Howie's Big Snake Adventure

Mom says it's important to make new friends.

Even if they have bad breath and scary beady eyes?

Wow, them fangs are impressive...

Hey, watch the neck buddy.

How did I get into this situation?

Last night ma was out in the yard with Annie and thought she saw a snake. She got real excited and started hollerin and hootin and yellin at dad to "GIT THE PUGGEES INSIDE"! I wanted to go outside and help find that snake cuz, as you see, I am well acquainted with snakes. But mom said NO HOWIE. NO NO NO. Just like that, real cruel like. So I sat in the kitchen and pouted til mom and dad came back into the house without the snake. I was real disappointed. Mom says we can't go out in the yard until she knows there are no snakes. So I'm stuck in here with Java and Annie bored to tears til this whole snake thing blows over. Life is, once again, cruel to the Howard Pee Pugpant-zes of the world...

A New Blog for Rescue Pugs

Frito went to the Rainbow Bridge after spending her

last years in the loving home of a pug rescuer in Houston.

She was a shining star for rescue and we sure hope she is

watching over us still!

I launched a new blog this week for Dallas Fort Worth Pug Rescue and I sure hope all my puggy friends will visit and let me know what you think! We are gearing up for Pugoween, the biggest pug event in Texas and our annual fundraiser. I posted a few pictures of some absolute cuteypugs in costume from last year on the new blog. I will do my best to make sure Howie behaves himself and shows some respect when I am blogging with my rescue hat on. He has already corrupted at least 6 foster pugs by showing them how to pee on inanimate household appliances in the Medina Foster Home for Wayward Pugs.

Wordless Wednesday Evening

Java Helpin' Hurricane Ike Victims

"Who, me?"

Java, Hurricane Ike Assistant Puggy

(Depending on Nap Schedule)

Mom said that my name is in the news today fur being helpful to Hurricane Victims. I don't remember helping, since I have a pretty full nap schedule. Maybe I was sleep walkin' when it was time to pass out the coffee. We think this is a great story about how Hurricane Ike victims are helping each other out.

From CNN Today:

Java Helpin'

Hurricane Ike Victims

Java was flowing Wednesday at nearly half of the Houston area's 150 Starbucks locations. As people in the Houston area struggle with widespread power outages and shortages of necessities days after Hurricane Ike, some are finding comfort, information and community at coffee shops that have managed to reopen.... (Read the whole story...)

Life is Ruff When You Only Got Your Brother to Play With...

Texas Puggies Prepare for Hurricane Ike

We are hunkered down at the House of Pee!

Howard Pee Pugpants and Anniebelly Bossybritches are getting ready for Hurricane Ike, a big storm heading to Texas and expected to hit hard Friday. The Flower Mound Humane Society and other humane societies across Texas are helping take in dogs and cats for evacuees, so don't forget your furbabies if you are heading up toward Dallas to get away from the storm!

Annie said if the storm hits Dallas, she is planning to take only her most important toys, including pink piggy, the squeaky red ball, noisey frog, knobbley bear, and, of course, the hunk of yellow faux fur leftover from some long ago deflated toy which no longer has an identity but which she holds close to her little puggy heart.

Art in the Swiss Avenue Historic District...

If someone invited you to their historic mansion, you would probably remember what time to arrive, right? Well, I arrived an hour too early to drop off my painting, Sanctuary, at this beautiful home in the Swiss Avenue Historic District in Dallas. The gracious host swore it was all his fault and he must have had the time wrong. All of the artists participating in Artscape had pieces featured here at a party yesterday evening. I hope when I pick up my painting this weekend, all will be forgiven, and I can see a bit more of this beautiful home.

This is a big month for arts at the Dallas Arboretum. They announced this week they will be sponsoring another Garden Paintout beginning September 20. I'll be at the Arboretum on weekends in September and October capturing some of their latest blooms on canvas. Something tells me it is going to be a bit cooler painting there this month than it was in July! Artscape on the Arboretum grounds kicks off September 20-21, with food, entertainment, and artists in tents hoping it doesn't rain. I'm pretty excited, it's my first outdoor show. *note to self to pack mosquito repellant and comfy shoes*

During the month of September, you can also stop by the DeGolyer House on the Arboretum grounds to see two of my works that were selected for the juried art show from the Mayflower Paintout, Splash and Sanctuary. For more details on all the art stuff happening at the Arboretum, visit the Events section of my web site.

The Mystery of the Missing Hairbrush

The Mom: Honey, have you seen my hairbrush?
The Dad: No, I haven't touched your hairbrush. Where did you have it last?
The Mom: I left it right next to the bed on the dresser. I clearly remember leaving it right next to the bed on the dresser.
The Dad: grmble grmbllegooky grrmble
The Mom: WHAT did you say??
The Dad: Um, oh, I said, are you SURE you left it there? You said the same thing about that strawberry fruit rollup the other day, and we never did find that.

