O Little Town of Brushtown

Six years ago today, in a tiny village of Brushtown a legend was born. Hearing of the miraculous birth of one of Dog's most perfect creatures, the angels proclaimed "Unto us a baby bat-pig-dog is born! His name shall be Roger!" 

Happy Birthday, Baby Boy!

Help us honor our fallen Vets

Arlington National Cemetery

Roger, Thelma Lou and I beg of you to join us in a community service project to honor our Vets — and we're not talking about Dr. Weeks or Dr. Pinney. We're talking about Veterans who have served our country and defended our freedom. As members of Dog Scouts Troop 161, Roger, Thelma Lou and I are participating in a community service project called Wreaths Across America. Wreaths Across America is a non-profit organization whose mission is to Remember the Fallen, Honor those who serve, and Teach future generations about the cost of freedom. Each December, Wreaths Across America holds remembrance wreath laying ceremonies at participating cemeteries to honor both living and fallen veterans. The theme for 2012 is Then, Now, and Forever!

You can help by sponsoring one or more wreaths at a cost of $15 each which will be placed upon graves of Veterans at the Fort Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. Special requests for wreaths to be placed on a particular grave site can be honored. For example, we are going to use our weekly allowance to purchase a wreath for our late Grandpa Mose Knowlton, a WWII Vet. If you do not specify a particular grave site, wreaths will be placed on the graves of no particular Veteran. 

There are two ways to purchase wreaths: 1) by secure credit card payment online at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org or 2) by check payable to Wreaths Across America which Mom will be collecting. The deadline for purchasing wreaths for the 2012 Season is November 26. All materials including payment must be received by WAA by November 26 so if you are paying by check, please make sure Mom has your payment by November 23. 

To ensure that DSA Troop 161 receives proper credit, the sponsor of the wreath must indicate our Group Code PADSA161 when purchasing online or in the memo line of the check. This year's national wreath laying ceremonies will be on Saturday, December 15 at noon. 

Sponsor a Wreath

Your bark, your vote!

Tomorrow is Election Day! "Democracy is based on the conviction that there are extraordinary possibilities in ordinary people." ~ Harry Emerson.

Your bark, your vote!

Your bark is your vote so get to the polls tomorrow to cast your vote. Remember, vote early and vote often.

Happy Hula-ween

Happy Hula-ween from the Triple Threat!

We hope that you get lots of treats for your tricks, but remember to be safe. Here are a few tips on dog safety during this scary holiday season.

1. No human treats. That bowl of candy is for trick-or-treaters, not for Scruffy. Chocolate in all forms—especially dark or baking chocolate—can be very dangerous for dogs and cats. Candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can also cause problems. If you do suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.


2. Popular Halloween plants such as pumpkins and decorative corn are considered to be relatively nontoxic, but they can produce stomach upset in pets who nibble on them.


3. Wires and cords from electric lights and other decorations should be kept out of reach of your pets. If chewed, your pet might suffer cuts or burns, or receive a possibly life-threatening electrical shock.


4. A carved pumpkin certainly is festive, but do exercise caution if you choose to add a candle. Pets can easily knock a lit pumpkin over and cause a fire.


5. Dress-up can be a big mess-up for some pets. Please don't put your dog or cat in a costume unless you know he or she loves it like we at the Knowlton household do. For pets who prefer their “birthday suits,” however,wearing a costume may cause undue stress.


6. If you do dress up your pet, make sure the costume isn't annoying or unsafe. It should not constrict the animal's movement or hearing, or impede his ability to breath or bark. Also, be sure to try on costumes before the big night. If your pet seems distressed, allergic or shows abnormal behavior, consider letting him go naked.


7. Take a closer look at your pet’s costume and make sure it does not have small, dangling or easily chewed-off pieces that he could choke on. Also, ill-fitting outfits can get twisted on external objects or your pet, leading to injury.


8. All but the most social dogs should be kept in a separate room away from the front door during peak trick-or-treating hours. Too many strangers can be scary and stressful for pets.


9. When opening the door for trick-or-treaters, take care that your cat or dog doesn't dart outside.


10. IDs, please! Always make sure your dog has proper identification. If for any reason your pet escapes and becomes lost, a collar and tags and/or a microchip can be a lifesaver, increasing the chances that he or she will be returned to you!

2013 Calendars

Many of you have asked if there will be a Triple Threat calendar again this year. General Roger E. Lee, General Newlysses S. Grant and Clara Barkton just received news via Pony Express that there will indeed be a 2013 Calendar for sale.

