Unkie Ritik and Aunt Ana

WOO HOO, I'M EXCITED!

Finally I am able to show you some of the photos from dinner over at Unkie Ritik and Aunt Ana's house. Mom, My-Ryan and I walked all the way to their place and I was psyched to get my first real walk since my injury.  It may have been a bit over ambitious, as I was a little extra limpy the next day, but it was well worth it!! I was thrilled to get movin' AND see some of my favorite folks. 

Unkie Ritik is one of Mom's closest friends. They go waaaaaaaaaay back to when they met Freshman year at college.  I guess college is where humans have to go to get educated...us dogs just come that way. Unkie moved to San Francisco a few years back making Mom extra very happy.  At the time he only lived a couple of blocks away, making visiting extra easy.  Unkie and I bonded immediately, as we share interests in kisses, cuddles and playing.  I love him so very much. And to make it even better he brought the lovely Ana into my life.  She not super fond of my licking her face, but I still love her oodles, and that's saying something.  They just moved to an apartment up a very steep hill, but it's definitely still in walking distance from my pad, so that's ok with me! I kinda have to yank Mom up the hill, but it's a just small price to pay for what awaits me upon our arrival.

KISSES

COOKING

...OR WAITING FOR FOOD TO DROP

GIVING CULINARY POINTERS

...OR WAITING FOR FOOD TO DROP

 LOVINGLY WATCHING UNKIE 

... OR WAITING FOR FOOD TO DROP

All in all, a fabulous night.  Unkie "dropped" a fair amount of food! Gotta love a "butterfingered" Unkie!  *wink wink* :)

Maybe tomorrow I'll post the pictures of me running around like a mad-doggie.  I'm so blurry and fast!

XO,
Lu

Reunited!

Before I tell you about my fun afternoon, I'll give you the update on the PHOTOS BEING HELD HOSTAGE! Mom freed the detainees all by herself.  Perhaps she isn't such a technological dingbat after all.  She said it had something to do with updating some software thingamajig, and downloading some camera "driver" thingamabob. Who knows. The upshot? The PHOTOS ARE SAFE AND LIBERATED!  Now she just needs to edit them. She realized that she needed to update that software, too. Alas, no post with those pictures just yet.  

However, I have fun new pics from my afternoon adventure. I got to see Puglet and Dutch! This was the first time since the accident. I am feeling SOOOO much better so we got to hang out and play a little. I wasn't allowed to run. What a bummer because I wanted to chase Puglet and bite his neck rolls. Next time! I got to give Dutch kisses, though, and that made me very happy. Doesn't Dutch glow like an angel?! [SWOON]

Kisses for Dutchie!

And then the humans made us pose.

We were staring at the yummy treat they were tempting us with.

Dutchie decided it was snack time and split the scene.  

Puglet decided it was his turn to eat!

I was uncharacteristically polite! Do I get an extra?!?!

My-Ryan got to meet my friends, but I made sure to sit on Puglet to make sure he knew that's MY-Ryan!

Cuddle time!

I super duper enjoyed myself! Can't wait to run again!

XO,
Lu

Hostage Situation

Mom took lots of fancy photos of me on her new fancy camera.  Fancy, right?! I've been so excited to blog about them, especially since they are of me with my human friends, Unkie Ritik and Auntie Ana.  I was going to officially introduce you to them; Blog world meet my humans, humans meet my blog world. Not. Going. To. Happen. Mom can't figure out how to get the photos from the camera to the computer.  She can be a technological dingbat sometimes, but I think this may be a wire malfunction scenario.  She tried the same wire on three different devices, each of which would have freed the photos, but NONE worked.   

THE PHOTOS ARE BEING HELD HOSTAGE! 

We asked My-Ryan for his tactical advice, since he's way more tech savvy than Mom. He's going to lend a different cord to the cause.  Hopefully, that will be enough to ensure the safe release of the hostages. 

The upshot? There will be no exciting blog post about some of my super cool friends tonight.  What a supreme bummer.  Hmpf.

Keep your fingers/paws crossed that the captives are unharmed and liberated tomorrow!

