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

Mardi Growl

Seeing how eating is one of Thelma Lou's all time favorite activities, Fat Tuesday rates high on her scale of holidays to celebrate. It's time to Mardi Growl! Let the calorie consumption begin!

Let's Mardi Growl

Spring Training

So with the mild weather this past weekend, Roger and I decided to get a jump on our spring training to start gearing up for this year's Hike-a-Thon to raise money for Dog Scouts of America. Last year we raised $450 and came in fourth place nationally in our fundraising efforts. We hope to top that number this year with help from Pappy John and his four-legged friend Jasper. They were the real catalyst in getting our butts out to walk. Pappy just finished his first full round of radiation and chemotherapy, so Jasper thought that taking him for a walk at South Middleton Park would be a great way to celebrate.

Four dogs waiting in line to "water" the fire hydrant

In addition to logging 3-miles under our collars, Roger also collected 3 stray piles of the required 50 piles of poo towards his Clean Up America Dog Scout Badge. Rather than use up all our Bags on Board during this walk, next trip we'll be taking a poop scooper because it's obvious that many dogs walk their irresponsible owners along the pedestrian path of this lovely park laid out by Boy Scouts. What a shame!

Clean Up America Badge

It's a good thing that we didn't witness any of these inconsiderate folks in action or else Mom would have walked up to them and asked them if they needed a bag to cleanup after their four-legged friend. Believe me, Mom is not afraid to get on her soap box and lecture irresponsible pet owners, who make it "ruff" for those of us who do care about the environment and cleaning up.


As a matter of fact, she did very politely explain to an owner of a 4-year-old boxer the benefits of spaying and neutering. I fear that if we run into too many more unaltered dogs at the park, Mom is going to have the phrase "Don't litter. Spay and neuter your pets!" embroidered on to my Dog Scout uniform.

Another reason to make sure that I am in tip-top shape is because I am tentatively on the schedule to lead several 3-mile hikes at Troop 161's Blue Ridge Mini Camp which will be held in Swanton, Maryland in August. For more information about camp, please check out our Troop's Blue Ridge Dog Scout Mini Camp blog.

America's Dog Show

While my time in the show ring was short-lived, I can't help but provide you with these highlights of the Boxer Best of Breed judging at Westminster.

Since I didn't have any relatives in the ring — at least none that I know of, we had to root for Scarlett (GCh. Winfall Brookwood Styled Dream), who I've had the pleasure of meeting at last year's National American Boxer Club. Yes, it is true. My heart pined away for her as I stood peering out the window of our hotel room at her during her morning run sporting her red booties and all.

GCh. Winfall Brookwood Styled Dream

Scarlett with handler Diego Garcia ringside

For those of you who don't follow the Boxer World, Scarlett is the #1 Boxer, #1 Working Dog, and #3 Dog Among All Breeds. As predicted, Scarlett took Best of Breed at the National ABC show last year in Kentucky, but my cousin GCh. Katandy's Fast Forward "Frankie" took Best Opposite Sex — making him Top Dog.

Frankie Best In Show Wright County Kennel Club October 9, 2011

My cousin Frankie 
Multi-BISS GCh. Katandy's Fast Forward