Battle of Bully Run 

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 Adopt A Boxer Rescue. 

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.

In addition to traveling back in time to the Civil War, we also went on a jungle safari and ran into Tarzan, Jane and Cheetah.

Me Tarzan. You Jane. He Cheetah.

If you would like to order a calendar(s), please e-mail Mom at newmanontheblock@gmail.com no later than November 1 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, you can view copies of prior editions here: 2012 Calendar and 2011 Calendar. 

Stop, drop, and roll (not in something smelly!)

K-9 Rescue Squad on Standby 

Did you know that October 7-13, 2012 is Fire Prevention Week? Are you familiar with the term "Stop, Drop and Roll?" And I don't mean stop, sniff a putrid pile of poo, roll in it, and then go jump on the couch to show your owners how much you love them. I'm talking about the simple fire safety technique taught to children. Primarily, it is a method to extinguish a fire on a person's clothes or hair without, or in addition to, the use of conventional firefighting equipment.

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.

Woofstock

Roger, Thelma Lou and I had a fun day at Woofstock today in Harrisburg, PA. We saw some fellow Dog Scouts and hundreds of other dogs. Excited for the beginning of yet another day, Thelma Lou took a literal "header" yesterday morning going down the steps in anticipation of breakfast and injured herself. So we borrowed Aunt Noelle's cart so that she could be part of the action. Dad paraded her the entire way across Market Street Bridge and then right down the center of the Woofstock crowd. She felt like the little princess that she is. Muchas gracias, Tia Noelle!

Newman takes a break to pause for a photo beside the Bully Train

We also hooked up with our seamstress Stephanie of PuppyWearOnline to get a few alterations made to Thelma Lou's costume that she will be wearing next weekend at Potomac Boxer Club's Fun in the Fall Day on Sunday, October 7 at Pohick Regional Bay Park (see details below). If you're in the area, come out and help us celebrate Fall and the Boxer breed. PBC will be hosting an AKC Sanctioned Boxer Puppy Match, costume contests, games, a picnic lunch, and more. Mom and I are also scheduled to give a presentation about Dog Scouts of America. Stop by and join in the fun!

Sounds like fun in Currituck

Taking a break overlooking the Currituck Sound

Mom, Roger, Pappy John, Jasper and I took a lovely hike through the Currituck Sound today. It was a very, nice and leisurely jaunt until we reached the end of the boardwalk where we were able to romp in the stinky swamp mud. That was exceptionally fun for Jasper, Roger and me. Mom and Pappy John didn't find the walk so enjoyable after taking in the smell that followed when we used our four wheel drive paws to stir up the muck. I really hope that we get to take that hike again tomorrow.

Chilling

Pappy John and Jasper "paws" for a break, too

Ghost of Marilyn Monroe Caught on Film

You must be very, very quiet when ghost hunting

Since her mysterious death, the ghost of Marilyn Monroe is known to haunt various Hollywood locations. The iconic actress, singer, and model led a troubled existence, even before fame entered her path. More than one instance of Monroe's ghost has been documented. Her untimely death on August 4, 1962 was surrounded by and scandal when she was discovered naked in her bed - an open bottle of pills at her side.  To this day, the ghost of Marilyn Monroe poses questions as to why she still roams her stomping grounds of Hollywood and other popular vacation spots like the OBX of North Carolina. 

I think I spotted Marilyn Monroe's Ghost 

I was fortunate enough to catch a siting of her ghost while hiking over the Currituck Sound and taking in the magnificent view of the Currituck Lighthouse. Being the PhoDographer that I am, thankfully, I had my Nikon strapped around my neck. 

Ghost of Marilyn Monroe in the OBX caught on film

As well as a nice shot of the Currituck Lighthouse

Happy Birthday to me!

Again I find myself apologizing for slacking in my blog posts. I am going to try to make an effort to set aside 5 or 10 minutes a day to keep my faithful followers apprised of my activities. Make no bones about it, I have been a busy boxer this summer and love every minute of it. Basically, I am on my fourth vacation since Memorial Day. We kicked off the summer with a week in the OBX with the rest of the Knowlton Klan.

Then in July, Mom and I went camping with Pappy John and Jasper at Stony Creek Campground in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania. We had a blast hiking some seriously steep trails and wallowing in a local water hole. Since I'm not a swimmer like Jasper Phelps, I really didn't do much more than wade but it was still fun.
Here are a few pictures of our camping trip.

