I Won the Halloween Costume Contest

Guess what? I won the Halloween costume contest at "Scream on the Green" in downtown Houston. In the photo above I'm not wearing my yellow booties and my jacket is not buttoned up but you can see just how cute I looked after the contest. I even danced on stage, and mommy wore a pea coat and Paddington hat as well.

I would like to thank my grandma, mommy, and daddy for making this all possible. Well, I deserve a bit of credit too; after all, I am adorable and have great stage presence.

When they called my number - we have to go by numbers at the contest, not names - mommy and daddy cheered. I knew I had won and I was over the moon! Mommy walked me up on stage so we could collect my prize: a $250 gift card to Petco. That's some prize for a free contest don't you think?

After mommy accepted my prize, she attempted to walk off stage but I didn't want to move. I wanted my full 15 minutes of fame so I acted like a bull and wouldn't budge. Mommy almost tripped down the stairs because people were crowding the area but I made it through no problem.

Mommy and daddy gave me lots of hugs and kisses and kept telling me how well I did. I just jumped up and wagged my tail.

Then it was time to go home so I ran mommy down the street. Oops, I mean, mommy walked me down the street. Actually some man on a funny looking bicycle - I think it's supposed to carry humans - told mommy I was like a bull full of energy. I was just so excited!

Mommy wanted me to burn off some of that energy, so we drove to the park where I was able to run around and bark. I even rolled around but don't worry, mommy had already taken off my costume by that point. "Woof! Woof! I won! I won!"

So you're probably wondering what I'm going to do with the Petco gift card, right? Well, since I'm doing well on Nature's Logic (which is not sold in Petco), I'm going to get a lot of natural treats for myself. However, I know that not all doggies are as lucky as me, so I'm thinking about buying cat and dog food to donate to the animal shelter as well. Yeah, yeah I know....cat food? Well, it's the least I can do since I chase them around the neighborhood.

I'm Taking a Bath

Daddy is giving me a bath. Hmm, why is there a smirk on his face?

Now daddy really seems to be enjoying himself. Does this look like fun?

Oh, woe is me. I hate getting a bath. Daddy tries so hard to keep me clean and smelling nice but I would much rather be smelly and dirty. Oh well, at least I can rest my head on daddy's knee.

P.S. You see the human body wash on the soap dish? That's not for me; that's for my grandpa and grandma - they're coming to visit me soon. Oops, don't tell them that I used their bathtub.

Help the doggies rescued from the Corridor of Cruelty

Mommy told me that some mean people are abusing and neglecting dogs before dumping them at the Corridor of Cruelty (near Highway 59 and West Little York in Houston, TX). A nice woman named Deborah Hoffman and some volunteers from Corridor Rescue are trying to help these doggies but need your help.

The most recent doggy that was rescued is Charlie. You can read his story here. Mommy posted his photo for you all to see. He's not in great shape but he can get better with some wonderful veterinary treatment and a nice foster home.

When I hear about these stories, it makes me realize how lucky I am that I have a great mommy and daddy - even though I don't like it when my daddy gives me a bath and my mommy brushes out my knots. I know they're just trying to keep me clean and healthy but geez, don't they know I like to be dirty and roll around on the grass?

Daddy gave me a bath this past weekend and I didn't yodel once but I did try to escape towards the end. Fortunately mommy was there to make sure I didn't run around the house soaking wet. Then daddy took me for a walk so I could dry off and play.

I don't know why, but this past weekend I received a lot of doggy massages and snuggle time. I think mommy and daddy just love me more and more each day although mommy did complain that I scratched her face when I tried to wake her up last week. I can't help it; I want to say, "Good morning!" to my mommy and of course, I do my best to get her to feed me even though daddy gives me my breakfast. I'm pretty good at manipulating mommy with my tricks and big brown eyes. Even daddy has recently said, "How can you resist that face?" Yep, I'm a master manipulator and it works....well, most of the time.

I hope everyone had a good weekend. Happy Columbus Day - whatever that is.

I Can Brush My Own Teeth

As you can see from my photo, I know how to brush my own teeth. Mommy was quite surprised when she noticed that I had taken my toothbrush from the mat - where mommy normally brushes my teeth - to the dining room area. Mommy thought it was the beef flavored toothpaste that I liked, but there was no toothpaste on my toothbrush when I took it to the dining room and started chewing it. I'm not normally a chewer so it surprised mommy. I guess she didn't realize just how clean I want my teeth. I want to have a movie star smile.

