News Flash: Triple Threat is Top of the Royal Wedding Invitation List

K-9s Dressed to the Nines to attend Royal Wedding

It's old news that the names of U.S. President Barack Obama and French President Nicolas Sarkozy did not find a place in the official guest list of nearly 1,900 for the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. The reason given by a spokesdog for the British Royal Family is that only the crowned heads of state are invited.

Among the invites are soccer star David Beckham and wife Victoria, musician Sir Elton John, and director Guy Ritchie. The screen stars on the coveted invitation list include soul singer Joss Stone and Rowan Atkinson, the man who portrays Mr. Bean. While the inclusion of these invitees may have surprised some, a bigger surprise yet was the exclusion of Katandy's Triple Threat!

Although not on the official list released to the media, Katandy's Triple Threat will indeed be in attendance as guests of Queen Elizabeth herself. Until now, the announcement of the Triple Threat's appearance at Barkingham Palace has been kept under wraps because of the astronomical crowd that the trio will undoubtedly draw.

"We really wanted to keep the appearance of the Triple Threat a secret until the actual day of the event for fear that the Royal Military might not be able to safely guard the palace," said the Queen. "However, a leak to the Puparazzi resulted in a photo of the Triple Threat on the front lawn of the Palace ending up on the front page of The Times."

Green Dewclaw Advice Sought

With my upcoming trip to the American Boxer Club National Specialty in Kentucky, I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to squeeze in the trip abroad to attend the wedding. However, as word of the luscious gardens that I maintain at the Brushtown Aboretum has spread across the Atlantic, Mark Lane, Gardens Manager at Barkingham, personally requested my presence to insure that the condition of the gardens are fit for a future king.

"I am extremely grateful that Newman has agreed to arrive at the Palace a few days early to make sure that the gardens are set for the wedding," said Lane. "It really helps ease my mind. Having Newman here to consult with is like having the weight of the world lifted from my shoulders!"

While only a few lucky ones will get a ringside view of the wedding, I am delighted that Monsieur Roger, Lady Thelma Lou, and I will be among them. Although I must admit, I am more excited about attending my first ever ABC National Show the following week.

"Although the media has speculated on the style and designer of Kate's gown, thankfully that information has not been divulged because it symbolizes her personality, her style, and the kind of queen she may one day become," the Queen said.

For Kate's sake, I hope that information can continue to be kept a secret until the big day. However, Lady Lou did receive a phone call last evening from E! requesting an interview about her take on the subject. Could the designer of Thelma Lou's black velvet dress be one and the same? Time will tell when that information is unveiled.

Hoppy Easter!

"Hoppy Easter!"

An Easter Poem ~ by Newman

Here's hoping you have a "Hoppy Easter!"

After you eat your delicious ham dinner,

Don't just sit around on your keister.

Get up and walk around the block, or

Otherwise you'll never get any thinner.

Not a Hoppy Bunny!

An Easter Poem ~ Thelma Lou

To heck with the walk around the block.
I will not be embarrassed wearing these socks.

An Easter Poem ~ by Roger 

Bite me! 

I hate poetry!

A hiking we will go ... A hiking we will go!

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 first annual Hike-a-Thon.

A group hike by our troop is scheduled for May 14th at Fieldwood Dog Training Center in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. While we hope to participate this hike, it may not be possible since we will just be returning from the American Boxer Club national show in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky.

Our overall goal for the Hike-a-Thon will be to hike a total of 10 miles during the month of 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 2 miles each with Mom, and I plan to hike the entire 10.

Our goal 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 10 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. We are planning to start conditioning tomorrow. You can view our progress by visiting my fundraising page, and while you're there, you might even consider contributing a few bucks to a good cause.

If we reach our goal, which I am confident that we will, we'll each be entitled to a DSA Hike-a-Thon patch.

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.

Please take a few minutes to visit my fundraising page and check out our progress. 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

Canine Causes

I just want to say thank you to everyone who generously donated to Mom's "cause" for her birthday.

Not that I am one to toot my own horn, but I feel it's my duty as a young aspiring philanthropist to let everyone know how easy it is to solicit and receive funds for your very own cause. While Mom was busy tailoring my sports coat for my upcoming appearance at the American Boxer Club National Show in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky, I highjacked her Facebook account and set up a Birthday Wish through Causes to raise funds for a charity new and dear to our heart, Adopt A Boxer Rescue.

Causes is the world’s largest platform for activism and philanthropy which empowers individuals to create grassroots communities called “causes” that take action on behalf of a specific issue or nonprofit organization.

Setting up a Birthday Wish through Causes was a way for me to make Mom's birthday special by helping to make a difference for boxers in need. If you have a birthday coming up soon or just have a cause that you'd like to help promote, I encourage you to visit Causes.com. It only takes a few minutes to set up but the rewards reaped are remarkable. We raised $135 for AABR with only a few strokes of the keyboard.

