" 9-11

Katandy's Triple Threat "remembers" 9-11

Although none of us were yet to be born when the tragic attack on our country occurred on September 11, 2001, M & D have told us stories about how horrible it was. Ironically, they happened to be vacationing in the Outer Barks like we are today with our late sister Beulah and remember the day vividly.

Daddy Dog says this of that horrendous day, "What I remember most, besides the actual attacks, was how beautiful the weather was. There wasn't a cloud in the sky and although not in the mood to go to the beach, I gave in to Beulah's plea to go for a walk and get away from the dreadful scenes on the TV.

"What we encountered was not a single soul sitting on the beach relaxing. It wasn't a day for relaxing. It was a day of sadness and mourning. A day that will never be forgotten."

Please join us in remembering all the lives lost on this tragic day ten years ago.

Happy Birthday to me!

Party Pups celebrate Newman's 4th Birthday

Today four years ago Katandy's Calypso Moon Newman was born. After spending a relaxing day on the beach, we partied pretty hard around the pool eating bone-shaped pumpkin cake. Yummy!!! Happy Birthday to my siblings, Juniper, Marla, Pepsi and Punchy. Wish you all could have been here in the OBX to celebrate with me.

Time to eat!!!

Party Pooped Pooch -- Time to Sleep

Beach Bums

With the monsoon-like weather back home in Pennsyltucky, I am sure that many of you are wondering how the weather is here in the OBX. I am happy to report that the weather here has been absolutely perfect. Last Friday night when we went to bed, we said, "Good night Irene, and Hello Newman!"

Irene did, however, leave some remnants behind that made for some lovely photo ops. Dad was drooling at the chops of possibly bringing home some of the incredible driftwood that was brought up on shore. And then his dream was crushed by a big piece of machinery that came in and scooped up the large debris to remove it. Oh well.

Fort Bully

We have had the pleasure of running into some friends who we met last year. Ironically, they have a Frenchie granddaughter named Tooty. Grandma Julie explained that Tooty has a wry jaw which just makes her extra special. M&D immediately thought that they might have found a female prospect for Roger who would be willing to look past some of his quirky behaviors. We had the pleasure of meeting and romping with Tooty yesterday afternoon. At half the size and weight of Roger with the same size bat ears, she is as cute as a button. I think that maybe when it comes to the ears on Frenchies, it's a one-size fits all deal.

Tooty

Sit back and enjoy the show.

Big bugs invade Brushtown

Won't you be my lady? Won't you be my lady? Won't you be my lady bug tonight? Seriously though, I decided to put up with the lady bug costume as a thanks to Dad who puts his heart and soul into making our backyard beautiful and very enjoyable for many people and birds, including hummers. 

Big Bugs invade Brushtown

With the bed bug scare, I hesitated to publish a post about bug invasion, but it's been so long since I posted an entry that all my fans were probably thinking that I had fallen off the face of the earth. Or was exterminated by Orkin. BOL!

Roger fears that a giant Frog Dog has taken up residence in his garden

I hope that this virtual tour will give you a sense of the beauty of Dad's gardens. Friends are always welcome to stop by for an actual guided tour by Daddy Dawg himself.

Hawaii Five-O

Hawaii Five-O Undercover K-9 Cops

Check your local TV guide for the Fall 2011 Series Premiere featuring Newman McGarrett, his faithful sidekick Roger "Book 'em Danno," and the gorgeous Thelma Lua Kaluha.

DSA Sanctioned IMPROV Trial

Looking to try something new with your K-9 companion? Join us on August 13-14 for the first ever Dog Scouts of America sanctioned IMPROV trial at Dandy Dog Training in Newville, PA, sponsored by my Troop 161. You do not have to be a Dog Scout to compete. However,all dogs must have DSA Competition Registration Numbers (CRNs) prior to event registration. Registration deadline has been extended to Saturday, July 30 (see details below).

Created in the 1970s by Lonnie Olson, IMPROV stands for Impromptu Multifarious Performance Requiring Obedience and Versatility. In short, it is a different kind of obedience competition, which puts the emphasis on a dog's ability to perform cues as asked.