XO,

Lu

I'd like to thank the Academy

I'd like to thank The Academy for nominating me as Best Doggie. 

Home after a long event.  Please excuse the less than stellar photo, I was exhausted after posing on the red carpet.

 I know I didn't win the award, but I'm very proud of my friend and colleague, Uggie, for taking home the win with his fine performance in The Artist.  

The very talented and woof-worthy, Uggie

If you haven't seen The Artist, I highly recommend it.  Uggie steals the show.

XO,

Lu

Me or Not Me?

Is this me or not me?  That, is the question!

It's NOT ME! It's a Lu-k-alike!

Her name is Lyla.  Mom spotted her in the neighborhood.   She's a two year old boxer mix, her human said.  Her nose is definitely shorter and more boxer-ish than mine.  But we look so much alike, otherwise.  Remember me telling you about the New Zealand Huntaway? Mom told the nice human all about the uncanny similarities.  Lyla's human seemed intrigued since Lyla has a lot to say, just like me, and loves to climb things, as well.  Who knows, maybe we have ancestors in common! Perhaps when I'm all healed we'll run into each other and bark and climb together. 

XO,

Lu

Little Lu

Mom did some internet sleuthing this evening and found the original listing for my adoption! Mom is squealing about how friggin' cute I was (and, ahem, still am, right?)!!!  She forgot these pictures existed and is so super excited to have found them.


LuLu
Shepherd Mix: An adopted dog in San Francisco, CA Meet LuLu, This great puppy has a had a rough start in life, after being abandoned at 4 weeks old she was turned to us and is now a happy and healthy 10 week old girl. Lulu is very sweet and so loving !!! She really enjoys time with her foster brother "stanly" and has the best time playing with her foster mom !! LuLu would be an amazing family dog, however we are asking that she goes to a home with children over 8 y/o. LuLu is current on vaccines and will be spayed as part of our adoption process... For more information on Lulu please contact us !!! Large • Baby • http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/7180822

Me with my foster brother

When mom and I laid eyes on each other it was love at first sight.  I licked her face silly! And she gave me big hugs, which was challenging because I was a major wiggle worm back then.  Mom was told my back story; I was found in a box by a grocery store dumpster with my deceased sibling.  OOF.  Even though I know some humans can be bad, I had my faith restored by the WONDERFUL people who found and cared for me.  I am one lucky pooch!

I was officially adopted on November 20, 2006.  I was just about 12 weeks old when I arrived at my forever mom's home.  She sent out the following email and picture after our first week together.

Hey everyone!

I would like to introduce you to my newest addition, Lulu.  She is a 3 month old rescue dog, who is full of love and energy, and did I mention energy?  I've had her about a week and a half and we've already got potty training pretty much down.  She's also learned to sit, lay down, shake, and we're working on stay and come.  She's growing like a weed, and looks like she'll be between 60-80 lbs.  She's adorable, and you should all come by to meet her for some puppy love and kisses!

I hope this holiday season is treating you well.

Lots of love to you and yours,

Kira & Lulu

Awww.  (I never did get quite that big...but with my personality that's probably ok!)

Many thanks and lots of love to my foster family and Wonder Dog Rescue for taking such good care of me until I met my momma all those years ago!

XO,

Lu

The Indignity

Lately, Mom has been giggling while looking at her iPhone.  She then shows it to My-Ryan who chuckles, too.  Finally, I caught a glimpse of what was going on.  Wow...just wow.  I don't have the words to explain my horror.  Instead I'll just show you.  I guess I should be flattered.  And how can I really be upset with pictures of ME?  So, without further ado, I hope you enjoy:

XO,

Lu(s)

Hipster LU

Marie Antoinette Geisha Lu?

Lucito

Steampunk Lu

Our Lady Luberty

Fun Finds Friday and Injury Update!

Hiya,

Have you guys heard of Pinterest? I'm sure you have, but in case you haven't here's what Pinterest has to say about itself:

Pinterest is a Virtual Pinboard.
Pinterest lets you organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web. People (AND DOGS!**) use pinboards to plan their weddings, decorate their homes, and organize their favorite recipes.