An extra special thank you to the following people for making Mom's birthday extra special by supporting our Cause! You gals and guys rock!

• Ellen and Baxter Cohen
• Ted Fickes, Ginny Shames & The Arriba Talisman Clan
• Debbe Keagy Fry and Cherry Frye
• Carol and Reese McGuire
• Grammy Lee Morris, Uncle Mark & The Katandy Kids
• The Nannettis -- Sara, Rick, Knox, Blush, Torch & Envy

Singing in the rain -- NOT!

We're not singing in the rain

Tomorrow is April 1st and we are not liking the joke that Old Man Winter is playing on us with this cold and nasty weather. "Singing in the Frozen Precipitation" just doesn't have the same ring! 

One thing is for sure, we are ready for Spring to spring into action. Although it officially began on March 21, the temperatures certainly haven't been spring-like in our neck of the woods. Besides a few daffodils poking their heads through the soil and Robins fluttering about, we haven't seen any indication of the end to winter.

Pissed off at Punxsutawney Phil, Mom has been on vigilant alert for groundhogs raring their ugly heads at the edge of our property. Thankfully for them she hasn't spotted any of the rascally rodents, because I fear that her gun-slinging Annie Oakely side might come out of hibernation should she see one.

The Good Sami - And I'm not talking sandwich

You may remember my Boxer friend Sassy Mae, who was severely injured in 2009 and needed extensive veterinary care. So, Roger and I pulled our resources together and held a gourmet biscuit fund drive to help curtail the costs of her vast vet bills. Of course, I was the brains behind the operation while Roger used his dog-given French culinary skills to perfect the recipes.

Sami on the mend after surgery

Unfortunately, we are once again faced with a similar situation. Sami, named for the Good Samaritan who brought her into an ER clinic, is also in need of our help. She was found alongside the road on a very cold and snowy night, suffering from serious injuries after being hit by a car. Attempts to locate her owner have proven futile, so she was turned over to Adopt A Boxer Rescue (AABR) and surgery to correct the break was performed on February 25. You can read her full story on AABR's website.

Aunt Beth Downey, who is fostering Sami until she is fully recovered and available for adoption, reports that she is a very sweet, friendly Boxer girl despite the pain she has endured. Mom and I were fortunate enough to meet Sami when we recently attended the Celtic Classic Dog show in York, PA, and we agree that she is a cutie!

Aunt Beth gives Sami the much needed TLC to recover

Donations to help cover Sami's high medical bills, estimated to be more than $2,500, are desperately needed. If you can help AABR with a tax deductible donation, please note that the donation is for Sami in Maryland. You can submit your donation through PayPal or by check. No donation is too small and all contributions are greatly appreciated.

Thank you for helping us to save Sami and help her find her fur-ever home! Again, please note the donation is for Sami in Maryland.

Pawsatively a great time

Well, we pawsatively had a great time at Pawsabilities 2011 last weekend! New this year, our Dog Scout Troop 161 ran the Gambler's Choice Obstacle Course which helped raise money for the Susquehanna Service Dogs (SSD). Mom and Thelma Lou "manned" our troop's booth while Roger dressed as a card shark to help draw in participants.

Stuffed Rowdy, Mom, and Thelma Lou "manning" Troop 161's Booth

Card Shark attempts to lure prey into the Gambler's Choice Obstacle Course

In addition to raising money for the SSD, Dog Scout Troop 161 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.

Paws up for my fellow Troop Member Marguerite who very politely informed an irresponsible pet owner, who clearly saw her dog urinate on the floor and planned to walk away, that she was responsible for cleaning up after him. Sure, we all get overly excited at times which sometimes includes not being able to control our bodily functions, but that's what our owners are for, right? Heck, Mom and I are well on our way to earning my Clean Up America II Scout badge for picking up after irresponsible owners. I currently have 25 documented piles to date to prove it.

Oh yeah, and Thelma Lou participated in doggy dance freestyle with Fieldwood Instructor Ms. Mary Kutulakis, founder and long-time member of Steppin' Woofs.

Last but certainly not least, we kicked dog butt in the costume contest on Saturday and brought home a big blue ribbon -- something I was never able to do in the conformation ring. Rumor has it that the Triple Threat might even become the official spokesdogs for Pawsabilities 2012. Only time will tell.

How many times are M&D going to dress us in this getup?

Thanksgiving is 8 months away!!!

Accustomed to sporting head dresses and braids adorned with feathers, Native American Squaw Thelma Lou ponders why everyone is looking at her strangely.

Squaw Thelma Lou

One thing is for sure. We were pawsatively tired when we got home.

Exhausted from a great day at Pawsabilities, Newman can only get three paws up! 

The two Bullies give eight paws up on the day's events

We can't wait until next year to support this worthy cause!