Mommy got mad at me today because during our walk in the woods, I ran off and started to eat something. Of course I was pre-occupied so I couldn't hear mommy calling me; OK, so I heard mommy but I ignored her. Hee-hee! Mommy had to make her way through the woods to get me and when she found me, I was quite shocked. I didn't think mommy couldn't make it through all those trees. Mommy saw that I was licking something but she didn't know what it was. She saw flies and it was all wet. My breath didn't smell like poop but still mommy thought it was poop - possibly even human poop. Gross. Whatever I ate, I sure hope I don't get sick from it. Mommy won't let me run off again. My bad.

I'm Back

Hi everyone! I'm back from staying with my host mommy, and my parents are back from their vacation in New England. They told me they had a great time but were anxious to get back and see me. I had a fun time with my host mommy and this time, I was a very good boy. I didn't steal any cookies and I didn't vomit once.

I have some sad news; Rebekah, the Chinese Dwarf Hamster that was my guest blogger, passed away. We're sending our condolences to Rebekah's mommy and hope Rebekah is happy in hamster heaven. You can click here to read more about Rebekah.

Above is a picture of me before my mommy and daddy went on vacation. I was on their bed resting my head on mommy's T-shirt. She always makes sure she leaves a T-shirt in my crate so I don't forget her when she's on vacation. I could never forget my mommy; I love her too much. I was so excited to see both my mommy and daddy when I came home. I gave them lots of hugs and kisses. Daddy was happy to see that I was so affectionate towards him because he usually plays second fiddle, but not this past weekend. See daddy, I love you too.

Hope everyone had a good week!

There's a Serial Arsonist in our Neighborhood

I learned that someone is burning down unoccupied homes in our neighborhood. At least people aren't living in the homes that were set on fire, but it sure is scary. Mommy and I walked by one of the homes today and took pictures. The smell didn't bother me but mommy didn't like it. I hope they catch the person who is setting the fires because mommy doesn't like to listen to sirens and helicopters at night. This is very unusual for our area so everyone is quite upset.

On a happier note, I received my Paw it Forward presents from Dory - thank you Dory! I'll be sure to Paw it Forward next month when mommy has more time. Mommy wants to let everyone know that my blog will be on hold for a couple of weeks but I'll be back in October. Mommy and daddy are going to take a much needed vacation which means I get to stay with my host family. I'm sure they won't leave any cookies on the table this time because last time, I stole them and got sick.

Did I tell you that I was sick twice last night? I threw up food around 2 AM and then bile around 7:30 AM. Mommy thinks it might be my new food even though I only had 1/16 of a cup - since mommy is trying to transition me slowly. I hope I do better tonight. Mommy only gave me kibble with water today - no treats - so hopefully I won't vomit. And tonight, we're actually going to go to bed before midnight so maybe a good night's sleep is all I need. Mommy has been so busy lately so I hope she gets to relax on her vacation.

I'm going to get professionally groomed next week - I can't wait. Mommy thinks I'm starting to look scruffy but I actually received two compliments today. I was told I'm beautiful and yes, it's gone straight to my head.

You can see a picture of me in the car before our morning walk - which means it's before I've been brushed for the day. I'm wearing my seat belt. It's pretty don't you think? Mommy says this picture shows off my long eyelashes. Apparently the ladies love my long lashes.

I'm Switching my Dog Food

Mommy took me with her on a lot of errands which means I got to enjoy one of my favorite activities: ride in the car! Besides our usual drive to the woods for our morning walk, mommy took me to a holistic vet so I could get new food. No one was there but we sure had fun looking around. I was very interested in chicken legs or beaks or something chicken related that I had never seen before.

Since no one seemed to be there, we left and went to a pet store so mommy could return the food I usually eat. It's wheat-free but mommy thinks the synthetic vitamins could be what's causing my tummy problems. Apparently doggies have died due to synthetic vitamins D3, Selenium, and Zinc. That's why some dog food brands had to be recalled....or at least that's what the folks from my new dog food manufacturer told mommy.

While we were at the pet store, we saw another Cocker Spaniel but this cocker was not like me. His owner said he was a field cocker but mommy thought he looked awfully American to her. He was very friendly, sweet and cute, but after I let him sniff me, I walked away. I don't mind being sniffed or sniffing other dogs but I don't really like to "play" like some other doggies do. I was more interested in an open bag of treats. I tried to get some, but I couldn't because mommy kept an eye on me while talking to the other cocker's owner. He was a nice man and was so excited to share cocker stories with mommy. I guess we're a funny breed.

Then mommy took me back to the holistic vet and we were able to buy that special food. Mommy said she wants to give me a little each day until I get used to it, but I'd be happy eating all of it now. I seem to be waking up earlier and earlier with my tummy problems so mommy is hoping this new food will do the trick; if not, I'll have to see the holistic vet to see if my stomach pH is off or if I need some probiotics. In the meantime, I'm stilling taking antacids at night.