In August Mom and I went to our first ever Blue Ridge Dog Scout Mini Camp which was organized by Carlisle Troop 161. What a blast! I spent almost a week with the founder of of Dog Scouts of America, Lonnie Olson and her boxer mix, Kozi, who taught me how to paint earning me my Art of Shaping badge. I'm no Picaso but Mom thinks that I really have potential. I entitled this work of art "Wipe out at the Daytona 500." If you're interested in purchasing a copy, just shoot me an e-mail.

"Wipe Out" by Newman Knowlton

I also earned five other merit badges -- CPR, First Aid, Backpacking, Overnight Camping, Dog Care and Maintenance. If you are interested in learning more about Dog Scouts and the requirements for earning badges, etc., I encourage you to visit the DSA website which houses a host of free, educational information on getting involved with the organization, responsible dog ownership, training videos and guides, and much more. Here is just a brief album of some of the activities that took place at Mini Camp. Enjoy!

And as tradition has it, we say goodbye to summer and celebrate my birthday with two weeks in the OBX. In addition to my birthday, today was also Grandparents Day. So Happy G-Day to all you grandparents out there. While I'm on the topic of holidays, I love presents just like anyone else, but I do not care for the brown, fly-ridden ones left behind by other K-9s and their irresponsible owners here the past two weeks. While I have already accumulated the requisite 50 stray piles of poo to earn my Clean Up America I Merit Badge, Thelma Lou and Roger have really put a dent in their logs over the past week and a half. 

My 5th Birthday Celebration

You know the old saying, "The early bird catches the worm," well tomorrow morning this early bird is going to catch the turd -- meaning that I plan to get out early and patrol the neighborhood looking for those who neglect to clean up after their four-legged friends. It saddens me to say, that this is one of the worst years in my history of visiting the OBX that I have spotted and cleaned up so many stray piles of poo.

Photos of vacation in the OBX to be posted later this week. I promise.

Happy Birthday!

It's been forever since I blogged, but I can't let today go by without telling the world that today my little sister, Thelma Lou, turns 3-years-old in human years -- legal drinking age in dog years. She's now considered a legal beagle. Well, not really. She's still an English Lump Hound. As you can see, she's very excited about today.

Party Animal Thelma Lou

Besides her litter mates, Ammo, Floyd, and Bella, Thelma happens to share her birthday with a very special young lady, Cierra Nicole Shope! Cierra also turns 21 today or 147-years old in human years.

Party Animal Cierra Nicole

Happy Birthday, Ammo, Floyd, Bella, Thelma Lou and Cierra Nicole! We hope you all have a wonderful day!

Home Again ... Home Again

Beach Chairs for Rent

Well, we bid a fond farewell to the sandy beach of Corolla, NC this morning at 5:00 a.m. until we return in September. It was bittersweet as usual, but it's good to be home.

Aunt Sherry reassures Roger that he will return

We were pleasantly surprised to learn that our new four-legged cousins, Maxwell Smart and Daisy Mae, arrived safely from South Carolina via doggie transport by AWOL Mutts.

Maxwell Smart

Daisy Mae

Max and Daisy are my Aunt Bertwina's newest kids. The puppy stork delivered them at 2:00 a.m. this morning. We are happy to report that they have already settled in nicely to what will undoubtedly be a wonderful life as Richwine pups. My aunt has been giddy with excitement the past week just waiting for them to arrive. Congratulations and welcome to the family!!!

Entering the family after two of the best mutts in the world, you've got a tough road to hoe but I think you can do it. I know. I had to withstand the scrutiny of living up to the legend of Beulah Ruth. Welcome to the pack, cuzzins! You don't know how lucky and spoiled you are going to be.

Max's First Soccer Game

Daisy Mae's First Soccer Game

In loving memory of my cousins Riley and Madison who recently crossed over the Rainbow Bridge at 15+ years of human age. Have fun chasing Beulah Ruth around. Dog rest your souls. We miss you and love you! You have forever imprinted your paws upon our hearts. 

Riley and Madison Richwine

Rest and Relaxation at its Best

What do you do on the Outer Banks during a torrential down pour? I decided to answer my e-mail and read my friends' Facebook postings. Those two feats alone can kill half a day. The other half of the day Thelma Lou I and spent in bed with Mom catching up on some much needed beauty sleep. We also thought it would be nice to experience what it would feel like to not sleep on sand, so we washed our sheets.

