Say A Little Prayer For Walker

Good evening friends. Earlier today I had posted request to be on the lookout for my friend, Walker. I was contacted by Walker's owner earlier this evening and informed that Walker had an unfortunate accident and sadly is now in doggy heaven. I only met him for a short time but know that he was a special fella. Our thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family tonight.
Lexy

Please Help Find Walker

Hello Friends,

I am very sad to report that my friend, Walker, the dog whom I last interviewed is missing. His picture is posted here. (Please see other photos in my previous post). Please find below complete information and description about Walker. His family would appreciate any information which would lead to his being found and brought home. If you have any information about Walker's whereabouts please email me at goodtoy@schnoodleware.com I will forware the information to his family. Thank you so much. Lexy

reward lost dog

Dog Information

Name
Walker

Sex
Neutered Male

Breed
Boston Terrier / English Bulldog

Color
Beige with white

Age
13 months

Hair
Medium

Markings/ Distinguishing Characteristics
Black eyes and black spots on nose. 35 pounds. Walker was wearing a dog collar with tags.

Last Seen Location
Sheepfold ParkThe Fells, Medford

Date
July 25, 2008

Story
Walker was at the dog park with me Friday afternoon, July 25. He went for a routine walk into the woods and didn’t return. Walker is an especially friendly dog. He is not aggressive toward people or other animals. PLEASE call if you see him or are able to capture him. We miss him terribly!

A Walk in the Park

Today I made my way up to the Sheepfold at Middlesex Fells Reservation in Medford, MA. It is a well known meeting place for dogs of all shapes and sizes and today was no exception. This beautiful 80 degree day brought out dozens of dogs ready for a good time. I was lucky enough to catch up with a one-year-old Boston Bulldog named Walker. Walker lives in Melrose and was kind enough to share a few moments during his busy playtime with us. Here is what Walker had to say:

L: Who do you live with?

W: I live with my Mom and Dad and two room mates.

L: Did your parents adopt you from a breeder or a rescue organization?

W: I was adopted from a breeder.

L: What do you eat at mealtime?

W: My usual meal is a bowl of Iams Veterinary Formula Low Residue Diet.

L: What is your favorite treat to eat?

W: I love it when my parents give me chicken.

L: Where is your favorite place to take a walk:

W: I love coming here to the Sheepfold.

L: Where is your least favorite place to go?

W: The back seat of the car.

L: Who is your favorite dog friend?

W: My best friend is a Yorkie named Jack.

L: Who is your favorite human friend?

W: My Mom, Angela.

L: Have you ever gotten in really big trouble?

W: No, not really. I'm told that I am a very well behaved guy.

L: Is your vet your friend or your foe?

W: My friend.

L: What was the worst behavior that you showed as a puppy (which you have now outgrown)?

W: Jumping on people to say hello was a problem that I used to have but I am getting better about it now.

L: What behavior are you trying to improve upon now?

W: Running to people to say hello.

L: Who's the boss in your house?

W: My Dad, Kevin.

L: What do you like to listen to in the car?

W: The wind. I like to stick my head out the window.

L: When relaxing at home with your family what do you usually get to watch?

W: ESPN

L: 101 Dalmations-Animated or Live Action?

W: Animated.

L: Snoopy or Scooby Doo?

W: Scooby Doo. No question about that.

L: Dog bed or people bed?

W: People bed (when Dad is away).

Great interview, Walker, thanks. It was nice to have me you. It looks like your parents like to keep you busy. Today was a great day. I hope that this summer has a lot more in store for you.

Smile! You're on Canine Camera!

Ah! Spring seems to finally be upon us. The sun is shining and the trees are blooming. Who could ask for more. This weekend I met some new friends at a fabulous boutique in Wakefield, MA called Gone to the Dogs. Owner Gina Swansburg has been there for only a short time but has already created quite a following. Both two-legged and four-legged customers are welcomed warmly into her cheerful boutique. Among her product selection you will find a variety of delicious fresh bakery products (I got a chance to sample some. . .yum). I also loved her large display of unique leashes and collars. This must see boutique is the only Massachusetts distributor of the exclusive line of Diamond Dogs collars and leashes. Anyone who pays a visit to Gone to the Dogs knows that customer service is more than a buzz word. Gina's favorite part of her job is taking the time to find that special product a customer is looking for.