Later this evening we stopped by a new park - well, new to us. There was a tennis court and a volleyball court with sand. It looked really neat for humans, and the best part for mommy was the fact that there was no litter. Yeah! I didn't see any other dogs there but that's OK; when they go there tomorrow, they'll know that Euri was there because I marked my spot.

When we got home mommy cleaned my water bowl and I received fresh filtered water. Am I a pampered pooch? So with all of the walking and driving today, I'm worn out. I sure hope I sleep well tonight. I know mommy would like it if I didn't get up at 5 AM again.

P.S. Do you like my photo? It looks like I'm sticking my tongue out at you. Hee-hee!

Mommy Gave Me a Bath Today

Usually daddy gives me a bath but today, mommy decided she was going to do it. Was I really that stinky mommy? We went to the park with the woods this morning, and even though the trails were dry, I came out soaking wet. I guess mommy couldn't stand me being stinky and wet, so she took out the doggy bath and lathered me up. She tried a new shampoo this time since I keep getting so many knots - paws crossed it works. I know it smelled nice. Avocado or something.

I was a very good boy; I didn't yodel once! I like how mommy talked to me the entire time to make the torturous task of getting clean more bearable. Then we went for a walk in the sun so I could dry off - that was my second walk of the day! I did something silly though; I rolled around in the dirt. Oops! You can see a leaf on my wet fur in the picture. It actually compliments my coat, don't you think?

I'm getting professionally groomed in two weeks so I'm safe from another bath for a while. Can you tell I hate getting a bath? At least mommy gave me treats while she was cleaning me so it wasn't so bad. Mommy says she wants my fur to grow back since summer is just about over. That makes me happy because I don't like people thinking I'm a Poodle when I'm shaved. I'm not a Poodle - I'm an English Cocker Spaniel. I guess they don't see too many of us around here. That makes me special.

Paw it Forward

I received my very first Paw it Forward award from Dory! I'm so excited! Read about it on Dory's blog by clicking here.

Do I Look Like Will Smith?

I took a celebrity quiz yesterday - it's OK, it's for pets - and it said I'm just like Will Smith. Daddy thought I'd be someone more girly ( does that mean a girl?) but mommy wasn't surprised by the results. Daddy thinks I'm scared of everything because I jumped at a leaf once...OK, maybe two or three times, but I'm very brave and curious. Anyway, I like Will Smith and mommy said he's a good actor who is funny too, so I'm happy with my results.

Are you a doggy that wants to find out which celebrity you are most like? Click here and read all about it.

Oh, did I tell you that I threw up again this morning? Mommy wasn't happy about it because I threw up in my bed. She gave me a new treat yesterday made with lots of vegetables and healthy grains so she's convinced that it's all her fault. Poor mommy. But maybe it's because I ate some poop while walking to the park - it's one of my bad habits, I can't help it. Everyone has at least one bad habit right? Mommy likes to pick at her nails when she's upset. What's your bad habit?

So what's the good news about vomiting early in the morning? I got to eat breakfast early!

Please Don't Hit Your Dog

As mommy and I were walking home during our evening walk last night, a chocolate Labrador Retriever came running over to me. He wasn't mean or anything, he just wanted to say, "Hello!" But then his owner came over, took his hat off of his head, and hit the brown doggy. That wasn't very nice. Both mommy and I were very upset that the poor doggy was hit for no reason. Mommy didn't understand why the dog was treated like that, and I thought maybe I had gotten him in trouble so I walked away as quickly as possible. Mommy vocalized her displeasure but the owner didn't care. He actually apologized to mommy for his dog coming over to me. It made no sense. Doesn't he know that dogs like to say, "Hello?" to one another?

I could see if the chocolate lab was aggressive or trying to attack me, but he didn't seem to be mean at all. So mommy and I will try to avoid that street in the future because we don't like to see dogs being hit. Please don't hit your dogs! We need love, praise and affection - we don't like to be yelled out or hit.

P.S. Mommy said there is a nice doggy named Ellie that is looking to be adopted. If you want to learn more about Ellie, click here.

I Got Hit by a Soccer Ball

When we were walking home after our visit to the park last night, a soccer ball came rolling down the street. I saw it coming and didn't know what to do. I jumped and moved out of the way but somehow this ball managed to roll right into me. I wasn't hurt but I was a bit embarrassed. I tried to get out of the way yet the ball kept moving. Some nice men at the park did warn me, and mommy tried to move me out of the way. I guess I just wasn't expected a soccer ball to roll down the street like that.