IMPROV tests how ready dogs are to be useful in real life. There is no standard course or judging format. However, it does have standard categories of exercises like retrieving and touching strange objects that would be found lying around your house. Each time you go into a ring, you are required to do a different set of exercises. This is what makes IMPROV more fun and challenging than standard obedience, because you never know what you will be asked to do. For more detailed information on the rules, download a copy of the IMPROV rule book from the Dogs Scouts website.

Mom has registered me in the novice category and I hope not to embarrass us too much. Really, the whole point is to have fun and for Mom to use her brain to get me to complete new tasks by using skills that I already know. So, basically she needs to “think outside the Milk-bone box!”

Even if you don't plan to enter, come show your support for this relatively new sport and learn what it's all about. It's entertaining for participants and spectators alike. Plus, we are going to have some really nice raffle baskets that you can enter to win. Believe me, I know. Mom is the Volunteer Coordinator and has been busy collecting all kinds of cool K-9 commodities, including interactive games, tasty treats, as well as grooming and first-aid supplies.

IMPROV Trial Premium List

Date: Saturday, August 13 and Sunday, August 14
Trial Schedule:   (tentative)
Saturday – Trial 1: Novice and Standard; Trial 2: Novice and Standard
Sunday – Trial 3: Novice and Standard; Trial 4: Novice only
Competition starts at 8 a.m. both days. The second trial will not begin before 11 a.m.
Location: Dandy Dog Training, 72 Lonesome Road, Newville, PA 17241
                             
Details:  Entries will be $25 per run. Dogs must have DSA Competition Registration Numbers (CRNs) prior to event registration. Revised closing date for entries is July 30, 2011. Facility is indoors and climate-controlled. For additional information, contact Troop 161 Scoutmaster Ann Withun.

Happy Birthday

Happy 2nd Birthday to my baby bully sister, Thelma Lou, and her littermates, Ammo, Bella, and Floyd. Have a good one, kids!

Birthday Girl waiting for party to start

Backyard Brushtown Bullies

Although having been reared as huge Philadelphia Flyers hockey fans, the Backyard Brushtown Bullies are in no way affiliated with the legendary Broad Street Bullies, who in 1972-73 shed the mediocre expansion team label and became known as the intimidating Broad Street Bullies. The nickname was coined by Jack Chevalier and Pete Cafone of the Philadelphia Bulletin on January 3, 1973 after a 3 to 1 brawling victory over the Atlanta Flames.

"The image of the fightin' Flyers spread gradually around the NHL, and people are dreaming up wild nicknames. They're the Mean Machine, the Bullies of Broad Street and Freddy's Philistines," wrote Chevalier in his reporting of the game. Cafone wrote the accompanying headline, "Broad Street Bullies Muscle Atlanta."

Note: No Bullies or Boxers were injured in the — although I can't speak for the hostas.

Puppy Public Service Announcement

Stars and Stripes Fur-ever

Puppy Public Service Announcement:

For some dogs Fourth of July fireworks are a major source of anxiety and fear. To help keep your furry, four-legged friends safe, I've put together a list of tips that I picked up from various sources along the way.

• Do not take your pet to fireworks displays.
• Do not leave your pet in the car. With only hot air to breathe inside a car, your pet can suffer serious health effects—even death—in a few short minutes. Partially opened windows do not provide sufficient air.
• Keep your pets indoors at home in a sheltered, quiet area. Some animals can become destructive when frightened, so be sure that you've removed any items that your pet could destroy or that would be harmful to your pet if chewed. Leave a television or radio playing at normal volume to keep him company.
• If you know that your pet is seriously distressed by loud noises like thunder, consult with your veterinarian before July 4th for ways to help alleviate the fear and anxiety he or she will experience during fireworks displays.
• Never leave pets outside unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a tether. In their fear, pets who normally wouldn't leave the yard may escape and become lost, or become entangled in their chain, risking injury or death.
• Make sure your pets are wearing identification tags so that if they do become lost, they can be returned promptly. Animals found running at-large should be taken to the local animal shelter, where they will have the best chance of being reunited with their owners.