A little siesta after taking care of electronic biz

Catching up on her Bully Beauty Sleep

Roger, on the other paw, thought that he needed a little extra pampering and decided that he would spend his allowance on a day at the spa. Seriously, I don't see how getting pawed by someone other than M or D could be so much better as to spend money on it. The only explanation that I come up with is that he's French. And, after watching Virginie Razzano of France defeat Serena Williams in the French Open, he's playing that card like he has a full house.

Lip Massage

Relaxed Roger

Tranquility

Battle of the Bullies: Human v. Canine

How a 60-year old bully entertains himself at the pool after being chased off the beach by Tropical Storm Beryl. After a brief water battle of the bullies, Uncle Dave continues the torture with a parade around the pool that we like to call the Meatloaf March.

Remembrance and Thanks

Remembering those soldiers lost during service to our country and thanking our military for their service to our country! Freedom is not free without your invaluable service. 

Thank you from the Triple Threat!

Beach Bums

Having a grand time in sunny Corolla, NC. Mom is keeping Doggles K-9 sunscreen on all our tender spots - at least the parts we have left - like our ears and snoots. Roger's and my real "tenders" were surgically removed long ago.

Bottomless Beach Bathing Bully Butt

Mr. Sandman pays bathing beach Bully a visit

Bat Pig Dog on High Crab Alert

My experienced beach bathing bully sister illustrates how to properly rub in sunscreen before spending five hours in the sun.

Take a Hike for Dog Scouts

Along with fellow members of Dog Scout Troop 161, Roger, Thelma Lou, Mom and I are hiking to raise money for Dog Scouts of America (DSA) in the second annual Hike-a-Thon. Last year we raised $350.

A group hike by Troop 161 is scheduled for May 19th at King's Gap Environmental Education Center in Carlisle, PA. Join us for a wonderful hike in the woods if you can.

Our overall goal for the Hike-a-Thon will be to complete 15 miles during May. Since Roger and Thelma have such short legs, I feel it's only fair to divide the miles up between us. Roger and Thelma have committed to do 3 miles each with Mom, and I plan to hike the entire 15 miles.

Since we are getting started late in the month of May, our goal this year is to raise $200 as a group. For every $50 we raise over our goal, Mom and I will commit to walking an additional mile. While hiking 15 miles during an entire month may not seem like that great of a commitment, keep in mind that Mom does have a full-time job and hasn't exercised in months -- so this is my way of getting her to get her butt in gear.

If we reach our goal, which I am confident that we will, we'll each be entitled to a DSA Hike-a-Thon patch and Mom will earn a "Take a Hike for Dog Scouts" t-shirt.

DSA programs promote responsible dog ownership that include programs to help dog owners enjoy a great relationship with a well-mannered dog while benefiting from each other's company. DSA members strive to solve any problems that come their way with positive and effective training, thus helping to reduce the number of unwanted dogs in shelters by keeping them in happy, lifelong homes.

Since 2007, Troop 161 has raised over $10,000 for charities that help people and dogs, including the Salvation Army, local police K9s, and service dogs. Our troop members actively participate in educational and therapy programs for kids and adults.

I know that times are "ruff," but please visit my fundraising page and, if you can, consider contributing a few bucks to a good cause.

Donating through FirstGiving's website is simple, fast, and totally secure. Although donating through FirstGiving it is the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts, we will happily accept cash donations as well, all of which will be recognized on my fundraising page.

As always, many thanks for your support.

Newman

May Day is Lei Day

Aloha!

In early 1928, writer and poet Don Blanding published an article in a local newspaper suggesting that a holiday be created centered around the Hawaiian custom of making and wearing lei. It was fellow writer Grace Tower Warren who came up with the idea of a holiday in conjunction with May Day on May 1. She also coined the phrase, "May Day is Lei Day."

The first Lei Day was held on May 1, 1928, and everyone in Honolulu was encouraged to wear lei. Festivities were held downtown with hula, music, and lei making demonstrations and exhibits. In 1929, Lei Day was made an official holiday in the territory. Although the tradition was interrupted during the years of World War II, Lei Day still continues today. 

Spring has Sprung

The Triple Threat unleashes some pent up energy while Daddy Dawg works in his gardens.