Today Gone to the Dogs was hosting Pet Portrait Day. Photographer Dawn Norris of Absolutely Canine, Inc. spent the day snapping pictures of some of the cutest furry subjects you ever did see. Let me tell you. . .these are some "lucky dogs" (no pun intended). Dawn has photographed animals throughout the country. Her photos capture each pet's expression and personality like no one else can. She has a fabulous new line of products to show off those precious photos including canvas prints, archival proof boxes and sterling silver jewelry. Keep an eye out for her new business location and if you are an existing client Dawn is offering 15% of your total order when you book a consultation.

During my visit I got to chat with two new friends. Toby, a nine-year-old Yorkshire Terrier from Lynnfield and Shamus an eighteen-month-old Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier from Wakefield. While Dawn was busy taking the professional photos my assistant, Annmarie, took a few shots of me with my two friends.

Toby lives at home with a great people family. He came in with his mom and had his picture taken with his brother. They all love him very much.

Here is some more of what Toby had to say:

• L: Where were you born, Toby?
  
  
• T: I am a New England native. I was born in Maine before coming to live with my family in Lynnfield, MA.
  
  
• L: Who is in charge of doggy duties at home?

• T: It is usually Mom. She feeds me and walks me most of the time. Moms are really good at that kind of stuff.
  
  
• L: Who takes care of you during the day while your parents are at work?

• T: Talk about a lucky dog. My parents both work at home. I'm never lonely or bored during the day.

• L: Do you get to go out a lot with your family?

• T: Yes, I'm always out with them. I love the outdoors. Now, I usually go on long walks but when my older brother was younger I would also go to a lot of his sports activities. I like to be where the action is!
  

• L: Do you have a favorite human friend?

• T: I can't single out any one particular person that is a favorite. I am though, quite a people person. I especially love strangers.
  
  
• L: Do you get along well with other dogs?

• T: Sure. I like to make friends with most dogs. I have to admit though I am a bit leery of some larger dogs. I can't seem to warm up to goldens and labs and black dogs really make me do an about face.

• L: Do you have a favorite treat that you like to eat?

• T: Not particularly. I love to eat anything!

• L: Who spoils you the most?

• T: My mom.

• L: How would you end this sentence? "I love it when. . ."
  

• T: I eat!

• L: "I hate it when. . ."

• T: I take a bath and get my teeth brushed.

• L: Belly rubs or ear scratches?

• T: Ear scratches.

• L: Nap on the couch or nap on the floor?

• T: I like to nap anywhere that there is sun.

Thank you so much for your time, Toby. It was great talking to you. Enjoy all the fabulous spring days ahead of us.

Shortly after my interview with Toby I had the opportunity to meet another friend who was on his way to his photo shoot. Shamus was a lively Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier who was looking quite sharp since he had just left the groomer. After his photo session with Dawn Shamus was kind enough to sit down and offer a few minutes of his time.

• L: Where were you born, Shamus?

• S: I was born not far from here, Saugus, MA the home of Hilltop Steakhouse and Kowloon Restaurant.

• L: Can you tell me a little about your people family?

• S: I live at home with Mom and my sister and brother Keara and Jordan.

• L: What do you do during the day while everyone is working or at school?

• S: I stay home and keep the house ship shape. Later in the day my friend Julie then comes to visit me and take me for a half-hour walk.

• L: Where do you like to go with your family?

• S: My favorite place is the Sheepfold in the Middlesex Fells Reservation. When I go there I get to run around an play with dozens of great dogs. It is the perfect canine playground!

• L: Who is your favorite dog friend?

• S: My best dog friends are my doggy brother Finnegan and our friend Gatsby. He is also Wheaten Terrier.

• L: Who is your favorite human friend?

• S: That would have to be Alicia.

• L: Do you ever go on vacation with your family?

• S: Not long ones but sometimes we'll go down the Cape or to Maine for a weekend.

• L: What is your favorite dog toy?

• S: Henry, my squeaky purple elephant.

• L: What is your favorite human treat?

• S: Scrambled eggs.

• L: How would you finish this sentence: "I love it when. . ."

• S: My family comes home from being gone.

• L: "I hate it when. . ."

• S: They leave

• L: "The silliest thing I ever had to wear was. . . "

• S: Build-A-Bear clothes.