Happy Daddy Dawg's Day!

Our version of "Hop on Pop"

And Plop on Pop

Happy Father's Day to all you Daddy Dawgs out there. I can definitely foresee a reading of Dr. Seuss' Hop on Pop — one of our favorite books of all time. Who would have thought that the Triple Threat would ever have anything in common with former First Lady Laura Bush? But, it's true. In a 2006 Wall Street Journal article, she listed Hop on Pop as her favorite book.

Hog Heaven

In response to her dream of someday owning a Mini Cooper like her cousin, Ajax (see post "Make Believe"), Thelma Lou just received the following love note from her Bully Beau Atticus. Thought you might enjoy seeing some of the fan mail we receive on a daily basis.

Hog Dog Atticus sporting his Doggles

Thelma Lou...really? Why dream of your own Mini Cooper when you can ride bitch with me! You know dogs ride in packs! "Dogs on Hogs", baby! I'll even let you wear my "doggles".

XOXO - Atticus

Make Believe

Ajax visits Penn State Law

After seeing her big-headed cousin, Ajax, cruising around in his Mini Cooper, Thelma Lou decided that she needed a convertible coupe of her very own. Being a world-renowned fashionista, Thelma Lou spends her allowance on expanding her wardrobe, so she doesn't have the funds to spend on sports cars.

Furthermore, unlike Ajax I don't think that her feet would reach the pedals. So what's a poor girl to do? Fashion a pretend one out of a lawn chair and its cushion.

Thelma Lou in her "convertible coupe"

Post-beachtum Depression

Well, we have been home from the beach for almost a week. It seems that the Bullies are definitely suffering from Post-Beachtum Depression. All the clinical signs are there. Droopy faces. Lying around on the couch. Not wanting to get out of bed. And on and on ...

Paws-a-tively Miserable

Roger clearly misses the attention of having crowds of people paw all over him. I guess I can't really fault him. He's French after all. But the pawing that he misses most is his daily morning massages by his private masseur Monsieur Jeffrey.

Roger on the Masseuse/Dining Room Table

Thelma Lou was such a little water bug that she clearly misses that activity. After coming off the beach on the last day and having a bevy of young studs ask if they could have their picture taken with her, a little bit of stardom has gone to her head, too.

Couch Intervention Needed for Thelma Lou

I told both of them to "Lighten up, Francis. We're going back at the end of the summer for two weeks! This was just a teaser week to kick off summer — even though we really do know it's still spring.

So what does Thelma Lou do to relieve her post-beachtum depression? Like a lot of woman, she shops, of course. She said, "If we are really going back to the OBX in September, then I cannot be seen in the same bathing suits that I wore in May! I must get a special one to wear on 9-11!" Like anydog really cares. Although I am her brother, I can confidently say that the onlookers are admiring her figure and not the suit! BOL! (Bark Out Loud!)

Stars and Stripes Fur-ever

In any event, I'm just as happy as a clam to be back in good ol' Pennsyltucky. I just go with the flow — whether that means doing outdoor activities like hiking in the woods or swimming in the ocean. I'm pretty much just an all-around happy camper.

Going with the Flow

The Birth of a Beach Bully

Being a connoisseur of fine art that I am, I decided to peruse a few art galleries while vacationing in the Outer Banks. I was immediately drawn to a breathtaking piece portraying Sandro Botticelli's painting The Birth of Venus, depicting the goddess Venus emerging from the sea as a full grown woman. 

The Birth of Venus

Knowing that the original painting is held in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, I discerned that this portrait had to be a reproduction of the famed Italian's masterpiece. However, overcome by its astounding beauty, I couldn't shake the desire to have the piece for my own collection. Not wanting to have the "wool pulled over my eyes," I called a reliable art authenticator in the area who confirmed that the painting was an original and well worth the price tag that was being asked. So without batting another Boxer eye, I put a call into my broker who transferred the money to Seaside Art Gallery and I am now the proud owner of The Birth of a Beach Bully. 

The Birth of a Beach Bully