Best of all, you can browse pinboards created by other people (AND DOGS!**). Browsing pinboards is a fun way to discover new things and get inspiration from people who share your interests.

**added by ME!

Since I'm not planning a wedding, nor doing any cooking, why would I join? The reason is simple -- to keep track of all the cool products my mom could buy for me/us, the great DIY projects she could make for me/us, and the neat decorating ideas she could implement to make my/our lives even more fancy! Woot woot! Also, there are soooo many cute pictures of aminals, like the one below!

D'oooh! Extreme cuteness!

 

I hereby officially invite you to view my pin boards! I will be pinning away! I hope you'll consider "folllowing me": http://pinterest.com/lululouisedog/

Zero followers so far...maybe you can change that for me?

*  *  *

Injury Update: 

The nice vet lady said mom could increase my freedom and start upping my walks!! Mom just has to record my gait, whatever that is, and email it the the vet lady to make sure it looks ok.  Oh, no more woozy pills, so my energy is coming back full force! Hopefully the pain stays away, though, paws crossed.   (Thanks for your help, nice vet lady!) I'd also like to send VERY SPECIAL THANK YOUS to the most excellent Daily Puglet readers who sent me all that wonderful healing Juju!!!  It really did help!! And AN EVEN MORE SPECIAL THANK YOU to Amanda, Puglet and Dutch's mom, for continuing to check up on my progress! xoxoxoxo

XO,

Lu

Damn Trivia Night

Mom went out with some of her human friends for trivia night. While she and the other humans, including my Unkie Ritik and My-Ryan, were testing their trivial knowledge I was at home pondering life's deeper questions:

• what did the vet lady say about my prognosis?
• why isn't there a second dinner being served?
• why haven't I gotten to post to my blog on Thursday, instead of in the wee hours of Friday?
• how much longer until I get to eat again?
• can I chase the cat now? NOW?

Mom says I have to get off the computer now (waste of a blog post if you ask me), and that we can explore these and and any other ponderings tomorrow.  

Til then, my friends!

Can't wait to get back to the beach...like Annette Funicello.

XO,

Lu

Oh, Baby!

Unfortunately, I'm still in prison.  Hopefully, paws crossed, that will change after mom talks to the nice vet lady tomorrow.  I am walking 98% of the time.  That's the official percentage.  Fancy, right?!  Ok, it's not really official and more of a guesstimate, but regardless, it's a lot of walking compared to last week!

While I was resting up, Mom took one of my buddies, Baby, out for a game of fetch.  Baby is awesome.  She's a fun, spunky, silly and affectionate 16 month old Pittie. Mom and I love her. Baby loves us, too, and she also loves Ball. That's a whole lotta love! She carries Ball with her 75% of the time while at the park. Again, that's the official percentage! Ok, fine, it's also a guesstimate. She only drops Ball when she wants you to throw it for her. Then she speedily runs, grabs it back up, and actually brings it back! I guess this is called "Fetch" and baby is GREAT at it.  Maybe I should try to pick up a pointer or two.  

Ain't Baby a looker?!

While mom was in the park she met another silly gal named Cowgirl.  Cowgirl is a 9 or 10 year old Bulldog of some variety.  She is a sunbathing cutie and also a human leaner...you know, the ones that cozy up and lean in for scritches.  Mom loves her a leaner. 

Well, think good thoughts for the phone check in with my doctor!! I'm 100% ready to be FREE and that's NO guesstimate!

Time to cuddle up with mom and go to zzzzzzzzzzz...

XO,

Lu

A Valentine for Quinn

Meet my BESTest friend is Quinn...she's a pretty Lab/Akita mix.  I met her years ago in San Francisco, and for most of our formative years we played several times a week (often getting into mischief together).  I love her and her moms sooooo much.  Unfortunately, Quinn and her moms moved to Arizona last year.  I miss them all terribly.  Mom and My-Ryan keep saying we are going to road trip to see them. I say, GET IT TOGETHER, HUMANS, and let's get the show on the road.  I want to see my ladies!!

Until then this will have to do.  Love you guys!