• L: Belly rubs or ear scratches?

• S: Ear scratches.

• L: Tug or Fetch?

• S: Tug.

• L: Nap on the couch or nap on the floor?

• S: Nap on the couch.

Thanks, Shamus. You sound like quite a busy fellow. It was a pleasure talking with you.

And also thanks to Gina and Dawn. It was great meeting everyone on this beautiful spring afternoon. I hope you all enjoyed my latest interviews. Be sure to check back often to learn more about what is going on in the lives of Every Day Dogs.

Working Like Dogs and Loving It

This week I had the opportunity to travel down to Marlborough, MA to vist two friends of mine at their place of employment. Golden retrievers, Brandy and Tori are the official mascots of Pets Gone Healthy a fabulous pet store that specializes in natural and holistic products for dogs and cats. As a matter of fact I'm not the only one that thinks they are tops. Pets Gone Healthy was recently given the honor of Holistic Pet Retailer of the Year by the publication Pet Product News! Owners Sandie and Ken Wheeler have worked very hard to provide only the highest quality products to their loyal customers. From premium dog foods to treats, vitamin suppliments to natural skin treatments as well as toys to accessories this small family owned business has everything needed to keep your best friend happy and healthy.

I mentioned that Pets Gone Healthy is a family owned business. The two most important members of that family are Brandy and Tori. Brandy, age 5 has "worked" at the store since its opening in the summer of 2005. Tori, age 2 joined her sister shortly after that and began "working" as a wee pup. Being store mascots is a tough job but someone has to do it! I sat down with Brandy and Tory to learn a little bit more.

• L: What is your favorite part about coming to work every day?

• B & T: There is a lot of things that we like about it. But our favorite part is greeting the customers as they come in. An important part of our job is making our customers feel welcome. All we do is give them our cute look. They always say hello and give us scratches behind our ears. They always leave with a smile on their face. So we must be doing something right. Another perk is unlimited free treats!

• L: What is your least favorite part about coming to work?

• B & T: Well that is a tough one but one draw back of being part of a successful business is that it can get very busy in here at times. When that is the case the customer always comes first which is fine with us except when nature calls. . .and we have to pee!

• L: Do you have a favorite human customer?

• B & T: All of our customers are so good to us but if we had to pick it would have to be Uncle Ed.

• L: How about a favorite non-human customer?

• B & T: There are too many to choose from. We really love all of our furry friends.

• L: Do you get to try out new products?

• B & T: Yes. All the time. We try out new leashes and collars. Our customers often ask us to model coats and other clothing. Our favorite things to try out, though, are the toys and the treats!

• L: Have you every gotten into trouble while at work?

• B & T: We are really model employees. We try very hard to do as we are told and follow our boss' instructions. But it is a great big world out there and sometimes when the door opens we can't help ourselves and slip outside when someone is coming or going. We always come back though. We know that we have it pretty good around here.

• L: What do you do to melt your bosses' hearts?

• B & T: Our bosses' are the most important people in our lives. They would do anything for us but when we want to melt their hearts all we have to do is look at them with our wide puppy eyes and give them a big smile.

• L: When you are not working what is your favorite thing to do?

• B & T: We love to go to the soccer field and chase tennis balls.

• L: Where is your favorite place to walk?

• B & T: We love it when we get to take a walk through the woods.

• L: Hot dogs or hamburgers?

• B & T: Hamburger (Raw).

• L: Peanut butter or cheese?

• B & T: Peanut butter.

• L: Dog bed or people bed?

• B & T: People bed.

• L: Thank you so much for your time, ladies. One dog's work is another dog's play. Continue to do what you are doing. It sounds like your job is to put a smile on people's faces and that you do it very well!

Be sure to check in again. Now I am off to find the next "Every Day Dog."

Welcome!

Hello all! Welcome to my very first entry to my newly established blog. This is the place to come when you want to learn a little more about the dogs that you love. These aren't famous dogs. You won't see them in movies or on TV. These are Every Day Dogs. These are the dogs you might see at the park, or the beach. They're the dogs that hang their heads out the car window or get muddy paw prints all over the newly washed kitchen floor. So many ways they are the same but in so many more ways they are different. It is the differences that make us love them the most. I hope that you enjoy reading my interviews. I'm looking forward to bringing them to you. Enjoy!