Annie's Gets EVEN MORE Prezzies

Howie, don't even think about taking my new

orange ball. I'd hate to hafta go Matrix on yew.

Annie loves getting packages in the mail, especially when she doesn't have to share with her brothers. She got this new extra comfy lamby snoozey pad and a special bonus prezzie from Aunty Laura's shop, The Cat in the Clover, on Friday. Annie especially enjoyed the orange ball, considering I had to retrieve it from under the couch four times in the first 10 minutes. Thanks Aunty Laura - we give it 12 paws up and circle snaps! Cat in the Clover has some great new beds and wonderful things for dogs, too!

A DivaPug Needs Her Bling

Annie's New Pawty Dress

from Pug Possessed

Donch yew love my new dress from Aunty Punchy? *bats eyelashes* It's got a crino-linn petty-coat and pretty bows and is my official pawty dress. Howie wants to know why the heck I'm getting all these prezzies lately and all he is getting is diddley squat. I got news fur Howie, mommy sez I'm the new pug on the block and she is needing to build up my bling factor a bit now that I am a big girl and I'm all spayed and everything. Howie sez he don't think I'm ready for the public just yet, but he's one to talk, considering he would eat poop if it had peanut butter on it. *makes gagging motion with paw*

Talk to the Paw! I'm on the Phone Howie!!!

I'm on the phone Howie. Talk to the Paw!!

Anniebelly sez: Thank you Aunty Rita at Casbah Kitten fur my wonderful new celly phone. I do love it so much most especially because it has a BLOCK OBNOXIOUS PUGGY BROTHER button that I keep engaged at all hours of the day just in case Howard tries to call. Last time Howie called, all he did was FART into the phone. *rolls eyes* What if some handsome puggy like Bajas calls? *heart goes pitty pat* We certainly can't be wasting our precious minutes on flatulating brothers.

In Memory of an Angel - Bonita the Pug

Bonita, Puggy Angel

16X20

My friend Jacki, a Dallas Fort Worth Pug Rescue volunteer, and her husband Martin lost their puggy girl Bonita to GME Encephalitis recently. This is the same disease that took my Winnie Wiggles in January. Since Bonita's passing, Jacki and Martin have opened up their hearts and homes to two new pugs they have adopted from DFW pug rescue, Sophie Too and Sleepy. This portrait is dedicated to Bonita, a pug angel who was loved beyond words and will never be far from her mom and her dad's hearts.

Thistle Paintings

Artscape at the Dallas Arboretum was a big success and a really fun day. What a beautiful setting for an art show. The pumpkin patch was right next to our art tents so we got to see the families taking pictures of their little ones all day. Four thousand runners had a race around White Rock Lake the morning the show started, and later in the day the Arboretum had about 6000 more visitors. I did get to sneak away for a few minutes Sunday morning to take some photos, and these fall thistles are based on some of the amazing flowers on the grounds at the Arboretum. Artscape is moving to March in 2009, so I'm hoping to get selected again to attend. Maybe I'll see you there!

Howard Pee Pugpants and the Yummy Turkey Muffins

This is me, Howie, starring in my own movie adventure about yummy turkey muffins. What's not to like about turkey muffins, I ask? They've got muffin stuff - yummmmmmmm. They've got meaty stuff - yummmmmmmmmmmmmm. If only mom wouldn't waste all that time letting them cool before I get to eat them. And if only I didn't have to SHARE them. There are so many things wrong with having to share stuff. I don't know who invented Sharing but I would like to bite them.

Anniebelly's Very Busy Day

Meet mousey. Mousey is my toy du jour.

Please DO NOT confuse other toys today

with toy du jour, mousey. This is important

mama. Mama, are you paying attention???

Annie's To-Do List for Today

1 - Sleep with belly pointing up and head resting in crook of mama's neck for 1 hour this morning, snoring the whole time.

2 - Roll out of a deep sleep and immediately locate the toy du jour.

3 - Toss toy du jour at mama's feet until mama realizes she is not doing her job and THROWS the toy for Annie.

4 - Eat.

5 - Go outside and pee.

6 - Come back inside; locate toy du jour.

7 - Toss toy du jour at the mama's feet until the mama realizes she has a job to do and THROWS the toy for Annie again.

8 - Climb into the mama's lap and fall into a deep sleep for 5 minutes, snoring loudly the whole time, while mama gets ready for work.

9 - Repeat steps 3 and 7 until the mama has the nerve to leave for work.

10 - Standing on tippy toes, howl and shriek and squeal like a pig for 30 seconds at top of lungs.

11 - Climb into the comfy bed and snuggle Java until asleep and snoring again.

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.