Wendell Stars on Animal Planet's Puppy Games... Sorta

Remember Puppy Bowl (alternative programming for non-Super Bowl fans)? Well, Animal Planet is planning to broadcast Puppy Games during the Olympics (for those who tire of the traditional human sports). They filmed it yesterday -- and Wendell got to tag along with his new Bichon Frise pal Jack. Jack's mom works with Bichon rescue, and they were invited to nominate a participant -- so Jack is a real local hero for being picked!

Wendell watched the monitor as two Westies engaged in the age-old Roman games tradition of
sniffing butts in greeting. They were about to compete in the swimming competition.

Like all the puppies, first Wendell had to get checked out by the vet to make sure he is a-ok to compete in Animal Planet's Puppy Games. He got a clean bill of health!

It will be exciting to see Jack compete when the show airs during the summer!! Wendell can say "he was there!"

A History Hound

I went to work with foster mom Susan. She works in a factory... a History Factory! She says they don't manufacture history though... which was kinda disappointing because I've been curious about my past. Being a rescue pup, I don't really know who my pup-mom or pup-pop were. Maybe I'll do a little historical research while I'm visiting...

The folks at the History Factory were very welcoming. I did a little online surfing and tried Googling myself. I discovered a few blog entries from my wonderful fosters. Foster mom Nicole made a terrific page about basset rescue during my visit.

I trotted over to the Design Department to see if they could help me with any historical research on my ancestry. They had lots of these things called Gant Charts with schedules and bars and things... but no clues to my past.

I tried to photocopy some interesting book designs... but the machine must not like hounds. It kept jamming.

I spent a lot of time with my new friend Deb. In addition to working reception here, she runs a dog walking business so we really bonded. She's a member of my fan club too!

They conduct a lot of oral histories here, so I thought I'd give it a try. I called up Lassie and Benji and even that Hush Puppy fella. I was ready to get them to share their live stories...
but no one was home.

It was an interesting day, but I didn't learn much about my history. Guess I'll just have to be content with who I am today -- a world waddling woofer on a mission.

Wendell Weeps... and Remembers

I've met so many wonderful houndies on my travels, and this week two of my good furiends and foster family members made their journeys to the Bridge: Max the Wonder Dog Duarte and Maggie Frances Tepool. Tonight, I have lit a candle to light their way, and I am remembering fondly the time (however short) we spent together. I'm also slinging plush drool (with all its heart-soothing powers) to my former foster parents Jamie and Robin & Greg.

Max the Wonder Dog was my protector and a grand host with a might, joyous woof.

Maggie Frances was a playful pup-mate who gave me lovely nose nips. Rest in peace sweet girl.

My Day at the Spa... and More!

I've been on the road for nearly 4 months, and I guess I may have looked a little disheveled because my foster mom decided I needed a little spa treatment. So she took me to Bark 'n Bubbles (a great self-service doggie wash in Herndon, Va).


They have great big tubs for us woofers -- hmmm, not sure I really WANT to have a bath! Ursula is really nice. She works there and was giving a beautiful pup named Elsa a bath. I offered a few words of encouragement.

I checked out the holding spots too... Hey, wait a minute... who closed the door?

The have great grooming tables too and then I got to relax on the bubble couch. I felt like a new pup when I left!! Super-nice place (despite the baths). But we weren't done sightseeing yet... a spa visit can make a plush pup hungry. So we stopped by Great Harvest Bread Company for a few samples...

Then we needed something to wash it down with... so we visited the Wine Cabinet in Reston, Virginia. I found a vintage that really appealed to me... B****! Oops, sorry mom!

Crashing Bogart's Birthday Pawty (& Wine Tasting)

After shopping and lunching in Middleburg on Saturday, we ventured to Herndon, Virginia, where I got to meet two of my foster brudder and sister's bestest furiends: Emme and Diesel.

Emme took quite a liking to me. Diesel tried to eat me... but I think he was just playing. After all, he's a sweet rescue pup like me!

Then we headed off to the Wine Seller, a local wine store owned and operated by Bogart (at least it seemed as though he was in charge--and he is the official "party meister" and "food hound"). It was his 11th birthday -- so they were throwing him a big pawty! He did most of the singing...

But we all got to enjoy some wine and cake. Bogie may be an elder statesman, but he sure isn't showing it. He was a terrific host -- with excellent taste in wines, food, fun and friends!! Maybe he'll invite me to his pawty next year too!

After the party, we went to the store next door, Crystalis, where a very nice lady gave me a spiritual reading. The tarot cards said I was a kind houndie with a promising future. I think she also saw many bellyrubs in my future!! Treats too! Hint. Hint.

Munching in Middleburg

Wow -- another busy day for a waddling woofer. My foster mom took me to Middleburg, Virginia, for lunch and shopping. First we stopped by Wylie Wagg, a great pet boutique with yummy goodies and fun stuff for pups like me.

I immediately spotted a few of my fellow plush pals. The first guy was T*A*L*L! He showed me his favorite treats from the bakery. Then I shared a snack with another plush pup (my new black lab buddy). I even had a chance to belly up to Hairy's Bark & Grille...

I made sure they had a valid "Licker License" and even got to sit in with the band (The Beagles, of course). We had a great jam session!

I met a pretty girl-houndie too, but my foster mom Susan said we had to go. We had a reservation at a refined establishment, The French Hound. They had a great menu, and I declared the fare Wendellicious!

That was just the START of my day. I'll share more pix and stories later. Gotta go nap now.

Ahrooo from Leesburg, Virginia

I arrived at my next stop this evening in the big brown bus! It was a nice trip actually, and I got a warm welcome from my new foster family.

My foster brudder Toby is a big boy -- with a big woof. But he gave me a good sniffing and declared us friends. My foster sister Daisy wasn't so sure about me at first. But I think I'm growing on her.

My foster mom, Susan, says we're going to see all kinds of sights tomorrow. I can't wait -- but I'd better rest up. It sounds like I'm going to need all my energy.