This slideshow personalized with Smilebox

XO,
Lu

Saturday's Shoot and Leg Update

Hello, out there.  What do you do when your person comes back smelling like a bunch of other dogs? Since my mom hangs out with lots of dogs, I tend not to pay too much attention.  BUT, when she came home the other day, she smelled like a million PUGS! I imagined her in a room full of pugs, picking out her next poochie.  I sniffed and I sniffed her, accusingly.  She told me she loved me, and to not worry about being left for any other dog.  PHEW!! Apparently she was only helping Puglet's mom with her 1000 Pug Project (Puglet's mom is going to take pictures of ONE THOUSAND PUGS in one year!).  Mom was a "pug greeter," and she got some good tips for taking pics of ME once I'm allowed out in the world again.  I can't wait!

Guess where the photoshoot was?!? RIGHT WHERE MY ACCIDENT HAPPENED! Luckily no pug was hurt during the taking of pictures.  PHEW, again.

Puglet's mom taking photos of a cutie pug named Lola

*   *   *

Life here has been pretty lame-o (pun intended).  I am swapping between hopping on one back leg and gingerly walking on all four.  More and more walking each day! I am definitely feeling more feisty and spent the evening chasing the cat that lives with us (I'll tell you more about her soon, too...still so much to tell you about!).  Mom keeps giving me the woozy pills.  They make my eyeballs feel funny, but make being in doggy jail more bearable.  I looked in the pill bottle and there are only a few left.  I wonder what the vet lady will say when mom calls her later in the week.

The vet lady told my mom that I'm not supposed to be jumping on the bed, but my mom has been letting me sleep on the bed anyway.  (Thanks for breaking the rules, momma!)  She gets upset when I jump up and down to chase the cat.  It's not my fault the cat keeps taunting me!

Anyhoo, since I don't  have any new pics to show you, I thought I'd share an older one of me in greenery, like Lola...except I don't have a fancy chair:

XOXO,

Lu

Missed Opportunities

The nice vet lady said I had to stay drugged and caged for another week.  I'm starting to get a little irritated about the whole thing.  I'm especially ticked that I missed two more fun outings!

Corono Heights Park

The first outing I missed took place last night.  Yes, NIGHT.  How fun would that have been?! My-Ryan and my Unkie Ritik hiked up to Corona Heights.  This is one of my favorite walks and missing it with two of my favorite guys really stinks.

Lu looks over San Francisco 

Mom took me on that trail a few days before my accident...isn't it pretty up there? Don't I look goooood against the backdrop of San Francisco? :)

The park is really neat...on one side they have a fenced in dog run, then you can walk up to the top of the beautiful reddish rock formations and then on the other side there is a little grass area that my mom and our friend, Hollis, named "The Secret Garden"where dogs run around.  I love it up there, and mom likes it because it's not too busy...oops, I hope my blogging about it doesn't ruin its' secretness.

The second outing I missed was the Friday walk with Dorrie.  You remember Dorrie, right?  Well, she and mom walked through Hayes Valley and Dorrie got to be a super model again today, lucky bitch. I'm glad they had fun, even though it was without me.  Here are some of my favorite pics:

 (Mom was really into finding colorful backgrounds for her! She looks purty!)

teal wall

blue and black wall

green bench

Then she got tired of posing: 

(yawn...can we get back to walking already?!)

And then they visited our friend, Allie, at the place (Lotus Bleu Design) where she does that thing called "work".  I still can't quite get a handle on this going to "work" business, but apparently Allie makes the insides of places look reaaaally pretty!

Getting pets from Allie at Lotus Bleu

Man, I hope I'm all fixed up soon, so I don't miss too many more adventures.  Time to rest up for the night.

XO,
Lu

Heard of a Huntaway?

Have you heard of a New Zealand Huntaway? Me neither! But mom was out (without me again!) this morning and saw a dog that she said looks JUST like me.  "Just like me?" I humphed.  "I'm an individual," I argued back.  "Yes, of course." she said.  BUT, I have to admit I was curious.  I asked my friend Google about these NZ Huntaway dogs, and wow, they DO look like my people.