Reflection

Reflection

24X30

Oil

If you saw my earlier painting, Aspire, this might look familiar! These colorful flowers were directly across from the red flowers portrayed in my earlier painting Aspire. I painted Aspire and Reflection from photos taken while visiting Balboa Park in San Diego recently. Balboa Park is a real treasure for photographers and painters, as well as puggies who are just out for a stroll. It doesn't cost a thing to get in or park, and you can stay all day!

Howie Boot Camp

When my brother Howie first arrived, I said,

"Let the little monster outta the pigpen.

I can train him, ma!"

Right away, I knew I had my paws full....

With the proper toys and distractions, I was able

to focus his energy upon chewing and destroyin'

stuff, valuable skills every pug should have.

He got tuckered out alot, so I also supervised

the nap activities. Pretty soon I had him snoring

and farting like a champ. Mom and dad scooch

over, Howie is ready for the big bed!

Nowadays, he's mainly just annoying. But he does make

a toasty warm blanket, that's fur sure.

This is me showing Howie how to use the doggy door...

Howard Pee and the Toilet Paper Caper

If mom hadn't gone out of town,

none of this EVER wudda happened.

I was bored, k?

WUTT? I'm jest checkin to see: does she have it

rollin' under or does she have it rollin' over...

Hey, this don't taste half bad.




Hmmm, a nice light texture, chewy to the taste
with a pleasing aroma. Gaaaaa....





Interesting how it bunches up in the cheeks

the more you chew....

Ruh roe!! I hear the dad. Time to make the escape!!!

Dandy the Beach Babe

When I moved to California from Texas, I

had no idea that beaches are the perfect

spot to cool off your belly. Now I know.

This is me starring in a movie called: Dandy the Beach Babe

This is me going for a walk with one of my fans. I am
sure enjoying the California life with my brother Elvis
and my mom, Mindy. I give it two toes up and circle snaps!

A Tribute to Frito

Frito, shortly after she was rescued.

Portrait of Frito, June 2008

Yesterday our rescue family said goodbye to a beloved little pug. Every rescue is special, but Frito tugged at all of our hearts so much. She was taken in by our Houston coordinator, Mary Fran, and Mary Fran gave her a loving home. Although Frito's little ears were leathery and her tail bare, it always waggled with joy, even yesterday morning, when she felt so ill, knowing her mama was near. Frito loved to dress up, and she wore her outfits with such style. Her battle with cancer is over now and she is not suffering. How lucky and how blessed we were to know her.

Wordless Wednesday at the House of Pee

No Pug Left Behind - Elvis in His Own Words

Hi, I'm Elvis Puggy. After I ate some of that tainted dog food,

I got pretty sick and my back legs stopped working. Mom

bought me one of those fancy carts and, in no time flat, I

was doing wheelies up and down the sidewalk.

My mom was real worried there for a while. I told her
there wasn't a thing to worry about, as long as she kept
those hugs and kisses coming...I'm feeling much better now.

One of mom's friends made this picture of me. Handsome, aren't

I? She dedicated this picture to Dallas-Fort Worth Pug Rescue

because they rescue pugs just like me. They put my picture

on a T shirt and called it No Pug Left Behind. I try not to let the fame go to my head, but I'll
give you an autograph for a scratch behind the ears.

Mom takes me out for strolls to see all my peeps. They
adore me, and who can blame them?

This is my sister, Dandy. She put away her cowboy boots and moved
to California. She's hoping to get discovered by some big
time Howlywood Agent.

As you can see, Dandy's a natural poser. I think
she's got a Howlywood gig in the bag.

I love my sister Dandy, but the lady closest
to my heart will always be my Mama Mindy. Most especially
when she takes me out for a double double with
extra cheese. *gives his Mama big kisses*

Dozer and Coop: US Agility Rescue Dawg Team

Coop and Dozer, happy go lucky doggies by day,
US AGILITY RESCUE DAWG TEAM BY NIGHT

Dozer and Coop sayin:

Unless that is a roasted peanut

with delicious ranch flavoring on top,

we ain't goin over that big ole tire.

As you all know by now, Howard has been complaining about the Diet Subjugation Program Implemented by the Cruel Mama in the House of Pee lately. It has come to my attention that his erstwhile pals, Dozer and Coop are planning to break him out of Puggy Craig Purgatory. *Howie's mom peeks out front window blinds nervously, and a drop of sweat rolls down her wrinkley noggin* If this plan should succeed, Howie will be staying in a household that is unfamiliar with some of his idiosyncracies, thus exposing his parental units to potential liability. *Howie's mom imagines Howie leaving wet fart spots on Dozer's mom's beautiful sofa* Please, if you have any pull with Dozer and Coop's mama at all and you also have any inkling of what a hazard it could be to have Howie occupy space in their lovely abode, send them a note to STOP THE MADNESS!!!