Mommy noticed that I tripped yesterday when going for my evening walk as well. Daddy was surprised that mommy hadn't noticed sooner because he says I'm a clod. Is that like a Clydesdale? They're my favorite horse. Daddy thinks it's because my front paws are so large. He thinks I' have big bear claws and that I should be a bear for Halloween. Last year I was Superman - or should I say Superdog? What do you think I should be this year? E-mail me with your Halloween costume ideas: EuritheDog@yahoo.com

Why Did I Throw Up This Morning?

Mommy & daddy thought they had it all figured out and the vet even said the Pepcid AC would help the extra acid in my tummy, but I threw up this morning at 5 AM while daddy was in the shower. That's the first time I threw up since starting my antacids.

Mommy made sure I didn't throw up in my bed and pulled my ears back. Then she had to clean the hardwood floors. It was just the yellow bile so it wasn't gross or anything but I don't know why I did it.

What could it be? Last night I had soft peanut butter instead of chunky. Or maybe I didn't really swallow my pill? Or maybe it was something I ate in the park? Or maybe it's the special rawhide that mommy gave me for my anniversary? I just don't know.

I don't like throwing up. Hopefully I'll be better tonight. The good news is that my heartworm test was negative so I'm heartworm free. Yeah!

Happy Anniversary!

Today is my one year anniversary with my mommy & daddy. I can't believe it has only been a year - I feel like I've been with them my entire life. Even though today is "bath" day, I'm still very happy. Mommy says we're going to celebrate by going to a fancy dog boutique where I can pick out a nice treat, and then we'll go running around a large park with lots of woods. Of course no anniversary celebration is complete without dinner, so we're going to a dog-friendly restaurant later tonight. I can't wait! I already started the day off sleeping in the human bed , and mommy even gave me a nice belly rub. Happy Anniversary to my mommy & daddy! I woof you!

Do I Have Egg On My Face?

Mommy is trying to lose a few pounds so she no longer eats egg yolks - that means I get to eat them - yeah! They are good for my coat and they taste great too. This morning mommy cooked my egg yolks, mashed them up so I could easily digest them, and mixed them with water. She knows that I can be a messy eater so she put my snood on to protect my ears. Thank goodness she did that because mommy accidentally knocked my bowl full of eggs into the counter while trying to serve them to me, and they spilled all over the kitchen floor.

Since I was already wearing my snood I figured, "Why not?" So I started eating all of the eggs off of the hardwood floor. Mommy started laughing and said I was a funny dog. She was trying to clean up some of the mess when she heard what she thought was a warthog. She knew our neighbors didn't keep any warthogs - roosters and chickens, yes, but not warthogs. Then mommy got closer to me and learned that I was the warthog! I was making snorting noises as I was trying to find all of the egg mixture in the kitchen.

When I had licked all of the egg and water mixture from the floor, mommy noticed I had some egg on my face so she took my photo. She said I looked awfully cute and thought you might want to see my picture. Don't worry, mommy made sure the egg was removed from my face afterwards. She wouldn't want me to embarrass myself in front of the other dogs during our morning walk now, would she?

P.S. Mommy says a nice doggy named Bailey is available for adoption through CAP - the Citizens for Animal Protection - so if you'd like to learn more about Bailey, click here.

Heartworm

I went to the vet yesterday so they could test me for heartworm. Mommy makes sure I take a special pill every month so I don't get it, but unfortunately I still have to be poked once a year to make sure the medicine is working. Mommy says it's medicine but it tastes just like a yummy treat to me.

The vet tech tried two times to get my blood to come out but it didn't work. Maybe I'm too furry? He was awfully nice so I didn't mind. Then a different vet tech had to draw my blood and I was a very good boy. I didn't moan, whince, move or anything. I really like the staff there. They are always so nice to me. When it was all over, I got a special bone-shaped treat. And I when I was in the waiting room, one nice man said cockers are great. He told mommy that cocker spaniels are like children, only better. Mommy is always getting compliments about me. I must be one special dog. Well, when I'm not trying to eat poop that is.

I hope all of you doggies out there are on heartworm preventative medicine. If you're not, make sure you tell your owners to get you tested. If your test comes back negative, that's a good thing. Just take your medication - which tastes like a yummy treat - once a month and you're good to go.

Heartworm isn't a good thing so you want to make sure you never get it. It is a yucky worm that you can get from a mosquito bite. Mosquitoes like to bite my mommy. She has big red marks all over her legs. We can't wait until the winter when there won't be as many mosquitoes out.