Happy Easter

Happy Easter from Katandy's Triple Threat in their Sunday's best

And now for some stupid Easter humor, I present you with some one liners that perhaps you can use during your Easter celebration (if you partake in the holiday!) Rather than dress us up like bunnies, which Mom has done, she thought it would be better to portray us in our Sunday best!

Q: How do you catch a unique bunny?
A: Unique up on it!

Q: How do bunnies stay healthy?
A: They eggercise! 

Q: Why did the Easter egg hide?
A: He was a little chicken! 

Q: What do you call a duck who plays basketball?
A: A slam duck. 

Q: What do you call a bunny with a large brain?
A: An egghead. 

Q: What grows between your nose and chin?
A: Tulips (Two Lips). 

Q: What do you call ten rabbits marching backwards?
A: A receding hareline. 

Q: What did the rabbit say to the carrot?
A: It's been nice gnawing at you. 

Q: What does a rooster say to a hen he likes?
A: Your one hot chick! 

Q: Where does Valentine's Day comes after Easter?
A: In the dictionary. 

Q: What type of movie is about water fowl?
A: A duckumentary.

Happy Easter (if you celebrate it) and if you don't, I hope you have an egg-cellent day!

Bragging Rights

I must admit that I have some bragging to do. Last evening at the Dauphin Dog Training Center, I passed my Therapy Dog International test something that Mom, Dad and I have been working on for some time. I was ready to take the test long ago, but Mom doesn't take failure well and was scared that we might not pass. With a little bit of encouragement from a few of my fellow Dog Scouts like Rowdy Withun and Molly Green, Mom decided that the worst that could happen was that I'd have to take it again.

My professional mug shot for my TDI ID

For those of you who don't know, Therapy Dogs International (TDI®) is a volunteer organization dedicated to regulating, testing and registering therapy dogs and their volunteer handlers for the purpose of visiting nursing homes, hospitals, and wherever else therapy dogs are needed. All dogs must be tested and evaluated by a Certified TDI evaluator. Each dog must pass a temperament evaluation for suitability to become a Therapy Dog, which includes the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen Test. The test also includes evaluating the dog’s behavior around children and people using service equipment like wheelchairs and crutches. Finally, all dogs must fully understand and obey the Leave-it command by passing over a plate of food many, many times.

In addition to visiting hospitals and nursing homes, I am particularly excited about a new venture that Dog Scout Troop 161 is planning to participate in called "Children Reading to Dogs." The main objective of the program is to provide a relaxed and “dog-friendly” atmosphere, which allows students to practice the skill of reading. Many of the children chosen for this program have difficulties reading and as a result have developed self-esteem issues and are often self-conscious when reading aloud in front of other classmates.

I don't know how to read yet, so I'm thinking this is going to be a great opportunity for me, too. Not only will I have some of the great Dr. Seuss classics like "Green Eggs and Ham" read to me, the child is expected to pet me -- a real "win-win" situation if you ask me.

In case you can't tell, I'm pretty darn excited about my latest accomplishment. I guess it's time to go update the ol' resume. My official name with titles is now Katandy's Calypso Moon Newman, CGC, DSA, TDI (Canine Good Citizen, Dog Scout of America, and Therapy Dog International).

Happy St. Paddy's to you Lads and Lassies

Although Mom isn't big into studying ancestry, with a maiden name like Kennedy she surely has some Irish in her genes. So while doing a li'l bit o' ye old research, I found this Irish saying that Dad and I think is particularly on point with Mom.

"It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money!"

Erin go Bragh!

Our cousin Quest, who's partying in Belridge Maryland, agrees with us wholeheartedly. With his good looks and "knock out" Boxer personality, it's clear that the Katandy Kids are not shy of the camera.

Katandy's Reagan's Quest

Another Pawsatively Good Time

Not suprising, Roger, Thelma Lou and I had a wonderful time at Pawsabilities again this year. Our Dog Scout Troop 161 had a TriAthaDog course set up to help raise money for the Susquehanna Service Dogs

The TriathaDog Course

Successful Triathalete

Our Scout Troop also helped raise awareness of responsible pet ownership, which includes cleaning up after your pets. I say, duh! But you would be surprised at how many owners don't see the need.

Seelie "manning" our Troop booth

Last but certainly not least, I kicked dog butt in the costume contest on Sunday wearing my NASA astronaut uniform and brought home another big blue ribbon.

A Blue Ribbon Winner for Best Costume 

I also won the award for the Most Patriotic Dog in the Abrams and Weakly Parade held at the end of the day.

Winner for Most Patriotic in Parade