Ok, here's a pic of me on top of Twin Peaks (photo credit to my Unkie Ritik...I'll tell you more about him soon!).  Please excuse the panting...it was a long walk up:

 

I couldn't find one of me looking head on (something about mom not wanting to hook up the storage drive)...but basically this is what I'd look like (with a little thinner face):

New Zealand Huntaway

Ok, let's do this again.  Me (photo credit to Unkie Ritik):

Them:

NZ Huntaway.  I wear my ear(s) like this sometimes, too.

Then mom looked up the characteristics and well, it's a bit uncanny, to be honest:

Temperament and Origin:

The New Zealand Huntaway is a very unique sheep-herding dog, in that it uses it's voice to drive the sheep.  The New Zealand Huntaway originated in the 1900's.  While most of the original British sheepdogs transported to New Zealand worked the sheep silently, an occasional dog would work them with his voice.  Some shepherds were intrigued with this, liking what they saw in the voice-driving sheepdogs.  Selective breeding of the barking sheep-herding dogs and many other breeds were crossed to get the characteristics that were desired. 

(Source)

Appearance and General Info:

Huntaways are large dogs that generally weigh in the region of 40-65 pounds (18–29.5 kg).^[1]Their coats can vary in colour; colours include black, black and tan (usually) with some white or brindle. Their coats can also come in different textures; they can be smooth, rough, or grizzly and they are generally floppy eared. A huntaway’s height is usually about 20-24 inches (51-61 cm) tall.^[1]

Huntaways generally live to around 12 to 14 years of age. They are intelligent,^[1] friendly, very energetic, active dogs that require a lot of exercise.^[1] They have been bred to muster in the hills and mountains of New Zealand where it is difficult to walk or ride, so hand signals and whistles are used to communicate commands to these dogs when they are at a distance. They are well known for being a noisy dog, especially when working.^[2]

(Source)

*  *  *

Well, there you have it...I'm 48 lbs, black and tan with a smooth coat and I am most certainly floppy eared.  (Mom still thinks I have some Whippet in me, as well, since I'm not quite as stocky as these guys.) I'm loud, love to be in the hills and mountains, super high energy, and am very intelligent, if I do say so myself.

What do you guys think? Is it a match?  

XO,

Lu (the huntaway?)

Piss and Vinegar

Mom says I must be feeling a bit better because my levels of "piss and vinegar" are rising, whatever that means! I guess she didn't appreciate the barking at the neighbor during her precious nap.  But besides this piss and vinegar business, the big news around here is THAT I'M WALKING a few steps at a time.  YAY!  Hopefully I've pulled it together fast enough to avoid going to the special clinic.

So, I looked up this piss and vinegar, and found an entry at Thesaurus.com:

Main Entry:	full of beans
Part of Speech:	adjective
Definition:	healthy and energetic
Synonyms:	bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, full of ginger, fullof pep, full of piss and vinegar, full of vitality,peppy, vivacious, zingy

Huh, I'll take it, even though I know she said it with a touch of annoyance; my barking drives her batty sometimes.  But she is thrilled that I am getting better. barking and all! Woohoo.

How could anyone ever get annoyed with me? ;)

* * *

XO,

Lu

p.s. Mom went out with our friend, Joe, for burritos and now SHE is full of beans!

Puttin' my foot down (and pics of my insides!)

Hey Everyone in Blogland,
I am trying my best to put some weight on my leg/foot, so that I don't have to go to the extra special special vet--I now have until Wednesday to show more improvement.  I am putting my foot down a little more and more everyday.  This makes mom get very excited (she does a little jig!).

Here's a little video my momma took:

(sorry for the lack of color correction)

Let me introduce you to My-Ryan.  He is my mom's boyfriend and my very special friend.  He has been helping my mom carry me up and down from our 3rd floor walk up apartment.  Thanks, My-Ryan!

whoa, these stairs are a little scary from up here.

Hippo and I have still been in doggy jail during the day, but momma has been letting us sleep in bed with her at night! YAY! 

Wanns see something super duper dope?!? Here are the pictures of my insides: (THESE ARE MY INSIDES! Crazy, right?!)

                                                

               

                            

Neato!

Until tomorrow,

Lu