It's contagious!

That bath idea is spreading around the net. Good one Maggie.

Kay said that I definitely needed a bath, 'cause I smelled.

Yes, and I thought I was smelling rather good too - a rich, complex aroma that all my friends seemed to like. Now I smell like medicated dog wash - that doesn't seem to be much of an improvement to me!

But I must say that since I have been using this latest medicated shampoo I haven't gotten any of those nasty hot spots at all this summer.

That and losing a bit of weight and getting a low protein dog food - not sure which part made the difference, but something's working.

Now, if I can just find something good and dead to roll in...

Gosh, we are so sad to hear the news about Bogart's dad (he's in hospital and very, very sick). Let's hope the power of prayer and positive thoughts can work a miracle for Bogie and his mom and dad.

The most marvelous thing did happen when the nurses let him come to visit his dad at the hospital! See the pictures on his blog.

All the best Lulu - we're thinking of you!

Neil and I are carpenters. Well... I'm only a second year carpenter's apprentice so far. It might take a while before I'm fully qualified.

Ever since I was a pup, I've been going with Neil to work and learning all about the finer points of carpentering.

Some people think that a dog can't be a carpenter, but Neil sets them straight. I go everywhere with him - we're a team.

I go on all the building sites and guard the tools and pass things to Neil when he is up a ladder or has his hands full.

I had to learn not to chew up bits of wood, like the handles of the chisels or the hammer. Neil said it was unprofessional.

We went out and did a bit of rogue agility training the other morning. Kids playgrounds have all sorts of fun equipment to play on - pity that dogs aren't allowed anywhere near them. But we don't let that stop us...

(Unfortunately, it was early in the morning before the kiddies were up and about and the dew made everything a bit slippy. Usually I can get up the ladder without help). But the slide is so cool!

For all those admirers of the amazing Ludwig, check out how good he is at obedience.

Kay makes me watch this again and again, saying "See, try to be more like Ludwig". I think I would get a sore neck if I did it like him - he never loses focus.

I especially like the nice airedale touch he adds to his recall (about 2.36 minutes into the clip). His human and the judge have trouble keeping straight faces.

I went to a BBQ last Saturday night at my friend Harry's place. Harry's a cute little black poodle.

There was lot's of great food - so I'm told. I didn't seem to get any of it.

This is Harry with Ximena and Hernan.

Harry also lives with a cat! So I spent a goodly part of the evening staring at the cat and the place where the cat had been... just in case he came back. This made Kay nervous, so I also spent a goodly part of the evening tied to a tree.

Then it was time for photos, but Harry just wouldn't sit still for very long. I struck up my best pose, but he distracted me by sniffing my ear. Hmmph. Harry, stop that! Anyway, a good time was had by all (except maybe the cat).