Aspire - Canna Lilies at Balboa Park

Aspire, Balboa Park

24X20

Oil

The inspiration for "Aspire"

The downside to traveling to San Diego last week was being away from the puggies. The upside: Balboa Park! As soon as I saw these rich red cannas crowded in front of these stucco walls, I knew I would have to paint them. Balboa Park is one of the most beautiful places in Southern California. It is amazing to be able to walk into such a place and park at absolutely no charge.

Gifts from Aunties and Other Hardships Life Delivers to the Howies of the World

Dear Auntie Mindy:

Thank yew fur the clothes. They're lubbley. Mommy sez they once belonged to a very handsome Schnauzer named Boris and that they are a gift for me from my Auntie Mindy. I rembember Boris. He was pretty cool and he was Elbow's brother. Speaking of Elbow, he promised he would put food in mom's suitcase when she came home from San Diego yes-turd-day. All that was there was all these here clothes she's makin me wear. I'm sure leaving out the food was jest an oversight, Auntie Mindy. Knowing how much you love me, I'm wonderin, could you jest check around to see where the food went?

with puggy love and anticipation,

Howard Pee

And the Olympic Pug Winner Is....

This beautiful girl won GOLD at Dallas Fort Worth Pug Rescue Pugoween in October 2007 for her Olympic costume. DFW Pug Rescue's 12th Annual Pugoween for 2008 will take place on October 26 (puggee-details below!!). It is our biggest and FUNNEST fund raiser for the rescue group. The bad news - I have to WORK that day at our annual meeting in Chicago and won't get to attend. The good news - pug dad Carlos is attending and he will be taking photos all day, so don't be camera shy. If you are there, grin real big and pose your puggy for the handsome guy taking photos! : )

If you are anywhere near Dallas, drop in to see about 200 pugs in costume. You can see photos from past years by using your little puggy toe and clicking here. Right here. Yes, click right here!! Yay! You got it! I give that click a 10!!!

And here are those details on this year's event:

12th Annual DFW Pug Rescue Pugoween

October 26, 2008

2 to 5 pm

Meadowbrook Recreation Center

1400 Dugan Street

Arlington, Texas 76010

Unauthorized BlogPug Howie: Fat is NOT a Four-Letter Word

Java and Howard Shortly

Before Dieting Subjugation Program

Was Implemented by the Cruel Mama

Unauthorized blogpug Howie writes:

I have always enjoyed eatin, ever since I was a young pup. See that picture there, that's me eatin', a young pup with my brother Java CheesyPants. Today mom said I was goin on a diet AGAIN. I really want to know, why all the fuss about fat? I mean, if you really want to talk about fat then let's talk about fat! *points toe at Annabelle* Fat is NOT a four-letter word. At least I don't think it is, I can't spell so mebbe it is. Who knows. But this dieting stuff has got to stop. Please use your toes and vote so that mama will feed me more. Show me some love and support. Choose the gazillion number, right up there on the right up there, see it on the right up there? There you go!!!

The Jiggliest Studio Assistant

Winnifred Wigglepants
March 2005

Always eager to help in the studio, Winnie Wiggles was extremely good at making sure all toys had their noses chewed, the stinky boys only entered the room with her express permission, and any treats being handed out from the art studio table got first sniff from the Jiggley one herself, Miss Wiggles. I will always love and miss my little Wiggley girl.

Stevie - A Miracle Dog and a Champion

Stevie the Wonder Dog and his mom, Jill

Photo from the York Daily Record

Stevie is an exceptional dog. He loves cheese and he loves his mom and he has won so many titles that he has an alphabet soup of credits and achievements after his name. He won again last week at competition in New York where he made the front page of the York Daily Record! The judges didn't know it and I bet you can't tell from this picture that Stevie is blind.

My art Web site was created from Stevie's mom, Jill. Jill is a talented Web site artist and designer. One of the things I most admire about Jill is her absolute love and dedication to her family of large furbabies. Stevie took eighth place among 20 dogs in All Star Obedience, Agility and Rally last week. You can read more about Stevie in the story at this link: http://ydr.inyork.com/ci_10074597

Way to go Stevie and hats off to Jill for all her dedication and devotion to her doggies.

The Second Sanctuary

Sanctuary II

Dallas Arboretum Series

16X20

Oil

Sanctuary II is a warmer version of the painting I completed earlier this summer. Sanctuary I was accepted into the juried art show for the MayFlower Paintout at the Dallas Arboretum. The show will be open to visitors in the DeGolyer House on the Arboretum grounds during regular business hours for the month of September 2008. If you are in Dallas, I hope you can stop by. There were some remarkable artists in the MayFlower Paintout at the Dallas Arboretum this spring and it is an honor to be listed with them for the show.

Howie's Thoughts on Dieting

Howard Pee Pugpants has been on a diet for about 6 months now. While he gets low-cal chicken flavored bits of kibble with healthy veggies added, he gets to smell the Merrick's Texas gourmet gravy-enhanced kibble with dried veggie portions his brother Java and sister Annie are relishing nearby. Life is unfair and the world can be cruel, sometimes, to the Howard Pee Pugpant-ses of the world.